bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput phenotypic screen and transcriptional analysis identify new compounds and targets for macrophage reprogramming
Authors: Hu Guangan , Su Yang , Kang Byong Ha , Fan Zhongqi , Dong Ting , Brown Douglas R. , Cheah Jaime , Wittrup Karl Dane , Chen Jianzhu
Published: February 2021

Macrophages are plastic and, in response to different local stimuli, can polarize toward multi-dimensional spectrum of phenotypes, including the pro-inflammatory M1-like and the anti-inflammatory M2-like states. Using a high-throughput phenotypic screen in a library of ~4000 FDA-approved drugs, bioactive compounds and natural products, we find ~300 compounds that potently activate primary human macrophages toward either M1-like or M2-like state, of which ~30 are capable of reprogramming M1-like macrophages toward M2-like state and another ~20 for the reverse repolarization. Transcriptional analyses of macrophages treated with 34 non-redundant compounds identify both shared and unique targets and pathways through which the tested compounds modulate macrophage activation. One M1-activating compound, thiostrepton, is able to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages toward M1-like state in mice, and exhibit potent anti-tumor activity. Our compound-screening results thus help to provide a valuable resource not only for studying the macrophage biology but also for developing therapeutics through modulating macrophage activation.
Interdependence between nanoclusters AuAg24 and Au2Ag41
Authors: Liu Danyu , Du Wenjun , Chen Shuang , Kang Xi , Chen Along , Zhen Yaru , Jin Shan , Hu Daqiao , Wang Shuxin , Zhu Manzhou
Published: February 2021

Whole series of nanoparticles have now been reported, but probing the competing or coexisting effects in their synthesis and growth remains challenging. Here, we report a bi-nanocluster system comprising two ultra-small, atomically precise nanoclusters, AuAg24(SR)18− and Au2Ag41(SR)26(Dppm)2+ (SR = cyclohexyl mercaptan, Dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)-methane). The mechanism by which these two nanoclusters coexist is elucidated, and found to entail formation of the unstable AuAg24(SR)18−, followed by its partial conversion to Au2Ag41(SR)26(Dppm)2+ in the presence of di-phosphorus ligands, and an interdependent bi-nanocluster system is established, wherein the two oppositely charged nanoclusters protect each other from decomposition. AuAg24(SR)18 and Au2Ag41(SR)26(Dppm)2 are fully characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis – it is found that their co-crystallization results in single crystals comprising equimolar amounts of each. The findings highlight the interdependent relationship between two individual nanoclusters, which paves the way for new perspectives on nanocluster formation and stability.
Increased random exploration in schizophrenia is associated with inflammation
Authors: Cathomas Flurin , Klaus Federica , Guetter Karoline , Chung Hui-Kuan , Raja Beharelle Anjali , Spiller Tobias R. , Schlegel Rebecca , Seifritz Erich , Hartmann-Riemer Matthias N. , Tobler Philippe N. , Kaiser Stefan
Published: February 2021

One aspect of goal-directed behavior, which is known to be impaired in patients with schizophrenia (SZ), is balancing between exploiting a familiar choice with known reward value and exploring a lesser known, but potentially more rewarding option. Despite its relevance to several symptom domains of SZ, this has received little attention in SZ research. In addition, while there is increasing evidence that SZ is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, few studies have investigated how this relates to specific behaviors, such as balancing exploration and exploitation. We therefore assessed behaviors underlying the exploration–exploitation trade-off using a three-armed bandit task in 45 patients with SZ and 19 healthy controls (HC). This task allowed us to dissociate goal-unrelated (random) from goal-related (directed) exploration and correlate them with psychopathological symptoms. Moreover, we assessed a broad range of inflammatory proteins in the blood and related them to bandit task behavior. We found that, compared to HC, patients with SZ showed reduced task performance. This impairment was due to a shift from exploitation to random exploration, which was associated with symptoms of disorganization. Relative to HC, patients with SZ showed a pro-inflammatory blood profile. Furthermore, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) positively correlated with random exploration, but not with directed exploration or exploitation. In conclusion, we show that low-grade inflammation in patients with SZ is associated with random exploration, which can be considered a behavioral marker for disorganization. hsCRP may constitute a marker for severity of, and a potential treatment target for maladaptive exploratory behaviors.
Author Correction: Transcript expression-aware annotation improves rare variant interpretation
Authors:   Genome Aggregation Database Production Team, Cummings Beryl B. ,   Genome Aggregation Database Consortium, Karczewski Konrad J. , Kosmicki Jack A. , Seaby Eleanor G. , Watts Nicholas A. , Singer-Berk Moriel , Mudge Jonathan M. , Karjalainen Juha , Satterstrom F. Kyle , O’Donnell-Luria Anne H. , Poterba Timothy , Seed Cotton , Solomonson Matthew , Alföldi Jessica , Daly Mark J. , MacArthur Daniel G.
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-03175-7
Low muscle strength and increased arterial stiffness go hand in hand
Authors: König Maximilian , Buchmann Nikolaus , Seeland Ute , Spira Dominik , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Demuth Ilja
Published: February 2021

Low handgrip strength and increased arterial stiffness are both associated with poor health outcomes, but evidence on the relationship between handgrip strength and arterial stiffness is limited. In this cross-sectional analysis of combined baseline datasets from the LipidCardio and Berlin Aging Study II cohorts we aimed to examine whether handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with arterial stiffness. 1511 participants with a median age of 68.56 (IQR 63.13–73.08) years were included. Arterial stiffness was assessed by aortal pulse wave velocity (PWV) with the Mobil-O-Graph device. Handgrip strength was assessed with a handheld dynamometer.

