bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilizing lithium metal anode by octaphenyl polyoxyethylene-lithium complexation
Authors: Dai Hongliu , Gu Xingxing , Dong Jing , Wang Chao , Lai Chao , Sun Shuhui
Published: January 2020

Lithium metal is an ideal anode for lithium batteries due to its low electrochemical potential and high theoretical capacity. However, safety issues arising from lithium dendrite growth have significantly reduced the practical applicability of lithium metal batteries. Here, we report the addition of octaphenyl polyoxyethylene as an electrolyte additive to enable a stable complex layer on the surface of the lithium anode. This surface layer not only promotes uniform lithium deposition, but also facilitates the formation of a robust solid-electrolyte interface film comprising cross-linked polymer. As a result, lithium|lithium symmetric cells constructed using the octaphenyl polyoxyethylene additive exhibit excellent cycling stability over 400 cycles at 1 mA cm−2, and outstanding rate performance up to 4 mA cm−2. Full cells assembled with a LiFePO4 cathode exhibit high rate capability and impressive cyclability, with capacity decay of only 0.023% per cycle.
Author Correction: Suicide among cancer patients
Authors: Zaorsky Nicholas G. , Zhang Ying , Tuanquin Leonard , Bluethmann Shirley M. , Park Henry S. , Chinchilli Vernon M.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Generation and symmetry control of quantum frequency combs
Authors: Maltese G. , Amanti M. I. , Appas F. , Sinnl G. , Lemaître A. , Milman P. , Baboux F. , Ducci S.
Published: January 2020

Quantum frequency combs are a useful resource for parallel quantum communication and processing, given the robustness and easy handling offered by the frequency degree of freedom. In this work, we propose a method to generate broadband biphoton frequency combs and control their symmetry under particle exchange, based on purely passive optical components, such as a cavity and an optical delay line. We experimentally demonstrate our method using an integrated AlGaAs semiconductor platform producing quantum frequency combs, working at room temperature and compliant with electrical injection. We show the generation and manipulation of biphoton frequency combs, spreading over more the 500 peaks. These results open interesting perspectives for the development of massively parallel and reconfigurable systems for complex quantum operations.
Core gene-based molecular detection and identification of Acanthamoeba species
Authors: Chelkha Nisrine , Jardot Priscilla , Moussaoui Iness , Levasseur Anthony , La Scola Bernard , Colson Philippe
Published: January 2020

Acanthamoeba spp. are predominant free-living amoebae of water and soil. They have been used as tools for the isolation and culture of microbes that resist after their phagocytosis, such as Legionella-like bacteria, and, more recently giant viruses for which differences in permissiveness have been reported. However, problems have been reported regarding their identification at the species level. The present work implemented specific PCR systems for the detection and identification of Acanthamoeba species through comparison of sequences and phylogenetic analyses. Thirty-three Acanthamoeba isolates were studied, including 20 reference strains and 13 isolates retrieved from water, soil or clinical samples. Previous delineation of a core genome encompassing 826 genes based on draft genome sequences from 14 Acanthamoeba species allowed designing PCR systems for one of these core genes that encodes an alanine-tRNA ligase. These primers allowed an efficient and specific screening to detect Acanthamoeba presence. In addition, they identified all 20 reference strains, while partial and complete sequences coding for 18S ribosomal RNA identified only 11 (55%). We found that four isolates may be considered as new Acanthamoeba species. Consistent with previous studies, we demonstrated that some Acanthamoeba isolates were incorrectly assigned to species using the 18S rDNA sequences. Our implemented tool may help determining which Acanthamoeba strains are the most efficient for the isolation of associated microorganisms.
Publisher Correction: Epidemiological characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Wang Ning , Jiang Qingtao , Han Lei , Zhang Hengdong , Zhu Baoli , Liu Xin
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Cancer Testis Antigen Promotes Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis and is Traceable in the Circulating Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Kannan Anbarasu , Philley Julie V. , Hertweck Kate L. , Ndetan Harrison , Singh Karan P. , Sivakumar Subramaniam , Wells Robert B. , Vadlamudi Ratna K. , Dasgupta Santanu
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Chemical-free and synergistic interaction of ultrasound combined with plasma-activated water (PAW) to enhance microbial inactivation in chicken meat and skin
Authors: Royintarat Tanitta , Choi Eun Ha , Boonyawan Dheerawan , Seesuriyachan Phisit , Wattanutchariya Wassanai
Published: January 2020

