bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural regulation in tooth regeneration of Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Makanae Aki , Tajika Yuki , Nishimura Koki , Saito Nanami , Tanaka Jun-ichi , Satoh Akira
Published: June 2020

The presence of nerves is an important factor in successful organ regeneration in amphibians. The Mexican salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum, is able to regenerate limbs, tail, and gills when nerves are present. However, the nerve-dependency of tooth regeneration has not been evaluated. Here, we reevaluated tooth regeneration processes in axolotls using a three-dimensional reconstitution method called CoMBI and found that tooth regeneration is nerve-dependent although the dentary bone is independent of nerve presence. The induction and invagination of the dental lamina were delayed by denervation. Exogenous Fgf2, Fgf8, and Bmp7 expression could induce tooth placodes even in the denervated mandible. Our results suggest that the role of nerves is conserved and that Fgf+Bmp signals play key roles in axolotl organ-level regeneration. The presence of nerves is an important factor in successful organ regeneration in amphibians. The Mexican salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum, is able to regenerate limbs, tail, and gills when nerves are present. However, the nervedependency of tooth regeneration has not been evaluated. Here, we reevaluated tooth regeneration processes in axolotls using a three-dimensional reconstitution method called CoMBI and found that tooth regeneration is nerve-dependent although the dentary bone is independent of nerve presence. The induction and invagination of the dental lamina were delayed by denervation. Exogenous Fgf2, Fgf8, and Bmp7 expression could induce tooth placodes even in the denervated mandible. Our results suggest that the role of nerves is conserved and that Fgf+Bmp signals play key roles in axolotl organ-level regeneration.
Physiological costs of chemical defence: repeated reflex bleeding weakens the immune system and postpones reproduction in a ladybird beetle
Authors: Knapp Michal , Řeřicha Michal , Židlická Dana
Published: June 2020

In insects, external chemical defences, such as reflex bleeding, have been proved to be an efficient strategy against various predators. At the same time, significant costs of reflex bleeding can be expected because bled haemolymph is lost and all valuable components included have to be renewed. Interestingly, this issue has rarely been investigated for adult insects. In this study, we examined the immune and fitness costs of repeated reflex bleeding in adults of the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis, investigating several haemolymph parameters. Reflex bleeding induced twice a week for three weeks resulted in a significant reduction in haemocyte concentration, total protein content, and antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus, and a marginally non-significant decrease in antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Repeated reflex bleeding did not result in significant body mass reduction. Interestingly, resource limitation in the form of complete food absence did not significantly interact with reflex bleeding, even though starvation itself had a strong negative effect on all haemolymph parameters investigated and individual body mass. Daily reflex bleeding did not result in decreased fecundity of young ladybirds during the first 30 days of their adult life, but the start of ladybird reproduction was delayed by about two days. Moreover, ladybirds bleeding larger amounts of haemolymph started their reproduction significantly later. Overall, our results indicate that repeated reflex bleeding weakens a ladybird’s immune system and can increase their susceptibility to pathogens, but a ladybird’s reproductive potential remains almost unaffected, even by very intensive reflex bleeding.
Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics reveals potential targets associated with onset of Sub-clinical Mastitis in cows
Authors: Bathla Shveta , Sindhu Anil , Kumar Sudarshan , Dubey Shivam Kumar , Pattnaik Smaranika , Rawat Preeti , Chopra Alka , Dang Ajay , Kaushik Jai Kumar , Mohanty Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2020

Bovine milk is vital for infant nutrition and is a major component of the human diet. Bovine mastitis is a common inflammatory disease of mammary gland in cattle. It alters the immune profile of the animal and lowers the quality and yield of milk causing huge economic losses to dairy industry. The incidence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) is higher (25–65% worldwide) than clinical mastitis (CM) (>5%), and frequently progresses to clinical stage due to lack of sensitive and specific detection method. We used quantitative proteomics to identify changes in milk during sub-clinical mastitis, which may be potential biomarkers for developing rapid, non-invasive, sensitive detection methods. We performed comparative proteome analysis of the bovine milk, collected from the Indian hybrid cow Karan Fries. The differential proteome in the milk of Indian crossbred cows during sub-acute and clinical intramammary gland infection has not been investigated to date. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics of the bovine whey proteins, we identified a total of 1459 and 1358 proteins in biological replicates, out of which 220 and 157 proteins were differentially expressed between normal and infected samples. A total of 82 proteins were up-regulated and 27 proteins were down-regulated, having fold changes of ≥2 and ≤0.8 respectively. Among these proteins, overexpression of CHI3L1, LBP, GSN, GCLC, C4 and PIGR proteins was positively correlated with the events that elicit host defence system, triggering production of cytokines and inflammatory molecules. The appearance of these potential biomarkers in milk may be used to segregate affected cattle from the normal herd and may support mitigation measures for prevention of SCM and CM.
Outcome and toxicity analysis of single dose stereotactic radiosurgery in vestibular schwannoma based on the Koos grading system
Authors: Rueß Daniel , Pöhlmann Lea , Grau Stefan , Hamisch Christina , Hoevels Mauritius , Treuer Harald , Baues Christian , Kocher Martin , Ruge Maximillian
Published: June 2020

