bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and the potential involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua
Authors: Khan Shazia , Ali Athar , Saifi Monica , Saxena Parul , Ahlawat Seema , Abdin Malik Zainul
Published: August 2020

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in multiple biological processes. Recently they have garnered the attention for their strong influence on the secondary metabolite production in plants. Their role in the regulation of artemisinin (ART) biosynthesis is, however, not fully elucidated. ART is a potent anti-malarial compound recommended by WHO for the treatment of drug-resistant malaria. It is produced by Artemisia annua (A. annua). The lower in planta content of ART necessitates a deep understanding of regulatory mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of this metabolite. In this study, using modern high throughput small RNA-sequencing by Illumina Nextseq 500 platform for identification and stem-loop RT PCR for validation, miRNAs were identified in the leaf sample of A. annua plant. Here, we report a total of 121 miRNAs from A. annua that target several important genes and transcription factors involved in the biosynthesis of ART. This study revealed the presence of some important conserved miRNA families, miR396, miR319, miR399, miR858, miR5083 and miR6111 not identified so far in A. annua. The expression patterns and correlation between miRNAs and their corresponding targets at different developmental stages of the plant using real-time PCR indicate that they may influence ART accumulation. These findings thus, open new possibilities for the rational engineering of the secondary metabolite pathways in general and ART biosynthesis in particular.
Influence of 16S rRNA target region on the outcome of microbiome studies in soil and saliva samples
Authors: Soriano-Lerma Ana , Pérez-Carrasco Virginia , Sánchez-Marañón Manuel , Ortiz-González Matilde , Sánchez-Martín Victoria , Gijón Juan , Navarro-Mari José María , García-Salcedo José Antonio , Soriano Miguel
Published: August 2020

Next generation sequencing methods are widely used in evaluating the structure and functioning of microbial communities, especially those centered on 16S rRNA subunit. Since Illumina Miseq, the most used sequencing platform, does not allow the full sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, this study aims to evaluate whether the choice of different target regions might affect the outcome of microbiome studies regarding soil and saliva samples. V1V3, V3V4, V4V5 and V6V8 domains were studied, finding that while some regions showed differences in the detection of certain bacterial taxa and in the calculation of alpha diversity, especially in soil samples, the overall effect did not compromise the differentiation of any sample type in terms of taxonomic analysis at the genus level. 16S rRNA target regions did affect the detection of specific bacteria related to soil quality and development, and microbial genera used as health biomarkers in saliva. V1V3 region showed the closest similarity to internal sequencing control mock community B, suggesting it might be the most preferable choice regarding data reliability.
Distribution of estrogen receptor in the rabbit cervix during pregnancy with special reference to stromal elements: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Mustafa Fatma El-Zahraa A. , Elhanbaly Ruwaida
Published: August 2020

The estrogen plays a critical role during pregnancy through their receptors. Although the rabbit is one of the most important lab animal estrogen receptor alpha (ERA) localization on basic cells, newly discovered cells including telocyte and neuroendocrine cells, vascular compartments and interstitium during pregnancy not been described. At 0 day pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was moderate to ERA and observed on the ciliated cells, secretory cells, blood plasma, and interstitium. The smooth muscles and the endothelial cells showed mild immunoreactivity to ERA. Lymphocytes only exhibited strong immunoreactivity to ERA. At 7 days pregnancy moderate immunoreactivity to ERA observed on ciliated cells, secretory cells, smooth muscles, interstitium, and lymphocytes. Strong immunoreactivity to ERA detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. At 14 days of pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was strong and detected on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, lymphocytes, and interstitium. Moderate immunoreactivity detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. Secretory cells only exhibited mild immunoreactivity to ERA. At 21 days of pregnancy, the immunoreactivity to ERA ranged between mild on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, blood plasma and interstitium and negative on secretory cells, endothelial cells and lymphocytes. Our results indicated that the frequency and intensity of ERA immunostaining in the rabbit cervix varied on different structural compartments of the cervix during different pregnancy stages.
Unlike Zika, Chikungunya virus interferes in the viability of Aedes aegypti eggs, regardless of females’ age
Authors: Resck Maria Eduarda Barreto , Padilha Karine Pedreira , Cupolillo Aline Possati , Talyuli Octávio A. C. , Ferreira-de-Brito Anielly , Lourenço-de-Oliveira Ricardo , Farnesi Luana Cristina , Bruno Rafaela Vieira
Published: August 2020

Chikungunya and Zika are arboviruses transmitted by the mosquitoAedes aegypti. Mosquito fecundity and egg viability are important parameters of vectorial capacity. Here we aim to understand, comparatively, the effects of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) infections on the fecundity and fertility of young and oldAedes aegyptifemales. Using artificial infection blood feeding experiments we observed that both CHIKV and ZIKV do not alter the number of eggs laid when compared to uninfected females, although the egg fertility significantly decreases in both young and old CHIKV-infected females. There is an upward trend of null females (infertile females) from 2.1% in young to 6.8% in old ZIKV-infected females. Together, our data revealed that CHIKV and ZIKV affects differentlyAe. aegyptiphysiology, that may be related to different viral spread in nature.
Radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-folate for PET imaging of folate receptor β-positive macrophages
Authors: Moisio Olli , Palani Senthil , Virta Jenni , Elo Petri , Liljenbäck Heidi , Tolvanen Tuula , Käkelä Meeri , Miner Maxwell G. , Herre Erika Atencio , Marjamäki Päivi , Örd Tiit , Heinäniemi Merja , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Zhang Fenghua , Srinivasarao Madduri , Knuuti Juhani , Low Philip S. , Saraste Antti , Li Xiang-Guo , Roivainen Anne
Published: August 2020

