bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ultrasonication time on stability, dynamic viscosity, and pumping power management of MWCNT-water nanofluid: an experimental study
Authors: Asadi Amin , Alarifi Ibrahim M.
Published: September 2020

It is known that ultrasonication has a certain effect on thermophysical properties and heat transfer of nanofluids. The present study is the continuation of the authors’ previous research on the effects of ultrasonication on the thermophysical properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)-water nanofluid. Investigating the effects of ultrasonication time on samples’ stability, rheological properties, and pumping power of a water-based nanofluid containing MWCNTs nanoparticle is the main objective of the present study. The two-step method has been employed to prepared the samples. Moreover, a probe-type ultrasonic device has been used, and different ultrasonication times have been applied. The samples’ stability is investigated in different periods. The results revealed that prolonging the ultrasonication time to 60 min leads to improving the samples’ stability while prolonging ultrasonication time to higher than 60 min resulted in deteriorating the stability. As for dynamic viscosity, it is observed that increasing ultrasonication time to 60 min leads to decreasing the dynamic viscosity of the samples. As for pumping power, it is observed that the maximum increase in fanning friction factor ratio is less than 3%, which shows that adding MWCNTs to water does not impose a considerable penalty in the required energy for pumping power.
Identification of miRNA signatures for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma using the tensor-decomposition method
Authors: Ng Ka-Lok , Taguchi Y.-H.
Published: September 2020

Cancer is a highly complex disease caused by multiple genetic factors. MicroRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles are useful for identifying prognostic biomarkers for cancer. Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), which accounts for more than 70% of all renal malignant tumour cases, was selected for our analysis. Traditional methods of identifying cancer prognostic markers may not be accurate. Tensor decomposition (TD) is a useful method uncovering the underlying low-dimensional structures in the tensor. The TD-based unsupervised feature extraction method was applied to analyse mRNA and miRNA expression profiles. Biological annotations of the prognostic miRNAs and mRNAs were examined utilizing the pathway and oncogenic signature databases DIANA-miRPath and MSigDB. TD identified the miRNA signatures and the associated genes. These genes were found to be involved in cancer-related pathways, and 23 genes were significantly correlated with the survival of KIRC patients. We demonstrated that the results are robust and not highly dependent upon the databases we selected. Compared with traditional supervised methods tested, TD achieves much better performance in selecting prognostic miRNAs and mRNAs. These results suggest that integrated analysis using the TD-based unsupervised feature extraction technique is an effective strategy for identifying prognostic signatures in cancer studies.
Unique combination of clinical features in a large cohort of 100 patients with retinitis pigmentosa caused by FAM161A mutations
Authors: Beryozkin Avigail , Khateb Samer , Idrobo-Robalino Carlos Alberto , Khan Muhammad Imran , Cremers Frans P. M. , Obolensky Alexey , Hanany Mor , Mezer Eedy , Chowers Itay , Newman Hadas , Ben-Yosef Tamar , Sharon Dror , Banin Eyal
Published: September 2020

FAM161A mutations are the most common cause of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in the Israeli-Jewish population. We aimed to characterize the spectrum of FAM161A-associated phenotypes and identify characteristic clinical features. We identified 114 bi-allelic FAM161A patients and obtained clinical records of 100 of these patients. The most frequent initial symptom was night blindness. Best-corrected visual acuity was largely preserved through the first three decades of life and severely deteriorated during the 4th–5th decades. Most patients manifest moderate-high myopia. Visual fields were markedly constricted from early ages, but maintained for decades. Bone spicule-like pigmentary changes appeared relatively late, accompanied by nummular pigmentation. Full-field electroretinography responses were usually non-detectable at first testing. Fundus autofluorescence showed a hyper-autofluorescent ring around the fovea in all patients already at young ages. Macular ocular coherence tomography showed relative preservation of the outer nuclear layer and ellipsoid zone in the fovea, and frank cystoid macular changes were very rare. Interestingly, patients with a homozygous nonsense mutation manifest somewhat more severe disease. Our clinical analysis is one of the largest ever reported for RP caused by a single gene allowing identification of characteristic clinical features and may be relevant for future application of novel therapies.
Acute toxicity analysis of Disarib, an inhibitor of BCL2
Authors: Sharma Shivangi , Varsha Kontham Kulangara , Kumari Susmita , Gopalakrishnan Vidya , Jose Anjana Elizabeth , Choudhary Bibha , Mantelingu Kempegowda , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: September 2020

Small molecule inhibitors targeting BCL2 are explored as anticancer therapeutics. Previously, we have reported identification and characterization of a novel BCL2 inhibitor, Disarib. Disarib induced cancer cell death in a BCL2 dependent manner in different cancer cell lines and mouse tumor models when it was administered intraperitoneally. In the present study, using two syngeneic mouse models, breast adenocarcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s lymphoma (DLA), we show that oral administration of Disarib resulted in significant tumor regression in a concentration dependent manner. Importantly, tumor developed in both female and male mice were equally sensitive to Disarib. Further, we have investigated the toxicity of Disarib in normal cells. Single dose toxicity analysis of Disarib in male and female mice after oral administration revealed no significant variations compared to control group for parameters such as body weight, food and water consumption and behavioural changes which were analysed for the entire period of study. Haematological and histopathological analyses also did not show any significant difference from the control groups. Thus, our results reveal safe use of Disarib as a small molecule inhibitor and provide the foundation for investigation of other preclinical studies.
Sexual dysfunction and health condition in Chinese doctor: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Li Weiran , Li Shixing , Lu Pengfei , Chen Haibin , Zhang Yunyu , Cao Yu , Li Guanjian
Published: September 2020

