bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of isotopic (δ2H) methods to provide estimates of avian breeding and natal dispersal
Authors: López‐Calderón C. , Van Wilgenburg Steven L. , Roth Amber M. , Flaspohler David J. , Hobson Keith A.
Published: April 2019

Natal and breeding dispersal represents an important component of animal demography and metapopulation theory. This phenomenon also has implications for conservation and management because understanding movements of individuals potentially allows the identification of key habitats that may be acting as population sources or sinks. Intrinsic markers such as stable isotope abundance in tissues that can be associated with provenance can provide a coarse but pragmatic solution to understanding such movements. Different methodologies have been proposed to quantify natal and breeding dispersal by using stable isotope analyses of keratinous tissues (hair, feathers), each of them with their own advantages and limitations. Here, we compared results provided by four different methods to estimate dispersal (three already published and one novel) in animals using stable isotope measurements. We used a single large dataset of feather δ2H values from golden‐winged warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) representing five different populations breeding in North America to compare model results. We propose one method as the most adequately supported by data, and we used this method to demonstrate how biological factors explaining dispersal status can be identified and geographical origins of immigrants inferred. Our results point to a generalized methodological approach to using stable isotope data to study immigration and dispersal in birds and other animals.
Disentangling effects of invasive species and habitat while accounting for observer error in a long‐term amphibian study
Authors: Rowe Jennifer C. , Duarte Adam , Pearl Christopher A. , McCreary Brome , Galvan Stephanie K. , Peterson James T. , Adams Michael J.
Published: April 2019

The invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and a variety of non‐native sport fish commonly co‐occur in lowland lentic habitats of the western United States. Both invasive taxa are implicated in declines of native amphibians in this region, but few long‐term studies of communities exist. Further, field studies of invasive–native interactions are complicated by confounding habitat modifications and observation errors. We surveyed amphibians and measured habitat characteristics for 12 yr across 38 wetland sites within the Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA. We assessed the influence of invasive species, habitat, and their interactions on the distributions of five native amphibian species using a multispecies dynamic occupancy model that accounted for false‐negative and false‐positive detections. In general, habitat characteristics—such as within‐pond vegetation cover, surrounding forest, and drought severity—were important for local persistence of native species when bullfrogs co‐occurred. We also found evidence of a cumulative negative effect of bullfrogs and non‐native fish (families Centrarchidae and Ictaluridae) on northern red‐legged frog (Rana aurora) local persistence that was mediated by the dominance of invasive reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Non‐native fish and bullfrogs had variable effects on native amphibian species, but neither invasive taxon appears to be causing declines in occupied sites within our study area. Moreover, species relationships with habitat differed when invaders were present, indicating that certain habitats may increase persistence of native amphibians in the invaded landscape.
Increasing drought favors nonnative fishes in a dryland river: evidence from a multispecies demographic model
Authors: Rogosch Jane S. , Tonkin Jonathan D. , Lytle David A. , Merritt David M. , Reynolds Lindsay V. , Olden Julian D.
Published: April 2019

Understanding how novel biological assemblages are structured in relation to dynamic environmental regimes remains a central challenge in ecology. Demographic approaches to modeling species assemblages show promise because they seek to represent fundamental relationships between population dynamics and environmental conditions. In dryland rivers, rapidly changing climate conditions have shifted drought and flooding regimes with implications for fish communities. Our goals were to (1) develop a mechanistic multispecies demographic model that links native and nonnative species with river flow regimes, and (2) evaluate demographic responses in population and community structure to changing flow regimes. Each fish species was represented by a stage‐structured matrix, and species were coupled together into a multispecies framework through density‐dependent relationships in reproduction. Then, community dynamics were simulated through time using annual flow events classified from gaged streamflow data. We parameterized the model with vital rates and flow–response relationships for a community of native and nonnative fishes using literature‐derived values. We applied the simulation model to the Verde River (Arizona, USA), a major tributary within the Colorado River Basin, for the past half century (1964–2017). Model validation revealed a match between model projections and relative abundance trends observed in a long‐term fish monitoring dataset (1994–2008). At the beginning of the validation period (1994), model and survey observations showed that native species comprised approximately 80% of total abundance. Model projections beyond the survey data (2008–2017) predicted a shift from a native dominant to a nonnative dominant assemblage, coinciding with increasing drought frequency. Trade‐offs between native and nonnative species dominance emerged from differences in mortality in response to the changing sequence of major flow events including spring floods, summer high flows, and droughts. In conclusion, the demographic approach presented here provides a flexible modeling framework that is readily applied to other stream systems and species by adjusting or transferring, when appropriate, species vital rates and flow‐event thresholds.
Creating a window of opportunity for establishing ecosystem engineers by adding substratum: a case study on mussels
Authors: Capelle Jacob J. , Leuchter Lennet , de Wit Maurice , Hartog Eva , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: April 2019

