bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Induces PD-L1 Expression on Antigen-Presenting Cells via Autocrine and Paracrine Interleukin-STAT3 Circuits
Authors: Copland Alastair , Sparrow Adam , Hart Peter , Diogo Gil Reynolds , Paul Mathew , Azuma Miyuki , Reljic Rajko
Published: March 2019

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine for tuberculosis (TB), and is also used as an immunotherapy for bladder cancer and other malignancies due to its immunostimulatory properties. Mycobacteria spp., however, are well known for their numerous immune evasion mechanisms that limit the true potential of their therapeutic use. One such major mechanism is the induction of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), which mitigates adaptive immune responses. Here, we sought to unravel the molecular pathways behind PD-L1 up-regulation on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by BCG. We found that infection of APCs with BCG induced PD-L1 up-regulation, but that this did not depend on direct infection, suggesting a soluble mediator for this effect. BCG induced potent quantities of IL-6 and IL-10, and the downstream transcription factor STAT3 was hyper-phosphorylated. Intracellular analyses revealed that levels of PD-L1 molecules were associated with the STAT3 phosphorylation state, suggesting a causal link. Neutralisation of the IL-6 or IL-10 cytokine receptors dampened STAT3 phosphorylation and BCG-mediated up-regulation of PD-L1 on APCs. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 achieved the same effect, confirming an autocrine-paracrine cytokine loop as a mechanism for BCG-mediated up-regulation of PD-L1. Finally, an in vivo immunisation model showed that BCG vaccination under PD-L1 blockade could enhance antigen-specific memory CD4 T-cell responses. These novel findings could lead to refinement of BCG as both a vaccine for infectious disease and as a cancer immunotherapy.
The different influences of drought stress at the flowering stage on rice physiological traits, grain yield, and quality
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Wang Benfu , Chen Liang , Li Ping , Cao Cougui
Published: March 2019

Seasonal drought is a major threat to rice production. However, the sensitivity of rice to drought stress (DS) at different growth periods remains unclear. The objective of this study was to reveal the different impacts of DS at the flowering stage on rice physiological traits, grain yield, and quality. Field experiments were conducted with two rice cultivars, Yangliangyou 6 (YLY6) and Hanyou 113 (HY113) under two water treatments (traditional flooding (CK) and DS at flowering stage) in 2013 and 2014. Compared with CK, grain yield (GY) under DS was significantly reduced by 23.2% for YLY6 and 24.0% for HY113 while instantaneous water use efficiency (IWUE) was significantly increased by 39% for YLY6 and 37% for HY113, respectively. All physiological traits were significantly decreased under DS and physiological activities did not revert to normal levels at grain filling stage. There was no significant effect on the appearance and nutritional quality except for the significant increase in chalky kernel and chalkiness under DS. Our data suggest that drought stress at flowering stage has a strong influence on rice physiological traits and yield. Stronger recovery capability contributes to maintaining relatively high grain production, which could be a great target for the breeder in developing drought-tolerant rice cultivars.
Details of hydrophobic entanglement between small molecules and Braun’s lipoprotein within the cavity of the bacterial chaperone LolA
Authors: Boags Alister , Samsudin Firdaus , Khalid Syma
Published: March 2019

The cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria is synthesized and maintained via mechanisms that are targets for development of novel antibiotics. Here we focus on the process of moving Braun’s lipoprotein (BLP) from the periplasmic space to the outer membrane of E. coli, via the LolA protein. In contrast to current thinking, we show that binding of multiple inhibitor molecules inside the hydrophobic cavity of LolA does not prevent subsequent binding of BLP inside the same cavity. Rather, based on our atomistic simulations we propose the theory that once inhibitors and BLP are bound inside the cavity of LolA, driven by hydrophobic interactions, they become entangled with each other. Our umbrella sampling calculations show that on the basis of energetics, it is more difficult to dislodge BLP from the cavity of LolA when it is uncomplexed compared to complexed with inhibitor. Thus the inhibitor reduces the affinity of BLP for the LolA cavity.
Microbial Degradation of Nicotinamide by a Strain Alcaligenes sp. P156
Authors: Hu Chunhui , Zhao Shuxue , Li Kuiran , Yu Hao
Published: March 2019

A novel Alcaligenes sp. strain P156, which can utilize nicotinamide as its sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy, was enriched and isolated from soil in a solid waste treatment plant. Aerobic growth and degradation with nicotinamide were characterized. Seven nicotinamide degradation-related genes were obtained by sequence alignment from the genome sequence of strain P156. Four genes, designated naaA, naaD, naaE and naaF, were cloned and heterologously expressed. Nicotinamide degradation is initiated by deamination to form nicotinic acid catalyzed by the nicotinamidase NaaA, which shares highest amino acid sequence identity (27.2%) with nicotinamidase from Arabidopsis thaliana. Nicotinic acid is converted to 6-hydroxynicotinic acid, which is further oxidized to 2,5-dihydroxypyridine (2,5-DHP). 2,5-DHP is then transformed to a ring-cleavage product, N-formylmaleamic acid, by an Fe2+ dependent dioxygenase NaaD. N-formylmaleamic acid is transformed to fumaric acid through maleamic acid and maleic acid by NaaE and NaaF, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the complete microbial degradation of nicotinamide in bacteria. Nicotinamide is considered as a model compound for the study of microbial degradation of pyridinic compounds, and the nicotinamide degrading related genes in strain P156 were distributed differently from the reported similar gene clusters. Therefore, this study contribute to the knowledge on the degradation of pyridinic compounds.
Allele-specific expression variation at different ploidy levels in Squalius alburnoides
Authors: Matos Isa , Machado Miguel P. , Schartl Manfred , Coelho Maria Manuela
Published: March 2019

