bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phagosomal removal of fungal melanin reprograms macrophage metabolism to promote antifungal immunity
Authors: Gonçalves Samuel M. , Duarte-Oliveira Cláudio , Campos Cláudia F. , Aimanianda Vishukumar , ter Horst Rob , Leite Luis , Mercier Toine , Pereira Paulo , Fernández-García Miguel , Antunes Daniela , Rodrigues Cláudia S. , Barbosa-Matos Catarina , Gaifem Joana , Mesquita Inês , Marques António , Osório Nuno S. , Torrado Egídio , Rodrigues Fernando , Costa Sandra , Joosten Leo AB. , Lagrou Katrien , Maertens Johan , Lacerda João F. , Campos António , Brown Gordon D. , Brakhage Axel A. , Barbas Coral , Silvestre Ricardo , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Chamilos Georgios , Netea Mihai G. , Latgé Jean-Paul , Cunha Cristina , Carvalho Agostinho
Published: May 2020

In response to infection, macrophages adapt their metabolism rapidly to enhance glycolysis and fuel specialized antimicrobial effector functions. Here we show that fungal melanin is an essential molecule required for the metabolic rewiring of macrophages during infection with the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Using pharmacological and genetic tools, we reveal a molecular link between calcium sequestration by melanin inside the phagosome and induction of glycolysis required for efficient innate immune responses. By remodeling the intracellular calcium machinery and impairing signaling via calmodulin, melanin drives an immunometabolic signaling axis towards glycolysis with activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) and phagosomal recruitment of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). These data demonstrate a pivotal mechanism in the immunometabolic regulation of macrophages during fungal infection and highlight the metabolic repurposing of immune cells as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Stable mid-infrared polarization imaging based on quasi-2D tellurium at room temperature
Authors: Tong Lei , Huang Xinyu , Wang Peng , Ye Lei , Peng Meng , An Licong , Sun Qiaodong , Zhang Yong , Yang Guoming , Li Zheng , Zhong Fang , Wang Fang , Wang Yixiu , Motlag Maithilee , Wu Wenzhuo , Cheng Gary J. , Hu Weida
Published: May 2020

Next-generation polarized mid-infrared imaging systems generally requires miniaturization, integration, flexibility, good workability at room temperature and in severe environments, etc. Emerging two-dimensional materials provide another route to meet these demands, due to the ease of integrating on complex structures, their native in-plane anisotropy crystal structure for high polarization photosensitivity, and strong quantum confinement for excellent photodetecting performances at room temperature. However, polarized infrared imaging under scattering based on 2D materials has yet to be realized. Here we report the systematic investigation of polarized infrared imaging for a designed target obscured by scattering media using an anisotropic tellurium photodetector. Broadband sensitive photoresponse is realized at room temperature, with excellent stability without degradation under ambient atmospheric conditions. Significantly, a large anisotropic ratio of tellurium ensures polarized imaging in a scattering environment, with the degree of linear polarization over 0.8, opening up possibilities for developing next-generation polarized mid-infrared imaging technology.
Single-step manufacturing of hierarchical dielectric metalens in the visible
Authors: Yoon Gwanho , Kim Kwan , Huh Daihong , Lee Heon , Rho Junsuk
Published: May 2020

Metalenses have shown a number of promising functionalities that are comparable with conventional refractive lenses. However, current metalenses are still far from commercialization due to the formidable fabrication costs. Here, we demonstrate a low-cost dielectric metalens that works in the visible spectrum. The material of the metalens consists of a matrix-inclusion composite in which a hierarchy satisfies two requirements for the single-step fabrication; a high refractive index and a pattern-transfer capability. We use a UV-curable resin as a matrix to enable direct pattern replication by the composite, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as inclusions to increase the refractive index of the composite. Therefore, such a dielectric metalens can be fabricated with a single step of UV nanoimprint lithography. An experimental demonstration of the nanoparticle composite-based metalens validates the feasibility of our approach and capability for future applications. Our method allows rapid replication of metalenses repeatedly and thereby provides an advance toward the use of metalenses on a commercial scale.
NHC-Ni catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of 1,4-dienes by cross-hydroalkenylation of cyclic 1,3-dienes and heterosubstituted terminal olefins
Authors: Chen Yang , Dang Liang , Ho Chun-Yu
Published: May 2020

Enantioenriched 1,4-dienes are versatile building blocks in asymmetric synthesis, therefore their efficient synthesis directly from chemical feedstock is highly sought after. Here, we show an enantioselective cross-hydroalkenylation of cyclic 1,3-diene and hetero-substituted terminal olefin by using a chiral [NHC-Ni(allyl)]BArF catalyst. Using a structurally flexible chiral C2 NHC-Ni design is key to access a broad scope of chiral 1,4-diene 3 or 3′ with high enantioselectivity. This study also offers insights on how to regulate chiral C2 NHC-Ni(II) 1,3-allylic shift on cyclic diene 1 and to build sterically more hindered endocyclic chiral allylic structures on demand.
Electrochemically mediated carbon dioxide separation with quinone chemistry in salt-concentrated aqueous media
Authors: Liu Yayuan , Ye Hong-Zhou , Diederichsen Kyle M. , Van Voorhis Troy , Hatton T. Alan
Published: May 2020

