bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cryo-EM structure of the bacterial flagellum cap complex suggests a molecular mechanism for filament elongation
Authors: Al-Otaibi Natalie S. , Taylor Aidan J. , Farrell Daniel P. , Tzokov Svetomir B. , DiMaio Frank , Kelly David J. , Bergeron Julien R. C.
Published: June 2020

The bacterial flagellum is a remarkable molecular motor, whose primary function in bacteria is to facilitate motility through the rotation of a filament protruding from the bacterial cell. A cap complex, consisting of an oligomer of the protein FliD, is localized at the tip of the flagellum, and is essential for filament assembly, as well as adherence to surfaces in some bacteria. However, the structure of the intact cap complex, and the molecular basis for its interaction with the filament, remains elusive. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of the Campylobacter jejuni cap complex, which reveals that FliD is pentameric, with the N-terminal region of the protomer forming an extensive set of contacts across several subunits, that contribute to FliD oligomerization. We also demonstrate that the native C. jejuni flagellum filament is 11-stranded, contrary to a previously published cryo-EM structure, and propose a molecular model for the filament-cap interaction.
Octave bandwidth photonic fishnet-achromatic-metalens
Authors: Ndao Abdoulaye , Hsu Liyi , Ha Jeongho , Park Jun-Hee , Chang-Hasnain Connie , Kanté Boubacar
Published: June 2020

Planar structured interfaces, also known as metasurfaces, are continuously attracting interest owing to their ability to manipulate fundamental attributes of light, including angular momentum, phase, or polarization. However, chromatic aberration, limiting broadband operation, has remained a challenge for metasurfaces-based optical components and imagers. The limitation stems from the intrinsic dispersion of existing materials and design principles. Here we report and experimentally demonstrate polarization-independent fishnet-achromatic-metalenses with measured average efficiencies over 70% in the continuous band from the visible (640 nm) to the infrared (1200 nm). Results of the scalable platform are enabling for applications requiring broad bandwidth and high efficiency including energy harvesting, virtual reality and information processing devices, or medical imaging.
Chemical genetics strategy to profile kinase target engagement reveals role of FES in neutrophil phagocytosis
Authors: van der Wel Tom , Hilhorst Riet , den Dulk Hans , van den Hooven Tim , Prins Nienke M. , Wijnakker Joost A. P. M. , Florea Bogdan I. , Lenselink Eelke B. , van Westen Gerard J. P. , Ruijtenbeek Rob , Overkleeft Herman S. , Kaptein Allard , Barf Tjeerd , van der Stelt Mario
Published: June 2020

Chemical tools to monitor drug-target engagement of endogenously expressed protein kinases are highly desirable for preclinical target validation in drug discovery. Here, we describe a chemical genetics strategy to selectively study target engagement of endogenous kinases. By substituting a serine residue into cysteine at the DFG-1 position in the ATP-binding pocket, we sensitize the non-receptor tyrosine kinase FES towards covalent labeling by a complementary fluorescent chemical probe. This mutation is introduced in the endogenousFESgene of HL-60 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Leveraging the temporal and acute control offered by our strategy, we show that FES activity is dispensable for differentiation of HL-60 cells towards macrophages. Instead, FES plays a key role in neutrophil phagocytosis via SYK kinase activation. This chemical genetics strategy holds promise as a target validation method for kinases.
Rheologically controlled design of nature-inspired superhydrophobic and self-cleaning membranes for clean water production
Authors: Lu Kang Jia , Zhao Dieling , Chen Yuanmiaoliang , Chang Jian , Chung Tai-Shung
Published: June 2020

Conventional fabrication technologies of superhydrophobic and self-cleaning membranes for wastewater treatment often involve complex surface modifications, and massive usage of nanomaterials or organic solvents. In this work, we developed a pure rheological spray-assisted nonsolvent induced phase separation (SANIPS) approach to fabricate self-cleaning polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with high porosity and hierarchical micro/nanostructures. The resultant membranes exhibit water contact angles and sliding angles in the range of 151.9–156.2° and 9.6–22.6°, respectively. We found that the spraying step caused local distortion of the membrane surface and induced a two-stage phase inversion, leading to the formation of multilevel polymeric crystal structures. Moreover, the morphological structures and other membrane properties (e.g., mechanical strength and liquid entry pressure) could be tuned by applying spraying materials with different physicochemical properties. The superior anti-wetting and self-cleaning properties of the resultant membranes have been demonstrated by treating hypersaline wastewater, comprising 10% sodium chloride and 2000 p.p.m. Rose Bengal dye via direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) tests. The SANIPS membrane showed a remarkably stable vapor flux of 36.0 kg m−2 h at a feed temperature of 60 °C, and a salt rejection over 99.9% throughout the long-term test of 100 h. We envision this facile and green fabrication method will pave the way for large-scale production of superhydrophobic and self-cleaning membranes for diverse water treatment processes.
Author Correction: A single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-Seq toolbox for fresh and frozen human tumors
Authors: Slyper Michal , Porter Caroline B. M. , Ashenberg Orr , Waldman Julia , Drokhlyansky Eugene , Wakiro Isaac , Smillie Christopher , Smith-Rosario Gabriela , Wu Jingyi , Dionne Danielle , Vigneau Sébastien , Jané-Valbuena Judit , Tickle Timothy L. , Napolitano Sara , Su Mei-Ju , Patel Anand G. , Karlstrom Asa , Gritsch Simon , Nomura Masashi , Waghray Avinash , Gohil Satyen H. , Tsankov Alexander M. , Jerby-Arnon Livnat , Cohen Ofir , Klughammer Johanna , Rosen Yanay , Gould Joshua , Nguyen Lan , Hofree Matan , Tramontozzi Peter J. , Li Bo , Wu Catherine J. , Izar Benjamin , Haq Rizwan , Hodi F. Stephen , Yoon Charles H. , Hata Aaron N. , Baker Suzanne J. , Suvà Mario L. , Bueno Raphael , Stover Elizabeth H. , Clay Michael R. , Dyer Michael A. , Collins Natalie B. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Wagle Nikhil , Johnson Bruce E. , Rotem Asaf , Rozenblatt-Rosen Orit , Regev Aviv
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Organized Disassembly of Photosynthesis During Programmed Cell Death Mediated By Long Chain Bases
Authors: Zavafer Alonso , González-Solís Ariadna , Palacios-Bahena Silvia , Saucedo-García Mariana , Tapia de Aquino Cinthya , Vázquez-Santana Sonia , King-Díaz Beatriz , Gavilanes-Ruiz Marina
Published: June 2020

