bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting disease course in ulcerative colitis using stool proteins identified through an aptamer-based screen
Authors: Soomro Sanam , Venkateswaran Suresh , Vanarsa Kamala , Kharboutli Marwa , Nidhi Malavika , Susarla Ramya , Zhang Ting , Sasidharan Prashanth , Lee Kyung Hyun , Rosh Joel , Markowitz James , Pedroza Claudia , Denson Lee A. , Hyams Jeffrey , Kugathasan Subra , Mohan Chandra
Published: June 2021

In the search for improved stool biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an aptamer-based screen of 1129 stool proteins was conducted using stool samples from an IBD cohort. Here we report that of the 20 proteins subsequently validated by ELISA, stool Ferritin, Fibrinogen, Haptoglobin, Hemoglobin, Lipocalin-2, MMP-12, MMP-9, Myeloperoxidase, PGRP-S, Properdin, Resistin, Serpin A4, and TIMP-1 are significantly elevated in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) compared to controls. When tested in a longitudinal cohort of 50 UC patients at 4 time-points, fecal Fibrinogen, MMP-8, PGRP-S, and TIMP-2 show the strongest positive correlation with concurrent PUCAI and PGA scores and are superior to fecal calprotectin. Unlike fecal calprotectin, baseline stool Fibrinogen, MMP-12, PGRP-S, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 can predict clinical remission at Week-4. Here we show that stool proteins identified using the comprehensive aptamer-based screen are superior to fecal calprotectin alone in disease monitoring and prediction in IBD.
Storm surge and ponding explain mangrove dieback in southwest Florida following Hurricane Irma
Authors: Lagomasino David , Fatoyinbo Temilola , Castañeda-Moya Edward , Cook Bruce D. , Montesano Paul M. , Neigh Christopher S. R. , Corp Lawrence A. , Ott Lesley E. , Chavez Selena , Morton Douglas C.
Published: June 2021

Mangroves buffer inland ecosystems from hurricane winds and storm surge. However, their ability to withstand harsh cyclone conditions depends on plant resilience traits and geomorphology. Using airborne lidar and satellite imagery collected before and after Hurricane Irma, we estimated that 62% of mangroves in southwest Florida suffered canopy damage, with largest impacts in tall forests (>10 m). Mangroves on well-drained sites (83%) resprouted new leaves within one year after the storm. By contrast, in poorly-drained inland sites, we detected one of the largest mangrove diebacks on record (10,760 ha), triggered by Irma. We found evidence that the combination of low elevation (median = 9.4 cm asl), storm surge water levels (>1.4 m above the ground surface), and hydrologic isolation drove coastal forest vulnerability and were independent of tree height or wind exposure. Our results indicated that storm surge and ponding caused dieback, not wind. Tidal restoration and hydrologic management in these vulnerable, low-lying coastal areas can reduce mangrove mortality and improve resilience to future cyclones.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccine induced antibody responses against three SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Jalkanen Pinja , Kolehmainen Pekka , Häkkinen Hanni K. , Huttunen Moona , Tähtinen Paula A. , Lundberg Rickard , Maljanen Sari , Reinholm Arttu , Tauriainen Sisko , Pakkanen Sari H. , Levonen Iris , Nousiainen Arttu , Miller Taru , Välimaa Hanna , Ivaska Lauri , Pasternack Arja , Naves Rauno , Ritvos Olli , Österlund Pamela , Kuivanen Suvi , Smura Teemu , Hepojoki Jussi , Vapalahti Olli , Lempainen Johanna , Kakkola Laura , Kantele Anu , Julkunen Ilkka
Published: June 2021

As SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating for over a year, dozens of vaccine candidates are under development or in clinical use. The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine induces spike protein-specific neutralizing antibodies associated with protective immunity. The emergence of the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants has raised concerns of reduced vaccine efficacy and increased re-infection rates. Here we show, that after the second dose, the sera of BNT162b2-vaccinated health care workers (n = 180) effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 variant with the D614G substitution and the B.1.1.7 variant, whereas the neutralization of the B.1.351 variant is five-fold reduced. Despite the reduction, 92% of the seronegative vaccinees have a neutralization titre of >20 for the B.1.351 variant indicating some protection. The vaccinees’ neutralization titres exceeded those of recovered non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our work provides evidence that the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine induces cross-neutralization of at least some of the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Observation of a singular Weyl point surrounded by charged nodal walls in PtGa
Authors: Ma J.-Z. , Wu Q.-S. , Song M. , Zhang S.-N. , Guedes E. B. , Ekahana S. A. , Krivenkov M. , Yao M. Y. , Gao S.-Y. , Fan W.-H. , Qian T. , Ding H. , Plumb N. C. , Radovic M. , Dil J. H. , Xiong Y.-M. , Manna K. , Felser C. , Yazyev O. V. , Shi M.
Published: June 2021

