bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of patient subgroups with unfavorable long‐term outcomes associated with laparoscopic surgery in a randomized controlled trial comparing open and laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer (Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG0404)
Authors: Saito Shuji , Akagi Tomonori , Katayama Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Masashi , Inomata Masafumi , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Ito Masaaki , Kinugasa Yusuke , Egi Hiroyuki , Munakata Yasuhiro , Kokuba Yukihito , Bando Hiroyuki , Yasui Masayoshi , Ikeda Masataka , Nakajima Kentaro , Shida Dai , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Kitano Seigo ,   the Colorectal Cancer Study Group of Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: August 2021

Background

Previously, we conducted a randomized controlled trial (JCOG0404) for stage II/III colon cancer patients and reported that the long‐term survival after open surgery (OP) and laparoscopic surgery (LAP) were almost identical; however, JCOG0404 suggested that survival of patients after LAP with tumors located in the rectosigmoid colon, cT4 or cN2 tumors, and high body mass index (BMI) might be unfavorable.

Aim

To identify the patient subgroups associated with poor long‐term survival in the LAP arm compared with the OP arm.

Methods

Patients aged 20–75, clinical T3 or deeper lesion without involvement of other organs, clinical N0‐2 and M0 were included. The patients with pathological stage IV and R2 resection were excluded from the current analysis. In each subgroup, the hazard ratio for LAP (vs. OP) in overall survival (OS) from surgery was estimated using a multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for the clinical and pathological factors.

Results

In total, 1025 patients (OP, 511 and LAP, 514) were included in the current analysis. Adjusted hazards ratios for OS of patients with high BMI (>25 kg/m2), pT4, and pN2 in LAP were 3.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–9.19), 1.33 (0.73–2.41), and 1.74 (0.76–3.97), respectively. In contrast, that of rectosigmoid colon tumors was 0.98 (0.46–2.09).

Conclusions

Although LAP is an acceptable optional treatment for stage II/III colon cancer, the present subgroup analysis suggests that high BMI (>25 kg/m2), pT4, and pN2 except for RS were factors associated with unfavorable long‐term outcomes of LAP in patients with colon cancer who underwent curative resection. (JCOG 0404: NCT00147134/UMIN‐CTR: C000000105.)
Improved survival for young acute leukemia patients following a new donor hierarchy for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A phase III randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Xiao Haowen , Shi Jimin , Tan Yamin , Zhao Yanmin , Yu Jian , Lai Xiaoyu , Hu Yongxian , Zheng Weiyan , Luo Yi , Huang He
Published: August 2021

The aim of our study was to evaluate the most optimal donor for young acute leukemia (AL) patients with multiple donors available for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), including HLA‐matched sibling donors (MSDs), HLA‐matched unrelated donors (URDs), haploidentical parental donors (HPDs), and haploidentical sibling donors (HSDs). From March 2008 to December 2016, 430 AL patients ≤ 35 years of age were included in the discovery, retrospective study. Patients who received transplantation from a MSD or a HSD had better 5‐year OS rates compared with patients who received transplantation from a URD or a HPD. A superior graft‐versus‐leukemia effect was observed for high‐risk patients undergoing HSD‐HSCT with a lower relapse rate (p = 0.014) and a higher disease‐free survival (DFS) rate (p = 0.029) compared with those undergoing MSD‐HSCT. Outcomes of high‐risk patients receiving an URD or HPD were equivalent. For intermediate/standard‐risk patients, either a MSD or HSD may be the front‐line donor selection with comparable outcomes. HLA‐matched unrelated donors were preferred over HPDs with reduced non‐relapse mortality and higher overall survival (OS) and DFS rates. We further conducted an independent prospective randomized study to evaluate the survival advantage with the new donor hierarchy. Two hundred and fifty patients were randomly assigned to follow our new donor hierarchy or the traditional donor hierarchy at a 2:1 ratio. The new donor hierarchy contributed to significantly superior 2‐year OS and DFS rates (OS: 76.2% vs. 67.8%, p = 0.046; DFS: 71.8% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.039).
Influences of pretreatment, extraction variables, and post treatment on bench‐scale rice husk black ash (RHBA) processing to bio‐silica
Authors: Steven Soen , Restiawaty Elvi , Pasymi Pasymi , Bindar Yazid
Published: August 2021

Abundant availability and large silica content in rice husk black ash (RHBA) make the use of it very interesting to study. Many works only deal with lab‐scale rice husk ash extraction while the studies on bench‐scale RHBA extraction are still limited. This study, hence, presents the influence of pretreatment, extraction variables, and posttreatment on bench‐scale RHBA processing to bio‐silica. The pretreatment through acid leaching was carried out using HCl. The extraction was implemented under varying process variables such as alkaline‐to‐feed ratio (RA/F), extraction duration, and acid precipitation agent. According to this study, the highest extraction yield up to 98% was gained under RA/F 6 g/g and 1‐h extraction. The amorphous bio‐silica had an asymmetric siloxane bond and white appearance with a purity exceeding 95% and surface area up to 406.98 m2/g. Meanwhile, precipitation under HCl and H2SO4 had little impact on product purity and surface area. This study exhibits that acid leaching is executed to release mineral impurities but is still not sufficient to remove the remaining carbon content in bio‐silica. However, the contribution of refining process is able to do so. Moreover, the produced bio‐silica is suitable for adsorbent purposes which could adsorb up to 83.5% of 3‐monochloropropanediol compound.
Hierarchical Zeolites‐confined Metal Catalysts and Their Enhanced Catalytic Performances
Authors: Li Chengyang , Sun Peng , Li Fuwei
Published: August 2021

