bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urine miRNA signature as a potential non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in cervical cancer
Authors: Aftab Mehreen , Poojary Satish S. , Seshan Vaishnavi , Kumar Sachin , Agarwal Pallavi , Tandon Simran , Zutshi Vijay , Das Bhudev C.
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs as cancer biomarkers in serum, plasma, and other body fluids are often used but analysis of miRNA in urine is limited. We investigated the expression of selected miRNAs in the paired urine, serum, cervical scrape, and tumor tissue specimens from the women with cervical precancer and cancer with a view to identify if urine miRNAs could be used as reliable non-invasive biomarkers for an early diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer. Expression of three oncomiRs (miR-21, miR-199a, and miR-155-5p) and three tumor suppressors (miR-34a, miR-145, and miR-218) as selected by database search in cervical pre-cancer, cancer, and normal controls including cervical cancer cell lines were analyzed using qRT-PCR. The expression of miRNAs was correlated with various clinicopathological parameters, including HPV infection and survival outcome. We observed a significant overexpression of the oncomiRs and the downregulation of tumor suppressor miRNAs. A combination of miR-145-5p, miR-218-5p, and miR-34a-5p in urine yielded 100% sensitivity and 92.8% specificity in distinguishing precancer and cancer patients from healthy controls and it well correlates with those of serum and tumor tissues. The expression of miR-34a-5p and miR-218-5p were found to be independent prognostic factors for the overall survival of cervical cancer patients. We conclude that the evaluation of the above specific miRNA expression in non-invasive urine samples may serve as a reliable biomarker for early detection and prognosis of cervical cancer.
Phytochemicals from Ajwa dates pulp extract induce apoptosis in human triple-negative breast cancer by inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway and modulating Bcl-2 family proteins
Authors: Khan Mohsin Ali , Siddiqui Sahabjada , Ahmad Imran , Singh Romila , Mishra Durga Prasad , Srivastava Anand Narain , Ahmad Rumana
Published: May 2021

Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have been described in traditional and alternative medicine to provide several health benefits, but their mechanism of apoptosis induction against human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells remains to be investigated. In this study, we analyzed the phytoconstituents in ethanolic Ajwa Dates Pulp Extract (ADPE) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and investigated anticancer effects against MDA-MB-231 cells. LC–MS analysis revealed that ADPE contained phytocomponents belonging to classes such as carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids. MTT assay demonstrated statistically significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 17.45 and 16.67 mg/mL at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Hoechst 33342 dye and DNA fragmentation data showed apoptotic cell death while AO/PI and Annexin V-FITC data revealed cells in late apoptosis at higher doses of ADPE. More importantly, ADPE prompted reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in ADPE treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that ADPE induced cell arrest in S and G2/M checkpoints. ADPE upregulated the p53, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, thereby leading to the downregulation of Bcl-2 and AKT/mTOR pathway. ADPE did not show any significant toxicity on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells which suggests its safe application to biological systems under study. Thus, ADPE has the potential to be used as an adjunct to the mainline of treatment against breast cancer.
Multiple DNA marker-assisted diversity analysis of Indian mango (Mangifera indica L.) populations
Authors: Jena Ram Chandra , Chand Pradeep Kumar
Published: May 2021

