bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic steatosis and liver fat contents in liver transplant recipients are associated with serum adipokines and insulin resistance
Authors: Eshraghian Ahad , Nikeghbalian Saman , Shamsaeefar Alireza , Kazemi Kourosh , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Malek-Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: July 2020

Our data about pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum adipokines and insulin resistance with hepatic steatosis in liver transplant recipients. We investigated the association between insulin resistance, serum adiponectin, insulin, and leptin with hepatic steatosis in a cohort of liver transplant recipients. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance 2 (HOMA 2-IR) was used for estimation of insulin resistance. Hepatic steatosis was determined using ultrasound and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). A total of 178 patients were included. 79 patients (44.4%) had hepatic steatosis. Serum adiponectin (OR: 0.912; 95% CI 0.869–0.957; P < 0.001), serum leptin (OR: 1.060; 95% CI 1.017–1.102; P = 0.005), HOMA2-IR (OR: 1.671; 95% CI 1.049–2.662; P = 0.031), and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) (OR: 5.988; 95% CI 1.680–21.276; P = 0.006) were independently associated with hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation. CAP values were negatively correlated with serum adiponectin (P = 0.011) and positively correlated with serum insulin (P = 0.001), leptin (P < 0.001) and HOMA2-IR (P < 0.001). Insulin resistance and alterations in adipokines might have central role in pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation and can be targeted for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Factors controlling the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in Daxing’anling Mountain
Authors: Li Junyao , Zhang Dongyou , Liu Mei
Published: July 2020

Daxing’anling Mountain, in the northeastern part of China, contains a large amount of soil organic carbon (SOC). Using data including topography, climate, and vegetation, the spatial distribution of SOC content was modeled using classical and geography-based statistics, as well as a geographically weighted kriging model. The study findings include: (1) SOC content generally ranges 40–70 g/kg, with high SOC content in the southwest and low SOC content in the southeast; (2) Results of principal component analysis suggested the normalized difference vegetation index is the best predictor of patterns in SOC; and (3) The geo-weighted regression Kriging model well reflects factors influencing spatial distribution of SOC content. This study provides important baseline information for environmental protection in the Daxing’anling Mountain area, as well as general information as to important factors that mediate this important reservoir of soil carbon.
Toll-like receptor dual-acting agonists are potent inducers of PBMC-produced cytokines that inhibit hepatitis B virus production in primary human hepatocytes
Authors: Janovec Vaclav , Hodek Jan , Clarova Kamila , Hofman Tomas , Dostalik Pavel , Fronek Jiri , Chlupac Jaroslav , Chaperot Laurence , Durand Sarah , Baumert Thomas F. , Pichova Iva , Lubyova Barbora , Hirsch Ivan , Weber Jan
Published: July 2020

Recombinant interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment functionally cures chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in some individuals and suppresses virus replication in hepatocytes infected in vitro. We studied the antiviral effect of conditioned media (CM) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with agonists of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 7, 8 and 9. We found that CM from PBMCs stimulated with dual-acting TLR7/8 (R848) and TLR2/7 (CL413) agonists were more potent drivers of inhibition of HBe and HBs antigen secretion from HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHH) than CM from PBMCs stimulated with single-acting TLR7 (CL264) or TLR9 (CpG-B) agonists. Inhibition of HBV in PHH did not correlate with the quantity of PBMC-produced IFN-α, but it was a complex function of multiple secreted cytokines. More importantly, we found that the CM that efficiently inhibited HBV production in freshly isolated PHH via various cytokine repertoires and mechanisms did not reduce covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA levels. We confirmed our data with a cell culture model based on HepG2-NTCP cells and the plasmacytoid dendritic cell line GEN2.2. Collectively, our data show the importance of dual-acting TLR agonists inducing broad cytokine repertoires. The development of poly-specific TLR agonists provides novel opportunities towards functional HBV cure.
Inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase by spirotetramat causes growth arrest and lipid depletion in nematodes
Authors: Gutbrod Philipp , Gutbrod Katharina , Nauen Ralf , Elashry Abdelnaser , Siddique Shahid , Benting Jürgen , Dörmann Peter , Grundler Florian M. W.
Published: July 2020

Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a significant threat to agriculture causing annual yield losses worth more than 100 billion US$. Nematode control often involves the use of nematicides, but many of them including non-selective fumigants have been phased out, particularly due to ecotoxicological concerns. Thus new control strategies are urgently needed. Spirotetramat (SPT) is used as phloem-mobile systemic insecticide targeting acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) of pest insects and mites upon foliar application. However, in nematodes the mode of action of SPT and its effect on their development have not been studied so far. Our studies revealed that SPT known to be activatedin plantato SPT-enol acts as a developmental inhibitor of the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansand the plant-parasitic nematodeHeterodera schachtii. Exposure to SPT-enol leads to larval arrest and disruption of the life cycle. Furthermore, SPT-enol inhibits nematode ACC activity, affects storage lipids and fatty acid composition. Silencing ofH. schachtii ACCby RNAi induced similar phenotypes and thus mimics the effects of SPT-enol, supporting the conclusion that SPT-enol acts on nematodes by inhibiting ACC. Our studies demonstrated that the inhibition of de novo lipid biosynthesis by interfering with nematode ACC is a new nematicidal mode of action addressed by SPT, a well-known systemic insecticide for sucking pest control.
CD122-targetted IL-2 signals cause acute and selective apoptosis of B cells in Peyer’s Patches
Authors: Singh Ayushi , Dhume Kunal , Tejero Joanne D. , Strutt Tara M. , McKinstry K. Kai
Published: July 2020