Ecosystem engineers typically exert positive feedback on their environment, which enhances their performance. Such positive feedback is lacking in the establishment phase, when densities are too low and/or patches are too small. There is a strong need to unravel the mechanisms for overcoming the resulting establishment thresholds, both for ecological restoration purposes and to be able to use their services. In the present study, we question whether providing a transient substratum can be used as tool to overcome establishment thresholds, by creating a window of opportunity for initial settlement, using mussels (Mytilus edulis) as a model system. Combining field and flume experiments, we study how biogenic substratum enrichment in the form of a shell layer on a soft mudflat affects the critical dislodgement thresholds and, thus, the chances of mussel establishment at different mussel densities and aggregation states. Flume results showed that the presence of a shell layer reduced dislodgement of mussel patches in low‐energy environments but was conditional for establishment in high‐energy environments. That is, in high‐energy environments with shells, aggregation into clumps enhanced dislodgement, while dislodgement was reduced with increasing overall mussel biomass and overall mussel patch weight. Without shells, dislodgement was always 100%. These findings agreed with our field studies, which showed that coarse shell material reduced mussel losses (by a factor of 3), reduced aggregation (by a factor of 2.4), and increased attachment strength (by a factor of 2.4). Overall, our results show that the local presence of biogenic substratum increases the chance of mussel establishment by enhancing the critical hydrodynamic dislodgement threshold. Thus, the local addition of a biogenic substratum may create a window of opportunity to initiate settlement in more dynamic environments, to shift at a local scale from a bare mudflat state into an established biogenic reef state. Our findings have clear implications for how to approach restoration and management of ecosystem engineers dominated systems. For instance, when positive feedback of ecosystem engineers is lacking, (1) the transient offering of suitable settling substratum may be a necessary step to overcome establishment thresholds, and (2) this becomes increasingly important with increasing abiotic stress.
Facile Synthesis of Well‐Dispersed Pd Nanoparticles on Ti‐Doped CeO2 Nanosheets and Their Use as Catalyst in the Hydrogenation of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Yue Yan , Wang Yanhua , Ling Jun , Sun Weilin , Shen Zhiquan
Published: April 2019

We report a facile preparation method of Ti‐doped CeO2 nanosheets and their use as supports for palladium (Pd) deposition. The nanosheets were fabricated by the coordination‐precipitation method, and Pd nanoparticles were placed on the surfaces in situ. The obtained Pd‐loaded nanosheets TixCe1–xO2‐Pd were applied as catalysts in the hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). While the catalyst supported by pure CeO2 nanosheets exhibited a 4‐NP conversion of 40 % in 10 min, doping a small amount of Ti into the support led to a faster 4‐NP reduction of 80 % in 10 min and quantitative conversion in 30 min. The hydrogenation of 4‐NP catalyzed by Ti0.1Ce0.9O2‐Pd exhibited a relatively high apparent reaction rate constant (k = 0.134 min‐1). This high catalytic activity could be attributed to the synergetic effect of the Pd nanoparticles with high dispersion and the TixCe1–xO2 supports with high oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, these catalysts displayed high reproducibility and chemical stability: they can be recycled and reused for at least 5 times with negligible loss of catalytic activity.
2‐Amino‐4‐arylthiazoles through One‐Pot Transformation of Alkylarenes with NBS and Thioureas
Authors: Shibasaki Kaho , Togo Hideo
Published: April 2019

Treatment of alkylarenes with N‐bromosuccinimide in a mixture of ethyl acetate and water at 60 °C, a mixture of acetonitrile and water at 80 °C, or a mixture of diethyl carbonate and water under irradiation with a tungsten lamp, followed by a reaction with thioureas or arenethioamides provided the corresponding 2‐amino‐ 4‐arylthiazoles or 2,4‐diarylthiazoles in good to moderate yields, respectively, in one pot. The present reaction is an efficient one‐pot transformation method of alkylarenes into 2‐amino‐4‐arylthiazoles and 2,4‐diarylthiazoles directly under mild and transition‐metal‐free conditions.
Pot‐, Atom‐ and Step‐Economic (PASE) Multicomponent Approach to the 5‐(Dialkylphosphonate)‐Substituted 2,4‐Diamino‐5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridine Scaffold
Authors: Elinson Michail N. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Anisina Yuliya E. , Fakhrutdinov Artem N. , Goloveshkin Alexander S. , Egorov Mikhail P.
Published: April 2019

A new multicomponent reaction is reported: the one‐pot transformation of salicylaldehydes, 2‐aminoprop‐1‐ene‐1,1,3‐tricarbonitrile (malononitrile dimer), and trialkylphosphites results in the efficient formation of (2,4‐diamino‐3‐cyano‐5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridin‐5‐yl)phosphonates. The scope of this one‐pot reaction was investigated. The isolation of substituted phosphonates is very easy. The optimized reaction conditions and a mechanistic rationale for the complex multicomponent transformation are presented. This facile PASE approach offers a powerful tool for the selective formation of new types of functionalized 5‐P‐substituted 2,4‐diamino‐5H‐chromeno[2,3‐b]pyridine scaffolds containing the phosphonate fragment, which are promising compounds for various biomedical applications, among them the treatment of human inflammatory diseases and cancer therapy.
Regio‐, Diastereo‐, and Enantioselective Organocatalytic Addition of 4‐Substituted Pyrazolones to Isatin‐Derived Nitroalkenes
Authors: Vila Carlos , Dharmaraj Nisshanth Raj , Faubel Antonio , Blay Gonzalo , Cardona M. Luz , Muñoz M. Carmen , Pedro José R.
Published: April 2019