The mean HGS was 39.05 ± 9.07 kg in men and 26.20 ± 7.47 kg in women. According to multivariable linear regression analysis per 5 kg decrease in handgrip strength there was a mean increase in PWV of 0.08 m/s after adjustment for the confounders age, sex, coronary artery disease, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, cohort, and smoking. Thus, there was evidence that low handgrip strength and increased arterial stiffness go hand in hand. Arterial stiffness can possibly create the missing link between low handgrip strength and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Causality and direction of causality remain to be determined.
Glucose confers protection to Escherichia coli against contact killing by Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Crisan Cristian V. , Nichols Holly L. , Wiesenfeld Sophia , Steinbach Gabi , Yunker Peter J. , Hammer Brian K.
Published: February 2021

Evolutionary arms races are broadly prevalent among organisms including bacteria, which have evolved defensive strategies against various attackers. A common microbial aggression mechanism is the type VI secretion system (T6SS), a contact-dependent bacterial weapon used to deliver toxic effector proteins into adjacent target cells. Sibling cells constitutively express immunity proteins that neutralize effectors. However, less is known about factors that protect non-sibling bacteria from T6SS attacks independently of cognate immunity proteins. In this study, we observe that human Escherichia coli commensal strains sensitive to T6SS attacks from Vibrio cholerae are protected when co-cultured with glucose. We confirm that glucose does not impair V. cholerae T6SS activity. Instead, we find that cells lacking the cAMP receptor protein (CRP), which regulates expression of hundreds of genes in response to glucose, survive significantly better against V. cholerae T6SS attacks even in the absence of glucose. Finally, we show that the glucose-mediated T6SS protection varies with different targets and killers. Our findings highlight the first example of an extracellular small molecule modulating a genetically controlled response for protection against T6SS attacks. This discovery may have major implications for microbial interactions during pathogen-host colonization and survival of bacteria in environmental communities.
Quantifying lumbar vertebral perfusion by a Tofts model on DCE-MRI using segmental versus aortic arterial input function
Authors: Liu Yi-Jui , Yang Hou-Ting , Yao Melissa Min-Szu , Lin Shao-Chieh , Cho Der-Yang , Shen Wu-Chung , Juan Chun-Jung , Chan Wing P.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of arterial input function (AIF) selection on the quantification of vertebral perfusion using axial dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). In this study, axial DCE-MRI was performed on 2 vertebrae in each of eight healthy volunteers (mean age, 36.9 years; 5 men) using a 1.5-T scanner. The pharmacokinetic parameters Ktrans, ve, and vp, derived using a Tofts model on axial DCE-MRI of the lumbar vertebrae, were evaluated using various AIFs: the population-based aortic AIF (AIF_PA), a patient-specific aortic AIF (AIF_A) and a patient-specific segmental arterial AIF (AIF_SA). Additionally, peaks and delay times were changed to simulate the effects of various AIFs on the calculation of perfusion parameters. Nonparametric analyses including the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Kruskal–Wallis test with a Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc analysis were performed. In simulation, Ktrans and ve increased as the peak in the AIF decreased, but vp increased when delay time in the AIF increased. In humans, the estimated Ktrans and ve were significantly smaller using AIF_A compared to AIF_SA no matter the computation style (pixel-wise or region-of-interest based). Both these perfusion parameters were significantly greater using AIF_SA compared to AIF_A.
CD38 is associated with bonding-relevant cognitions and relationship satisfaction over the first 3 years of marriage
Authors: Makhanova Anastasia , McNulty James K. , Eckel Lisa A. , Nikonova Larissa , Bartz Jennifer A. , Hammock Elizabeth A. D.
Published: February 2021

Although there are numerous benefits to having a satisfying romantic relationship, maintaining high levels of relationship satisfaction is difficult. Many couples experience declines in relationship satisfaction in the early years of marriage, and such declines predict not only relationship dissolution but also poor mental and physical health. Several recent studies indicate that genetic variation on the CD38 gene (CD38), at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3796863, is associated with cognitions and behaviors related to pair bonding; we thus leveraged longitudinal data from a sample of newlywed couples (N = 139 genotyped individuals; 71 couples) to examine whether rs3796863 is associated with relationship maintenance processes and, in turn, relationship satisfaction in the early years of marriage. Replicating and extending prior research, we found that individuals with the CC genotype (vs. AC/AA) of rs3796863 reported higher levels of gratitude, trust, and forgiveness and that trust mediated the association between rs3796863 and marital satisfaction. Moreover, the benefits conferred to CC individuals lasted over the first 3 years of marriage. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the link between variation inCD38rs3796863 and marital functioning over time.
Salicylic acid stabilizes Staphylococcus aureus biofilm by impairing the agr quorum-sensing system
Authors: Dotto Cristian , Lombarte Serrat Andrea , Ledesma Martín , Vay Carlos , Ehling-Schulz Monika , Sordelli Daniel O. , Grunert Tom , Buzzola Fernanda
Published: February 2021