The confinement of metal species within hierarchical zeolites combines the acidic/basic sites of zeolites, the enhanced mass transfer of mesoporous system, and the inside active metal sites, leading to high activity, unique selectivity, and superior stability in chemicals synthesis, energy and environment catalysis. To date, review on this emerging topic is rarely reported. Herein, we classify five metals‐hierarchical zeolites composite (metal@hierarchical zeolites) according to the location of metals on hierarchical structure, including metals located on micropores, intercrystalline mesopores, intracrystalline mesopores, hollow nanobox and mesoporous shells. The synthesis and catalysis applications of metal@hierarchical zeolites composite are provided, highlighting the rational design of catalyst preparation, the improved catalytic efficiency and stability of metal species. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and future opportunities for this emerging field. This Review is expected to inspire more developments and applications of metal@hierarchical zeolites.
A successful method for phycocyanin extraction from Arthrospira platensis using [Emim] [EtSO4] ionic liquid
Authors: Sánchez‐Laso Jennifer , Piera Alejandro , Vicente Gemma , Bautista Luis Fernando , Rodríguez Rosalía , Espada Juan J.
Published: August 2021

Research into the extraction of phycobiliprotein from Arthrospira platensis is currently ongoing. Most traditional methods of phycobiliprotein extraction include the use of organic solvents, which negatively affect the sustainability of the process. Ionic liquids (ILs) are a promising alternative for phycobiliprotein extraction due to their properties as green solvents. In the present work an imidazolium‐based IL and sonication were studied for phycobiliprotein and carbohydrate extraction. A factorial experimental design was used to optimize the amount of extracted phycocyanin. The maximum extraction yield was achieved by using low biomass/solvent ratios combined with high IL/water ratios and sonication powers, and long operation times. The recovery of IL was studied under these conditions using a dialysis‐based process to separate the IL from the extracted phycobiliproteins. The results reveal the possibility of using the recovered IL for seven consecutive extraction cycles with an acceptable phycocyanin extraction amount, from 75 mg g−1 (fresh IL) to 60 mg g−1 (7 cycles of reused IL). The use of [Emim] [EtSO4] + ultrasound is a promising alternative for phycocyanin extraction, enhancing the results obtained with other IL in terms of extracted phycocyanin and the number of times the IL can be reused. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Exploring Innovative Leishmaniasis Treatment: Drug Targets from Pre‐Clinical to Clinical Findings
Authors: Santana Wanessa , de Oliveira Simone S. C. , Ramos Mariana H. , Santos André L. S. , Dolabella Silvio S. , Souto Eliana B. , Severino Patrícia , Jain Sona
Published: August 2021

Leishmaniasis is a group of tropical diseases caused by parasitic protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. The disease is categorized in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The conventional treatment is complex and can present high toxicity and therapeutic failures. Thus, there is a continuing need to develop new treatments. In this review, we focus on the novel molecules described in the literature with potential leishmanicidal activity, categorizing them in pre‐clinical (in vitro, in vivo), drug repurposing and clinical research.
Preparation and Characterization of Palladium Derivate‐Loaded Micelle Formulation in Vitro as an Innovative Therapy Option against Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Erkisa Merve , Ari Ferda , Büyükköroğlu Gülay , Şenel Behiye , Yilmaz Veysel Turan , Ulukaya Engin
Published: August 2021

Nanoparticles have been used in cancer treatments to target tumor and reduce side effects. In this study, we aimed to increase the effectiveness of palladium(II) complex [PdCl(terpy)](sac) ⋅ 2H2O, which previously showed anticancer potential, by preparing the nanoparticle formulation. An inhalable micellar dispersion containing a palladium(II) complex (PdNP) was prepared and its physicochemical characteristics were evaluated using in vitro tests. Morphology, size and surface charges of particle and loading/encapsulation efficiency of PdNP were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, zeta sizer and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry while aerosol properties of PdNP were measured by the next generation impactor. A549 and H1299 non‐small lung cancer cell types were used for cytotoxicity using SRB and ATP assays. Fluorescent staining and M30 antigen assay were carried out for cell death evaluation. Apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry analyses.

SEM, particle size, and zeta potential results showed the particles have inhalable properties. The amount of the palladium(II) complex loaded into the particles was quantified which indicated high encapsulation efficiencies (97 %). The micellar dispersion expected to reach the alveolar region and the brachial region was determined 35 % and 47 %, respectively. PdNP showed an anti‐growth effect by increasing reactive oxygen species that is followed by the induction of mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis that is evidenced by pyknotic nuclei and M30 antigen level increments and disruption of polarization of membrane in mitochondria (Δψm). The results show that PdNP might be a promising inhalable novel complex to be used in non‐small cell lung cancer, which warrants animal studies in further.
Individualizing risk assessment for conduction system injury after alcohol septal ablation
Authors: Postalian Alexander , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: August 2021

Key Points

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) carries a greater risk of complete heart block (CHB) than surgical myectomy.