To our knowledge, little attention has been paid to the sexual function of health workers. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction among Chinese doctors. In addition, the risk factors for sexual dysfunction were analyzed. This was a questionnaire-based multicenter cross-sectional survey performed in five large academic medical centers in China. A total of 539 male doctors, 547 female doctors were evaluated. We analyzed doctors' demographic characteristics, quality of life, sexual function and attitudes towards sexual problems. Chinese doctors are at high risk of sexual dysfunction and poor health. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction appears to increase with age, and is associated with various social and demographic factors including monthly income, physical exercise, working hours, night shift and health-related quality. The quality of life and sexual health of doctors deserves special attention as a significant public health concern. Alleviating work pressure, increasing income, improving quality of life and therapeutic sexual problems should be considered comprehensively.
Esterified carotenoids are synthesized in petals of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) and accumulate in differentiated chromoplasts
Authors: Iijima Luna , Kishimoto Sanae , Ohmiya Akemi , Yagi Masafumi , Okamoto Emi , Miyahara Taira , Tsujimoto Takashi , Ozeki Yoshihiro , Uchiyama Nahoko , Hakamatsuka Takashi , Kouno Takanobu , Cano Emilio A. , Shimizu Motoki , Nishihara Masahiro
Published: September 2020

Although yellow and orange petal colors are derived from carotenoids in many plant species, this has not yet been demonstrated for the order Caryophyllales, which includes carnations. Here, we identified a carnation cultivar with pale yellow flowers that accumulated carotenoids in petals. Additionally, some xanthophyll compounds were esterified, as is the case for yellow flowers in other plant species. Ultrastructural analysis showed that chromoplasts with numerous plastoglobules, in which flower-specific carotenoids accumulate, were present in the pale yellow petals. RNA-seq and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that the expression levels of genes for carotenoid biosynthesis and esterification in pale yellow and pink petals (that accumulate small amounts of carotenoids) were similar or lower than in green petals (that accumulate substantial amounts of carotenoids) and white petals (that accumulate extremely low levels of carotenoids). Pale yellow and pink petals had a considerably lower level of expression of genes for carotenoid degradation than white petals, suggesting that reduced degradation activity caused accumulation of carotenoids. Our results indicate that some carnation cultivars can synthesize and accumulate esterified carotenoids. By manipulating the rate of biosynthesis and esterification of carotenoids in these cultivars, it should be feasible to produce novel carnation cultivars with vivid yellow flowers.
Effect of design geometry, exposure energy, cytophilic molecules, cell type and load in fabrication of single-cell arrays using micro-contact printing
Authors: Bhujbal Swapnil Vilas , Dekov Maren , Ottesen Vegar , Dunker Karen , Lale Rahmi , Sletmoen Marit
Published: September 2020

In this study a range of factors influencing the fabrication of single-cell arrays (SCAs) are identified and investigated. Micro-contact printing was used to introduce spots coated with polyethyleneimine or Matrigel on glass surfaces pre-coated with polyethylene glycol. Unmodified E. coli, Synechococcus sp., Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as well as diverse mammalian cells including HUVEC, AAV293, U87, OHS, PC3, SW480, HepG2 and AY-27 were successfully immobilised onto the chemically coated spots. The developed SCAs show high cell viability and probability for capturing single-cells. A discrepancy between the size and shape of the squares described in the design file and the actual structures obtained in the final PDMS structure is characterised and quantified. The discrepancy is found to be depending on the exposure energy used in the photolithography process as well as the size of the squares and their separation distance as detailed in the design file. In addition to these factors, the effect of the cell density loaded onto the patterned surfaces is also characterised. The systematic characterisation of key parameters that need to be optimised prior to the fabrication of SCAs is essential in order to increase the efficiency and reproducibility of future fabrication of SCAs for single-cell studies.
Animal model of intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma: establishment and characteristic
Authors: Li Xuemei , Hu Jike , Gu Baohong , Paul Maswikiti Ewetse , Wang Bofang , Yu Yang , Feng Zedong , Ma Yanling , Wang Xueyan , Chen Hao
Published: September 2020

One of the most important and striking characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with intrahepatic metastasis, is that it results in extremely poor prognosis. Animal models have become a fundamental and very useful in research for disease study. However, some limitation has arisen from these model systems. We have therefore established a model of HCC with intrahepatic metastasis and noticed some differential appearances in different HCC cell lines. Luciferase-transfected HCC cell lines MHCC97-H and PLC/PRF/5 were inoculated into SCID mice via spleen. Observation the intrahepatic metastasis by bioluminescence imaging in vivo and comparing of the differential formation of metastatic lesions between different HCC cell lines by incorporating physical anatomy was done. Animal models for HCC intrahepatic metastasis were well established. However, there were some clearly noticed differences between MHCC97-H and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines. The group of MHCC97-H cell line readily metastasis in the liver, whereas group PLC/PRF/5 cell line developed extensive intrahepatic metastasis and formed large tumor in situ in the spleen. MHCC97-H and PLC/PRF/5 cell lines can be used to successfully establish a model of HCC intrahepatic metastasis with distinctive characteristics, which provides an important direction for the study of the mechanism of HCC intrahepatic metastasis, and may hopefully provide a basis for clinical treatment.
SHOC2 scaffold protein modulates daunorubicin-induced cell death through p53 modulation in lymphoid leukemia cells
Authors: Silveira Vanessa Silva , Borges Kleiton Silva , Santos Verena Silva , Ruckert Mariana Tannús , Vieira Gabriela Maciel , Vasconcelos Elton José Rosas , Nagano Luis Fernando Peinado , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Scrideli Carlos Alberto
Published: September 2020