Arbitrary (65 RAPD, 25 ISSR, 23 DAMD), gene-targeted (22 SCoT, 33 CBDP) and co-dominant sequence specific (40 SSR) markers were used individually, or in combinations, to examine the genetic variability within and among 70 selected Indian mango genotypes based on geographic origin (East India, West India, North India, South India) and fruit status (Selection, Hybrid, Landrace). The highest genetic variability was demonstrated by the East Indian populations, followed by those from South India, West India, and North India, when measured in terms of Na, Ne, H, I, PB%, Ht and Hs. Interestingly, the local genotypes of Odisha, which forms a part of East Indian populations, showed the highest diversity compared to hybrid or selection groups, suggesting that the indigenous genotypes hold a greater potential for exploiting the unique and favourable alleles. The maximum genetic variability was detected in geographical/fruit status populations with SSRs (Na—1.76/1.88, Ne—1.48/1.51, H—0.28/0.30, I—0.41/0.45, PB%—76.1/86.9, Ht—0.31/0.32 and Hs—0.28/0.30), followed by CBDPs and SCoTs, reflecting their preeminence for examining the level of genetic polymorphism and diversity. Outcome of AMOVA based analyses as well as low-to-moderate coefficient of genetic differentiation (Gst) and high gene flow (Nm) indicated a greater amount of intra-population genetic variation compared to heterogeneity at inter-population level. Information generated through this investigation could facilitate conservation and further exploitation of mango germplasm including genetic improvement through breeding.
Analysis of Mycobacterium africanum in the last 17 years in Aragon identifies a specific location of IS6110 in Lineage 6
Authors: Comín Jessica , Monforte María Luisa , Samper Sofía ,   Aragonese Working Group on Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis (EPIMOLA), Iglesias María José , Ibarz Daniel , Viñuelas Jesús , Torres Luis , Sahagún Juan , Lafoz María Carmen , Malo María Carmen , Otal Isabel
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to increase our knowledge about Mycobacterium africanum and report the incidence and characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) due to their lineages in Aragon, Spain, over the period 2003–2019. The study includes all the cases in our region, where all the M. tuberculosis complex isolates are systematically characterised. We detected 31 cases of M. africanum among 2598 cases of TB in the period studied. TB caused by M. africanum is rare (1.19%) in our population, and it affects mainly men of economically productive age coming from West African countries. Among the isolates, Lineage (L) 6 was more frequent than L5. The genotyping of these strains identified five clusters and 13 strains with a unique pattern. The isolates’ characterisation identified a copy of IS6110 within the moaX gene, which turned out to be specific for L6. It will allow the differentiation of this lineage from the rest of MTBC with a simple PCR reaction. It remains to be established whether this polymorphism may limit M. africanum transmission. Furthermore, a mutation in the mutT2 promoter was found as specific for L6 strains, which could be related to the high variability found for L6 compared to L5.
Decreased YAP activity reduces proliferative ability in human induced pluripotent stem cell of duchenne muscular dystrophy derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yasutake Hideki , Lee Jong-Kook , Hashimoto Akihito , Masuyama Kiyoshi , Li Jun , Kuramoto Yuki , Higo Shuichiro , Hikoso Shungo , Hidaka Kyoko , Naito Atsuhiko T. , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Komuro Issei , Sakata Yasushi
Published: May 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration accompanied by dilated cardiomyopathy. Recently, abnormality of yes-associated protein (YAP) has been reported as the pathogenesis of muscle degeneration of DMD; however YAP activity remains unclear in dystrophic heart of DMD. Herein, we investigated YAP activity using disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) in DMD. DMD-iPSCs were generated from DMD patient with exon 48–54 deletion in DMD, and genome-edited (Ed)-DMD-iPSCs with in-frame (Ed-DMD-iPSCs) were created using CRISPR/Cas9. Nuclear translocation of YAP [nuclear (N)/cytoplasmic (C) ratio] was significantly lower in DMD-iPSC-CMs than in Ed-DMD-iPSC-CMs. In addition, Ki67 expression, indicating proliferative ability, was significantly lower in DMD-iPSC-CMs than Ed-DMD-iPSC-CMs. Therefore, immunofluorescent staining showed that actin stress fibers associated with YAP activity by mechanotransduction were disorganized in DMD-iPSC-CMs. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a known lipid mediator on induction of actin polymerization, significantly increased YAP activity and actin dynamics in DMD-iPSC-CMs using live cell imaging. These results suggested that altered YAP activity due to impaired actin dynamics reduced proliferative ability in DMD-iPSC-CMs. Hence, decreased YAP activity in dystrophic heart may contribute to DMD-cardiomyopathy pathogenesis.
In-vitro and in-vivo metabolism of different aspirin formulations studied by a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Dei Cas Michele , Rizzo Jessica , Scavone Mariangela , Femia Eti , Podda Gian Marco , Bossi Elena , Bignotto Monica , Caberlon Sabrina , Cattaneo Marco , Paroni Rita
Published: May 2021

Low-dose aspirin (ASA) is used to prevent cardiovascular events. The most commonly used formulation is enteric-coated ASA (EC-ASA) that may be absorbed more slowly and less efficiently in some patients. To uncover these “non-responders” patients, the availability of proper analytical methods is pivotal in order to study the pharmacodynamics, the pharmacokinetics and the metabolic fate of ASA. We validated a high-throughput, isocratic reversed-phase, negative MRM, LC–MS/MS method useful for measuring circulating ASA and salicylic acid (SA) in blood and plasma. ASA-d4 and SA-d4 were used as internal standards. The method was applied to evaluate: (a) the "in vitro" ASA degradation by esterases in whole blood and plasma, as a function of time and concentration; (b) the "in vivo" kinetics of ASA and SA after 7 days of oral administration of EC-ASA or plain-ASA (100 mg) in healthy volunteers (three men and three women, 37–63 years). Parameters of esterases activity were Vmax 6.5 ± 1.9 and Km 147.5 ± 64.4 in plasma, and Vmax 108.1 ± 20.8 and Km 803.2 ± 170.7 in whole blood. After oral administration of the two formulations, tmax varied between 3 and 6 h for EC-ASA and between 0.5 and 1.0 h for plain-ASA. Higher between-subjects variability was seen after EC-ASA, and one subject had a delayed absorption over eight hours. Plasma AUC was 725.5 (89.8–1222) for EC-ASA, and 823.1(624–1196) ng h/mL (median, 25–75% CI) for plain ASA. After the weekly treatment, serum levels of TxB2 were very low (< 10 ng/mL at 24 h from the drug intake) in all the studied subjects, regardless of the formulation or the tmax. This method proved to be suitable for studies on aspirin responsiveness.
Genome-wide insights into population structure and host specificity of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Epping Lennard , Walther Birgit , Piro Rosario M. , Knüver Marie-Theres , Huber Charlotte , Thürmer Andrea , Flieger Antje , Fruth Angelika , Janecko Nicol , Wieler Lothar H. , Stingl Kerstin , Semmler Torsten
Published: May 2021

The zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is among the leading causes of foodborne diseases worldwide. While C. jejuni colonises many wild animals and livestock, persistence mechanisms enabling the bacterium to adapt to host species' guts are not fully understood. In order to identify putative determinants influencing host preferences of distinct lineages, bootstrapping based on stratified random sampling combined with a k-mer-based genome-wide association was conducted on 490 genomes from diverse origins in Germany and Canada. We show a strong association of both the core and the accessory genome characteristics with distinct host animal species, indicating multiple adaptive trajectories defining the evolution of C. jejuni lifestyle preferences in different ecosystems. Here, we demonstrate that adaptation towards a specific host niche ecology is most likely a long evolutionary and multifactorial process, expressed by gene absence or presence and allele variations of core genes. Several host-specific allelic variants from different phylogenetic backgrounds, including dnaE, rpoB, ftsX or pycB play important roles for genome maintenance and metabolic pathways. Thus, variants of genes important for C. jejuni to cope with specific ecological niches or hosts may be useful markers for both surveillance and future pathogen intervention strategies.
Comparison of gene expression and biotransformation activity of HepaRG cells under static and dynamic culture conditions
Authors: Duivenvoorde Loes P. M. , Louisse Jochem , Pinckaers Nicole E. T. , Nguyen Tien , van der Zande Meike
Published: May 2021