In plants, pathogen triggered programmed cell death (PCD) is frequently mediated by polar lipid molecules referred as long chain bases (LCBs) or ceramides. PCD interceded by LCBs is a well-organized process where several cell organelles play important roles. In fact, light-dependent reactions in the chloroplast have been proposed as major players during PCD, however, the functional aspects of the chloroplast during PCD are largely unknown. For this reason, we investigated events that lead to disassembly of the chloroplast during PCD mediated by LCBs. To do so, LCB elevation was induced with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (a non-host pathogen) or Fumonisin B1 in Phaseolus vulgaris. Then, we performed biochemical tests to detect PCD triggering events (phytosphingosine rises, MPK activation and H2O2 generation) followed by chloroplast structural and functional tests. Observations of the chloroplast, via optical phenotyping methods combined with microscopy, indicated that the loss of photosynthetic linear electron transport coincides with the organized ultrastructure disassembly. In addition, structural changes occurred in parallel with accumulation of H2O2 inside the chloroplast. These features revealed the collapse of chloroplast integrity and function as a mechanism leading to the irreversible execution of the PCD promoted by LCBs.
Upright Balance Control in Individuals with Cervical Myelopathy Following Cervical Decompression Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsiu , Lai Dar-Ming , Lau Phooi Yee , Wang Shwu-Fen , Chien Andy , Wang Jaw-Lin , Hsu Wei-Li
Published: June 2020

Patients with cervical myelopathy may manifest impairments in functional activities and balance control caused by compression of the spinal cord. The objective of the current study was to determine long-term changes in the upright balance control of patients with cervical myelopathy who had undergone cervical decompression surgery. This is a prospective cohort study from the preoperative phase to 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postsurgery. Fifty-three patients with cervical myelopathy were recruited for the cervical myelopathy group and 22 age-matched healthy controls were recruited for the control group. Functional assessments including Japanese Orthopedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire-Lower Extremity Function (JOACMEQ-LEF) and 10-second step test; as well as balance assessments including postural sway (center-of-pressure: COP) were performed for both groups. The JOACMEQ-LEF (p = 0.036) scores of the myelopathy group improved postoperatively, and a significant decrease in COP variables of postural sway was observed. The upright posture was less stable in the myelopathy group than in the control group (p < 0.05) both before and after surgery. The effect size and standard response mean of the COP variables ranged from −0.49 to 0.03 at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postsurgery. The upright balance control had improved significantly 6 months after decompression surgery. However, the balance control of the patients who had undergone decompression surgery remained less stable than that of the age-matched healthy controls. Balance training should be initiated before 6 months postsurgery to accelerate balance control recovery in patients with cervical myelopathy.
Level of play and coach-rated game intelligence are related to performance on design fluency in elite soccer players
Authors: Vestberg T. , Jafari R. , Almeida R. , Maurex L. , Ingvar M. , Petrovic P.
Published: June 2020

Executive brain functions are innate mechanisms for regulating behavior. While the impact of suboptimal executive functions has been characterized in patients, their contribution to individual success has not been elucidated. We set out to understand how executive functions relate to successful human behavior by examining their relation to game intelligence in sport - the ability to read a game and quickly adapt the behavior. In elite soccer players (n = 51), those playing in national teams (national team players) significantly outperformed those only playing at premier league level (premier league players) in Design Fluency (DF), a complex visuo-spatial executive function test that includes measures of creativity and cognitive flexibility. Their result showed a moderate correlation with coach rated game intelligence, remained also when correcting for low level cognitive capacity and was most evident when considering cognitive flexibility. DF capacity also correlated with number of assists made during the season but not with number of made goals during the same period, linking the fast planning of several steps in DF to fast planning of several steps in the soccer game. Altogether, our data suggests that DF capacity relates to success in soccer both on a subjective and on an objective level.
Geographical variation in the risk of H7N9 human infections in China: implications for risk-based surveillance
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Gao Lu , Wang Youming , Li Yin , Zhang Yi , Shen Chaojian , Liu Ailing , Yu Qi , Zhang Wenyi , Pekin Alexander , Guo Fusheng , Smith Carl , Clements Archie C. A. , Edwards John , Huang Baoxu , Soares Magalhães Ricardo J.
Published: June 2020

