bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α-Synuclein-specific T cell reactivity is associated with preclinical and early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Dhanwani Rekha , Pham John , Kuan Rebecca , Frazier April , Rezende Dutra Juliana , Phillips Elizabeth , Mallal Simon , Roederer Mario , Marder Karen S. , Amara Amy W. , Standaert David G. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Litvan Irene , Peters Bjoern , Sulzer David , Sette Alessandro
Published: April 2020

A diagnosis of motor Parkinson’s disease (PD) is preceded by a prolonged premotor phase with accumulating neuronal damage. Here we examined the temporal relation between α-synuclein (α-syn) T cell reactivity and PD. A longitudinal case study revealed that elevated α-syn-specific T cell responses were detected prior to the diagnosis of motor PD, and declined after. The relationship between T cell reactivity and early PD in two independent cohorts showed that α-syn-specific T cell responses were highest shortly after diagnosis of motor PD and then decreased. Additional analysis revealed significant association of α-syn-specific T cell responses with age and lower levodopa equivalent dose. These results confirm the presence of α-syn-reactive T cells in PD and show that they are most abundant immediately after diagnosis of motor PD. These cells may be present years before the diagnosis of motor PD, suggesting avenues of investigation into PD pathogenesis and potential early diagnosis.
A fungal pathogen induces systemic susceptibility and systemic shifts in wheat metabolome and microbiome composition
Authors: Seybold Heike , Demetrowitsch Tobias J. , Hassani M. Amine , Szymczak Silke , Reim Ekaterina , Haueisen Janine , Lübbers Luisa , Rühlemann Malte , Franke Andre , Schwarz Karin , Stukenbrock Eva H.
Published: April 2020

Yield losses caused by fungal pathogens represent a major threat to global food production. One of the most devastating fungal wheat pathogens isZymoseptoria tritici. Despite the importance of this fungus, the underlying mechanisms of plant–pathogen interactions are poorly understood. Here we present a conceptual framework based on coinfection assays, comparative metabolomics, and microbiome profiling to study the interaction ofZ. triticiin susceptible and resistant wheat. We demonstrate thatZ. triticisuppresses the production of immune-related metabolites in a susceptible cultivar. Remarkably, this fungus-induced immune suppression spreads within the leaf and even to other leaves, a phenomenon that we term “systemic induced susceptibility”. Using a comparative metabolomics approach, we identify defense-related biosynthetic pathways that are suppressed and induced in susceptible and resistant cultivars, respectively. We show that these fungus-induced changes correlate with changes in the wheat leaf microbiome. Our findings suggest that immune suppression by this hemibiotrophic pathogen impacts specialized plant metabolism, alters its associated microbial communities, and renders wheat vulnerable to further infections.
High throughput pMHC-I tetramer library production using chaperone-mediated peptide exchange
Authors: Overall Sarah A. , Toor Jugmohit S. , Hao Stephanie , Yarmarkovich Mark , Sara M. O’Rourke  , Morozov Giora I. , Nguyen Son , Japp Alberto Sada , Gonzalez Nicolas , Moschidi Danai , Betts Michael R. , Maris John M. , Smibert Peter , Sgourakis Nikolaos G.
Published: April 2020

Peptide exchange technologies are essential for the generation of pMHC-multimer libraries used to probe diverse, polyclonal TCR repertoires in various settings. Here, using the molecular chaperone TAPBPR, we develop a robust method for the capture of stable, empty MHC-I molecules comprising murine H2 and human HLA alleles, which can be readily tetramerized and loaded with peptides of choice in a high-throughput manner. Alternatively, catalytic amounts of TAPBPR can be used to exchange placeholder peptides with high affinity peptides of interest. Using the same system, we describe high throughput assays to validate binding of multiple candidate peptides on empty MHC-I/TAPBPR complexes. Combined with tetramer-barcoding via a multi-modal cellular indexing technology, ECCITE-seq, our approach allows a combined analysis of TCR repertoires and other T cell transcription profiles together with their cognate antigen specificities in a single experiment. The new approach allows TCR/pMHC interactions to be interrogated easily at large scale.
Rapid subduction initiation and magmatism in the Western Pacific driven by internal vertical forces
Authors: Maunder B. , Prytulak J. , Goes S. , Reagan M.
Published: April 2020

Plate tectonics requires the formation of plate boundaries. Particularly important is the enigmatic initiation of subduction: the sliding of one plate below the other, and the primary driver of plate tectonics. A continuous, in situ record of subduction initiation was recovered by the International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 352, which drilled a segment of the fore-arc of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction system, revealing a distinct magmatic progression with a rapid timescale (approximately 1 million years). Here, using numerical models, we demonstrate that these observations cannot be produced by previously proposed horizontal external forcing. Instead a geodynamic evolution that is dominated by internal, vertical forces produces both the temporal and spatial distribution of magmatic products, and progresses to self-sustained subduction. Such a primarily internally driven initiation event is necessarily whole-plate scale and the rock sequence generated (also found along the Tethyan margin) may be considered as a smoking gun for this type of event.
Increased pathogenicity of pneumococcal serotype 1 is driven by rapid autolysis and release of pneumolysin
Authors: Jacques Laura C. , Panagiotou Stavros , Baltazar Murielle , Senghore Madikay , Khandaker Shadia , Xu Rong , Bricio-Moreno Laura , Yang Marie , Dowson Christopher G. , Everett Dean B. , Neill Daniel R. , Kadioglu Aras
Published: April 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 is the predominant cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in sub-Saharan Africa, but the mechanism behind its increased invasiveness is not well understood. Here, we use mouse models of lung infection to identify virulence factors associated with severe bacteraemic pneumonia during serotype-1 (ST217) infection. We use BALB/c mice, which are highly resistant to pneumococcal pneumonia when infected with other serotypes. However, we observe 100% mortality and high levels of bacteraemia within 24 hours when BALB/c mice are intranasally infected with ST217. Serotype 1 produces large quantities of pneumolysin, which is rapidly released due to high levels of bacterial autolysis. This leads to substantial levels of cellular cytotoxicity and breakdown of tight junctions between cells, allowing a route for rapid bacterial dissemination from the respiratory tract into the blood. Thus, our results offer an explanation for the increased invasiveness of serotype 1.
A fully orthogonal system for protein synthesis in bacterial cells
Authors: Aleksashin Nikolay A. , Szal Teresa , d’Aquino Anne E. , Jewett Michael C. , Vázquez-Laslop Nora , Mankin Alexander S.
Published: April 2020

