bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MSC-induced lncRNA HCP5 drove fatty acid oxidation through miR-3619-5p/AMPK/PGC1α/CEBPB axis to promote stemness and chemo-resistance of gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Honglei , Liu Bin , Chen Zhaosheng , Li Guangchun , Zhang Zhen
Published: April 2020

Chemotherapy is the first-tier treatment regime for gastric cancer (GC) patients at advance stages. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) cam affect drug-resistance of GC cells in tumor microenvironment, but the detailed mechanism remains poorly understood. Present study aimed to investigate the regulation of MSC-induced long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in GC. Dysregulated lncRNAs in GC were analyzed based on GEO data. Stemness and drug-resistance of GC cells were detected by sphere formation, colony formation, CCK-8, and flow cytometry analyses. MicroRNA (miRNA)-related pathways were analyzed by online KEGG analysis tool DAVID6.8. Molecular interactions were determined by luciferase reporter assay, pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP). Results revealed that MSC co-culture improved stemness and drug-resistance of GC cells. LncRNA histocompatibility leukocyte antigen complex P5 (HCP5) was induced in GC cells by MSC co-culture, contributing to stemness and drug-resistance. Mechanistically, HCP5 sequestered miR-3619-5p and upregulated PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A), increasing transcription complex Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) coactivator‐1α (PGC1α)/CEBPB and transcriptionally inducing carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), which prompted the fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in GC cells. In conclusion, MSC-induced lncRNA HCP5 drove FAO through miR-3619-5p/AMPK/PGC1α/CEBPB axis to promote stemness and chemo-resistance of GC, indicating that targeting HCP5 was a novel approach to enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy in GC.
CCL5 derived from tumor-associated macrophages promotes prostate cancer stem cells and metastasis via activating β-catenin/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Huang Renlun , Wang Shengqi , Wang Neng , Zheng Yifeng , Zhou Jianfu , Yang Bowen , Wang Xuan , Zhang Juping , Guo Lang , Wang Shusheng , Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Zhiyu , Xiang Songtao
Published: April 2020

Prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) play a critical role in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, which remains an obstacle for successful prostate cancer treatment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cell population within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Systematic investigation of the interaction and network signaling between PCSCs and TAMs may help in searching for the critical target to suppress PCSCs and metastasis. Herein, we demonstrated that TAMs-secreted CCL5 could significantly promote the migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of prostate cancer cells as well as the self-renewal of PCSCs in vitro. QPCR screening validated STAT3 as the most significant response gene in prostate cancer cells following CCL5 treatment. RNA-sequencing and mechanistic explorations further revealed that CCL5 could promote PCSCs self-renewal and prostate cancer metastasis via activating the β-catenin/STAT3 signaling. Notably, CCL5 knockdown in TAMs not only significantly suppressed prostate cancer xenografts growth and bone metastasis but also inhibited the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of PCSCs in vivo. Finally, clinical investigations and bioinformatic analysis suggested that high CCL5 expression was significantly correlated with high Gleason grade, poor prognosis, metastasis as well as increased PCSCs activity in prostate cancer patients. Taken together, TAMs/CCL5 could promote PCSCs self-renewal and prostate cancer metastasis via activating β-catenin/STAT3 signaling. This study provides a novel rationale for developing TAMs/CCL5 as a potential molecular target for PCSCs elimination and metastatic prostate cancer prevention.
Basilar artery dolichosis is associated with a poor 90-day outcome in acute isolated pontine infarction
Authors: Cao Shu-gang , Ni Xiaoxing , Wu Qian , He Jun , Cui Ping , Ge Tingting , Li Yuancheng , Wang Jian , Wen’an X. U. , Xia Mingwu
Published: April 2020

Basilar artery (BA) dolichosis is not uncommon in patients with acute isolated pontine infarction. The effect of this abnormal BA geometrical form on the outcomes of pontine infarction has not been closely examined. This study aims to elucidate whether BA dolichosis contributes to a poor 90-day outcome in acute isolated pontine infarction. A total of 101 patients were enrolled with a median age of 65 years. The BA diameter (p = 0.026), basilar artery length (BAL) (p < 0.001), bending length (BL) (p < 0.001) and the proportion of BA bending (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the BA dolichosis group. A poor outcome was closely associated with the baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p < 0.001), and BL (p = 0.042) as well as the proportions of BA dolichosis (p = 0.007) and BA bending (p = 0.010) in univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that BA dolichosis (adjusted OR = 4.724, 95% CI: 1.481~15.071, p = 0.009) and baseline NIHSS score (adjusted OR = 1.805, 95% CI: 1.296~2.513, p < 0.001) were independently associated with a poor outcome at 90 days. In conclusion, BA dolichosis may be a predictor of concern for a poor 90-day outcome in patients with acute isolated pontine infarction.
Tailoring H2O2 generation kinetics with magnesium alloys for efficient disinfection on titanium surface
Authors: Park Jimin , Jang Gun Hyuk , Jung Yeon Wook , Seo Hyunseon , Han Hyung-Seop , Lee Joonho , Seo Youngmin , Jeon Hojeong , Ok Myoung-Ryul , Cha Pil-Ryung , Seok Hyun-Kwang , Lee Kwan Hyi , Kim Yu-Chan
Published: April 2020