The influenza A (H7N9) subtype remains a public health problem in China affecting individuals in contact with live poultry, particularly at live bird markets. Despite enhanced surveillance and biosecurity at LBMs H7N9 viruses are now more widespread in China. This study aims to quantify the temporal relationship between poultry surveillance results and the onset of human H7N9 infections during 2013–2017 and to estimate risk factors associated with geographical risk of H7N9 human infections in counties in Southeast China. Our results suggest that poultry surveillance data can potentially be used as early warning indicators for human H7N9 notifications. Furthermore, we found that human H7N9 incidence at county-level was significantly associated with the presence of wholesale LBMs, the density of retail LBMs, the presence of poultry virological positives, poultry movements from high-risk areas, as well as chicken population density and human population density. The results of this study can influence the current AI H7N9 control program by supporting the integration of poultry surveillance data with human H7N9 notifications as an early warning of the timing and areas at risk for human infection. The findings also highlight areas in China where monitoring of poultry movement and poultry infections could be prioritized.
Precursor-surface interactions revealed during plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of metal oxide thin films by in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Kilic Ufuk , Mock Alyssa , Sekora Derek , Gilbert Simeon , Valloppilly Shah , Melendez Giselle , Ianno Natale , Langell Marjorie , Schubert Eva , Schubert Mathias
Published: June 2020

We find that a five-phase (substrate, mixed native oxide and roughness interface layer, metal oxide thin film layer, surface ligand layer, ambient) model with two-dynamic (metal oxide thin film layer thickness and surface ligand layer void fraction) parameters (dynamic dual box model) is sufficient to explain in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry data measured within and across multiple cycles during plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of metal oxide thin films. We demonstrate our dynamic dual box model for analysis of in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry data in the photon energy range of 0.7–3.4 eV measured with time resolution of few seconds over large numbers of cycles during the growth of titanium oxide (TiO2) and tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films, as examples. We observe cyclic surface roughening with fast kinetics and subsequent roughness reduction with slow kinetics, upon cyclic exposure to precursor materials, leading to oscillations of the metal thin film thickness with small but positive growth per cycle. We explain the cyclic surface roughening by precursor-surface interactions leading to defect creation, and subsequent surface restructuring. Atomic force microscopic images before and after growth, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction investigations confirm structural and chemical properties of our thin films. Our proposed dynamic dual box model may be generally applicable to monitor and control metal oxide growth in atomic layer deposition, and we include data for SiO2 and Al2O3 as further examples.
Enhanced protein adsorption upon bulk phase separation
Authors: Fries Madeleine R. , Stopper Daniel , Skoda Maximilian W. A. , Blum Matthias , Kertzscher Christoph , Hinderhofer Alexander , Zhang Fajun , Jacobs Robert M. J. , Roth Roland , Schreiber Frank
Published: June 2020

In all areas related to protein adsorption, from medicine to biotechnology to heterogeneous nucleation, the question about its dominant forces and control arises. In this study, we used ellipsometry and quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), as well as density-functional theory (DFT) to obtain insight into the mechanism behind a wetting transition of a protein solution. We established that using multivalent ions in a net negatively charged globular protein solution (BSA) can either cause simple adsorption on a negatively charged interface, or a (diverging) wetting layer when approaching liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) by changing protein concentration (cp) or temperature (T). We observed that the water to protein ratio in the wetting layer is substantially larger compared to simple adsorption. In the corresponding theoretical model, we treated the proteins as limited-valence (patchy) particles and identified a wetting transition for this complex system. This wetting is driven by a bulk instability introduced by metastable LLPS exposed to an ion-activated attractive substrate.
Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2) co-localises with TLR4 and regulates macrophage inflammatory gene expression in response to LPS
Authors: Abate W. , Alrammah H. , Kiernan M. , Tonks A. J. , Jackson S. K.
Published: June 2020

Despite extensive investigations, an effective treatment for sepsis remains elusive and a better understanding of the inflammatory response to infection is required to identify potential new targets for therapy. In this study we have used RNAi technology to show, for the first time, that the inducible lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 2 (LPCAT2) plays a key role in macrophage inflammatory gene expression in response to stimulation with bacterial ligands. Using siRNA- or shRNA-mediated knockdown, we demonstrate that, in contrast to the constitutive LPCAT1, LPCAT2 is required for macrophage cytokine gene expression and release in response to TLR4 and TLR2 ligand stimulation but not for TLR-independent stimuli. In addition, cells transfected to overexpress LPCAT2 exhibited increased expression of inflammatory genes in response to LPS and other bacterial ligands. Furthermore, we have used immunoprecipitation and Western blotting to show that in response to LPS, LPCAT2, but not LPCAT1, rapidly associates with TLR4 and translocates to membrane lipid raft domains. Our data thus suggest a novel mechanism for the regulation of inflammatory gene expression in response to bacterial stimuli and highlight LPCAT2 as a potential therapeutic target for development of anti-inflammatory and anti-sepsis therapies.
Terpolymer resin containing bioinspired borneol and controlled release of camphor: Synthesis and antifouling coating application
Authors: Hu Jiankun , Sun Baoku , Zhang Haichun , Lu Ading , Zhang Huiqiu , Zhang Hailong
Published: June 2020