Hydroquinine 2,5‐diphenyl‐4,6‐pyrimidinediyl diether [(DHQ)2Pyr] catalyzed the regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective addition of 4‐substituted pyrazolones to isatin‐derived nitroalkenes, providing a variety of chiral alkenylpyrazolone adducts containing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter bearing an oxindole moiety with excellent yields, regioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity, as well as a moderate enantioselectivity (up to 98 % yield, > 20:1 E/Z ratio dr and 78 % ee). The reaction harnesses a nitroalkene as an alkenylating agent through a Nucleophilic Vinylic Substitution (SNV) reaction.
Regioselective Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Peptide Analogues Containing 3,4‐ or 3,5‐Disubstituted Isoxazole as s‐cis or s‐trans Peptide Bond Mimics
Authors: Bruyat Pierrick , Jean Ludovic , Renard Pierre‐Yves
Published: April 2019

A method for regioselective solid‐phase synthesis of disubstituted peptidoisoxazoles is reported. Improved conditions for the synthesis of 3,5‐disubstituted isoxazoles (mimicking s‐trans peptide bond) without metal catalysts were implemented. New conditions enabling the synthesis of 3,4‐disubstituted isoxazoles (mimicking s‐cis peptide bond) using ruthenium catalysts were developed. This study provides a means for the regioselective preparation of new libraries of peptidomimetic molecules containing an isoxazole moiety within the backbone.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of heat transfer in a greenhouse solar dryer “chapel‐type” coupled to an air solar heating system
Authors: Román‐Roldán Nicolás‐Iván , López‐Ortiz Anabel , Ituna‐Yudonago Jean‐Fulbert , García‐Valladares Octavio , Pilatowsky‐Figueroa Isaac
Published: April 2019

The distribution of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), temperature, and velocity of humid air inside the greenhouse solar dryer (GHSD) was numerically investigated using 3D CFD ANSYS FLUENT code. The effect of solar radiation was coupled with the energy equations using the discrete ordinate model. Numerical simulations were based on two geometric models: Real model and model with reduced height, the solution was in good agreement with experimental data of temperature. The results of the real model showed that the TKE is ranged between 1.27 m2/s2 and 6 m2/s2 with an average of about 1.6 m2/s2 for the entire greenhouse dryer (GHD) volume. The greatest TKE magnitude is in the paths of the diffusers, which caused a temperature drop of about 2 K in the areas near the walls. Consequently, almost homogeneous temperature distribution was obtained in the entire volume of the GHD, although the average temperature was 315 K, and a gradient with respect to ambient temperature was of 14 K, that is, suitable for drying. Also, the average air velocity at 1 m height was 0.71 m/s, which is a value near the lowest limit (0.6 m/s) of forced convection drying. The improvement in the GHD by 36.5% volume reduction allowed an increase in the average TKE of 3.8 m2/s2 (2.4 times more than the previous one) located in the middle of the greenhouse; the average temperature reached 316.5 K with a gradient of 15.5 K, which represents an increase of 1.5 K (11%) compared to the real geometric model. The air velocity at 1 m height increased to 0.9 m/s in the improved geometric model (a growth of 35.7% compared with the previous geometry). More than 95% of the improved GHD volume has a uniform temperature, which is very suitable for a good quality drying process with higher speed.
Topographic change and numerically modelled near surface wind flow in a bowl blowout
Authors: Smyth Thomas A.G. , Hesp Patrick A. , Walker Ian J. , Wasklewicz Thad , Gares Paul A. , Smith Alexander B.
Published: April 2019

A number of studies have measured and numerically modelled near surface wind velocity over a range of aeolian landforms and made suppositions about topographic change and landform evolution. However, the precise measurement and correlation of flow dynamics and resulting topographic change have not yet been fully realized. Here, using repeated high‐resolution terrestrial laser scanning and numerical flow modelling within a bowl blowout, we statistically analyse the relationship between wind speed, vertical wind velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and topographic change over a 33‐day period.

Topographic results showed that erosion and deposition occurred in distinct regions within the blowout. Deposition occurred in the upwind third of the deflation basin, where wind flow became separated and velocity and turbulent kinetic energy decreased, and erosion occurred in the downwind third of the deflation basin, where wind flow reattached and aligned with incident wind direction.