Flow conditions have been shown to be important in improving longevity and functionality of primary hepatocytes, but the impact of flow on HepaRG cells is largely unknown. We studied the expression of genes encoding CYP enzymes and transporter proteins and CYP1 and CYP3A4 activity during 8 weeks of culture in HepaRG cells cultured under static conditions (conventional 24-/96-well plate culture with common bicarbonate/CO2 buffering) and under flow conditions in an organ-on-chip (OOC) device. Since the OOC-device is a closed system, bicarbonate/CO2 buffering was not possible, requiring application of another buffering agent, such as HEPES. In order to disentangle the effects of HEPES from the effects of flow, we also applied HEPES-supplemented medium in static cultures and studied gene expression and CYP activity. We found that cells cultured under flow conditions in the OOC-device, as well as cells cultured under static conditions with HEPES-supplemented medium, showed more stable gene expression levels. Furthermore, only cells cultured in the OOC-device showed relatively high baseline CYP1 activity, and their gene expression levels of selected CYPs and transporters were most similar to gene expression levels in human primary hepatocytes. However, there was a decrease in baseline CYP3A4 activity under flow conditions compared to HepaRG cells cultured under static conditions. Altogether, the present study shows that HepaRG cells cultured in the OOC-device were more stable than in static cultures, being a promising in vitro model to study hepatoxicity of chemicals upon chronic exposure.
Phantom and clinical assessment of small pulmonary nodules using Q.Clear reconstruction on a silicon-photomultiplier-based time-of-flight PET/CT system
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Guo Binwei , Huang Bin , Hao Xinzhong , Wu Ping , Zhao Bin , Qin Zhixing , Xie Jun , Li Sijin
Published: May 2021

To evaluate the quantification accuracy of different positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) reconstruction algorithms, we measured the recovery coefficient (RC) and contrast recovery (CR) in phantom studies. The results played a guiding role in the partial-volume-effect correction (PVC) for following clinical evaluations. The PET images were reconstructed with four different methods: ordered subsets expectation maximization (OSEM), OSEM with time-of-flight (TOF), OSEM with TOF and point spread function (PSF), and Bayesian penalized likelihood (BPL, known as Q.Clear in the PET/CT of GE Healthcare). In clinical studies, SUVmax and SUVmean (the maximum and mean of the standardized uptake values, SUVs) of 75 small pulmonary nodules (sub-centimeter group: < 10 mm and medium-size group: 10–25 mm) were measured from 26 patients. Results show that Q.Clear produced higher RC and CR values, which can improve quantification accuracy compared with other methods (P < 0.05), except for the RC of 37 mm sphere (P > 0.05). The SUVs of sub-centimeter fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid pulmonary nodules with Q.Clear illustrated highly significant differences from those reconstructed with other algorithms (P < 0.001). After performing the PVC, highly significant differences (P < 0.001) still existed in the SUVmean measured by Q.Clear comparing with those measured by the other algorithms. Our results suggest that the Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm improved the quantification accuracy towards the true uptake, which potentially promotes the diagnostic confidence and treatment response evaluations with PET/CT imaging, especially for the sub-centimeter pulmonary nodules. For small lesions, PVC is essential.
Combination of automated brain volumetry on MRI and quantitative tau deposition on THK-5351 PET to support diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kim Minjae , Kim Sang Joon , Park Ji Eun , Yun Jessica , Shim Woo Hyun , Oh Jungsu S. , Oh Minyoung , Roh Jee Hoon , Seo Sang Won , Oh Seung Jun , Kim Jae Seung
Published: May 2021

Imaging biomarkers support the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to determine whether combining automated brain volumetry on MRI and quantitative measurement of tau deposition on [18F] THK-5351 PET can aid discrimination of AD spectrum. From a prospective database in an IRB-approved multicenter study (NCT02656498), 113 subjects (32 healthy control, 55 mild cognitive impairment, and 26 Alzheimer disease) with baseline structural MRI and [18F] THK-5351 PET were included. Cortical volumes were quantified from FDA-approved software for automated volumetric MRI analysis (NeuroQuant). Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was calculated from tau PET images for 6 composite FreeSurfer-derived regions-of-interests approximating in vivo Braak stage (Braak ROIs). On volumetric MRI analysis, stepwise logistic regression analyses identified the cingulate isthmus and inferior parietal lobule as significant regions in discriminating AD from HC and MCI. The combined model incorporating automated volumes of selected brain regions on MRI (cingulate isthmus, inferior parietal lobule, hippocampus) and SUVRs of Braak ROIs on [18F] THK-5351 PET showed higher performance than SUVRs of Braak ROIs on [18F] THK-5351 PET in discriminating AD from HC (0.98 vs 0.88, P = 0.033) but not in discriminating AD from MCI (0.85 vs 0.79, P = 0.178). The combined model showed comparable performance to automated volumes of selected brain regions on MRI in discriminating AD from HC (0.98 vs 0.94, P = 0.094) and MCI (0.85 vs 0.78; P = 0.065).
A convolution based computational approach towards DNA N6-methyladenine site identification and motif extraction in rice genome
Authors: Rahman Chowdhury Rafeed , Amin Ruhul , Shatabda Swakkhar , Toaha Md. Sadrul Islam
Published: May 2021