In general, the poultry industry uses 0.5–1 ppm chlorine solution in the meat sanitization process. However, chlorine can react with organic material and produce halogenated organic compounds, notably chloroform, which causes bladder and rectal cancer in humans. For this reason, many industries try to avoid chlorine. This study investigated the efficacy of ultrasound and plasma-activated water (PAW) on the inactivation ofEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureusin chicken muscle, rough skin, and smooth skin. Samples inoculated with bacteria suspension were treated by ultrasound alone and PAW–ultrasound. The Taguchi method and desirability function approach were used for the experimental design and optimization. Combined ultrasound and PAW inactivated up to 1.33 log CFU/ml ofE. coliK12 and 0.83 log CFU/ml ofS. aureusat a sample thickness of 4 mm, at 40 °C for 60 min, while PAW alone only reducedE. coliK12 by 0.46 log CFU/ml andS. aureusby 0.33 log CFU/ml under the same condition. The muscle topography showed a porous structure, which facilitated the penetration of PAW. The color measurements of muscle treated with ultrasound and PAW–ultrasound were dramatically different from the untreated sample, as also perceived by the sensory evaluation panel. Therefore, the synergistic interaction of combined PAW–ultrasound could be used to enhance microbial inactivation in meat.
Relationship between Intrinsically Photosensitive Ganglion Cell Function and Circadian Regulation in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Reutrakul Sirimon , Crowley Stephanie J. , Park Jason C. , Chau Felix Y. , Priyadarshini Medha , Hanlon Erin C. , Danielson Kirstie K. , Gerber Ben S. , Baynard Tracy , Yeh Jade J. , McAnany J. Jason
Published: January 2020

Background: Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) control non-visual light responses (e.g. pupillary light reflex and circadian entrainment). Patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) show reduced ipRGC function, as inferred by abnormalities in the post illumination pupil response (PIPR). We explored whether ipRGC function in DR is associated with circadian outputs and sleep/wake behavior. Methods: Forty-five participants (15 without diabetes, 15 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and no DR, 15 with T2D and DR) participated. ipRGC function was inferred from the PIPR (pupil size following stimulus offset). Circadian outputs were melatonin amplitude (overnight urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s)) and timing (dim light melatonin onset (DLMO)), and evening salivary cortisol levels. Sleep/wake patterns were measured with wrist actigraphy and insomnia symptoms were assessed subjectively. Results: Patients with T2D and DR had smaller PIPR and lower urinary aMT6s than other groups (p < 0.001). In adjusted regression models, smaller PIPR was associated with lower urinary aMT6s (β = 4.552, p = 0.005). Patients with DR were more likely to have no detectable DLMO (p = 0.049), higher evening salivary cortisol, greater insomnia symptoms and greater sleep variability compared to other groups. Sleep duration, efficiency and rest-activity rhythms were similar. Conclusion: Reduced ipRGC function in DR is associated with circadian dysregulation and sleep disturbances, although a causal relationship cannot be established in this cross-sectional study. Prospective mechanistic and intervention studies examining circadian and sleep health in these patients are warranted.
Repeated intramuscular transplantations of hUCB-MSCs improves motor function and survival in the SOD1 G93A mice through activation of AMPK
Authors: Kook Myung Geun , Lee SeungEun , Shin Nari , Kong Dasom , Kim Da-Hyun , Kim Min-Soo , Kang Hyun Kyoung , Choi Soon Won , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: January 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by loss of motor neurons and degeneration of neuromuscular junctions. To improve disease progression, previous studies have suggested many options that have shown beneficial effects in diseases, especially stem cell therapy. In this study, we used repeated intramuscular transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) and observed positive effects on muscle atrophy and oxidative stress. In an in vivo study, motor function, body weight and survival rate were assessed, and skeletal muscle tissues were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. After intramuscular transplantation, the hUCB-MSCs survived within the skeletal muscle for at least 1 week. Transplantation ameliorated muscle atrophy and the rate of neuromuscular degeneration in skeletal muscle through reductions in intracellular ROS levels. Both expression of skeletal muscle atrophy markers, muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx)/atrogin1 and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1), were also reduced; however, the reductions were not significant. Moreover, transplantation of hUCB-MSCs improved protein synthesis and inhibited the iNOS/NO signaling pathway through AMPK activation. Our results suggest that repeated intramuscular transplantation of hUCB-MSCs can be a practical option for stem cell therapy for ALS.
Open-source, 3D-printed Peristaltic Pumps for Small Volume Point-of-Care Liquid Handling
Authors: Behrens Michael R. , Fuller Haley C. , Swist Emily R. , Wu Jingwen , Islam Md. Mydul , Long Zhicheng , Ruder Warren C. , Steward Robert
Published: January 2020

Microfluidic technologies are frequently employed as point-of-care diagnostic tools for improving time-to-diagnosis and improving patient outcomes in clinical settings. These microfluidic devices often are designed to operate with peripheral equipment for liquid handling that increases the cost and complexity of these systems and reduces their potential for widespread adoption in low resource healthcare applications. Here, we present a low-cost (~$120), open-source peristaltic pump constructed with a combination of three dimensional (3D)-printed parts and common hardware, which is amenable to deployment with microfluidic devices for point-of-care diagnostics. This pump accepts commonly available silicone rubber tubing in a range of sizes from 1.5 to 3 mm, and is capable of producing flow rates up to 1.6 mL min−1. This device is programmed with an Arduino microcontroller, allowing for custom flow profiles to fit a wide range of low volume liquid handling applications including precision liquid aliquoting, flow control within microfluidics, and generation of physiologically relevant forces for studying cellular mechanobiology within microfluidic systems.
Sensitive Readout for Microfluidic High-Throughput Applications using Scanning SQUID Microscopy
Authors: Wissberg Shai , Ronen Maria , Oren Ziv , Gerber Doron , Kalisky Beena
Published: January 2020