Ribosome engineering is a powerful approach for expanding the catalytic potential of the protein synthesis apparatus. Due to the potential detriment the properties of the engineered ribosome may have on the cell, the designer ribosome needs to be functionally isolated from the translation machinery synthesizing cellular proteins. One solution to this problem was offered by Ribo-T, an engineered ribosome with tethered subunits which, while producing a desired protein, could be excluded from general translation. Here, we provide a conceptually different design of a cell with two orthogonal protein synthesis systems, where Ribo-T produces the proteome, while the dissociable ribosome is committed to the translation of a specific mRNA. The utility of this system is illustrated by generating a comprehensive collection of mutants with alterations at every rRNA nucleotide of the peptidyl transferase center and isolating gain-of-function variants that enable the ribosome to overcome the translation termination blockage imposed by an arrest peptide.
Bioinspired bio-voltage memristors
Authors: Fu Tianda , Liu Xiaomeng , Gao Hongyan , Ward Joy E. , Liu Xiaorong , Yin Bing , Wang Zhongrui , Zhuo Ye , Walker David J. F. , Joshua Yang J. , Chen Jianhan , Lovley Derek R. , Yao Jun
Published: April 2020

Memristive devices are promising candidates to emulate biological computing. However, the typical switching voltages (0.2-2 V) in previously described devices are much higher than the amplitude in biological counterparts. Here we demonstrate a type of diffusive memristor, fabricated from the protein nanowires harvested from the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens, that functions at the biological voltages of 40-100 mV. Memristive function at biological voltages is possible because the protein nanowires catalyze metallization. Artificial neurons built from these memristors not only function at biological action potentials (e.g., 100 mV, 1 ms) but also exhibit temporal integration close to that in biological neurons. The potential of using the memristor to directly process biosensing signals is also demonstrated.
Real-time non-contact cellular imaging and angiography of human cornea and limbus with common-path full-field/SD OCT
Authors: Mazlin Viacheslav , Xiao Peng , Scholler Jules , Irsch Kristina , Grieve Kate , Fink Mathias , Boccara A. Claude
Published: April 2020

In today’s clinics, a cell-resolution view of the cornea can be achieved only with a confocal microscope (IVCM) in contact with the eye. Here, we present a common-path full-field/spectral-domain OCT microscope (FF/SD OCT), which enables cell-detail imaging of the entire ocular surface in humans (central and peripheral cornea, limbus, sclera, tear film) without contact and in real-time. Real-time performance is achieved through rapid axial eye tracking and simultaneous defocusing correction. Images contain cells and nerves, which can be quantified over a millimetric field-of-view, beyond the capability of IVCM and conventional OCT. In the limbus, palisades of Vogt, vessels, and blood flow can be resolved with high contrast without contrast agent injection. The fast imaging speed of 275 frames/s (0.6 billion pixels/s) allows direct monitoring of blood flow dynamics, enabling creation of high-resolution velocity maps. Tear flow velocity and evaporation time can be measured without fluorescein administration.
Publisher Correction: Inference of transcription factor binding from cell-free DNA enables tumor subtype prediction and early detection
Authors: Ulz Peter , Perakis Samantha , Zhou Qing , Moser Tina , Belic Jelena , Lazzeri Isaac , Wölfler Albert , Zebisch Armin , Gerger Armin , Pristauz Gunda , Petru Edgar , White Brandon , Roberts Charles E. S. , John John St. , Schimek Michael G. , Geigl Jochen B. , Bauernhofer Thomas , Sill Heinz , Bock Christoph , Heitzer Ellen , Speicher Michael R.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Fire decline in dry tropical ecosystems enhances decadal land carbon sink
Authors: Yin Yi , Bloom A. Anthony , Worden John , Saatchi Sassan , Yang Yan , Williams Mathew , Liu Junjie , Jiang Zhe , Worden Helen , Bowman Kevin , Frankenberg Christian , Schimel David
Published: April 2020

