bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NIK promotes metabolic adaptation of glioblastoma cells to bioenergetic stress
Authors: Kamradt Michael L. , Jung Ji-Ung , Pflug Kathryn M. , Lee Dong W. , Fanniel Victor , Sitcheran Raquel
Published: March 2021

Cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), undergo coordinated reprogramming of metabolic pathways that control glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to promote tumor growth in diverse tumor microenvironments. Adaptation to limited nutrient availability in the microenvironment is associated with remodeling of mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic capacity. We recently demonstrated that NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) regulates mitochondrial morphology to promote GBM cell invasion. Here, we show that NIK is recruited to the outer membrane of dividing mitochondria with the master fission regulator, Dynamin-related protein1 (DRP1). Moreover, glucose deprivation-mediated metabolic shift to OXPHOS increases fission and mitochondrial localization of both NIK and DRP1. NIK deficiency results in decreased mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, and spare respiratory capacity (SRC), a critical measure of mitochondrial fitness. Although IκB kinase α and β (IKKα/β) and NIK are required for OXPHOS in high glucose media, only NIK is required to increase SRC under glucose deprivation. Consistent with an IKK-independent role for NIK in regulating metabolism, we show that NIK phosphorylates DRP1-S616 in vitro and in vivo. Notably, a constitutively active DRP1-S616E mutant rescues oxidative metabolism, invasiveness, and tumorigenic potential in NIK−/− cells without inducing IKK. Thus, we establish that NIK is critical for bioenergetic stress responses to promote GBM cell pathogenesis independently of IKK. Our data suggest that targeting NIK may be used to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities and improve therapeutic strategies for GBM.
Correction: WDHD1 is essential for the survival of PTEN-inactive triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Ertay Ayse , Liu Huiquan , Liu Dian , Peng Ping , Hill Charlotte , Xiong Hua , Hancock David , Yuan Xianglin , Przewloka Marcin R. , Coldwell Mark , Howell Michael , Skipp Paul , Ewing Rob M. , Downward Julian , Wang Yihua
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-021-03530-0
AAV2-mediated and hypoxia response element-directed expression of bFGF in neural stem cells showed therapeutic effects on spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Zhu Sipin , Ying Yibo , Ye Jiahui , Chen Min , Wu Qiuji , Dou Haicheng , Ni Wenfei , Xu Huazi , Xu Jiake
Published: March 2021

Neural stem cell (NSCs) transplantation has been one of the hot topics in the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is considered a promising nerve injury therapy after SCI. However, owing to a hostile hypoxia condition in SCI, there remains a challenging issue in implementing these tactics to repair SCI. In this report, we used adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2), a prototype AAV used in clinical trials for human neuron disorders, basic FGF (bFGF) gene under the regulation of hypoxia response element (HRE) was constructed and transduced into NSCs to yield AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs. Our results showed that its treatment yielded temporally increased expression of bFGF in SCI, and improved scores of functional recovery after SCI compared to vehicle control (AAV2-5HRE-NSCs) based on the analyses of the inclined plane test, Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) scale and footprint analysis. Mechanistic studies showed that AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs treatment increased the expression of neuron-specific neuronal nuclei protein (NeuN), neuromodulin GAP43, and neurofilament protein NF200 while decreased the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as compared to the control group. Further, the expressions of autophagy-associated proteins LC3-II and Beclin 1 were decreased, whereas the expression of P62 protein was increased in AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs treatment group. Taken together, our data indicate that AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs treatment improved the recovery of SCI rats, which is accompanied by evidence of nerve regeneration, and inhibition of SCI-induced glial scar formation and cell autophagy. Thus, this study represents a step forward towards the potential use of AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs for future clinical trials of SCI repair.
FoxP3-miR-150-5p/3p suppresses ovarian tumorigenesis via an IGF1R/IRS1 pathway feedback loop
Authors: Zhang Qinkai , Zhou Xunzhu , Wan Maoping , Zeng Xixi , Luo Jiarong , Xu Yesha , Ji Liying , Zhang Jian-An , Fan Pei , Zhong Jianing , Wu Jianmin
Published: March 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer. Many cellular pathways have been elucidated to be associated with OC development and progression. Specifically, the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor/insulin receptor substrate 1 (IGF1R/IRS1) pathway participates in OC development. Moreover, accumulating evidence has shown that microRNA deregulation contributes to tumor initiation and progression. Here, our study aimed to investigate the molecular functions and regulatory mechanisms of miR-150, specifically, in OC. We found that the expression of miR-150-5p/3p and their precursor, mir-150, was downregulated in OC tissues; lower mir-150 levels were associated with poor OC patient outcomes. Ectopic mir-150 expression inhibited OC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, both IRS1 and IGF1R were confirmed as direct targets of miR-150-5p/3p, and the miR-150-IGF1R/IRS1 axis exerted antitumor effects via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) positively regulated the expression of miR-150-5p/3p by binding to the mir-150 promoter. In turn, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway downregulated FoxP3 and miR-150-5p/3p. Taken together, these findings indicate that a complex FoxP3-miR-150-IGF1R/IRS1-PI3K/AKT/mTOR feedback loop regulates OC pathogenesis, providing a novel mechanism for miR-150 as a tumor suppressor miRNA in OC.
CircRNA circ_0124554 blocked the ubiquitination of AKT promoting the skip lymphovascular invasion on hepatic metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tang Junwei , Zhang Chuan , Huang Yuanjian , Wang Lu , Xu Ziwei , Zhang Dongsheng , Zhang Yue , Peng Wen , Feng Yifei , Sun Yueming
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women worldwide. The incidence and mortality of CRC was increasing rapidly in China. Lymph node-negative colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastasis (LNLM1) was defined as “skip” lymph vascular invasion on hepatic metastasis, who presenting poor prognosis. We aiming to investigate the potential mechanism for the “skip” lymph vascular invasion on hepatic metastasis in colorectal cancer. The microarray was applied for screening the transcription landscape of circRNA in lymph node negative CRC patients with synchronous liver metastasis (LNLM1) or without liver metastasis (LNLM0). We identified the aberrant increased circRNA circ_0124554 (also entitled as circ-LNLM) in tumor tissues of LNLM1 patients comparing with either the tumor tissues of LNLM0 or adjacent tissues of LNLM1. Circ-LNLM1 expression was highly correlated with liver metastasis and vascular invasion. Ectopic expression of cytoplasmic located circ-LNLM could promote invasion of CRC cells and induced the liver metastasis in animal models through the direct binding with AKT. The phosphorylation of AKT (T308/S473) was activated due to the blocked ubiquitination site of Lys in 0-52aa peptide of circ-LNLM. Endogenous plasma expression of circ-LNLM induced poor prognosis of LNLM1 and could distinguish LNLM1 patients from LNLM0. In conclusion, the circ-LNLM blocked the ubiquitination of AKT could promote the early metastasis especially for the lymph node-negative colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastasis. The circ-LNLM might be prognosis and diagnosis biomarker for LNLM1 patients.
Mutagenesis screen uncovers lifespan extension through integrated stress response inhibition without reduced mRNA translation
Authors: Derisbourg Maxime J. , Wester Laura E. , Baddi Ruth , Denzel Martin S.
Published: March 2021