SHOC2 scaffold protein has been mainly related to oncogenic ERK signaling through the RAS-SHOC2-PP1 phosphatase complex. In leukemic cells however, SHOC2 upregulation has been previously related to an increased 5-year event-free survival of pediatric pre-B acute lymphoid leukemia, suggesting that SHOC2 could be a potential prognostic marker. To address such paradoxical function, our study investigated how SHOC2 impact leukemic cells drug response. Our transcriptome analysis has shown that SHOC2 can modulate the DNA-damage mediated by p53. Notably, upon genetic inhibition of SHOC2 we observed a significant impairment of p53 expression, which in turn, leads to the blockage of key apoptotic molecules. To confirm the specificity of DNA-damage related modulation, several anti-leukemic drugs has been tested and we did confirm that the proposed mechanism impairs cell death upon daunorubicin-induced DNA damage of human lymphoid cells. In conclusion, our study uncovers new insights into SHOC2 function and reveals that this scaffold protein may be essential to activate a novel mechanism of p53-induced cell death in pre-B lymphoid cells.
Spatial distribution, source identification, and risk assessment of organochlorines in wild tilapia from Guangxi, South China
Authors: Ding Yang , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Ruijie , Kang Yaru , Yu Kefu , Wang Yinghui , Zheng Xiaobo , Huang Liangliang , Zhao Lichao
Published: September 2020

Seventy-five wild tilapia samples from six rivers (ten sites) in Guangxi province were collected and analyzed for 53 organochlorine compounds. DDTs, endosulfan, and PCBs were the most dominant compounds found in this study. Tiandong County (TD) and Guigang City (GG) sites were found to be heavily contaminated with high levels of endosulfan (385–925 ng/g lw) and/or DDTs (20.1–422 ng/g lw). The diagnostic ratios indicated that the residues of DDTs and endosulfan in wild tilapia are associated with historical applications as well as the recent introduction of technical DDTs and endosulfan at some sampling sites. The correlation between total length, body mass, and organochlorines (OCs) was higher than the correlation between age and lipid content. There was no significant correlation between organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and lipid content. Therefore, for organisms, the feeding intensity (related to length and mass) of fish could better reflect degree of pollution than exposure time (age) of fish. The hazardous ratios for the 50th and 95th percentile data of OCPs and PCBs in fish were both below 1, suggesting that daily exposure to OCPs and PCBs yields a lifetime cancer risk lower than 1 in 10,000.
Age-dependent decline in stress response capacity revealed by proteins dynamics analysis
Authors: Chen Kaiyue , Shen Wenting , Zhang Zhiwen , Xiong Fangzheng , Ouyang Qi , Luo Chunxiong
Published: September 2020

The aging process is regarded as the progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired biological functions and the increased vulnerability to death. Among various biological functions, stress response capacity enables cells to alter gene expression patterns and survive when facing internal and external stresses. Here, we explored changes in stress response capacity during the replicative aging of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To this end, we used a high-throughput microfluidic device to deliver intermittent pulses of osmotic stress and tracked the dynamic changes in the production of downstream stress-responsive proteins, in a large number of individual aging cells. Cells showed a gradual decline in stress response capacity of these osmotic-related downstream proteins during the aging process after the first 5 generations. Among the downstream stress-responsive genes and unrelated genes tested, the residual level of response capacity of Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase (TPS2) showed the best correlation with the cell remaining lifespan. By monitor dynamics of the upstream transcription factors and mRNA of Tps2, it was suggested that the decline in downstream stress response capacity was caused by the decline of translational rate of these proteins during aging.
New insights into the biodiversity of coliphages in the intestine of poultry
Authors: Sørensen Patricia E. , Van Den Broeck Wim , Kiil Kristoffer , Jasinskyte Dziuginta , Moodley Arshnee , Garmyn An , Ingmer Hanne , Butaye Patrick
Published: September 2020

