bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation and integrity in aged seeds and regenerated plants
Authors: Mira Sara , Pirredda Michela , Martín-Sánchez Marcos , Marchessi Jesús E. , Martín Carmen
Published: April 2020

Seed longevity is a complex process of key ecological and agronomic importance. DNA damage is a significant factor affecting seed ageing. Likewise, epigenetic changes can control gene expression and, therefore, seed response to ageing. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of ageing on nucleic acid stability and to identify reliable molecular markers that might help to monitor epigenetic changes within plant genetic resources during conservation. DNA profiles, evaluated by RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA), and methylation patterns, obtained by MSAP (methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism), were compared in non-aged and agedMentha aquaticaseeds and plants produced by them. Germination decreased to 50% by storing seeds at 35°C and 12% wc for 28 days. RAPD profiles were 99% similar in these aged seeds compared to non-aged seeds. However, seedlings produced from the aged seeds showed a 13% dissimilarity compared to seedlings produced from the non-aged seeds. About 8% difference in the MSAP epigenetic profile was detected in seeds after storage and 16% difference was detected in the seedlings produced from them. This indicates that stress from high temperature and humidity during storage induced changes on the methylation state of seeds, and that changes were also detectable in the regenerated plants. Our results suggest that DNA integrity was compromised in seeds during ageing, and on seedlings produced by aged seeds. Genotype screening techniques such as RAPD and MSAP have the potential as markers of nucleic acid stability during seed ageing.
Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and breast cancer: a case–control study in a Middle Eastern country
Authors: Sasanfar Bahareh , Toorang Fatemeh , Maleki Farzad , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and risk of breast cancer among Iranian women.

Design:

In this hospital-based case–control study, dietary intake of participants was collected using a 168-item validated FFQ. Dietary TAC was assessed using FRAP assay considering. Logistic regression was used to obtain ORs for breast cancer across quartiles of dTAC.

Setting:

Cancer Institute, Iran.

Participants:

We included 412 women with pathologically confirmed breast cancer and 456 apparently healthy controls.

Results:

Mean dTAC was 11·3 ± 5·8 for cases and 12·1 ± 7·9 for controls. A trend towards significant inverse association was seen between dTAC and odds of breast cancer in the whole population; such that after controlling for several potential confounders, individuals in the highest quartile of dTAC were 0·39 times less likely to have breast cancer than those in the lowest quartile (0·61; 95 % CI: 0·38, 0·99, P < 0·05). In the stratified analysis by menopausal status, we found that postmenopausal women with the greatest dTAC had lower odds for breast cancer, compared with those with the lowest dTAC (0·47; 95 % CI: 0·24, 0·93, P < 0·05). This association strengthened after additional adjustment for BMI (0·28; 95 % CI: 0·11, 0·72, P < 0·05). No significant association was seen between dTAC and odds of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Conclusions:

We found that dietary TAC was inversely associated with risk of breast cancer, in particular among postmenopausal women. Prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.
DREAMS OF UTOPIA: ON THE ABSENCE OF PLACE
Authors: Baggini Julian
Published: April 2020

Any philosophy which aspires to universality is caught in a perennial tension: the attempt to transcend the particularities of the individual thinker and her time and place can only be made by specific individuals in specific times and places. Anglophone philosophy deals with this tension by ignoring it.
SEX AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE #METOO ERA
Authors: Arbour Benjamin H.
Published: April 2020

In a philosophical dialogue, Thomas the traditionalist, Harvey the hedonist, and Eric the economist each discuss their respective views concerning the ethics of human sex acts. In the course of their conversation, it becomes clear that if sex is to be treated like any other pleasure (and therefore enjoyed indiscriminately), it is very difficult to explain what is so bad about rape and/or other forms of sexual assault. Taking any kind of sexual assault to be bad, therefore, requires adopting a more traditional view towards sex.
Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Tool for Neurofeedback
Authors: Grössinger Doris , Kober Silvia Erika , Spann Stefan M. , Stollberger Rudolf , Wood Guilherme
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Neurofeedback allows participants to voluntarily control their own brain activity. Consequently, neurofeedback is a potential intervention tool in diverse clinical domains. Different brain signals can be fed back to the neurofeedback users, such as the hemodynamic response of the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or electrophysiological brain signals as measured with electroencephalography (EEG). Each of these neuroscientific methods has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, using fMRI all brain regions can be targeted, while in EEG and NIRS signals from deeper regions cannot be precisely differentiated. Hence, fMRI-based neurofeedback allows treatment of mental and physical diseases, which are associated with activation patterns in deeper brain regions. Until now, only the blood oxygen level dependent signal (BOLD) has been used as feedback signal in fMRI-based neurofeedback studies. However, we have started to develop a neurofeedback pipeline using a different fMRI signal, namely arterial spin labeling (ASL), which will be introduced in this article. ASL neurofeedback enables a direct modulation of the cerebral blood flow and, consequently, might improve rehabilitation of disorders caused by perfusion imbalance in the future.
Regulation and function of capicua in mammals
Authors: Lee Yoontae
Published: April 2020