The authors propose a risk score to help determine patients' individual risk of CHB, using preprocedural, procedural, and postprocedural factors.

These data may help guide temporary pacing time and postdischarge rhythm monitoring of patients after ASA.

Further data are still needed to better individualize CHB risk and perhaps to inform the choice between ASA and surgical myectomy if the risk is low.
It is all about the beans: How chronic kidney disease can affect outcomes in peripheral intervention
Authors: Patel Nachiket J. , Heuser Richard R.
Published: August 2021

Key Points

The study reported the difference in outcomes between CKD and non‐CKD patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization.

There was no difference in procedural success or target vessel revascularization between the CKD and non‐CKD groups.

CKD patients had higher limb amputation and lower survival at 12‐months.
New TAVR item added to cart for large scale clinical testing
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Lamelas Pablo M.
Published: August 2021

Key Points

There is no single TAVR prosthesis that can be considered ideal for all patients, needing the development of newer technologies.

The GENESIS trial tested 40 patients with the Hydra self‐expandable supra‐annular TAVR with promising results in terms of efficacy, paravalvular leak, and pacemaker risk.

Future larger experimental trials are needed to better understand its non‐inferiority to prior technologies.
Application of response surface methodology for optimization of wheat flour milling process
Authors: Kalitsis John , Minasny Budiman , Quail Ken , McBratney Alexander
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives

Flour millers are faced with constraints of having to meet proximate specifications, usually defined by supply contracts, while trying to maximize yield. The study investigated the application of response surface methodology (RSM), in a commercial scale flour mill, as a means of maximizing yield while meeting quality constraints.

Findings

This study utilized a Box–Behnken design to develop mathematical models using RSM to describe the effect of three independent variables, wheat conditioning level (12%–18%), first break roll gap (350–600 µm), and second break roll gap (200–600 µm) on the responses. The model R2 for the responses was .98, .96, .98, and .98 for ash, protein and moisture contents, and flour yield, respectively. All models were statistically significant (p < .05) and validated with four independent experiments. RSM models were used to optimize the process to produce flour with a protein content greater than 12.0%, ash content less than 0.54%, moisture content less than 14.5%, and yield greater than 84.2% on a clean wheat, unconditioned basis. This was achieved with conditioning wheat to 18.4%, first break roll gap of 450 µm, and second break roll gap of 250 µm.

Conclusion

The optimum mill settings resulted in a flour yield increase of 1.45% and reduction in ash content from 0.58% to 0.53%.

Significance and novelty

Using RSM, significant financial gains could be achieved by producing more flour from a given quantity of wheat with lower levels of bran contamination.
Phosphate‐Assisted Dispersion of Iron Phosphide in Carbon Nanosheets towards Efficient and Durable ORR Catalysts in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Xue Daxiang , Yu Fengjiao , Ying Qi , Wu Yufei , Lee Woo‐Jae , Kwon Se‐Hun , Yang Yang
Published: August 2021

High‐performance electrocatalysts, especially those consisting of earth abundant elements with low cost, are highly desirable for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, design of well‐dispersed ORR catalysts that are efficient in both acidic and alkaline media remains challenging. Herein, we report a phosphate‐regulated synthesis with phytic acid, by dispersing the active sites in the carbon nanosheets to obtain Fe2P/FeP nanoparticles encapsulated in P, N‐doped carbon (PNC). The active sites of Fe2P/FeP particles and P, N‐doping sites have a synergistic effect on the ORR reaction. The Fe2P/FeP‐PNC catalyst exhibits good ORR performance and stability in alkaline media. The half‐wave potential (0.85 V), and 5 mV shift after 5000 cycles of stability test for Fe2P/FeP‐PNC catalyst exceed those of commercial Pt/C (E1/2=0.84 V, 20 mV shift) under alkaline condition. The catalyst presents a half‐wave potential of 0.70 V and limited current density of 5.31 mA cm−2 in acidic media. We demonstrate a Zn‐air battery and a PEMFC with the Fe2P/FeP‐PNC as the cathodes, showing a high power density of 156.68 mW cm−2 and 144 mW cm−2 respectively in either the alkaline or acidic electrolytes.
Dynamic Relationship between Air Pollution and Economic Growth in Taiwan Deduced from Mathematical Models
Authors: Li Zhigang , Chen Wei‐Ting , Chang I‐Chia , Hung Chin‐Chao
Published: August 2021