A new antibacterial strategy for Ti has been developed without the use of any external antibacterial agents and surface treatments. By combining Mg alloys with Ti, H2O2, which is an oxidizing agent that kills bacteria, was spontaneously generated near the surface of Ti. Importantly, the H2O2 formation kinetics can be precisely controlled by tailoring the degradation rates of Mg alloys connected to Ti. Through microstructural and electrochemical modification of Mg with alloying elements (Ca, Zn), the degradation rates of Mg alloys were controlled, and the H2O2 release kinetics was accelerated when the degradation rate of Mg alloys increased. With the introduction of an in vivo assessment platform comprised of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and transgenic zebrafish embryos, we are able to design optimized antibacterial systems (Ti-Mg and Ti-Mg-3wt% Zn) that can selectively eradicate E. coli while not harming the survival rate, development, and biological functions of zebrafish embryos. We envision that our antibacterial strategy based on utilization of sacrificial Mg alloys could broaden the current palette of antibacterial platforms for metals.
Ultrasound Powered Implants: Design, Performance Considerations and Simulation Results
Authors: Rosa Bruno Miguel Gil , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: April 2020

Ultrasounds (US) has been used in the past decades as a non-invasive imaging modality. Although employed extensively in clinical applications for soft tissue imaging, the acoustic beams can also be used for sensing and actuation for biological implants. In this paper we present a unified three dimensional (3D) computational framework to simulate the performance and response of deeply implanted devices to US stimulation and composed by a double piezoelectric layer with different material composition and configurations. The model combines the temporally-invariant distribution of the scattered pressure field arising from the presence of scatterers and attenuators in the domain of simulation, with the time-delay propagation of waves caused by refraction, to solve the Forward Problem in US within the breast and lower abdominal regions. It was found that a lens-shaped implant produces higher peak echoes in the breast for frequencies ≤ 6 MHz whereas, in the liver, similar strengths are obtained for the lens and disk-shaped implants in the higher spectrum. Regarding material composition, a combination of LiNbO3 with PZT-5A yielded higher amplitude signals, when the double layer thickness is comparable to the wavelength of excitation. Experimental validation of the proposed model was carried out in the presence of a synthetic anatomical phantom of the breast and water tank to investigate the acoustic signals generated by disk-shaped implants when stimulated by external US sources in the harmonic and impulsive regimes of wave propagation. The implantation of a double piezoelectric layer inside the human body can, in the future, provide a high resolution system for the detection of surgical site infection as well as tumour growth and other systemic inflammatory responses originating deeply in soft tissues.
Author Correction: Probabilistic Movement Models Show that Postural Control Precedes and Predicts Volitional Motor Control
Authors: Rueckert Elmar , Čamernik Jernej , Peters Jan , Babič Jan
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Preliminary toxicokinetic study of BPA in lactating dairy sheep after repeated dietary and subcutaneous administration
Authors: Šturm Sabina , Grabnar Iztok , Škibin Andrej , Pogačnik Milan , Cerkvenik-Flajs Vesna
Published: April 2020

Dietary intake is the predominant route of human exposure to bisphenol A and one of the important food commodities is milk. The aim of our study was to preliminarily evaluate the bisphenol A exposure and disposition in sheep milk after repeated dietary and subcutaneous administration of a relatively low dose (100 µg/kg of b. w./day) of bisphenol A to a sheep. On the basis of blood plasma sampling, milk sampling and HPLC analysis, we developed the toxicokinetic model. With the toxicokinetic model we showed that most likely only free bisphenol A passes into the mammary gland and is subsequently conjugated there. The percentage of the dose eliminated with milk was less than 0.1%, regardless of the route of bisphenol A administration. It is proven that the bisphenol A is eliminated through the milk of lactating sheep. However, the amounts excreted in the milk that were detected in this study are minimal.
24-hour Serum Creatinine Variation Associates with Short- and Long-Term All-Cause Mortality: A Real-World Insight into Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Yeh Hung-Chieh , Lo Yen-Chun , Ting I-Wen , Chu Pei-Lun , Chang Shih-Ni , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Kuo Chin-Chi
Published: April 2020

Real-world evidence describing the variation in serum creatinine (S-Cre) within 24 hours and its prognostic value is unknown. We enrolled 14 912 adults who received two S-Cre measurements within 24 hours at a tertiary hospital between 2003 and 2016. The study population was divided into four groups according to the hospital service settings where the baseline and second S-Cre were measured: Group 1, Outpatient-to-Outpatient; Group 2, Outpatient-to-ED (emergency department) or Inpatient; Group 3, ED-to-ED or Inpatient; and Group 4, Inpatient-to-Inpatient. The main predictors were the difference between the two S-Cre measurements (ΔS-Cre) and the percent change (ΔS-Cre%). The main outcomes were 30-day, 1-year, or 3-year all-cause mortality. A total of 6753 and 8159 patients with an increase and a decrease within-day ΔS-Cre, respectively. Among 6753 patients who had deteriorating ΔS-Cre or ΔS-Cre%, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for 1-year all-cause mortality for each 0.1 mg/dL or 5% change in S-Cre was 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.11) and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.04). In 8159 patients with improving ΔS-Cre%, the aHR was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00). Groups 3 and 4 had statistically significant positive linear relationships between deteriorating ΔS-Cre% and 30-day and 3-year mortality. The optimal cut-offs for deteriorating ΔS-Cre% for predicting 30-day mortality were approximately 22% for Group 3 and 20% for Group 4. Inpatient within-day deteriorating ΔS-Cre or ΔS-Cre% above 0.2 mg/dL or 20%, respectively, is associated with all-cause mortality. Monitoring 24-hour S-Cre variation identifies acute kidney injury earlier than the conventional criteria.
Potential impact of atmospheric heating over East Europe on the zonal shift in the South Asian high: the role of the Silk Road teleconnection
Authors: Cen Sixian , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng , Liu Yuyun , Ma Tianjiao
Published: April 2020