Despite phages’ ubiquitous presence and great importance in shaping microbial communities, little is known about the diversity of specific phages in different ecological niches. Here, we isolated, sequenced, and characterized 38 Escherichia coli-infecting phages (coliphages) from poultry faeces to gain a better understanding of the coliphage diversity in the poultry intestine. All phages belonged to either the Siphoviridae or Myoviridae family and their genomes ranged between 44,324 and 173,384 bp, with a G+C content between 35.5 and 46.4%. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on single “marker” genes; the terminase large subunit, portal protein, and exonucleases, as well as the full draft genomes. Single gene analysis resulted in six distinct clusters. Only minor differences were observed between the different phylogenetic analyses, including branch lengths and additional duplicate or triplicate subclustering. Cluster formation was according to genome size, G+C content and phage subfamily. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full genomes supported these clusters. Moreover, several of our Siphoviridae phages might represent a novel unclassified phage genus. This study allowed for identification of several novel coliphages and provides new insights to the coliphage diversity in the intestine of poultry. Great diversity was observed amongst the phages, while they were isolated from an otherwise similar ecosystem.
The immune response after noise damage in the cochlea is characterized by a heterogeneous mix of adaptive and innate immune cells
Authors: Rai Vikrant , Wood Megan B. , Feng Hao , Schabla Nathan. M. , Tu Shu , Zuo Jian
Published: September 2020

Cells of the immune system are present in the adult cochlea and respond to damage caused by noise exposure. However, the types of immune cells involved and their locations within the cochlea are unclear. We used flow cytometry and immunostaining to reveal the heterogeneity of the immune cells in the cochlea and validated the presence of immune cell gene expression by analyzing existing single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) data. We demonstrate that cell types of both the innate and adaptive immune system are present in the cochlea. In response to noise damage, immune cells increase in number. B, T, NK, and myeloid cells (macrophages and neutrophils) are the predominant immune cells present. Interestingly, immune cells appear to respond to noise damage by infiltrating the organ of Corti. Our studies highlight the need to further understand the role of these immune cells within the cochlea after noise exposure.
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is associated with changes of the microbiota composition in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Johanson David M. , Goertz Jennifer E. , Marin Ioana A. , Costello John , Overall Christopher C. , Gaultier Alban
Published: September 2020

The gut microbiome is known to be sensitive to changes in the immune system, especially during autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our study examines the changes to the gut microbiome that occur during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS. We collected fecal samples at key stages of EAE progression and quantified microbial abundances with 16S V3–V4 amplicon sequencing. Our analysis of the data suggests that the abundance of commensal Lactobacillaceae decreases during EAE while other commensal populations belonging to the Clostridiaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae families expand. Community analysis with microbial co-occurrence networks points to these three expanding taxa as potential mediators of gut microbiome dysbiosis. We also employed PICRUSt2 to impute MetaCyc Enzyme Consortium (EC) pathway abundances from the original microbial abundance data. From this analysis, we found that a number of imputed EC pathways responsible for the production of immunomodulatory compounds appear to be enriched in mice undergoing EAE. Our analysis and interpretation of results provides a detailed picture of the changes to the gut microbiome that are occurring throughout the course of EAE disease progression and helps to evaluate EAE as a viable model for gut dysbiosis in MS patients.
Identifying a stochastic clock network with light entrainment for single cells of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Caranica C. , Al-Omari A. , Schüttler H.-B. , Arnold J.
Published: September 2020

Stochastic networks for the clock were identified by ensemble methods using genetic algorithms that captured the amplitude and period variation in single cell oscillators of Neurosporacrassa. The genetic algorithms were at least an order of magnitude faster than ensemble methods using parallel tempering and appeared to provide a globally optimum solution from a random start in the initial guess of model parameters (i.e., rate constants and initial counts of molecules in a cell). The resulting goodness of fit $${x}^{2}$$

x

2

was roughly halved versus solutions produced by ensemble methods using parallel tempering, and the resulting $${x}^{2}$$

x

2

per data point was only $${\chi }^{2}/n$$

χ

2

/
n

= 2,708.05/953 = 2.84. The fitted model ensemble was robust to variation in proxies for “cell size”. The fitted neutral models without cellular communication between single cells isolated by microfluidics provided evidence for only one Stochastic Resonance at one common level of stochastic intracellular noise across days from 6 to 36 h of light/dark (L/D) or in a D/D experiment. When the light-driven phase synchronization was strong as measured by the Kuramoto (K), there was degradation in the single cell oscillations away from the stochastic resonance. The rate constants for the stochastic clock network are consistent with those determined on a macroscopic scale of 107 cells.
Modeling HIV-1 neuropathogenesis using three-dimensional human brain organoids (hBORGs) with HIV-1 infected microglia
Authors: dos Reis Roberta S. , Sant Shilpa , Keeney Hannah , Wagner Marc C. E. , Ayyavoo Velpandi
Published: September 2020

HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is characterized by neuroinflammation and glial activation that, together with the release of viral proteins, trigger a pathogenic cascade resulting in synaptodendritic damage and neurodegeneration that lead to cognitive impairment. However, the molecular events underlying HIV neuropathogenesis remain elusive, mainly due to lack of brain-representative experimental systems to study HIV-CNS pathology. To fill this gap, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) human brain organoid (hBORG) model containing major cell types important for HIV-1 neuropathogenesis; neurons and astrocytes along with incorporation of HIV-infected microglia. Both infected and uninfected microglia infiltrated into hBORGs resulting in a triculture system (MG-hBORG) that mirrors the multicellular network observed in HIV-infected human brain. Moreover, the MG-hBORG model supported productive viral infection and exhibited increased inflammatory response by HIV-infected MG-hBORGs, releasing tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and thereby mimicking the chronic neuroinflammatory environment observed in HIV-infected individuals. This model offers great promise for basic understanding of how HIV-1 infection alters the CNS compartment and induces pathological changes, paving the way for discovery of biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
Copaifera spp. oleoresins impair Toxoplasma gondii infection in both human trophoblastic cells and human placental explants
Authors: Teixeira Samuel Cota , de Souza Guilherme , Borges Bruna Cristina , de Araújo Thádia Evelyn , Rosini Alessandra Monteiro , Aguila Fábio Alves , Ambrósio Sergio Ricardo , Veneziani Rodrigo Cassio Sola , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Silva Marcelo José Barbosa , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , de Freitas Barbosa Bellisa , Ferro Eloisa Amália Vieira
Published: September 2020

