bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a lactobacilli-containing gel on vulvovaginal candidosis and the vaginal microbiome
Authors: Oerlemans Eline F. M. , Bellen Gert , Claes Ingmar , Henkens Tim , Allonsius Camille Nina , Wittouck Stijn , van den Broek Marianne F. L. , Wuyts Sander , Kiekens Filip , Donders Gilbert G. G. , Lebeer Sarah
Published: May 2020

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is a common condition with severe symptoms and high recurrence rates. Probiotic lactobacilli are explored as alternatives to azole treatments. Although the vaginal microbiota is generally not depleted in lactobacilli during VVC, studies indicate that the functionality and antimicrobial activity of the lactobacilli is impaired. We selected three strains from the Lactobacillus genus complex (L. rhamnosus GG, L. pentosus KCA1 and L. plantarum WCFS1) based on in vitro evaluation and formulated them in a gel for vaginal application. This gel was evaluated in 20 patients suffering from acute VVC, who were followed for four weeks including a 10-day treatment period. The microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA (bacteria) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS; fungi) amplicon sequencing, supplemented with quantitative PCR, culture and microscopy for Candida evaluation. 45% of women did not require rescue medication (3×200 mg fluconazole), implying an improvement of their symptoms. These women showed similar end concentrations of fungi as women treated with fluconazole. Moreover, fluconazole appeared to reduce numbers of endogenous lactobacilli. Our study points towards important aspects for future selection of lactobacilli for probiotic use in VVC and the need to investigate possible negative influences of azoles on the vaginal bacterial community.
High resolution behavioral and neural activity representation using a geometrical approach
Authors: Brand Zev , Avital Avi
Published: May 2020

Available tools for recording neuronal activity are limited and reductive due to massive data arising from high-frequency measurements. We have developed a method that utilizes variance within the physiological activity and includes all data points per measurement. Data is expressed geometrically in a physiologically meaningful manner, to represent a precise and detailed view of the recorded neural activity. The recorded raw data from any pair of electrodes was plotted and following a covariance calculation, an eigenvalues and chi-square distribution were used to define the ellipse which bounds 95% of the raw data. We validated our method by correlating specific behavioral observation and physiological activity with behavioral tasks that require similar body movement but potentially involve significantly different neuronal activity. Graphical representation of telemetrically recorded data generates a scatter plot with distinct elliptic geometrical properties that clearly and significantly correlated with behavior. Our reproducible approach improves on existing methods by allowing a dynamic, accurate and comprehensive correlate using an intuitive output. Long-term, it may serve as the basis for advanced machine learning applications and animal-based artificial intelligence models aimed at predicting or characterizing behavior.
Synthesis of diindolylmethane (DIM) bearing thiadiazole derivatives as a potent urease inhibitor
Authors: Taha Muhammad , Rahim Fazal , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Anouar El Hassane , Ahmed Naveed , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Ibrahim Mohamed , Zakari Zainul Amiruddin
Published: May 2020

The current study describes synthesis of diindolylmethane (DIM) derivatives based-thiadiazole as a new class of urease inhibitors. Diindolylmethane is natural product alkaloid reported to use in medicinal chemistry extensively. Diindolylmethane-based-thiadiazole analogs (1–18) were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques 1HNMR, 13C-NMR, EI-MS and evaluated for urease (jack bean urease) inhibitory potential. All compounds showed excellent to moderate inhibitory potential having IC50 value within the range of 0.50 ± 0.01 to 33.20 ± 1.20 µM compared with the standard thiourea (21.60 ± 0.70 µM). Compound 8 (IC50 = 0.50 ± 0.01 µM) was the most potent inhibitor amongst all derivatives. Structure-activity relationships have been established for all compounds. The key binding interactions of most active compounds with enzyme were confirmed through molecular docking studies.
Marker enzyme activities in hindleg from creatine-deficient AGAT and GAMT KO mice – differences between models, muscles, and sexes
Authors: Barsunova Karina , Vendelin Marko , Birkedal Rikke
Published: May 2020

Creatine kinase (CK) functions as an energy buffer in muscles. Its substrate, creatine, is generated by L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT). Creatine deficiency has more severe consequences for AGAT than GAMT KO mice. In the present study, to characterize their muscle phenotype further, we recorded the weight of tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius (GAS), plantaris (PLA) and soleus (SOL) from creatine-deficient AGAT and GAMT, KO and WT mice. In GAS, PLA and SOL representing glycolytic, intermediate and oxidative muscle, respectively, we recorded the activities of pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome oxidase (CO). In AGAT KO compared to WT mice, muscle atrophy and differences in marker enzyme activities were more pronounced in glycolytic than oxidative muscle. In GAMT KO compared to WT, the atrophy was modest, differences in PK and LDH activities were minor, and CS and CO activities were slightly higher in all muscles. SOL from males had higher CS and CO activities compared to females. Our results add detail to the characterization of AGAT and GAMT KO skeletal muscle phenotypes and illustrate the importance of taking into account differences between muscles, and differences between sexes.
Walnut shell powder as a low-cost adsorbent for methylene blue dye: isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamic, desorption and response surface methodology examinations
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Kashif , Nasar Abu
Published: May 2020

