bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large impact cratering during lunar magma ocean solidification
Authors: Miljković K. , Wieczorek M. A. , Laneuville M. , Nemchin A. , Bland P. A. , Zuber M. T.
Published: September 2021

The lunar cratering record is used to constrain the bombardment history of both the Earth and the Moon. However, it is suggested from different perspectives, including impact crater dating, asteroid dynamics, lunar samples, impact basin-forming simulations, and lunar evolution modelling, that the Moon could be missing evidence of its earliest cratering record. Here we report that impact basins formed during the lunar magma ocean solidification should have produced different crater morphologies in comparison to later epochs. A low viscosity layer, mimicking a melt layer, between the crust and mantle could cause the entire impact basin size range to be susceptible to immediate and extreme crustal relaxation forming almost unidentifiable topographic and crustal thickness signatures. Lunar basins formed while the lunar magma ocean was still solidifying may escape detection, which is agreeing with studies that suggest a higher impact flux than previously thought in the earliest epoch of Earth-Moon evolution.
Distinct neural sources underlying visual word form processing as revealed by steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP)
Authors: Wang Fang , Kaneshiro Blair , Strauber C. Benjamin , Hasak Lindsey , Nguyen Quynh Trang H. , Yakovleva Alexandra , Vildavski Vladimir Y. , Norcia Anthony M. , McCandliss Bruce D.
Published: September 2021

EEG has been central to investigations of the time course of various neural functions underpinning visual word recognition. Recently the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigm has been increasingly adopted for word recognition studies due to its high signal-to-noise ratio. Such studies, however, have been typically framed around a single source in the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex (vOT). Here, we combine SSVEP recorded from 16 adult native English speakers with a data-driven spatial filtering approach—Reliable Components Analysis (RCA)—to elucidate distinct functional sources with overlapping yet separable time courses and topographies that emerge when contrasting words with pseudofont visual controls. The first component topography was maximal over left vOT regions with a shorter latency (approximately 180 ms). A second component was maximal over more dorsal parietal regions with a longer latency (approximately 260 ms). Both components consistently emerged across a range of parameter manipulations including changes in the spatial overlap between successive stimuli, and changes in both base and deviation frequency. We then contrasted word-in-nonword and word-in-pseudoword to test the hierarchical processing mechanisms underlying visual word recognition. Results suggest that these hierarchical contrasts fail to evoke a unitary component that might be reasonably associated with lexical access.
The effect of national protest in Ecuador on PM pollution
Authors: Zalakeviciute Rasa , Alexandrino Katiuska , Mejia Danilo , Bastidas Marco G. , Oleas Nora H. , Gabela Diana , Chau Phuong Ngoc , Bonilla-Bedoya Santiago , Diaz Valeria , Rybarczyk Yves
Published: September 2021

Particulate matter (PM) accounts for millions of premature deaths in the human population every year. Due to social and economic inequality, growing human dissatisfaction manifests in waves of strikes and protests all over the world, causing paralysis of institutions, services and circulation of transport. In this study, we aim to investigate air quality in Ecuador during the national protest of 2019, by studying the evolution of PM2.5 (PM ≤ 2.5 µm) concentrations in Ecuador and its capital city Quito using ground based and satellite data. Apart from analyzing the PM2.5 evolution over time to trace the pollution changes, we employ machine learning techniques to estimate these changes relative to the business-as-usual pollution scenario. In addition, we present a chemical analysis of plant samples from an urban park housing the strike. Positive impact on regional air quality was detected for Ecuador, and an overall − 10.75 ± 17.74% reduction of particulate pollution in the capital during the protest. However, barricade burning PM peaks may contribute to a release of harmful heavy metals (tire manufacture components such as Co, Cr, Zn, Al, Fe, Pb, Mg, Ba and Cu), which might be of short- and long-term health concerns.
Cystin genetic variants cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease associated with altered Myc expression
Authors: Yang Chaozhe , Harafuji Naoe , O’Connor Amber K. , Kesterson Robert A. , Watts Jacob A. , Majmundar Amar J. , Braun Daniela A. , Lek Monkol , Laricchia Kristen M. , Fathy Hanan M. , Mane Shrikant , Shril Shirlee , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Guay-Woodford Lisa M.
Published: September 2021

Mutation of the Cys1 gene underlies the renal cystic disease in the Cys1cpk/cpk (cpk) mouse that phenocopies human autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Cystin, the protein product of Cys1, is expressed in the primary apical cilia of renal ductal epithelial cells. In previous studies, we showed that cystin regulates Myc expression via interaction with the tumor suppressor, necdin. Here, we demonstrate rescue of the cpk renal phenotype by kidney-specific expression of a cystin-GFP fusion protein encoded by a transgene integrated into the Rosa26 locus. In addition, we show that expression of the cystin-GFP fusion protein in collecting duct cells down-regulates expression of Myc in cpk kidneys. Finally, we report the first human patient with an ARPKD phenotype due to homozygosity for a deleterious splicing variant in CYS1. These findings suggest that mutations in Cys1/CYS1 cause an ARPKD phenotype in mouse and human, respectively, and that the renal cystic phenotype in the mouse is driven by overexpression of the Myc proto-oncogene.
Tea plantations and their importance as host plants and hot spots for epiphytic cryptogams
Authors: Wolski Grzegorz J. , Piwowarczyk Renata , Plášek Vítězslav , Kukwa Martin , Ruraż Karolina
Published: September 2021