The terrestrial carbon sink has significantly increased in the past decades, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The current synthesis of process-based estimates of land and ocean sinks requires an additional sink of 0.6 PgC yr−1 in the last decade to explain the observed airborne fraction. A concurrent global fire decline was observed in association with tropical agriculture expansion and landscape fragmentation. Here we show that a decline of 0.2 ± 0.1 PgC yr−1 in fire emissions during 2008–2014 relative to 2001–2007 also induced an additional carbon sink enhancement of 0.4 ± 0.2 PgC yr−1 attributable to carbon cycle feedbacks, amounting to a combined sink increase comparable to the 0.6 PgC yr−1 budget imbalance. Our results suggest that the indirect effects of fire, in addition to the direct emissions, is an overlooked mechanism for explaining decadal-scale changes in the land carbon sink and highlight the importance of fire management in climate mitigation.
A primary care database study of asthma among patients with and without opioid use disorders
Authors: Oliver Phillip , Hulin Joe , Mitchell Caroline
Published: April 2020

Substance misuse is associated with poor asthma outcome and death. People with opioid use disorder (OUD) may be at particular risk, however, there have been no case-control studies of asthma care and outcomes in this patient group. A primary care database study of patients with asthma aged 16–65 years was conducted using a matched case-control methodology. The dataset comprised 275,151 adults with asthma, of whom 459 had a clinical code indicating a lifetime history of OUD. Cases with a history of OUD were matched to controls 1:3 by age, gender, smoking status and deprivation index decile. Attendance at annual review (30%) and for immunisation (25%) was poor amongst the overall matched study population (N = 1832). Compared to matched controls, cases were less likely to have attended for asthma review during the previous 12 months (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.45–0.80) but had similar immunisation rates. Higher rates of ICS (OR = 1.50, 1.13–1.98) and oral prednisolone use (OR = 1.71, 1.25–2.40) were seen amongst those with a history of OUD and 7.2% had a concurrent diagnosis of COPD (OR = 1.86, 1.12–2.40). We found that people with asthma and a history of OUD have worse outcomes on several commonly measured metrics of asthma care. Further research is required to identify reasons for these findings, the most effective strategies to help this vulnerable group access basic asthma care, and to better understand long-term respiratory outcomes.
First comprehensive TSC1/TSC2 mutational analysis in Mexican patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex reveals numerous novel pathogenic variants
Authors: Reyna-Fabián Miriam E. , Hernández-Martínez Nancy L. , Alcántara-Ortigoza Miguel A. , Ayala-Sumuano Jorge T. , Enríquez-Flores Sergio , Velázquez-Aragón José A. , Varela-Echavarría Alfredo , Todd-Quiñones Carlos G. , González-del Angel Ariadna
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to improve knowledge of the mutational spectrum causing tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in a sample of Mexican patients, given the limited information available regarding this disease in Mexico and Latin America. Four different molecular techniques were implemented to identify from single nucleotide variants to large rearrangements in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes of 66 unrelated Mexican-descent patients that clinically fulfilled the criteria for a definitive TSC diagnosis. The mutation detection rate was 94%, TSC2 pathogenic variants (PV) prevailed over TSC1 PV (77% vs. 23%) and a recurrent mutation site (hotspot) was observed in TSC1 exon 15. Interestingly, 40% of the identified mutations had not been previously reported. The wide range of novels PV made it difficult to establish any genotype-phenotype correlation, but most of the PV conditioned neurological involvement (intellectual disability and epilepsy). Our 3D protein modeling of two variants classified as likely pathogenic demonstrated that they could alter the structure and function of the hamartin (TSC1) or tuberin (TSC2) proteins. Molecular analyses of parents and first-degree affected family members of the index cases enabled us to distinguish familial (18%) from sporadic (82%) cases and to identify one case of apparent gonadal mosaicism.
Voltage-Dependent Protonation of the Calcium Pocket Enable Activation of the Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Anoctamin-1 (TMEM16A)
Authors: Segura-Covarrubias Guadalupe , Aréchiga-Figueroa Iván A. , De Jesús-Pérez José J. , Sánchez-Solano Alfredo , Pérez-Cornejo Patricia , Arreola Jorge
Published: April 2020

Anoctamin-1 (ANO1 or TMEM16A) is a homo-dimeric Ca2+-activated Cl− channel responsible for essential physiological processes. Each monomer harbours a pore and a Ca2+-binding pocket; the voltage-dependent binding of two intracellular Ca2+ ions to the pocket gates the pore. However, in the absence of intracellular Ca2+ voltage activates TMEM16A by an unknown mechanism. Here we show voltage-activated anion currents that are outwardly rectifying, time-independent with fast or absent tail currents that are inhibited by tannic and anthracene-9-carboxylic acids. Since intracellular protons compete with Ca2+ for binding sites in the pocket, we hypothesized that voltage-dependent titration of these sites would induce gating. Indeed intracellular acidification enabled activation of TMEM16A by voltage-dependent protonation, which enhanced the open probability of the channel. Mutating Glu/Asp residues in the Ca2+-binding pocket to glutamine (to resemble a permanent protonated Glu) yielded channels that were easier to activate at physiological pH. Notably, the response of these mutants to intracellular acidification was diminished and became voltage-independent. Thus, voltage-dependent protonation of glutamate/aspartate residues (Glu/Asp) located in the Ca2+-binding pocket underlines TMEM16A activation in the absence of intracellular Ca2+.
Violation of Svetlichny inequality in Triple Jaynes-Cummings Models
Authors: Wang Kun , Zheng Zhu-Jun
Published: April 2020

