bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of total methenolone in animal source food by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Junping , Ye Cheng , Wang Peng , Liu Yang , Yang Huabing , Liu Hongtao
Published: September 2020

Methenolone, an anabolic androgenic steroid, has been applied to improve the quality and protein content of meat in animal husbandry. However, the usage of methenolone in sports is banned for its doping effects. Several methods have been reported to monitor the content of methenolone in serum and urine samples, but a highly sensitive detection system has not been developed for the determination of methenolone in animal source food due to its constituent complexity. In this study, a novel detection system was developed to quantify the contents of both free and conjugated methenolone in animal source food including pork, beef, mutton, milk, and eggs by using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) coupled with delicate pretreatment procedures. The conjugated methenolone in the above food samples was released by dual enzyme digestion, and the total methenolone was extracted by 1% formic acid in acetonitrile, followed by the purification using a PRiME HLB column or QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) salt. The compound d3‐methyltestosterone was used as an internal standard to minimize matrix interference. Finally, a wide linear range (0.5–20 μg/kg), low limit of detection (LOD) (0.3 μg/kg), good precision (<7% relative standard deviation), and high recovery (>90%) were obtained in the study of method validation. In summary, this analytical method provides a practicable monitoring tool for the quantification of methenolone in animal source food.
Physiological adaptations to sugar‐mimic alkaloids: Insights from Bombyx mori for long‐term adaption and short‐term response
Authors: Jia Shunze , Li Yinghui , Dai Xiangping , Li Xiaotong , Zhou Yanyan , Xu Yusong , Wang Huabing
Published: September 2020

Insects evolved adaptive plasticity to minimize the effects of the chemical defenses of their host plants. Nevertheless, the expressional response and adaptation of phytophagous specialists for long‐term adaption and short‐term response to host phytochemicals remains largely unexplored. The mulberry (Morus alba)–silkworm (Bombyx mori) interaction is an old and well‐known model of plant–insect interaction. In this study, we examined the long‐term adaption and short‐term response of the mulberry‐specialist silkworm to two sugar‐mimic alkaloids in mulberry: the commonly encountered 1‐deoxynojirimycin (1‐DNJ) and occasionally encountered 1,4‐dideoxy‐1,4‐imino‐D‐arabinitol (D‐AB1), respectively. Global transcriptional patterns revealed that the physiological responses induced by the selective expression of genes involved in manifold cellular processes, including detoxification networks, canonical digestion processes, target enzymes, and other fundamental physiological processes, were crucial for regulating metabolic homeostasis. Comparative network analysis of the effects of exposure to D‐AB1 and 1‐DNJ supported the contention that B. mori produced similar and specific trajectories of changed gene expression in response to different sugar‐mimic alkaloids. D‐AB1 elicited a substantial proportion of downregulated genes relating to carbohydrate metabolism, catabolic process, lipid metabolism, and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism. This study dramatically expands our knowledge of the physiological adaptations to dietary sugar‐mimic alkaloid intake and uncovered both metabolic evolutionarily responses and unique adaptive mechanisms previously unknown in insects.
Evolution and plasticity of morph‐specific integration in the bull‐headed dung beetle Onthophagus taurus
Authors: Rohner Patrick T. , Macagno Anna L. M. , Moczek Armin P.
Published: September 2020

Developmental and evolutionary processes underlying phenotypic variation frequently target several traits simultaneously, thereby causing covariation, or integration, among phenotypes. While phenotypic integration can be neutral, correlational selection can drive adaptive covariation. Especially, the evolution and development of exaggerated secondary sexual traits may require the adjustment of other traits that support, compensate for, or otherwise function in a concerted manner. Although phenotypic integration is ubiquitous, the interplay between genetic, developmental, and ecological conditions in shaping integration and its evolution remains poorly understood. Here, we study the evolution and plasticity of trait integration in the bull‐headed dung beetle Onthophagus taurus which is characterized by the polyphenic expression of horned (‘major’) and hornless (‘minor’) male morphs. By comparing populations subject to divergent intensities of mate competition, we tested whether mating system shifts affect integration of traits predicted to function in a morph‐specific manner. We focussed on fore and hind tibia morphology as these appendages are used to stabilize major males during fights, and on wings, as they are thought to contribute to morph‐based differences in dispersal behavior. We found phenotypic integration between fore and hind tibia length and horn length that was stronger in major males, suggesting phenotypic plasticity in integration and potentially secondary sexual trait compensation. Similarly, we observed that fore tibia shape was also integrated with relative horn length. However, although we found population differentiation in wing and tibia shape and allometry, populations did not differ in integration. Lastly, we detected little evidence for morph differences in integration in either tibia or wing shape, although wing allometries differed between morphs. This contrasts with previous studies documenting intraspecific differentiation in morphology, behavior, and allometry as a response to varying levels of mate competition across O. taurus populations. We discuss how sexual selection may shape morph‐specific integration, compensation, and allometry across populations.
DNA Barcoding and geographical scale effect: The problems of undersampling genetic diversity hotspots
Authors: Gaytán Álvaro , Bergsten Johannes , Canelo Tara , Pérez‐Izquierdo Carlos , Santoro Maria , Bonal Raul
Published: September 2020

