bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterase 8A to discriminate in blood samples depressed patients and suicide attempters from healthy controls based on A-to-I RNA editing modifications
Authors: Salvetat Nicolas , Chimienti Fabrice , Cayzac Christopher , Dubuc Benjamin , Checa-Robles Francisco , Dupre Pierrick , Mereuze Sandie , Patel Vipul , Genty Catherine , Lang Jean-Philippe , Pujol Jean-François , Courtet Philippe , Weissmann Dinah
Published: April 2021

Mental health issues, including major depressive disorder, which can lead to suicidal behavior, are considered by the World Health Organization as a major threat to global health. Alterations in neurotransmitter signaling, e.g., serotonin and glutamate, or inflammatory response have been linked to both MDD and suicide. Phosphodiesterase 8A (PDE8A) gene expression is significantly decreased in the temporal cortex of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. PDE8A specifically hydrolyzes adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), which is a key second messenger involved in inflammation, cognition, and chronic antidepressant treatment. Moreover, alterations of RNA editing in PDE8A mRNA has been described in the brain of depressed suicide decedents. Here, we investigated PDE8A A-to-I RNA editing-related modifications in whole blood of depressed patients and suicide attempters compared to age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. We report significant alterations of RNA editing of PDE8A in the blood of depressed patients and suicide attempters with major depression, for which the suicide attempt took place during the last month before sample collection. The reported RNA editing modifications in whole blood were similar to the changes observed in the brain of suicide decedents. Furthermore, analysis and combinations of different edited isoforms allowed us to discriminate between suicide attempters and control groups. Altogether, our results identify PDE8A as an immune response-related marker whose RNA editing modifications translate from brain to blood, suggesting that monitoring RNA editing in PDE8A in blood samples could help to evaluate depressive state and suicide risk.
Serum deprivation-response protein induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma through ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK pathways
Authors: Chen Xi , Ma Weijie , Yao Ye , Zhang Qi , Li Jinghua , Wu Xiaoling , Mei Chengjie , Jiang Xiang , Chen Yiran , Wang Ganggang , Wang Kunlei , Liu Yingyi , Guo Yonghua , Liu Zhisu , Yuan Yufeng
Published: April 2021

Serum deprivation-response protein (SDPR), a phosphatidylserine-binding protein, which is known to have a promising role in caveolar biogenesis and morphology. However, its function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was still largely unknown. In this study, we discussed the characterization and identification of SDPR, and to present it as a novel apoptosis candidate in the incidence of HCC. We identified 81 HCC cases with lower SDPR expression in the tumor tissues with the help of qRT-PCR assay, and lower SDPR expression was potentially associated with poor prognostication. The phenotypic assays revealed that cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were profoundly connected with SDPR, both in vivo and in vitro. The data obtained from the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) carried out on the liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), and also The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) findings indicated that SDPR was involved in apoptosis and flow cytometry experiments further confirmed this. Furthermore, we identified the interaction between SDPR and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), which facilitated the ASK1 N-terminus-mediated dimerization and increased ASK1-mediated signaling, thereby activating the JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and finally enhanced cell apoptosis. Overall, this work identified SDPR as a tumor suppressor, because it promoted apoptosis by activating ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK pathways in HCC.
GSTZ1 sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to sorafenib-induced ferroptosis via inhibition of NRF2/GPX4 axis
Authors: Wang Qiujie , Bin Cheng , Xue Qiang , Gao Qingzhu , Huang Ailong , Wang Kai , Tang Ni
Published: April 2021

Increasing evidence supports that ferroptosis plays an important role in tumor growth inhibition. Sorafenib, originally identified as an inhibitor of multiple oncogenic kinases, has been shown to induce ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, some hepatoma cell lines are less sensitive to sorafenib-induced ferroptotic cell death. Glutathione S-transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1), an enzyme in the catabolism of phenylalanine, suppresses the expression of the master regulator of cellular redox homeostasis nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of GSTZ1 in sorafenib-induced ferroptosis in HCC. GSTZ1 was significantly downregulated in sorafenib-resistant hepatoma cells. Mechanistically, GSTZ1 depletion enhanced the activation of the NRF2 pathway and increased the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) level, thereby suppressing sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. The combination of sorafenib and RSL3, a GPX4 inhibitor, significantly inhibited GSTZ1-deficient cell viability and promoted ferroptosis and increased ectopic iron and lipid peroxides. In vivo, the combination of sorafenib and RSL3 had a synergic therapeutic effect on HCC progression in Gstz1−/− mice. In conclusion, this finding demonstrates that GSTZ1 enhanced sorafenib-induced ferroptosis by inhibiting the NRF2/GPX4 axis in HCC cells. Combination therapy of sorafenib and GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 may be a promising strategy in HCC treatment.
POU2F2 regulates glycolytic reprogramming and glioblastoma progression via PDPK1-dependent activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Mei , Zhang Guanghui , Li Yanping , Wang Lulin , Cui Hongjuan
Published: April 2021

