bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in persistent tuberculosis bacteria between in vitro and sputum from patients: implications for translational predictions
Authors: Faraj Alan , Clewe Oskar , Svensson Robin J. , Mukamolova Galina V. , Barer Michael R. , Simonsson Ulrika S. H.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the number of persistent bacteria in sputum from tuberculosis patients compared to in vitro and to suggest a model-based approach for accounting for the potential difference. Sputum smear positive patients (n = 25) provided sputum samples prior to onset of chemotherapy. The number of cells detected by conventional agar colony forming unit (CFU) and most probable number (MPN) with Rpf supplementation were quantified. Persistent bacteria was assumed to be the difference between MPNrpf and CFU. The difference in persistent bacteria between in vitro and human sputum prior to chemotherapy was quantified using different model-based approaches. The persistent bacteria in sputum was 17% of the in vitro levels, suggesting a difference in phenotypic resistance, whereas no difference was found for multiplying bacterial subpopulations. Clinical trial simulations showed that the predicted time to 2 log fall in MPNrpf in a Phase 2a setting using in vitro pre-clinical efficacy information, would be almost 3 days longer if drug response was predicted ignoring the difference in phenotypic resistance. The discovered phenotypic differences between in vitro and humans prior to chemotherapy could have implications on translational efforts but can be accounted for using a model-based approach for translating in vitro to human drug response.
Bardoxolone conjugation enables targeted protein degradation of BRD4
Authors: Tong Bingqi , Luo Mai , Xie Yi , Spradlin Jessica N. , Tallarico John A. , McKenna Jeffrey M. , Schirle Markus , Maimone Thomas J. , Nomura Daniel K.
Published: September 2020

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a powerful tool in drug discovery for the perturbation of protein levels using heterobifunctional small molecules. E3 ligase recruiters remain central to this process yet relatively few have been identified relative to the ~ 600 predicted human E3 ligases. While, initial recruiters have utilized non-covalent chemistry for protein binding, very recently covalent engagement to novel E3’s has proven fruitful in TPD application. Herein we demonstrate efficient proteasome-mediated degradation of BRD4 by a bifunctional small molecule linking the KEAP1-Nrf2 activator bardoxolone to a BRD4 inhibitor JQ1.
Characterization of the effect of cis-3-hexen-1-ol on green tea aroma
Authors: Nie Cong-ning , Gao Yuan , Du Xiao , Bian Jin-lin , Li Hui , Zhang Xiang , Wang Cong-ming , Li Shun-yu
Published: September 2020

cis-3-Hexen-1-ol has been regarded as the main source of green aroma (or green odor) in green tea. However, no clear findings on the composition of green aroma components in tea and the effect of cis-3-hexen-1-ol on other aroma components have been reported. In this study, the main green aroma components in green tea were characterized, especially the role of cis-3-hexen-1-ol in green aroma was analyzed and how it affected other aroma components in green tea was studied. Based on the GC–MS detection, odor activity value evaluation, and monomer sniffing, 12 green components were identified. Through the chemometric analysis, cis-3-hexen-1-ol was proven as the most influential component of green aroma. Moreover, through the electronic nose analysis of different concentrations of cis-3-hexen-1-ol with 25 other aroma components in green tea, we showed that the effect of cis-3-hexen-1-ol plays a profound effect on the overall aroma based on the experiments of reconstitution solution and natural tea samples. GC–MS and CG-FID confirmed that the concentration range of the differential threshold of green odor and green aroma of cis-3-hexen-1-ol was 0.04–0.52 mg kg−1.
Urate in fingernail represents the deposition of urate burden in gout patients
Authors: Chen Haibing , Zhao Lili , Liu Fengjing , Chen Si , Hu Zhumeng , Chen Lihui , Ma Yiwen , Guo Kaifeng , Ji Aichang , Merriman Tony R. , Min Jun Zhe
Published: September 2020

Urate in the fingernails of gout patients and healthy volunteers was successfully detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) in our previous research. This study aimed to further investigate whether nail urate could be a proxy for the burden of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposits in gout. To this end, we conducted a study in two parts. Firstly, we successfully detected urate in the nail by HPLC–UV and evaluated nail urate concentrations in control subjects and patients with gout. As expected, we found that levels of nail urate were significantly higher in patients with gout than in healthy controls, and the nail urate level was significantly correlated with the volume of MSU crystals deposits measured by dual-energy CT (DECT). Secondly, we found that nail urate can reflect changes in urate levels in the body during urate lowering therapy through a 3-month follow-up study. Our results provide the possibility of quantification of urate in human fingernails as a non-invasive alternative for assessing MSU crystals deposits in gout.
Machine learning-driven electronic identifications of single pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Hattori Shota , Sekido Rintaro , Leong Iat Wai , Tsutsui Makusu , Arima Akihide , Tanaka Masayoshi , Yokota Kazumichi , Washio Takashi , Kawai Tomoji , Okochi Mina
Published: September 2020

A rapid method for screening pathogens can revolutionize health care by enabling infection control through medication before symptom. Here we report on label-free single-cell identifications of clinically-important pathogenic bacteria by using a polymer-integrated low thickness-to-diameter aspect ratio pore and machine learning-driven resistive pulse analyses. A high-spatiotemporal resolution of this electrical sensor enabled to observe galvanotactic response intrinsic to the microbes during their translocation. We demonstrated discrimination of the cellular motility via signal pattern classifications in a high-dimensional feature space. As the detection-to-decision can be completed within milliseconds, the present technique may be used for real-time screening of pathogenic bacteria for environmental and medical applications.
Quantitative proteomics identifies a plasma multi-protein model for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Du Zhenhua , Liu Xinyi , Wei Xiaojun , Luo Hongbo , Li Peiyao , Shi Mengting , Guo Bingqian , Cui Ying , Su Zhenglin , Zeng Jifeng , Si Anfeng , Cao Pengbo , Zhou Gangqiao
Published: September 2020