DNA barcoding identification needs a good characterization of intraspecific genetic divergence to establish the limits between species. Yet, the number of barcodes per species is many times low and geographically restricted. A poor coverage of the species distribution range may hamper identification, especially when undersampled areas host genetically distinct lineages. If so, the genetic distance between some query sequences and reference barcodes may exceed the maximum intraspecific threshold for unequivocal species assignation. Taking a group ofQuercusherbivores (moths) in Europe as model system, we found that the number of DNA barcodes from southern Europe is proportionally very low in the Barcoding of Life Data Systems. This geographical bias complicates the identification of southern query sequences, due to their high intraspecific genetic distance with respect to barcodes from higher latitudes. Pairwise intraspecific genetic divergence increased along with spatial distance, but was higher when at least one of the sampling sites was in southern Europe. Accordingly, GMYC (General Mixed Yule Coalescent) single‐threshold model retrieved clusters constituted exclusively by Iberian haplotypes, some of which could correspond to cryptic species. The number of putative species retrieved was more reliable than that of multiple‐threshold GMYC but very similar to results from ABGD and jMOTU. Our results support GMYC as a key resource for species delimitation within poorly inventoried biogeographic regions in Europe, where historical factors (e.g., glaciations) have promoted genetic diversity and singularity. Future European DNA barcoding initiatives should be preferentially performed along latitudinal gradients, with special focus on southern peninsulas.
A set of novel multi‐allelic SNPs for forensic application developed through massively parallel sequencing and its examples of population genetic studies
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Jin Xiaoye , Mei Shuyan , Lan Qiong , Fang Yating , Liu Chao , Zhu Bofeng
Published: September 2020

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology allows to simultaneously type multitudinous molecular genetic markers for many samples in one run with the feature of high detection resolution, and thereby arouses
the increasing attention from forensic science. Herein, multiple allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (multi‐allelic SNPs) were screened for personal identification and parentage testing, and then were genotyped using MPS platform. Unrelated individuals of Chinese Mongolian and Kazakh groups were investigated to further estimate forensic effectiveness and applicability of these multi‐allelic SNPs. The results of sequencing efficiency estimations and forensic genetic statistical parameters demonstrated that this MPS panel of multi‐allelic SNPs was expected to be work for forensic applications. Subsequently, the exploration of population genetic variation patterns among the two investigated groups and other 26 reference populations revealed that these Chinese Mongolian and Kazakh groups had the similar population genetic patterns with the populations from East Asian, but European ancestral composition in the Kazakh group was higher than that in the Mongolian group. Currently, the present results were the preliminary research to scrutinize genetic information of these two ethnic minority groups employing multi‐allelic SNPs.
Environmental sustainability of electricity generation: Case study of lignite combustion
Authors: Atılgan Türkmen Burçin , Deveci Ece Ümmü , Sağlam Çiğdem Şafak
Published: September 2020

Lignite is one of the most used Turkey's energy sources for electricity generation as there are large lignite reserves in the country. Lignite power plants are one of Turkey's main sources of GHG emissions. Therefore, understanding the environmental sustainability of generating electricity from lignite burning is essential for reducing environmental impacts. This research aims to assess the life cycle environmental impacts from a typical Turkish lignite power plant. In this paper, a system of the electricity from the lignite power plant is presented which covers all the life cycle stages—starting from the lignite mining up to the delivery of electricity to the grid. For this work to generate 1 kWh of generated is defined as the functional unit. The principal conclusion, to be drawn from this LCA of lignite power in Turkey, is that the majority of the emissions mostly originate from lignite burning to and lignite mining stages. The global warming potential associated with electricity generation from lignite power is estimated at 1,290 g CO2 eq./kWh. The results obtained from this study provide a baseline for future scenarios to reduce the environmental impacts from the energy sector and to build a sustainable energy policy.
Width control on event‐scale deposition and evacuation of sediment in bedrock‐confined channels
Authors: Cook Kristen L. , Turowski Jens M. , Hovius Niels
Published: September 2020

In mixed bedrock–alluvial rivers, the response of the system to a flood event can be affected by a number of factors, including coarse sediment availability in the channel, sediment supply from the hillslopes and upstream, flood sequencing and coarse sediment grain size distribution. However, the impact of along‐stream changes in channel width on bedload transport dynamics remains largely unexplored. We combine field data, theory and numerical modelling to address this gap. First, we present observations from the Daan River gorge in western Taiwan, where the river flows through a 1 km long 20–50 m wide bedrock gorge bounded upstream and downstream by wide braidplains. We documented two flood events during which coarse sediment evacuation and redeposition appear to cause changes of up to several metres in channel bed elevation. Motivated by this case study, we examined the relationships between discharge, channel width and bedload transport capacity, and show that for a given slope narrow channels transport bedload more efficiently than wide ones at low discharges, whereas wider channels are more efficient at high discharges. We used the model sedFlow to explore this effect, running a random sequence of floods through a channel with a narrow gorge section bounded upstream and downstream by wider reaches. Channel response to imposed floods is complex, as high and low discharges drive different spatial patterns of erosion and deposition, and the channel may experience both of these regimes during the peak and recession periods of each flood. Our modelling suggests that width differences alone can drive substantial variations in sediment flux and bed response, without the need for variations in sediment supply or mobility. The fluctuations in sediment transport rates that result from width variations can lead to intermittent bed exposure, driving incision in different segments of the channel during different portions of the hydrograph. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Limitations of Applying Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films to Predict Bioavailability of Metal Mixtures in Aquatic Systems with Unstable Water Chemistries
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Peck Erin , Fletcher Dean E. , Korotasz Alexis , Perry John
Published: September 2020