Protein homeostasis is modulated by stress response pathways and its deficiency is a hallmark of aging. The integrated stress response (ISR) is a conserved stress-signaling pathway that tunes mRNA translation via phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2. ISR activation and translation initiation are finely balanced by eIF2 kinases and by the eIF2 guanine nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B. However, the role of the ISR during aging remains poorly understood. Using a genomic mutagenesis screen for longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans, we define a role of eIF2 modulation in aging. By inhibiting the ISR, dominant mutations in eIF2B enhance protein homeostasis and increase lifespan. Consistently, full ISR inhibition using phosphorylation-defective eIF2α or pharmacological ISR inhibition prolong lifespan. Lifespan extension through impeding the ISR occurs without a reduction in overall protein synthesis. Instead, we observe changes in the translational efficiency of a subset of mRNAs, of which the putative kinase kin-35 is required for lifespan extension. Evidently, lifespan is limited by the ISR and its inhibition may provide an intervention in aging.
Effect of X-ray free-electron laser-induced shockwaves on haemoglobin microcrystals delivered in a liquid jet
Authors: Grünbein Marie Luise , Gorel Alexander , Foucar Lutz , Carbajo Sergio , Colocho William , Gilevich Sasha , Hartmann Elisabeth , Hilpert Mario , Hunter Mark , Kloos Marco , Koglin Jason E. , Lane Thomas J. , Lewandowski Jim , Lutman Alberto , Nass Karol , Nass Kovacs Gabriela , Roome Christopher M. , Sheppard John , Shoeman Robert L. , Stricker Miriam , van Driel Tim , Vetter Sharon , Doak R. Bruce , Boutet Sébastien , Aquila Andrew , Decker Franz Josef , Barends Thomas R. M. , Stan Claudiu Andrei , Schlichting Ilme
Published: March 2021

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) enable obtaining novel insights in structural biology. The recently available MHz repetition rate XFELs allow full data sets to be collected in shorter time and can also decrease sample consumption. However, the microsecond spacing of MHz XFEL pulses raises new challenges, including possible sample damage induced by shock waves that are launched by preceding pulses in the sample-carrying jet. We explored this matter with an X-ray-pump/X-ray-probe experiment employing haemoglobin microcrystals transported via a liquid jet into the XFEL beam. Diffraction data were collected using a shock-wave-free single-pulse scheme as well as the dual-pulse pump-probe scheme. The latter, relative to the former, reveals significant degradation of crystal hit rate, diffraction resolution and data quality. Crystal structures extracted from the two data sets also differ. Since our pump-probe attributes were chosen to emulate EuXFEL operation at its 4.5 MHz maximum pulse rate, this prompts concern about such data collection.
Engineering motile aqueous phase-separated droplets via liposome stabilisation
Authors: Zhang Shaobin , Contini Claudia , Hindley James W. , Bolognesi Guido , Elani Yuval , Ces Oscar
Published: March 2021

There are increasing efforts to engineer functional compartments that mimic cellular behaviours from the bottom-up. One behaviour that is receiving particular attention is motility, due to its biotechnological potential and ubiquity in living systems. Many existing platforms make use of the Marangoni effect to achieve motion in water/oil (w/o) droplet systems. However, most of these systems are unsuitable for biological applications due to biocompatibility issues caused by the presence of oil phases. Here we report a biocompatible all aqueous (w/w) PEG/dextran Pickering-like emulsion system consisting of liposome-stabilised cell-sized droplets, where the stability can be easily tuned by adjusting liposome composition and concentration. We demonstrate that the compartments are capable of negative chemotaxis: these droplets can respond to a PEG/dextran polymer gradient through directional motion down to the gradient. The biocompatibility, motility and partitioning abilities of this droplet system offers new directions to pursue research in motion-related biological processes.
SARS-CoV-2 hijacks folate and one-carbon metabolism for viral replication
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Guo Rui , Kim Sharon H. , Shah Hardik , Zhang Shuting , Liang Jin Hua , Fang Ying , Gentili Matteo , Leary Colin N. O’ , Elledge Steven J. , Hung Deborah T. , Mootha Vamsi K. , Gewurz Benjamin E.
Published: March 2021