Folate receptor β (FR-β), a marker expressed on macrophages, is a promising target for imaging of inflammation. Here, we report the radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-folate (68Ga-FOL). After determining the affinity of 68Ga-FOL using cells expressing FR-β, we studied atherosclerotic mice with 68Ga-FOL and 18F-FDG PET/CT. In addition, we studied tracer distribution and co-localization with macrophages in aorta cryosections using autoradiography, histology, and immunostaining. The specificity of 68Ga-FOL was assessed in a blocking study with folate glucosamine. As a final step, human radiation doses were extrapolated from rat PET data. We were able to produce 68Ga-FOL with high radiochemical purity and moderate molar activity. Cell binding studies revealed that 68Ga-FOL had 5.1 nM affinity for FR-β. Myocardial uptake of 68Ga-FOL was 20-fold lower than that of 18F-FDG. Autoradiography and immunohistochemistry of the aorta revealed that 68Ga-FOL radioactivity co-localized with Mac-3–positive macrophage-rich atherosclerotic plaques. The plaque-to-healthy vessel wall ratio of 68Ga-FOL was significantly higher than that of 18F-FDG. Blocking studies verified that 68Ga-FOL was specific for FR. Based on estimations from rat data, the human effective dose was 0.0105 mSv/MBq. Together, these findings show that 68Ga-FOL represents a promising new FR-β–targeted tracer for imaging macrophage-associated inflammation.
A single-center retrospective safety analysis of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors concurrent with radiation therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Guerini Andrea Emanuele , Pedretti Sara , Salah Emiliano , Simoncini Edda Lucia , Maddalo Marta , Pegurri Ludovica , Pedersini Rebecca , Vassalli Lucia , Pasinetti Nadia , Peretto Gloria , Triggiani Luca , Costantino Gianluca , Figlia Vanessa , Alongi Filippo , Magrini Stefano Maria , Buglione Michela
Published: August 2020

Cyclin dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors gained an essential role in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Nevertheless, data regarding their use in combination with radiotherapy are still scarce. We performed a retrospective preliminary analysis of breast cancer patients treated at our Center with palliative radiation therapy and concurrent CDK4/6 inhibitors. Toxicities were measured according to CTCAE 4.0, local response according to RECIST 1.1 or PERCIST 1.0 and pain control using verbal numeric scale. 18 patients (32 treated sites) were identified; 50% received palbociclib, 33.3% ribociclib and 16.7% abemacliclib. Acute non-hematologic toxicity was fair, with the only exception of a patient who developed G3 ileitis. During 3 months following RT, 61.1% of patients developed G 3–4 neutropenia; nevertheless no patient required permanent suspension of treatment. Pain control was complete in 88.2% of patients three months after radiotherapy; 94.4% of patients achieved and maintained local control of disease. Radiotherapy concomitant to CDK4/6 inhibitors is feasible and characterized by a fair toxicity profile, with isolated episodes of high-grade reversible intestinal toxicity. Rate of G 3–4 neutropenia was comparable with that measured for CDK4/6 inhibitors alone. Promising results were reported in terms of pain relief and local control of disease.
Incidence, determinants and prognostic relevance of dyspnea at admission in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: results from the international multicenter GEIST registry
Authors: Arcari Luca , Musumeci Maria Beatrice , Stiermaier Thomas , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Möller Christian , Guerra Federico , Novo Giuseppina , Mariano Enrica , Limite Luca Rosario , Cacciotti Luca , Semeraro Raffaella , Volpe Massimo , Romeo Francesco , Caldarola Pasquale , Thiele Holger , Akin Ibrahim , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Eitel Ingo , Santoro Francesco
Published: August 2020

Clinical presentation of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) may range from acute chest pain to dyspnea: the prognostic role of clinical onset is still controversial. Aim of this study was therefore to investigate the prognostic relevance of dyspnea at presentation in patients with TTS. We analyzed 1,071 TTS patients (median age 72 years, 90% female) enrolled in the international multicenter GEIST registry. Patients were divided according to the presence or absence of dyspnea at hospital admission, as clinically assessed by the accepting physician. The primary endpoint was occurrence of in-hospital complications defined as a composite of pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock and death. Overall, 316 (30%) patients presented with dyspnea at hospital admission. Diabetes, lower left ventricular ejection fraction and presence of pulmonary disease or atrial fibrillation were independently associated with dyspnea. In-hospital pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock and death (17% vs. 3%, p < 0.001; 12% vs. 7%, p = 0.009; 5% vs. 2%, p = 0.004 respectively) and long-term overall mortality (22% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) occurred more frequently in patients with dyspnea than in those without. At multivariable analysis, dyspnea at presentation remained independently associated to both the composite primary endpoint [odds ratio 2.98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95–4.59, p < 0.001] and all-cause mortality [hazard ratio 2.03 (95% CI 1.37–2.99), p < 0.001]. Dyspnea at presentation is common in TTS and is independently associated with in-hospital complications and impaired long-term prognosis. Thorough symptom assessment including dyspnea therefore represents a valuable tool to potentially optimize risk-stratification models for TTS patients.
Identification of substances which regulate activity of corticotropin-releasing factor-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Mukai Yasutaka , Nagayama Ayako , Itoi Keiichi , Yamanaka Akihiro
Published: August 2020