More efficient biomarkers are needed to facilitate the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify candidate biomarkers for HCC detection by proteomic analysis. First, we performed a global proteomic analysis of 10 paired HCC and non-tumor tissues. Then, we validated the top-ranked proteins by targeted proteomic analyses in another tissue cohort. At last, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to validate the candidate biomarkers in multiple serum cohorts including HCC cases (HCCs), cirrhosis cases (LCs), and normal controls (NCs). We identified and validated 33 up-regulated proteins in HCC tissues. Among them, eight secretory or membrane proteins were further evaluated in serum, revealing that aldo–keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) and cathepsin A (CTSA) can distinguish HCCs from LCs and NCs. The area under the curves (AUCs) were 0.891 and 0.894 for AKR1B10 and CTSA, respectively, greater than that of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP; 0.831). Notably, combining the three proteins reached an AUC of 0.969, which outperformed AFP alone (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the serum AKR1B10 levels dramatically decreased after surgery. AKR1B10 and CTSA are potential serum biomarkers for HCC detection. The combination of AKR1B10, CTSA, and AFP may improve the HCC diagnostic efficacy.
Successful breeding predicts divorce in plovers
Authors: Halimubieke Naerhulan , Kupán Krisztina , Valdebenito José O. , Kubelka Vojtěch , Carmona-Isunza María Cristina , Burgas Daniel , Catlin Daniel , St Clair James J. H. , Cohen Jonathan , Figuerola Jordi , Yasué Maï , Johnson Matthew , Mencarelli Mauro , Cruz-López Medardo , Stantial Michelle , Weston Michael A. , Lloyd Penn , Que Pinjia , Montalvo Tomás , Bansal Udita , McDonald Grant C. , Liu Yang , Kosztolányi András , Székely Tamás
Published: September 2020

When individuals breed more than once, parents are faced with the choice of whether to re-mate with their old partner or divorce and select a new mate. Evolutionary theory predicts that, following successful reproduction with a given partner, that partner should be retained for future reproduction. However, recent work in a polygamous bird, has instead indicated that successful parents divorced more often than failed breeders (Halimubieke et al. in Ecol Evol 9:10734–10745, 2019), because one parent can benefit by mating with a new partner and reproducing shortly after divorce. Here we investigate whether successful breeding predicts divorce using data from 14 well-monitored populations of plovers (Charadriusspp.). We show that successful nesting leads to divorce, whereas nest failure leads to retention of the mate for follow-up breeding. Plovers that divorced their partners and simultaneously deserted their broods produced more offspring within a season than parents that retained their mate. Our work provides a counterpoint to theoretical expectations that divorce is triggered by low reproductive success, and supports adaptive explanations of divorce as a strategy to improve individual reproductive success. In addition, we show that temperature may modulate these costs and benefits, and contribute to dynamic variation in patterns of divorce across plover breeding systems.
Intensity harmonization techniques influence radiomics features and radiomics-based predictions in sarcoma patients
Authors: Crombé Amandine , Kind Michèle , Fadli David , Le Loarer François , Italiano Antoine , Buy Xavier , Saut Olivier
Published: September 2020

Intensity harmonization techniques (IHT) are mandatory to homogenize multicentric MRIs before any quantitative analysis because signal intensities (SI) do not have standardized units. Radiomics combine quantification of tumors’ radiological phenotype with machine-learning to improve predictive models, such as metastastic-relapse-free survival (MFS) for sarcoma patients. We post-processed the initial T2-weighted-imaging of 70 sarcoma patients by using 5 IHTs and extracting 45 radiomics features (RFs), namely: classical standardization (IHTstd), standardization per adipose tissue SIs (IHTfat), histogram-matching with a patient histogram (IHTHM.1), with the average histogram of the population (IHTHM.All) and plus ComBat method (IHTHM.All.C), which provided 5 radiomics datasets in addition to the original radiomics dataset without IHT (No-IHT). We found that using IHTs significantly influenced all RFs values (p-values: < 0.0001–0.02). Unsupervised clustering performed on each radiomics dataset showed that only clusters from the No-IHT, IHTstd, IHTHM.All, and IHTHM.All.C datasets significantly correlated with MFS in multivariate Cox models (p = 0.02, 0.007, 0.004 and 0.02, respectively). We built radiomics-based supervised models to predict metastatic relapse at 2-years with a training set of 50 patients. The models performances varied markedly depending on the IHT in the validation set (range of AUROC from 0.688 with IHTstd to 0.823 with IHTHM.1). Hence, the use of intensity harmonization and the related technique should be carefully detailed in radiomics post-processing pipelines as it can profoundly affect the reproducibility of analyses.
Ethnopharmacological study of native medicinal plants and the impact of pastoralism on their loss in arid to semiarid ecosystems of southeastern Iran
Authors: Sharafatmandrad Mohsen , Khosravi Mashizi Azam
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to gather ethnopharmacological information on plants used by the pastorals of southeastern Iran. The relationships between ecological value of the plant species and ethnobotanical indices were investigated. The loss of medicinal plants and its effective factors were also determined under nomadism and sedentary pastoralism. Ethnopharmacological information of plants was collected through interviews with 85 local people including nomads (43%) and sedentary pastorals (57%). Ethnobotanical indices including relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance (RI), cultural value (CV), and use value (UV) were estimated. Canopy cover and density of plant species were measured at 60 sampling plots in the exclosure, nomadic rangelands and sedentary pastorals rangelands. The Importance Value Index (IVI) and Relative Loss Index (RL) were estimated for both nomadic and sedentary pastoral rangelands. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between ethnobotanical indices and IVI of plant species. The Bayesian networks was used to investigate the relationship between ethnobotanical indices and plant species loss. In total, 156 medicinal plant species of 50 families were identified in the region by locals. Positive correlation was observed between ethnobotanical indices (RFC and RI) and ecological index (IVI). The mean decline of the ecological importance of medicinal species in sedentary pastoral rangelands was approximately three times higher than in nomadic rangelands. Bayesian networks showed that cultural value, seed exploitation and aerial parts exploitation had direct relationships with species loss in both nomadic and sedentary pastoral rangelands. Bunium persicum, an ecologically and socially important species, had been extensively harvested (more than 60%) in the both nomadic and sedentary pastoral rangelands, making it a priority species in future conservation programs. Medicinal plants had high ecological value and were severely exploited, threatening sustainability of arid and semiarid ecosystems. Local pastorals not only use medicinal plants as herbal remedies but also consider them as a source of income. Popular plants with multiple medicinal uses were more susceptible to loss. Higher medicinal knowledge of pastorals did not help to mitigate medicinal plant loss, requesting new plans to aware them to the circumstances that often leads to species removal from community. Given the importance, abundance and widespread use of medicinal plants, further studies can provide a basis for their conservation and for identifying new therapeutic effects of plants in the region.
Phytoliths in selected broad-leaved trees in China
Authors: Ge Yong , Lu Houyuan , Wang Can , Gao Xing
Published: September 2020