The recently identified Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. How this novel beta-coronavirus virus, and coronaviruses more generally, alter cellular metabolism to support massive production of ~30 kB viral genomes and subgenomic viral RNAs remains largely unknown. To gain insights, transcriptional and metabolomic analyses are performed 8 hours after SARS-CoV-2 infection, an early timepoint where the viral lifecycle is completed but prior to overt effects on host cell growth or survival. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 remodels host folate and one-carbon metabolism at the post-transcriptional level to support de novo purine synthesis, bypassing viral shutoff of host translation. Intracellular glucose and folate are depleted in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, and viral replication is exquisitely sensitive to inhibitors of folate and one-carbon metabolism, notably methotrexate. Host metabolism targeted therapy could add to the armamentarium against future coronavirus outbreaks.
Hierarchized phosphotarget binding by the seven human 14-3-3 isoforms
Authors: Gogl Gergo , Tugaeva Kristina V. , Eberling Pascal , Kostmann Camille , Trave Gilles , Sluchanko Nikolai N.
Published: March 2021

The seven 14-3-3 isoforms are highly abundant human proteins encoded by similar yet distinct genes. 14-3-3 proteins recognize phosphorylated motifs within numerous human and viral proteins. Here, we analyze by X-ray crystallography, fluorescence polarization, mutagenesis and fusicoccin-mediated modulation the structural basis and druggability of 14-3-3 binding to four E6 oncoproteins of tumorigenic human papillomaviruses. 14-3-3 isoforms bind variant and mutated phospho-motifs of E6 and unrelated protein RSK1 with different affinities, albeit following an ordered affinity ranking with conserved relative KD ratios. Remarkably, 14-3-3 isoforms obey the same hierarchy when binding to most of their established targets, as supported by literature and a recent human complexome map. This knowledge allows predicting proportions of 14-3-3 isoforms engaged with phosphoproteins in various tissues. Notwithstanding their individual functions, cellular concentrations of 14-3-3 may be collectively adjusted to buffer the strongest phosphorylation outbursts, explaining their expression variations in different tissues and tumors.
Modulating electron density of vacancy site by single Au atom for effective CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Cao Yuehan , Guo Lan , Dan Meng , Doronkin Dmitry E. , Han Chunqiu , Rao Zhiqiang , Liu Yang , Meng Jie , Huang Zeai , Zheng Kaibo , Chen Peng , Dong Fan , Zhou Ying
Published: March 2021

The surface electron density significantly affects the photocatalytic efficiency, especially the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction, which involves multi-electron participation in the conversion process. Herein, we propose a conceptually different mechanism for surface electron density modulation based on the model of Au anchored CdS. We firstly manipulate the direction of electron transfer by regulating the vacancy types of CdS. When electrons accumulate on vacancies instead of single Au atoms, the adsorption types of CO2 change from physical adsorption to chemical adsorption. More importantly, the surface electron density is manipulated by controlling the size of Au nanostructures. When Au nanoclusters downsize to single Au atoms, the strong hybridization of Au 5d and S 2p orbits accelerates the photo-electrons transfer onto the surface, resulting in more electrons available for CO2 reduction. As a result, the product generation rate of AuSA/Cd1−xS manifests a remarkable at least 113-fold enhancement compared with pristine Cd1−xS.
Branched-chain α-ketoacids are preferentially reaminated and activate protein synthesis in the heart
Authors: Walejko Jacquelyn M. , Christopher Bridgette A. , Crown Scott B. , Zhang Guo-Fang , Pickar-Oliver Adrian , Yoneshiro Takeshi , Foster Matthew W. , Page Stephani , van Vliet Stephan , Ilkayeva Olga , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Carson Matthew W. , Brozinick Joseph T. , Hammond Craig D. , Gimeno Ruth E. , Moseley M. Arthur , Kajimura Shingo , Gersbach Charles A. , Newgard Christopher B. , White Phillip J. , McGarrah Robert W.
Published: March 2021

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and their cognate α-ketoacids (BCKA) are elevated in an array of cardiometabolic diseases. Here we demonstrate that the major metabolic fate of uniformly-13C-labeled α-ketoisovalerate ([U-13C]KIV) in the heart is reamination to valine. Activation of cardiac branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) by treatment with the BCKDH kinase inhibitor, BT2, does not impede the strong flux of [U-13C]KIV to valine. Sequestration of BCAA and BCKA away from mitochondrial oxidation is likely due to low levels of expression of the mitochondrial BCAA transporter SLC25A44 in the heart, as its overexpression significantly lowers accumulation of [13C]-labeled valine from [U-13C]KIV. Finally, exposure of perfused hearts to levels of BCKA found in obese rats increases phosphorylation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1 as well as multiple proteins in the MEK-ERK pathway, leading to a doubling of total protein synthesis. These data suggest that elevated BCKA levels found in obesity may contribute to pathologic cardiac hypertrophy via chronic activation of protein synthesis.
Author Correction: Flexibility of intrinsically disordered degrons in AUX/IAA proteins reinforces auxin co-receptor assemblies
Authors: Niemeyer Michael , Castillo Elena Moreno , Ihling Christian H. , Iacobucci Claudio , Wilde Verona , Hellmuth Antje , Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , Samodelov Sophia L. , Zurbriggen Matias D. , Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Sinz Andrea , Villalobos Luz Irina A. Calderón
Published: March 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22151-x
MINSTED fluorescence localization and nanoscopy
Authors: Weber Michael , Leutenegger Marcel , Stoldt Stefan , Jakobs Stefan , Mihaila Tiberiu S. , Butkevich Alexey N. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: March 2021