Microfluidic chips provide a powerful platform for high-throughput screening of diverse biophysical systems. The most prevalent detection methods are fluorescence based. Developing new readout techniques for microfluidics focusing on quantitative information in the low signal regime is desirable. In this work, we combine the well-established immunoassay approach, with magnetic nanoparticles, with a highly sensitive magnetic imaging technique. We offer to integrate a microfluidic array into a scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscope, to image nanoparticles that were moved through the microfluidic device. We demonstrate the technique on protein-protein interactions (PPI). We compare sensitivity to that of a conventional readout, quantify the amount of interactions, and demonstrate 0.1 atto-mole sensitivity. Our work serves as a proof of concept that will promote the development of a new set of eyes, a stable usable microfluidic-scanning SQUID microscopy.
Association between diabetes and cognitive function at baseline in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA- Brasil)
Authors: Teixeira Mônica M. , Passos Valéria M. A. , Barreto Sandhi M. , Schmidt Maria I. , Duncan Bruce B. , Beleigoli Alline M. R. , Fonseca Maria J. M. , Vidigal Pedro G. , Araújo Larissa F. , Diniz Maria de Fátima H. S.
Published: January 2020

Diabetes has been associated with cognitive changes and an increased risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but it is unclear whether there are associations between diabetes and early alterations in cognitive performance. The present study consisted of a cross-section analysis of 14,444 participants aged 35–74 years and from a developing country at baseline in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA–Brasil); these participants were recruited between 2008 and 2010. We investigated whether there was an association between diabetes and early changes in the cognitive performance of this Brazilian population. To assess cognitive domains, we used the word-list learning, word-list delayed recall and word recognition tests along. Phonemic verbal fluency tests included semantic phonemic test (animals) and a phonemic test (words beginning with the letter F). Executive functions associated with attention, concentration and psychomotor speed were evaluated using the Trail Making Test B. The exposure variable in the study was defined as diabetes. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association between diabetes and cognitive performance. The results were adjusted for age, sex, education, hypertension, coronary disease, depression, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the cholesterol/HDL-C ratio. We found a significant association between diabetes and decreased memory, language and executive function (attention, concentration and psychomotor speed) performance in this population from a country with a distinct epidemiological profile, even after adjusting for the main intervening variables.
Temporal Trends in Vertebral Dimensions – a case study from Finland
Authors: Korpinen Niina , Oura Petteri , Väre Tiina , Niskanen Markku , Niinimäki Jaakko , Karppinen Jaro , Junno Juho-Antti
Published: January 2020

Vertebral fractures and other back problems represent a major, increasing worldwide health problem. This has increased the need to better understand the reasons behind this phenomenon. In addition to a reduction in bone mineral density and overall size of the vertebral body, research has indicated a possible association between the shape of the endplate and spinal disorders. As one previous study has shown changes in vertebral body dimensions between contemporary people and their medieval counterparts, we wanted to examine the potential temporal trends in vertebral size and dimensions in Finnish samples of archaeological and contemporary individuals. To conduct this study, we utilized three archaeological populations from the 16th–19th century and clinical materials from two population-based Finnish birth cohorts. As the average height of people has increased greatly since the first time period, we also height-adjusted the dimensions to provide a clearer picture of the dimensional changes that have occurred in the later temporal group. Our results were in agreement with those of the earlier study. The archaeological samples had a larger vertebral size than the contemporary population when height was adjusted for. Vertebral mediolateral width in particular had decreased, and the shape of the vertebral body had changed.
The iron chelator Deferasirox causes severe mitochondrial swelling without depolarization due to a specific effect on inner membrane permeability
Authors: Gottwald Esther M. , Schuh Claus D. , Drücker Patrick , Haenni Dominik , Pearson Adam , Ghazi Susan , Bugarski Milica , Polesel Marcello , Duss Michael , Landau Ehud M. , Kaech Andres , Ziegler Urs , Lundby Anne K. M. , Lundby Carsten , Dittrich Petra S. , Hall Andrew M.
Published: January 2020

The iron chelator Deferasirox (DFX) causes severe toxicity in patients for reasons that were previously unexplained. Here, using the kidney as a clinically relevant in vivo model for toxicity together with a broad range of experimental techniques, including live cell imaging and in vitro biophysical models, we show that DFX causes partial uncoupling and dramatic swelling of mitochondria, but without depolarization or opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This effect is explained by an increase in inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) permeability to protons, but not small molecules. The movement of water into mitochondria is prevented by altering intracellular osmotic gradients. Other clinically used iron chelators do not produce mitochondrial swelling. Thus, DFX causes organ toxicity due to an off-target effect on the IMM, which has major adverse consequences for mitochondrial volume regulation.
Hidden diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest: the discovery of Jurasaidae, a new beetle family (Coleoptera, Elateroidea) with neotenic females
Authors: Rosa Simone Policena , Costa Cleide , Kramp Katja , Kundrata Robin
Published: January 2020