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that have been harnessed clinically and that are used experimentally to modulate leukocyte subsets in vivo. In mice, the bioavailability and half-life of IL-2 in vivo can be increased by complexing recombinant IL-2 with different clones of anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibodies that differentially target the cytokine to cells expressing different kinds of IL-2 receptors. While the impacts of systemic IL-2: anti-IL-2 antibody complex (IL-2C) administration are well-defined in the spleen and peripheral lymph nodes, how immune cells in the gut and gut-associated lymphoid tissues respond to IL-2C is not well characterized. Here, we analyze how major leukocyte populations in these tissues respond to IL-2C. We find that IL-2C targeting cells expressing IL-2 receptor beta cause an acute decrease in cellularity of Peyer’s Patches while cell numbers in the lamina propria and intraepithelial lymphocytes are unaffected. Cell contraction in Peyer’s Patches is associated with the apoptosis of multiple B cell subsets. Our results are important to consider for understanding off-target impacts of IL-2C regimes in experimental models and for considering how IL-2 may contribute to the etiology or severity of gut-associated conditions such as Crohn’s Disease.
MITF variants cause nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss with autosomal recessive inheritance
Authors: Thongpradit Supranee , Jinawath Natini , Javed Asif , Noojarern Saisuda , Khongkraparn Arthaporn , Tim-Aroon Thipwimol , Lertsukprasert Krisna , Suktitipat Bhoom , Jensen Laran T. , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee
Published: July 2020

MITF is a known gene underlying autosomal dominant hearing loss, Waardenburg syndrome (WS). Biallelic MITF mutations have been found associated with a rare hearing loss syndrome consisting eye abnormalities and albinism; and a more severe type of WS whose heterozygous parents were affected with classic WS in both cases. The aims of this study were to identify a new candidate gene causing autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) and confirm its causation by finding additional families affected with the candidate gene and supporting evidences from functional analyses. By using whole exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous c.1022G>A: p.Arg341His variant of MITF, which co-segregated with the hearing loss in five affected children of a consanguineous hearing couple. Targeted exome sequencing in a cohort of 130 NSHL individuals, using our in-house gene panel revealed a second family with c.1021C>T: p.Arg341Cys MITF variant. Functional studies confirmed that the Arg341His and Arg341Cys alleles yielded a normal sized MITF protein, with aberrant cytosolic localization as supported by the molecular model and the reporter assay. In conclusion, we demonstrate MITF as a new cause of ARNSHL, with heterozygous individuals free of symptoms. MITF should be included in clinical testing for NSHL, though it is rare.
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with spent FCC catalyst loaded with ferric oxide and titanium dioxide
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Zhang Te , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2020

The spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst has been loaded with ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). Fe-Ti/SF composite (loaded with 5 wt% TiO2 and 5 wt% Fe2O3), Fe/SF composite (loaded with10 wt% Fe2O3) and Ti/SF composite (loaded with 10 wt% TiO2) have been fabricated via a modified-impregnation method. The band gaps of the Fe-Ti/SF, Fe/SF and Ti/SF composites (evaluated by the energy versus [F(R∞)hv]n) are 2.23, 1.98 and 3.0 eV, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the Fe-Ti/SF has lower electron transfer resistance, it has the small charge transfer resistance and fast charge transfer rate. The interparticle electrons transfer between the Fe2O3 and TiO2, which can improve the separation of the photo-electrons and holes. The holes transfer from valence band of TiO2 to the valence band of Fe2O3, which can provide more active sites around the adsorbed molecules. The methylene blue degradation efficiencies (with the Fe-Ti/SF, Fe/SF and Ti/SF composites) are ~ 94.2%, ~ 22.3% and ~ 54.0% in 120 min, respectively. This work reveals that the spent FCC catalyst as supporter can be loaded with Fe2O3 and TiO2. This composite is highly suitable for degradation of methylene blue, which can provide a potential method to dispose the spent FCC catalyst in industry.
Development and long-term evaluation of a new 68Ge/68Ga generator based on nano-SnO2 for PET imaging
Authors: Romero Eduardo , Martínez Alfonso , Oteo Marta , Ibañez Marta , Santos Mirentxu , Morcillo Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2020

Radionuclide generator systems can routinely provide radionuclides on demand such as 68Ga produced by a 68Ge/68Ga generator without the availability of an on-site accelerator or a research reactor. Thus, in this work nano-SnO2 was used to develop a new 68Ge/68Ga generator which was evaluated over a period of 17 months and 305 elution cycles. The elution yield was 91.1 ± 1.8% in the first 7 mL (1 M HCl as eluent) when the generator was new and then it decreased with time and use to 73.8 ± 1.9%. Around 80% of the elutable 68Ga activity was obtained in 1 mL and the 68Ge content in the eluate did not exceed 1 × 10–4% over the investigation period when it was eluted regularly. The described generator provided adequate results for radiolabelling of DOTA-TOC with direct use of eluate. In addition, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC was tested satisfactorily for in vivo tumor detection by microPET/CT imaging in a lung cancer mouse model.
Genetic tropicalisation following a marine heatwave
Authors: Coleman Melinda A. , Minne Antoine J. P. , Vranken Sofie , Wernberg Thomas
Published: July 2020