Allopolyploid plants are long known to be subject to a homoeolog expression bias of varying degree. The same phenomenon was only much later suspected to occur also in animals based on studies of single selected genes in an allopolyploid vertebrate, the Iberian fish Squalius alburnoides. Consequently, this species became a good model for understanding the evolution of gene expression regulation in polyploid vertebrates. Here, we analyzed for the first time genome-wide allele-specific expression data from diploid and triploid hybrids of S. alburnoides and compared homoeolog expression profiles of adult livers and of juveniles. Co-expression of alleles from both parental genomic types was observed for the majority of genes, but with marked homoeolog expression bias, suggesting homoeolog specific reshaping of expression level patterns in hybrids. Complete silencing of one allele was also observed irrespective of ploidy level, but not transcriptome wide as previously speculated. Instead, it was found only in a restricted number of genes, particularly ones with functions related to mitochondria and ribosomes. This leads us to hypothesize that allelic silencing may be a way to overcome intergenomic gene expression interaction conflicts, and that homoeolog expression bias may be an important mechanism in the achievement of sustainable genomic interactions, mandatory to the success of allopolyploid systems, as in S. alburnoides.
Poly ADP ribosylation and extracellular vesicle activity in rod photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Vidal-Gil Lorena , Sancho-Pelluz Javier , Zrenner Eberhart , Oltra Maria , Sahaboglu Ayse
Published: March 2019

Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases that result in selective cell death of photoreceptors. In the developed world, RP is regarded as the main cause of blindness among the working age population. The precise mechanisms eventually leading to cell death remain unknown and to date no adequate treatment for RP is available. Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) over activity is involved in photoreceptor degeneration and pharmacological inhibition or genetic knock-down PARP1 activity protect photoreceptors in mice models, the mechanism of neuroprotection is not clear yet. Our result indicated that olaparib, a PARP1 inhibitor, significantly rescued photoreceptor cells in rd10 retina. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were previously recognized as a mechanism for discharging useless cellular components. Growing evidence has elucidated their roles in cell–cell communication by carrying nucleic acids, proteins and lipids that can, in turn, regulate behavior of the target cells. Recent research suggested that EVs extensively participate in progression of diverse blinding diseases, such as age-related macular (AMD) degeneration. Our study demonstrates the involvement of EVs activity in the process of photoreceptor degeneration in a PDE6 mutation. PARP inhibition protects photoreceptors via regulation of the EVs activity in rod photoreceptor degeneration in a PDE6b mutation.
Proteolytic Degradation of reduced Human Beta Defensin 1 generates a Novel Antibiotic Octapeptide
Authors: Wendler Judith , Schroeder Bjoern O. , Ehmann Dirk , Koeninger Louis , Mailänder-Sánchez Daniela , Lemberg Christina , Wanner Stephanie , Schaller Martin , Stange Eduard F. , Malek Nisar P. , Weidenmaier Christopher , LeibundGut-Landmann Salomé , Wehkamp Jan
Published: March 2019

Microbial resistance against clinical used antibiotics is on the rise. Accordingly, there is a high demand for new innovative antimicrobial strategies. The host-defense peptide human beta-defensin 1 (hBD-1) is produced continuously by epithelial cells and exhibits compelling antimicrobial activity after reduction of its disulphide bridges. Here we report that proteolysis of reduced hBD-1 by gastrointestinal proteases as well as human duodenal secretions produces an eight-amino acid carboxy-terminal fragment. The generated octapeptide retains antibiotic activity, yet with distinct characteristics differing from the full-length peptide. We modified the octapeptide by stabilizing its termini and by using non-natural D-amino acids. The native and modified peptide variants showed antibiotic activity against pathogenic as well as antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Moreover, in an in vitro C. albicans infection model the tested peptides demonstrated effective amelioration of C. albicans infection without showing cytotoxity on human cells. In summary, protease degradation of hBD-1 provides a yet unknown mechanism to broaden antimicrobial host defense, which could be used to develop defensin-derived therapeutic applications.
Cyclosporin A ameliorates cerebral oxidative metabolism and infarct size in the endothelin-1 rat model of transient cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Forsse Axel , Nielsen Troels Halfeld , Nygaard Kevin Heebøll , Nordström Carl-Henrik , Gramsbergen Jan Bert , Poulsen Frantz Rom
Published: March 2019

Cerebral microdialysis can be used to detect mitochondrial dysfunction, a potential target of neuroprotective treatment. Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a mitochondrial stabiliser that in a recent clinical stroke trial showed protective potential in patients with successful recanalisation. To investigate specific metabolic effects of CsA during reperfusion, and hypothesising that microdialysis values can be used as a proxy outcome measure, we assessed the temporal patterns of cerebral energy substrates related to oxidative metabolism in a model of transient focal ischaemia. Transient ischaemia was induced by intracerebral microinjection of endothelin-1 (150 pmol/15 µL) through stereotaxically implanted guide cannulas in awake, freely moving rats. This was immediately followed by an intravenous injection of CsA (NeuroSTAT; 15 mg/kg) or placebo solution during continuous microdialysis monitoring. After reperfusion, the lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) was significantly lower in the CsA group vs placebo (n = 17, 60.6 ± 24.3%, p = 0.013). Total and striatal infarct volumes (mm3) were reduced in the treatment group (n = 31, 61.8 ± 6.0 vs 80.6 ± 6.7, p = 0.047 and 29.9 ± 3.5 vs 41.5 ± 3.9, p = 0.033). CsA treatment thus ameliorated cerebral reperfusion metabolism and infarct size. Cerebral microdialysis may be useful in evaluating putative neuroprotectants in ischaemic stroke.
Scaling and correlation properties of RR and QT intervals at the cellular level
Authors: Kim Jiyeong , Shah Disheet , Potapov Ilya , Latukka Joonas , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Räsänen Esa
Published: March 2019