Bryophytes and lichens are outstanding bioindicators, not only of the plant community in which they develop, but also the substrates on which they grow. Some epiphytic cryptogams, particularly the rare ones, are stenotopic and require a long habitat continuity, for example substrates such as old trees. It could also be a tea plantation, this is because the shrubs are not felled, and most of them may have several dozen years. In addition, the shrubs are not subject to sudden changes in microclimatic conditions as only the young leaves are harvested. As the importance of tea plantations as host plants for mosses and lichens has not yet been studied, the present study examines the species diversity of cryptogams of two tea plantations in Georgia (Caucasus). The study also examines the phytogeography, spatial pattern, environmental conditions and ecological indicators of the cryptogams. Thirty-nine cryptogam taxa were identified; typical forest taxa dominated, even in the absence of typical forest communities. Some of these species are obligatory epiphytes, rare or even critically endangered in most European countries (e.g., Orthotrichum stellatum, O. stramineum, Lewinskya striata). The fairly abundant record of such species on tea plantations indicates the importance of these phytocoenoses for the preservation of rare species, and indicates that these habitats are hot spots for these cryptogams in otherwise changed envirnonment. Additionally, as indicated the analysis of the species composition of individual plantations and the mathematical analysis made on this basis, plantations differ from each other. Another interesting result is also the spatial distributions of cryptogams on tea bushes resemble those of forest communities and lichens seems to be more sensitive than bryophytes to antropogenic changes of environment.
Dynamic alignment changes during level walking in patients with dropped head syndrome: analyses using a three-dimensional motion analysis system
Authors: Igawa Tatsuya , Ishii Ken , Suzuki Akifumi , Ui Hideto , Urata Ryunosuke , Isogai Norihiro , Sasao Yutaka , Nishiyama Makoto , Funao Haruki
Published: September 2021

In patients with dropped head syndrome (DHS), cervical malalignment is one of the risk factors for impaired horizontal gaze and restrictions to ambulation. The characteristics of gait in patients with DHS have not been clarified biomechanically from the viewpoint of dynamic alignment and lower limb kinematics. This study aimed to clarify kinematic and kinetic differences during level walking in patients with DHS compared to the healthy elderly. Twelve patients with DHS and healthy elderly individuals performed level walking at a self-selected speed. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic data were recorded using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Statistical analysis was performed to compare these data between the two groups, respectively. Compared with the healthy elderly, stride length and peak hip-joint extension angle in patients with DHS were significantly shorter and smaller. The thorax was also significantly tilted backwards. Peak ankle-joint plantar-flexion moment was significantly smaller despite larger dorsiflexion angle compared with the healthy elderly. The walking of DHS patients demonstrated kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the lower limb joints and alignment of the thorax and pelvis corresponding to their short stride and walking speed.
Development of a highly sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay for fragmented cytokeratin 18 using new antibodies
Authors: Yamada Minori , Eguchi Akiko , Okuno Koji , Sakaguchi Koji , Yamaguchi Tetsuji
Published: September 2021

Fragmented cytokeratin 18 (fCK18) released from epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis is widely studied in various diseases. However, fCK18 measurement is not utilized in clinical practice due to imprecise disease-state cutoff values. Therefore, we set out to generate new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and a recombinant fCK18 (rfCK18) calibrator in an effort to develop a highly sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA). New capture mAb (K18-624) had a high binding ability compared to the current commercial antibody. New detection mAb (K18-328) recognized 323S-340G of CK18. A rfCK18 was expressed in the soluble fraction of E. coli when the N-terminal region (260 amino acid residues) of CK18 was truncated. Analysis of performance and measurement of human fCK18 were evaluated using K18-624 and K18-328 in a highly sensitive CLEIA. The coefficients of variation (CV) for within-run and between-day repeatability were below 10% and the recoveries were in the range of 15%. The detection sensitivity was 0.056 ng/mL. Serum fCK18 levels were significantly increased in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients when compared to healthy individuals. Our new fCK18 mAbs showed high affinity and sensitivity. CLEIA using our new antibodies will be useful in measuring fCK18 in human blood thereby generating accurate clinical diagnoses of human liver diseases.
Assessment of quality and pre-clinical efficacy of a newly developed polyvalent antivenom against the medically important snakes of Sri Lanka
Authors: Patra Aparup , Kalita Bhargab , Khadilkar Milind V. , Salvi Nitin C. , Shelke Pravin V. , Mukherjee Ashis K.
Published: September 2021

