bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association analysis of insomnia using data from Partners Biobank
Authors: Song Wenyu , Torous John , Kossowsky Joe , Chen Chia-Yen , Huang Hailiang , Wright Adam
Published: April 2020

Insomnia is one of the most prevalent and burdensome mental disorders worldwide, affecting between 10–20% of adults and up to 48% of the geriatric population. It is further associated with substance usage and dependence, as well other psychiatric disorders. In this study, we combined electronic health record (EHR) derived phenotypes and genotype information to conduct a genome wide analysis of insomnia in a 18,055 patient cohort. Diagnostic codes were used to identify 3,135 patients with insomnia. Our genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified one novel genomic risk locus on chromosome 8 (lead SNP rs17052966, p = 4.53 × 10−9, odds ratio = 1.28, se = 0.04). The heritability analysis indicated that common SNPs accounts for 7% (se = 0.02, p = 0.015) of phenotypic variation. We further conducted a large-scale meta-analysis of our results and summary statistics of two recent insomnia GWAS and 13 significant loci were identified. The genetic correlation analysis yielded a strong positive genetic correlation between insomnia and alcohol use (rG = 0.56, se = 0.14, p < 0.001), nicotine use (rG = 0.50, se = 0.12, p < 0.001) and opioid use (rG = 0.43, se = 0.18, p = 0.02) disorders, suggesting a significant common genetic risk factors between insomnia and substance use.
Multiple heavy metal tolerance and removal by an earthworm gut fungus Trichoderma brevicompactum QYCD-6
Authors: Zhang Ding , Yin Caiping , Abbas Naeem , Mao Zhenchuan , Zhang Yinglao
Published: April 2020

Fungal bioremediation is a promising approach to remove heavy-metal from contaminated water. Present study examined the ability of an earthworm gut fungus Trichoderma brevicompactum QYCD-6 to tolerate and remove both individual and multi-metals. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of heavy metals [Cu(II), Cr(VI), Cd(II) and Zn(II)] against the fungus was ranged 150–200 mg L−1 on composite medium, and MIC of Pb(II) was the highest with 1600 mg L−1 on potato dextrose (PD) medium. The Pb(II) presented the highest metal removal rate (97.5%) which mostly dependent on bioaccumulation with 80.0%, and synchronized with max biomass (6.13 g L−1) in PD medium. However, on the composite medium, the highest removal rate was observed for Cu(II) (64.5%). Cellular changes in fungus were reflected by TEM analysis. FTIR and solid-state NMR analyses indicated the involvement of different functional groups (amino, carbonyl, hydroxyl, et al.) in metallic biosorption. These results established that the earthworm-associated T. brevicompactum QYCD-6 was a promising fungus for the remediation of heavy-metal wastewater.
The number of metabolic features as a significant prognostic factor in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yuk Hyeong Dong , Hwang Eu Chang , Park Jae Young , Jeong Chang Wook , Song Cheryn , Seo Seong Il , Byun Seok-Soo , Kwak Cheol , Hong Sung-Hoo , Kang Minyong , Chung Jinsoo , Lee Hakmin
Published: April 2020

The effect of metabolic characteristics on the prognosis of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma remains controversial. We investigated the associations between metabolic features of each individual and disease prognosis in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Data of 1,584 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma from a multi-institutional database were retrospectively analyzed. The entire cohort was stratified into three subgroups according to how many patients had abnormal metabolic features (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and low body mass index). The Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional analyses were performed to investigate the associations between abnormal metabolic features and disease prognosis. mThere were 465 subjects without any metabolic features, 995 with one or two, and 124 with three. When the survival outcomes were compared according to the number of metabolic features, patients with higher numbers of metabolic features had significantly shorter overall and cancer-specific survival than those with fewer metabolic features (all p values <0.05). The multivariate Cox analysis showed that the number of metabolic features was an independent predictor for shorter cancer-specific and overall survival (all p values < 0.05). When performing subgroup analysis according to the cellular type, significant results were only obtained among the clear cell subtype subgroup, with the association not being significant in the non-clear cell subtype cohort. Patients with more metabolic features had significantly worse survival outcomes than those with fewer metabolic features. However, the association was only statistically significant in patients with clear cell-type metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Elevated O-GlcNAcylation induces an antidepressant-like phenotype and decreased inhibitory transmission in medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Cho Yoonjeong , Hwang Hongik , Rahman Md. Ataur , Chung ChiHye , Rhim Hyewhon
Published: April 2020