Statistical analysis of wind flow and topographic change indicated that wind speed had a strong correlation with overall topographic change and that vertical wind velocity (including both positive and negative) displayed a strong correlation with negative topographic change (erosion). Only weak or very weak correlations exist for wind flow parameters and positive topographic change (accretion). This study demonstrates that wind flow modelling using average incident wind conditions can be utilized successfully to identify regions of overall change and erosion for a complex aeolian landform, but not to identify and predict regions where solely accretion will occur. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of angular orientation and ultraviolet aging on ETFE wire flame spread
Authors: Zhang Yue , Fang Jun , Wang Jingwu , Zhao Luyao , Zhang Yongming
Published: April 2019

This paper considers the solid phase heat conduction along with the effect of ultraviolet (UV) aging on the flame spread and separately discussed the upward and downward flame spread. The 0.15‐mm‐thick ethylene‐tetrafluoro‐ethylene (ETFE) insulated with a 0.5‐mm‐diameter copper core used in the paper. The flame spread was measured at various inclined angles (vertical ± 90○, to horizontal 0○) in the directions of gravity assistance (up) and gravity opposition (down). The ETFE was categorized into two groups: the unaged ETFE (ETFE‐U) and the UV aged ETFE (ETFE‐A). The kinetic parameters of samples were obtained from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) test. The flame spread experimental results showed that the bigger the absolute inclined angle, the higher the flame spread rate. Besides, the effect of UV aging on the upward spread is greater than that of the downward spread. A theoretical system was established through the flame spread experiments and TGA test. The heat flux and the flame spread rate of upward and downward equations were presented to reveal the effects of solid conduction, orientation, inclination, and UV aging on wire flame spread.
Identification of acrolein metabolites in human buccal cells, blood, and urine after consumption of commercial fried food
Authors: Wang Tse‐Wen , Liu Jin‐Hui , Tsou Han‐Hsing , Liu Tsung‐Yun , Wang Hsiang‐Tsui
Published: April 2019

Scope

Acrolein is a highly electrophilic α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde and is associated with human diseases. It is formed by Maillard reaction during food processing and could be detected in the emissions of overheated cooking oils. Consequently, humans are at risk of acrolein exposure through consumption of such prepared food.

Methods and results

We conducted three human studies that healthy subjects (21–30 years) were served fried foods including fried chicken and French fries from three commercial fast food restaurants. Acrolein‐related metabolites including urinary 3‐hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (3‐HPMA), serum acrolein‐protein conjugates (Acr‐FDP), and buccal acrolein‐induced DNA damages (Acr‐dG adducts) along with GSH levels in serum or buccal cells were investigated for different times after consumption.

Conclusion

Urinary 3‐HPMA levels were increased after 2‐hr consumption of fried food with an elimination half‐life of 10 hr. In addition, increased Acr‐dG adducts in oral cavity were inversely correlated to buccal glutathione (GSH) levels after consumption. However, there was no significant change in systemic GSH levels or Acr‐FDP adducts in serum. These results indicate that exposure of acrolein from consuming fried food affects local oral cavity homeostasis. This may provide a possible link between intake of fried food and increased risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancers.
S100 and CD34 positive spindle cell tumor with prominent perivascular hyalinization and a novel NCOA4‐RET fusion
Authors: Michal Michael , Ptáková Nikola , Martínek Petr , Gatalica Zoran , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Michalová Květoslava , Stoláriková Lýdia , Švajdler Marián , Michal Michal
Published: April 2019

We report a case of a 35‐year old male patient with a tumor located in the deep dermis on his forearm. The lesion was completely excised but recurred 4 years later. The patient showed no signs of neurofibromatosis type 1. The morphology and immunophenotype of the tumor corresponded to the recently characterized group of soft tissue spindle cell lesions defined by a relatively uniform cytomorphology, patternless architecture, conspicuous stromal and perivascular hyalinization, S100 and CD34 coexpression and recurrent fusions involving RAF1, BRAF, and NTRK1/2 genes. Using a 592‐gene panel and massively parallel next‐generation sequencing platform, we initially detected only NF1 gene mutation in our case. However, further molecular testing with Archer fusion assay revealed a novel NCOA4‐RET gene fusion, adding it to the list of multiple kinase fusions originally reported in these tumors. Although break‐apart FISH showed false negative result due to the presence of intrachromosomal rearrangement, RT‐PCR confirmed the fusion transcript. Knowing the exact fusion is of great clinical importance especially for patients within the aggressive subset of these neoplasms that could be treated with selective kinase inhibitors. The presented case underscores the benefits of massively parallel sequencing as the types and number of gene fusions these tumors can potentially harbor render single‐gene assays such as FISH impractical, and in this particular case, also insensitive.
Unsupervised organization of cervical cells using bright‐field and single‐shot digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Mangal Jyoti , Monga Rashi , Mathur Sandeep R. , Dinda Amit K. , Joseph Joby , Ahlawat Sarita , Khare Kedar
Published: April 2019

We report results on unsupervised organization of cervical cells using microscopy of Pap‐smear samples in brightfield (3‐channel color) as well as high‐resolution quantitative phase imaging modalities. A number of morphological parameters are measured for each of the 1450 cell nuclei (from 10 woman subjects) imaged in this study. The principal component analysis (PCA) methodology applied to this data shows that the cell image clustering performance improves significantly when brightfield as well as phase information is utilized for PCA as compared to when brightfield‐only information is used. The results point to the feasibility of an image‐based tool that will be able to mark suspicious cells for further examination by the pathologist. More importantly, our results suggest that the information in quantitative phase images of cells that is typically not used in clinical practice is valuable for automated cell classification applications in general.
Rational approaches for toxicological assessments of nanobiomaterials
Authors: Pandey Shalabh , Mishra Awanish
Published: April 2019