Carbon capture is essential for mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to conventional chemical scrubbing, electrochemically mediated carbon capture utilizing redox-active sorbents such as quinones is emerging as a more versatile and economical alternative. However, the practicality of such systems is hindered by the requirement of toxic, flammable organic electrolytes or often costly ionic liquids. Herein, we demonstrate that rationally designed aqueous electrolytes with high salt concentration can effectively resolve the incompatibility between aqueous environments and quinone electrochemistry for carbon capture, eliminating the safety, toxicity, and at least partially the cost concerns in previous studies. Salt-concentrated aqueous media also offer distinct advantages including extended electrochemical window, high carbon dioxide activity, significantly reduced evaporative loss and material dissolution, and importantly, greatly suppressed competing reactions including under simulated flue gas. Correspondingly, we achieve continuous carbon capture-release operations with outstanding capacity, stability, efficiency and electrokinetics, advancing electrochemical carbon separation further towards practical applications.
Predicting the global mammalian viral sharing network using phylogeography
Authors: Albery Gregory F. , Eskew Evan A. , Ross Noam , Olival Kevin J.
Published: May 2020

Understanding interspecific viral transmission is key to understanding viral ecology and evolution, disease spillover into humans, and the consequences of global change. Prior studies have uncovered macroecological drivers of viral sharing, but analyses have never attempted to predict viral sharing in a pan-mammalian context. Using a conservative modelling framework, we confirm that host phylogenetic similarity and geographic range overlap are strong, nonlinear predictors of viral sharing among species across the entire mammal class. Using these traits, we predict global viral sharing patterns of 4196 mammal species and show that our simulated network successfully predicts viral sharing and reservoir host status using internal validation and an external dataset. We predict high rates of mammalian viral sharing in the tropics, particularly among rodents and bats, and within- and between-order sharing differed geographically and taxonomically. Our results emphasize the importance of ecological and phylogenetic factors in shaping mammalian viral communities, and provide a robust, general model to predict viral host range and guide pathogen surveillance and conservation efforts.
ABCG2 transports anticancer drugs via a closed-to-open switch
Authors: Orlando Benjamin J. , Liao Maofu
Published: May 2020

ABCG2 is an ABC transporter that extrudes a variety of compounds from cells, and presents an obstacle in treating chemotherapy-resistant cancers. Despite recent structural insights, no anticancer drug bound to ABCG2 has been resolved, and the mechanisms of multidrug transport remain obscure. Such a gap of knowledge limits the development of novel compounds that block or evade this critical molecular pump. Here we present single-particle cryo-EM studies of ABCG2 in the apo state, and bound to the three structurally distinct chemotherapeutics. Without the binding of conformation-selective antibody fragments or inhibitors, the resting ABCG2 adopts a closed conformation. Our cryo-EM, biochemical, and functional analyses reveal the binding mode of three chemotherapeutic compounds, demonstrate how these molecules open the closed conformation of the transporter, and establish that imatinib is particularly effective in stabilizing the inward facing conformation of ABCG2. Together these studies reveal the previously unrecognized conformational cycle of ABCG2.
Distinct fate, dynamics and niches of renal macrophages of bone marrow or embryonic origins
Authors: Liu Fengming , Dai Shen , Feng Dechun , Qin Zhongnan , Peng Xiao , Sakamuri Siva S. V. P. , Ren Mi , Huang Li , Cheng Min , Mohammad Kabir E. , Qu Ping , Chen Yong , Zhao Chunling , Zhu Faliang , Liang Shujian , Aktas Bertal H. , Yang Xiaofeng , Wang Hong , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Busija David W. , Fischer Tracy , Datta Prasun K. , Rappaport Jay , Gao Bin , Qin Xuebin
Published: May 2020

Renal macrophages (RMs) participate in tissue homeostasis, inflammation and repair. RMs consist of embryo-derived (EMRMs) and bone marrow-derived RMs (BMRMs), but the fate, dynamics, replenishment, functions and metabolic states of these two RM populations remain unclear. Here we investigate and characterize RMs at different ages by conditionally labeling and ablating RMs populations in several transgenic lines. We find that RMs expand and mature in parallel with renal growth after birth, and are mainly derived from fetal liver monocytes before birth, but self-maintain through adulthood with contribution from peripheral monocytes. Moreover, after the RMs niche is emptied, peripheral monocytes rapidly differentiate into BMRMs, with the CX3CR1/CX3CL1 signaling axis being essential for the maintenance and regeneration of both EMRMs and BMRMs. Lastly, we show that EMRMs have a higher capacity for scavenging immune complex, and are more sensitive to immune challenge than BMRMs, with this difference associated with their distinct glycolytic capacities.
Systematically optimized BCMA/CS1 bispecific CAR-T cells robustly control heterogeneous multiple myeloma
Authors: Zah Eugenia , Nam Eunwoo , Bhuvan Vinya , Tran Uyen , Ji Brenda Y. , Gosliner Stanley B. , Wang Xiuli , Brown Christine E. , Chen Yvonne Y.
Published: May 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown remarkable clinical efficacy against B-cell malignancies, yet marked vulnerability to antigen escape and tumor relapse exists. Here we report the rational design and optimization of bispecific CAR-T cells with robust activity against heterogeneous multiple myeloma (MM) that is resistant to conventional CAR-T cell therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). We demonstrate that BCMA/CS1 bispecific CAR-T cells exhibit superior CAR expression and function compared to T cells that co-express individual BCMA and CS1 CARs. Combination therapy with anti–PD-1 antibody further accelerates the rate of initial tumor clearance in vivo, while CAR-T cell treatment alone achieves durable tumor-free survival even upon tumor re-challenge. Taken together, the BCMA/CS1 bispecific CAR presents a promising treatment approach to prevent antigen escape in CAR-T cell therapy against MM, and the vertically integrated optimization process can be used to develop robust cell-based therapy against novel disease targets.
Influence of tectonics on global scale distribution of geological methane emissions
Authors: Ciotoli Giancarlo , Procesi Monia , Etiope Giuseppe , Fracassi Umberto , Ventura Guido
Published: May 2020

