bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coffee tree architecture and its interactions with microclimates drive the dynamics of coffee berry disease in coffee trees
Authors: Motisi Natacha , Ribeyre Fabienne , Poggi Sylvain
Published: February 2019

Coffee berry disease (CBD), which is widespread in Africa, has been responsible for massive yield losses of Coffea arabica. In Cameroon, C. arabica is mainly planted in agroforestry systems on smallholder farms, where low incomes hinder the use of chemicals to manage the disease. Novel agroecological strategies for controlling CBD are expected to be implemented and even increase in the current context of global changes. In this study, we showed that coffee tree architecture and its interactions with microclimates were important to CBD cluster symptom appearance (CSA), with notable CSA increasing along the tree branch away from the trunk to the tip of the branch. As shade trees can modify microclimates, we further investigated scenarios of various microclimatic conditions under shade to explore the effects of agroforestry systems on CBD dynamics in coffee trees. We showed that shade could result in contrasting effects on disease dynamics, decreasing CSA along the branch and increasing epidemic duration. We suggest that the contrasting effects of shade on disease dynamics need further evaluation of the possible trade-offs among the variables at play, and we recommend a combination of epidemiological and architectural modelling to help design more cost-effective and environmentally friendly CBD management strategies.
Using resting-state DMN effective connectivity to characterize the neurofunctional architecture of empathy
Authors: Esménio Sofia , Soares José M. , Oliveira-Silva P. , Zeidman Peter , Razi Adeel , Gonçalves Óscar F. , Friston Karl , Coutinho Joana
Published: February 2019

Neuroimaging studies in social neuroscience have largely relied on functional connectivity (FC) methods to characterize the functional integration between different brain regions. However, these methods have limited utility in social-cognitive studies that aim to understand the directed information flow among brain areas that underlies complex psychological processes. In this study we combined functional and effective connectivity approaches to characterize the functional integration within the Default Mode Network (DMN) and its role in self-perceived empathy. Forty-two participants underwent a resting state fMRI scan and completed a questionnaire of dyadic empathy. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) showed that higher empathy scores were associated with an increased contribution of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to the DMN spatial mode. Dynamic causal modelling (DCM) combined with Canonical Variance Analysis (CVA) revealed that this association was mediated indirectly by the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) via the right inferior parietal lobule (IPL). More specifically, in participants with higher scores in empathy, the PCC had a greater effect on bilateral IPL and the right IPL had a greater influence on mPFC. These results highlight the importance of using analytic approaches that address directed and hierarchical connectivity within networks, when studying complex psychological phenomena, such as empathy.
Increased susceptibility of airway epithelial cells from ataxia-telangiectasia to S. pneumoniae infection due to oxidative damage and impaired innate immunity
Authors: Yeo Abrey J. , Henningham Anna , Fantino Emmanuelle , Galbraith Sally , Krause Lutz , Wainwright Claire E. , Sly Peter D. , Lavin Martin F.
Published: February 2019

Respiratory disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) who are prone to recurrent sinopulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary failure. Upper airway infections are common in patients and S. pneumoniae is associated with these infections. We demonstrate here that the upper airway microbiome in patients with A-T is different from that to healthy controls, with S. pneumoniae detected largely in patients only. Patient-specific airway epithelial cells and differentiated air-liquid interface cultures derived from these were hypersensitive to infection which was at least in part due to oxidative damage since it was partially reversed by catalase. We also observed increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and TNF-α (inflammasome-independent) and a decreased level of the inflammasome-dependent cytokine IL-β in patient cells. Further investigation revealed that the ASC-Caspase 1 signalling pathway was defective in A-T airway epithelial cells. These data suggest that the heightened susceptibility of these cells to S. pneumoniae infection is due to both increased oxidative damage and a defect in inflammasome activation, and has implications for lung disease in these patients.
Impact of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism on the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Parmeggiani Francesco , Gallenga Carla Enrica , Costagliola Ciro , Semeraro Francesco , Romano Mario R. , Dell’Omo Roberto , Russo Andrea , De Nadai Katia , Gemmati Donato , D’Angelo Sergio , Bolletta Elena , Sorrentino Francesco Saverio
Published: February 2019

The most severe visual impairments due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are frequently caused by the occurrence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Although photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT-V) is currently a second-line treatment for neovascular AMD, it can be conveniently combined with drugs acting against vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) to reduce the healthcare burden associated with the growing necessity of anti-VEGF intravitreal re-injection. Because the common 677 C > T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR-C677T; rs1801133) has been described as predictor of satisfactory short-term responsiveness of AMD-related CNV to PDT-V, we retrospectively examined the outcomes of 371 Caucasian patients treated with standardized, pro-re-nata, photodynamic regimen for 24 months. Responder (R) and non-responder (NR) patients were distinguished on the basis of the total number of scheduled PDT-V (TN-PDT-V) and change of best-corrected visual acuity (∆-BCVA). The risk for both TN-PDT-V and ∆-BCVA to pass from R to NR group was strongly correlated with CT and TT genotypes of MTHFR-C677T variant resulting, respectively, in odd ratios of 0.19 [95% CI, 0.12–0.32] and 0.09 [95% CI, 0.04–0.21] (P < 0.001), and odd ratios of 0.24 [95% CI, 0.15–0.39] and 0.03 [95% CI, 0.01–0.11] (P < 0.001). These pharmacogenetic findings indicate a rational basis to optimize the future clinical application of PDT-V during the combined treatments of AMD-related CNV, highlighting the role of thrombophilia to be aware of the efficacy profile of photodynamic therapy.
Transcriptome-wide analysis of filarial extract-primed human monocytes reveal changes in LPS-induced PTX3 expression levels
Authors: Buerfent B. C. , Gölz L. , Hofmann A. , Rühl H. , Stamminger W. , Fricker N. , Hess T. , Oldenburg J. , Nöthen M. M. , Schumacher J. , Hübner M. P. , Hoerauf A.
Published: February 2019