The low cost, eco-friendly and potential biomass, i.e. walnut (Juglans regia) shell powder was deployed for the removal of toxic methylene blue dye from contaminated water solution. The important characterization of the waste material was conducted by using several techniques, i.e. Scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, and Thermogravimetric analysis. The marked impact of various operating conditions, i.e. dose, concentration, time, pH and temperature on the adsorption process was investigated. Increasing pH resulted in an increase of percent dye adsorption, and the adsorption mechanism was occurred by electrostatic attraction between negative adsorbent surface and positive dye molecules. The equilibrium data suited with Langmuir isotherm model while the adsorption practice followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Higher temperature reduced the adsorption of dye molecules. The adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic and chemical. The critical statistical analysis of the experimental results was directed by forming the design of the experiment, which was further, optimized by ANOVA, 3D and perturbation plots. The error and predicted values of both the studied responses as derived from the statistical model showed the agreeable results. 0.1 N HCl was found to be effective in complete desorption. The results are very practical and prove the effectiveness of walnut shell powder in the usage of decolorization for methylene blue.
Odor tracking in aquatic organisms: the importance of temporal and spatial intermittency of the turbulent plume
Authors: Michaelis Brenden T. , Leathers Kyle W. , Bobkov Yuriy V. , Ache Barry W. , Principe Jose C. , Baharloo Raheleh , Park Il Memming , Reidenbach Matthew A.
Published: May 2020

In aquatic and terrestrial environments, odorants are dispersed by currents that create concentration distributions that are spatially and temporally complex. Animals navigating in a plume must therefore rely upon intermittent, and time-varying information to find the source. Navigation has typically been studied as a spatial information problem, with the aim of movement towards higher mean concentrations. However, this spatial information alone, without information of the temporal dynamics of the plume, is insufficient to explain the accuracy and speed of many animals tracking odors. Recent studies have identified a subpopulation of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) that consist of intrinsically rhythmically active ‘bursting’ ORNs (bORNs) in the lobster, Panulirus argus. As a population, bORNs provide a neural mechanism dedicated to encoding the time between odor encounters. Using a numerical simulation of a large-scale plume, the lobster is used as a framework to construct a computer model to examine the utility of intermittency for orienting within a plume. Results show that plume intermittency is reliably detectable when sampling simulated odorants on the order of seconds, and provides the most information when animals search along the plume edge. Both the temporal and spatial variation in intermittency is predictably structured on scales relevant for a searching animal that encodes olfactory information utilizing bORNs, and therefore is suitable and useful as a navigational cue.
Comparison of Centella with Flavonoids for Treatment of Symptoms in Hemorrhoidal Disease and After Surgical Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Chiaretti Massimo , Fegatelli Danilo Alunni , Pappalardo Giuseppe , Venti Michele Dello Spedale , Chiaretti Annalisa Italia
Published: May 2020

Phlebotonics’ effects were evaluated to reduce time-to-stop bleeding and anal irritation in 130 patients who complained of hemorrhoidal disease (HD); bleeding and pain after hemorrhoidectomy (31 patients) and hemorrhoidal thrombosis (34 patients) in the short time. Sixty patients were randomized to receive the routine treatment (both conservative and surgical) (control Group C). The treated group (both conservative and surgical) was divided into two subgroups: one treated with flavonoids (Group A, n = 73), the other with Centella (Group B, n = 66). Time-to-stop bleeding was checked at baseline and checkups (0 up to day 42). Healing was estimated with Kaplan-Meier method, the Kruskal-Wallis test estimated changes in the VAS scores. The HD median time-to-stop bleeding was 2 weeks for Groups A and B; 3 weeks for Group C. VAS scores comparison among Groups (irritation): A vs C, p = 0.007; B vs C, p = 0.041; and A vs B, p = 0.782 resulted respectively. As for operated hemorrhoids, the time-to-stop bleeding was 3 and 4 weeks in Groups A and B and 5 in Group C. Histopathology showed an association between flavonoids and piles’ fibrosis (p = 0.008). Phlebotonics in HD, as well as after surgery, showed significant beneficial effects. Flavonoids are the most effective phlebotonics against bleeding and anal irritation.
Tendencies, variability and persistence of sea surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Bulgin Claire E. , Merchant Christopher J. , Ferreira David
Published: May 2020

Quantifying global trends and variability in sea surface temperature (SST) is of fundamental importance to understanding changes in the Earth’s climate. One approach to observing SST is via remote sensing. Here we use a 37-year gap-filled, daily-mean analysis of satellite SSTs to quantify SST trends, variability and persistence between 1981–2018. The global mean warming trend is 0.09 K per decade globally, with 95% of local trends being between −0.1 K and + 0.35 K. Excluding perennial sea-ice regions, the mean warming trend is 0.11 K per decade. After removing the long-term trend we calculate the SST power spectra over different time periods. The maximum variance in the SST power spectra in the equatorial Pacific is 1.9 K2 on 1–5 year timescales, dominated by ENSO processes. In western boundary currents characterised by an intense mesoscale activity, SST power on sub-annual timescales dominates, with a maximum variance of 4.9 K2. Persistence timescales tend to be shorter in the summer hemisphere due to the shallower mixed layer. The median short-term persistence length is 11–14 days, found over 71–79% of the global ocean area, with seasonal variations. The mean global correlation between monthly SST anomalies with a three-month time-lag is 0.35, with statistically significant correlations over 54.0% of the global oceans, and notably in the northern and equatorial Pacific, and the sub-polar gyre south of Greenland. At six months, the mean global SST anomaly correlation falls to 0.18. The satellite data record enables the detailed characterisation of temporal changes in SST over almost four decades.
Integrative genomics approach identifies molecular features associated with early-stage ovarian carcinoma histotypes
Authors: Engqvist Hanna , Parris Toshima Z. , Biermann Jana , Rönnerman Elisabeth Werner , Larsson Peter , Sundfeldt Karin , Kovács Anikó , Karlsson Per , Helou Khalil
Published: May 2020