Constrained by the Nielsen-Ninomiya no-go theorem, in all so-far experimentally determined Weyl semimetals (WSMs) the Weyl points (WPs) always appear in pairs in the momentum space with no exception. As a consequence, Fermi arcs occur on surfaces which connect the projections of the WPs with opposite chiral charges. However, this situation can be circumvented in the case of unpaired WP, without relevant surface Fermi arc connecting its surface projection, appearing singularly, while its Berry curvature field is absorbed by nontrivial charged nodal walls. Here, combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with density functional theory calculations, we show experimentally that a singular Weyl point emerges in PtGa at the center of the Brillouin zone (BZ), which is surrounded by closed Weyl nodal walls located at the BZ boundaries and there is no Fermi arc connecting its surface projection. Our results reveal that nontrivial band crossings of different dimensionalities can emerge concomitantly in condensed matter, while their coexistence ensures the net topological charge of different dimensional topological objects to be zero. Our observation extends the applicable range of the original Nielsen-Ninomiya no-go theorem which was derived from zero dimensional paired WPs with opposite chirality.
Efficient long-range conduction in cable bacteria through nickel protein wires
Authors: Boschker Henricus T. S. , Cook Perran L. M. , Polerecky Lubos , Eachambadi Raghavendran Thiruvallur , Lozano Helena , Hidalgo-Martinez Silvia , Khalenkow Dmitry , Spampinato Valentina , Claes Nathalie , Kundu Paromita , Wang Da , Bals Sara , Sand Karina K. , Cavezza Francesca , Hauffman Tom , Bjerg Jesper Tataru , Skirtach Andre G. , Kochan Kamila , McKee Merrilyn , Wood Bayden , Bedolla Diana , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Geerlings Nicole M. J. , Van Gerven Nani , Remaut Han , Geelhoed Jeanine S. , Millan-Solsona Ruben , Fumagalli Laura , Nielsen Lars Peter , Franquet Alexis , Manca Jean V. , Gomila Gabriel , Meysman Filip J. R.
Published: June 2021

Filamentous cable bacteria display long-range electron transport, generating electrical currents over centimeter distances through a highly ordered network of fibers embedded in their cell envelope. The conductivity of these periplasmic wires is exceptionally high for a biological material, but their chemical structure and underlying electron transport mechanism remain unresolved. Here, we combine high-resolution microscopy, spectroscopy, and chemical imaging on individual cable bacterium filaments to demonstrate that the periplasmic wires consist of a conductive protein core surrounded by an insulating protein shell layer. The core proteins contain a sulfur-ligated nickel cofactor, and conductivity decreases when nickel is oxidized or selectively removed. The involvement of nickel as the active metal in biological conduction is remarkable, and suggests a hitherto unknown form of electron transport that enables efficient conduction in centimeter-long protein structures.
Detection of gut microbiota and pathogen produced N-acyl homoserine in host circulation and tissues
Authors: Xue Jingchuan , Chi Liang , Tu Pengcheng , Lai Yunjia , Liu Chih-Wei , Ru Hongyu , Lu Kun
Published: June 2021

Recent studies suggest that quorum-sensing molecules may play a role in gut microbiota-host crosstalk. However, whether microbiota produces quorum-sensing molecules and whether those molecules can trans-kingdom transport to the host are still unknown. Here, we develop a UPLC-MS/MS-based assay to screen the 27 N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) in the gut microbiota and host. Various AHL molecules are exclusively detected in the cecal contents, sera and livers from conventionally-raised mice but cannot be detected in germ-free mice. Pathogen-produced C4-HSL is detected in the cecal contents and sera of Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium)-infected mice, but not found in uninfected controls. Moreover, C. rodentium infection significantly increases the level of multiple AHL molecules in sera. Our findings demonstrate that both commensal and pathogenic bacteria, can produce AHLs that can be detected in host bodies, suggesting that quorum-sensing molecules could be a group of signaling molecules in trans-kingdom microbiota-host crosstalk.
A cross-cultural study showing deficits in gaze-language coordination during rapid automatized naming among individuals with ASD
Authors: Nayar Kritika , Kang Xin , Xing Jiayin , Gordon Peter C. , Wong Patrick C. M. , Losh Molly
Published: June 2021

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their first-degree relatives demonstrate automaticity deficits reflected in reduced eye-voice coordination during rapid automatized naming (RAN), suggesting that RAN deficits may be a genetically meaningful marker of ASD language-related impairments. This study investigated whether RAN deficits in ASD extend to a language typologically distinct from English. Participants included 23 Cantonese-speaking individuals with ASD and 39 controls from Hong Kong (HK), and age- and IQ-comparable groups of previously-studied English-speaking individuals with ASD (n = 45) and controls (n = 44) from the US. Participants completed RAN on an eye tracker. Analyses examined naming time, error rate, measures of eye movement reflecting language automaticity, including eye-voice span (EVS; location of eyes versus the named item) and refixations. The HK-ASD group exhibited longer naming times and more refixations than HK-Controls, in a pattern similar to that observed in the US-ASD group. Cultural effects revealed that both HK groups showed longer EVS and more fixations than US groups. Naming time and refixation differences may be ASD-specific impairments spanning cultures/languages, whereas EVS and fixation frequency may be more variably impacted. A potential underlying mechanism of visual “stickiness” may be contributing to this breakdown in language automaticity in ASD.
Machine learning based prediction of lattice thermal conductivity for half-Heusler compounds using atomic information
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Tamura Tomoyuki , Mikami Masashi , Watanabe Kosuke , Ide Naoki , Ozkendir Osman Murat , Nishino Yoichi
Published: June 2021