The present study accessed the use of diffusive gradients in thin film (DGT) as a surrogate for estimating the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in a freshwater mussel. We coupled DGTs with mussels and deployed them in a constructed wetland. Water quality parameters were measured for a 4-d period on 3 continuous occasions during 12-d trials in the summer and winter; metal speciation was modeled for each occasion. Higher cumulative rainfall and water turbidity during the summer trial resulted in higher particulate metal concentrations compared to the winter trial. Mussel accumulated metals did not correlate with DGT-measured metals but positively correlated with particulate metals in the summer because filtering particulate food mainly contributed to the bioaccumulation. In contrast, the winter trial suggested a positive correlation between metal bioaccumulation and DGT-measured metals because uptake of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from water mainly contributed to the bioaccumulation, and the labile metal species complexed with DOM generally overlapped with DGT-targeted metals. Though Cu has a higher affinity for organic ligands than Zn, the interactions between Cu and Zn in the mixture did not impede their uptake and bioaccumulation. The deployment duration when DGTs and mussels are coupled to compare metal bioavailability should be no less than 12 d so that mussels have enough time to accumulate contaminants from the environmental media. In summary, DGT is a convenient surrogate for biomonitoring, but it may not fit the real environment such as the aquatic system with unstable water chemistries. Geochemical modeling is good at calculating metal speciation but inferior to DGT in predicting bioavailability and mimicking bioaccumulation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2485–2495. © 2020 SETAC
Assessing Biota Accumulation Due to Contamination of Sediments by Storm Water Heavy Metals
Authors: Drygiannaki Ilektra , Bejar Michelle , Reible Danny D. , Dawson John A. , Rao Balaji , Hayman Nicholas T. , Rosen Gunther H. , Colvin Marienne A.
Published: September 2020

Evaluating sediment recontamination due to storm water discharges is important when evaluating the long-term effectiveness of sediment remediation efforts at reducing biological impacts. The bioaccumulation of the heavy metals zinc, nickel, copper, cadmium, mercury, and lead and the metalloid arsenic in a clam (Macoma nasuta) was studied in surficial sediments before and after storm water inputs from Paleta Creek, California, USA, during wet seasons in 2015 to 2016 and 2016 to 2017. The bioaccumulation was compared with bulk sediment concentrations and porewater concentrations measured by diffusion gradient in thin film devices. Significant reductions in biota accumulation and porewater concentrations were observed in samples collected after storm seasons compared with before storm seasons despite bulk sediment concentrations remaining the same or increasing. This was apparently the result of the deposition of storm water contaminants in low bioavailable forms. The bioaccumulation of all the measured contaminants showed a positive significant correlation with porewater concentrations (p < 0.1, α = 0.1) and weak or no correlations with bulk sediment concentration. In conclusion, observed bulk sediment recontamination due to storm water should not be assumed to lead directly to greater biota accumulation without bioavailability assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2475–2484. © 2020 SETAC
Synergies between the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease framework and multiple branches of evolutionary anthropology
Authors: McKerracher Luseadra , Fried Ruby , Kim Andrew W. , Moffat Tina , Sloboda Deborah M. , Galloway Tracey
Published: September 2020

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis derives from the epidemiological and basic/mechanistic health sciences. This well‐supported hypothesis holds that environment during the earliest stages of life—pre‐conception, pregnancy, infancy—shapes developmental trajectories and ultimately health outcomes across the lifespan. Evolutionary anthropologists from multiple subdisciplines are embracing synergies between the DOHaD framework and developmentalist approaches from evolutionary biology. Even wider dissemination and employment of DOHaD concepts will benefit evolutionary anthropological research. Insights from experimental DOHaD work will focus anthropologists' attention on biochemical/physiological mechanisms underpinning observed links between growth/health/behavioral outcomes and environmental contexts. Furthermore, the communication tools and wide public appeal of developmentalist health scientific research may facilitate the translation/application of evolutionary anthropological findings. Evolutionary Anthropology, in turn, can increase mainstream DOHaD research's use of evolutionary theory; holistic, longitudinal, and community‐based perspectives; and engagement with populations whose environmental exposures differ from those most commonly studied in the health sciences.
The impact of quinoa flour on some properties of ayran
Authors: Akkoyun Yüsra , Arslan Seher
Published: September 2020