Ovarian cancer comprises multiple subtypes (clear-cell (CCC), endometrioid (EC), high-grade serous (HGSC), low-grade serous (LGSC), and mucinous carcinomas (MC)) with differing molecular and clinical behavior. However, robust histotype-specific biomarkers for clinical use have yet to be identified. Here, we utilized a multi-omics approach to identify novel histotype-specific genetic markers associated with ovarian carcinoma histotypes (CCC, EC, HGSC, and MC) using DNA methylation, DNA copy number alteration and RNA sequencing data for 96 primary invasive early-stage (stage I and II) ovarian carcinomas. More specifically, the DNA methylation analysis revealed hypermethylation for CCC in comparison with the other histotypes. Moreover, copy number imbalances and novel chromothripsis-like rearrangements (n = 64) were identified in ovarian carcinoma, with the highest number of chromothripsis-like patterns in HGSC. For the 1000 most variable transcripts, underexpression was most prominent for all histotypes in comparison with normal ovarian samples. Overall, the integrative approach identified 46 putative oncogenes (overexpressed, hypomethylated and DNA gain) and three putative tumor suppressor genes (underexpressed, hypermethylated and DNA loss) when comparing the different histotypes. In conclusion, the current study provides novel insights into molecular features associated with early-stage ovarian carcinoma that may improve patient stratification and subclassification of the histotypes.
Fisetin induces apoptosis in uterine leiomyomas through multiple pathways
Authors: Lee Jin-Woo , Choi Hyuck Jai , Kim Eun-Jin , Hwang Woo Yeon , Jung Min-Hyung , Kim Kyung Sook
Published: May 2020

Although uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign uterine tumors in women, there is no effective therapy that can also preserve the uterus and maintain fertility. The work aimed to work was to discover a potential natural agent that has pharmacological activities on uterine leiomyomas with fewer adverse effects. We chose Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) as a candidate after primary cytotoxicity testing, and analyzed the RVS components that showed pharmacological activity. Leiomyoma cells and myometrium cells were cultured from uterine tissues obtained from patients, and were treated with RVS at varying concentrations. RVS was cytotoxic in both leiomyoma and myometrium cells; however, the effects were more prominent in the leiomyoma cells. Among the bioactive components of RVS, fisetin showed significant pharmacological effects on leiomyoma cells. Fisetin showed excellent leiomyoma cell cytotoxicity and induced apoptotic cell death with cell cycle arrest. The apoptotic cell death appeared to involve not one specific pathway but multichannel pathways (intrinsic, extrinsic, MARK, and p53-mediated pathways), and autophagy. The multichannel apoptosis pathways were activated with a low concentration of fisetin (IC50). This is the first demonstration to show the pharmacological activities of fisetin on leiomyoma cells. These findings suggest that fisetin may be used for the prevention and treatment of uterine leiomyomas. Since fisetin can be obtained from plants, it may be a safe and effective alternative treatment for uterine leiomyomas.
Genetic and environmental influences on human height from infancy through adulthood at different levels of parental education
Authors: Jelenkovic Aline , Sund Reijo , Yokoyama Yoshie , Latvala Antti , Sugawara Masumi , Tanaka Mami , Matsumoto Satoko , Freitas Duarte L. , Maia José Antonio , Knafo-Noam Ariel , Mankuta David , Abramson Lior , Ji Fuling , Ning Feng , Pang Zengchang , Rebato Esther , Saudino Kimberly J. , Cutler Tessa L. , Hopper John L. , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Almqvist Catarina , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Cozen Wendy , Hwang Amie E. , Mack Thomas M. , Nelson Tracy L. , Whitfield Keith E. , Sung Joohon , Kim Jina , Lee Jooyeon , Lee Sooji , Llewellyn Clare H. , Fisher Abigail , Medda Emanuela , Nisticò Lorenza , Toccaceli Virgilia , Baker Laura A. , Tuvblad Catherine , Corley Robin P. , Huibregtse Brooke M. , Derom Catherine A. , Vlietinck Robert F. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Burt S. Alexandra , Klump Kelly L. , Silberg Judy L. , Maes Hermine H. , Krueger Robert F. , McGue Matt , Pahlen Shandell , Gatz Margaret , Butler David A. , Harris Jennifer R. , Brandt Ingunn , Nilsen Thomas S. , Harden K. Paige , Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S. , Lyons Michael J. , Lichtenstein Paul , Bartels Meike , Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. van , Willemsen Gonneke , Öncel Sevgi Y. , Aliev Fazil , Jeong Hoe-Uk , Hur Yoon-Mi , Turkheimer Eric , Boomsma Dorret I. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: May 2020

Genetic factors explain a major proportion of human height variation, but differences in mean stature have also been found between socio-economic categories suggesting a possible effect of environment. By utilizing a classical twin design which allows decomposing the variation of height into genetic and environmental components, we tested the hypothesis that environmental variation in height is greater in offspring of lower educated parents. Twin data from 29 cohorts including 65,978 complete twin pairs with information on height at ages 1 to 69 years and on parental education were pooled allowing the analyses at different ages and in three geographic-cultural regions (Europe, North America and Australia, and East Asia). Parental education mostly showed a positive association with offspring height, with significant associations in mid-childhood and from adolescence onwards. In variance decomposition modeling, the genetic and environmental variance components of height did not show a consistent relation to parental education. A random-effects meta-regression analysis of the aggregate-level data showed a trend towards greater shared environmental variation of height in low parental education families. In conclusion, in our very large dataset from twin cohorts around the globe, these results provide only weak evidence for the study hypothesis.
Chemical cues of an invasive turtle reduce development time and size at metamorphosis in the common frog
Authors: Vodrážková M. , Šetlíková I. , Berec M.
Published: May 2020

