bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifts of microbial community structure along substrate concentration gradients in immobilized biomass for nitrogen removal
Authors: Tsai Shao-Wei , Schwinghammer Larissa , Lee Chien-Hsien , Lin Cheng-Fang , Hou Chia-Hung
Published: June 2022

Immobilized biomass technology has been regarded as an effective strategy to enhance simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) in existing aerobic biological wastewater treatment processes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of SND in an aerobic immobilized biomass need to be proven. In this study, waste sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants was immobilized by cellulose triacetate as bioplates, and an immobilized bioplate reactor (IBPR) was successfully established for nitrogen removal tests. The SND efficiency of the IBPR was increased 18% under the intermittent aeration (IA) mode compared with that under the continuous aeration (CA) mode. During IA operation, the IBPR achieved 96% COD removal and 76% NH4+-N removal, with 71% SND. The results of microbial community analysis by high-throughput sequencing showed that nitrogen-related functional bacteria were more abundant in the bioplates than in the attached biofilms. The colocalization of nitrifiers and denitrifiers in the bioplates was observed, and the microbial community of nitrogen-related functional bacteria clearly shifted with the substrate concentration gradients.
Computational epigenetic landscape analysis reveals association of CACNA1G-AS1, F11-AS1, NNT-AS1, and MSC-AS1 lncRNAs in prostate cancer progression through aberrant methylation
Authors: Tonmoy Mahafujul Islam Quadery , Fariha Atqiya , Hami Ithmam , Kar Kumkum , Reza Hasan Al , Bahadur Newaz Mohammed , Hossain Md Shahadat
Published: June 2022

Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), caused by alterations in DNA methylation, is a driving factor in several cancers. Interplay between lncRNAs’ aberrant methylation and expression in prostate cancer (PC) progression still remains largely elusive. Therefore, this study characterized the genome-wide epigenetic landscape and expression profiles of lncRNAs and their clinical impact by integrating multi-omics data implementing bioinformatics approaches. We identified 62 differentially methylated CpG-sites (DMCs) and 199 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), where 32 DElncRNAs contain 32 corresponding DMCs within promoter regions. Significant negative correlation was observed between 8 DElncRNAs-DMCs pairs. 3 (cg23614229, cg23957912, and cg11052780) DMCs and 4 (CACNA1G-AS1, F11-AS1, NNT-AS1, and MSC-AS1) DElncRNAs were identified as high-risk factors for poor prognosis of PC patients. Overexpression of hypo-methylated CACNA1G-AS1, F11-AS1, and NNT-AS1 and down-regulation of hyper-methylated MSC-AS1 significantly lower the survival of PC patients and could be a potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker. These DElncRNAs were found to be associated with several molecular functions whose deregulation can lead to cancer. Involvement of these epigenetically deregulated DElncRNAs in cancer-related biological processes was also noticed. These findings provide new insights into the understanding of lncRNA regulation by aberrant DNA methylation which will help to clarify the epigenetic mechanisms underlying PC.
Infodemiological study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased headache incidences at the world level
Authors: Tudor Cristiana , Sova Robert
Published: June 2022

The analysis of the public interest as reflected by Internet queries has become a highly valuable tool in many fields. The Google Trends platform, providing timely and informative data, has become increasingly popular in health and medical studies. This study explores whether Internet search frequencies for the keyword “headache” have been increasing after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, which could signal an increased incidence of the health problem. Weekly search volume data for 5 years spanning February 2017 to February 2022 were sourced from Google Trends. Six statistical and machine-learning methods were implemented on training and testing sets via pre-set automated forecasting algorithms. Holt-Winters has been identified as overperforming in predicting web query trends through several accuracy measures and the DM test for forecasting superiority and has been employed for producing the baseline level in the estimation of excess query level over the first pandemic wave. Findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased global incidence of headache (as proxied by related web queries) in the first 6 months after its outbreak, with an excess occurrence of 4.53% globally. However, the study also concludes that the increasing trend in headache incidence at the world level would have continued in the absence of the pandemic, but it has been accelerated by the pandemic event. Results further show mixed correlations at the country-level between COVID-19 infection rates and population web-search behavior, suggesting that the increased headache incidence is caused by pandemic-related factors (i.e. increased stress and mental health problems), rather than a direct effect of coronavirus infections. Other noteworthy findings entail that in the Philippines, the term "headache" was the most frequently searched term in the period spanning February 2020 to February 2022, indicating that headache occurrences are a significant aspect that defines population health at the country level. High relative interest is also detected in Kenya and South Africa after the pandemic outbreak. Additionally, research findings indicate that the relative interest has decreased in some countries (i.e. US, Canada, and Australia), whereas it has increased in others (i.e. India and Pakistan) after the pandemic outbreak. We conclude that observing Internet search habits can provide timely information for policymakers on collective health trends, as opposed to ex-post statistics, and can furthermore yield valuable information for the pain management drug market key players about aggregate consumer behavior.
A psychophysical and neuroimaging analysis of genital hedonic sensation in men
Authors: Ruesink Gerben B. , McGlone Francis P. , Olausson Håkan , de Jong Camilla , Marsman Jan-Bernard , Renken Remco J. , Georgiadis Janniko R.
Published: June 2022