It is well recognized that the zonal shift in the South Asian High (SAH) has pronounced influences on weather and climate anomalies over surrounding and teleconnected regions. Hence, it is of great importance to investigate the factors related to the interannual variation in the zonal location of the SAH. This study indicates that the anomalous atmospheric apparent heat source () around East Europe has a close relationship with the interannual variation in the SAH zonal shift during boreal summer. In particular, when above (below) normal  exists, the SAH tends to shift westward (eastward). Above-normal  over East Europe can trigger an eastward propagating wave train along the subtropical jet stream, resembling the negative phase of the Silk Road teleconnection pattern, with positive geopotential height anomalies around the Iranian Plateau and Northeast Asia and negative anomalies around East Europe and the Tibetan Plateau, which could lead to a westward shift in the SAH. Our model experiments confirm that anomalous  around East Europe can exert pronounced impacts on the zonal shift in the SAH by inducing an eastward propagating atmospheric wave train.
Divergent effect of fast- and slow-releasing H2S donors on boar spermatozoa under oxidative stress
Authors: Pintus Eliana , Jovičić Marija , Kadlec Martin , Ros-Santaella José Luis
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of different cell types, but little is known about its role in sperm cells. Because of its reducing properties, we hypothesise that H2S protects spermatozoa against the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, a condition that is common to several male fertility disorders. This study aimed i) to determine the total antioxidant capacities of Na2S and GYY4137, which are fast- and slow-releasing H2S donors, respectively, and ii) to test whether H2S donors are able to protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress. We found that Na2S and GYY4137 show different antioxidant properties, with the total antioxidant capacity of Na2S being mostly unstable and even undetectable at 150 µM. Moreover, both H2S donors preserve sperm motility and reduce acrosome loss, although the effects were both dose and donor dependent. Within the range of concentrations tested (3–300 µM), GYY4137 showed positive effects on sperm motility, whereas Na2S was beneficial at the lowest concentration but detrimental at the highest. Our findings show that Na2S and GYY4137 have different antioxidant properties and suggest that both H2S donors might be used as in vitro therapeutic agents against oxidative stress in sperm cells, although the optimal therapeutic range differs between the compounds.
Impacts of artificial light on food intake in invasive toads
Authors: Komine Hirotaka , Koike Shinsuke , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: April 2020

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a major form of anthropogenic disturbance. ALAN attracts nocturnal invertebrates, which are a food source for nocturnal predators, including invasive species. Few studies quantify the effects of increased food availablity by ALAN on invasive vertebrate predators, and enhancement of food intake caused by ALAN may also be influenced by various environmental factors, such as proximitity to cities, moon phase, temperature, rainfall and wind speed. Revealing the potential impacts on invasive predators of ALAN-attracted invertebrates, and the influence of other factors on these effects, could provide important insights for the management of these predators. We constructed and supplied with artificial light field enclosures for invasive toads, and placed them at locations with different levels of ambient light pollution, in northeastern Australia. In addition, we determined the effect of rainfall, temperature, wind speed, and lunar phase on food intake in toads. We found that ALAN greatly increased the mass of gut contents of invasive toads compared to controls, but that the effect was increased in dark lunar phases, and when there were low ambient light pollution levels. Effects of rainfall, temperature and wind speed on food intake were comparatively weak. To avoid providing food resources to toads, management of ALAN in rural areas, and during dark lunar phases may be advisable. On the contrary, to effectively capture toads, trapping using lights as lures at such times and places should be more successful.
Effect of Hygrothermal Treatment on the Porous Structure and Nanomechanics of Moso Bamboo
Authors: Ye Cuiyin , Huang Yanhui , Feng Qiming , Fei Benhua
Published: April 2020

Hygrothermal treatment is an environmentally friendly and efficient modification method. In this study, Moso bamboo was modified with hygrothermal treatments, and the results of nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nano indentation (NI) were then examined. Interestingly, the samples that underwent hygrothermal treatment at 180 °C and 100% RH (relative humidity) had the highest crystallinity (36.92%), which was 11.07% statistically larger than that of the control samples. Simultaneously, the total pore volume and average pore diameter (2.72 nm) dramatically decreased by 38.2% and 43.7%, respectively. The NI elasticity and hardness of the samples also reached the highest values under this condition; both increased by nearly 21% as compared with the control samples. Therefore, 180 °C is a favorable hygrothermal treatment temperature for Moso bamboo modification due to the porosity changes and the improvement of the nanomechanics of the cell walls.
Enlarged External Occipital Protuberance in young French individuals’ head CT: stability in prevalence, size and type between 2011 and 2019
Authors: Jacques Thibaut , Jaouen Alexandre , Kuchcinski Grégory , Badr Sammy , Demondion Xavier , Cotten Anne
Published: April 2020