Capicua (CIC) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor. CIC contains a high-mobility group (HMG) box that recognizes specific DNA sequences to regulate the expression of various target genes. CIC was originally identified inDrosophila melanogasteras a transcriptional repressor that suppresses the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway. This molecule controls normal organ growth and tissue patterning as well as embryogenesis inDrosophila. Recent studies have also demonstrated its extensive functions in mammals. For example, CIC regulates several developmental and physiological processes, including lung development, abdominal wall closure during embryogenesis, brain development and function, neural stem cell homeostasis, T cell differentiation, and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. CIC is also associated with the progression of various types of cancer and neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type-1, systemic autoimmunity, and liver injury. In this review, I provide a broad overview of our current understanding of the regulation and functions of CIC in mammals and discuss future research directions.
Author Correction: Genetic mapping of cell type specificity for complex traits
Authors: Watanabe Kyoko , Mirkov Maša Umićević , de Leeuw Christiaan A. , van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Posthuma Danielle
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Silica accelerates the selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol on cobalt catalysts
Authors: Wang Lingxiang , Guan Erjia , Wang Yeqing , Wang Liang , Gong Zhongmiao , Cui Yi , Meng Xiangju , Gates Bruce C. , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Molecular basis of ALK1-mediated signalling by BMP9/BMP10 and their prodomain-bound forms
Authors: Salmon Richard M. , Guo Jingxu , Wood Jennifer H. , Tong Zhen , Beech John S. , Lawera Aleksandra , Yu Minmin , Grainger David J. , Reckless Jill , Morrell Nicholas W. , Li Wei
Published: April 2020

Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1)-mediated endothelial cell signalling in response to bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) and BMP10 is of significant importance in cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, detailed molecular mechanisms of ALK1-mediated signalling remain unclear. Here, we report crystal structures of the BMP10:ALK1 complex at 2.3 Å and the prodomain-bound BMP9:ALK1 complex at 3.3 Å. Structural analyses reveal a tripartite recognition mechanism that defines BMP9 and BMP10 specificity for ALK1, and predict that crossveinless 2 is not an inhibitor of BMP9, which is confirmed by experimental evidence. Introduction of BMP10-specific residues into BMP9 yields BMP10-like ligands with diminished signalling activity in C2C12 cells, validating the tripartite mechanism. The loss of osteogenic signalling in C2C12 does not translate into non-osteogenic activity in vivo and BMP10 also induces bone-formation. Collectively, these data provide insight into ALK1-mediated BMP9 and BMP10 signalling, facilitating therapeutic targeting of this important pathway.
The translational landscape of ground state pluripotency
Authors: Atlasi Yaser , Jafarnejad Seyed Mehdi , Gkogkas Christos G. , Vermeulen Michiel , Sonenberg Nahum , Stunnenberg Hendrik G.
Published: April 2020

Translational control plays a central role in regulation of gene expression and can lead to significant divergence between mRNA- and protein-abundance. Here, we used genome-wide approaches combined with time-course analysis to measure the mRNA-abundance, mRNA-translation rate and protein expression during the transition of naïve-to-primed mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We find that the ground state ESCs cultured with GSK3-, MEK-inhibitors and LIF (2iL) display higher ribosome density on a selective set of mRNAs. This set of mRNAs undergo strong translational buffering to maintain stable protein expression levels in 2iL-ESCs. Importantly, we show that the global alteration of cellular proteome during the transition of naïve-to-primed pluripotency is largely accompanied by transcriptional rewiring. Thus, we provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of the global changes in gene expression in different states of ESCs and dissect the relative contributions of mRNA-transcription, translation and regulation of protein stability in controlling protein abundance.
Publisher Correction: Synergistic electroreduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide on bimetallic layered conjugated metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Zhong Haixia , Ghorbani-Asl Mahdi , Ly Khoa Hoang , Zhang Jichao , Ge Jin , Wang Mingchao , Liao Zhongquan , Makarov Denys , Zschech Ehrenfried , Brunner Eike , Weidinger Inez M. , Zhang Jian , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Kaskel Stefan , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
MACROD2 deficiency promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis by activating GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Zhou Zheng-Jun , Luo Chu-Bin , Xin Hao-Yang , Hu Zhi-Qiang , Zhu Gui-Qi , Li Jia , Zhou Shao-Lai
Published: April 2020

Structural variations (SVs) influence the development and progression of multiple types of cancer. The genes affected by SVs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their contribution to tumor growth and metastasis remain unknown. In this study, through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we identified MACROD2 as the gene most frequently affected by SVs, which were associated with low MACROD2 expression levels. Low MACROD2 expression was predictive of tumor recurrence and poor overall survival. MACROD2 expression was decreased in HCC cell lines, especially those with high metastatic potential. MACROD2 knockdown in HCC cells markedly enhanced proliferation and invasiveness in vitro and tumor progression in vivo and promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). By contrast, MACROD2 overexpression reversed EMT and inhibited HCC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, MACROD2 deficiency suppressed glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity and activated β-catenin signaling, which mediated the effect of MACROD2 on HCC. In clinical HCC samples, decreased MACROD2 expression was correlated with the activation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling and the EMT phenotype. Overall, our results revealed that MACROD2 is frequently affected by SVs in HCC, and its deficiency promotes tumor growth and metastasis by activating GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling.
Publisher Correction: Linoleic acid–good or bad for the brain?
Authors: Taha Ameer Y.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Attosecond pulse retrieval from noisy streaking traces with conditional variational generative network
Authors: Zhu Zheyuan , White Jonathon , Chang Zenghu , Pang Shuo
Published: April 2020