Marine biofouling can cause a biocorrosion, resulting in degradation and failure of materials and structures. In order to prevent sea creatures from attaching to the surface, in this work, a new environmentally friendly antifouling coating by incorporating antibacterial polymers and natural antifouling agents has been designed and synthesized. Surface chemical composition and changes in surface hydrophobicity were studied by FTIR spectroscopy and contact angle measurements, respectively. Measurements of mass loss of antifouling resin were also carried out and the release rate of camphor from antifouling coating was tested by using UPLC. It had been found that the changes in the content of triisopropylsilylacrylate (TIPSA) (from 4% to 12%) and isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) (from 50% to 16.7%) did not significantly affect the release of camphor. The content of IBOMA decreased from 50% to 16.7%, the antifouling performance of the resin system appeared slightly reduced. In addition, rosin could help regulate the release rate of the resin system to desorb camphor slowly in water in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the antifouling capability of as-prepared samples was evaluated via algae suppression experiments and marine field tests. This study highlighted the environmentally friendly antifouling coating as a potential candidate and efficient strategy to prohibit biofouling in seawater.
Neuromotor Regulation of Ankle Stiffness is Comparable to Regulation of Joint Position and Torque at Moderate Levels
Authors: Wind Alexander M. , Rouse Elliott J.
Published: June 2020

Joint mechanical impedance, which describes the instantaneous relationship between kinematic perturbations and the resulting torque response, plays an important role in the way humans ambulate, interact with the environment, and respond to disturbances. Recent studies have quantified how the stiffness component of mechanical impedance varies during walking. However, the extent to which humans can voluntarily regulate leg joint stiffness is not yet known. Our study sought to quantify the accuracy and precision of the neuromotor system to voluntarily regulate ankle joint stiffness while seated, and compare these data to the well-known abilities to regulate ankle joint torque and position. We tested individuals’ ability to to regulate these quantities at three different magnitudes: 20%, 40%, and 60% of a maximum value. Our results showed that subjects were able to voluntarily regulate ankle joint stiffness, and that the normalized accuracy and precision of stiffness regulation were not different than those of position or torque for targets at magnitudes of 20% of a maximum value. However, the accuracy and precision of stiffness regulation were statistically different than those of position and torque for targets at magnitudes of 40% of the maximum values. At moderate targets, the similarity of the ability to regulate ankle joint stiffness when compared to the abilities to regulate joint torque and position highlights the importance of a comprehensive description of lower-limb biomechanics that includes consideration of joint mechanical impedance, in addition to the common descriptions of joint torque and position.
Plasma IP-10 and IL-6 are linked to Child-Pugh B cirrhosis in patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salgüero Sergio , Medrano Luz Maria , González-García Juan , Berenguer Juan , Montes María L. , Diéz Cristina , Garcia-Broncano Pilar , Llop-Herrera Elba , Pérez-Latorre Leire , Bellóno José María , Jiménez-Sousa María Ángeles , Resino Salvador
Published: June 2020

We aimed to evaluate the association of plasma biomarkers linked to inflammation (bacterial translocation, inflammatory response, and endothelial dysfunction), coagulopathy, and angiogenesis with the severity of liver cirrhosis (assessed by the Child-Pugh-Turcotte score, CTP) and Child-Pugh B cirrhosis (CTP 7–9) in patients with advanced hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. We carried out a cross-sectional study in 97 patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis (32 HCV-monoinfected and 65 HIV/HCV-coinfected). Plasma biomarkers were measured by ProcartaPlex multiplex immunoassays. The outcome variable was the CTP score and the Child-Pugh B cirrhosis (CTP 7–9). HIV/HCV-coinfected patients and HCV-monoinfected patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis had near-equivalent values of plasma biomarkers. Higher values of plasma biomarkers linked to an inflammatory response (IP-10, IL-8, IL-6, and OPG), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1), and coagulopathy (D-dimer) were related to higher CTP values. The most significant biomarkers to detect the presence of Child-Pugh B cirrhosis (CTP 7–9) were IP-10 (p-value= 0.008) and IL-6 (p-value=0.002). The AUC-ROC values of IP-10, IL-6, and both biomarkers combined (IP-10+IL-6) were 0.78, 0.88, and 0.96, respectively. In conclusion, HIV infection does not appear to have a significant impact on the analyzed plasma biomarkers in patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis. However, plasma biomarkers linked to inflammation (inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction) were related to the severity of liver cirrhosis (CTP score), mainly IP-10 and IL-6, which discriminated patients with Child-Pugh B concerning Child-Pugh A.
Chronic unpredictable stress induces anxiety-like behaviors in young zebrafish
Authors: Golla Archana , Østby Henrik , Kermen Florence
Published: June 2020

Exposure to stress during early life affects subsequent behaviors and increases the vulnerability to adult pathologies, a phenomenon that has been well documented in humans and rodents. In this study, we introduce a chronic unpredictable stress protocol adapted to young zebrafish, which is an increasingly popular vertebrate model in neuroscience research. We exposed zebrafish to a series of intermittent and unpredictable mild stressors from day 10 to 17 post-fertilization. The stressed fish showed a reduced exploration of a novel environment one day post-stress and an increased responsiveness to dark-light transition two days post-stress, indicative of heightened anxiety-related behaviors. The stress-induced decrease in exploration lasted for at least three days and returned to control levels within one week. Moreover, stressed fish were on average 8% smaller than their control siblings two days post-stress and returned to control levels within one week. All together, our results demonstrate that young zebrafish exposed to chronic unpredictable stress develop growth and behavioral alterations akin to those observed in rodent models.
The impact of arterial flow complexity on flow diverter outcomes in aneurysms
Authors: Chodzyǹski Kamil Jerzy , Uzureau Pierrick , Nuyens Vincent , Rousseau Alexandre , Coussement Gregory , Zouaoui Boudjeltia Karim
Published: June 2020