We study complex scaling properties of RR and QT intervals of electrocardiograms (ECGs) with their equivalences at the cellular level, that is, inter-beat intervals (IBI) and field potential durations (FPD) of spontaneously beating human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) aggregates. Our detrended fluctuation analysis and Poincaré plots reveal remarkable similarities between the ECG and hiPSC-CM data. In particular, no statistically significant difference was found in the short- and long-term scaling exponents α1 and α2 of RR and QT intervals and their cellular equivalences. Previously unknown scaling properties of FPDs of hiPSC-CM aggregates reveal that the increasing scaling exponent of QT intervals as a function of the time scale, is an intrinsic feature at the cellular level.
Differential role of prefrontal, temporal and parietal cortices in verbal and figural fluency: Implications for the supramodal contribution of executive functions
Authors: Ghanavati Elham , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali , Nejati Vahid , Nitsche Michael A.
Published: March 2019

Verbal and figural fluency are related to executive functions (EFs), but the extent to which they benefit from executive resources and their respective cortical representations is not clear. Moreover, different brain areas and cognitive functions are involved in fluency processing. This study investigated effects of modulation of cortical excitability in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC), left temporal area and right posterior parietal cortex (r-PPC) with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), on verbal and figural fluency. Fifteen healthy adult participants received anodal l-DLPFC (F3), anodal left temporal (T3), anodal r-PPC (P4) and sham tDCS (15 min, 1.5 mA). After five minutes of stimulation, participants underwent the verbal fluency (i.e., semantic and phonemic fluency tasks) and figural fluency tasks. Participants significantly generated more words with phonemic cues during anodal l-DLPFC tDCS and more words with semantic cues during both anodal left temporal and anodal l-DLPFC tDCS. In contrast, they generated more unique figures under anodal r-PPC and anodal l-DLPFC tDCS. Our results implicate that prefrontal regions and EFs are shared anatomical correlates and cognitive processes relevant for both, verbal and figural fluency (supramodal contribution of DLPFC activation), whereas r-PPC and left temporal cortex are more specifically involved in figural and semantic fluency (modality-specific contribution).
Transcriptome analysis of beta-lactamase genes in diarrheagenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Singh Taru , Singh Praveen Kumar , Das Shukla , Wani Sayim , Jawed Arshad , Dar Sajad Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Beta (β)-lactamases are the most important agents that confer drug resistance among gram-negative bacteria. Continuous mutations in β-lactamases make them remarkably diverse. We carried out the transcriptome analysis of 10 β-lactamase genes of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), Metallo β-lactamases (MBL), and AmpC β-lactamases (ABL) in drug-resistant and sensitive diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) isolates obtained from children up to 5 years of age. Out of the 10 β-lactamase genes, four belonged to ESBL (TEM, SHV, CTX, and OXA); three to MBL (NDM-1, IMP, and VIM); and three to ABL (ACT, DHA and CMY) class of genes. The different categories of DEC were estimated for β-lactamases production using a set of conventional phenotypic tests, followed by detection of their messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. The study revealed a direct correlation between mRNA expression of these genes and the presence of antibiotic resistance; also corroborated by mutation analysis of the AmpC promoter region. All the 10 β-lactamase genes showed a significant increase in their expression levels in resistant isolates, compared to those of the sensitive isolates, indicating their possible role in the disease pathogenesis. Increase in mRNA expression of β-lactamase genes, and thereby virulence, may be due to multifactorial parameters causing phenotypic as well as genotypic changes. Our study highlights the necessity of instantaneous detection of β-lactamase gene expression to curb the overwhelming threat posed by emergence of drug resistance amongst the commensal E. coli strains in children from developing countries for larger public health interest.
Multi-drug use among patients with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study of associations to clinicodemographic factors
Authors: Frahm Niklas , Hecker Michael , Zettl Uwe Klaus
Published: March 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent immune-mediated disease affecting the central nervous system. A treatment strategy with multiple therapies is a frequent clinical scenario. Unmonitored multi-drug use can lead to adverse outcomes, higher health care costs and medication non-adherence. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of polypharmacy and related clinicodemographic factors in a single-center MS patient cohort. Furthermore, medication aspects of therapy management were examined. After the patients agreed to participate in the study, data were collected through patient interviews, patient records and clinical investigations. Subsequently, a statistical data analysis regarding various medication subgroups and polypharmacy (use of at least five drugs) was performed. Polypharmacy was observed in 56.5% of the patients (N = 306). High degrees of disability (odds ratio [OR] = 1.385), comorbidities (OR = 4.879) and inpatient treatment (OR = 5.146) were associated with a significantly higher risk of polypharmacy (p ≤ 0.001). Among patients with polypharmacy, disease-modifying drugs, antihypertensives, gastrointestinal drugs, thrombosis prophylactics, osteoporosis medications and sedatives were frequently used. In summary, polypharmacy plays a large role in MS patients, especially in those with higher degrees of disability, those with comorbidities and those treated in an inpatient setting.
Standard Audiograms for Koreans Derived through Hierarchical Clustering Using Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2012
Authors: Chang Young-Soo , Yoon Sung Hoon , Kim Jin Ryoul , Baek Sun-Young , Cho Young Sang , Hong Sung Hwa , Kim Seonwoo , Moon Il Joon
Published: March 2019