Beetles are the most species-rich animal radiation and are among the historically most intensively studied insect groups. Consequently, the vast majority of their higher-level taxa had already been described about a century ago. In the 21st century, thus far, only three beetle families have been describedde novobased on newly collected material. Here, we report the discovery of a completely new lineage of soft-bodied neotenic beetles from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, which is one of the most diverse and also most endangered biomes on the planet. We identified three species in two genera, which differ in morphology of all life stages and exhibit different degrees of neoteny in females. We provide a formal description of this lineage for which we propose the new family Jurasaidae. Molecular phylogeny recovered Jurasaidae within the basal grade in Elateroidea, sister to the well-sclerotized rare click beetles, Cerophytidae. This placement is supported by several larval characters including the modified mouthparts. The discovery of a new beetle family, which is due to the limited dispersal capability and cryptic lifestyle of its wingless females bound to long-term stable habitats, highlights the importance of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest as a top priority area for nature conservation.
Feature Extraction of Upper Airway Dynamics during Sleep Apnea using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Ayoub Ghazal , Dang Thi Hang , Oh Tong In , Kim Sang-Wook , Woo Eung Je
Published: January 2020

Characterizing upper airway occlusion during natural sleep could be instrumental for studying the dynamics of sleep apnea and designing an individualized treatment plan. In recent years, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) phenotyping has gained attention to classify OSA patients into relevant therapeutic categories. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been lately suggested as a technique for noninvasive continuous monitoring of the upper airway during natural sleep. In this paper, we developed the automatic data processing and feature extract methods to handle acquired EIT data for several hours. Removing ventilation and blood flow artifacts, EIT images were reconstructed to visualize how the upper airway collapsed and reopened during the respiratory event. From the time series of reconstructed EIT images, we extracted the upper airway closure signal providing quantitative information about how much the upper airway was closed during collapse and reopening. Features of the upper airway dynamics were defined from the extracted upper airway closure signal and statistical analyses of ten OSA patients’ data were conducted. The results showed the feasibility of the new method to describe the upper airway dynamics during sleep apnea, which could be a new step towards OSA phenotyping and treatment planning.
The impact of age and comorbidity on the postoperative outcomes after emergency surgical management of complicated intra-abdominal infections
Authors: Payá-Llorente Carmen , Martínez-López Elías , Sebastián-Tomás Juan Carlos , Santarrufina-Martínez Sandra , de’Angelis Nicola , Martínez-Pérez Aleix
Published: January 2020

Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (a-CCI) score has been used to weight comorbid conditions in predicting adverse outcomes. A retrospective cohort study on adult patients diagnosed with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) requiring emergency surgery was conducted in order to elucidate the role of age and comorbidity in this scenario. Two main outcomes were evaluated: 90-day severe postoperative complications (grade ≥ 3 of Dindo-Clavien Classification), and 90-day all-cause mortality. 358 patients were analyzed. a-CCI score for each patient was calculated and then divided in two comorbid categories whether they were ≤ or > to percentile 75 ( = 4): Grade-A (0–4) and Grade-B ( ≥ 5). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed, and the predictive validity of the models was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve. Independent predictors of 90-day severe postoperative complications were Charlson Grade-B (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.86–6.52; p < 0.0001), healthcare-related infections (OR = 7.84, 95%CI: 3.99–15.39; p < 0.0001), diffuse peritonitis (OR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.45–4.80; p < 0.01), and delay of surgery > 24 hours (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.18–4.68; p < 0.02). The AUROC was 0.815 (95%CI: 0.758–0.872). Independent predictors of 90-day mortality were Charlson Grade-B (OR = 8.30, 95%CI: 3.58–19.21; p < 0.0001), healthcare-related infections (OR = 6.38, 95%CI: 2.72–14.95; p < 0.0001), sepsis status (OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 1.04–15.21; p < 0.04) and diffuse peritonitis (OR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.29–7.27; p < 0.01). The AUROC for mortality was 0.887 (95%CI: 0.83–0.93). Post-hoc sensitivity analyses confirmed that the degree of comorbidity, estimated by using an age-adjusted score, has a critical impact on the postoperative course following emergency surgery for cIAI. Early assessment and management of patient’s comorbidity is mandatory at emergency setting.
Author Correction: Sex-Related Differences in Impact on Safety of Pharmacogenetic Profile for Colon Cancer Patients Treated with FOLFOX-4 or XELOX Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Ruzzo Annamaria , Graziano Francesco , Galli Francesca , Galli Fabio , Rulli Eliana , Lonardi Sara , Ronzoni Monica , Massidda Bruno , Zagonel Vittorina , Pella Nicoletta , Mucciarini Claudia , Labianca Roberto , Ionta Maria Teresa , Bagaloni Irene , Veltri Enzo , Sozzi Pietro , Barni Sandro , Ricci Vincenzo , Foltran Luisa , Nicolini Mario , Biondi Edoardo , Bramati Annalisa , Turci Daniele , Lazzarelli Silvia , Verusio Claudio , Bergamo Francesca , Sobrero Alberto , Frontini Luciano , Magnani Mauro
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Increased Plasma Cardiac Troponin I in Live-Stranded Cetaceans: Correlation with Pathological Findings of Acute Cardiac Injury
Authors: Câmara Nakita , Sierra Eva , Fernández Antonio , Arbelo Manuel , Andrada Marisa , Monteros Antonio Espinosa de los , Herráez Pedro
Published: January 2020