Earth’s hydrocarbon degassing through gas-oil seeps, mud volcanoes and diffuse microseepage is a major natural source of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. While carbon dioxide degassing is typically associated with extensional tectonics, volcanoes, and geothermal areas, CH4 seepage mostly occurs in petroleum-bearing sedimentary basins, but the role of tectonics in degassing is known only for some case studies at local scale. Here, we perform a global scale geospatial analysis to assess how the presence of hydrocarbon fields, basin geodynamics and the type of faults control CH4 seepage. Combining georeferenced data of global inventories of onshore seeps, faults, sedimentary basins, petroleum fields and heat flow, we find that hydrocarbon seeps prevail in petroleum fields within convergent basins with heat flow ≤ 98 mW m−2, and along any type of brittle tectonic structure, mostly in reverse fault settings. Areas potentially hosting additional seeps and microseepage are identified through a global seepage favourability model.
Promising peak flow diary compliance with an electronic peak flow meter and linked smartphone app
Authors: Antalffy Thomas , De Simoni Anna , Griffiths Chris J.
Published: May 2020

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is recommended in the management of asthma. However, compliance is poor, and this is often attributed to the burden of measurement and recording. The Smart Peak Flow (SPF) device and app allow self-measuring and self-monitoring of PEF. Compliance with self-monitoring was promising in 399 UK users, calling for research to confirm these results and explore its potential as an intervention to improve self-monitoring.
Traumatic life experiences and religiosity in eight countries
Authors: Jong Jonathan , Baimel Adam , Ross Robert , McKay Ryan , Bluemke Matthias , Halberstadt Jamin
Published: May 2020

We present two datasets from a project about the relationship between traumatic life experiences and religiosity. These include data from 1,754 individuals in the United States (n = 322), Brazil (n = 205), China (n = 202), India (n = 205), Indonesia (n = 205), Russia (n = 205), Thailand (n = 205), and Turkey (n = 205). Surveys were consistent across samples: they include measures of traumatic life experiences, negative affective traits, existential security, life satisfaction, death anxiety, and various religious beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. Psychometric evaluations of measures of supernatural belief and death anxiety were conducted.
tDCS over the inferior frontal gyri and visual cortices did not improve response inhibition
Authors: Thunberg Christina , Messel Mari S. , Raud Liisa , Huster René J.
Published: May 2020

The ability to cancel an already initiated response is central to flexible behavior. While several different behavioral and neural markers have been suggested to quantify the latency of the stopping process, it remains unclear if they quantify the stopping process itself, or other supporting mechanisms such as visual and/or attentional processing. The present study sought to investigate the contributions of inhibitory and sensory processes to stopping latency markers by combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recordings in a within-participant design. Active and sham tDCS were applied over the inferior frontal gyri (IFG) and visual cortices (VC), combined with both online and offline EEG and EMG recordings. We found evidence that neither of the active tDCS condition affected stopping latencies relative to sham stimulation. Our results challenge previous findings suggesting that anodal tDCS over the IFG can reduce stopping latency and demonstrates the necessity of adequate control conditions in tDCS research. Additionally, while the different putative markers of stopping latency showed generally positive correlations with each other, they also showed substantial variation in the estimated latency of inhibition, making it unlikely that they all capture the same construct exclusively.
Primary breast cancer and health related quality of life in Spanish women: The EpiGEICAM case-control study
Authors: Fernández de Larrea-Baz Nerea , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Guerrero-Zotano Ángel , Casas Ana María , Bermejo Begoña , Baena-Cañada José Manuel , Antolin Silvia , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro , Ramos Vázquez Manuel , Garcia-Sáenz José Ángel , Antón Antonio , Muñoz Montserrat , de Juan Ana , Jara Carlos , Chacón José Ignacio , Arcusa Angels , Gil-Gil Miguel , Adrover Encarna , Oltra Amparo , Brunet Joan , González Sonia , Bezares Susana , Lope Virginia , Martín Miguel , Pollán Marina
Published: May 2020

This study evaluates the impact of breast cancer (BC) in health related quality of life (HRQL) and in psychological distress (PD) during the initial phases of the disease and looks for contributing factors. A multicentric case-control study, EpiGEICAM, was carried out. Incident BC cases and age- and residence- matched controls were included. Clinical, epidemiological, HRQL (SF-36) and PD information (GHQ-28) was collected. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate OR of low HRQL and of PD in cases compared to controls, and to identify factors associated with low HRQL and with PD. Among 896 BC cases and 890 control women, cases had poorer scores than both, the reference population and the control group, in all SF-36 scales. BC women with lower education, younger, active workers, never smokers, those with comorbidities, in stage IV and with surgical treatment had lower physical HRQL; factors associated with low mental HRQL were dissatisfaction with social support, being current smoker and having children. Cases had a fivefold increased odds of PD compared to controls. Managing comorbidities and trying to promote social support, especially in younger and less educated women, could improve well-being of BC patients.
17 beta-estradiol biodegradation by anaerobic granular sludge: Effect of iron sources
Authors: Zhao Bai-Hang , Sun Qi , Chen Jie , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xin-Yue , Liu Bao-Jiang , Li Jun
Published: May 2020