Assessments of standardized region/population-specific audiological characteristics are needed for provision of effective rehabilitative services through reducing costs associated with hearing aids. This study aims to propose a set of standard audiograms representing the Korean population that were derived by analyzing data from the 2009–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a nationwide epidemiologic study conducted by Korean government organizations. Standard audiograms were derived by applying a hierarchical clustering method from recorded audiologic data that were obtained independently at 6 frequencies for each ear: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 6.0 kHz (in dB HL). To derive the optimal number of clusters of the desired standard audiograms, cubic clustering criterion, pseudo-F-, and pseudo-t2-statistics were calculated. These analyses resulted in 29 clusters representing a standard audiogram of the South Korean population. Eighteen of the clusters represented normal hearing audiograms (73.11%), while 11 represented hearing-impaired (HI) standard audiograms (27.89%). Of the 11 HI audiograms, 7 were defined as flat-type (17.81%), while the remaining 4 were defined as sloping-type (9.08%). In conclusion, 29 audiograms representing standard audiograms for the Korean population have been derived using KNHANES data. Improved understanding of the characteristics of each cluster may be helpful for development of more personalized, fixed-setting hearing aids.
Ultrafine particles and ozone perturb norepinephrine clearance rather than centrally generated sympathetic activity in humans
Authors: Heusser Karsten , Tank Jens , Holz Olaf , May Marcus , Brinkmann Julia , Engeli Stefan , Diedrich André , Framke Theodor , Koch Armin , Großhennig Anika , Jan Danser A. H. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Schindler Christoph , Schwarz Katharina , Krug Norbert , Jordan Jens , Hohlfeld Jens M.
Published: March 2019

Cardiovascular risk rapidly increased following exposure to air pollution. Changes in human autonomic regulation have been implicated based on epidemiological associations between exposure estimates and indirect autonomic nervous system measurements. We conducted a mechanistic study to test the hypothesis that, in healthy older individuals, well-defined experimental exposure to ultrafine carbon particles (UFP) increases sympathetic nervous system activity and more so with added ozone (O3). Eighteen participants (age >50 years, 6 women) were exposed to filtered air (Air), UFP, and UFP + O3 combination for 3 hours during intermittent bicycle ergometer training in a randomized, crossover, double-blind fashion. Two hours following exposure, respiration, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were recorded at supine rest, during deep breathing, and during a Valsalva manoeuvre. Catechols and inflammatory marker levels were measured in venous blood samples. Induced sputum was obtained 3.5 h after exposure. Combined exposure to UFP + O3 but not UFP alone, caused a significant increase in sputum neutrophils and circulating leucocytes. Norepinephrine was modestly increased while the ratio between plasma dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) and norepinephrine levels, a marker for norepinephrine clearance, was reduced with UFP + O3. Resting MSNA was not different (47 ± 12 with Air, 47 ± 14 with UFP, and 45 ± 14 bursts/min with UFP + O3). Indices of parasympathetic heart rate control were unaffected by experimental air pollution. Our study suggests that combined exposure to modest UFP and O3 levels increases peripheral norepinephrine availability through decreased clearance rather than changes in central autonomic activity. Pulmonary inflammatory response may have perturbed pulmonary endothelial norepinephrine clearance.
Detection of chromosome structural variation by targeted next-generation sequencing and a deep learning application
Authors: Park Hosub , Chun Sung-Min , Shim Jooyong , Oh Ji-Hye , Cho Eun Jeong , Hwang Hee Sang , Lee Ji-Young , Kim Deokhoon , Jang Se Jin , Nam Soo Jeong , Hwang Changha , Sohn Insuk , Sung Chang Ohk
Published: March 2019

Molecular testing is increasingly important in cancer diagnosis. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) is widely accepted method but structural variation (SV) detection by targeted NGS remains challenging. In the brain tumor, identification of molecular alterations, including 1p/19q co-deletion, is essential for accurate glial tumor classification. Hence, we used targeted NGS to detect 1p/19q co-deletion using a newly developed deep learning (DL) model in 61 tumors, including 19 oligodendroglial tumors. An ensemble 1-dimentional convolution neural network was developed and used to detect the 1p/19q co-deletion. External validation was performed using 427 low-grade glial tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Manual review of the copy number plot from the targeted NGS identified the 1p/19q co-deletion in all 19 oligodendroglial tumors. Our DL model also perfectly detected the 1p/19q co-deletion (area under the curve, AUC = 1) in the testing set, and yielded reproducible results (AUC = 0.9652) in the validation set (n = 427), although the validation data were generated on a completely different platform (SNP Array 6.0 platform). In conclusion, targeted NGS using a cancer gene panel is a promising approach for classifying glial tumors, and DL can be successfully integrated for the SV detection in NGS data.
Ischaemic stroke in mice induces lung inflammation but not acute lung injury
Authors: Austin Victoria , Ku Jacqueline M. , Miller Alyson A , Vlahos Ross
Published: March 2019