Half-Heusler compound has drawn attention in a variety of fields as a candidate material for thermoelectric energy conversion and spintronics technology. When the half-Heusler compound is incorporated into the device, the control of high lattice thermal conductivity owing to high crystal symmetry is a challenge for the thermal manager of the device. The calculation for the prediction of lattice thermal conductivity is an important physical parameter for controlling the thermal management of the device. We examined whether lattice thermal conductivity prediction by machine learning was possible on the basis of only the atomic information of constituent elements for thermal conductivity calculated by the density functional theory in various half-Heusler compounds. Consequently, we constructed a machine learning model, which can predict the lattice thermal conductivity with high accuracy from the information of only atomic radius and atomic mass of each site in the half-Heusler type crystal structure. Applying our results, the lattice thermal conductivity for an unknown half-Heusler compound can be immediately predicted. In the future, low-cost and short-time development of new functional materials can be realized, leading to breakthroughs in the search of novel functional materials.
Compressional wave velocity measurements on mafic–ultramafic rocks under high aqueous fluid pressure and temperature help to explain low-velocity zones in the lithosphere
Authors: Lebedev Evgeny B. , Kern Hartmut , Pavlenkova Ninely I. , Lukanin Oleg A. , Lobanov Konstantin V. , Zharikov Andrey V. , Popp Till
Published: June 2021

Deep seismic studies have revealed that low-velocity zones mainly occurred in the continental lithosphere at the depth of 100–150 km. Their origin has not been clearly explained yet. The article demonstrates the possible scale of Vp changes in crystalline rocks of different composition. The conclusions were made on the basis of the comprehensive analysis of the experimental data obtained by the authors. The compressional wave velocities in the temperature range from 20 to 800 °C, both in dry conditions (at pressure of 600 MPa) and in the presence of aqueous fluid (at pressure of 300 MPa) were measured. It is shown that the most significant decrease of velocities (by ~ 3 km/s) in the temperature range of 400–700 °C, corresponding to the deep waveguides of the lithospheric mantle, occurs under water pressure in ultramafic rocks enriched by olivine (dunites). Such decrease is due to rock structure changes caused by olivine serpentinization reactions. It is assumed that serpentinization and/or formation of similar hydrous minerals, which are stable in a wide range of PT-conditions in olivine-rich mantle rocks due to the influence of deep fluids, may cause low-velocities zones in the upper mantle at depths of about 100 km.
Interfacial coupling effect of Cr2O3 on the magnetic properties of Fe72Ga28 thin films
Authors: Hontecillas I. , Maicas M. , Andrés J. P. , Ranchal R.
Published: June 2021

Here it is investigated the effect of the antiferromagnet Cr2O3on the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic Fe72Ga28thin films. Sputtered Fe72Ga28layers have their magnetization in the sample plane with a magnetic fluctuation that gives rise to magnetic ripple. In order to turn its magnetization into the out of plane (OOP) direction, it has been magnetically coupled with Cr2O3that has magnetic moments along thec-axis, that is the perpendicular direction when properly aligned. Cr2O3has been obtained from Cr oxidation, whereas Fe72Ga28has been deposited on top of it by sputtering in the ballistic regime. Although a uniaxial in-plane magnetic anisotropy is expected for Fe72Ga28thickness above 100 nm, the interfacial coupling with Cr2O3prevents this anisotropy. The formation of stripe domains in Fe72Ga28above a critical thickness reveals the enhancement of the out of plane component of the Fe72Ga28magnetization with respect to uncoupled layers. Due to the interface coupling, the Fe72Ga28magnetization turns into the out-of-plane direction as its thickness is gradually reduced, and a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of 3·106erg·cm−3is inferred from experimental results. Eventually, the coupling between Cr2O3and Fe72Ga28promotes an exchange-bias effect that has been well fitted by means of the random field model.
Low-volume cycling training improves body composition and functionality in older people with multimorbidity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Carballeira Eduardo , Censi Karla C. , Maseda Ana , López-López Rocío , Lorenzo-López Laura , Millán-Calenti José C.
Published: June 2021

Physical exercise, when practiced regularly and in adequate doses, is a proven nonpharmacological measure that helps to prevent and reverse noncommunicable diseases, as well as reduce mortality rates from any cause. In general, older adults perform insufficient physical activity and do not meet the doses recommended by the World Health Organization for the improvement of health through physical activity. However, there is little evidence on adequate doses of exercise in older people, especially in those with multimorbidity. Our main aim was to evaluate the effect of a 6-week intervention on health-related outcomes (body composition, hemodynamic and functionality changes) in 24 individuals aged 65 and older with multimorbidity in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention consisted of a very low volume (60 min per week) of low-to-moderate intensity exercise training (perception of effort from 3 to 6 on an 11-point scale). After the intervention, blood pressure was significantly (p = 0.038) reduced in the exercise group (EG), with a higher reduction in men. Furthermore, the EG decreased their waist circumference (p = 0.005), a proxy of abdominal adiposity, and demonstrated an increased likelihood (73%) that a randomly selected change in muscle mass score from the EG would be greater than a randomly selected change score from the control group. The exercise intervention was particularly effective in enhancing the functionality of older adults with multimorbidity, especially in walking speed and balance skills. Perceptually regulated intensity during exercise training seemed to be a very interesting strategy to train individuals with low physical fitness and comorbidities. This study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04842396).
Follow-up of COVID-19 recovered patients with mild disease
Authors: Kashif Alina , Chaudhry Manahil , Fayyaz Tehreem , Abdullah Mohammad , Malik Ayesha , Anwer Javairia Manal Akmal , Inam Syed Hashim Ali , Fatima Tehreem , Iqbal Noreena , Shoaib Khadija
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 may manifest as mild, moderate or severe disease with each grade of severity having its own features and post-viral implications. With the rising burden of the pandemic, it is vital to identify not only active disease but any post-recovery complications as well. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the presence of post-viral symptomatology in patients recovered from mild COVID-19 disease. Presence or absence of 11 post-viral symptoms was recorded and we found that 8 of the 11 studied symptoms were notably more prevalent amongst the female sample population. Our results validate the presence of prolonged symptoms months after recovery from mild COVID-19 disease, particularly in association with the female gender. Hence, proving the post-COVID syndrome is a recognizable diagnosis in the bigger context of the post-viral fatigue syndrome.
The risk of shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery for infertility is higher in thin patients
Authors: Li Xin You , Tian Ming , Li Ai Zhi , Han Chun Lei , Li Ke Zhong
Published: June 2021

Postlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) is a common clinical problem that needs to be addressed by medical professionals who are currently perform laparoscopic surgeries. The purpose of this study was to determine the perioperative clinical factors and demographic characteristics associated with PLSP. A prospective observational study was performed with 442 inpatients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for infertility. The pain visual analogue scale was used as the measuring instrument. To identify the predictors of PLSP, we performed multivariate conditional logistic regression. PLSP was correlated with body mass index (BMI, odds ratio = 0.815). The incidence of shoulder pain and more severe shoulder pain in patients with a lower BMI was significantly higher than it was in patients with a higher BMI, and BMI was significantly negatively correlated with PLSP. Most of the patients (95%) began to experience shoulder pain on the first postoperative day, and it rarely occurred on the day of surgery. Patients with lower BMI presented a higher risk of reporting shoulder pain on the first postoperative day. We should identify high-risk patients in advance and make specific treatment plans according to the characteristics of their symptoms.
Identification of the most suitable reference gene for gene expression studies with development and abiotic stress response in Bromus sterilis
Authors: Sen Madhab Kumar , Hamouzová Kateřina , Košnarová Pavlina , Roy Amit , Soukup Josef
Published: June 2021

Bromus sterilis is an annual weedy grass, causing high yield losses in winter cereals. Frequent use of herbicides had led to the evolution of herbicide resistance in this species. Mechanisms underlying herbicide resistance in B. sterilis must be uncovered because this problem is becoming a global threat. qRT-PCR and the next-generation sequencing technologies can elucidate the resistance mechanisms. Although qRT-PCR can calculate precise fold changes, its preciseness depends on the expression of reference genes. Regardless of stable expression in any given condition, no gene can act as a universal reference gene. Hence, it is necessary to identify the suitable reference gene for each species. To our knowledge, there are no reports on the suitable reference gene in any brome species so far. Thus, in this paper, the stability of eight genes was evaluated using qRT-PCR experiments followed by expression stability ranking via five most commonly used software for reference gene selection. Our findings suggest using a combination of 18S rRNA and ACCase to normalise the qRT-PCR data in B. sterilis. Besides, reference genes are also recommended for different experimental conditions. The present study outcomes will facilitate future molecular work in B. sterilis and other related grass species.
Leaf morphology and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of mulberry seedlings under waterlogging stress
Authors: Rao Liangyi , Li Siyuan , Cui Xue
Published: June 2021

Because of its high flooding tolerance, in recent years, mulberry has become a tree species that is used in plant restoration in impact zones in reservoir areas. Therefore, 3-year-old potted forage mulberry seedlings were used to investigate the mechanism of mulberry adaptation to flooding stress. An indoor simulated flooding method was adopted to study the morphology of mulberry seedling leaves and the changes in leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and fluorescence imaging under different flooding times and depths. The results showed that the leaves of mulberry seedlings treated with shallow submergence remained healthy during the flooding period, while the leaves of mulberry seedlings treated with half submergence and full submergence showed different degrees of waterlogging symptoms in the middle and late flooding periods and formed adventitious roots at the base of the stem. Most of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased at the beginning of flooding, but the steady-state degree of closure of PS II reaction centres (1-qP_Lss) increased significantly. In the later stage of flooding, the fluorescence parameters showed relatively stable trends. Based on these results, we conclude that mulberry has high flooding tolerance due to a combination of morphological and physiological responses.
In vivo loading on the hip joint in patients with total hip replacement performing gymnastics and aerobics exercises
Authors: Haffer Henryk , Popovic Srdan , Martin Franziska , Hardt Sebastian , Winkler Tobias , Damm Philipp
Published: June 2021