Current understanding of human genital-brain interactions relates primarily to neuroendocrine and autonomic control, whereas interactions during sexual stimulation remain largely unexplored. Here we present a systematic approach towards identifying how the human brain encodes sensory genital information. Using a validated affective touch paradigm and functional magnetic resonance imaging, we found that hedonic responses to discriminatory versus affective tactile stimulation were distinctly different for both penile shaft and forearm. This suggests that, as with other body sites, genital skin contains small diameter mechanoreceptive nerve fibres that signal pleasant touch. In the brain, secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) distinguished between affective and discriminative touch for the penile shaft, but not for the forearm. Frenulum stimulation induced the greatest reports of subjective pleasure and led to the greatest deactivation of the default-mode network. This study represents a first pass at investigating, in humans, the relationship between innervation of genital surfaces, hedonic feelings, and brain mechanisms, in a systematic way.
Evaluation of the bioMérieux VIDAS HIV Duo Quick and Anti-HCV assays for dried blood spot based serosurveillance
Authors: Cholette François , Farmer Braedy , Balakireva Olga , Pavlova Daria , Lopatenko Anna , Chukhalova Iryna , Bargan Svitlana , Mishra Sharmistha , Becker Marissa , Lee Emma R. , Kim John , Sandstrom Paul
Published: June 2022

Serosurveillance is central to monitoring our progress towards HIV and HCV elimination targets proposed for 2030. However, serosurveillance systems are ineffective without reliable serological assays for the detection of HIV and HCV antibodies. Assays should also be compatible with dried blood spot (DBS) samples to facilitate biological sample collection. The VIDAS HIV Duo Quick and Anti-HCV assays are sold as reagents strips and processed by the automated VIDAS benchtop immunoanalyser. While both assays have shown excellent performance in serum and plasma, performance data in DBS samples is lacking. In our study, we evaluate the performance of the VIDAS HIV Duo Quick and Anti-HCV assays in DBS (n = 725) collected during a cross-sectional serosurvey (the Transitions study). The VIDAS HIV Duo quick had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.5% (95% CI 85.1%, 98.5%) and 95.7% (95% CI 93.9%, 97.0%) respectively. Likewise, the VIDAS Anti-HCV had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.6% (95% CI 91.6%, 97.8%) and 95.6% (95% CI 93.5%, 97.0%) respectively. These assays are unlikely to be helpful in low-prevalence settings due to sub-optimal performance, but their performance could likely be improved by optimizing DBS elution protocols which was, unfortunately, not possible during our study.
A new wing skeleton of the Jehol tapejarid Sinopterus and its implications for ontogeny and paleoecology of the Tapejaridae
Authors: Zhou Chang-Fu , Yu Dongxiang , Zhu Ziheng , Andres Brian
Published: June 2022

The tapejarid pterosaurs flourished in the Jehol Biota with an abundance of immature individuals and a rarity of individuals at skeletal maturity. Most of these individuals plot well on an ontogenetic series based on the proportions of limb elements, but this has lacked histological evidence until now. Here, a new wing skeleton ofSinopteruswas thin-sectioned to provide the first histological data about the ontogeny of the Jehol tapejarids. Histologically, the new specimen is an immature individual at a late juvenile stage prior to sexual maturity. It is grouped with medium-sized and medium-crested individuals, which are distinct from the small-sized and crestless individuals as well as the rare large-sized and large-crested individuals at skeletal maturity, supporting the presence of the premaxillary crest as an ontogenetic feature in the Jehol tapejarids. Furthermore, this histology indicates that the largest skeletally immature individuals might have reached the sexual maturity. Enigmatically, there is a size gap between sexual and skeletal maturity, which is at about 79% of the large size, implying a ontogenetic strategy comparable withPteranodonand possibly with the Brazilian tapejaridCaiuajara. This size gap is consistent with lack of the larger sexually mature individuals in the Jehol Biota, which is hypothesized to be a migratory habitat for the Jehol tapejarids.
Curcumin ameliorated low dose-Bisphenol A induced gastric toxicity in adult albino rats
Authors: Ismail Omnia Ibrahim , El-Meligy Manal Mahmoud Samy
Published: June 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common worldwide chemicals involved in the industry of polycarbonate plastics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Forty three-month-old albino rats were randomly classified into four groups. Group Ӏ received a daily corn oil dose (5 mL/kg/ body weight, BW) through a gastric tube for one month, Group ӀӀ received a daily dose of Curcumin (200 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) through a gastric tube for one month, Group ӀӀӀ received a daily dose of BPA (0.5 μg/kg B.W.) through a gastric tube for one month and Group ӀV received concomitant daily doses of Bisphenol A and Curcumin as the regimen described in groups ӀӀ and ӀӀӀ. The rats were sacrificed, and glandular portion of stomach was dissected and processed for light, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study. BPA induced destructed gastric glands, dilated congested blood vessels, submucosal oedema, decreased PAS-positive reactivity, increased collagen fibres deposition, decrease in the positive BCL2 immunoexpression, increased positive PCNA immunoexpression, reduction in the gastric mucosal height and destructive changes in the enteroendocrine, chief and parietal cells. Curcumin coadministration provoked an obvious improvement in the gastric structure. BPA exposure has toxic effects on the glandular portion of the stomach in rats. Otherwise, Curcumin coadministration has exhibited protective impact on the architecture of the stomach.
Characterization of triatomine bloodmeal sources using direct Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing methods
Authors: Balasubramanian Sujata , Curtis-Robles Rachel , Chirra Bhagath , Auckland Lisa D. , Mai Alan , Bocanegra-Garcia Virgilio , Clark Patti , Clark Wilhelmina , Cottingham Mark , Fleurie Geraldine , Johnson Charles D. , Metz Richard P. , Wang Shichen , Hathaway Nicholas J. , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Hamer Sarah A.
Published: June 2022

