bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA LOC100507144 acts as a novel regulator of CD44/Nanog/Sox2/miR‐302/miR‐21 axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ebrahimi Nasim , Rezanejad Hajar , Asadi Malek Hossein , Vallian Sadeq
Published: December 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) appear as vital regulators and biomarkers in many human cancers. LOC100507144 is a validated lncRNA located in the neighborhood of CD44 in a head‐to‐head configuration, and its expression and function in cancer cells are still unknown. This research aimed to find out more about the expression and function of this lncRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our expression data represented that the expression of LOC100507144 transcript was substantially higher in tumors with advanced stages, lymph node metastasis, and vascular invasion. Loss‐of‐function examinations demonstrated that LOC100507144 contributed to CRC cell proliferation by restricting apoptosis, cellular senescence, and promoting cell cycle. Gain‐of‐function experiments also confirmed these results. Our data illustrated that LOC100507144 enhanced the migration and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells, accompanied by the generation of cells with stemness characteristics. Our findings revealed that the knocking‐down of LOC100507144 inhibited the expression of crucial stemness factors, including CD44, Nanog, and Sox2, and accordingly resulted in suppressing their targets, miR‐302 and miR‐21. Overall, the current study's findings for the first time reveal that LOC100507144 could enhance CRC progression and metastasis through regulation of the CD44/Nanog/Sox2/miR‐302/miR‐21 axis.
Does neural face processing explain effects of an attachment‐based intervention on maternal sensitivity? A randomized controlled study including pre‐ and postintervention measures
Authors: Kolijn Laura , van den Bulk Bianca G. , Euser Saskia , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Huffmeijer Rens
Published: December 2021

Background

Although there is a large body of literature highlighting the behavioral effects of parenting interventions, studies on the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in such intervention effects remain scarce.

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to test whether changes in neural face processing (as reflected in N170 amplitudes) would act as a mediator in the association between the Video‐feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP‐SD) and maternal sensitivity.

Methods

A total of 66 mothers of whom a random 33% received the VIPP‐SD and the others a “dummy” intervention participated in pre‐ and postintervention assessments. We recorded mothers' electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in response to photographs of children's neutral, happy, and angry facial expressions. Maternal sensitivity was observed while mothers interacted with their offspring in a semi‐structured play situation.

Results

In contrast with our expectations, we did not find evidence for mediation of intervention effects on maternal sensitivity by the N170.

Conclusion

We discuss that parenting support programs may yield different effects on neurocognitive processes depending on the population and provide recommendations for future research. Our study underscores the importance of reporting null findings and preregistering studies in the field of neurocognitive research.
Comparison of L5 pedicle morphology in patients with and without L5 spondylolysis
Authors: Baker Joseph F.
Published: December 2021

Only a small number of studies have reported on L5 pedicle morphology in the presence of spondylolisthesis let alone isolated spondylolysis and findings are therefore variable. The aim of this radiographic study was to analyze L5 pedicle morphology in the presence and absence of L5 spondylolysis. The was a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Assessment of the L5 pedicle morphology (height, width, length, transverse angle and screw length) were measured in patients with and without L5 spondylolysis. Pelvic measures including pelvic incidence, sacral anatomic orientation and sacral table angle were recorded. Patients were matched for age and gender. Twenty‐three patients with spondylolysis were matched to 46 patients without. The presence of spondylolysis alone did not have a significant influence on either pelvic or pedicle morphologic parameters. Only with the presence of associated spondylolisthesis was there a difference noted with an increase in pedicle length observed. Correlation analysis suggested further morphologic changes may result with increased remodeling. Isolated spondylolysis at L5 appears to have little influence on pedicle morphology in this CT‐based analysis. Morphologic changes appear likely to become significant only with associated spondylolisthesis and associated remodeling.
Evaluation of Geum urbanum L. Extracts with Respect to Their Antimicrobial Potential
Authors: Bunse Marek , Mailänder Lilo K. , Lorenz Peter , Stintzing Florian C. , Kammerer Dietmar R.
Published: December 2021

Preparations derived from roots and rhizomes of Geum urbanum L. are traditionally used for the treatment of ulcers and irritations of mucous membranes of the mouth, stomach, and intestinal tract. In complementary medicine, fermentation is one of the methods applied to recover plant extracts used for the production of such pharmaceutical preparations. The present study was performed to characterize the secondary metabolites and to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of different G. urbanum root and rhizome extracts. For this purpose, individual metabolites of fresh and fermented G. urbanum root and rhizome extracts were analyzed by HPLC‐DAD‐MSn and GC/MS. Among others, rare ellagitannin‐sulfates could be characterized by LC/MSn. In addition, the antibacterial activity of various extracts of fresh and dried G. urbanum roots and rhizomes against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Cutibacterium acnes (CP033842.1; FDAARGOS 503 chromosome) were assessed and compared to that of G. rivale. Furthermore, low‐ and high‐molecular tannins were fractionated by column chromatography, demonstrating the latter to exhibit highest antibacterial activity.
Adhesion and proliferation properties of type I collagen‐derived peptide for possible use in skin tissue engineering application
Authors: Sivaraman K. , Muthukumar K. , Shanthi C.
Published: December 2021