Snake envenomation is a severe problem in Sri Lanka (SL) and Indian polyvalent antivenom (PAV) is mostly used for treating snakebite albeit due to geographical variation in venom composition, Indian PAV shows poor efficacy in neutralizing the lethality and toxicity of venom from the same species of snakes in SL. Therefore, the quality and in vivo venom neutralization potency of a country-specific PAV produced against the venom of the five most medically important snakes of SL (Daboia russelii, Echis carinatus, Hypnale hypnale, Naja naja, Bungarus caeruleus) was assessed. LC-MS/MS analysis of two batches of PAV showed the presence of 88.7–97.2% IgG and traces of other plasma proteins. The tested PAVs contained minor amounts of undigested IgG and F(ab′)2 aggregates, showed complement activation, were devoid of IgE, endotoxin, and content of preservative was below the threshold level. Immunological cross-reactivity and in vitro neutralization of enzymatic activities, pharmacological properties demonstrated superior efficacy of SL PAV compared to Indian PAV against SL snake venoms. The in vivo neutralization study showed that the tested PAVs are potent to neutralize the lethality and venom-induced toxicity of SL snake venoms. Therefore, our study suggests that introduction of SL-specific PAV will improve snakebite management in SL.
GIS-based framework for artificial aquifer recharge to secure sustainable strategic water reserves in Qatar arid environment peninsula
Authors: Mohieldeen Yasir Elginaid , Elobaid Elnaiem Ali , Abdalla Rifaat
Published: September 2021

This study proposes a large-scale artificial aquifer recharge plan to increase the strategic water reserve to cope with future emergencies. The main aim of the plan is to restore groundwater levels to those of the 1980s through artificial recharge. Desalinated water or highly treated municipal sewage effluent could be artificially recharged into the aquifer to recharge it. Potentiometric surface of aquifers and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis were used to assess change in the groundwater levels between 1980 and 2009. Zones that have experienced considerable decline in groundwater levels from their former “natural” status—when the aquifers were barely exploited, were identified. These zones are considered optimum recharge sites as they could provide ‘natural’ ground storage chosen by nature. Therefore, working with nature (not against it) by re-filling these natural spaces is the optimum approach. The artificial recharge of the main and principal upper aquifer in Qatar (Rus and Um er Radhuma) is targeted and recommended. It is estimated that up to 182.8 Million Cubic Meter (mcm) could be recharged and stored in these proposed zones, to increase the strategic water reserve of the country. This increase would sustain supplies of high quality for up to three months if consumption is maintained at the 2018 level. Moreover, this additional reserve could last for over one year, if emergency measures were put in place—in case of serious water-shortages, and disaster preparedness, for example by reducing the per capita consumption to the global average per capita consumption.
Kinematics and observer-animator kinematic similarity predict mental state attribution from Heider–Simmel style animations
Authors: Schuster Bianca A. , Fraser Dagmar S. , van den Bosch Jasper J. F. , Sowden Sophie , Gordon Andrew S. , Huh Dongsung , Cook Jennifer L.
Published: September 2021

The ability to ascribe mental states, such as beliefs or desires to oneself and other individuals forms an integral part of everyday social interaction. Animations tasks, in which observers watch videos of interacting triangles, have been extensively used to test mental state attribution in a variety of clinical populations. Compared to control participants, individuals with clinical conditions such as autism typically offer less appropriate mental state descriptions of such videos. Recent research suggests that stimulus kinematics and movement similarity (between the video and the observer) may contribute to mental state attribution difficulties. Here we present a novel adaptation of the animations task, suitable to track and compare animation generator and -observer kinematics. Using this task and a population-derived stimulus database, we confirmed the hypotheses that an animation’s jerk and jerk similarity between observer and animator significantly contribute to the correct identification of an animation. By employing random forest analysis to explore other stimulus characteristics, we reveal that other indices of movement similarity, including acceleration- and rotation-based similarity, also predict performance. Our results highlight the importance of movement similarity between observer and animator and raise new questions about reasons why some clinical populations exhibit difficulties with this task.
Gamma irradiation exposure for collapsed cell junctions and reduced angiogenesis of 3-D in vitro blood vessels
Authors: Na Kyuhwan , Cho Youngkyu , Choi Dong-Hee , Park Myung-Jin , Yang Ji-hun , Chung Seok
Published: September 2021

During radiotherapy, microenvironments neighboring the tumor are also exposed to gamma irradiation; this results in unexpected side effects. Blood vessels can serve as microenvironments for tumors and they play an important role in providing nutrients to tumors. This is mostly related to tumor progression, metastasis, and relapse after therapy. Many studies have been performed to obtain a better understanding of tumor vasculature after radiotherapy with in vitro models. However, compared to 3-D models, 2-D in vitro endothelial monolayers cannot physiologically reflect in vivo blood vessels. We previously remodeled the extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel that enhanced the tight barrier formation of 3-D blood vessels and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gradient induced angiogenesis in a microfluidic device. In this study, the blood vessel model is further introduced to understand how gamma irradiation affects the endothelial monolayer. After the gamma irradiation exposure, we observed a collapsed endothelial barrier and a reduced angiogenic potential. Changes in the cell behaviors of the tip and stalk cells were also detected in the angiogenesis model after irradiation, which is difficult to observe in 2-D monolayer models. Therefore, the 3-D in vitro blood vessel model can be used to understand radiation-induced endothelial injuries.
Farming with Alternative Pollinators benefits pollinators, natural enemies, and yields, and offers transformative change to agriculture
Authors: Christmann Stefanie , Bencharki Youssef , Anougmar Soukaina , Rasmont Pierre , Smaili Moulay Chrif , Tsivelikas Athanasios , Aw-Hassan Aden
Published: September 2021