We introduce MINSTED, a fluorophore localization and super-resolution microscopy concept based on stimulated emission depletion (STED) that provides spatial precision and resolution down to the molecular scale. In MINSTED, the intensity minimum of the STED doughnut, and hence the point of minimal STED, serves as a movable reference coordinate for fluorophore localization. As the STED rate, the background and the required number of fluorescence detections are low compared with most other STED microscopy and localization methods, MINSTED entails substantially less fluorophore bleaching. In our implementation, 200–1,000 detections per fluorophore provide a localization precision of 1–3 nm in standard deviation, which in conjunction with independent single fluorophore switching translates to a ~100-fold improvement in far-field microscopy resolution over the diffraction limit. The performance of MINSTED nanoscopy is demonstrated by imaging the distribution of Mic60 proteins in the mitochondrial inner membrane of human cells.
Analysis of risk factors for determining the need for prostate biopsy in patients with negative MRI
Authors: Liang Linghui , Qi Feng , Cheng Yifei , Zhang Lei , Cao Dongliang , Cheng Gong , Hua Lixin
Published: March 2021

To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with negative biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI) who didn’t need prostate biopsies (PBs). A total of 1,012 male patients who underwent PBs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2018 to November 2019, of 225 had prebiopsy negative bpMRI (defined as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS 2.1) score less than 3). The detection efficiency of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) was assessed according to age, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate volume (PV) on bpMRI, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density (PSAD). The definition of CSPCa for Gleason score > 6. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify predictive factors of absent CSPCa on PBs. Moreover, absent CSPCa contained clinically insignificant prostate cancer (CIPCa) and benign result. The detection rates of present prostate cancer (PCa) and CSPCa were 27.11% and 16.44%, respectively. Patients who were diagnosed as CSPCa had an older age (P < 0.001), suspicious DRE (P < 0.001), a smaller PV (P < 0.001), higher PSA value (P = 0.008) and higher PSAD (P < 0.001) compared to the CIPCa group and benign result group. PSAD < 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 (P = 0.004) and suspicious DRE (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of absent CSPCa on BPs. The negative forecast value of bpMRI for BP detection of CSPCa increased with decreasing PSAD, mainly in patients with naive PB (P < 0.001) but not in prior negative PB patients. 25.33% of the men had the combination of negative bpMRI, PSAD < 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 and PB naive, and none had CSPCa on repeat PBs. The incidence of PB was determined, CSPCa was 1.59%, 0% and 16.67% in patients with negative bpMRI and PSAD < 0.15 ng/ml/cm3, patients with negative bpMRI, PSAD < 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 and biopsy naive and patients with negative bpMRI, PSAD < 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 and prior negative PB, separately. We found that a part of patients with negative bpMRI, a younger age, no suspicious DRE and PSAD < 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 may securely avoid PBs. Conversely PB should be considered in patients regardless of negative bpMRI, especially who with a greater age, obviously suspicious DRE, significantly increased PSA value, a significantly small PV on MRI and PSAD > 0.15 ng/ml/cm3.
Plutonium dioxide particle imaging using a high-resolution alpha imager for radiation protection
Authors: Morishita Yuki , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Yamaji Akihiro , Hayashi Masateru , Sasano Makoto , Makita Taisuke , Azuma Tetsushi
Published: March 2021

The internal exposure of workers who inhale plutonium dioxide particles in nuclear facilities is a crucial matter for human protection from radiation. To determine the activity median aerodynamic diameter values at the working sites of nuclear facilities in real time, we developed a high-resolution alpha imager using a ZnS(Ag) scintillator sheet, an optical microscope, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device camera. Then, we designed and applied a setup to measure a plutonium dioxide particle and identify the locations of the individual alpha particles in real time. Employing a Gaussian fitting, we evaluated the average spatial resolution of the multiple alpha particles was evaluated to be 16.2 ± 2.2 μmFWHM with a zoom range of 5 ×. Also, the spatial resolution for the plutonium dioxide particle was 302.7 ± 4.6 µmFWHM due to the distance between the plutonium dioxide particle and the ZnS(Ag) scintillator. The influence of beta particles was negligible, and alpha particles were discernible in the alpha–beta particle contamination. The equivalent volume diameter of the plutonium dioxide particle was calculated from the measured count rate. These results indicate that the developed alpha imager is effective in the plutonium dioxide particle measurements at the working sites of nuclear facilities for internal exposure dose evaluation.
Phylogenetic prospecting for cryptic species of the genus Merluccius (Actinopterygii: Merlucciidae)
Authors: Pérez Montse , Fernández-Míguez María , Matallanas Jesús , Lloris Domingo , Presa Pablo
Published: March 2021