DNA N6-methylation (6mA) in Adenine nucleotide is a post replication modification responsible for many biological functions. Automated and accurate computational methods can help to identify 6mA sites in long genomes saving significant time and money. Our study develops a convolutional neural network (CNN) based tool i6mA-CNN capable of identifying 6mA sites in the rice genome. Our model coordinates among multiple types of features such as PseAAC (Pseudo Amino Acid Composition) inspired customized feature vector, multiple one hot representations and dinucleotide physicochemical properties. It achieves auROC (area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve) score of 0.98 with an overall accuracy of 93.97% using fivefold cross validation on benchmark dataset. Finally, we evaluate our model on three other plant genome 6mA site identification test datasets. Results suggest that our proposed tool is able to generalize its ability of 6mA site identification on plant genomes irrespective of plant species. An algorithm for potential motif extraction and a feature importance analysis procedure are two by products of this research. Web tool for this research can be found at:https://cutt.ly/dgp3QTR.
First Asian population study of stereotactic body radiation therapy for ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Ho Li-Ting , Chen Jenny Ling-Yu , Chan Hsing-Min , Huang Yu-Cheng , Su Mao-Yuan , Kuo Sung-Hsin , Chang Yeun-Chung , Lin Jiunn-Lee , Chen Wen-Jone , Lee Wen-Jeng , Lin Lian-Yu
Published: May 2021

We report the first Asian series on stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) for refractory ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in Taiwanese patients. Three-dimensional electroanatomic maps, delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI), and dual-energy computed tomography (CT) were used to identify scar substrates. The main target volume was treated with a single radiation dose of 25 Gy and the margin volume received 20 Gy using simultaneous integrated boost delivered by the Varian TrueBeam system. Efficacy was assessed according to VA events recorded by an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or a 24-h Holter recorder. Pre- and post-radiation therapy imaging studies were performed. From February 2019 to December 2019, seven patients (six men, one woman; mean age, 55 years) were enrolled and treated. One patient died of hepatic failure. In the remaining six patients, at a median follow-up of 14.5 months, the VA burden and ICD shocks significantly decreased (only one patient with one ICD shock after treatment). Increased intensity on DE-MRI might be associated with a lower risk for VA recurrence, whereas dual-energy CT had lower detection sensitivity. No acute or minimal late adverse events occurred. In patients with refractory VA, SBRT is associated with a marked reduction in VA burden and ICD shocks, and DE-MRI might be useful for monitoring treatment effects.
Molecular and serological epidemiology of Leptospira infection in cats in Okinawa Island, Japan
Authors: Kakita Tetsuya , Kuba Yumani , Kyan Hisako , Okano Sho , Morita Masatomo , Koizumi Nobuo
Published: May 2021

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by pathogenicLeptospiraspp. Cats have been reported to be infected withLeptospiraspp. and shed the bacteria in the urine. However, the importance of cats as an infection source for humans remains unclear. In this study,Leptospirainfection in cats in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, where leptospirosis is endemic, was investigated by leptospiral antibody and DNA detection using microscopic agglutination test and nested PCR, respectively. Moreover, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were conducted on theLeptospira borgpeterseniiserogroup Javanica isolated from cats, black rats, a mongoose, and humans. Anti-Leptospiraantibodies were detected in 16.6% (40/241) of the cats tested, and the predominant reactive serogroup was Javanica. The leptospiralflaBgene was detected in 7.1% (3/42) of cat urine samples, and their sequences were identical and identified asL. borgpetersenii. MLST and WGS revealed the genetic relatedness ofL. borgpeterseniiserogroup Javanica isolates. This study indicated that most seropositive cats had antibodies against the serogroup Javanica and that cats excretedL. borgpeterseniiin the urine after infection. Further, genetic relatedness between cat and human isolates suggests that cats may be a maintenance host forL. borgpeterseniiserogroup Javanica and a source for human infection.
Synthesizing environmentally friendly non-silicone oxygen bleaching stabilizer for linen yarn using oligomeric acrylic acid
Authors: Liu Jie , Lv Chun
Published: May 2021

Using potassium peroxodisulfate as an initiator and acrylic acid as a monomer, an acrylic acid oligomer was synthesized and then compounded with magnesium salt to form a non-silicone oxygen bleaching stabilizer. By investigating the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, initiator concentration, monomer concentration, and magnesium salt dosage on product performance, the effect of stabilizers on linen yarn bleaching was analyzed. The synthetic conditions of oxygen bleaching stabilizer were determined by orthogonal test method, namely, acrylic acid monomer concentration 25%, initiator dosage 5%, oligomeric acrylic acid and magnesium salt compound ratio 5:1, reaction temperature 65 °C, reaction time 4 h. At this time, the chelated iron value of the product was as high as 239.314 mg/g, and the chelated calcium value also reached 145.000 mg/g. The dosage of the synthesized stabilizer were determined to be 4 g/L through indicators such as the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide and whiteness. The results showed that the environmentally friendly non-silicone oxygen bleaching stabilizer not only had a good ability to inhibit the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, but also provided bleached linen yarn with a superior degree of whiteness and less metal ion residue, which can effectively solve the “silicon scale” problem and improve the quality of the pre-treatmented products.
Priming with skin-problems increases fear of clusters
Authors: Shirai Risako , Ogawa Hirokazu
Published: May 2021