Low- and middle-income countries cannot afford reward-based land sparing for wildflower strips to combat pollinator decline. Two small-grant projects assessed, if an opportunity-cost saving land-sharing approach, Farming with Alternative Pollinators, can provide a method-inherent incentive to motivate farmers to protect pollinators without external rewards. The first large-scale Farming-with-Alternative-Pollinators project used seven main field crops in 233 farmer fields of four agro-ecosystems (adequate rainfall, semi-arid, mountainous and oasis) in Morocco. Here we show results: higher diversity and abundance of wild pollinators and lower pest abundance in enhanced fields than in monocultural control fields; the average net-income increase per surface is 121%. The higher income is a performance-related incentive to enhance habitats. The income increase for farmers is significant and the increase in food production is substantial. Higher productivity per surface can reduce pressure on (semi)-natural landscapes which are increasingly used for agriculture. Land-use change additionally endangers biodiversity and pollinators, whereas this new pollinator-protection approach has potential for transformative change in agriculture.
Outcomes and longitudinal trend of traumatic cataract wound dehiscence in patients with blunt ocular injury
Authors: Hou Chiun-Ho , Lu Yu-Chin , Pu Christy , Chang Yin-Hsi , Lin Ken-Kuo , Lee Jiahn-Shing , Chen Kuan-Jen
Published: September 2021

Longitudinal trends on traumatic cataract wound dehiscence are scant. In this study, we present the characteristics of traumatic cataract wound dehiscence using 15 years of longitudinal trend in one of the largest medical centers in Taiwan for a period when cataract surgeries were gradually shifting from extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) to phacoemulsification. All patients with a prior cataract surgery who suffered from blunt open globe trauma between 2001 and 2015 at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan were included. The number of cases per year; type of prior cataract surgery; visual acuity (VA); mechanism and place of injury were analyzed. The risk factors associated with final VA were investigated in patients followed up for ≥ 1 month. Seventy-six eyes of 75 patients were included and all of them were traumatic cataract wound dehiscence with a prior ECCE (65 eyes) or phacoemulsification. The most common mechanism and place of injury was fall and at home in both cataract surgical types. The mean log of the minimal angle resolution (logMAR) of final VA was 2.15 ± 0.88 (ECCE) and 1.61 ± 0.83 (phacoemulsification) (P = .026). The most significant risk factors associated with worse final VA were retinal detachment at the initial visit and low ocular trauma score (both P < .001). Long-term visual outcome of phacoemulsification wound dehiscence was better than that of ECCE wound after a blunt trauma.
In vivo generation of collagen specific Tregs with AAV8 suppresses autoimmune responses and arthritis in DBA1 mice through IL10 production
Authors: Wade Matthew , Fausther-Bovendo Hugues , De La Vega Marc-Antoine , Kobinger Gary
Published: September 2021

Available therapeutics for autoimmune disorders focused on mitigating symptoms, rather than treating the cause of the disorder. A novel approach using adeno-associated virus (AAV) could restore tolerance to the autoimmune targets and provide a permanent treatment for autoimmune diseases. Here, we evaluated the ability of collagen II T-cell epitopes packaged in adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV-8) vectors to reduce pathogenic cellular and humoral responses against collagen and to mitigate the disease in the collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. The cytokines and immune cells involved in the immune suppression were also investigated. Mice treated with AAV-8 containing collagen II T-cell epitopes demonstrated a significant reduction in the arthritis symptoms, pathogenic collagen specific antibody and T cell responses. The AAV-8 mediated immune suppression was mediated by increased interleukin-10 expression and regulatory T cells expansion. Altogether, this study strengthens the notion that AAV vectors are promising candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Hypoxia increases KIAA1199/CEMIP expression and enhances cell migration in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Oba Takuya , Sato Norihiro , Adachi Yasuhiro , Amaike Takao , Kudo Yuzan , Koga Atsuhiro , Kohi Shiro , Hirata Keiji
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by dense desmoplasia and hypoxic microenvironment. Our previous reports demonstrated that hyaluronan (HA), especially low-molecular-weight HA, provides a favourable microenvironment for PDAC progression. However, the effect of hypoxia on HA metabolism remains unknown. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis, we analysed the changes in the expression of HA-synthesizing enzymes (HAS2 and HAS3) and HA-degrading enzymes (HYAL1, KIAA1199/CEMIP) in PDAC cell lines under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia increased the mRNA and protein expression of KIAA1199, whereas it decreased HYAL1 expression. The expression of HAS3 was increased and HAS2 remained unchanged in response to hypoxia. The effect of KIAA1199 on hypoxia-induced cell migration was determined using a transwell migration assay and small-interfering RNA (siRNA). Hypoxia enhanced the migratory ability of PDAC cells, which was inhibited by KIAA1199 knockdown. We also used immunohistochemistry to analyse the protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1α and KIAA1199 in PDAC tissues. There was a significant immunohistochemically positive correlation between KIAA1199 and HIF1α. These findings suggest that hypoxia-induced KIAA1199 expression may contribute to enhanced motility in PDAC.
The effect of age on discrimination learning and self-control in a marshmallow test for pigs
Authors: Krause Annika , Kreiser Maren , Puppe Birger , Tuchscherer Armin , Düpjan Sandra
Published: September 2021