External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) enlargement has been recently reported to increase in young adults, with a putative link with postural factors such as the use of smartphones. This study aims to analyze finely the changes in prevalence and size of EOP enlargement in millennials, throughout the smartphone era (2011 – 2019). Anonymized head Computerized Tomography (CT) examinations from patients aged 18-30 in 2011 (n = 205) or 2019 (n = 240), were reviewed to assess the type of EOP and to measure its volume in case of enlargement. Additional CT analyses were performed on two ancient skulls, from a XVIth century young male and a young female Egyptian mummy. There was no significant evolution in the prevalence of EOP enlargement between 2011 (92/205, 44.9%) and 2019 (106/240; 44.2%) (P = 0.92). There was no significant evolution either in the distribution of enlarged EOP volumes (P = 0.14) or of EOP types (P = 0.92) between 2011 and 2019. In the meantime, rates of smartphone ownership in millennials rose from 35% to 98%. Compared to 2019 volumes, the Egyptian mummy displayed an EOP enlargement corresponding to the 85th percentile for young women, and the XVIth century skull to the 73rd percentile for young men. In conclusion, on a population scale, prevalence and volume of enlarged EOP in millennials remain stable between 2011 and 2019, which makes the impact of rapidly growing modern environmental factors on EOP changes unlikely. EOP enlargement was also already present in ancient skulls from young individuals, with measurements within today’s upper ranges.
Comparative analyses of the V4 and V9 regions of 18S rDNA for the extant eukaryotic community using the Illumina platform
Authors: Choi Jaeho , Park Jong Soo
Published: April 2020

Illumina sequencing is a representative tool for understanding the massive diversity of microbial eukaryotes in natural ecosystems. Here, we investigated the eukaryotic community in a pond (salinity of 2–4) on Dokdo (island) in the East Sea, Korea, using Illumina sequencing with primer sets for the V4 and V9 regions of 18S rDNA from 2016 to 2018 for the first time. Totally, 1,413 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 915 OTUs were detected using the V9 and V4 primer sets, respectively. Taxonomic analyses of these OTUs revealed that although the V4 primer set failed to describe the extant diversity for some major sub-division groups, the V9 primer set represented their diversity. Moreover, the rare taxa with <1% of total reads were exclusively detected using V9 primer set. Hence, the diversity of the eukaryotic community can vary depending on the choice of primers. The Illumina sequencing data of the V9 region of 18S rDNA may be advantageous for estimating the richness of the eukaryotic community including a rare biosphere, whereas the simultaneous application of two biomarkers may be suitable for understanding the molecular phylogenetic relationships. We strongly recommend both biomarkers be used to assess the diversity and phylogenetic relationship within the eukaryotic community in natural samples.
Chickens selected for feather pecking can inhibit prepotent motor responses in a Go/No-Go task
Authors: Heinsius Jennifer , van Staaveren Nienke , Kwon Isabelle Young , Li Angeli , Kjaer Joergen B. , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra
Published: April 2020

Repetitive feather pecking (FP) where birds peck and pull out feathers of conspecifics could reflect motor impulsivity through a lack of behavioural inhibition. We assessed motor impulsivity in female chickens (n = 20) during a Go/No-Go task where birds had to peck (Go) or inhibit pecks (No-Go) appropriately to obtain a food reward, depending on visual cues in an operant chamber. Birds were selected to show divergent FP performance based on their genotype (high predisposition for FP or unselected control line) and phenotype (peckers or non-peckers). Genotype, phenotype, and its interaction did not affect the number of pre-cue responses, percentage of responses during No-Go cues (false alarms), or efficiency (number of rewards over number of responses). We present the first documentation of a Go/No-Go task to measure the ability of birds genetically and phenotypically selected for FP activity to inhibit a prepotent motor response. Results indicate that the repetitive motor action of FP does not reflect impulsivity and is not genetically linked to a lack of behavioural inhibition as measured in a Go/No-Go task.
A novel Strategy of Lock-in Effect between Conjugated Polymer and TiO2 towards Dramatic Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light
Authors: Liu Linlin , Jiang Wei , Song Xingyue , Duan Qian , Zhu Enwei
Published: April 2020

To design novel conjugated polymers and improve interfacial interaction with semiconductor is one of directions to develop high-efficient photocatalysts with harvesting photons and boosting catalytic activities. Herein, two novel linear conjugated polymers poly[(thiophene-ethylene-thiophene)-thiophene] (PTET-T) and poly[(thiophene-ethylene-thiophene)-thiophene-3-carboxylic acid] (PTET-T-COOH) were successfully synthesized by a simple Stille coupling reaction. Their heterojunction with TiO2, i.e, PTET-T/TiO2 (C1) and PTET-T-COOH/TiO2 (C2), exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity for degrading Rhodamine B, methylene blue and tetracycline. The energetic “lock-in effect” between PTET-T-COOH and TiO2 through carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups interaction has been proved to greatly improve the interface charge transfer ability and suppress the electron-hole recombination in PTET-T-COOH/TiO2. Thus, by regulating the dosage of polymers, the 15% PTET-T-COOH/TiO2 showed the optimized photocatalytic activity with excellent chemical stability, and its kinetic rate constant was determined to be 41.7 times of that of TiO2. This work provided a new effective strategy of designed and explored organic semiconductor-inorganic heterojunction photocatalysts with broaden absorption, repeatability and high-charge mobility.
Vertical Nystagmus in the Bow and Lean Test may Indicate Hidden Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Hypothesis of the Location of Otoconia
Authors: Choo Oak-Sung , Kim Hantai , Jang Jeong Hun , Park Hun Yi , Choung Yun-Hoon
Published: April 2020