The POU Class Homeobox 2 (POU2F2) is a member of POU transcription factors family, which involves in cell immune response by regulating B cell proliferation and differentiation genes. Recent studies have shown that POU2F2 acts as tumor-promoting roles in some cancers, but the underlying mechanism remains little known. Here, we identified that the highly expressed POU2F2 significantly correlated with poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients. POU2F2 promoted cell proliferation and regulated glycolytic reprogramming. Mechanistically, the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway played important roles in the regulation of POU2F2-mediated aerobic glycolysis and cell growth. Furthermore, we demonstrated that POU2F2 activated the transcription of PDPK1 by directly binding to its promoter. Reconstituted the expression of PDPK1 in POU2F2-knockdown GBM cells reactivated AKT/mTOR pathway and recovered cell glycolysis and proliferation, whereas this effect was abolished by the PDPK1/AKT interaction inhibitor. In addition, we showed that POU2F2-PDPK1 axis promoted tumorigenesis by regulating glycolysis in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that POU2F2 leads a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis and promotes GBM progression in PDPK1-dependent activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
A clinical transcriptome approach to patient stratification and therapy selection in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Docking T. Roderick , Parker Jeremy D. K. , Jädersten Martin , Duns Gerben , Chang Linda , Jiang Jihong , Pilsworth Jessica A. , Swanson Lucas A. , Chan Simon K. , Chiu Readman , Nip Ka Ming , Mar Samantha , Mo Angela , Wang Xuan , Martinez-Høyer Sergio , Stubbins Ryan J. , Mungall Karen L. , Mungall Andrew J. , Moore Richard A. , Jones Steven J. M. , Birol İnanç , Marra Marco A. , Hogge Donna , Karsan Aly
Published: April 2021

As more clinically-relevant genomic features of myeloid malignancies are revealed, it has become clear that targeted clinical genetic testing is inadequate for risk stratification. Here, we develop and validate a clinical transcriptome-based assay for stratification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Comparison of ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) to whole genome and exome sequencing reveals that a standalone RNA-Seq assay offers the greatest diagnostic return, enabling identification of expressed gene fusions, single nucleotide and short insertion/deletion variants, and whole-transcriptome expression information. Expression data from 154 AML patients are used to develop a novel AML prognostic score, which is strongly associated with patient outcomes across 620 patients from three independent cohorts, and 42 patients from a prospective cohort. When combined with molecular risk guidelines, the risk score allows for the re-stratification of 22.1 to 25.3% of AML patients from three independent cohorts into correct risk groups. Within the adverse-risk subgroup, we identify a subset of patients characterized by dysregulated integrin signaling andRUNX1orTP53mutation. We show that these patients may benefit from therapy with inhibitors of focal adhesion kinase, encoded byPTK2, demonstrating additional utility of transcriptome-based testing for therapy selection in myeloid malignancy.
Cut-like homeobox 1 (CUX1) tumor suppressor gene haploinsufficiency induces apoptosis evasion to sustain myeloid leukemia
Authors: Supper Emmanuelle , Rudat Saskia , Iyer Vivek , Droop Alastair , Wong Kim , Spinella Jean-François , Thomas Patrick , Sauvageau Guy , Adams David J. , Wong Chi C.
Published: April 2021

While oncogenes promote tumorigenesis, they also induce deleterious cellular stresses, such as apoptosis, that cancer cells must combat by coopting adaptive responses. Whether tumor suppressor gene haploinsufficiency leads to such phenomena and their mechanistic basis is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that elevated levels of the anti-apoptotic factor, CASP8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR), promotes apoptosis evasion in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells haploinsufficient for the cut-like homeobox 1 (CUX1) transcription factor, whose loss is associated with dismal clinical prognosis. Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening identifies CFLAR as a selective, acquired vulnerability in CUX1-deficient AML, which can be mimicked therapeutically using inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) antagonists in murine and human AML cells. Mechanistically, CUX1 deficiency directly alleviates CUX1 repression of the CFLAR promoter to drive CFLAR expression and leukemia survival. These data establish how haploinsufficiency of a tumor suppressor is sufficient to induce advantageous anti-apoptosis cell survival pathways and concurrently nominate CFLAR as potential therapeutic target in these poor-prognosis leukemias.
Controllable field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization through bulk spin-orbit torque in symmetry-broken ferromagnetic films
Authors: Xie Xuejie , Zhao Xiaonan , Dong Yanan , Qu Xianlin , Zheng Kun , Han Xiaodong , Han Xiang , Fan Yibo , Bai Lihui , Chen Yanxue , Dai Youyong , Tian Yufeng , Yan Shishen
Published: April 2021

Programmable magnetic field-free manipulation of perpendicular magnetization switching is essential for the development of ultralow-power spintronic devices. However, the magnetization in a centrosymmetric single-layer ferromagnetic film cannot be switched directly by passing an electrical current in itself. Here, we demonstrate a repeatable bulk spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching of the perpendicularly magnetized CoPt alloy single-layer films by introducing a composition gradient in the thickness direction to break the inversion symmetry. Experimental results reveal that the bulk SOT-induced effective field on the domain walls leads to the domain walls motion and magnetization switching. Moreover, magnetic field-free perpendicular magnetization switching caused by SOT and its switching polarity (clockwise or counterclockwise) can be reversibly controlled in the IrMn/Co/Ru/CoPt heterojunctions based on the exchange bias and interlayer exchange coupling. This unique composition gradient approach accompanied with electrically controllable SOT magnetization switching provides a promising strategy to access energy-efficient control of memory and logic devices.
The effect of magnetic field on the dynamics of gas bubbles in water electrolysis
Authors: Li Yan-Hom , Chen Yen-Ju
Published: April 2021