Trypophobia is induced by viewing multiple clustered objects. To date, several studies have investigated why certain people experience discomfort when looking at clustered patterns. Recently, “involuntary protection against dermatosis” (IPAD) hypothesis was proposed to explain the causes of trypophobia. The IPAD hypothesis suggests that involuntary aversive responses to skin diseases cause discomfort in response to image clusters. However, this idea has not been fully investigated empirically. Therefore, the present study used a modified version of the priming procedure and tested whether the activation of the concept of skin-related diseases affected the evaluation of trypophobic images. In Experiment 1, participants engaged in a lexical decision task in which words related to skin problems, negative events, or neutral events were presented. Then, they evaluated the discomfort of trypophobic, negative, and neutral images. The results indicated that participants evaluated trypophobic images as more discomforting after they were exposed to skin-problem-related words, whereas the exposure to words related to skin-problems did not enhance the discomfort of negative images. These findings demonstrate that the association with skin-related problems increases the discomfort of trypophobic images. In Experiment 2, we further tested the reproducibility of the priming effect observed in Experiment 1 and investigated the effect of priming with words related to COVID-19 in the context of a spreading infection. Contrary to predictions, no priming effect was produced by either skin-related words or COVID-19-related words. Future studies should further explore the causal relationship of the association between skin disease and trypophobia.
Mapping biodiversity hotspots of fish communities in subtropical streams through environmental DNA
Authors: Blackman Rosetta C. , Osathanunkul Maslin , Brantschen Jeanine , Di Muri Cristina , Harper Lynsey R. , Mächler Elvira , Hänfling Bernd , Altermatt Florian
Published: May 2021

Large tropical and subtropical rivers are among the most biodiverse ecosystems worldwide, but also suffer from high anthropogenic pressures. These rivers are hitherto subject to little or no routine biomonitoring, which would be essential for identification of conservation areas of high importance. Here, we use a single environmental DNA multi-site sampling campaign across the 200,000 km2 Chao Phraya river basin, Thailand, to provide key information on fish diversity. We found a total of 108 fish taxa and identified key biodiversity patterns within the river network. By using hierarchical clustering, we grouped the fish communities of all sites across the catchment into distinct clusters. The clusters not only accurately matched the topology of the river network, but also revealed distinct groups of sites enabling informed conservation measures. Our study reveals novel opportunities of large-scale monitoring via eDNA to identify relevant areas within whole river catchments for conservation and habitat protection.
Modulation of sensorimotor cortical oscillations in athletes with yips
Authors: Watanabe Tatsunori , Yoshioka Kiyoshi , Matsushita Kojiro , Ishihara Shin
Published: May 2021

The yips, an involuntary movement impediment that affects performance in skilled athletes, is commonly described as a form of task-specific focal dystonia or as a disorder lying on a continuum with focal dystonia at one end (neurological) and chocking under pressure at the other (psychological). However, its etiology has been remained to be elucidated. In order to understand sensorimotor cortical activity associated with this movement disorder, we examined electroencephalographic oscillations over the bilateral sensorimotor areas during a precision force task in athletes with yips, and compared them with age-, sex-, and years of experience-matched controls. Alpha-band event-related desynchronization (ERD), that occurs during movement execution, was greater in athlete with yips as compared to controls when increasing force output to match a target but not when adjusting the force at around the target. Event-related synchronization that occurs after movement termination was also greater in athletes with yips. There was no significant difference in task performance between groups. The enhanced ERD is suggested to be attributed to dysfunction of inhibitory system or increased allocation of attention to the body part used during the task. Our findings indicate that sensorimotor cortical oscillatory response is increased during movement initiation in athletes with yips.
High biodiversity in a limited mountain area revealed in the traditional production of Historic Rebel cheese by an integrated microbiota–lipidomic approach
Authors: Turri Federica , Cremonesi Paola , Battelli Giovanna , Severgnini Marco , Brasca Milena , Gandini Gustavo , Pizzi Flavia
Published: May 2021

Historic Rebel (HR) cheese is an Italian heritage cheese, produced from raw milk during the summer grazing period in the Alps. The aim of this work was (i) to characterize the cheese microbiota, by 16S rRNA gene amplicons sequencing, and the volatile and non-volatile lipophilic fraction, by Gas Chromatography and Dynamic Headspace Extraction-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, and (ii) to evaluate their respective associations. HR cheese was dominated by Firmicutes phylum (99% of the entire abundance). The core microbiota was formed by Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc and Pediococcus genera together representing 87.2–99.6% of the total abundance. The polyunsaturated fatty acids composition showed a high PUFA n-3, PUFA n-6 and CLA content, two fold higher than typical plain cheeses, positively correlated with pasture altitude. A complex volatilome was detected, dominated in terms of abundance by ketones, fatty acids and alcohols. Total terpene levels increased at higher altitudes, being the main terpenes compounds α-pinene, camphene and β-pinene. The HR cheese showed a great diversity of bacterial taxa and lipophilic fractions among producers, despite belonging to a small alpine area, revealing a scarce cheese standardization and a chemical fingerprint of a typical mountain cheese produced during the grazing period. A deeper knowledge of the variability of HR cheese due to its composition in microbial community and volatile compounds will be appreciated, in particular, by elite consumers looking for niche products, adding economic value to farming in these alpine areas.
One-pot catalytic synthesis of urea derivatives from alkyl ammonium carbamates using low concentrations of CO2
Authors: Koizumi Hiroki , Takeuchi Katsuhiko , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Fukaya Norihisa , Sato Kazuhiko , Uchida Masahito , Matsumoto Seiji , Hamura Satoshi , Choi Jun-Chul
Published: May 2021