Steroid estrogens, as typical endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), have raised an increasing concern due to their endocrine disrupting effects on aquatic animals and potential hazards on human health. Batch experiments were conducted to study 17 beta-estradiol (E2) removal and Estradiol Equivalent Quantity (EEQ) elimination by anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) combined with different valence iron sources. Results showed that E2 was effectively biodegraded and transformed into E1 by AnGS. The addition of different valence iron sources all promoted E2 degradation, reduced E2 Equivalent Quotient (EEQ) concentration, and increased methane production in the batch experiments. The enhancement effect of zero-valent iron (ZVI) on E2 removal and EEQ elimination was stronger than that of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in our experiments. The enhancement effect proportion of ZVI corrosion, Fe2+, and Fe3+ in the process of E2 degradation by AnGS combined with ZVI were 42.26%, 40.21% and 17.53%, respectively.
Risk of arbovirus emergence via bridge vectors: case study of the sylvatic mosquito Aedes malayensis in the Nakai district, Laos
Authors: Miot Elliott F. , Calvez Elodie , Aubry Fabien , Dabo Stéphanie , Grandadam Marc , Marcombe Sébastien , Oke Catherine , Logan James G. , Brey Paul T. , Lambrechts Louis
Published: May 2020

Many emerging arboviruses of global public health importance, such as dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus (YFV), originated in sylvatic transmission cycles involving wild animals and forest-dwelling mosquitoes. Arbovirus emergence in the human population typically results from spillover transmission via bridge vectors, which are competent mosquitoes feeding on both humans and wild animals. Another related, but less studied concern, is the risk of ‘spillback’ transmission from humans into novel sylvatic cycles. We colonized a sylvatic population of Aedes malayensis from a forested area of the Nakai district in Laos to evaluate its potential as an arbovirus bridge vector. We found that this Ae. malayensis population was overall less competent for DENV and YFV than an urban population of Aedes aegypti. Olfactometer experiments showed that our Ae. malayensis colony did not display any detectable attraction to human scent in laboratory conditions. The relatively modest vector competence for DENV and YFV, combined with a lack of detectable attraction to human odor, indicate a low potential for this sylvatic Ae. malayensis population to act as an arbovirus bridge vector. However, we caution that opportunistic blood feeding on humans by sylvatic Ae. malayensis may occasionally contribute to bridge sylvatic and human transmission cycles.
A selective autophagy cargo receptor NBR1 modulates abscisic acid signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tarnowski Leszek , Rodriguez Milagros Collados , Brzywczy Jerzy , Piecho-Kabacik Marta , Krčkova Zuzana , Martinec Jan , Wawrzynska Anna , Sirko Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

The plant selective autophagy cargo receptor neighbour of breast cancer 1 gene (NBR1) has been scarcely studied in the context of abiotic stress. We wanted to expand this knowledge by using Arabidopsis thaliana lines with constitutive ectopic overexpression of the AtNBR1 gene (OX lines) and the AtNBR1 Knock-Out (KO lines). Transcriptomic analysis of the shoots and roots of one representative OX line indicated differences in gene expression relative to the parental (WT) line. In shoots, many differentially expressed genes, either up- or down-regulated, were involved in responses to stimuli and stress. In roots the most significant difference was observed in a set of downregulated genes that is mainly related to translation and formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes. The link between AtNBR1 overexpression and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling was suggested by an interaction network analysis of these differentially expressed genes. Most hubs of this network were associated with ABA signalling. Although transcriptomic analysis suggested enhancement of ABA responses, ABA levels were unchanged in the OX shoots. Moreover, some of the phenotypes of the OX (delayed germination, increased number of closed stomata) and the KO lines (increased number of lateral root initiation sites) indicate that AtNBR1 is essential for fine-tuning of the ABA signalling pathway. The interaction of AtNBR1 with three regulatory proteins of ABA pathway (ABI3, ABI4 and ABI5) was observed in planta. It suggests that AtNBR1 might play role in maintaining the balance of ABA signalling by controlling their level and/or activity.
Distinctive features of diffusion-controlled radiation defect recombination in stoichiometric magnesium aluminate spinel single crystals and transparent polycrystalline ceramics
Authors: Lushchik A. , Feldbach E. , Kotomin E. A. , Kudryavtseva I. , Kuzovkov V. N. , Popov A. I. , Seeman V. , Shablonin E.
Published: May 2020

MgAl2O4 spinel is important optical material for harsh radiation environment and other important applications. The kinetics of thermal annealing of the basic electron (F, F+) and hole (V) centers in stoichiometric MgAl2O4 spinel irradiated by fast neutrons and protons is analyzed in terms of diffusion-controlled bimolecular reactions. Properties of MgAl2O4 single crystals and optical polycrystalline ceramics are compared. It is demonstrated that both transparent ceramics and single crystals, as well as different types of irradiation show qualitatively similar kinetics, but the effective migration energy Ea and pre-exponent D0 are strongly correlated. Such correlation is discussed in terms of the so-called Meyer-Neldel rule known in chemical kinetics of condensed matter. The results for the irradiated spinel are compared with those for sapphire, MgO and other radiation-resistant materials.
Correction: Feasibility of attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict protein adhesion on polymeric surfaces
Authors: Mukherjee S. , Martinez-Gonzalez J. A. , Gowen A. A.
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Feasibility of attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) chemical imaging and partial least squares regression (PLSR) to predict protein adhesion on polymeric surfaces’ by S. Mukherjee et al., Analyst, 2019, 144, 1535–1545. DOI: 10.1039/C8AN01768A
Effective intracellular delivery of bevacizumab via PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles targeting the CD44v6 receptor in colon cancer cells
Authors: Baião Ana , Sousa Flávia , Oliveira Ana Vanessa , Oliveira Carla , Sarmento Bruno
Published: May 2020