In aquatic systems, chemical cues are one of the major sources of information through which animals can assess local predation risk. Non-native red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) have the potential to disrupt aquatic ecosystems in Central Europe because of their superior competitive abilities and omnivorous diets. In this study, we examined whether continuous predator-borne cues are tied to changes in the developmental rates, growth rates and sizes at metamorphosis of common frog tadpoles (Rana temporaria). Our results show rather rarely documented types of amphibian prey responses to caged predators. The presence of turtles shortened the time at metamorphosis of tadpoles from 110 ± 11.7 days to 93 ± 13.0 days (mean ± S.D.). The first metamorphosed individuals were recorded on the 65thday and on the 80thday from hatching in the predator treatment and in the control group, respectively. The froglets were significantly smaller (12.8 ± 0.99 mm) in the presence of the predator than in the control treatment (15.2 ± 1.27 mm). The growth rate trajectories were similar between the predator treatment and the control. Thus, predator-induced tadpole defences were evident in higher developmental rates and smaller sizes at metamorphosis without significant changes in growth.
Interleukin-34 overexpression mediated through tumor necrosis factor-alpha reflects severity of synovitis in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Udomsinprasert Wanvisa , Jinawath Artit , Teerawattanapong Nipaporn , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate whether interleukin-34 (IL-34) mRNA expression is aberrant and modulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and determine associations of IL-34 mRNA and protein in the systemic and local joint environments with severity of knee OA synovitis. Transcriptional and translational IL-34 levels in FLS, synovium, synovial fluid, and plasma of knee OA were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative mRNA expressions of NF-κB signaling molecules were further measured. In knee OA FLS stimulated with TNF-α, IL-34 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in a time-dependent manner. In knee OA synovium with severe synovitis, increased IL-34 mRNA expression was directly associated with IL-6, IκB, NF-κB, and MMP-13, in addition to knee OA FLS. Immunostaining score of IL-34 was considerably greater in knee OA synovium with severe synovitis than that in those with mild and no synovitis. Increments in joint fluid and plasma IL-34 levels in knee OA patients with severe synovitis were closely related to its mRNA and protein expressions in knee OA synovium. Transcriptional and translational expressions of IL-34 were positively correlated with synovitis severity. Collectively, IL-34 overexpression would reflect synovitis severity in knee OA.
Improving root characterisation for genomic prediction in cassava
Authors: Yonis Bilan Omar , Pino del Carpio Dunia , Wolfe Marnin , Jannink Jean-Luc , Kulakow Peter , Rabbi Ismail
Published: May 2020

Cassava is cultivated due to its drought tolerance and high carbohydrate-containing storage roots. The lack of uniformity and irregular shape of storage roots poses constraints on harvesting and post-harvest processing. Here, we phenotyped the Genetic gain and offspring (C1) populations from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) breeding program using image analysis of storage root photographs taken in the field. In the genome-wide association analysis (GWAS), we detected for most shape and size-related traits, QTL on chromosomes 1 and 12. In a previous study, we found the QTL on chromosome 12 to be associated with cassava mosaic disease (CMD) resistance. Because the root uniformity is important for breeding, we calculated the standard deviation (SD) of individual root measurements per clone. With SD measurements we identified new significant QTL for Perimeter, Feret and Aspect Ratio on chromosomes 6, 9 and 16. Predictive accuracies of root size and shape image-extracted traits were mostly higher than yield trait prediction accuracies. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the image phenotyping protocol and assess GWAS and genomic prediction for size and shape image-extracted traits. The methodology described and the results are promising and open up the opportunity to apply high-throughput methods in cassava.
EHD2 is a Predictive Biomarker of Chemotherapy Efficacy in Triple Negative Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Wei-Wei , Bièche Ivan , Fuhrmann Laetitia , Vacher Sophie , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Torrino Stéphanie , Lamaze Christophe
Published: May 2020

EHD2 is a mechanotransducing ATPase localized in caveolae invaginations at the plasma membrane. EHD2 has recently been associated with several human cancers, however the significance of EHD2 transcript levels in cancer prognosis remains debated. Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and prognosis is variable depending on the subtypes. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) often has a poor therapeutic response. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of EHD2 transcripts and protein expression levels in breast carcinomas. We found that low EHD2 levels were associated with enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells. EHD2 expression was significantly reduced in TNBC tissues and the loss of EHD2 led to higher expression of the pro-tumoral cytokine IL-8. In apparent contradiction with in vitro data, multivariate analysis of two independent cohorts of breast cancer patients revealed that low EHD2 was in fact associated with good prognosis in the highly proliferative TNBC subtype. Accordingly, TNBC low EHD2 expressers were found to benefit the most from chemotherapy when compared to all subtypes of breast cancers. Our study validates EHD2 expression level as an independent prognostic factor of metastasis-free survival and as a new predictive marker of chemotherapy efficacy in TNBC patients.
Coding and noncoding somatic mutations in candidate genes in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Maturo Maria Giovanna , Rachakonda Sivaramakrishna , Heidenreich Barbara , Pellegrini Cristina , Srinivas Nalini , Requena Celia , Serra-Guillen Carlos , Llombart Beatriz , Sanmartin Onofre , Guillen Carlos , Di Nardo Lucia , Peris Ketty , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Nagore Eduardo , Kumar Rajiv
Published: May 2020