Broad-leaved trees are widely distributed from tropical to temperate zones in China, reference collections of phytoliths from these taxa are crucial for the precise reconstruction of paleoenvironments and the study of early plant resource exploitation. However, not much has been published on the phytoliths produced by modern broad-leaved trees. In this study, we collected samples of 110 species that cover the common species distributed in Northern and Southern China, and extracted phytoliths from leaves, twigs and fruits, in order to investigate the phytoliths types and production in these species. We found that only 58 species were phytoliths producers, and that 23 distinct phytoliths morphotypes could be recognized. The results showed that phytoliths types and production in Northern and Southern China could be similar in the two regions. Through analyzing previously published data and our data, Elongate brachiate geniculate, Polygonal tabular, Elongate facetate, Tracheary annulate/facetate geniculate and Tracheary annulate/facetate claviform have been proposed to be the potential diagnostic types for broad-leaved trees in general. This study provided a preliminary reference of phytoliths in modern broad-leaved trees, and could be used in the identification of phytoliths in sediments and archaeological contexts.
Myelodysplastic syndrome: the other cause of anemia in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis
Authors: Chang Min-Yu , Lin Sheng-Fung , Wu Shih-Chi , Yang Wen-Chi
Published: September 2020

In end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving dialysis, anemia is common and related to a higher mortality rate. Erythropoietin (EPO) resistance and iron refractory anemia require red blood cell transfusions. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a disease with hematopoietic dysplasia. There are limited reports regarding ESRD patients with MDS. We aim to assess whether, for ESRD patients, undergoing dialysis is a predictive factor of MDS by analyzing data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled 74,712 patients with chronic renal failure (ESRD) who underwent dialysis and matched 74,712 control patients. In our study, we noticed that compared with the non-ESRD controls, in ESRD patients, undergoing dialysis (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] = 1.60, 1.16–2.19) and age (sHR = 1.03, 1.02–1.04) had positive predictive value for MDS occurrence. Moreover, more units of red blood cell transfusion (higher than 4 units per month) was also associated with a higher incidence of MDS. The MDS cumulative incidence increased with the duration of dialysis in ESRD patients. These effects may be related to exposure to certain cytokines, including interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and tumor growth factor-β. In conclusion, we report the novel finding that ESRD patients undergoing dialysis have an increased risk of MDS.
Abiotic and past climatic conditions drive protein abundance variation among natural populations of the caddisfly Crunoecia irrorata
Authors: Ebner Joshua Niklas , Ritz Danilo , von Fumetti Stefanie
Published: September 2020

Deducing impacts of environmental change on species and the populations they form in nature is an important goal in contemporary ecology. Achieving this goal is hampered by our limited understanding of the influence of naturally occurring environmental variation on the molecular systems of ecologically relevant species, as the pathways underlying fitness-affecting plastic responses have primarily been studied in model organisms and under controlled laboratory conditions. Here, to test the hypothesis that proteome variation systematically relates to variation in abiotic conditions, we establish such relationships by profiling the proteomes of 24 natural populations of the spring-dwelling caddisflyCrunoecia irrorata. We identified protein networks whose abundances correlated with environmental (abiotic) gradients such as in situ pH, oxygen- and nitrate concentrations but also climatic data such as past thermal minima and temperature seasonality. Our analyses suggest that variations in abiotic conditions induce discrete proteome responses such as the differential abundance of proteins associated with cytoskeletal function, heat-shock proteins and proteins related to post-translational modification. Identifying these drivers of proteome divergence characterizes molecular “noise”, and positions it as a background against which molecular signatures of species’ adaptive responses to stressful conditions can be identified.
Drought stress triggers proteomic changes involving lignin, flavonoids and fatty acids in tea plants
Authors: Gu Honglian , Wang Yu , Xie Hui , Qiu Chen , Zhang Shuning , Xiao Jun , Li Hongyan , Chen Liang , Li Xinghui , Ding Zhaotang
Published: September 2020