Extreme events are increasing globally with devastating ecological consequences, but the impacts on underlying genetic diversity and structure are often cryptic and poorly understood, hindering assessment of adaptive capacity and ecosystem vulnerability to future change. Using very rare “before” data we empirically demonstrate that an extreme marine heatwave caused a significant poleward shift in genetic clusters of kelp forests whereby alleles characteristic of cool water were replaced by those that predominated in warm water across 200 km of coastline. This “genetic tropicalisation” was facilitated by significant mortality of kelp and other co-occurring seaweeds within the footprint of the heatwave that opened space for rapid local proliferation of surviving kelp genotypes or dispersal and recruitment of spores from warmer waters. Genetic diversity declined and inbreeding increased in the newly tropicalised site, but these metrics were relative stable elsewhere within the footprint of the heatwave. Thus, extreme events such as marine heatwaves not only lead to significant mortality and population loss but can also drive significant genetic change in natural populations.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Aedes aegypti after massive vector control for dengue fever prevention in Yunnan border areas
Authors: Lv Rui-chen , Zhu Chang -qiang , Wang Chun-hui , Ai Le-le , Lv Heng , Zhang Bing , Li Chun-min , An Jing , Wang Pei-gang , Hu Dan , Tan Xian-zhe , Yang Lu , Zhou Hong-ning , Tan Wei-long
Published: July 2020

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the dengue virus. Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti) is considered the primary vector of Dengue virus transmission in Yunnan Province, China. With increased urbanization, Ae. aegypti populations have significantly increased over the last 20 years. Despite all the efforts that were made for controlling the virus transmission, especially on border areas between Yunnan and Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar (dengue-endemic areas), the epidemic has not yet been eradicated. Thus, further understanding of the genetic diversity, population structure, and invasive strategies of Ae. aegypti populations in the border areas was vital to uncover the vector invasion and distribution dynamic, and essential for controlling the infection. In this study, we analyzed genetic diversity and population structure of eight adult Ae. Aegypti populations collected along the border areas of Yunnan Province in 2017 and 2018. Nine nuclear microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences were used to achieve a better understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure. One hundred and fourteen alleles were found in total. The polymorphic information content value, together with the expected heterozygosity (He) and observed heterozygosity (Ho) values showed high genetic diversity in all mosquito populations. The clustering analysis based on Bayesian algorithm, the UPGMA and DAPC analysis revealed that all the eight Ae. aegypti populations can be divided into three genetic groups. Based on the mtDNA results, all Ae. aegypti individuals were divided into 11 haplotypes. The Ae. aegypti populations in the border areas of Yunnan Province presented with high genetic diversity, which might be ascribed to the continuous incursion of Ae. aegypti.
NHF-derived carbon dots: prevalidation approach in breast cancer treatment
Authors: Tiron Crina Elena , Luta Gabriel , Butura Mihail , Zugun-Eloae Florin , Stan Corneliu S. , Coroaba Adina , Ursu Elena-Laura , Stanciu Gabriela Dumitrita , Tiron Adrian
Published: July 2020

Metastatic breast cancer dominates the female cancer-related mortality. Tumour-associated molecules represents a crucial for early disease detection and identification of novel therapeutic targets. Nanomaterial technologies provide promising novel approaches to disease diagnostics and therapeutics. In the present study we extend the investigations of antitumoral properties of Carbon Dots prepared from N-hydroxyphthalimide (CD-NHF) precursor. We evaluate the effect of CD-NHF on tumour cell migration and invasion in vitro and their impact on tumour progression using an in vivo model. Furthermore, we investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in CD-NHF antitumour effects. In vivo mammary tumours were induced in Balb/c female mice by injecting 4T1 cells into the mammary fat pad. Conditional treatment with CD-NHF significantly impair both migration and invasion of metastatic breast cancer cells. The presence of CD-NHF within the 3D cell cultures strongly inhibited the malignant phenotype of MDA-MB-231, 4T1 and MCF-7 cells in 3D culture, resulting in culture colonies lacking invasive projections and reduction of mammospheres formation. Importantly, breast tumour growth and metastasis dissemination was significantly reduced upon CD-NHF treatments in a syngeneic mouse model and is associated with down-regulation of Ki67 and HSP90 expression. CD-NHF nanostructures provide exciting perspective for improving treatment outcome in breast cancer.
Fatty acid mimetic PBI-4547 restores metabolic homeostasis via GPR84 in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Simard Jean-Christophe , Thibodeau Jean-François , Leduc Martin , Tremblay Mikael , Laverdure Alexandre , Sarra-Bournet François , Gagnon William , Ouboudinar Jugurtha , Gervais Liette , Felton Alexandra , Letourneau Sylvie , Geerts Lilianne , Cloutier Marie-Pier , Hince Kathy , Corpuz Ramon , Blais Alexandra , Quintela Vanessa Marques , Duceppe Jean-Simon , Abbott Shaun D. , Blais Amélie , Zacharie Boulos , Laurin Pierre , Laplante Steven R. , Kennedy Christopher R. J. , Hébert Richard L. , Leblond François A. , Grouix Brigitte , Gagnon Lyne
Published: July 2020