The stress response is a physiological system for adapting to various internal and external stimuli. Corticotropin-releasing factor-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN-CRF neurons) are known to play an important role in the stress response as initiators of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. However, the mechanism by which activity of PVN-CRF neurons is regulated by other neurons and bioactive substances remains unclear. Here, we developed a screening method using calcium imaging to identify how physiological substances directly affect the activity of PVN-CRF neurons. We used acute brain slices expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator in PVN-CRF neurons using CRF-Cre recombinase mice and an adeno-associated viral vector under Cre control. PVN-CRF neurons were divided into ventral and dorsal portions. Bath application of candidate substances revealed 12 substances that increased and 3 that decreased intracellular calcium concentrations. Among these substances, angiotensin II and histamine mainly increased calcium in the ventral portion of the PVN-CRF neurons via AT1 and H1 receptors, respectively. Conversely, carbachol mainly increased calcium in the dorsal portion of the PVN-CRF neurons via both nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Our method provides a precise and reliable means of evaluating the effect of a substance on PVN-CRF neuronal activity.
Construct a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA regulatory network to explore potential pathogenesis and therapy options of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bai Shuheng , Wu YinYing , Yan Yanli , Shao Shuai , Zhang Jiangzhou , Liu Jiaxin , Hui Beina , Liu Rui , Ma Hailin , Zhang Xiaozhi , Ren Juan
Published: August 2020

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most representative subtype of renal cancer. CircRNA acts as a kind of ceRNA to play a role in regulating microRNA (miRNA) in many cancers. However, the potential pathogenesis role of the regulatory network among circRNA/miRNA/mRNA is not clear and has not been fully explored. CircRNA expression profile data were obtained from GEO datasets, and the differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified through utilizing R package (Limma) firstly. Secondly, miRNAs that were regulated by these circRNAs were predicted by using Cancer-specific circRNA database and Circular RNA Interactome. Thirdly, some related genes were identified by intersecting targeted genes, which was predicted by a web tool (miRWalk) and differentially expressed genes, which was obtained from TCGA datasets. Function enrichment was analyzed, and a PPI network was constructed by Cytoscape software and DAVID web set. Subsequently, ten hub-genes were screened from the network, and the overall survival time in patients of ccRCC with abnormal expression of these hub-genes were completed by GEPIA web set. In the last, a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA regulatory network was constructed, and potential compounds and drug which may have the function of anti ccRCC were forecasted by taking advantage of CMap and PharmGKB datasets. Six DECs (hsa_circ_0029340, hsa_circ_0039238, hsa_circ_0031594, hsa_circ_0084927, hsa_circ_0035442, hsa_circ_0025135) were obtained and six miRNAs (miR-1205, miR-657, miR-587, miR-637, miR-1278, miR-548p) which are regulated by three circRNAs (hsa_circ_0084927, hsa_circ_0035442, hsa_circ_0025135) were also predicted. Then 497 overlapped genes regulated by these six miRNAs above had been predicted, and function enrichment analysis revealed these genes are mainly linked with some regulation functions of cancers. Ten hub-genes (PTGER3, ADCY2, APLN, CXCL5, GRM4, MCHR1, NPY5R, CXCR4, ACKR3, MTNR1B) have been screened from a PPI network. PTGER3, ADCY2, CXCL5, GRM4 and APLN were identified to have a significant effect on the overall survival time of patients with ccRCC. Furthermore, one compound (josamycin) and four kinds of drugs (capecitabine, hmg-coa reductase inhibitors, ace Inhibitors and bevacizumab) were confirmed as potential therapeutic options for ccRCC by CMap analysis and pharmacogenomics analysis. This study implies the potential pathogenesis of the regulatory network among circRNA/miRNA/mRNA and provides some potential therapeutic options for ccRCC.
Classification of cervical neoplasms on colposcopic photography using deep learning
Authors: Cho Bum-Joo , Choi Youn Jin , Lee Myung-Je , Kim Ju Han , Son Ga-Hyun , Park Sung-Ho , Kim Hong-Bae , Joo Yeon-Ji , Cho Hye-Yon , Kyung Min Sun , Park Young-Han , Kang Byung Soo , Hur Soo Young , Lee Sanha , Park Sung Taek
Published: August 2020

Colposcopy is widely used to detect cervical cancers, but experienced physicians who are needed for an accurate diagnosis are lacking in developing countries. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been recently used in computer-aided diagnosis showing remarkable promise. In this study, we developed and validated deep learning models to automatically classify cervical neoplasms on colposcopic photographs. Pre-trained convolutional neural networks were fine-tuned for two grading systems: the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) system and the lower anogenital squamous terminology (LAST) system. The multi-class classification accuracies of the networks for the CIN system in the test dataset were 48.6 ± 1.3% by Inception-Resnet-v2 and 51.7 ± 5.2% by Resnet-152. The accuracies for the LAST system were 71.8 ± 1.8% and 74.7 ± 1.8%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for discriminating high-risk lesions from low-risk lesions by Resnet-152 was 0.781 ± 0.020 for the CIN system and 0.708 ± 0.024 for the LAST system. The lesions requiring biopsy were also detected efficiently (AUC, 0.947 ± 0.030 by Resnet-152), and presented meaningfully on attention maps. These results may indicate the potential of the application of AI for automated reading of colposcopic photographs.
Kinetic modelling of myocardial necrosis biomarkers offers an easier, reliable and more acceptable assessment of infarct size
Authors: Chadet Stéphanie , Ternant David , Roubille François , Bejan-Angoulvant Theodora , Prunier Fabrice , Mewton Nathan , Paintaud Gilles , Ovize Michel , Dupuy Anne Marie , Angoulvant Denis , Ivanes Fabrice
Published: August 2020