We study the genuine tripartite nonlocality of some qubit states in a triple JCM. In this model, each atom state (A, B or C) was initially prepared with an independent cavity (a, b or c). By using two kinds of GHZ-like states as the atomic initial states, we investigate the genuine tripartite nonlocality as the time evolutions for the non-interaction three-qubit subsystems. We also study the genuine tripartite nonlocality of the subsystems by using the Svetlichny inequality. For the subsystems of three atoms ABC and three cavity modes abc, we show that they are genuinely nonlocal at certain period intervals of time. The states of all the other inequivalent subsystems satisfy the Svetlichny inequality for two types of GHZ-like states.
Effect of TAT-DOX-PEG irradiated gold nanoparticles conjugates on human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Lupusoru Raoul V. , Pricop Daniela A. , Uritu Cristina M. , Arvinte Adina , Coroaba Adina , Esanu Irina , Zaltariov Mirela F. , Silion Mihaela , Stefanescu Cipriana , Pinteala Mariana
Published: April 2020

The paper aims to investigate the cytotoxic effect on tumor cells of irradiated AuNPs in green light and subsequently functionalized with HS-PEG-NH2. The toxicity level of gold conjugates after their functionalization with DOX and TAT peptide was also evaluated. The AuNPs were prepared using the modified Turkevich method and exposed to visible light at a wavelength of 520 nm prior their PEGylation. The optical properties were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, the surface modification was investigated using FTIR and XPS spectroscopies and their sizes and morphologies were evaluated by TEM and DLS techniques. DOX and TAT peptide were linked to the surface of PEGylated AuNPs by reacting their amino groups with glycidyloxypropyl of PEGylated DOX or TAT conjugates under mild conditions at room temperature and in the presence of ethanol as catalyst. The conjugates containing DOX or DOX and TAT have been characterized by fluorescence and FTIR techniques. The changes of electrochemical features were observed using cyclic voltammetry, suggesting a better stability of irradiated nanoparticles. By mass spectrometry it was confirmed that the compounds of interest were obtained. The cell viability test showed that irradiated and non-irradiated nanoparticles coated with PEG are not toxic in normal cells. Tumor cell viability analysis showed that the PEGylated nanoparticles modified with DOX and TAT peptide were more effective than pristine DOX, indicating cytotoxicity up to 10% higher than non-irradiated ones.
Limits in the detection of m6A changes using MeRIP/m6A-seq
Authors: McIntyre Alexa B. R. , Gokhale Nandan S. , Cerchietti Leandro , Jaffrey Samie R. , Horner Stacy M. , Mason Christopher E.
Published: April 2020

Many cellular mRNAs contain the modified base m6A, and recent studies have suggested that various stimuli can lead to changes in m6A. The most common method to map m6A and to predict changes in m6A between conditions is methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), through which methylated regions are detected as peaks in transcript coverage from immunoprecipitated RNA relative to input RNA. Here, we generated replicate controls and reanalyzed published MeRIP-seq data to estimate reproducibility across experiments. We found that m6A peak overlap in mRNAs varies from ~30 to 60% between studies, even in the same cell type. We then assessed statistical methods to detect changes in m6A peaks as distinct from changes in gene expression. However, from these published data sets, we detected few changes under most conditions and were unable to detect consistent changes across studies of similar stimuli. Overall, our work identifies limits to MeRIP-seq reproducibility in the detection both of peaks and of peak changes and proposes improved approaches for analysis of peak changes.
A neo-taphonomic approach to human campsites modified by carnivores
Authors: Arilla Maite , Rosell Jordi , Blasco Ruth
Published: April 2020

Skeletal profiles at archaeological bone assemblages can bear little resemblance to original hominin discarded bone elements. Resulting patterns might originate from different taphonomic problems, such as hominin-carnivore activities in alternate visits, and lead to interpretation issues. In this paper, we present a study of predepositional scattering activities caused by small-sized carnivores on simulated short-term hominin campsites. Their disrupting actions affect skeletal element survival considerably and, to a lesser extent, the spatial distribution of hearth-related assemblages. The results of this study demonstrate that small-sized carnivores might cause as much disruption as large-sized ones. Thus, being able to recognize these taphonomic processes and their consequences is critical when discerning between human and non-human behaviour.
Active Tobacco Smoking Impairs Cardiac Systolic Function
Authors: Hendriks Tom , van Dijk Randy , Alsabaan Najod A. , van der Harst Pim
Published: April 2020

Tobacco smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its direct effect on myocardial structure and function remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of smoking using a nested matched case-control study design. 5,668 participants of the UK Biobank study who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging were screened for inclusion. 102 smokers (56 males) with a median age of 56 years were matched to non-smokers based on sex, age, and body surface area. Manual post-processing and feature tracking analyses were performed to determine left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structure and function measures. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effect of tobacco smoking on imaging measures. Tobacco smoking was associated with increased LV and RV end-systolic volume (4.98 ± 2.08 mL, 5.19 ± 2.62 mL, P = 0.018, 0.049 respectively), reduced LV and RV ejection fraction (β: −2.21 ± 0.82%, −2.06 ± 0.87%, P = 0.007, 0.019 respectively), and reduced absolute measures of LV peak global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain (β: 0.86 ± 0.30%, −2.52 ± 0.99%, 1.05 ± 0.32%, P = 0.004, 0.011, 0.001 respectively). Effect sizes were larger in daily smokers compared to occasional smokers. In a general Caucasian population without known clinical cardiovascular disease, active tobacco smoking was dose dependently associated with impaired cardiac systolic function.
The effect of tillage systems on phosphorus distribution and forms in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil under maize (Zea mays L.) in Northeast China
Authors: Xomphoutheb Thidaphone , Jiao Shuai , Guo Xinxin , Mabagala Frank Stephano , Sui Biao , Wang Hongbin , Zhao Lanpo , Zhao Xingmin
Published: April 2020