Both humans and nonhuman animals need to show self-control and wait for a larger or better reward instead of a smaller or less preferred but instant reward on an everyday basis. We investigated whether this ability undergoes ontogenetic development in domestic pigs (similar to what is known in human infants) by testing if and for how long nine- and 16-week-old pigs wait for a larger amount of their preferred reward. In a delay-of-gratification task, animals first learned that a small reward was hidden under a white cup and a large reward under a black cup, and then the delay to deliver the large reward was gradually increased. The results show that older pigs could wait longer for a larger reward than younger pigs (10.6 ± 1.3 s vs. 5.2 ± 1.5 s), thereby confirming our hypothesis of ontogenetic development of self-control in pigs. This self-control is likely to be regulated by the behavioural inhibition system and associated systems. Self-control or, more specifically the lack of it may be involved in the development of abnormal behaviours, not only in humans but also in animals. Therefore, research on self-control in decision-making might provide a new perspective on abnormal behaviours in captive animals.
Longitudinal choriocapillaris changes in the presence of reticular pseudodrusen
Authors: Clemens Christoph R. , Lauermann Jost L. , Schmitz Boris , Eter Nicole , Alten Florian
Published: September 2021

To determine longitudinal changes in choriocapillaris (CC) measures in eyes with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In this observational prospective study, 20 patients with exclusively RPD and no other alteration due to age-related macular degeneration were included. Eight RPD patients were re-examined at 5-year follow-up. Multimodal imaging was performed at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. OCTA CC images were analyzed for number, size and total area of flow deficits (FD), mean signal intensity, signal intensity standard deviation and kurtosis of signal intensity distribution in the ring area between a circle of 4 mm diameter and a circle of 6 mm diameter and in the superior ring quadrant. Area affected by RPD increased from 19.36 ± 8.39 mm2 at baseline to 37.77 ± 9.03 mm2 at 5-year follow-up. At baseline, percent of CC FD area was greater in RPD eyes (quadrant: p < 0.001; ring: p < 0.001) compared to controls. Besides, RPD eyes revealed a lower mean intensity signal (quadrant: p < 0.001; ring: p < 0.001). Evaluation of CC parameters suggested significant group × time interaction effects for CC FD (p = 0.04) and mean intensity signal (p = 0.004), in that RPD eyes presented increased CC FD and decreased mean intensity signal at follow-up. OCTA CC decorrelation signal further decreases in RPD patients over 5 years in both RPD-affected and RPD-unaffected macular areas.
Bayesian adaptive model estimation to solve the speed accuracy tradeoff problem in psychophysical experiments
Authors: Baek Jongsoo , Park Hae-Jeong
Published: September 2021

Most psychological experiments measure human cognitive function through the response time and accuracy of the response to a set of stimuli. Since response time and accuracy complement each other, it is often difficult to interpret cognitive performance based on only one dependent measurement and raises a speed-accuracy tradeoff (SAT) problem. In overcoming this problem, SAT experimental paradigms and models that integrate response time and accuracy have been proposed to understand information processing in human cognitive function. However, due to a lengthy SAT experiment for reliable model estimation, SAT experiments' practical limitations have been pointed out. Thus, these limitations call for an efficient technique to shorten the number of trials required to estimate the SAT function reliably. Instead of using a block's stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) accuracy with long block-based task trials, we introduced a Bayesian SAT function estimation using trial-by-trial response time and correctness, which makes SAT tasks flexible and easily extendable to multiple trials. We then proposed a Bayesian adaptive method to select optimal SOA by maximizing information gain to estimate model parameters. Simulation results showed that the proposed Bayesian adaptive estimation was highly efficient and robust for accuracy and precision of estimating SAT function by enabling "multiple-step ahead search."
Impact of isoflavone genistein on psoriasis in in vivo and in vitro investigations
Authors: Bocheńska Katarzyna , Moskot Marta , Smolińska-Fijołek Elwira , Jakóbkiewicz-Banecka Joanna , Szczerkowska-Dobosz Aneta , Słomiński Bartosz , Gabig-Cimińska Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Genistein is applied worldwide as an alternative medicament for psoriasis (Ps) because of its anti-inflammatory activity and perceived beneficial impact on the skin. Hereby, we report our in vivo and in vitro investigations to supplement scientific research in this area. The reduction of clinical and biochemical scores in mild to moderate Ps patients taking genistein, its safety, good tolerability with no serious adverse events or discontinuations of treatment, no dose-limiting toxicities, negligible changes in pharmacodynamic parameters and remarkable serum interleukin level alterations were documented in this study. A certain regression of the Ps phenotype was visible, based on photo-documented Ps lesion evaluation. Through in vitro experiments, we found that genistein reduced IL-17A and TNF-α induced MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K activation in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Moreover, at the mRNA level of genes associated with the early inflammatory response characteristic for Ps (CAMP, CCL20, DEFB4A, PIK3CA, S100A7, and S100A9) and key cellular signalling (MTORC1 and TFEB), we showed that this isoflavone attenuated the increased response of IL-17A- and TNF-α-related pathways. This allows us to conclude that genistein is a good candidate for Ps treatment, being attractive for co-pharmacotherapy with other drugs.
Metabolic effect of drought stress on the leaves of young oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plants using UHPLC–MS and multivariate analysis
Authors: Neto Jorge Candido Rodrigues , Vieira Letícia Rios , de Aquino Ribeiro José Antônio , de Sousa Carlos Antônio Ferreira , Júnior Manoel Teixeira Souza , Abdelnur Patrícia Verardi
Published: September 2021