Infarct size is a major prognostic factor in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It is often assessed using repeated blood sampling and the estimation of biomarker area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) in translational research. We aimed at developing limited sampling strategies (LSS) to accurately estimate biomarker AUC using only a limited number of blood samples in STEMI patients. This retrospective study was carried out on pooled data from five clinical trials of STEMI patients (TIMI blood flow 0/1) studies where repeated blood samples were collected within 72 h after admission to assess creatine kinase (CK), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and muscle-brain CK (CK-MB). Biomarker kinetics was assessed using previously described biomarker kinetic models. A number of LSS models including combinations of 1 to 3 samples were developed to identify sampling times leading to the best estimation of AUC. Patients were randomly assigned to either learning (2/3) or validation (1/3) subsets. Descriptive and predictive performances of LSS models were compared using learning and validation subsets, respectively. An external validation cohort was used to validate the model and its applicability to different cTnI assays, including high-sensitive (hs) cTnI. 132 patients had full CK and cTnI dataset, 49 patients had CK-MB. For each biomarker, 180 LSS models were tested. Best LSS models were obtained for the following sampling times: T4–16 for CK, T8–T20 for cTnI and T8–T16 for CK-MB for 2-sample LSS; and T4–T16–T24 for CK, T4–T12–T20 for cTnI and T8–T16–T20 for CK-MB for 3-sample LSS. External validation was achieved on 103 anterior STEMI patients (TIMI flow 0/1), and the cTnI model applicability to recommended hs cTnI confirmed. Biomarker kinetics can be assessed with a limited number of samples using kinetic modelling. This opens the way for substantial simplification of future cardioprotection studies, more acceptable for the patients.
Role of Al in Na-ZSM-5 zeolite structure on catalyst stability in butene cracking reaction
Authors: Auepattana-aumrung Chanon , Márquez Victor , Wannakao Sippakorn , Jongsomjit Bunjerd , Panpranot Joongjai , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: August 2020

The Na-ZSM-5 catalysts (SiO2/Al2O3molar ratio = 20, 35, and 50) were prepared by rapid crystallization method to investigate their performance in butene cracking reaction. The XRD, XRF, NH3-TPD, FT-IR, TPO, UV–Vis, and1H,27Al,29Si MAS NMR techniques were used to identify the physical and chemical properties of Na-ZSM-5 catalysts. The silanol group (Si–OH) was the main acid site of Na-ZSM-5, and it was proposed to be the active site for the butene cracking reaction. The butene conversion and coke formation were associated with the abundance of silanol groups over the Na-ZSM-5 catalyst. The dealumination, resulting in the deformation of tetrahedral framework aluminum species was a key factor for Na-ZSM-5 catalyst deactivation, because of the Si–O–Al bond breaking and formation of Si–O–Si bond. The stability of the Si–O–Al bond was linked to the molar number of sodium since the Na atom interacts with the Si–O–Al bond to form Si–ONa–Al structure, which enhances the stability of the silanol group. Therefore, the Si–ONa–Al in zeolite framework was an essential structure to retain the catalyst stability during the reaction. The Na-ZSM-5 with the lowest SiO2/Al2O3molar ratio showed the best performance in this study resulting the highest propylene yield and catalyst stability.
Life cycle assessment of polyphenols extraction processes from waste biomass
Authors: Barjoveanu George , Pătrăuțanu Oana-Alexandra , Teodosiu Carmen , Volf Irina
Published: August 2020

Waste biomass from forestry and wood processing industries is a source to obtain fine chemicals, and its processing is a good example of circular economy, but it generates secondary environmental impacts. The main objective of this study was to analyse the environmental performances of laboratory scale processes for polyphenols extraction from spruce bark by means of life cycle assessment (LCA) and to simulate and evaluate the scale-up possibilities of the most favourable alternative. The assessed extraction processes were: a classic Soxhlet extraction using ethanol as solvent (SE), a high-temperature extraction in 1% NaOH solution (NaOH-SLE) and an ultrasound assisted extraction process (UAE). The functional unit was 1 mg of extracted polyphenols, measured as gallic acid equivalents (mg GAE)/g spruce bark. The life cycle inventory has included specific laboratory scale operations and extraction processes (infrastructure and transport processes were not considered). Life cycle impact assessment was performed with ReCipe 2016 at midpoint. For all extraction processes, the environmental profiles were dominated by the electricity use for heating and this has generated the highest impacts in most of the impact categories, followed by the production and use of ethanol as solvent. For the ultrasound assisted extraction, a scale-up scenario has proven that by raising capacity to a 30 L extraction vessel and by changing the heating source to a biomass-fired boiler, environmental impacts may be greatly diminished. The paper discusses also the uncertainty of lab-scale generated data for LCA. A sensitivity analysis has proven that for this case, the energy efficiency of different lab-scale equipment induce acceptable degrees of uncertainty for the LCA results.
HLAs associated with perampanel-induced psychiatric adverse effects in a Korean population
Authors: Jang Yoonhyuk , Kim Tae-Joon , Moon Jangsup , Yang Tae-Won , Kim Keun Tae , Park Byeong-Su , Lim Jung-Ah , Jun Jin-Sun , Lee Soon-Tae , Jung Keun-Hwa , Park Kyung-Il , Jung Ki-Young , Chu Kon , Lee Sang Kun
Published: August 2020