Stroke is a major cause of death worldwide and ischemic stroke is the most common subtype accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. Pulmonary complications occur in the first few days to weeks following ischemic stroke and are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Acute lung injury (ALI) occurs in up to 30% of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage but the incidence of ALI after ischemic stroke is unclear. As ischemic stroke is the most common subtype of stroke, it is important to understand the development of ALI following the initial ischemic injury to the brain. Therefore, this study investigated whether focal ischemic stroke causes lung inflammation and ALI in mice. Ischemic stroke caused a significant increase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) macrophages and neutrophils and whole lung tissue proinflammatory IL-1β mRNA expression but this did not translate into histologically evident ALI. Thus, it appears that lung inflammation, but not ALI, occurs after experimental ischemic stroke in mice. This has significant implications for organ donors as the lungs from patient’s dying of ischemic stroke are not severely damaged and could thus be used for transplantation in people awaiting this life-saving therapy.
“Prostate telocytes change their phenotype in response to castration or testosterone replacement”
Authors: Felisbino Sérgio Luis , Sanches Bruno Domingos Azevedo , Delella Flávia Karina , Scarano Wellerson Rodrigo , Dos Santos Fernanda Cristina Alcântara , Vilamaior Patrícia Simone Leite , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Justulin Luis Antônio
Published: March 2019

Telocytes are CD34-positive cells with a fusiform cell body and long, thin cytoplasmic projections called telopodes. These cells were detected in the stroma of various organs, including the prostate. The prostate is a complex gland capable of undergoing involution due to low testosterone levels; and this condition can be reversed with testosterone replacement. Telocyte function in the mature prostate remains to be dermined, and it is not known whether telocytes can take place in tissue remodeling during prostate involution and regrowth. The present study employed structural, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods to investigate the telocyte’s phenotypes in the ventral prostate (VP) from control (CT), castrated (CS) and testosterone replacement (TR) groups of adult male Wistar rats. Telocytes were found in the subepithelial, perimuscular and interstitical regions around glandular acini. Telocytes from CT animals have condensed chromatin and long and thin telopodes. In CS group, telocytes appeared quiescent and exhibited layers of folded up telopodes. After TR, telocytes presented loose chromatin, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and enlarged telopodes, closely associated with bundles of collagen fibrils. We called these cells “telocytes with a synthetic phenotype”. As testosterone levels and glandular morphology returned toward to the CT group parameters, after 10 days of TR, these telocytes progressively switched to the normal phenotype. Our results demonstrate that telocytes exhibit phenotypic plasticity upon androgen manipulation and interact with fibroblast and smooth muscle cells to maintain glandular architecture in control animals and during tissue remodeling after hormonal manipulation.
Neoproterozoic copper cycling, and the rise of metazoans
Authors: Parnell J. , Boyce A. J.
Published: March 2019

The rise of animal life is temporally related to the increased availability of oxygen in the hydrosphere and atmosphere during the Neoproterozoic. However, the earliest metazoans probably needed relatively low oxygen concentrations, suggesting additional environmental and/or biochemical developments were involved. Copper was required in the exploitation of oxygen by the evolving animals, through the development of respiratory proteins and the extracellular matrix required for structural support. We synthesize global data demonstrating a marked enrichment of copper in the Earth’s crust that coincided with the biological use of oxygen, and this new biological use of copper. The copper enrichment was likely recycled into the surface environment by weathering of basalt and other magmatic rocks, at copper liberation rates up to 300 times that of typical granitic terrain. The weathering of basalts also triggered the Sturtian glaciation, which accelerated erosion. We postulate that the coincidence of a high availability of copper, along with increased oxygen levels, for the first time during the Neoproterozoic supported the critical advances of respiration and structural support in evolving animals.
AP-1cFos/JunB/miR-200a regulate the pro-regenerative glial cell response during axolotl spinal cord regeneration
Authors: Sabin Keith Z. , Jiang Peng , Gearhart Micah D. , Stewart Ron , Echeverri Karen
Published: March 2019

Salamanders have the remarkable ability to functionally regenerate after spinal cord transection. In response to injury, GFAP+ glial cells in the axolotl spinal cord proliferate and migrate to replace the missing neural tube and create a permissive environment for axon regeneration. Molecular pathways that regulate the pro-regenerative axolotl glial cell response are poorly understood. Here we show axolotl glial cells up-regulate AP-1cFos/JunB after injury, which promotes a pro-regenerative glial cell response. Injury induced upregulation of miR-200a in glial cells supresses c-Jun expression in these cells. Inhibition of miR-200a during regeneration causes defects in axonal regrowth and transcriptomic analysis revealed that miR-200a inhibition leads to differential regulation of genes involved with reactive gliosis, the glial scar, extracellular matrix remodeling and axon guidance. This work identifies a unique role for miR-200a in inhibiting reactive gliosis in axolotl glial cells during spinal cord regeneration.
High spatial resolution quantitative elemental imaging of foraminifer by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Ke Yuqiu , Zhou Jianzong , Qiao Lei , Zhang Muhui , Guo Wei , Jin Lanlan , Hu Shenghong
Published: March 2019

A methodology for high spatial resolution quantitative elemental imaging of foraminifer by LA-ICP-MS was developed.
Alkaline phosphatase-based electrochemical sensors for health applications
Authors: Nsabimana Anaclet , Lan Yixiang , Du Fangxin , Wang Chao , Zhang Wei , Xu Guobao
Published: March 2019

Alkaline phosphatase-based electrochemical biosensors for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases have been reviewed.
Nanocontainer-based self-healing coatings: current progress and future perspectives
Authors: Shchukina Elena , Wang Hongqiang , Shchukin Dmitry G.
Published: March 2019

Nanocontainers add more functionalities to the standard coating formulations.
Synthesis and study of Au(iii)–indolizine derivatives: turn-on luminescence by photo-induced controlled release
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhu Yifan , Tse Anfernee Kai-Wing , Zhou Xinghua , Chen Yang , Tse Yu Chung , Wong Keith Man-Chung , Ho Chun-Yu
Published: March 2019

The photo- and structural properties of a series of Au(iii) indolizine complexes were determined.
Theoretical X-ray absorption spectroscopy database analysis for oxidised 2D carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Weber Fabian , Ren Jian , Petit Tristan , Bande Annika
Published: March 2019