This study determines the effect of the configuration of the magnetic field on the movement of gas bubbles that evolve from platinum electrodes. Oxygen and hydrogen bubbles respectively evolve from the surface of the anode and cathode and behave differently in the presence of a magnetic field due to their paramagnetic and diamagnetic characteristics. A magnetic field perpendicular to the surface of the horizontal electrode causes the bubbles to revolve. Oxygen and hydrogen bubbles revolve in opposite directions to create a swirling flow and spread the bubbles between the electrodes, which increases conductivity and the effectiveness of electrolysis. For vertical electrodes under the influence of a parallel magnetic field, a horizontal Lorentz force effectively detaches the bubbles and increases the conductivity and the effectiveness of electrolysis. However, if the layout of the electrodes and magnetic field results in upward or downward Lorentz forces that counter the buoyancy force, a sluggish flow in the duct inhibits the movement of the bubbles and decreases the conductivity and the charging performance. The results in this study determine the optimal layout for an electrode and a magnetic field to increase the conductivity and the effectiveness of water electrolysis, which is applicable to various fields including energy conversion, biotechnology, and magnetohydrodynamic thruster used in seawater.
The distribution and epidemic characteristics of cerebrovascular disease in followed-up hypertension patients
Authors: Li An-le , Zhu Shuai , Hu Zhi-hao , Peng Qian , Fang Xiang , Zhang Yi-ying
Published: April 2021

To explore distribution and epidemic characteristics of CVD in followed-up HP patients. Using the Hypertension Follow-up Management System database in Jiading district in Shanghai. We designed a retrospective cohort study that included all followed-up hypertension patients between 2002 and 2020. The endpoint was the occurrence of CVD confirmed by the hospital; otherwise, the patients were tracked until September 30, 2020. Record information of every patient has been collected in the registration card and each followed-up record. Among 223,097 observational followed-up HP patients, the total number of person years of observation was 4,244,421.25 person-year, 11,143 patients had developed CVD from hypertension before the deadline, the total incidence density was 0.00263 per person-year (male 0.00292; female 0.00238) and the complication ratio of CVD in HP patients was 4.99% (male 5.25%; female 4.76%) during follow-up period. The proportion of ischemic cerebrovascular, hemorrhagic cerebrovascular and unclassified stroke was respectively 71.18%, 5.95% and 22.87% in hypertensive CVD. Complication ratio of CVD increased with age, the group under 30 was 0, and the group over 70 was the highest (6.90%). The complication ratio of grad I, grad II and grad III blood pressure were respectively 4.79%, 4.96% and 6.13%. The complication ratio was 4.92% in only high systolic blood pressure patients; 17.23% in only high diastolic blood pressure patients; 4.59% in high systolic and diastolic blood pressure patients. The peak of complication ratio of CVD was 9–10 years after the registered and followed-up. The proportion of CVD cases in HP patients from April to June was the largest in the four seasons; the proportion of patients from October to December was the minimum. HP patient was prone to falling cerebrovascular disease; the main type of disease was cerebral infarction. Complication ratio in male incidence was higher than that in female. The complication ratio of CVD increased with age, blood pressure and duration of HP patients. It had seasonal characteristics, which was relatively high from April to June within year.
The airborne mycobiome and associations with mycotoxins and inflammatory markers in the Norwegian grain industry
Authors: Straumfors Anne , Mundra Sunil , Foss Oda A. H. , Mollerup Steen K. , Kauserud Håvard
Published: April 2021

Grain dust exposure is associated with respiratory symptoms among grain industry workers. However, the fungal assemblage that contribute to airborne grain dust has been poorly studied. We characterized the airborne fungal diversity at industrial grain- and animal feed mills, and identified differences in diversity, taxonomic compositions and community structural patterns between seasons and climatic zones. The fungal communities displayed strong variation between seasons and climatic zones, with 46% and 21% of OTUs shared between different seasons and climatic zones, respectively. The highest species richness was observed in the humid continental climate of the southeastern Norway, followed by the continental subarctic climate of the eastern inland with dryer, short summers and snowy winters, and the central coastal Norway with short growth season and lower temperature. The richness did not vary between seasons. The fungal diversity correlated with some specific mycotoxins in settled dust and with fibrinogen in the blood of exposed workers, but not with the personal exposure measurements of dust, glucans or spore counts. The study contributes to a better understanding of fungal exposures in the grain and animal feed industry. The differences in diversity suggest that the potential health effects of fungal inhalation may also be different.
Development of a framework for managing severe burns through a 17-year retrospective analysis of burn epidemiology and outcomes
Authors: Chen Ling , He Xiaochong , Xian Jishu , Liao Jianmei , Chen Xuanji , Luo Yue , Wang Zonghua , Li Ning
Published: April 2021