Air pollution resulting from the rapid development of industries has become a serious environmental issue in Taiwan, although the blooming industrial activities have resulted in rapid economic growth. The consequences of rapid economic growth are reflected in air pollution. A statistical model and grey relational grade system are used to quantify the distribution of various air pollutants such as particulate matter 10, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone from 2008 to 2017. It is found that the gross domestic product (GDP) and air pollution display a positive correlation, whereby the p‐value is statistically significant at 5% confidence interval and the correlation coefficients between GDP and air pollution are positive at 0.056 and 6.59, respectively. Moreover, the relationship between air pollution and GDP displays similar trend for both seasonal and annual data. The empirical results of this study are robust during the northeast monsoon season because the values are found to be slightly higher in such season. Therefore, it can be suggested that the GDP growth in Taiwan is significantly related to air pollution and the only optimal mechanism to avoid drastic climate change is to implement a balance between GDP growth and air pollution control.
Worldwide trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, with predictions for the next 15 years
Authors: Lin Shujuan , Gao Kai , Gu Simeng , You Liuqing , Qian Sangni , Tang Mengling , Wang Jianbing , Chen Kun , Jin Mingjuan
Published: August 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is 1 of the most common cancers in females worldwide. Understanding the most recent global patterns and temporal trends of cervical cancer burden might be helpful for its prevention and control.

Methods

Data on cervical cancer (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code C53) incidence and mortality in 2018 were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2018 database and further analyzed for their correlations with the Human Development Index. Temporal trends were analyzed using the annual percent change with joinpoint analysis among 31 countries with highly qualified data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus and World Health Organization mortality databases. Future trends for the next 15 years were predicted using an open‐source age‐period‐cohort model.

Results

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates were both negatively correlated with the Human Development Index (r = −0.56 for incidence, r = −0.69 for mortality; P < .001) in cross‐sectional analysis, and both remained stable in 12 countries or even decreased in 14 and 18 countries for incidence and mortality, respectively, during the most recent 10 data years. Similar findings were observed for the next 15 years.

Conclusions

Cervical cancer burden was correlated with socioeconomic development. An overwhelming majority of countries had stable or decreasing trends in incidence and mortality rates, especially in those with effective cervical cancer screening programs and human papillomavirus vaccination.

Lay Summary

The authors investigated the most up‐to‐date data from official databases released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and found that cervical cancer incidence and mortality were negatively correlated with socioeconomic development.

Among the 31 countries analyzed, most (26 countries were analyzed for incidence, and 30 were analyzed for mortality) had stable or even decreasing temporal trends over the most recent 10 years, especially in those with effective cervical cancer screening programs.

In addition, the predicted trends for the next 15 years were basically consistent with the observed trends among most of the analyzed countries (19 countries for incidence and 26 countries for mortality).
Adaptive virtual anchor node based underwater localization using improved shortest path algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique
Authors: Saha Souvik , Arya Rajeev Kumar
Published: August 2021

Detection and accurate position estimation have become an essential task for any static underwater acoustic sensor networks. Many localization schemes have been introduced in the field of terrestrial WSN over the last few decades. These schemes are still not perfectly realizable in a harsh underwater environment due to their erroneous communication channel and infrastructure‐less environment. Limited localization coverage, propagation error, and accuracy are the major drawbacks in acoustic communication. This article proposed an adaptive virtual anchor node based on the improved shortest path algorithm with PSO technique. The main advantages of this proposed scheme are divided into two parts. First, introducing an enhanced shortest path algorithm can reduce the propagation error generated through multi‐hop zigzag movement and improve the coverage. Second, the particle swarm optimization algorithm with virtual anchor nodes can significantly enhance the accuracy by reducing the errors to localize the unknown nodes. Investigational results manifest that the proposed methodology performed better than the Improved DV‐Hop +PSO, IRL‐WOA, and basic DV‐Hop methods as far as their restriction. The proposed method improved 23%, 30%, and 35% better localization error, 10%, 15%, and 22% better relative localization error, and 10%, 18%, and 25% better accuracy respectively.
Exploring Chemical Information in PubChem
Authors: Kim Sunghwan
Published: August 2021

PubChem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) is a public chemical database that serves scientific communities as well as the general public. This database collects chemical information from hundreds of data sources and organizes them into multiple data collections, including Substance, Compound, BioAssay, Protein, Gene, Pathway, and Patent. These collections are interlinked with each other, allowing users to discover related records in the various collections (e.g., drugs targeting a protein or genes modulated by a chemical). PubChem can be searched by keyword (e.g., a chemical, protein, or gene name) as well as by chemical structure. The input structure can be provided using popular line notations or drawn with the PubChem Sketcher. PubChem supports various types of structure searches, including identity search, 2‐D and 3‐D similarity searches, and substructure and superstructure searches. Results from multiple searches can be combined using Boolean operators (i.e., AND, OR, and NOT) to formulate complex queries. PubChem allows the user to quickly retrieve a list of records annotated with a particular classification or ontological term. This paper provides step‐by‐step instructions on how to explore PubChem data with examples of commonly requested tasks. © 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Finding genes and proteins that interact with a given compound

Basic Protocol 2: Finding drug‐like compounds similar to a query compound through a two‐dimensional (2‐D) similarity search

Basic Protocol 3: Finding compounds similar to a query compound through a three‐dimensional (3‐D) similarity search

Support Protocol: Computing similarity scores between compounds

Basic Protocol 4: Getting the bioactivity data for the hit compounds from substructure search

Basic Protocol 5: Finding drugs that target a particular gene

Basic Protocol 6: Getting bioactivity data of all chemicals tested against a protein.