A theoretical database approach for the composition and decomposition of near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectra is presented.
Influence of bulky substituents on the photophysical properties of homoleptic iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Kim Jin-Hyoung , Kim So-Yoen , Cho Dae Won , Son Ho-Jin , Kang Sang Ook
Published: March 2019

The phosphorescence properties are influenced not only by energy band gaps but also by a restricted structure and a rigid environment.
Extraordinary optical fields in nanostructures: from sub-diffraction-limited optics to sensing and energy conversion
Authors: Luo Xiangang , Tsai Dinping , Gu Min , Hong Minghui
Published: March 2019

Along with the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication technology, the past few decades have seen the flourishing emergence of subwavelength-structured materials and interfaces for optical field engineering at the nanoscale.
Synthesis, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing studies of palladacycles containing a diphosphine and a Sn,As-based chelate ligand
Authors: Mirzadeh Nedaossadat , Reddy T. Srinivasa , Privér Steven H. , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: March 2019

Rare palladium compounds containing a diphosphine and a Sn,As-based chelate ligand for cancer treatment.
Morphology-dependent, green, and selective catalytic styrene oxidation on Co3O4
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Gopinath Chinnakonda S.
Published: March 2019

Defect-less Co3O4 nanocube morphology is demonstrated to show high activity for styrene oxidation. Defects do not necessarily enhance the activity.
Membrane outer leaflet is the primary regulator of membrane damage induced by silica nanoparticles in vesicles and erythrocytes
Authors: Nazemidashtarjandi Saeed , Farnoud Amir M.
Published: March 2019

Plasma membrane damage is one of the primary mechanisms through which engineered nanoparticles induce cell toxicity.
On the benefits of using multivariate analysis in mass spectrometric studies of combustion-generated aerosols
Authors: Duca D. , Irimiea C. , Faccinetto A. , Noble J. A. , Vojkovic M. , Carpentier Y. , Ortega I. K. , Pirim C. , Focsa C.
Published: March 2019

Building on a recently proposed comprehensive methodology, we propose herein a comparative analysis of soot particles produced by three different sources.
One-step preparation of phosphate-rich carbonaceous spheres via a hydrothermal approach for phosphopeptide analysis
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Li Xiaowei , Ma Shujuan , Ou Junjie , Wei Yinmao , Ye Mingliang
Published: March 2019

Ti4+-IMAC carbonaceous spheres prepared via a one-step mild hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process exhibited satisfactory enrichment ability for phosphopeptides in biosamples.
Development of a multicellular pancreatic tumor microenvironment system using patient-derived tumor cells
Authors: Gioeli Daniel , Snow Chelsi J. , Simmers Michael B. , Hoang Stephen A. , Figler Robert A. , Allende J. Ashe , Roller Devin G. , Parsons J. Thomas , Wulfkuhle Julia D. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Bauer Todd W. , Wamhoff Brian R.
Published: March 2019

The development of drugs to treat cancer is hampered by the inefficiency of translating pre-clinicalin vitromonoculture and mouse studies into clinical benefit.
Photo-responsive magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites for magnetic targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Yitong , Wang Ling , Guo Luxuan , Yan Maiomiao , Feng Lei , Dong Shuli , Hao Jingcheng
Published: March 2019

A drug delivery platform for enhancing lung cancer treatment with controlled drug release, magnetic targeting and specific cancer cells targeting.
Replacement of n-type layers with a non-toxic APTES interfacial layer to improve the performance of amorphous Si thin-film solar cells
Authors: Hafeez Hassan , Choi Dae Keun , Lee Chang Min , Jesuraj P. Justin , Kim Dong Hyun , Song Aeran , Chung Kwun Bum , Song Myungkwan , Ma Jun Fei , Kim Chang-Su , Ryu Seung Yoon
Published: March 2019

Hydrogenated amorphous Si (a-Si:H) thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) generally contain p/n-type Si layers, which are fabricated using toxic gases.
Silicon/nitrogen synergistically reinforced flame-retardant PA6 nanocomposites with simultaneously improved anti-dripping and mechanical properties
Authors: Fan Shuo , Yuan Ruchao , Wu Dequn , Wang Xueli , Yu Jianyong , Li Faxue
Published: March 2019

A facile route was provided to prepare silicon/nitrogen synergistically reinforced flame-retardant PA6 nanocomposites with simultaneously improved anti-dripping and mechanical properties.
Toward high energy-density and long cycling-lifespan lithium ion capacitors: a 3D carbon modified low-potential Li2TiSiO5 anode coupled with a lignin-derived activated carbon cathode
Authors: Jin Liming , Gong Ruiqi , Zhang Weichao , Xiang Yue , Zheng Junsheng , Xiang Zhonghua , Zhang Cunman , Xia Yongyao , Zheng Jim P.
Published: March 2019

A LIC consisting of a three-dimensional carbon modified LTSO (3DC@LTSO) anode and a lignin-derived activated carbon (LDAC) cathode is designed and fabricated.
Energy-tunable photocatalysis by hot carriers generated by surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: Ahn Wonmi , Vurgaftman Igor , Pietron Jeremy J. , Pehrsson Pehr E. , Simpkins Blake S.
Published: March 2019

Hot carrier generation by surface plasmon polariton was demonstrated in a metal/semiconductor heterofilm and a bare metal film for energy-tunable photocatalysis.
Effect of end group functionalisation of small molecules featuring the fluorene–thiophene–benzothiadiazole motif as emitters in solution-processed red and orange organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Fell Valentin H. K. , Findlay Neil J. , Breig Benjamin , Forbes Clarissa , Inigo Anto R. , Cameron Joseph , Kanibolotsky Alexander L. , Skabara Peter J.
Published: March 2019