Burns are one of the most common injuries in daily life for all ages of population. This study was to investigate the epidemiology and outcomes among burn patients in one of the largest burn centers in the southwest of China. The study was performed at the Institute of Burn Research in the first affiliated with the Army Medical University (AMU). A total of 17,939 burn patients were included in this retrospective study. Information regarding burn epidemiology and outcomes in 17 years were collected, calculated and compared. The age ranged from 257 days to 95 years old. Scalding and flame were the two most common causes to burn injuries, comprising of 91.96% in total. Limbs, head/face/neck, and trunk were the most frequently occurred burn sites, with the number and the percent of 12,324 (68.70%), 7989 (44.53%), and 7771 (43.32%), respectively. The average total body surface area (TBSA) was 13.64 ± 16.83% (median 8%) with a range of 0.1–100%. A total of 874 (4.9%) patients had TBSA > 50%. The presence of a burn with an inhalation injury was confirmed in 543 patients (3.03%). The average LOS was 32.11 ± 65.72 days (median: 17 days). Eventually, the retrospective analysis resulted in the development of a burn management continuum used for developing strategies to prevent and manage severe burns. The annual number of burn injuries has kept decreasing, which was partially attributed to the increased awareness and education of burn prevention and the improved burn-preventative circumstances. However, the burn severity and the economic burden were still in a high level. And the gender difference and age difference should be considered when making individualized interventions and rehabilitative treatments.
Proteogenomic landscape of uterine leiomyomas from hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer patients
Authors: Bateman Nicholas W. , Tarney Christopher M. , Abulez Tamara , Soltis Anthony R. , Zhou Ming , Conrads Kelly , Litzi Tracy , Oliver Julie , Hood Brian , Driggers Paul , Viollet Coralie , Dalgard Clifton , Wilkerson Matthew , Catherino William , Hamilton Chad A. , Darcy Kathleen M. , Casablanca Yovanni , Al-Hendy Ayman , Segars James , Conrads Thomas P. , Larry Maxwell G.
Published: April 2021

Pathogenic mutations in fumarate hydratase (FH) drive hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) and increase the risk of developing uterine leiomyomas (ULMs). An integrated proteogenomic analysis of ULMs from HLRCC (n = 16; FH-mutation confirmed) and non-syndromic (NS) patients (n = 12) identified a significantly higher protein:transcript correlation in HLRCC (R = 0.35) vs. NS ULMs (R = 0.242, MWU p = 0.0015). Co-altered proteins and transcripts (228) included antioxidant response element (ARE) target genes, such as thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), and correlated with activation of NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response signaling in HLRCC ULMs. We confirm 185 transcripts previously described as altered between HLRCC and NS ULMs, 51 co-altered at the protein level and several elevated in HLRCC ULMs are involved in regulating cellular metabolism and glycolysis signaling. Furthermore, 367 S-(2-succino)cysteine peptides were identified in HLRCC ULMs, of which sixty were significantly elevated in HLRCC vs. NS ULMs (LogFC = 1.86, MWU p < 0.0001). These results confirm and define novel proteogenomic alterations in uterine leiomyoma tissues collected from HLRCC patients and underscore conserved molecular alterations correlating with inactivation of the FH tumor suppressor gene.
Effects of stent generation on clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction compared between prediabetes and diabetes patients
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Sung-Jin , Kim Seunghwan , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: April 2021

We investigated the effects of stent generation on 2-year clinical outcomes between prediabetes and diabetes patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A total of 13,895 AMI patients were classified into normoglycemia (group A: 3673), prediabetes (group B: 5205), and diabetes (group C: 5017). Thereafter, all three groups were further divided into first-generation (1G)-drug-eluting stent (DES) and second-generation (2G)-DES groups. Patient-oriented composite outcomes (POCOs) defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (Re-MI), and any repeat revascularization were the primary outcome. Stent thrombosis (ST) was the secondary outcome. In both prediabetes and diabetes groups, the cumulative incidences of POCOs, any repeat revascularization, and ST were higher in the 1G-DES than that in the 2G-DES. In the diabetes group, all-cause death and cardiac death rates were higher in the 1G-DES than that in the 2G-DES. In both stent generations, the cumulative incidence of POCOs was similar between the prediabetes and diabetes groups. However, in the 2G-DES group, the cumulative incidences of Re-MI and all-cause death or MI were significantly higher in the diabetes group than that in the prediabetes group. To conclude, 2G-DES was more effective than 1G-DES in reducing the primary and secondary outcomes for both prediabetes and diabetes groups.
Four single-basepair mutations in the ptx promoter of Bordetella bronchiseptica are sufficient to activate the expression of pertussis toxin
Authors: Chen Qing , Gray Mary C. , Hewlett Erik , Stibitz Scott
Published: April 2021

Secretion of pertussis toxin (PT) is the preeminent virulence trait of the human pathogen Bordetella pertussis, causing whooping cough. Bordetella bronchiseptica, although it harbors an intact 12-kb ptx–ptl operon, does not express PT due to an inactive ptx promoter (Pptx), which contains 18 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) relative to B. pertussis Pptx. A systematic analysis of these SNPs was undertaken to define the degree of mutational divergence necessary to activate B. bronchiseptica Pptx. A single change (C−13T), which created a better − 10 element, was capable of activating B. bronchiseptica Pptx sufficiently to allow secretion of low but measureable levels of active PT. Three additional changes in the BvgA-binding region, only in the context of C−13T mutant, raised the expression of PT to B. pertussis levels. These results illuminate a logical evolutionary pathway for acquisition of this key virulence trait in the evolution of B. pertussis from a B. bronchiseptica-like common ancestor.
Disrupting self-evaluative processing with electrostimulation mapping during awake brain surgery
Authors: Ng Sam , Herbet Guillaume , Lemaitre Anne-Laure , Moritz-Gasser Sylvie , Duffau Hugues
Published: April 2021