Knowledge of host associations of blood-feeding vectors may afford insights into managing disease systems and protecting public health. However, the ability of methods to distinguish bloodmeal sources varies widely. We used two methods—Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing—to target a 228 bp region of the vertebrate Cytochrome b gene and determine hosts fed upon by triatomines (n = 115) collected primarily in Texas, USA. Direct Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was successful for 36 samples (31%). Sanger sequencing revealed 15 distinct host species, which included humans, domestic animals (Canis lupus familiaris,Ovis aries,Gallus gallus,Bos taurus,Felis catus, andCapra hircus), wildlife (Rattus rattus,Incilius nebulifer,Sciurus carolinensis,Sciurus niger, andOdocoileus virginianus), and captive animals (Panthera tigris,Colobusspp., andChelonoidis carbonaria). Samples sequenced by the Sanger method were also subjected to Illumina MiSeq amplicon deep sequencing. The amplicon deep sequencing results (average of 302,080 usable reads per sample) replicated the host community revealed using Sanger sequencing, and detected additional hosts in five triatomines (13.9%), including two additional blood sources (Procyon lotorandBassariscus astutus). Up to four bloodmeal sources were detected in a single triatomine (I. nebulifer,Homo sapiens,C. lupus familiaris, andS. carolinensis). Enhanced understanding of vector-host-parasite networks may allow for integrated vector management programs focusing on highly-utilized and highly-infected host species.
High spatial resolution prediction of tritium (3H) in contemporary global precipitation
Authors: Terzer-Wassmuth Stefan , Araguás-Araguás Luis J. , Copia Lorenzo , Wassenaar Leonard I.
Published: June 2022

Tritium (3H) in Earth’s precipitation is vigilantly monitored since historical nuclear bomb tests because of radiological protection considerations and its invaluable role as a tracer of the global water cycle in quantifying surface, groundwater, and oceanic fluxes. For hydrological applications, accurate knowledge of 3H in contemporary local precipitation is prerequisite for dating of critical zone water and calibrating hydrogeologic transport and groundwater protection models. However, local tritium input in precipitation is hard to constrain due to few 3H observation sites. We present new high-spatial resolution global prediction maps of multi-year mean 3H in contemporary “post-bomb” (2008–2018) precipitation by using a robust regression model based on environmental and geospatial covariates. The model accurately predicted the mean annual 3H in precipitation, which allowed us to produce global 3H input maps for applications in hydrological and climate modelling. The spatial patterns revealed natural 3H in contemporary precipitation sufficient for practical hydrological applications (1–25 TU) but variable across continental regions and higher latitudes due to cumulative influences of cyclical neutron fluxes, stratospheric inputs, and distance from tropospheric moisture sources. The new 3H maps provide a foundational resource for improved calibration of groundwater flow models and critical zone vulnerability assessment and provides an operational baseline for quantifying the potential impact of future anthropogenic nuclear activities and hydroclimatic changes.
The landscape of isoform switches in sepsis: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Kun , Hong Yucai , Xing Lifeng , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Kai , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: June 2022

Sepsis is caused by an uncontrolled inflammatory response, whose underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. It is well known that the majority of human genes can be expressed as alternative isoforms. While isoform switching is implicated in many diseases and is particularly prominent in cancer, it has never been reported in the context of sepsis. Patients presented to the emergency department of three tertiary care hospitals from January 2020 to December 2020 were enrolled. Clinical variables and genome-wide transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained. Isoform switching analysis were performed to identify significant isoform switches and relevant biological consequences. A total of 48 subjects with sepsis, involving 42 survivors and 6 non-survivors, admitted to the emergency department of three tertiary care hospitals were enrolled in this study. PBMCs were extracted for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Patients (n = 4) with mild stroke or acute coronary syndrome without infection were enrolled in this study as controls. The most frequent functional changes resulting from isoform switching were changes affecting the open reading frame, protein domains and intron retention. Many genes without differences in gene expression showed significant isoform switching. Many genes with significant isoform switches ($$|dIF|$$|dIF|> 0.1) were associated with higher mortality risk, including PIGS, CASP3, LITAF, HBB and RUVBL2. The study for the first time described the landscape of isoform switching in sepsis, including differentially expressed isoform fractions between patients with and without sepsis and survivors and nonsurvivors. The biological consequences of isoform switching, including protein domain loss, signal peptide gain, and intron retention, were identified.
A preliminary study of suppression of candida infection by miconazole mucoadhesive tablets in oral or oropharyngeal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: Soutome Sakiko , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Kawashita Yumiko , Yoshimatsu Masako , Funahara Madoka , Murata Maho , Ukai Takashi , Umeda Masahiro , Saito Toshiyuki
Published: June 2022