Salicylic acid (SAL) has recently been shown to induce biofilm formation inStaphylococcus aureusand to affect the expression of virulence factors. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of SAL on the regulatoryagrsystem and its impact onS. aureusbiofilm formation. Theagrquorum-sensing system, which is a central regulator inS. aureuspathogenicity, plays a pivotal role in the dispersal ofS. aureusmature biofilms and contributes to the creation of new colonization sites. Here, we demonstrate that SAL impairs biofilm dispersal by interfering withagrexpression. As revealed by our work, protease and surfactant molecule production is diminished, and bacterial cell autolysis is also negatively affected by SAL. Furthermore, as a consequence of SAL treatment, theS. aureusbiofilm matrix revealed the lack of extracellular DNA. In silico docking and simulation of molecular dynamics provided evidence for a potential interaction of AgrA and SAL, resulting in reduced activity of theagrsystem. In conclusion, SAL stabilized the matureS. aureusbiofilms, which may prevent bacterial cell dissemination. However, it may foster the establishment of infections locally and consequently increase bacterial persistence leading to therapeutic failure.
Diurnal and seasonal variability of CO2 and CH4 concentration in a semi-urban environment of western India
Authors: Metya Abirlal , Datye Amey , Chakraborty Supriyo , Tiwari Yogesh K. , Sarma Dipankar , Bora Abhijit , Gogoi Nirmali
Published: February 2021

Amongst all the anthropogenically produced greenhouse gases (GHGs), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the most important, owing to their maximum contribution to the net radiative forcing of the Earth. India is undergoing rapid economic development, where fossil fuel emissions have increased drastically in the last three decades. Apart from the anthropogenic activities, the GHGs dynamics in India are governed by the biospheric process and monsoon circulation; however, these aspects are not well addressed yet. Towards this, we have measured CO2 and CH4 concentration at Sinhagad, located on the Western Ghats in peninsular India. The average concentrations of CO2 and CH4 observed during the study period are 406.05 ± 6.36 and 1.97 ± 0.07 ppm (µ ± 1σ), respectively. They also exhibit significant seasonal variabilities at this site. CH4 (CO2) attains its minimum concentration during monsoon (post-monsoon), whereas CO2 (CH4) reaches its maximum concentration during pre-monsoon (post-monsoon). CO2 poses significant diurnal variations in monsoon and post-monsoon. However, CH4 exhibits a dual-peak like pattern in pre-monsoon. The study suggests that the GHG dynamics in the western region of India are significantly influenced by monsoon circulation, especially during the summer season.
New analytic bending, buckling, and free vibration solutions of rectangular nanoplates by the symplectic superposition method
Authors: Zheng Xinran , Huang Mingqi , An Dongqi , Zhou Chao , Li Rui
Published: February 2021

New analytic bending, buckling, and free vibration solutions of rectangular nanoplates with combinations of clamped and simply supported edges are obtained by an up-to-date symplectic superposition method. The problems are reformulated in the Hamiltonian system and symplectic space, where the mathematical solution framework involves the construction of symplectic eigenvalue problems and symplectic eigen expansion. The analytic symplectic solutions are derived for several elaborated fundamental subproblems, the superposition of which yields the final analytic solutions. Besides Lévy-type solutions, non-Lévy-type solutions are also obtained, which cannot be achieved by conventional analytic methods. Comprehensive numerical results can provide benchmarks for other solution methods.
Dynamics of the soil respiration response to soil reclamation in a coastal wetland
Authors: Song Xiliang , Zhu Yihao , Chen Weifeng
Published: February 2021

The soil carbon (C) pools in coastal wetlands are known as “blue C” and have been damaged extensively owing to climate change and land reclamation. Because soil respiration (RS) is the primary mechanism through which soil carbon is released into the atmosphere at a global scale, investigating the dynamic characteristics of the soil respiration rate in reclaimed coastal wetlands is necessary to understand its important role in maintaining the global C cycle. In the present study, seasonal and diurnal changes in soil respiration were monitored in one bare wetland (CK) and two reclaimed wetlands (CT, a cotton monoculture pattern, and WM, a wheat–maize continuous cropping pattern) in the Yellow River Delta. At the diurnal scale, the RS at the three study sites displayed single-peak curves, with the lowest values occurring at midnight (00:00 a.m.) and the highest values occurring at midday (12:00 a.m.). At the seasonal scale, the mean diurnal RS of the CK, CT and WM in April was 0.24, 0.26 and 0.79 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, and it increased to a peak in August for these areas. Bare wetland conversion to croplands significantly elevated the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. The magnitude of the RS was significantly different at the three sites, and the yearly total amounts of CO2 efflux were 375, 513 and 944 g CO2·m−2 for the CK, CT and WM, respectively. At the three study sites, the surface soil temperature had a significant and positive relationship to the RS at both the diurnal and seasonal scales, and it accounted for 20–52% of the seasonal variation in the daytime RS. The soil water content showed a significant but negative relationship to the RS on diurnal scale only at the CK site, while it significantly increased with the RS on seasonal scale at all study sites. Although the RS showed a noticeable relationship to the combination of soil temperature and water content, the synergic effects of these two environment factors were not much higher than the individual effects. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the RS was also influenced by the soil physico-chemical properties and that the soil total nitrogen had a closer positive relationship to the RS than the other nutrients, indicating that the soil nitrogen content plays a more important role in promoting carbon loss.
Intraspecific differences in the invasion success of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile Mayr are associated with diet breadth
Authors: Seko Yugo , Hashimoto Koya , Koba Keisuke , Hayasaka Daisuke , Sawahata Takuo
Published: February 2021