In this study, some physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of ayran produced from quinoa flour addition at different ratios (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%, w/v) were investigated. The effect of quinoa addition and storage time on pH, titration acidity, serum separation, L values and microorganism counts were statistically significant (p < .05). The counts of Streptococcus salivarus subsp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbruecki subps. bulgaricus had a wide range between 7.13 and 7.52 log CFU/mL and 3.62 and 3.98 log CFU/mlL At the end of the storage, the general appreciation score of the sample containing 0.2% quinoa flour was found to be higher than the other samples.
In the Race for Future Energy Provision
Authors: Bandarenka Aliaksandr , Gasteiger Hubert A. , Bucheli O.
Published: September 2020

No abstract.
Prognostic value of nutritional impairment on treatment‐related toxicity and survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma taking normal nutrition before radiotherapy
Authors: Su Li , Lin Qiaojing , Li Rong , Hua Yangjingling , Zhang Hairong , Song Xiurong , Ye Jinru , Zhang Weijian , Hong Jinsheng
Published: September 2020

Background

To investigate nutritional impairment during intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) taking normal nutrition before IMRT and its effect on treatment‐related toxicities (TRTs) and survival.

Methods

Modified nutrition index (m‐NI) of 187 patients with NPC, comprised eight indicators (body mass index, circumference of upper arm muscles, total lymphocyte count, red blood cell count, levels of albumin, pre‐albumin, transferrin, and hemoglobin), were evaluated before/after IMRT. Patient characteristics, m‐NI, and the follow‐up data for survival and TRTs were analyzed.

Results

The m‐NI scores of patients with NPC decreased significantly after IMRT. Severe nutritional impairment (SNI; decrease in m‐NI score ≥50%) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and an independent risk factor for grade ≥2 oral mucositis. Classification T4 disease and smoking were SNI risk factors.

Conclusions

SNI during IMRT is a risk factor for oral mucositis and a prognostic factor for worse OS in patients with NPC.
Synthesis and Oxidative Stability of an Anionic Perfluoroethyl Cobalt(III) Complex
Authors: Shreiber Scott T. , Vicic David A.
Published: September 2020

Upon reaction of the versatile tris(perfluoroethyl) cobalt(III) precursor [fac‐(MeCN)3Co(C2F5)3] with potassium tris(pyrazolyl)borate (KTp) in the presence of a tetraphenylphosphonium salt, κ2‐ and κ3‐ adducts of the scorpionate ligand with cobalt were observed. Heating this mixture to 50 °C induced complete κ3‐coordination of the Tp ligand to cobalt to afford the anionic complex [PPh4][(κ3‐Tp)Co(C2F5)3] in 81 % yield. This new fluoroalkyl cobalt complex was characterized by NMR and UV‐Vis spectroscopies, X‐ray crystallography, and cyclic voltammetry. The oxidation of [PPh4][(κ3‐Tp)Co(C2F5)3] occurs at much less‐positive potentials relative to the related [(MeCN)3Co(C2F5)3] and [(tpy)Co(C2F5)3] derivatives.
Radiative unsteady hydromagnetic 3D flow model for Jeffrey nanofluid configured by an accelerated surface with chemical reaction
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Aziz Samaira , Ali Nasir , Khan Sami Ullah
Published: September 2020

The current exploration reveals the unsteady three‐dimensional flow of Jeffrey nanofluid over a bidirectional oscillatory stretching surface. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis phenomenon has been scrutinized by utilizing Buongiorno's nanofluid model. The heat transfer analysis is carried out in the presence of thermal radiation and heat generation/absorption features. Furthermore, chemical reaction and magnetic effects are also deliberated. The flow has been generated by a bidirectional periodically accelerated heated surface. The formulated nonlinear problem is condensed into a dimensionless form via apposite transformations, and then analytic series solution is computed via homotopic technique. Comprehensive graphical evaluations for numerous prominent flow constants on associated profiles are performed. In addition, the tabulated numerical calculations for the local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are also presented. The current analysis reported that both components of velocities have an increasing tendency for higher Deborah number, whereas an adverse influence is observed for the ratio of relaxation and retardation times parameter. Moreover, the concentration profile diminishes for the increasing variation of the chemical reaction parameter.
Exposure to 4‐nonylphenol induces a shift in the gene expression of gsdf and testis‐ova formation and sex reversal in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Horie Yoshifumi , Kanazawa Nobuhiko , Takahashi Chiho , Tatarazako Norihisa , Iguchi Taisen
Published: September 2020

The branched isomer mixture 4‐nonylphenol (4‐NP) has been used worldwide as a surfactant, and can have endocrine‐disrupting effects on aquatic organisms. For instance, 4‐NP induces the formation of testis‐ova (i.e., testicular and ovarian tissue in the same gonad) or male to female sex reversal of various teleost fishes. Recently, our group revealed that altered gsdf gene expression is associated with disruption of gonadal differentiation in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos exposed to methyltestosterone or bisphenol A, suggesting that gsdf might be useful as a biomarker for predicting the impact of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on gonadal differentiation. Here, we used 4‐NP to examine further whether gsdf expression at the embryo stage is useful for predicting EDC impact on gonadal sex differentiation. When fertilized medaka eggs were exposed to 32 or 100 μg/L 4‐NP, testis‐ova in genetic males and sex reversal from genetic male to phenotypic female were observed. At stage 38 (just before hatching), 4‐NP exposure at 1‐100 μg/L did not affect gsdf expression in XX embryos compared with the nontreated control; however, in XY embryos, the gsdf expression in the 100 μg/L‐exposed group was significantly lower than that in the controls. The 4‐NP concentration at which gsdf expression was suppressed was equal to that at which testis‐ova and sex reversal were induced. These results indicate that expression of the gsdf gene at the embryonic stage in medaka is a useful biomarker for predicting the impact of EDCs on sexual differentiation.
Inside Cover
Authors: Wang Guangxing , Sun Yang , Chen Youting , Gao Qiqi , Peng Dongqing , Lin Hongxin , Zhan Zhenlin , Liu Zhiyi , Zhuo Shuangmu
Published: September 2020