Perampanel (PER) is a new-generation antiepileptic drug that has an occasional but significant shortcoming, psychiatric adverse effects (PAEs). Recently, antiepileptic drug-related adverse reactions, such as skin rash and even PAEs, have been discovered to be correlated with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types. Thus, we aimed to analyze specific HLA alleles as risk factors for PER-PAEs. We prospectively enrolled 17 patients with epilepsy who were prescribed PER between May 2016 and Jul 2018 at Seoul National University Hospital and developed PAEs while taking PER. Their HLA types were analyzed compared to those of 19 patients in the PAE-tolerant group and the general Korean population. In silico docking was performed with two different computational programs, AutoDock Vina and SwissDock, to theoretically evaluate the binding affinity of PER in the grooves of the specific HLA alleles. The HLA-DQB1*06:01, DRB1*08:03, and B*54:01 alleles were significantly associated with the patients who developed PER-PAEs compared with the general Korean population (odds ratio [OR] 3.94, p = 0.008, OR 9.24, p = 0.037, and OR 3.25, p = 0.041, respectively). As a haplotype, the combination of the three alleles was significantly more frequent in the PER-PAE group than in both the PER-tolerant group and the general Korean population. DQB1*06:01 and B*54:01 also demonstrated higher docking scores with PER than other alleles. This is the first study to analyze the association of PER-PAEs with specific HLA genotypes. Our results suggest that an HLA-associated genetic predisposition and a possible immunological mechanism are involved in the occurrence of PER-PAEs.
First characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of fungal plant-pathogen Monilinia laxa which represents the mobile intron rich structure
Authors: Yildiz Gozde , Ozkilinc Hilal
Published: August 2020

Monilinia laxa is an important fungal plant pathogen causing brown rot on many stone and pome fruits worldwide. Mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) plays a critical role in evolutionary biology of the organisms. This study aimed to characterize the complete mitogenome of M. laxa by using next-generation sequencing and approaches of de novo assembly and annotation. The total length of the mitogenome of M. laxa was 178,357 bp, and its structure was circular. GC content of the mitogenome was 30.1%. Annotation of the mitogenome presented 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 32 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), 1 gene encoding mitochondrial ribosomal protein S3, 14 protein-coding genes and 15 open reading frame encoding hypothetical proteins. Moreover, the group I mobile introns encoding homing endonucleases including LAGLIDADG and GIY-YIG families were found both within coding regions (genic) and intergenic regions of the mitogenome, indicating an enlarged size and a dynamic structure of the mitogenome. Furthermore, a comparative mitogenomic analysis was performed between M. laxa and the three closely related fungal phytopathogen species (Botryotinia fuckeliana, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and, S. borealis). Due to the number and distribution of introns, the large extent of structural rearrangements and diverse mitogenome sizes were detected among the species investigated. Monilinia laxa presented the highest number of homing endonucleases among the fungal species considered in the analyses. This study is the first to report a detailed annotation of the mitogenome of an isolate of M. laxa, providing a solid basis for further investigations of mitogenome variations for the other Monilinia pathogens causing brown rot disease.
Genetic markers and continuity of healthy metabolic status: Tehran cardio-metabolic genetic study (TCGS)
Authors: Gharooi Ahangar Omid , Javanrouh Niloufar , Daneshpour Maryam S. , Barzin Maryam , Valizadeh Majid , Azizi Fereidoun , Hosseinpanah Farhad
Published: August 2020

Obese individuals can be categorized as “healthy obese” (MHO) and “unhealthy obese” (MUO) based on the presence or absence of metabolic abnormality. This study sets out to assess potential genetic causes behind persistence of healthy metabolic status in individuals categorized as “healthy obese”. This study was conducted in the framework of the Tehran cardio-metabolic genetic study (TCGS). 766 MHO subjects at the start of the study followed up 15 years for occurrence of metabolic unhealthy status. These two groups (persistent MHO, MUO) were compared regarding the presence or absence of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified as being associated with obesity phenotype in previous studies. We used logistic regression model for assessing the association between MHO/MUO with candidate SNPs. By the end of the follow up, 206 (27%) were categorized as the persistent MHO and 560 (73%) as MUO groups. Considering interaction effect between some SNP and sex, a sex stratification analysis was applied. When the analysis was performed by gender, rs1121980 associated with a decrease, and rs7903146 with an increase in the likelihood of persistent MHO individuals. Another analysis was separately performed on postmenopausal women from both groups; it showed that rs13107325 was associated with an increase in the likelihood of persistent MHO status in this subgroup of woman. In all cases, the markers had dominant inheritance. This findings suggest that the expression of some genetic markers are associated with persistence of healthy metabolic status, in female obese individuals.
Development and clinical application of deep learning model for lung nodules screening on CT images
Authors: Cui Sijia , Ming Shuai , Lin Yi , Chen Fanghong , Shen Qiang , Li Hui , Chen Gen , Gong Xiangyang , Wang Haochu
Published: August 2020