The ‘Bow and Lean Test’ (BLT) was developed for proper diagnosis of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HSC-BPPV). Occasionally, down- and/or up-beating vertical nystagmus is observed during the BLT. This study analyzed patients who exhibited vertical nystagmus in the BLT to comprehend the clinical significance of this sign. Of 2872 patients with vertigo between 2010 and 2015, 225 patients who showed vertical nystagmus in the BLT were enrolled. All patterns of vertical nystagmus were described based on their types of BPPV. After performing therapeutic maneuvers for BPPV, remnant symptoms in the BLT findings were investigated. Of the 225 patients with vertical nystagmus, 163 were posterior semicircular canal BPPV (PSC-BPPV). Down-beating in the bowing position and no nystagmus in the leaning position (‘Down/–’) was the most common type (190 of 225 patients). In addition, the nystagmus occurred in the form of ‘–/Up’, ‘Down/Up’, and ‘–/Down’. The pattern of vertical nystagmus may be related to the position of otoconia in the canals. The location of the otoconia enables the diagnosis of hidden PSC-BPPV. Even after treatment for BPPV, patients with vertical nystagmus in the BLT tended to complain remnant vertigo symptoms (44.8% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.022, in PSC-BPPV; 70.0% vs. 24.0%, P = 0.020, in HSC-BPPV). We thought that they actually had hidden PSC-BPPV and the otoconial debris may still in the PSC; this untreated PSC-BPPV might cause the remnant symptoms. In conclusion, vertical nystagmus in the BLT may indicate the presence of PSC-BPPV. Moreover, vertical nystagmus during the BLT may occur in patients with hidden PSC-BPPV who complain of remnant vertigo symptoms. Vertical nystagmus shown in the BLT may not include the possibility of central vertigo.
Author Correction: Systematic evaluation of 2′-Fluoro modified chimeric antisense oligonucleotide-mediated exon skipping in vitro
Authors: Chen Suxiang , Le Bao T. , Chakravarthy Madhuri , Kosbar Tamer R. , Veedu Rakesh N.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Rapid and Precise Semi-Automatic Axon Quantification in Human Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Engelmann S. , Ruewe M. , Geis S. , Taeger C. D. , Kehrer M. , Tamm E. R. , Bleys R. L. A. W. , Zeman F. , Prantl L. , Kehrer A.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Inheritance patterns of the transcriptome in hybrid chickens and their parents revealed by expression analysis
Authors: Gu Hongchang , Qi Xin , Jia Yaxiong , Zhang Zebin , Nie Changsheng , Li Xinghua , Li Junying , Jiang Zhihua , Wang Qiong , Qu Lujiang
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Determination of total and bioavailable As and Sb in children's paints using the MSFIA system coupled to HG-AFS
Authors: Ávila Dayara Virgínia L. , Souza Sidnei Oliveira , Cerdà Victor , Araujo Rennan G. O.
Published: April 2020

The determination of total and bioavailable concentrations of As and Sb in children's paints by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) coupled with the multi-syringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) was proposed.
The competition between dehydrogenation and dehydration reactions for primary and secondary alcohols over gallia: unravelling the effects of molecular and electronic structure via a two-pronged theoretical/experimental approach
Authors: Izzo Lorella , Tabanelli Tommaso , Cavani Fabrizio , Blair Vàsquez Paola , Lucarelli Carlo , Mella Massimo
Published: April 2020

The relative dehydrogenation/dehydration reactivity imparted by nanostructured gallium(iii) oxide on alcohols was investigated via electronic structure calculations, reactivity tests and DRIFT-IR spectroscopy.
A cyclic electrochemical strategy to produce acetylene from CO2, CH4, or alternative carbon sources
Authors: McEnaney Joshua M. , Rohr Brian A. , Nielander Adam C. , Singh Aayush R. , King Laurie A. , Nørskov Jens K. , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: April 2020

The electrochemical transformation of potent greenhouse gases and low-value carbon sources to produce useful carbon-based products is a highly desirable sustainability goal.
Nitrogen doped carbon aerogel composites with TiO2 and ZnO prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Bakos László Péter , Mensah Joshua , László Krisztina , Parditka Bence , Erdélyi Zoltán , Székely Edit , Lukács István , Kónya Zoltán , Cserháti Csaba , Zhou Chen , Seo Jin Won , Halasi Gyula , Szilágyi Imre Miklós
Published: April 2020

A nitrogen doped carbon aerogel was used as a substrate for the atomic layer deposition of TiO2 and ZnO layers in various thicknesses.
Bio-assay of the non-amidated progastrin-derived peptide (G17-Gly) using the tailor-made recombinant antibody fragment and phage display method: a biomedical analysis
Authors: Sadighbayan Deniz , Tohidkia Mohammad Reza , Mehdipour Tayebeh , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Yari Khosroushahi Ahmad
Published: April 2020

In this research, four novel and sensitive immunosensors for electrochemical determination of G17-Gly were designed based on signal amplification and tailor-made recombinant antibody technology.
Purine-blended nanofiber woven flexible nanomats for SERS-based analyte detection
Authors: Saravanan R. Kamal , Naqvi Tania K. , Patil Sandip , Dwivedi Prabhat K. , Verma Sandeep
Published: April 2020

We report a fabricated nanocomposite as a flexible Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrate for uric acid detection up to 10−7 M (100 nM).
Graphdiyne oxide: a new carbon nanozyme
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Xue Yifei , Guo Shuyue , Jiang Yanan , Wu Fei , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: April 2020

Graphdiyne oxide (GDYO), the oxidized form of graphdiyne (GDY), can serve as a new kind of carbon nanozyme mimicking peroxidase.
Two heads are better than one: improving magnetic relaxation in the dysprosium metallocene upon dimerization by use of an exceptionally weakly-coordinating anion
Authors: Errulat Dylan , Gabidullin Bulat , Mansikkamäki Akseli , Murugesu Muralee
Published: April 2020