Filarial nematodes modulate immune responses in their host to enable their survival and mediate protective effects against autoimmunity and allergies. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory capacity of extracts from the human pathogenic filaria Brugia malayi (BmA) on human monocyte responses in a transcriptome-wide manner to identify associated pathways and diseases. As previous transcriptome studies often observed quiescent responses of innate cells to filariae, the potential of BmA to alter LPS driven responses was investigated by analyzing >47.000 transcripts of monocytes from healthy male volunteers stimulated with BmA, Escherichia coli LPS or a sequential stimulation of both. In comparison to ~2200 differentially expressed genes in LPS-only stimulated monocytes, only a limited number of differentially expressed genes were identified upon BmA priming before LPS re-stimulation with only PTX3↓ reaching statistical significance after correcting for multiple testing. Nominal significant differences were reached for metallothioneins↑, MMP9↑, CXCL5/ENA-78↑, CXCL6/GCP-2↑, TNFRSF21↓, and CCL20/MIP3α↓ and were confirmed by qPCR or ELISA. Flow cytometric analysis of activation markers revealed a reduced LPS-induced expression of HLA-DR and CD86 on BmA-primed monocytes as well as a reduced apoptosis of BmA-stimulated monocytes. While our experimental design does not allow a stringent extrapolation of our results to the development of filarial pathology, several genes that were identified in BmA-primed monocytes had previously been associated with filarial pathology, supporting the need for further research.
Mediation Effect of Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Angkananard Teeranan , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , Ingsathit Atiporn , McEvoy Mark , Silapat Kongpop , Attia John , Sritara Piyamitr , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: February 2019

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory biomarker, is associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs), but its causal pathway is unknown. We aimed to explore the extent to which NLR is directly associated with CVEs or mediated through diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) and creatinine (Cr). The study used data on 2,501 subjects from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand cohort 2002–2012. Two causal pathways A: NLR→(DM→Cr→HT)→CVEs and B: NLR→(DM → HT→Cr)→CVEs were constructed. A generalized structural equation model and 1,000-replication bootstrapping were applied. The incidence rate of CVE was 8.8/1000/year. Prevalence rates of HT, DM, and chronic kidney disease were 45.1%, 23.6%, and 16.5%, respectively. The total effect of NLR on CVEs was explained partly (44%) by a direct effect and partly (56%) by an indirect effect through DM, HT and Cr. For pathway A, the direct OR of NLR on CVE was 1.25 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.39); the ORs for the indirect effects of NLR on CVEs mediated through DM, Cr, and poor-controlled HT were 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.11), 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.02), and 1.07 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.14) respectively. Results were similar for pathway B. Our findings demonstrate that roughly half of the relationship between NLR and CVEs may be mediated through DM, HT and Cr.
Above and belowground community strategies respond to different global change drivers
Authors: Adair Karen L. , Lindgreen Stinus , Poole Anthony M. , Young Laura M. , Bernard-Verdier Maud , Wardle David A. , Tylianakis Jason M.
Published: February 2019

Environmental changes alter the diversity and structure of communities. By shifting the range of species traits that will be successful under new conditions, environmental drivers can also dramatically impact ecosystem functioning and resilience. Above and belowground communities jointly regulate whole-ecosystem processes and responses to change, yet they are frequently studied separately. To determine whether these communities respond similarly to environmental changes, we measured taxonomic and trait-based responses of plant and soil microbial communities to four years of experimental warming and nitrogen deposition in a temperate grassland. Plant diversity responded strongly to N addition, whereas soil microbial communities responded primarily to warming, likely via an associated decrease in soil moisture. These above and belowground changes were associated with selection for more resource-conservative plant and microbe growth strategies, which reduced community functional diversity. Functional characteristics of plant and soil microbial communities were weakly correlated (P = 0.07) under control conditions, but not when above or belowground communities were altered by either global change driver. These results highlight the potential for global change drivers operating simultaneously to have asynchronous impacts on above and belowground components of ecosystems. Assessment of a single ecosystem component may therefore greatly underestimate the whole-system impact of global environmental changes.
Anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX) versus plate fixation for pelvic anterior ring fracture
Authors: Yin Yingchao , Luo Junhao , Zhang Ruipeng , Li Shilun , Jiao Zhenqing , Zhang Yingze , Hou Zhiyong
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes in patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures after treatment with anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX) or plate fixation. We performed a retrospective study from August 2015 to October 2017. A consecutive series of 74 patients who underwent surgical treatment of their anterior pelvic ring (35 treated with INFIX and 39 treated with plates) were studied. Data collected included patients’ demographic data, injury severity score (ISS), AO/OTA classification, injury mechanism, time to surgery, procedure time, and blood loss. The quality of postoperative reduction were assessed by postoperative radiographs using the Tornetta and Matta method. Functional outcome was evaluated using Majeed scoring system. In the INFIX group, ten patients developed LFCN paralysis, one patient suffered from superficial infection. Three screw loosening cases and two wound infection cases occurred in the plate group. INFIX is relatively minimally invasive and time-saving than the reconstruction plate in the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fracture. However, plate fixation increases the rate of anatomic reduction of the pelvic anterior ring fracture. Plates also provide a higher functional outcome compared with INFIX. INFIX is especially suitable in patients with urological injury, which can also decrease the wound infection rate.
Odorant ligands for the CO2 receptor in two Anopheles vectors of malaria
Authors: Coutinho-Abreu Iliano V. , Sharma Kavita , Cui Liwang , Yan Guiyun , Ray Anandasankar
Published: February 2019