Basic Protocol 7: Finding compounds annotated with classifications or ontological terms

Basic Protocol 8: Finding stereoisomers and isotopomers of a compound through identity search
LncRNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 shuttled by prostate cancer cells‐secreted exosomes initiates osteoblastic phenotypes in the bone metastatic microenvironment via miR‐205‐5p/runt‐related transcription factor 2/splicing factor proline‐ and glutamine‐rich/polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein 2 axis
Authors: Mo Chengqiang , Huang Bin , Zhuang Jintao , Jiang Shuangjian , Guo Shengjie , Mao Xiaopeng
Published: August 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) patients commonly present with osteoblastic‐type bone metastasis. Exosomes derived from tumor cells possess biological significance and can mediate intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is also implicated in the stability in tumorigenesis and the development of PCa, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Hence, the current study set out to investigate the physiological mechanisms by which exosomes‐encapsulated NEAT1 affects the progression of PCa. First, after isolation, we found PCa cell‐derived exosomes induced the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Besides, NEAT1 in PCa cells could be transferred into hBMSCs via exosomes. Further gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experimentation revealed that NEAT1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of microRNA (miR)‐205‐5p to upregulate the runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) levels. Moreover, NEAT1 could promote the RUNX2 expression via the splicing factor proline‐ and glutamine‐rich (SFPQ)/polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein 2 (PTBP2) axis. Functional assays uncovered that NEAT1 shuttled by PCa‐exosomes facilitated the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralization of extracellular matrix, and continuously upregulated the levels of RUNX2, ALP, alpha‐1 type 1 collagen, and osteocalcin by regulating RUNX2, to induce the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Furthermore, in vivo experimentation confirmed that upregulated NEAT1 induced osteogenesis. Collectively, our findings indicated that PCa‐derived exosomes‐loaded NEAT1 upregulated RUNX2 to facilitate the osteogenesis of hBMSCs by competitively binding to miR‐205‐5p via the SFPQ/PTBP2 axis, therefore providing a potential therapeutic target to treat osteogenesis of hBMSCs in PCa. PCa cells secrete exosomes containing NEAT1, and NEAT1 exerts effects on osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in PCa. NEAT1 shuttled by PCa‐derived exosomes could be transferred into hBMSCs, where NEAT1 exerted inductive properties in osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through the upregulation of RUNX2 by competitively binding to miR‐205‐5p and regulating SFPQ/PTBP2 in vitro and in vivo.
Apolipoprotein C‐II induces EMT to promote gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Zhi , Xu En , Shen Xiaofei , Wang Xingzhou , Li Zijian , Yu Heng , Chen Kai , Hu Qiongyuan , Xia Xuefeng , Liu Song , Guan Wenxian
Published: August 2021

Background

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) occurs frequently in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and confers poor survival. Lipid metabolism acts as a non‐negligible regulator in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial for the metastasis of GC. As apolipoprotein C2 (APOC2) is a key activator of lipoprotein lipase for triglyceride metabolism, the exact mechanism of APOC2 remains largely unknown in GC.

Methods

Tandem mass tags identified differentially expressed proteins between human PM and GC tissues, and showed that APOC2 overexpressed in PM tissues, which was further confirmed by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Global gene expression changes were identified in APOC2 knockdown cells via RNA‐sequencing. The role of APOC2 in lipid metabolism of GC cells was assessed via the Seahorse XF analyzer and lipid staining assays. The biological role of APOC2 in GC cells was determined by 3D Spheroid invasion, apoptosis, colony formation, wound healing, transwell assay, and mouse models. The interaction between APOC2 and CD36 was analyzed by co‐immunoprecipitation and biolayer interferometry. The underlying mechanisms were investigated using western blot technique.

Results

APOC2 overexpressed in GC PM tissues. Upregulation of APOC2 correlated with a poor prognosis in GC patients. APOC2 promoted GC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation via CD36‐mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling activation. Furthermore, APOC2‐CD36 axis upregulated EMT markers of GC cells via increasing the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. Knockdown either APOC2 or CD36 inhibited the malignant phenotype of cancer cells, and delayed GC PM progression in murine GC models.

Conclusion

APOC2 cooperates with CD36 to induce EMT to promote GC PM via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. APOC2‐CD36 axis may be a potential target for the treatment of aggressive GC.
A microfluidic cytometer for white blood cell analysis
Authors: Peng Tao , Su Xinyue , Cheng Xingzhi , Wei Zewen , Su Xuantao , Li Qin
Published: August 2021