An appropriate tillage method must be implemented by maize growers to improve phosphorus dynamics in the soil in order to increase phosphorus uptake by plant. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tillage systems on phosphorus and its fractions in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils under maize. An experimental field was established, with phosphate fertilizers applied to four treatment plots: continuous rotary tillage (CR), continuous no-tillage (CN), plowing-rotary tillage (PR), and plowing-no tillage (PN). Under the different tillage methods, the available P was increased in the non-rhizosphere region. However, the concentration of available P was reduced in the rhizosphere soil region. The soil available P decreased with the age of the crop until the maize reached physiological maturity. The non-rhizosphere region had 132.9%, 82.5%, 259.8%, and 148.4% more available P than the rhizosphere region under the CR, PR, CN, and PN treatments, respectively. The continuous no-tillage method (CN) improved the uptake of soil phosphate by maize. The concentrations of Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Fe-P, Al-P and O-P at the maturity stage were significantly lower than other seedling stages. However, there was no significant relationship between total P and the P fractions. Therefore, a continuous no-tillage method (CN) can be used by farmers to improve phosphorus availability for spring maize. Soil management practices minimizing soil disturbance can be used to impove phosphorus availability for maize roots, increase alkaline phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil and increase the abundance of different phosphorus fractions.
A U-shaped Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Li Fu-Dong , Lin Jun-Fen , Ying Xu-Hua , Qiu Yin-Wei , Li Song-Tao , Zhai Yu-Jia , Zhang Tao , Wang Xin-Yi , Gu Xue , Wu Meng-Na , He Fan
Published: April 2020

Breastfeeding is related to maternal health. However, the association of women’s breastfeeding duration with cognitive function in their later life is limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to accurately evaluate the association in Chinese postmenopausal women. We analyzed the data from Zhejiang Ageing and Health Cohort Study including 5487 postmenopausal women. Cognitive impairment was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data on breastfeeding duration was collected in the reproductive history section within the questionnaire. Generalized additive models (GAMs) and logistic regression models, controlled for an extensive range of potential confounders, were generated to examine the associations. A U-shaped association was identified between breastfeeding duration and cognitive impairment based on GAM. The nadir with lowest odds of cognitive impairment was ascertained by quadratic model as 12 months. The logistic models showed that compared with women breastfeeding 12 months per child, the fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.50 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20–1.88), 1.58 (95% CI: 1.29–1.93), 1.33 (95% CI: 1.06–1.68), 2.08 (95% CI: 1.64–2.65) for those averagely breastfeeding <6, 6-<12,>12–18,>18 months, respectively. Furthermore, we did not observe significant effect modification of the association. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the association.
Regulatory relationship between quality variation and environment of Cistanche deserticola in three ecotypes based on soil microbiome analysis
Authors: Sun Xiao , Zhang Li , Pei Jin , Huang Lin-Fang
Published: April 2020

The environment affects the composition and function of soil microbiome, which indirectly influences the quality of plants. In this study, 16S amplicon sequencing was used to reveal the differences in soil microbial community composition of Cistanche deserticola in three ecotypes (saline-alkali land, grassland and sandy land). Through the correlation analysis of microbial community abundance, phenylethanoid glycoside contents and ecological factors, the regulatory relationship between microbial community and the quality variation of C. deserticola was expounded. The metabolic function profile of soil microbiome was predicted using Tax4Fun. Data showed that the soil microbial communities of the three ecotypes were significantly different (AMOVA, P < 0.001), and the alpha diversity of grassland soil microbial community was the highest. Core microbiome analysis demonstrated that the soil microbial communities of C. deserticola were mostly have drought, salt tolerance, alkali resistance and stress resistance, such as Micrococcales and Bacillales. The biomarkers, namely, Oceanospirillales (saline-alkali land), Sphingomonadales (grassland) and Propionibacteriales (sandy land), which can distinguish three ecotype microbial communities, were excavated through LEfSe and random forest. Correlation analysis results demonstrated that 2′-acetylacteoside is positively correlated with Oceanospirillales in saline-alkali land soil. The metabolic function profiles displayed highly enriched metabolism (carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms) and environmental information processing (membrane transport and signal transduction) pathways. Overall, the composition and function of soil microbiomes were found to be important factors to the quality variation of C. deserticola in different ecotypes. This work provided new insight into the regulatory relationship amongst the environment, soil microbial community and plant quality variation.
New freshwater mussel taxa discoveries clarify biogeographic division of Southeast Asia
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Lopes-Lima Manuel , Bogan Arthur E. , Lunn Zau , Chan Nyein , Win Than , Aksenova Olga V. , Tomilova Alena A. , Tanmuangpak Kitti , Tumpeesuwan Sakboworn , Kondakov Alexander V.
Published: April 2020