The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is the standard care in cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. However, therapy with these drugs is associated with severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects. The investigation of phytotherapeutic alternatives to treat parasitic diseases without acute toxicity is essential for the advancement of current therapeutic practices. The present study investigates the antiparasitic effects of oleoresins from different species ofCopaiferagenus againstT. gondii. Oleoresins fromC. reticulata,C. duckei,C. paupera,andC. pubiflorawere used to treat human trophoblastic cells (BeWo cells) and human villous explants infected withT. gondii.Our results demonstrated that oleoresins were able to reduceT. gondiiintracellular proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. We observed an irreversible concentration-dependent antiparasitic action in infected BeWo cells, as well as parasite cell cycle arrest in the S/M phase. The oleoresins altered the host cell environment by modulation of ROS, IL-6, and MIF production in BeWo cells. Also,Copaiferaoleoresins reduced parasite replication and TNF-α release in villous explants. Anti-T. gondiieffects triggered by the oleoresins are associated with immunomodulation of the host cells, as well as, direct action on parasites.
Beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in acute myocardial infarction managed with inhospital coronary revascularization
Authors: Sim Hui Wen , Zheng Huili , Richards A. Mark , Chen Ruth W. , Sahlen Anders , Yeo Khung-Keong , Tan Jack W. , Chua Terrance , Tan Huay Cheem , Yeo Tiong Cheng , Ho Hee Hwa , Liew Boon-Wah , Foo Ling Li , Lee Chi-Hang , Hausenloy Derek J. , Chan Mark Y.
Published: September 2020

Pivotal trials of beta-blockers (BB) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were largely conducted prior to the widespread adoption of early revascularization. A total of 15,073 patients with AMI who underwent inhospital coronary revascularization from January 2007 to December 2013 were analyzed. At 12 months, BB was significantly associated with a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, adjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.93) and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55–0.88), while ACEI/ARB was significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.98) and heart failure (HF) hospitalization (adjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.95). Combined BB and ACEI/ARB use was associated with the lowest incidence of MACE (adjusted HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57–0.86), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40–0.77) and HF hospitalization (adjusted HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48–0.86). This were consistent for left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% or ≥ 50%. In conclusion, in AMI managed with revascularization, both BB and ACEI/ARB were associated with a lower incidence of 12-month all-cause mortality. Combined BB and ACEI/ARB was associated with the lowest incidence of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.
Characterization of the nucleotide-binding domain NsrF from the BceAB-type ABC-transporter NsrFP from the human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Furtmann Fabia , Porta Nicola , Hoang Dai Tri , Reiners Jens , Schumacher Julia , Gottstein Julia , Gohlke Holger , Smits Sander H. J.
Published: September 2020

Treatment of bacterial infections is a great challenge of our era due to the various resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are considered to be potential novel compound as antibiotic treatment. However, some bacteria, especially many human pathogens, are inherently resistant to these compounds, due to the expression of BceAB-type ABC transporters. This rather new transporter family is not very well studied. Here, we report the first full characterization of the nucleotide binding domain of a BceAB type transporter from Streptococcus agalactiae, namely SaNsrF of the transporter SaNsrFP, which confers resistance against nisin and gallidermin. We determined the NTP hydrolysis kinetics and used molecular modeling and simulations in combination with small angle X-ray scattering to obtain structural models of the SaNsrF monomer and dimer. The fact that the SaNsrFH202A variant displayed no ATPase activity was rationalized in terms of changes of the structural dynamics of the dimeric interface. Kinetic data show a clear preference for ATP as a substrate, and the prediction of binding modes allowed us to explain this selectivity over other NTPs.
Axial growth and refractive change in white European children and young adults: predictive factors for myopia
Authors: McCullough Sara , Adamson Gary , Breslin Karen M. M. , McClelland Julie F. , Doyle Lesley , Saunders Kathryn J.
Published: September 2020

This report describes development of spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) in two population-based cohorts of white, European children. Predictive factors for myopic growth were explored. Participants were aged 6–7- (n = 390) and 12–13-years (n = 657) at baseline. SER and AL were assessed at baseline and 3, 6 and 9 years prospectively. Between 6 and 16 years: latent growth mixture modelling identified four SER classes (Persistent Emmetropes-PEMM, Persistent Moderate Hyperopes-PMHYP, Persistent High Hyperopes-PHHYP and Emerging Myopes-EMYO) as optimal to characterise refractive progression and two classes to characterise AL. Between 12 and 22-years: five SER classes (PHHYP, PMHYP, PEMM, Low Progressing Myopes-LPMYO and High Progressing Myopes-HPMYO) and four AL classes were identified. EMYO had significantly longer baseline AL (≥ 23.19 mm) (OR 2.5, CI 1.05–5.97) and at least one myopic parent (OR 6.28, CI 1.01–38.93). More myopic SER at 6–7 years (≤ + 0.19D) signalled risk for earlier myopia onset by 10-years in comparison to baseline SER of those who became myopic by 13 or 16 years (p ≤ 0.02). SER and AL progressed more slowly in myopes aged 12–22-years (− 0.16D, 0.15 mm) compared to 6–16-years (− 0.41D, 0.30 mm). These growth trajectories and risk criteria allow prediction of abnormal myopigenic growth and constitute an important resource for developing and testing anti-myopia interventions.
Skin-conformable printed supercapacitors and their performance in wear
Authors: Railanmaa Anna , Soltani Ayat , Lehtimäki Suvi , Pournoori Nazanin , Keskinen Jari , Hokka Mikko , Lupo Donald
Published: September 2020