Depression is a devastating mental disorder affected by multiple factors that can have genetic, environmental, or metabolic causes. Although previous studies have reported an association of dysregulated glucose metabolism with depression, its underlying mechanism remains elusive at the molecular level. A small percentage of glucose is converted into uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) via the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, which serves as an immediate donor for protein O-GlcNAc modification. O-GlcNAcylation is a particularly common post-translational modification (PTM) in the brain, and the functional significance of O-GlcNAcylation in neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively reported. However, whether the degree of O-GlcNAc modification is associated with depressive disorder has not been examined. In this study, we show that increased O-GlcNAcylation levels reduce inhibitory synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and that Oga+/− mice with chronically elevated O-GlcNAcylation levels exhibit an antidepressant-like phenotype. Moreover, we found that virus-mediated expression of OGA in the mPFC restored both antidepressant-like behavior and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Therefore, our results suggest that O-GlcNAc modification in the mPFC plays a significant role in regulating antidepressant-like behavior, highlighting that the modulation of O-GlcNAcylation levels in the brain may serve as a novel therapeutic candidate for antidepressants.
Construction and analysis for differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Song Ning , Li Xiang-Mei , Luo Jun-Yi , Zhai Hui , Zhao Qian , Zhou Xin-Rong , Liu Fen , Zhang Xue-He , Gao Xiao-Ming , Li Xiao-Mei , Yang Yi-Ning
Published: April 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides. Some lncRNAs are related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and can serve as blood-based biomarkers for AMI detection. To identify whether new lncRNAs participate in AMI, the expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs was analysed by microarray analysis (Agilent human array) with the limma package in R in two series: five paired peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples and four paired plasma samples from different AMI patients. In PBMCs, a total of 2677 upregulated and 458 downregulated lncRNAs were significantly differentially expressed; additionally, 1168 mRNAs were upregulated and 1334 mRNAs were downregulated between the AMI patients and controls. In plasma, we found 41 upregulated and 51 downregulated lncRNAs that were differentially expressed, as well as 9 mRNAs that were upregulated and 9 mRNAs that were downregulated among the two groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed using the clusterProfiler package in R, and differentially expressed mRNAs were functionally annotated. The top differentially expressed mRNAs were associated with circadian rhythm, the NF-kB pathway, the p53 pathway and the metabolism pathway. We further performed target gene prediction and coexpression analysis and revealed the interrelationships among the significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. The expression of four lncRNAs (uc002ddj.1, NR_047662, ENST00000581794.1 and ENST00000509938.1) was validated in the newly diagnosed AMI and control groups by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Our study demonstrated that the clustered expression of lncRNAs between PBMCs and plasma showed tremendous differences. The newly screened lncRNAs may play indispensable roles in the development of AMI, although their biological functions need to be further validated.
Determination of natural radioactivity in products of animals fed with grass: A case study for Kars Region, Turkey
Authors: Bilgici Cengiz Gülçin
Published: April 2020

In this research, the activity concentrations of 40 K, 232Th and 226Ra in 41 grass samples collected from Kars region, Turkey, were determined using gamma ray spectrometry. Natural radioactivity concentrations in animal food products were calculated based on activity concentrations of these radionuclides in pasture-grass samples and dry-grass consumption of animals. The average annual effective dose from these radionuclides for local consumers due to indirect ingestion of cow milk, sheep milk, poultry, mutton and beef consumption have been calculated as 9.01, 0.24, 1.76, 0.38 and 5.25 µSv y-1, respectively. Furthermore, the calculated average annual effective dose values for adults are within the values found in other countries worldwide. These results show that animal products can be safe for human consumption in terms of radiation exposure due to the natural radionuclides studied.
Whole-Genome Analysis of Cervical Human Papillomavirus Type 35 from rural Zimbabwean Women
Authors: Fitzpatrick Megan B. , Hahn Zoe , Mandishora Racheal S. Dube , Dao Jenny , Weber Jenna , Huang ChunHong , Sahoo Malaya K. , Katzenstein David A. , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: April 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types differ by geographic location and the ethnicity of the human host, which may have implications for carcinogenicity. HPV35 is one of the least frequently identified high-risk types in North America and Europe but was the most common high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection in a cohort in rural Zimbabwe. Whole genome analysis is limited for HPV35; no such studies have been performed in Zimbabwe. Of 648 women in the initial cohort in Zimbabwe, 19 (19/648, 2.9%) tested positive for HPV35, and eight samples were successfully sequenced for HPV35. The maximum number of sequence variants for the whole genome was 58 nucleotides (0.7%) compared to the prototype (58/7879). The maximum number of sequence variants in E6 and E7 was 3 (3/450, 0.7%) 2 (2/300, 0.7%), respectively. These are the first HPV35 whole genome sequences from Zimbabwe, and these data further lend support to the carcinogenicity of HPV35 despite limited sequence heterogeneity. Further studies to determine carcinogenic effects and impact of HPV vaccinations are warranted, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Comparison of tick-borne pathogen prevalence in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in urban areas of Europe
Authors: Grochowska Anna , Milewski Robert , Pancewicz Sławomir , Dunaj Justyna , Czupryna Piotr , Milewska Anna Justyna , Róg-Makal Magdalena , Grygorczuk Sambor , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna
Published: April 2020

Tick-borne diseases are a major threat to human and animal health. An increasing number of natural habitats have been transformed into urban areas by human activity; hence, the number of reported tick bites in urban and suburban areas has risen. This retrospective analysis evaluated 53 scientific reports concerning infections of Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from urban and suburban areas of Europe between 1991 and 2017. The results indicate significant differences in many variables, including a higher number of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in Eastern Europe than in Western Europe. The opposite result was observed for Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis infections. A comparison of climate zones revealed that Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infections have the greatest median incidence rate in subtropical climate zones. No statistical significance was found when comparing other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), such as Borrelia miyamotoi, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis. The analysis also showed significant differences in the overall prevalence of TBPs according to average temperatures and rainfall across Europe. This retrospective study contributes to the knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of TBPs in urbanized areas of Europe and their dependence on the habitats and geographical distributions of ticks. Due to the increased risk of tick bites, it is of great importance to investigate infections in ticks from urban and suburban areas.
The optimal spatial noise for continuous flash suppression masking is pink
Authors: Drewes Jan , Zhu Weina , Melcher David
Published: April 2020