The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile Mayr, has spread to almost all continents. In each introduced region, L. humile often forms a single large colony (supercolony), the members of which share the haplotype “LH1”, despite the presence of other supercolonies with different genetic structures. However, the mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of LH1 ants are unclear. Here, we examined whether diet breadth differs between more successful (LH1) and less successful (LH2, LH3, LH4) L. humile supercolonies in Japan to better understand the processes responsible for invasion success. The standard ellipse areas (SEAs) of δ13C and δ15N and their ranges (CR and NR) were used as diet breadth indices. The SEAs of LH1 were much larger than those of the less successful supercolonies despite no differences in the baseline SEAs of arthropods within the supercolony habitats, indicating that the invasion success of a supercolony is associated with its diet breadth. Furthermore, LH1 had a broader CR than the other supercolonies, suggesting that which might be derived from superior resource exploitation ability. Our study highlights the importance of focusing on intraspecific differences in diet breadth among supercolonies when assessing organisms that can potentially invade and become dominant in new habitats.
Simultaneous acquisition of current and lateral force signals during AFM for characterising the piezoelectric and triboelectric effects of ZnO nanorods
Authors: Yang Yijun , Kim Kwanlae
Published: February 2021

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is central to investigating the piezoelectric potentials of one-dimensional nanomaterials. The AFM probe is used to deflect individual piezoelectric nanorods and to measure the resultant current. However, the torsion data of AFM probes have not been exploited to elucidate the relationship between the applied mechanical force and resultant current. In this study, the effect of the size of ZnO nanorods on the efficiency of conversion of the applied mechanical force into current was investigated by simultaneously acquiring the conductive AFM and lateral force microscopy signals. The conversion efficiency was calculated based on linear regression analysis of the scatter plot of the data. This method is suitable for determining the conversion efficiencies of all types of freestanding piezoelectric nanomaterials grown under different conditions. A pixel-wise comparison of the current and lateral force images elucidated the mechanism of current generation from dense arrays of ZnO nanorods. The current signals generated from the ZnO nanorods by the AFM probe originated from the piezoelectric and triboelectric effects. The current signals contributed by the triboelectric effect were alleviated by using an AFM probe with a smaller spring constant and reducing the normal force.
Exceptional antibacterial and cytotoxic potency of monodisperse greener AgNPs prepared under optimized pH and temperature
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Mutreja Vishal , Sareen Shweta , Ahmad Bashir , Faheem Muhammad , Zahid Nafeesa , Jabbour Ghassan , Park Jeongwon
Published: February 2021

In the present work, silver nanoparticles were prepared by using the extract of Camellia Sinensis. The extract contains phytochemicals which are mainly polyphenols acting as the natural reducing and stabilizing agents leading to the formation of uniformly dispersed and stabilized silver nanoparticles. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was significantly influenced by the impact of the pH, as well as temperature conditions. It was found that at pH 5 and 25 °C, nanoparticles of different morphologies (spherical, polygonal, capsule) and sizes were formed. However, with the increase in temperature from 25 °C to 65 °C but at the same pH, these particles started attaining the spherical shape of different sizes owing to an increase in the reduction rate. Furthermore, for the reaction of the mixture at 65 °C, an increase in pH from 5 to 11 led to an increase in the monodispersity of spherically shaped nanoparticles, attributed to the hydroxide ions facilitated reduction. The prepared nanoparticles were investigated for their antibacterial activity using Nathan’s Agar Well-Diffusion method. It was found that AgNPs prepared at pH 9 and 65 °C demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against gram-negative Escherichia coli in contrast to gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. In reference to the cytotoxic potency, the prepared AgNPs showed clear cytotoxicity for HeLa cells and showcased a close relationship between activity and concentration as evidenced by the decrease in the percentage (100 to 30%) of metabolically active cells up to 25 µM–75 µM concentration of silver nanoparticles.
Label free, electric field mediated ultrasensitive electrochemical point-of-care device for CEA detection
Authors: Chakraborty B. , Das A. , Mandal N. , Samanta N. , Das N. , Chaudhuri C. Roy
Published: February 2021

Developing point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic platforms for carcinoembryonic antigen detection is essential. However, thefew implementations of transferring the signal amplification strategies in electrochemical sensing on paper-based platforms are not satisfactory in terms of detection limit (LOD). In the quest for pushing down LOD, majority of the research has been targeted towards development of improved nanostructured substrates for entrapping more analyte molecules and augmenting the electron transfer rate to the working electrode. But, such approaches have reached saturation. This paper focuses on enhancing the mass transport of the analyte towards the sensor surface through the application of an electric field, in graphene-ZnO nanorods heterostructure. These hybrid nanostructures have been deposited on flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrates with screen printed electrodes for PoC application. The ZnO nanorods have been functionalized with aptamers and the working sensor has been integrated with smartphone interfaced indigenously developed low cost potentiostat. The performance of the system, requiring only 50 µl analyte has been evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and validated against commercially available ELISA kit. Limit of detection of 1 fg/ml in human serum with 6.5% coefficient of variation has been demonstrated, which is more than three orders of magnitude lower than the existing attempts on PoC device.
Proteomic profiling of milk small extracellular vesicles from bovine leukemia virus-infected cattle
Authors: Rahman Md. Matiur , Takashima Shigeo , Kamatari Yuji O. , Badr Yassien , Kitamura Yuko , Shimizu Kaori , Okada Ayaka , Inoshima Yasuo
Published: February 2021