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has evolved as widely accepted treatment option for small-sized (Koos I up to II) vestibular schwannoma (VS). For larger tumors (prevalent Koos VI), microsurgery or combined treatment strategies are mostly recommended. However, in patients not suited for microsurgery, SRS might also be an alternative to balance tumor control, hearing preservation and adverse effects. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of SRS for VS with regard to different Koos grades. All patients with untreated VS who received SRS at our center were included. Outcome analysis included tumor control, preservation of serviceable hearing based on median pure tone averages (PTA), and procedure-related adverse events rated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE; v4.03) classification. In total, 258 patients (median age 58 years, range 21–84) were identified with a mean follow-up of 52 months (range 3–228 months). Mean tumor volume was 1.8 ml (range 0.1–18.5). The mean marginal dose was 12.3 Gy ± 0.6 (range 11–13.5). The cohort was divided into two groups: A (Koos grades I and II, n = 186) and B (Koos grades III and IV, n = 72). The actuarial tumor control rate was 98% after 2 years and 90% after 5 and 10 years. Koos grading did not show a significant impact on tumor control (p = 0.632) or hearing preservation (p = 0.231). After SRS, 18 patients (7%) had new transient or permanent symptoms classified by the CTCAE. The actuarial rate of CTCAE-free survival was not related to Koos grading (p = 0.093). Based on this selected population of Koos grade III and IV VS without or with only mild symptoms from brainstem compression, SRS can be recommended as the primary therapy with the advantage of low morbidity and satisfactory tumor control. The overall hearing preservation rate and toxicity of SRS was influenced by age and cannot be predicted by tumor volume or Koos grading alone.
Untargeted lipidomics using liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry reveals novel triacylglycerides in human milk
Authors: George Alexandra D. , Gay Melvin C. L. , Wlodek Mary E. , Trengove Robert D. , Murray Kevin , Geddes Donna T.
Published: June 2020

Human milk provides the infant with the essential nutritive and non-nutritive factors required for health, growth and development. The human milk lipidome is complex, but comprises predominantly triacylglycerides. Historically, the fatty acid profile of the entire human milk lipidome has been investigated, and many relationships have been identified between infant health and fatty acids. Most of these fatty acids are, however, delivered to the infant as triacylglycerides. Using liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry, the objective of this study was to characterise the triacylglyceride profile of human milk and elucidate relationships between the triacylglyceride profile and infant outcomes in a cohort of 10 exclusively breastfeeding woman-infant dyads. 205 triacylglycerides were identified, including 98 previously not reported in human milk. The dose of specific triacylglycerides differed in relation to infant health, such as lauric acid containing TAGs, which were delivered in significantly higher dose to healthy infants compared to unwell infants.
Host dependent maintenance of a blaNDM-1-encoding plasmid in clinical Escherichia coli isolates
Authors: Gama João Alves , Kloos Julia , Johnsen Pål J. , Samuelsen Ørjan
Published: June 2020

Dissemination of bacterial clones carrying plasmid-mediated resistance genes is a major factor contributing to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Understanding the evolution of successful clones and the association to mobile resistance elements are therefore crucial. In this study, we determined the sequence of a 145 kb IncC multi-drug resistance plasmid (pK71-77-1-NDM), harbouring resistance genes to last-resort antibiotics including carbapenems. We show that the plasmid is able to transfer into a range of genetically diverse clinical Escherichia coli strains and that the fitness cost imposed on the host is often low. Moreover, the plasmid is stably maintained under non-selective conditions across different genetic backgrounds. However, we also observed a lower conjugation frequency and higher fitness cost in the E. coli sequence type (ST) 73 background, which could partially explain why this clone is associated with a lower level of antibiotic resistance than other E. coli clones. This is supported by a bioinformatical analysis showing that the ST73 background harbours plasmids less frequently than the other studied E. coli STs. Studying the evolution of antibiotic resistance in a clinical context and in diverse genetic backgrounds improves our understanding of the variability in plasmid-host associations.
Antenatal corticosteroids and preterm offspring outcomes in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A Japanese cohort study
Authors: Ushida Takafumi , Kotani Tomomi , Hayakawa Masahiro , Hirakawa Akihiro , Sadachi Ryo , Nakamura Noriyuki , Moriyama Yoshinori , Imai Kenji , Nakano-Kobayashi Tomoko , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: June 2020

To estimate whether antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) improve short- and long-term preterm offspring outcomes in singleton pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) similar to pregnancies without HDP. This population-based retrospective study was conducted based on an analysis of data collected by the Neonatal Research Network of Japan on 21,014 singleton neonates weighing ≤1,500 g between 24 and 31 weeks’ gestation during 2003–2016. Logistic regression analyses were performed to compare short- and long-term offspring outcomes between mothers receiving ACS treatment and those who did not among pregnancies with HDP and without HDP. Of 21,014 neonates, 4,806 (22.9%) were born to mothers with HDP. ACS treatment was associated with significant decreases in short-term adverse outcomes in the both HDP and non-HDP groups, with similar reduced odds of neonatal death, respiratory distress syndrome, and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH). However, ACS treatment did not significantly decrease severe IVH (aOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.51–1.13) and periventricular leukomalacia (1.14; 0.78–1.66) in the HDP group. In addition, ACS treatment in mothers without HDP significantly decreased cerebral palsy (aOR 0.70; 95% CI 0.58–084), developmental quotient scores <85 (0.79; 0.69–0.90), and composite adverse outcomes (0.85; 0.75–0.96) at 3 years of age, whereas ACS treatment in mothers with HDP did not significantly improve these outcomes (1.04; 0.69–1.57, 1.11; 0.88–1.39, 0.96; 0.75–1.22, respectively). ACS treatment was associated with significantly decreased major short-term morbidities and mortality among extremely and very preterm neonates of mothers with HDP, with ACS treatment having a decreased effect compared to that observed in neonates of mothers without HDP. Although ACS treatment has no additional effects on offspring outcomes at 3 years of age, our results did not suggest that ACS treatment should be withheld from mothers with HDP.
An anticonvulsive drug, valproic acid (valproate), has effects on the biosynthesis of fatty acids and polyketides in microorganisms
Authors: Poolchanuan Prapassorn , Unagul Panida , Thongnest Sanit , Wiyakrutta Suthep , Ngamrojanavanich Nattaya , Mahidol Chulabhorn , Ruchirawat Somsak , Kittakoop Prasat
Published: June 2020