Despite the wide use of cytometry for white blood cell classification, the performance of traditional cytometers in point‐of‐care testing remains to be improved. Microfluidic techniques have been shown with considerable potentials in the development of portable devices. Here we present a prototype of microfluidic cytometer which integrates a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic focusing system and an on‐chip optical system to count and classify white blood cells. By adjusting the flow speed of sheath flow and sample flow, the blood cells can be horizontally and vertically focused in the center of microchannel. Optical fibers and on‐chip microlens are embedded for the excitation and detection of single‐cell. The microfluidic chip was validated by classifying white blood cells from clinical blood samples.
Intertidal estimates of sea urchin abundance reveal congruence in spatial structure for a guild of consumers
Authors: Ma Kevin C. K. , Redelinghuys Suzanne , Gusha Molline N. C. , Dyantyi Siphelele B. , McQuaid Christopher D. , Porri Francesca
Published: August 2021

We hypothesized congruence in the spatial structure of abundance data sampled across multiple scales for an ecological guild of consumers that exploit similar nutritional and habitat resources. We tested this hypothesis on the spatial organization of abundance of an herbivorous guild of sea urchins. We also examined whether the amount of local along‐shore rocky habitat can explain the observed spatial patterns of abundance. Standardized estimates of abundance of four intertidal sea urchins—Diademacf.savignyi,Echinometra mathaei,Parechinus angulosus, andStomopneustes variolaris—were determined by six observers at 105 sites across 2,850 km of coast of South Africa. For each species and observer, wavelet analysis was used on abundance estimates, after controlling for potential biases, to examine their spatial structure. The relationship between local sea urchin abundance and the amount of upstream and downstream rocky habitat, as defined by the prevailing ocean current, was also investigated. All species exhibited robust structure at scales of 75–220 km, despite variability among observers. Less robust structure in the abundances of three species was detected at larger scales of 430–898 km. Abundance estimates of sympatric populations of two species (D. cf.savignyiandE. mathaei) were positively correlated with the amount of rocky habitat upstream of the site, suggesting that upstream populations act as larval sources across a wide range of scales. No relationship between abundance and habitat size was found forP. angulosusorS.variolaris. Within the range of scales examined, we found robust congruence in spatial structure in abundance at the lower, but not the larger, range of scales for all four species. The relationship between abundance and upstream habitat availability in two species suggests that larval supply from upstream populations was probably the mechanism linking habitat size and abundance.
Effects of consumer surface sterilization on diet DNA metabarcoding data of terrestrial invertebrates in natural environments and feeding trials
Authors: Miller‐ter Kuile Ana , Apigo Austen , Young Hillary S.
Published: August 2021

DNA metabarcoding is an emerging tool used to quantify diet in environments and consumer groups where traditional approaches are unviable, including small‐bodied invertebrate taxa. However, metabarcoding of small taxa often requires DNA extraction from full body parts (without dissection), and it is unclear whether surface contamination from body parts alters presumed diet presence or diversity.

We examined four different measures of diet (presence, rarefied read abundance, richness, and species composition) for a terrestrial invertebrate consumer (the spider Heteropoda venatoria) both collected in its natural environment and fed an offered diet item in contained feeding trials using DNA metabarcoding of full body parts (opisthosomas). We compared diet from consumer individuals surface sterilized to remove contaminants in 10% commercial bleach solution followed by deionized water with a set of unsterilized individuals.

We found that surface sterilization did not significantly alter any measure of diet for consumers in either a natural environment or feeding trials. The best‐fitting model predicting diet detection in feeding trial consumers included surface sterilization, but this term was not statistically significant (β = −2.3, p‐value = .07).

Our results suggest that surface contamination does not seem to be a significant concern in this DNA diet metabarcoding study for consumers in either a natural terrestrial environment or feeding trials. As the field of diet DNA metabarcoding continues to progress into new environmental contexts with various molecular approaches, we suggest ongoing context‐specific consideration of the possibility of surface contamination.
Predicting the potential global distribution of Ageratina adenophora under current and future climate change scenarios
Authors: Changjun Gu , Yanli Tu , Linshan Liu , Bo Wei , Yili Zhang , Haibin Yu , Xilong Wang , Zhuoga Yangjin , Binghua Zhang , Bohao Cui
Published: August 2021

Aim

Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten ecosystems and humans worldwide, and future climate change may accelerate the expansion of IAS. Predicting the suitable areas of IAS can prevent their further expansion. Ageratina adenophora is an invasive weed over 30 countries in tropical and subtropical regions. However, the potential suitable areas of A. adenophora remain unclear along with its response to climate change. This study explored and mapped the current and future potential suitable areas of Ageratina adenophora.

Location

Global.

Taxa

Asteraceae A. adenophora (Spreng.) R.M.King & H.Rob. Commonly known as Crofton weed.

Methods

Based on A. adenophora occurrence data and climate data, we predicted its suitable areas of this weed under current and future (four RCPs in 2050 and 2070) by MaxEnt model. We used ArcGIS 10.4 to explore the potential suitable area distribution characteristics of this weed and the “ecospat” package in R to analyze its altitudinal distribution changes.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) value (>0.9) and true skill statistics (TSS) value (>0.8) indicated excelled model performance. Among environment factors, mean temperature of coldest quarter contributed most to the model. Globally, the suitable areas for A. adenophora invasion decreased under climate change scenarios, although regional increases were observed, including in six biodiversity hotspot regions. The potential suitable areas of A. adenophora under climate change would expand in regions with higher elevation (3,000–3,500 m).