Combining two weakly-coordinating anions in the archetypical metallocene results in the first example of [BPh4]− as a bridging ligand in 4f metals, resulting in improved magnetic relaxation dynamics over its mononuclear counterpart.
Superelectrophilic Csp3–H bond fluorination of aliphatic amines in superacid: the striking role of ammonium–carbenium dications
Authors: Artault M. , Mokhtari N. , Cantin T. , Martin-Mingot A. , Thibaudeau S.
Published: April 2020

Superelectrophilic activation in a superacid, HF/SbF5, allows for C–H bond fluorination and functionalization of aliphatic amines.
Double-layered honeycomb architectures constructed via hierarchical self-assembly of hexagonal spin crossover cobalt(ii) metallacycles
Authors: Akiyoshi Ryohei , Kuroiwa Keita , Sakuragi Mina , Yoshimoto Soichiro , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: April 2020

Lipid packaged cobalt(ii) metallacycles displayed the formation of double-layered honeycomb architectures exhibiting spin crossover behavior.
Designing an active Ta3N5 photocatalyst for H2 and O2 evolution reactions by specific exposed facet engineering: a first-principles study
Authors: Harb Moussab , Cavallo Luigi , Basset Jean-Marie
Published: April 2020

The effects of native defects and exposed facets on the thermodynamic stability and photocatalytic characteristics of Ta3N5 for water splitting are studied by applying accurate quantum computations on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) with the range-separated hybrid functional (HSE06).
Influence of magnetic dilution on relaxation processes in a solid solution comprising tetrahedral Co/ZnII complexes
Authors: Ceglarska Magdalena , Stefańczyk Olaf , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Majcher-Fitas Anna M.
Published: April 2020

Dilution with diamagnetic species in a SIM solid solution leads to an increase in relaxation times at low temperatures and monotonously reduces the probability of quantum tunneling of magnetization and the direct process.
Three diphosphates, α-Li2Na2P2O7, Li8Pb3Ba(P2O7)4and Li7Rb(P2O7)2: influences of co-substitution on the crystal structure
Authors: Wen Ming , Hu Cong , Wu Hongping , Yang Zhihua , Wu Xiaohong , Pan Shilie
Published: April 2020

We reported the synthesis, structure, characterization and first-principles calculations of diphosphates, α-Li2Na2P2O7, Li8Pb3Ba(P2O7)4and Li7Rb(P2O7)2, and studied the influences of co-substitution on the crystal structure.
Exploring the dynamics of Zr-based metal–organic frameworks containing mechanically interlocked molecular shuttles
Authors: Gholami Ghazale , Wilson Benjamin H. , Zhu Kelong , O’Keefe Christopher A. , Schurko Robert W. , Loeb Stephen J.
Published: April 2020

MOFsUiO-68andPCN-57, containing triphenylene linkers, were doped with a tetracarboxylate linker that contains a [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle, and VT CP MAS13C SSNMR was used to explore the motion of the macrocyclic ring inside the cavities.
Eco-friendly and sustainable synthesis of biocompatible nanomaterials for diagnostic imaging: current challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Jamalipour Soufi Ghazaleh , Iravani Siavash
Published: April 2020

Current advancements, important challenges and future perspectives of biocompatible nanomaterials for diagnostic imaging are discussed as well as their greener synthesis.
Upregulation of epithelial metallothioneins by metal-rich ultrafine particulate matter from an underground railway
Authors: Loxham Matthew , Woo Jeongmin , Singhania Akul , Smithers Natalie P , Yeomans Alison , Packham Graham , Crainic Alina M , Cook Richard B , Cassee Flemming R , Woelk Christopher H , Davies Donna E
Published: April 2020

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. However, understanding of the range and mechanisms of effects of PM components is poor. PM generated in underground railways is rich in metals, especially iron. In the ultrafine (UFPM; <0.1 μm diameter) fraction, the combination of small size and metal enrichment poses an unknown health risk. This study aimed to analyse transcriptomic responses to underground UFPM in primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs), a key site of PM deposition. The oxidation state of iron in UFPM from an underground station was determined by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Antioxidant response was assayed using a reporter cell line transfected with an antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase construct. Differentiated PBECs were exposed to UFPM for 6 h or 24 h for RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR analysis. XANES showed predominance of redox-active Fe3O4, with ROS generation confirmed by induction of ARE-luciferase expression. 6 h exposure of PBECs to UFPM identified 52 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), especially associated with epithelial maintenance, whereas 24 h exposure yielded 23 DEGs, particularly involved with redox homeostasis and metal binding. At both timepoints, there was upregulation of members of the metallothionein family, low molecular weight proteins with antioxidant activity whose main function is binding and homeostasis of zinc and copper ions, but not iron ions. This upregulation was partially inhibited by metal chelation or ROS scavenging. These data suggest differential regulation of responses to metal-rich UFPM depending on exposure period, and highlight novel pathways and markers of PM exposure, with the role of metallothioneins warranting further investigation.
Carborane bridged ferrocenyl conjugated molecules: synthesis, structure, electrochemistry and photophysical properties
Authors: Yan Jian-Feng , Zhu Gai-Ge , Yuan Ye , Lin Cai-Xia , Huang Shu-Ping , Yuan Yao-Feng
Published: April 2020

mono- and bis-carborane bridged ferrocenyl conjugated molecules8–11have been synthesized and systematically analyzed.
Reduced graphene oxide-wrapped silver nanoparticles for applications in ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of Cr(vi) ions and the carbaryl pesticide
Authors: Minh Phung Nhat , Hoang Van-Tuan , Dinh Ngo Xuan , Van Hoang Ong , Van Cuong Nguyen , Thi Bich Hop Dang , Tuan Tran Quoc , Khi Nguyen Tien , Huy Tran Quang , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: April 2020