To reduce anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, it is desirable to develop reactions that can efficiently convert low concentrations of CO2, present in exhaust gases and ambient air, into industrially important chemicals, without involving any expensive separation, concentration, compression, and purification processes. Here, we present an efficient method for synthesizing urea derivatives from alkyl ammonium carbamates. The carbamates can be easily obtained from low concentrations of CO2 as present in ambient air or simulated exhaust gas. Reaction of alkyl ammonium carbamates with 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone solvent in the presence of a titanium complex catalyst inside a sealed vessel produces urea derivatives in high yields. This reaction is suitable for synthesizing ethylene urea, an industrially important chemical, as well as various cyclic and acyclic urea derivatives. Using this methodology, we also show the synthesis of urea derivatives directly from low concentration of CO2 sources in a one-pot manner.
Tunable spin-valley coupling in layered polar Dirac metals
Authors: Kondo Masaki , Ochi Masayuki , Kojima Tatsuhiro , Kurihara Ryosuke , Sekine Daiki , Matsubara Masakazu , Miyake Atsushi , Tokunaga Masashi , Kuroki Kazuhiko , Murakawa Hiroshi , Hanasaki Noriaki , Sakai Hideaki
Published: May 2021

In non-centrosymmetric metals, spin-orbit coupling induces momentum-dependent spin polarization at the Fermi surfaces. This is exemplified by the valley-contrasting spin polarization in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides with in-plane inversion asymmetry. However, the valley configuration of massive Dirac fermions in transition metal dichalcogenides is fixed by the graphene-like structure, which limits the variety of spin-valley coupling. Here, we show that the layered polar metal BaMnX2 (X = Bi, Sb) hosts tunable spin-valley-coupled Dirac fermions, which originate from the distorted X square net with in-plane lattice polarization. We found that BaMnBi2 has approximately one-tenth the lattice distortion of BaMnSb2, from which a different configuration of spin-polarized Dirac valleys is theoretically predicted. This was experimentally observed as a clear difference in the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation at high fields between the two materials. The chemically tunable spin-valley coupling in BaMnX2 makes it a promising material for various spin-valleytronic devices.
Solar noble gases in an iron meteorite indicate terrestrial mantle signatures derive from Earth’s core
Authors: Vogt Manfred , Trieloff Mario , Ott Ulrich , Hopp Jens , Schwarz Winfried H.
Published: May 2021

Noble gases are important tracers of planetary accretion and acquisition of volatiles to planetary atmospheres and interiors. Earth’s mantle hosts solar-type helium and neon for which20Ne/22Ne ratios advocate either incorporation of solar wind irradiated solids or solar nebula gas dissolution into an early magma ocean. However, the exact source location of primordial signatures remains unclear. Here we use high-resolution stepwise heating gas extraction experiments to analyse interior samples of the iron meteorite Washington County and find that they contain striking excesses of solar helium and neon. We infer that the Washington County protolith was irradiated by solar wind and that implanted noble gases were partitioned into segregating metal melts. The corollary that solar signatures are able to enter the cores of differentiated planetesimals and protoplanets validates hypotheses that Earth’s core may have incorporated solar noble gases and may be contributing to the solar signatures observed in Earth’s mantle.
The differences of the impact of a lipid and protein corona on the colloidal stability, toxicity, and degradation behavior of iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Rabel Martin , Warncke Paul , Thürmer Maria , Grüttner Cordula , Bergemann Christian , Kurland Heinz-Dieter , Müller Frank A. , Koeberle Andreas , Fischer Dagmar
Published: May 2021

It was shown that proteins and lipids adsorb to the surface of IONP improving their colloidal stability and biocompatibility profile in vitro and in vivo. The degradation rate was reduced and correlated with the lipid but not the protein adsorption.
Imaging mass spectrometry: a new way to distinguish dermal contact from administration of cocaine, using a single fingerprint
Authors: Costa C. , Jang M. , de Jesus J. , Steven R. T. , Nikula C. J. , Elia E. , Bunch J. , Bellew A. T. , Watts J. F. , Hinder S. , Bailey M. J.
Published: May 2021

Here we show how mass spectrometry imaging can be used to distinguish between contact and administration of cocaine, using single fingerprint samples.
Photoluminescence enhancement by controllable aggregation and polymerization of octanuclear gold clusters
Authors: Yang Biao , Wu Han , Zhao Liang
Published: May 2021

An Au8 cluster was decorated by different ligands or incorporated into a polymer backbone to investigate distinguishable aggregation-induced luminescence behaviors.
Development of temperature dependent oxygen releasable nanofilm by modulating oxidation state of myoglobin
Authors: Tomioka Daisuke , Nakatsuji Hirotaka , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: May 2021

Temperature dependent controlled oxygen release from oxymyoglobin was achieved by modulating autoxidation of oxymyoglobin using ascorbic acid as a reductant.
Crystal growth of the core and rotated epitaxial shell of a heterometallic metal–organic framework revealed with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Pambudi Fajar I. , Anderson Michael W. , Attfield Martin P.
Published: May 2021

Synthesis dependent in-plane rotational epitaxy in a core–shell metal–organic framework determined by atomic force microscopy.
Cell wall permeability of pinto bean cotyledon cells regulate in vitro fecal fermentation and gut microbiota
Authors: Huang Yanrong , Dhital Sushil , Liu Feitong , Fu Xiong , Huang Qiang , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2021