The surface properties of three‐dimensional scaffolds are improved by coating or covalently linking certain adhesion‐promoting proteins or peptides. In the present study, the effect of type I collagen‐derived peptide (GKNGDDGEA) on adhesion and proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes and NIH3T3 murine fibroblast cell lines was studied to assess its suitability for possible skin tissue engineering applications. Cell adhesion and proliferation of HaCaT and NIH3T3 were found to be enhanced by peptide coating. The optimum peptide coating densities to obtain the best cell adhesion and proliferation were found to be 0.827 µmoles/cm2 and 0.62 µmoles/cm2 for HaCaT and NIH3T3, respectively. Cell adhesion, in the presence of anti‐integrin α1 antibody, inhibited attachment of NIH3T3 cells indicating the involvement of integrin α1 receptor. However, the attachment of HaCaT cells was not affected by anti‐integrin treatment. The higher expression of paxillin confirmed the effect of the peptide in mediating focal adhesion kinases (FAKs) in cell adhesion and proliferation. Gene expression analysis was performed on cell migration proteins like Rho, Rac, Cdc42, integrin receptor α1, and β1, and the extracellular matrix modulating proteins like MMP2, TIMP, and COL1A1 to validate their role on the peptide‐mediated cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the distribution and localisation of phospho‐FAK on cells cultured on the peptide‐coated surfaces. Results support the role of peptides in enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation properties.
Melatonin protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from oxygen‐glucose deprivation and reperfusion‐induced injury by inhibiting Rac1/JNK/Foxo3a/Bim signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yulin , Jian Ying , Zhang Xiaofu , Ni Bin , Wang Mingwei , Pan Chunqi
Published: December 2021

Melatonin has been shown to protect against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)‐induced myocardial injury, however, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully clarified. The present study was aimed to investigate whether inactivation of Rac1/JNK/Foxo3a/Bim signaling pathway is responsible for the protective effect of melatonin on I/R‐induced myocardial injury. Our results showed that Foxo3a downregulation contributed to the protective effect of melatonin on OGD/R‐induced injury of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Melatonin treatment led to a reduced activity of Rac1, which was responsible for Foxo3a downregulation and decreased cell injury in OGD/R‐exposed H9c2 cells. Furthermore, JNK acts as a downstream effector of Rac1 in mediating melatonin‐induced inactivation of Foxo3a/Bim signaling pathway and decreased cell injury in OGD/R‐exposed H9c2 cells. In conclusion, our results indicate that melatonin protects H9c2 cells against OGD/R‐induced injury by inactivating the Rac1/JNK/Foxo3a/Bim signaling pathway. This study provided a novel insight into the protective mechanism of melatonin against I/R‐induced myocardial injury.
P2X7 receptor inhibition attenuates podocyte injury by oxLDL through deregulating CXCL16
Authors: Zhu Yanji , Li Qian , Chen Yuan , Tian Minle , Xun Wenlong , Sun Shuzhen
Published: December 2021

This study aims to evaluate the effect of purinergic ligand‐gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) antagonist A438079 in kidneys of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). In vitro, human podocytes were respectively stimulated with oxLDL (80 µg/ml), A438079 (10 µmol/L), or the compound oxLDL and A438079 together. CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) and P2X7R expression levels were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect Dil‐oxLDL, and a Colorimetric Cholesterol Detection Kit was used for quantitative determination. Our results demonstrated that CXCL16 and P2X7R expression levels were remarkably increased in the renal tissue from children with PNS, particularly in the same location. Furthermore, in contrast to children with minimal change disease, the expressions of P2X7R and CXCL16 in renal tissue of children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis were more obvious. In vitro, CXCL16 and P2X7R expression levels in human podocytes stimulated with oxLDL were markedly elevated accompanying higher intracellular lipid accumulation compared with the normal control group. In addition, pretreatment of human podocytes with A438079 before the start of oxLDL stimulation causes a significant reduction in CXCL16 expression and a decrease in lipid accumulation. Overall, CXCL16 and P2X7R may participate in the progression of PNS. The lipid accumulation reduction caused by A438079 may be through deregulating the CXCL16 pathway, suggesting that there is a potential role for P2X7R antagonists to remedy PNS.
Low‐frequency oscillations of murine skin microcirculations and periodic changes of [Ca2+]i and [NO]i levels in murine endotheliocytes: An effect of provocative tests
Authors: Serov Dmitriy , Tankanag Arina , Astashev Maksim
Published: December 2021

