bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary origins of vocal mimicry in songbirds
Authors: Goller Maria , Shizuka Daizaburo
Published: June 2018

Vocal learning is an important behavior in oscines (songbirds). Some songbird species learn heterospecific sounds as well as conspecific vocalizations. The emergence of vocal mimicry is necessarily tied to the evolution of vocal learning, as mimicry requires the ability to acquire sounds through learning. As such, tracking the evolutionary origins of vocal mimicry may provide insights into the causes of variation in song learning programs among songbirds. We compiled a database of known vocal mimics that comprised 339 species from 43 families. We then traced the evolutionary history of vocal mimicry across the avian phylogeny using ancestral trait reconstruction on a dataset of oscine passerines for which vocalizations have been described. We found that the common ancestor to oscines was unlikely to mimic sounds, suggesting that song learning evolved with mechanisms to constrain learning to conspecific models. Mimicry then evolved repeatedly within the songbird clade, either through relaxation of constraints on conspecific learning or through selection for active vocal mimicry. Vocal mimicry is likely ancestral in only a handful of clades, and we detect many instances of independent origins of mimicry. Our analysis underscores the liability of vocal mimicry in songbirds, and highlights the evolutionary flexibility of song learning mechanisms.
Parent–child attachment as a mediator of the relationship between parenting style and gelotophobia among adolescents
Authors: Wu Ching‐Lin , Huang Yi‐Ting , Wang Pin‐Yu , Chen Hsueh‐Chih
Published: June 2018

Fear of being laughed at and family interaction are highly related. Parental over‐control and over‐protection influence children's excessive anxiety over being laughed at. Conversely, parental attachment is an important index of the parent–child relationship and is closely correlated to children's gelotophobia. However, is it the style of parenting or the outcome of parenting (i.e. attachment) that influences a child's gelotophobia? To answer this question, the present study analysed the relationships between gelotophobia, perceived parenting of children and parent–child attachment, as well as the mediating role of attachment between parenting and children's gelotophobia, using a sample of 373 high‐school students. The results show that being highly communicative and close attachment completely weakened the negative correlation between warm, caring parenting and the child's gelotophobia; moreover, being highly communicative and close attachment, together with over‐protective and over‐controlling parenting, influence children's gelotophobia. In sum, this study indicates that parent–child attachment has a direct and indirect influence on perceived parental care and protection and children's fear of being laughed at.
Improved label‐free diagnostics and pathological assessment of atherosclerotic plaques through nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Baria Enrico , Nesi Gabriella , Santi Raffaella , Maio Vincenza , Massi Daniela , Pratesi Carlo , Cicchi Riccardo , Pavone Francesco S.
Published: June 2018

Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease caused by atherosclerosis. In fact, an arterial wall lesion centered on the accumulation of cholesterol‐rich lipids and the accompanying inflammatory response generates a plaque, whose rupture may result in a thrombus with fatal consequences. Plaque characterization for assessing the severity of atherosclerosis is generally performed through standard histopathological examination based on hematoxylin/eosin staining, which is operator‐dependent and requires relatively long procedures. In this framework, nonlinear optical microscopy is a valid, label‐free alternative to standard diagnostic methods. We combined second‐harmonic generation (SHG), two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in a multimodal scheme for obtaining morphological and molecular information on human carotid ex vivo specimens affected by atherosclerosis. In this study, discrimination between different tissues within the atherosclerotic plaque was achieved based on both lifetime, TPEF‐to‐SHG ratio, and image pattern analysis. The presented methodology aims to be a starting point for future fully automated and fast characterization of atherosclerotic biopsies; moreover, it could be extended to the study of other tissues and pathologies. Combined TPEF/SHG mapping of a carotid specimen affected by atherosclerosis.
Unique Variant of NOD2 Pediatric Granulomatous Arthritis With Severe 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-Mediated Hypercalcemia and Generalized Osteosclerosis
Authors: Whyte Michael P , Lim Emilina , McAlister William H , Gottesman Gary S , Trinh Lien , Veis Deborah J , Bijanki Vinieth N , Boden Matthew G , Nenninger Angela , Mumm Steven , Buchbinder David
Published: June 2018