Elevated numbers of candida in the oral cavity often lead to oral candidiasis development in patients undergoing radiotherapy for oral or oropharyngeal cancer. This study aimed to verify the effect of miconazole mucoadhesive tablets on suppression of oral candida infection during radiotherapy. For this preliminary interventional study, miconazole mucoadhesive tablets were attached to the oral mucosa for 14 days from when grade 2 oral mucositis appeared in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer receiving radiotherapy, and the incidence of oral candidiasis was investigated. Various clinical factors were examined; univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate and compare the efficacy of this drug in preventing oral candidiasis with results of our previous study as historical control. Miconazole mucoadhesive tablets were administered to 18 patients, and oral candidiasis was observed in one patient (5.6%) after treatment completion. Among 144 historical control patients, 43 (29.9%) developed oral candidiasis. Multivariate Cox regression showed that miconazole mucoadhesive tablets significantly reduced oral candidiasis development during radiotherapy (p = 0.049, Hazard ratio 0.136, 95% confidence interval 0.019–0.994). This preliminary study suggests the efficacy of miconazole mucoadhesive tablets in preventing oral candidiasis in oral or oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT), jRCTs071190023. Registered 3 September, 2019.
Effectiveness of a multi-loop traction device for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection performed by trainees: a pilot study
Authors: Jinushi Ryuhei , Tashima Tomoaki , Terada Rie , Miyaguchi Kazuya , Katsuda Hiromune , Ogawa Tomoya , Nakano Yuya , Saito Yoichi , Fujita Akashi , Tanisaka Yuki , Mizuide Masafumi , Mashimo Yumi , Kawasaki Tomonori , Ryozawa Shomei
Published: June 2022

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a difficult procedure, and its introduction to trainees has been debated. Although the criteria for performing colorectal ESD vary among institutions, it is often allowed after gaining experience performing surgeries in animals and upper gastrointestinal ESD. This pilot study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of ESD performed by trainees using the multi-loop traction device (MLTD group) and those of conventional ESD performed by experts (control group). It also aimed to determine whether the MLTD can be used to safely introduce colorectal ESD to trainees. We included 26 colorectal ESD patients (13 in the MLTD group and 13 in the control group) treated at our hospital from October to December 2021. There were no significant differences in the procedure time (50 min vs. 30 min), dissection speed (19.9 mm2/min vs. 28.7 mm2/min), and intraoperative perforation (0% vs. 0%) of the two groups. Furthermore, the rate of ESD self-completion in the MLTD group was 100%. Therefore, the use of the MLTD allowed the safe introduction of colorectal ESD, even among endoscopists with no experience performing colorectal ESD. Consequently, the use of the MLTD may replace animal and upper gastrointestinal ESD when introducing colorectal ESD to trainees.
Association between germline variants and somatic mutations in colorectal cancer
Authors: Barfield Richard , Qu Conghui , Steinfelder Robert S. , Zeng Chenjie , Harrison Tabitha A. , Brezina Stefanie , Buchanan Daniel D. , Campbell Peter T. , Casey Graham , Gallinger Steven , Giannakis Marios , Gruber Stephen B. , Gsur Andrea , Hsu Li , Huyghe Jeroen R. , Moreno Victor , Newcomb Polly A. , Ogino Shuji , Phipps Amanda I. , Slattery Martha L. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Trinh Quang M. , Toland Amanda E. , Hudson Thomas J. , Sun Wei , Zaidi Syed H. , Peters Ulrike
Published: June 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with evidence of distinct tumor types that develop through different somatically altered pathways. To better understand the impact of the host genome on somatically mutated genes and pathways, we assessed associations of germline variations with somatic events via two complementary approaches. We first analyzed the association between individual germline genetic variants and the presence of non-silent somatic mutations in genes in 1375 CRC cases with genome-wide SNPs data and a tumor sequencing panel targeting 205 genes. In the second analysis, we tested if germline variants located within previously identified regions of somatic allelic imbalance were associated with overall CRC risk using summary statistics from a recent large scale GWAS (n≃125 k CRC cases and controls). The first analysis revealed that a variant (rs78963230) located within a CNA region associated with TLR3 was also associated with a non-silent mutation within gene FBXW7. In the secondary analysis, the variant rs2302274 located in CDX1/PDGFRB frequently gained/lost in colorectal tumors was associated with overall CRC risk (OR = 0.96, p = 7.50e-7). In summary, we demonstrate that an integrative analysis of somatic and germline variation can lead to new insights about CRC.
Biofinder detects biological remains in Green River fish fossils from Eocene epoch at video speed
Authors: Misra Anupam K. , Rowley Sonia J. , Zhou Jie , Acosta-Maeda Tayro E. , Dasilveira Luis , Ravizza Gregory , Ohtaki Kenta , Weatherby Tina M. , Trimble A. Zachary , Boll Patrick , Porter John N. , McKay Christopher P.
Published: June 2022