Processing induced structural changes of whole foods for the regulation of the colonic fermentation rate and microbiota composition are least understood and often overlooked.
The selective separation of thorium from uranyl ions using ultrasonic-assisted solidified floating organic drop microextraction
Authors: El-Gamal Ghada G. , Mortada Wael I. , Hassanien Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Amr A. , Abou El-Reash Yasmeen G.
Published: May 2021

The selective separation of thorium via ultrasonic-assisted solidified floated organic drop microextraction using morin as a complexing agent is reported.
The fluorescence turn-off mechanism of a norbornene-derived homopolymer – an Al3+ colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor
Authors: Le Trong-Nghia , Lin Kuan-Yu , Valaboju Anusha , Lee Cheng-Kang , Jiang Jyh-Chiang , Rao N. Vijayakameswara
Published: May 2021

A norbornene-derived hydrazone polymer was developed for high selectivity, and to be used as an effective colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor of Al3+ in aqueous solutions.
Structure and surface properties of Ni–Al hydrotalcite-like compounds and their catalytic application in highly selective acetalization at room temperature
Authors: Cheng Shu-Yan , Kou Jia-Wei , Sun Kai
Published: May 2021

Oxygen vacancies improve the catalytic activity of acid sites, and their amount decreases due to the conversion of [Ni(OH)5NO3] into [Ni(OH)6] units.
Resonant amplification of intrinsic magnon modes and generation of new extrinsic modes in a two-dimensional array of interacting multiferroic nanomagnets by surface acoustic waves
Authors: De Anulekha , Drobitch Justine Lynn , Majumder Sudip , Barman Saswati , Bandyopadhyay Supriyo , Barman Anjan
Published: May 2021

Demonstration of surface acoustic wave driven resonant amplification of intrinsic magnon modes and generation of new extrinsic modes in two-dimensional array of two-phase multiferroic nanomagnets by time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr microscopy.
The length of disulfide bond-containing linkages impacts the oral absorption and antitumor activity of paclitaxel prodrug-loaded nanoemulsions
Authors: Gao Yanlin , Zuo Shiyi , Li Lingxiao , Liu Tian , Dong Fudan , Wang Xin , Zhang Xuanbo , He Zhonggui , Zhai Yinglei , Sun Bingjun , Sun Jin
Published: May 2021

Paclitaxel and three paclitaxel–citronellol prodrugs with different lengths of linkages are loaded into nanoemulsions. The lengths of linkages in the three prodrugs have impacts on oral absorption, drug release, and antitumor effects.
Two-photon absorption enhancement for organic acceptor molecules with QD antennas
Authors: Roth S. , Trinh P. T. , Wachtveitl J.
Published: May 2021

The photophysics of an inorganic/organic hybrid system was studied by time-resolved optical spectroscopy, focusing on the goal of increasing the two-photon efficiency of photoresponsive systems.
Anomalous metal vaporization from Pt/Pd/Al2O3under redox conditions
Authors: Meng Andrew C. , Low Ke-Bin , Foucher Alexandre C. , Li Yuejin , Petrovic Ivan , Stach Eric A.
Published: May 2021

Al2O3-supported Pt/Pd bimetallic catalysts were studied usingin situatmospheric pressure andex situtransmission electron microscopy.
Polybenzoxazines: a sustainable platform for the design of fast responsive and catalyst-free vitrimers based on trans-esterification exchanges
Authors: Adjaoud Antoine , Trejo-Machin Acerina , Puchot Laura , Verge Pierre
Published: May 2021

This work explores a new strategy, aiming for the synthesis of catalyst-free vitrimers by taking advantage of the abundant number of tertiary amines covalently bound into a polybenzoxazine network.
Reaction condition-dependent divergent synthesis of spirooxindoles and bisoxindoles
Authors: Chen Guo-Shu , Fang Yu-Bo , Ren Zhi , Tian Xu , Liu Yun-Lin
Published: May 2021

DABCO-catalyzed divergent transformations of isatin-derived MBH carbonates leading to either spirocyclopentene oxindoles, spirocyclopentadiene 2-oxindoles or bisoxindoles are described.
Nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of C–F bonds
Authors: Zhang Tianhao , Nohira Itsuki , Chatani Naoto
Published: May 2021

The efficient Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of ortho-fluoro aromatic amides with aryl boronates is described. The reaction proceeds effectively, even at 60 °C. The reaction exhibits a good tolerance for functional groups and a broad scope for aromatic amides.
Characterization of an active ingredient made of nanoscale iron(oxyhydr)oxide for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia
Authors: Bäumler Magdalena , Schwaminger Sebastian P. , von der Haar-Leistl Daniela , Schaper Simon J. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Wagner Friedrich E. , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: May 2021

The combination of different analytical methods, supported by TEM, DLS, SAXS, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and SQUID, allows more accurate characterization of a new nanoscale active ingredient based on iron(oxyhydr)oxide against hyperphosphatemia.
Role of oxide support in Ni based catalysts for CO2 methanation
Authors: Lee Ye Hwan , Ahn Jeong Yoon , Nguyen Dinh Duc , Chang Soon Woong , Kim Sung Su , Lee Sang Moon
Published: May 2021

The effect of metal–support interaction and role of support on catalytic performances during Ni based CO2 methanation reaction were investigated.
Attention-based generative models for de novo molecular design
Authors: Dollar Orion , Joshi Nisarg , Beck David A. C. , Pfaendtner Jim
Published: May 2021