Pediatric granulomatous arthritis (PGA) refers to two formerly separate entities: autosomal dominant Blau syndrome (BS) and its sporadic phenocopy early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS). In 2001 BS and in 2005 EOS became explained by heterozygous mutations within the gene that encodes nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2), also called caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 15 (CARD15). NOD2 is a microbe sensor in leukocyte cytosol that activates and regulates inflammation. PGA is characterized by a triad of autoinflammatory problems (dermatitis, uveitis, and arthritis) in early childhood, which suggests the causal NOD2/CARD15 mutations are activating defects. Additional complications of PGA were recognized especially when NOD2 mutation analysis became generally available. However, in PGA, hypercalcemia is only briefly mentioned, and generalized osteosclerosis is not reported, although NOD2 regulates NF-κB signaling essential for osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function. Herein, we report a 4-year-old girl with PGA uniquely complicated by severe 1,25(OH)2D-mediated hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis, and compromised renal function together with radiological and histopathological features of osteopetrosis (OPT). The classic triad of PGA complications was absent, although joint pain and an antalgic gait accompanied wrist, knee, and ankle swelling and soft non-tender masses over her hands, knees, and feet. MRI revealed tenosynovitis in her hands and suprapatellar effusions. Synovial biopsy demonstrated reactive synovitis without granulomas. Spontaneous resolution of metaphyseal osteosclerosis occurred while biochemical markers indicated active bone turnover. Anti-inflammatory medications suppressed circulating 1,25(OH)2D, corrected the hypercalcemia, and improved her renal function, joint pain and swelling, and gait. Mutation analysis excluded idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia, type 1, and known forms of OPT, and identified a heterozygous germline missense mutation in NOD2 common in PGA (c.1001G>A, p.Arg334Gln). Thus, radiological and histological findings of OPT and severe hypercalcemia from apparent extrarenal production of 1,25(OH)2D can complicate NOD2-associated PGA. Although the skeletal findings seem inconsequential, treatment of the hypercalcemia is crucial to protect the kidneys. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of selenium supplementation on expression of SEPP1 in mRNA and protein levels in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome suffering from coronary artery disease: Selenegene study a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gharipour Mojgan , Ouguerram Khadija , Nazih El‐Hassane , Salehi Mansour , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Roohafza Hamidreza , Hosseini Syed Mohsen , Nezafati Pouya , Dianatkhah Minoo , Gharipour Amin , Haghjoo Shaghayegh , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Sadeghi Masoumeh
Published: June 2018

Selenoprotein P (SePP) is involved in the protection against diseases. The present study is the first investigation of the effect of selenium supplementation on plasma selenium and expression of SEPP1 in mRNA and protein levels based on metabolic syndrome (MetS), in individuals suffering from coronary artery diseases. In this clinical trial, 160 patients with angiographically documented stenosis of more than 75% in each vessel were enrolled. Patients received either 200‐mg selenium yeast tablets or placebo tablets orally after a meal, once daily for 60 days. The mRNA and protein levels of the selenium and SePP1 products were determined before and after the study. From the initial 160 participants, 145 subjects (71 MetS‐affected individuals, 74 MetS‐unaffected individuals) enrolled in this study. Comparing the selenium and placebo groups, no significant percentage changes of plasma selenium, △Ct SEPP1, or SePP were shown (P > 0.05). Moreover, beyond a significant difference for the expression of SePP in the selenium group compared to its baseline level (P < 0.05), no other significant differences were revealed for plasma selenium and △Ct SEPP1 after the intervention in either group (P > 0.05). Selenium supplementation did not affect plasma selenium or the mRNA or protein level of SePP in either groups after a 2‐months intervention beyond a significant increase of SePP in the MetS group. This trial suggests that further studies should investigate the long‐term use of selenium supplementation and the effect of a SePP increase on MetS as a potential therapeutic effect.
MiR‐490‐5p inhibits the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by down‐regulating E2F2 and ECT2
Authors: Fang Zheng‐Qing , Li Mao‐Chun , Zhang Yu‐Qin , Liu Xiang‐Guo
Published: June 2018

We intended to evaluate miR‐490‐5p expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and detect the potential targets of miR‐490‐5p. In vitro experiments were conducted to further investigate the biological function of miR‐490‐5p on HCC cell metastasis. We investigated the abnormally expressed miRNAs in HCC tissues, and the miR‐490‐5p expression level was detected by qRT‐PCR. E2F2 and ECT2 were proved to be the potential targets of miR‐490‐5p by luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of E2F2 and ECT2 were determined using Western blot. Transwell assay was used to analyse the impact of miR‐490‐5p on metastasis of HCC cells. Four high‐expressed miRNAs, and seven low‐expressed miRNAs, including miR‐490‐5p, were detected in HCC tissues. The expression level of miR‐490‐5p was connected with the tumor size, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and survival ratio of HCC patients. E2F2 and ECT2 were the targets of miR‐490‐5p, and miR‐490‐5p inhibited HCC cell metastasis through down‐regulating the expressions of E2F2 and ECT2. The over‐expressed miR‐490‐5p could restrain the metastasis of HCC cells by down‐regulating E2F2 and ECT2 expression levels.
Tumor‐targeting Salmonella typhimurium A1‐R arrests a doxorubicin‐resistant PDGFRA‐amplified patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model of pleomorphic liposarcoma
Authors: Kiyuna Tasuku , Tome Yasunori , Murakami Takashi , Zhao Ming , Miyake Kentaro , Igarashi Kentaro , Kawaguchi Kei , Miyake Masuyo , Oshiro Hiromichi , Higuchi Takashi , Li Yunfeng , Dry Sarah M. , Nelson Scott D. , Russell Tara A. , Eckardt Mark A. , Singh Arun S. , Kanaya Fuminori , Eilber Fritz C. , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: June 2018

Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLPS) is a recalcitrant soft‐tissue sarcoma (STS) subtype in need of transformative therapy. We have previously established a patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model, of PLPS with PDGFRA amplification, using surgical orthotopic implantation. In the current study, the PLPS PDOX model was randomized into 3 groups of 7 mice each: untreated control; doxorubicin (DOX)‐treated; and treated with Salmonella typhimurium A1‐R (S. typhimurium A1‐R) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Tumor volume and body weight were monitored during the treatment period. The PLPS PDOX was resistant to DOX. In contrast, the PLPS PDOX was highly sensitive to S. typhimurium A1‐R. There was no significant body‐weight loss among these 3 groups. Fluorescence imaging demonstrated that S. typhimurium A1‐R‐GFP was very effective to target the PLPS PDOX tumor. The current study demonstrates that a PLPS PDOX, resistant to first‐line therapy DOX, was highly sensitive to tumor targeting S. typhimurium A1‐R.
ERβ targets ZAK and attenuates cellular hypertrophy via SUMO‐1 modification in H9c2 cells
Authors: Pai Peiying , Shibu Marthandam Asokan , Chang Ruey‐Lin , Yang Jaw‐Ji , Su Chia‐chi , Lai Chao‐Hung , Liao Hung‐En , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: June 2018

Aberrant expression of leucine zipper‐ and sterile ɑ motif‐containing kinase (ZAK) observed in pathological human myocardial tissue is associated with the progression and elevation of hypertrophy. Our previous reports have correlated high levels of estrogen (E2) and abundant estrogen receptor (ER) α with a low incidence of pathological cardiac‐hypertrophy and heart failure in the premenopause female population. However, the effect of elevated ERβ expression is not well known yet. Therefore, in this study, we have analyzed the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of E2 and/or ERβ against ZAK overexpression–induced cellular hypertrophy. We have used transient transfection to overexpress ERβ into the ZAK tet‐on H9c2 cells that harbor the doxycycline‐inducible ZAK plasmid. The results show that ZAK overexpression in H9c2 cells resulted in hypertrophic effects, which was correlated with the upregulation of p‐JNK and p‐p38 MAPKs and their downstream transcription factors c‐Jun and GATA‐4. However, ERβ and E2 with ERβ overexpressions totally suppressed the effects of ZAK overexpression and inhibited the levels of p‐JNK, p‐p38, c‐Jun, and GATA‐4 effectively. Our results further reveal that ERβ directly binds with ZAK under normal conditions; however, ZAK overexpression reduced the association of ZAK‐ERβ. Interestingly, increase in ERβ and E2 along with ERβ overexpression both enhanced the binding strengths of ERβ and ZAK and reduced the ZAK protein level. ERβ overexpression also suppressed the E3 ligase‐casitas B‐lineage lymphoma (CBL) and attenuated CBL‐phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) protein association to prevent PI3K protein degradation. Moreover, ERβ and/or E2 blocked ZAK nuclear translocation via the inhibition of small ubiquitin‐like modiﬁer (SUMO)‐1 modification. Taken together, our results further suggest that ERβ overexpression strongly suppresses ZAK‐induced cellular hypertrophy and myocardial damage.
Follistatin‐like protein 1 induction of matrix metalloproteinase 1, 3 and 13 gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes requires MAPK, JAK/STAT3 and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Ni Su , Li Chenkai , Xu Nanwei , Liu Xi , Wang Wei , Chen Wenyang , Wang Yuji , van Wijnen Andre J.
Published: June 2018

Elevated levels of follistatin‐like protein 1 (FSTL1) have been found both in mouse models for human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). In this study, we elucidated the potential mechanisms by which FSTL1 contributes to the pathogenesis of RA. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) were established from synovial tissues of RA patients and stimulated with human recombinant FSTL1. Protein and mRNA expression levels of select matrix metalloproteinases (i.e., MMP1, MMP3, MMP13) in FLS were measured by, respectively, real‐time RT‐qPCR and ELISA. Activation of MAPK and other pathways that affect MMPs were evaluated by Western blotting. We also compared concentrations of MMPs in plasma in RA patients versus healthy controls (HC). Expression levels of MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13 were clearly stimulated by FSTL1 in vitro. FSTL1 activated the inflammation‐related NF‐κB signaling pathway, as well as all three mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Moreover, select chemical inhibitors that target p38 (SB203580), Erk1/2 (SP600125), JNK (SCH772984), STAT3 (AG490), and NF‐κB (BAY 11–7082) significantly attenuated MMP expression. Inhibition of Toll‐like receptor 4 by compound TAK‐242 significantly abolished those effects of FSTL1. Importantly, elevated plasma concentrations of MMP3 were found to correlate with plasma FSTL1 levels in RA patients. These findings suggest that FSTL1 accelerates RA progression by activating MAPK, JAK/STAT3, and NF‐κB pathways to enhance secretion of different MMPs and this enhancement is via TLR4. Targeting FSTL1 may provide a promising pharmacological drug therapy to ameliorate RA symptoms and perhaps reverse disease progression.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel inorganic–organic composite flocculant, consisting of chitosan and poly‐ferric cerium silicate
Authors: Liu Mei , Zhu Pengfei , Yang Wenjing , Chen Yanjun , Lan Jian , Ren Shuyang
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Coagulation/flocculation is widely used in the treatment of dye wastewater because of the low cost, high efficiency, short process and convenient operation. However, with the increase of pollutants in water and in recent years the higher requirement for environment protection, traditional flocculants have found it difficult to meet the processing requirements. Therefore, to develop new, efficient, stable and environment‐friendly flocculants is very necessary and urgent.