Lung cancer screening based on low-dose CT (LDCT) has now been widely applied because of its effectiveness and ease of performance. Radiologists who evaluate a large LDCT screening images face enormous challenges, including mechanical repetition and boring work, the easy omission of small nodules, lack of consistent criteria, etc. It requires an efficient method for helping radiologists improve nodule detection accuracy with efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Many novel deep neural network-based systems have demonstrated the potential for use in the proposed technique to detect lung nodules. However, the effectiveness of clinical practice has not been fully recognized or proven. Therefore, the aim of this study to develop and assess a deep learning (DL) algorithm in identifying pulmonary nodules (PNs) on LDCT and investigate the prevalence of the PNs in China. Radiologists and algorithm performance were assessed using the FROC score, ROC-AUC, and average time consumption. Agreement between the reference standard and the DL algorithm in detecting positive nodules was assessed per-study by Bland–Altman analysis. The Lung Nodule Analysis (LUNA) public database was used as the external test. The prevalence of NCPNs was investigated as well as other detailed information regarding the number of pulmonary nodules, their location, and characteristics, as interpreted by two radiologists.
Mating and parenting experiences sculpture mood-modulating effects of oxytocin-MCH signaling
Authors: Phan Joseph , Alhassen Lamees , Argelagos Allan , Alhassen Wedad , Vachirakorntong Benjamin , Lin Zitong , Sanathara Nayna , Alachkar Amal
Published: August 2020

The two hypothalamic neuropeptides oxytocin and melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) share several physiological actions such as the control of maternal care, sexual behavior, and emotions. In this study, we uncover the role for the oxytocin-MCH signaling pathway in mood regulation. We identify discrete effects of oxytocin-MCH signaling on depressive behavior and demonstrate that parenting and mating experiences shape these effects. We show that the selective deletion of OXT receptors from MCH neurons increases and decreases depressive behavior in sexually naïve and late postpartum female mice respectively, with no effect on sexually naïve male mice. We demonstrate that both parenting experience and mood-regulating effects of oxytocin-MCH are associated with synaptic plasticity in the reward and fear circuits revealed by the alterations of Arc expressions, which are associated with the depressive behavior. Finally, we uncover the sex-dependent effects of mating on depressive behavior; while the sexual activity reduces the basal levels of depressive behavior in male mice, it reduces in female mice evoked-depression only. We demonstrate that the oxytocin-MCH pathway mediates the effects of sexual activity on depressive behavior. Our data suggest that the oxytocin-MCH pathway can serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of major depression and postpartum mood disorders.
Tobamoviruses can be frequently present in the oropharynx and gut of infants during their first year of life
Authors: Aguado-García Yarenci , Taboada Blanca , Morán Patricia , Rivera-Gutiérrez Xaira , Serrano-Vázquez Angélica , Iša Pavel , Rojas-Velázquez Liliana , Pérez-Juárez Horacio , López Susana , Torres Javier , Ximénez Cecilia , Arias Carlos F.
Published: August 2020

Plant viruses have been reported to be common in the gut of human adults, presumably as result of food ingestion. In this work, we report that plant viruses can also be found frequently in the gut and oropharynx of children during their first year of life, even when they are exclusively breast-fed. Fecal and oropharynx samples were collected monthly, from birth to 1 year of age, from three apparently healthy children in a semi-rural community and analyzed by next generation sequencing. In 100% of the fecal samples and 65% of the oropharynx samples at least one plant virus was identified. Tobamoviruses in the Virgaviridae family were by far the most frequently detected, with tropical soda apple mosaic virus, pepper mild mottle virus, and opuntia tobamovirus 2 being the most common species. Seventeen complete virus genomes could be assembled, and phylogenetic analyses showed a large diversity of virus strains circulating in the population. These results suggest that children are continuously exposed to an extensive and highly diverse collection of tobamoviruses. Whether the common presence of plant viruses at an early age influences the infant’s immune system, either directly or through interaction with other members of the microbiota, remains to be investigated.
Author Correction: Diethylcarbamazine activates TRP channels including TRP-2 in filaria, Brugia malayi
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Kashyap Sudhanva S. , Robertson Alan P. , Martin Richard J.
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Two-photon comb with wavelength conversion and 20-km distribution for quantum communication
Authors: Niizeki Kazuya , Yoshida Daisuke , Ito Ko , Nakamura Ippei , Takei Nobuyuki , Okamura Kotaro , Zheng Ming-Yang , Xie Xiu-Ping , Horikiri Tomoyuki
Published: August 2020

Quantum computing and quantum communication, have been greatly developed in recent years and expected to contribute to quantum internet technologies, including cloud quantum computing and unconditionally secure communication. However, long-distance quantum communication is challenging mainly because of optical fiber losses; quantum repeaters are indispensable for fiber-based transmission because unknown quantum states cannot be amplified with certainty. In this study, we demonstrate a versatile entanglement source in the telecom band for fiber-based quantum internet, which has a narrow linewidth of sub-MHz range, entanglement fidelity of more than 95%, and Bell-state generation even with frequency multimode. Furthermore, after a total distribution length of 20-km in fiber, two-photon correlation is observed with an easily identifiable normalized correlation coefficient, despite the limited bandwidth of the wavelength converter. The presented implementation promises an efficient method for entanglement distribution that is compatible with quantum memory and frequency-multiplexed long-distance quantum communication applications.
Injectable pH and redox dual responsive hydrogels based on self-assembled peptides for anti-tumor drug delivery
Authors: Zhu Ying , Wang Liying , Li Yiping , Huang Zhewei , Luo Shiyao , He Yue , Han Han , Raza Faisal , Wu Jun , Ge Liang
Published: August 2020