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most commonly diagnosed human cancer among persons of European ancestry with etiology mainly attributed to sun-exposure. In this study we investigated mutations in coding and flanking regions of PTCH1 and TP53 and noncoding alterations in the TERT and DPH3 promoters in 191 BCC tumors. In addition, we measured CpG methylation within the TERT hypermethylated oncological region (THOR) and transcription levels of the reverse transcriptase subunit. We observed mutations in PTCH1 in 58.6% and TP53 in 31.4% of the tumors. Noncoding mutations in TERT and DPH3 promoters were detected in 59.2% and 38.2% of the tumors, respectively. We observed a statistically significant co-occurrence of mutations at the four investigated loci. While PTCH1 mutations tended to associate with decreased patient age at diagnosis; TP53 mutations were associated with light skin color and increased number of nevi; TERT and DPH3 promoter with history of cutaneous neoplasms in BCC patients. Increased reverse transcriptase subunit expression was observed in tumors with TERT promoter mutations and not with THOR methylation. Our study signifies, in addition to the protein altering mutations in the PTCH1 and TP53 genes, the importance of noncoding mutations in BCC, particularly functional alterations in the TERT promoter.
Author Correction: LRP1 is required for novobiocin-mediated fibronectin turnover
Authors: Boel Natasha Marie-Eraine , Hunter Morgan Campbell , Edkins Adrienne Lesley
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
MicroRNA-132 regulates salt-dependent steady-state renin levels in mice
Authors: van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Au Yu Wah , Stam Wendy , van Gelderen Sharon , Rotmans Joris. I. , Deen Peter M. T. , Rabelink Ton J. , Bijkerk Roel
Published: May 2020

The body’s salt and fluid balance is regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Generation of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) in a cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent manner in the macula densa, the salt-sensing cells of the kidney, plays a dominant role in renin regulation. Here we show that miR-132 directly targets Cox-2 and affects subsequent PGE2 and renin levels. MiR-132 is induced and reduced by low- and high salt treatment, respectively, in a p38- and ERK1/2-independent and CREB- and salt inducible kinase-dependent manner. Silencing of miR-132 in mice increases macula densa COX-2 expression and elevates PGE2 and renin levels, which are abrogated by the selective COX-2-inhibitor Celecoxib. Furthermore, a low or high salt diet induces and reduces macula densa miR-132 expression, while low salt diet combined with silencing miR-132 further increases renin levels. Taken together, we demonstrate a posttranscriptional regulatory role for salt-dependent miR-132 in fine-tuning the steady-state levels of renin.
Author Correction: Simulating nephron ion transport function using activated wafer electrodeionization
Authors: Hestekin Christa N. , Hestekin Jamie A. , Paracha Sadia , Morrison Grace , Pakkaner Efecan , Moore John , Santos de Souza Leticia , Stephens Sam , Atchley Catey , Kurtz Ira
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Fabrication of nanohybrids assisted by protein-based materials for catalytic applications
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Yu Tao , Huang Renliang , Qi Wei , He Zhimin , Su Rongxin
Published: May 2020

Protein units and architectures were applied as supports in the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles for environmentally benign catalytic applications.
The post-modification of magnetic metal–organic frameworks with β-cyclodextrin for the efficient removal of fungicides from environmental water
Authors: Senosy Ibrahim Abdelhai , Lu Zhi-Heng , Abdelrahman Talat Mahmoud , Yang Mei-Nan Ou , Guo Hao-Ming , Yang Zhong-Hua , Li Jian-Hong
Published: May 2020

Application of magnetic metal-organic frameworks with β-cyclodextrin (Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe)/β-CD) for efficient removal of fungicides from environmental water.
Observation of binding of carbon dioxide to nitro-decorated metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Duong Thien D. , Sapchenko Sergey A. , da Silva Ivan , Godfrey Harry G. W. , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Manuel Pascal , Frogley Mark D. , Cinque Gianfelice , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J. , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: May 2020

Synergistic effects between –NO2 groups and open metal sites lead to optimal binding of CO2 molecules within MFM-102-NO2via hydrogen bonding to C–H groups.
Regio- and diastereoselective reactions of chiral secondary alkylcopper reagents with propargylic phosphates: preparation of chiral allenes
Authors: Skotnitzki Juri , Kremsmair Alexander , Keefer Daniel , Schüppel Franziska , Le Cacher de Bonneville Brieuc , de Vivie-Riedle Regina , Knochel Paul
Published: May 2020

The diastereoselective SN2′-substitution of secondary alkylcopper reagents with propargylic phosphates enables the preparation of stereodefined alkylallenes.
FRET-based sensor for visualizing pH variation with colorimetric/ratiometric strategy and application for bioimaging in living cells, bacteria and zebrafish
Authors: Chen Hong , Ding Feng , Zhou Zhan , He Xiaojun , Shen Jianliang
Published: May 2020

