bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the effect of human practices on S. cerevisiae vineyard metapopulation diversity
Authors: Börlin Marine , Claisse Olivier , Albertin Warren , Salin Franck , Legras Jean-Luc , Masneuf-Pomarede Isabelle
Published: October 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiaeis the main actor of wine fermentation but at present, still little is known about the factors impacting its distribution in the vineyards. In this study, 23 vineyards and 7 cellars were sampled over 2 consecutive years in the Bordeaux and Bergerac regions. The impact of geography and farming system and the relation between grape and vat populations were evaluated using a collection of 1374S. cerevisiaemerlot grape isolates and 289 vat isolates analyzed at 17 microsatellites loci. A very high genetic diversity ofS. cerevisiaestrains was obtained from grape samples, higher in conventional farming system than in organic one. The geographic appellation and the wine estate significantly impact theS. cerevisiaepopulation structure, whereas the type of farming system has a weak global effect. When comparing cellar and vineyard populations, we evidenced the tight connection between the two compartments, based on the high proportion of grape isolates (25%) related to the commercial starters used in the cellar and on the estimation of bidirectional geneflows between the vineyard and the cellar compartments.
The tissue specific regulation of miR22 expression in the lung and brain by ribosomal protein L29
Authors: Ali Mohammad Ishaque , Li Linrui , Li Lexing , Yao Lun , Liu Jie , Gu Wei , Huang Shuguang , Wang Bingyu , Liu Guoquan
Published: October 2020

Endogenous miR22 is associated with a diverse range of biological processes through post-translational modification of gene expression and its deregulation results in various diseases including cancer. Its expression is usually tissue or cell-specific, however, the reasons behind this tissue or cell specificity are not clearly outlined till-date. Therefore, our keen interest was to investigate the mechanisms of tissue or cell-specific expression of miR22. In the current study, miR22 expression showed a tissues-specific difference in the poly(I:C) induced inflammatory mouse lung and brain tissues. The cell-specific different expression of miR22 was also observed in inflammatory glial cells and endothelial cells. The pattern of RPL29 expression was also similar to miR22 in these tissues and cells under the same treatment. Interestingly, the knockdown of RPL29 exerted an inhibitory effect on miR22 and its known transcription factors including Fos-B and c-Fos. Fos-B and c-Fos were also differentially expressed in the two cell lines transfected with poly(I:C). The knockdown of c-Fos also exerted its negative effects on miR22 expression in both cells. These findings suggest that RPL29 might have regulatory roles on tissue or cell-specific expression of miR22 through the transcription activities of c-Fos and also possibly through Fos-B.
Trajectories of longitudinal biomarkers for mortality in severely burned patients
Authors: Yoon Jaechul , Kym Dohern , Won Jae Hee , Hur Jun , Yim Haejun , Cho Yong Suk , Chun Wook
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to investigate the differences in the trajectory of blood biomarkers routinely assessed through forward- and backward-looking approaches among burn patients. This cohort study included patients above 18 years of age from February 2007 to December 2018. All the biomarkers were estimated from admission to discharge from the intensive care unit. Significant differences were observed in the platelet count at 40 days, prothrombin time (PT) at 32 days, white blood cell count at 26 days, creatinine levels at 22 days, and lactate and total bilirubin levels at 19 days before death. In reverse order, significant differences were observed in the fitted model in platelet count at 44 days and in the platelet count and PT at 33 days. We obtained more valuable information from the longitudinal biomarker trajectory using the backward-looking method than using the forward-looking method. The platelet count served as the earliest predictor of mortality among burn patients.
Deep learning based discrimination of soft tissue profiles requiring orthognathic surgery by facial photographs
Authors: Jeong Seung Hyun , Yun Jong Pil , Yeom Han-Gyeol , Lim Hun Jun , Lee Jun , Kim Bong Chul
Published: October 2020

Facial photographs of the subjects are often used in the diagnosis process of orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can judge soft tissue profiles requiring orthognathic surgery using facial photographs alone. 822 subjects with dentofacial dysmorphosis and / or malocclusion were included. Facial photographs of front and right side were taken from all patients. Subjects who did not need orthognathic surgery were classified as Group I (411 subjects). Group II (411 subjects) was set up for cases requiring surgery. CNNs of VGG19 was used for machine learning. 366 of the total 410 data were correctly classified, yielding 89.3% accuracy. The values of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores were 0.893, 0.912, 0.867, and 0.889, respectively. As a result of this study, it was found that CNNs can judge soft tissue profiles requiring orthognathic surgery relatively accurately with the photographs alone.
The suitability of NONO-TFE3 dual-fusion FISH assay as a diagnostic tool for NONO-TFE3 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Ning , Guo Wei , Shi Qiancheng , Zhuang Wenyuan , Pu Xiaohong , Chen Shaoyu , Qu Feng , Xu Linfeng , Zhao Xiaozhi , Li Xiaogong , Zhang Gutian , Guo Hongqian , Gan Weidong , Li Dongmei
Published: October 2020