The Ag@rGO nanohybrid can be used as a colorimetric sensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of Cr(vi) ions and the carbaryl pesticide.
A theoretical study on the pKa values of selenium compounds in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhu Danfeng , Zheng Wenrui , Chang Huifang , Xie Hongyun
Published: April 2020

The pKa values of different kinds of selenium compounds (R-SeH) were investigated by using the ωB97XD method with a SMD model.
A glutathione-depleted prodrug platform of MnO2-coated hollow polydopamine nanospheres for effective cancer diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Dong Liang , Xu Zhiai , An Shangjie , Jia Xiaodan , Zhang Wen , Jiang Xiue
Published: April 2020

A biocompatible and efficient nanoplatform for tumor diagnosis and treatment was fabricated based on manganese oxide-coated hollow polydopamine loaded with dihydroartemisinin.
Electrochemically assisted synthesis of poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) fluorescent organic nanoparticles for sensing applications
Authors: Li Haidong , Liu Miaoxia , Qiu Ruhan , Liu Zongping , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2020

Facile preparation of polyDOPA-FONs is achieved via the electrochemical oxidation method.
Synthesis and aggregation behaviour of single-chain, 1,32-alkyl-branched bis(phosphocholines) – part 2: lateral chain length triggers self-assembling from sheets to fibres to vesicles
Authors: Gruhle Kai , Tuchtenhagen Max , Müller Sindy , Hause Gerd , Meister Annette , Drescher Simon
Published: April 2020

The synthesis of six single-chain, alkyl-branched bolalipids and first investigations of the lyotropic behaviour of these lipids are reported.
Smart functionalized phosphonic acid based copolymers: new structures for old purposes
Authors: Solimando Xavier , Catel Yohann , Moszner Norbert , Robin Jean-Jacques , Monge Sophie
Published: April 2020

Innovative well-defined acidic photopolymerizable phosphorus-based copolymers were prepared and tested in well-known dental applications to improve the adhesion of dental self-etch adhesives (SEAs).
Ni-Doped magnesium manganese oxide as a cathode and its application in aqueous magnesium-ion batteries with high rate performance
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Cao Dianxue , Bai Xue
Published: April 2020

Aqueous magnesium-ion batteries feature good safety and high energy density and represent promising energy storage systems.
Discovery of new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with diverse architectures as potent cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors
Authors: Xie Shuangshuang , Qi Changxing , Duan Yulin , Xu Qianqian , Liu Yaping , Huang Yingying , Yin Xu , Sun Weiguang , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Yonghui
Published: April 2020

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a significant therapeutic target of chronic inflammatory diseases.
A strategy for preparing non-fluorescent graphene oxide quantum dots as fluorescence quenchers in quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Hu Chenyan , Yang Zhongzhu , Song Zhen , Xiao Linghui , He Yang
Published: April 2020

Non-fluorescent GOQDs quench the fluorescence of TaqMan probes and increase the specificity of qRT-PCR by reducing non-specific amplification.
Fabrication of CS/GA/RGO/Pd composite hydrogels for highly efficient catalytic reduction of organic pollutants
Authors: Ge Lei , Zhang Meng , Wang Ran , Li Na , Zhang Lexin , Liu Shufeng , Jiao Tifeng
Published: April 2020

New functional CS/GA/RGO/Pd composite hydrogels are preparedviaa self-assembly process, demonstrating potential applications in catalysis as well as composite materials.
Synthesis through 3D printing: formation of 3D coordination polymers
Authors: Halevi Oded , Chen Jingwei , Thangavel Gurunathan , Morris Samuel Alexander , Ben Uliel Tal , Tischler Yaakov Raphael , Lee Pooi See , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: April 2020

DLP is utilized to selectively polymerize nickel acrylamide complexes and form free-standing macro 3D structures, which are composed solely of a coordination polymer.
Synthesis of bodinieric acids A and B, both C-18 and C-19-functionalized abietane diterpenoids: DFT study of the key aldol reaction
Authors: Zaragozá Ramón J. , González-Cardenete Miguel A.
Published: April 2020

The first synthesis of C-18- and C-19-bifunctionalized abietane diterpenoids, bodinieric (or callicapoic) acids, via an aldol reaction has been developed.
Cysteine specific bioconjugation with benzyl isothiocyanates
Authors: Petri László , Szijj Péter A. , Kelemen Ádám , Imre Tímea , Gömöry Ágnes , Lee Maximillian T. W. , Hegedűs Krisztina , Ábrányi-Balogh Péter , Chudasama Vijay , Keserű György Miklós
Published: April 2020

We present herein the development of a new fluorescent dye equipped with a benzyl isothiocyanate warhead, which resulted improved photophysical properties and enhanced labelling efficiency on the Fab antibody subunit and the trastuzumab antibody.
A visible-light Paternò–Büchi dearomatisation process towards the construction of oxeto-indolinic polycycles
Authors: Mateos Javier , Vega-Peñaloza Alberto , Franceschi Pietro , Rigodanza Francesco , Andreetta Philip , Companyó Xavier , Pelosi Giorgio , Bonchio Marcella , Dell’Amico Luca
Published: April 2020