Wearable sensors and electronic systems are of great interest these days, but their viability depends on the availability of compatible energy storage solutions. Such sensors can either be integrated into clothing or attached directly to the skin, each case presenting a different set of requirements for the devices. In this work, we examine the performance of printed supercapacitors while attached to the skin. The devices are manufactured from benign materials, such as water, carbon and sodium chloride, and worn on the forearm or chest for 24 h for durability testing. The supercapacitors exhibit excellent mechanical durability and stay well attached under all test conditions. Electrically, the supercapacitors exhibit reliable capacitive function throughout the test period; other key parameters such as equivalent series resistance and leakage current are affected but to a minimal extent. The movement and deformation of the supercapacitor show good compatibility with the skin, as shown by the Digital Image Correlation full field strain measurements on and around the capacitor. The supercapacitors deform with the skin and do not hinder normal movement or function.
A novel, multi-level approach to assess allograft incorporation in revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Rolvien Tim , Friesecke Christian , Butscheidt Sebastian , Gehrke Thorsten , Hahn Michael , Püschel Klaus
Published: September 2020

The successful use of allografts in reconstructive orthopedic surgery, including revision total hip arthroplasty (THA), has been outlined repeatedly. Nonetheless, as previous studies were primarily based on clinical follow-ups, we aimed to create an algorithm that accurately determines the extent of allograft incorporation in the acetabulum and femur using a suite of high-resolution imaging techniques. This study is based on a large patient database including > 4,500 patient data with previous revision THA and simultaneous use of allografts. While the database was continuously matched with the deceased individuals at the local forensic medicine department, complete hips were retrieved in case of a positive match. A positive match was achieved for n = 46 hips at a mean follow-up of 11.8 ± 5.1 years. Comprehensive imaging included contact radiography, high-resolution computed tomography (HR-pQCT), undecalcified histology of ground sections and quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI). We here define a histomorphometric toolkit of parameters to precisely characterize the incorporation of structural (bulk) and morselized (chip) allografts in the acetabulum (n = 38) and femur (n = 8), including the defect area and interface length, microstructural and cellular bone turnover parameters as well as overlap and fibrosis thickness. This collection of samples, through its unique study design and precise definition of incorporation parameters, will provide the scientific community with a valuable source for further in-depth investigation of allograft incorporation and, beyond that, the regenerative potential of this osteoconductive scaffold.
Repeated intravesical injections of platelet-rich plasma improve symptoms and alter urinary functional proteins in patients with refractory interstitial cystitis
Authors: Jiang Yuan-Hong , Kuo Yuh-Chen , Jhang Jia-Fong , Lee Cheng-Ling , Hsu Yung-Hsiang , Ho Han-Chen , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: September 2020

Repeated intravesical injections of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been shown to improve symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS); however, there is a paucity of objective evidence of the effectiveness of this therapy. In this study, we investigated the changes in urinary markers after PRP treatment. Forty patients with IC/BPS who were refractory to conventional therapy received four injections of PRP at monthly intervals; 10 mL PRP solution with 2.5 times the peripheral blood platelet concentration was used. Urine levels of thirteen functional proteins, growth factors, and cytokines were assessed at baseline and at the 4th PRP injection. The clinical parameters included visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, daily urinary frequency, nocturia episodes, functional bladder capacity, and global response assessment (GRA). The GRA and symptom score significantly decreased post-treatment. In patients with GRA ≥ 2, the success rates at 1 month and at 3 months after the 4th PRP injection were 70.6% and 76.7%, respectively. The VAS pain score, frequency, and nocturia showed a significant decrease (all p < 0.05). Urinary levels of nerve growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-13, and vascular endothelial growth factor significantly decreased post-treatment (p = 0.043, p = 0.02, and p = 0.000, respectively); platelet-derived growth factor-AB showed a significant increase (p = 0.004) at the 4th PRP treatment compared with baseline. In this study, repeated intravesical PRP injections provided significant symptom improvement in IC/BPS patients with concomitant changes in the related biomarker levels.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03104361; IRB: TCGH 105-48-A.
Ocular surface inflammation induces de novo expression of substance P in the trigeminal primary afferents with large cell bodies
Authors: Byun Yong-Soo , Mok Jee-Won , Chung So-Hyang , Kim Hyun-Seung , Joo Choun-Ki
Published: September 2020