A high‐efficiency computer‐aided diagnostic model of ovarian cancer was developed, integrating SHG imaging technology for non‐invasive imaging of living tissue and machine learning method based on radiomics and TPOT. This model can rapidly, non‐destructively, and accurately perform ovarian cancer diagnosis and has great potential in improving diagnostic efficacy and efficiency of medical pathologists.

Further details can be found in the article by Guangxing Wang, Yang Sun, Youting Chen, Qiqi Gao, Dongqing Peng, Hongxin Lin, Zhenlin Zhan, Zhiyi Liu, and Shuangmu Zhuo (e202000050).

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Inside Cover
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Jin , Song Byeong Joo , Choi Youngwoon , Kim Beop‐Min
Published: September 2020

A cross‐scanning optical coherence tomography (CS‐OCT) system is newly developed to correct eye motion artifacts in OCT angiography images. The CS‐OCT provides two retinal angiograms scanned simultaneously in a perpendicular direction to each other over the same area. Since the eye motion is decomposed into the two retinal angiograms, the motioncorrected retinal angiogram can be obtained by compensating between the two.

Further details can be found in the article by Hyung‐Jin Kim, Byeong Joo Song, Youngwoon Choi, and Beop‐Min Kim (e202000170).

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Inside Cover
Authors: Liu Jianting , Zhu Jiang , Zhu Lianqing , Yang Qiang , Fan Fan , Zhang Fan
Published: September 2020

Four metrics including vascular connectivity, contrast‐to‐noise ratio, signal‐to‐noise ratio and processing time were developed to quantitatively assess the performance of seven optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) algorithms in image quality and computation speed for neuroimaging. Quantitative assessment of the algorithms provides suggestions for the selection of appropriate OCTA algorithms in the applications of neuroimaging.

Further details can be found in the article by Jianting Liu, Jiang Zhu, Lianqing Zhu, Qiang Yang, Fan Fan, and Fan Zhang (e202000181).

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Front Cover
Authors: Lucidi Massimiliano , Hristu Radu , Nichele Lorenzo , Stanciu George A. , Tranca Denis E. , Holban Alina Maria , Visca Paolo , Stanciu Stefan G. , Cincotti Gabriella
Published: September 2020

Images of bacterial cells stained with KK114 dye and visualized with STED microscopy. On the monitor: large field of view of B. subtilis cells, the KK114 ball‐and‐stick model and the schematics of the STED setup. Different space‐filling representations of the FtsZ protein are also shown.

Further details can be found in the article by Massimiliano Lucidi, Radu Hristu, Lorenzo Nichele, George A. Stanciu, Denis E. Tranca, Alina Maria Holban, Paolo Visca, Stefan G. Stanciu, and Gabriella Cincotti (e202000097).

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Bone Vasculature and Bone Marrow Vascular Niches in Health and Disease
Authors: Chen Junyu , Hendriks Michelle , Chatzis Alexandros , Ramasamy Saravana K , Kusumbe Anjali P
Published: September 2020

Bone vasculature and bone marrow vascular niches supply oxygen, nutrients, and secrete angiocrine factors required for the survival, maintenance, and self-renewal of stem and progenitor cells. In the skeletal system, vasculature creates nurturing niches for bone and blood-forming stem cells. Blood vessels regulate hematopoiesis and drive bone formation during development, repair, and regeneration. Dysfunctional vascular niches induce skeletal aging, bone diseases, and hematological disorders. Recent cellular and molecular characterization of the bone marrow microenvironment has provided unprecedented insights into the complexity, heterogeneity, and functions of the bone vasculature and vascular niches. The bone vasculature is composed of distinct vessel subtypes that differentially regulate osteogenesis, hematopoiesis, and disease conditions in bones. Further, bone marrow vascular niches supporting stem cells are often complex microenvironments involving multiple different cell populations and vessel subtypes. This review provides an overview of the emerging vascular cell heterogeneity in bone and the new roles of the bone vasculature and associated vascular niches in health and disease. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Modeling the effect of ion‐induced shock waves and DNA breakage with the reactive CHARMM force field
Authors: Friis Ida , Verkhovtsev Alexey , Solov'yov Ilia A. , Solov'yov Andrey V.
Published: September 2020