Accurate characterization of an attosecond pulse from streaking trace is an indispensable step in studying the ultrafast electron dynamics on the attosecond scale. Conventional attosecond pulse retrieval methods face two major challenges: the ability to incorporate a complete physics model of the streaking process, and the ability to model the uncertainty of pulse reconstruction in the presence of noise. Here we propose a pulse retrieval method based on conditional variational generative network (CVGN) that can address both demands. Instead of learning the inverse mapping from a streaking trace to a pulse profile, the CVGN models the distribution of the pulse profile conditioned on a given streaking trace measurement, and is thus capable of assessing the uncertainty of the retrieved pulses. This capability is highly desirable for low-photon level measurement, which is typical in attosecond streaking experiments in the water window X-ray range. In addition, the proposed scheme incorporates a refined physics model that considers the Coulomb-laser coupling and photoelectron angular distribution in streaking trace generation. CVGN pulse retrievals under various simulated noise levels and experimental measurement have been demonstrated. The results showed high pulse reconstruction consistency for streaking traces when peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeds 6, which could serve as a reference for future learning-based attosecond pulse retrieval.
Combination therapy using human papillomavirus L1/E6/E7 genes and archaeosome: a nanovaccine confer immuneadjuvanting effects to fight cervical cancer
Authors: Karimi Hesam , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Abdoli Asghar , Banijamali Razieh Sadat
Published: April 2020

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major health problem in women. DNA vaccines are a perfect approach to immunization, but their potency in clinical trials has been insufficient for generating effective immunity, which may be related to the degradation of the DNA via nucleases, poor delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and insufficient uptake of DNA plasmids by cells upon injection. Archaeosome is a nano-delivery systems based on liposomes with their immunological role have been developed for gene delivery. In this study, human papillomavirus type 16 genes, containing truncated L1, E6, and E7, were simultaneously used in combination therapy with archaeosome and assessed in vivo. Findings supported that archaeosomes promotes immune responses to DNA vaccines and a long-term CTL response was generated with a low antigen dose. Combination therapy with archaeosome/L1/E6/E7 vaccines exhibited a strong cytolytic activity against tumor cells and induced prophylactic and therapeutic effect against the development of tumor in the animal model.
Author Correction: Genetic Characteristics of Korean Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease by Targeted Exome Sequencing
Authors: Kim Hyunsuk , Park Hayne Cho , Ryu Hyunjin , Kim Hyunho , Lee Hyun-Seob , Heo Jongho , Lee Chung , Kim Nayoung K. D. , Park Woong-Yang , Hwang Young-Hwan , Lee Kyu Beck , Oh Kook-Hwan , Oh Yun kyu , Ahn Curie
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Associations between early-life food deprivation during World War II and risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes at adulthood
Authors: Mink Julia , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Charles Marie-Aline , Allais Olivier , Fagherazzi Guy
Published: April 2020

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework suggests that early-life experiences affect long-term health outcomes. We tested this hypothesis by estimating the long-run effects of exposure to World War II-related food deprivation during childhood and adolescence on the risk of suffering from hypertension and type 2 diabetes at adulthood for 90,226 women from the French prospective cohort study E3N. We found that the experience of food deprivation during early-life was associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (+0.7%, 95% CI: 0.073–1.37%) and hypertension (+2.6%, 95% CI: 0.81–4.45%). Effects were stronger for individuals exposed at younger ages. Exposed individuals also achieved lower levels of education, slept less, and were more frequently smokers than unexposed individuals. These results are compatible with both the latency and the pathway models proposed in the DOHaD framework which theorise the association between early life exposure and adult health through both a direct link and an indirect link where changes in health determinants mediate health outcomes.
On the Origin of the Anomalous Behavior of Lipid Membrane Properties in the Vicinity of the Chain-Melting Phase Transition
Authors: Kuklin Alexander , Zabelskii Dmitrii , Gordeliy Ivan , Teixeira José , Brûlet Annie , Chupin Vladimir , Cherezov Vadim , Gordeliy Valentin
Published: April 2020

Biomembranes are key objects of numerous studies in biology and biophysics of great importance to medicine. A few nanometers thin quasi two-dimensional liquid crystalline membranes with bending rigidity of a few kT exhibit unusual properties and they are the focus of theoretical and experimental physics. The first order chain-melting phase transition of lipid membranes is observed to be accompanied by a pseudocritical behavior of membrane physical-chemical properties. However, the investigation of the nature of the anomalous swelling of a stack of lipid membranes in the vicinity of the transition by different groups led to conflicting conclusions about the level of critical density fluctuations and their impact on the membrane softening. Correspondingly, conclusions about the contribution of Helfrich’s undulations to the effect of swelling were different. In our work we present a comprehensive complementary neutron small-angle and spin-echo study directly showing the presence of significant critical fluctuations in the vicinity of the transition which induce membrane softening. However, contrary to the existing paradigm, we demonstrate that the increased undulation forces cannot explain the anomalous swelling. We suggest that the observed effect is instead determined by the dominating increase of short-range entropic repulsion.
Cardiotrophin-1 Deficiency Abrogates Atherosclerosis Progression
Authors: Miteva Kapka , Baptista Daniela , Montecucco Fabrizio , Asrih Mohamed , Burger Fabienne , Roth Aline , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A. , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Mach François , Brandt Karim J.
Published: April 2020