The expansion of the oil palm in marginal areas can face challenges, such as water deficit, leading to an impact on palm oil production. A better understanding of the biological consequences of abiotic stresses on this crop can result from joint metabolic profiling and multivariate analysis. Metabolic profiling of leaves was performed from control and stressed plants (7 and 14 days of stress). Samples were extracted and analyzed on a UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-HRMS system. Acquired data were processed using XCMS Online and MetaboAnalyst for multivariate and pathway activity analysis. Metabolism was affected by drought stress through clear segregation between control and stressed groups. More importantly, metabolism changed through time, gradually from 7 to 14 days. The pathways most affected by drought stress were: starch and sucrose metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. The analysis of the metabolic profile were efficient to correlate and differentiate groups of oil palm plants submitted to different levels of drought stress. Putative compounds and their affected pathways can be used in future multiomics analysis.
Clinical, functional and inflammatory evaluation in asthmatic patients after a simple short-term educational program: a randomized trial
Authors: Felix Soraia Nogueira , Agondi Rosana Câmara , Aun Marcelo Vivolo , Olivo Clarice Rosa , de Almeida Francine Maria , Amorim Thais Santos , Cezario Julia Caroline , Giavina-Bianchi Pedro , Tiberio Iolanda de Fátima Lopes Calvo , de Martins Milton de Arruda , Romanholo Beatriz Mangueira Saraiva
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution, functional parameters and inflammatory activity of asthma in patients who submitted to an educational intervention. 58 adult patients over 18 years of age with partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma were randomized into an intervention group (IG) (N = 32) and a control group (CG) (N = 26) and evaluated for 12 weeks. The Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Quality Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires were applied. Spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide (NO), exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and induced sputum (IS), measurement of the peak flow and symptoms were performed. The IG patients received an educational activity for 30 min applied by a nurse. Statistical analysis: analysis of variance with repeated intragroup measures. IG presented a decreased number of eosinophils in IS and IL-17A in EBC, an increase in the percentage of FEV1 before and after bronchodilator and an improvement in quality of life compared to the CG. There was an improvement in depression levels and a decrease in IL-4 and IL-5 in the IS and in the EBC in both groups. Our results suggest that an educational intervention can bring benefits concerning the control of inflammation, lung function alterations, quality of life and levels of depression in asthmatic patients. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03655392.
Regional heterogeneity in coral species richness and hue reveals novel global predictors of reef fish intra-family diversity
Authors: Cox Kieran D. , Woods Mackenzie B. , Reimchen Thomas E.
Published: September 2021

Habitat heterogeneity shapes biological communities, a well-known process in terrestrial ecosystems but substantially unresolved within coral reef ecosystems. We investigated the extent to which coral richness predicts intra-family fish richness, while simultaneously integrating a striking aspect of reef ecosystems—coral hue. To do so, we quantified the coral richness, coral hue diversity, and species richness within 25 fish families in 74 global ecoregions. We then expanded this to an analysis of all reef fishes (4465 species). Considering coral bleaching as a natural experiment, we subsequently examined hue's contribution to fish communities. Coral species and hue diversity significantly predict each family's fish richness, with the highest correlations (> 80%) occurring in damselfish, butterflyfish, emperors and rabbitfish, lower (60–80%) in substrate-bound and mid-water taxa such as blennies, seahorses, and parrotfish, and lowest (40–60%) in sharks, morays, grunts and triggerfish. The observed trends persisted globally. Coral bleaching's homogenization of reef colouration revealed hue’s contribution to maintaining fish richness, abundance, and recruit survivorship. We propose that each additional coral species and associated hue provide added ecological opportunities (e.g. camouflage, background contrast for intraspecific display), facilitating the evolution and co-existence of diverse fish assemblages.
Effects of brief sodium fluoride treatments on the growth of early and mature cariogenic biofilms
Authors: Han Ye
Published: September 2021