NONO-TFE3 RCC is a subtype of Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (RCC). So far, only a small amount of NONO-TFE3 RCC have been reported owing to lack of effective diagnosis methods. Utilizing the novel dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe reported here, 5 cases of NONO-TFE3 RCC were identified and were ultimately confirmed by RT-PCR. Histopathology, all 5 cases were consisted by sheets of epithelial cells and papillary architecture. The cytoplasm was abundantly clear, and nucleoli was not prominent. Besides, the nuclear palisading, subnuclear vacuoles and psammoma bodies were identified. The most distinctive features were strong positive TFE3 staining but equivocal split signals of the TFE3 probe, which might lead to the misdiagnosis of Xp11.2 translocation RCC. The median age and median tumor size of the five patients were 41.2 years and 3.6 cm, respectively. A median following follow-up of 27 months showed moderate disease progression and prognosis in NONO-TFE3 RCC patients. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the effectiveness and reliability of the NONO-TFE3 dual-fusion FISH probe for diagnosing NONO-TFE3 RCC. Suspected cases of Xp11.2 translocation RCC showing biphasic pattern, strong positive TFE3 staining, and equivocal split signals in the TFE3 FISH assay indicated a possibility of NONO-TFE3 RCC.
Competitive reduction of poultry-borne enteric bacterial pathogens in chicken gut with bioactive Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Tabashsum Zajeba , Peng Mengfei , Alvarado-Martinez Zabdiel , Aditya Arpita , Bhatti Jacob , Romo Paulina Bravo , Young Alana , Biswas Debabrata
Published: October 2020

In this study, the effect of sustainable probiotics onCampylobacter jejunicolonization and gut microbiome composition was evaluated using chicken as a model organism. Chickens were givenLactobacillus caseiover-expressing myosin-cross-reactive antigen (LC+mcra). LC+mcracan generate bioactive compounds in larger quantity including conjugated linoleic acid. A total of 120 chickens were used in duplicate trials to investigate the effectiveness of LC+mcrain decreasingC. jejunicolonization by means of kanamycin resistant strain compared to the control group. We observed that LC+mcracan efficiently colonize various parts of the chicken gut and competitively reduce colonization of natural and challengedC. jejuniand naturalSalmonella enterica. LC+mcrawas found to reduceC. jejunicolonization in cecum, ileum and jejunum, by more than one log CFU/g when compared to the no-probiotic control group. Furthermore, 16S rRNA compositional analysis revealed lower abundance of Proteobacteria, higher abundance of Firmicutes, along with enriched bacterial genus diversity in gut of LC+mcrafed chicken. Decreased contamination of drinking water byC. jejuniandS. entericawas also observed, suggesting a potential function of reducing horizontal transfer of enteric bacteria in poultry. Outcomes of this study reveal high potential of LC+mcraas sustainable approach to decrease colonization ofC. jejuniandS. entericain poultry gut along with other beneficial attributes.
Progesterone increases blood glucose via hepatic progesterone receptor membrane component 1 under limited or impaired action of insulin
Authors: Lee Sang R. , Choi Woo-Young , Heo Jun H. , Huh Jiyoung , Kim Globinna , Lee Kyu-Pil , Kwun Hyo-Jung , Shin Hyun-Jin , Baek In-Jeoung , Hong Eui-Ju
Published: October 2020

Hepatic gluconeogenesis is the main pathway for blood glucose maintenance activated during fasting. Retardation of insulin action, such as in diabetes mellitus, activates gluconeogenesis during the fed state. While the role of progesterone (P4) in diabetes is controversial, the P4 receptor, progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), is known to stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion. We investigated the role of P4, via hepatic PGRMC1, during gluconeogenesis. The PGRMC1 binding chemical, AG-205, induced PGRMC1 monomer (25 kDa) abundance, and increased PEPCK expression and glucose production in parallel with cyclic AMP (cAMP) induction in Hep3B cells. PGRMC1-mediated cyclic AMP was inhibited by an adenylate cyclase inhibitor (MDL-12,330A). PEPCK suppression in Pgrmc1 KO hepatocyte was not observed after treatment of MDL-12,330A. PGRMC1 knockdown or overexpression systems in Hep3B cells confirmed that PGRMC1 mediates PEPCK expression via phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). CREB phosphorylation and PEPCK expression in primary hepatocytes were greater than that in PGRMC1 knock-out hepatocytes. Progesterone increased PGRMC1 expression, which induced cAMP and PEPCK induction and glucose production. In vivo, P4 suppressed gluconeogenesis following plasma insulin induction under normal conditions in a mouse model. However, P4 increased blood glucose via gluconeogenesis in parallel with increases in PGRMC1 and PEPCK expression in mice in both insulin-deficient and insulin-resistant conditions. We conclude that P4 increases hepatic glucose production via PGRMC1, which may exacerbate hyperglycaemia in diabetes where insulin action is limited.
Detection of urinary podocytes by flow cytometry in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Mella Alberto , Deambrosis Ilaria , Mingozzi Silvia , Colla Loredana , Burdese Manuel , Giaretta Fulvia , Bruno Stefania , Camussi Giovanni , Boaglio Elena , Dolla Caterina , Clari Roberta , Biancone Luigi
Published: October 2020

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) is considered an immune-mediated disease where circulating autoantibodies against podocyte targets (mainly the PLA2R) cause the deposition of in-situ subepithelial immune-complexes. The consequent podocyte damage may cause cell detachment in urine (Podocyturia-PdoU). PdoU has been assessed in different kidney diseases, but limited data are available in iMN. In this study all patients with a diagnosis of iMN between 15/12/1999–16/07/2014 were tested for PLA2R antibodies (Ab anti-PLA2R, ELISA kit) and PdoU by flow cytometry with anti-podocalyxin antibody. A semi-quantitative PdoU score was defined according to the percentage of podocalyxin positive cells normalized to the total volume of sample and set relative to the urine creatinine measured in the supernatant. PdoU was positive in 17/27 patients (63%; 1+ score in 6/27—22.2%, 2+ in 4/27—14.8%, 3+ in 2/27—7.4%, 4+ in 5/27—18.5%). Only 2/7 patients with complete remission showed a positive PdoU (1+) while all six patients without remission have significant PdoU. PdoU+ was statistically correlated with the absence of remission and Ab anti-PLA2R + (p < 0.05) but PdoU, analysed as a continuous variable, showed a non-linear correlation with proteinuria or PLA2R antibody levels also in the cohort of patients with two available PdoU tests. In conclusion, PdoU could be detected in iMN and seems to be associated with commonly considered markers of disease activity (proteinuria and Ab anti-PLA2R) with a non-linear correlation. Despite data should be confirmed in large and prospective cohorts, according to the podocyte depletion hypothesis PdoU may represent an early marker of immunological activation with potential prognostic utility.
Distribution of the subtendons in the midportion of the Achilles tendon revealed in vivo on MRI
Authors: Szaro Paweł , Cifuentes Ramirez Walter , Borkmann Simon , Bengtsson Alexander , Polaczek Mateusz , Ciszek Bogdan
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to check if the subtendons of the Achilles tendon can be identified in vivo on MRI in the midportion of the tendon. The relation of the plantaris tendon to the Achilles tendon was also examined. A retrospective study of 200 MRI of ankle joints including the Achilles tendon was conducted. Statistical analysis of the correlation between the possibility of identifying the subtendons and the side, gender, presence of the central soleus tendon and plantaris tendon variation was performed. The inter-observer agreement between two reviewers in their evaluation of the subtendons was assessed using kappa statistics. The subtendon from the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle was identified in 65% (k = 0.63) and was located in the anterior part of the Achilles tendon. The subtendon from the soleus muscle was recognized in 12% (k = 0.75) comprising anterior part of the tendon. In 6% the subtendon from the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle was identified (k = 0.58). The central soleus tendon was identified in 85% of cases. Statistical analysis shows the weak correlation of the presence of the central soleus tendon and the possibility of identifying the subtendon from the soleus muscle. The plantaris tendon was directly related to the insertion of the Achilles tendon in 42.5%. Identification of the subtendons of the Achilles tendon on MRI is challenging, and most often it is only possible to find the subtendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Effects of temperature on plasma corticosterone in a native lizard
Authors: Racic Andrea , Tylan Catherine , Langkilde Tracy
Published: October 2020

The glucocorticoid stress response is frequently used to indicate vertebrate response to the environment. Body temperature may affect glucocorticoid concentrations, particularly in ectotherms. We conducted lab manipulations and field measurements to test the effects of body temperature on plasma corticosterone (predominant glucocorticoid in reptiles) in eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). First, we acclimated lizards to one of 4 treatments: 22 °C, 29 °C, 33 °C, or 36 °C, and measured cloacal temperatures and plasma corticosterone concentrations at baseline and after exposure to a standardized stressor (cloth bag). Both baseline and stress-induced corticosterone concentrations were lower in lizards with lower body temperatures. Second, we acclimated lizards to 22 °C or 29 °C and exposed them to a standardized (cloth bag) stressor for 3 to 41 min. Lizards acclimated to 29 °C showed a robust increase in plasma corticosterone concentrations with restraint stress, but those at 22 °C showed no such increases in corticosterone concentrations. Third, we measured lizards upon capture from the field. There was no correlation between body temperature and baseline plasma corticosterone in field-caught lizards. These results suggest body temperature can significantly affect plasma corticosterone concentrations in reptiles, which may be of particular concern for experiments conducted under laboratory conditions but may not translate to the field.
Offspring susceptibility to metabolic alterations due to maternal high-fat diet and the impact of inhaled ozone used as a stressor
Authors: Snow Samantha J. , Broniowska Katarzyna , Karoly Edward D. , Henriquez Andres R. , Phillips Pamela M. , Ledbetter Allen D. , Schladweiler Mette C. , Miller Colette N. , Gordon Christopher J. , Kodavanti Urmila P.
Published: October 2020

The influence of maternal high-fat diet (HFD) on metabolic response to ozone was examined in Long-Evans rat offspring. F0 females were fed control diet (CD; 10%kcal from fat) or HFD (60%kcal from fat) starting at post-natal day (PND) 30. Rats were bred on PND 72. Dietary regimen was maintained until PND 30 when all offspring were switched to CD. On PND 40, F1 offspring (n = 10/group/sex) were exposed to air or 0.8 ppm ozone for 5 h. Serum samples were collected for global metabolomic analysis (n = 8/group/sex). Offspring from HFD dams had increased body fat and weight relative to CD. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant sex-, diet-, and exposure-related changes. Maternal HFD increased free fatty acids and decreased phospholipids (male > female) in air-exposed rats. Microbiome-associated histidine and tyrosine metabolites were increased in both sexes, while 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels decreased in males indicating susceptibility to insulin resistance. Ozone decreased monohydroxy fatty acids and acyl carnitines and increased pyruvate along with TCA cycle intermediates in females (HFD > CD). Ozone increased various amino acids, polyamines, and metabolites of gut microbiota in HFD female offspring indicating gut microbiome alterations. Collectively, these data suggest that maternal HFD increases offspring susceptibility to metabolic alterations in a sex-specific manner when challenged with environmental stressors.
Evolution of quasi-bound states in the circular n–p junction of bilayer graphene under magnetic field
Authors: Ji Haijiao , Pan Yueting , Liu Haiwen
Published: October 2020

Electron in gapless bilayer graphene can form quasi-bound states when a circular symmetric potential is created in bilayer graphene. These quasi-bound states can be adjusted by tuning the radius and strength of the potential barrier. We investigate the evolution of quasi-bound states spectra in the circular n–p junction of bilayer graphene under the magnetic field numerically. The energy levels of opposite angular momentum split and the splitting increases with the magnetic field. Moreover, weak magnetic fields can slightly shift the energy levels of quasi-bound states. While strong magnetic fields induce additional resonances in the local density states, which originates from Landau levels. We demonstrate that these numerical results are consistent with the semiclassical analysis based on Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation. Our results can be verified experimentally via scanning tunneling microscopy measurements.
Effect of free-base and protonated nicotine on nicotine yield from electronic cigarettes with varying power and liquid vehicle
Authors: Talih Soha , Salman Rola , El-Hage Rachel , Karaoghlanian Nareg , El-Hellani Ahmad , Saliba Najat , Shihadeh Alan
Published: October 2020

Nicotine in electronic cigarette (ECIG) liquids can exist in a free-base or protonated (or “salt”) form. Protonated nicotine is less aversive upon inhalation than free-base nicotine, and many ECIG manufacturers have begun marketing protonated nicotine products, often with high nicotine concentrations. Regulations intended to control ECIG nicotine delivery limit nicotine concentration but do not consider nicotine form. In this study, we systematically examined the effect of nicotine form on nicotine yield for varying powers and liquid vehicles. A Kanger Subox Mini-C tank ECIG (0.5 Ω) was used to generate aerosols at varying powers (5–45 W) from liquid solutions that contained either free-base or protonated nicotine at 15 mg/g concentration, with a liquid vehicle consisting of either propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG), resulting in four different solutions (free-base/PG, free-base/VG, protonated/PG, and protonated/VG). Nicotine yield was quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nicotine yields were not influenced by nicotine form under any condition investigated. At each power level, PG-based liquids resulted in approximately double the nicotine yield of VG-based liquids. Nicotine concentrations in the aerosols matched those of the parent liquids for both the PG and VG conditions. Increasing power led to greater nicotine yield across all conditions. The amount of nicotine emitted by an ECIG is independent of whether the nicotine is free-base or protonated, however the liquid vehicle has a strong effect on yield. Regulations intended to limit nicotine emissions must consider not only nicotine concentration, but also liquid vehicle and device power.
Relation between leg extension power and 30-s sit-to-stand muscle power in older adults: validation and translation to functional performance
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Kamper Rikke S. , Aagaard Per , Haddock Bryan , Prescott Eva , Ara Ignacio , Suetta Charlotte
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to assess the validity and functional relevance of a standardized procedure to assess lower limb muscle power by means of the 30-s sit-to-stand (STS) test when compared to leg extension power (LEP), traditional STS performance and handgrip strength. A total of 628 community-dwelling older subjects (60–93 years) from the Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study were included. Physical performance was assessed by the 30-s STS and 10-m maximal gait speed tests. Handgrip strength and LEP were recorded by a hand-held dynamometer and the Nottingham power rig, respectively. STS muscle power was calculated using the subjects’ body mass and height, chair height and the number of repetitions completed in the 30-s STS test. We found a small albeit significant difference between LEP and unilateral STS power in older men (245.5 ± 88.8 vs. 223.4 ± 81.4 W; ES = 0.26; p < 0.05), but not in older women (135.9 ± 51.9 vs. 138.5 ± 49.6 W; ES = 0.05; p > 0.05). Notably, a large positive correlation was observed between both measures (r = 0.75; p < 0.001). Relative STS power was more strongly related with maximal gait speed than handgrip strength, repetition-based STS performance and relative LEP after adjusting for age (r = 0.53 vs 0.35–0.45; p < 0.05). In conclusion, STS power obtained from the 30-s STS test appeared to provide a valid measure of bilateral lower limb power and was more strongly related with physical performance than maximal handgrip strength, repetition-based STS performance and LEP.
Large-scale phylogenomics reveals ancient introgression in Asian Hepatica and new insights into the origin of the insular endemic Hepatica maxima
Authors: Park Seongjun , Park SeonJoo
Published: October 2020

Hepatica maxima is native to Ulleungdo, which is one of the oceanic islands in Korea, and it likely originated via anagenetic speciation from the Korean mainland species H. asiatica. However, the relationships among the Asian lineages remain unresolved. Phylogenomics based on plant genomes can provide new insights into the evolutionary history of plants. We first generated plastid, mitochondrial and transcriptome sequences of the insular endemic species H. maxima. Using the genomic data for H. maxima, we obtained a phylogenomic dataset consisting of 76 plastid, 37 mitochondrial and 413 nuclear genes from Asian Hepatica and two outgroups. Coalescent- and concatenation-based methods revealed cytonuclear and organellar discordance in the lineage. The presence of gynodioecy with cytoplasmic male sterility in Asian Hepatica suggests that the discordance is correlated with potential disruption of linkage disequilibrium between the organellar genomes. Species network analyses revealed a deep history of hybridization and introgression in Asian Hepatica. We discovered that ancient and recent introgression events occurred throughout the evolutionary history of the insular endemic species H. maxima. The introgression may serve as an important source of genetic variation to facilitate adaptation to the Ulleungdo environment.
Three-photon imaging of synthetic dyes in deep layers of the neocortex
Authors: Liu Chao J. , Roy Arani , Simons Anthony A. , Farinella Deano M. , Kara Prakash
Published: October 2020

Multiphoton microscopy has emerged as the primary imaging tool for studying the structural and functional dynamics of neural circuits in brain tissue, which is highly scattering to light. Recently, three-photon microscopy has enabled high-resolution fluorescence imaging of neurons in deeper brain areas that lie beyond the reach of conventional two-photon microscopy, which is typically limited to ~ 450 µm. Three-photon imaging of neuronal calcium signals, through the genetically-encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6, has been used to successfully record neuronal activity in deeper neocortical layers and parts of the hippocampus in rodents. Bulk-loading cells in deeper cortical layers with synthetic calcium indicators could provide an alternative strategy for labelling that obviates dependence on viral tropism and promoter penetration, particularly in non-rodent species. Here we report a strategy for visualized injection of a calcium dye, Oregon Green BAPTA-1 AM (OGB-1 AM), at 500–600 µm below the surface of the mouse visual cortex in vivo. We demonstrate successful OGB-1 AM loading of cells in cortical layers 5–6 and subsequent three-photon imaging of orientation- and direction- selective visual responses from these cells.
Fusobacterium nucleatum is associated with worse prognosis in Lauren’s diffuse type gastric cancer patients
Authors: Boehm Ellen Teresa , Thon Cosima , Kupcinskas Juozas , Steponaitiene Ruta , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Canbay Ali , Malfertheiner Peter , Link Alexander
Published: October 2020

Fusobacterium nucleatum(F. nucleatum) is frequently detected in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and matching metastasis, and has been linked to a worse prognosis. We investigated the presence ofF. nucleatumin gastric cancer (GC) and gastric preneoplastic conditions of the stomach, and its potential prognostic value in GC patients.Fusobacteriumspp. andF. nucleatumwere quantified in various specimens from gastrointestinal tract including paired CRC and GC tissues using probe-based qPCR.Fusobacteriumspp. andF. nucleatumwere more frequently found in tumorous tissue of CRC and GC compared to non-tumorous tissues. The frequency and bacterial load were higher in CRC compared to GC patients.F. nucleatumpositivity showed no association to chronic gastritis or preneoplastic conditions such as intestinal metaplasia.F. nucleatum-positivity was associated with significantly worse overall survival in patients with Lauren’s diffuse type, but not with intestinal type GC. There was no association with gender,Helicobacter pylori-status, tumor stage or tumor localization. However,F. nucleatumwas positively associated with patient’s age and a trend for a lower global long interspersed element-1 DNA methylation. In conclusion, our work provides novel evidence for clinical relevance ofF. nucleatumin GC by showing an association betweenF. nucleatumpositivity with worse prognosis of patients with Laurens’s diffuse type gastric cancer. Further studies are necessary to explore related mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic benefit of targeted antibiotic treatment in GC patients.
Untargeted longitudinal analysis of a wellness cohort identifies markers of metastatic cancer years prior to diagnosis
Authors: Magis Andrew T. , Rappaport Noa , Conomos Matthew P. , Omenn Gilbert S. , Lovejoy Jennifer C. , Hood Leroy , Price Nathan D.
Published: October 2020

We analyzed 1196 proteins in longitudinal plasma samples from participants in a commercial wellness program, including samples collected pre-diagnosis from ten cancer patients and 69 controls. For three individuals ultimately diagnosed with metastatic breast, lung, or pancreatic cancer, CEACAM5 was a persistent longitudinal outlier as early as 26.5 months pre-diagnosis. CALCA, a biomarker for medullary thyroid cancer, was hypersecreted in metastatic pancreatic cancer at least 16.5 months pre-diagnosis. ERBB2 levels spiked in metastatic breast cancer between 10.0 and 4.0 months pre-diagnosis. Our results support the value of deep phenotyping seemingly healthy individuals in prospectively inferring disease transitions.
Edible additive effects on zebrafish cardiovascular functionality with hydrodynamic assessment
Authors: Wang Yu-Fang , Chen I.-Wei , Subendran Satishkumar , Kang Chun-Wei , Panigrahi Bivas , Fu Tzu-Fun , Chen Chia-Yuan
Published: October 2020

Food coloring is often used as a coloring agent in foods, medicines and cosmetics, and it was reported to have certain carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in living organisms. Investigation of physiological parameters using zebrafish is a promising methodology to understand disease biology and drug toxicity for various drug discovery on humans. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-acknowledged model organism with combining assets such as body transparency, small size, low cost of cultivation, and high genetic homology with humans and is used as a specimen tool for the in-vivo throughput screening approach. In addition, recent advances in microfluidics show a promising alternative for zebrafish manipulation in terms of drug administration and extensive imaging capability. This pilot work highlighted the design and development of a microfluidic detection platform for zebrafish larvae through investigating the effects of food coloring on cardiovascular functionality and pectoral fin swing ability. The zebrafish embryos were exposed to the Cochineal Red and Brilliant Blue FCF pigment solution in a concentration of (0.02‰, 0.2‰) cultured in the laboratory from the embryo stage to hatching and development until 9 days post fertilization (d.p.f.). In addition, zebrafish swimming behaviors in terms of pectoral fin beating towards the toxicity screening were further studied by visualizing the induced flow field. It was evidenced that Cochineal Red pigment at a concentration of 0.2‰ not only significantly affected the zebrafish pectoral fin swing behavior, but also significantly increased the heart rate of juvenile fish. The higher concentration of Brilliant Blue FCF pigment (0.2%) increased heart rate during early embryonic stages of zebrafish. However, zebrafish exposed to food coloring did not show any significant changes in cardiac output. The applications of this proposed platform can be further extended towards observing the neurobiological/hydrodynamic behaviors of zebrafish larvae for practical applications in drug tests.
Design of novel super wide band antenna close to the fundamental dimension limit theory
Authors: Dey Shuvashis , Karmakar Nemai Chandra
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the design and practical implementation of a Super Wide Band (SWB) antenna along with the application of fundamental bandwidth limitation theory of small antennas in the proposed design. The antenna is designed on a material with permittivity, εr = 3 where the patch metallization height is maintained as 0.035 mm. The designed antenna is then modified by enhancing the copper patch with an additional layer of 28.5 mm thickness. The proposed antenna achieves a huge frequency range with a ratio bandwidth starting from 96.96:1 to as high as 115.10: 1. The designed antenna operating band with thinner height starts from 1.65 to 160 GHz while with the added patch metallic height, the antenna operates from a minimum of 1.39 to 160 GHz with an average nominal bandwidth of more than 158 GHz. By enhancing the patch height, the antenna spherical volume is utilized more efficiently. Using this principle, the antenna impedance bandwidth is augmented while a reduction in electrical size is achieved. A comparison with the fundamental theories by Chu and Mclean illustrates that the designed SWB antenna electrical size exceeds Mclean and nearly touches the Chu fundamental limit curve. This eventually offers the maximized bandwidth with the most compact size for an SWB antenna. The designed antenna with thinner patch metallization height is practically fabricated and measured up to 67 GHz using Vector Network Analyzer to provide experimental validation.
Elevated S100A9 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis coincides with elevated MMP production and proliferation in vitro
Authors: Boruk Marina , Railwah Christopher , Lora Alnardo , Nath Sridesh , Wu Derek , Chow Lillian , Borhanjoo Panid , Dabo Abdoulaye J. , Chowdhury Sadakat , Kaiser Ryan , Foronjy Robert F. , Rosenfeld Richard , Geraghty Patrick
Published: October 2020

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition associated with inflammation and tissue remodeling of the nose and paranasal sinuses, frequently occurring with nasal polyps and allergies. Here we investigate inflammation and the protease profile in nasal tissues and plasma from control non-CRS patients and CRS patients. Gene expression for several cytokines, proteases, and antiproteases was quantified in nasal tissue from non-CRS and CRS subjects with nasal polyps. Elevated expression of S100A9, IL1A, MMP3, MMP7, MMP11, MMP25, MMP28, and CTSK was observed in tissue from CRS subjects with nasal polyps compared to control tissue. Tissue protein analysis confirmed elevated levels of these targets compared to controls, and increased MMP3 and MMP7 observed in CRS subjects with nasal polyps compared to CRS subjects without polyps. Plasma concentrations of MMP3 and MMP7 were elevated in the CRS groups compared to controls. The nasal cell line, CCL-30, was exposed to S100A9 protein, resulting in increased MMP3, MMP7, and CTSK gene expression and elevated proliferation. Silencing MMP3 significantly reduced S100A9-mediated cell proliferation. Therefore, the elevated expression of S100A9 and MMPs are observed in CRS nasal tissue and S100A9 stimulated MMP3 responses to contribute to elevated nasal cell proliferation.
Prevalence and predictors for unintended pregnancy among HIV-infected pregnant women in Lira, Northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Napyo Agnes , Nankabirwa Victoria , Mukunya David , Tumuhamye Josephine , Ndeezi Grace , Arach Anna Agnes Ojok , Odongkara Beatrice , Waako Paul , Tylleskär Thorkild , Tumwine James K.
Published: October 2020

Prevention of unintended pregnancies is a global strategy to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Factors surrounding unintended pregnancy among women living with HIV are not well understood. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors for unintended pregnancy among these women in Northern Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 518 women using a structured questionnaire. We asked questions on socio-demographic, reproductive-related and HIV-related characteristics. We conducted multivariable logistic regression and reported adjusted odds ratios. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 41.1%. The predictors for unintended pregnancy were: being single (not living with a partner or being in a marital union), having five or more children and taking antiretroviral drugs for long periods of time. HIV counselling services should target women living with HIV who are not in a marital union, those having a higher parity and those who have taken ART for longer periods.
Detection rate of diabetic macular microaneurysms comparing dye-based angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Stattin Martin , Haas Anna-Maria , Ahmed Daniel , Stolba Ulrike , Graf Alexandra , Krepler Katharina , Ansari-Shahrezaei Siamak
Published: October 2020

Diabetic maculopathy (DM) is a microvascular dysfunction clinically characterized by microaneurysms (MA) leading to edema and central visual deprivation. This prospective explorative study investigated 27 eyes of 17 patients with DM by fluorescein/indocyanine green angiography (FA/ICGA; SPECTRALIS HRA-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering) and by swept source-optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA; DRI-OCT Triton Plus, Topcon) to identify clinically relevant MAs. The SS-OCTA cubes were split into the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) according to the automated segmentation. The images of all modalities were superimposed for alignment by an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid overlay and compared to each other. In total, the mean number of MAs in FA was 33.4 ± 22 (standard deviation) (median 27.5 [q1:21.75;q3:38.25]), in ICGA 24.9 ± 16.9 (17.5 [14;35]), in the SCP 6.5 ± 3.7 (5.5 [3.75;9.25]) and in the DCP 18.1 ± 10.5 (18.5 [10.75;23.5]). Mixed effects models between ICGA and the DCP were borderline significant (p = 0.048; 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 13.49), whereas all other imaging methods differed significantly. Quantitative analysis of MAs in DM showed a plausible agreement between ICGA and the DCP in SS-OCTA. These findings contribute to the imaging methodology in DM.
Author Correction: Iron acquisition system of Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6, a degrader of lignin-derived aromatic compounds
Authors: Fujita Masaya , Sakumoto Taichi , Tanatani Kenta , Yu HongYang , Mori Kosuke , Kamimura Naofumi , Masai Eiji
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Oxygen sensing ability of positronium atom for tumor hypoxia imaging
Authors: Shibuya Kengo , Saito Haruo , Nishikido Fumihiko , Takahashi Miwako , Yamaya Taiga
Published: October 2020

Positronium (Ps), a hydrogen-like atom consisting of a positron and an electron, is efficiently formed in the human body during positron emission tomography (PET) examination, and its decay rate into gamma-ray photons is significantly influenced by the chemical environment, especially the dissolved oxygen concentration (pO2) due to the unpaired electrons. However, the functionality of PET has been underestimated by neglecting the specific information provided by Ps. By comparing the decay rates in O2-, N2-, and air-saturated waters, here we show that Ps probes the absolute value of pO2 with a good linearity and a resolution better than 10 mmHg. This is a sufficient sensitivity for discriminating a hypoxic region in a tumor at approximately 6 mmHg from healthy tissues at approximately 40 mmHg. This method depends only on the fundamental properties of Ps and is independent of specific radiopharmaceuticals. The applications of Ps spin states and reactions will greatly enhance PET functionalities in the next decade.
Synchrotron FTIR spectromicroscopy as a tool for studying populations and individual living cells of green algae
Authors: Goff Kira L. , Ellis Thomas H. , Wilson Kenneth E.
Published: October 2020

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectromicroscopy was used to study variations in individual living cells of the green algal genus Chlamydomonas and to distinguuish between three closely-related species.
On a separation voltage polarity switching transient capillary isotachophoresis method for higher sample loading capacity and better separation performance
Authors: Tang Ji , Wu Huanming , Hu Jun Jack , Yu Jiancheng , Zhang Junliang , Wang Chenlu , Yin Tao , Tang Keqi
Published: October 2020

Mechanism of a PS-tCITP method with higher sample loading capacity and better separation performance.
Electrochemical aptasensor for analyzing alpha-fetoprotein using RGO–CS–Fc nanocomposites integrated with gold–platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Li Wenzhan , Chen Min , Liang Jintao , Lu Chunting , Zhang Min , Hu Fangrong , Zhou Zhide , Li Guiyin
Published: October 2020

Electrochemical aptasensor for analyzing AFP using RGO–CS–Fc nanocomposites integrated with gold–platinum nanoparticles and AFP aptamer has been developed. The AFP aptasensor showed satisfactory selectivity, reproducibility and stability.
Exploring the LDS 821 dye as a potential NIR probe for the two photon imaging of amyloid fibrils
Authors: Udayan Sony , Sherin D. R. , Vijaykumar Samiyappan , Manojkumar T. K. , Nampoori V. P. N. , Thomas Sheenu
Published: October 2020

Nonlinear optical properties of near infrared dye LDS 821 incorporating lysozyme amyloid fibrils were studied at two wavelengths. The two photon absorption of the dye shows a large enhancement with lysozyme fibrils.
Exploring microfluidics as a tool to evaluate the biological properties of a titanium alloy under dynamic conditions
Authors: Carter Sarah-Sophia D. , Barbe Laurent , Tenje Maria , Mestres Gemma
Published: October 2020

When evaluating the biological properties of titanium under dynamic conditions, cell proliferation was shown to be dominant over cell differentiation.
Precise control of density and strength of acid sites of MFI-type zeolite nanoparticles via simultaneous isomorphous substitution by Al and Fe
Authors: Yabushita Mizuho , Kobayashi Hiroki , Neya Atsushi , Nakaya Masafumi , Maki Sachiko , Matsubara Masaki , Kanie Kiyoshi , Muramatsu Atsushi
Published: October 2020

The co-incorporation of Al and Fe at various relative ratios into the MFI-type zeolite framework enabled linear control of the density and strength of acid sites, and such well-tuned acidity led to a better catalyst lifetime.
Lévy distributions and disorder in excitonic spectra
Authors: Stephanovich V. A. , Olchawa W.
Published: October 2020

We study analytically the spectrum of excitons in disordered semiconductors like transition metal dichalcogenides, which are important for photovoltaic and spintronic applications.
Multimode high-sensitivity optical YVO4:Ln3+ nanothermometers (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Dy3+, Sm3+) using charge transfer band features
Authors: Kolesnikov I. E. , Kurochkin M. A. , Golyeva E. V. , Mamonova D. V. , Kalinichev A. A. , Kolesnikov E. Yu. , Lähderanta E.
Published: October 2020

Single-phase Ln3+-doped YVO4 nanophosphors demonstrated accurate luminescence thermal sensing by monitoring LIR, spectral position and bandwidth.
Controlling the outcome of SN2 reactions in ionic liquids: from rational data set design to predictive linear regression models
Authors: Schindl Alexandra , Hawker Rebecca R. , Schaffarczyk McHale Karin S. , Liu Kenny T.-C. , Morris Daniel C. , Hsieh Andrew Y. , Gilbert Alyssa , Prescott Stuart W. , Haines Ronald S. , Croft Anna K. , Harper Jason B. , Jäger Christof M.
Published: October 2020

An iterative, combined experimental and computational approach towards predicting reaction rate constants in ionic liquids is presented.
Subsystem density-functional theory for interacting open-shell systems: spin densities and magnetic exchange couplings
Authors: Massolle Anja , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: October 2020

Subsystem DFT allows easy access to spin densities for arbitrary broken-symmetry states of radical aggregates.
Hyphenating supercritical fluid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: a proof of concept
Authors: Garcia-Montoto Victor , Denti Pablo , Malmquist Linus M. V. , Verdier Sylvain , Bouyssiere Brice , Christensen Jan H.
Published: October 2020

A proof of concept has been shown confirming that an interface that hyphenates tSFC and ICP MS techniques is achievable.
Area cooling enables thermal positioning and manipulation of single cells
Authors: Shen Yigang , Yalikun Yaxiaer , Aishan Yusufu , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Sato Asako , Tanaka Yo
Published: October 2020

A flexible manipulation platform combines microheaters and an area cooling system to position and manipulate single particles and cells.
P-Functionalized tetrathiafulvalenes from 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones?
Authors: Gese A. , Akter M. , Schnakenburg G. , García Alcaraz A. , Espinosa Ferao A. , Streubel R.
Published: October 2020

Synthesis of mono- and bisphosphanylated 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones is presented, including phosphite-mediated reductive C,C coupling reactions. Computational studies point to a spirothiaphosphirane and a S-heterocyclic carbene as key intermediates.
Iodine catalyzed one-pot four component synthesis of coumarinyl phosphoramidates via sequential addition of reactants
Authors: Imrankhan Mohammed , Shivashankar Kalegowda
Published: October 2020

An unprecedented synthetic route for the preparation of a library of novel coumarinyl phosphoramidate derivatives via iodine catalysed one-pot four component reactions of ethyl 4-bromo-3-oxo-alkanoate, sodium azide, trialkyl phosphites, and phenols in ethanol is reported.
Long-range electron transport in Prussian blue analog nanocrystals
Authors: Bonnet Roméo , Lenfant Stéphane , Mazérat Sandra , Mallah Talal , Vuillaume Dominique
Published: October 2020

Electron transport measurements (C-AFM) through nano-scale devices consisting of 1 to 3 Prussian blue analog (PBA) nanocrystals show low distance decay factors in the range 0.11–0.34 nm−1.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C4-amidation of indole-oximes with dioxazolones via C–H activation
Authors: Tang Shi-Biao , Fu Xiao-Pan , Wu Gao-Rong , Zhang Li-Li , Deng Ke-Zuan , Yang Jin-Yue , Xia Cheng-Cai , Ji Ya-Fei
Published: October 2020

A novel method for the Rh(iii)-catalyzed oxime-directed remote C–H amidation of indoles with dioxazolones has been developed.
Catalytic ozonation of phenylamine in water with a manganese ore
Authors: Feng Yingming , Li Xiaobing
Published: October 2020

Recalcitrant pollutants, which form surface complexes with surface metal sites of the catalyst, are difficult to remove by catalytic ozonation in water.
Potentin vivoantimalarial activity of water-soluble artemisinin nano-preparations
Authors: Valissery Praveesh , Thapa Roshni , Singh Jyoti , Gaur Deepak , Bhattacharya Jaydeep , Singh Agam Prasad , Dhar Suman Kumar
Published: October 2020

Polymer and liposome-based nanocarriers not only improve the aqueous phase solubility of artemisinin but also helps to retain its therapeutic efficacyin vivoas well.
Integrating DNA damage response and autophagy signalling axis in ultraviolet-B induced skin photo-damage: a positive association in protecting cells against genotoxic stress
Authors: Umar Sheikh Ahmad , Tasduq Sheikh Abdullah
Published: October 2020

Regulation of stress response in cells by autophagy.
Static and dynamic properties of decane/water microemulsions stabilized by cetylpyridinium chloride cationic surfactant and octanol cosurfactant
Authors: Lemaalem M. , Ahfir R. , Derouiche A. , Filali M.
Published: October 2020

We report a molecular dynamics simulation using a proven effective interaction potential to study the physical properties of decane/water microemulsions.
Monitoring intracellular metal ion complexation with an acetylene-tagged ligand by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Takemura Seiya , Watanabe Hikaru , Nishihara Tatsuya , Okamoto Akimitsu , Tanabe Kazuhito
Published: October 2020

Complexation between acetylene-tagged ligand and Zn2+cations was tracked by monitoring changes in molecular vibration.
HKUST-1 derived Cu@CuOx/carbon catalyst for base-free aerobic oxidative coupling of benzophenone imine: high catalytic efficiency and excellent regeneration performance
Authors: Kaimeng Huang , Siyuan Chen , Changjiu Xia , Chenhao Li , Bin Zhu , Hongyi Gao , Xinxin Peng , Min Lin , Yibin Luo , Ge Wang , Xingtian Shu
Published: October 2020

The oxidative coupling of imines to ketazine with molecular oxygen is a green process towards hydrazine hydrate synthesis, which could efficiently address the environmental and economic issues of the traditional Raschig or peroxide-ketazine process.
Electrochemical synthesis of tin plasmonic dendritic nanostructures with SEF capability through in situ replacement
Authors: Dong Jun , Wu Feifei , Han Qingyan , Qi Jianxia , Gao Wei , Wang Yongkai , Li Tuo , Yang Yi , Sun Mengtao
Published: October 2020

Dendrite nanostructures with noble metals, such as Au, silver and tin, act as plasmonic substrates with excellent potential in enhanced fluorescence technology.
A series of guanidine salts of 3,6-bis-nitroguanyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine: green nitrogen-rich gas-generating agent
Authors: Cong Zhang , Xiang Chen , Yongpeng Hu , Yang Bai , Zhaoqi Guo , Daidi Fan , Haixia Ma
Published: October 2020

All salts show slight cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblasts and the main decomposition gas products of thermal decomposition are non-toxic.