Valproic acid or valproate (VPA) is an anticonvulsive drug used for treatments of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. VPA is also an epigenetic modulator, inhibiting histone deacetylase, and it has been subjected to clinical study for cancer treatment. During the investigation of VPA on a metabolite profile in a fungus, we found that VPA has significant effects on the production of some fatty acids. Further exploration of VPA on fatty acid profiles of microorganisms, fungi, yeast, and bacteria, as well as representative gut microbiome, revealed that VPA could enhance or reduce the production of some fatty acids. VPA was found to induce the production of trans-9-elaidic acid, a fatty acid that was previously reported to have cellular effects in human macrophages. VPA could also inhibit the production of some polyketides produced by a model fungus. The present work suggests that the induction or inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis by VPA (100 µM) in gut microbiome could give effects to patients treated with VPA because high doses of VPA oral administration (up to 600 mg to 900 mg) are used by patients; the concentration of VPA in the human gut may reach a concentration of 100 µM, which may give effects to gut microorganisms.
Neuroanatomy of the spinosaurid Irritator challengeri (Dinosauria: Theropoda) indicates potential adaptations for piscivory
Authors: Schade Marco , Rauhut Oliver W. M. , Evers Serjoscha W.
Published: June 2020

Spinosauridae, a theropod group characterized by elongated snouts, conical teeth, enlarged forelimbs, and often elongated neural spines, show evidence for semiaquatic adaptations and piscivory. It is currently debated if these animals represent terrestrial carnivores with adaptations for a piscivorous diet, or if they largely lived and foraged in aquatic habitats. The holotype of Irritator challengeri, a nearly complete skull from the late Early Cretaceous Santana Formation of northeastern Brazil, includes one of the few preserved spinosaurid braincases and can provide insights into neuroanatomical structures that might be expected to reflect ecological affinities. We generated digital models of the neuroanatomical cavities within the braincase, using computer tomography (CT) data. The cranial endocast of Irritator is generally similar to that of other non-maniraptoriform theropods, with weakly developed distinctions of hindbrain and midbrain features, relatively pronounced cranial flexures and relatively long olfactory tracts. The endosseous labyrinth has a long anterior semicircular canal, a posteriorly inclined common crus and a very large floccular recess fills the area between the semicircular canals. These features indicate that Irritator had the ability for fast and well-controlled pitch-down head movements. The skull table and lateral semicircular canal plane are strongly angled to one another, suggesting a downward angling of approximately 45° of the snout, which reduces interference of the snout with the field of vision of Irritator. These neuroanatomical features are consistent with fast, downward snatching movements in the act of predation, such as are needed for piscivory.
Periostin and tenascin-C interaction promotes angiogenesis in ischemic proliferative retinopathy
Authors: Kubo Yuki , Ishikawa Keijiro , Mori Kenichiro , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Nakama Takahito , Arima Mitsuru , Nakao Shintaro , Hisatomi Toshio , Haruta Masatoshi , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Yoshida Shigeo
Published: June 2020

Ischemic proliferative retinopathy (IPR), such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinal vein occlusion and retinopathy of prematurity is a major cause of vision loss. Our previous studies demonstrated that periostin (PN) and tenascin-C (TNC) are involved in the pathogenesis of IPR. However, the interactive role of PN and TNC in angiogenesis associated with IPR remain unknown. We found significant correlation between concentrations of PN and TNC in PDR vitreous humor. mRNA and protein expression of PN and TNC were found in pre-retinal fibrovascular membranes excised from PDR patients. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) promoted mRNA and protein expression of PN and TNC, and co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed binding between PN and TNC in human microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs). IL-13 promoted angiogenic functions of HRECs. Single inhibition of PN or TNC and their dual inhibition by siRNA suppressed the up-regulated angiogenic functions. Pathological pre-retinal neovessels of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice were attenuated in PN knock-out, TNC knock-out and dual knock-out mice compared to wild-type mice. Both in vitro and in vivo, PN inhibition had a stronger inhibitory effect on angiogenesis compared to TNC inhibition, and had a similar effect to dual inhibition of PN and TNC. Furthermore, PN knock-out mice showed scant TNC expression in pre-retinal neovessels of OIR retinas. Our findings suggest that interaction of PN and TNC facilitates pre-retinal angiogenesis, and PN is an effective therapeutic target for IPR such as PDR.
Estimation of the soil hydraulic properties from field data by solving an inverse problem
Authors: Guellouz Lamia , Askri Brahim , Jaffré Jérome , Bouhlila Rachida
Published: June 2020