Exhaled CO2 is an important host-seeking cue for Anopheles mosquitoes, which is detected by a highly conserved heteromeric receptor consisting of three 7-transmembrane proteins Gr22, Gr23, and Gr24. The CO2 receptor neuron has been shown to also respond sensitively to a variety of odorants in Aedes aegypti. The detection of CO2 is important for upwind navigation and for enhancing the attraction to body heat as well as to skin odorants. The orthologs of the CO2 receptor proteins are present in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes like Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles sinensis. Activators and inhibitors of the CO2-neuron were tested on the maxillary palps in these two species by single-sensillum electrophysiology. The electrophysiological testing of three prolonged-activator odorants identified originally in Aedes aegypti also showed varying ability to reduce the CO2-ellicited increase in spikes. These findings provide a foundation for comparing the functional conservation with the evolutionary conservation of an important class of odorant receptor. The identification of a suite of natural odorants that can be used to modify the CO2-detection pathway may also contribute to odor-blends that can alter the behavior of these disease transmitting mosquitoes.
How an ancient, salt-tolerant fruit crop, Ficus carica L., copes with salinity: a transcriptome analysis
Authors: Vangelisti Alberto , Zambrano Liceth Solorzano , Caruso Giovanni , Macheda Desiré , Bernardi Rodolfo , Usai Gabriele , Mascagni Flavia , Giordani Tommaso , Gucci Riccardo , Cavallini Andrea , Natali Lucia
Published: February 2019

Although Ficus carica L. (fig) is one of the most resistant fruit tree species to salinity, no comprehensive studies are currently available on its molecular responses to salinity. Here we report a transcriptome analysis of F. carica cv. Dottato exposed to 100 mM sodium chloride for 7 weeks, where RNA-seq analysis was performed on leaf samples at 24 and 48 days after the beginning of salinization; a genome-derived fig transcriptome was used as a reference. At day 24, 224 transcripts were significantly up-regulated and 585 were down-regulated, while at day 48, 409 genes were activated and 285 genes were repressed. Relatively small transcriptome changes were observed after 24 days of salt treatment, showing that fig plants initially tolerate salt stress. However, after an early down-regulation of some cell functions, major transcriptome changes were observed after 48 days of salinity. Seven weeks of 100 mM NaCl dramatically changed the repertoire of expressed genes, leading to activation or reactivation of many cell functions. We also identified salt-regulated genes, some of which had not been previously reported to be involved in plant salinity responses. These genes could be potential targets for the selection of favourable genotypes, through breeding or biotechnology, to improve salt tolerance in fig or other crops.
Earliness Per Se by Temperature Interaction on Wheat Development
Authors: Ochagavía Helga , Prieto Paula , Zikhali Meluleki , Griffiths Simon , Slafer Gustavo A.
Published: February 2019

Differences in time to heading that remain after photoperiod and vernalisation requirements have been saturated are classified as earliness per se (Eps) effects. It has been commonly assumed that Eps genes are purely constitutive and independent of environment, although the likely effect of temperature on Eps effects in hexaploid wheat has never been tested. We grew four near isogenic lines (NILs) for the Eps gene located in chromosome 1D (Eps-D1) at 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 °C. In line with expectations we found that lines carrying the Eps-late allele were always later than those with Eps-early alleles. But in addition, we reported for the first time that the magnitude of the effect increased with decreasing temperature: an Eps x temperature interaction in hexaploid wheat. Variation in heading time due to Eps x temperature was associated with an increase in sensitivity to temperature mainly during late reproductive phase. Moreover, we showed that Eps alleles exhibited differences in cardinal (base, optimum, maximum) temperatures and that the expression of ELF3, (the likely candidate for Eps-D1) also interacted with temperature.
Attenuated beta rebound to proprioceptive afferent feedback in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Vinding Mikkel C. , Tsitsi Panagiota , Piitulainen Harri , Waldthaler Josefine , Jousmäki Veikko , Ingvar Martin , Svenningsson Per , Lundqvist Daniel
Published: February 2019

Motor symptoms are defining traits in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). A crucial component in motor function is the integration of afferent proprioceptive sensory feedback. Previous studies have indicated abnormal movement-related cortical oscillatory activity in PD, but the role of the proprioceptive afference on abnormal oscillatory activity in PD has not been elucidated. We examine the cortical oscillations in the mu/beta-band (8–30 Hz) in the processing of proprioceptive stimulation in PD patients, ON/OFF levodopa medication, as compared to that of healthy controls (HC). We used a proprioceptive stimulator that generated precisely controlled passive movements of the index finger and measured the induced cortical oscillatory responses following the proprioceptive stimulation using magnetoencephalography. Both PD patients and HC showed a typical beta-band desynchronization during the passive movement. However, the subsequent beta rebound after the passive movement that was almost absent in PD patients compared to HC. Furthermore, we found no difference in the degree of beta rebound attenuation between patients ON and OFF levodopa medication. The results demonstrate a disease-related deterioration in cortical processing of proprioceptive afference in PD.
MoS2-Catalyzed transamidation reaction
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Lesong , Ma Juan , Gong Hang
Published: February 2019