The five frequency intervals of skin blood oscillation were described: cardiac, respiratory, myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial. The endothelial interval is derived into NO‐independent and NO‐dependent. The exact molecular, cell, or systemic mechanisms of endothelial oscillations generation are unclear. We proposed that oscillations of Ca2+ and NO in endotheliocytes may be possible sources of skin blood perfusion (SBP) oscillations in endothelial interval. To examine our hypothesis we compared the oscillations of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and NO ([Ca2+]i and [NO]i) concentration in cultured murine microvascular endotheliocytes and SBP oscillations in mice. Local heating test and model hypoxia were used as tools to evaluate an interconnection of studied parameters. [Ca2+]i and [NO]i were measured simultaneously by Fura‐2 AM and DAF‐FM. The SBP was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. The [Ca2+]i and [NO]i oscillations at 0.005−0.01 Hz were observed in endotheliocytes, that coincides the ranges of NO‐independent endothelial interval. Heating decreased amplitude of [Ca2+]i and [NO]i oscillations in cells in NO‐independent endothelial interval, while amplitudes of SBP oscillations increased in NO‐independent and NO‐dependent intervals. Hypoxia reduced the [NO]i oscillations amplitude. Heating test during hypoxia increased NO‐independent endothelial SBP oscillations and decreased myogenic ones, did not effect on [NO]i oscillations, and shifted [Ca2+]i oscillations peak from 0.005−0.01 Hz to 0.01−0.018 Hz. We observed the [Ca2+]i and [NO]i oscillations synchronization within a cell and between cells for the first time. Heating abolished these synchronizations. Therefore low‐frequency [Ca2+]i and [NO]i oscillations in endotheliocytes may be considered as modulators of low‐frequency endothelial SBP oscillations.
DNA Electrostatics: From Theory to Application
Authors: Jambrec Daliborka , Gebala Magdalena
Published: December 2021

Numerous DNA biosensor platforms developed in the last decades rely on DNA electrostatics as the basis for detection. However, the overwhelming number of theoretical studies and computational models of DNA electrostatics poses a barrier to leveraging our deeper mechanistic understanding in this area for the development of new technologies that will push the field towards more sensitive, quantitative, and reliable DNA‐based sensors. In this review, we will bridge the gap between the theory and applications of DNA charge and electrical surfaces to overcome this barrier. We will discuss key theories such as Manning's counterion condensation theory, the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation, and the Gouy‐Chapman model, and provide examples of technological applications that rely on these theories.
Calixarenes Incorporating Sulfonamide Moieties: Versatile Ligands for Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibition
Authors: Sbravati Davide , Bonardi Alessandro , Bua Silvia , Angeli Andrea , Ferraroni Marta , Nocentini Alessio , Casnati Alessandro , Gratteri Paola , Sansone Francesco , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: December 2021

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) continue to represent a relevant pharmaceutical target. The need of selective inhibitors and the involvement of these metalloenzymes in many multifaceted diseases boost the search for new ligands able to distinguish among the different CA isoforms, and for multifunctional systems simultaneously able to inhibit CAs and to interfere with other pathological events by interacting with additional targets. In this work, we successfully explored the possibility of preparing new CAs ligands by combining calixarenes with benzensulfonamide units. Inhibition tests towards three human CA isoforms evidenced, for some of the ligands, Ki values in the nanomolar range and promising selectivity. X‐ray and molecular modeling studies provided information on the mode of binding of these calixarene derivatives. Thanks to the encouraging results and the structural features typical of the calixarene scaffold, it is then possible to plan for the future the design of multifunctional inhibitors for this class of widely spread enzymes.
Reaching New Biocatalytic Reactivity Using Continuous Flow Reactors
Authors: Cosgrove Sebastian C. , Mattey Ashley P.
Published: December 2021

The use of flow reactors in biocatalysis has increased significantly in recent years. Chemists have begun to design flow systems that even allow new biocatalytic reactions to take place. This concept article will focus on the design of flow systems that have allowed enzymes to go beyond their limits in batch. The case is made for moving towards fully continuous systems. With flow chemistry increasingly seen as an enabling technology for automated synthesis, and with advancements in AI‐assisted enzyme design, there is a real possibility to fully automate the development and implementation of a continuous biocatalytic processes. This will lead to significantly improved enzyme processes for synthesis.
Hydrogen‐Bridged Oligosilanylsilyl Mono‐ and Oligosilanylsilyl Dications
Authors: Nimoth Jelte P. , Müller Thomas
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen‐bridged oligosilanylsilyl borates 8 [B(C6F5)4], 9[B(C6F5)4] and diborates 10 [B(C6F5)4]2 have been prepared by hydride transfer between α‐ω‐dihydrido‐ (11) and branched tetrahydrido‐oligosilanes (13) and trityl cation. The obtained cyclic intramolecularly stabilized silylium ions 8, 9 and bissilylium ion 10 were characterized by low temperature NMR spectroscopy supported by the results of density functional calculations. The branched Si−H−Si monocation 9 undergoes at low temperatures a fast degenerate rearrangement, which exchanges the Si−H groups with a barrier of 31 kJ mol−1 via an antarafacial transition state. Reaction of the branched monocation 9 with a second equivalent of trityl cation or of the branched oligosilane 13 with two equivalents of trityl cation, gives at −80 °C the corresponding bissilylium ion 10, an example for a new class of highly reactive poly‐Lewis acids.
Add a Pinch of Tetrel: The Transformation of a Centrosymmetric Metal into a Nonsymmorphic and Chiral Semiconductor
Authors: Lee Shannon J. , Viswanathan Gayatri , Carnahan Scott L. , Harmer Colin P. , Akopov Georgiy , Rossini Aaron J. , Miller Gordon J. , Kovnir Kirill
Published: December 2021