Estimating unsaturated soil hydraulic properties to predict water dynamics through a vertical soil profile under the effects of irrigation, drainage and evapotranspiration is imperative for managing soils in the arid regions. The aim of this work was to determine the soil water retention curve and the hydraulic permeability function of a bare soil profile in a Tunisian oasis threatened by salinization. The developed model combines a numerical inversion of the unsaturated flow equation with the BOBYQA optimisation algorithm. The direct model solved the Richards equation using a cell-centred finite difference model. Hydraulic properties were described by van Genuchten-Mualem models. Input data for the inverse problem are the infiltration flow, soil water contents and pressure heads measured during ponded infiltration and internal drainage tests. Numerical simulations of these two tests were performed considering a homogeneous single-layer soil profile but a better fitting between measured and simulated water contents was obtained when the soil profile was divided into five sub-layers. The hysteresis phenomenon was highlighted from the soil water retention and the relative permeability curves corresponding to the ponded infiltration and internal drainage tests.
Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Dutch general population is associated with adiposity-related traits
Authors: van der Meer Thomas P. , van Faassen Martijn , van Beek André P. , Snieder Harold , Kema Ido P. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , van Vliet-Ostaptchouk Jana V.
Published: June 2020

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been linked to a variety of cardiometabolic diseases. Yet, few studies have investigated the exposure to EDCs and cardiometabolic health taking lifestyle into account. We aimed to assess exposure to five parabens, three bisphenols and thirteen metabolites of in total eight phthalates in a general Dutch population and to investigate their association with cardiometabolic traits. In 662 adult subjects from the population-based Lifelines cohort, 21 EDC analytes were measured in 24-hour urine collected in 2012, using LC-MS/MS. Association analyses between cardiometabolic traits and EDC concentrations were performed using multivariate linear models adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, diabetes, physical activity and caloric intake. Quartile analyses were performed to assess linearity. Bisphenol A, four parabens and eight phthalate metabolites were detected in 84-100% of the samples. Adjusted associations for MiBP and MBzP and adiposity-related traits were robust for multiple testing (Beta’s, BMI: 1.12, 2.52; waist circumference: 0.64, 1.56, respectively; FDR < 0.009). Associations for triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure were not. Linearity was confirmed for significant associations. Exposure to EDCs in the Dutch population is ubiquitous. We found direct associations between phthalates and adiposity-related traits. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Development of 177Lu-scFvD2B as a Potential Immunotheranostic Agent for Tumors Overexpressing the Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen
Authors: Carpanese Debora , Ferro-Flores Guillermina , Ocampo-Garcia Blanca , Santos-Cuevas Clara , Salvarese Nicola , Figini Mariangela , Fracasso Giulio , De Nardo Laura , Bolzati Cristina , Rosato Antonio , Meléndez-Alafort Laura
Published: June 2020

The clinical translation of theranostic 177Lu-radiopharmaceuticals based on inhibitors of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has demonstrated positive clinical responses in patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, challenges still remain, particularly regarding their pharmacokinetic and dosimetric properties. We developed a potential PSMA-immunotheranostic agent by conjugation of a single-chain variable fragment of the IgGD2B antibody (scFvD2B) to DOTA, to obtain a 177Lu-labelled agent with a better pharmacokinetic profile than those previously reported. The labelled conjugated 177Lu-scFvD2B was obtained in high yield and stability. In vitro, 177Lu-scFvD2B disclosed a higher binding and internalization in LNCaP (PSMA-positive) compared to PC3 (negative control) human PCa cells. In vivo studies in healthy nude mice revealed that 177Lu-scFvD2B present a favorable biokinetic profile, characterized by a rapid clearance from non-target tissues and minimal liver accumulation, but a slow wash-out from kidneys. Micro-SPECT/CT imaging of mice bearing pulmonary microtumors evidenced a slow uptake by LNCaP tumors, which steadily rose up to a maximum value of 3.6 SUV at 192 h. This high and prolonged tumor uptake suggests that 177Lu-scFvD2B has great potential in delivering ablative radiation doses to PSMA-expressing tumors, and warrants further studies to evaluate its preclinical therapeutic efficacy.
Can Mitogenomes of the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) Reconstruct Its Phylogeography and Reveal the Origin of Migrant Birds?
Authors: Wang Erjia , Zhang Dezhi , Braun Markus Santhosh , Hotz-Wagenblatt Agnes , Pärt Tomas , Arlt Debora , Schmaljohann Heiko , Bairlein Franz , Lei Fumin , Wink Michael
Published: June 2020

The Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe, including the nominate and the two subspecies O. o. leucorhoa and O. o. libanotica) and the Seebohm’s Wheatear (Oenanthe seebohmi) are today regarded as two distinct species. Before, all four taxa were regarded as four subspecies of the Northern Wheatear. Their classification has exclusively been based on ecological and morphological traits, while their molecular characterization is still missing. With this study, we used next-generation sequencing to assemble 117 complete mitochondrial genomes covering O. o. oenanthe, O. o. leucorhoa and O. seebohmi. We compared the resolution power of each individual mitochondrial marker and concatenated marker sets to reconstruct the phylogeny and estimate speciation times of three taxa. Moreover, we tried to identify the origin of migratory wheatears caught on Helgoland (Germany) and on Crete (Greece). Mitogenome analysis revealed two different ancient lineages that separated around 400,000 years ago. Both lineages consisted of a mix of subspecies and species. The phylogenetic trees, as well as haplotype networks are incongruent with the present morphology-based classification. Mitogenome could not distinguish these presumed species. The genetic panmixia among present populations and taxa might be the consequence of mitochondrial introgression between ancient wheatear populations.
MiR-195 enhances cardiomyogenic differentiation of the proepicardium/septum transversum by Smurf1 and Foxp1 modulation
Authors: Dueñas Angel , Expósito Almudena , Muñoz María del Mar , de Manuel María José , Cámara-Morales Andrea , Serrano-Osorio Fabio , García-Padilla Carlos , Hernández-Torres Francisco , Domínguez Jorge N. , Aránega Amelia , Franco Diego
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular development is a complex developmental process in which multiple cell lineages are involved, namely the deployment of first and second heart fields. Beside the contribution of these cardiogenic fields, extracardiac inputs to the developing heart are provided by the migrating cardiac neural crest cells and the proepicardial derived cells. The proepicardium (PE) is a transitory cauliflower-like structure located between the cardiac and hepatic primordia. The PE is constituted by an internal mesenchymal component surrounded by an external epithelial lining. With development, cells derived from the proepicardium migrate to the neighboring embryonic heart and progressive cover the most external surface, leading to the formation of the embryonic epicardium. Experimental evidence in chicken have nicely demonstrated that epicardial derived cells can distinctly contribute to fibroblasts, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Surprisingly, isolation of the developing PE anlage and ex vivo culturing spontaneously lead to differentiation into beating cardiomyocytes, a process that is enhanced by Bmp but halted by Fgf administration. In this study we provide a comprehensive characterization of the developmental expression profile of multiple microRNAs during epicardial development in chicken. Subsequently, we identified that miR-125, miR-146, miR-195 and miR-223 selectively enhance cardiomyogenesis both in the PE/ST explants as well as in the embryonic epicardium, a Smurf1- and Foxp1-driven process. In addition we identified three novel long non-coding RNAs with enhanced expression in the PE/ST, that are complementary regulated by Bmp and Fgf administration and well as by microRNAs that selectively promote cardiomyogenesis, supporting a pivotal role of these long non coding RNAs in microRNA-mediated cardiomyogenesis of the PE/ST cells.
Filamentary Resistive Switching and Capacitance-Voltage Characteristics of the a-IGZO/TiO2 Memory
Authors: Heo Kwan-Jun , Kim Han-Sang , Lee Jae-Yun , Kim Sung-Jin
Published: June 2020

In this study, molybdenum tungsten/amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO)/TiO2/n-type Si-based resistive random access memory (ReRAM) is manufactured. After deposition of the a-IGZO, annealing was performed at 200, 300, 400, and 500 °C for approximately 1 h in order to analyze the effect of temperature change on the ReRAM after post annealing in a furnace. As a result of measuring the current-voltage curve, the a-IGZO/TiO2-based ReRAM annealed at 400 °C reached compliance current in a low-resistance state, and showed the most complete hysteresis curve. In the a-IGZO layer annealed at 400 °C, the O1/Ototal value increased most significantly, to approximately 78.2%, and the O3/Ototal value decreased the most, to approximately 2.6%. As a result, the a-IGZO/TiO2-based ReRAM annealed at 400 °C reduced conductivity and prevented an increase in leakage current caused by oxygen vacancies with sufficient recovery of the metal-oxygen bond. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the a-IGZO surface showed hillocks at a high post annealing temperature of 500 °C, which greatly increased the surface roughness and caused the surface area performance to deteriorate. Finally, as a result of measuring the capacitance-voltage curve in the a-IGZO/TiO2-based ReRAM in the range of −2 V to 4 V, the accumulation capacitance value of the ReRAM annealed at 400 °C increased most in a nonvolatile behavior.
Hesperidin Loaded on Gold Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery System for a Successful Biocompatible, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory and Phagocytosis Inducer Model
Authors: Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Waheeb Hanaa M. , Jabir Majid S. , Khazaal Shaymaa H. , Dewir Yaser Hassan , Naidoo Yougasphree
Published: June 2020

Hesperidin is a flavonoid glycoside with proven therapeutic activities for various diseases, including cancer. However, its poor solubility and bioavailability render it only slightly absorbed, requiring a delivery system to reach its therapeutic target. Hesperidin loaded on gold nanoparticles (Hsp-AuNPs) was prepared by a chemical synthesis method. Various characterization techniques such as UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TEM and EDX, Zeta potential analysis, particle size analysis, were used to confirm the synthesis of Hsp-AuNPs. The cytotoxic effect of Hsp-AuNPs on human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) was assessed using MTT and crystal violet assays. The results revealed significant decrease in proliferation and inhibition of growth of the treated cells when compared with human normal breast epithelial cell line (HBL-100). Determination of apoptosis by fluorescence microscope was also performed using acridine orange-propidium iodide dual staining assay. The in vivo study was designed to evaluate the toxicity of Hsp-AuNPs in mice. The levels of hepatic and kidney functionality markers were assessed. No significant statistical differences were found for the tested indicators. Histological images of liver, spleen, lung and kidney showed no apparent damages and histopathological abnormalities after treatment with Hsp-AuNPs. Hsp-AuNPs ameliorated the functional activity of macrophages against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells-bearing mice. The production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines was also assessed in bone marrow–derived macrophage cells treated with Hsp-AuNPs. The results obviously demonstrated that Hsp-AuNPs treatment significantly inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF.
EXOSC9 depletion attenuates P-body formation, stress resistance, and tumorigenicity of cancer cells
Authors: Yoshino Seiko , Matsui Yusuke , Fukui Yuya , Seki Masahide , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Kanamori Akane , Saitoh Yurika , Shimamura Teppei , Suzuki Yutaka , Furukawa Yoichi , Kaneko Shuichi , Seiki Motoharu , Murakami Yoshinori , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Sakamoto Takeharu
Published: June 2020