A further increase in the number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is predicted, in particular the number of young THA patients has raised and with it their demands. There is no standardized evidence-based rehabilitation program and no reliable guidelines for sports activities after THA. Stretching and strengthening gymnastics are routinely performed in rehabilitation and aerobics as a sport after THA. The aim of the investigation was to determine the in vivo force and moments acting on the hip prosthesis during gymnastics and aerobic exercises to provide a source for evidence-based recommendations. Hip joint loads were measured in six patients with instrumented hip implants. The resulting force FRes, bending moment MBendat the neck and torsional moment MTorsat the stem were examined during seven strengthening (with two different resistance bands) and four stretching gymnastic exercises and seven aerobic exercises with and without an aerobic step board compared to the loads during the reference activity walking. The stretching and strengthening gymnastics exercises and the aerobic exercises with and without a board demonstrated in their median peak force and moments mostly lower or similar values compared to walking. Significantly increased loads were recorded for the flexor stretching exercise in monopod stand (Fresand MBend), the strengthening abduction exercise on the chair (MTors) and the strengthening flexion exercise with the stronger resistance band (MTors). We also found a significant increase in median peak values in aerobic exercises with a board for the "Basic Step" (ipsilateral started Fresand MTors; contralateral started MTors), "Kickstep ipsilateral started" (Fresand MTors) and "Over the Top contralateral started" (Fres). The in vivo loads in THA patients during frequently performed stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises were demonstrated for the first time. It was proved that stretching gymnastic exercises are safe in terms of resulting force, bending and torque moments for THA patients, although an external assistance for stabilization may be considered. Strengthening gymnastics exercises are reliable in terms of Fres, MBendand MTors, but, based on our data, we recommend to adhere to the communicated specific postoperative restrictions and select the resistance bands with lower tension. Aerobic exercises without an aerobic board can be considered as reliable activity in terms of force and moments for THA patients. Aerobic exercises with a board are not recommended for the early postoperative period and in our opinion need to be adapted to the individual muscular and coordinative resources.
The mechanism of increased intestinal palmitic acid absorption and its impact on hepatic stellate cell activation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Hanayama Masakazu , Yamamoto Yasunori , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Yoshida Osamu , Liu Shuang , Mogi Masaki , Matsuura Bunzo , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshiou , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: June 2021

Dietary palmitic acid (PA) promotes liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Herein, we clarified the intestinal absorption kinetics of dietary PA and effect of trans-portal PA on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) involved in liver fibrosis in NASH. Blood PA levels after meals were significantly increased in patients with NASH compared to those in the control. Expression of genes associated with fat absorption and chylomicron formation, such as CD36 and MTP, was significantly increased in the intestine of NASH model rats compared with that in the controls. Plasma levels of glucagon-like peptide-2, involved in the upregulation of CD36 expression, were elevated in NASH rats compared with those in the controls. Furthermore, portal PA levels after meals in NASH rats were significantly higher than those in control and nonalcoholic fatty liver rats. Moreover, PA injection into the portal vein to the liver in control rats increased the mRNA levels associated with the activation of HSCs. Increased intestinal absorption of diet-derived PA was observed in NASH. Thus, the rapid increase in PA levels via the portal vein to the liver may activate HSCs and affect the development of liver fibrosis in NASH.
Various myosteatosis selection criteria and their value in the assessment of short- and long-term outcomes following liver transplantation
Authors: Meister Franziska Alexandra , Bednarsch Jan , Amygdalos Iakovos , Boecker Joerg , Strnad Pavel , Bruners Philipp , Lang Sven Arke , Ulmer Tom Florian , Heij Lara , Santana Daniel Antonio Morales , Liu Wen-Jia , Lurje Georg , Neumann Ulf Peter , Czigany Zoltan
Published: June 2021

Body composition and myosteatosis affect clinical outcomes in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Here we aimed to compare the value and limitations of various selection criteria to define pre-transplant myosteatosis in the assessment of short- and long-term outcomes following OLT. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 264 consecutive recipients who underwent deceased donor OLT at a German university medical centre. Myosteatosis was evaluated by preoperative computed-tomography-based segmentation. Patients were stratified using muscle radiation attenuation of the whole muscle area (L3Muslce-RA), psoas RA (L3Psoas-RA) and intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC) values. L3Muslce-RA, L3Psoas-RA and IMAC performed well without major differences and identified patients at risk for inferior outcomes in the group analysis. Quartile-based analyses, receiver operating characteristic curve and correlation analyses showed a superior association of L3Muslce-RA with perioperative outcomes when compared to L3Psoas-RA and L3IMAC. Long-term outcome did not show any major differences between the used selection criteria. This study confirms the prognostic role of myosteatosis in OLT with a particularly strong value in the perioperative phase. Although, based on our data, L3Muscle-RA might be the most suitable and recommended selection criterion to assess CT-based myosteatosis when compared to L3Psoas-RA and L3IMAC, further studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Deep neural network-based classification of cardiotocograms outperformed conventional algorithms
Authors: Ogasawara Jun , Ikenoue Satoru , Yamamoto Hiroko , Sato Motoshige , Kasuga Yoshifumi , Mitsukura Yasue , Ikegaya Yuji , Yasui Masato , Tanaka Mamoru , Ochiai Daigo
Published: June 2021

Cardiotocography records fetal heart rates and their temporal relationship to uterine contractions. To identify high risk fetuses, obstetricians inspect cardiotocograms (CTGs) by eye. Therefore, CTG traces are often interpreted differently among obstetricians, resulting in inappropriate interventions. However, few studies have focused on quantitative and nonbiased algorithms for CTG evaluation. In this study, we propose a newly constructed deep neural network model (CTG-net) to detect compromised fetal status. CTG-net consists of three convolutional layers that extract temporal patterns and interrelationships between fetal heart rate and uterine contraction signals. We aimed to classify the abnormal group (umbilical artery pH < 7.20 or Apgar score at 1 min < 7) and the normal group from CTG data. We evaluated the performance of the CTG-net with the F1 score and compared it with conventional algorithms, namely, support vector machine and k-means clustering, and another deep neural network model, long short-term memory. CTG-net showed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73 ± 0.04, which was significantly higher than that of long short-term memory. CTG-net, a quantitative and automated diagnostic aid system, enables early intervention for putatively abnormal fetuses, resulting in a reduction in the number of cases of hypoxic injury.
In Silico identification of a common mobile element insertion in exon 4 of RP1
Authors: Won Dongju , Hwang Joo-Yeon , Shim Yeeun , Byeon Suk Ho , Lee Junwon , Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Kim Min , Lim Hyun Taek , Choi Jong Rak , Lee Seung-Tae , Han Jinu
Published: June 2021