Centrosymmetric skutterudite RhP3 was converted to a nonsymmorphic and chiral compound RhSi0.3P2.7 (space group P212121) by means of partial replacement of Si for P. The structure, determined by a combination of X‐ray crystallography and solid state 31P NMR, exhibits branched polyanionic P/Si chains that are unique among metal phosphides. A driving force to stabilize the locally noncentrosymmetric cis‐RhSi2P4 and fac‐RhSi3P3 fragments is π‐electron back‐donation between the Rh t2g‐type orbitals and the unoccupied antibonding Si/P orbitals, which is more effective for Si than for P. In situ studies and total energy calculations revealed the metastable nature of RhSi0.3P2.7. Electronic structure calculations predicted centrosymmetric cubic RhP3 to be metallic which was confirmed by transport properties measurements. In contrast, the electronic structure for chiral orthorhombic RhSi0.3P2.7 contained a bandgap, and this compound was shown to be a narrow gap semiconductor.
Drug‐Derived Surface‐Active Ionic Liquids: A Cost‐Effective Way To Expressively Increase the Blood‐Stage Antimalarial Activity of Primaquine
Authors: Silva Ana Teresa , Oliveira Isabel S. , Gomes Joana , Aguiar Luísa , Fontinha Diana , Duarte Denise , Nogueira Fátima , Prudêncio Miguel , Marques Eduardo F. , Teixeira Cátia , Ferraz Ricardo , Gomes Paula
Published: December 2021

Inspired by previous disclosure of room‐temperature ionic liquids derived from primaquine and cinnamic acids, which displayed slightly enhanced blood‐stage activity compared to the parent drug, we have now combined this emblematic antimalarial with natural fatty acids. This affords surface‐active ionic liquids whose liver‐stage antiplasmodial activity is either retained or slightly enhanced, while revealing blood‐stage antiplasmodial activity at least one order of magnitude higher than that of the parent compound. These findings open new perspectives towards the cost‐effective recycling of classical drugs that are either shelved or in decline, and which is not limited to antimalarial agents.
Blockchain based choreographies: The construction industry case study
Authors: Spalazzi Luca , Spegni Francesco , Corneli Alessandra , Naticchia Berardo
Published: December 2021

BPMN choreography is a modeling language capable to describe scenarios where several independent participants have to collaborate in a climate of opposing interests and therefore are forced to trust each other. For this reason, in many contexts, a strong need for transparency, responsibility, and choreography compliance arise by the various participants. Blockchains and smart contracts, thanks to their characteristic of providing a decentralized and consensus‐based validation mechanism, seem to be able to meet these needs in an untrusted scenario. Nevertheless, most of the related work focused either on transparency, accountability, or compliance, but none on all three of them. Furthermore, such works do not take into account the nondeterministc nature of choreographies. This work aims at using blockchains and smart contracts in this scenario providing a formally well‐defined set of tools to match all three the aforementioned requirements. This work applies the proposed techniques to a case study from the construction industry, an economical relevant application domain where the demand for transparency, accountability, and compliance with procurement contracts (that can be modeled as choreographies) is very strong.
Homogeneous Water Oxidation Catalyzed by First‐Row Transition Metal Complexes: Unveiling the Relationship between Turnover Frequency and Reaction Overpotential
Authors: Hsu Wan‐Chi , Wang Yu‐Heng
Published: December 2021

The utilization of earth‐abundant low‐toxicity metal ions in the construction of highly active and efficient molecular catalysts promoting the water oxidation reaction is important for developing a sustainable artificial energy cycle. However, the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the currently available molecular water oxidation catalysts (MWOCs) have not been comprehensively investigated. This Review summarizes the current status of MWOCs based on first‐row transition metals in terms of their turnover frequency (TOF, a kinetic property) and overpotential (η, a thermodynamic property) and uses the relationship between log(TOF) and η to assess catalytic performance. Furthermore, the effects of the same ligand classes on these MWOCs are discussed in terms of TOF and η, and vice versa. The collective analysis of these relationships provides a metric for the direct comparison of catalyst systems and identifying factors crucial for catalyst design.
Mito‐nuclear discordance at a mimicry color transition zone in bumble beeBombus melanopygus
Authors: Wham Briana E. , Rahman Sarthok Rasique , Martinez‐Correa Marena , Hines Heather M.
Published: December 2021