Dual responsive and injectable peptide hydrogels that form gels in vitro control the release of antitumor drugs in vivo.
Ultradeep hydrodesulfurization of fuel over superior NiMoS phases constructed by a novel Ni(MoS4)2(C13H30N)2 precursor
Authors: Xu Jundong , Wen Chenglong , He Shuisen , Fan Yu
Published: August 2020

Ni(MoS4)2(C13H30N)2 was synthesized and adopted for preparing a NiMoS/γ-Al2O3 hydrodesulfurization catalyst, and the as-prepared catalyst exhibits superior 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene hydrodesulfurization activity.
Heterobimetallic propargyl gold complexes with π-bound copper or silver with enhanced anticancer activity
Authors: Johnson Alice , Marzo Isabel , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: August 2020

Heterometallic propargyl gold species in which copper or silver is bound to the triple bond were prepared. The bimetallic complexes had improved activities compared to the mononuclear gold complexes, suggesting a possible synergy between the two metal centres within the cell.
Applications of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to heavy main-group radicals
Authors: Cutsail George E.
Published: August 2020

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy continues to offer powerful electronic insight into the nature of heavy main-group radical centres.
Formation of a robust, double-walled LiMOF from an L-shaped di-substituted N-heterocyclic adamantane-based ligand
Authors: Houlihan Joanna C. C. , Moratti Stephen C. , Hanton Lyall R.
Published: August 2020

Reaction of a new adamantane-based ligand L1 with LiOH provides a rare example of a Li MOF which is porous, double walled and both thermally and hydrolytically stable.
Identical anomalous Raman relaxation exponent in a family of single ion magnets: towards reliable Raman relaxation determination?
Authors: Handzlik Gabriela , Magott Michał , Arczyński Mirosław , Sheveleva Alena M. , Tuna Floriana , Baran Stanisław , Pinkowicz Dawid
Published: August 2020

The results described herein suggest that the exponentnfor the temperature dependence of the Raman relaxation process in the series of solid-state diluted isostructural LnIIISIMs should be identical.
Assembly pattern of multicomponent supramolecular oleogel composed of ceramide and lecithin in sunflower oil: self-assembly or self-sorting?
Authors: Guo Shenglan , Song Mingyue , Gao Xiangyang , Dong Lulu , Hou Tao , Lin Xiaokun , Tan Weijie , Cao Yong , Rogers Michael , Lan Yaqi
Published: August 2020

Ceramide and lecithin formed oleogels with different behaviors. Results indicated that they co-assembled at approximately equal molar ratio, and the redundant gelator in other ratios self-sorted to combine with the co-assembled fibers.
Merits of microwave plasmas for optical emission spectrometry – characterization of an axially viewed microwave-sustained, inductively coupled, atmospheric-pressure plasma (MICAP)
Authors: Wiltsche Helmar , Wolfgang Matthias
Published: August 2020

The MICAP is a microwave driven plasma source employing nitrogen as the plasma gas. In this work we compare LODs and LOQs obtained in axial viewing with those obtained by ICP-OES and evaluate the effect of air instead of nitrogen as the plasma gas.
Electron transport in a sequentially doped naphthalene diimide polymer
Authors: Al Kurdi Khaled , Gregory Shawn A. , Jhulki Samik , Conte Maxwell , Barlow Stephen , Yee Shannon K. , Marder Seth R.
Published: August 2020

Sequential doping of PNBS, notably with (N-DMBI)2, is studied using UV-vis.-NIR spectroscopy, GIXRD, and variable-temperature conductivity measurements.
Engineering TiO2nanosheets with exposed (001) facetsviathe incorporation of Au clusters for boosted photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Zhuang Huaqiang , Huang Jiale , Xu Wentao , Lin Liqin , Zheng Yanmei , Li Qingbiao
Published: August 2020

Incorporation of glutathione-protected Au clusters to TiO2nanosheets as a photosensitizer and cocatalyst triggers and significantly improves their hydrogen generation performance under simulated solar light or visible light irradiation.
Carbon-supported Ni and MoO2 nanoparticles with Fe3O4 cores as a protein adsorbent
Authors: Zhang Lina , Zhang Min , Liu Libin , Wang Yanqin , Zheng Jing , Xu Jingli
Published: August 2020

Here we have fabricated hierarchical structures of Fe3O4@MoO2∩C–Ni and Fe3O4@C∩MoO2–Ni composites using two different synthetic strategies, which can be used for histidine-rich protein separation.
Structure, conformational properties and matrix photochemistry ofS-(tert-butyl)trifluorothioacetate CF3C(O)SC(CH3)3
Authors: Cayón Vanina M. , Erben Mauricio F. , Romano Rosana M. , Stammler Hans-Georg , Mitzel Norbert W. , Della Védova Carlos O.
Published: August 2020

CF3C(O)SC(CH3)3species adopts a synperiplanar conformation withCssymmetry. After UV-visible broadband light irradiation in matrix conditions CF3C(O)SC(CH3)3photoevolves to CF3SC(CH3)3and CO.
Engineering of an archaeal phosphodiesterase to trigger aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of synthetic substrates
Authors: Zhang Yunlong , Wu Zhiyuan , Takashima Ippei , Nguyen Kathy-Uyen , Matsumoto Nobuyuki , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: August 2020