v6 Fab-PLGA-PEG NPs have the potential to deliver intracellularly bevacizumab in CD44v6 expressing cancer cells.
A low-cost anodic catalyst of transition metal oxides for lithium extraction from seawater
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yang Sixie , Du Yuemin , Li Chao , Bao Jiejun , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: May 2020

A schematic diagram of Li extraction from seawater by electrolysis with a hybrid electrolyte is shown. NiO@SP herein shows a satisfactory balance between the performance and cost for lithium recovery from seawater.
Recent advances in the synthesis of 2,3-dihydropyrroles
Authors: Wang Dong , Fan Yu , Yu Peng , Désaubry Laurent
Published: May 2020

This review summarizes the advances in the synthesis of 2,3-dihydropyrroles with an emphasis on recent developments or important seminal contributions.
All-metal σ-antiaromaticity in dimeric cluster anion {[CuGe9Mes]2}4−
Authors: Wang Zi-Chuan , Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Qiao Lei , Matito Eduard , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: May 2020

In this work, we firstly synthesized a solid-state compound {[CuGe9Mes]2}4−with a planar Cu2Ge2fragment. By performing the thorough theoretical analysis, we showed that Cu2Ge2diamond fragment possesses σ-antiaromatic properties.
An efficient, stereocontrolled and versatile synthetic route to bicyclic partially saturated privileged scaffolds
Authors: Stewart Hannah L. , Hanby Abigail R. , King Thomas A. , Bond Andrew D. , Moss Thomas A. , Sore Hannah F. , Spring David R.
Published: May 2020

A simple, high yielding and scalable synthesis for diastereoselective access to privileged fused bicyclic heteroaromatic scaffolds.
Modulated synthesis and isoreticular expansion of Th-MOFs with record high pore volume and surface area for iodine adsorption
Authors: Li Zi-Jian , Ju Yu , Yu Bowen , Wu Xiaoling , Lu Huangjie , Li Yongxin , Zhou Jing , Guo Xiaofeng , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Lin Jian , Wang Jian-Qiang , Wang Shuao
Published: May 2020

Isoreticular expansion of Th-MOFs via modulated synthesis yielded seven hierarchical complexes with superior quality single crystals, record high void space and BET surface area among Th materials, and exceptional iodine adsorption capacities.
Probing the dynamics and structure of confined benzene in MCM-41 based catalysts
Authors: Dervin Daniel , O'Malley A. J. , Falkowska Marta , Chansai Sarayute , Silverwood Ian P. , Hardacre Christopher , Catlow C. R. A.
Published: May 2020

Combined MD simulations and QENS experiments on benzene in MCM-41 provide insight into the dynamics and structure of benzene
Structure and bonding of molecular stirrers with formula B7M2− and B8M2 (M = Zn, Cd, Hg)
Authors: Yu Rui , Barroso Jorge , Wang Meng-hui , Liang Wei-yan , Chen Chen , Zarate Ximena , Orozco-Ic Mesías , Cui Zhong-hua , Merino Gabriel
Published: May 2020

In this work, we systematically explored the potential energy surface of clusters with formula B7M2− and B8M2 (M = Zn, Cd, Hg).
Influence of flexible side-chains on the breathing phase transition of pillared layer MOFs: a force field investigation
Authors: Keupp Julian , Dürholt Johannes P. , Schmid Rochus
Published: May 2020

MOF-FF was fitted for flexible linkers and used to investigate the breathing phase transition of MOFs with flexible side-chains.
Charge transfer excitation processes in analytical glow discharges – A review
Authors: Mushtaq Sohail
Published: May 2020

This review summarizes the current status and the latest developments in understanding the role of various charge transfer processes in analytical glow discharges.
Asymmetric synthesis of spirooxindole–pyranoindole products via Friedel–Crafts alkylation/cyclization of the indole carbocyclic ring
Authors: Gao Yuan , Wang Xiaonan , Wei Zhonglin , Cao Jungang , Liang Dapeng , Lin Yingjie , Duan Haifeng
Published: May 2020

Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation/cyclization of the indole carbocyclic ring with isatylidene malononitriles was performed using a new bifunctional catalyst.
A minor structure modification serendipitously leads to a highly carbapenemase-specific fluorogenic probe
Authors: Wang Jie , Xu Weipan , Xue Shuyuan , Yu Tao , Xie Hexin
Published: May 2020

A carbapenem-based fluorogenic reagent has been developed to detect the activity of carbapenemases, exhibiting high specificity to all carbapenemases, including both metallo carbapenemases and serine carbapenemases, over other β-lactamases.
Palladium-catalyzed enantioselective [5 + 4] annulation of ortho-quinone methides and vinylethylene carbonates
Authors: Xia Chao , Wang Dong-Chao , Qu Gui-Rong , Guo Hai-Ming
Published: May 2020