Main conclusions

Mean temperature of coldest quarter was the most important variable influencing the potential suitable area of A. Adenophora. Under the background of a warming climate, the potential suitable area of A. adenophora will shrink globally but increase in six biodiversity hotspot regions. The potential suitable area of A. adenophora would expand at higher elevation (3,000–3,500 m) under climate change. Mountain ecosystems are of special concern as they are rich in biodiversity and sensitive to climate change, and increasing human activities provide more opportunities for IAS invasion.
The effect of riparian woodland cover on ecosystem service delivery by river floodplains: a scenario assessment
Authors: Vermaat Jan E. , Palt Martin , Piffady Jeremy , Putnins Arturs , Kail Jochem
Published: August 2021

Sixteen ecosystem services were quantified for the riverine landscapes of the Nahe, Stever (Germany), Bresse plain, and Azergues (France), to assess the effects of riparian woodland cover. Future woodland cover in 2050 was modeled to reflect contrasting scenarios of river management aligned to the well‐established shared socioeconomic pathways. The scenarios are labeled as current, pessimistic, best practice, and ambitious riparian management practices (RMPs). We linked services to floodplain land use and river morphology and quantified them separately for spatial segments (0.5–1 km in length, n = 118–3419, depending on river length), using an analytical framework, the “Mononen cascade.” Conservative monetary value estimates were based on net producer income before tax and subsidy, a shadow market price for carbon, flood damage functions, or willingness to pay for recreation and non‐use. Most services were linked to land use, some affected the value of other services through simple rules (woodland shade affected trout survival hence angling benefit, a minimum of woodland affected pest regulation, hence crop productivity). In the current landscape state, provisioning, regulating, and cultural services all showed optimum curves with woodland cover: Provisioning services and cultural services were maximal around 45%, whereas this was around 30% for regulating services. More woodland was present in steeper near‐source segments. Averaged across rivers, mean total service provision was estimated at 1084 ± 4 €·ha−1·yr−1, with 40%, 36%, and 24% contributed by, respectively, provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. The three scenarios led to a limited change in total ecosystem service delivery, even if mean woodland cover was reduced from 27% to 17% in the pessimistic RMP and increased to 70% in the ambitious RMP for the most extreme case of the Stever. Provisioning services declined with increased woodland cover and cultural services increased. Regulating services did not change that much, because they are dominated by flood prevention in our assessment. The “best practice” scenario appeared to combine a modest increase in cultural services with a slight increase in provisioning service. An ambitious nature conservation objective as in the ambitious RMP appears possible without seriously compromising overall societal benefit.
A composite metric for predicting benefit from spironolactone in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Belkin Mark N. , Blair John E. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Alenghat Francis J.
Published: August 2021

Aims

The TOPCAT trial showed no benefit for spironolactone in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Post‐hoc, spironolactone helped participants from the Americas, but not Eastern Europe. Determining which patients with HFpEF could respond like TOPCAT's responders should help guide their care. We aimed to develop a TOPCAT Trial Score (TS) as a composite metric to identify such patients.

Methods and results

From the TOPCAT individual‐level data, we calculated a TS of age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, creatinine, potassium, glucose, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial volume for each participant as a weighted distance in multidimensional space from the theoretical perfectly average Americas participant. Logistic regression was used to measure TS and spironolactone as predictors of TOPCAT's primary outcome. The relationship between TS and the H2FPEF score was also determined in TOPCAT and a registry cohort of real‐world patients in the U.S. with HFpEF. A bimodal distribution of TS separated American (n = 1766) and Eastern European (n = 1,677) participants. Those with lower TS showed no significant response to spironolactone. Spironolactone's benefit rose with rising TS [βinteraction = ‐0.28 (P < 0.01)]. Significantly more American participants had benefit from spironolactone based on higher TS (> 1.14), in addition to higher likelihood of HFpEF based on higher H2FPEF scores (≥3). The cohort of real‐world patients with HFpEF had even higher TS than American TOPCAT participants.

Conclusions

Patients with HFpEF can be quantified by the TS to capture the likelihood of benefit from spironolactone.
Product Inhibited Enzymatic Reactions on the Rotating Disk Electrodes
Authors: Lovrić Milivoj
Published: August 2021

A model of cyclic staircase voltammetry of enzymatic reactions on the rotating disk electrode is developed and the inhibition by the product is investigated. The responses are mostly time – dependent current – potential curves with maxima in the forward but not in the backward branch. If the maxima appear in both branches, the inhibition is potential – dependent either directly or indirectly. The source of the second maximum is explained.
Preparative continuous flow electrophoretic instrumentation for purification of biological samples
Authors: Stastna Miroslava , Slais Karel
Published: August 2021