RESULTS

Decoloration performance and mechanism, stability and structure of flocculants were determined from experimental data, and the results indicated that chitosan and poly‐ferric cerium silicate (CTS‐PFCS) flocculant, a three‐dimensional chain‐net structure with bar‐like branches, was a complex compound rather than a simple mixture of raw materials. The decoloration performance and stability of this flocculant was superior to that of poly‐ferric cerium silicate (PFCS) when treating Direct Red dye wastewater, and also it had a wide range of pH application. The main mechanism for flocculation is charge‐neutralization and chemical adsorption in the initial stage of flocculation and later bridge‐aggregation.

CONCLUSION

A novel inorganic–organic composite flocculant CTS‐PFCS was successfully synthesized by the combination of chitosan and homemade PFCS. The potential use of chitosan as an organic additive for modifying inorganic polymers flocculant in the clarification of wastewater was demonstrated. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A facile lead acetate conversion process for synthesis of high‐purity alpha‐lead oxide derived from spent lead‐acid batteries
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Yang Jiakuan , Li Mingyang , Hu Yuchen , Liang Sha , Wang Junxiong , Zhang Peiyuan , Xiao Keke , Hou Huijie , Hu Jingping , Kumar Ramachandran Vasant
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The lead oxide product recovered from spent lead‐acid battery paste via the hydrometallurgical route usually contains many impurity elements, i.e. Ba and Fe. In this paper, a facile lead acetate conversion process was proposed for synthesis of high‐purity alpha‐lead oxide (α‐PbO) derived from spent lead‐acid batteries.

RESULTS

The desulfurized lead paste was leached with acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to prepare lead acetate solution, which was then reacted with sodium hydroxide solution to synthesize high‐purity α‐PbO. The doses of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide were the two key parameters for the removals of the impurities, due to their dominant effects on the pH and redox potential of the leaching step. Under the optimized conditions (the molar ratios of CH3COOH/Pb of 2.00, H2O2/PbO2 of 3.5, and NaOH/Pb of 2.5), the high‐purity α‐PbO product with impurities of 20.5 mg kg−1 Fe and 1.5 mg kg−1 Ba was prepared, which were the lowest impurities content in lead product recovered via a hydrometallurgical route compared with previous literature. The total removal efficiencies of impurities Ba and Fe reached 99.9 wt% and 99.0 wt%, respectively. The total recovery efficiency of Pb from the spent lead paste was 92.6 wt%.

CONCLUSION

The proposed acetic acid leaching process was proved to be an effective strategy to remove the impurities via a hydrometallurgical route. The recovered high‐purity α‐PbO could be used as the positive active materials for lead‐acid battery. This study could provide insights into the impurities removal in the hydrometallurgical recovery of spent lead paste. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enterovaginal and colovesical fistulas as late complications of pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Iwamuro Masaya , Hasegawa Kou , Hanayama Yoshihisa , Kataoka Hitomi , Tanaka Takehiro , Kondo Yoshitaka , Otsuka Fumio
Published: June 2018

A 72‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with a fever, diarrhea, intermittent spotting, and constant fluid discharge from the vagina. Imaging studies revealed an enterovaginal fistula. She underwent radical hysterectomy and radiotherapy 35 years previously. She also had a surgical history of nephrostomy, nephrectomy, ileoascending anastomosis, and colostomy. As bleeding from the enterovaginal fistula was uncontrollable, ileocecal resection was performed. However, a colovesical fistula with urinary tract infection occurred 3 months later. The present case indicates that fistula formation occurs and causes various symptoms in patients who underwent postpelvic radiotherapy, particularly in those with prior surgeries in the irradiated field.
Therapeutic heparin during the peripartum period – challenges associated with safe use
Authors: North Angela M. , Barrett Helen L. , Lust Karin M. , Whitfield Karen M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Expert opinion varies on the use of therapeutic unfractionated heparin during the peripartum period. While dosing guidelines have been suggested, their transition to clinical practice is lagging.

Aim

To evaluate the protocols employed, adherence to these protocols, and monitoring of therapeutic unfractionated heparin in obstetric patients during the peripartum period in a quaternary teaching hospital.

Method

This retrospective study investigated all women who received therapeutic heparin during the peripartum period between June 2014 and June 2016. The peripartum period was defined as 28 days prior to and post‐delivery. Prescribing and administration information was obtained from the state‐wide heparin infusion order form. Medical notes were studied to document the heparin infusion protocols utilised.

Results

A variety of dosing approaches were used in the 20 patients studied. Heparin bolus dosing was correctly determined in 46% of results. Heparin infusion rate change was correctly determined in 64% of results. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was correctly ordered by the medical officer in 230 results (66%), incorrectly ordered in 68 results (20%) and unable to make an interpretation in 48 results (14%). There were no cases of rethrombosis reported. Post‐partum bleeding occurred in two patients. The APTT at the time of these bleeding events was noted to be subtherapeutic.

Conclusion

This study highlights the variability in therapeutic heparin protocols utilised during the peripartum period. The desire by clinicians to target a low APTT range during the postnatal peripartum period to balance bleeding risk has also been identified in this study.
Improving nutrient release of wall‐disrupted bee pollen with a combination of ultrasonication and high shear technique
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Kai , Qiao Jiangtao , Dong Jie , Li Zhanping , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Pollen collected by honey bees contains a substantial amount of nutrients and has a high nutritive value. However, it can be difficult to digest and absorb a high level of nutrients due to the complex wall of bee pollen.