Hakes of the genus Merluccius include 11 valid species as well a number of rare morphotypes suspected to be “cryptic species”. Concatenated nucDNA ITS1-rDNA and mtDNA cyt b sequences plus nested ITS1Nes sequences allowed to ascribe 14 specimens of nine rare morphotypes from the South Pacific and the South Atlantic to the phylogenetic backbone of this genus. Bayesian analyses pointed to M. bilinearis and M. albidus as the oldest species of the genus and the New World cluster, respectively. The phylogenetic status of M. angustimanus from the upper Gulf of California suggests its hybrid origin between M. gayi and M. productus from about 0.25 MYA, although an ever since confinement of a subset of those species cannot be ruled out. The molecular phylodiagnostic test suggests a common origin of all rare morphotypes and the absence of cryptic hake species in the Southern Cone. The molecular background of the morphotypes distributed between the Western Pacific South of New Zealand and the western Atlantic South of Argentina is compatible with their hybrid origin between M. gayi and both, M. australis or M. hubbsi, respectively.
Bacterial processing of glucose modulates C. elegans lifespan and healthspan
Authors: Kingsley Samuel F. , Seo Yonghak , Allen Calista , Ghanta Krishna S. , Finkel Steven , Tissenbaum Heidi A.
Published: March 2021

Intestinal microbiota play an essential role in the health of a host organism. Here, we define how commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) alters its host after long term exposure to glucose using a Caenorhabditis elegans-E. coli system where only the bacteria have direct contact with glucose. Our data reveal that bacterial processing of glucose results in reduced lifespan and healthspan including reduced locomotion, oxidative stress resistance, and heat stress resistance in C. elegans. With chronic exposure to glucose, E. coli exhibits growth defects and increased advanced glycation end products. These negative effects are abrogated when the E. coli is not able to process the additional glucose and by the addition of the anti-glycation compound carnosine. Physiological changes of the host C. elegans are accompanied by dysregulation of detoxifying genes including glyoxalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase. Loss of the glutathione-S-transferase, gst-4 shortens C. elegans lifespan and blunts the animal's response to a glucose fed bacterial diet. Taken together, we reveal that added dietary sugar may alter intestinal microbial E. coli to decrease lifespan and healthspan of the host and define a critical role of detoxification genes in maintaining health during a chronic high-sugar diet.
Social vulnerability in persons with chronic hepatitis C virus infection is associated with a higher risk of prescription opioid use
Authors: Butt Adeel A. , Yan Peng , Kapadia Shashi , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Janjua Naveed Z. , Ibrahim Said
Published: March 2021

Prescription opioid use (POU) is often a precursor to opioid use disorder (OUD) and subsequent consequences. Persons with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) may be at a higher risk of POU due to a higher comorbidity burden and social vulnerability factors. We sought to determine the burden of POU and associated risk factors among persons with CHC in the context of social vulnerability. We identified CHC persons and propensity-score matched HCV− controls in the electronically retrieved Cohort of HCV-Infected Veterans and determined the frequency of acute, episodic long-term and chronic long-term POU and the prevalence of social vulnerability factors among persons with POU. We used logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with POU. Among 160,856 CHC and 160,856 propensity-score matched HCV-controls, acute POU was recorded in 38.4% and 38.0% (P = 0.01) respectively. Episodic long-term POU was recorded in 3.9% in each group (P = 0.5), while chronic long-term POU was recorded in 28.4% and 19.2% (P < 0.0001). CHC was associated with a higher risk of chronic long-term POU (OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.63, 1.69), but not with acute or episodic long-term POU. Black race, female sex and homelessness were associated with a higher risk of chronic long-term POU. Presence of ≥ 1 factor was associated with a higher risk of all POU patterns. Persons with CHC have more social vulnerability factors and a higher risk of chronic long-term POU. Presence of ≥ 1 social vulnerability factor is associated with a higher risk of POU. Downstream consequences of POU need further study.
Author Correction: 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy can target aggressive adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma resistant to conventional chemotherapy
Authors: Sando Yasuhisa , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Sumii Yuichi , Kondo Takumi , Ikegawa Shuntaro , Sugiura Hiroyuki , Nakamura Makoto , Iwamoto Miki , Meguri Yusuke , Asada Noboru , Ennishi Daisuke , Nishimori Hisakazu , Fujii Keiko , Fujii Nobuharu , Utsunomiya Atae , Oka Takashi , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Facile accelerated specific therapeutic (FAST) platform develops antisense therapies to counter multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Eller Kristen A. , Aunins Thomas R. , Courtney Colleen M. , Campos Jocelyn K. , Otoupal Peter B. , Erickson Keesha E. , Madinger Nancy E. , Chatterjee Anushree
Published: March 2021

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a grave concern to global health, which is perpetuated by a lack of new treatments and countermeasure platforms to combat outbreaks or antibiotic resistance. To address this, we have developed a Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform that can develop effective peptide nucleic acid (PNA) therapies against MDR bacteria within a week. Our FAST platform uses a bioinformatics toolbox to design sequence-specific PNAs targeting non-traditional pathways/genes of bacteria, then performs in-situ synthesis, validation, and efficacy testing of selected PNAs. As a proof of concept, these PNAs were tested against five MDR clinical isolates: carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae, New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Salmonella enterica. PNAs showed significant growth inhibition for 82% of treatments, with nearly 18% of treatments leading to greater than 97% decrease. Further, these PNAs are capable of potentiating antibiotic activity in the clinical isolates despite presence of cognate resistance genes. Finally, the FAST platform offers a novel delivery approach to overcome limited transport of PNAs into mammalian cells by repurposing the bacterial Type III secretion system in conjunction with a kill switch that is effective at eliminating 99.6% of an intracellular Salmonella infection in human epithelial cells.
Molecular theory of the electrostatic collapse of dipolar polymer gels
Authors: Budkov Yury A. , Kalikin Nikolai N. , Kolesnikov Andrei L.
Published: March 2021