Highly enantioselective [5 + 4] annulations of ortho-quinone methides with vinylethylene carbonates are enabled by asymmetric palladium catalysis for the synthesis of chiral nine-membered benzo-heterocycles.
Construction of dendritic Janus nanomotors with H2O2 and NIR light dual-propulsion via a Pickering emulsion
Authors: Lv Haozheng , Xing Yi , Du Xin , Xu Tailin , Zhang Xueji
Published: May 2020

Janus nanomotors with H2O2 and NIR light dual-propulsion were successfully constructed by employing dendritic porous silica nanoparticles as carriers via a Pickering emulsion and electrostatic self-assembly.
High efficiency, low efficiency roll-off and long lifetime fluorescent white organic light-emitting diodes based on strategic management of triplet excitons via triplet–triplet annihilation up-conversion and phosphor sensitization
Authors: Yao Jingwen , Xiao Shu , Zhang Shuai , Sun Qian , Dai Yanfeng , Qiao Xianfeng , Yang Dezhi , Chen Jiangshan , Ma Dongge
Published: May 2020

High performance fluorescent WOLEDs based on strategic management of triplet excitons.
MiR-124-3p helps to protect against acute respiratory distress syndrome by targeting p65
Authors: Liang Yufeng , Xie Junjie , Che Di , Zhang Chunmin , Lin Yongmin , Feng Lin , Chen Jinlu , Chen Jie , Chen Lihe , Wu Zhiyuan
Published: May 2020

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury that has a high mortality rate and leads to substantial healthcare costs. MicroRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) helps to suppress inflammation during a pulmonary injury. However, its mechanism of action is largely unknown, and its role in ARDS remains to be determined.

Methods: Mice and NR8383 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to induce ARDS, and their miR-124-3p levels were determined. After a miRNA agomir was administrated to the mice, their pulmonary injuries were evaluated by H&E staining and assays for peripheral inflammatory cytokine levels. The direct interaction between miR-124-3p and p65 was predicted, and then confirmed by a luciferase activity assay. The role played by miRNA-124-3p in regulating p65 expression was further examined by transfection with its agomir, and its role in cell apoptosis was investigated by observing the effects of miRNA overexpression in vitro and in vivo.

Results: After exposure to LPS, there was a consistent decrease in miR-124-3p expression in the lungs of mice and in NR8383 cells. After treatment with the miR-124-3p agomir, the degrees of pulmonary injury (e.g. alveolar hemorrhage and interstitial edema), and the increases in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels induced by LPS were significantly attenuated. Overexpression of miR-124-3p in NC8383 cells and lung tissues significantly suppressed LPS-induced p65 expression and cell apoptosis.

Conclusions: These results suggest that miR-124-3p directly targeted p65, and thereby decreased the levels of inflammation and pulmonary injury in a mouse model of ARDS.
LncRNA TUG1 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer via the miR-138-5p/ZEB2 axis
Authors: Yan Zhenkun , Bi Miaomiao , Zhang Qiyu , Song Yumei , Hong Sen
Published: May 2020

To explore the role of long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) via the miR-138-5p/zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) axis.

Eighty-four CRC tissue specimens and 84 corresponding paracancerous tissue specimens were sampled from 84 patients with CRC admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2018 to September 2019. The TUG1 expression in the specimens was determined, and its value in diagnosis and prognosis of CRC was analyzed. Additionally, constructed stable and transient overexpresison vectors and inhibition vectors were transfected into CRC cells. The MTT, transwell, and flow cytometry were adopted for analysis on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of transfected cells, respectively, and a dual luciferase reporter (DLR) assay was carried out for correlation determination between TUG1 and miR-138-5p and between miR-138-5p and ZEB2.

TUG1 was up-regulated in CRC, and serum TUG1 could be adopted as a diagnostic marker of CRC, with area-under-the-curve (AUC) larger than 0.8. In addition, siRNA-TUG1, shRNA-TUG1, miR-138-5p-mimics, and miR-138-5p-inhibitor were transfected into cells, and it turned out that overexpressing miR-138-5p and inhibiting ZEB2 exerted the same effects. The DLR assay revealed that TUG1 was able to targetedly regulate miR-138-5p, and miR-138-5p could targetedly regulate ZEB2, and in vitro experiments revealed that TUG1 could affect the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC via the miR-138-5p/ZEB2 axis.

TUG1 could promote the development of CRC via the miR-138-5p/ZEB2 axis.
Measuring elemental abundance ratios in protoplanetary disks at millimeter wavelengths
Authors: Fedele D. , Favre C.
Published: May 2020

Over million years of evolution, gas dust and ice in protoplanetary disks can be chemically reprocessed. There is evidence that the gas-phase carbon and oxygen abundances are subsolar in disks belonging to nearby star forming regions. These findings have a major impact on the composition of the primary atmosphere of giant planets (but it may also be valid for super-Earths and sub-Neptunes) as they accrete their gaseous envelopes from the surrounding material in the disk. In this study, we performed a thermochemical modeling analysis with the aim of testing how reliable and robust are the estimates of elemental abundance ratios based on (sub)millimeter observations of molecular lines. We created a grid of disk models for the following different elemental abundance ratios: C/O, N/O, and S/O, and we computed the line flux of a set of carbon-nitrogen and sulphur-bearing species, namely CN, HCN, NO, C2H, c–C3H2, H2CO, HC3N, CH3CN, CS, SO, H2S, and H2CS, which have been detected with present (sub)millimeter facilities such as ALMA and NOEMA. We find that the line fluxes, once normalized to the flux of the 13CO J = 2−1 line, are sensitive to the elemental abundance ratios. On the other hand, the stellar and disk physical parameters have only a minor effect on the line flux ratios. Our results demonstrate that a simultaneous analysis of multiple molecular transitions is a valid approach to constrain the elemental abundance ratio in protoplanetary disks.
Primäre Ziliendyskinesie (PCD) – interdisziplinäre Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Hackenberg Stephan , Scherzad Agmal
Published: May 2020