Milk small extracellular vesicles (sEV) contain proteins that provide potential information of host physiology and immunology. Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an oncogenic virus that causes progressive B-cell lymphosarcoma in cattle. In this study, we aimed to explore the proteomic profile of milk sEV from BLV-infected cattle compared with those from uninfected cattle. Milk sEV were isolated from three BLV-infected and three uninfected cattle. Proteomic analysis was performed by using a comprehensive nanoLC-MS/MS method. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used to evaluate the candidates for uniquely or differentially expressed proteins in milk sEV from BLV-infected cattle. Proteomic analysis revealed a total of 1330 common proteins in milk sEV among BLV-infected cattle, whereas 118 proteins were uniquely expressed compared with those from uninfected cattle. Twenty-six proteins in milk sEV were differentially expressed proteins more than two-fold significant difference (p < 0.05) in BLV-infected cattle. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the candidates for uniquely or differentially expressed proteins in milk sEV had been involved in diverse biological activities including metabolic processes, cellular processes, respond to stimulus, binding, catalytic activities, cancer pathways, focal adhesion, and so on. Taken together, the present findings provided a novel insight into the proteomes of milk sEV from BLV-infected cattle.
Direct and rapid measurement of hydrogen peroxide in human blood using a microfluidic device
Authors: Gaikwad R. , Thangaraj P. R. , Sen A. K.
Published: February 2021

The levels of hydrogen peroxide ($${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

) in human blood is of great relevance as it has emerged as an important signalling molecule in a variety of disease states. Fast and reliable measurement of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

levels in the blood, however, continues to remain a challenge. Herein we report an automated method employing a microfluidic device for direct and rapid measurement of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

in human blood based on laser-induced fluorescence measurement. Our study delineates the critical factors that affect measurement accuracy—we found blood cells and soluble proteins significantly alter the native $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

levels in the time interval between sample withdrawal and detection. We show that separation of blood cells and subsequent dilution of the plasma with a buffer at a ratio of 1:6 inhibits the above effect, leading to reliable measurements. We demonstrate rapid measurement of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

in plasma in the concentration range of 0–49 µM, offering a limit of detection of 0.05 µM, a sensitivity of 0.60 µM−1, and detection time of 15 min; the device is amenable to the real-time measurement of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

in the patient’s blood. Using the linear correlation obtained with known quantities of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

, the endogenous $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

concentration in the blood of healthy individuals is found to be in the range of 0.8–6 µM. The availability of this device at the point of care will have relevance in understanding the role of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$$

H
2

O
2

in health and disease.
Localisation of clozapine during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and its impact on dopamine and its receptors
Authors: Robichon Katharina , Sondhauss Sven , Jordan T. William , Keyzers Robert A. , Connor Bronwen , La Flamme Anne C.
Published: February 2021

Multiple sclerosis is a disease characterised by axonal demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). The atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model used to study multiple sclerosis, but the precise mechanism is unknown and could include both peripheral and CNS–mediated effects. To better understand where clozapine exerts its protective effects, we investigated the tissue distribution and localisation of clozapine using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We found that clozapine was detectable in the brain and enriched in specific brain regions (cortex, thalamus and olfactory bulb), but the distribution was not altered by EAE. Furthermore, although not altered in other organs, clozapine levels were significantly elevated in serum during EAE. Because clozapine antagonises dopamine receptors, we analysed dopamine levels in serum and brain as well as dopamine receptor expression on brain-resident and infiltrating immune cells. While neither clozapine nor EAE significantly affected dopamine levels, we observed a significant downregulation of dopamine receptors 1 and 5 and up-regulation of dopamine receptor 2 on microglia and CD4+-infiltrating T cells during EAE. Together these findings provide insight into how neuroinflammation, as modelled by EAE, alters the distribution and downstream effects of clozapine.
Structural changes in the oral microbiome of the adolescent patients with moderate or severe dental fluorosis
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Xuelan , Hu Huan , Wei Xiaoyuan , Wang Xiaofan , Peng Zehui , Ma Rui , Zhao Qian , Zhao Jiangchao , Liu Jianguo , Deng Feilong
Published: February 2021

Dental fluorosis is a very prevalent endemic disease. Although oral microbiome has been reported to correlate with different oral diseases, there appears to be an absence of research recognizing any relationship between the severity of dental fluorosis and the oral microbiome. To this end, we investigated the changes in oral microbial community structure and identified bacterial species associated with moderate and severe dental fluorosis. Salivary samples of 42 individuals, assigned into Healthy (N = 9), Mild (N = 14) and Moderate/Severe (M&S, N = 19), were investigated using the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. The oral microbial community structure based on Bray Curtis and Weighted Unifrac were significantly changed in the M&S group compared with both of Healthy and Mild. As the predominant phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes showed variation in the relative abundance among groups. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was significantly higher in the M&S group. LEfSe analysis was used to identify differentially represented taxa at the species level. Several genera such as Streptococcus mitis, Gemella parahaemolysans, Lactococcus lactis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum, were significantly more abundant in patients with moderate/severe dental fluorosis, while Prevotella melaninogenica and Schaalia odontolytica were enriched in the Healthy group. In conclusion, our study indicates oral microbiome shift in patients with moderate/severe dental fluorosis. We identified several differentially represented bacterial species enriched in moderate and severe fluorosis. Findings from this study suggests that the roles of these bacteria in oral health and related diseases warrant more consideration in patients with moderate and severe fluorosis.
Characterization of DNA aptamer–protein binding using fluorescence anisotropy assays in low-volume, high-efficiency plates
Authors: Weaver Simon D. , Whelan Rebecca J.
Published: February 2021