Cancer cells adapt to various stress conditions by optimizing gene expression profiles via transcriptional and translational regulation. However, whether and how EXOSC9, a component of the RNA exosome complex, regulates adaptation to stress conditions and tumorigenicity in cancer cells remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects of EXOSC9 depletion on cancer cell growth under various stress conditions. EXOSC9 depletion attenuated growth and survival under various stress conditions in cancer cells. Interestingly, this also decreased the number of P-bodies, which are messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) required for stress adaptation. Meanwhile, EXOSC2/EXOSC4 depletion also attenuated P-body formation and stress resistance with decreased EXOSC9 protein. EXOSC9-mediated stress resistance and P-body formation were found to depend on the intact RNA-binding motif of this protein. Further, RNA-seq analyses identified 343 EXOSC9-target genes, among which, APOBEC3G contributed to defects in stress resistance and P-body formation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Finally, EXOSC9 also promoted xenografted tumor growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in an intact RNA-binding motif-dependent manner. Database analyses further showed that higher EXOSC9 activity, estimated based on the expression of 343 target genes, was correlated with poorer prognosis in some cancer patients. Thus, drugs targeting activity of the RNA exosome complex or EXOSC9 might be useful for cancer treatment.
Group B Streptococcus colonization rate and serotype distribution among pregnant women and their newborns at Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Musa Mohammed , Asrat Daniel , Fenta Demissie Assegu , Chaka Tolossa Eticha , Woldeamanuel Yimtubezinash
Published: June 2020

Rectovaginal area of pregnant women can be colonized transiently with group B Streptococcus (GBS) without causing disease. The bacteria can be transmitted to the newborn before and during birth and cause early-onset neonatal disease. In this study, we aimed to determine the GBS colonization rate among pregnant women before delivery and their newborns and serotypes distribution of GBS. Two hundred-eighty pregnant women along with their newborns were screened for GBS colonization from June 2014 to October 2014 at Adama Hospital Medical College. Rectovaginal swabs from pregnant women before delivery and specimen from nasal area, external ear, umbilical cord and throat of newborns were collected and cultured. The serotyping of GBS was performed by using serotype-specific antisera. To collect sociodemographic and clinical data we employed a structured questionnaire. GBS colonization among pregnant women and their newborns were 13.2% 95% CI (8.9–17.5) and 7.4% 95% CI (4.6–10.6). Out of 37 GBS strains recovered from pregnant women, the prevalent serotypes were Ia 6(16.2%), Ib 8(21.6%), II 10(27%), III 3(8.1%), and V 8(21.6%). Out of 21 GBS strains recovered from newborns, prevalent serotypes were Ia 3(14.3%), Ib 6(28.6%), II 6(28.6%), III 4(19%), and V 1(4.8%). This study indicated the existence of primary risk factors for neonatal disease in Adama area. Serotype II was the common serotype detected in this study which is followed by serotype Ib, Ia, and V. As colonizing GBS serotypes could cause invasive disease among newborns, vaccine formulation which includes serotype II, Ia, V, Ib, and III can prevent of invasive disease caused by GBS in the study area.
convertibleCARs: A chimeric antigen receptor system for flexible control of activity and antigen targeting
Authors: Landgraf Kyle E. , Williams Steven R. , Steiger Daniel , Gebhart Dana , Lok Stephen , Martin David W. , Roybal Kole T. , Kim Kaman Chan
Published: June 2020

We have developed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) platform that functions as a modular system to address limitations of traditional CAR therapies. An inert form of the human NKG2D extracellular domain (iNKG2D) was engineered as the ectodomain of the CAR to generate convertibleCARTM-T cells. These cells were specifically directed to kill antigen-expressing target cells only in the presence of an activating bispecific adapter comprised of an iNKG2D-exclusive ULBP2-based ligand fused to an antigen-targeting antibody (MicAbodyTM). Efficacy against Raji tumors in NSG mice was dependent upon doses of both a rituximab-based MicAbody and convertibleCAR-T cells. We have also demonstrated that the exclusive ligand-receptor partnering enabled the targeted delivery of a mutant form of IL-2 to selectively promote the expansion of convertibleCAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo. By altering the Fv domains of the MicAbody or the payload fused to the orthogonal ligand, convertibleCAR-T cells can be readily targeted or regulated.
Amelioration of clinical course and demyelination in the cuprizone mouse model in relation to ketogenic diet
Authors: Zhang Ning , Liu Chunhong , Zhang Ruiyan , Jin Li , Yin Xiaohan , Zheng Xuexing , Siebert Hans-Christian , Li Yubao , Wang Zhengping , Loers Gabriele , Petridis Athanasios K.
Published: June 2020

Ketogenic diet (KD) is defined as a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with appropriate amounts of protein, which has broad neuroprotective effects.
Dynamically controlled growth of Cu–Mo–O nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Aili , Zhao Lili , Liu Hui , Zhou Ziqian , Li Chengbo , Xiang Yong , Zhou Weijia , Hao Feng
Published: June 2020

Cu–Mo–O nanowire and nanosheet have been synthesized and the high catalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution of nanosheet can be attributed to higher electrochemical area and more Mo catalytic sites induced by mechanical stirring.
The rapid photoresponsive bacteria-killing of Cu-doped MoS2
Authors: Wang Chaofeng , Li Jun , Liu Xiangmei , Cui Zhenduo , Chen Da-Fu , Li Zhaoyang , Liang Yanqin , Zhu Shengli , Wu Shuilin
Published: June 2020