We evaluated the changes in substance P (SP)-expressing trigeminal neurons (TNs) innervating the cornea following ocular surface inflammation. Ocular surface inflammation was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats using 0.1% benzalkonium chloride (BAK). The corneal staining score, corneal epithelial apoptosis, conjunctival goblet cells, and density of corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) were assessed, and the mRNA levels of SP, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α were measured in corneas and ipsilateral trigeminal ganglia (TG). SP-immunoreactivity (IR) was measured in corneal intraepithelial nerves and TNs. The cell size of corneal TNs in the TG was calculated. All parameters were observed immediately (BAK group), at 1 week (1 w group), and 2 months (2 m group) after 2 weeks of BAK application. BAK caused an increase in the corneal staining score and the number of apoptotic cells, loss of conjunctival goblet cells, reduced density of corneal SNP, and upregulated expression of SP and inflammatory cytokines in both the cornea and TG in the BAK group but those changes were not observed in the 2 m group. On the other hand, SP-IR% and mean cell size of corneal TNs increased significantly in the BAK, 1 w, and 2 m groups, compared to the control. Our data suggest that following ocular surface inflammation, large-sized corneal TNs which normally do not express SP, expressed it and this phenotype switching lasted even after the inflammation disappeared. Long-lasting phenotypic switch, as well as changes in the expression level of certain molecules should be addressed in future studies on the mechanism of corneal neuropathic pain.
LsHSP70 is induced by high temperature to interact with calmodulin, leading to higher bolting resistance in lettuce
Authors: Liu Ran , Su Zhenqi , Zhou Huiyan , Huang Qian , Fan Shuangxi , Liu Chaojie , Han Yingyan
Published: September 2020

High temperatures have significant impacts on heat-tolerant bolting in lettuce. In this study, it was found that high temperatures could facilitate the accumulation of GA in lettuce to induce bolting, with higher expression levels of two heat shock protein genes LsHsp70-3701 and LsHsp70-2711. By applying VIGS technology, these two Hsp70 genes were incompletely silenced and plant morphological changes under heat treatment of silenced plants were observed. The results showed that lower expression levels of these two genes could enhance bolting stem length of lettuce under high temperatures, which means these two proteins may play a significant role in heat-induced bolting tolerance. By using the yeast two-hybrid technique, it was found that a calmodulin protein could interact with LsHsp70 proteins in a high-temperature stress cDNA library, which was constructed for lettuce. Also, the Hsp70-calmodulin combination can be obtained at high temperatures. According to these results, it can be speculated that the interaction between Hsp70 and calmodulin could be induced under high temperatures and higher GA contents can be obtained at the same time. This study analyses the regulation of heat tolerance in lettuce and lays a foundation for additional studies of heat resistance in lettuce.
Zeolite-supported ultra-small nickel as catalyst for selective oxidation of methane to syngas
Authors: Yasuda Shuhei , Osuga Ryota , Kunitake Yusuke , Kato Kazuya , Fukuoka Atsushi , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Gao Min , Hasegawa Jun-ya , Manabe Ryo , Shima Hisashi , Tsutsuminai Susumu , Yokoi Toshiyuki
Published: September 2020

The development of simple catalysts with high performance in the selective oxidation of methane to syngas at low temperature has attracted much attention. Here we report a nickel-based solid catalyst for the oxidation of methane, synthesised by a facile impregnation method. Highly dispersed ultra-small NiO particles of 1.6 nm in size are successfully formed on the MOR-type zeolite. The zeolite–supported nickel catalyst gives continuously 97–98% methane conversion, 91–92% of CO yield with a H2/CO ratio of 2.0, and high durability without serious carbon deposition onto the catalyst at 973 K. DFT calculations demonstrate the effect of NiO particle size on the C-H dissociation process of CH4. A decrease in the NiO particle size enhances the production of oxygen originating from the NiO nanoparticles, which contributes to the oxidation of methane under a reductive environment, effectively producing syngas.
Electrical cell-to-cell communication using aggregates of model cells
Authors: Kasai Issei , Kitazumi Yuki , Kano Kenji , Shirai Osamu
Published: September 2020

Cell-to-cell communication via a local current caused by ion transport is elucidated using a model-cell system.
Amphiphilic mannose-6-phosphate glycopolypeptide-based bioactive and responsive self-assembled nanostructures for controlled and targeted lysosomal cargo delivery
Authors: Mondal Basudeb , Pandey Bhawana , Parekh Nimisha , Panda Sidharth , Dutta Tahiti , Padhy Abinash , Sen Gupta Sayam
Published: September 2020

M6P-receptors are overexpressed in specific cancer cells (such as breast cancer) and are also involved in the trafficking of mannose-6-phosphate labeled proteins exclusively onto lysosomesviacell surface M6P receptor (CI-MPR) mediated endocytosis.
Natural product scaffolds as inspiration for the design and synthesis of 20S human proteasome inhibitors
Authors: Hubbell Grace E. , Tepe Jetze J.
Published: September 2020

The 20S proteasome is a valuable target for the treatment of a number of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and parasitic infection.
Cascade signal amplification for sensitive detection of exosomes by integrating tyramide and surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization
Authors: Huang Zhipeng , Lin Qiuyuan , Yang Bin , Ye Xin , Chen Hui , Weng Wenhao , Kong Jilie
Published: September 2020