Acid–base balance plays a key role in regulating biological processes, and the cells must stabilize the pH within a certain range, and pH instability will cause a series of diseases.
A high flexibility all-solid contact sulfide selective electrode using a graphene transducer
Authors: Ye Xiangyi , Qi Peng , Sun Yan , Zhang Dun , Zeng Yan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a novel high flexibility all-solid contact ion selective electrode (ASC-ISE) based on reduced graphene sheets (RGSs) as the ion-to-electron transducer was developed for rapid detection of sulfide.
FTIR based kinetic characterisation of an acid-catalysed esterification of 3-methylphthalic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol
Authors: Hiessl Robert , Hennecke Leon , Plass Carmen , Kleber Joscha , Wahlefeld Stefan , Otter Rainer , Gröger Harald , Liese Andreas
Published: May 2020

In this study, an inline analytical method was designed and applied in process characterisation and development.
Colorimetric detection of Cr3+ ions in aqueous solution using poly(γ-glutamic acid)-stabilized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yuan Xin , Zhou Benqing , Li Maoquan , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: May 2020

Poly(γ-glutamic acid)-stabilized gold nanoparticles enable sensitive and selective colorimetric sensing of Cr3+ ions in aqueous solution.
The fabrication of an MoS2 QD–AuNP modified screen-printed electrode for the improved electrochemical detection of cefixime
Authors: Sagar Pinky , Srivastava Monika , Prakash Rajiv , Srivastava S. K.
Published: May 2020

Schematic representation of the oxidation reaction mechanism of cefixime on the MoS2 QD–AuNP-modified SPCE and the corresponding DPV curve.
Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium-mediated tumour targeting imaging based on peptides
Authors: Xiong Saisai , Qi Zhongyuan , Ni Jing , Zhong Jing , Cao Lijuan , Yang Kai
Published: May 2020

Attenuated bacteria-mediated tumor targeting diagnosis will provide a novel strategy for further cancer treatments owing to the intrinsic facultative anaerobic characteristic of bacteria and rapid proliferation in the tumor sites.
Norbornadiene-bridged diarylethenes and their conversion into turn-off fluorescent photoswitches
Authors: Büllmann Simon M. , Jäschke Andres
Published: May 2020

A new class of reversible fluorogenic diarylethenes, assembled by iEDDA chemistry, with high switching efficiencies and quantum yields is described.
Raman reporters derived from aryl diazonium salts for SERS encoded-nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Yun , Xiao Yu , Onidas Delphine , Iannazzo Laura , Ethève-Quelquejeu Mélanie , Lamouri Aazdine , Félidj Nordin , Mahouche-Chergui Samia , Brulé Thibault , Gagey-Eilstein Nathalie , Gazeau Florence , Mangeney Claire
Published: May 2020

A new generation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering encoded-nanoparticles has been designed by combining aryl diazonium salt chemistry and gold nanoparticles.
Additives boosting the performance of tungsten imido-mediated ethylene dimerization systems for industrial application
Authors: Messinis Antonis M. , Wright William R. H. , Hanton Martin J. , Dyer Philip W.
Published: May 2020

The [WCl2(NAr)2(dme)]/EtAlCl2/(nOct)4NCl catalyst system is highly productive, active, and selective (>93% C4, >99% 1-C4) for the dimerization of ethylene to 1-butene, rivalling the performance of current commercial systems.
A multifunctional photochromic metal–organic framework with Lewis acid sites for selective amine and anion sensing
Authors: Liu Jian-Jun , Que Qi-Tao , Liu Dan , Suo Hongbo , Liu Jiaming , Xia Shu-Biao
Published: May 2020

A bipyridinium-based MOF was prepared, which exhibits reversible photochromic properties, good luminescence sensing ability for Cr2O72−, and can be considered an excellent colorimetric sensor for the selective detection of amine vapors.
High-quality synthesis of a nanosized CHA zeolite by a combination of a starting FAU zeolite and aluminum sources
Authors: Tanigawa Takuya , Tsunoji Nao , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji
Published: May 2020

A combination of three starting components rapidly provides a highly crystalline nanosized CHA zeolite with high yield and a wide synthesis window.
Size-modulation of functionalized Fe3O4: nanoscopic customization to devise resolute piezoelectric nanocomposites
Authors: Bhattacharjee Souvik , Mazumder Nilesh , Mondal Suvankar , Panigrahi Karamjyoti , Banerjee Anibrata , Das Dimitra , Sarkar Saikat , Roy Dipayan , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: May 2020

Size-regulated implementation of functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles to reinforce nanocomposite-based cutting-edge technology.
Understanding resistances in capacitive deionization devices
Authors: Kuo Helen A. , Ramachandran Ashwin , Oyarzun Diego I. , Clevenger Erica C. , Santiago Juan G. , Stadermann Michael , Campbell Patrick G. , Hawks Steven A.
Published: May 2020

The desalination characteristics of capacitive deionization (CDI) are significantly impacted by the cell resistance.
HCl·DMPU-assisted one-pot and metal-free conversion of aldehydes to nitriles
Authors: Mudshinge Sagar R. , Potnis Chinmay S. , Xu Bo , Hammond Gerald B.
Published: May 2020

We have reported an efficient and benign approach of HCl·DMPU mediated nitrile synthesis from readily available starting materials. The procedure is operationally simple, has a broad substrate scope and the products are obtained in very good yields.
Imaging studies of emission and laser scattering from a solution-cathode glow discharge
Authors: Moon Denise E. , Webb Michael R.
Published: May 2020

Imaging experiments were used to explore solution-to-plasma transport and plasma structure in a solution-cathode glow discharge.
Coalescence-induced transition between unidirectional and bidirectional propagation of droplets
Authors: Li Jiaqian , Wang Liqiu
Published: May 2020