While a growing body of modern phylogenetic research reveals that the Western Indochina represents a separate biogeographic subregion having a largely endemic freshwater fauna, the boundaries of this subregion are still unclear. We use freshwater mussels (Unionidae) as a model to reconstruct spatial patterns of freshwater biogeographic divides throughout Asia. Here, we present an updated freshwater biogeographic division of mainland Southeast Asia and describe 12 species and 4 genera of freshwater mussels new to science. We show that the Isthmus of Kra represents a significant southern biogeographic barrier between freshwater mussel faunas of the Western Indochina and Sundaland subregions, while the Indian and Western Indochina subregions are separated by the Naga Hills, Chin Hills, and Rakhine Yoma mountain ranges. Our findings highlight that the freshwater bivalve fauna of Southeast Asia primarily originated within three evolutionary hotspots (Western Indochina, Sundaland, and East Asian) supplemented by ancient immigrants from the Indian Subcontinent.
Use of high frequency oscillatory ventilator in neonates with respiratory failure: the clinical practice in Taiwan and early multimodal outcome prediction
Authors: Yang Mei-Chin , Hsu Jen-Fu , Hsiao Hsiu-Feng , Yang Lan-Yan , Pan Yu-Bin , Lai Mei-Yin , Chu Shih-Ming , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Chiang Ming-Chou , Fu Ren-Huei , Tsai Ming-Horng
Published: April 2020

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) can be a rescue for neonates with refractory respiratory failure or an early elective therapy for preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). However, little is known about the current evolution and therapeutic limitations of HFOV. We therefore aimed to describe its use in clinical practice and predict the risk of mortality for neonates receiving HFOV. A retrospective observational study of all neonates treated with HFOV in a quaternary referral NICU between January 2007 and December 2016 was conducted. We classified these patients into five subgroups based on primary respiratory diagnoses. We performed the logistic regression and decision tree regression analyses to identify independent factors of 30-day mortality following HFOV. A total of 1125 patients who were ever supported on HFOV were enrolled, of whom 64.1% received HFOV as a rescue therapy, 27.2% received it as an elective therapy, and 8.7% received it for air leak. An average oxygenation index (OI) greater than 25 in the first 24 hours after the initiation of HFOV and patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension were found to have the greatest risk of in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 25.8% (290/1125). Decision tree regression analysis revealed that neonates with refractory respiratory failure who had a pre-HFOV OI value higher than 20.5 and OI values higher than 21.5, 23.5 and 34 at 2 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours after the use of HFOV, respectively, had a significantly increased risk of 30-day mortality. We identified the predictors and cutoff points of OI before and after the initiation of HFOV in neonates with respiratory failure, which can be clinically used as a reference for 30-day mortality. Further efforts are still needed to optimize the outcomes.
WAT-on-a-chip integrating human mature white adipocytes for mechanistic research and pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Rogal Julia , Binder Carina , Kromidas Elena , Roosz Julia , Probst Christopher , Schneider Stefan , Schenke-Layland Katja , Loskill Peter
Published: April 2020

Obesity and its numerous adverse health consequences have taken on global, pandemic proportions. White adipose tissue (WAT) – a key contributor in many metabolic diseases – contributes about one fourth of a healthy human’s body mass. Despite its significance, many WAT-related pathophysiogical mechanisms in humans are still not understood, largely due to the reliance on non-human animal models. In recent years, Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms have developed into promising alternatives for animal models; these systems integrate engineered human tissues into physiological microenvironment supplied by a vasculature-like microfluidic perfusion. Here, we report the development of a novel OoC that integrates functional mature human white adipocytes. The WAT-on-a-chip is a multilayer device that features tissue chambers tailored specifically for the maintenance of 3D tissues based on human primary adipocytes, with supporting nourishment provided through perfused media channels. The platform’s capability to maintain long-term viability and functionality of white adipocytes was confirmed by real-time monitoring of fatty acid uptake, by quantification of metabolite release into the effluent media as well as by an intact responsiveness to a therapeutic compound. The novel system provides a promising tool for wide-ranging applications in mechanistic research of WAT-related biology, in studying of pathophysiological mechanisms in obesity and diabetes, and in R&D of pharmaceutical industry.
Bioefficacy of Rhynocoris longifrons (Stål) (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) against multiple cotton pests under screen house and field conditions
Authors: Sahayaraj Kitherian , Kalidas Subramanian , Estelle Loko Yêyinou Laura
Published: April 2020

Rhynocoris longifrons (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a generalist predator of many cotton insect pests. The hiding behaviour of this predator, which is one of the key factors of predation success, was investigated under screen house conditions. Moreover, we evaluated its biocontrol potential against Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Dysdercus cingulatus (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae), Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), and Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under screen house and field conditions. Results showed that R. longifrons life stages preferred to hide under small pebbles in the screen house tests. All the R. longifrons life stages showed a biocontrol potential against the four insect pests under screen house conditions. However, their biocontrol potential had not varied in relation to day and night hours. Augmentative releases of R. longifrons were carried out for two seasons such as South-west monsoon, 2011 and post-monsoon, 2012. The augmentative release of R. longifrons reduced significantly insect pests on cotton. In fact, the release of this predator in cotton fields was capable to reduce the population of H. armigera (50%), P. solenopsis (28%), D. cingulatus (18.8%), and A. gossypii (11.8%) during the rain fed condition (south-west monsoon season). During irrigated condition (post-monsoon season), populations of D. cingulatus were reduced by 26%, than P. solenopsis (20.6%), and A. gossypii (16.8%). Except ants, no negative impact was reported on other natural enemies present in the cotton field. Significantly higher crop yield and cost benefit ratio was observed in the predator release plots indicating that R. longifrons can be used in an integrated pest management program for multiple cotton pests.
Prostaglandin EP2 receptor downstream of Notch signaling inhibits differentiation of human skeletal muscle progenitors in differentiation conditions
Authors: Sakai-Takemura Fusako , Nogami Ken’ichiro , Elhussieny Ahmed , Kawabata Kota , Maruyama Yusuke , Hashimoto Naohiro , Takeda Shin’ichi , Miyagoe-Suzuki Yuko
Published: April 2020