Brain awake surgery with cognitive monitoring for tumor removal has become a standard of treatment for functional purpose. Yet, little attention has been given to patients’ interpretation and awareness of their own responses to selected cognitive tasks during direct electrostimulation (DES). We aim to report disruptions of self-evaluative processing evoked by DES during awake surgery. We further investigate cortico-subcortical structures involved in self-assessment process and report the use of an intraoperative self-assessment tool, the self-confidence index (SCI). Seventy-two patients who had undergone awake brain tumor resections were selected. Inclusion criteria were the occurrence of a DES-induced disruption of an ongoing task followed by patient’s failure to remember or criticize these impairments, or a dissociation between patient’s responses to an ongoing task and patient’s SCI. Disruptions of self-evaluation were frequently associated with semantic disorders and critical sites were mostly found along the left/right ventral semantic streams. Disconnectome analyses generated from a tractography-based atlas confirmed the high probability of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus to be transitory ‘disconnected’. These findings suggest that white matters pathways belonging to the ventral semantic stream may be critically involved in human self-evaluative processing. Finally, the authors discuss the implementation of the SCI task during multimodal intraoperative monitoring.
Sleep contributes to preference for novel food odours in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tanizawa Fuminori , Takemoto Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

The importance of sleep in maintaining cognitive functions such as learning and memory has been reported in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Previous studies demonstrated that sleep deprivation impaired the olfactory memory retention of fruit flies as described in the classical conditioning paradigm. Here, we show that sleep deprivation leads to a preference for the odours of the rearing environment in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies whose sleep had been disturbed with periodic rotation stimuli during night-time preferred apple cider vinegar (ACV) to broth, while this preference was lower in flies without sleep deprivation and those rotated during daytime. Experiments using single odours showed an increase in responses to ACV due to sleep deprivation. These results suggest that sleep functions in food odour preference. Flies grown on medium supplemented with ACV showed greater preference for ACV, and those grown with broth supplementation showed a greater preference for broth under sleep-deprived conditions. These results suggest that flies with night-time sleep deprivation become attached to the environment on which they have developed, and that sleep contributes to preference for novel food odours. This study offers an approach to investigating the interaction between sleep and neural disorders concerning cognitive deficits towards novel stimuli.
Author Correction: Noninvasive imaging of vascular permeability to predict the risk of rupture in abdominal aortic aneurysms using an albumin-binding probe
Authors: Adams Lisa C. , Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Kaufmann Jan O. , Nowak Kristin , Buchholz Rebecca , Karst Uwe , Botnar Rene M. , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Downregulating carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 affects disease progression in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of ALS
Authors: Trabjerg Michael Sloth , Andersen Dennis Christian , Huntjens Pam , Oklinski Kirsten Egelund , Bolther Luise , Hald Jonas Laugård , Baisgaard Amalie Elton , Mørk Kasper , Warming Nikolaj , Kullab Ulla Bismark , Kroese Lona John , Pritchard Colin Eliot Jason , Huijbers Ivo Johan , Nieland John Dirk Vestergaard
Published: April 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease characterized by death of motor neurons. The etiology and pathogenesis remains elusive despite decades of intensive research. Herein, we report that dysregulated metabolism plays a central role in the SOD1 G93A mouse model mimicking ALS. Specifically, we report that the activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1) lipid metabolism is associated with disease progression. Downregulation of CPT1 activity by pharmacological and genetic methods results in amelioration of disease symptoms, inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, whereas upregulation by high-fat diet or corticosterone results in a more aggressive disease progression. Finally, we show that downregulating CPT1 shifts the gut microbiota communities towards a protective phenotype in SOD1 G93A mice. These findings reveal that metabolism, and specifically CPT1 lipid metabolism plays a central role in the SOD1 G93A mouse model and shows that CPT1 might be a therapeutic target in ALS.
Receptor-like kinase BAM1 facilitates early movement of the Tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Tran Phu-Tri , Citovsky Vitaly
Published: April 2021

Cell-to-cell movement is an important step for initiation and spreading of virus infection in plants. This process occurs through the intercellular connections, termed plasmodesmata (PD), and is usually mediated by one or more virus-encoded movement proteins (MP) which interact with multiple cellular factors, among them protein kinases that usually have negative effects on MP function and virus movement. In this study, we report physical and functional interaction between MP of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), the paradigm of PD-moving proteins, and a receptor-like kinase BAM1 from Arabidopsis and its homolog from Nicotiana benthamiana. The interacting proteins accumulated in the PD regions, colocalizing with a PD marker. Reversed genetics experiments, using BAM1 gain-of-function and loss-of-function plants, indicated that BAM1 is required for efficient spread and accumulation the virus during initial stages of infection of both plant species by TMV. Furthermore, BAM1 was also required for the efficient cell-to-cell movement of TMV MP, suggesting that BAM1 interacts with TMV MP to support early movement of the virus. Interestingly, this role of BAM1 in viral movement did not require its protein kinase activity. Thus, we propose that association of BAM1 with TMV MP at PD facilitates the MP transport through PD, which, in turn, enhances the spread of the viral infection.
Developing Nanodisc-ID for label-free characterizations of membrane proteins
Authors: Bao Huan
Published: April 2021