Drought stress triggers a series of physiological and biochemical changes in tea plants. It is well known that flavonoids, lignin and long-chain fatty acids play important roles in drought resistance. However, changes in proteins related to these three metabolic pathways in tea plants under drought stress have not been reported. We analysed the proteomic profiles of tea plants by tandem mass tag and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 4789 proteins were identified, of which 11 and 100 showed up- and downregulation, respectively. The proteins related to the biosynthesis of lignin, flavonoids and long-chain fatty acids, including phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamoyl-CoA reductase, peroxidase, chalcone synthase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, flavonol synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1,3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase 6 and 3-ketoacyl-CoA reductase 1, were downregulated. However, the contents of soluble proteins, malondialdehyde, total phenols, lignin and flavonoids in the tea plants increased. These results showed that tea plants might improve drought resistance by inhibiting the accumulation of synthases related to lignin, flavonoids and long-chain fatty acids. The proteomic spectrum of tea plants provides a scientific basis for studying the pathways related to lignin, flavonoid and long-chain fatty acid metabolism in response to drought stress.
Nano-CT as tool for characterization of dental resin composites
Authors: Haugen Håvard J. , Qasim Saad B. , Matinlinna Jukka P. , Vallittu Pekka , Nogueira Liebert Parreiras
Published: September 2020

Technological advances have made it possible to examine dental resin composites using 3D nanometer resolution. This investigation aims to characterize existing dental nano-hybrid and micro-hybrid resin composites through comparing and contrasting nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) with micro-CT and high-resolution SEM images. Eight commercially available and widely used dental resin composites, 2 micro-hybrid and 6 nano-hybrid were researched. Cured samples were examined and characterized using nano-CT (resolution 450 nm) and compared with micro-CT images (resolution 2 µm). Acquired images were reconstructed and image analysis was carried out to determine porosity and pore morphology. A comprehensive comparison of scanning micrograph images unsurprisingly revealed that the nano-CT images displayed greater detail of the ultrastructure of cured dental resin composites. Filler particle diameters and its volumes were lower when measured using nano-CT, porosity being higher where analysed at higher resolution. There were large variations between the examined materials. Fewer voids were found in Tetric EvoCeram and IPS Empress Direct, the smallest pores being found in Universal XTE and Tetric EvoCeram. Nano-CT was successfully used to investigate the morphology of dental resin composites and showed that micro-CT gives a lower porosity and pore size but overestimates filler particle size. There were large discrepancies between the tested composites. Evidence of porosities and pores within a specimen is a critical finding and it might have a detrimental effect on a material’s clinical performance.
SUMO promotes longevity and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis during ageing in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Princz Andrea , Pelisch Federico , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: September 2020

The insulin/IGF signalling pathway impacts lifespan across distant taxa, by controlling the activity of nodal transcription factors. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the transcription regulators DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/Nrf function to promote longevity under conditions of low insulin/IGF signalling and stress. The activity and subcellular localization of both DAF-16 and SKN-1 is further modulated by specific posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Here, we show that ageing elicits a marked increase of SUMO levels in C. elegans. In turn, SUMO fine-tunes DAF-16 and SKN-1 activity in specific C. elegans somatic tissues, to enhance stress resistance. SUMOylation of DAF-16 modulates mitochondrial homeostasis by interfering with mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. Our findings reveal that SUMO is an important determinant of lifespan, and provide novel insight, relevant to the complexity of the signalling mechanisms that influence gene expression to govern organismal survival in metazoans.
Differential roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 coordinate uterine receptivity and embryo attachment
Authors: Hiraoka Takehiro , Hirota Yasushi , Fukui Yamato , Gebril Mona , Kaku Tetsuaki , Aikawa Shizu , Hirata Tomoyuki , Akaeda Shun , Matsuo Mitsunori , Haraguchi Hirofumi , Saito-Kanatani Mayuko , Shimizu-Hirota Ryoko , Takeda Norihiko , Yoshino Osamu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: September 2020

Although it has been reported that uterine signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is essential for embryo implantation, the exact roles of uterine epithelial and stromal STAT3 on embryo implantation have not been elucidated. To address this issue, we generatedStat3-floxed/Ltf-iCre(Stat3-eKO),Stat3-floxed/Amhr2-Cre(Stat3-sKO), andStat3-floxed/Pgr-Cre(Stat3-uKO) mice to deleteStat3in uterine epithelium, uterine stroma, and whole uterine layers, respectively. We found that both epithelial and stromal STAT3 have critical roles in embryo attachment because all theStat3-eKO andStat3-sKO female mice were infertile due to implantation failure without any embryo attachment sites.Stat3-eKO uteri showed indented structure of uterine lumen, indicating the role of epithelial STAT3 in slit-like lumen formation in the peri-implantation uterus.Stat3-sKO uteri exhibited hyper-estrogenic responses and persistent cell proliferation of the epithelium in the peri-implantation uterus, suggesting the role of stromal STAT3 in uterine receptivity. In addition,Stat3-uKO female mice possessed not only the characteristic of persistent epithelial proliferation but also that of indented structure of uterine lumen. These findings indicate that epithelial STAT3 controls the formation of slit-like structure in uterine lumen and stromal STAT3 suppresses epithelial estrogenic responses and cell proliferation. Thus, epithelial and stromal STAT3 cooperatively controls uterine receptivity and embryo attachment through their different pathways.
Survival curve identifies critical period for postoperative mortality in cardiac patients undergoing emergency general surgery
Authors: Martines Diego Ramos , Nii Fernanda , de Almeida Medeiros Kayo Augusto , Carvalho Bárbara Justo , Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , de Mesquita Gustavo Heluani Antunes , Iuamoto Leandro Ryuchi , Oliveira Gustavo B. F. , Bianco Antonio Carlos Mugayar , Meyer Alberto
Published: September 2020

