bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic background-dependent abnormalities of the enteric nervous system and intestinal function in Kif26a-deficient mice
Authors: Ohara Yukiko , Fujimura Lisa , Sakamoto Akemi , Teratake Youichi , Hiraoka Shuichi , Koseki Haruhiko , Saito Takeshi , Terui Keita , Mitsunaga Tetsuya , Nakata Mitsuyuki , Yoshida Hideo , Hatano Masahiko
Published: February 2021

The Kif26a protein-coding gene has been identified as a negative regulator of the GDNF-Ret signaling pathway in enteric neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic background on the phenotype of Kif26a-deficient (KO, −/−) mice. KO mice with both C57BL/6 and BALB/c genetic backgrounds were established. Survival rates and megacolon development were compared between these two strains of KO mice. Functional bowel assessments and enteric neuron histopathology were performed in the deficient mice. KO mice with the BALB/c genetic background survived more than 400 days without evidence of megacolon, while all C57BL/6 KO mice developed megacolon and died within 30 days. Local enteric neuron hyperplasia in the colon and functional bowel abnormalities were observed in BALB/c KO mice. These results indicated that megacolon and enteric neuron hyperplasia in KO mice are influenced by the genetic background. BALB/c KO mice may represent a viable model for functional gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic constipation, facilitating studies on the underlying mechanisms and providing a foundation for the development of treatments.
Quantification of injury burden using multiple data sources: a longitudinal study
Authors: Tung Keith T. S. , Ho Frederick K. , Wong Wilfred H. S. , Wong Rosa S. , Tsui Matthew S. H. , Ho Paul , Kam Chak Wah , Chan Esther W. Y. , Leung Gilberto K. K. , Chan Ko Ling , Chow Chun Bong , Ip Patrick
Published: February 2021

Quantification of injury burden is vital for injury prevention, as it provides a guide for setting policies and priorities. This study generated a set of Hong Kong specific disability weights (DWs) derived from patient experiences and hospital records. Patients were recruited from the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of three major trauma centers in Hong Kong between September 2014 and December 2015 and subsequently interviewed with a focus on health-related quality of life at most three times over a 12-month period. These patient-reported data were then used for estimation of DWs. The burden of injury was determined using the mortality and inpatient data from 2001 to 2012 and then compared with those reported in the UK Burden of Injury (UKBOI) and global burden of diseases (GBD) studies. There were 22,856 mortality cases and 817,953 morbidity cases caused by injuries, in total contributing to 1,027,641 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the 12-year study timeframe. Estimates for DALYs per 100,000 in Hong Kong amounted to 1192, compared with 2924 in UKBOI and 3459 in GBD. Our findings support the use of multiple data sources including patient-reported data and hospital records for estimation of injury burden.
Drosophila oocyte proteome composition covaries with female mating status
Authors: McDonough-Goldstein Caitlin E. , Pitnick Scott , Dorus Steve
Published: February 2021

Oocyte composition can directly influence offspring fitness, particularly in oviparous species such as most insects, where it is the primary form of parental investment. Oocyte production is also energetically costly, dependent on female condition and responsive to external cues. Here, we investigated whether mating influences mature oocyte composition in Drosophila melanogaster using a quantitative proteomic approach. Our analyses robustly identified 4,485 oocyte proteins and revealed that stage-14 oocytes from mated females differed significantly in protein composition relative to oocytes from unmated females. Proteins forming a highly interconnected network enriched for translational machinery and transmembrane proteins were increased in oocytes from mated females, including calcium binding and transport proteins. This mating-induced modulation of oocyte maturation was also significantly associated with proteome changes that are known to be triggered by egg activation. We propose that these compositional changes are likely to have fitness consequences and adaptive implications given the importance of oocyte protein composition, rather than active gene expression, to the maternal-to-zygotic transition and early embryogenesis.
Clinical manifestations and visual outcomes associated with ocular toxoplasmosis in a Brazilian population
Authors: Arruda Sigrid , Vieira Barbara R. , Garcia Denny M. , Araújo Michelle , Simões Milena , Moreto Renata , Rodrigues Murilo W. , Belfort Rubens , Smith Justine R. , Furtado João M.
Published: February 2021

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. We conducted an observational study of 262 consecutive individuals (n = 344 eyes) with ocular toxoplasmosis who were followed over a 34-month period. Most subjects were T. gondii IgG + /IgM- (n = 242; 92.4%; 317 eyes), and 140 eyes (40.7%) had active lesions. For eyes in which retinal lesions were active at recruitment and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) could be measured (n = 133), 21.0% (n = 28) remained blind (BCVA below 20/400) after inflammation resolved. In these eyes, atypical ocular toxoplasmosis (OR 4.99; 95% CI 1.14–22.85; p = 0.0330), macular lesion (OR 9.95; 95% CI 2.45–47.15; p = 0.0019) and any complication (OR 10.26; 95% CI 3.82–30.67; p < 0.0001) were associated with BCVA below 20/200. For eyes with only inactive lesions at recruitment and BCVA measured (n = 178), 28.1% (n = 50) were blind. In these eyes, having at least one lesion larger than one disc-diameter (OR 6.30; 95% CI 2.28–22.46; p = 0.0013) and macular lesion (OR 5.69; 95% CI 2.53–13.54; p < 0.0001) were associated with BCVA below 20/200. Older age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.05; p = 0.0493) and active disease at presentation (OR 4.74; 95% CI 1.95–12.91; p = 0.0011) were associated with recurrences. Additional clinical attention should be directed towards patients with risk factors for poor visual outcome.
Chromosomal evolution in Raphicerus antelope suggests divergent X chromosomes may drive speciation through females, rather than males, contrary to Haldane's rule
Authors: Robinson Terence J. , Cernohorska Halina , Kubickova Svatava , Vozdova Miluse , Musilova Petra , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora
Published: February 2021