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease and is associated with metabolic dysregulation. Although G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) has been associated with inflammation, its role in metabolic regulation remains elusive. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of PBI-4547 for the treatment of NAFLD and to validate the role of its main target receptor, GPR84. We report that PBI-4547 is a fatty acid mimetic, acting concomitantly as a GPR84 antagonist and GPR40/GPR120 agonist. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, PBI-4547 treatment improved metabolic dysregulation, reduced hepatic steatosis, ballooning and NAFLD score. PBI-4547 stimulated fatty acid oxidation and induced gene expression of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins in the liver. Liver metabolomics revealed that PBI-4547 improved metabolic dysregulation induced by a high-fat diet regimen. In Gpr84−/− mice, PBI-4547 treatment failed to improve various key NAFLD-associated parameters, as was observed in wildtype littermates. Taken together, these results highlight a detrimental role for the GPR84 receptor in the context of meta-inflammation and suggest that GPR84 antagonism via PBI-4547 may reflect a novel treatment approach for NAFLD and its related complications.
Stress loading history of earthquake faults influenced by fault/shear zone geometry and Coulomb pre-stress
Authors: Sgambato Claudia , Faure Walker Joanna Phoebe , Mildon Zoë Keiki , Roberts Gerald Patrick
Published: July 2020

Whether the stress-loading of faults to failure in earthquakes appears to be random or to an extent explainable, given constraints on fault/shear-zone interaction and the build-up and release of stress over many earthquake cycles, is a key question for seismic hazard assessment. Here we investigate earthquake recurrence for a system of 25 active normal faults arranged predominantly along strike from each other, allowing us to isolate the effects of stress-loading due to regional strain versus across- and along-strike fault interaction. We calculate stress changes over 6 centuries due to interseismic loading and 25 > Mw 5.5 earthquakes. Where only one fault exists across strike, stress-loading is dominated by the regional tectonics through slip on underlying shear zones and fault planes have spatially smooth stress with predominantly time-dependent stress increase. Conversely, where faults are stress-loaded by across-strike fault interactions, fault planes have more irregular stress patterns and interaction-influenced stress loading histories. Stress-loading to failure in earthquakes is not the same for all faults and is dependent on the geometry of the fault/shear-zone system.
Serum levels of cytokines in infants treated with conbercept for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Cheng Yong , Zhu Xuemei , Linghu Dandan , Xu Yongsheng , Liang Jianhong
Published: July 2020

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents have revolutionized the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP); however, there are concerns regarding the potential systemic complications caused by those treatments. This study aimed to determine the serum concentrations of cytokines in infants with ROP and to evaluate the changes in serum VEGF concentrations after intravitreal conbercept (IVC). Sixty infants with ROP treated with IVC 0.25 mg were included. Blood samples were collected before treatment as well as 1 week and 4 weeks after treatment. Serum levels of 45 types of cytokines were measured by a multiplex bead assay. We observed that IVC 0.25 mg in ROP patients suppressed the circulating levels of VEGF-A and VEGF-D as of 1 week after injection, and these growth factor levels returned to baseline at 4 weeks. No significant differences were observed in the serum levels of the other cytokines between baseline and 1 or 4 weeks after IVC.
PTEN suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell activity by downregulating Abi1
Authors: Qi Yanmei , Liu Jie , Chao Joshua , Scheuerman Mark P. , Rahimi Saum A. , Lee Leonard Y. , Li Shaohua
Published: July 2020

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an embryonic program frequently reactivated during cancer progression and is implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer cells can also acquire stem cell properties to self-renew and give rise to new tumors through the EMT. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor PTEN has been shown to induce the EMT, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are less understood. In this study, we reconstituted PTEN-deficient breast cancer cells with wild-type and mutant PTEN, demonstrating that restoration of PTEN expression converted cancer cells with mesenchymal traits to an epithelial phenotype and inhibited cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. The protein rather than the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN accounts for the reversal of the EMT. PTEN dephosphorylates and downregulates Abi1 in breast cancer cells. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis indicates that upregulation of Abi1 mediates PTEN loss-induced EMT and CSC activity. These results suggest that PTEN may suppress breast cancer invasion and metastasis via dephosphorylating and downregulating Abi1.
An non-loglinear enzyme-driven law of photosynthetic scaling in two representative crop seedlings under different water conditions
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , He Lingchao , Xu Kang , Hu Hanjian , Khan Alamgir , Lin Maozi , Li Yan , Liu Shun , Wang Genxuan
Published: July 2020

The loglinear pattern of respiratory scaling has been studied for over a century, while an increasing number of non-loglinear patterns have been found in the plant kingdom. Several previous studies had attempted to reconcile conflicting patterns from the aspects of statistical approaches and developmental stages of the organisms. However, the underlying enzymatic mechanism was largely ignored. Here, we propose an enzyme-driven law of photosynthetic scaling and test it in typical crop seedlings under different water conditions. The results showed that the key enzyme activity, the relative photosynthetic assimilation and the relative growth rate were all constrained by the available water, and the relationship between these biological traits and the available water supported our predictions. The enzyme-driven law appears to be more suitable to explain the curvature of photosynthetic scaling than the well-established power law, since it provides insight into the biochemical origin of photosynthetic assimilation.
The effects of temperature on the biophysical properties of optic nerve F-fibres
Authors: Austerschmidt Lavinia J. , Khan Azab , Plant Dafydd O. , Richards Ella M. B. , Knott Sophie , Baker Mark D.
Published: July 2020