Mobile element insertions (MEIs) typically exceed the read lengths of short-read sequencing technologies and are therefore frequently missed. Recently, a founder Alu insertion in exon 4 of RP1 has been detected in Japanese patients with macular dystrophy by PCR and gel electrophoresis. We aimed to develop a grep search program for the detection of the Alu insertion in exon 4 of RP1 using unprocessed short reads. Among 494 unrelated Korean patients with inherited eye diseases, 273 patients with specific retinal phenotypes who were previously genotyped by targeted panel or whole exome sequencing were selected. Five probands had a single heterozygous truncating RP1 variant, and one of their unaffected parents also carry this variant. To find a hidden genetic variant, whole genome sequencing was performed in two patients, and it revealed AluY c.4052_4053ins328/p.(Tyr1352Alafs*9) insertion in RP1 exon 4. This AluY insertion was additionally identified in other 3 families, which was confirmed by PCR and gel electrophoresis. We developed simplified grep search program to detect this AluY insertion in RP1 exon 4. The simple grep search revealed a median variant allele frequency of 0.282 (interquartile range, 0.232–0.383), with no false-positive results using 120 control samples. The MEI in RP1 exon 4 was a common founder mutation in Korean, occurring in 1.8% of our cohort. The RP1-Alu grep program efficiently detected the AluY insertion, without the preprocessing of raw data or complex installation processes.
Porcine pancreatic ductal epithelial cells transformed with KRASG12D and SV40T are tumorigenic
Authors: Bailey Katie L. , Cartwright Sara B. , Patel Neesha S. , Remmers Neeley , Lazenby Audrey J. , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Carlson Mark A.
Published: June 2021

We describe our initial studies in the development of an orthotopic, genetically defined, large animal model of pancreatic cancer. Primary pancreatic epithelial cells were isolated from pancreatic duct of domestic pigs. A transformed cell line was generated from these primary cells with oncogenic KRAS and SV40T. The transformed cell lines outperformed the primary and SV40T immortalized cells in terms of proliferation, population doubling time, soft agar growth, transwell migration and invasion. The transformed cell line grew tumors when injected subcutaneously in nude mice, forming glandular structures and staining for epithelial markers. Future work will include implantation studies of these tumorigenic porcine pancreatic cell lines into the pancreas of allogeneic and autologous pigs. The resultant large animal model of pancreatic cancer could be utilized for preclinical research on diagnostic, interventional, and therapeutic technologies.
Synthesis and characterization of analcime (ANA) zeolite using a kaolinitic rock
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo
Published: June 2021

Analcime is nowadays an important component in dental porcelain systems, in heterogeneous catalysis, in the nanoelectronic field, in selective adsorption and in stomatology (dental filling and prosthesis). Analcime synthesis from an impure, silica-rich kaolinite rock coming from Romana (Sassari, Italy) is here presented. A synthesis protocol is proposed that aims to make an improvement of synthesis conditions compared to the past. The hydrothermal treatment is in fact here achieved without aging times and without the use of sodium silicate or other additional silica source reported in the literature. Lower calcination temperature, synthesis temperature and crystallization time are verified in this work. The kaolin is subjected to calcination at the temperature of 650 °C and then mixed with NaOH. The experiment is performed at ambient pressure and 170 ± 0.1 °C. The degree of purity of analcime is calculated in 97.57% at 10 h. Analcime is characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and thermal analysis. Density is also calculated. Cell parameters and the amount of amorphous phase in the synthesis powders is estimated with quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods. The experimental conditions make the synthesis protocol particularly attractive from an economic point of view. Also this work does not use a commercial kaolin but silica-rich impure kaolinitic rock from a disused quarry. This further reduces the costs of the experimental protocol. It also gives the protocol an added value, as the synthesis of a useful mineral is obtained through the valorization of an otherwise unused georesource. Both chemical and physical characterization of analcime is satisfactory making the experimental protocol very promising for an industrial transfer.
Combination immunotherapy with two attenuated Listeria strains carrying shuffled HPV-16 E6E7 protein causes tumor regression in a mouse tumor model
Authors: Su Lin , Zhang Yunwen , Zhang Xiang , Liu Ting , Liu Sijing , Li Yongyu , Jiang Mingjuan , Tang Tian , Shen Haiqian , Wang Chuan
Published: June 2021