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous disease. First respiratory symptoms already occur within the first hours after birth. Major symptoms are an unexplained neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, situs inversus, persistant cough, and chronic nasal congestion, recurrent paranasal sinus disorders with or without polyps, bronchiectasis as well as male infertility. Diagnostics is complex and includes transmission electron microscopy, nasal NO assessment, high-speed video microscopy and genetic evaluations. This review gives an overview over the current diagnostic procedures and therapeutic options. The management of PCD is a multidisciplinary approach, which should be reserved to in highly specialized centers.
Die richtige Lagerungsposition in der Anästhesie
Authors: Paul-Björn Thomas
Published: May 2020

„Was den Schmerz nimmt, nimmt auch das Leben; genauso ist das neue Mittel wunderbar und furchtbar zugleich.“ Das sagte der französische Anatom und Neurophysiologe Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens 1847, ein Jahr nachdem die erste Ethernarkose öffentlich demonstriert wurde. Denn was den Schmerz und das Bewusstsein nimmt, nimmt auch die Schutzreflexe. Der Patient und sein Körper sind allen äußeren Einflüssen ausgeliefert und so können neben dem eigentlichen Problem, das die Indikation zur Operation stellt, neue hinzukommen. Diese „neuen Probleme“ sollen im folgenden Beitrag näher beleuchtet werden.
Außerklinische Beatmung: früher RISG, jetzt IPReG
Authors: Özlü Ismail
Published: May 2020

Beatmungspflichtige Patienten müssen längst nicht mehr ausschließlich auf Intensivstationen versorgt werden. Sogar eine Pflege in den eigenen vier Wänden ist möglich. Das neue Intensivpflege- und Rehabilitationsstärkungsgesetz (GKV-IPReG) soll Qualitätsvoraussetzungen und Verfahrensweisen für ambulante und stationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen festlegen.
Ulcerative reflux esophagitis associated with Clostridium ventriculi following hiatoplasty – is antibiotic treatment necessary? A case report
Authors: Heidinger Martin , Gorkiewicz Gregor , Freisinger Oana , Brcic Iva
Published: May 2020

Clostridium (C.) ventriculi (known as Sarcina ventriculi) is a ubiquitous gram-positive, anaerobic, acidophilic coccus found in patients with gastric motility disorders. The microorganisms can be identified histologically by their characteristic presentation in tetrads or packets of 8 in hematoxylin and eosin stains. Severe cases of emphysematous gastritis or gastric perforation have been described. Nevertheless, the significance of C. ventriculi in an upper gastrointestinal tract and its pathogenic character remain unclear. We present a 67-year-old woman who underwent hiatoplasty with gastropexy. After 3 months, she underwent a gastroscopy showing gastroesophageal reflux. Biopsies showed ulcerative reflux esophagitis with presence of C.ventriculi, subsequently confirmed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. The barium swallow study revealed an atonic stomach with delayed gastric emptying. The patient was treated with PPI and domperidone. On follow up, 15 months post-operatively, a control gastroscopy showed a stomach with food residues and reflux-associated small erosions. The Clostridium organisms were detected only in oxyntic mucosa biopsies without erosions or ulcerations. We speculate that the recognition of the organisms in the biopsy material is important and suggests dysmotility disorder. However, in our opinion, the presence of C. ventriculi, even in combination with mucosal damage, does not necessarily prompt antibiotic treatment since no complications occurred and inflammation as well as gastric function improved under PPI and prokinetic therapy in our patient. Larger study groups with long-term follow-up are needed to understand whether these organisms could behave as pathogens or are only bystanders in the setting of delayed gastric emptying.
Wie lange reicht die Energie?
Authors: Kopp Christine , Nieß Andreas M.
Published: May 2020

In vielen Bereichen des Sports ist es vermeintlich von Nutzen, mit einem niedrigen Körpergewicht an den Start zu gehen. Doch eine solche Strategie birgt auch Risiken.
Successful fourth line treatment of a relapse patient with chronic hepatitis C virus infection genotype 3a using sofosbuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and ribavirin: a case report
Authors: Bernhard Benedikt , Stickel Felix
Published: May 2020

Background Relapses after therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are rare due to high efficacy of interferon-free therapy regimens. The presence of resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) in proteins targeted by therapy can lead to lower rates of sustained virological response (SVR) in patients receiving DAA-therapy, and little evidence exists as to how to treat these patients.

Case Summary We present a case of a multi-drug-resistant HCV-genotype-3a-infection in a 50-year-old female without confirmed cirrhosis but with advanced fibrosis (liver stiffness 11.6 kPa) and low viral load. Resistance testing revealed a Y93H mutation in the NS5A gene. Therapies using sofosbuvir and daclatasvir (1st), sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and ribavirin (2nd), and subsequently with sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir (3st) did not achieve SVR. Compliance was good with rapid negativity of HCV RNA at 4 weeks of treatment on all 3 occasions. No virological breakthrough was recorded with all regimens. As a rescue attempt, the patient received 24 weeks of sofosbuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and weight-based ribavirin at 1000 mg. With this approach, she achieved SVR but developed hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion The combination of sofosbuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and ribavirin could be a rescue therapy after previous relapses on DAA-therapy, especially in patients with relapse after therapy with sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir.
Population-based study of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis in Germany: rising prevalences based on ICD codes, yet deficits in medical treatment
Authors: Sebode Marcial , Kloppenburg Angela , Aigner Annette , Lohse Ansgar W. , Schramm Christoph , Linder Roland
Published: May 2020

Background Population-based data on the prevalence of and real-life treatment for the autoimmune liver diseases (AILD), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), are scarce, and such knowledge may help to improve patient care.

Methods Data of 8.1 million individuals having health insurance with the “Techniker Krankenkasse,” the largest German health insurer, were analyzed with regard to the prevalence of and prescribed medication for AILD in Germany from 2011 until 2014. Patients with viral hepatitis B infection (HBV) and alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) served as control groups. Case definition was based on ICD codes.

Results The prevalences of PBC and AIH were 36.9/100 000 inhabitants (95 % CI: 35.6–38.2) and 23.0/100 000 inhabitants (95 % CI: 22.0–24.0) in 2014, respectively. The prevalences of AILD increased from 2011 to 2014 (for PBC by 31 % and for AIH by 29 %), with the largest increase for male patients with PBC. In contrast, the prevalence of HBV declined while that of ALC remained stable. The analysis of prescribed real-life treatment revealed considerable deviations from standard treatment recommendations. Specifically, in older patients with PBC or AIH, undertreatment was common.

Conclusion The prevalence of PBC and AIH based on ICD codes is increasing in Germany. The analysis of real-life treatment in this large and population-based cohort points to the unmet need to improve the implementation of treatment guidelines for autoimmune liver diseases in the broader medical community.
Role of MR Enterography in Evaluation of Disease Activity in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: Correlation between MR Enterography and Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index Scores
Authors: Radhakrishnan Shilpa , Chellathurai Amarnath , Sankaranrayanan Srinivas , Sankar Dharani , Rajan Suja
Published: May 2020

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the role of MR Enterography (MRE) in the diagnosis and follow-up of children with Crohn’s disease (CD) and to correlate disease activity indices with known MRE features of active disease.

Methods This was a retrospective study including 24 patients (median age 11 years, 17 males) with clinically and histologically proven CD who underwent MRE. Two previously validated MRE scores—Magnetic Resonance Enterography Global Score (MEGS) and CD MRI index (CDMI)—were calculated. A correlative analysis was made between the Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) score and MRE scores as well as individually with each MR variable. Comparison of both the MR scores was made between patients with different disease activity.

Results MEGS and PCDAI scores showed strong positive correlation (r = 0.724, p = < 0.001); CDMI and PCDAI scores showed moderate positive correlation (r = 0.661, p = 0.0004). There was statistically significant difference in the MR scores between patients grouped by clinical activity. Among individual MR variables, mural thickness and enhancement best predicted the disease activity.

Conclusions MRE-based scores and findings correlate with clinical activity in pediatric CD. Thereby, MRE can be considered a valuable tool in the management of CD, predicting disease activity and offering a potential alternative to endoscopy in monitoring patients during follow-up.
Comparison of the Enamel Surface Roughness from Different Polishing Methods: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation
Authors: Sugsompian Kiatanan , Tansalarak Ratchawan , Piyapattamin Thosapol
Published: May 2020

Objective This study aimed to compare the enamel surface roughness created by four polishing methods after debonding, by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Materials and Methods Four experimental polishing groups (Sof-Lex disc, SD; sandblaster, SB; tungsten carbide bur, TB; and white stone bur, WB) and one control group were selected from 100 premolars (n = 20/group). The experimental teeth were bonded with a bracket, thermocycled, and debonded. Residual adhesive was removed by either of the respective methods. Pre and postdebonding root mean square (Rq) values were obtained from AFM evaluations. All specimens were examined and evaluated with SEM using a modified enamel surface index (modified ESI).

Statistical Analysis Differences among the polishing methods were compared with analysis of variance and Fisher’s least significant difference test at p < 0.05.

Results Both microscopic evaluations indicated that the surface with the greatest roughness herein belonged to the SD group, followed by that for SB, TB, and WB groups. AFM measurements indicated a maximum postdebonding Rq herein for the WB group and a significantly greater surface roughness for the TB and WB groups than for the SD and SB groups. Among the experimental groups, SEM followed by modified ESI evaluations revealed similar data to those obtained with AFM. Significant differences were seen among all paired groups, except for that between the SB and TB groups.

Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, all four polishing methods were concluded to be clinically acceptable for removing residual orthodontic adhesives.
Chitin Analog AVR-25 Prevents Experimental Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Das Pragnya , Acharya Suchismita , Shah Dilip , Agarwal Beamon , Prahaladan Varsha , Bhandari Vineet
Published: May 2020

Infants born extremely preterm are at a high risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) which is characterized by large, simplified alveoli, increased inflammation, disrupted and dysregulated vasculogenesis, decreased cell proliferation, and increased cell death in the lungs. Due to lack of specific drug treatments to combat this condition, BPD and its long-term complications have taken a significant toll of healthcare resources. AVR-25, a novel immune modulator experimental compound, was able to partially recover the pulmonary phenotype in the hyperoxia-induced experimental mouse model of BPD. We anticipate that AVR-25 will have therapeutic potential for managing human BPD.