The nanobiomaterials display unique and distinguished usefulness in day‐to‐day life. The application of nanobiomaterials is being utilized in several segments, including semiconductor industries, cosmetics, and medicines. Alongside their usefulness these nanobiomaterials have potential toxicity which may limit it's further use. As there is sparse information on toxicological facets of nanomaterials available, a proactive approach for evaluation of potential risk of nanobiomaterials should be exercised. This review explains the potential mechanism of nanobiomaterials toxicity and rational approaches for selection of protocols to study toxicity of nanobiomaterials.
Downregulation of microRNA‐214 improves therapeutic potential of allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell by targeting PIM‐1 in rats with acute liver failure
Authors: Yang Juan , Li Rui , Zhao Dan , Zheng Sheng
Published: April 2019

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a disease resulted from diverse etiology, which generally leads to a rapid degenerated hepatic function. However, transplantation bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation has been suggested to relieve ALF. Interestingly, microRNA‐214 (miR‐214) could potentially regulate differentiation and migration of BMSCs. The present study aims to inquire whether miR‐214 affects therapeutic potential of BMSCs transplantation by targeting PIM‐1 in ALF. 120 male Wistar rats were induced as ALF model rats and transplanted with BMSCs post‐alteration of miR‐214 or PIM‐1 expression. Further experiments were performed to detect biochemical index (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], total bilirubin [TBiL]), and expression of miR‐214, PIM‐1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), caspase 3, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in rat serum. Apart from the above detection, apoptosis of hepatocytes and Ki67 protein expression in hepatic tissues of rats were additionally assessed. After BMSCs transplantation with miR‐214 inhibition, a decreased expression of ALT, AST, and TBiL yet an increased expression of HGF was shown, coupled with a decline in the expression of caspase 3, TNF‐α, and IL‐10. Meanwhile, alleviated hepatic injury and decreased apoptotic index of hepatic cells were observed and the positive rate of Ki67 protein expression was significantly increased. Moreover, miR‐214 and caspase 3, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 decreased notably, while PIM‐1 was upregulated in response to miR‐214 inhibition. Strikingly, the inhibition of PIM‐1 reversed effects triggered by miR‐214 inhibition. These findings indicated that downregulation of miR‐214 improves therapeutic potential of BMSCs transplantation by upregulating PIM‐1 for ALF.
Efficacy of ten interventions for endometriosis: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Hua , Wang Saili , Shi Xinying , Wang Qin , Ren Qingling
Published: April 2019

Objective

Clinical trials comparing the efficacy of different interventions for endometriosis are limited and controversial. The aim of the present study is to perform a network meta‐analysis on the efficacy of various interventions for endometriosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Ovid EMBASE through 1 June, 2018, for trials reporting the pain score and 1‐year pregnancy rate of patients including at least one pair of direct control group. The mean difference of pain score, odds ratio of 1‐year pregnancy rate, and their associated 95% credible intervals (CrI) were used to describe efficacy. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to illustrate the rank probability of various treatments for different outcomes, on the basis of network meta‐analysis.

Results

Our meta‐analysis enrolled six studies for the evaluation of reducing pain and 10 studies for the 1‐year pregnancy rate. All involved trials were sufficiently powered with a low risk of bias. Expectant management (EM), progesterone (PR), and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐agonist (GN) were significantly effective to reduce pain when compared with the placebo; EM ranked the highest on the SUCRA curve. For the 1‐year pregnancy rate, no significant difference between the interventions was evident. Ablation ranked the highest with a SUCRA value of 0.6328. The rank of EM was acceptable with a SUCRA value of 0.4452. Our experimental results need to be verified by more high‐quality randomized controlled trial articles.

Conclusion

Limited available evidence showed that EM, PR, and GN were significantly effective to reduce pain when compared with the placebo. Due to a lack of convincing evidence favoring surgery or medication, we recommend considering EM.
Relationship between microbial diversity and nitrogenase activity of Stipagrostis pennata rhizosheath
Authors: Tian Yongzhi , Ma Xiaolin , Li Yuanting , Cheng Cong , Ge Fengwei , An Dengdi
Published: April 2019