A basic question in cognitive neuroscience is how sensory stimuli are processed within and outside of conscious awareness. In the past decade, CFS has become the most popular tool for investigating unconscious visual processing, although the exact nature of some of the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we investigate which kind of random noise is optimal for CFS masking, and whether the addition of visible edges to noise patterns affects suppression duration. We tested noise patterns of various density as well as composite patterns with added edges, and classic Mondrian masks as well as phase scrambled (edgeless) Mondrian masks for comparison. We find that spatial pink noise (1/F noise) achieved the longest suppression of the tested random noises, however classic Mondrian masks are still significantly more effective in terms of suppression duration. Further analysis reveals that global contrast and general spectral similarity between target and mask cannot account for this difference in effectiveness.
The high protein expression of FOXO3, but not that of FOXO1, is associated with markers of good prognosis
Authors: Lallemand François , Vacher Sophie , de Koning Leanne , Petitalot Ambre , Briaux Adrien , Driouch Keltouma , Callens Céline , Schnitzler Anne , Lecerf Caroline , Oulie-Bard Floriane , Barbet Aurélie , Vincent Anne , Zinn-Justin Sophie , Lopez Bernard S. , Lidereau Rosette , Bieche Ivan , Caputo Sandrine M.
Published: April 2020

To better define the role of FOXO1 and FOXO3 transcriptional factors in breast carcinogenesis, we performed a comparative study of their expression at both the RNA and protein levels in a series of human breast tumors. We used qRT-PCR assay to quantify mRNA expression and Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to quantify protein expression in 218 breast tumors from patients with known clinical/pathological status and outcome. Weak correlations were observed between mRNA and protein expressions for both FOXO1 and FOXO3 genes. High expression of FOXO3 protein, but not FOXO1 protein, was a good prognostic marker, negatively correlated with KI67 and markers of activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR oncogenic pathway, and positively correlated with p53, a marker of apoptosis. Moreover, FOXO3 protein expression, but not FOXO1 protein expression, was also negatively correlated with various proteins involved in different DNA repair mechanisms. FOXO3 protein, but not FOXO1 protein, appears to be a tumor suppressor that inhibits breast cancer by altering DNA damage response (DDR), thereby inducing p53-dependent apoptosis. This antitumor effect appears to be suppressed by excessive activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. High FOXO3 protein expression could be a biomarker of deficient DDR in breast tumors.
Facile conversion of cis into trans oxane as liquid crystals
Authors: Dong Zhaoheng , Fan Ping , Chen Qun , Chen Chen
Published: April 2020

Trans-oxanes are important liquid crystals. The commonly used techniques for the synthesis were to react 2-substituted propylene glycols with substituted formaldehydes. Such process produces toxic cis-oxanes, which are harmful to the environment. The cis to trans isomerization of wasted cis-oxanes was studied in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst. The yield of cis to trans conversion was over 70%, which was much higher than 42–69% when traditional methods were employed. The total yield of the new method was increased to 90%. Further investigation of effects of catalysts, reaction times, temperatures on the cis-trans conversion was carried out. Proposed mechanism of this process for the conversion was discussed.
Choosing the Right Differentiation Medium to Develop Mucociliary Phenotype of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Luengen Anja E. , Kniebs Caroline , Buhl Eva Miriam , Cornelissen Christian G. , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Jockenhoevel Stefan , Thiebes Anja Lena
Published: April 2020

In vitro differentiation of airway epithelium is of interest for respiratory tissue engineering and studying airway diseases. Both applications benefit from the use of primary cells to maintain a mucociliated phenotype and thus physiological functionality. Complex differentiation procedures often lack standardization and reproducibility. To alleviate these shortfalls, we compared differentiation behavior of human nasal epithelial cells in four differentiation media. Cells were differentiated at the air-liquid interface (ALI) on collagen-coated inserts. Mucociliary differentiation status after five weeks was analyzed by electron microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. The amount of ciliation was estimated and growth factor concentrations were evaluated using ELISA. We found that retinoic-acid-supplemented mixture of DMEM and Airway Epithelial Cell Growth Medium gave most promising results to obtain ciliated and mucus producing nasal epithelium in vitro. We discovered the balance between retinoic acid (RA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor β (FGF-β) to be relevant for differentiation. We could show that low VEGF, EGF and FGF-β concentrations in medium correspond to absent ciliation in specific donors. Therefore, our results may in future facilitate donor selection and non-invasive monitoring of ALI cultures and by this contribute to improved standardization of epithelial in vitro culture.
Sensory neuroprosthesis improves postural stability during Sensory Organization Test in lower-limb amputees
Authors: Charkhkar Hamid , Christie Breanne P. , Triolo Ronald J.
Published: April 2020