We develop a new quantitative molecular theory of liquid-phase dipolar polymer gels. We describe the gel collapse induced by electrostatic interactions in the good solvent regime.
Formation mechanism and twist-angle dependent optical properties of bilayer MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Han Jinglei , Cao Fa , Ji Xiaohong
Published: March 2021

The main features of phonon vibrations of twisted bilayer MoS2 are tuned by the twist angle.
Palladium alloys used as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Tianlei , Chutia Arunabhiram , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R. , He Guanjie , Chai Guoliang , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: March 2021

This review provides an overview on Pd-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) through the scientometric analysis and critical review methods. The main focus is on activity regulation and synthetic methods.
Formation and growth mechanism for niobium oxide nanoparticles: atomistic insight from in situ X-ray total scattering
Authors: Aalling-Frederiksen Olivia , Juelsholt Mikkel , Anker Andy S. , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø.
Published: March 2021

Understanding the mechanisms for nanoparticle nucleation and growth is crucial for the development of tailormade nanomaterials.
RAFT polymerisation of trifluoroethylene: the importance of understanding reverse additions
Authors: Bouad Vincent , Guerre Marc , Totée Cédric , Silly Gilles , Gimello Olinda , Améduri Bruno , Tahon Jean-François , Poli Rinaldo , Barrau Sophie , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: March 2021

This article is the first report of the RAFT polymerisation of trifluoroethylene (TrFE).
Encapsulation and release of non-fluorescent crystal violet confined in bile-salt aggregates
Authors: Sharma Prachi , Sohal Neeraj , Maity Banibrata
Published: March 2021

In this work, the entrapment of non-fluorescent dye Crystal Violet (CV) in presence of bio-mimetic confined bile-salt aggregates has been studied.
Characterization of optical manipulation using microlens arrays depending on the materials and sizes in organic photovoltaics
Authors: Ko Dongwook , Gu Bongjun , Ma Yoohan , Jo Sungjin , Hyun Dong Choon , Kim Chang Su , Oh Hyeon-Ju , Kim Jongbok
Published: March 2021

The influence of constituent materials and sizes of a microlens was experimentally and theoretically explored.
Mechanically strong polyimide aerogels cross-linked with low-cost polymers
Authors: Zhang Zhongxin , Pan Yuelei , Gong Lunlun , Yao Xiandong , Cheng Xudong , Deng Yurui
Published: March 2021

Polyimide aerogels were prepared using low-cost polymers with different structure capped polyamide oligomers serving as cross-linking agents.
A perspective on the molecular simulation of DNA from structural and functional aspects
Authors: Mondal Manas , Yang Lijiang , Cai Zhicheng , Patra Piya , Gao Yi Qin
Published: March 2021

An overview of atomistic simulations on the effect of sequences, base modifications, environmental factors and protein binding on DNA’s hierarchical structure and dynamics in the context of protein–DNA interactions, gene regulation and structural organization of chromatin.
Debugging: putting the synthetic yeast chromosome to work
Authors: Xie Ze-Xiong , Zhou Jianting , Fu Juan , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes strategies used to map and repair various bugs in synthetic genomic sequences and provides guidance for the construction of synthetic yeast chromosomes that are capable of maintaining cell fitness.
Targeting macrophages using nanoparticles: a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis
Authors: Zang Xinlong , Cheng Mingyang , Zhang Xiaoxu , Chen Xuehong
Published: March 2021

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of vascular diseases, with high morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Microwave-assisted establishment of efficient amorphous polymeric phosphorescent materials with ultralong blue afterglow
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Liu Chao , Zhen Hongyu , Lin Meijuan
Published: March 2021

Through the assistance of microwave radiation, amorphous polymers based on polyacrylamide with color-tunable phosphorescence properties, ultralong afterglow and triplet lifetimes are realized.
Development of a chemiluminescence immunoassay for detection of tenuazonic acid mycotoxin in fruit juices with a specific camel polyclonal antibody
Authors: Wang Feng , Wan De-Bin , Shen Yu-Dong , Tian Yuan-Xin , Xiao Zhi-Li , Xu Zhen-Lin , Yang Jin-Yi , Sun Yuan-Ming , Hammock Bruce D. , Wang Hong
Published: March 2021

A rationally designed hapten with computer-assisted modeling was applied for generation of specific camel polyclonal antibody against TeA mycotoxin, and a sensitive chemiluminescence immunoassay was developed for TeA detection in fruit juices.
Observation of intermediates by online mass spectrometry to demonstrate the multiple mechanisms of dye-sensitized photocatalysis
Authors: Sun Jianghui , Fan Xuchan , Lu Hua , Tan Hongwei , Zhang Ying , Wang Yan , Zhao Yunling , Ouyang Jin , Na Na
Published: March 2021