Fluorescence anisotropy assays to characterize the binding of aptamers to their protein targets can be made more efficient without loss of precision through the use of high-efficiency, low-volume plates.
Single-scan ultra-selective 1D total correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Kiraly Peter , Nilsson Mathias , Morris Gareth A. , Adams Ralph W.
Published: February 2021

Fast and highly selective GEMSTONE TOCSY deconstructs complex NMR spectra.
Highly efficient self-trapped exciton emission in a one-dimensional face-shared hybrid lead bromide
Authors: Qi Zhikai , Chen Yali , Guo Yao , Yang Xuelian , Gao Huizhi , Zhou Guojun , Li Shi-Li , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: February 2021

A new one-dimensional face-shared hybrid lead bromide exhibits highly efficient broadband yellow-light emission with a quantum yield of 16.8%.
Optimized growth of high length-to-diameter ratio Lu2O3 single crystal fibers by the LHPG method
Authors: Zhang Na , Yin Yuqing , Zhang Jian , Wang Tao , Wang Siyuan , Yin Yanru , Fu Xiuwei , Jia Zhitai , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2021

Lu2O3 crystals have attracted intense attention due to their great potential in the field of high power solid-state lasers.
High coordination number actinide-noble gas complexes; a computational study
Authors: Yang Lin , Cooper Sophie , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: February 2021

Computational quantum chemical techniques are used to explore charged actinide-noble gas compounds, including new Th–He systems with record coordination number.
Electron deficient borane-mediated hydride abstraction in amines: stoichiometric and catalytic processes
Authors: Basak Shyam , Winfrey Laura , Kustiana Betty A. , Melen Rebecca L. , Morrill Louis C. , Pulis Alexander P.
Published: February 2021

Borane mediated hydride abstraction of amines efficiently generates useful iminium salts. This review explores this fascinating reactivity and discusses how the iminium intermediates are utilised in a variety of stoichiometric and catalytic processes.
Nickel-catalyzed formation of quaternary carbon centers using tertiary alkyl electrophiles
Authors: Xue Weichao , Jia Xiao , Wang Xuan , Tao Xianghua , Yin Zhigang , Gong Hegui
Published: February 2021

This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in nickel-catalyzed reactions employing tertiary alkyl electrophiles for the construction of quaternary carbon centers.
Rational catalyst design for CO oxidation: a gradient-based optimization strategy
Authors: Wang Ziyun , Hu P.
Published: February 2021

In this work, we proposed a gradient-based optimization strategy for rational catalyst design.
Impact of deboronation on the electronic characteristics of closo-o-carborane: intriguing photophysical changes in triazole-appended carboranyl luminophores
Authors: Kim Mingi , Im Sehee , Ryu Chan Hee , Lee Seok Ho , Hong Ju Hyun , Lee Kang Mun
Published: February 2021

A deboronation reaction of 1,2,4-triazole-appended closo-o-carboranyl luminophores to nido-o-carboranes results in a ratiometric change in the emission color from deep-blue to sky-blue, in addition to intense turn-on responses.
Ultrafast rechargeable Zn micro-batteries endowing a wearable solar charging system with high overall efficiency
Authors: Tian Zhengnan , Sun Zhongti , Shao Yanyan , Gao Liang , Huang Rong , Shao Yuanlong , Kaner Richard B. , Sun Jingyu
Published: February 2021

Wearable solar charging technologies are evolving rapidly. Nevertheless, insufficient overall efficiency and poor compatibility remain daunting challenges. Here, a solar charging unit integrating a GaAs solar cell and a Zn battery is reported.
Marama bean [Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A. Schreib.]: an indigenous plant with potential for food, nutrition, and economic sustainability
Authors: Omotayo Abiodun Olusola , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo
Published: February 2021

Developing countries need to explore undervalued indigenous plants to fully enhance their food and nutrition security, health, and economic viability.
Efficacy of probiotics in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of preclinical trials and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang Jinchi , Chu Chuanqi , Wu Caie , Wang Chen , Zhang Chengcheng , Li Tiantian , Zhai Qixiao , Yu Leilei , Tian Fengwei , Chen Wei
Published: February 2021

Preliminary evidence shows the potential role of probiotics in ameliorating multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the effects of probiotics on MS remain unclear.
Measurement of the hydrogen bond acceptance of ionic liquids and green solvents by the 19F solvatomagnetic comparison method
Authors: Laurence Christian , Mansour Sergui , Vuluga Daniela , Legros Julien
Published: February 2021

A 19F solvatomagnetic comparison of 4-fluorophenol and 4-fluoroanisole yields a more reliable measurement of the hydrogen-bond acceptance of ionic liquids and green solvents than the solvatochromic comparison method.
Highly enantioselective immobilized prolinamide-catalyzed aldol reactions in continuous-flow systems: effect of water on the catalyst lifetime and application in the synthesis of a chiral fenpentadiol analogue
Authors: Yue Caizhen , Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: February 2021