We report a coalescence mechanism between the droplet and precursor liquid that is responsible for the transition between unidirectional and bidirectional propagation of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces.
Inter-dependency between surface morphology and sensitive low RH detection: exploration of an intricate mechanism to extend the lower detection limit
Authors: Sharma Kusum , Alam Noor , Islam S. S.
Published: May 2020

Water vapor molecular dynamics, pore size, and anion concentration within the pores are interdependent and together affect the lower detection limit (LOD) and sensitivity of a humidity sensor.
In situ TEM observation of void formation and migration in phase change memory devices with confined nanoscale Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Oh Sang Ho , Baek Kyungjoon , Son Sung Kyu , Song Kyung , Oh Jang Won , Jeon Seung-Joon , Kim Won , Yoo Jong Hee , Lee Kee Jeung
Published: May 2020

Void formation and migration that drive the device failure of Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST)-based practical devices were revealed via in situ TEM.
Mechanical force-induced manipulation of electronic conductance in a spin-crossover complex: a simple approach to molecular electronics
Authors: Sarmah Amrit , Hobza Pavel
Published: May 2020

The atomic-scale technological sophistication from the last half-decade provides new avenues for the atom-by-atom fabrication of nanostructures with extraordinary precision.
Synthesis, DFT studies, fabrication, and optical characterization of the [ZnCMC]TF polymer (organic/inorganic) as an optoelectronic device
Authors: Abd-Elmageed A. A. I. , Ibrahim S. M. , Bourezgui A. , Al-Hossainy A. F.
Published: May 2020

A novel carboxymethyl cellulose zinc thin film [ZnCMC]TF was fabricated using the sol–gel technique.
Characterisation of the magnetic response of nanoscale magnetic filaments in applied fields
Authors: Mostarac Deniz , Sánchez Pedro A. , Kantorovich Sofia
Published: May 2020

Magnetic filaments are to be designed by selecting crosslinking mechanisms rather than by choice of ferro- or super-paramagnetic monomers.
Twistronics in tensile strained bilayer black phosphorus
Authors: Kang Peng , Zhang Wanting , Michaud-Rioux Vincent , Wang Xin , Yun Jiangni , Guo Hong
Published: May 2020

A study of the electronic and mechanical properties of tensile strained twisted bilayer black phosphorus.
Refined construction of antibody-targeted nanoparticles leads to superior antigen binding and enhanced delivery of an entrapped payload to pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Greene Michelle K. , Nogueira João C. F. , Tracey Shannon R. , Richards Daniel A. , McDaid William J. , Burrows James F. , Campbell Katrina , Longley Daniel B. , Chudasama Vijay , Scott Christopher J.
Published: May 2020

We outline a facile approach for the highly controlled and oriented coupling of antibody fragments to nanoparticles. We demonstrate the superior performance of these nanoparticles as targeted drug delivery vehicles versus a conventional formulation.
A flexible triboelectric nanogenerator based on a super-stretchable and self-healable hydrogel as the electrode
Authors: Long Yong , Chen Yanghui , Liu Yadi , Chen Guangyao , Guo Wenbin , Kang Xiaofang , Pu Xiong , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2020

Stretchable electronic devices nowadays have become more and more necessary in our daily lives, and most of the present electronic devices are based on inorganic materials.
General dual functionalisation of biomacromolecules via a cysteine bridging strategy
Authors: Walsh Stephen J. , Iegre Jessica , Seki Hikaru , Bargh Jonathan D. , Sore Hannah F. , Parker Jeremy S. , Carroll Jason S. , Spring David R.
Published: May 2020

A general method that facilitates the modular dual functionalisation of a range of peptides and proteins is reported.
Rapid sodium periodate cleavage of an unnatural amino acid enables unmasking of a highly reactive α-oxo aldehyde for protein bioconjugation
Authors: Brabham Robin L. , Keenan Tessa , Husken Annika , Bilsborrow Jacob , McBerney Ryan , Kumar Vajinder , Turnbull W. Bruce , Fascione Martin A.
Published: May 2020

A genetically incorporated ThrK unnatural amino acid can undergo rapid periodate oxidation to reveal a reactive internal α-oxo aldehyde.
Antibiotic resistance: bioinformatics-based understanding as a functional strategy for drug design
Authors: Ndagi Umar , Falaki Abubakar A. , Abdullahi Maryam , Lawal Monsurat M. , Soliman Mahmoud E.
Published: May 2020

Understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance at the molecular level as a functional tool for bioinformatic-based drug design.
Unravelling the true MOF-5 luminescence
Authors: Villemot Vincent , Hamel Matthieu , Pansu Robert B. , Leray Isabelle , Bertrand Guillaume H. V.
Published: May 2020

This study provides a rigorous analysis of MOF-5 fluorescence, unifying previously dissimilar results. Pure MOF-5 fluorescence was identified as only ligand centered and the rise of other mode of emission were observed when exposed to humidity.
Facet-, composition- and wavelength-dependent photocatalysis of Ag2MoO4
Authors: Warmuth Lucas , Ritschel Christian , Feldmann Claus
Published: May 2020

Faceted β-Ag2MoO4 microcrystals are prepared by controlled nucleation and growth in diethylene glycol (DEG) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).
Electrochemical sensor using poly-(l-cysteine) functionalized CuO nanoneedles/N-doped reduced graphene oxide for detection of lead ions
Authors: Yang Suling , Liu Panpan , Wang Yuxin , Guo Ziling , Tan Ruifan , Qu Lingbo
Published: May 2020