As hybrid zones exhibit selective patterns of gene flow between otherwise distinct lineages, they can be especially valuable for informing processes of microevolution and speciation. The bumble bee,Bombus melanopygus, displays two distinct color forms generated by Müllerian mimicry: a northern “Rocky Mountain'’ color form with ferruginous mid‐abdominal segments (B.m.melanopygus) and a southern “Pacific'’ form with black mid‐abdominal segments (B.m.edwardsii). These morphs meet in a mimetic transition zone in northern California and southern Oregon that is more narrow and transitions further west than comimetic bumble bee species. To understand the historical formation of this mimicry zone, we assessed color distribution data forB.melanopygusfrom the last 100 years. We then examined gene flow among the color forms in the transition zone by comparing sequences from mitochondrial COI barcode sequences, color‐controlling loci, and the rest of the nuclear genome. These data support two geographically distinct mitochondrial haplogroups aligned to the ancestrally ferruginous and black forms that meet within the color transition zone. This clustering is also supported by the nuclear genome, which, while showing strong admixture across individuals, distinguishes individuals most by their mitochondrial haplotype, followed by geography. These data suggest the two lineages most likely were historically isolated, acquired fixed color differences, and then came into secondary contact with ongoing gene flow. The transition zone, however, exhibits asymmetries: mitochondrial haplotypes transition further south than color pattern, and both transition over shorter distances in the south. This system thus demonstrates alternative patterns of gene flow that occur in contact zones, presenting another example of mito‐nuclear discordance. Discordant gene flow is inferred to most likely be driven by a combination of mimetic selection, dominance effects, and assortative mating.
Direct and indirect disturbance impacts on forest biodiversity
Authors: Bowd Elle , Blanchard Wade , McBurney Lachlan , Lindenmayer David
Published: December 2021

Understanding the responses of biodiversity to forest disturbance is critical for maintaining ecosystem integrity and key ecological functions. Ecological research in forests after major disturbance typically focuses on the direct responses of individual species or communities, often with only limited consideration of the interactions between forest structure and biodiversity. Despite this, these interactions can mediate indirect disturbance impacts throughout forest ecosystems. Using data from a decade of extensive, empirical research, we employ structural equation modeling to quantify the direct and indirect impacts of multiple stand‐replacing disturbances on elements of forest structure (basal area (BA) of dominant plant lifeforms and number of hollow‐bearing trees) and on biodiversity (plant diversity, arboreal marsupials, and avifauna) in the southeastern Australian montane‐ash forests. The number of stand‐replacing disturbances resulted in a lower species richness and lower functional dispersion of avifauna and had a strong negative influence on the number of hollow‐bearing trees. In contrast, the number of stand‐replacing disturbances increased plant species richness in the understory, after controlling for the influence of stand age. In this ecosystem, we also found evidence of ecological interactions that mediated indirect impacts. For instance, disturbance‐induced declines in the number of hollow‐bearing trees had negative impacts on the richness of arboreal marsupials. Moreover, disturbance‐induced increases in the richness of understory plants had positive impacts on avian richness, partially mitigating direct disturbance impacts. Our novel integrative study provides new insights into the mechanisms that underpin disturbance impacts in forests at the ecosystem level. This has enabled the development of a new conceptual model on forest responses to the number of stand‐replacing disturbances. By exploring interactions between elements of biodiversity, forest structure, and disturbance, our model demonstrates how disturbance‐induced changes in one measure can have cascading effects on another. This understanding will provide for an integrative approach to management and planning.
Understanding drivers of aquatic ecosystem metabolism in freshwater subtropical ridge and slough wetlands
Authors: Kominoski John S. , Pachón Julio , Brock James T. , McVoy Christopher , Malone Sparkle L.
Published: December 2021

How climate and habitat drive variation in aquatic metabolism in wetlands remains uncertain. To quantify differences in seasonal aquatic metabolism among wetlands, we estimated aquatic ecosystem metabolism (gross primary productivity, GPP; ecosystem respiration, ER; net aquatic productivity, NAP) in subtropical ridge and slough wetlands of the Florida Everglades from more than 2 yr of continuously measured water column dissolved oxygen, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), water temperature, and water depth. Gross primary productivity and ER were modeled from light, temperature, and water depth using non‐linear minimization and maximum likelihood. Reaeration rates were estimated from wind speed. Dissolved oxygen was below saturation at all sites during both wet and dry seasons. Water depth interacted with vegetation to influence PAR, water temperature, and spatiotemporal patterns in aquatic metabolism. Gross primary productivity and ER were highest at the slough with lowest submerged aquatic vegetation (low‐SAV slough), intermediate in the sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) ridge site, and lowest at the slough with highest submerged aquatic vegetation (high‐SAV slough). Ecosystem respiration was strongly positively correlated with GPP at the sawgrass ridge and low‐SAV slough sites. Gross primary productivity increased with water temperature and PAR across all habitat types, whereas ER decreased (more respiration) with water temperature and PAR. Net aquatic productivity was negatively correlated with water temperature and positively correlated with PAR, suggesting that ER was more sensitive than GPP to water temperature. Aquatic metabolism was largely net heterotrophic in all wetlands, and high‐SAV appeared to buffer seasonal variation in PAR and water temperatures that drive NAP in subtropical wetlands. Our results suggest that aquatic ecosystem metabolism in wetlands with seasonal hydrology is sensitive to changes in water depth and vegetation density that influence temperature and light. Expanding our understanding of how metabolic processes and carbon cycling in wetland ecosystems vary across gradients in hydrology, vegetation, and organic matter could enhance our understanding and protection of conditions that maximize carbon storage.
The predator activity landscape predicts the anti‐predator behavior and distribution of prey in a tundra community
Authors: Clermont Jeanne , Grenier‐Potvin Alexis , Duchesne Éliane , Couchoux Charline , Dulude‐de Broin Frédéric , Beardsell Andréanne , Bêty Joël , Berteaux Dominique
Published: December 2021