To maintain postural stability, unilateral lower-limb amputees (LLAs) heavily rely on visual and vestibular inputs, and somatosensory cues from their intact leg to compensate for missing somatosensory information from the amputated limb. When any of these resources are compromised, LLAs exhibit poor balance control compared to able-bodied individuals. We hypothesized that restoring somatosensation related to the missing limb via direct activation of the sensory nerves in the residuum would improve the standing stability of LLAs. We developed a closed-loop sensory neuroprosthesis utilizing non-penetrating multi-contact cuff electrodes implanted around the residual nerves to elicit perceptions of the location and intensity of plantar pressures under the prosthetic feet of two transtibial amputees. Effects of the sensory neuroprosthesis on balance were quantified with the Sensory Organization Test and other posturographic measures of sway. In both participants, the sensory neuroprosthesis improved equilibrium and sway when somatosensation from the intact leg and visual inputs were perturbed simultaneously. One participant also showed improvement with the sensory neuroprosthesis whenever somatosensation in the intact leg was compromised via perturbations of the platform. These observations suggest the sensory feedback elicited by neural stimulation can significantly improve the standing stability of LLAs, particularly when other sensory inputs are depleted or otherwise compromised.
Author Correction: The landscape of d16HER2 splice variant expression across HER2-positive cancers
Authors: Volpi Chiara Costanza , Pietrantonio Filippo , Gloghini Annunziata , Fucà Giovanni , Giordano Silvia , Corso Simona , Pruneri Giancarlo , Antista Maria , Cremolini Chiara , Fasano Elena , Saggio Serena , Faraci Simona , Di Bartolomeo Maria , de Braud Filippo , Di Nicola Massimo , Tagliabue Elda , Pupa Serenella Maria , Castagnoli Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Identifying ionic interactions within a membrane using BLaTM, a genetic tool to measure homo- and heterotypic transmembrane helix-helix interactions
Authors: Schanzenbach Christoph , Schmidt Fabian C. , Breckner Patrick , Teese Mark G. , Langosch Dieter
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Analysis of the source of aggressiveness in gamecocks
Authors: Komiyama Tomoyoshi , Yoshikawa Masanobu , Yokoyama Keiko , Kobayashi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2020

Although the fighting behaviour in gamecocks has evolved because of artificial selection, it is unknown whether the selection for aggressiveness affects neurotransmitter levels in the avian central nervous system. We sought to identify the source and origin of this trait. We collected the brain samples from 6 female Shamo gamecocks and 5 Shaver Brown chickens (control; bred for egg production). The midbrain levels of norepinephrine (NE) were significantly higher in Shamo gamecocks (P = 0.0087) than in the controls. Moreover, alleles encoding adrenergic receptors differed between the breeds in terms of response to NE. Gene mutations specific to Shamo and potentially associated with fighting behaviour were in sites T440N of ADRα1D; V296I of ADRα2A; and T44I, Q232R, and T277M of ADRβ2. The evolutionary analysis indicated that the ADRβ2 (T44I and Q232R) mutations were heritable in all Galliformes, whereas the T440N mutation of ADRα1D and V296I mutations of ADRα2A were unique to Shamo and originated by artificial selection. A high NE level may confer a selective advantage by enabling gamecocks to be aggressive and pain tolerant. Therefore, the strong fighting behaviour of Shamo has resulted from a combination of naturally inherited and mutant genes derived by artificial selection.
An MRI-Derived Neuroanatomical Atlas of the Fischer 344 Rat Brain
Authors: Goerzen Dana , Fowler Caitlin , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Germann Jurgen , Madularu Dan , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Near Jamie
Published: April 2020

This paper reports the development of a high-resolution 3-D MRI atlas of the Fischer 344 adult rat brain. The atlas is a 60 μm isotropic image volume composed of 256 coronal slices with 71 manually delineated structures and substructures. The atlas was developed using Pydpiper image registration pipeline to create an average brain image of 41 four-month-old male and female Fischer 344 rats. Slices in the average brain image were then manually segmented, individually and bilaterally, on the basis of image contrast in conjunction with Paxinos and Watson’s (2007) stereotaxic rat brain atlas. Summary statistics (mean and standard deviation of regional volumes) are reported for each brain region across the sample used to generate the atlas, and a statistical comparison of a chosen subset of regional brain volumes between male and female rats is presented. On average, the coefficient of variation of regional brain volumes across all rats in our sample was 4%, with no individual brain region having a coefficient of variation greater than 13%. A full description of methods used, as well as the atlas, the template that the atlas was derived from, and a masking file, can be found on Zenodo at www.zenodo.org/record/3700210. To our knowledge, this is the first MRI atlas created using Fischer 344 rats and will thus provide an appropriate neuroanatomical model for researchers working with this strain.
TALEN mediated gene editing in a mouse model of Fanconi anemia
Authors: Pino-Barrio Maria José , Giménez Yari , Villanueva Mariela , Hildenbeutel Marcus , Sánchez-Dominguez Rebeca , Rodríguez-Perales Sandra , Pujol Roser , Surrallés Jordi , Río Paula , Cathomen Toni , Mussolino Claudio , Bueren Juan Antonio , Navarro Susana
Published: April 2020

The promising ability to genetically modify hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by precise gene editing remains challenging due to their sensitivity to in vitro manipulations and poor efficiencies of homologous recombination. This study represents the first evidence of implementing a gene editing strategy in a murine safe harbor locus site that phenotypically corrects primary cells from a mouse model of Fanconi anemia A. By means of the co-delivery of transcription activator-like effector nucleases and a donor therapeutic FANCA template to the Mbs85 locus, we achieved efficient gene targeting (23%) in mFA-A fibroblasts. This resulted in the phenotypic correction of these cells, as revealed by the reduced sensitivity of these cells to mitomycin C. Moreover, robust evidence of targeted integration was observed in murine wild type and FA-A hematopoietic progenitor cells, reaching mean targeted integration values of 21% and 16% respectively, that were associated with the phenotypic correction of these cells. Overall, our results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a therapeutic targeted integration strategy into the mMbs85 locus, ortholog to the well-validated hAAVS1, constituting the first study of gene editing in mHSC with TALEN, that sets the basis for the use of a new safe harbor locus in mice.
A Highly Glucose Tolerant ß-Glucosidase from Malbranchea pulchella (MpBg3) Enables Cellulose Saccharification
Authors: Monteiro Lummy Maria Oliveira , Vici Ana Claudia , Pinheiro Matheus Pinto , Heinen Paulo Ricardo , de Oliveira Arthur Henrique Cavalcante , Ward Richard John , Prade Rolf Alexander , Buckeridge Marcos S. , Polizeli Maria de Lourdes Teixeira de Moraes
Published: April 2020