This material of Cu doped MoS2 can produce reactive oxygen species and photothermal under 660 nm light, thus achieving a rapid bacterial effect. Which is a kind of good photothermal and photodynamic material.
Steam reforming of formaldehyde for generating hydrogen and coproducing carbon nanotubes for enhanced photosynthesis
Authors: Jin Qijie , Wang Aodi , Lu Bingxu , Xu Xin , Shen Yuesong , Zeng Yanwei
Published: June 2020

NiO/MoO3 exhibits high catalytic activity, and the carbon deposition can be used as nanopesticide.
Glycolipid metabolism and liver transcriptomic analysis of the therapeutic effects of pressed degreased walnut meal extracts on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Li Yulan , Chen Dan , Xu Chengmei , Zhao Qingyujing , Ma Yage , Zhao Shenglan , Chen Chaoyin
Published: June 2020

WMP (extract of pressed degreased walnut meal) is rich in polyphenols which exhibit multiple therapeutic effects.
Fruiting body polysaccharides ofHericium erinaceusinduce apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cellsviaROS generation mediating caspase-9-dependent signaling pathways
Authors: Hou Xiao-xiao , Liu Jing-yu , Li Zhuo-yu , Chang Ming-chang , Guo Min , Feng Cui-ping , Shi Jiang-ying
Published: June 2020

The fruiting bodies ofHericium erinaceus(Bull.) Pers. are commonly used in China in the treatment of digestive system diseases.
Loss of allergy-protective capacity of raw cow's milk after heat treatment coincides with loss of immunologically active whey proteins
Authors: Abbring Suzanne , Xiong Ling , Diks Mara A. P. , Baars Ton , Garssen Johan , Hettinga Kasper , van Esch Betty C. A. M.
Published: June 2020

Whey proteins denaturing ≤65 °C are important for allergy protection by raw cow's milk.
An investigation of the antileishmanial properties of semi-synthetic saponins
Authors: Anderson Orlagh , Beckett Joseph , Briggs Carla C. , Natrass Liam A. , Cranston Charles F. , Wilkinson Elizabeth J. , Owen Jack H. , Mir Williams Rhodri , Loukaidis Angelos , Bouillon Marc E. , Pritchard Deiniol , Lahmann Martina , Baird Mark S. , Denny Paul W.
Published: June 2020

Hit anti-leishmanial saponin structures selected following primary and secondary screening.
Non-layered 2D materials toward advanced photoelectric devices: progress and prospects
Authors: Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yao Jiandong , Li Jingbo , Yang Guowei
Published: June 2020

Growth of non-layered 2D materials and their application in photoelectric devices are summarized, accompanied by prospects for future development.
Double side nanostructuring of microcantilever sensors with TiO2-NTs as a route to enhance their sensitivity
Authors: Thomas Guillaume , Gerer Geoffrey , Schlur Laurent , Schnell Fabien , Cottineau Thomas , Keller Valérie , Spitzer Denis
Published: June 2020

A double side nanostructured microcantilever with ordered, aligned and open TiO2 nanotubes.
Tailoring phase transformation strengthening and plasticity of nanostructured high entropy alloys
Authors: Zhao Y. F. , Feng X. B. , Zhang J. Y. , Lu Y. , Wu S. H. , Wang Y. Q. , Wu K. , Liu G. , Sun J.
Published: June 2020

Phase transformation strengthening and plasticity of nanostructured FeCoCrNi thin films can be tailored utilizing constraining effects. The transformation occurs only in FeCoCrNi/Ni nanolaminates with large h while not in FeCoCrNi/Ni.
Molybdenum carbide and oxycarbide from carbon-supported MoO3 nanosheets: phase evolution and DRM catalytic activity assessed by TEM and in situ XANES/XRD methods
Authors: Kurlov Alexey , Huang Xing , Deeva Evgeniya B. , Abdala Paula M. , Fedorov Alexey , Müller Christoph R.
Published: June 2020

Nanosheets of molybdenum(vi) oxide supported on carbon spheres were carburized and utilized for the dry reforming of methane (DRM). A molybdenum oxycarbide phase was identified as active for DRM and characterised by XANES and TEM methods.
Enhanced performances of triboelectric nanogenerators by filling hierarchical flower-like TiO2 particles into polymethyl methacrylate film
Authors: Jian Gang , Meng Qingzhen , Jiao Yong , Meng Fang , Cao Yanpeng , Wu Mingfang
Published: June 2020

In this study, a flower-like TiO2 filled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite is presented as a positive tribo-material to produce an excellent-performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG).
Self-healing on mismatched fractured composite surfaces of SiC with a diameter of 180 nm
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Dongdong , Huo Fengwei , Huang Siling , Cui Junfeng , Lu Yao , Parkin Ivan P. , Guo Dongming
Published: June 2020

Self-healing is demonstrated by an in situ nanomechanical test on mismatched fractured amorphous and crystalline composite surfaces of SiC.
A chiral lead-free photoactive hybrid material with a narrow bandgap
Authors: Li Yaobin , Yang Tao , Liu Xitao , Han Shiguo , Wang Jiaqi , Ma Yu , Guo Wuqian , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: June 2020

A chiral lead-free hybrid of (C5H11N3)SbI5 was synthesized that exhibits a narrow bandgap, typical semiconducting behavior and notable photoresponse.
Fluorescence visualization of cucurbit[8]uril-triggered dynamic host–guest assemblies
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Sun Tao , Ni Xin-Long
Published: June 2020