A series of red fluorescent materials (compounds1–4), which each contain the symmetric fluorene–thiophene–BT–thiophene–fluorene core, is presented along with their performance in solution-processed OLED devices.
The electrochemical behaviour of magnetocaloric alloys La(Fe,Mn,Si)13Hx under magnetic field conditions
Authors: Guo Liya , Lovell Edmund , Wilson Neil , Burdett Paul , Cohen Lesley F. , Ryan Mary P.
Published: March 2019

Key factors representative of the in operando magnetocaloric-effect-based cooling system have been systemically investigated on the La(Fe,Mn,Si)13Hx alloys.
Solvatochromism of near infrared photoluminescence from doped sites of locally functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shiraki Tomohiro , Niidome Yoshiaki , Toshimitsu Fumiyuki , Shiraishi Tomonari , Shiga Tamehito , Yu Boda , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko
Published: March 2019

The doped sites of locally functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes show unique solvatochromic behaviors in their near-infrared photoluminescence.
An organoruthenium complex overcomes ABCG2-mediated multidrug resistance via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Zeng Leli , Li Jia , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yun-Kai , Zhang Wei , Huang Juanjuan , Ashby Charles R. , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Chao Hui
Published: March 2019

An organoruthenium complex, RuF, via multiple mechanisms, exhibited effective anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo for surmounting multidrug resistance mediated by the ABCG2 transporter.
Visible-light-induced Pd-catalyzed ortho-trifluoromethylation of acetanilides with CF3SO2Na under ambient conditions in the absence of an external photocatalyst
Authors: Zou Long , Li Pinhua , Wang Bin , Wang Lei
Published: March 2019

A visible-light-induced Pd-catalyzed ortho-trifluoromethylation of acetanilides with CF3SO2Na without any external photocatalyst or additive was developed.
In situ fabrication of multifunctional gold–amino acid superstructures based on self-assembly
Authors: Yang Xuejiao , Yang Bohao , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei , Xing Qiguo , Zhang Lei , Liu Xinyu , Hu Qing , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: March 2019

Based on self-assembly and biomineralization, Au NPs@ferrocene–tryptophan (Fc-W) superstructures were fabricated, exhibiting efficient photothermal effects and catalytic activity.
Fe(ii)-Catalyzed alkenylation of benzylic C–H bonds with diazo compounds
Authors: Shi Jiang-Ling , Luo Qinyu , Yu Weizhi , Wang Bo , Shi Zhang-Jie , Wang Jianbo
Published: March 2019

A direct alkenylation of benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds with diazo compounds with FeCl2 as the catalyst and DDQ as the oxidant has been developed.
Enhanced visible light absorption for lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgSbBr6
Authors: Wei Fengxia , Deng Zeyu , Sun Shijing , Hartono Noor Titan Putri , Seng Hwee Leng , Buonassisi Tonio , Bristowe Paul D. , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: March 2019

Lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgSbBr6 is synthesized to show a low indirect bandgap of 1.64 eV.
Tryptophan-derived butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors as promising leads against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Meden Anže , Knez Damijan , Jukič Marko , Brazzolotto Xavier , Gršič Marija , Pišlar Anja , Zahirović Abida , Kos Janko , Nachon Florian , Svete Jurij , Gobec Stanislav , Grošelj Uroš
Published: March 2019

Tryptophan-derived selective nanomolar butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors with great potential for symptomatic therapy against Alzheimer's disease are disclosed.
Growing optical Ge plates with an improved high-yield method of horizontal directed crystallization
Authors: Pekar G. S. , Singaevsky A. F.
Published: March 2019

This paper aims to disseminate an improved technique of horizontal directed crystallization (HDC) which allows several polycrystalline or single-crystalline plates to grow in each growth process.
Electronic transport properties and magnetoresistance in the Fe3O4/SiO2/p-Si heterostructure with an in-plane current geometry
Authors: Liu Xiang , Mi Wenbo
Published: March 2019

Spin-dependent transport of electrons in p-Si amplifies the MR of the heterostructure due to spin extraction from Fe3O4 below 190 K.
Competition between folded and extended structures of alanylalanine (Ala-Ala) in a molecular beam
Authors: Yatsyna Vasyl , Mallat Ranim , Gorn Tim , Schmitt Michael , Feifel Raimund , Rijs Anouk M. , Zhaunerchyk Vitali
Published: March 2019

Structural analysis of the neutral dipeptide Ala-Ala by action spectroscopy using IRMPD-VUV spectroscopy reveals predominance of extended structure.
Morphology control of zinc electrodeposition by surfactant addition for alkaline-based rechargeable batteries
Authors: Shimizu Masahiro , Hirahara Koichi , Arai Susumu
Published: March 2019

The development of Zn–air batteries with a high energy density of 1350 W h kg−1 is one of the breakthroughs required to achieve a low carbon society.
Calculations of cross-sections, dissociation rate constants and transport coefficients of Xe2+ colliding with Xe
Authors: Van de Steen Cyril , Benhenni Malika , Kalus René , Ćosić Rajko , Illésová Silvie , Gadéa Florent Xavier , Yousfi Mohammed
Published: March 2019

A quantum formalism and classical treatment have been used for electrons and nuclei, respectively, in a hybrid method in order to study the dynamics of electronically ground-state ionic xenon dimer, Xe2+, in its parent gas.
Computational understanding of the structural and electronic properties of the GeS–graphene contact
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhao Jinfeng , Huang Jindou , Liang Yan
Published: March 2019