Understanding the signaling pathways that regulate proliferation and differentiation of muscle progenitors is essential for successful cell transplantation for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here, we report that a γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycine tertial butyl ester), which inhibits the release of NICD (Notch intercellular domain), promotes the fusion of human muscle progenitors in vitro and improves their engraftment in the tibialis anterior muscle of immune-deficient mice. Gene expression analysis revealed that DAPT severely down-regulates PTGER2, which encodes prostaglandin (PG) E2 receptor 2 (EP2), in human muscle progenitors in the differentiation condition. Functional analysis suggested that Notch signaling inhibits differentiation and promotes self-renewal of human muscle progenitors via PGE2/EP2 signaling in a cAMP/PKA-independent manner.
The bidirectional relationship between CFTR and lipids
Authors: Cottrill Kirsten A. , Farinha Carlos M. , McCarty Nael A.
Published: April 2020

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening genetic disease among Caucasians, resulting from mutations in the gene encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR). While work to understand this protein has resulted in new treatment strategies, it is important to emphasize that CFTR exists within a complex lipid bilayer — a concept largely overlooked when performing structural and functional studies. In this review we discuss cellular lipid imbalances in CF, mechanisms by which lipids affect membrane protein activity, and the specific impact of detergents and lipids on CFTR function.
Evaluation of bismuth-based dispersion energy donors – synthesis, structure and theoretical study of 2-biphenylbismuth(iii) derivatives
Authors: Fritzsche Ana-Maria , Scholz Sebastian , Krasowska Małgorzata , Bhattacharyya Kalishankar , Toma Ana Maria , Silvestru Cristian , Korb Marcus , Rüffer Tobias , Lang Heinrich , Auer Alexander A. , Mehring Michael
Published: April 2020

Intramolecular Bi⋯π arene London dispersion interactions in (biphenyl)3−xBiXx amount to ca. 20 kJ mol−1 with distances of 3.8–4.0 Å.
Microfluidic device for high-throughput affinity-based isolation of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Lo Ting-Wen , Zhu Ziwen , Purcell Emma , Watza Daniel , Wang Joyful , Kang Yoon-Tae , Jolly Shruti , Nagrath Deepak , Nagrath Sunitha
Published: April 2020

Immunoaffinity based EV isolation technologies use antibodies targeting surface markers on EVs to provide higher isolation specificity and purity compared to existing approaches.
Origin of aggregation-induced enhanced emission: role of pseudo-degenerate electronic states of excimers formed in aggregation phases
Authors: Ota Wataru , Takahashi Ken , Higashiguchi Kenji , Matsuda Kenji , Sato Tohru
Published: April 2020

The origin of aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) is investigated considering cyano-substituted 1,2-bis(pyridylphenyl)ethene (CNPPE) as an example.
Quantification of reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q10 in supplements and medicines by HPLC-UV
Authors: Temova Rakuša Žane , Kristl Albin , Roškar Robert
Published: April 2020

A fast and simple HPLC-UV method for simultaneous quantification of both reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q10, suitable for routine use in quality control as well as stability testing, has been developed.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical ketones by applying visible-light benzophenone/nickel dual catalysis for direct benzylic acylation
Authors: Krach Patricia E. , Dewanji Abhishek , Yuan Tingting , Rueping Magnus
Published: April 2020

The photochemical reactivity of benzophenone is utilized for direct benzylic C–H bond acylation of methylbenzenes via H-atom abstraction as a key step. The reaction offers a robust method for synthesizing ketones using acid chlorides and anhydrides.
Spatial acid–base–Pd triple-sites of a hierarchical core–shell structure for three-step tandem reaction
Authors: Wu Jian , Chang Gang-Gang , Peng You-Qing , Ma Xiao-Chen , Ke Shan-Chao , Wu Si-Ming , Xiao Yu-Xuan , Tian Ge , Xia Tao , Yang Xiao-Yu
Published: April 2020

We present a hierarchical single catalyst with spatial acid–base–Pd triple-sites showing high catalytic activity and stability for the three-step D–K–H tandem reaction.
Red-light-sensitive BODIPY photoprotecting groups for amines and their biological application in controlling heart rhythm
Authors: Sitkowska Kaja , Hoes Martijn F. , Lerch Michael M. , Lameijer Lucien N. , van der Meer Peter , Szymański Wiktor , Feringa Ben L.
Published: April 2020

Protection of amine functionality with a BODIPY-derived photocleavable protecting group enables the control of heart beat frequency with red light.
Role of specific solute–solvent interactions on the photophysical properties of distyryl substituted BODIPY derivatives
Authors: Fortino Mariagrazia , Collini Elisabetta , Pedone Alfonso , Bloino Julien
Published: April 2020

The role played by specific solute–solvent interactions on the spectroscopic properties of experimentally available BODIPY derivatives has been investigated.
Temperature reversible synergistic formation of cerium oxyhydride and Au hydride: a combined XAS and XPDF study
Authors: Clark Adam H. , Acerbi Nadia , Chater Philip A. , Hayama Shusaku , Collier Paul , Hyde Timothy I. , Sankar Gopinathan
Published: April 2020