A highly practical continuous-flow system for aldol reactions of ketones and trifluoroacetophenones has been developed.
Determination of gadolinium MRI contrast agents in fresh and oceanic waters of Australia employing micro-solid phase extraction, HILIC-ICP-MS and bandpass mass filtering
Authors: Horstmann Maximilian , Gonzalez de Vega Raquel , Bishop David. P. , Karst Uwe , Doble Philip A. , Clases David
Published: February 2021

Speciation analysis of Gd-based MRI contrast agents in fresh and oceanic waters employing an automatised micro-solid phase extraction method and HILIC-ICP-MS detection operating an increased mass bandpass.
Study on the effect of Sn concentration on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of (Al0.55In0.45)2O3:Sn films
Authors: Xin Yangmei , Zhang Dong , Li Zizhan , Qin Hua , Xiu Junshan , Li Zhao , Liu Yunyan , Liu Huiqiang
Published: February 2021

The MOVPE method is applied to deposit the (Al0.55In0.45)2O3:Sn films with high mobility as well as low resistivity.
The year 2020 in natural product bioinformatics: an overview of the latest tools and databases
Authors: Medema Marnix H.
Published: February 2021

This brief article provides an overview of natural product-related bioinformatic tools and databases released or published in the year 2020.
GRPr-mediated photothermal and thermodynamic dual-therapy for prostate cancer with synergistic anti-apoptosis mechanism
Authors: Xu Hang , Sheng Gang , Lu Lu , Wang Cuirong , Zhang Yu , Feng Lili , Meng Lingtong , Min Pengxiang , Zhang Li , Wang Yijun , Han Feng
Published: February 2021

The integration of photothermal/thermodynamic therapy with bombesin as the targeting moiety achieves an eradication of castration-resistant prostate cancer.
A positively charged aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen as an ultra-sensitive mechanochromic luminescent material: design, synthesis and versatile applications
Authors: Yin Weidong , Yang Zengming , Zhang Shaoxiong , Yang Yuan , Zhao Lixia , Li Zhao , Zhang Bo , Zhang Shengjun , Han Bingyang , Ma Hengchang
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, the rational design of a mechanochromic luminescent (ML) material with ultra-sensitivity toward external stimuli is a greatly challenging task.
PbO2 modified with TiO2-NTs composite materials with enhanced OER electrocatalytic activity for Zn electrowinning
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Xuanbing , Xu Ruidong , Zhang Ying , Feng Suyang , Ju Ao , Jiang Wenhao
Published: February 2021

The high oxygen evolution overpotential of the Pb–Ag anode is one of the main reasons for the high energy consumption in Zn electrowinning.
Solubility and biological activity enhancement of docetaxel via formation of inclusion complexes with three alkylenediamine-modified β-cyclodextrins
Authors: Chen Xiang-Yu , Yang Hui-Wen , Chi Shao-Ming , Yue Lu-Lu , Ruan Qiong , Lei Ze , Zhu Hong-You , Zhao Yan
Published: February 2021

Docetaxel (DTX) is an effective and commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for cancer.
Mechanistic study of nucleophilic fluorination for the synthesis of fluorine-18 labeled fluoroform with high molar activity from N-difluoromethyltriazolium triflate
Authors: Chai Jin Young , Cha Hyojin , Lee Sung-Sik , Oh Young-Ho , Lee Sungyul , Chi Dae Yoon
Published: February 2021

Route a: desired SN2 reaction of fluoride to form fluoroform with high molar activity; route b: side reaction to form methyl fluoride; route c: side reaction to form difluorocarbene to give fluoroform with lower molar activity.
Long-wavelength visible to near infrared photoluminescence from carbon-bridged styrylstilbene and thiadiazole conjugates in organic and aqueous media
Authors: Inoue Takeru , Tsurui Makoto , Yamagishi Hiroshi , Nakazawa Yuma , Hamaguchi Naoto , Watanabe Shoya , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Yamamoto Yohei , Tsuji Hayato
Published: February 2021

Efficient long-wavelength visible to NIR-emitting materials have been synthesized by use of rigid planar styrylstilbene as a donor component.
Synthesis, crystal structure and antibacterial studies of dihydropyrimidines and their regioselectively oxidized products
Authors: Huseynzada Alakbar E. , Jelch Christian , Akhundzada Haji Vahid N. , Soudani Sarra , Ben Nasr Cherif , Israyilova Aygun , Doria Filippo , Hasanova Ulviyya A. , Khankishiyeva Rana F. , Freccero Mauro
Published: February 2021

Known methods of synthesis of dihydropyrimidines and their oxidized products were modified, the impact of hydrogen bonds on stabilization of preferred tautomer and biological activities were studied.
Synthetic efforts on the road to marine natural products bearing 4-O-2,3,4,6-tetrasubstituted THPs: an update
Authors: Fariña-Ramos Marta , García Celina , Martín Víctor S. , Álvarez-Méndez Sergio J.
Published: February 2021