Nitrogen is the key factor for plant survival and growth, especially in the desert. Stipagrostis pennata, a sand born drought‐resistant plant, could colonize pioneerly in Gurbantunggut Desert during revegetation. One strategy for their environment adaptation was the rhizosheath formatted by root‐hair, mucilaginous exudates, microbial components, and soil particles, for which not only provides a favorable living microenvironment but also supplies essential nutrients. To understand the relationship between microorganisms living in rhizosheaths and the nitrogen nutrition supply, the microbial diversity and nitrogenase activity was estimated during the growth of S. pennata. Five samples of the rhizosheath, which based on the development periods of the plant, regreen, flowering, filling, seed maturating, and withering period, were collected. The nitrogenase activity was estimated by acetylene reduction and the microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that the nitrogenase activity was increased slowly during regreen to flowering, while reached a peak rapidly at filling sample and then decreased gradually. A total of 274 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified and significant differences in community structure and composition at each growth period. Among them, the main phyla included Actinobacteria and Proteus, which were the most abundant phyla in all periods. In addition, the microbial diversity in the grain filling period was higher than other periods in view of the analysis of alpha diversity and beta diversity. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed that the microbial communities in the filling period was low in similarity with other periods. Most importantly, the OTUs associated with nitrogen fixation is the most during the filling period, involving Phagecidae and Fucoraceae. Overall, the study not only revealed the differences in nitrogenase activity among different developmental periods in S. pennata, but also explored the potential bridges between it and community structure and diversity of bacteria.
Bioprospection of anti‐inflammatory phytochemicals suggests rutaecarpine and quinine as promising 15‐lipoxygenase inhibitors
Authors: Gurung Arun Bahadur , Pamay Pezaiwi , Tripathy Debabrata , Biswas Koel , Chatterjee Anupam , Joshi S.R. , Bhattacharjee Atanu
Published: April 2019

15‐Lipoxygenase (15‐LOX) belongs to the family of nonheme iron containing enzymes that catalyzes the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to generate eicosanoids that play an important role in signaling pathways. The role of 15‐LOX has been demonstrated in atherosclerosis as well as other inflammatory diseases. In the present study, drug‐like compounds were first screened from a set of anti‐inflammatory phytochemicals based on Lipinski's rule of five (ROF) and in silico toxicity filters. Two lead compounds‐quinine (QUIN) and rutaecarpine (RUT) were shortlisted by analyzing molecular interactions and binding energies of the filtered compounds with the target using molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulation studies indicate stable trajectories of apo_15‐LOX and docked complexes (15‐LOX_QUIN and 15‐LOX_RUT). In vitro 15‐LOX inhibition studies shows that both QUIN and RUT have lower inhibitory concentration (IC50) value than the control (quercetin). Both QUIN and RUT exhibit moderate antioxidant activities. The cell viability study of these compounds suggests no significant toxicity in HEK‐293 cell lines. Further, QUIN and RUT both did not show any inhibition against selected Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial species. Thus, based on our present findings, rutaecarpine and quinine may be suggested as promising 15‐LOX inhibitor for the prevention of the atherosclerosis development.
Evaluation of cord blood immunoglobulin E and its association with maternal factors in a group of Iranian newborns
Authors: Fereidouni Mohammad , Nami Fateme Arefe , Serki Elham , Arefi Majid
Published: April 2019

Allergic disorders are among the most common diseases around the world especially in children. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic disorders, but early events during the pregnancy are very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of cord blood immunoglobulin E (CB‐IgE) and its association with maternal in a group of Iranian newborns. In a cross‐sectional study, 163 pregnant women randomly selected and information about pregnancy and atopy were taken by questionnaire. Blood samples of mothers and matched cord blood were collected and total serum IgE levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. To rolling out the possibility of contamination with maternal blood, total IgA was checked for all the cord blood samples. Sixteen percent of mothers had the history of atopic diseases and the mean IgE level was significantly higher in an atopic than nonatopic mothers (241 vs 102, P < 0.001). About 73.9% of cord blood samples, had high IgE level (>0.9 IU/mL). The level of cord blood IgE (CB‐IgE) was not significantly different in male and female newborns (2.14 vs 2.15 IU/mL). There was no significant correlation between maternal factors such as age, pregnancy variables, allergens exposure, smoking, and maternal IgE with cord blood IgE. The results of this study showed that CB‐IgE is high in a remarkable number of samples; independent of maternal or fetal factors. Further studies need to evaluate the reasons for the high level of IgE in cord blood in our area.
The inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α regulates the biological behavior of rat nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells through the NF‐κB signaling pathway in vitro
Authors: Cheng Shi , Li Xiaochuan , Jia Zhiwei , Lin Linghan , Ying Jinwei , Wen Tianyong , Zhao Yachao , Guo Ziming , Zhao Xiyan , Li Dandan , Ji Wei , Wang Deli , Ruan Dike
Published: April 2019

Nucleus pulposus (NP) mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) are a potential cell source for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration; however, little is known about their response to tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a critical inflammation factor contributing to accelerating IVD degeneration. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of TNF‐α at high and low concentrations on the biological behaviors of healthy rat NPMSCs, including proliferation, migration, and NP differentiation. In this study, NPMSCs were treated with different concentration of TNF‐α (0‐200 ng/mL). Then we used annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry analysis to detect the apoptosis rate of NPMSCs. Cell Counting Kit‐8, Edu assay, and cell cycle test were used to examine the proliferation of NPMSCs. Migration ability of NPMSCs was detected by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. Pellets method was used to induce NP differentiation of NPMSCs, and immunohistochemical staining, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis were used to examine the NPC phenotypic genes and proteins. The cells were further treated with the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway inhibitor Bay 11‐7082 to determine the role of the NF‐κB pathway in the mechanism underlying the differentiation process. Results showed that treatment with a high concentration of TNF‐α (50‐200 ng/mL) could induce apoptosis of NPMSCs, whereas a relatively low TNF‐α concentration (0.1‐10 ng/mL) promoted the proliferation and migration of NPMSCs, but inhibited their differentiation toward NP cells. Moreover, we identified that the NF‐κB signaling pathway is activated during the TNF‐α‐inhibited differentiation of NPMSCs, and the NF‐κB signal inhibitor Bay 11‐7082 could partially eliminate the adverse effect of TNF‐α on the differentiation of NPMSCs. Therefore, our findings provide important insight into the dynamic biological behavior reactivity of NPMSCs to TNF‐α during IVD degeneration process, thus may help us understanding the underlying mechanism of IVD degeneration.
The N‐terminal His‐tag affects the triglyceride lipase activity of hormone‐sensitive lipase in testis
Authors: Wang Feng , Ren Xiao‐Fang , Chen Zheng , Li Xiao‐Long , Zhu Hai‐Jing , Li Sen , Ou Xiang‐Hong , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Fei‐Xiong , Zhu Bao‐Chang
Published: April 2019