Membrane proteins (MPs) influence all aspects of life, such as tumorigenesis, immune response, and neural transmission. However, characterization of MPs is challenging, as it often needs highly specialized techniques inaccessible to many labs. We herein introduce nanodisc-ID that enables quantitative analysis of membrane proteins using a gel electrophoresis readout. By leveraging the power of nanodiscs and proximity labeling, nanodisc-ID serves both as scaffolds for encasing biochemical reactions and as sensitive reagents for detecting membrane protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions. We demonstrate this label-free and low-cost tool by characterizing a wide range of integral and peripheral membrane proteins from prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Maternal stevioside supplementation ameliorates intestinal mucosal damage and modulates gut microbiota in chicken offspring challenged with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Jiang Jingle , Qi Lina , Wei Quanwei , Shi Fangxiong
Published: April 2021

The present study showed that maternal stevioside supplementation could ameliorate intestinal mucosal damage and modulate gut microbiota in chicken offspring challenged with lipopolysaccharide.
High mass loading flower-like MnO2 on NiCo2O4 deposited graphene/nickel foam as high-performance electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Jin Jing , Ding Jie , Wang Xing , Hong Congcong , Wu Huaping , Sun Min , Cao Xiehong , Lu Congda , Liu Aiping
Published: April 2021

A NiCo2O4/MnO2 heterostructure with high mass loading MnO2 microflowers was built on the surface of 3D graphene/nickel foam for the preparation of an asymmetric supercapacitor with splended energy density (45.9 Wh kg−1).
Influence of high-pressure torsion deformation on the corrosion behaviour of a bioresorbable Mg-based alloy studied by positron annihilation
Authors: Brunner Philipp , Brumbauer Florian , Steyskal Eva-Maria , Renk Oliver , Weinberg Annelie-Martina , Schroettner Hartmuth , Würschum Roland
Published: April 2021

The effect of high-pressure torsion (HPT) on the corrosion behavior of a bioresorbable MgCaZn alloy (ZX00) is studied by positron annihilation.
Open-air synthesis of oligo(ethylene glycol)-functionalized polypeptides from non-purified N-carboxyanhydrides
Authors: Tan Zhengzhong , Song Ziyuan , Xue Tianrui , Zheng Lining , Jiang Lei , Jiang Yunjiang , Fu Zihuan , Nguyen Anh , Leal Cecilia , Cheng Jianjun
Published: April 2021

We controllably polymerized non-purified OEG-NCAs using a biphasic SIMPLE polymerization strategy. The resulting OEG-functionalized amphiphilic copolypeptides could self-assemble into nanoparticles.
Rational design and synthesis of hollow Fe–N/C electrocatalysts for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wu Xiao-Tong , Peng Li-Juan , Xiao Kang , Li Nan , Liu Zhao-Qing
Published: April 2021

Molecular design to validation of relevant Fe–O bonds, performance tests and characterization results demonstrate that an FeN2+2–O coupled hollow carbon structure as an active site can exhibits superior cell performance.
Ultrafast geometrical reorganization of a methane cation upon sudden ionization: an isotope effect on electronic non-equilibrium quantum dynamics
Authors: Gonçalves Cayo E. M. , Levine R. D. , Remacle F.
Published: April 2021

The ultrafast entangled electronic–nuclear dynamics induced by electronic coherences leads to a structural rearrangement of the methane cation and exhibits a strong isotope effect.
Simulated annealing fitting: a global optimization method for quantitatively analyzing growth kinetics of colloidal Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Siyu , An Qinwei , Sun Yugang
Published: April 2021

A global optimization protocol based on simulated annealing has been developed to analyze in situ growth kinetics data of colloidal nanoparticles, leading to determining the principal kinetic parameters of heterogeneous solid/liquid reactions.
Control of the synthesis and morphology of nano dendritic CuAl2O4 as a nanocatalyst for photoredox-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of styrenes with amines and CO2
Authors: Tian Shaopeng , Yang Qianqian , Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen
Published: April 2021

Various morphologies of a nano CuAl2O4 fiber microsphere were produced through diverse synthesis situations.
Copper-coordination induced fabrication of stimuli-responsive polymersomes from amphiphilic block copolymer containing pendant thioethers
Authors: Dong Shuqi , Liu Li , Zhao Hanying
Published: April 2021

Cu2+-Containing hybrid polymersomes were fabricated via a co-assembly approach. The polymersomes exhibited stimuli-responsiveness to the competitive ligand and H2O2/GSH and mediated a Fenton-like reaction to produce ˙OH.
Effect of polycyclosilane microstructure on thermal properties
Authors: Jiang Qifeng , Wong Sydnee , Klausen Rebekka S.
Published: April 2021

Thermal characterization of polysilanes has focused on the influence of organic side chains, whereas little is understood about the influence of silane backbone microstructure on thermal stability, phase properties, and pyrolysis.
Application of 4-pyridylselenolate palladium macrocycles in Suzuki couplings
Authors: Mane P. A. , Pathak A. K. , Bhuvanesh N. , Dey S.
Published: April 2021

Pd macrocycles of diphosphine were constructed employing 4-pyridylselenolate. They act as excellent catalysts in the Suzuki coupling reaction.
Research on metallic chalcogen-functionalized monolayer-puckered V2CX2 (X = S, Se, and Te) as promising Li-ion battery anode materials
Authors: Tang Chunmei , Wang Xiaoxu , Zhang Shengli
Published: April 2021