We constructed a preparative instrumentation and developed the methods that are based on separation of the samples by bidirectional isotachophoresis/moving boundary electrophoresis in continuous divergent flow. The described instrumentation can be used for a variety of the samples, however, it can be easily optimized and tailored for the specific sample. The trapezoid separation bed from nonwoven textile exhibited minimum adsorption effect for sample and it can be used repeatedly. By the addition of different spacers via separation space inlets, the sections of pH gradient can be modified to enhance the separation. The liquid flow from two inlets positioned on each side of the sample inlet prevented the contact of the sample with anolyte and catholyte at the analysis beginning. One pair of thin electrodes (graphite and stainless‐steel) was placed at the separation space output. The electrode products were washed out into drains without disturbing the focusing process. The influence of EOF was managed by tilting the separation bed in the direction from cathodic to anodic side. The components of spirulina supernatant and color pI markers were separated in the pH gradient from 3.9 to 10.1. pH gradient was stable for at least 4.5 h and spirulina supernatant from about 0.12 g of dry powder was processed. Compared to other preparative methods used for spirulina separation, the presented method/instrumentation working with a continuous divergent flow had essential advantages. The efficient separation was fast, and no intermediate steps were necessary to obtain liquid fractions with separated components compatible with further biological experiments.
Primate conservation: Lessons learned in the last 20 years can guide future efforts
Authors: Chapman Colin A. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: August 2021

Twenty years ago, we published an assessment of the threats facing primates and with the passing of two decades, we re‐evaluate identified threats, consider emerging pressures, identify exciting new avenues of research, and tackle how to change the system to rapidly advance primate and primate habitat conservation. Habitat destruction and hunting have increased, the danger of looming climate change is clearer, and there are emerging threats such as the sublethal effects of microplastics and pesticides. Despite these negative developments, protected areas are increasing, exciting new tools are now available, and the number of studies has grown exponentially. Many of the changes that need to occur to make rapid progress in primate conservation are in our purview to modify. We identify several dimensions indicating the time is right to make large advances; however, the question that remains is do we have the will to prevent widespread primate annihilation and extinction?
Spikelet differentiation and degeneration in rice varieties with different panicle sizes
Authors: Liu Kun , Chen Yun , Huang Jian , Qiu Yuanyuan , Li Siyu , Zhuo Xinxin , Yu Feng , Gao Jie , Li Guoming , Zhang Weiyang , Zhang Hao , Gu Junfei , Liu Lijun , Yang Jianchang
Published: August 2021

An essential feature of modern high‐yielding rice varieties is the production of numerous spikelets, but the physiological mechanism underlying spikelet formation in these varieties remains unclear. In this study, we explored the characteristics of spikelet differentiation and degeneration and the relevant physiological characteristics of rice varieties with different panicle sizes. The regulatory effects of alternate wetting and moderate soil drying (AWMD) on spikelet formation were also measured. We determined that the high spikelet number per panicle and grain yields of large‐panicle rice varieties were primarily due to a higher number of differentiated and surviving secondary spikelets. Furthermore, shoot dry weight, plant nitrogen (N) uptake, plant N concentration, non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) accumulation in stems, leaf area, and leaf photosynthetic rate from branch differentiation stage (BDS) to spikelet differentiation stage (SDS) were positively correlated with the number of differentiated secondary spikelets per panicle. Plant N concentration, NSC accumulation in stems, and leaf photosynthetic rate at pollen mother cell meiosis (PMC) were negatively correlated with the number of degenerated secondary spikelets. Finally, the number of differentiated secondary spikelets of Huaidao 5 (small panicle size) and Yongyou 2640 (large panicle size) varieties was promoted by 19.2% and 6.6%, and the number of degenerated secondary spikelets was reduced by 14.4% and 6.3%, respectively, under AWMD treatment compared to continuously flooded treatment. Prominent spikelet formation under AWMD resulted from the shoot dry weight, plant N uptake, plant N concentration, NSC accumulation in stems, leaf area, and leaf photosynthetic rate. Collectively, improvements in these key aboveground indices mentioned above during the BDS to SDS and the plant N concentration, NSC accumulation in stems, and leaf photosynthetic rate at the PMC stage would benefit spikelet formation by promoting differentiation and reducing degeneration of secondary spikelets, thereby enhancing yield of large‐panicle rice varieties.
Subsurface hydrology of tile‐drained headwater catchments: Compatibility of concepts and hydrochemistry
Authors: Van Stempvoort Dale R. , MacKay D. Ross , Koehler Geoff , Collins Pamela , Brown Susan J.
Published: August 2021

Concepts and terms used in previous multidisciplinary studies of tile‐drained aquitard‐dominated catchments (TDADC) are inconsistent and confusing. We provide a well‐defined, comprehensive conceptual model of the subsurface hydrology of TDADC by selecting seven mutually compatible and consistent concepts. These concepts are: (1) groundwater as the main source of baseflow in headwater streams, (2) dominance of ‘pre‐event’ water in stormflow, (3) importance of both macropores and matrix, (4) changes in flowpaths with rate of stream discharge, (5) dominance of shallow, lateral subsurface flow, (6) interactive nature of subsurface water, (7) transpiration of groundwater. This conceptual model was successfully ‘field‐tested’ by examining data collected in a TDADC in a rural area of southern Ontario, Canada. The data consist mainly of chemical and isotopes tracers in water samples (headwater streams, groundwater, precipitation, tile water, soil‐surface water), supplemented by water levels and meteorological data.