The flow diverter is becoming a standard device for treating cerebral aneurysms. The aim of thisin vitrostudy was to evaluate the impact of flow complexity on the effectiveness of flow diverter stents in a cerebral aneurysm model. The flow pattern of a carotid artery was decomposed into harmonics to generate four flow patterns with different pulsatility indexes ranging from 0.72 to 1.44. The effect of flow diverters on the aneurysm was investigated by injecting red dye or erythrocytes as markers. The recorded images were postprocessed to evaluate the maximum filling of the aneurysm cavity and the washout time. There were significant differences in the cut-off flows between the markers, linked to the flow complexity. Increasing the pulsatility index altered the performance of the flow diverter. The red dye was more sensitive to changes in flow than the red blood cell markers. The flow cut-off depended on the diverter design and the diverter deployment step was crucial for reproducibility of the results. These results strongly suggest that flow complexity should be considered when selecting a flow diverter.
Cardioprotective effect of succinate dehydrogenase inhibition in rat hearts and human myocardium with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jespersen Nichlas Riise , Hjortbak Marie Vognstoft , Lassen Thomas Ravn , Støttrup Nicolaj Brejnholt , Johnsen Jacob , Tonnesen Pernille Tilma , Larsen Steen , Kimose Hans-Henrik , Bøtker Hans Erik
Published: June 2020

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury may be attenuated through succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibition by dimethyl malonate (DiMAL). Whether SDH inhibition yields protection in diabetic individuals and translates into human cardiac tissue remain unknown. In isolated perfused hearts from 24 weeks old male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and age matched non-diabetic control rats and atrial trabeculae from patients with and without diabetes, we compared infarct size, contractile force recovery and mitochondrial function. The cardioprotective effect of a 10 minutes DiMAL administration prior to global ischemia and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) was evaluated. In non-diabetic hearts exposed to IR, DiMAL 0.1 mM reduced infarct size compared to IR (55 ± 7% vs. 69 ± 6%, p < 0.05). Mitochondrial respiration was reduced by DiMAL 0.6 mM compared to sham and DiMAL 0.1 mM (p < 0.05). In diabetic hearts an increased concentration of DiMAL (0.6 mM) was required for protection compared to IR (64 ± 13% vs. 79 ± 8%, p < 0.05). Mitochondrial function remained unchanged. In trabeculae from humans without diabetes, IPC and DiMAL improved contractile force recovery compared to IR (43 ± 12% and 43 ± 13% vs. 23 ± 13%, p < 0.05) but in patients with diabetes only IPC provided protection compared to IR (51 ± 15% vs. 21 ± 8%, p < 0.05). Neither IPC nor DiMAL modulated mitochondrial respiration in patients. Cardioprotection by SDH inhibition is possible in human tissue, but depends on diabetes status. The narrow therapeutic range and discrepancy in respiration between experimental and human studies may limit clinical translation.
Circulating TIMP-1 is associated with hematoma volume in patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Navarro-Oviedo Manuel , Muñoz-Arrondo Roberto , Zandio Beatriz , Marta-Enguita Juan , Bonaterra-Pastra Anna , Rodríguez Jose Antonio , Roncal Carmen , Páramo Jose A. , Toledo Estefania , Montaner Joan , Hernández-Guillamon Mar , Orbe Josune
Published: June 2020

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic zinc-endopeptidases regulated by tissue Inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We evaluated the potential of MMPs and TIMPs as clinical tools for Intracranial Haemorrhage (ICH). Spontaneous non‐traumatic ICH patients were recruited from two hospitals: Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN = 29) and Vall d´Hebron (VdH = 76). Plasmatic levels of MMP-1, −2, −7, −9, −10 and TIMP-1 and their relationship with clinical, radiological and functional variables were evaluated. We further studied the effect of TIMP-1 (0.05–0.2 mg/Kg) in an experimental tail-bleeding model. In CHN, TIMP-1 was associated with admission-hematoma volume and MMP-7 was elevated in patients with deep when compared to lobar hematoma. In VdH, admission-hematoma volume was associated with TIMP-1 and MMP-7. When data from both hospitals were combined, we observed that an increase in 1 ng/ml in TIMP-1 was associated with an increase of 0.14 ml in haemorrhage (combined β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.08–0.21). Likewise, mice receiving TIMP-1 (0.2 mg/Kg) showed a shorter bleeding time (p < 0.01). Therefore, the association of TIMP-1 with hematoma volume in two independent ICH cohorts suggests its potential as ICH biomarker. Moreover, increased TIMP-1 might not be sufficient to counterbalance MMPs upregulation indicating that TIMP-1 administration might be a beneficial strategy for ICH.
Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches for treatment of traumatic cervical dislocation combined with spinal cord injury: Minimum 10-year follow-up
Authors: Ren Chunpeng , Qin Rujie , Wang Peng , Wang Ping
Published: June 2020