Capture myopathy (CM), is a syndrome that occurs as the result of the stress during and after capture, handling, restraint, and transport of wild animals. Although CM has been described for many species of cetaceans, characterization of the acute cardiac injury - an important component of this syndrome - are still scarce. In this study, we firstly estimated a normal range for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) on cetaceans. Here, through biochemical analysis (especially of cTnI) and histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical correlations with decreased troponin immunolabelling, we studied the cardiac injury in live-stranded cetaceans. Nine cetaceans which stranded alive on the Canary Islands (January 2016 - June 2019) were included in this study. Sampled individuals presented elevated values of plasma cTnI, which were correlated to histopathological lesions comprised of vascular changes and acute degenerative lesions. Immunohistochemically, injured cardiomyocytes showed a decreased intrafibrillar troponin immunoreaction. This is the first attempt to establish a normal baseline range for cTnI in cetaceans, and the first study comparing plasma biomarkers values with histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This approach allowed us to demonstrate the degree of cardiac damage as a result of injury, consistent with ischemia–reperfusion lesions. The knowledge gained here could improve decision-making procedures during stressful situations, mainly in live-strandings, handling, and rehabilitation, thereby reducing the mortality of cetaceans.
Quantifying the Effect of Anthropogenic Climate Change on Calcifying Plankton
Authors: Fox Lyndsey , Stukins Stephen , Hill Thomas , Miller C. Giles
Published: January 2020

Widely regarded as an imminent threat to our oceans, ocean acidification has been documented in all oceanic basins. Projected changes in seawater chemistry will have catastrophic biotic effects due to ocean acidification hindering biogenic carbonate production, which will in turn lead to substantial changes in marine ecosystems. However, previous attempts to quantify the effect of acidification on planktonic calcifying organisms has relied on laboratory based studies with substantial methodological limitations. This has been overcome by comparing historic plankton tows from the seminal HMS Challenger Expedition (1872–1876) with the recent Tara Oceans expedition material (2009–2016). Nano CT-scans of selected equatorial Pacific Ocean planktonic foraminifera, have revealed that all modern specimens had up to 76% thinner shells than their historic counterparts. The “Challenger Revisited” project highlights the potential of historic ocean collections as a tool to investigate ocean acidification since the early Industrial Revolution. Further analyses of such biotic archives will enable researchers to quantify the effects of anthropogenic climate change across the globe.
Fibroblast mitochondria in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease display morphological changes and enhanced resistance to depolarization
Authors: Antony P. M. A. , Kondratyeva O. , Mommaerts K. , Ostaszewski M. , Sokolowska K. , Baumuratov A. S. , Longhino L. , Poulain J. F. , Grossmann D. , Balling R. , Krüger R. , Diederich N. J.
Published: January 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). Here, we established screenable phenotypes of mitochondrial morphology and function in primary fibroblasts derived from patients with IPD. Upper arm punch skin biopsy was performed in 41 patients with mid-stage IPD and 21 age-matched healthy controls. At the single-cell level, the basal mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) was higher in patients with IPD than in controls. Similarly, under carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) stress, the remaining Ψm was increased in patients with IPD. Analysis of mitochondrial morphometric parameters revealed significantly decreased mitochondrial connectivity in patients with IPD, with 9 of 14 morphometric mitochondrial parameters differing from those in controls. Significant morphometric mitochondrial changes included the node degree, mean volume, skeleton size, perimeter, form factor, node count, erosion body count, endpoints, and mitochondria count (all P-values < 0.05). These functional data reveal that resistance to depolarization was increased by treatment with the protonophore FCCP in patients with IPD, whereas morphometric data revealed decreased mitochondrial connectivity and increased mitochondrial fragmentation.
Accumulation and trafficking of zinc oxide nanoparticles in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, with insights on their effects on immuno-competent cells
Authors: Mir Ashiq Hussain , Qamar Ayesha , Qadir Ishana , Naqvi Alim H. , Begum Rizwana
Published: January 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in many applications; however, their interactions with cells, immune cells in particular, and potential health risk(s) are not fully known. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated the potential of ZnO NPs to cross the gut barrier in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, and that they can reach the hemolymph where they interact with and/or are taken up by immune-competent cells resulting in various toxic responses like decline in hemocyte viability, ROS generation, morphological alterations, apoptotic cell death, etc. Exposure to these NPs also resulted in alteration of hemocyte dynamics including an immediate increase in THC, possibly due to the release of these hemocytes either from enhanced rate of cell divisions or from attached hemocyte populations, and decline in percentage of prohemocytes and increase in percentage of two professional phagocytes, i.e., granulocytes and plasmatocytes, possibly due to the differentiation of prohemocytes into phagocytes in response to a perceived immune challenge posed by these NPs. Taken together, our data suggest that ZnO NPs have the potential to cross gut barrier and cause various toxic effects that could reverse and the insects could return to normal physiological states as there is restoration and repair of various systems and their affected pathways following the clearance of these NPs from the insect body. Our study also indicates that B. mori has the potential to serve as an effective alternate animal model for biosafety, environmental monitoring and screening of NPs, particularly to evaluate their interactions with invertebrate immune system.
Novel nano-vehicle for delivery and efficiency of anticancer auraptene against colon cancer cells
Authors: Jalilzadeh Nazila , Samadi Naser , Salehi Roya , Dehghan Gholamreza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Dadpour Mohammad Reza , Hamishehkar Hamed
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study is to devise, prepare and characterize nano encapsulated auraptene (AUR) and evaluate cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on HT-29 colon cancer cells. Herein, AUR nano formulations were prepared by triblock (PCL-PEG-PCL) and pentablock (PLA-PCL-PEG-PCL-PLA) biodegradable copolymers in order to increase AUR bioavailability as an anticancer agent. The preparation of nano particles (NPs) was done with rotor stator homogenization (RSH) and Ultrasonic homogenization (USH) methods. The physicochemical characteristics of prepared nanoparticles (NPs) were studied using HNMR, FTIR, GPC, DLS and SEM techniques. The smaller hydrodynamic size (110 nm) and polydispersity index (PDI: 0.288) as well as higher cellular uptake (89%) were observed in PB NPs rather than TB NPs. The highest cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were observed in AUR loaded PB NPs compared to AUR loaded TB NPs and free AUR obtained by MTT assay, cell cycle arrest, Annexin V-FITC, DAPI staining and RT-PCR techniques. Real time PCR results indicated that Bax /Bcl2 expression ratio as an apoptosis predicting criterion, in free AUR, AUR loaded TB and AUR loaded PB have increased 6, 9 and 13 times, respectively (p value < 0.05). In conclusion, using biodegradable nano-vehicles for sustained delivery of natural anti-cancer compounds may open new perspectives for treatment of cancer patients.
Dynamic channel selection in wireless communications via a multi-armed bandit algorithm using laser chaos time series
Authors: Takeuchi Shungo , Hasegawa Mikio , Kanno Kazutaka , Uchida Atsushi , Chauvet Nicolas , Naruse Makoto
Published: January 2020