β-glucosidases catalyze the hydrolysis β-1,4, β-1,3 and β-1,6 glucosidic linkages from non-reducing end of short chain oligosaccharides, alkyl and aryl β-D-glucosides and disaccharides. They catalyze the rate-limiting reaction in the conversion of cellobiose to glucose in the saccharification of cellulose for second-generation ethanol production, and due to this important role the search for glucose tolerant enzymes is of biochemical and biotechnological importance. In this study we characterize a family 3 glycosyl hydrolase (GH3) β-glucosidase (Bgl) produced by Malbranchea pulchella (MpBgl3) grown on cellobiose as the sole carbon source. Kinetic characterization revealed that the MpBgl3 was highly tolerant to glucose, which is in contrast to many Bgls that are completely inhibited by glucose. A 3D model of MpBgl3 was generated by molecular modeling and used for the evaluation of structural differences with a Bgl3 that is inhibited by glucose. Taken together, our results provide new clues to understand the glucose tolerance in GH3 β-glucosidases.
Experimental Study on the Physisorption Characteristics of O2 in Coal Powder are Effected by Coal Nanopore Structure
Authors: Tan Bo , Cheng Gang , Zhu Xiaoman , Yang Xianbing
Published: April 2020

Coal is a porous medium. Oxygen molecules in the air penetrate through the pores of coal and are adsorbed on the coal surface. Low-temperature oxidation of coal then occurs, by which coal spontaneous combustion is promoted. Given this process, the authors analysed the physisorption characteristics of O2 in pulverized coal from the perspective of nanopore structure. In this study, five different kinds of coal samples (two lignites, one bituminous coal, and two anthracites) were selected, and the surface morphology, pore structure parameters and oxygen physisorption capacity of the pulverized coals were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and oxygen adsorption with chromatography (OAC), respectively. The experimental results of SEM and MIP show that with the development of coal, the surface folds increase, and the pores increase in number and shrink, which leads to the nanopores of anthracite and bituminous coal being smaller and more complex than those of lignite. The experimental results of OAC show that adsorbed oxygen is physisorbed by pulverized coal in the order lignite > bituminous coal > anthracite. Analysis of the oxygen desorption curves shows that the oxygen desorption rates of the anthracites and bituminous coal are slower than those of the lignites. The results show that the amount of oxygen physisorbed by pulverized coal is proportional to the fractal dimension of the coal pores, proportional to the pore volume of the nanoscale pores, and inversely proportional to the number of closed pores in the coal. Based on the results of the analyses mentioned above, it is important to analyse the process of coal-oxygen chemisorption and the mechanism for low-temperature oxidation of coal to prevent coal spontaneous combustion.
HIV control programs reduce HIV incidence but not HCV incidence among people who inject drugs in HaiPhong, Vietnam
Authors: Molès Jean-Pierre , Vallo Roselyne , Khue Pham Minh , Huong Duong Thi , Oanh Khuat Thi Hai , Thoa Nguyen Thi , Giang Hoang Thi , Thanh Nham Thi Tuyet , Vinh Vu Hai , Bui Thi Tuyet Anh , Peries Marianne , Arasteh Kamyar , Quillet Catherine , Feelemyer Jonathan , Michel Laurent , Jarlais Don Des , Laureillard Didier , Nagot Nicolas
Published: April 2020

In Vietnam, harm reduction programs to control HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) were implemented approximately 10 years ago. Since then, the HIV prevalence has declined in this population, however, the impact of these programs on the rate of new HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections remains unknown as high mortality can exceed the rate of new infections. We evaluated HIV and HCV incidences in a cohort of active PWID in HaiPhong in 2014, who were recruited from a community-based respondent driven sampling (RDS) survey and followed for 1 year. Only HIV-negative or HCV-negative participants not on medication assisted treatment (MAT) were eligible. HIV/HCV serology was tested at enrollment and at 32- and 64-week follow-up visits. Among 603 RDS participants, 250 were enrolled in the cohort, including 199 HIV seronegative and 99 HCV seronegative PWID. No HIV seroconversion was reported during the 206 person-years (PY) of follow-up (HIV incidence of 0/100PY, one-sided 97.5%CI:0-1.8/100 PY). Eighteen HCV seroconversions were reported for an incidence of 19.4/100 PY (95%CI;11.5-30.7). In multivariate analysis, “Injecting more than twice daily” was associated with HCV seroconversion with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.8 (95%CI;1.8–18.1). In Hai Phong, in a context that demonstrates the effectiveness of HIV control programs, the HCV incidence remains high. New strategies such as mass access to HCV treatment should be evaluated in order to tackle HCV transmission among PWID.
The IAP Antagonist SM-164 Eliminates Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone and Lung in Mice
Authors: Lei Wei , Duan Rong , Li Jinbo , Liu Xin , Huston Alissa , Boyce Brendan F. , Yao Zhenqiang
Published: April 2020

The most challenging issue for breast cancer (BC) patients is metastasis to other organs because current therapies do not prevent or eliminate metastatic BC. Here, we show that SM-164, a small molecule inhibitor, which degrades inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), eliminated early-stage metastases and reduced progression of advanced BC metastasis from MDA-MB-231 BC cells in bones and lungs of nude mice. Mechanistically, SM-164-induced BC cell death is TNFα-dependent, with TNFα produced by IL-4-polarized macrophages triggering MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis in combination with SM-164. SM-164 also inhibited expression of RANKL, which mediates interactions between metastatic BC and host microenvironment cells and induces osteoclast-mediated osteolysis. SM-164 did not kill adriamycin-resistant BC cells, while adriamycin inhibited SM-164-resistant BC cell growth, similar to parental cells. We conclude that SM-164 is a promising therapeutic agent for early stage bone and lung metastasis from triple-negative breast cancer that should be given prior to conventional chemotherapy.
NLRP3 Inflammasome is Activated in Rat Pancreatic Islets by Transplantation and Hypoxia
Authors: Lavallard Vanessa , Cottet-Dumoulin David , Wassmer Charles-Henri , Rouget Caroline , Parnaud Géraldine , Brioudes Estelle , Lebreton Fanny , Bellofatto Kevin , Berishvili Ekaterine , Berney Thierry , Bosco Domenico
Published: April 2020

Hypoxia, IL-1β production and oxidative stress are involved in islet graft dysfunction and destruction. However, the link between these events has not yet been determined in transplanted islets. The goal of this study was to determine whether NLRP3 inflammasome is responsible for IL-1β production and if it is activated by hypoxia-induced oxidative stress in transplanted islets. Rat islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient mice. At different times post-transplantation, blood samples were collected and islet grafts harvested. Rat islets were also incubated in vitro either under normoxia or hypoxia for 24 h, in the absence or presence of inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome (CASP1 inhibitor) or oxidative stress (NAC). NLRP3, CASP1, IL1B, BBC3 pro-apoptotic and BCL2 anti-apoptotic genes in transplanted and in vitro incubated islets were then studied using real time PCR. IL-1β released in the blood and in the supernatant was quantified by ELISA. Cell death was analysed by propidium iodide and Annexin-V staining. NLRP3, CASP1 and BBC3 in transplanted rat islets and IL-1β in blood transiently increased during the first days after transplantation. In islets incubated under hypoxia, NRLP3, IL1B and CASP1 and IL-1β released in supernatant increased compared to islets incubated under normoxia. These effects were prevented by the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by CASP1 or oxidative stress by NAC. However, these inhibitors did not prevent hypoxia-induced rat islet death. These data show that NLRP3 inflammasome in rat islets is transiently activated after their transplantation and induced through oxidative stress in vitro. However, NRLP3 inflammasome inhibition does not protect islet cells against hypoxia.
Understanding degradation of organic light-emitting diodes from magnetic field effects
Authors: Tanaka Masaki , Nagata Ryo , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: April 2020

The impact of magnetic field effects on the electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes is commonly used to characterize exciton dynamics such as generation, annihilation, and performance degradation. However, interpreting these effects is challenging. Here, we show that magnetic field effects in organic light-emitting diodes can be understood in terms of the magnetic response of device characteristics derived from polaron-pair and triplet exciton quenching processes, such as triplet-polaron interactions and triplet-triplet annihilation. Device degradation shows a clear relationship with the amplitude of the magnetic field effects, enabling non-destructive measurement of the degradation. The results and proposed mechanism provide a better understanding of magnetic field effects on organic light-emitting diodes and device degradation phenomena.
Photocarrier relaxation pathways in selenium quantum dots and their application in UV-Vis photodetection
Authors: Jiang Xiantao , Huang Weichun , Wang Rui , Li Hongbo , Xia Xuefeng , Zhao Xuemei , Hu Lanping , Chen Tingting , Tang Yanfeng , Zhang Han
Published: April 2020

Selenium, as one of the chain-like materials, has attracted significant attention recently. Here, we investigated the photo-carrier dynamics in Se quantum dots and demonstrated its use for fast photo-detecting in visible regime.
Oxidation of graphene with variable defects: alternately symmetrical escape and self-restructuring of carbon rings
Authors: Zheng Peiru , Zhang Xingfan , Duan Yunrui , Yan Meng , Chapman Robert , Jiang Yanyan , Li Hui
Published: April 2020

Graphene oxidation proceeds in a symmetrical manner on the vacancy. Disordered rings on grain boundaries self-restructure.
Properties of multifunctional composite materials based on nanomaterials: a review
Authors: Ali Alamry , Andriyana Andri
Published: April 2020

Composite materials are being used for high-end applications such as aviation technology, space ships, and heavy equipment manufacturing.
Smart capsule for non-invasive sampling and studying of the gastrointestinal microbiome
Authors: Waimin Jose Fernando , Nejati Sina , Jiang Hongjie , Qiu Jake , Wang Jianghsan , Verma Mohit S. , Rahimi Rahim
Published: April 2020

Microbes in regions within the gut, which have been inaccessible so far, can now be retrieved and analyzed through a passive sampling mechanism in the form of a 3D printed capsule equipped with a superabsorbent hydrogel.
Effect of freeze/thaw on aggregation and transport of nano-TiO2 in saturated porous media
Authors: Farner Jeffrey M. , De Tommaso Jacopo , Mantel Heather , Cheong Rachel S. , Tufenkji Nathalie
Published: April 2020

Research has focused on nanoparticle (NP) aggregation and transport behavior in saturated granular porous media, but few studies have looked at the effect that temperature variability associated with winter conditions will have on engineered NPs.
CO2 sensing under ambient conditions using metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Ye Bohui , Gheorghe Andreea , van Hal Roy , Zevenbergen Marcel , Tanase Stefania
Published: April 2020

Determining accurately CO2 levels is highly relevant when monitoring indoor air quality.
An intelligent nanodevice based on the synergistic effect of telomerase-triggered photodynamic therapy and gene-silencing for precise cancer cell therapy
Authors: Yi Jin-Tao , Pan Qing-Shan , Liu Chang , Hu Yan-Lei , Chen Ting-Ting , Chu Xia
Published: April 2020

An intelligent DNA-MnO2 nanodevice was designed for the telomerase-activated photodynamic (PDT) and gene-silencing synergistic effect for cancer cells theranostic.
Structural features, interaction with the gut microbiota and anti-tumor activity of oligosaccharides
Authors: Wu Yulin , Chen Yinning , Lu Yingfang , Hao Huili , Liu Jun , Huang Riming
Published: April 2020

Some oligosaccharides are regarded as biological constituents with benefits to human health in an indirect way.
Fundamentals and recent progress relating to the fabrication, functionalization and characterization of mesostructured materials using diverse synthetic methodologies
Authors: Soltani Soroush , Khanian Nasrin , Rashid Umer , Yaw Choong Thomas Shean
Published: April 2020

Since 1990 and the invention of the very first generation of ordered mesoporous silica materials, several innovative methodologies have been applied to synthesize, characterize, and modify silica/non-silica mesoporous materials.
Highly transparent phototransistor based on quantum-dots and ZnO bilayers for optical logic gate operation in visible-light
Authors: Kim Byung Jun , Cho Nam-Kwang , Park Sungho , Jeong Shinyoung , Jeon Dohyeon , Kang Yebin , Kim Taekyeong , Kim Youn Sang , Han Il Ki , Kang Seong Jun
Published: April 2020

The operation of highly transparent optical logic circuits composed of phototransistors with QDs/ZnO heterojunctions are demonstrated. Photoexcited charge transfer mechanism was confirmed for photoinduced carriers transfer at the QDs/ZnO interfaces.
Facile fabrication of highly flexible and floatable Cu2O/rGO on Vietnamese traditional paper toward high-performance solar-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin antibiotic
Authors: Thi Thanh Nhi Le , Van Thuan Le , My Uyen Dao , Nguyen Minh Hiep , Thu Vu Thi , Khieu Dinh Quang , Sinh Le Hoang
Published: April 2020

In this work, we successfully demonstrated the facile fabrication of highly flexible and floatable Cu2O/rGO on Vietnamese traditional paper (VTP) for the solar-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
Hot electron transfer in Zn–Ag–In–Te nanocrystal–methyl viologen complexes enhanced with higher-energy photon excitation
Authors: Kameyama Tatsuya , Sugiura Kouta , Kuwabata Susumu , Okuhata Tomoki , Tamai Naoto , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: April 2020

Zn–Ag–In–Te nanocrystals exhibited hot electron transfer to adsorbed methyl viologen, the efficiency being enhanced from 45% to 72% with an increase in the excitation photon energy.
Microfluidic strategy for rapid and high-quality control of crystal morphology of explosives
Authors: Shi Jinyu , Zhu Peng , Zhao Shuangfei , Shen Ruiqi , Xia Huanming , Jiang Hanyu , Xu Siyu
Published: April 2020

A new strategy based on a microfluidic platform is proposed for the rapid and high-quality control of explosives' crystal morphology.
Thiophene-fused polyaromatics: synthesis, columnar liquid crystal, fluorescence and electrochemical properties
Authors: Li Yifan , Concellón Alberto , Lin Che-Jen , Romero Nathan A. , Lin Sibo , Swager Timothy M.
Published: April 2020

Efficient syntheses that incorporate thiophene units into different extended conjugation systems are of interest as a result of the prevalence of sulfur-rich aromatics in organic electronics.
Efficient alkene hydrosilation with bis(8-quinolyl)phosphine (NPN) nickel catalysts. The dominant role of silyl-over hydrido-nickel catalytic intermediates
Authors: Yang Jian , Postils Verònica , Lipschutz Michael I. , Fasulo Meg , Raynaud Christophe , Clot Eric , Eisenstein Odile , Tilley T. Don
Published: April 2020

A cationic nickel complex of the bis(8-quinolyl)(3,5-di-tert-butylphenoxy)phosphine (NPN) ligand, [(NPN)NiCl]+, is a precursor to efficient catalysts for the hydrosilation of alkenes with hydrosilanes under mild conditions and low catalyst loadings.
Selective electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to ethanol via a relay catalytic platform
Authors: Du Juan , Li Shaopeng , Liu Shulin , Xin Yu , Chen Bingfeng , Liu Huizhen , Han Buxing
Published: April 2020

The relay catalytic platform is very efficient and selective for CO2 electroreduction to ethanol.
Quantification of the mixed-valence and intervalence charge transfer properties of a cofacial metal–organic framework via single crystal electronic absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Doheny Patrick W. , Clegg Jack K. , Tuna Floriana , Collison David , Kepert Cameron J. , D'Alessandro Deanna M.
Published: April 2020