Cervical cancer continues to impose a heavy burden worldwide, and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, especially persistent infection with type 16 (HPV-16), is known to be the primary etiological factor. Therapeutic vaccines are urgently needed because prophylactic vaccines are ineffective at clearing pre-existing HPV infection. Here, two recombinant Listeria strains (LMΔ-E6E7 & LIΔ-E6E7) with deletions of the actA and plcB genes, expressing the shuffled HPV-16 E6E7 protein were constructed. The strains were delivered into the spleen and liver by intravenous inoculation, induced antigen-specific cellular immunity and were eliminated completely from the internal organs several days later. Intravenously treating with single strain for three times, or with both strains alternately for three times significantly reduced the tumor size and prolonged the survival time of model mice. Combination immunotherapy with two strains seemed more effective than immunotherapy with single strain in that it enhanced the survival of the mice, and the LMΔ-E6E7-prime-LIΔ-E6E7-boost strategy showed significant stronger efficacy than single treatment with the LIΔ-E6E7 strain. The antitumor effect of this treatment might due to its ability to increase the proportion of CD8+ T cells and reduce the proportion of T regulatory cells (Tregs) in the intratumoral milieu. This is the first report regarding Listeria ivanovii-based therapeutic vaccine candidate against cervical cancer. Most importantly we are the first to confirm that combination therapy with two different recombinant Listeria strains has a more satisfactory antitumor effect than administration of a single strain. Thus, we propose a novel prime-boost treatment strategy.
Biodegradation of Indanthrene Blue RS dye in immobilized continuous upflow packed bed bioreactor using corncob biochar
Authors: Mohanty Swati Sambita , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2021

The current study describes the aerobic biodegradation of Indanthrene Blue RS dye by a microbial consortium immobilized on corn-cob biochar in a continuous up-flow packed bed bioreactor. The adsorption experiments were performed without microbes to monitor the adsorption effects on initial dye decolorization efficiency. The batch experiments were carried out to estimate the process parameters, and the optimal values of pH, temperature, and inoculum volume were identified as 10.0, 30 °C, and 3.0 × 106 CFU mL−1, respectively. During the continuous operation, the effect of flow rate, initial substrate concentration, inlet loading rate of Indanthrene Blue RS on the elimination capacity, and its removal efficiency in the bioreactor was studied. The continuous up-flow packed bed bioreactor was performed at different flow rates (0.25 to 1.25 L h−1) under the optimal parameters. The maximum removal efficiency of 90% was observed, with the loading rate varying between 100 and 300 mg L−1 day−1. The up-flow packed bed bioreactor used for this study was extremely useful in eliminating Indanthrene Blue RS dye using both the biosorption and biodegradation process. Therefore, it is a potential treatment strategy for detoxifying textile wastewater containing anthraquinone-based dyes.
Spatial organization of FcγR and TLR2/1 on phagosome membranes differentially regulates their synergistic and inhibitory receptor crosstalk
Authors: Li Wenqian , Li Miao , Anthony Stephen M. , Yu Yan
Published: June 2021

Many innate immune receptors function collaboratively to detect and elicit immune responses to pathogens, but the physical mechanisms that govern the interaction and signaling crosstalk between the receptors are unclear. In this study, we report that the signaling crosstalk between Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)2/1 can be overall synergistic or inhibitory depending on the spatial proximity between the receptor pair on phagosome membranes. Using a geometric manipulation strategy, we physically altered the spatial distribution of FcγR and TLR2 on single phagosomes. We demonstrate that the signaling synergy between FcγR and TLR2/1 depends on the proximity of the receptors and decreases as spatial separation between them increases. However, the inhibitory effect from FcγRIIb on TLR2-dependent signaling is always present and independent of receptor proximity. The overall cell responses are an integration from these two mechanisms. This study presents quantitative evidence that the nanoscale proximity between FcγR and TLR2 functions as a key regulatory mechanism in their signaling crosstalk.
MYD88, NFKB1, and IL6 transcripts overexpression are associated with poor outcomes and short survival in neonatal sepsis
Authors: AbdAllah Nouran B. , Toraih Eman A. , Al Ageeli Essam , Elhagrasy Hala , Gouda Nawal S. , Fawzy Manal S. , Helal Ghada M.
Published: June 2021

Toll-like receptor (TLR) family signature has been implicated in sepsis etiopathology. We aimed to evaluate the genetic profile of TLR pathway-related key genes; the myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MYD88), IL1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), the nuclear factor kappa-B1 (NFKB1), and interleukin 6 (IL6) in the blood of neonates with sepsis at the time of admission and post-treatment for the available paired-samples. This case–control study included 124 infants with sepsis admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and 17 controls. The relative gene expressions were quantified by TaqMan Real-Time qPCR and correlated to the clinic-laboratory data. MYD88, NFKB1, and IL6 relative expressions were significantly higher in sepsis cases than controls. Higher levels of MYD88 and IL6 were found in male neonates and contributed to the sex-based separation of the cases by the principal component analysis. ROC analysis revealed MYD88 and NFKB1 transcripts to be good biomarkers for sepsis. Furthermore, patients with high circulatory MYD88 levels were associated with poor survival, as revealed by Kaplan–Meier curves analysis. MYD88, NFKB1, and IL6 transcripts showed association with different poor-outcome manifestations. Clustering analysis split the patient cohort into three distinct groups according to their transcriptomic signature and CRP levels. In conclusion, the study TLR pathway-related transcripts have a gender-specific signature, diagnostic, and prognostic clinical utility in neonatal sepsis.
Glutamine supplementation stimulates cell proliferation in skeletal muscle and cultivated myogenic cells of low birth weight piglets
Authors: Zhao Yaolu , Albrecht Elke , Stange Katja , Li Zeyang , Schregel Johannes , Sciascia Quentin L. , Metges Cornelia C. , Maak Steffen
Published: June 2021