Ion‐induced DNA damage is an important effect underlying ion beam cancer therapy. This article introduces the methodology of modeling DNA damage induced by a shock wave caused by a projectile ion. Specifically it is demonstrated how single‐ and double strand breaks in a DNA molecule could be described by the reactive CHARMM (rCHARMM) force field implemented in the program MBN Explorer. The entire workflow of performing the shock wave simulations, including obtaining the crucial simulation parameters, is described in seven steps. Two exemplary analyses are provided for a case study simulation serving to: (a) quantify the shock wave propagation and (b) describe the dynamics of formation of DNA breaks. The article concludes by discussing the computational cost of the simulations and revealing the possible maximal computational time for different simulation set‐ups.
Beyond new public management: Empowering community‐based organisations
Authors: Mailloux Dominique , Lacharité Carl
Published: September 2020

Aims

To describe how new public management practices, a global public service management trend, and a provincial community of practice, a group of people who learn from each other by interacting on an ongoing basis, affected a group of 240 community‐based organisations.

Methods

We conducted a holistic single case study of 240 grassroots, community‐based organisations called Family Resource Centres in the province of Québec, Canada. Data was collected from 36 research interviews, 6 years of participant observation, institutional documents and a research journal, and analysed qualitatively.

Results

New public management practices foster social injustice and endanger the integrity of the community‐based organisations, whereas the provincial community of practice empowered them to fight back deleterious new public management practices and reclaim their identity.

Conclusion

A provincial community of practice allowed 240 independent community‐based organisations in Québec, Canada to become empowered on a macro level while remaining faithful to their small scale community orientation. We hope this model can serve as an example of alternatives to current (new public) management practices.
Physiology and role of PCSK9 in vascular disease: Potential impact of localized PCSK9 in vascular wall
Authors: Guo Yanan , Yan Binjie , Gui Yu , Tang Zhihan , Tai Shi , Zhou Shenghua , Zheng Xi‐Long
Published: September 2020

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type‐9 (PCSK9), a member of the proprotein convertase family, is an important drug target because of its crucial role in lipid metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a direct role of localized PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. With this in our consideration, we reviewed PCSK9 physiology with respect to recent development and major studies (clinical and experimental) on PCSK9 functionality in vascular disease. PCSK9 upregulates low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol levels by binding to the LDL‐receptor (LDLR) and facilitating its lysosomal degradation. PCSK9 gain‐of‐function mutations have been confirmed as a novel genetic mechanism for familial hypercholesterolemia. Elevated serum PCSK9 levels in patients with vascular diseases may contribute to coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, vasculitis, aortic diseases, and arterial aging pathogenesis. Experimental models of atherosclerosis, arterial aneurysm, and coronary or carotid artery ligation also support PCSK9 contribution to inflammatory response and disease progression, through LDLR‐dependent or ‐independent mechanisms. More recently, several clinical trials have confirmed that anti‐PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies can reduce systemic LDL levels, total nonfatal cardiovascular events, and all‐cause mortality. Interaction of PCSK9 with other receptor proteins (LDLR‐related proteins, cluster of differentiation family members, epithelial Na+ channels, and sortilin) may underlie its roles in vascular disease. Improved understanding of PCSK9 roles and molecular mechanisms in various vascular diseases will facilitate advances in lipid‐lowering therapy and disease prevention.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection in Sudan: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eltom Khalid , Albeely Abrar , El Hussein Abdel Rahim M , Elkhidir Isam M , Enan Khalid
Published: September 2020

In its occult form, hepatitis B virus infection can only be detected using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, increasing the cost of the screening process. Certain population subgroups are considered to have a higher risk of transmission and reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). This review aims to estimate the prevalence of OBI among these high‐risk groups in Sudan. It was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines, targeting the literature available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Full‐text articles published in the last 10 years that provide prevalence estimates of OBI in Sudan were examined for fulfillment of eligibility criteria. Quality assessment of selected articles was performed using the critical appraisal tool reported by Munn et al. Publication bias was assessed by visual examination of the funnel plot. Meta‐analysis using the random‐effects model with 95% confidence interval was used to calculate the overall and subgroup pooled prevalence of OBI. Literature search yielded a total of 717 studies, of which only 11 articles fulfilled all selection criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of OBI was found to be 15.51%, with a high level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a prevalence of 16.48% among blood donors, 13.36% among hemodialysis patients, and 12.59% among febrile patients. Evidence for possible publication bias was detected. This review provides crucial evidence for health authorities in Sudan, outlining the necessity for re‐evaluation of the current screening strategies, especially among these high‐risk groups.
Ionic liquid catalyzed one‐pot multi‐component synthesis of fused pyridine derivatives: A strategy for green and sustainable chemistry
Authors: Jadhav Chetan K. , Nipate Amol S. , Chate Asha V. , Patil Anil P. , Gill Charansingh. H.
Published: September 2020