The number of non-cardiac major surgeries carried out has significantly increased in recent years to around 200 million procedures carried out annually. Approximately 30% of patients submitted to non-cardiac surgery present some form of cardiovascular comorbidity. In emergency situations, with less surgery planning time and greater clinical severity, the risks become even more significant. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease submitted to non-cardiac surgical procedures in a single cardiovascular referral center. This is a prospective cohort study of patients with cardiovascular disease submitted to non-cardiovascular surgery. All procedures were carried out by the same surgeon, between January 2006 and January 2018. 240 patients included were elderly, 154 were male (64%), 8 patients presented two diagnoses. Of the resulting 248 procedures carried out, 230 were emergency (92.8%). From the data obtained it was possible to estimate the day from which the occurrence of mortality is less probable in the postoperative phase. Our research evaluated the epidemiological profile of the surgeries and we were able to estimate the survival and delimit the period of greatest risk of mortality in these patients. The high rate of acute mesenteric ischemia was notable, a serious and frequently fatal condition.
Molecular tests support the viability of rare earth elements as proxies for fossil biomolecule preservation
Authors: Ullmann Paul V. , Voegele Kristyn K. , Grandstaff David E. , Ash Richard D. , Zheng Wenxia , Schroeter Elena R. , Schweitzer Mary H. , Lacovara Kenneth J.
Published: September 2020

The rare earth element (REE) composition of a fossil bone reflects its chemical alteration during diagenesis. Consequently, fossils presenting low REE concentrations and/or REE profiles indicative of simple diffusion, signifying minimal alteration, have been proposed as ideal candidates for paleomolecular investigation. We directly tested this prediction by conducting multiple biomolecular assays on a well-preserved fibula of the dinosaurEdmontosaurusfrom the Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation previously found to exhibit low REE concentrations and steeply-declining REE profiles. Gel electrophoresis identified the presence of organic material in this specimen, and subsequent immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays identified preservation of epitopes of the structural protein collagen I. Our results thereby support the utility of REE profiles as proxies for soft tissue and biomolecular preservation in fossil bones. Based on considerations of trace element taphonomy, we also draw predictions as to the biomolecular recovery potential of additional REE profile types exhibited by fossil bones.
Emplacement of screen-printed graphene oxide coating for building thermal comfort discernment
Authors: Roy Anurag , Ghosh Aritra , Benson David , Mallick Tapas K. , Sundaram Senthilarasu
Published: September 2020

This study demonstrates the development of flexible graphene oxide coatings (GOCs) by the screen-printed technique and further its implementation as a thermal absorber for buildings’ thermal comfort purpose. The basic concept consists the integration of the GOC as a flat absorber on the top of a low iron glass or aluminium-based substrate (5 × 5 cm2) connecting through a phase change material channel in contact with direct sun exposure. The function of GOC as an outdoor cover of the prototype chamber is to maintain the high indoor temperature while the outdoor temperature is low. Using the GOC, it has been observed that the indoor temperature (at the substrate) of the prototype chamber always remains higher as compared to the outdoor temperature (at the GOC) as measured under 1 SUN 1.5 AM condition. The temperature difference between outdoor and indoor exterior surface significantly increases during the light exposure time, whereas the difference drastically approaches to zero during the cooling period. The variation of different crucial environmental factors such as high temperature, moisture, flexibility and water resistivity has been investigated on the developed GOCs to understand the stability of the coating further.
Evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of taurine in Alzheimer’s disease using functional molecular imaging
Authors: Oh Se Jong , Lee Hae-June , Jeong Ye Ji , Nam Kyung Rok , Kang Kyung Jun , Han Sang Jin , Lee Kyo Chul , Lee Yong Jin , Choi Jae Yong
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, but therapeutic treatment options are limited. Taurine has been reported to have neuroprotective properties against dementia, including AD. The present study aimed to investigate the treatment effect of taurine in AD mice by functional molecular imaging. To elucidate glutamate alterations by taurine, taurine was administered to 5xFAD transgenic mice from 2 months of age, known to apear amyloid deposition. Then, we performed glutamate positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies for three groups (wild-type, AD, and taurine-treated AD, n = 5 in each group). As a result, brain uptake in the taurine-treated AD group was 31–40% higher than that in the AD group (cortex: 40%,p < 0.05; striatum: 32%,p < 0.01; hippocampus: 36%,p < 0.01; thalamus: 31%,p > 0.05) and 3–14% lower than that in the WT group (cortex: 10%,p > 0.05; striatum: 15%,p > 0.05; hippocampus: 14%,p > 0.05; thalamus: 3%,p > 0.05). However, we did not observe differences in Aβ pathology between the taurine-treated AD and AD groups in immunohistochemistry experiments. Our results reveal that although taurine treatment did not completely recover the glutamate system, it significantly increased metabolic glutamate receptor type 5 brain uptake. Therefore, taurine has therapeutic potential against AD.
Upregulation of a marine fungal biosynthetic gene cluster by an endobacterial symbiont
Authors: Shao Mingwei , Sun Changli , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang Xiaoxue , Li Wenli , Wei Xiaoyi , Li Qinglian , Ju Jianhua
Published: September 2020