In multiple sclerosis, exacerbation of symptoms with rising body temperature is associated with impulse conduction failure. The mechanism is not fully understood. Remarkably, normal optic nerve axons also show temperature dependent effects, with a fall in excitability with warming. Here we show two properties of optic nerve axons, accommodation and inward rectification (Ih), respond to temperature changes in a manner consistent with a temperature dependent membrane potential. As we could find no evidence for the functional expression of KV7.2 in the axons, using the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium ions, we suggest this may explain the membrane potential lability. In order to understand how the axonal membrane potential may show temperature dependence, we have developed a hypothesis involving the electroneutral movement of Na+ ions across the axon membrane, that increases with increasing temperature with an appropriate Q10. Part, but probably not all, of the electroneutral Na+ movement is eliminated by removing extracellular Cl− or exposure to bumetanide, consistent with the involvement of the transporter NKCC1. Numerical simulation suggests a change in membrane potential of − 15–20 mV mimics altering temperature between room and physiological in the largest axons.
Risk factors and associated outcomes of ventilator-associated events developed in 28 days among sepsis patients admitted to intensive care unit
Authors: Fang Wen-Feng , Fang Ying-Tang , Huang Chi-Han , Chen Yu-Mu , Chang Ya-Chun , Lin Chiung-Yu , Hung Kai-Yin , Chang Ya-Ting , Chen Hung-Cheng , Huang Kuo-Tung , Chang Huang-Chih , Chen Yun-Che , Wang Yi-Hsi , Wang Chin-Chou , Lin Meng-Chih
Published: July 2020

We hypothesized that Ventilator-Associated Event (VAE) within 28 days upon admission to medical intensive care units (ICUs) can be a predictor for poor outcomes in sepsis patients. We aimed to determine the risk factors and associated outcomes of VAE. A total of 453 consecutive mechanically ventilated (MV) sepsis patients were enrolled. Of them, 136 patients had immune profile study. Early VAE (< 7-day MV, n = 33) was associated with a higher mortality (90 days: 81.8% vs. 23.0% [non-VAE], P < 0.01), while late VAE (developed between 7 and 28 days, n = 85) was associated with longer MV day (43.8 days vs. 23.3 days [non-VAE], P < 0.05). The 90-day Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed three lines that separate the groups (non-VAE, early VAE, and late VAE). Cox regression models with time-varying coefficient covariates (adjusted for the number of days from intubation to VAE development) confirmed that VAE which occurred within 28 days upon admission to the medical ICUs can be associated with higher 90-day mortality. The risk factors for VAE development include impaired immune response (lower human leukocyte antigen D-related expression, higher interleukin-10 expression) and sepsis progression with elevated SOFA score (especially in coagulation sub-score).
Plasma concentrations of eleven cannabinoids in cattle following oral administration of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Authors: Kleinhenz Michael D. , Magnin Geraldine , Lin Zhoumeng , Griffin Jason , Kleinhenz Katie E. , Montgomery Shawnee , Curtis Andrew , Martin Miriam , Coetzee Johann F.
Published: July 2020

Cannabinoid production for medicinal purposes has renewed interest in utilizing byproducts of industrial hemp (IH) as a feed source for livestock. However, the presence of bioactive residues in animal tissues may pose a risk to consumers. The purpose of this study was to characterize the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of cannabinoids and their metabolites in cattle after a single oral exposure to IH. Eight castrated male Holstein calves received a single oral dose of 35 g of IH to achieve a target dose of 5.4 mg/kg cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). Blood samples were collected for 96 h after dosing. Plasma cannabinoid concentrations were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with mass-spectroscopy (UPLC) and PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. The cannabinoids CBDA, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (THCA-A), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) were detected in all cattle after IH dosing. The geometric mean maximum concentration of CBDA of 72.7 ng/mL was observed at 14 h after administration. The geometric mean half-life of CBDA was 14.1 h. No changes in serum biochemistry analysis were observed following IH dosing compared to baseline values. These results show acidic cannabinoids, especially CBDA, are readily absorbed from the rumen and available for distribution throughout the body.
There is a U shaped association between non high density lipoprotein cholesterol with overall and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease stage 3–5
Authors: Chiu Hsuan , Wu Pei-Yu , Huang Jiun-Chi , Tu Hung-Pin , Lin Ming-Yen , Chen Szu-Chia , Chang Jer-Ming
Published: July 2020

Dyslipidemia is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), however the relationship between dyslipidemia and mortality in patients with moderate to severe CKD remains controversial. Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been reported to be a more accurate predictor of clinical outcomes than conventional lipid measurements. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate associations between non-HDL cholesterol and the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD stage 3–5. We enrolled 429 pre-dialysis patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD from May 2006 to January 2010. The patients were divided into four groups according to quartiles of non-HDL cholesterol. The patients were followed until death or until January 2020. During a median 11.6 years of follow-up, there were 78 (18.2%) deaths overall and 32 (7.5%) cardiovascular deaths. In adjusted models, the patients in quartile 1 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.368; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.388–8.176; p = 0.007), quartile 3 (HR 3.666; 95% CI 1.486–9.044; p = 0.005), and quartile 4 (HR 2.868; 95% CI 1.136–7.240; p = 0.026) of non-HDL cholesterol had a higher risk of overall mortality (vs. quartile 2). In addition, the patients in quartile 1 (HR 19.503; 95% CI 2.185–174.0925 p = 0.008), quartile 3 (HR 28.702; 95% CI 2.990–275.559; p = 0.004), and quartile 4 (HR 11.136; 95% CI 1.126–110.108; p = 0.039) had a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (vs. quartile 2). Our study showed a U-shaped relationship between non-HDL cholesterol and the risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients with CKD stage 3–5. Assessing non-HDL cholesterol may help to identify subjects at high-risk of adverse outcomes.
Structural effects of the highly protective V127 polymorphism on human prion protein
Authors: Hosszu Laszlo L. P. , Conners Rebecca , Sangar Daljit , Batchelor Mark , Sawyer Elizabeth B. , Fisher Stuart , Cliff Matthew J. , Hounslow Andrea M. , McAuley Katherine , Leo Brady R. , Jackson Graham S. , Bieschke Jan , Waltho Jonathan P. , Collinge John
Published: July 2020