Online mass spectrometry of MF-EESI was applied to reveal multiple mechanisms of visible-light irradiated dye-sensitized photocatalysis for o-phenylenediamine oxidation.
Two highly stable inorganic–organic hybrid 3D frameworks based on Cu–Ln incorporated polyoxometalates for selective dye removal and proton conduction
Authors: Zhang Rong-Tao , Xiao Hui-Ping , Li Zhong , Wang Min , Xie Yu-Feng , Ye Yi-Da , Li Xin-Xiong , Zheng Shou-Tian
Published: March 2021

Two highly stable inorganic–organic hybrid 3D TM–Ln incorporated POM-based framework materials have been successfully synthesized. The compounds can not only exhibit moderate proton conductivity but also selectively adsorb cationic dyes.
A review of the recent progress on heterogeneous catalysts for Knoevenagel condensation
Authors: Appaturi Jimmy Nelson , Ratti Rajni , Phoon Bao Lee , Batagarawa Samaila Muazu , Din Israf Ud , Selvaraj Manickam , Ramalingam Rajabathar Jothi
Published: March 2021

One of the most crucial attributes of synthetic organic chemistry is to design organic reactions under the facets of green chemistry for the sustainable production of chemicals.
Fundamentals of cellulose lightweight materials: bio-based assemblies with tailored properties
Authors: Ferreira Elisa S. , Rezende Camila A. , Cranston Emily D.
Published: March 2021

Cellulose building blocks can be assembled into lightweight materials with properties tailored by the density and the morphology.
Supramolecular-interaction-mediated aggregation of anticarcinogens on triformyl cholic acid-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their dual-targeting treatment for liver cancer
Authors: Gong Tao , Cheng Rina , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Jing , Liang Wenting , Wei Zhihong , Shuang Shaomin , Wang Yuyao , Guo Rui
Published: March 2021

Herein, triformyl cholic acid-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (TCA-MNPs) were first constructed and developed as a novel drug carrier, possessing a high loading capacity, and the synergistic targeted therapy of hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
Hydrogenation of diamond nanowire surfaces for effective electrostatic charge storage
Authors: Panda Kalpataru , Kim Jae-Eun , Sankaran Kamatchi Jothiramalingam , Lin I-Nan , Haenen Ken , Duesberg Georg S. , Park Jeong Young
Published: March 2021

Hydrogenation effect on the morphology of (a) DNW0 and (b−d) hydrogenated DNWs for (b) 5 min (DNW5), (c) 10 min (DNW10), and (d) 15 min (DNW15) (e) Charge patterning on DNW10 (f) Hydrogenation period dependent charge storage on DNW materials.
Base mediated synthesis of functionalized 2-(alkynyl)arylnitriles and their molecular docking study with aromatase receptor
Authors: Shah Chandan , Yadav Pratik , Althagafi Ismail , Nemaysh Vishal , Shaw Ranjay , Elagamy Amr , Pratap Ramendra
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of 2-alkynyl-arylnitriles has been reported by a ring transformation approach.
Organo-catalyzed/initiated ring opening co-polymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxides: an emerging story
Authors: Ryzhakov Dmytro , Printz Gaël , Jacques Béatrice , Messaoudi Samir , Dumas Françoise , Dagorne Samuel , Le Bideau Franck
Published: March 2021

This review deals with recent organo-catalyzed/initiated developments of co-polymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxides to access polyesters.
RAFT miniemulsion polymerisation of benzyl methacrylate using non-ionic surfactant
Authors: Wen Shang-Pin , Yue Qi , Fielding Lee A.
Published: March 2021

RAFT miniemulsion polymerisation of benzyl methacrylate using a non-ionic surfactant affords latexes with controllable molar mass, narrow molar mass distributions and tuneable particle diameter.
Well-defined polyvinylpyridine-block-polystyrene diblock copolymers via RAFT aqueous-alcoholic dispersion polymerization: synthesis and isoporous thin film morphology
Authors: Nieswandt Katharina , Georgopanos Prokopios , Abetz Volker
Published: March 2021

This work presents the synthesis of polyvinylpyridine-polystyrene (PVP-b-PS) diblock copolymers via RAFT dispersion polymerization. Spin-coated PVP-b-PS films were converted into porous surfaces by a controlled alignment and swelling strategy.
The ultrahigh discharge efficiency and energy density of P(VDF-HFP)viaelectrospinning-hot press with St-MMA copolymer
Authors: Wang Jian , Xie Yunchuan , Zhang Yifei , Peng Biyun , Li Qizheng , Ma Denglong , Zhang Zhicheng , Huang Xingyi
Published: March 2021

Flory–Huggins theory combined with experimental tests and phase-field simulation proves that electrospinning improves the homogeneity andEbin composite films, and MS can limit the ferroelectric relaxation of PVDF and significantly increaseUeandη.
One-pot conversion of dihydroxyacetone into ethyl lactate by Zr-based catalysts
Authors: Shi Junjun , Li Fukun , Zhang Jie , Li Ning , Wang Xingmin , Zhang Xianming , Liu Yunqi
Published: March 2021

An eco-friendly strategy for efficiently converting dihydroxyacetone to ethyl lactate in one-pot is proposed. The synergistic effect among acid and basic active sites contributes to the high catalytic activity.
An amino-substituted 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole for the fluorescent detection of phosgene based on an ESIPT mechanism
Authors: Li Zi-Jie , Zhang Wen-Jie , Bi Wen-Zhu , Ma Qiu-Juan , Feng Su-Xiang , Chen Xiao-Lan , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: March 2021