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor modified with poly-(l-cysteine)/CuO nanoneedles/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (l-Cys/NN-CuO/N-rGO) has been prepared for the testing of trace Pb2+.
Demonstration of the utility of DOS-derived fragment libraries for rapid hit derivatisation in a multidirectional fashion
Authors: Kidd Sarah L. , Fowler Elaine , Reinhardt Till , Compton Thomas , Mateu Natalia , Newman Hector , Bellini Dom , Talon Romain , McLoughlin Joseph , Krojer Tobias , Aimon Anthony , Bradley Anthony , Fairhead Michael , Brear Paul , Díaz-Sáez Laura , McAuley Katherine , Sore Hannah F. , Madin Andrew , O'Donovan Daniel H. , Huber Kilian V. M. , Hyvönen Marko , von Delft Frank , Dowson Christopher G. , Spring David R.
Published: May 2020

Fragment-based screening of a shape-diverse collection yielded four hits against three proteins. Up to 14 analogues of each hit were rapidly generated, enabling four fragment growth vectors to be explored using inexpensive materials and reliable synthetic transformations.
A solvent-dependent chirality-switchable thia-Michael addition to α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids using a chiral multifunctional thiourea catalyst
Authors: Hayama Noboru , Kobayashi Yusuke , Sekimoto Eriko , Miyazaki Anna , Inamoto Kiyofumi , Kimachi Tetsutaro , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: May 2020

An asymmetric thia-Michael addition of arylthiols to α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids using a thiourea catalyst that bears arylboronic acid and tertiary amine moieties is reported.
Development of a new flexible nanogenerator from electrospun nanofabric based on PVDF/talc nanosheet composites
Authors: Shetty Sawan , Mahendran Arunjunairaj , Anandhan S.
Published: May 2020

Nanosheets of the softest mineral talc are embedded in electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) fabric, and substantial piezoelectric response of this nanocomposite fabric is displayed.
Enhanced ferroelectric photovoltaic effect in semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotube/BiFeO3 heterostructures enabled by wide-range light absorption and efficient charge separation
Authors: Lee Hojin , Kim Hyo-Sun , Gong Oh Yeong , Kim Jun Young , Kim Jin Hong , Choi Jin Sik , Jung Hyun Suk , Park Jun-Young , Kim Dong Hoe , Seo Young-Soo , Choi Taekjib
Published: May 2020

Ferroelectric photovoltaic heterostructures demonstrate the synergistic integration of materials with different functionalities is a promising approach for the design of photovoltaic devices with tunable performance.
Conjugated side-chain engineering of polymer donors enabling improved efficiency for polymer solar cells
Authors: Fan Hongyu , Yang Hang , Zou Yan , Dong Yingying , Fan Dongdong , Zheng Yan , Wu Yue , Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang
Published: May 2020

A feasible molecular optimization process conducted on polymer donors facilitates better phase separation, enabling improved efficiency for polymer solar cells.
Controllable electrolytic formation of Ti2O as an efficient sulfur host in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries
Authors: Wang Ruxing , Wang Kangli , Tao Hongwei , Zhao Wenjie , Jiang Mao , Yan Jie , Jiang Kai
Published: May 2020

Highly conductive Ti2O is controllably prepared by a molten salt electrochemical synthesis method and used as an efficient anchor and catalytic conversion center of polysulfides, the cells possess superior rate capability and ultra-long cycle life.
Carbon nanotubes to outperform metal electrodes in perovskite solar cells via dopant engineering and hole-selectivity enhancement
Authors: Jeon Il , Shawky Ahmed , Seo Seungju , Qian Yang , Anisimov Anton , Kauppinen Esko I. , Matsuo Yutaka , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: May 2020

Triflic acid dispersed in an apolar solvent exhibited a superior doping effect and stability on carbon nanotube electrodes. The carbon nanotube electrode-based perovskite solar cells exceeded the metal electrode-based counterpart in terms of efficiency.
Carboxylated wood-based sponges with underoil superhydrophilicity for deep dehydration of crude oil
Authors: Wu Ming-Bang , Huang Sheng , Liu Chang , Wu Jian , Agarwal Seema , Greiner Andreas , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: May 2020

Carboxylated wood-based sponges with underoil superhydrophilicity are elegantly developed via a top-down strategy from natural woods and demonstrated outstanding performances in the deep dehydration of water cut crude oil.
Atomically dispersed metal active centers as a chemically tunable platform for energy storage devices
Authors: Xia Huicong , Qu Gan , Yin Hengbo , Zhang Jianan
Published: May 2020

Atomically dispersed materials with maximized atom utilization, abundant active centers, and ultrahigh chemical reaction activity can accelerate the reaction kinetics in energy storage devices and have excellent electrochemical performance.
Tuning hydrogel properties with sequence-defined, non-natural peptoid crosslinkers
Authors: Morton Logan D. , Hillsley Alexander , Austin Mariah J. , Rosales Adrianne M.
Published: May 2020

Helical peptoid crosslinkers confer tunable mechanical properties and enzymatic stability to hydrogels for cell culture.
Magneto-optical response of chromium trihalide monolayers: chemical trends
Authors: Molina-Sánchez Alejandro , Catarina Gonçalo , Sangalli Davide , Fernández-Rossier Joaquín
Published: May 2020

We provide a comprehensive computational study of the magneto-optical response of ferromagnetic chromium trihalide monolayers (CrI3, CrBr3 and CrCl3). We find that it is governed by the spin–orbit coupling of the ligand atoms (I, Br and Cl).