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) diseases. We investigated the effect of CT-1 deficiency in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in double knockout Apoe−/−ct-1−/− mice. Apoe−/− C57Bl/6 or Apoe−/−ct-1−/− C57Bl/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). After sacrifice, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acids and systemic paracrine factors were measured. Intraplaque lipid and collagen content were quantified in the aortic sections. Immune cell populations in spleen, lymph nodes and aorta were analysis by flow cytometry. Apoe−/−ct-1−/− mice in accelerated atherosclerosis exhibited a reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-C, atherosclerotic plaques size in the aortic root and in the abdominal aorta and improved plaque stability in comparison to Apoe−/− mice. CT-1 deficiency in Apoe−/− mice on (HCD) promoted atheroprotective immune cell responses, as demonstrated by a rise in plasma anti-inflammatory immune cell populations (regulatory T cells, Tregs; regulatory B cells, Bregs and B1a cells) and atheroprotective IgM antibodies. CT-1 deficiency in advanced atherosclerosis mediated regulation of paracrine factors, such as interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-9, IL-15, IL-27, CXCL5, MCP-3, MIP-1α and MIP-1β. In a model of advanced atherosclerosis, CT-1 deficiency induced anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective effects which resulted in abrogation of atheroprogression.
Within-season movements of Alpine songbird distributions are driven by fine-scale environmental characteristics
Authors: Ceresa Francesco , Brambilla Mattia , Monrós Juan S. , Rizzolli Franco , Kranebitter Petra
Published: April 2020

Information about distribution and habitat use of organisms is crucial for conservation. Bird distribution within the breeding season has been usually considered static, but this assumption has been questioned. Within-season movements may allow birds to track changes in habitat quality or to adjust site choice between subsequent breeding attempts. Such movements are especially likely in temperate mountains, given the substantial environmental heterogeneity and changes occurring during bird breeding season. We investigated the within-season movements of breeding songbirds in the European Alps in spring-summer 2018, using repeated point counts and dynamic occupancy models. For all the four species for which we obtained sufficient data, changes in occupancy during the season strongly indicated the occurrence of within-season movements. Species occupancy changed during the season according to fine-scale vegetation/land-cover types, while microclimate (mean temperature) affected initial occupancy in two species. The overall occupancy rate increased throughout the season, suggesting the settlement of new individuals coming from outside the area. A static distribution cannot be assumed during the breeding season for songbirds breeding in temperate mountains. This needs to be considered when planning monitoring and conservation of Alpine birds, as within-season movements may affect the proportion of population/distribution interested by monitoring or conservation programs.
On the repulsive interaction between localised vegetation patches in scarce environments
Authors: Berríos-Caro E. , Clerc M. G. , Escaff D. , Sandivari C. , Tlidi M.
Published: April 2020

Fragmentation followed by desertification in water-limited resources and/or nutrient-poor ecosystems is a major risk to the biological productivity of vegetation. By using the vegetation interaction-redistribution model, we analyse the interaction between localised vegetation patches. Here we show analytically and numerically that the interaction between two or more patches is always repulsive. As a consequence, only a single localised vegetation patch is stable, and other localised bounded states or clusters of them are unstable. Following this, we discuss the impact of the repulsive nature of the interaction on the formation and the selection of vegetation patterns in fragmented ecosystems.
CD44 Receptor Mediates Urate Crystal Phagocytosis by Macrophages and Regulates Inflammation in A Murine Peritoneal Model of Acute Gout
Authors: Bousoik Emira , Qadri Marwa , Elsaid Khaled A.
Published: April 2020

Gout is a chronic arthritis caused by the deposition of poorly soluble monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in peripheral joints. Resident macrophages initiate inflammation in response to MSU mediated by NF-κB nuclear translocation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We investigated the role of CD44, a transmembrane receptor, in mediating MSU phagocytosis by macrophages. We used an antibody that sheds the extracellular domain (ECD) of CD44 to study the role of the receptor and its associated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in macrophage activation. We also studied the significance of CD44 in mediating MSU inflammationin-vivo.Cd44−/−BMDMs showed reduced MSU phagocytosis, LDH release, IL-1β expression and production compared toCd44+/+BMDMs. Elevated CD44 staining was detected intracellularly and CD44 colocalized with α-tubulin as a result of MSU exposure and ECD-shedding reduced MSU phagocytosis in murine and human macrophages. Anti-CD44 antibody treatment reduced NF-κB p65 subunit nuclear levels, IL-1β expression, pro-IL-1β and IL-8 production in MSU stimulated THP-1 macrophages (p < 0.01). The effect of the antibody was mediated by an enhancement in PP2A activity. CD44 ECD-shedding reduced the conversion of procaspase-1 to active caspase-1, caspase-1 activity and resultant generation of mature IL-1β in macrophages. Neutrophil and monocyte influx and upregulated production of IL-1β was evident in wildtype mice. MSU failed to trigger neutrophil and monocyte recruitment inCd44−/−mice and lower IL-1β levels were detected in peritoneal lavages fromCd44−/−mice (p < 0.01). Anti-CD44 antibody treatment reduced neutrophil and monocyte recruitment and resulted in reduced lavage IL-1β levels in the same model. CD44 plays a biologically significant role in mediating phagocytosis of MSU and downstream inflammation and is a novel target in gout treatment.
High frequency social calls indicate food source defense in foraging Common pipistrelle bats
Authors: Götze Simone , Denzinger Annette , Schnitzler Hans-Ulrich
Published: April 2020