Anterior reduction and interbody fusion fixation has not been compared directly with posterior reduction and short-segmental pedicle screw fixation for lower cervical dislocation, and so consensus is lacking as to which is the optimal method. The purpose of this paper is to compare long-term outcomes of the anterior versus posterior approach for traumatic cervical dislocation with spinal cord injury. One hundred and fifty-nine patients could be followed for more than 10 years (follow-up rate 84.1%). Ninety-two patients underwent anterior reduction and interbody fusion and fixation, and 67 patients underwent posterior reduction and short-segmental pedicle screw fixation. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the American Spinal Injury Association grading (ASIA), Odom’s criteria, cervical kyphosis, operative parameters, and surgical or post-operative complications were evaluated. Patients were followed for 10 to 17 years. There was no significant difference in main JOA scores, NDI scores or ASIA scores between the two groups at follow-up. The posterior approach was associated with greater loss of alignment by two years (P = 0.012) and at final follow-up (P < 0.001). The posterior approach group had more blood loss (P < 0.001), longer operation times (P < 0.001), longer hospital stays (P < 0.001) and fewer complications than the anterior approach group. The anterior approach is better than the posterior approach for preserving cervical lordosis, which is associated with a better long-term effect.
Angulin-2/ILDR1, a tricellular tight junction protein, does not affect water transport in the mouse large intestine
Authors: Hempstock Wendy , Sugioka Shiori , Ishizuka Noriko , Sugawara Taichi , Furuse Mikio , Hayashi Hisayoshi
Published: June 2020

Angulin-2/ILDR1 is a member of the angulin protein family, which is exclusively expressed at tricellular tight junctions in epithelia. Tricellular tight junctions are found where three cells meet and where three bicellular tight junction strands converge. Tricellular tight junctions are thought to be important for paracellular permeability of ions and water in epithelial tissues. It was recently reported that angulin-2/ILDR1 knockout mice have water transport abnormalities in the kidney. Since angulin-2/ILDR1 is the main tricellular tight junction protein in the large intestine, the goal of this research was to examine the effect of angulin-2/ILDR1 knockout on large intestinal paracellular water transport. We found that Ildr1 knockout mice showed no detectable phenotype other than deafness. In addition, paracellular transport as assessed by Ussing chamber was unchanged in Ildr1 knockout mice. However, we found that in the colon and the kidney of Ildr1 knockout mice, another tricellular tight junction protein, angulin-1/LSR, changes its expression pattern. We propose that with this replacement in tissue localization, angulin-1/LSR compensates for the loss of angulin-2/ILDR1 and maintains the barrier and function of the epithelia in the large intestine as well as the kidney.
Heavy metals and radon content in spring water of Kosovo
Authors: Marković Smiljana , Vučković Biljana , Nikolić-Bujanović Ljiljana , Kurilić Sanja Mrazovac , Todorović Nataša , Nikolov Jovana , Jokić Anja , Đokić Boban
Published: June 2020

Paper presents results of researches carried out on various locations and immediate vicinity of mining and industrial activities of the northern and south-eastern part of Kosovo. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Rn-222, as well as temperature and pH values of natural spring water were measured at 15 measuring sites (that belong to Zvečan, Leposavić and Novo Brdo municipalities), in April–May and September–October 2019. The quantification of heavy metals’ content was performed by applying ICP-OES method. In analysed samples a high content of As, Pb, Fe and Ni was found. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to the content of heavy metals in water were evaluated. Concentration of radon in water was measured by the alpha spectrometric method, and measured values range in the interval from 0.34 ± 0.12 to 341 ± 35 Bq/L. The yearly doses of inhalation and ingestion were determined for the measured concentrations of radon. Mutual correlation by the Pearson correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, cluster analysis and spatial distribution analysis of the researched parameters of sampled water were done. The most expressed mutual dependence of some heavy metals leads to the conclusion that they have the same anthropogenic origin.
Serum neurofilament light chain predicts long term clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Thebault Simon , Abdoli Mohammad , Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Tessier Daniel , Tabard-Cossa Vincent , Freedman Mark S.
Published: June 2020

Serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) is emerging as an important biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of serum NfL levels obtained close to the time of MS onset with long-term clinical outcomes. In this prospective cohort study, we identified patients with serum collected within 5 years of first MS symptom onset (baseline) with more than 15 years of routine clinical follow-up. Levels of serum NfL were quantified in patients and matched controls using digital immunoassay (SiMoA HD-1 Analyzer, Quanterix). Sixty-seven patients had a median follow-up of 18.9 years (range 15.0–27.0). The median serum NfL level in patient baseline samples was 10.1 pg/mL, 38.5% higher than median levels in 37 controls (7.26 pg/mL, p = 0.004). Baseline NfL level was most helpful as a sensitive predictive marker to rule out progression; patients with levels less 7.62 pg/mL were 4.3 times less likely to develop an EDSS score of ≥ 4 (p = 0.001) and 7.1 times less likely to develop progressive MS (p = 0.054). Patients with the highest NfL levels (3rd-tertile, > 13.2 pg/mL) progressed most rapidly with an EDSS annual rate of 0.16 (p = 0.004), remaining significant after adjustment for sex, age, and disease-modifying treatment (p = 0.022). This study demonstrates that baseline sNfL is associated with long term clinical disease progression. sNfL may be a sensitive marker of subsequent poor clinical outcomes.
Author Correction: iLoF: An intelligent Lab on Fiber Approach for Human Cancer Single-Cell Type Identification
Authors: Paiva Joana S. , Jorge Pedro A. S. , Ribeiro Rita S. R. , Balmaña Meritxell , Campos Diana , Mereiter Stefan , Jin Chunsheng , Karlsson Niclas G. , Sampaio Paula , Reis Celso A. , Cunha João P. S.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Analysis of genetically independent phenotypes identifies shared genetic factors associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions
Authors: Tsepilov Yakov A. , Freidin Maxim B. , Shadrina Alexandra S. , Sharapov Sodbo Z. , Elgaeva Elizaveta E. , Zundert Jan van , Karssen Lennart С. , Suri Pradeep , Williams Frances M. K. , Aulchenko Yurii S.
Published: June 2020

Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects all aspects of human life. However, mechanisms of its genetic control remain poorly understood. Genetic studies of pain are complicated by the high complexity and heterogeneity of pain phenotypes. Here, we apply principal component analysis to reduce phenotype heterogeneity of chronic musculoskeletal pain at four locations: the back, neck/shoulder, hip, and knee. Using matrices of genetic covariances, we constructed four genetically independent phenotypes (GIPs) with the leading GIP (GIP1) explaining 78.4% of the genetic variance of the analyzed conditions, and GIP2–4 explain progressively less. We identified and replicated five GIP1-associated loci and one GIP2-associated locus and prioritized the most likely causal genes. For GIP1, we showed enrichment with multiple nervous system-related terms and genetic correlations with anthropometric, sociodemographic, psychiatric/personality traits and osteoarthritis. We suggest that GIP1 represents a biopsychological component of chronic musculoskeletal pain, related to physiological and psychological aspects and reflecting pain perception and processing.
Pre-innervated tissue-engineered muscle promotes a pro-regenerative microenvironment following volumetric muscle loss
Authors: Das Suradip , Browne Kevin D. , Laimo Franco A. , Maggiore Joseph C. , Hilman Melanie C. , Kaisaier Halimulati , Aguilar Carlos A. , Ali Zarina S. , Mourkioti Foteini , Cullen D. Kacy
Published: June 2020

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic or surgical loss of skeletal muscle beyond the inherent regenerative capacity of the body, generally leading to severe functional deficit. Formation of appropriate somato-motor innervations remains one of the biggest challenges for both autologous grafts as well as tissue-engineered muscle constructs. We aim to address this challenge by developing pre-innervated tissue-engineered muscle comprised of long aligned networks of spinal motor neurons and skeletal myocytes on aligned nanofibrous scaffolds. Motor neurons led to enhanced differentiation and maturation of skeletal myocytes in vitro. These pre-innervated tissue-engineered muscle constructs when implanted in a rat VML model significantly increased satellite cell density, neuromuscular junction maintenance, graft revascularization, and muscle volume over three weeks as compared to myocyte-only constructs and nanofiber scaffolds alone. These pro-regenerative effects may enhance functional neuromuscular regeneration following VML, thereby improving the levels of functional recovery following these devastating injuries.
Inhibiting the shuttle effect using artificial membranes with high lithium-ion content for enhancing the stability of the lithium anode
Authors: Liang Dong , Bian Tengfei , Han Qing , Wang Hua , Song Xiaosheng , Hu Binbin , He Jinling , Zhao Yong
Published: June 2020

A composite membrane with high lithium-ion content demonstrates the capability for inhibiting the diffusion of redox chemicals from cathode to anode in the Li-metal based batteries, and then the cell cycling stabilities are improved.
Electro-hydrodynamic extraction of DNA from mixtures of DNA and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Valley Benjamin E. , Crowell Anne D. , Butler Jason E. , Ladd Anthony J. C.
Published: June 2020

We report separation of genomic DNA (48 kbp) from bovine serum albumin (BSA) by the electro-hydrodynamic coupling between a pressure-driven flow and a parallel electric field.
Perspective on theoretical methods and modeling relating to electro-catalysis processes
Authors: Li Qiang , Ouyang Yixin , Lu Shuaihua , Bai Xiaowan , Zhang Yehui , Shi Li , Ling Chongyi , Wang Jinlan
Published: June 2020

Theoretical methods and models for the description of thermodynamics and kinetics in electro-catalysis, including solvent effects, externally applied potentials, and many-body interactions, are discussed.
Acid-facilitated G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzymes: accompanied by the assembly of quadruplex supramolecules
Authors: Cao Yanwei , Li Wenjing , Ding Pi , Pei Renjun
Published: June 2020

Four types of quadruplex supramolecules containing G-quadruplex (G4)–I-motif interfaces were assembled under slightly acidic conditions, which can interact with hemin to form I-motif-linked G4/hemin DNAzymes.
Fine and bidirectional regulation of toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement by a wedge-like DNA tool
Authors: Li Longjie , Zhang Wenkai , Tang Xiaofeng , Li Zejian , Wu Yuzhou , Xiao Xianjin
Published: June 2020

We established a novel wedge-like tool that could subtly and bidirectionally regulate the DNA strand displacement kinetics.
Molecular layer deposition of hybrid siloxane thin films by ring opening of cyclic trisiloxane (V3D3) and azasilane
Authors: Ashurbekova Kristina , Ashurbekova Karina , Saric Iva , Modin Evgenii , Petravić Mladen , Abdulagatov Ilmutdin , Abdulagatov Aziz , Knez Mato
Published: June 2020

Two consecutive vapor-to-solid ring opening reactions were applied for thin film siloxane polymerization by molecular layer deposition (MLD).
Hydrothermal synthesis of BaLu2F8:Ln3+ crystals: phase/morphology evolution, energy transfer and tunable multicolor luminescence
Authors: Xiong Jie , Wang Wei , Mao Yini , Liu Qingyuan , Yang Jun , Tang Jianfeng , Hu Shanshan
Published: June 2020