The “Search for life”, which may be extinct or extant on other planetary bodies is one of the major goals of NASA planetary exploration missions. Finding such evidence of biological residue in a vast planetary landscape is an enormous challenge. We have developed a highly sensitive instrument, the “Compact Color Biofinder”, which can locate minute amounts of biological material in a large area at video speed from a standoff distance. Here we demonstrate the efficacy of the Biofinder to detect fossils that still possess strong bio-fluorescence signals from a collection of samples. Fluorescence images taken by the Biofinder instrument show that all Knightia spp. fish fossils analysed from the Green River formation (Eocene, 56.0–33.9 Mya) still contain considerable amounts of biological residues. The biofluorescence images support the fact that organic matter has been well preserved in the Green River formation, and thus, not diagenetically replaced (replaced by minerals) over such a significant timescale. We further corroborated results from the Biofinder fluorescence imagery through Raman and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Our findings confirm once more that biological residues can survive millions of years, and that using biofluorescence imaging effectively detects these trace residues in real time. We anticipate that fluorescence imaging will be critical in future NASA missions to detect organics and the existence of life on other planetary bodies.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced murine lung injury results in long-term pulmonary changes and downregulation of angiogenic pathways
Authors: Tsikis S. T. , Fligor S. C. , Hirsch T. I. , Pan A. , Yu L. J. , Kishikawa H. , Joiner M. M. , Mitchell P. D. , Puder M.
Published: June 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the most severe form of acute lung injury (ALI) and is associated with significant mortality. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury is a valuable murine model of ALI but there is a paucity of data on lung regeneration and the role of angiogenic signaling involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to receive intratracheal instillation of either LPS or isovolumetric phosphate buffered saline as a vehicle control. Mice were observed at a single follow-up time-point that was either short-term (24 h or 4 days) or long-term (7 days or 4 weeks). On pulmonary function testing, LPS-treated mice had increased compliance at 4 weeks post-instillation, which correlated with decreased vascularization and with time-dependent, progressive decrease in alveolarization. Treadmill exercise tolerance testing demonstrated impaired performance at 24 h, 4 days and 4 weeks following LPS exposure. On lung protein analysis, LPS instillation decreased VEGF expression at up to 4 weeks, and decreased activation of its key receptor, VEGFR2 at 7 days and 4 weeks post-instillation. Together, these data provide insight on long-term pulmonary functional outcomes 4 weeks after ALI and identify angiogenic proteins as possible therapeutic targets following lung injury.
The tumor mutational landscape of BRCA2-deficient primary and metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Kensler Kevin H. , Baichoo Shakuntala , Pathania Shailja , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: June 2022

Carriers of germlineBRCA2pathogenic sequence variants have elevated aggressive prostate cancer risk and are candidates for precision oncology treatments. We examined whetherBRCA2-deficient (BRCA2d) prostate tumors have distinct genomic alterations compared withBRCA2-intact (BRCA2i) tumors. Among 2536 primary and 899 metastatic prostate tumors from the ICGC, GENIE, and TCGA databases, we identified 138 primary and 85 metastaticBRCA2dtumors. Total tumor mutation burden (TMB) was higher among primaryBRCA2dtumors, although pathogenic TMB did not differ by tumorBRCA2status. Pathogenic and total single nucleotide variant (SNV) frequencies atKMT2Dwere higher inBRCA2dprimary tumors, as was the total SNV frequency atKMT2DinBRCA2dmetastatic tumors. Homozygous deletions atNEK3,RB1, andAPCwere enriched inBRCA2dprimary tumors, andRB1deletions in metastaticBRCA2dtumors as well.TMPRSS2-ETV1fusions were more common inBRCA2dtumors. These results identify somatic alterations that hallmark etiological and prognostic differences betweenBRCA2dandBRCA2iprostate tumors.
Comparative metagenomics reveals expanded insights into intra- and interspecific variation among wild bee microbiomes
Authors: Shell Wyatt A. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: June 2022

The holobiont approach proposes that species are most fully understood within the context of their associated microbiomes, and that both host and microbial community are locked in a mutual circuit of co-evolutionary selection. Bees are an ideal group for this approach, as they comprise a critical group of pollinators that contribute to both ecological and agricultural health worldwide. Metagenomic analyses offer comprehensive insights into an organism’s microbiome, diet, and viral load, but remain largely unapplied to wild bees. Here, we present metagenomic data from three species of carpenter bees sampled from around the globe, representative of the first ever carpenter bee core microbiome. Machine learning, co-occurrence, and network analyses reveal that wild bee metagenomes are unique to host species. Further, we find that microbiomes are likely strongly affected by features of their local environment, and feature evidence of plant pathogens previously known only in honey bees. Performing the most comprehensive comparative analysis of bee microbiomes to date we discover that microbiome diversity is inversely proportional to host species social complexity. Our study helps to establish some of the first wild bee hologenomic data while offering powerful empirical insights into the biology and health of vital pollinators.
Critical role of orbital hybridization in the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction of magnetic interfaces
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Zhu Lujun , Ma Xin , Li Xiaoqin , Buhrman Robert A.
Published: June 2022

Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), an interfacial spin-orbit coupling (ISOC)-related effect, has become foundational for spintronic research and magnetic memory and computing technologies. However, the underlying mechanism of DMI, including the quantitative role of ISOC, has remained a long-standing unsettled problem due to the great challenge in quantifying and widely tuning ISOC strength in a strong DMI material system. Here, we find that DMI, ISOC, and orbital hybridization at the model magnetic interface Au1-xPtx/Co can be quantified and tuned significantly at the same time through the composition of the Au1-xPtx, without varying the bulk SOC and the electronegativity. From this ability, we establish that the widespread expectation that DMI should scale in linear proportion to ISOC breaks down at the Au1-xPtx/Co interface where degree of orbital hybridization varies with the Au1-xPtx composition and that the unexpected DMI behaviors can be understood well by the critical role of orbital hybridization. Our study provides a quantitative frame for comprehensively understanding interfacial DMI of various magnetic interfaces and establishes orbital hybridization as a new degree of freedom for controlling DMI in high-performance chiral domain wall/skyrmion devices and ultrafast magnetic tunnel junctions.
Introduction of Nanotechnology and Sustainability
Authors: Chee P. L. , Toh W. L. , Yew P. Y. , Peng S. , Kai D.
Published: June 2022