The MoS2-catalyzed transamidation reaction with high yields using N,N-dimethylformamide and other amides as carbonyl sources is developed here. The protocol is simple, does not require any additive such as acid, base, ligand, etc., and encompasses a broad substrate scope for primary, secondary and heterocyclic amines. Moreover, the acetylation and propanylation of amines also can be achieved with good to excellent yield by this strategy.
COA-Cl (2-Cl-C.OXT-A) can promote coronary collateral development following acute myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Nishikido Toshiyuki , Oyama Jun-ichi , Shiraki Aya , Tsukamoto Ikuko , Igarashi Junsuke , Node Koichi
Published: February 2019

2-Cl-C.OXT-A (COA-Cl) is a novel nucleic acid analogue that promotes tube-forming activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The development of coronary collateral circulation is critical to rescue the ischemic myocardium and to prevent subsequent irreversible ischemic injury. We evaluated whether COA-Cl can promote angiogenesis in ischemic tissue, reduce infarct size and preserve cardiac contractility in vivo. Mice received COA-Cl or placebo daily for three days after myocardial infarction (MI) by coronary ligation. The degree of angiogenesis in ischemic myocardium was assessed by staining endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, and measuring infarct size/area-at-risk. In mice treated with COA-Cl, enhanced angiogenesis and smaller infarct size were recognized, even given a similar area at risk. We observed increases in the protein expression levels of VEGF and in the protein phosphorylation level of eNOS. In addition, the heart weight to body weight ratio and myocardial fibrosis in COA-Cl mice were decreased on Day 7. Administration of COA-Cl after MI promotes angiogenesis, which is associated with reduced infarct size and attenuated cardiac remodeling. This may help to prevent heart failure due to cardiac dysfunction after MI.
Continuous shear stress alters metabolism, mass-transport, and growth in electroactive biofilms independent of surface substrate transport
Authors: Jones A-Andrew D. , Buie Cullen R.
Published: February 2019

Electroactive bacteria such as Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella onedensis produce electrical current during their respiration; this has been exploited in bioelectrochemical systems. These bacteria form thicker biofilms and stay more active than soluble-respiring bacteria biofilms because their electron acceptor is always accessible. In bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells, corrosion-resistant metals uptake current from the bacteria, producing power. While beneficial for engineering applications, collecting current using corrosion resistant metals induces pH stress in the biofilm, unlike the naturally occurring process where a reduced metal combines with protons released during respiration. To reduce pH stress, some bioelectrochemical systems use forced convection to enhance mass transport of both nutrients and byproducts; however, biofilms’ small pore size limits convective transport, thus, reducing pH stress in these systems remains a challenge. Understanding how convection is necessary but not sufficient for maintaining biofilm health requires decoupling mass transport from momentum transport (i.e. fluidic shear stress). In this study we use a rotating disc electrode to emulate a practical bioelectrochemical system, while decoupling mass transport from shear stress. This is the first study to isolate the metabolic and structural changes in electroactive biofilms due to shear stress. We find that increased shear stress reduces biofilm development time while increasing its metabolic rate. Furthermore, we find biofilm health is negatively affected by higher metabolic rates over long-term growth due to the biofilm’s memory of the fluid flow conditions during the initial biofilm development phases. These results not only provide guidelines for improving performance of bioelectrochemical systems, but also reveal features of biofilm behavior. Results of this study suggest that optimized reactors may initiate operation at high shear to decrease development time before decreasing shear for steady-state operation. Furthermore, this biofilm memory discovered will help explain the presence of channels within biofilms observed in other studies.
Genome analysis of the rice coral Montipora capitata
Authors: Shumaker Alexander , Putnam Hollie M. , Qiu Huan , Price Dana C. , Zelzion Ehud , Harel Arye , Wagner Nicole E. , Gates Ruth D. , Yoon Hwan Su , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: February 2019

Corals comprise a biomineralizing cnidarian, dinoflagellate algal symbionts, and associated microbiome of prokaryotes and viruses. Ongoing efforts to conserve coral reefs by identifying the major stress response pathways and thereby laying the foundation to select resistant genotypes rely on a robust genomic foundation. Here we generated and analyzed a high quality long-read based ~886 Mbp nuclear genome assembly and transcriptome data from the dominant rice coral, Montipora capitata from Hawai’i. Our work provides insights into the architecture of coral genomes and shows how they differ in size and gene inventory, putatively due to population size variation. We describe a recent example of foreign gene acquisition via a bacterial gene transfer agent and illustrate the major pathways of stress response that can be used to predict regulatory components of the transcriptional networks in M. capitata. These genomic resources provide insights into the adaptive potential of these sessile, long-lived species in both natural and human influenced environments and facilitate functional and population genomic studies aimed at Hawaiian reef restoration and conservation.
Magnetic tunneling with CNT-based metamaterial
Authors: Kletetschka Gunther , Inoue Yoku , Lindauer Jan , Hůlka Zdeněk
Published: February 2019