Muscle growth of low birth weight (LBW) piglets may be improved with adapted nutrition. This study elucidated effects of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on the cellular muscle development of LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets. Male piglets (n = 144) were either supplemented with 1 g Gln/kg body weight or an isonitrogeneous amount of alanine (Ala) between postnatal day 1 and 12 (dpn). Twelve piglets per group were slaughtered at 5, 12 and 26 dpn, one hour after injection with Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU, 12 mg/kg). Muscle samples were collected and myogenic cells were isolated and cultivated. Expression of muscle growth related genes was quantified with qPCR. Proliferating, BrdU-positive cells in muscle sections were detected with immunohistochemistry indicating different cell types and decreasing proliferation with age. More proliferation was observed in muscle tissue of LBW-GLN than LBW-ALA piglets at 5 dpn, but there was no clear effect of supplementation on related gene expression. Cell culture experiments indicated that Gln could promote cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner, but expression of myogenesis regulatory genes was not altered. Overall, Gln supplementation stimulated cell proliferation in muscle tissue and in vitro in myogenic cell culture, whereas muscle growth regulatory genes were barely altered.
High-throughput injection molded microfluidic device for single-cell analysis of spatiotemporal dynamics
Authors: Kim Youngtaek , Song Jiyoung , Lee Younggyun , Cho Sunghyun , Kim Suryong , Lee Seung-Ryeol , Park Seonghyuk , Shin Yongdae , Jeon Noo Li
Published: June 2021

We have developed an injection molded microfluidic device using polystyrene capable of generating spatiotemporal dynamics. We observed phase separation and ERK activation under versatile temporal stimulation and cell migration under spatial dynamics.
An adherent drug depot for retinal ganglion cell protection and regeneration in rat traumatic optic neuropathy models
Authors: Li Lingli , Deng Fen , Qiu Haijun , Li Yao , Gong Zan , Wang Lei , Wang Jingjie , Wu Wencan , Nan Kaihui
Published: June 2021

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) describes an injury to the optic nerve following either blunt or penetrating trauma, and remains an important cause of vision loss.
A new self-passivating template with the phosphorothioate strategy to effectively improve the detection limit and applicability of exponential amplification reaction
Authors: Mao Jikai , Tang Shiyi , Liang Sijia , Pan Wufan , Kang Yanlei , Cheng Jianbo , Yu Dongdong , Chen Jie , Lou Jingan , Zhao Hong , Zhou Jianguang
Published: June 2021

We proposed a new self-passivating template with the phosphorothioate strategy to effectively improve the sensitivity and applicability of exponential amplification reaction.
Fascinating MXene nanomaterials: emerging opportunities in the biomedical field
Authors: Lin Xiangping , Li Zhongjun , Qiu Jinmei , Wang Qi , Wang Jianxin , Zhang Han , Chen Tongkai
Published: June 2021

In recent years, there has been rapid progress in MXene research due to its distinctive two-dimensional structure and outstanding properties.
Transmissive to blackish-green NIR electrochromism in a Co(ii)-based interfacial co-ordination thin film
Authors: Roy Susmita , Chakraborty Chanchal
Published: June 2021

Non-conjugated terpyridine based Co(ii)-polymeric thin film (Co-tpy-L) showing durable transmissive-to-blackish green UV-to-NIR electrochromism in a moderate voltage range of −1.4 to 0 V was demonstrated.
Investigating the structure–fluorescence properties of tetraphenylethylene fused imidazole AIEgens: reversible mechanofluorochromism and polymer matrix controlled fluorescence tuning
Authors: Nagarasu Palaniyappan , Kundu Anu , Thiruvenkatam Vijay , Raghavaiah Pallepogu , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip , Madhu Vedichi
Published: June 2021

A series of stimuli-responsive AIEgens of tetraphenylethylene (TPE) fused imidazole derivatives (1–7) were synthesized, and their substituent controlled fluorescence properties in the solid state were explored.
A turn-on fluorescence sensing strategy for rapid detection of flumequine in water environments using covalent-coordination functionalized MOFs
Authors: Li Shengnan , Li Ying , Yan Bing
Published: June 2021

With high output and large use of antibiotics in the process of aquaculture, pollution caused by antibiotics in water environments is becoming a thorny problem, and its ecological risk has aroused widespread concern.
Structural and energetic properties of OC–BX3 complexes: unrealized potential for bond-stretch isomerism
Authors: Munos Jordan A. , Lowney Diego T. , Phillips James A.
Published: June 2021

We have explored the structural and energetic properties of OC–BX3 (X = F, Cl, or Br) complexes using computations and low-temperature infrared spectroscopy. For the OC–BCl3 and OC–BBr3 systems, we predict the existence of two distinct, stable structures along the B-C bond coordinate.
Regulating Pd/Al2O3 catalyst by g-C3N4 toward the enhanced selectivity of isoprene hydrogenation
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhang Yuqi , Liu Huan , Liang Shunqin , Sun Limin , Hu Xiaoli , Fang Weiping , Chen Zhou , Yi Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

The catalytic performance of Pd NPs in the selective hydrogenation of isoprene is modulated by g-C3N4 deposits on commercial alumina supports.