Dynamic channel selection is among the most important wireless communication elements in dynamically changing electromagnetic environments wherein, a user can experience improved communication quality by choosing a better channel. Multi-armed bandit (MAB) algorithms are a promising approach that resolve the trade-off between channel exploration and exploitation of enhanced communication quality. Ultrafast solution of MAB problems has been demonstrated by utilizing chaotically oscillating time series generated by semiconductor lasers. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a MAB algorithm incorporating laser chaos time series in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Autonomous and adaptive dynamic channel selection is successfully demonstrated in an IEEE802.11a-based, four-channel WLAN. Although the laser chaos time series is arranged prior to the WLAN experiments, the results confirm the usefulness of ultrafast chaotic sequences for real wireless applications. In addition, we numerically examine the underlying adaptation mechanism of the significantly simplified MAB algorithm implemented in the present study compared with the previously reported chaos-based decision makers. This study provides a first step toward the application of ultrafast chaotic lasers for future high-performance wireless communication networks.
Invasive ecosystem engineers threaten benthic nitrogen cycling by altering native infaunal and biofouling communities
Authors: Tait L. W. , Lohrer A. M. , Townsend M. , Atalah J. , Floerl O. , Inglis G. J.
Published: January 2020

Predicting the effects of invasive ecosystem engineering species in new bioregions has proved elusive. In part this is because separating biological effects from purely physical mechanisms has been little studied and yet could help predict potentially damaging bioinvasions. Here we tested the effects of a large bio-engineering fanworm Sabella spallanzanii (Sabella) versus worm-like structures (mimics) on gas and nutrient fluxes in a marine soft bottom sediment. Experimental plots of sediment in Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand) were used to test the hypothesis that ecosystem engineers negatively influence benthic ecosystem function through autogenic mechanisms, facilitating activity by biofouling organisms and competitive exclusion of native infauna. Enhanced physical structure associated with Sabella and mimics increased nitrogen fluxes, community metabolism and reduced denitrification from 23 μmol m−2 h−1 to zero at densities greater than 25 m2. Sabella plots on average had greater respiration (29%), NH4 release (33%), and greater NO3 release (52%) compared to mimics, suggesting allogenic (biological) mechanisms occur, but play a secondary role to autogenic (physical) mechanisms. The dominance of autogenic mechanisms indicates that bio-engineers are likely to cause significant impacts when established, regardless of fundamental differences in recipient regions or identity of the introduced bio-engineer. In the case of Sabella spallanzanii, compromised denitrification has the potential to tip the balance of net solute and gas exchanges and cause further ecological degradation in an already eutrophic system.
The Great American Biotic Interchange revisited: a new perspective from the stable isotope record of Argentine Pampas fossil mammals
Authors: Domingo Laura , Tomassini Rodrigo L. , Montalvo Claudia I. , Sanz-Pérez Dánae , Alberdi María Teresa
Published: January 2020

This study aims at assessing resource and habitat use, niche occupation and trophic interactions from a stable isotope perspective on fossil mammals from the Argentine Pampas during the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI). We present stable isotope data of more than 400 samples belonging to 10 mammalian orders and spanning a temporal range from ~9.5 Ma to ~12 ky. Rodents, notoungulates and pilosians record an increase in the consumption of C4 plants, whereas litopterns and cingulates show δ13C values that remain mostly within a C3-dominated diet. Our stable isotope data indicates that the expansion of C4 vegetation opened up new niche opportunities, probably alleviating resource competition among endemic taxa. Gomphothere, equid and camelid δ13C records show a broad variability pointing to consumption of C3 and mixed C3-C4 vegetation. This flexible dietary behavior may have facilitated the successful settlement of immigrant groups in South America. In the case of carnivorous taxa, Late Miocene pre-GABI endemic sparassodonts consumed prey from C3 environments, whereas immigrant carnivorans preferred prey from mixed C3-C4 areas. Our research contributes to the study of the GABI from a different perspective as stable isotope records permit to characterize, from a (semi)quantitative standpoint, ecological traits within extinct fauna.
Impacts of Mist Spray on Rice Field Micrometeorology and Rice Yield under Heat Stress Condition
Authors: Jiang Xiaodong , Hua Mengfei , Yang Xiaoya , Hu Ning , Qiu Rangjian , Yang Shenbin
Published: January 2020