Increasing occurrences of extreme weather and stronger storms have raised the awareness of the importance of sustainable development and also the urgency to work toward it. The major breakthrough in nanotechnology has revolutionized the understandings of science and laid the foundations for new possibilities, which could potentially circumvent the current bottleneck faced by the economy. At present, heavier emphasis is placed upon result efficiency and profits in the fast-paced world. With the development of nanotechnology, it is possible that result efficiency and profits can be achieved together with an efficient process. Hence, this chapter gives a comprehensive insight into the different types of nanostructures that have been developed, the approaches explored for greener synthesis and the existing green and sustainable resources. More importantly, the chapter concludes with the different evaluation tools used to assess the impact of nanotechnology on the environment as well as the life cycle of nanotechnology.
Green Nanotechnology for High-performance Impurity Detection and Water Treatment
Authors: Li Bofan , Wang Nannan , Zheng Jie , Zhu Houjuan , Wang Sheng , Ye Enyi , Li Zibiao
Published: June 2022

Due to the rapid growth of the world's population and accelerated industrialization progress, water scarcity has become one of the vital challenges in the 21st century. An increased amount of contaminated water is produced annually, which causes environmental pollution and life-threatening diseases to humans and animals. Thus, high-performance impurity detection and water treatment techniques are imperative and important to be developed. In recent decades, green nanotechnology has been applied in impurity detection and water treatment to enhance performance and efficiency. Various nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, nanotubes, nanosheets, and nanoparticles, have been utilized and fabricated into sensors, sorbents, photocatalysts, and membranes. In this chapter, the applications of nanotechnology in detection and purification for water issues will be introduced and reviewed. The recent developments in sensors, indicators, nanosorbents, nanophotocatalysts, nanofibers, and nanocomposite membranes for water treatment are presented and discussed. There is also a brief outlook on nanotechnology in impurity detection and water treatment.
Nanotechnology for CO2 Capture, Storage, and Conversion
Authors: Zhang X. , Qin N. , Ye E. , Guan G. , Han M. Y. , Li Z.
Published: June 2022

In past decades, the excessive emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere have unexpectedly caused serious global warming, which has brought about a great crisis for environmental sustainability and Earth's life cycle. Therefore, more and more researchers have recently contributed considerable efforts to develop various effective strategies for tackling the high concentration of CO2. Particularly, the utilization of nanotechnology is capable of producing diversified nanomaterials to realize CO2 capture, storage, and conversion with greatly improved performance. In this chapter, the important developments in these fields are overviewed to emphasize the outstanding functions and promising applications of nanostructured materials. Typically, porous nanomaterials with special surface groups can adsorb CO2 with high capacity from the air atmosphere, and metal and metal oxide nanohybrids can significantly facilitate the conversion of CO2 into useful by-products via photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reactions. After introducing these interesting advances, further trends and possible challenges are discussed rationally for guiding the utilization of future nanotechnology in the removal of CO2 or other greenhouse gases.
Nanotechnology for Energy Storage and Efficiency
Authors: Xuan Jie , Guan Guijian , Yu Yong , Ye Enyi , Li Zibiao
Published: June 2022

The advancement of nanostructured materials in recent years has significantly boosted the efficiency for achieving energy storage, conversion, and utilization. In support of the use of nanotechnology in energy fields, emerging research on special types of nanoparticles (i.e., thiolate group–stabilized nanoclusters of gold atoms, silver atoms, and other metal atoms) has vividly depicted the promising performance of nanotechnology in this area. The thiolate-protected nanoclusters refer to metal nanoparticles presenting a metal core, constituted by a few to several tens of noble metal atoms, and a protective surface thiolate layer. Owing to a smaller size than 2 nm with a strong quantum confinement effect, thiolate-protected nanoclusters possess unique physicochemical behaviors, including molecule-like HOMO–LUMO levels and high photoluminescence yield, which are distinct from large-sized materials (>3 nm)with the same composition and hold promising performances for a great variety of important uses in sensing, imaging, catalysis, energy, and so on. In this chapter, we mainly summarize the emerging research on gold and silver nanoclusters (Au NCs and Ag NCs), including their typical synthesis methods, strategies in controlling their various critical attributes, and their applications in the settings of energy storage and conversion.
Nanocatalysis With Sustainability
Authors: Zhou Lili , Zheng Jie , Ye Enyi , Li Zibiao , He Chaobin
Published: June 2022

Our society is facing serious challenges in terms of energy demands, availability of resources, climate change, and water supply, which are closely related to our daily lives in the 21st century. Nanocatalysis is capable of improving sustainability by minimizing energy and feedstock requirements. In this chapter, various types of nanocatalysts based on different key components are reviewed, including metallic nanoparticles, magnetically recyclable nanocatalysts, nanocarbon materials, and nanostructured porous materials. Furthermore, the applications of these nanocatalysts in several sustainable domains, including photocatalysis, environmental remediation, and the production of high-value fuels and chemicals, are further summarized. The challenges and further endeavors with nanocatalysts are finally proposed.
Autocatalytic decomposition of energetic materials: interplay of theory and thermal analysis in the study of 5-amino-3,4-dinitropyrazole thermolysis
Authors: Muravyev Nikita V. , Gorn Margarita V. , Melnikov Igor N. , Monogarov Konstantin A. , Korsunskii Boris L. , Dalinger Igor L. , Pivkina Alla N. , Kiselev Vitaly G.
Published: June 2022