Prion diseases, a group of incurable, lethal neurodegenerative disorders of mammals including humans, are caused by prions, assemblies of misfolded host prion protein (PrP). A single point mutation (G127V) in human PrP prevents prion disease, however the structural basis for its protective effect remains unknown. Here we show that the mutation alters and constrains the PrP backbone conformation preceding the PrP β-sheet, stabilising PrP dimer interactions by increasing intermolecular hydrogen bonding. It also markedly changes the solution dynamics of the β2-α2 loop, a region of PrP structure implicated in prion transmission and cross-species susceptibility. Both of these structural changes may affect access to protein conformers susceptible to prion formation and explain its profound effect on prion disease.
Contingent evolution of alternative metabolic network topologies determines whether cross-feeding evolves
Authors: Meijer Jeroen , van Dijk Bram , Hogeweg Paulien
Published: July 2020

Metabolic exchange is widespread in natural microbial communities and an important driver of ecosystem structure and diversity, yet it remains unclear what determines whether microbes evolve division of labor or maintain metabolic autonomy. Here we use a mechanistic model to study how metabolic strategies evolve in a constant, one resource environment, when metabolic networks are allowed to freely evolve. We find that initially identical ancestral communities of digital organisms follow different evolutionary trajectories, as some communities become dominated by a single, autonomous lineage, while others are formed by stably coexisting lineages that cross-feed on essential building blocks. Our results show how without presupposed cellular trade-offs or external drivers such as temporal niches, diverse metabolic strategies spontaneously emerge from the interplay between ecology, spatial structure, and metabolic constraints that arise during the evolution of metabolic networks. Thus, in the long term, whether microbes remain autonomous or evolve metabolic division of labour is an evolutionary contingency.
Modulation of the lifespan of C. elegans by the controlled release of nitric oxide
Authors: Jiang Dawei , Cheng Lei , Xue Yudong , Chen Chao , Wang Chaochao , Yang Guoliang , Xu An , Yang Youjun , Gao Yun , Zhang Weian
Published: July 2020

Schematic illustration of modulating the longevity of the C. elegans by PEG-NORM nanoparticles.
Bioimaging using bipolar electrochemical microscopy with improved spatial resolution
Authors: Iwama Tomoki , Inoue Kumi Y. , Abe Hiroya , Matsue Tomokazu , Shiku Hitoshi
Published: July 2020

In this study, we developed bipolar electrochemical microscopy (BEM) using a closed bipolar electrode (cBPE) array with an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detecting system.
AIE based GSH activatable photosensitizer for imaging-guided photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang You-Hui , Li Xue , Huang Li , Kim Hyeong Seok , An Jusung , Lan Minhuan , Cao Qian-Yong , Kim Jong Seung
Published: July 2020

A GSH activatable photosensitizer with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for imaging-guided photodynamic therapy of cancer cells.
The terpyridine isomer game: from chelate to coordination network building block
Authors: Housecroft Catherine E. , Constable Edwin C.
Published: July 2020

Recent progress towards a better understanding of the design principles associated with the use of 4,2′:6′,4′′-tpy, 3,2′:6′,3′′-tpy, bis(4,2′:6′,4′′-tpy) and bis(3,2′:6′,3′′-tpy) linkers and nodes in coordination networks is presented.
Discovery of quorum quenchers targeting the membrane-embedded sensor domain of theStaphylococcus aureusreceptor histidine kinase, AgrC
Authors: Xie Qian , Wiedmann Mareike M. , Zhao Aishan , Pagan Ivelisse R. , Novick Richard P. , Suga Hiroaki , Muir Tom W.
Published: July 2020

By integrating lipid nanodisc and the RaPID technologies, we identified novel peptidic quorum quenchers targetingS. aureushistidine kinase AgrC.
Magnetic field effect on the free induction decay of hydroxyl radicals (OH) in the terahertz region
Authors: Chesnokov E. N. , Kubarev V. V. , Krasnoperov L. N. , Koshlyakov P. V.
Published: July 2020

The effect of an external longitudinal magnetic field on the optical free induction decay from a free radical is observed for the first time.
The nature of the active sites of Pd–Ga catalysts in the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol
Authors: Manrique Raydel , Rodríguez-Pereira Jhonatan , Rincón-Ortiz Sergio A. , Bravo-Suárez Juan J. , Baldovino-Medrano Víctor G. , Jiménez Romel , Karelovic Alejandro
Published: July 2020

The Pd/Ga ratio influences the phases formed during catalysis. The best catalyst necessitates the formation of Pd–Ga intermetallic compounds and also a low content of Ga2O3, whose excess tend to block surface sites.
Copper and sulphur co-doped titanium oxide nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Ortiz-Bustos Josefa , Gómez-Ruiz Santiago , Mazarío Jaime , Domine Marcelo E. , del Hierro Isabel , Pérez Yolanda
Published: July 2020

Copper and sulphur co-doped titanium oxide nanoparticles have been prepared by the sol–gel method to develop versatile catalysts exhibiting enhanced catalytic and photocatalytic properties.
A novel ligand with –NH2 and –COOH-decorated Co/Fe-based oxide for an efficient overall water splitting: dual modulation roles of active sites and local electronic structure
Authors: Zhang Yalan , Yu Zebin , Jiang Ronghua , Huang Jung , Hou Yanping , Yang Fei , Zhang Boge , Huang Yiyi , Ye Bo , Zhang Runzhi
Published: July 2020