A review covering the synthetic efforts directed to miyakolide, polycavernoside A, lasonolide A, clavosolide A and madeirolide A. They belong to the unique families of marine macrolides bearing 4-O-2,3,4,6 tetrasubstituted THPs.
Synthesis of an elusive, stable 2-azaallyl radical guided by electrochemical and reactivity studies of 2-azaallyl anions
Authors: Panetti Grace B. , Carroll Patrick J. , Gau Michael R. , Manor Brian C. , Schelter Eric J. , Walsh Patrick J.
Published: February 2021

The super electron donor (SED) capabilities of 2-azaallyl anions has recently been discovered and applied to diverse reactivity; their structures and electron transfer characteristics are reported herein.
Traceless parallel peptide purification by a first-in-class reductively cleavable linker system featuring a safety-release
Authors: Zitterbart Robert , Berger Nadja , Reimann Oliver , Noble Gavin T. , Lüdtke Stephan , Sarma Dominik , Seitz Oliver
Published: February 2021

A first-in-class reductively cleavable linker system that enables parallel and traceless purification of peptides through a safety-release is introduced with three linker types and showcased by rapid production of 20 personalized neoantigen peptides.
Nitrogen-doped graphene/graphitic carbon nitride with enhanced charge separation and two-electron-transferring reaction activity for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Liu Muye , Wen Yue , Lu Luhua , Chen Ying , Tian Xiaocong , Jin Hongyun , Liu Jinghai , Dai Kai
Published: February 2021

Pyrrolic nitrogen-doped graphenes with high surface activity of selective catalysis boost the photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production of graphitic carbon nitride.
Hierarchical computational screening of layered lead-free metal halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Li Qiuqi , Cao Dan , Liu Xueyin , Zhou Xiangyu , Chen Xiaoshuang , Shu Haibo
Published: February 2021

A hierarchical computational screening method is used to find layered lead-free metal halide perovskites with high stability and outstanding optoelectronic properties.
Synthesis of fluorinated polyimide towards a transparent triboelectric nanogenerator applied on screen surface
Authors: Wu Jun , Wang Xiaoli , He Jiyu , Li Zhihao , Li Lizhou
Published: February 2021

A fluorinated polyimide film is synthesized toward the transparent triboelectric nanogenerator applied on touch screen surface to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
A rechargeable electrochromic energy storage device enabling effective energy recovery
Authors: Huang Qingjiao , Wang Jiajun , Gong Hui , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Mengying , Wang Wenwen , Nshimiyimana Jean Pierre , Diao Xungang
Published: February 2021

Efficient energy recovery from electrochromic (EC) devices gives new insight into reducing the consumption of energy and facilitating the recycling of energy.
Metal–organic framework structure–property relationships for high-performance multifunctional polymer nanocomposite applications
Authors: Unnikrishnan Vishnu , Zabihi Omid , Ahmadi Mojtaba , Li Quanxiang , Blanchard Patrick , Kiziltas Alper , Naebe Minoo
Published: February 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a new class of crystalline nanomaterials with ultrahigh porosities and high internal surface areas.
Strategies and concepts in n-doped conjugated polymer thermoelectrics
Authors: Tam Teck Lip Dexter , Xu Jianwei
Published: February 2021

In this review, we discuss strategies & concepts in chemical structure engineering for n-type conjugated polymers & n-dopants that have brought about huge improvements in the performance of n-doped conjugated polymer thermoelectrics in recent years.
Valley splitting in the antiferromagnetic heterostructure MnPSe3/WSe2
Authors: Wang Bing-Jie , Sun Yu-Yun , Chen Ju , Ju Weiwei , An Yi-Peng , Gong Shi-Jing
Published: February 2021

The structure and valley splitting of antiferromagnetic heterostructure MnPSe3/WSe2.
Ion and hole dual-channel transport columnar mesomorphic organic electronic materials with high anisotropic conductivities based on supramolecular discotic ionic liquid crystals
Authors: Chen Jian , Sun Yuhao , Zhao Weiguang , Liu Jiang , Fang Jianglin , Xu Tianchi , Chen Dongzhong
Published: February 2021

Discotic ILCs via host–guest complexation of tris(18-crown-6)triphenylene and potassium trialkoxybenzenesulfonate in aligned columnar mesophases are capable of dual-channel transport showing both high ionic conductivities and hole mobilities.
A TTF–TCNQ complex: an organic charge-transfer system with extraordinary electromagnetic response behavior
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Wu Fan , Sun Qinya , Shi Jiaoyan , Xie Aming , Zhu Xufei , Dong Wei
Published: February 2021

Charge-transfer based molecular conductors have attracted great attention in recent years, but have been rarely explored in the field of electromagnetic materials.
The rise of carbon materials for field emission
Authors: Dwivedi Neeraj , Dhand Chetna , Carey J. David , Anderson Erik C. , Kumar Rajeev , Srivastava A. K. , Malik Hitendra K. , Saifullah M. S. M. , Kumar Sushil , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Ramakrishna Seeram , Bhatia Charanjit S. , Danner Aaron
Published: February 2021

The progress and the fundamental mechanisms for field emission of diverse carbon materials with dimensions 3D–0D, and the future prospects are comprehensively discussed.
Fullerene C60 promoted photochemical hydroamination reactions of an electron deficient alkyne with trimethylsilyl group containing tertiary N-alkylbenzylamines
Authors: Lim Suk Hyun , Jang Hannara , Cho Dae Won
Published: February 2021

C60-promoted photoaddition reactions of N-α-trimethylsilyl-N-alkylbenzylamines with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) were carried out.