Fungal-bacterial associations are present in nature, playing important roles in ecological, evolutionary and medicinal processes. Here we report a fungus-bacterial symbiont from marine sediment. The bacterium lives inside the fungal mycelium yet is robust enough to survive independent of its host; the independently grown bacterium can infect the fungal host in vitro and continue to grow progenitively. The bacterial symbiont modulates the fungal host to biosynthesize a polyketide antimicrobial, spiromarmycin. Spiromarmycin appears to endow upon the symbiont pair a protective/defensive means of warding off competitor organisms, be they prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms. Genomic analyses revealed the spiromarmycin biosynthetic machinery to be encoded, not by the bacterium, but rather the fungal host. This unique fungal-bacterial symbiotic relationship and the molecule/s resulting from it dramatically expand our knowledge of marine microbial diversity and shed important insights into endosymbionts and fungal-bacterial relationships.
A multi-ethnic meta-analysis identifies novel genes, including ACSL5, associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nakamura Ryoichi , Misawa Kazuharu , Tohnai Genki , Nakatochi Masahiro , Furuhashi Sho , Atsuta Naoki , Hayashi Naoki , Yokoi Daichi , Watanabe Hazuki , Watanabe Hirohisa , Katsuno Masahisa , Izumi Yuishin , Kanai Kazuaki , Hattori Nobutaka , Morita Mitsuya , Taniguchi Akira , Kano Osamu , Oda Masaya , Shibuya Kazumoto , Kuwabara Satoshi , Suzuki Naoki , Aoki Masashi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji , Hashimoto Rina , Aiba Ikuko , Okamoto Koichi , Mizoguchi Kouichi , Hasegawa Kazuko , Okada Yohei , Ishihara Tomohiko , Onodera Osamu , Nakashima Kenji , Kaji Ryuji , Kamatani Yoichiro , Ikegawa Shiro , Momozawa Yukihide , Kubo Michiaki , Ishida Noriko , Minegishi Naoko , Nagasaki Masao , Sobue Gen
Published: September 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive motor neuron disease that affects people of all ethnicities. Approximately 90% of ALS cases are sporadic and thought to have multifactorial pathogenesis. To understand the genetics of sporadic ALS, we conducted a genome-wide association study using 1,173 sporadic ALS cases and 8,925 controls in a Japanese population. A combined meta-analysis of our Japanese cohort with individuals of European ancestry revealed a significant association at the ACSL5 locus (top SNP p = 2.97 × 10−8). We validated the association with ACSL5 in a replication study with a Chinese population and an independent Japanese population (1941 ALS cases, 3821 controls; top SNP p = 1.82 × 10−4). In the combined meta-analysis, the intronic ACSL5 SNP rs3736947 showed the strongest association (p = 7.81 × 10−11). Using a gene-based analysis of the full multi-ethnic dataset, we uncovered additional genes significantly associated with ALS: ERGIC1, RAPGEF5, FNBP1, and ATXN3. These results advance our understanding of the genetic basis of sporadic ALS.
Preferential phosphate sorption and Al substitution on goethite
Authors: Hsu Liang-Ching , Tzou Yu-Min , Ho Mon-Shu , Sivakumar Chandrasekar , Cho Yen-Lin , Li Wen-Hui , Chiang Po-Neng , Teah Heng Yi , Liu Yu-Ting
Published: September 2020

The Al-substitution affected not only the basal spacing between adjacent lattice planes but also the structural arrangement in goethite which results in the Al-preferential PO4 sorption on Al-substituted goethite.
A cytosolically localized far-red to near-infrared rhodamine-based fluorescent probe for calcium ions
Authors: Numasawa Koji , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Ikeno Takayuki , Echizen Honami , Ishikawa Tomoe , Morimoto Masakazu , Komatsu Toru , Ueno Tasuku , Ikegaya Yuji , Nagano Tetsuo , Urano Yasuteru
Published: September 2020

We developed the cytosolically localized far-red to NIR fluorescent probe for Ca2+,CaSiR-2 AM, utilizing the rhodamine scaffold.
Effects of nanoparticle-mediated growth factor gene transfer to the injured microenvironment on the tendon-to-bone healing strength
Authors: Xing Shu Guo , Zhou You Lang , Yang Qian Qian , Ju Fei , Zhang Luzhong , Tang Jin Bo
Published: September 2020

The tendon-to-bone healing after trauma is usually slow and weak, and the repair site is easily disrupted during early mobilization exercise.
In vivo delivery of a fluorescent FPR2/ALX-targeted probe using focused ultrasound and microbubbles to image activated microglia
Authors: Morse Sophie V. , Boltersdorf Tamara , Chan Tiffany G. , Gavins Felicity N. E. , Choi James J. , Long Nicholas J.
Published: September 2020

Targeted imaging agent labels activated microglia when delivered into the brain with focused ultrasound and microbubbles – a tool to investigate inflammation in neurological disorders.
Preliminary chemical reduction for synthesizing a stable porous molecular conductor with neutral metal nodes
Authors: Koyama Shohei , Tanabe Tappei , Takaishi Shinya , Yamashita Masahiro , Iguchi Hiroaki
Published: September 2020