Chromosome structural change has long been considered important in the evolution of post-zygotic reproductive isolation. The premise that karyotypic variation can serve as a possible barrier to gene flow is founded on the expectation that heterozygotes for structurally distinct chromosomal forms would be partially sterile (negatively heterotic) or show reduced recombination. We report the outcome of a detailed comparative molecular cytogenetic study of three antelope species, genus Raphicerus, that have undergone a rapid radiation. The species are largely conserved with respect to their euchromatic regions but the X chromosomes, in marked contrast, show distinct patterns of heterochromatic amplification and localization of repeats that have occurred independently in each lineage. We argue a novel hypothesis that postulates that the expansion of heterochromatic blocks in the homogametic sex can, with certain conditions, contribute to post-zygotic isolation. i.e., female hybrid incompatibility, the converse of Haldane’s rule. This is based on the expectation that hybrids incur a selective disadvantage due to impaired meiosis resulting from the meiotic checkpoint network’s surveillance of the asymmetric expansions of heterochromatic blocks in the homogametic sex. Asynapsis of these heterochromatic regions would result in meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin and, if this persists, germline apoptosis and female infertility.
Exemplifying an archetypal thorium-EPS complexation by novel thoriotolerant Providencia thoriotolerans AM3
Authors: Shukla Arpit , Parmar Paritosh , Goswami Dweipayan , Patel Baldev , Saraf Meenu
Published: February 2021

It is the acquisition of unique traits that adds to the enigma of microbial capabilities to carry out extraordinary processes. One such ecosystem is the soil exposed to radionuclides, in the vicinity of atomic power stations. With the aim to study thorium (Th) tolerance in the indigenous bacteria of such soil, the bacteria were isolated and screened for maximum thorium tolerance. Out of all, only one strain AM3, found to tolerate extraordinary levels of Th (1500 mg L−1), was identified to be belonging to genus Providencia and showed maximum genetic similarity with the type strain P. vermicola OP1T. This is the first report suggesting any bacteria to tolerate such high Th and we propose to term such microbes as ‘thoriotolerant’. The medium composition for cultivating AM3 was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) which also led to an improvement in its Th-tolerance capabilities by 23%. AM3 was found to be a good producer of EPS and hence one component study was also employed for its optimization. Moreover, the EPS produced by the strain showed interaction with Th, which was deduced by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Significance of abnormal 53BP1 expression as a novel molecular pathologic parameter of follicular-shaped B-cell lymphoid lesions in human digestive tract
Authors: Luong Thi My Hanh , Matsuda Katsuya , Niino Daisuke , Kurohama Hirokazu , Ito Masahiro , Nakashima Masahiro
Published: February 2021

The digestive tract is a common site of extranodal malignant lymphomas (MLs) and benign lymphoid lesions (BLs). TP53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) expression has been widely investigated in class switch recombination but rarely in human lymphoid tissues with respect to tumorigenesis. We previously reported that immunofluorescence (IF) analysis of 53BP1 nuclear foci (NF), reflecting DNA double strand breaks, is useful for estimating genomic instability in different tumor types. In this study, we evaluated the potential of IF-based analysis of 53BP1 expression in differentiating MLs from BLs. We examined 231 biopsied tissue samples of primary MLs and BLs in the digestive tract. The 53BP1 immunoreactivity pattern was determined by multicolor IF. Compared to BLs, MLs showed a high frequency of abnormal 53BP1 expression (p < 0.0001). Statistically, abnormal 53BP1 expression is an effective test for distinguishing follicular lymphomas from BLs (specificity 98.6%, sensitivity 86.8%) and for distinguishing small B-cell lymphomas from BLs (specificity 98.3%, sensitivity 77.6%). Furthermore, a high frequency of abnormal 53BP1 expression was associated with “high-risk” MALT lymphomas, which exhibited t(11;18)(q21;21) (p = 0.0145). Collectively, these results suggest that IF-based analysis of 53BP1 expression in biopsy samples is a promising technique for diagnosing MLs in the digestive system.
Implications of sample size and acquired number of steps to investigate running biomechanics
Authors: Oliveira Anderson Souza , Pirscoveanu Cristina Ioana
Published: February 2021

Low reproducibility and non-optimal sample sizes are current concerns in scientific research, especially within human movement studies. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the implications of different sample sizes and number of steps on data variability and statistical outcomes from kinematic and kinetics running biomechanical variables. Forty-four participants ran overground using their preferred technique (normal) and minimizing the contact sound volume (silent). Running speed, peak vertical, braking forces, and vertical average loading rate were extracted from > 40 steps/runner. Data stability was computed using a sequential estimation technique. Statistical outcomes (p values and effect sizes) from the comparison normal vs silent running were extracted from 100,000 random samples, using various combinations of sample size (from 10 to 40 runners) and number of steps (from 5 to 40 steps). The results showed that only 35% of the study sample could reach average stability using up to 10 steps across all biomechanical variables. The loading rate was consistently significantly lower during silent running compared to normal running, with large effect sizes across all combinations. However, variables presenting small or medium effect sizes (running speed and peak braking force), required > 20 runners to reach significant differences. Therefore, varying sample sizes and number of steps are shown to influence the normal vs silent running statistical outcomes in a variable-dependent manner. Based on our results, we recommend that studies involving analysis of traditional running biomechanical variables use a minimum of 25 participants and 25 steps from each participant to provide appropriate data stability and statistical power.
Survey and characterization of nonfunctional alleles of FUT2 in a database
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro
Published: February 2021