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probes that can be triggered by enzymatic activity are valuable for applications across the life sciences.
Correction: Removal of paraquat from aqueous solutions by a bentonite modified zero-valent iron adsorbent
Authors: Dehghani Zahra , Sedghi-Asl Mohammad , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Sabzehmeidani Mohammad Mehdi , Adhami Ebrahim
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘Removal of paraquat from aqueous solutions by a bentonite modified zero-valent iron adsorbent’ by Zahra Dehghani et al., New J. Chem., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0nj02259d.
Tuning the optical properties of N-aryl benzothiadiazole via Cu(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular C–H amination: the impact of the molecular structure on aggregation and solid state luminescence
Authors: Zhao Yingnan , Ding Jie , Han Xiao , Geng Ting , Zhou Xiuwen , Hu Chen , Wang Yashu , Xiao Guanjun , Zou Bo , Hou Hongwei
Published: August 2020

The optical performance of 1–3 was influenced by the subtle change of the molecular structure as expected.
Fabrication of a paper strip for facile and rapid detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus via signal enhancement by copper polyhedral nanoshells
Authors: Kim Min Woo , Park Hong-Je , Park Chan Yeong , Kim Ji Hong , Cho Chae Hwan , Phan Le Minh Tu , Park Jong Pil , Kailasa Suresh Kumar , Lee Chi-Ho , Park Tae Jung
Published: August 2020

A rapid and simple affinity dot-blotting scheme via signal enhancement by copper nano-polyhedral shells on the surface of gold nanoparticles.
High-throughput in-focus differential interference contrast imaging of three-dimensional orientations of single gold nanorods coated with a mesoporous silica shell
Authors: Kim Geun Wan , Yoon Seokyoung , Lee Jung Heon , Ha Ji Won
Published: August 2020

Spherical AuNRs@mSiO2 have randomly oriented AuNR cores in 3D space, which could be resolved on the same focal plane by interference-based DIC microscopy.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of hybrid 1D core–shell structured nanocomposites based on ZnO/polydopamine
Authors: Fedorenko Viktoriia , Viter Roman , Mrówczyński Radosław , Damberga Daina , Coy Emerson , Iatsunskyi Igor
Published: August 2020

The results shown in this study provide a unique insight into the optical and electronic processes of the ZnO/PDA interface.
SnO–Sn3O4 heterostructural gas sensor with high response and selectivity to parts-per-billion-level NO2 at low operating temperature
Authors: Zeng Wenwen , Liu Yingzhi , Chen Guoliang , Zhan Haoran , Mei Jun , Luo Nan , He Zhoukun , Tang Changyu
Published: August 2020

A novel SnO–Sn3O4 heterostructural gas sensor with high response and selectivity to ppb-level NO2 at 75 °C and room temperature.
Revisiting the photochemical synthesis of [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics: reaction optimization, mechanistic study and electrochemical behaviour
Authors: Aguado Sergio , Casarrubios Luis , Ramírez de Arellano Carmen , Sierra Miguel A.
Published: August 2020

The photochemistry of [(μ-S)2Fe2(CO)6] and alkenes or alkynes has been developed to a synthetically useful level. Computational data and electrochemistry of the photoadducts show interesting properties of these compounds.
The noncovalent dimerization of a G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme improves its biocatalytic properties
Authors: Cheng Yu , Cheng Mingpan , Hao Jingya , Jia Guoqing , Monchaud David , Li Can
Published: August 2020

Cofactor hemin is sandwiched between 3′ homodimeric G-quadruplexes, leading to an excellent DNAzyme as a mimic of peroxidase and monooxygenase.
Challenging the Ostwald rule of stages in mechanochemical cocrystallisation
Authors: Germann Luzia S. , Arhangelskis Mihails , Etter Martin , Dinnebier Robert E. , Friščić Tomislav
Published: August 2020

The choice of milling assembly (jar and ball material, number and size of balls) can be used to direct polymorphism in mechanochemical cocrystallisation, enabling the selective synthesis, and even reversible interconversion of cocrystal polymorphs.
An ultralow-temperature superelastic polymer aerogel with high strength as a great thermal insulator under extreme conditions
Authors: Wang Ting , Long Man-Cheng , Zhao Hai-Bo , Liu Bo-Wen , Shi Hai-Gang , An Wen-Li , Li Shu-Liang , Xu Shi-Mei , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: August 2020

Taking advantage of structural elastic strategy to create polymer aerogels with ultralow-temperature superelasticity. The aerogels also display low thermal conductivity, excellent thermal insulation under harsh conditions, flame retardancy, and performance stability.
Recent developments and perspectives in CdS-based photocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Nasir Jamal Abdul , Rehman Zia ur , Shah Syed Niaz Ali , Khan Azam , Butler Ian S. , Catlow C. Richard A.
Published: August 2020

Over the past decades, visible-light-driven water splitting on CdS has gained substantial attention owing to its low cost, appropriate bandgap, and electron affinity that best fit the visible light absorption spectrum.
Biocompatible nitrogen-doped carbon dots: synthesis, characterization, and application
Authors: Park Yoonsang , Kim Yujin , Chang Heemin , Won Sungyeon , Kim Hyemin , Kwon Woosung
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots have emerged as a biocompatible functional carbon nanomaterial for a variety of biomedical applications such as optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy.