bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QseBC is involved in the biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from bovine mastitis
Authors: Li Wenchang , Xue Mei , Yu Lumin , Qi Kezong , Ni Jingtian , Chen Xiaolin , Deng Ruining , Shang Fei , Xue Ting
Published: March 2020

Background

Mastitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in dairy cattle and causes significant financial losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Antibiotic therapy has been used as the most effective strategy for clinical mastitis treatment. However, due to the extensive use of antibacterial agents, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered to be one of the reasons for low cure rates in bovine mastitis. In addition, biofilms could protect bacteria by restricting antibiotic access and shielding the bacterial pathogen from mammary gland immune defences. The functional mechanisms of quorum sensing E. coli regulators B an d C (QseBC) have been well studied in E. coli model strains; however, whether QseBC regulates antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm formation in clinical E. coli strain has not been reported.

Methods

In this study, we performed construction of the qseBC gene mutant, complementation of the qseBC mutant, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, antibacterial activity assays, biofilm formation assays, real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) experiments and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) to investigate the role of qseBC in regulating biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility in the clinical E. coli strain ECDCM2.

Results

We reported that inactivation of QseBC led to a decrease in biofilm formation capacity and an increase in antibiotic susceptibility of an E. coli strain isolated from a dairy cow that suffered from mastitis. In addition, this study indicated that QseBC increased biofilm formation by upregulating the transcription of the biofilm-associated genes bcsA, csgA, fliC, motA, wcaF and fimA and decreased antibiotic susceptibility by upregulating the transcription of the efflux-pump-associated genes marA, acrA, acrB, acrD, emrD and mdtH. We also performed EMSA assays, and the results showed that QseB can directly bind to the marA promoter.

Conclusions

The QseBC two-component system affects antibiotic sensitivity by regulating the transcription of efflux-pump-associated genes. Further, biofilm-formation-associated genes were also regulated by QseBC TCS in E. coli ECDCM2. Hence, this study might provide new clues to the prevention and treatment of infections caused by the clinical E. coli strains.
Паразитизм в особо мелком размере: микоплазма и ее 40 промоторов, "Природа"
Authors: Орлов М.А.
Published: March 2020

Паразитизм - явление универсальное для биологической жизни. К какой бы систематической группе паразиты ни относились и какого размера они бы ни были, их приемы в целом совпадают. Развиваясь независимо, они, тем не менее, пришли к объединяющему их принципу «кинжал и мантия» - не брезгуют обманом, самозванством и внезапной жестокостью. На нижнем пределе размеров живого этим промышляют внутриклеточные паразиты - бактерии микоплазмы (Mollicutes). Как этим сильно упростившимся в процессе эволюции организмам, у которых нет даже жесткой клеточной стенки (от внешней среды их отделяет только мембрана из липопротеинов), удается ускользать от сложно устроенной иммунной системы хозяина, в общем известно. Для этого микоплазмы научились быстро переключать активность генов, кодирующих синтез липопротеинов, что делает паразита неузнаваемым. Однако среди микоплазм есть особо изощренный вредитель - Mycoplasmagallisepticum - распространенный патоген домашних и диких птиц, вызывающий у них респираторные заболевания, что приводит к значительным экономическим потерям во всем мире. Какие же механизмы использует эта «птичья» микоплазма, чтобы спасаться от иммунной системы
Великаны в мире минералов: многослойные представители группы канкринита, "Природа"
Authors: Расцветаева Рамиза Кераровна , Аксёнов Сергей Михайлович
Published: March 2020

Минералы группы канкринита - алюмосиликаты, имеющие много общих черт с цеолитами. В их структурах из Si- и Al-тетраэдров, объединенных в шестичленные кольца, содержатся полости, занятые катионами Na, K, Ca, анионами Cl, F, анионными группировками SO4, SO3, Sn, PO4, CO3, C2O4, CO2 и молекулами воды. Минералы группы активно изучаются в связи с их адсорбционными и ионообменными свойствами. Найденные в соединениях со структурным типом канкринита корреляции химического состава и строения алюмокремнекислородного каркаса могут быть полезны при направленном синтезе цеолитоподобных соединений. Группа канкринита на сегодняшний день включает около 30 минералов, в которых параметр ячейки с изменяется от ~5 до 95 А, что соответствует количеству слоев от двух в канкрините до 36 в кирхерите. 20 минералов этой группы - многослойные. В статье рассматриваются их кристаллохимические и генетические особенности.
Географические открытия ХХ века, "Природа"
Authors: Тишков Аркадий Александрович , Асоян Долорес Самвеловна
Published: March 2020

Познание окружающего мира, оставляющее за собой документированный след, длится уже более 5 тыс. лет и, как показывает практика географических исследований, не закончится никогда. Земля меняется под воздействием цикличных и направленных природных и антропогенных факторов, а результаты их действия, часто не прогнозируемые, влекут за собой все новые открытия. Наша планета, измененная и детально изученная наземными и дистанционными методами, становится ареной для построения современного, «антропоценового» мира: с растаявшими ледниками, новыми вулканическими островами в океане, новыми подводными и наземными формами рельефа, высохшими озерами и реками аридных зон, засыпанными песком многокилометровыми такырами, остановившими свое движение барханами и исчезнувшими из-за трансгрессии моря береговыми комплексами. Появляются на Земле и искусственные формы: например, острова, косы, берега и перешейки в прибрежной полосе Японии, ОАЭ, США, Ни
Колонизаторы ринхолитов, "Природа"
Authors: Комаров В.Н. , Ульшин М.А.
Published: March 2020

Впервые выяснена роль ринхолитов в процессах эпибионтии (обрастания). Инкрустация эпибионтами обнаружена у 39 ринхолитов из 979 экземпляров, что составляет 4% от всего изученного материала. Это свидетельствует о том, что ринхолиты крайне редко использовались прикрепляющимися организмами в качестве субстрата. Среди эпибионтов, обнаруженных главным образом у рода Hadrocheilus (87%), а также у рода Akidocheilus, выявлены неопределимые серпулиды (12.9%) и фораминиферы (87.1%). Последние представлены видом Bullopora rostrata, относящимся к отряду лагенид. Как правило, эпибионты покрывают только вентральную сторону ринхолитов: у 48.7% образцов они с различной степенью интенсивности развиты на всей брюшной поверхности, у 30.7% - только на капюшоне, а у 20.6% - лишь на рукоятке. У четырех экземпляров рода Hadrocheilus (10% от общего количества) эпибионты присутствуют и на дорсальной поверхности, но при этом они развиты и на брюшной стороне ринхолитов. Поселение эпибионтов на изолированных скелетных структурах цефалопод происходило уже после их гибели
Искусственные мышцы завоёвывают мир, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: ВАСИЛЬЕВ Сергей
Published: March 2020

Сегодня всё больше говорят о ярких технологических проектах, например об автопилотах для автомобилей, которые уже начали изменять нашу жизнь. Но есть, на первый взгляд, и неброские идеи, внедрение которых может привести к едва ли не более радикальным переменам в быту людей. Лучший пример таких грядущих инноваций - искусственные мышцы. О тех направлениях, в которых сегодня развивается это направление, о практических перспективах этих инноваций и достижениях науки, на основе которых и идёт создание искусственных мышц, расскажет настоящая статья
Учитель - учителям, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Шноль Дмитрий Эммануилович
Published: March 2020

Обращением к учителям и родителям открывает рубрику учитель математики, заведующий кафедрой математики в школе “Летово”, который заведовал кафедрой математики школы “Интеллектуал”, имеет два высших образования - математическое и филологическое, руководил летними и зимними многопредметными школами, автор задачников, методических пособий для учителей, составитель заданий для школьных олимпиад разного уровня, автор книги стихов “Савельич и ласточка”, отец троих детей Дмитрий Эммануилович ШНОЛЬ
ПОСЛЕДИПЛОМНОЕ ОБУЧЕНИЕ В ЭНЕРГЕТИКЕ - ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: ОРЛОВ Александр
Published: March 2020

В энергетике растёт спрос на специалистов, обладающих современными компетенциями, а в центрах дополнительного образования - на актуализированные программы и гибкие формы обучения. Более 20 лет в НИУ Московский энергетический институт действует Научно-образовательный центр Экология энергетики (ранее - Центр подготовки и переподготовки специалистов по экологии энергетики). За это время в центре более 1500 сотрудников энергокомпаний со всей страны прошли обучение по различным программам повышения квалификации и профессиональной переподготовки в области тепло-и электроэнергетики. О том, как проходит обучение, рассказывает заведующая НОЦ Экология энергетики, к.т.н. Ирина Путилова.
ВЕЛИКАЯ МАГИСТРАЛЬ, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: ОРЛОВ Александр
Published: March 2020

45 лет назад началось строительство Байкало-Амурской магистрали. БАМ стал последним масштабным инфраструктурным проектом СССР. В 1990-е его часто называли дорогой в никуда, но в XXI веке магистраль снова становится дорогой в будущее. Сегодня рассказ об истории и перспективах легендарной трассы.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Physicochemical Stability and Antioxidant Properties of Locally Available Underutilized Star Fruit Juice
Authors: Shourove Jahid Hasan , Zzaman Wahidu , Chowdhury Razia Sultana , Hoque Md. Mozammel
Published: March 2020

Industrial processing of the fruit juice is responsible for the changes in some quality attributes. Thermal treatment is a most applicable operation for any processing and it affects the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of the juice. This study was conducted to observe the changes in some physical properties and the bioactive compounds of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) juice during thermal treatment at 70°C, 80°C and 90°C for 10, 20, 30 and 40 min by a temperature-controlled water bath. During thermal treatment of the juice pH and browning index increased significantly (P≤ 0.05) with time and increasing temperature whereas the Cloud index of the juice decreased. No significant variation (P≥ 0.05) noticed in the case of total soluble solids. Color differences gradually increased in case of color parameter (0 to 7.83 ± 0.20) and negatively increased in case of (0 to -7.33± 1.00). Irregular results observed for  and maximum difference (3.01±0.08) noticed at 90°C for 40 min. The highest overall color change (∆E= 11.04±0.76) observed when the juice treated at 90°C for 40 min. In consideration of the bioactive compounds, maximum ascorbic acid estimated (24.17±0.70mg/100ml) in fresh juice and with rising temperature and time it decreased. β-carotene also decreased significantly during heat treatment. The Total Polyphenol Content (TPC) found in fresh juice as (540.08±16.64 mg GAE/100 ml) and it was not changed in a regular manner with temperature change. Flavonoid content increased significantly (P≤0.05) when the juice was heat-treated at 70°C and 80°C while no significant change observed at 90°C. Maximum DPPH scavenging activity found in fresh juice (60.19±1.39%) and decreased to (53.83±1.43%) when 90°C temperature was applied for 40 min. This study may help to find out the nutritional value of locally available star fruit and physicochemical changes of this fruit juice during thermal processing.
Hepatic Vascular Exclusion Minimizes Hemorrhage During Isolated Caudate Lobectomy
Authors: Tian Gendong , Chen Qiong , Shen Rong , Ren Lei , Li Jie
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Isolated caudate lobectomy is a challenging operation for hepatobiliary surgeons. Unexpected massive hemorrhage is one of the major concerns for successful operation. Addressing the issue of bleeding control and prophylaxis during isolated caudate lobectomy is necessary. Our aim was to summarize the application of hepatic vascular exclusion in the operation to decrease blood loss.

Methods

Twenty-six cases of isolated caudate lobectomy were reviewed. Different hepatic vascular exclusion and its outcome were analyzed.

Results

All the operations were accomplished successfully with satisfactory average blood loss (325.38 mL) and without major postoperative complications. Hepatic vascular exclusion was used in nearly four-fifths of the cases. Pringle maneuver, portal vein exclusion, total hepatic vascular exclusion, selective total hepatic vascular exclusion, and selective regional total hepatic vascular exclusion were applied selectively.

Conclusions

Hepatic vascular exclusion decreased possible blood loss effectively during isolated caudate lobectomy. Full mobilization of the liver facilitates hepatic vascular exclusion. Certain precautionary measures and effective remedies are necessary for unexpected bleeding. Isolated caudate lobectomy should be carried out by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons.
Morbidity After Esophagectomy With Three-Field Lymph Node Dissection in Patients With Esophageal Cancer: Looking for the Best Predictive Model
Authors: Mora Andres , Nakajima Yasuaki , Okada Takuya , Hoshino Akihiro , Tokairin Yutaka , Kawada Kenro , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy (3FLD) is a potentially curative treatment option for resectable esophageal cancer (EC), which is associated with significant morbidity. Risk scores are useful for patient assessment; this study compares 7 different scores and indexes to find the best model for predicting morbidity in patients undergoing 3FLD.

Methods

Six years of data from January 2010 to January 2016 were reviewed, patients with EC who underwent 3FLD were retrospectively scored using 4 predictive scores and 3 predictive index models. Postoperative morbidity was assessed according to the extended Clavien-Dindo classification. The outcomes were the presence and severity of morbidity. Validation was performed by calculating the area under the ROC curve and by the assessment of collinearity among the variables independently associated with morbidity in the overall model to determine the best predictive model.

Results

We included 230 patients were included in the final analysis. Complications after 3FLD occurred in 168 patients (73%; minor complications, n = 96 [41%]; major complications, n=72 [31%]). The AUC values (<0.7) indicated that all scores and indexes had poor discrimination power in predicting the presence and severity of morbidity. Overall, the Steyerberg score was associated with the lowest risk of misestimation in predicting morbidity (P = 0.0330).

Conclusion

No score or index could predict the presence or severity of morbidity after 3FLD with good discrimination power. Age (>68 years) was the most critical factor affecting morbidity. The Steyerberg score model, based on the addition and subtraction of risk values was the best model for predicting morbidity after 3FLD.
Borocations in Catalysis
Authors: Stefkova Katarina , Gierlichs Lukas , Willcox Darren , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: March 2020

Even in its infancy, the catalytic application of cationic boron species has proven itself a powerful tool for main group catalyzed element bond activation. Though these highly Lewis acidic species have been known for almost half a century, their inherent reactivity made them difficult to work with in any fashion beyond chemical curiosity. This article will cover recent advances in the chemistry and catalytic applications of borocation species that are advancing main group chemistry.
Sulfenyl Ynamides in Gold Catalysis: Synthesis of Oxo‐functionalised 4‐aminoimidazolyl Fused Compounds by Intermolecular Annulation Reactions
Authors: Arce Elsa M. , Lamont Scott G. , Davies Paul W.
Published: March 2020

Functionalised N‐heterocyclic pyridinium N‐aminides have been designed and synthesised to evaluate a nitrenoid‐based annulation strategy into imidazole‐fused oxo‐substituted frameworks of importance to medicinal and agrochemical discovery programmes. Sulfenyl substituted ynamides were identified as privileged reactants affording productive gold‐catalysed annulation reactions with these and other nitrenoids. This annulation method provides selective and efficient access into geminally amino‐sulfenyl substituted nitrogen heterocycles under mild reaction conditions.

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Agricultural practices for growing kenaf in Iowa: II. Fiber composition and quality
Authors: Bourguignon Marie , Moore Kenneth J. , Lenssen Andrew W. , Baldwin Brian S.
Published: March 2020

The demand for natural fibers is increasing worldwide as markets respond to the need to replace nonrenewable sources. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a promising biorenewable resource for producing natural fibers. Few studies have investigated the crop when grown at latitudes above 40° and in the U.S. Midwest. The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of management practices on fiber (bast and core lignocellulose) composition, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and total ash concentration. Cultivars ‘Tainung 2’ and ‘Whitten’ were planted in Boone County, IA in 2014 and 2015 at 247,000 or 371,000 seed ha−1, in 38‐ or 76‐cm rows, and fertilized with N at 0, 56, 112, 168, or 224 kg ha−1. Treatments were in a factorial design with four replications in 2 yr. Stem bast and core lignocellulose concentrations, total ash, and C/N ratio were determined at harvest. Variety or interactions of variety with management practices influenced most parameters. Increased N fertilization decreased bast cellulose concentration, but increased core cellulose concentration. Hemicellulose concentration in core was greater than in bast. Ash concentration decreased as N fertilization rate increased and interacted with seeding rate and variety. The implications of these observations are directly related to markets and desired kenaf end‐use products. Variety and management interactions influence kenaf fiber quality, and consequently are important considerations for kenaf producers and processors.
Light‐Gated Manipulation of Micro/Nanoparticles in Electric Fields
Authors: Huang Yun , Liang Zexi , Alsoraya Mohammad , Guo Jianhe , Fan Donglei (Emma)
Published: March 2020

The rapid development of micro/nanomanipulation technologies has opened unprecedented opportunities for the sorting, assembly, and actuation of biological and inorganic entities for applications ranging from live‐cell separation, drug screening, biosensing to micro/nanomachines and nanorobots. To this end, remarkable progress has been made in the development of efficient, precise, and versatile nanomanipulation techniques based on individual or combined chemical and physical fields. Among them, techniques that fuse light stimuli with electric (E) fields, have achieved impressive performance in the versatility, reconfigurability, and throughput in the manipulation of both biological and inorganic micro/nanoscale objects compared to those of many other manipulation techniques, by leveraging the strong optoelectric coupling effect of semiconductor materials. This work provides a review of various types of light‐gated electric manipulation systems – the working principles, experimental setups, limitations, applications, and future perspectives.
Multiple myeloma: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification and management
Authors: Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: March 2020

Disease overview

Multiple myeloma accounts for approximately 10% of hematologic malignancies.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis requires ≥10% clonal bone marrow plasma cells or a biopsy proven plasmacytoma plus evidence of one or more multiple myeloma defining events (MDE) namely CRAB (hypercalcemia, renal failure, anemia, or lytic bone lesions) features felt related to the plasma cell disorder, bone marrow clonal plasmacytosis ≥60%, serum involved/uninvolved free light chain (FLC) ratio ≥100 (provided involved FLC is ≥100 mg/L), or >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Risk stratification

The presence of del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), gain 1q, or p53 mutation is considered high‐risk multiple myeloma. Presence of any two high risk factors is considered double‐hit myeloma; three or more high risk factors is triple‐hit myeloma.

Risk‐adapted initial therapy

In transplant eligible patients, induction therapy consists of bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone (VRd) given for approximately 3‐4 cycles followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In high‐risk patients, daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone (Dara‐VRd) is an alternative to VRd. Selected standard risk patients can get additional cycles of induction, and delay transplant until first relapse. Patients not candidates for transplant are typically treated with VRd for approximately 8‐12 cycles followed by lenalidomide; alternatively these patients can be treated with daratumumab, lenalidomide, dexamethasone (DRd).

Maintenance therapy

After ASCT, standard risk patients need lenalidomide maintenance, while bortezomib‐based maintenance is needed for patients with high‐risk myeloma.

Management of refractory disease

Most patients require a triplet regimen at relapse, with the choice of regimen varying with each successive relapse.
Congenital posterior cervical spine malformation due to biallelic c.240‐4T>G RIPPLY2 variant: A discrete entity
Authors: Serey‐Gaut Margaux , Scala Marcello , Reversade Bruno , Ruaud Lyse , Cabrol Christelle , Musacchia Francesco , Torella Annalaura , Accogli Andrea , Escande‐Beillard Nathalie , Langlais Jean , Piatelli Gianluca , Consales Alessandro , Nigro Vincenzo , Capra Valeria , Van Maldergem Lionel
Published: March 2020

The clinical and radiological spectrum of spondylocostal dysostosis syndromes encompasses distinctive costo‐vertebral anomalies. RIPPLY2 biallelic pathogenic variants were described in two distinct cervical spine malformation syndromes: Klippel–Feil syndrome and posterior cervical spine malformation. RIPPLY2 is involved in the determination of rostro‐caudal polarity and somite patterning during development. To date, only four cases have been reported. The current report aims at further delineating the posterior malformation in three new patients. Three patients from two unrelated families underwent clinical and radiological examination through X‐ray, 3D computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging. After informed consent was obtained, family‐based whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. Complex vertebral segmentation defects in the cervico‐thoracic spine were observed in all patients. WES led to the identification of the homozygous splicing variant c.240‐4T>G in all subjects. This variant is predicted to result in aberrant splicing of Exon 4. The current report highlights a subtype of cervical spine malformation with major atlo‐axoidal malformation compromising spinal cord integrity. This distinctive mutation‐specific pattern of malformation differs from Klippel–Feil syndrome and broadens the current classification, defining a sub‐type of RIPPLY2‐related skeletal disorder. Of note, the phenotype of one patient overlaps with oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum disorder.
Eine aktivierbare Lanthanoid‐Lumineszenzsonde für die zeitgesteuerte Detektion von Nitroreduktase in lebenden Bakterien
Authors: Brennecke Benjamin , Wang Qinghua , Zhang Qingyang , Hu Hai‐Yu , Nazaré Marc
Published: March 2020

Wir beschreiben die Entwicklung einer aktivierbaren Lanthanoid‐Lumineszenzsonde für die zeitgesteuerte Detektion von Nitroreduktasen (NTRs) in lebenden Bakterien. Die Sonde wird durch die NTR‐induzierte Bildung einer sensibilisierenden Carbostyril‐Antenne und dem resultierenden Energietransfer auf das Lanthanoid‐Zentrum aktiviert. Das neuartige NTR‐aktivierbare Vorläufermolekül ist in seiner inaktivierten Form nicht fluoreszent und weist bei Aktivierung einen drastischen Fluoreszenzanstieg auf. Unsere Sonde kann sowohl in bakteriellen Zelllysaten als auch in lebenden Bakterien Nitroreduktase selektiv aufspüren. Dies zeigen wir an Stämmen des klinisch hochrelevanten ESKAPE‐Panels, welche oft Multiresistenzen ausbilden und für einen Großteil der Krankenhausinfektionen verantwortlich sind. Unsere Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass diese Art molekularer Sonden für die Entwicklung neuer Werkzeuge zur Diagnose bakterieller Infektionen nützlich sein könnte.
An Activatable Lanthanide Luminescent Probe for Time‐Gated Detection of Nitroreductase in Live Bacteria
Authors: Brennecke Benjamin , Wang Qinghua , Zhang Qingyang , Hu Hai‐Yu , Nazaré Marc
Published: March 2020

Herein we report the development of a turn‐on lanthanide luminescent probe for time‐gated detection of nitroreductases (NTRs) in live bacteria. The probe is activated through NTR‐induced formation of the sensitizing carbostyril antenna and resulting energy transfer to the lanthanide center. This novel NTR‐responsive trigger is virtually non‐fluorescent in its inactivated form and features a large signal increase upon activation. We show that the probe is capable of selectively sensing NTR in lysates as well as in live bacteria of the ESKAPE family which are clinically highly relevant multiresistant pathogens responsible for the majority of hospital infections. The results suggest that our probe could be used to develop diagnostic tools for bacterial infections.
How do toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis kill insects? An evolutionary perspective
Authors: Heckel David G.
Published: March 2020

Three‐domain Cry toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are increasingly used in agriculture to replace chemical insecticides in pest control. Most chemical insecticides kill pest insects swiftly, but are also toxic to beneficial insects and other species in the agroecosystem. Cry toxins enjoy the advantages of high selectivity and the possibility of the application by sprays or transgenic plants. However, these benefits are offset by the limited host range and the evolution of resistance to Bt toxins by insect pests. Understanding how Bt toxins kill insects will help to understand the nature of both problems. The recent realization that ABC transporters play a central role in the killing mechanism will play an important role in devising solutions.
The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions
Authors: Calvi Elisa , Quassolo Umberto , Massaia Massimiliano , Scandurra Anna , D'Aniello Biagio , D'Amelio Patrizia
Published: March 2020

Objective

The sense of olfaction has been considered of minor importance in human communication. In recent years, evidence has emerged that humans might be influenced by unconscious messages sent through chemosignals in body odors. Data concerning the ability of humans to recognize fear, maybe related to the evolutionary role of these emotions in the fight‐or‐flight reactions, are well known.

Methods

To further understand the role of emotional chemosignals in mediating communication in humans and its influence on animal behaviors, we conducted a systematic literature review.

Results

Chemosignals derived from axillary odors collected under a variety of emotional stimuli and sad tears in humans affect receivers' social interactions, danger detection and risk‐taking behavior, social aspects of eating, and performance under stressing conditions. In addition, beyond the fight‐or‐flight response, even the body odors of happiness can be perceived by others. Furthermore, human chemosignals can influence behaviors and stressful responses in animals, particularly dogs and horses, which may partially explain their special relationship with humans.

Conclusion

Our review highlights the importance of chemosignaling in human intra‐ and interspecific interactions and suggests the need for further investigations, both in physiological conditions and in patients with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders.
Purification of animal immunoglobulin G (IgG) using peptoid affinity ligands
Authors: Reese Hannah , Bordelon Tee , Odeh Fuad , Broussard Amanda , Kormos Chad , Murphy Andrew , Shanahan Calvin , Menegatti Stefano
Published: March 2020

The availability of highly pure animal antibodies is critical in the production of diagnostic tools and biosensors. The peptoid PL16, previously isolated from an ensemble of peptoid variants of the IgG‐binding peptide HWRGWV, was utilized in this work as affinity ligand on WorkBeads resin for the purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from a variety of mammalian sources and chicken immunoglobulin Y (IgY). The chromatographic protocol initially optimized for murine serum and ascites was subsequently employed for processing rabbit, goat and sheep, donkey, llama, and chicken sera. The PL16‐WorkBeads resin proved able to recover all antibody targets with values of yield between 50 and 90%, and purity consistently above 90%. Notably, PL16 not only binds a broader spectrum of animal immunoglobulins than the reference ligands Protein A and G, but it also binds equally well with all their subclasses. Unlike the protein ligands, in fact, PL16 afforded excellent values of yield and purity of mammalian polyclonal IgG, namely murine (47 and 94%), rabbit (66.5 and 91.7%), caprine IgG (63 and 91–95%), donkey, and llama (93 and 97%), as well as chicken IgY (42 and 92%). Of notice, it is also the ability of PL16 to target monomeric IgG without binding aggregated IgG; when challenged with a mixture of monomeric and aggregated murine IgG, PL16 eluted <3% of fed aggregates, against 11–13% eluted by Protein A and G. Collectively, these results prove the potential of the proposed peptoid ligand for large‐scale purification of animal immunoglobulins.
Prostate cancer in Pennsylvania: The role of older age at diagnosis, aggressiveness, and environmental risk factors on treatment and mortality using data from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry
Authors: Bluethmann Shirley M. , Wang Ming , Wasserman Emily , Chen Chixiang , Zaorsky Nicholas G. , Hohl Raymond J. , McDonald Alicia C.
Published: March 2020

Background

To assess: (a) cancer treatment in prostate cancer survivors (PCS) by age at diagnosis (ADx) and prostate cancer (PC) aggressiveness; (b) potential impact on PC mortality; and (c) these results in the context of environmental/behavioral risk factors on PCS in Pennsylvania.

Methods

Prostate cancer survivors ages ≥40 years were identified from the 2004‐2014 Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR). Demographic/clinical descriptors and PC treatment were extracted from PCR. Prostate cancer aggressiveness was defined by clinical/pathologic Gleason score and tumor stage. Logistic and Cox regression analyses tested associations between treatment received and PC‐specific mortality. County‐level data from the Pennsylvania BRFSS were used to estimate cancer‐related behavioral risk factors (eg, smoking, physical inactivity, fruit/vegetable consumption [FV], alcohol use) and used as covariates.

Results

There were 90 694 PCS ages 40‐105 years (mean age = 66.19 years, SD = 9.25) included. Most were non‐Hispanic white men (83%). Prostate cancer survivors ≥75 years were least likely to receive any treatment but men ages 65‐74 were more likely to receive combined therapies (OR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.28, 1.69) vs PCS ages 40‐54 years, controlling for covariates. Prostate cancer survivors 55‐75+ with aggressive PC who received any treatment vs no definitive treatment had significantly reduced mortality. Men from counties with high obesity and smoking rates were significantly less likely to receive any treatment than men living in counties with lower rates of these risk factors. Prostate cancer survivors who lived in counties with high rates of physical inactivity and had high rates of sufficient FV consumption were slightly more likely to receive cancer treatment vs no definitive treatment compared to men who lived in counties with high rates of physical activity and lower FV consumption.

Conclusions

We observed a general age‐related decline in receipt of treatment. Prostate cancer survivors ages ≥75 years were significantly less likely to get any cancer treatment compared to younger PCS. However, most men with more aggressive disease who received any treatment had greatly reduced PC mortality, regardless of age. Considering environmental/behavioral risk factors may attenuate PC risk and inform treatment options.
Knockdown of long non‐coding RNA Gm10804 suppresses disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetes with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Tonghuan , Huang Xia , Yue Zhi , Meng Lei , Hu Yueshuang
Published: March 2020

Deregulated glucose and lipid metabolism are the primary underlying manifestations associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to investigate the role of Gm10804, a novel long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), in regulating hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in DM complicated with NAFLD (DM‐NAFLD). Mouse primary hepatocytes exposed to high glucose (HG) were used as a cell model. A mouse DM‐NAFLD model was established by high‐energy feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The results showed that Gm10804 expression was upregulated in HG‐treated hepatocytes and livers from DM‐NAFLD mice. Results in hepatocytes in vitro demonstrated that Gm10804 overexpression aggravated, whereas Gm10804 silencing abrogated HG‐induced increase in intracellular triglyceride (TG) content, lipid accumulation and expression of hepatic lipogenic proteins (sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins 1‐c [SREBP‐1c] and fatty acid synthase [FAS]) and enzymes for gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase [PEPCK] and glucose‐6‐phosphatase [G6Pase]). Further in vivo assays showed that lentivirus‐mediated hepatic knockdown of Gm10804 alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, and decreased expression of hepatic PEPCK, G6Pase, SREBP‐1c and FAS in DM‐NAFLD mice. In summary, Gm10804 knockdown attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by ameliorating disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in DM‐NAFLD.

Significance of the study

We first discovered that Gm10804 knockdown attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation by ameliorating disorders of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in DM‐NAFLD. These results help to understand the pathogenesis and development of DM‐NAFLD and provide some clues for further understanding the regulation of lncRNAs in glucose and lipid metabolism.
Xyloneside A: A New Glycosylated Incisterol Derivative from Xylaria sp. FB
Authors: Lee Seoung Rak , Kreuzenbeck Nina B. , Jang Mina , Oh Taehoon , Ko Sung‐Kyun , Ahn Jong Seog , Beemelmanns Christine , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: March 2020

Xylaria species are prolific natural product producers. Here, we report the characterization of a new glycosylated incisterol derivative, called xyloneside A (1) and two known lignans (2 and 3) from the ascomycetous Xylaria sp. FB. The structure of xyloneside A (1) was determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and electronic circular dichroism measurements. Xyloneside A is composed of a 1,2,3,4,5,10,19‐heptanorergosterane skeleton and a β‐D‐mannopyranose moiety. This is the first report of an incisterol derivative from an Ascomycete. The biological effects of the isolated metabolites on cytotoxicity, autophagy, cell‐migration, and angiogenesis were evaluated.
Surface composition dominates the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 on ultrafine CuPd nanoalloys
Authors: Chen Dong , Wang Yanlei , Liu Danye , Liu Hui , Qian Cheng , He Hongyan , Yang Jun
Published: March 2020

Preciously tuning the surface composition of noble metal nanoparticles with the particle size of only 2 nm or less by alloying with other metals represents a powerful strategy to boost their electrocatalytic selectivity. However, the synthesis of ultrafine nanoalloys and tuning their surface composition remain challenging. In this report, ultrafine CuPd nanoalloys with the particle size of ca. 2 nm are synthesized based on the galvanic replacement reaction between presynthesized Cu nanoparticles and Pd2+ precursors, and the tuning of their surface compositions is also achieved by changing the atom ratios of Cu/Pd. For the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2, Cu5Pd5 nanoalloys show the CO Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 88% at −0.87 V, and the corresponding mass activity reaches 56 A/g that is much higher than those of Cu8Pd2 nanoalloys, Cu3Pd7 nanoalloys and most of previously reported catalysts. Density functional theory uncovers that with the increase of Pd on the surface of the ultrafine CuPd nanoalloys, the adsorbed energy of both of intermediate COOH* and CO* to the Pd sites is strengthened. The Cu5Pd5 nanoalloys with the optimal surface composition better balance the adsorption of COOH* and desorption of CO*, achieving the highest selectivity and activity. The difficult liberation of absorbed CO* on the surface of Cu3Pd7 nanoalloys provides carbon source to favor the production of ethylene, endowing the Cu3Pd7 nanoalloys with the highest selectivity for ethylene among these ultrafine CuPd nanoalloys.
Boosting Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Redox Reaction by Charge Separation in SnO2/ZnSe(N2H4)0.5 Heterojunction Nanocatalysts
Authors: Kim Yeonho , Jeong Dong‐Won , Lee Jaewon , Song Min Young , Lee Sang Moon , Choi Jihoon , Jang Du‐Jeon , Kim Hae Jin
Published: March 2020

In this work, environmentally friendly photocatalysts with attractive catalytic properties are reported that have been prepared by introducing SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) directly onto ZnSe(N2H4)0.5 substrates to induce advantageous charge separation. The SnO2/ZnSe(N2H4)0.5 nanocomposites could be easily synthesized through a one‐pot hydrothermal process. Owing to the absence of capping ligands, the attached SnO2 QDs displayed superior photocatalytic properties, generating many exposed reactive surfaces. Moreover, the addition of a specified amount of SnO2 boosted the visible‐light photocatalytic activity; however, the presence of excess SnO2 QDs in the substrate resulted in aggregation and deteriorated the performance. The spectroscopic data revealed that the SnO2 QDs act as a photocatalytic mediator and enhance the charge separation within the type II band alignment system of the SnO2/ZnSe(N2H4)0.5 heterojunction photocatalysts. The separated charges in the heterojunction nanocomposites promote radical generation and react with pollutants, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Complementary Site‐Selective Halogenation of Nitrogen‐Containing (Hetero)Aromatics with Superacids
Authors: Mamontov Alexander , Martin‐Mingot Agnès , Métayer Benoit , Karam Omar , Zunino Fabien , Bouazza Fodil , Thibaudeau Sébastien
Published: March 2020

Site‐selective functionalization of arenes that is complementary to classical aromatic substitution reactions remains a long‐standing quest in organic synthesis. Exploiting the generation of halenium ion through oxidative process and the protonation of the nitrogen containing function in HF/SbF5, the chlorination and iodination of classically inert Csp2−H bonds of aromatic amines occurs. Furthermore, the superacid‐promoted (poly)protonation of the molecules acts as a protection, favoring the late‐stage selective halogenation of natural alkaloids and active pharmaceutical ingredients
Lead‐Doped Titanium‐Oxo Clusters as Molecular Models of Perovskite‐Type PbTiO3 and Electron‐Transport Material in Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Shuyu , Li Congping , Fu Hao , Cao Jing , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2020

In this work we have successfully prepared two lead‐doped titanium‐oxo clusters with core structures that resemble isolated perovskite PbTiO3 species. In the obtained highly symmetric Pb8Ti7‐oxo cluster, the central TiO6 octahedra are orthogonally extended to adjacent octahedra through corner‐sharing and the eight dopant lead ions form a cubic arrangement, making it the first molecular model of perovskite PbTiO3. Moreover, the clusters readily dissolved in chloroform and showed high solution stability, as confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS measurements. Based on such solution processability, they can be easily spin‐coated to form homogeneous films, which were employed as electron‐transport materials in perovskite solar cells to give an average power conversion efficiency of around 15 % and improved device stability. This newly developed bottom‐up cluster assembly method provides an efficient approach to the construction of atomically precise models of perovskite metal oxides as well as potential molecular tools to extend their applications.
Effects of Electron Affinity and Steric Hindrance of the Trifluoromethyl Group on the π‐Bridge in Designing Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Li Huiting , Li Jiuyan , Liu Di , Huang Tingting , Li Deli
Published: March 2020

To explore the correlation of the acceptor electron affinity and the molecular conformation to the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) feature, a series of d‐π‐A molecules were designed and synthesized with triazine (Trz) as the acceptor (A) and carbazole (Cz) or tert‐butylcarbazole (BuCz) as the donor (D). On the phenylene bridge between D and A, methyl or trifluoromethyl was incorporated close either to D or to A to tune the molecular conformation and the electron‐withdrawing ability of acceptor. Both the twist angles and the singlet and triplet energy difference (ΔEST) were observed strongly dependent on the type and position of the substituent on the π‐bridge. Only those molecules with trifluoromethyl locating close to the D side, namely TrzCz‐CF3 and TrzBuCz‐CF3, exhibit TADF feature, verifying that both sufficient electron affinity of the A unit and large dihedral angle between D and the π‐bridge are necessary to ensure the occurrence of TADF. The blue organic light‐emitting diodes fabricated with TrzCz‐CF3 and TrzBuCz‐CF3 achieved external quantum efficiencies of 9.40 % and 14.22 % with CIE coordinates of (0.19, 0.23) and (0.18, 0.29) respectively. This study provides practical design strategy for blue TADF materials particularly when planar and less crowded group is used as donor.
Highly Polarized Coumarin Derivatives Revisited: Solvent‐Controlled Competition Between Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer and Twisted Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Morawski Olaf W. , Kielesiński Łukasz , Gryko Daniel T. , Sobolewski Andrzej L.
Published: March 2020

Linking a polarized coumarin unit with an aromatic substituent via an amide bridge results in weak electronic coupling that affects the intramolecular electron‐transfer (ET) process. As a result of this, interesting solvent‐dependent photophysical properties can be observed. In polar solvents, electron transfer in coumarin derivatives of this type induces a mutual twist of the electron‐donating and ‐accepting molecular units (TICT process) that facilitates radiationless decay processes (internal conversion). In the dyad with the strongest intramolecular hydrogen bond, the planar form is stabilized, such that twisting can only occur in highly polar solvents, whereas a fast proton‐coupled electron‐transfer (PCET process) occurs in nonpolar n‐alkanes. The kPCET rate constant decreases linearly with the energy of the fluorescence maximum in different solvents. This observation can be explained in terms of competition between electron‐ and proton‐transfer from a highly polarized (ca. 15 D) and fluorescent locally excited (1LE) state to a much less polarized (ca. 4 D) charge‐transfer (1CT) state, a unique occurrence. Photophysical measurements performed for a family of related coumarin dyads, together with results of quantum‐chemical computations, give insight into the mechanism of the ET process, which is followed by either a TICT or a PCET process. Our results reveal that dielectric solvation of the excited state slows down the PCET process, even in nonpolar solvents.
Iron(0)‐Mediated Stereoselective (3+2)‐Cycloaddition of Thiochalcones via a Diradical Intermediate
Authors: Buday Philipp , Seeber Phillip , Zens Clara , Abul‐Futouh Hassan , Görls Helmar , Gräfe Stefanie , Matczak Piotr , Kupfer Stephan , Weigand Wolfgang , Mloston Grzegorz
Published: March 2020

Reactions of α,β‐unsaturated aromatic thioketones 1 (thiochalcones) with Fe3(CO)12 leading to η4‐1‐thia‐1,3‐diene iron tricarbonyl complexes 2, [FeFe] hydrogenase mimics 3, and the thiopyrane adduct 4 are described. Obtained products have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and by computational methods. Completely regio‐ and diastereoselective formation of the five‐membered ring system in products 3, containing four stereogenic centers, can be explained by an unprecedented, stepwise (3+2)‐cycloaddition of two thiochalcone molecules mediated by Fe3(CO)12. Quantum chemical calculations aimed at elucidation of the reaction mechanism, suggest that the formal (3+2)‐cycloaddition proceeds via sequential intramolecular radical transfer events upon homolytic cleavage of one carbon‐sulfur bond leading to a diradical intermediate.
A conflict‐free replicated data type for collaborative annotation systems
Authors: Zarzour Hafed , Jararweh Yaser
Published: March 2020

With the advent of Web 2.0, numerous collaborative annotation systems have been developed in an effort to enable distant users to annotate the same multimedia resources such as texts, audio, images, and videos. However, the existing systems do not support the semantic aspect of the data available on the Web and ignore the convergence aspect when executing concurrent annotations. Based on the technologies of Semantic Web, this article presents a new conflict‐free replicated data type called OAC‐Set, which extends Open Annotation Collaboration data model to enable concurrent annotations while guaranteeing convergence, causality, and intention preservation criteria. The experimental results show that our approach is efficient and effective.
RSCVC: Row‐based semantic cache with incremental versioning consistency
Authors: Yang Zhe , Ma Kun , Zhang Xiaoli , Cui Lizhen , Yang Bo
Published: March 2020

In the mobile computing environment, how to make the data access more efficient is a challenge due to the narrow communication bandwidth, the frequent disconnections of network, and the limited resources. Therefore, it is necessary to cache data on the client side. Besides, a good cache consistency method is essential to ensure the correctness. In this article, a row‐based semantic cache with incremental versioning consistency (RSCVC) is proposed. In RSCVC, we designed a semantic cache algorithm, a query trimming and optimizing algorithm, and a version‐based consistency strategy. This RSCVC cache mainly has two advantages. On one hand, it can obviously improve the response time of query and the hit ratio of the cache. On the other hand, the version‐based consistency enhances the stability of the system especially in high‐concurrency situations. Experiments demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed method and its superiority to state‐of‐the‐art methods.