Gaining a fundamental understanding of charge transfer mechanisms in three-dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is crucial to the development of electroactive and conductive porous materials.
The rational and effective design of nonfullerene acceptors guided by a semi-empirical model for an organic solar cell with an efficiency over 15%
Authors: Ke Xin , Meng Lingxian , Wan Xiangjian , Li Mingpeng , Sun Yanna , Guo Ziqi , Wu Simin , Zhang Hongtao , Li Chenxi , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2020

Guided by a semi-empirical model, two small-molecule acceptors were rationally designed and an impressive PCE of 15.05% was achieved.
Anchorable phosphorylcholine copolymer synthesis and cell membrane mimetic antifouling coating fabrication for blood compatible applications
Authors: Ma Yao , Qiao Xin-Yu , Lu Qian , Li Rong , Bai Yun-Jie , Li Xin , Zhang Shi-Ping , Gong Yong-Kuan
Published: April 2020

An excellent hemocompatible coating deposited on different materials via the assistance of mussel-inspired universal adhesive polydopamine and anchorable phosphorylcholine copolymer.
Influence of IGF2BP2, HMG20A, and HNF1B genetic polymorphisms on the susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese Han population
Authors: Huang Ting , Wang Li , Bai Mei , Zheng Jianwen , Yuan Dongya , He Yongjun , Wang Yuhe , Jin Tianbo , Cui Wei
Published: April 2020

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the roles of insulin related gene IGF2BP2, HMG20A, and HNF1B variants in the susceptibility of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to identify their association with age, gender, BMI, and smoking and alcohol drinking behavior among the Han Chinese population.

Methods: About 508 patients with T2DM and 503 healthy controls were enrolled. Rs11927381 and rs7640539 in IGF2BP2, rs7178572 in HMG20A, rs4430796, and rs11651052 in HNF1B were genotyped by using the Agena MassARRAY. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by logistic regression.

Results: We found that HMG20A rs7178572 (OR = 1.25, P = 0.015) and HNF1B rs11651052 (OR = 1.26, P = 0.019) increased the risk of T2DM. Rs7178572, rs4430796, and rs11651052 might be related to the higher T2DM susceptibility not only by itself but also by interacting with age, gender smoking, and alcohol drinking. Rs11927381 also conferred the higher T2DM susceptibility at age ≤ 59 years. Besides, rs7178572-AA (P = 0.032) genotype and rs11651052 GG (P = 0.018) genotype were related to higher glycated hemoglobin and insulin level, respectively.

Conclusion: Specifically, we first found that rs11927381, rs7640539, and rs11651052 were associated with risk of T2DM among the Han Chinese population. We also provide evidence that age, gender, BMI, smoking, and drinking status have an interactive effect with these variants on T2DM susceptibility.
Removal of organic and nitrogen in a novel anoxic fixed-bed / aerobic fluidized-moving bed integrated with a constructed wetland bio-reactor (A/O-FMCW)
Authors: Lai Changmiao , Sun Yu , Guo Yong , Cai Qin , Yang Ping
Published: April 2020

An innovative hybrid process was designed using an integrated bio-reactor based on an anoxic / aerobic process that combined a fixed bed and a fluidized-moving bed with a constructed wetland (A/OFMCW) to enhance the removal of organic material and nitrogen. The goal was to achieve stringent discharge standards for rural domestic wastewater treatment. A preliminary lab-scale investigation of about 130 days obtained an average COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) removal rate as high as 92.2% at an average influent concentration of 319.5 mg/L. The average TN (Total Nitrogen) removal efficiency positively correlated with the attached-growth biofilm as observed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), and declined from 79.1% to 53.2%. The was accompanied by a gradual increase in the average influent concentration from 16.73 to 52.01 mg/L despite the relative nitrification rate fluctuating between 92.5% and 97.9%. The entire integrated system improved the COD removal efficiency by nearly 36% and the TN by 14–28%. Classical autotrophic nitrification and heterotrophic denitrification were the main mechanisms responsible for the elimination of pollutants, and the latter was determined to be the limiting step. Overall, this study provides an effective and less expensive alternative method to apply or upgrade DWWT (Decentralized Wastewater Treatment).
Synchronous organics removal and copper reduction in semiconductor wastewater with energy recuperation via photocatalytic fuel cell
Authors: Lam Sze-Mun , Choong Man-Kit , Sin Jin-Chung , Zeng Honghu
Published: April 2020

An effective PFC constructed from ZnO/Zn photoanode and carbon cloth cathode has been proposed to oxidatively degrade organics and reductively treat Cu (II) in the semiconductor wastewater accompanied with electricity production. The cell electrical performance with open circuit voltage of 835 V, maximum power density of 0.003623 mW cm-2 and short circuit current density of 0.0506 mA cm-2 can be obtained using optimized catalyst loading of 1.0 g L-1 and semiconductor wastewater concentration of 10 mg L-1. Under the optimal test, more photogenerated electrons will be facilitated for charge carrier separation in the photoanode, accelerating the organics degradation on anode, and subsequently the electron migrating to cathode for Cu (II) reduction. A complete mineralization with 10 mg L-1 COD and more than 70% Cu (II) removal efficiency can be attained within 180 min. A good reproducibility test has been also witnessed because of the stable photoanode and cathode materials. This work may pave an effective and sustainable approach to concurrently eliminate two kinds of contaminants with energy recuperation in a single chamber.