In situ studies on the physical and chemical properties of the interaction with hydrogen with a ceria coated alumina supported Au catalyst using fluorescence detection X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and X-ray total scattering.
Elucidating tuneable ambipolar charge transport and field induced bleaching at the CH3NH3PbI3/electrolyte interface
Authors: Srivastava Priya , Bag Monojit
Published: April 2020

Tuneable ambipolar charge transport through a perovskite/electrolyte interface is demonstrated for the first time through EIS and field induced UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements.
The modifying effect of supramolecular gel fibres on the diffusion of paracetamol and ibuprofen sodium on the picosecond timescale
Authors: Edkins Robert M. , Appel Markus , Seydel Tilo , Edkins Katharina
Published: April 2020

Quasi-elastic neutron spectroscopy reveals that model drug molecules diffuse faster in a supramolecular gel than in solution.
A 2D Rashba electron gas with large spin splitting in Janus structures of SnPbO2
Authors: Zhang Changcheng , Sun Zhipeng , Lin Yifeng , Guan Lixiu , Tao Junguang
Published: April 2020

Large spin splitting induced by SOC in the Janus structure of SnPbO2.
CO activation and methanation mechanism on hexagonal close-packed Co catalysts: effect of functionals, carbon deposition and surface structure
Authors: Su Hai-Yan , Yu Changlin , Liu Jin-Xun , Zhao Yonghui , Ma Xiufang , Luo Jie , Sun Chenghua , Li Wei-Xue , Sun Keju
Published: April 2020

Regardless of the functionals used and the presence of graphitic carbon, the CO methanation rate on Co(0001) is mainly controlled by CHO decomposition.
Water dispersible ligand-free rare earth fluoride nanoparticles: water transfer versus NaREF4-to-REF3 phase transformation
Authors: Liu Nan , Gobeil Nicholas , Evers Parrish , Gessner Isabel , Rodrigues Emille M. , Hemmer Eva
Published: April 2020

Crystalline phase and rare-earth (RE) ion choice were identified as key parameters for NaREF4-to-REF3 phase transformation versus water transfer during ligand removal from small NaREF4 nanoparticles at low pH.
Enzyme reaction-guided identification of active components from the flowers of Sophora japonica var. violacea
Authors: Zhang Yunci , Gu Dongyu , He Shuai , Meng Jing , Wang Jifeng , Wang Yunxiao , Wang Yi , Tian Jing , Yang Yi
Published: April 2020

The flower of S. japonica is a favorite food and used as traditional medicine.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over Sn/Al-SBA-15 catalysts
Authors: Kumaravel Sakthivel , Thiripuranthagan Sivakumar , Durai Mani , Erusappan Elangovan , Vembuli Thanigaivel
Published: April 2020

The synthesized inexpensive catalysts show high catalytic transfer hydrogenation activity at ambient N2 pressure under non-corrosive conditions. The Sn/Al-SBA-15 (25) catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity with 99% conversion of levulinic acid and 100% selectivity towards GVL.
Low-cost and high sensitivity glucose sandwich detection using a plasmonic nanodisk metasurface
Authors: Long Zhongwen , Liang Yuzhang , Feng Lei , Zhang Hui , Liu Mingze , Xu Ting
Published: April 2020

A low-cost, large scale plasmonic metasurface sensing platform shows enormous potential for highly sensitive and selective SERS-based glucose detection.
Nanoconfined water vapour as a probe to evaluate plasmonic heating
Authors: Chehadi Zeinab , Boissière Cédric , Chanéac Corinne , Faustini Marco
Published: April 2020

Engineering photothermal effects in plasmonic materials is of paramount importance for many applications, such as cancer therapy, chemical synthesis, cold catalysis and, more recently, metasurfaces.
Amorphous iron oxide–selenite composite microspheres with a yolk–shell structure as highly efficient anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Ju Hyeong , Park Gi Dae , Kang Yun Chan
Published: April 2020

A strategy to produce yolk–shell structured Fe2O3–FeSeOx with an amorphous structure is introduced. Fe2O3–FeSeOx exhibits enhanced reversible capacities, cycling stability, and remarkable electrochemical kinetic properties when compared to crystalline iron oxide.
Narrowband colloidal quantum dot photodetectors for wavelength measurement applications
Authors: De Iacovo Andrea , Venettacci Carlo , Giansante Carlo , Colace Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

PbS quantum dot narrowband photoconductors employed for the realization of a compact wavelength-meter system.
Emerging pnictogen-based 2D semiconductors: sensing and electronic devices
Authors: Roy Pradip Kumar , Luxa Jan , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: April 2020

Pnictogens have drawn tremendous attention due to their electronic structure and semiconducting character. Their fascinating features provide a novel platform for new devices in 2D materials which will pave the way for new nanodevices.
Synthesis of disaccharide modified berberine derivatives and their anti-diabetic investigation in zebrafish using a fluorescence-based technology
Authors: Wang Lizhen , Kong Haotian , Jin Meng , Li Xiaobin , Stoika Rostyslav , Lin Houwen , Liu Kechun
Published: April 2020

Diglucose modified berberine derivatives can dramatically promote the uptake of 2-NBDG in both zebrafish larvae and their eyes.