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) fabricated by chemical vapor deposition contain magnetic nanoparticles. While increasing frequency of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure (up to <10 kHz) of MWCNTs resulted in slight induced magnetization decrease due to skin effect of the conducting carbon, we discovered that higher frequencies (>10 kHz) contained an exponential magnetization increase. We show that puzzling magnetization increase with decreasing magnetic field amplitude (less than 0.5 A/m for 512 kHz) is due to matching the field amplitudes of the magnetic nanoparticles inside nanotubes. This observation reveals a possibility of magnetic tunneling in MWCNTs (change of magnetic state of blocked magnetic moments). This interpretation is supported by observation of unblocking larger magnetic remanence (MR) portion from MWCNTs with progressively smaller amplitude of oscillating magnetic field.
Peripheral T cell cytotoxicity predicts T cell function in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Iwahori Kota , Shintani Yasushi , Funaki Soichiro , Yamamoto Yoko , Matsumoto Mitsunobu , Yoshida Tetsuya , Morimoto-Okazawa Akiko , Kawashima Atsunari , Sato Eiichi , Gottschalk Stephen , Okumura Meinoshin , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Wada Hisashi
Published: February 2019

Cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, exerts beneficial effects in cancer patients. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors are only advantageous for a limited population of cancer patients. Therefore, companion diagnostics are needed in order to identify patients for whom these therapies are effective. In the present study, we evaluated detailed immunological aspects in clinical specimens from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We analyzed the immune profiles, T cell cytotoxicity, and TCR repertoire of peripheral blood, normal lung tissue, and tumor tissue from NSCLC patients. By using bispecific T-cell engager technology to assess the cytotoxicity of T cells, we found that the cytotoxicity of tumor-infiltrated T cells closely correlated with that of peripheral T cells. This correlation was supported by the immune profiles, cytokine production, and results of the TCR repertoire analysis from these specimens. We also found that the cytotoxicity of peripheral T cells has potential as a predictor of the effects of nivolumab in the tumor microenvironment. These results imply further applications to blood-based immune monitoring systems and predictive biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy.
Effects of ultraviolet treatment and alendronate immersion on osteoblast-like cells and human gingival fibroblasts cultured on titanium surfaces
Authors: Jeon Changjoo , Oh Kyung Chul , Park Kyu-Hyung , Moon Hong Seok
Published: February 2019

In this study, we evaluated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) treatment and alendronate (ALN) immersion on the proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured on titanium surfaces. MG-63 cells were used for sandblasted, large grit, and acid-etched (SLA) titanium surfaces, and HGFs were used for machined (MA) titanium surfaces. SLA and MA specimens were subdivided into four groups (n = 12) according to the combination of surface treatments (UV treatment and/or ALN immersion) applied. After culturing MG-63 cells and HGFs on titanium discs, cellular morphology, proliferation, and differentiation were evaluated. The results revealed that UV treatment of titanium surfaces did not alter the proliferation of MG-63 cells; however, HGF differentiation and adhesion were increased in response to UV treatment. In contrast, ALN immersion of titanium discs reduced MG-63 cell proliferation and changed HGFs into a more atrophic form. Simultaneous application of UV treatment and ALN immersion induced greater differentiation of MG-63 cells. Within the limitations of this cellular level study, simultaneous application of UV treatment and ALN immersion of titanium surfaces was shown to improve the osseointegration of titanium implants; in addition, UV treatment may be used to enhance mucosal sealing of titanium abutments.
The crystal structure of the chitinase ChiA74 of Bacillus thuringiensis has a multidomain assembly
Authors: Juárez-Hernández Estefania O. , Casados-Vázquez Luz E. , Brieba Luis G. , Torres-Larios Alfredo , Jimenez-Sandoval Pedro , Barboza-Corona José E.
Published: February 2019

There is no structural information about any chitinase synthesized by Bacillus thuringiensis, the most successful microbial insect larvicide used worldwide. In this study, we solved the 3D structure of the chitinase ChiA74 at 2.26 Å. The crystal structure shows that ChiA74 is composed of a modular arrangement formed by (i) a catalytic region (CD), (ii) a chitinase insertion domain (CID), (iii) a fibronectin type III domain (FnIII), and (iv) a chitin binding domain (CBD). The location of the CBD with respect to the CD has no structural similarity to other chitinases with known structures. The activity of a ChiA74 lacking its secretion signal peptide (ChiA74Δsp) and a truncated version lacking its CBD/FnIII domains (ChiA74Δsp-50) did not have statistical differences in activity against colloidal chitin. However, ChiA74Δsp exhibits 4.5 and 2.0 higher activity than versions lacking the CBD (ChiA74Δsp-60) and CBD/FnIII domains (ChiA74Δsp-50), respectively, when crystalline chitin was used as substrate. Our data suggest that the CBD might plays a significant role in crystalline chitin hydrolysis. We also demonstrated the importance of the catalytic E211 in the CD, as mutants ChiA74ΔspE211N and ChiA74ΔspD207N, E211N were inactive against colloidal and crystalline chitins, chitosan and 4-MU-GlcNAc3. ChiA74 has a processive activity producing oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization (DP) of 1 (GlcNAc) and 2 (GlcNAc2).
Goat and buffalo milk fat globule membranes exhibit better effects at inducing apoptosis and reduction the viability of HT-29 cells
Authors: Ji Xiaoxi , Xu Weili , Cui Jie , Ma Ying , Zhou Shaobo
Published: February 2019

Bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has shown many health benefits, however, there has not been much study on non-cattle MFGMs. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-proliferation effects and investigate the mechanisms of MFGMs from bovine, goat, buffalo, yak and camel milk in HT-29 cells. Results showed that protein content in MFGM of yak milk is the highest among five MFGM. All MFGMs reduced cellular viability which was in agreement with cell morphology and apoptosis. However, the number of cells in S-phase from 24 h to 72 h was increased significantly by treatment with goat, buffalo and bovine MFGMs (100 μg/mL), but not yak and camel. All MFGMs treatment significantly reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (with an order of goat > buffalo > bovine > camel > yak) and Bcl-2 expression, but increased the expression of both Bax and Caspase-3. Taken together, the results indicate that all MFGMs, especially goat and buffalo MFGMs, showed better effects at inducing apoptosis and reduction the viability of HT-29 cells. The mechanism might be arresting the cell cycle at S phase, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and increase of Bax and Caspase-3 expression.
Absence of Global Stress Regulation in Escherichia coli Promotes Pathoadaptation and Novel c-di-GMP-dependent Metabolic Capability
Authors: Zlatkov Nikola , Uhlin Bernt Eric
Published: February 2019

Pathoadaptive mutations linked to c-di-GMP signalling were investigated in neonatal meningitis-causing Escherichia coli (NMEC). The results indicated that NMEC strains deficient in RpoS (the global stress regulator) maintained remarkably low levels of c-di-GMP, a major bacterial sessility-motility switch. Deletion of ycgG2, shown here to encode a YcgG allozyme with c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase activity, and the restoration of RpoS led to a decrease in S-fimbriae, robustly produced in artificial urine, hinting that the urinary tract could serve as a habitat for NMEC. We showed that NMEC were skilled in aerobic citrate utilization in the presence of glucose, a property that normally does not exist in E. coli. Our data suggest that this metabolic novelty is a property of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli since we reconstituted this ability in E. coli UTI89 (a cystitis isolate) via deactivation rpoS; additionally, a set of pyelonephritis E. coli isolates were shown here to aerobically use citrate in the presence of glucose. We found that the main reason for this metabolic capability is RpoS inactivation leading to the production of the citrate transporter CitT, exploited by NMEC for ferric citrate uptake dependent on YcgG2 (an allozyme with c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase activity).
Polymorphism A118G of opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) is associated with emergence of suicidal ideation at antidepressant onset in a large naturalistic cohort of depressed outpatients
Authors: Nobile B. , Ramoz N. , Jaussent I. , Gorwood Ph , Olié E. , Castroman J. Lopez , Guillaume S. , Courtet Ph
Published: February 2019

Antidepressants have been the object of an international controversy for about thirty years. Some patients are inclined to develop suicidal ideation (SI) at antidepressant onset; this phenomenon is known as Treatment Emergent Suicidal Ideation (TESI), and it has conducted regulatory bodies to prompt warnings on antidepressants. Since, few studies have explored the pharmacogenomics of TESI. Given the growing body of evidence connecting the opioidergic system with suicidal behavior (particularly mu opioid receptor (MOR)), we decided to examine the relationship between two genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) in the opioidergic system and TESI in a sample of 3566 adult depressed outpatients. General practitioners and psychiatrists throughout France followed participants for 6 weeks after an initial prescription of tianeptine, an antidepressant treatment with mu agonism. Suicidal ideation was assessed with the item 10 of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (item dedicated to SI) at baseline, and after 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. We analysed rs1799971 from the OPRM1 gene and rs105660 from the OPRK1 gene. Within the sample, 112 patients reported TESI while 384 did not. We found a significant association between AA genotype of rs1799971 and TESI even after adjustment for potential cofounders (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = [1.07; 3.49]; p-value = 0.03). On the other hand there were no significant association between rs1799971 and rs105560 with worsening of suicidal ideation or lifetime suicide attempts. Nevertheless, our results suggest a possible involvement of opioidergic system in TESI.
Phylostratigraphic analysis of gene co-expression network reveals the evolution of functional modules for ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Luoyan , Tan Yi , Fan Shoujin , Zhang Xuejie , Zhang Zhen
Published: February 2019

Ovarian cancer (OV) is an extremely lethal disease. However, the evolutionary machineries of OV are still largely unknown. Here, we used a method that combines phylostratigraphy information with gene co-expression networks to extensively study the evolutionary compositions of OV. The present co-expression network construction yielded 18,549 nodes and 114,985 edges based on 307 OV expression samples obtained from the Genome Data Analysis Centers database. A total of 20 modules were identified as OV related clusters. The human genome sequences were divided into 19 phylostrata (PS), the majority (67.45%) of OV genes was already present in the eukaryotic ancestor. There were two strong peaks of the emergence of OV genes screened by hypergeometric test: the evolution of the multicellular metazoan organisms (PS5 and PS6,P value = 0.002) and the emergence of bony fish (PS11 and PS12,P value = 0.009). Hence, the origin of OV is far earlier than its emergence. The integrated analysis of the topology of OV modules and the phylogenetic data revealed an evolutionary pattern of OV in human, namely, OV modules have arisen step by step during the evolution of the respective lineages. New genes have evolved and become locked into a pathway, where more and more biological pathways are fixed into OV modules by recruiting new genes during human evolution.
Multi-column ultra-high performance liquid chromatography screening with chaotropic agents and computer-assisted separation modeling enables process development of new drug substances
Authors: Haidar Ahmad Imad A. , Chen Wenyong , Halsey Holst M. , Klapars Artis , Limanto John , Pirrone Gregory F. , Nowak Timothy , Bennett Raffeal , Hartman Robert , Makarov Alexey A. , Mangion Ian , Regalado Erik L.
Published: February 2019