An implementation of attention within the variational autoencoder framework for continuous representation of molecules. The addition of attention significantly increases model performance for complex tasks such as exploration of novel chemistries.
Alloying a single and a double perovskite: a Cu+/2+ mixed-valence layered halide perovskite with strong optical absorption
Authors: Connor Bridget A. , Smaha Rebecca W. , Li Jiayi , Gold-Parker Aryeh , Heyer Alexander J. , Toney Michael F. , Lee Young S. , Karunadasa Hemamala I.
Published: May 2021

A novel 2D halide perovskite with stoichiometric quantities of Cu+, Cu2+, and In3+ in the inorganic slabs shows emergent properties not seen in CuII or CuI–InIII perovskites, including enhanced visible-light absorption and electronic conductivity.
Spin-labelled mechanically interlocked molecules as models for the interpretation of biradical EPR spectra
Authors: Gualandi Lorenzo , Franchi Paola , Mezzina Elisabetta , Goldup Stephen M. , Lucarini Marco
Published: May 2021

Using a rotaxane biradical, we unambiguously demonstrate the need consider both J and rate of conformational interconversion carefully when interpreting the spectra of such systems when they are employed as spin probes in solution.
Alkylsulfenyl thiocarbonates: precursors to hydropersulfides potently attenuate oxidative stress
Authors: Khodade Vinayak S. , Aggarwal Sahil C. , Pharoah Blaze M. , Paolocci Nazareno , Toscano John P.
Published: May 2021

A series of novel alkylsulfenyl thiocarbonates have been developed that efficiently release hydropersulfides (RSSH) over a range of half-lives. RSSH generation by these precursors potently ameliorates oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts.
Nano/microstructured materials for solar-driven interfacial evaporators towards water purification
Authors: Meng Fantao , Ju Benzhi , Zhang Shufen , Tang Bingtao
Published: May 2021

This review summarizes the representative progress of solar evaporators and their practical utilization towards water purification from the perspective of nano/microstructured material architecture designs.
A lithiophilic carbon scroll as a Li metal host with low tortuosity design and “Dead Li” self-cleaning capability
Authors: Zhu Ruijie , Yang Huijun , Fadillah Laras , Xiong Zetao , Kowalski Damian , Zhu Chunyu , Kitano Sho , Aoki Yoshitaka , Habazaki Hiroki
Published: May 2021

The low-tortuosity designed Li metal@LCS electrode offers a homogeneous contact with Li+ flux, and can maintain long-term low-overpotential cycling.
A mixed ion-electron conducting carbon nanotube ionogel to efficiently harvest heat from both a temperature gradient and temperature fluctuation
Authors: Cheng Hanlin , Yue Shizhong , Le Qiujian , Qian Qi , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: May 2021

Mixed ion-electron thermoelectric converters (MTECs) using ionogels consisting of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are demonstrated. They can convert heat into electricity from both a temperature fluctuation and temperature gradient.
Synthesis-temperature-regulated multi-enzyme-mimicking activities of ceria nanozymes
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Wu Jiangjiexing , Liu Quanyi , Lin Anqi , Li Sirong , Zhang Yihong , Wang Quan , Li Tong , An Xueying , Zhou Zijun , Yang Ming , Wei Hui
Published: May 2021

Facile-regulation of the multi-enzyme-mimicking activities and effective guidelines from radar analysis established here advance the further biomedical applications of ceria-based nanozymes.
Unusual isosymmetric order–disorder phase transition in a new perovskite-type dimethylhydrazinium manganese formate exhibiting weak ferromagnetism and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Zienkiewicz Jan Albert , Kowalska Dorota Anna , Fedoruk Katarzyna , Stefanski Mariusz , Pikul Adam , Ptak Maciej
Published: May 2021

We report the synthesis, thermal, structural, dielectric, magnetic and optical properties of a novel metal–organic framework templated by the large 1,1-dimethylhydrazinium cation. We analyse the steric hindrance-related properties.
Thermoresponsive icy road sign by light scattering and enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Booth Joshua R. , Young Robert A. , Richards Gonzales Andrés N. , Meakin Zachary J. , Preuss-Weber Corinna M. , Jaggers Ross W. , Bon Stefan A. F.
Published: May 2021

Prototype thermoresponsive icy road signs with light scattering and enhanced fluorescence using upper critical solution temperature polymer phase separation.
Photosalient and thermosalient crystalline hemithioindigo-anthracene based isomeric photoswitches
Authors: Hean Duane , Alde Luis G. , Wolf Michael O.
Published: May 2021

Single crystals of Z- and E-isomers of an anthracene-functionalized hemithioindigo show thermosalient and photosalient effects respectively.
Persistent luminescence of zinc gallogermanates
Authors: Matuszewska Celina , Pańczuk Tomasz W. , Tanner Peter A. , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: May 2021

Zinc gallogermanate has been optimized by zinc depletion and the study of PL, PLE, TL, luminescence and persistent luminescence lifetimes enables an understanding of trap depths and optical centres.
A melamine-based organic–inorganic hybrid material revealing excellent optical performance and moderate thermal stability
Authors: Liu Lehui , Bai Zhiyong , Hu Lei , Wei Dongshan , Lin Zhoubin , Zhang Lizhen
Published: May 2021

An ultraviolet organic–inorganic nonlinear optical material benefited from organic π-conjugated [C3N6] groups and inorganic [ZnNCl3] groups, revealing excellent optical performance and moderate thermal stability.