Two-dimensional MXene nanomaterials are promising anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their excellent conductivity, large surface area, and high Li capability.
Synthesis and characterization of nanoceria for electrochemical sensing applications
Authors: Hartati Yeni Wahyuni , Topkaya Seda Nur , Gaffar Shabarni , Bahti Husein H. , Cetin Arif E.
Published: April 2021

Nanoceria (cerium oxide nanoparticles: CeO2-NPs) has received significant attention due to its biocompatibility, good conductivity, and the ability to transfer oxygen.
The effect of 2D tungsten disulfide nanoparticles on Lewis lung carcinoma cells in vitro
Authors: Kolesnik D. L. , Pyaskovskaya O. N. , Gnatyuk O. P. , Cherepanov V. V. , Karakhim S. O. , Polovii I. O. , Posudievsky O. Yu. , Konoshchuk N. V. , Strelchuk V. V. , Nikolenko A. S. , Dovbeshko G. I. , Solyanik G. I.
Published: April 2021

WS2 2D nanoparticles show no cytotoxic and/or cytostatic effect on Lewis lung carcinoma cells after one day incubation. Only after two days incubation we registered cytotoxic effect. Cells incubated with 2D WS2 nanoparticles have luminescence in the blue spectral region.
The influence of additives on orthogonal reaction pathways in the Mizoroki–Heck arylation of vinyl ethers
Authors: Becica Joseph , Glaze Owen D. , Hruszkewycz Damian P. , Dobereiner Graham E. , Leitch David C.
Published: April 2021

Translating microscale high-throughput screening hits into preparative scale chemistry often requires an understanding of scale-dependent factors, such as the effect of additives on catalyst activation pathways.
NiCo2O4 nanosheets as a novel oxygen-evolution-reaction cocatalyst in situ bonded on the g-C3N4 photocatalyst for excellent overall water splitting
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Mao Liuhao , Shi Jinwen , Xue Fei , Zong Shichao , Zheng Botong , Guo Liejin
Published: April 2021

NiCo2O4 is in situ assembled on g-C3N4 and works as a novel oxygen-evolution-reaction cocatalyst to promote photocatalytic O2-evolution reaction, then Pt–NiCo2O4 dual cocatalyst loaded g-C3N4 achieves photocatalytic overall water splitting.
A comprehensive review of the development of magnesium anodes for primary batteries
Authors: Chen Xingrui , Liu Xuan , Le Qichi , Zhang Mingxing , Liu Ming , Atrens Andrej
Published: April 2021

A comprehensive review of the development of magnesium anodes for primary batteries. Excellent guidance for both beginners and veterans in this field.
N coupling with S-coordinated Ru nanoclusters for highly efficient hydrogen evolution in alkaline media
Authors: Li Cheng-Fei , Zhao Jia-Wei , Xie Ling-Jie , Wang Yu , Tang Hai-Bo , Zheng Li-Rong , Li Gao-Ren
Published: April 2021

Optimizing the coordination/surrounding environments of active metal nanoclusters to promote the catalytic performance during hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is highly important but extremely challenging.
Manipulation of the size of polystyrene spheres as the templates for internal light out-coupling structures of a white organic light-emitting diode
Authors: He Wei , Dong Xiao-Hao , Zhou Jun-Gui , Fung Man-Keung
Published: April 2021

By adjusting the ratio of nanostructured ITO with the periods of 300 and 350 nm, high-efficiency white OLEDs with controllable EL spectra have been achieved.
YbeY, éminence grise of ribosome biogenesis
Authors: Liao Zhen , Schelcher Cédric , Smirnov Alexandre
Published: April 2021

YbeY is an ultraconserved small protein belonging to the unique heritage shared by most existing bacteria and eukaryotic organelles of bacterial origin, mitochondria and chloroplasts. Studied in more than a dozen of evolutionarily distant species, YbeY is invariably critical for cellular physiology. However, the exact mechanisms by which it exerts such penetrating influence are not completely understood. In this review, we attempt a transversal analysis of the current knowledge about YbeY, based on genetic, structural, and biochemical data from a wide variety of models. We propose that YbeY, in association with the ribosomal protein uS11 and the assembly GTPase Era, plays a critical role in the biogenesis of the small ribosomal subunit, and more specifically its platform region, in diverse genetic systems of bacterial type.
Musculoskeletal complications associated with pathological iron toxicity and its molecular mechanisms
Authors: Simão Márcio , Cancela M. Leonor
Published: April 2021

Iron is fundamental for several biological functions, but when in excess can lead to the development of toxic events. Some tissues and cells are more susceptible than others, but systemic iron levels can be controlled by treating patients with iron-chelating molecules and phlebotomy. An early diagnostic can be decisive to limit the progression of musculoskeletal complications like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis because of iron toxicity. In iron-related osteoarthritis, aggravation can be associated to a few events that can contribute to joints articular cartilage exposure to high iron concentrations, which can promote articular degeneration with very little chance of tissue regeneration. In contrast, bone metabolism is much more dynamic than cartilage, but progressive iron accumulation and ageing can be decisive factors for bone health. The iron overload associated with hereditary diseases like hemochromatosis, hemophilias, thalassemias and other hereditary anaemias increase the negative impact of iron toxicity in joints and bone, as well as in life quality, even when iron levels can be controlled. The molecular mechanisms by which iron can compromise cartilage and bone have been illusive and only in the last 20 years studies have started to shed some light into the molecular mechanisms associated with iron toxicity. Ferroptosis and the regulation of intracellular iron levels is instrumental in the balance between detoxification and induced cell death. In addition, these complications are accompanied with multiple susceptibility factors that can aggravate iron toxicity and should be identified. Therefore, understanding tissues microenvironment and cell communication is fundamental to contextualize iron toxicity.
Particle-filter tracking of sounds for frequency-independent 3D audio rendering from distributed B-format recordings
Authors: Blochberger Matthias , Zotter Franz
Published: April 2021