Preliminary chemical reduction of naphthalenediimide (NDI)-based organic ligands was applied to the synthesis of a porous molecular conductor (PMC) with neutral metal nodes (cobalt(ii) acetylacetonate).
Biological applications of synthetic anion transporters
Authors: Akhtar Nasim , Biswas Oindrila , Manna Debasis
Published: September 2020

Transmembrane transport of anions by small molecules has recently been used to reduce the viability of cancer cells and fight against antibiotic-resistant and clinically relevant bacterial strains.
A phosphine-free iron complex-catalyzed synthesis of cycloalkanesviathe borrowing hydrogen strategy
Authors: Bettoni Léo , Gaillard Sylvain , Renaud Jean-Luc
Published: September 2020

Herein we report a diaminocyclopentadienone iron tricarbonyl complex catalyzed synthesis of substituted cyclopentane, cyclohexane and cycloheptane compounds using the borrowing hydrogen strategy in the presence of various substituted primary and secondary 1,ndiols as alkylating reagents.
A cucurbit[6]uril-based supramolecular assembly test strip for immediate detection of nitrofuran antibiotics in water
Authors: Shi Lulu , Liu Mei , Fang Cao , Zhu Xiaofei , Li Hui
Published: September 2020

A CB[6]-based supramolecular assembly has been designed and prepared into test strips, which can detect nitrofuran antibiotics by the naked eye.
Th@C86, Th@C82, Th@C80, and Th@C76: role of thorium encapsulation in determining spherical aromatic and bonding properties on medium-sized endohedral metallofullerenes
Authors: Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , King R. Bruce
Published: September 2020

π-Electron counts of 80, 84, 86, and 90, respectively, with a shell structure ranging from S2P6D10F14G18H22I8 to S2P6D10F14G18H22I18, where the partially filled I-shell remains as a frontier orbital, exhibit a spherical aromatic character.
UV-induced radical formation and isomerization of 4-methoxyindole and 5-methoxyindole
Authors: Lopes Jesus A. J. , Rosado Mário T. S. , Fausto R. , Reva I.
Published: September 2020

UV-excitation of matrix-isolated methoxyindoles induces the N–H bond cleavage resulting in indolyl radicals. These, in turn, recombine with the released H atom to form 3H-tautomers.
A dual-functional MOF for high proton conduction and sensitive detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Zhou Shu-Fang , Hao Biao-Biao , Lin Tian , Zhang Chen-Xi , Wang Qing-Lun
Published: September 2020

A new Eu-MOF detects AA with turn off fluorescence and the proton conductivity of the Im@Eu-MOF is ten times higher than that of the En-MOF.
Conducting neutral gold bisdithiolene complex [Au(dspdt)2]˙
Authors: Velho Mariana F. G. , Silva Rafaela A. L. , Brotas Graça , Lopes Elsa B. , Santos Isabel C. , Charas Ana , Belo Dulce , Almeida Manuel
Published: September 2020

A gold bisdithiolene complex with a unique crystal structure displays high electrical conductivity at room temperature.
Two-dimensional nonlayered materials for electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yizhan , Zhang Ziyi , Mao Yanchao , Wang Xudong
Published: September 2020

Two-dimensional nonlayered materials afford unique structural and electrocatalytic advantages toward hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, oxygen reduction, and CO2 reduction.
Failure modes of protection layers produced by atomic layer deposition of amorphous TiO2 on GaAs anodes
Authors: Buabthong Pakpoom , Ifkovits Zachary P. , Kempler Paul A. , Chen Yikai , Nunez Paul D. , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Papadantonakis Kimberly M. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: September 2020

Extrinsic pinhole defects formed during deposition and testing control the short-term protective performance of the a-TiO2 film for GaAs anodes evolving O2 from water
A single-component water-lean post-combustion CO2capture solvent with exceptionally low operational heat and total costs of capture – comprehensive experimental and theoretical evaluation
Authors: Zheng Richard F. , Barpaga Dushyant , Mathias Paul M. , Malhotra Deepika , Koech Phillip K , Jiang Yuan , Bhakta Mukund , Lail Marty , V. Rayer Aravind , Whyatt Greg A. , Freeman Charles J. , Zwoster Andy J. , Weitz Karl K. , Heldebrant David J.
Published: September 2020

A comprehensive evaluation of a recently developed water-lean amine-based solvent, namelyN-(2-ethoxyethyl)-3-morpholinopropan-1-amine (2-EEMPA), has been performed to analyze its post-combustion CO2capture performance.
Metabolic engineering ofEscherichia colifor production of non-natural acetins from glycerol
Authors: Zada Bakht , Joo Seongjoon , Wang Chonglong , Tseten Tenzin , Jeong Seong-Hee , Seo Hogyun , Sohn Jung-Hoon , Kim Kyung-Jin , Kim Seon-Won
Published: September 2020

Development of bioconversion technology for efficient conversion of crude glycerol to non-natural acetins.
Crosslinking diene rubbers by using an inverse vulcanised co-polymer
Authors: Wang Dong , Tang Zhenghai , Liu Yinjun , Guo Baochun
Published: September 2020

A green approach is explored in crosslinking diene rubbers by using an inverse vulcanised co-polymer of sulfur and styrene.
An effective combination catalyst of CeO2 and zeolite for the direct synthesis of diethyl carbonate from CO2 and ethanol with 2,2-diethoxypropane as a dehydrating agent
Authors: Chang Tao , Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Fukaya Norihisa , Choi Jun-Chul , Mishima Takayoshi , Matsumoto Seiji , Hamura Satoshi , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: September 2020