The expression of ABO antigens in human saliva is regulated by the FUT2 gene, which encodes a secretor type α(1,2)fucosyltransferase. Secretors express ABO substrates in saliva and non-secretors do not. Secretor status is an object of concern, especially for susceptibility to various infectious diseases. A multitude of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) have been reported, and they show unique distributions among different populations. In this study, we selected 18 uncharacterized FUT2 alleles listed in the Erythrogene database and obtained genomic DNA having these alleles. We experimentally confirmed the haplotypes, but 10 of 18 alleles disagreed with those in the database, which may be attributed to their low frequency. We then examined the activity of the encoded α(1,2)fucosyltransferase for 13 alleles by flow cytometry of H antigen expression. The impact of each nonsynonymous SNP on the enzyme was also estimated by software. We finally identified two non-secretor alleles (se610and se357,856,863) and one weak secretor allele (se262,357), while in silico analysis predicted that many alleles impair the function. The present results suggest that correct haplotyping and functional assays are desirable for analysis of the FUT2 gene.
Transcriptional response to the host cell environment of a multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis clonal outbreak Beijing strain reveals its pathogenic features
Authors: Aiewsakun Pakorn , Prombutara Pinidphon , Siregar Tegar Adriansyah Putra , Laopanupong Thanida , Kanjanasirirat Phongthon , Khumpanied Tanawadee , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Tong-Ngam Pirut , Tubsuwan Alisa , Srilohasin Prapaporn , Chaiprasert Angkana , Ruangchai Wuthiwat , Palittapongarnpim Prasit , Prammananan Therdsak , VanderVen Brian C. , Ponpuak Marisa
Published: February 2021

Tuberculosis is a global public health problem with emergence of multidrug-resistant infections. Previous epidemiological studies of tuberculosis in Thailand have identified a clonal outbreak multidrug-resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Kanchanaburi province, designated “MKR superspreader”, and this particular strain later was found to also spread to other regions. In this study, we elucidated its biology through RNA-Seq analyses and identified a set of genes involved in cholesterol degradation to be up-regulated in the MKR during the macrophage cell infection, but not in the H37Rv reference strain. We also found that the bacterium up-regulated genes associated with the ESX-1 secretion system during its intracellular growth phase, while the H37Rv did not. All results were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, we showed that compounds previously shown to inhibit the mycobacterial ESX-1 secretion system and cholesterol utilisation, and FDA-approved drugs known to interfere with the host cholesterol transportation were able to decrease the intracellular survival of the MKR when compared to the untreated control, while not that of the H37Rv. Altogether, our findings suggested that such pathways are important for the MKR’s intracellular growth, and potentially could be targets for the discovery of new drugs against this emerging multidrug-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis.
Simultaneous quantification method for 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur using UPLC-MS/MS and clinical application in monitoring UFT/LV combination therapy after hepatectomy
Authors: Shiraiwa Ken , Suzuki Yosuke , Uchida Hiroki , Iwashita Yukio , Tanaka Ryota , Iwao Motoshi , Tada Kazuhiro , Hirashita Teijiro , Masuda Takashi , Endo Yuichi , Inomata Masafumi , Itoh Hiroki
Published: February 2021

Combination therapy of tegafur/uracil (UFT) and leucovorin (LV) is widely used to treat colorectal cancers. Although this therapy has a significant therapeutic effect, severe adverse effects occur frequently. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may help to prevent adverse effects. A useful assay that can quantitate plasma levels of 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur simultaneously for TDM has been desired, but such a method is not currently available. In this study, we aimed to develop a sensitive method for simultaneous quantification of 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur in human plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). After preparing plasma samples by protein precipitation and liquid extraction, 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS in negative electrospray ionization mode. Validation was performed according to US Food and Drugs Administration guidance. The calibration curves were linear over concentration ranges of 2–500 ng/mL for 5-FU, 20–5000 ng/mL for uracil, and 200–50,000 ng/mL for tegafur. The corresponding average recovery rates were 79.9, 80.9, and 87.8%. The method provides accuracy within 11.6% and precision below 13.3% for all three analytes. Matrix effects of 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur were higher than 43.5, 84.9, and 100.2%, respectively. This assay was successfully applied to assess the time courses of plasma 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur concentrations in two patients with colorectal liver metastasis who received UFT/LV therapy after hepatectomy. In conclusion, we succeeded to develop a sensitive and robust UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of 5-FU, uracil, and tegafur in human plasma. This method is potentially useful for TDM in patients receiving UFT/LV combination therapy.
Dynamics of binding ability prediction between spike protein and human ACE2 reveals the adaptive strategy of SARS-CoV-2 in humans
Authors: Xue Xia , Shi Jianxiang , Xu Hongen , Qin Yaping , Yang Zengguang , Feng Shuaisheng , Liu Danhua , Jian Liguo , Hua Linlin , Wang Yaohe , Zhang Qi , Huang Xueyong , Zhang Xiaoju , Li Xinxin , Chen Chunguang , Guo Jiancheng , Tang Wenxue , Liu Jianbo
Published: February 2021