RESULTS

We observed that amino acids were mostly distributed inside the cell wall of lotus bee pollen, rape bee pollen, apricot bee pollen, wuweizi bee pollen, and camellia bee pollen, using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS). Thus, five species of bee pollen were wall disrupted with a combination of ultrasonication and high shear technique (US‐HS). After the treatment, bee pollen walls were completely broken into fragments, and a large number of nutrients were released. The amino acid, fatty acid, protein, crude fat, reducing sugar, β‐carotene, calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium content increased after wall disruption.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study demonstrated that US‐HS can disrupt bee pollen walls to release nutrients. Further studies are therefore being conducted to compare the digestibility and absorptivity of pollen nutrients before and after wall disruption. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry seems to be a reliable mapping technique for determining the distribution of food ingredients. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Management of pruning residues for soil protection in olive orchards
Authors: Moreno‐García Manuel , Repullo‐Ruibérriz de Torres Miguel Angel , Carbonell‐Bojollo Rosa María , Ordóñez‐Fernández Rafaela
Published: June 2018

Erosion is one of the main environmental problems affecting soil in olive orchards. The present research aims to study the protection effect against soil erosion of three different managements of pruning residues in olive orchard. The investigation was carried out in an olive orchard with a total production of 0.39 kg m−2 of dry weight of pruning residues every 2 years. These pruning were chopped and scattered in 2 m‐wide strips through three different managements. Management A, with densities of 1.56 kg m−2 distributed in all the inter‐rows of olive orchard. Management B, with densities of 3.12 kg m−2 distributed on half of the inter‐rows of olive orchard. And management C, with densities of 3.12 kg m−2 distributed on half of the inter‐rows of olive orchard, alternating this application every 2 years with another half of the inter‐rows. The influence of the residues on soil protection has been measured through the evolution of three parameters of the residues over 4 years: residues mass degradation, soil cover percentage, and spatial distribution. The results of the study have shown that the management C is the one that best protects the soil from erosion in olive orchard. This management maintains a protecting cover over inter‐rows of olive orchard above 40%, maintaining homogeneity of the cover twice as much as the management in which pruning residues are left in all inter‐rows.
High‐speed colonization of bare ground—Permanent plot studies on primary succession of plants in recently deglaciated glacier forelands
Authors: Fickert Thomas , Grüninger Friederike
Published: June 2018

Glacier forelands are highly suitable environments to study vegetation dynamics. Due to time constraints, the method of ‘space for time substitution’ is commonly employed, using spatially different sites to reconstruct a temporal sequence. However, migration patterns, growth performance, shifts in frequency or abundance of species, changes in biological traits, setbacks, etc. can only be detected by long‐term monitoring on permanent plots. In 2005, a set of permanent plots were established immediately in front of two glacier termini in the European Alps (Goldbergkees, Austria; Lenksteinferner, Italy), which were revisited every second year thereafter. Changes in ground cover and individual numbers of vascular plants as well as structural features such as life‐form composition and dispersal biology types are recorded. The six visits between 2005 and 2015 allow for a detailed appraisal of early vegetation development in glacier forelands, which is surprisingly swift and primarily progressive, but locally interrupted by temporary setbacks due to disturbances. This study contributes to a better understanding of high alpine vegetation dynamics in paraglacial landscapes, that is, transitional landscapes characterized by particular rate and direction of change.
Sewage sludge as an organic amendment for quarry restoration: Effects on soil and vegetation
Authors: Carabassa Vicenç , Ortiz Oriol , Alcañiz Josep M.
Published: June 2018

Quarry restoration in Mediterranean environments usually needs organic amendments to improve the substrates used for technosol construction. Digested sewage sludges from municipal wastewater treatment plants are rich in organic matter, N, and P and constitute an available and economically interesting alternative for substrate amendment. However, their pollutant burden and labile organic matter content involve an environmental risk that must be controlled. Moreover, ecological succession in restored areas can be influenced by the use of sludge and should be assessed. To minimize these risks, a new sewage sludge dose criterion relating to its labile organic matter and heavy metal content has been established. Sewage sludge doses currently range between 10 and 50 Mg ha−1. In order to verify the suitability of this dose criterion, 16 areas rehabilitated using sewage sludge located in limestone quarries in a Mediterranean climate in Catalonia (NE Spain) have been assessed. These evaluations focused on physicochemical properties of rehabilitated soils, land degradation processes, and ecological succession. In the short term, 6 months after sludge application, an increment of organic matter content in the restored soils was observed, without significant increases in electrical conductivity or heavy metals content, and with a dense plant cover that contributes to effective soil erosion control. Two years after, ruderal plants were still present but later successional species colonized the restored zones in different degrees. These results suggest that sewage sludge, used as a soil amendment according to the proposed methodology, can safely improve technosol quality without constraints that compromise ecological succession.
Statistical check of USLE‐M and USLE‐MM to predict bare plot soil loss in two Italian environments
Authors: Bagarello Vincenzo , Ferro Vito , Giordano Giuseppe , Mannocchi Francesco , Todisco Francesca , Vergni Lorenzo
Published: June 2018