Heat stress is one of the common agrometeorological hazards in rice production in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. To study the mechanism of mist spray in ameliorating heat stress injury, a field experiment was conducted at Nanjing (China) with an early and a late hybrid rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.). The mist spray treatments were conducted at the flowering period, which were at August 6-10 for early rice variety and September 1-5 for late one. Four treatments at different irrigation times (T1: 08:00; T2: 12:00; T3: 14:00; CK: no mist spray; mist spray amount of 1 L·m−2) were included. The temperature and humidity at the different heights of the rice canopy and the net solar radiation above the canopy were measured. The leaf senescence, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and the yields of the rice were determined. The results showed that mist spray rapidly reduced the temperature and increased the relative humidity in the canopy. The cooling effect was most significant at the top of the canopy and decreased downward from the top of canopy. The duration of the temperature decrease caused by the mist spray was 2 h. Mist spray could lead to an increase in latent heat flux (LE) and a decrease in sensible heat flux (H) in the rice field. The mist spray treatments delayed the senescence of the rice leaves, increased the activity levels of the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and soluble protein, reduced the malondialdehyde content, increased leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and yield. The T2 treatment showed the most significant effect against heat stress, with the yield of the two varieties increased 13.7 and 13.6% respectively. Compared with mist spray at 08:00 or 14:00, spraying at 12:00 had the strongest resistance to heat stress in rice field.
Improved redox anti-cancer treatment efficacy through reactive species rhythm manipulation
Authors: Kizhuveetil Uma , Omer Sonal , Karunagaran D. , Suraishkumar G. K.
Published: January 2020

Rhythms in the pseudo-steady state (PSS) levels of reactive species (RS), particularly superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, exist in cancer cells. The RS rhythm characteristics, particularly frequency and amplitude, are entrained (reset) by the anticancer compounds/drugs. In this work, we show for the first time that the phase of the RS rhythm at which the drug is added is significantly important in determining the cytotoxicity of anticancer compounds/drugs such as menadione and curcumin, in two different cancer cell lines. Curcumin, the more effective of the two drugs (IC50 = 15 µM, SiHa; 6 µM, HCT116) induced reset of superoxide and hydroxyl rhythms from 15.4 h to 9 h, and 25 h to 11 h respectively, as well as caused increases in these radical levels. However, menadione (IC50 = 20 µM, SiHa; 17 µM, HCT116) affected only the superoxide levels. Drug treatment at different time points/phase of the RS rhythm resulted in a maximum of 27% increase in cytotoxicity, which is significant. Further, we report for the first time, an unexpected absence of a correlation between the intracellular PSS RS and antioxidant levels; thus, the practice of using antioxidant enzyme levels as surrogate markers of intracellular oxidative stress levels may need a re-consideration. Therefore, the RS rhythm could be a fundamental/generic target to manipulate for improved cancer therapy.
Somatic Symptoms in the German General Population from 1975 to 2013
Authors: Beutel Manfred E. , Klein Eva M. , Henning Michaela , Werner Antonia M. , Burghardt Juliane , Tibubos Ana Nanette , Schmutzer Gabriele , Brähler Elmar
Published: January 2020

The study determines how burden and patterns of somatic symptom reporting developed over almost four decades in the general German population. Additionally, we studied how socio-demographic factors affected the degree of somatic symptoms. Population-based samples representative for West Germany between 18 and 60 years of age were analyzed comparing three cross-sectional samples of 1975 (N = 1601), 1994 (N = 1416), and 2013 (N = 1290) by conducting a three-way analysis of variance (sex, age, survey). The prevalence rates for somatic symptoms in men and women were lower in the more recent surveys; this affected women most strongly. Exhaustion and musculoskeletal complaints remained leading symptoms (affecting 25%, resp. 11% of the men and 30%, resp. 19% of the women). There was a slight increase in women’s prevalence of exhaustion from 1994 (15%) to 2013 (19%). As determined by stepwise multiple regression, somatic symptoms were consistently associated with female sex and higher age. In the 2013 survey, education became an additional negative predictor of somatic symptom load, while the impact of age and sex on somatic symptoms reporting decreased. Somatic symptoms remain a major burden in the general population. Findings are interpreted with regard to improved living and health care conditions, different cohort experiences, and more public health information.
Rapid Sensing of Key Quality Components in Black Tea Fermentation Using Electrical Characteristics Coupled to Variables Selection Algorithms
Authors: Dong Chunwang , An Ting , Zhu Hongkai , Wang Jinjin , Hu Bin , Jiang Yongwen , Yang Yanqin , Li Jia
Published: January 2020