The sterility of hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) knockout mice clearly shows the link between lipid metabolism and spermatogenesis. However, which substrate or product of this multifunctional lipase affects spermatogenesis is unclear. We found that an HSL protein with a His‐tag at the N‐terminus preserved the normal hydrolase activity of cholesteryl ester (CE) but the triglyceride lipase (TG) activity significantly decreased in vitro. Therefore, mice with this functionally incomplete HSL (His‐HSL) were produced on a background of HSL deficiency (HSL−/−h). As a result, HSL−/−h testis has an 8.65‐fold higher CE activity than wild‐type testis but a twofold higher TG activity than wild‐type testis. To compare His‐HSL and wild‐type HSL in vitro and in vivo, we confirmed that the His‐tag significantly suppressed HSL TG activity. From our results, we believe that TG activity was affected by the His‐tag insertion, but CE activity was not influenced. Furthermore, the His‐tag protected HSL from binding to the inhibitor BAY. From our study, TG activity and BAY binding sites were affected by N‐terminal His‐tag insertion.
Epigenetic modulation of BRCA‐1 and MGMT genes, and histones H4 and H3 are associated with breast tumors
Authors: Paydar Parisa , Asadikaram Gholamreza , Nejad Hamid Zeynali , Akbari Hamed , Abolhassani Moslem , Moazed Vahid , Nematollahi Mohammad Hadi , Ebrahimi Ghasem , Fallah Hossein
Published: April 2019

Aberrant patterns in promoter methylation of tumor‐suppressor genes and posttranslational modifications of histone proteins are considered as major features of malignancy. In this study, we aimed to investigate promoter methylation of three tumor‐suppressor genes (BRCA‐1, MGMT, and P16) and three histone marks (H3K9ac, H3K18ac, and H4K20me3) in patients with breast tumors. This case‐control study included 27 patients with malignant breast tumors (MBT) and 31 patients with benign breast tumors (BBT). The methylation‐specific PCR was used for determining promoter methylation of BRCA‐1, MGMT, and P16 genes. Western blot analysis was performed to detect histone lysine acetylation (H3K9ac and H3K18ac) and lysine methylation (H4K20me3). BRCA‐1 promoter methylation was detected in 44.4% of the MBT whereas this alteration was found in 9.7% of BBT (P = 0.005). The Kaplan‐Meier analysis indicated that hypermethylation in BRCA‐1 promoter was significantly associated with poor overall survival of patients with breast cancer (P = 0.039). MGMT promoter methylation was identified in 18.5% of MBT and 0.0% of the BBT (P = 0.01). The frequency of P16 promoter methylation was 25.8% in BBT and 11.1% in MBT (P = 0.12). As compared with BBT, MBT samples displayed the aberrant patterns of histones marks with hypomethylation of H4K20 and hypoacetylation of H3K18 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively). There was a negative significant correlation between H3K9ac levels and tumor size in MBT group (r = −0.672; P = 0.008). The present findings suggest that promoter hypermethylation of MGMT and BRCA‐1 genes along with alterations in H3K18ac and H4K20me3 levels may have prognostic values in patients with breast cancer. Moreover, the detection of these epigenetic modifications in breast tumors could be helpful in finding new methods for breast cancer therapy.
Long noncoding RNAs expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Esfandi Farbod , Taheri Mohammad , Kholghi Oskooei Vahid , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh
Published: April 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of several human cancers including gastric cancer. In the current study, we selected five lncRNAs namely NEAT1, TUG1, PANDA, UCA1, and GHET1 to assess their expressions in gastric cancer samples compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCTs) from the same patients. Some previous reports have shown contribution of these lncRNAs in gastric cancer. However, we aimed to explore their associations with patients’ clinicopathological data and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Significant associations were found between site of primary tumor and relative expression of all lncRNAs in cancer samples compared with ANCTs. Besides, GHET1 relative expression was associated with lymph node status. The diagnostic power of GHET1 was higher from other lncRNAs. Combination of GHET1, TUG1, UCA1, and PANDA increased the diagnostic power and significance (AUC = 0.8; P < 0.0001). The current study supports participation of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and highlights their potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
Substitution effects on olefin epoxidation catalyzed by Oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π‐cation radical complexes: A dft study
Authors: Ma Zhifeng , Ukaji Kasumi , Nakatani Naoki , Fujii Hiroshi , Hada Masahiko
Published: April 2019