The synthesis of a combinatorial library of heterocycle‐fused pyridine derivatives has been achieved successfully via a one‐pot four‐component reaction of aromatic/aliphatic aldehyde, malononitrile, thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione and ammonium acetate in the presence of piperidinium acetate as the catalyst. It involved the Knoevenagel condensation of the aldehyde and malononitrile to produce arylidene malononitrile as an intermediate, which was further intramolecular cyclization through Michael type addition ketone to the electrophilic double bond of the arylidene to produce fused pyridines in high yields. Environmental friendliness, low cost, Operational simplicity, extensive reusability and applicability, and easy recovery of the catalyst using simple evaporation are the critical features of this methodology. Also, a series of pyridine based dihydrothiazolo[4,5‐b] pyridine‐6‐carbonitrile analogs were synthesized and selected for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities.
Design, synthesis and insecticidal‐activity evaluation of N‐pyridylpyrazolo‐5‐methyl amines and its derivatives
Authors: Yang Shuai , Xu Kaijie , Lai Qiuqin , Zhao Chen , Xu Hanhong
Published: September 2020

In searching for novel insecticidal leads, a series of N‐pyridylpyrazolo‐5‐methyl amines and their derivatives were designed and synthesized. Among the 22 target compounds obtained, bioassays indicated that some of the target compounds exhibited good insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella) and Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda). In particular, compound 9j revealed the best insecticidal activity against P. xylostella, with a LC50 value of 22.11 mg/L, and compound 9q had the best insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda which with 73.99% of mortality rate at 100 mg/L. Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) analysis showed that 4‐CF3 at the position of R1 linked with N‐pyridylpyrazole via amide bond could enhance the insecticidal activity of the target compounds. This study provides valuable clues for the further design and optimization of N‐pyridylpyrazole derivatives.
Synthesis of novel triazoloquinoxaline‐pyrazole hybrids as antiproliferatives, EGFR inhibitors, and apoptosis inducers
Authors: El Saeed Hoda S. , Bayoumi Ashraf H. , Sarg Marwa T. , Ghiaty Adel H.
Published: September 2020

Novel triazoloquinoxaline‐pyrazole hybrids have been developed and synthesized. All derivatives' anticancer activity has been evaluated using Sulforhodamine‐B (SRB) assay for cancer cell lines MCF‐7, HepG‐2, and HCT‐116. Compound 12b was 2‐fold more cytotoxic than Doxorubicin, while 12a,c demonstrated comparable cytotoxicity to the reference Doxorubicin. Further investigations on the most active derivatives 12a‐c were done to study their inhibitory activity on two EGFR subtypes wild EGFR and mutant EGFR (L858R) tyrosine kinases in MCF‐7 cell lines. Compound 12b exhibited potent inhibitory activity toward wild EGFR (IC50: 0.98 μM) when compared to Gefitinib (IC50:18.07 μM). 12b also possessed a marked inhibition against mutant EGFR (L858R‐TK) exhibiting (IC50:27.45 μM) in comparison to Lapatinib (IC50: 61.06 μM). Compound 12b improved the active Caspase‐3 value and the BAX/Bcl‐2 reference. Furthermore, 12b showed G2/M cell cycle arrest induced apoptosis in cell line MCF‐7. In addition, the most active derivatives have been orally bioavailable as shown in the in silico determination of the ADME characters. The binding pattern of compound 12b was also studied by molecular docking.
Specialized immune responses in the peritoneal cavity and omentum
Authors: Liu Mingyong , Silva-Sanchez Aaron , Randall Troy D , Meza-Perez Selene
Published: September 2020

The peritoneal cavity is a fluid filled space that holds most of the abdominal organs, including the omentum, a visceral adipose tissue that contains milky spots or clusters of leukocytes that are organized similar to those in conventional lymphoid tissues. A unique assortment of leukocytes patrol the peritoneal cavity and migrate in and out of the milky spots, where they encounter Ags or pathogens from the peritoneal fluid and respond accordingly. The principal role of leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity is to preserve tissue homeostasis and secure tissue repair. However, when peritoneal homeostasis is disturbed by inflammation, infection, obesity, or tumor metastasis, specialized fibroblastic stromal cells and mesothelial cells in the omentum regulate the recruitment of peritoneal leukocytes and steer their activation in unique ways. In this review, the types of cells that reside in the peritoneal cavity, the role of the omentum in their maintenance and activation, and how these processes function in response to pathogens and malignancy will be discussed.
Evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus genotype H
Authors: Wolf Jonas Michel , Pereira Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno , Simon Daniel , Lunge Vagner Ricardo
Published: September 2020

Hepatitis B virus genotype H (HBV‐H) molecular evolution was studied by comparing all published whole‐genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate phylogenetic relationships, time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA), and viral population dynamics along the time. Phylogenetic tree demonstrated two main clades or lineages: HBV‐H I (with sequences from Central and North America) and HBV‐H II (with sequences from North and South America, and Asia). HBV‐H II had more genome sequences (n = 26; 83.9%), including one specific subclade with all sequences outside of the Americas. Overall HBV‐H tMRCA dated back to 1933 (95% highest posterior density interval [HPD 95%]: 1875–1957) with a very probable origin in Mexico and posterior dissemination to other American and Asian countries. The temporal analysis demonstrated that HBV‐H I spread only in Mexico and the neighbor country of Nicaragua probably in the 1960s to the 1970s (1968; HPD 95%: 1908–1981), while HBV‐II disseminated to other American and Asian countries around one decade later (1977; HPD 95%: 1925–1985). The phylogeographic analysis reinforced the Mexican origin of this genotype. The whole HBV‐H population increased from the 1980s to the 2000s. In conclusion, HBV‐H has two main lineages with a common origin in Mexico approximately nine decades ago.
Left atrial scar identification and quantification in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mannion James , Galvin Joseph , Boles Usama
Published: September 2020