Autocatalytic decomposition kinetics of 5-amino-3,4-dinitropyrazole, a promising energetic material, was modeled by novel advanced kinetic models and rationalized on a molecular level using reliable quantum chemical calculations (CCSD(T)-F12 and DLPNO-CCSD(T)).
Dual-mode chemosensor for the fluorescence detection of zinc and hypochlorite on a fluorescein backbone and its cell-imaging applications
Authors: Maity Sibaprasad , Maity Annada C. , Das Avijit kumar , Bhattacharyya Nandan
Published: June 2022

Dual mode chemosensor fluorescein coupled with 3-(aminomethyl)-4,6-dimethylpyridin-2(1H)-one (FAD) has been reported for simultaneous detection of Zn2+ and OCl− by metal coordination and chemodosimetric approach respectively.
Mutant polymerases capable of 2′ fluoro-modified nucleic acid synthesis and amplification with improved accuracy
Authors: Christensen Trevor A. , Lee Kristi Y. , Gottlieb Simone Z. P. , Carrier Mikayla B. , Leconte Aaron M.
Published: June 2022

Polymerases that have been evolved to synthesize 2′F XNA are often inaccurate. Here, we show that you can improve the accuracy of 2′F XNA polymerase synthesis by adding mutations previously found to improve the accuracy of natural DNA synthesis.
Diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed C(sp3)–H cyanomethylation of amino acid and carboxylic acid derivatives
Authors: Garai Sumit , Ghosh Krishna Gopal , Biswas Ashik , Chowdhury Sushobhan , Sureshkumar Devarajulu
Published: June 2022

Herein, we have developed an effective β-C(sp3)–H cyanomethylation reaction to prepare a wide range of important γ-cyano-α-amino acid and carboxylic acid derivatives by using commercially available inexpensive chloroacetonitrile.
Effects of different exposed crystal surfaces of CeO2 loaded on an MnO2/X catalyst for the NH3-SCR reaction
Authors: Wang Shihao , Li Xiaodi , Ren Shan , Xing Xiangdong , Chen Lin , Yang Jie , Liu Manyi , Xie Yixin
Published: June 2022

To study the effects of the loading of different exposed crystal surfaces of CeO2 on an MnO2/X catalyst for the NH3-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction, Mn/X, Mn–CeNP/X, Mn–CeNC/X and Mn–CeNR/X catalysts were synthesized via a solid-state diffusion method.
Selectivity mechanism of BCL-XL/2 inhibition through in silico investigation
Authors: Luan Jiasi , Hu Baichun , Wang Shizhun , Liu Haihan , Lu Shuaizhong , Li Weixia , Sun Xizhe , Shi Jiyue , Wang Jian
Published: June 2022

Comprehensive in silico investigation reveals that the BCL-XL residues SER106 and LEU108 and BCL-2 residues ASP103, TYR108, and TYR202 significantly affect selectivity by forming interactions with different molecular scaffolds.
Competing on the same stage: Ru-based catalysts modified by basic ligands and organic chlorine salts for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Li Yongwang , Wang Fumin , Wu Botao , Wang Xingtao , Sun Mingshuai , Zhang Zhengliang , Zhang Xubin
Published: June 2022

The lower the minimum surface electrostatic potential of the ligand, the better the modification effect on Ru-based catalysts. The modification effect of HMTA and DABCO on Ru-based catalysts is greatly improved when they are prepared into organic chlorine salts.
Highly active and stable cobalt catalysts with a tungsten carbide-activated carbon support for dry reforming of methane: effect of the different promoters
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liang Zhoujie , Zhang Guojie , Liu Jun , Wang Ying , Zhao Yuqing , Li Guoqiang , Lv Yongkang
Published: June 2022

A series of cobalt catalysts decorated with different transition metals were synthesized. The introduction of Y improves the dispersibility of the active metal and its oxygen vacancy content, thereby enhancing its activity and anti-coking ability.
The potential mechanisms of Macrocystis pyrifera polysaccharides mitigating type 2 diabetes in rats
Authors: Jia Rui-Bo , Li Zhao-Rong , Lin Lianzhu , Luo Donghui , Chen Chong , Zhao Mouming
Published: June 2022

MPP could improve diabetes by remodeling intestinal flora and regulating gene expression related to glycolipid metabolism.
Perinatal transmission of a probiotic Bifidobacterium strain protects against early life stress-induced mood and gastrointestinal motility disorders
Authors: Zhu Huiyue , Tian Peijun , Qian Xin , Gu Luping , Zhao Jianxin , Wang Gang , Chen Wei
Published: June 2022

Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 was given to pregnant mice, and can protect the offspring from maternal separation-induced neurobiological and gastrointestinal disorders. The mechanism possibly correlated with the mother-to-offspring transmission of CCFM1025.
High-k BaTiO3 nanoparticle films as gate dielectrics for flexible field effect transistors
Authors: Parizi Saman Salemizadeh , Caruntu Daniela , Rotaru Aurelian , Caruntu Gabriel
Published: June 2022

Highly uniform dielectric and semiconductor layers were incorporated from nanoparticle inks into flexible transparent field-effect transistors (FETs). The FETs showed superior performance characteristics, being promising for the development of silicon-free based electronics.
Tandem amide coupling and hydroamination: unexpected benzotriazole oxide addition to the propiolic acid triple bond
Authors: Opačak Saša , Perić Berislav , Gojšić Tomislav , Čikoš Ana , Vikić-Topić Dražen , Kirin Srećko I.
Published: June 2022