Based on the electrical characteristic detection technology, the quantitative prediction models of sensory score and physical and chemical quality Index (theaflavins, thearubigins, and theabrownins) were established by using the fermented products of Congou black tea as the research object. The variation law of electrical parameters during the process of fermentation and the effects of different standardized pretreatment methods and variable optimization methods on the models were discussed. The results showed that the electrical parameters vary regularly with the test frequency and fermentation time, and the substances that hinder the charge transfer increase gradually during the fermentation process. The Zero-mean normalization (Zscore) preprocessing method had the best noise reduction effect, and the prediction set correlation coefficient (Rp) value of the original data could be increased from 0.172 to 0.842. The mixed variable optimization method (MCUVE-CARS) of Monte Carlo uninformed variable elimination (MC UVE) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was proved that the characteristic electrical parameters were the loss factor (D) and reactance (X) of the low range. Based on the characteristic variables screened by MCUVE-CARS, the quantitative prediction models for each fermentation quality indicator were established. The Rp values of the sensory score, theaflavin, thearubigin and theabrownins of the predicted models were 0.924, 0.811, 0.85 and 0.938 respectively. The relative percent deviation (RPD) values of the sensory score, theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownins of the predicted models were 2.593, 1.517, 1,851 and 2.920 respectively, and it showed that these models have good performance and could realize quantitative characterization of key fermentation quality indexes.
The genome of opportunistic fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum carries a unique set of lineage-specific chromosomes
Authors: Zhang Yong , Yang He , Turra David , Zhou Shiguo , Ayhan Dilay Hazal , DeIulio Gregory A. , Guo Li , Broz Karen , Wiederhold Nathan , Coleman Jeffrey J. , Donnell Kerry O’ , Youngster Ilan , McAdam Alexander J. , Savinov Sergey , Shea Terrance , Young Sarah , Zeng Qiandong , Rep Martijn , Pearlman Eric , Schwartz David C. , Di Pietro Antonio , Kistler H. Corby , Ma Li-Jun
Published: January 2020

Fusarium oxysporum is a cross-kingdom fungal pathogen that infects plants and humans. Horizontally transferred lineage-specific (LS) chromosomes were reported to determine host-specific pathogenicity among phytopathogenic F. oxysporum. However, the existence and functional importance of LS chromosomes among human pathogenic isolates are unknown. Here we report four unique LS chromosomes in a human pathogenic strain NRRL 32931, isolated from a leukemia patient. These LS chromosomes were devoid of housekeeping genes, but were significantly enriched in genes encoding metal ion transporters and cation transporters. Homologs of NRRL 32931 LS genes, including a homolog of ceruloplasmin and the genes that contribute to the expansion of the alkaline pH-responsive transcription factor PacC/Rim1p, were also present in the genome of NRRL 47514, a strain associated with Fusarium keratitis outbreak. This study provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, for genomic compartmentalization in two human pathogenic fungal genomes and suggests an important role of LS chromosomes in niche adaptation.
Tumor-targeting multi-shelled hollow nanospheres as drug loading platforms for imaging-guided combinational cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Wentao , Zheng Tao , Zhang Ming , Zhang Qicheng , Wu Fan , Liu Yihan , Zhang Lin , Zhang Jun , Wang Mingqian , Sun Yi
Published: January 2020

In this work, we developed multi-shelled hollow nanospheres as multifunctional therapeutic agents to achieve effective and targeted Zn2+/Cu2+ therapy, induced drug delivery under low pH/red-light conditions, and enhanced phototherapy under single red-light.
Biomineralized nanoparticles enable an enzyme-assisted DNA signal amplification in living cells
Authors: Xiong Mengyi , Zhang Meng , Liu Qin , Yang Chan , Xie Qingji , Ke Guoliang , Meng Hong-Min , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: January 2020

Biomineralized nanoparticles enable an enzyme-assisted DNA signal amplification in living cells for microRNA imaging.
Chiral auxiliary and induced chiroptical sensing with 5d/4f lanthanide–organic macrocycles
Authors: Zhu Qiang-Yu , Zhou Li-Peng , Cai Li-Xuan , Li Xiao-Zhen , Zhou Jin , Sun Qing-Fu
Published: January 2020

A feasible enantiomeric excess determination by induced chiroptical signals is performed with the stereocontrolled self-assembly of 5d/4f heterometal–organic macrocycles.
A triple-helix molecular switch photoelectrochemical biosensor for ultrasensitive microRNA detection based on position-controllable CdS//CdTe signal enhancement and switching
Authors: Geng Wenchao , Yang Ruiying
Published: January 2020

A triple-helix molecular switch photoelectrochemical biosensor is developed for ultrasensitive microRNA detection based on position-controllable CdS//CdTe signal enhancement and switching.
Formation of N2 bubbles along grain boundaries in (ZnO)1−x(GaN)x: nanoscale STEM-EELS studies
Authors: Bazioti Calliope , Olsen Vegard S. , Kuznetsov Andrej Y. , Vines Lasse , Prytz Øystein
Published: January 2020

N2-filled voids along grain boundaries were revealed by STEM-EELS, showing elemental redistribution and bonding re-arrangement in annealed (ZnO)1−x(GaN)x.