Streamlined workflow for method development and optimization.
A fibrinous and allogeneic fibroblast-enriched membrane as a biocompatible material can improve diabetic wound healing
Authors: Kouhbananinejad Seyedeh Mehrnaz , Derakhshani Ali , Vahidi Reza , Dabiri Shahriar , Fatemi Ahmad , Armin Farzaneh , Farsinejad Alireza
Published: February 2019

The novel fibroblast-loaded fibrin membrane was prepared to promote diabetic wound healing.
Constructing and finely tuning the CO2 traps of stable and various-pore-containing MOFs towards highly selective CO2 capture
Authors: Song Xiaohui , Zhang Mingxing , Duan Jingui , Bai Junfeng
Published: February 2019

Finely tuning the CO2 traps of MOFs led to the formation of a novel MOF, NJU-Bai51, with highly selective CO2 adsorption and chemical stability.
Pd-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation of alkynes with aliphatic amines and its mechanism study
Authors: Wang Dong-Liang , Guo Wen-Di , Liu Lei , Zhou Qing , Liang Wen-Yu , Lu Yong , Liu Ye
Published: February 2019

This work describes the hydroaminocarbonylation of alkynes with aliphatic amines free of any acid additive.
Comment on “Revisiting the carrageenan controversy: do we really understand the digestive fate and safety of carrageenan in our foods?” by S. David, C. S. Levi, L. Fahoum, Y. Ungar, E. G. Meyron-Holtz, A. Shpigelman and U. Lesmes, Food Funct., 2018, 9, 1344–1352
Authors: Weiner Myra L. , McKim James M.
Published: February 2019

Carrageenan (CGN) is a polysaccharide that is found in various types of sea weed.
Glycemic effects following the consumption of mixed soy protein isolate and alginate beverages in healthy adults
Authors: Huang Zhaozhi , Wang Yun , Shafer Rebecca , Winn Nathan C. , Kanaley Jill A. , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: February 2019

Developing mixed soy protein and fiber beverages with reduced postprandial glucose response.
Zeaxanthin promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and adipocyte browning via AMPKα1 activation
Authors: Liu Meihong , Zheng Mingzhu , Cai Dan , Xie Jiahan , Jin Zhibo , Liu Huimin , Liu Jingsheng
Published: February 2019

Zeaxanthin (ZEA) increased UCP1 expression and promoted the expression of brown adipogenic markers and mitochondrial biogenesis, which involved the AMPKα1 activation.
Synthesis of a ZIF-derived hollow yolk–shell Co@CN catalyst for the oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Sun Kang-kang , Chen Shu-jie , Li Ze-lin , Lu Guo-ping , Cai Chun
Published: February 2019

A ZIF-derived hollow yolk–shell Co@CN catalyst is synthesized for the oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Intensity-modulated nanoplasmonic interferometric sensor for MMP-9 detection
Authors: Qian Yifeng , Zeng Xie , Gao Yongkang , Li Hang , Kumar Sushil , Gan Qiaoqiang , Cheng Xuanhong , Bartoli Filbert J.
Published: February 2019

Nanoplasmonic interferometric imagers successfully detect MMP-9 in supernatant, demonstrating the potential for multiplexed sensing for cell function analysis.
Effects of pore structure of MgO-templated mesoporous carbon on its supported Pt catalysts for reductive alkylation of p-aminodiphenylamine with methyl isobutyl ketone
Authors: Yu Wenlong , Yu Shitao , Ding Junwei , Cheng Qiuzhen , Liu Fusheng
Published: February 2019

Mesoporous carbon (MC) was prepared by the nano-MgO template method and used as a support for the preparation of a Pt-based reductive alkylation catalyst.
Reusable and removable PmPD/PVA membrane for effective Cr(vi) adsorption and reduction
Authors: Chen Yao , Xu Shihao , Han Shuai , Chu Suyun , Yang Liang , Jiang Changlong
Published: February 2019

The PmPD/PVA membranes with facile reusability for and highly effective removal of Cr(vi).
Electric field interference and bimodal particle translocation in nano-integrated multipores
Authors: Tsutsui Makusu , Yokota Kazumichi , Nakada Tomoko , Arima Akihide , Tonomura Wataru , Taniguchi Masateru , Washio Takashi , Kawai Tomoji
Published: February 2019

Parallel integration of multiple channels is a fundamental strategy for high-throughput particle detection in solid-state nanopores wherein understanding and control of crosstalk is an important issue for the post resistive pulse analysis.
Temperature-responsive copolymers without compositional drift by RAFT copolymerization of 2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium chloride and 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Sofia , Charreyre Marie-Thérèse , Favier Arnaud , Baleizão Carlos , Farinha José Paulo S.
Published: February 2019