The effects of peripheral fluorine atoms on epoxidation reactions of ethylene by oxoiron(IV) porphyrin cation radical complex in the quartet and sextet spin multiplicities are systematically investigated using the DFT method. The overall reaction routes are determined using a model system of ethylene and Fe(IV)OCl‐porphyrin with substituted fluorine atoms. By obtaining the energy diagrams and electron‐ and spin‐density difference contour maps of the transition states and intermediate compounds, we confirm that the electron‐withdrawing by peripheral fluorine atoms enhances the reactivity as the number of fluorine atoms increases, as is observed experimentally. The intersystem crossing between the quartet and sextet spin multiplicities is discussed by means of the intrinsic reaction coordinate method. We conclude that the rate‐determining step is located at the first transition state (TS1) for the activation of CC and FeO bonds, and the ground electronic state changes from quartet to sextet around the TS1. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient implementation of the analytical second derivatives of hartree–fock and hybrid DFT energies within the framework of the conductor‐like polarizable continuum model
Authors: Garcia‐Ratés Miquel , Neese Frank
Published: April 2019

Calculation of vibrational frequencies for solvated systems is essential to study reactions in complex environments. In this paper, we report the implementation of the analytical self‐consistent field Hessian at the Hartree–Fock and density functional theory levels in the framework of the conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (C‐PCM) into the ORCA quantum chemistry suite. The calculated vibrational frequencies agree very well with those computed through numerical differentiation of the analytical gradients. The deviation between both sets of data is smaller than 3 cm−1 for frequencies larger than 200 cm−1 and smaller than 5 cm−1 for the low‐frequency regime (100 cm−1 < ω < 200 cm−1). The accuracy of the frequencies is not significantly affected by the size of the density functional theory (DFT) integration grid, with a deviation lower than 0.5 cm−1 between data computed with the smallest and that with the largest DFT grid size. The calculation of the analytical Hessian is between 3 and 12 times faster than its numerical counterpart. The C‐PCM terms only add an overhead of 10–30% relative to the gas phase calculations. Finally, for acetone, the (B3LYP) values for the frequency shifts obtained in going from the gas phase to liquid acetone are in agreement with experiment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PCR detection for syphilis diagnosis: Status and prospects
Authors: Zhou Chenglong , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhang Wei , Duan Junxia , Zhao Feijun
Published: April 2019

Syphilis, a re‐emerging public health problem worldwide caused by Treponema pallidum subsp pallidum (T. pallidum), usually induces systemic and chronic inflammation in hosts who do not receive timely therapy after exposing to high‐risk factors such as leprous sexual contact. Before the treatment, rapid and accurate detection of syphilis is essential. However, the existing detection methods, which focus on the treponemal or non‐treponemal antibody test, both have inherent limitations. For instance, both of them cannot distinguish the stage and severity of syphilis. Non‐treponemal test such as RPR, which is generally deemed to be used for assessing treatment response, is influenced by biological false positives. Therefore, it is imperative to seek out a new and effective diagnostic test. With recent advancements in molecular biology and whole‐genome sequencing, the molecular diagnosis has increased in popularity, especially the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, we firstly present a mini‐review on the research of PCR detection methods used for syphilis diagnosis over the past decade, and we then compare these methodologies to assess their potential and the challenges faced. This information can provide a fresh perspective to help researchers address the current challenges.
Human umbilical artery endothelial cells from Large‐for‐Gestational‐Age newborn have increased antioxidant efficiency and gene expression
Authors: Carrasco‐Wong Ivo , Hernández Cherie , Jara‐Gutiérrez Carlos , Porras Omar , Casanello Paola
Published: April 2019

Obesity is a public health problem worldwide, and especially in women in reproductive age where more than one in three have obesity. Maternal obesity is associated with an increased maternal, placental, and newborn oxidative stress, which has been proposed as a central factor in vascular dysfunction in large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) newborn. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms behind this effect have not been elucidated. Untreated human umbilical artery endothelial cells (HUAEC) from LGA (LGA‐HUAEC) presented higher O2− levels, superoxide dismutase activity and heme oxygenase 1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, paralleled by reduced GSH:GSSG ratio and NRF2 mRNA levels. In response to an oxidative challenge (hydrogen peroxide), only HUAEC from LGA exhibited an enhanced Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (GPX1) expression, as well as a more efficient antioxidant machinery measured by the biosensor probe, HyPer. An open state of chromatin in the TSS region of GPX1 in LGA‐HUAEC was evidenced by the DNase‐HS assay. Altogether, our data indicate that LGA‐HUAEC have an altered cellular and molecular antioxidant system. We propose that a chronic pro‐oxidant intrauterine milieu, as evidenced in pregestational obesity, could induce a more efficient antioxidant system in fetal vascular cells, which could be maintained by epigenetic mechanism during postnatal life.