A novel cascade signal amplification by integrating tyramide and surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization was first reported for the detection of exosomes.
Ln(ii) amido complexes coordinated by ring-expanded N-heterocyclic carbenes – promising catalysts for olefin hydrophosphination
Authors: Lapshin Ivan V. , Cherkasov Anton V. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Trifonov Alexander A.
Published: September 2020

First Ln(ii) ring-expanded NHC complexes (er-NHC)Ln[N(SiMe3)2]2(Ln = Sm, Yb) are synthesized and proved to be highly efficient pre-catalysts for the intermolecular hydrophosphination of such indolent substrates as 1-alkenes, cyclohexene and norbornene.
Visualizing the helical stacking of octahedral metallomesogens with a chiral core
Authors: Watanabe Go , Watanabe Hideyo , Suzuki Kota , Yuge Hidetaka , Yoshida Shintaro , Mandai Takuyoshi , Yoneda Shigetaka , Sato Hisako , Hara Mitsuo , Yoshida Jun
Published: September 2020

The detailed stacking structure of a helical columnar liquid crystal formed by enantiopure octahedral metallomesogens was investigated using both GI-XRD and MD simulation.
Metal–organic framework based antibiotic release and antimicrobial response: an overview
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Tiwari Pranav , Kapoor Kshipra S. , Saini Anoop Kumar , Sharma Vinay , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: September 2020

MOF and MOF based heterostructures for antibacterial applications.
Correction: Straightening out halogen bonds
Authors: Setter Caitlin J. , Whittaker Jacob J. , Brock Aidan J. , Athukorala Arachchige Kasun S. , McMurtrie John C. , Clegg Jack K. , Pfrunder Michael C.
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘Straightening out halogen bonds’ by Caitlin J. Setter et al., CrystEngComm, 2020, 22, 1687–1690, DOI: 10.1039/D0CE00176G.
MXene hydrogels: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Zhang Yi-Zhou , El-Demellawi Jehad K. , Jiang Qiu , Ge Gang , Liang Hanfeng , Lee Kanghyuck , Dong Xiaochen , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: September 2020

When two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) meet hydrogels, they offer versatile platforms for designing novel soft materials with exciting properties.
Design of small molecules targeting RNA structure from sequence
Authors: Ursu Andrei , Childs-Disney Jessica L. , Andrews Ryan J. , O’Leary Collin A. , Meyer Samantha M. , Angelbello Alicia J. , Moss Walter N. , Disney Matthew D.
Published: September 2020

Herein, we describe methods to identify structured regions within disease-causing RNAs and to design lead small molecules that selectively bind these structures to modulate function.
Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks for pesticide detection and adsorption
Authors: Tang Jing , Ma Xuehui , Yang Jie , Feng Dou-Dou , Wang Xiao-Qing
Published: September 2020

This article highlights the advancement of MOFs in sensing and adsorbing pesticides and progress in the possible mechanism of sensing.
Defect passivation strategies in perovskites for an enhanced photovoltaic performance
Authors: Fu Lin , Li Hui , Wang Lian , Yin Ruiyang , Li Bo , Yin Longwei
Published: September 2020

Passivation strategies, including film formation, post-treatment and interlayer engineering, are summarized based on an overview of the variety of defects in PSCs.
Prophylactic effects of oral administration ofLactobacillus caseion house dust mite-induced asthma in mice
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Fang Zhifeng , Lee Yuan-Kun , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Lu Wenwei , Chen Wei
Published: September 2020

This study investigated the prophylactic effects of fiveLactobacillus caseistrains on house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma in mice.
Facile synthesis of controllable graphene-co-shelled reusable Ni/NiO nanoparticles and their application in the synthesis of amines under mild conditions
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Zhu Yuting , Wang Chenguang , Singh Thishana , Wang Nan , Liu Qiying , Cui Zhibing , Ma Longlong
Published: September 2020

Graphene-co-shelled reusable Ni/NiO catalysts for the synthesis of amines under mild conditions.
Cu(i) based catalysts derived from bidentate ligands and studies on the effect of substituents forN-arylation of benzimidazoles and indoles
Authors: Kumari Sheela , Ratnam Anand , Mawai Kiran , Chaudhary Virendra Kumar , Mohanty Aurobinda , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: September 2020

Four Cu(i) complexes [Cu(L1–4)(Cl)(PPh3)] (C1–C4) were synthesized, characterized and crystal structure ofC1was determined. Complexes were utilized as catalysts forN-arylation reaction. Probable mechanism forN-arylation reaction was proposed.
Study of “Ni-doping” and “open-pore microstructure” as physico-electrochemical stimuli towards the electrocatalytic efficiency of Ni/NiO for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Paliwal Mahesh Kumar , Meher Sumanta Kumar
Published: September 2020

Added “Ni-doping” and “open-pore microstructure” act as physico-electrochemical stimuli towards enhanced electrocatalytic efficiency and electromechanical stability of Ni/NiO for the low-overpotential oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline medium.
Multicolored electrochromic and electrofluorochromic materials containing triphenylamine and benzoates
Authors: Zhang Wei-jing , Lin Xin-cen , Li Feng , Huang Zhen-jie , Gong Cheng-bin , Tang Qian
Published: September 2020

Multicolored electrochromic and electrofluorochromic materials containing triphenylamine and benzoates were developed.