An unexpected tandem reaction consisting of amide coupling and hydroamination occurring with common triazole coupling reagents.
Correction: Immobilization of quaternized polymers on bacterial cellulose by different grafting techniques
Authors: Ramar P. , Jana Sourita , Chatterjee Sandipan , Jaisankar Sellamuthu N. , Samanta Debasis
Published: June 2022

Correction for ‘Immobilization of quaternized polymers on bacterial cellulose by different grafting techniques’ by P. Ramar et al., New J. Chem., 2019, 43, 15935–15945, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NJ02199J.
An ultrastable thiolate/diglyme ligated cluster: Au20(PET)15(DG)2
Authors: Anderson Ian D. , Wang Yuchen , Aikens Christine M. , Ackerson Christopher J.
Published: June 2022

Surprisingly robust gold–oxygen interactions are explored experimentally and computationally for a heteroleptic diglyme–thiolate Au20 cluster.
Development of targeted micelles and polymersomes prepared from degradable RAFT-based diblock copolymers and their potential role as nanocarriers for chemotherapeutics
Authors: Ahmed Salma E. , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Prior Amber R. , Huda Pie , Bell Craig A. , Thurecht Kristofer J.
Published: June 2022

Modern polymerisation techniques allow synthesis of functional block copolymers that can self-assemble into degradable nanoparticles (NPs) of different sizes and conformations.
Short vs. long chains competition during “grafting to” process from melt
Authors: Chiarcos Riccardo , Antonioli Diego , Gianotti Valentina , Laus Michele , Munaò Gianmarco , Milano Giuseppe , De Nicola Antonio , Perego Michele
Published: June 2022

A preferential grafting of short chains occurs during the “grafting to” reaction of hydroxy terminated P(S-st-MMA) blends consisting of short and long chains. The enrichment is enhanced when the chain length difference increases.
One-pot synthesis of structure-controlled temperature-responsive polymer gels
Authors: Sakai Tomoki , Ito Nagisa , Hara Mitsuo , Seki Takahiro , Uchiyama Mineto , Kamigaito Masami , Satoh Kotaro , Hoshino Taiki , Takeoka Yukikazu
Published: June 2022

The simultaneous use of metal Lewis acids and photo-radical generators for dithioesters, which are the common dormant species for cationic and radical polymerization, made it possible to convert a cationic species into a radical by photoirradiation.
A large negative magnetoresistance effect in semiconducting crystals composed of an octahedrally ligated phthalocyanine complex with high-spin manganese(iii)
Authors: Mine Kosuke , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Murakawa Hiroshi , Hanasaki Noriaki , Matsuda Masaki
Published: June 2022

A Ph4P[MnIII(Pc)Cl2]2 molecular crystal where MnIII adopts a high-spin state (S = 2) was designed. The large magnetoresistance effect of fabricated Ph4P[MnIII(Pc)Cl2]2 suggests that the spin state of the metal ion is the key to tuning the MR effect.
Facial fabrication of few-layer functionalized graphene with sole functional group through Diels–Alder reaction by ball milling
Authors: Yu Wenguang , Gao Xuefeng , Yuan Zhicheng , Liu Haihui , Wang Xuechen , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: June 2022

The widespread use of graphene as a next-generation material in various applications requires developing an environmentally friendly and efficient method for fabricating functionalized graphene.
Functional drug carriers formed by RGD-modified β-CD-HPG for the delivery of docetaxel for targeted inhibition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Xu Lingling , Zhou Chuan , Wang Fan , Liu Huiqin , Dong Guangyuan , Zhang Siyi , Liu Tao
Published: June 2022

A new RGD targeting drug carrier based on HPG-modified β-CD has been synthesized. This carrier showed excellent biocompatibility and targeting ability. The obtained NPs could effectively inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells.
Intact living-cell electrolaunching ionization mass spectrometry for single-cell metabolomics
Authors: Shao Yunlong , Zhou Yingyan , Liu Yuanxing , Zhang Wenmei , Zhu Guizhen , Zhao Yaoyao , Zhang Qi , Yao Huan , Zhao Hansen , Guo Guangsheng , Zhang Sichun , Zhang Xinrong , Wang Xiayan
Published: June 2022

A novel living-cell mass spectrometry method allows a whole cell to enter entirely into the MS inlet and ionize with almost no sample dilution and matrix interference, which greatly improves the sensitivity of single-cell metabolite detection.
Perspectives and prospects of underground hydrogen storage and natural hydrogen
Authors: Epelle Emmanuel I. , Obande Winifred , Udourioh Godwin A. , Afolabi Inioluwa Christianah , Desongu Kwaghtaver S. , Orivri Uzezi , Gunes Burcu , Okolie Jude A.
Published: June 2022

Advancements in UHS research should be matched with new field development studies on natural hydrogen exploration and production.
Trash to treasure: recycling discarded agarose gel for practical Na/K-ion batteries
Authors: Li Deping , Ji Fengjun , Liu Tianqi , Zhao Xiaoyu , Sun Qing , Liu Yunzhuo , Wang Yiwei , Zhang Jiaheng , Ci Lijie
Published: June 2022

A “trash to treasure” concept is proposed and employed in transforming biowaste into batteries, which agrees well with the global carbon neutrality target and will boost the interdisciplinary cooperation between a bio lab and a material lab.