BaLu2−xF8:xLn3+ crystals have been synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal route without any surfactants.
Effect of substituents on surface equilibria of thiophenols and isoquinolines on gold substrates studied using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Emmons Erik D. , Guicheteau Jason A. , Fountain Augustus W. , Tripathi Ashish
Published: June 2020

The effect of substituents on the surface adsorption equilibria on gold substrates was studied using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy in order to determine the effects of the localized dipole moments and charge donating/withdrawing properties on the binding affinity.
Motif based high-throughput structure prediction of superconducting monolayer titanium boride
Authors: Yu Ju-Song , Liao Ji-Hai , Zhao Yu-Jun , Zhao Yin-Chang , Yang Xiao-Bao
Published: June 2020

Two-dimensional boron structures, due to their diverse properties, have attracted great attention because of their potential applications in nanoelectronic devices.
A first-principles study on the magnetoelectric coupling induced by Fe in a two-dimensional BaTiO3(001) ultrathin film
Authors: Gao Haigen , Lin Tongzheng , Yan Yunjuan , Fu Kang , Liu Yande , Liu Xiaolong
Published: June 2020

A first-principles approach is utilized to study the magnetoelectric coupling induced by Fe in two-dimensional BaTiO3(001) ultrathin film.
Embracing local suppression and enhancement of dynamic correlation effects in a CASΠDFT method for efficient description of excited states
Authors: Pernal Katarzyna , Gritsenko Oleg V.
Published: June 2020

In this work we show that the presence of covalent and ionic configurations in a wavefunction gives rise to spatial regions where the effects of suppression and enhancement of correlation energy, respectively, dominate.
Trends in the thermal stability of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Evans Austin M. , Ryder Matthew R. , Ji Woojung , Strauss Michael J. , Corcos Amanda R. , Vitaku Edon , Flanders Nathan C. , Bisbey Ryan P. , Dichtel William R.
Published: June 2020

Here, we study the thermal stability of ten 2D covalent organic frameworks using a combination of variable-temperature X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy, and density-functional theory.
Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides improves microbiota dysbiosis and liver metabolism imbalance and ameliorates the correlation between dihydroceramide and strains of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in high fat diet obese mice
Authors: Sun Mengzhen , Wang Qiya , Zhang Maomao , Zhang Guohua , Wu Tao , Liu Rui , Sui Wenjie , Zhang Jiaojiao , Yin Jinjin , Zhang Min
Published: June 2020

Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides is widely isolated from fermented foods; however, the underlying molecular mechanism behind its anti-obesity function has rarely been studied.
Wheat germ-derived peptide ADWGGPLPH abolishes high glucose-induced oxidative stress via modulation of the PKCζ/AMPK/NOX4 pathway
Authors: Wang Fang , Weng Zebin , Lyu Yi , Bao Yifan , Liu Juncheng , Zhang Yu , Sui Xiaonan , Fang Yong , Tang Xiaozhi , Shen Xinchun
Published: June 2020

This study explores the antioxidative effect of a specific wheat germ-derived peptide on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the underlying mechanisms.
Facile synthesis of B/g-C3N4 composite materials for the continuous-flow selective photo-production of acetone
Authors: Caudillo-Flores Uriel , Rodríguez-Padrón Daily , Muñoz-Batista Mario J. , Kubacka Anna , Luque Rafael , Fernández-García Marcos
Published: June 2020

Metal boron–g-C3N4 composite samples synthesized by mechanochemisty with remarkable selectivity to acetone during the photo-oxidation of 2-propanol.
Pore structure and particle shape modulates the protein corona of mesoporous silica particles
Authors: Giri Kalpeshkumar , Kuschnerus Inga , Lau Michael , Ruan Juanfang , Garcia-Bennett Alfonso
Published: June 2020

The hard and soft protein corona of mesoporous silica particles and its integrity is significantly affected by their morphology, with spherical particles offering a homogenous protein coating which results in enhanced cellular uptake.
Ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction for the determination of ranitidine in water samples and pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Kiszkiel-Taudul Ilona , Starczewska Barbara , Jabłońska Anna
Published: June 2020

A new extraction method is proposed for the isolation of the histamine H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine (RNT) from aqueous samples.
Conjugated molecules for colourimetric and fluorimetric sensing of sodium and potassium
Authors: Parr Zachary S. , Nielsen Christian B.
Published: June 2020

New alkali metal ion sensors showing ratiometric colourimetric and fluorimetric responses with high selectivity and low limits of detection.
Anion order in perovskite oxynitrides AMO2N (A = Ba, Sr, Ca; M = Ta, Nb): a first-principles based investigation
Authors: Xu Xi , Jiang Hong
Published: June 2020

Anion order in perovskite oxynitrides is investigated by a combination of first-principles calculations, cluster expansion method and Monte Carlo simulations.
Correction: Magnetic mesoporous bioactive glass for synergetic use in bone regeneration, hyperthermia treatment, and controlled drug delivery
Authors: Ur Rahman Muhammad Saif , Tahir Muhammad Asif , Noreen Saima , Yasir Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz , Khan Muhammad Bilal , Ali Khawaja Waqar , Shoaib Muhammad , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Magnetic mesoporous bioactive glass for synergetic use in bone regeneration, hyperthermia treatment, and controlled drug delivery’ by Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 21413–21419, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09349D.