The combination of CeO2 and H-FAU zeolite acted as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the direct synthesis of diethyl carbonate from CO2 and ethanol with 2,2-diethoxypropane as a dehydrating agent.
Synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles using linear polyethyleneimines and catalysis of both anionic and cationic azo dye degradation
Authors: Cavuslar Ozge , Nakay Emre , Kazakoglu Umut , Abkenar Sirous Khabbaz , Ow-Yang Cleva W. , Acar Havva Yagci
Published: September 2020

Small, stable cationic GNPs were produced by direct reduction of auric acid with linear PEI in water, and used as an effective catalyst for degradation of both cationic and anionic dyes.
Salt-mediated extraction of nanoscale Si building blocks: composite anode for Li-ion full battery with high energy density
Authors: Ryu Jaegeon , Je Minjun , Choi Wooyeong , Park Soojin
Published: September 2020

A salt-mediated, efficient and scalable extraction method enables the preparation of well-segregated, high-quality, nanoscale silicon building blocks for the high-energy density lithium-ion full battery.
Porous carbon materials for microwave absorption
Authors: Cheng Jin-Bo , Shi Hai-Gang , Cao Min , Wang Ting , Zhao Hai-Bo , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: September 2020

We summarize the recent progress in porous carbon-based MA materials encompassing composition and microstructure design. Representative fabrication methods, structure characterization, and properties of materials are highlighted in detail.
Investigation of thiazolyl–benzothiophenamides as potential agents for African sleeping sickness
Authors: Brown Ronald W. , Abdel-Megeed Ashraf M. , Keller Paul A. , Jones Amy J. , Sykes Melissa L. , Kaiser Marcel , Baell Jonathan B. , Avery Vicky M. , Hyland Christopher J. T.
Published: September 2020

African sleeping sickness is a potentially fatal neglected disease affecting sub-Saharan Africa.
Cu/H3BTC MOF as a potential antibacterial therapeutic agent against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Shams Saira , Ahmad Waqas , Memon Amjad Hussain , Shams Sumaira , Wei Yun , Yuan Qipeng , Liang Hao
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to design a more effective antibacterial agent to overcome the problem of fast-growing bacterial resistance.
A captured room temperature stable Wheland intermediate as a key structure for the orthogonal decoration of 4-amino-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-ones
Authors: Galve Iñaki , Ondoño Raül , de Rocafiguera Claudi , Puig de la Bellacasa Raimon , Batllori Xavier , Puigjaner Cristina , Font-Bardia Mercè , Vallcorba Oriol , Teixidó Jordi , Borrell José I.
Published: September 2020

The dihalo substituted compounds 13 (X = Br) and 26 (X = I) are useful intermediates for the orthogonal decoration of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines. 13 is formed by oxidative rearrangement in DMSO of the captured Wheland bromination intermediate 12.
An electrochemically controlled release of NHCs using iron bis(dithiolene) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Selvakumar Jayaraman , Simpson Scott M. , Zurek Eva , Arumugam Kuppuswamy
Published: September 2020

A series of five coordinated [Fe(NHC)(S2C2R2)2] complexes were isolated and subjected to electrochemical reduction for the facile release of NHCs in the catalytic media.
The crystal structures and mechanical properties of the uranyl carbonate minerals roubaultite, fontanite, sharpite, widenmannite, grimselite and čejkaite
Authors: Colmenero Francisco , Plášil Jakub , Sejkora Jiří
Published: September 2020

The structure, hydrogen bonding, X-ray diffraction pattern and mechanical properties of six important uranyl carbonate minerals, roubaultite, fontanite, sharpite, widenmannite, grimselite and čejkaite, are determined using first principles methods.
Advances in synthesis, properties and emerging applications of tin sulfides and its heterostructures
Authors: Shinde Pratik , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2020

The tin sulfide (SnxSy) class of materials has attracted tremendous research interest owing to their intriguing physicochemical properties. In this review, we explore the recent progress in their synthesis, properties, and applications.
Palladium-catalyzed one-pot cycloaddition reactions of thioureas with 3H-indol-3-ones generatedin situfrom 2-alkynyl arylazides: rapid and efficient access to imidazoloindolines
Authors: Li Ping , Zhu Boyu , Xu Yao , Zhou Zhiqiang , Hu Guiwen , Yang Fan , Xu Shijie , Zhang Xiaoxiang
Published: September 2020

An efficient palladium-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of imidazoloindolines from 2-alkynyl arylazides under mild reaction conditions has been described.
Co1−xBaxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) nanoferrites as gas sensor towards NO2 and NH3 gases
Authors: Pawar Hariom , Khan Meenu , Mitharwal Chhavi , Dwivedi U. K. , Mitra Supratim , Rathore Deepshikha
Published: September 2020

XRD pattern and sensitivity (%) as a function of flow rate (ppm) of Co1−xBaxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) nanoferrites towards NO2 and NH3 gases.
P-stereocontrolled synthesis of oligo(nucleoside N3′→O5′ phosphoramidothioate)s – opportunities and limitations
Authors: Radzikowska Ewa , Kaczmarek Renata , Korczyński Dariusz , Krakowiak Agnieszka , Mikołajczyk Barbara , Baraniak Janina , Guga Piotr , Wheeler Kraig A. , Pawlak Tomasz , Nawrot Barbara
Published: September 2020

Separated P-diastereomers of 3′-N-(2-thio-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane) derivatives of 5′-O-DMT-3′-amino-2′,3′-dideoxy-ribonucleosides were used to prepare P-stereodefined NNPSN′ dinucleotides and short NPS-, NPS/PO- and NPS/PS-oligomers.