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a novel coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. High adaptive plasticity on the spike protein of SASR-CoV-2 enables it to transmit across different host species. In the present study, we collected 2092 high-quality genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from 160 regions in over 50 countries and reconstructed their phylogeny. We also analyzed the polymorphic interaction between spike protein and human ACE2 (hACE2). Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is probably originated from a recombination event on the spike protein between a bat coronavirus and a pangolin coronavirus that endows it humans infectivity. Compared with other regions in the S gene of SARS-CoV-2, the direct-binding sites of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) is more conserved. We focused on 3,860 amino acid mutations in spike protein RBD (T333-C525) of SARS-CoV-2 and simulated their differential stability and binding affinity to hACE2 (S19-D615). The results indicate no preference for SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on people of different ethnic groups. The variants in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 may also be a good indicator demonstrating the transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 from its natural reservoir to human hosts.
Mastoid effusion on temporal bone MRI in patients with Bell’s palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Authors: Choi Jin Woo , Lee Jiyeon. , Lee Dong-Han , Shin Jung Eun , Kim Chang-Hee
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of mastoid effusion on temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with Bell’s palsy (BP) and Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS), and evaluate the usefulness of mastoid effusion in early differential diagnosis between BP and RHS. The incidence of mastoid effusion on 3.0 T—temporal bone MRI, which was conducted within 10 days after the onset of acute facial nerve palsy, was compared between 131 patients with BP and 33 patients with RHS. Findings of mastoid cavity on temporal bone MRI were classified into three groups as normal mastoid, mastoid effusion, and sclerotic change, and the incidence of ipsilesional mastoid effusion was significantly higher in RHS than BP (P < 0.001). Tympanic membrane was normal in 7 of 14 RHS patients with mastoid effusion, and injected without middle ear effusion in 7 patients. This study highlights significantly higher incidence of ipsilesional mastoid effusion in RHS than BP, and suggests that the presence of mastoid effusion may provide additional information for differential diagnosis between RHS and BP.
Predicting COVID-19 mortality with electronic medical records
Authors: Estiri Hossein , Strasser Zachary H. , Klann Jeffy G. , Naseri Pourandokht , Wagholikar Kavishwar B. , Murphy Shawn N.
Published: February 2021

This study aims to predict death after COVID-19 using only the past medical information routinely collected in electronic health records (EHRs) and to understand the differences in risk factors across age groups. Combining computational methods and clinical expertise, we curated clusters that represent 46 clinical conditions as potential risk factors for death after a COVID-19 infection. We trained age-stratified generalized linear models (GLMs) with component-wise gradient boosting to predict the probability of death based on what we know from the patients before they contracted the virus. Despite only relying on previously documented demographics and comorbidities, our models demonstrated similar performance to other prognostic models that require an assortment of symptoms, laboratory values, and images at the time of diagnosis or during the course of the illness. In general, we found age as the most important predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients. A history of pneumonia, which is rarely asked in typical epidemiology studies, was one of the most important risk factors for predicting COVID-19 mortality. A history of diabetes with complications and cancer (breast and prostate) were notable risk factors for patients between the ages of 45 and 65 years. In patients aged 65–85 years, diseases that affect the pulmonary system, including interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and a smoking history, were important for predicting mortality. The ability to compute precise individual-level risk scores exclusively based on the EHR is crucial for effectively allocating and distributing resources, such as prioritizing vaccination among the general population.
Gametes deficient for Pot1 telomere binding proteins alter levels of telomeric foci for multiple generations
Authors: Lister-Shimauchi Evan H. , Dinh Michael , Maddox Paul , Ahmed Shawn
Published: February 2021

Deficiency for telomerase results in transgenerational shortening of telomeres. However, telomeres have no known role in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. C. elegans Protection Of Telomeres 1 (Pot1) proteins form foci at the telomeres of germ cells that disappear at fertilization and gradually accumulate during development. We find that gametes from mutants deficient for Pot1 proteins alter levels of telomeric foci for multiple generations. Gametes from pot-2 mutants give rise to progeny with abundant POT-1::mCherry and mNeonGreen::POT-2 foci throughout development, which persists for six generations. In contrast, gametes from pot-1 mutants or pot-1; pot-2 double mutants induce diminished Pot1 foci for several generations. Deficiency for MET-2, SET-25, or SET-32 methyltransferases, which promote heterochromatin formation, results in gametes that induce diminished Pot1 foci for several generations. We propose that C. elegans POT-1 may interact with H3K9 methyltransferases during pot-2 mutant gametogenesis to induce a persistent form of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance that causes constitutively high levels of heterochromatic Pot1 foci.
Full-length in meso structure and mechanism of rat kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibition
Authors: Mimasu Shinya , Yamagishi Hiroaki , Kubo Satoshi , Kiyohara Mie , Matsuda Toshihiro , Yahata Toshiko , Thomson Heather A. , Hupp Christopher D. , Liu Julie , Okuda Takao , Kakefuda Kenichi
Published: February 2021