Predation shapes communities through consumptive and non‐consumptive effects. In the latter case, prey respond to perceived predation risk through proactive or reactive risk management strategies occurring at different spatial and temporal scales. The predator–prey space race and landscape of fear concepts are useful to better understand how predation risk affects prey behavioral decisions and distribution. We assessed predation risk effects in a terrestrial Arctic community, where the arctic fox is the main predator of ground‐nesting birds. Using high‐frequency GPS data, we estimated a predator activity landscape corresponding to fox space use patterns and validated with an artificial prey experiment that this predator activity landscape correlated with the predation risk landscape. We then investigated the effects of the fox activity landscape on multiple prey species, by assessing the anti‐predator behavior of a main prey (snow goose) actively searched for by foxes, and the nest distribution of several incidental prey species. We first found that snow geese showed a stronger level of nest defense in areas highly used by foxes, possibly responding with a reactive strategy to variation in predation risk. Then, nests of incidental prey reproducing in habitats easily accessed by foxes had a lower probability of occurrence in areas highly used by foxes, suggesting these birds may use a proactive risk management strategy by shifting their distribution away from risky areas. For incidental prey species nesting in microhabitat refuges difficult to access by foxes, probability of nest occurrence was independent of predation risk in the surrounding area, as they avoid risk at a finer spatial scale. By tracking all individuals of the dominant predator species in our study area, we demonstrated the value of using predator space use patterns to infer spatial variation in predation risk. Overall, we highlight the diversity of risk management strategies in prey sharing a common predator, hence refining our understanding of the mechanisms driving species distribution and community structure.
The fate of carbon utilized by the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes
Authors: Myer Angela , Myer Mark H. , Trettin Carl C. , Forschler Brian T.
Published: December 2021

Subterranean termites are ecosystem engineers that modulate the flow of carbon from dead wood to the atmosphere and soil, yet their contributions to the latter pool are largely unaccounted for in carbon cycling models. The fate of C from wood utilized by Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) was determined using a reductionist design in a closed system with δ13C labeled wood as a stable isotope tracer. The percentage of wood‐based carbon in termite respiratory gases, tissues, and organic deposits (frass and construction materials) was measured for five colonies to budget wood‐C mass distributed into metabolic and behavioral pathways during a 160‐h incubation period. We found that termites emitted 42% of the C from wood as gas (largely as carbon dioxide), returned 40% to the environment as organic deposits (frass and construction materials), and retained 18% in their tissues (whole alimentary tracts and de‐gutted bodies). Our findings affirm that termites are a source of greenhouse gases but are also ecosystem engineers that return approximately half the C from dead wood as organic deposits into their surrounding environment.
Real‐world evidence in a national health service: results of the UK CardioMEMS HF System Post‐Market Study
Authors: Cowie Martin R. , Flett Andrew , Cowburn Peter , Foley Paul , Chandrasekaran Badrinathan , Loke Ian , Critoph Chris , Gardner Roy S. , Guha Kaushik , Betts Tim R. , Carr‐White Gerry , Zaidi Amir , Lim Hoong Sern , Hayward Carl , Patwala Ashish , Rogers Dominic , Pettit Stephen , Gazzola Carlo , Henderson John , Adamson Philip B.
Published: December 2021

Aims

The CardioMEMS HF System Post‐Market Study (COAST) was designed to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of haemodynamic‐guided heart failure (HF) management using a small sensor implanted in the pulmonary artery of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III HF patients in the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Methods and results

COAST is a prospective, international, multicentre, open‐label clinical study (NCT02954341). The primary clinical endpoint compares annualized HF hospitalization rates after 1 year of haemodynamic‐guided management vs. the year prior to sensor implantation in patients with NYHA Class III symptoms and a previous HF hospitalization. The primary safety endpoints assess freedom from device/system‐related complications and pressure sensor failure after 2 years. Results from the first 100 patients implanted at 14 out of the 15 participating centres in the UK are reported here. At baseline, all patients were in NYHA Class III, 70% were male, mean age was 69 ± 12 years, and 39% had an aetiology of ischaemic cardiomyopathy. The annualized HF hospitalization rate after 12 months was 82% lower [95% confidence interval 72–88%] than the previous 12 months (0.27 vs. 1.52 events/patient‐year, respectively, P < 0.0001). Freedom from device/system‐related complications and pressure sensor failure at 2 years was 100% and 99%, respectively.

Conclusions

Remote haemodynamic‐guided HF management, using frequent assessment of pulmonary artery pressures, was successfully implemented at 14 specialist centres in the UK. Haemodynamic‐guided HF management was safe and significantly reduced hospitalization in a group of high‐risk patients. These results support implementation of this innovative remote management strategy to improve outcome for patients with symptomatic HF.