Thermoresponsive copolymers based on AEtMACl and protonated DEAEA feature RAFT copolymerization kinetics with both apparent reactivity ratios of about 1.
Triazine based polyimide framework derived N-doped porous carbons: a study of their capacitive behaviour in aqueous acidic electrolyte
Authors: Deka Namrata , Patidar Rajesh , Kasthuri S. , Venkatramaiah N. , Dutta Gitish K.
Published: February 2019

Nitrogen-doped porous carbons have been synthesized from triazine based polyimide frameworks using ZnCl2 as an activating agent for electrochemical energy storage.
Crystal phase content-dependent functionality of dual phase SnO2–WO3nanocomposite filmsviacosputtering crystal growth
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Chao Yu
Published: February 2019

In this study, crystalline SnO2–WO3nanocomposite thin films were grown through radio-frequency cosputtering of metallic Sn and ceramic WO3targets.
Synthesis and properties of zeolite/N-doped porous carbon for the efficient removal of chemical oxygen demand and ammonia-nitrogen from aqueous solution
Authors: Xin Guangzhi , Wang Min , Chen Lin , Zhang Yuzhou , Wang Meicheng , Jiang Wenju , Chen Yao
Published: February 2019

A novel adsorbent zeolite/N-doped porous activated carbon (ZAC) was prepared by the synthesis of zeolite and mesoporous carbon to remove ammonia nitrogen (NH4+–N) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from aqueous solution.
Microwave synthesised Pd–TiO2 for photocatalytic ammonia production
Authors: Walls Jake M. , Sagu Jagdeep S. , Upul Wijayantha K. G.
Published: February 2019

A rapid 3 minute one-pot microwave synthesis of Pd–TiO2 showing improved activity for photocatalytic nitrate reduction into ammonia.
Enhanced oxygen evolution reaction on amine functionalized graphene oxide in alkaline medium
Authors: Sapner Vijay S. , Mulik Balaji B. , Digraskar Renuka V. , Narwade Shankar S. , Sathe Bhaskar R.
Published: February 2019

Metal free tyramine functionalized graphene oxide (T-GO) is a promising electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium having high activity and stability, resulting from the tyramine active sites.
Discrimination between two memory channels by molecular alloying in a doubly bistable spin crossover material
Authors: Valverde-Muñoz Francisco Javier , Seredyuk Maksym , Meneses-Sánchez Manuel , Muñoz M. Carmen , Bartual-Murgui Carlos , Real José A.
Published: February 2019

The mutual influence between spin crossover and phase transitions in a doubly bistable molecular material enables effective discrimination between two thermal memory channels through isomorphous molecular alloying.
Facile synthesis of AIEgens with wide color tunability for cellular imaging and therapy
Authors: Xu Wenhan , Lee Michelle M. S. , Zhang Zhihan , Sung Herman H. Y. , Williams Ian D. , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2019

Facile synthesis and bio-applications of a series of AIEgens with widely tunable emissions ranging from violet to near-infrared are reported.
Recent advances in lithium containing ceramic based sorbents for high-temperature CO2 capture
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gao Yanshan , Pfeiffer Heriberto , Louis Benoît , Sun Luyi , O'Hare Dermot , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2019

Recently, lithium containing ceramic based high-temperature CO2 sorbents have received tremendous attention due to their high CO2 capture capacity, low regeneration temperatures, and relatively high stability.
A thermal energy storage composite with sensing function and its thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity enhancement
Authors: Lei Hong , Fu Chunfang , Zou Yajun , Guo Shiyan , Huo Jichuan
Published: February 2019

A composite with energy storage and temperature sensing functions is expected to enable people to manage thermal energy more efficiently.
Is it possible for short peptide composed of positively- and negatively-charged “hydrophilic” amino acid residue-clusters to form metastable “hydrophobic” packing?
Authors: Nishigami Hiroshi , Kang Jiyoung , Terada Ryu-ichiro , Kino Hiori , Yamasaki Kazuhiko , Tateno Masaru
Published: February 2019

Hybrid electrostatic/hydrophobic contacts constitute metastable “hydrophobic” packing of an intrinsic disordered peptide (IDP) composed of “hydrophilic” residue clusters.
Band alignment in quantum wells from automatically tuned DFT+U
Authors: Kolesov Grigory , Lin Chungwei , Knyazev Andrew , Kojima Keisuke , Katz Joseph , Akiyama Koichi , Nakai Eiji , Kawahara Hiroyuki
Published: February 2019

Accurate band offsets in III–V zinc blende-alloy quantum wells were obtained computationally with the DFT+U method automatically tuned to reproduce bulk properties.
Controlling water exchange rates in potential Mn2+-based MRI agents derived from NO2A2−
Authors: Pujales-Paradela Rosa , Carniato Fabio , Esteban-Gómez David , Botta Mauro , Platas-Iglesias Carlos
Published: February 2019

Steric hindrance around an Mn2+ion affects dramatically the water exchange rate of a coordinated water molecule.
Reply to the Comment on “Revisiting the carrageenan controversy: do we really understand the digestive fate and safety of carrageenan in our foods?” by M. Weiner and J. McKim, Food Funct., 2019, 10: DOI: 10.1039/C8FO01282B
Authors: David Shlomit , Fahoum Lulu , Rozen Geila , Shaoul Ron , Shpigelman Avi , Meyron-Holtz Esther G. , Lesmes Uri
Published: February 2019

Diversity of food-grade carrageenan and rising levels of exposure to carrageenan mandate re-evaluation of its safety for the entire population.