Although fluoride has been widely used as a preventive agent for dental caries, the effects of fluoride on the activities of biofilms in different stages of cariogenic biofilm formation are less studied. This study was designed to investigate the antibiofilm activity of sodium fluoride during the early and mature stages of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm formation. S. mutans biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disks. In the early (0–46 h) and mature (46–94 h) biofilm stages, the biofilms were treated with different concentrations of fluoride (250, 500, 1000, 2000 ppm; 5 times in total, 1 min/treatment). Acidogenicity, dry weight, colony-forming units (CFUs), water-soluble/insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), and intracellular polysaccharides were analysed, and confocal laser scanning microscopy images were obtained of the two stages of biofilms to determine antibiofilm activities of fluoride at varying concentrations during the formation of early and mature biofilms. In the early stages of cariogenic biofilm formation, test groups with all fluoride concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of S. mutans biofilms. The antibiofilm and anti-EPS formation activities of the brief fluoride treatments increased with a concentration-dependent pattern. At the mature biofilm stage, only the 2000 ppm fluoride treatment group significantly inhibited biofilm accumulation, activity, and intracellular/extracellular polysaccharide content compared with those of the control and other fluoride treatment groups. The antimicrobial effect of fluoride treatment on the growth of S. mutans biofilms was linked with the stage of cariogenic biofilm formation. The inhibition of S. mutans biofilm growth by fluoride treatment was easier in the early formation stage than in the mature stage. Fluoride treatment in the early stage of cariogenic biofilm formation may be an effective approach to controlling cariogenic biofilm development and preventing dental caries.
A porous anionic zinc(ii) metal–organic framework for gas adsorption, selective uptake of dyes and sensing of Fe3+ by Tb3+ ion encapsulation
Authors: Liang Yu-Jie , Yao Jun , Deng Min , Liu Yan-E. , Xu Quan-Qing , Li Qiu-Xia , Jing Bi , Zhu Ai-Xin , Huang Bo
Published: September 2021

A 3D anionic, porous MOF exhibits selective adsorption of cationic dyes and can be used as a fast-response fluorescence sensor for the detection of Fe3+ ions by Tb3+ ion encapsulation.
The physical nature of the interaction in DMSO extraction separation of C8H10 isomer/n-decane systems
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhang Haiyong , Wang Yonggang , Bai Hongcun , Zhao Di , Liu Qian
Published: September 2021

Analyzing the differences in the extraction experiments and revealing the physical nature of the interaction during the DMSO separation process.
The effect of elastic strains on the adsorption energy of H, O, and OH in transition metals
Authors: Martínez-Alonso Carmen , Guevara-Vela José Manuel , LLorca Javier
Published: September 2021

The adsorption energies of H, O, and OH on 11 transition metals were calculated as a function of strain. They were related to the Fermi energy level which only depended on the change of the area of the hole due to strain following a general law.
Amphiphilic polymeric nanoreactors containing Rh(i)–NHC complexes for the aqueous biphasic hydrogenation of alkenes
Authors: Sambou Sasaline Salomon , Hromov Roman , Ruzhylo Illia , Wang Hui , Allandrieu Audrey , Sabatier Cassandra , Coppel Yannick , Daran Jean-Claude , Gayet Florence , Labande Agnès , Manoury Eric , Poli Rinaldo
Published: September 2021

A rhodium(i) complex bearing a monodentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligand has been confined into the core of amphiphilic core-crosslinked micelles (CCMs).
Cytotoxicity evaluation and DNA interaction of RuII-bipy complexes containing coumarin-based ligands
Authors: de Almeida Patrícia S. V. B. , de Arruda Henrique Jefferson , Sousa Gleyton Leonel S. , Ribeiro Felipe Vitório , de Azevedo-França José Aleixo , Ferreira Larissa A. , Guedes Guilherme P. , Silva Heveline , Kummerle Arthur E. , Neves Amanda P.
Published: September 2021

Cationic RuIIcomplexes derived from coumarin hybrids and bipyridine have shown greater cytotoxicity than the free ligands. Our findings have been associated to the strongest ability of the complexes to interact with DNA.
The metabolic regulation of Fuzhuan brick tea in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and the potential contribution of gut microbiota
Authors: Liu Dongmin , Wang Jianhui , Zeng Hongliang , Zhou Fang , Wen Beibei , Zhang Xiangna , Luo Yong , Wu Wenliang , Huang Jianan , Liu Zhonghua
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the metabolic effects of Fuzhuan brick tea (FBT) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and the potential contribution of gut microbiota.
MoS2-based composite nanozymes with superior peroxidase-like activity for ultrasensitive SERS detection of glucose
Authors: Tan Yaoyu , Jiang Huan , Wang Baihui , Zhang Xia
Published: September 2021

An ultrasensitive biosensor with high peroxidase-like catalytic activity and excellent SERS properties is developed based on PANI@MoS2@Fe3O4@Au nanozymes.
A dual enzyme-mimicking radical generator for enhanced photodynamic therapyviaseries–parallel catalysis
Authors: Cao Zhenbang , Zhang Liang , Liu Jianxin , Wang Dong , Liang Kang , Chen Yu , Gu Zi
Published: September 2021

A series–parallel catalysis strategy enabled by a metal organic framework (MOF)-based dual enzyme mimicking radical generator nanoparticle has been developed for enhanced photodynamic therapy.
TiN nanoparticles deposited onto a D-shaped fiber as an optical modulator for ultrafast photonics and temperature sensing
Authors: Wang Fang , Lan Dongfang , Zhang Xuenan , Cheng Tonglei
Published: September 2021

Ultrafast fiber lasers and temperature sensing were realized using a novel optical modulator based on TiN and DF.
Hydrogen bonded trimesic acid networks on Cu(111) reveal how basic chemical properties are imprinted in HR-AFM images
Authors: Zahl Percy , Yakutovich Aliaksandr V. , Ventura-Macías Emiliano , Carracedo-Cosme Jaime , Romero-Muñiz Carlos , Pou Pablo , Sadowski Jerzy T. , Hybertsen Mark S. , Pérez Rubén
Published: September 2021