The structural mechanisms of single-pass transmembrane enzymes remain elusive. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) is a mitochondrial protein involved in the eukaryotic tryptophan catabolic pathway and is linked to various diseases. Here, we report the mammalian full-length structure of KMO in its membrane-embedded form, complexed with compound 3 (identified internally) and compound 4 (identified via DNA-encoded chemical library screening) at 3.0 Å resolution. Despite predictions suggesting that KMO has two transmembrane domains, we show that KMO is actually a single-pass transmembrane protein, with the other transmembrane domain lying laterally along the membrane, where it forms part of the ligand-binding pocket. Further exploration of compound 3 led to identification of the brain-penetrant compound, 5. We show that KMO is dimeric, and that mutations at the dimeric interface abolish its activity. These results will provide insight for the drug discovery of additional blood-brain-barrier molecules, and help illuminate the complex biology behind single-pass transmembrane enzymes.
A multiplex CRISPR interference tool for virulence gene interrogation in Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Ellis Nicole A. , Kim Byoungkwan , Tung Jessica , Machner Matthias P.
Published: February 2021

Catalytically inactive dCas9 imposes transcriptional gene repression by sterically precluding RNA polymerase activity at a given gene to which it was directed by CRISPR (cr)RNAs. This gene silencing technology, known as CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), has been employed in various bacterial species to interrogate genes, mostly individually or in pairs. Here, we developed a multiplex CRISPRi platform in the pathogen Legionella pneumophila capable of silencing up to ten genes simultaneously. Constraints on precursor-crRNA expression were overcome by combining a strong promoter with a boxA element upstream of a CRISPR array. Using crRNAs directed against virulence protein-encoding genes, we demonstrated that CRISPRi is fully functional not only during growth in axenic media, but also during macrophage infection, and that gene depletion by CRISPRi recapitulated the growth defect of deletion strains. By altering the position of crRNA-encoding spacers within the CRISPR array, our platform achieved the gradual depletion of targets that was mirrored by the severity in phenotypes. Multiplex CRISPRi thus holds great promise for probing large sets of genes in bulk in order to decipher virulence strategies of L. pneumophila and other bacterial pathogens.
Unconventional magnonic surface and interface states in layered ferromagnets
Authors: Zakeri Khalil , Qin Huajun , Ernst Arthur
Published: February 2021

Electronic surface, interface and edge states are well-known concepts in low-dimensional solids and have already been utilised for practical applications. It is expected that magnons–the bosonic quasiparticles representing the magnetic excitations– shall also exhibit such exotic states. However, how these states are formed in layered magnetic structures is hitherto unknown. Here we bring the topic of magnonic surface and interface states in layered ferromagnets into discussion. We provide experimental examples of synthetic layered structures, supporting our discussions and show that these states can be tailored in artificially fabricated structures. We demonstrate that the magnonic surface or interface states may show peculiar features, including "standing” or "ultrafast” states. We argue that these states can drastically change their electronic and magnonic transport properties. In this way one can design layered ferromagnets which act as magnon conductor, semiconductor and insulator of specific states.
Dynamics of resilience–equity interactions in resource-based communities
Authors: Molla Nusrat , DeIonno John , Herman Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Despite the growing focus on understanding how to build resilience, the interaction between resilience and equity, particularly in the context of power asymmetries like those in communities reliant on resource-based industries, or resource-based communities, is not well understood. Here we present a stylized dynamical systems model of asymmetric resource access and control in resource-based communities that links industrial resource degradation, community well-being, and migration in response to economic and resource conditions. The model reveals a mechanism of collapse due to these dynamics in which over-extraction and resource degradation trigger irreversible population decline. Regulating resource extraction can increase resilience (in the sense of persistence) while also shifting the sustainable equilibrium and the implications for equity. Resilience does not guarantee equity at equilibrium, and this misalignment is more pronounced in the transient interactions between short term equity and long term resilience. The misalignment between resilience and equity demonstrates how equity considerations change the policy design process in important ways.
Future changes in the frequency of temperature extremes may be underestimated in tropical and subtropical regions
Authors: Freychet N. , Hegerl G. , Mitchell D. , Collins M.
Published: February 2021

In a warming world, temperature extremes are expected to show a distinguishable change over much of the globe even at 1.5 °C warming, and in many regions this change has already been detected in observations. Although many studies predict an increase in heat extreme events, the magnitude of the change varies greatly among different models even for the same mean warming. This uncertainty has been linked to differences in land–atmosphere feedback across models. Here we show that a significant constraint for future projections can be based on the ability of climate models to accurately simulate the present day variability of daily surface maximum temperature. An emergent constraint on Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and 6 (CMIP6) models, applied to ERA5 reanalysis, indicates that the best estimate in hot extreme changes by the end of the century could be worse than previously estimated, mostly for tropical and subtropical regions as well as South and East Asia.
Transformation of abundant magnesium silicate minerals for enhanced CO2 sequestration
Authors: Scott Allan , Oze Christopher , Shah Vineet , Yang Nan , Shanks Barney , Cheeseman Chris , Marshall Aaron , Watson Matthew
Published: February 2021