The combination of the revealed novel mechanical and electronic properties accelerates the applications of the GeS/G vdW heterostructure in next-generation device design.
Conformational equilibria ino-anisic acid and its monohydrated complex: the prevalence of thetrans-COOH form
Authors: López Juan Carlos , Macario Alberto , Blanco Susana
Published: March 2019

The prevalence of thetrans-COOH form in a hydrated acid complex is shown for the first time ino-anisic acid.
Magnetic proximity effect induced spin-dependent electronic structure in two-dimensional SnO by half-metallic monolayer CrN ferromagnet
Authors: Nie Kai , Wang Xiaocha , Mi Wenbo
Published: March 2019

The electronic structure and magnetic anisotropy of a 2D SnO/CrN heterostructure can be tailored by strains and interlayer distances.
Chromium(iii)-based potential molecular quantum bits with long coherence times
Authors: Lenz Samuel , Bamberger Heiko , Hallmen Philipp P. , Thiebes Yannick , Otto Sven , Heinze Katja , van Slageren Joris
Published: March 2019

[Cr(ddpd)2]3+displays record phase memory times of up to 8.4 μs at 7 K. This is likely enabled by the very small zero-field splitting ofD= 0.18 cm−1which is due to the ligand field quartet state lying at very high energy.
Soft magnetic Fe5C2–Fe3C@C as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ye Zhantong , Qie Yaqin , Fan Zhipeng , Liu Yixuan , Shi Zhan , Yang Hua
Published: March 2019

Herein, cubic iron carbide@N-doped carbon core-shell particles exhibited soft magnetic property and efficient HER catalytic activity.
From corannulene to larger carbon bowls: are they better for multiple metal encapsulation?
Authors: Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: March 2019

The effects of size, charge and symmetry of carbon π-bowls on their supramolecular assembly and metal ion intercalation trends are discussed.
Time-resolved and steady-state irradiation of hydrophilic sulfonated bis-triazinyl-(bi)pyridines – modelling radiolytic degradation
Authors: Horne Gregory P. , Mezyk Stephen P. , Moulton Nicole , Peller Julie R. , Geist Andreas
Published: March 2019

A predictive computer model was developed and successfully employed to evaluate fundamental mechanisms underpinning the radiation robustness of two sulfonated bis-triazinyl-(bi)pyridine ligands, designed as hydrophilic complexants.
Effects of europium spectral probe interchange in Ln-dyads with cyclen and phen moieties
Authors: Bao Guochen , Liu Zhenyu , Luo Yuxia , Wong Ka-Leung , Tanner Peter A.
Published: March 2019

Antenna-lanthanide energy transfer is investigated via a bimetallic complex with one silent and one probe lanthanide ion, when their positions are interchanged in the complex.
Plant molecular farming: production of metallic nanoparticles and therapeutic proteins using green factories
Authors: Mohammadinejad Reza , Shavandi Amin , Raie Diana S. , Sangeetha Jeyabalan , Soleimani Mohsen , Shokrian Hajibehzad Shahram , Thangadurai Devarajan , Hospet Ravichandra , Popoola Jacob O. , Arzani Ahmad , Gómez-Lim Miguel A. , Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S.
Published: March 2019

Plant molecular farming: challenges and opportunities.
Molybdenum(vi) complexes of hemilabile aroylhydrazone ligands as efficient catalysts for greener cyclooctene epoxidation: an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Pisk Jana , Rubčić Mirta , Kuzman Dino , Cindrić Marina , Agustin Dominique , Vrdoljak Višnja
Published: March 2019

The focus of this work was on the synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of Mo(vi) complexes with hemilabile 2-aminobenzhydrazone ligands.
Synergistically dual-functional nano eye-drops for simultaneous anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative treatment of dry eye disease
Authors: Li Yu-Jia , Luo Li-Jyuan , Harroun Scott G. , Wei Shih-Chun , Unnikrishnan Binesh , Chang Huan-Tsung , Huang Yu-Fen , Lai Jui-Yang , Huang Chih-Ching
Published: March 2019

Poly(catechin)-capped gold nanoparticles carrying amfenac exhibit superior anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative properties for rapid recovery from dry eye.
MOF-derived nitrogen-doped core–shell hierarchical porous carbon confining selenium for advanced lithium–selenium batteries
Authors: Song Jian-Ping , Wu Liang , Dong Wen-Da , Li Chao-Fan , Chen Li-Hua , Dai Xin , Li Chao , Chen Hao , Zou Wei , Yu Wen-Bei , Hu Zhi-Yi , Liu Jing , Wang Hong-En , Li Yu , Su Bao-Lian
Published: March 2019

A MOF-derived nitrogen-doped core–shell hierarchical porous carbon confining Se largely improves the electrochemical properties of Li–Se batteries.
Rapid one-pot synthesis of pyrrole-appended isocorroles
Authors: Larsen Simon , McCormick Laura J. , Ghosh Abhik
Published: March 2019

Free-base meso-triarylcorroles and pyrrole undergo oxidative coupling in dichloromethane in the presence of DDQ affording 35–60% yields of 5/10-pyrrole-appended isocorroles in a matter of seconds.
Mechanistic investigation and further optimization of the aqueous Glaser−Hay bioconjugation
Authors: Travis Christopher R. , Mazur Lauren E. , Peairs Emily M. , Gaunt Gillian H. , Young Douglas D.
Published: March 2019

The Glaser–Hay bioconjugation has emerged as an efficient method to generate bioconjugates with therapeutic applications.