A scalable visible-light [2 + 2]-heterocycloaddition process allows the dearomatisation of indoles to complex biorelevant polycycles.
Multivalent cationic dendrofullerenes for gene transfer: synthesis and DNA complexation
Authors: Illescas Beatriz M. , Pérez-Sánchez Alfonso , Mallo Araceli , Martín-Domenech Ángel , Rodríguez-Crespo Ignacio , Martín Nazario
Published: April 2020

Non-viral nucleic acid vectors able to display high transfection efficiencies with low toxicity and overcoming the multiple biological barriers are needed to further develop the clinical applications of gene therapy.
Introduction to Biosensors
Authors: Gu Ning , Liu Shaoqin
Published: April 2020

Shaoqin Liu and Ning Gu, Journal of Materials Chemistry B themed issue on Biosensors.
Enhancement of the thermoelectric performance for DTC-based polymer via N-octyl substitution
Authors: Zhou Houbo , Gao Chunmei , Liu Tongchao , Pan Chengjun , Wang Lei
Published: April 2020

Focusing on the impact of carrier concentration and mobility on thermoelectric parameters, a good design strategy was successfully implemented on dithiophene cyclopentadiene (DTC)-based organic polymer materials.
Dependence of electromagnetic interference shielding ability of conductive polymer composite foams with hydrophobic properties on cellular structure
Authors: Zhao Biao , Wang Ruoming , Li Yang , Ren Yumei , Li Xiao , Guo Xiaoqin , Zhang Rui , Park Chul B.
Published: April 2020

The introduction of a cellular structure in conductive polymer composites is supposed to be an effective way to ameliorate the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties.
All-covalently-implanted FETs with ultrahigh solvent resistibility and exceptional electrical stability, and their applications for liver cancer biomarker detection
Authors: Zhang Congcong , Cheng Shanshan , Si Ke , Wang Nannan , Wang Yong , Chen Penglei , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: April 2020

All covalent FETs of covalently-rooted source/drain electrodes and semiconductor layers are launched. The FETs exhibit ultrahigh solvent resistibility, exceptional electrical stability, and ultralong shelf life, facilitating their further treatments.
Therapeutic potential of miR-21 regulation by human peripheral blood derived-small extracellular vesicles in myocardial infarction
Authors: Kang Ji-Young , Kim Hyoeun , Mun Dasom , Yun Nuri , Joung Boyoung
Published: April 2020

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) as natural membranous vesicles are on the frontiers of nanomedical research, due to their ability to deliver therapeutic molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNA-21 (miR-21) is thought to be involved in the initiation and development of myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we examined whether miR-21 regulation using human peripheral blood-derived sEVs (PB-sEVs) could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for MI. First, we examined miR-21 levels in hypoxic conditions and validated the ability of PB-sEVs to serve as a potential delivery system for miRNAs. Further, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were performed to identify target genes of miR-21 mechanistically. Among numerous target pathways, we focused on nitrogen metabolism, which remains relatively unexplored compared with other possible miR-21-mediated pathways; hence, we aimed to determine novel target genes of miR-21 related to nitrogen metabolism. In hypoxic conditions, the expression of miR-21 was significantly up-regulated and correlated with nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) levels, which in turn influences cardiac function. The down-regulation of miR-21 expression by PB-sEVs loaded with anti-miR-21 significantly improved survival rates, consistent with the augmentation of cardiac function. However, the up-regulation of miR-21 expression by PB-sEVs loaded with miR-21 reversed these effects. Mechanistically, miR-21 targeted and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of striatin (STRN), which could regulate NOS3 expression. In conclusion, we identified a novel therapeutic strategy to improve cardiac function by regulating the expression of miR-21 with PB-sEVs as an miR-21 or anti-miR-21 delivery vehicle and confirmed the miR-21-associated nitrogen metabolic disorders in MI.
A Preliminary Study on the Need for Structured Vocal Seminars for Fitness Instructors to Prevent Voice Disorders and Improve Overall Voice Use During Instruction
Authors: Davis Sara
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine and demonstrate the need for structured vocal training/seminars for fitness professionals to prevent voice disorders and improve overall voice use during instruction.

Method

Approximately 230 fitness professionals responded to an anonymous online questionnaire consisting of 20 items addressing voice care, voice use, vocal demands, and self-reported vocal difficulties within the fitness instructor role. The survey was distributed via SurveyMonkey, and the answers contributed to the data results (see
Appendix
).

Results

The data display overwhelming agreement among fitness professionals that voice has an important role in and major impact on every class. The majority of respondents consider themselves occupational voice users but affirm they have never had a vocal training, although they feel a vocal training would be beneficial for their work in the fitness industry and they would be interested in attending such a training. A majority of respondents also teach three or more classes per week and qualify as “vocal athletes.” Over half of the respondents perceive themselves to be inadequately hydrated, and the majority also report hoarseness at some point related to their jobs teaching fitness classes. A majority of those surveyed have experienced a feeling of straining the voice/using effort during and/or after instruction of classes and also report being social/talkative individuals outside class instruction—therefore displaying a consistent use of voice in and outside their “work” setting, implying high vocal demand and full vocal schedules with reduced time for vocal rest.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that there is an imperative need to educate and empower fitness professionals to take adequate care of their voices and use their voices in the most healthy, efficient, effective, and dynamic ways possible to create outstanding classes, motivate clients, and protect their instrument (larynx/vocal folds) while doing so.