Identification and quantification of low voltage areas (LVA) in atrial fibrillation (AF), identified by their bipolar voltages (BiV) via electro‐anatomical voltage mapping is an area of interest to prognosis of AF free burden. LVAs have been linked to diseased left atrial (LA) tissue which results in pro‐fibrillatory potentials. These LVAs are dominantly found within the pulmonary veins, however, as the disease progresses other areas of the LA show low voltage. The scar burden of the LA is linked to recurrence of the arrhythmia and can be a target of further modification. This burden is classically assessed once sinus rhythm (SR) is attained, but this is susceptible to operator variability with overestimated dense LA scar (<0.2 mV) and underestimated diseased LA tissue (<0.5 mV). The novel automated voltage histogram analysis (VHA) tool may increase accuracy, however, is yet to be fully validated. A recent study indicates that LVAs can be assessed just as reliably in AF as SR, but BiV is lower with linear correlation to SR values (0.24‐0.5 mV respectively). In this paper, we review current data as well as review current methods of identifying, quantifying, and grading LA scar. We also compared AF vs SR voltages of a patient undergoing catheter ablation in our site using our VHA tool to compare the results. In keeping with the cited papers, we found lower voltages in our patient measured in AF. This area warrants further study to assess correlation in more patients, with view to developing prognostic and therapeutic grading systems.
Local promotion of B10 function alleviates experimental periodontitis bone loss through antagonizing RANKL‐expressing neutrophils
Authors: Cao Guoqin , Zhang Xu , Song Yuqi , Sun Yi , Ling Hong , Han Xiaozhe , Lin Jiang
Published: September 2020

Background

Persistent host immune responses initiated by oral bacteria protect host against infection but may also elicit the process of sustained periodontal inflammation and subsequent alveolar bone loss. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, can downregulate pro‐inflammatory cytokine and inhibit neutrophil migration in inflammation. IL‐10‐expressing regulatory B cells (B10) is termed by negatively regulating immune response through IL‐10 and are mainly restricted in CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cells in mice. Our current study was aimed to explore the effect of locally transferred CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cells on inflammation and alveolar bone loss in an experimental periodontitis mouse model.

Methods

Ligation plus P. gingivalis (Pg) infection was used to induce periodontitis in a mouse model. CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells were sorted by flow cytometry and transferred into the gingivae immediately on the fifth day after ligation. All the mice were sacrificed on day 14 after ligation.

Results

H&E staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly reduced by the CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells. Toluidine blue staining showed that the CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells alleviated alveolar bone loss in the ligature/Pg‐induced periodontitis in mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed Receptor Activator of NF‐KappaB Ligand (RANKL), Interleukin‐1β(IL‐1β) and Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) were decreased after the CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cell transfer. Immunofluorescent staining showed that IL‐10 was increased while the number of Ly6G+ neutrophil and its RANKL production were decreased in gingival tissue.

Conclusions

These results indicated that locally transferred CD19+CD1dhiCD5+B cells may alleviate alveolar bone loss through inhibiting pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression and RANKL‐expressing neutrophils in the periodontitis mouse model.
Osteogenic effects of bioabsorbable magnesium implant in rat mandibles and in vitro
Authors: He Wei , Zhang Hai , Qiu Jiaxuan
Published: September 2020

Background

Bone augmentation or grafting is often required for placement of dental implants or surgical reconstruction of bony defects. Bioabsorbable magnesium implant was shown to promote osteogenesis in long bones. The objectives of this study were to determine osteogenic effects of pure magnesium (Mg) in rat mandible and underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Pure Mg was implanted in sockets after rat mandibular incisors were extracted. Titanium (Ti) was used as control. Systemic effects were determined by serum Mg level and histologic analyses of liver and kidney. Local Mg concentration was measured by microscopy‐energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS). Alveolar bone was analyzed by micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histology. Osteogenic effects of 0.8 to 20 mM magnesium chloride (MgCl2) on periosteum‐derived cells (PDCs) were evaluated by proliferation, alizarin red staining and quantitative RT‐PCR assays.

Results

Systemic effects were similar in Mg and Ti groups. Higher local Mg concentration was detected in Mg group (P < 0.05). Micro‐CT showed higher alveolar bone volume (2‐ and 6‐weeks post‐operation) and denser cancellous bone (2 weeks post‐operation) in Mg group, with significant amount of new subperiosteal bone formation on lateral alveolar bone surfaces by H&E staining. In PDC culture, proliferation rates, osteogenic gene expression for runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone sialoprotein (Bsp) and osteocalcin (Ocn), as well as calcium nodule formation rose significantly in 5, 10, and 20 mM MgCl2 groups.

Conclusions

Rapid osteogenesis (especially subperiosteal) is induced by pure Mg in rat mandibular alveolar bone. Osteogenic capacity of PDCs is enhanced by higher Mg ion concentrations in vitro.