Dynamic assemblies of π-conjugated bispyridinium guests with cucurbit[8]uril in aqueous solution could be distinguished by real-time naked-eye observation of the resulting quantitative fluorescence emissions.
The utilization of Fe-doped g-C3N4 in a heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like catalytic system: the effect of different parameters and a system mechanism investigation
Authors: Luo Wei , Huang Wenyu , Feng Xiaoqing , Huang Ying , Song Xiongwei , Lin Hongfei , Wang Shuangfei , Mailhot Gilles
Published: June 2020

The influence of reaction parameters, especially the presence of inorganic ions, on the activity of a Fe–C3N4 photo-Fenton system has been systematically studied.
Coupling hydrophilic interaction chromatography materials with immobilized Fe3+ for phosphopeptide and glycopeptide enrichment and separation
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Jiyong , Yu Yuanhang , Xie Rong , Liao Han , Zhang Bo , Chen Jianying
Published: June 2020

Simultaneous profiling of protein phosphorylation and glycosylation is very important to elucidate the bio-functions of these proteins.
Ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction of Sparassis crispa polysaccharides possessing protective ability against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells
Authors: Zhang Wenyi , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Zhao Wenjin , Zheng Yuenan , Qian He
Published: June 2020

Extraction optimization, structural characterization, and neuroprotective effects of polysaccharides from Sparassis crispa.
Hydrotalcite–PLGA composite nanoparticles for loading and delivery of danshensu
Authors: Pu Lihui , Yu Haiyan , Du Juan , Zhang Yanyan , Chen Sihao
Published: June 2020

As one of the main pharmacodynamic components present in the water-soluble components of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), danshensu (DSS) is applicable to treating cardiovascular diseases.
Physical gels of poly(vinylamine) by thermal curing
Authors: Fischer Thorsten , Köhler Jens , Möller Martin , Singh Smriti
Published: June 2020

Repeated heating cooling cycles can anneal inhomogeneity in physical gels and significantly improve their mechanical properties.
Ultrasonication assisted fabrication of a tungsten sulfide/tungstite heterostructure for ppb-level ammonia detection at room temperature
Authors: Jha Ravindra Kumar , Nanda Aman , Bhat Navakanta
Published: June 2020

A tungsten sulfide/tungstite heterostructure is prepared via a modified liquid exfoliation technique. A chemiresistive sensor based on this nanomaterial demonstrates excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards ammonia gas even at room temperature.
Room temperature blooming of CeO23D nanoflowers under sonication and catalytic efficacy towards CO conversion
Authors: Majumder Deblina , Chakraborty Indranil , Mandal Kalyan
Published: June 2020

Carbon monoxide (CO), being a highly toxic gas, bears hazardous effects on human health and contributes majorly to environmental pollution.
Study of the electrochemical recovery of cobalt from spent cemented carbide
Authors: Kang Hongguang , Li Jidong , Zhang Chaogang , Lu Jinlin , Wang Qian , Wang Yiyong
Published: June 2020

Cobalt is recovered at the cathode, while tungstic acid is enriched at the anode, thereby successfully achieving efficient short-flow recovery of spent cemented carbide.
Force spectra of single bacterial amyloid CsgA nanofibers
Authors: Lv Jingqi , Li Yingfeng , Zhou Kai , Guo Pei , Liu Yang , Ding Ke , Li Ke , Zhong Chao , Xiao Botao
Published: June 2020

Magnetic tweezers were used to study the force spectra of CsgA, a major protein subunit of Escherichia coli biofilms, at fibril level.
Boron and pyridinic nitrogen-doped graphene as potential catalysts for rechargeable non-aqueous sodium–air batteries
Authors: Benti Natei Ermias , Tiruye Girum Ayalneh , Mekonnen Yedilfana Setarge
Published: June 2020

We performed density functional theory analysis of heteroatom doped graphene as potential catalysts for rechargeable non-aqueous sodium–air batteries. Pyridinic nitrogen and boron doped graphene exhibited too low overpotential reaction pathways.
Direct electrodeposition of cationic pillar[6]arene-modified graphene oxide composite films and their host–guest inclusions for enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Duan Qunpeng , Wang Lijie , Wang Fei , Zhang Hongsong , Lu Kui
Published: June 2020

Cationic pillar[6]arene functionalized graphene films with enhanced host–guest electrochemical recognition performance were fabricated directly from GO-CP6 dispersions by a one-step pulsed electrodeposition technique.
A comparative study on the structural features of humic acids extracted from lignites using comprehensive spectral analyses
Authors: Zhang Yuanqin , Li Yanhong , Chang Liping , Zi Changyu , Liang Guangbing , Zhang Dengfeng , Su Yi
Published: June 2020

The structural features of humic acids extracted from Zhaotong and Mile lignites were analyzed using comprehensive spectral analyses including UV-vis, FTIR, CP/MAS 13C NMR, XRD and XPS.
Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from an extract ofJatropha curcasleaves: characterization, optical properties, CT-DNA binding and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Ghosh Mithun Kumar , Sahu Sanjay , Gupta Indersh , Ghorai Tanmay Kumar
Published: June 2020

The green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using a leaf extract fromJatropha curcas(JC) has been documented in our present research work.
Atom-efficient synthesis of 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazines via Fe-catalyzed cyclization of aldehydes with NH4I as the sole nitrogen source
Authors: Xiao Jiang , Ren Shuang , Liu Qiang
Published: June 2020

An atom-efficient, straightforward method for the synthesis of 2,4,6-triaryl-1,3,5-triazines via iron-catalyzed cyclization of aldehydes with NH4I as the sole nitrogen source is demonstrated.