Social calls have the function to coordinate the behavior of animals. In the presence of conspecifics foraging Common pipistrelle bats (P. pipistrellus) emitted, in addition to typical echolocation signals, two types of social calls: complex social calls and an as-of-yet undescribed, short, frequency-modulated call type with high terminal frequency, which we term “high frequency social call”. By recording the flight and acoustic behavior of free flying pairs of foraging P. pipistrellus with an array of four microphones we were able to determine their three-dimensional flight paths and attribute emitted calls to particular behavioral situations. Complex social calls were emitted at further inter-individual distances and at large bearing angles to conspecifics, whereas high frequency social calls were produced at significantly shorter distances and at smaller bearing angles. These calls were associated with chasings and the eviction of the intruder. We assume that the emission of both types of social calls by foraging bats reflects a two-stage-process of the occupation and defense of a food patch. Common pipistrelle bats use complex social calls to claim a food patch and switch to agonistic behaviors, including chasings and high frequency social call emissions, when they defend their foraging territory against an intruder.
Eradication of Candida albicans persister cell biofilm by the membranotropic peptide gH625
Authors: Galdiero Emilia , de Alteriis Elisabetta , De Natale Antonino , D’Alterio Angela , Siciliano Antonietta , Guida Marco , Lombardi Lucia , Falanga Annarita , Galdiero Stefania
Published: April 2020

Biofilm formation poses an important clinical trouble due to resistance to antimicrobial agents; therefore, there is an urgent demand for new antibiofilm strategies that focus on the use of alternative compounds also in combination with conventional drugs. Drug-tolerant persisters are present in Candida albicans biofilms and are detected following treatment with high doses of amphotericin B. In this study, persisters were found in biofilms treated with amphotericin B of two clinical isolate strains, and were capable to form a new biofilm in situ. We investigated the possibility of eradicating persister-derived biofilms from these two Candida albicans strains, using the peptide gH625 analogue (gH625-M). Confocal microscopy studies allowed us to characterize the persister-derived biofilm and understand the mechanism of interaction of gH625-M with the biofilm. These findings confirm that persisters may be responsible for Candida biofilm survival, and prove that gH625-M was very effective in eradicating persister-derived biofilms both alone and in combination with conventional antifungals, mainly strengthening the antibiofilm activity of fluconazole and 5-flucytosine. Our strategy advances our insights into the development of effective antibiofilm therapeutic approaches.
Pentacyclic triterpenoid-rich fraction of the Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) improves brain dysfunction in high fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Ha Jeong Su , Kang Jin Yong , Kang Jeong Eun , Park Seon Kyeong , Kim Jong Min , Kim Chul-Woo , Oh Sung-Il , Lee Uk , Kim Dae-Ok , Heo Ho Jin
Published: April 2020

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the chloroform fraction from Actinidia arguta (CFAA) on cognitive dysfunction in a C57BL/6 mouse model fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. The CFAA has the protective effect on high glucose-induced neurotoxicity in MC-IXC cell (neuroblastoma cell line). In a C57BL/6 mouse model fed a HFD for 12 weeks, the improved glucose tolerance and cognitive dysfunction were observed in a group ingesting CFAA. In the brain tissue analysis, the impaired cholinergic, antioxidant system and mitochondria functions were improved in the CFAA group. In addition, in a molecular biology study, it was observed that CFAA improves HFD-induced abnormal insulin signaling such as increase of IRS phosphorylation at serine residues and reduction of Akt phosphorylation caused by the increase of JNK phosphorylation and then inhibited apoptosis. In the UPLC Q-TOF/MS analysis, pentacyclic triterpenoids such as asiatic acid (AA), madecassic acid (MA) were identified in CFAA as main compounds. Therefore, these results propose that Actinidia arguta rich in pentacyclic triterpenoids may be effective as preventive matter a therapeutic strategy to improve neurodegenerative disease caused by HFD.
Prediction model for short-term mortality after palliative radiotherapy for patients having advanced cancer: a cohort study from routine electronic medical data
Authors: Lee Shing Fung , Luk Hollis , Wong Aray , Ng Chuk Kwan , Wong Frank Chi Sing , Luque-Fernandez Miguel Angel
Published: April 2020

We developed a predictive score system for 30-day mortality after palliative radiotherapy by using predictors from routine electronic medical record. Patients with metastatic cancer receiving first course palliative radiotherapy from 1 July, 2007 to 31 December, 2017 were identified. 30-day mortality odds ratios and probabilities of the death predictive score were obtained using multivariable logistic regression model. Overall, 5,795 patients participated. Median follow-up was 39.6 months (range, 24.5–69.3) for all surviving patients. 5,290 patients died over a median 110 days, of whom 995 (17.2%) died within 30 days of radiotherapy commencement. The most important mortality predictors were primary lung cancer (odds ratio: 1.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.47–2.04) and log peripheral blood neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio: 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–1.92). The developed predictive scoring system had 10 predictor variables and 20 points. The cross-validated area under curve was 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.79–0.82). The calibration suggested a reasonably good fit for the model (likelihood-ratio statistic: 2.81, P = 0.094), providing an accurate prediction for almost all 30-day mortality probabilities. The predictive scoring system accurately predicted 30-day mortality among patients with stage IV cancer. Oncologists may use this to tailor palliative therapy for patients.
Bilateral and unilateral odor processing and odor perception
Authors: Dalal Tal , Gupta Nitin , Haddad Rafi
Published: April 2020

Imagine smelling a novel perfume with only one nostril and then smelling it again with the other nostril. Clearly, you can tell that it is the same perfume both times. This simple experiment demonstrates that odor information is shared across both hemispheres to enable perceptual unity. In many sensory systems, perceptual unity is believed to be mediated by inter-hemispheric connections between iso-functional cortical regions. However, in the olfactory system, the underlying neural mechanisms that enable this coordination are unclear because the two olfactory cortices are not topographically organized and do not seem to have homotypic inter-hemispheric mapping. This review presents recent advances in determining which aspects of odor information are processed unilaterally or bilaterally, and how odor information is shared across the two hemispheres. We argue that understanding the mechanisms of inter-hemispheric coordination can provide valuable insights that are hard to achieve when focusing on one hemisphere alone.
Flipping the helicity of X-rays from an undulator at unprecedented speed
Authors: Holldack Karsten , Schüssler-Langeheine Christian , Goslawski Paul , Pontius Niko , Kachel Torsten , Armborst Felix , Ries Markus , Schälicke Andreas , Scheer Michael , Frentrup Winfried , Bahrdt Johannes
Published: April 2020

X-ray circular dichroism (XMCD), one of the main tools to study magnetism, benefits enormously from the capability of a fast alterable helicity of circularly polarized X-ray photons. Here we present a method for boosting the alternating frequency between right- and left-handed photons to the MHz regime, more than three orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art technologies. The method is based on a twin elliptical undulator installed in an electron storage ring being operated in a novel mode where the electron optics is tuned close to a resonance with electrons captured in transverse resonance island buckets. Propagating through the twin undulator, electrons from different islands emit photons of the same wavelength but of opposite helicity. These two helicity components can be alternated as fast as 2 ns. In a proof-of-principle experiment at BESSY II, we demonstrate XMCD at the L2,3 absorption edges of Ni with an 800 ns helicity flip.
Detection and classification of fentanyl and its precursors by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mirsafavi Rustin , Moskovits Martin , Meinhart Carl
Published: April 2020

An analytical technique combining partial least squares-discriminant analysis, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and microfluidics for the detection and classification of fentanyl and its chemical precursors.
Iron encapsulated microstructured gel beads using an emulsification–gelation technique for an alginate-caseinate matrix
Authors: Yao Xiaolin , Yao Xiaoxue , Xu Kai , Wu Kao , Jiang Fatang , Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Phillips Glyn O.
Published: April 2020

Development of iron fortifiers in diets is essential for decrease of iron deficiency. The ferrous fumarate loaded microstructured gel beads restrained its unpleasant iron odor and decreased the iron-promoted lipid oxidation in food matrix.
Hierarchical binding of copperII to N-truncated Aβ4–16 peptide
Authors: Teng Xiangyu , Stefaniak Ewelina , Girvan Paul , Kotuniak Radosław , Płonka Dawid , Bal Wojciech , Ying Liming
Published: April 2020

N-Truncated Aβ4–42 displays a high binding affinity with CuII. A mechanistic scheme of the interactions between Aβ4–42 and CuII has been proposed using a fluorescence approach. The timescales of different conversion steps were determined. This kinetic mechanism indicates the potential synaptic functions of Aβ4–42 during neurotransmission.
Sequential oxidations of phenylchalcogenides by H2O2: insights into the redox behavior of selenium via DFT analysis
Authors: Bortoli Marco , Bruschi Matteo , Swart Marcel , Orian Laura
Published: April 2020

The biological activity of sulfur and selenium, despite their similarity, shows some remarkable differences that have been recognized in many different scenarios.
Constructing a novel and high-performance liquid nanoparticle additive from a Ga-based liquid metal
Authors: Guo Jie , Cheng Jun , Tan Hui , Sun Qichun , Yang Jun , Liu Weimin
Published: April 2020

Ga-based liquid-metal nanoparticles as a lubricant additive were used for the first time, and the differences of the lubrication mechanisms were clarified between the solid and liquid nanoparticles.
Chemisorption and sustained release of cefotaxime between a layered double hydroxide and polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers for enhanced efficacy against second degree burn wound infection
Authors: Abd Elhaleem Maha B. , Farghali Ahmed A. , El-Shahawy Ahmed. A. G. , Abo El-Ela Fatma I. , Eldine Zienab E. , Mahmoud Rehab Khalid
Published: April 2020

This study succeeded to formulate, characterize, and investigate cefotax release and kinetics, and to compare cetofax with other known antibacterial agents.
The design and development of short peptide-based novel smart materials to prevent fouling by the formation of non-toxic and biocompatible coatings
Authors: Arul Amutha , Sivagnanam Subramaniyam , Dey Ananta , Mukherjee Oindrilla , Ghosh Soumyajit , Das Priyadip
Published: April 2020

Two newly synthesized peptides, PA1 and PA2 with fluorinated aromatic unit and dicarboxylate group as an anchoring moiety able to form a non-toxic, stable, coating by a simple drop-coating method, improving the antifouling property of the surface.
In situ formation of low molecular weight organogelators for slick solidification
Authors: Peron Jean-Marie R. , Packman Hollie , Peveler William J. , Bear Joseph C.
Published: April 2020

Instantaneous gelation: a reactive precursors approach for the near-instant gelation of oil-on-water slicks down to −5 °C.
Xanthohumol from Humulus lupulus L. potentiates the killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mitigates liver toxicity by the combination of isoniazid in mouse tuberculosis models
Authors: Lou Hai , Zhang Fen , Lu Liqin , Ding Yingying , Hao Xiaohui
Published: April 2020

Anti-tuberculosis drug induced hepatotoxicity is the main problem in tuberculosis patients.
Conductive polyurethane elastomer electrolyte (PUEE) materials for anodic bonding
Authors: Zhao Haocheng , Zhang Weixuan , Yin Xu , Wu Yuling , Du Chao , Zhao Weigang , Zhao Li , Liu Cuirong
Published: April 2020

Polyurethane elastomer electrolytes (PUEE) were prepared as flexible substrates to be joined with Al sheets by anodic bonding for the preparation and packaging of flexible devices.
Enzyme encapsulation by protein cages
Authors: Chakraborti Soumyananda , Lin Ting-Yu , Glatt Sebastian , Heddle Jonathan G.
Published: April 2020

Protein cages are useful nanometric containers which can capture and encapsulate enzymesviaseveral different approaches.
Real-time quantification of fusion transcripts with ligase chain reaction by direct ligation of adjacent DNA probes at fusion junction
Authors: Su Fengxia , Ji Jianing , Zhang Pengbo , Wang Fangfang , Li Zhengping
Published: April 2020

A fusion transcript assay is developed based on direct ligation and ligase chain reaction.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of reabsorption on the Raman spectroscopy of distinct (n, m) carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Shilong , Wei Xiaojun , Li Linhai , Cui Jiaming , Yang Dehua , Wang Yanchun , Zhou Weiya , Xie Sishen , Hirano Atsushi , Tanaka Takeshi , Kataura Hiromichi , Liu Huaping
Published: April 2020

Quantitatively analyzing the effect of reabsorption on the Raman spectroscopy of SWCNTs and clarifying the influence mechanism by experiments.
A stable nanoscaled Zr-MOF for the detection of toxic mycotoxin through a pH-modulated ratiometric luminescent switch
Authors: Guo Xiaolei , Zhu Nansong , Lou Yue , Ren Siyuan , Pang Shirui , He Yiqiang , Chen Xiao-Bo , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua
Published: April 2020

A stable nanoscaled single-excitation ratiometric luminescent pH sensor (MPDB-PCN) for highly sensitive real-time detection of toxic mycotoxin (3-NPA) in complicated environments.
Development of a simple high-throughput assay for directed evolution of enantioselective sulfoxide reductases
Authors: Tarallo Vincenzo , Sudarshan Kasireddy , Nosek Vladimír , Míšek Jiří
Published: April 2020

We report on the development of high-throughput fluorogenic assay that can streamline directed evolution of enantioselective sulfoxide reductases.
Modeling irreversible molecular internal conversion using the time-dependent variational approach with sD2 ansatz
Authors: Jakučionis Mantas , Mancal Tomas , Abramavičius Darius
Published: April 2020

A model of irreversible molecular internal conversion dynamics due to molecular thermal energy dissipation to the bath is presented.
Metal free alkene hydrogenation by B-doped graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Dogra Ashima , Barlocco Ilaria , Singh Amritpal , Somodi Ferenc , Villa Alberto , Gupta Neeraj
Published: April 2020

Metal free hydrogenation of styrene under mild conditions employing boron-doped carbon nitride catalysts is reported.
Six-coordinate mononuclear dysprosium(iii) single-molecule magnets with the triphenylphosphine oxide ligand
Authors: Vignesh Kuduva R. , Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Xie Haomiao , Dunbar Kim R.
Published: April 2020

Three rare octahedral mononuclear DyIII complexes bearing triphenylphosphine oxide and halide ligands are reported. The Cl− and Br− analogues exhibit SMM behavior under a small dc field. Ab initio CASSCF calculations reveal a higher energy barrier for an analogous complex with iodides.
Techno-economic analysis of capacitive and intercalative water deionization
Authors: Metzger Michael , Besli Münir M. , Kuppan Saravanan , Hellstrom Sondra , Kim Soo , Sebti Elias , Subban Chinmayee V. , Christensen Jake
Published: April 2020

This is a techno-economic analysis of intercalative water deionization (IDI), a novel battery-inspired concept for brackish water desalination with lower module cost, volume, and energy consumption than competing technologies.
Reconfigurable microfluidics: real-time shaping of virtual channels through hydrodynamic forces
Authors: Taylor David P. , Kaigala Govind V.
Published: April 2020

Virtual microfluidic channels, formed through hydrodynamic focusing within a 2D flow cell, enable the dynamic implementation of key microfluidic functionalities, such as the precise guiding, splitting, merging and mixing of microscale flows.
Prediction of a two-dimensional high-TCf-electron ferromagnetic semiconductor
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Xiwen , Zhang Yehui , Yuan Shijun , Guo Yilv , Dong Shuai , Wang Jinlan
Published: April 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic semiconductors (FMSs) exhibit novel spin-dependent electronic and optical properties, opening up exciting opportunities for nanoscale spintronic devices.
Functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 silica: recent trends and catalytic applications
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Kuwahara Yasutaka , Mori Kohsuke , Raja Robert , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: April 2020