Clinical registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02954341.
Face‐Directed Tetrahedral Organic Cage Anchored Palladium Nanoparticles for Selective Homocoupling Reactions
Authors: Bhandari Pallab , Mondal Bijnaneswar , Howlader Prodip , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: December 2021

Numerous metalla‐supramolecular architectures have been designed using coordination‐driven self‐assembly, while the number of analogous organic architectures is still very limited. In this regard, mainly di‐, tri‐ and a few tetra‐aldehydes have been exploited as precursors in combination with appropriate di‐/tri‐amines to obtain the desired structures with limited complexities. We report here facile synthesis of two face‐directed tetrahedral organic cages (TC‐R and TC‐S) that were formed by [4+12] imine condensation of a new hexa‐aldehyde precursor with two enantiomers of 1,2‐diaminocyclohexane separately (CA‐R and CA‐S). The covalent imine cages are very large with an intrinsic porous cavity of ∼1250 Å3 and the faces of the cages consist of aromatic aldehyde units whereas each corner is occupied by three semi‐flexible diamine moieties. Palladium (PdNPs) nanoparticles (3.5±0.3 nm) were synthesized employing the cage TC‐R as a solid support via double‐solvent approach. Furthermore, the cage hosted PdNPs [Pd(0)@TC‐R‐A] exhibited efficient catalytic activity for selective homocoupling of aryl‐ and hetero‐aryl halides with high thermal stability and reusability.
Seismic performance of bending‐type frictional steel truss coupling beams
Authors: Cui Yao , Tang Qi , Wu Tianjiao , Wang Tao
Published: December 2021

Traditional coupling beams, once seismically damaged, are very difficult to be repaired. Recent studies developed new coupling beams by introducing mid‐span dampers. The shear deformation is concentrated in the damper, thus protecting the primary concrete members. However, the concentrated shear deformation will result in slab damage. This paper proposes a novel bending‐type steel truss coupling beam (BFTCB) that adapts to slab bending deformation. The steel truss is securely connected to the slab at the top chord. It remains elastic during an earthquake, while inelastic deformation is confined to friction dampers equipped on both ends of the bottom chord. Friction dampers render the coupling beam damage‐reparability, which can be rapidly repaired by retightening or replacing the bolts after a major earthquake. The main body of wall piers sustain negligible damage and can remain in service; thus, they can be exposed to more earthquakes during the lifetime of the building. Unlike solid web sections, the truss configuration decouples bending and shear demands, as well as stiffness and strength, which improves the design flexibility. Quasi‐static tests were conducted to validate the design concepts and confirm the replaceability of the BFTCB. The BFTCB displayed full and stable hysteretic behavior. The theoretical formula for the strength and stiffness of the BFTCB afforded acceptable accuracy. The proposed BFTCB shows promising potential for resilience‐oriented high‐performance structures.
Tectonic setting of the South Liaohe Group in the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt, North China Craton: Geochemical and geochronological constraints from metasedimentary rocks
Authors: Wang Pengsen , Dong Yongsheng , Xu Wang , Gan Yicheng , Chen Musen , Wang Chengzhi
Published: December 2021

The metasedimentary rocks of the South Liaohe Group are widely distributed along the Jiao‐Liao‐Ji Belt (JLJB) in eastern Liaoning Province. It is important to understanding tectonic setting and evolution of the JLJB by determining its sediment sources and properties of the provenances, sedimentary facies, metamorphic ages, and facies. After the detailed field geological surveys and comprehensive laboratory observation, many high‐grade metapelitic rocks are identified in the South Liaohe Group. The main rock type is sillimanite‐garnet‐cordierite‐biotite plagiogneiss. The zircon U–Pb geochronology of three samples shows that these high‐grade meta‐pelitic rocks are mainly derived from the Liaoji Granites and the Archean basement. The protolith formation ages are between 2.00 and 1.93 Ga. Subsequently, these protolithes underwent high‐pressure metamorphism resulted from collisional orogeny, with peak metamorphism at ca. 1.88 Ga. Then, at 1.88–1.84 Ga, these rocks experienced the retrograde metamorphism and exhumed to the surface during crustal uplift. Geochemical data show that the protoliths are alumina‐rich claystones and graywackes with low maturity, implying near‐source sedimentation. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of these samples range from 60 to 80, indicating that the protoliths underwent moderate weathering. The sediment source was mainly felsic components of the upper crust, possibly with the addition of ancient sediments. Various tectonic environment discrimination diagrams combined with previous results on metamorphism and isotope chronology of these metasedimentary rocks in the JLJB indicate that the rocks in the study area originated from an active continental margin with an evolving island arc.
Early postoperative functional outcomes following transoral surgery for oropharyngeal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Stephen Sarah E. , Murphy Jennifer M. , Beyer Fiona R. , Sellstrom Diane , Paleri Vinidh , Patterson Joanne M.
Published: December 2021

There has been increased interest in the use of transoral surgery (TOS) for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). This systematic review summarizes the available evidence for validated functional outcomes following TOS for OPC, within the early postoperative period. Key databases were searched. Primary TOS resections of human subjects were included. Validated functional outcomes extracted included instrumental assessment, clinician rated, and patient reported measures. Database searches yielded 7186 titles between 1990 and December 2020. Full‐text articles were obtained for 296 eligible studies, which were screened and a resulting 14 studies, comprising 665 participants were included in the review. Oropharyngeal dysfunction following TOS was observed across all three categories of outcome measures (OMs) reported and was dependent on pretreatment function, T‐classification, and tumor volume. Future investigations should include optimal OMs to be used in the postoperative setting to allow for conclusive comparisons.
Are natural floods accelerators for streambank vegetation development in floodplain restoration?
Authors: Stammel Barbara , Stäps Julia , Schwab André , Kiehl Kathrin
Published: December 2021