Excellent electrochemical water splitting with remarkable durability can provide a solution to satisfy the increasing global energy demand in which the electrode materials play an important role.
SrFe1−xSnxO3−δ nanoparticles with enhanced redox properties for catalytic combustion of benzene
Authors: Hashimoto Kazutaka , Otomo Ryoichi , Kamiya Yuichi
Published: July 2020

A series of SrFe1−xSnxO3−δ showed high catalytic activity for benzene combustion. The partial substitution of Fe with Sn increased specific surface area and accelerated redox rates of Fe, resulting in the improvement of the catalytic activity.
Phenolic composition of 91 Australian apple varieties: towards understanding their health attributes
Authors: Bondonno Catherine P. , Bondonno Nicola P. , Shinde Sujata , Shafaei Armaghan , Boyce Mary C. , Swinny Ewald , Jacob Steele R. , Lacey Kevin , Woodman Richard J. , Croft Kevin D. , Considine Michael J. , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: July 2020

Apples, an important contributor to total dietary phenolic intake, are associated with cardiovascular health benefits.
Sonochemical effects on the structure and antioxidant activity of egg white protein–tea polyphenol conjugates
Authors: Jing Hui , Sun Jun , Mu Yaoyao , Obadi Mohammed , McClements David Julian , Xu Bin
Published: July 2020

An efficient and environment-friendly treatment for the preparation of EWP–TP conjugates.
Electrical conductivity of an all-natural and biocompatible semi-interpenetrating polymer network containing a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Gachuz Edwin J. , Castillo-Santillán Martín , Juarez-Moreno Karla , Maya-Cornejo Jose , Martinez-Richa Antonio , Andrio Andreu , Compañ Vicente , Mota-Morales Josué D.
Published: July 2020

Biobased and conductive semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) consisting of crosslinked poly(itaconic acid) and containing the polysaccharide inulin were prepared taking advantage of the deep eutectic systems (DESs) chemistry.
Compact 256-channel multi-well microelectrode array system for in vitro neuropharmacology test
Authors: Kim Daejeong , Kang Hongki , Nam Yoonkey
Published: July 2020

In this study, we developed a compact multi-well MEA with commercial ASIC based in vitro high-throughput recording system to investigate electrophysiological drug response.
Ligand and Cu free N-arylation of indoles, pyrroles and benzylamines with aryl halides catalyzed by a Pd nanocatalyst
Authors: Paul Abhijit , Chatterjee Debnath , Banerjee Srirupa , Yadav Somnath
Published: July 2020

Herein, the N-arylation of aromatic heterocycles like indoles and pyrroles is reported by a Pd nanocatalyst under ligand- and Cu-free conditions.
Ligand exchange reactions on the chiral Au38 cluster: CD modulation caused by the modification of the ligand shell composition
Authors: Baghdasaryan Ani , Martin Kévin , Lawson Daku Latévi Max , Mastropasqua Talamo Maurizio , Avarvari Narcis , Bürgi Thomas
Published: July 2020

The ligand exchange reaction between the intrinsically chiral Au38 cluster and the helical TH4 ligand: the effect of the ligand on CD properties.
Quantification of EGFR and EGFR-overexpressed cancer cells based on carbon dots@bimetallic CuCo Prussian blue analogue
Authors: Song Yingpan , He Lina , Chen Kun , Wang Minghua , Yang Longyu , He Linghao , Guo Chuanpan , Jia Qiaojuan , Zhang Zhihong
Published: July 2020

A bimetallic CuCo Prussian blue analogue (PBA) embedded with carbon dots (CDs) (CD@CuCoPBA)-based aptasensor was developed and exhibits low detection limit toward EGFR (0.42 fg mL−1) and MCF-7 cancer cells (80 cell per mL).
The interaction between oxytocin and heparin
Authors: Schnur Einat , Rudd Timothy R.
Published: July 2020

Heparin interacts with the nonapeptide oxytocin, the binding region preferentially involves the 6-O- andN-sulfates of glucosamine.
The differential proliferation of AOB and NOB during natural nitrifier cultivation and acclimation with raw sewage as seed sludge
Authors: Yu Lifang , Wang Yu , Li Ren , Zhang Ru , Zhang Xingxiu , Hua Sisi , Peng Dangcong
Published: July 2020

Nitrifier immigration from sewers to wastewater treatment systems is attracting increasing attention for understanding nitrifier community assembly mechanisms, and improving process modeling and operation.
Optical properties of 3-substituted indoles
Authors: Kumar Jagdeep , Kumar Naresh , Hota Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2020

Various donor and acceptor p-phenyl substituted ethenyl indoles were synthesized and studied their optical properties in solvents of varying polarity using absorption, fluorescence and TDDFT methods.
Odd–even effect for efficient bioreactions of chiral alcohols and boosted stability of the enzyme
Authors: Bülow Mark , Schmitz Alexa , Mahmoudi Termeh , Schmidt Dana , Junglas Fabian , Janiak Christoph , Held Christoph
Published: July 2020

We describe a holistic approach for achieving a nearly quantitative conversion for an enzymatic reaction while simultaneously increasing the long-term stability of the enzyme.
Milk-exosome based pH/light sensitive drug system to enhance anticancer activity against oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Qi , Yin Honglin , Xia Chengwan , Pu Yumei , He Zhifeng , Hu Qingang , Wang Jianquan , Wang Yuxin
Published: July 2020