An easily prepared phosgene probe, 5′-amino-2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (P1), is designed and studied. Based on ESIPT mechanism, P1 exhibits ratiometric, sensitive and selective detection of phosgene both in solution and gas phase.
Improved in vivo stability of silicon-containing polyurethane by fluorocarbon side chain modulation of the surface structure
Authors: Tang Lin , Long Xirui , He Xueling , Ding Mingming , Zhao Daiguo , Luo Feng , Li Jiehua , Li Zhen , Tan Hong , Zhang Hengyu
Published: March 2021

The stability of silicon-containing polyurethane in vivo was improved by fluorocarbon side chain modulation of the surface structure.
A review on solution-processed perovskite/organic hybrid photodetectors
Authors: Wang Yadong , Liu Yingliang , Cao Shaokui , Wang Jizheng
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes the progress in solution-processed perovskite/organic hybrid photodetectors in terms of fundamental operation principles, material combinations and device architectures. The challenges and possible solutions are also analyzed.
Plant pest surveillance: from satellites to molecules
Authors: Silva Gonçalo , Tomlinson Jenny , Onkokesung Nawaporn , Sommer Sarah , Mrisho Latifa , Legg James , Adams Ian P. , Gutierrez-Vazquez Yaiza , Howard Thomas P. , Laverick Alex , Hossain Oindrila , Wei Qingshan , Gold Kaitlin M. , Boonham Neil
Published: March 2021

Plant pests and diseases impact both food security and natural ecosystems, and the impact has been accelerated in recent years due to several confounding factors. The globalisation of trade has moved pests out of natural ranges, creating damaging epidemics in new regions. Climate change has extended the range of pests and the pathogens they vector. Resistance to agrochemicals has made pathogens, pests, and weeds more difficult to control. Early detection is critical to achieve effective control, both from a biosecurity as well as an endemic pest perspective. Molecular diagnostics has revolutionised our ability to identify pests and diseases over the past two decades, but more recent technological innovations are enabling us to achieve better pest surveillance. In this review, we will explore the different technologies that are enabling this advancing capability and discuss the drivers that will shape its future deployment.
Physical Culture and Sports Activities in Self-Preserving Behavior of Students
Authors: Kokoulina Olga Pavlovna , Davydova Yuliya Alekxandrovna , Kargapolova Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Glazynov Oleg Nikolaevich
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the research is to identify the role of physical culture and sports activities on the practice of students’ self-preservation behavior. The materials: The research was based on an online questionnaire which was held among 2503 students in REU Plekhanov (Moscow) in October 2019 under E. V. Kargapolova leadership. The results: The most common practices of self-preservation behavior are walking outside, physical education classes and regular sports. The most preferable kinds of sports for students were football, basketball and volleyball. The less preferable were Eastern health practices. Nevertheless, only half of students were regularly engaged in physical education activities. Most of respondents consider they are able to make a set of training exercises and a rational diet. Conclusions: There are several contradictions in students’ behavior values of self-preservation and their practices of sport activities. The majority of respondents understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, students do not always follow these practices in their daily routine. There is a strong correlation between their health and regular sport assessment, especially. This was due to the presence of a physical education system in higher educational institutions. That’s why universities are the most important platform for sports activities.
Sports tourism in Russia: essential aspects and development problems
Authors: Kuchumov Arthur , Pecheritsa Elena , Gladskaya Irina , Chaikovskaya Aleksandra
Published: March 2021

The article examines the concept of such an activity as “sports tourism.” This category is considered both as a type of tourism and as a type of sport. The authors formulate their definition of the concept of “sports tourism” and consider the difference in approaches to the definition of sports tourism by Russian and foreign scientists, proposing to understand sports tourism as a temporary departure of a traveler from their home destination for the purpose of active or passive participation in activities, in one way or another related to sports. Problems in the development of sports tourism in the Russian Federation are formulated, to which the authors attribute its poor infrastructure, lack of state support, inaccessibility of some destinations and lack of dedicated specialists.
Formation of the psychological mobilisation state to achieve one’s best sporting result
Authors: Gilev Gennady Andreevich , Vladykina Vasilisa Vladimirovna , Semenova Marina Alexandrovna , Chernov Yuriy Igorevich , Gladkov Vadim Nikolaevich
Published: March 2021

During the training process before the competition, the athlete often shows a high result similar to, and sometimes exceeding, his previously achieved record. However, in the conditions of the following competitive activity, especially in tough sports competition, there is a decrease in effectiveness. This circumstance is often explained by a poor shape of a sportsman. While a more correct objective indicator of the decrease in effectiveness during the competition, as many experts claim, is the psycho-pedagogical mobilisation unpreparedness of an athlete. The aim of this research was to mobilise the strong-willed qualities of highly qualified swimmers, which allow a sportsman to demonstrate his or her best or equal to previously achieved sporting results during important competitions, involving psychological and pedagogical methods. During the implementation of this goal, methods helping to form person’s strongwilled qualities were used, including psychological and pedagogical methods. The results were obtained. They positively characterize applied psychological and pedagogical methods, which effectiveness was proved by the higher level of record achievements shown by the overwhelming majority of participants in the pedagogical experiment during the competitive activities implementation, as well as in the moral and volitional state rise when overcoming the competitive distance. It has been shown that the use of psychological and pedagogical activities together with autotraining contributes to the formation of an internal mood, the state of assemblage and eagerness to achieve one’s best result.