Riverbanks are very dynamic habitats for riparian vegetation strongly influenced by fluvial and geomorphic processes. This habitat type was severely reduced in the past by river straightening and bank stabilisation. Restoration and establishment of new floodplain streams promote this habitat, but a directed succession to later stages was observed many times. Our study aimed to analyse whether the often observed directed succession of the streambank vegetation after restoration implementation could be reversed by a natural flood along a newly created floodplain stream. We investigated the effects of a natural flood in 2013 and different prerestoration conditions on species development in the riparian zone. Vegetation was studied along 12 transects in four different sections from 2011 to 2014. Species composition differed strongly between the sections. Species richness was lowest in a newly dug steep section with high morphological dynamics and highest on wider flat streambanks. Changes during the years reflecting different hydrological events varied between sections. The high natural flood in 2013 reduced the cover of the herb layer and increased bare ground, which led in most sections to a loss of nontarget species. Total target species richness did not change due to the natural flood, while target species showed a high turnover rate. In the following year, however, the flood‐induced development of species composition, in general, was reversed. Natural floods changed abiotic and biotic conditions along the streambank, but they did not accelerate ecological restoration towards predefined target ecosystems. However, they were necessary to preserve the needed dynamic vegetation changes and species turnover to hinder the succession to later stages dominated by a few species. Our study shows that riparian vegetation near the streambank can be monitored most effectively in cross‐profile transects, both in the long‐term and event‐related.
Comparison of Real‐Q 2019‐nCoV and DaAn Gene 2019‐nCoV polymerase chain reaction assays for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Marembo Takudzwa , Chimbunde Prosper , Chipendo Tendai , Munemo Clayton , Manangazira Portia , Bangure Donewell
Published: December 2021

Background

Various nucleic acid amplification assays for the diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have been developed, and there is a need to assess their test performance relative to one another. The aim of this study was to compare the performance characteristics of the Biosewoom Real‐Q 2019‐nCoV assay targeting the E and RdRP genes to DaAn Gene 2019‐nCoV kit targeting the N gene and ORF1ab in the diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

We performed a diagnostic comparison study by testing nasopharyngeal samples for SARS‐CoV‐2 using the two reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays. Assay agreement was assessed by overall percent agreement, negative percent agreement, positive percent agreement, and Cohen's kappa coefficient.

Results

A total of 48 nasopharyngeal samples were tested using the two assays. One sample was invalid, and three showed inconclusive results with Real‐Q; hence, 44 were included for the comparative analysis. Overall, percent agreement between the assays was 93.2% (95% CI 81.3%–98.6%), Positive percent agreement (PPA) was 86.4% (95% CI 65.1%–97.1%) and negative percent agreement (NPA) was 100% (95% CI 84.6%–100%). The kappa coefficient was 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.01). Three samples (6.8%) were positive with DaAn gene kit and negative with Real‐Q. The fluorescence intensity for Real‐Q reporter dyes was low.

Conclusion

The two kits showed high levels of concordance in their detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 despite having different gene targets. The Biosewoom kit can be improved through addressing the fluorescence intensity of the target dyes, and feedback was given to the manufacturer.
Lactobacillus plantarum alleviates irradiation‐induced intestinal injury by activation of FXR‐FGF15 signaling in intestinal epithelia
Authors: Jian Yong‐Ping , Yang Ge , Zhang Li‐Hong , Liang Ji‐Yong , Zhou Hong‐Lan , Wang Yi‐Shu , Xu Zhi‐Xiang
Published: December 2021

Abdominal irradiation (IR) may destroy the intestinal mucosal barrier, leading to severe intestinal infection and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. The role of intestinal microbiota in the development of IR‐induced intestinal injury remains largely unknown. Herein, we reported that abdominal IR altered the composition of the microbiota and reduced the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiome. Alterations of bacteria, in particular reduction of Lactobacillus, played a critical role in IR‐induced intestinal injury. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from normal mice or administration of Lactobacillus plantarum to intestinal microbiota‐eliminated mice substantially reduced IR‐induced intestinal damage and prevented mice from IR‐induced death. We further characterized that L. plantarum activated the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) – fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) signaling in intestinal epithelial cells and hence promoted DNA‐damage repair. Application of GW4064, an activator of FXR, to microbiota eliminated mice markedly mitigated IR‐induced intestinal damage, reduced intestinal epithelial cell death and promoted the survival of IR mice. In contrast, suppression of FXR with Gly‐β‐MCA, a bile acid and an intestine‐selective and high‐affinity FXR inhibitor, abrogated L. Plantarum‐mediated protection on the ileum of IR mice. Taken together, our findings not only provide new insights into the role of intestinal flora in radiation‐induced intestinal injury but also shed new light on the application of probiotics for the protection of radiation‐damaged individuals.