Global climate change related to anthropogenic CO2 emissions is one of the most significant challenges for the future of human life on Earth. There are many potential options for reducing or even eliminating atmospheric CO2 emissions including underground sequestration, carbon mineralization and ocean storage. One of the most promising materials for carbon mineralization is Mg(OH)2 which is highly reactive and capable of forming stable carbonates. Here we show a novel low-carbon method of producing Mg(OH)2, from globally abundant olivine-rich silicate rocks. A combination of acid digestion and electrolysis of olivine were used to produce Mg(OH)2 in a fully recoverable system. The use of Mg(OH)2 from olivine provides a viable pathway for significant industrial scale reductions in global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Recent advances in metal–organic framework-based photocatalysts for hydrogen production
Authors: Reddy D. Amaranatha , Kim Yujin , Gopannagari Madhusudana , Kumar D. Praveen , Kim Tae Kyu
Published: February 2021

This review precisely addresses the recent advances in MOF-based photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production.
High-performance electrochemical sensing platform based on sodium alginate-derived 3D hierarchically porous carbon for simultaneous determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers
Authors: Wei Liang , Huang Xinlong , Zhang Xianqian , Yang Xiande , Yang Jing , Yan Feiyan , Ya Yu
Published: February 2021

A selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on three-dimensional hierarchically porous carbon was developed for simultaneous determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers.
Mitochondria targeted nanoparticles to generate oxygen and responsive-release of carbon monoxide for enhanced photogas therapy of cancer
Authors: Ren Hao , Yang Qingqing , Yong Jiahui , Fang Xue , Yang Zheng , Liu Zhangya , Jiang Xing , Miao Wenjun , Li Xueming
Published: February 2021

Oxygen generating and photothermally responsive carbon monoxide delivering nanoparticles with a mitochondria-targeting property were developed to enhance a combination of phototherapy and gas therapy.
Multi-shelled hollow layered double hydroxides with enhanced performance for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Qin Yongji , Wang Bingqing , Qiu Yuan , Liu Xijun , Qi Gaocan , Zhang Shusheng , Han Aijuan , Luo Jun , Liu Junfeng
Published: February 2021

Triple-shelled hollow LDHs exhibited much smaller overpotential and Tafel slope than the double-shelled and the single-shelled hollow LDHs.
Facile fabrication of a highly (110)-oriented ZIF-7 film with rod-shaped seeds
Authors: Chen Sixing , Sun Yanwei , Chen Sikang , Gao Yunlei , Wang Fei , Li Hong , Liu Yi
Published: February 2021

In this study, we report a novel synthesis strategy to prepare a highly (110)-oriented ZIF-7 film possessing superior anti-corrosion propertiesviaoriented deposition of a rod-shaped single seed layer followed by oriented epitaxial growth.
IR photofragmentation of the phenyl cation: spectroscopy and fragmentation pathways
Authors: Wiersma Sandra D. , Candian Alessandra , Bakker Joost M. , Berden Giel , Eyler John R. , Oomens Jos , Tielens Alexander G. G. M. , Petrignani Annemieke
Published: February 2021

We present the gas-phase infrared spectra of the phenyl cation, phenylium, in its perprotio (C6H5+) and perdeutero (C6D5+) forms, in the 260–1925 cm−1 (5.2–38 μm) spectral range, and investigate the observed photofragmentation.
Efficient methylation of anilines with methanol catalysed by cyclometalated ruthenium complexes
Authors: Piehl Patrick , Amuso Roberta , Spannenberg Anke , Gabriele Bartolo , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2021

Cyclometalated ruthenium allow the effective and selective N-methylation of anilines under mild conditions.
A new efficient deep-red-emission phosphor Al2O3:Cr3+/Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ for plant growth
Authors: Wang Lin , Seto Takatoshi , Wang Yuhua
Published: February 2021

Under excitation at 460 nm, the emission intensity of the phosphor was 42% higher than that of Al2O3:Cr3+.
A trapped hexaaqua CoII complex between the polyanionic sheets of decavanadate reveals high axial anisotropy and field induced SIM behaviour
Authors: Sahu Pradip Kumar , Mondal Arpan , Konar Sanjit
Published: February 2021

A hexaaqua CoII complex within the anionic metal oxide cluster of decavanadates reveals easy-axis anisotropy and field induced SIM behaviour with a high energy barrier for the spin reversal process.
Recent advances in printed flexible heaters for portable and wearable thermal management
Authors: Liu Qun , Tian Bin , Liang Jing , Wu Wei
Published: February 2021

This review presents the recent progress of printed flexible heaters for portable and wearable thermal management.
An anionic-ligand installed pyrene-based MOF for the fluorescence detection of paraquat
Authors: Zhao Bo , Yang Qi , Wang Jia-Si , Xie Feng-Yang , Yu Hong-Yi , Li Yue , Ma Yu-Xin , Ruan Wen-Juan
Published: February 2021

By anionic ligand installation, a pyrene-based MOF could distinguish paraquat from other electron-deficient agrochemicals and gave sensitive fluorescence response to it.
Fabrication of 3D Ni/NiO/MoS2/rGO foam for enhancing sensing performance
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Zhao Minggang , Qu Huiyan , Shang Jinghua , Ma Ye , Li Hui
Published: February 2021

The accurate electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) is hard to achieve due to the serious interference of a substance with similar redox properties.
Novel fluorescent probes based on nitrogen–sulfur co-doped carbon dots for chromium ion detection
Authors: Guo Jiaqing , Ye Shuai , Li Hao , Chen Yue , Liu Hao , Song Yiwan , Peng Xiao , Zhou Feifan , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: February 2021