The USLE‐M and the USLE‐MM estimate event plot soil loss. In both models, the erosivity term is given by the runoff coefficient, QR, times the single‐storm erosion index, EI30. In the USLE‐MM, QREI30 is raised to an exponent b1 > 1 whereas b1 = 1 is assumed in the USLE‐M. Simple linear regression analysis can be applied to parameterize both models, but logarithmically transformed data have to be used for USLE‐MM. Parameterizing the USLE‐MM with nonlinear regression of untransformed data could be a more appropriate procedure. A statistical check of the two suggested models (USLE‐M and USLE‐MM), considering two alternative parameterization procedures for the USLE‐MM, was carried out for the Masse and Sparacia experimental stations, in Italy. The analysis showed that the USLE‐MM with the linear regression parameterization procedure was the only correctly specified model, that is, with normally distributed and homoscedastic residuals. With this model, the normalized soil loss, Ae,N, prediction error did not exceed a factor of 5.7 for Ae,N > 17.3 Mg ha−1 at Masse and of 3.5 for Ae,N > 27.5 Mg ha−1 at Sparacia. Stable values of b1 require inclusion of high Ae,N values in the calibration dataset. Using a common exponent b1 for the two stations increases the practical interest for the model and did not imply a substantial worsening of the model performances, especially for the highest soil loss values. Development of a USLE‐MM‐type model having a wide applicability appears possible, and data from other experimental sites could make this conclusion more robust.
Intake of Protein Hydrolysates and Phenolic Fractions Isolated from Flaxseed Ameliorates TNBS‐Induced Colitis
Authors: e Silva Fernanda G. D. , Paiatto Lisiery N. , Yamada Aureo T. , Netto Flavia M. , Simioni Patrícia U. , Tamashiro Wirla M. S. C.
Published: June 2018

Scope

In the attempt to develop new therapeutic treatments for colitis, fractions containing phenolic compound isolate (Phi) and phenolic reduced‐flaxseed protein hydrolysate (phr‐FPH) from flaxseed are evaluated for their effects on the in vitro production of pro‐inflammatory mediators and on the course of experimental colitis.

Methods and results

The anti‐inflammatory effects of Phi and phr‐FPH from flaxseeds are studied in RAW264.7 cells and in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis model. It is observed that the incubation with Phi or phr‐FPH result in lower levels of tumor necrosis factor α and nitric oxide in macrophages stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide + interferon‐γ. Prophylactic and therapeutic treatments with Phi and phr‐FPH, respectively, greatly contribute to the prevention of weight loss and colon inflammation in colitic BALB/c mice. T cell proliferation, expansion of TH1 and TH17 cells, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines are lower, whereas Treg cells are higher in spleen cell cultures from Phi‐treated mice. In addition, therapeutic phr‐FPH treatment is able to reduce the expansion of TH17 in splenic cell cultures.

Conclusion

The consumption of phenolic and protein compounds extracted from flaxseeds has a protective effect on TNBS‐induced colitis, and may be useful in the control of other inflammatory disorders.
Does Love Really Make Mothers Blind? A Large Transcontinental Study on Mothers' Awareness About Their Children's Weight
Authors: Gregori Dario , Hochdorn Alexander , Azzolina Danila , Berchialla Paola , Lorenzoni Giulia ,   OBEY‐AD Study Consortium
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess maternal misperception rates (perception as normal or underweight of a child with overweight or obesity) and their role in affecting the chance of implementing actions to change children's weight.

Methods

Obesogeneicity of Gadgets Marketed with Snacks (OBEY‐AD) is an international study investigating factors promoting childhood overweight and obesity in 10 countries, in which 2,720 child‐mother dyads have been enrolled. Mothers' perception of their children's weight was assessed using a projective test. Children's weight status was measured according to the anthropometric standards established by the World Health Organization.

Results

Mothers classified 89% of children with overweight and 52% of children with obesity as normal weight. The odds ratio of mothers' misperception was significantly higher for higher parental BMI, higher children's International Brand Awareness Inventory score, and high family socioeconomic status. Children with overweight and/or obesity who were perceived as normal weight by their mothers were less likely to be referred to specific health care services.

Conclusions

Most children with overweight and/or obesity were perceived as normal weight by their mothers. Such lack of concern regarding a severe disease might interfere with the effectiveness of prevention programs. Considering the contextual factors that frame the etiological causes of a disease may help in finding effective and enduring solutions to target childhood obesity.
Propranolol versus steroids for the treatment of ulcerated infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Polites Stephanie F. , Rodrigue Bentley B. , Chute Carol , Hammill Adrienne , Dasgupta Roshni
Published: June 2018

Background

There has been a paradigm shift from steroids to propranolol for the pharmacologic treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IH); however, the outcomes for ulcerated IH are not well studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of steroids and propranolol specifically for ulcerated IH.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients with ulcerated IH treated with propranolol or steroids at a single tertiary care institution between 2007 and 2014. Patient characteristics, hemangioma features, and outcomes, including time to heal and medication complications, were compared between propranolol and steroid patients.