Six-Degree-of-Freedom (6DoF) audio rendering interactively synthesizes spatial audio signals for a variable listener perspective based on surround recordings taken at multiple perspectives distributed across the listening area in the acoustic scene. Methods that rely on recording-implicit directional information and interpolate the listener perspective without the attempt of localizing and extracting sounds often yield high audio quality, but are limited in spatial definition. Methods that perform sound localization, extraction, and rendering typically operate in the time-frequency domain and risk introducing artifacts such as musical noise. We propose to take advantage of the rich spatial information recorded in the broadband time-domain signals of the multitude of distributed first-order (B-format) recording perspectives. Broadband time-variant signal extraction retrieving direct signals and leaving residuals to approximate diffuse and spacious sounds is less of a quality risk, and likewise is the broadband re-encoding to enhance spatial definition of both signal types. To detect and track direct sound objects in this process, we combine the directional data recorded at the single perspectives into a volumetric multi-perspective activity map for particle-filter tracking. Our technical and perceptual evaluation confirms that this kind of processing enhances the otherwise limited spatial definition of direct-sound objects of other broadband but signal-independent virtual loudspeaker object (VLO) or Vector-Based Intensity Panning (VBIP) interpolation approaches.
Les Fab Labs et « ateliers numériques » en France
Authors: Piuzzi François
Published: April 2021

Les Fab Labs ou Laboratoires de Fabrication constituent un nouveau type de lieu où, à l’aide principalement de machines numériques, s’effectuent la conception et la réalisation d’objets et de prototypes. Ce sont également des sites d’échanges, de collaboration et de formation.

Plutôt destinés à leur origine à des citoyens attirés par leurs possibilités, ils se sont développés récemment dans les mondes académique et industriel. Leur apport pour les temps de pandémie, ainsi que leur importance pour l’Afrique, sont discutés ici.
Management of Stiffness following Total Knee Arthroplasty: International Survey on Surgeon Preferences
Authors: Sunil Kumar Karadi Hari , Mamarelis Georgios , Pettit Matthew , Khanduja Vikas
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Stiffness following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a challenging complication and can result in a poor functional outcome. There is considerable debate concerning the definition, work-up, and optimal management of this complication. The aim of this study was to record the definition of stiffness, management practices, and expectations of outcome among surgeons from an international community using a peer-reviewed questionnaire. Methods: A 23-item peer-reviewed online questionnaire was sent to all members of SICOT to gauge and record the management practices and expectations of outcome in the management of patients with stiffness following TKA. Results: A total of 315 surgeons completed this peer-reviewed questionnaire. Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) was the preferred treatment option for stiffness post-TKA, with a majority of the surgeons opting to carry out this procedure between 6 and 12 weeks following the index TKA. Physiotherapy and a continuous passive motion device were also used by the majority of surgeons following MUA, as additional treatment measures. Discussion: MUA is perceived to be a safe and effective primary treatment option for stiffness following TKA. It is best performed between weeks 6 and 12 with expected gains in range of motion from 10 to 20 degrees in 75% of patients.
Increased Serum WISP1 Levels are Associated with Lower Extremity Atherosclerotic Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Cheng Yangyang , Du Xiaohui , Zhang Bilin , Zhang Junxia
Published: April 2021

Background Serum wnt1-induced signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) levels are increased with obesity, which is a common complication associated with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD). However, to date, the relationship between elevated WISP1 levels and the incidence of lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear.

Methods 174 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in our study. Patients were divided into two groups, LEAD group (n=100) and control group (n=74). Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and some biochemical parameters were obtained. Body composition was detected by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Levels of serum insulin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Serum WISP1 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results It was shown that serum WISP1 levels in diabetic patients with LEAD were higher than those without LEAD (P<0.001). Serum WISP1 levels were positively related with waist circumference (r=0.237, P=0.003), waist-hip ratio (r=0.22, P=0.006), visceral fat area (r=0.354, P<0.001), serum creatinine (r=0.192, P=0.012), interleukin 6 (r=0.182, P=0.032), c-reactive protein (r=0.681, P<0.001), triglycerides (r=0.119, P<0.001), fasting glucose (r=0.196, P=0.011), glycated hemoglobin (r=0.284, P<0.001), and HOMA-IR (r=0.285, P<0.026). Compared with the lowest tertile, the odds ratio of the middle tertile for LEAD incidence was 3.27 (95% CI, 1.24–8.64) and 4.46 (95% CI, 1.62–12.29) for the highest tertile after adjusting confounding factors.

Conclusion The results suggest that increased serum WISP1 levels independently contribute to the incidence of LEAD in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.