In this work, novel carbon dots codoped with nitrogen and sulfur (NSCDs) were used as fluorescent probes to detect Cr3+.
Perfluoropentane-filled chitosan poly-acrylic acid nanobubbles with high stability for long-term ultrasound imaging in vivo
Authors: Gao Xuemei , Guo Dajing , Mao Xiang , Shan Xuefeng , He Xuemei , Yu Chaoqun
Published: February 2021

The prepared PFP-CS-PAA nanobubbles with extremely tiny size (approximately 100 nm) showed good imaging quality and high stability in vivo.
Vapor-assisted self-conversion of basic carbonates in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Jia Miaomiao , Su Jingyi , Su Pengcheng , Li Wanbin
Published: February 2021

Basic carbonates with high alkalinity are incorporated into metal–organic frameworks by solvent vapor-assisted self-conversion of partial metal centers to improve carbon capture performance.
Stable Li-ion storage in Ge/N-doped carbon microsphere anodes
Authors: Han Lijing , Tang Jing , Yang Rong , Wei Qiaohua , Wei Mingdeng
Published: February 2021

Hierarchical Ge/NC microspheres were fabricated via a new synthesis route and showed a promising electrochemical performance.
Recent advances in the Rh-catalyzed cascade arene C–H bond activation/annulation toward diverse heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Wang Chang , Chen Fan , Qian Pengcheng , Cheng Jiang
Published: February 2021

A review highlighting the advances in Cp*Rh(iii) catalysed cascade arene C–H activation/annulation including application, scope, limitations and mechanism of these transformations.
Microcystin in source water: pollution characteristics and human health risk assessment
Authors: Ge Simin , Qiao Xiaocui , Zhao Xingru , Li Xue , Liu Yan
Published: February 2021

Frequent cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic waters produce a variety of toxins such as microcystins (MCs), which are seriously harmful to waterbodies and human health.
A graphene hybrid supramolecular hydrogel with high stretchability, self-healable and photothermally responsive properties for wound healing
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Shiya , Chen Canwen , Zhang Dagan
Published: February 2021

The hydrogel demonstrated properties with high stretchability, self-healable and photothermal properties. Notably, photothermal therapy could be established due to its photothermal responsiveness, benefiting infected wound healing.
Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes: Pd-γ-Al2O3 and PdO-γ-Al2O3 as potential photocatalysts
Authors: Kumar Avvaru Praveen , Bilehal Dinesh , Tadesse Aschalew , Kumar Deepak
Published: February 2021

Mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by Pd/PdO NPs.
Meso-functionalization of calix[4]arene with 1,3,7-triazapyrene in the design of novel fluorophores with the dual target detection of Al3+ and Fe3+ cations
Authors: Moseev Timofey D. , Lavrinchenko Igor A. , Varaksin Mikhail V. , Pobedinskaya Diana Yu. , Demidov Oleg P. , Borovlev Ivan V. , Charushin Valery N. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: February 2021

Novel bifunctional fluorophores with the dual target detection of Al3+ and Fe3+ cations were synthesized in yields up to 70% via bridge-functionalization of calix[4]arenes with the 1,3,7-triazapyrene scaffold.
Metalloid gold clusters – past, current and future aspects
Authors: Kenzler Sebastian , Schnepf Andreas
Published: February 2021

Gold chemistry and the synthesis of colloidal gold always caught the attention of scientists. This review depicts the development of the chemistry of metalloid gold clusters over the last few decades and shows recent scientific developments.
Unlocking the potential of ruthenium catalysts for nitrogen fixation with subsurface oxygen
Authors: Mao Xin , Gu Zhengxiang , Yan Cheng , Du Aijun
Published: February 2021

Decorating subsurface oxygen in Ru catalysts to achieve high activity and selectivity for N2reduction to ammonia.
Metal–organic framework (MOF) composite materials for photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible light
Authors: Han Zhen , Fu Yaomei , Zhang Yingchao , Zhang Xiao , Meng Xing , Zhou Ziyan , Su Zhongmin
Published: February 2021

We designed and synthesized TVPT-MOFs, combined with g-C3N4, and the yield of CO2 reduction could reach 56 μmol·g−1·h−1.
First and second order optimality conditions for the control of Fokker-Planck equations
Authors: Soledad Aronna M. , Tröltzsch Fredi
Published: February 2021

In this article we study an optimal control problem subject to the Fokker-Planck equation∂tρ−ν∆ρ− div(ρB[u]) = 0

The control variableuis time-dependent and possibly multidimensional, and the functionBdepends on the space variable and the control. The cost functional is of tracking type and includes a quadratic regularization term on the control. For this problem, we prove existence of optimal controls and first order necessary conditions. Main emphasis is placed on second order necessary and sufficient conditions.
Metabolic impact of dietary lipids: towards a role of unabsorbed lipid residues?
Authors: Michalski Marie-Caroline , Le Barz Mélanie , Vors Cécile
Published: February 2021

The metabolic impact of dietary lipids needs to be considered beyond the fatty acid profile and energetic value of such lipids. Fatty acids are the building blocks of the different lipid molecules, including triacylglycerols and phospholipids, which are organized within various supramolecular structures such as emulsion droplets. These structures can also be naturally present or incorporateda posterioriin different food matrices. Gut health including its barrier function and microbiota is now recognized as a major player in cardiometabolic health. Even if more than 95% of dietary lipids are absorbed by the intestine to reach the bloodstream within the chylomicrons, a small proportion that is not absorbed is however able to interact with the microbiota and the cells of the distal intestine. The present non-exhaustive review will summarize briefly recent work on the impact of dietary lipids on absorption and their metabolic fate in the intestine, in particular on endotoxemia and low-grade inflammation related to obesity. Functional lipids are important ingredients used in food formulation and recent work has revealed the potential impact of some food emulsifiers on metabolism and inflammation in rodents in line with intestinal effects. Of particular interest in this review will be also recent findings on the benefits of dairy polar lipids on human lipid metabolism and their beneficial effects on metabolic inflammation in preclinical models. The review will also address the underlying mechanisms related to the metabolic fate of specific lipids such as sphingomyelin in the distal intestine, the microbiota and some actors of the intestinal barrier. Finally, these recent findings will be considered in the concept of the “food matrix effect” opening perspectives in the nutritional management of metabolic disorders.
Klinische Aspekte des subchondralen Knochens bei der Arthrose
Authors: Holzer Lukas
Published: February 2021

Wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse der letzten Jahrzehnte lassen vermuten, dass Veränderungen im Bereich des subchondralen Knochens in der Genese und Progression der Arthrose mitverantwortlich sind. Vordergründig scheinen hierfür mechanische Faktoren wie Achsfehlstellung und Instabilität verantwortlich. Die Veränderungen im subchondralen Knochen sind biphasisch. Primär kommt es durch ein erhöhtes Remodeling zu einer Reduktion des Knochenvolumens im Bereich des subchondralen Knochen, sekundär zu einer Dichtezunahme und Abnahme der Gewebsmineralisation. Die veränderten strukturellen Gegebenheiten des Knochens begünstigen die Progression der Knorpeldegeneration. Medikamente, die das Bone Remodeling beeinflussen, werden daher auch als potenzielle Behandlungsoptionen für die Arthrose betrachtet.
Third generation radioimmunoassay (RIA) for TSH receptor autoantibodies (TRAb) – one step less, similar results?
Authors: Roggenbuck Johannes J. , Zarske Grit , Schierack Peter , Wunderlich Gerd , Conrad Karsten , Kotzerke Joerg , Roggenbuck Dirk , Zöphel Klaus
Published: February 2021

Aim TSH-receptor (TSHR)-autoantibody (TRAb) is the serological hallmark of Graves’ disease (GD). Recently, 3rd-generation radioimmunoassays (RIA) employing monoclonal TRAb such as M22 or T7 instead of TSH for the inhibition of human TRAb binding with solid-phase TSHR (coated tubes) have been introduced into laboratory routine.

Methods As current assays typically employ a consecutive incubation of patient serum and labelled monoclonal TRAb, automation of TRAb RIA is a challenge. Thus, the assay procedure using human TSHR-coated tubes and the mouse monoclonal TRAb T7 was modified by combining both steps. The novel one-step method was compared with its corresponding consecutive 3rd-generation RIA by investigating 304 individuals encompassing 102 patients with active GD (GDa), 43 patients with GD after successful therapy (GDt), 31 with Hashimoto’s disease (HD), 28 with non-autoimmune thyroid diseases (NAITD) and 100 healthy subjects (HS).

Results With the new method, the incubation time was shortened by approximately one hour. Both 3rd-generation RIAs did not reveal a significantly different assay performance by comparing areas under the curve (AUC) with receiver operating characteristics curve analysis (AUC one-step: 0.94, AUC two-step: 0.96, p > 0.05, respectively). The two-step TRAb RIA demonstrated sensitivity and specificity values of 87.5 % and 96.2 %, respectively, whereas the one-step revealed 84.6 % and 96.2 %, respectively.

Conclusion One-step 3rd-generation RIA may be used for the reliable detection of TRAb. The shorter and easier assay design may improve its use and enable automation in routine nuclear medicine laboratories.
Neuronale Korrelate unangenehmer somatosensorischer Stimulation bei Patienten mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung und Depression
Authors: Malejko Kathrin , Abler Birgit , Graf Heiko
Published: February 2021

Das Empfinden von unangenehmen Reizen, wie auch die Schmerzempfindung im engeren Sinne, wird nicht nur durch rein somatosensorische und nozizeptive Informationen, sondern ebenso durch affektive und kognitive Prozesse moduliert. Klinische Beobachtungen sowie wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen belegen eine veränderte Wahrnehmung der Schmerzempfindung bei psychischen Erkrankungen wie beispielsweise der emotional-instabilen Persönlichkeitsstörung vom Borderline-Typ (BPS) oder bei depressiven Störungen (MD). Die Untersuchung der verschiedenen Modalitäten der Schmerzverarbeitung, welche zu einem großen Teil mit der Verarbeitung unangenehmer Reize überlappt, ist mittels verschiedener Stimulationsparadigmen möglich. Für die Darstellung der zugrunde liegenden neurofunktionellen Mechanismen eignet sich die funktionelle Magnetresonanztomografie (fMRT). Unter experimentellen Bedingungen kann der somatosensorisch-diskriminative Aspekt der Verarbeitung und Wahrnehmung von Schmerz und unangenehmen Reizen mit einem elektrischen Stimulationsparadigma operationalisiert werden. Die neuronalen Korrelate unangenehmer somatosensorischer Stimulation bei Patienten mit BPS und MD werden anhand eigener fMRT-Untersuchungen dargestellt und die veränderte Schmerzverarbeitung der beiden klinischen Gruppen erörtert.