HR-AFM probes chemical details of a hydrogen bonded trimesic acid molecule network on Cu(111).
Efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2promoted by the electrospun Cu1.96S/Cu tandem catalyst
Authors: Liu Shuo , Cao Yu , Liu Hai , Wang Huili , Zhang Baoshan , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Sheng , Sun Jie
Published: September 2021

The Cu1.96S/Cu tandem structure embedded in N-doped carbon nanofibers is an efficient catalyst for electrochemical reduction of CO2to CO. During the preparation, zinc was employed as a sulfur-fixing agent as well a pore-forming agent.
Multifarious colloidal structures: new insight into ternary and quadripartite ordered assemblies
Authors: Stahley James B. , Zanjani Mehdi B.
Published: September 2021

This article explores new possibilities in the field of colloidal self-assembly by proposing design rules for ternary and quadripartite colloidal superstructures based on careful selection of interparticle interactions and geometric parameters.
A bifunctional squaramide-catalysed enantioselective vinylogous Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 4-unsaturated isoxazol-5-ones and α,α-dicyanoalkenes
Authors: Wang Yu , Niu Cheng , Xie Dong-Hua , Du Da-Ming
Published: September 2021

An effective strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of spiro isoxazolone-cyclohexenimines was developed via a squaramide-catalysed vinylogous Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 4-unsaturated isoxazol-5-ones and α,α-dicyanoalkenes.
Pd-Catalyzed solvent-controlled site-selective arene C–H monoacyloxylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Mao Zhengtong , Liu Min , Qian Hongjie , Jiang Yunfeng , Zhang Xingxian
Published: September 2021

Pd-catalyzed solvent-controlled direct C–H acyloxylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives is reported. A variety of functionalized monoacetoxylated pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidines are provided in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.
Enantioselective decarboxylative Mannich reaction of β-keto acids with C-alkynyl N-Boc N,O-acetals: access to chiral β-keto propargylamines
Authors: Zhang Cong-Cong , Chen Li-Jun , Shen Bao-Chun , Xie Hui-Ding , Li Wei , Sun Zhong-Wen
Published: September 2021

The first asymmetric Mannich reaction of C-alkynyl N-Boc N,O-acetals with β-ketoacids has been developed to access chiral β-keto propargylamines.
Stereochemical characterisation of the non-canonical α-humulene synthase from Acremonium strictum
Authors: Xu Houchao , Schotte Carsten , Cox Russell J. , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: September 2021

The stereochemical course of the non-canonical α-humulene synthase from Acremonium strictum was investigated in isotopic labelling experiments.
Expanding the scope of native chemical ligation – templated small molecule drug synthesis via benzanilide formation
Authors: Houska Richard , Stutz Marvin Björn , Seitz Oliver
Published: September 2021

The templated native chemical ligation between benzoyl thioesters and o-mercaptoaniline fragments proceeds in water and provides benzanilides that have nanomolar affinity for Abl1 kinase.
Stimuli-responsive microgels with cationic moieties: characterization and interaction with E. coli cells
Authors: Hussmann Larissa , Belthle Thomke , Demco Dan E. , Fechete Radu , Pich Andrij
Published: September 2021

Poly-N-vinylcaprolactam based microgels with positively charged 1-vinyl-3-methylimidazolium were analyzed by functional group volume phase transitions and morphology. The microgels are antibacterial, due to positive charges in the microgel corona.
Targeting intra-viral conserved nucleocapsid (N) proteins as novel vaccines against SARS-CoVs
Authors: Thura Min , Sng Joel Xuan En , Ang Koon Hwee , Li Jie , Gupta Abhishek , Hong Jimmy Ming , Hong Cheng William , Zeng Qi
Published: September 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global pandemic of the Coronavirus disease in late 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development efforts have predominantly been aimed at 'Extra-viral' Spike (S) protein as vaccine vehicles, but there are concerns regarding ‘viral immune escape’ since multiple mutations may enable the mutated virus strains to escape from immunity against S protein. The ‘Intra-viral’ Nucleocapsid (N-protein) is relatively conserved among mutant strains of coronaviruses during spread and evolution. Herein, we demonstrate novel vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2 by using the whole conserved N-protein or its fragment/peptides. Using ELISA assay, we showed that high titers of specific anti-N antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgM) were maintained for a reasonably long duration (> 5 months), suggesting that N-protein is an excellent immunogen to stimulate host immune system and robust B-cell activation. We synthesized three peptides located at the conserved regions of N-protein among CoVs. One peptide showed as a good immunogen for vaccination as well. Cytokine arrays on post-vaccination mouse sera showed progressive up-regulation of various cytokines such as IFN-γ and CCL5, suggesting that TH1 associated responses are also stimulated. Furthermore, vaccinated mice exhibited an elevated memory T cells population. Here, we propose an unconventional vaccine strategy targeting the conserved N-protein as an alternative vaccine target for coronaviruses. Moreover, we generated a mouse monoclonal antibody specifically against an epitope shared between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and we are currently developing the First-in-Class humanized anti-N-protein antibody to potentially treat patients infected by various CoVs in the future.