Results

There were 29 patients treated with propranolol and 23 with steroids. There were no significant differences in the two treatment groups including age, race, sex, size, or insurance status. There were more head/neck IH in the steroid group. There was no significant difference in the percentage of healed lesions (93 vs. 74%, P = 0.12) or the median time to heal (80 vs. 126 days, p = 0.21) between groups. Overall complication rates also did not vary between medications (24 vs. 44%, P = 0.14).

Conclusion

Propranolol is noninferior to steroids for the treatment of ulcerated IH; however, healing time is lengthy regardless of treatment. While side effect profiles differed between medications, the overall complication rate was similar.
Upfront eltrombopag monotherapy induces stable hematologic remission in pediatric patients with nonsevere idiopathic aplastic anemia
Authors: Geng Wenliang , Kearney Susan , Nelson Stephen
Published: June 2018

Aplastic anemia (AA) is characterized by multilineage cytopenias and bone marrow hypocellularity. Severe AA can be treated with immunosuppressive therapy (IST) and/or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The thrombopoietin agonist eltrombopag has been shown to induce hematopoietic recovery and transfusion independence in adults with refractory and relapsed AA. Recently, upfront eltrombopag therapy in patients with AA in combination with IST has shown efficacy. Data for its use without concurrent IST in pediatric patients with AA remain sparse. Here we report two pediatric patients with AA not meeting severe criteria who achieved hematologic response with upfront eltrombopag monotherapy.
Diagnosis of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome in children presenting with Wilms tumor
Authors: MacFarland Suzanne P. , Duffy Kelly A. , Bhatti Tricia R. , Bagatell Rochelle , Balamuth Naomi J. , Brodeur Garrett M. , Ganguly Arupa , Mattei Peter A. , Surrey Lea F. , Balis Frank M. , Kalish Jennifer M.
Published: June 2018

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a genetic syndrome associated with overgrowth and cancer predisposition, including predisposition to Wilms tumor (WT). Patients with BWS and BWS spectrum are screened from birth to age 7 years for BWS‐associated cancers. However, in some cases a BWS‐associated cancer may be the first recognized manifestation of the syndrome. We describe 12 patients diagnosed with BWS after presenting with a WT. We discuss the features of BWS in these patients and hypothesize that earlier detection of BWS by attention to its subtler manifestations could lead to earlier detection of children at risk for associated malignancies.
Integrating co‐evolutionary signals and other properties of residue pairs to distinguish biological interfaces from crystal contacts
Authors: Hu Jian , Liu Hui‐Fang , Sun Jun , Wang Jia , Liu Rong
Published: June 2018

It remains challenging to accurately discriminate between biological and crystal interfaces. Most existing analyses and algorithms focused on the features derived from a single side of the interface. However, less attention has been paid to the properties of residue pairs across protein interfaces. To address this problem, we defined a novel co‐evolutionary feature for homodimers through integrating direct coupling analysis and image processing techniques. The residue pairs across biological homodimeric interfaces were significantly enriched in co‐evolving residues compared to those across crystal contacts, resulting in a promising classification accuracy with area under the curves (AUCs) of >0.85. Considering the availability of co‐evolutionary feature, we also designed other residue pair based features that were useful for both homodimers and heterodimers. The most informative residue pairs were identified to reflect the interaction preferences across protein interfaces. Regarding the other extant properties, we designed the new descriptors at the interface residue level as well as at the pairwise contact level. Extensive validation showed that these single properties can be used to identify biological interfaces with AUCs ranging from 0.60 to 0.88. By integrating co‐evolutionary feature with other residue pair based properties, our final prediction model output excellent performance with AUCs of >0.91 on different datasets. Compared to existing methods, our algorithm not only yielded better or comparable results but also provided complementary information. An easy‐to‐use web server is freely accessible at http://liulab.hzau.edu.cn/RPAIAnalyst.
Chronic toxicity of clothianidin, imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and dimethoate to Apis mellifera L. larvae reared in vitro
Authors: Dai Pingli , Jack Cameron J , Mortensen Ashley N , Bustamante Tomas A , Bloomquist Jeffrey R , Ellis James D
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The effects of chronic exposure to two neonicotinoids (clothianidin and imidacloprid) and two organophosphates (chlorpyrifos and dimethoate) on survival, developmental rate and larval weight of honey bee larvae reared in vitro were determined. Diets containing chemicals were fed to larvae with the range of concentrations for each compound based on published acute toxicity experiments and residues found in pollen and nectar, both components of the larval diet.

RESULTS

Four concentrations of each compound and controls were tested: chlorpyrifos: 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 8 mg/L; clothianidin: 0.1, 0.4, 2, 10 mg L−1; dimethoate: 0.02, 1, 6, 45 mg L−1; imidacloprid: 0.4, 2, 4, 10 mg L−1; positive control: dimethoate (45 mg L−1); solvent control: acetone or methanol; and negative control. A significant decrease in survival, relative to the solvent control, occurred in the 0.8, 1.2 and 8 mg L−1 chlorpyrifos, 0.4, 2 and 10 mg L−1 clothianidin, and 45 mg L−1 dimethoate diets, but not the imidacloprid diets.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of larval diets with clothianidin, dimethoate and imidacloprid did not affect survival, developmental rate, or weight of immature honey bees; however, treatment with chlorpyrifos did. Overall, our results are valuable for evaluating the chronic toxicity of these pesticides to developing honey bees. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular mechanisms influencing efficiency of RNA interference in insects
Authors: Cooper Anastasia MW , Silver Kristopher , Zhang Jianzhen , Park Yoonseong , Zhu Kun Yan
Published: June 2018

RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous, sequence‐specific gene‐silencing mechanism elicited by small RNA molecules. RNAi is a powerful reverse genetic tool, and is currently being utilized for managing insects and viruses. Widespread implementation of RNAi‐based pest management strategies is currently hindered by inefficient and highly variable results when different insect species, strains, developmental stages, tissues, and genes are targeted. Mechanistic studies have shown that double‐stranded ribonucleases (dsRNases), endosomal entrapment, deficient function of the core machinery, and inadequate immune stimulation contribute to limited RNAi efficiency. However, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms limiting RNAi efficiency remains elusive. Recent advances in dsRNA stability in physiological tissues, dsRNA internalization into cells, the composition and function of the core RNAi machinery, as well as small‐interfering RNA/double‐stranded RNA amplification and spreading mechanisms are reviewed to establish a global understanding of the obstacles impeding wider understanding of RNAi mechanisms in insects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synergized Multimodal Therapy for Safe and Effective Reversal of Cancer Multidrug Resistance Based on Low‐Level Photothermal and Photodynamic Effects
Authors: Xu Luming , Liu Jia , Xi Jiangbo , Li Qilin , Chang Bingcheng , Duan Xianming , Wang Guobin , Wang Shuai , Wang Zheng , Wang Lin
Published: June 2018

Despite the therapeutic usefulness of near‐infrared irradiation (NIR)‐induced potent photothermal effects (PTE) and photodynamic effects (PDE), they inevitably damage normal tissues, often posing threat to life when treating tumors adjacent to key organs or major blood vessels. In this study, the frequently overlooked, “weak” PTE and PDE (no killing capability) are employed to synergize chemotherapy against multidrug resistance (MDR) without impairing normal tissues. An NIR‐responsive nanosystem, gold (Au)‐nanodot‐decorated hollow carbon nanospheres coated with hyaluronic acid, is synthesized as a doxorubicin (DOX) carrier with excellent photothermal and photodynamic properties. Upon low‐level infrared irradiation, the mild heat of weak PTE moderately boosts DOX unloading, meanwhile the weak PDE moderately disturbs the P‐glycoprotein function for retaining intracellular DOX by impairing mitochondrial ATP production. These two “moderate” alterations are quantitatively and functionally sufficient to augment the efficacy of chemotherapy in reversing MDR without damaging neighboring tissue. Thus, this work creates a gold‐dot‐decorated nanocarbon spheres based nanosystem for trimodal therapy, reveals the therapeutic value of the frequently ignored weak PTE/PDE, and demonstrates that synergizing with chemotherapy to overcome drug resistance does not necessarily require potent PTE/PDE.
A Water Dissolvable Electrolyte with an Ionic Liquid for Eco‐Friendly Electronics
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

A water‐dissolvable electrolyte is developed by combining an ionic liquid (IL) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), which decays over time by contact with water. An IL generally consists of two species of ions (anion and cation), and forms an electrical double layer (EDL) of a large electrostatic capacitance due to the ions accumulated in the vicinity of a conductive electrode when voltage is applied. In a similar manner, the ionic gel developed in this work forms an EDL due to the ions suspended in the conjugated polymer network while maintaining the gel form. Test measurements show a large capacitance of 13 µF cm−2 within the potential window of the IL. The ionic gel shows an electrical conductance of 20 µS cm−1 due to the ionic conduction, which depends on the weight ratio of the IL with respect to the polymer. The developed ionic gel dissolves into water in 16 h. Potential application includes the electrolyte in disposable electronics such as distributed sensors and energy harvesters that are supposed to be harmless to environment.
A Quadruple‐Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Binder for High‐Performance Silicon Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Guangzhao , Yang Yu , Chen Yunhua , Huang Jun , Zhang Tian , Zeng Hongbo , Wang Chaoyang , Liu Gao , Deng Yonghong
Published: June 2018

With extremely high specific capacity, silicon has attracted enormous interest as a promising anode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, silicon suffers from a large volume variation during charge/discharge cycles, which leads to the pulverization of the silicon and subsequent separation from the conductive additives, eventually resulting in rapid capacity fading and poor cycle life. Here, it is shown that the utilization of a self‐healable supramolecular polymer, which is facilely synthesized by copolymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate and an ureido‐pyrimidinone monomer followed by hydrolysis, can greatly reduce the side effects caused by the volume variation of silicon particles. The obtained polymer is demonstrated to have an excellent self‐healing ability due to its quadruple‐hydrogen‐bonding dynamic interaction. An electrode using this self‐healing supramolecular polymer as binder exhibits an initial discharge capacity as high as 4194 mAh g−1 and a Coulombic efficiency of 86.4%, and maintains a high capacity of 2638 mAh g−1 after 110 cycles, revealing significant improvement of the electrochemical performance in comparison with that of Si anodes using conventional binders. The supramolecular binder can be further applicable for silicon/carbon anodes and therefore this supramolecular strategy may increase the choice of amendable binders to improve the cycle life and energy density of high‐capacity Li‐ion batteries.