A multimodal drug delivery system targeting the tumor microenvironment is an inspiring method for treating cancer tissues, including oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC).
Rapid formation and real-time observation of micron-sized conjugated nanofibers with tunable lengths and widths in 20 minutes by living crystallization-driven self-assembly
Authors: Yang Sanghee , Choi Tae-Lim
Published: July 2020

New fully conjugated block copolymers formed semiconducting 1D nanofibers with excellent structural and size control. The rapid living CDSA enabled us to watch the real-time video of the whole self-assembly process.
Correction: Structure and solvation of confined water and water–ethanol clusters within microporous Brønsted acids and their effects on ethanol dehydration catalysis
Authors: Bates Jason S. , Bukowski Brandon C. , Greeley Jeffrey , Gounder Rajamani
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Structure and solvation of confined water and water–ethanol clusters within microporous Brønsted acids and their effects on ethanol dehydration catalysis’ by Jason S. Bates et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 7102–7122, DOI: 10.1039/D0SC02589E.
Crystallization and melting of highly monodisperse poly(ethylene-oxide)
Authors: Yin Junjie , Raegen Adam , Idziak Stefan H. J. , Forrest James A.
Published: July 2020

We present a quantitative study of the crystallization and melting behaviours of highly monodisperse PEO oligomers, and compare to previous studies.
The ratio of hydrogelator to precursor controls the enzymatic hydrogelation of a branched peptide
Authors: Guo Jiaqi , He Hongjian , Kim Beom Jin , Wang Jiaqing , Yi Meihui , Lin Cheng , Xu Bing
Published: July 2020

Here, we report an apparently counterintuitive observation, in which a lower volume fraction of a branched peptide forms a stronger hydrogel after an enterokinase (ENTK) cleaves off the branch from the peptide.
Anomalous diffusion of active Brownian particles cross-linked to a networked polymer: Langevin dynamics simulation and theory
Authors: Joo Sungmin , Durang Xavier , Lee O-chul , Jeon Jae-Hyung
Published: July 2020

We investigate the anomalous diffusion of active Brownian particles interacting with a viscoelastic polymer network. The active particles have a non-Markovian Gaussian motion, with the negative correlation stronger with larger self-propulsions.
Nickel-selenide templated binary metal–organic frameworks for efficient water oxidation
Authors: Xu Suxian , Du Jian , Li Jiayuan , Sun Licheng , Li Fei
Published: July 2020

Highly conductive NiSexNSs as a half self-sacrificial template and conductive support for preparation of three-dimensional hierarchical NiFe-MOF/NiSex/NF.
Self-assembly of robust graphene oxide membranes with chirality for highly stable and selective molecular separation
Authors: Zhang Yufan , Xu Zehai , Zhang Tingting , Meng Qin , Zhang Xu , Shen Chong , Lu Yinghua , Zhang Guoliang , Gao Congjie
Published: July 2020

Self-assembly of robust cooperative nanostructured graphene oxide nanofiltration membranes with chirality was realized for highly stable and selective molecular separation.
Harnessing biomolecules for bioinspired dental biomaterials
Authors: Fischer Nicholas G. , Münchow Eliseu A. , Tamerler Candan , Bottino Marco C. , Aparicio Conrado
Published: July 2020

We review the range of biomolecules used across dental biomaterials to spur the design and implementation of bioinspired multifunctional materials.
Photochromism for optically functionalized organic field-effect transistors: a comprehensive review
Authors: Wakayama Yutaka , Hayakawa Ryoma , Higashiguchi Kenji , Matsuda Kenji
Published: July 2020

Photochromic molecules exhibit photoresponsive variations in their physical properties.
Modulation in structural and electronic properties of 2D Ga2O3 by chemical passivation
Authors: Dong Linpeng , Zhou Shun , Gong Lei , Wang Wei , Zhang Lichun , Yang Chuanlu , Yu Jianhui , Liu Weiguo
Published: July 2020

The dangling bonds on the surfaces of 2D Ga2O3 can be effectively passivated by hydrofluorination, making 2D Ga2O3 with ultra-high carrier mobility and bipolar transport property.
Impact of pesticide exposure on adipose tissue development and function
Authors: Gutgesell Robert M. , Tsakiridis Evangelia E. , Jamshed Shanza , Steinberg Gregory R. , Holloway Alison C.
Published: July 2020

Obesity is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and health care expenditure whose incidence is rapidly rising across the globe. Although the cause of the obesity epidemic is typically viewed as a product of an increased availability of high calorie foods and/or a reduction in physical activity, there is mounting evidence that exposure to synthetic chemicals in our environment may play an important role. Pesticides, are a class of chemicals whose widespread use has coincided with the global rise of obesity over the past two decades. Importantly, given their lipophilic nature many pesticides have been shown to accumulate with adipose tissue depots, suggesting they may be disrupting the function of white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipose tissue to promote obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss epidemiological evidence linking pesticide exposure with body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of diabetes. We then review preclinical studies in rodent models which have directly evaluated the effects of different classes of insecticides and herbicides on obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Lastly, we review studies conducted in adipose tissue cells lines and the purported mechanisms by which pesticides may induce alterations in adipose tissue function. The review of the literature reveals major gaps in our knowledge regarding human exposure to pesticides and our understanding of whether physiologically relevant concentrations promote obesity and elicit alterations in key signaling pathways vital for maintaining adipose tissue metabolism.