Various strategies to functionalize SBA-15 mesoporous silica have been reviewed with a view to evaluating its efficacy in different catalytic transformation reactions.
Thermal atomic layer deposition of gold nanoparticles: controlled growth and size selection for photocatalysis
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh S. M. , Grillo Fabio , Ravikumar Vikram R. , Benz Dominik , Shekhar Ankit , Griffiths Matthew B. E. , Barry Seán T. , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: April 2020

Thermal atomic layer deposition of Au nanoparticles on titania in a fluidized bed reactor. Effects of precursor pulse time on Au nanoparticle size and loading.
One-step dry synthesis of an iron based nano-biocomposite for controlled release of drugs
Authors: Varghese Sophia , Chaudhary Jai Prakash , Ghoroi Chinmay
Published: April 2020

Schematics for synthesis and application of magnetic nano-biocomposite for control release of DOX.
Mechanical response of a surface of increasing hardness covered with a nonuniform polymer brush: a numerical simulation model
Authors: Hernández-Fragoso J. S. , Alas S. J. , Gama Goicochea A.
Published: April 2020

The contributions to the force on a deformable surface covered with polymer brushes can be accounted for separately.
Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan coatings on the Ti15Mo biomedical alloy from a citric acid solution
Authors: Szklarska Magdalena , Łosiewicz Bożena , Dercz Grzegorz , Maszybrocka Joanna , Rams-Baron Marzena , Stach Sebastian
Published: April 2020

Chitosan biocoatings were successfully deposited on the Ti15Mo alloy surface via cataphoretic deposition from a solution of 1 g dm−3 of chitosan in 4% (aq) citric acid.
Super tough poly(lactic acid) blends: a comprehensive review
Authors: Zhao Xipo , Hu Huan , Wang Xin , Yu Xiaolei , Zhou Weiyi , Peng Shaoxian
Published: April 2020

PLA is a renewable, bio-based, and biodegradable aliphatic thermoplastic polyester that is considered a promising alternative to petrochemical-derived polymers in a wide range of commodity and engineering applications.
Sustainable chemo-enzymatic preparation of enantiopure (R)-β-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazoles via lactic acid bacteria-mediated bioreduction of aromatic ketones and a heterogeneous “click” cycloaddition reaction in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Vitale Paola , Lavolpe Francesco , Valerio Francesca , Di Biase Mariaelena , Perna Filippo Maria , Messina Eugenia , Agrimi Gennaro , Pisano Isabella , Capriati Vito
Published: April 2020

A chemo-enzymatic strategy for the preparation of enantiopure (R)-β-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazoles using a lactic acid bacterium as a whole-cell biocatalyst and a heterogeneous “click” cycloaddition reaction in deep eutectic solvents is disclosed.
A highly X-ray sensitive iridium prodrug for visualized tumor radiochemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Gao Pan , Ma Li , Chen Tianfeng
Published: April 2020

A highly X-ray sensitive molecular prodrug,Ir-NB, was reported for visualized tumor radiochemotherapy. To our knowledge, the sensitivity enhancement ratio of the prodrug is the highest among the reported radiotherapy metal complexes drugs.
Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on single-crystalline metal selenide particles with suitable cocatalysts
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Hisatomi Takashi , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Lin Lihua , Wang Zheng , Yamakata Akira , Shibata Naoya , Takata Tsuyoshi , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: April 2020

Coloading of a Ni–Ru composite cocatalyst on a 700 nm-class single-crystalline particulate selenide photocatalyst improves its hydrogen evolution activity.
Diastereoselective olefin amidoacylation via photoredox PCET/nickel-dual catalysis: reaction scope and mechanistic insights
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Zhang Shuo-Qing , Saeednia Borna , Zhou Jiawang , Anna Jessica M. , Hong Xin , Molander Gary A.
Published: April 2020

The selective 1,2-aminoacylation of olefins provides opportunities for the rapid construction of nitrogen-containing molecules.
Doping mechanisms of N-DMBI-H for organic thermoelectrics: hydrogen removal vs. hydride transfer
Authors: Zeng Yan , Zheng Wenyu , Guo Yuan , Han Guangchao , Yi Yuanping
Published: April 2020

The doping mechanisms of N-DMBI-H in n-type organic semiconductors were revealed at the first-principles level.
Long-cycling and safe lithium metal batteries enabled by the synergetic strategy of ex situ anodic pretreatment and an in-built gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Liu Qi , Cai Biya , Li Song , Yu Qipeng , Lv Fengzheng , Kang Feiyu , Wang Qiang , Li Baohua
Published: April 2020

A synergetic strategy with ex situ anodic pretreatment and in-built GPEs enables safe and high energy QSLMBs.
High-efficiency perovskite quantum dot solar cells benefiting from a conjugated polymer-quantum dot bulk heterojunction connecting layer
Authors: Ji Kang , Yuan Jiabei , Li Fangchao , Shi Yao , Ling Xufeng , Zhang Xuliang , Zhang Yannan , Lu Huiyu , Yuan Jianyu , Ma Wanli
Published: April 2020

Through constructing polymer-quantum dot bulk heterojunction interfaces, we reported efficient CsPbI3 and FAPbI3 perovskite quantum dot solar cells.