bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient assessment of nocturnal flying insect communities by combining automatic light traps and DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Mata Vanessa A. , Ferreira Sónia , Campos Rebeca M. , da Silva Luís P. , Veríssimo Joana , Corley Martin F. V. , Beja Pedro
Published: August 2020

Increasing evidence for global insect declines is prompting a renewed interest in the survey of whole insect communities. DNA metabarcoding can contribute to assessing diverse insect communities over a range of spatial and temporal scales, but efforts are still needed to optimize and standardize procedures. Here, we describe and test a methodological pipeline for surveying nocturnal flying insects, combining automatic light traps and DNA metabarcoding. We optimized laboratory procedures and then tested the methodological pipeline using 12 field samples collected in northern Portugal in 2017. We focused on Lepidoptera to compare metabarcoding results with those from morphological identification, using three types of bulk samples produced from each field sample (individuals, legs, and the unsorted mixture). The customized trap was highly efficient at collecting nocturnal flying insects, allowing a small team to operate several traps per night, and a fast field processing of samples for subsequent metabarcoding. Morphological processing yielded 871 identifiable individuals of 102 Lepidoptera species. Metabarcoding of the “mixture” bulk samples detected 528 taxa, most of which were Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. There was a reasonably high matching in community composition between morphology and metabarcoding when considering the “individuals” and “legs” bulk samples, with few errors mostly associated with morphological misidentification of small and often degraded microlepidoptera. Regarding the “mixture” bulk sample, metabarcoding identified nearly four times more Lepidoptera species than morphological examination, mostly due to the recovery of DNA from very damaged specimens that could not be visually identified, but also thanks to the retention of body parts and DNA of specimens removed for the “individuals” and “legs” bulks. Our study provides a methodological metabarcoding pipeline that can be used in standardized surveys of nocturnal flying insects. Our approach efficiently collects highly diverse taxonomic groups such as nocturnal Lepidoptera that are poorly represented when using Malaise traps and other widely used field methods.
Microsized SnS/Few‐Layer Graphene Composite with Interconnected Nanosized Building Blocks for Superior Volumetric Lithium and Sodium Storage
Authors: Cheng Deliang , Yang Lichun , Hu Renzong , Liu Jiangwen , Zhu Min
Published: August 2020

To develop anode materials with superior volumetric storage is crucial for practical application of lithium/sodium‐ion batteries. Here, we have developed a micro/nanostructured SnS/few‐layer graphene (SnS/FLG) composite by facile scalable plasma milling. Inside the hybrid, SnS nanoparticles are tightly supported by FLG, forming nanosized primary particles as building blocks and assembling to microsized secondary granules. With this unique micro/nanostructure, the SnS/FLG composite possesses a high tap density of 1.98 g cm−3 and thus ensures a high volumetric storage. The combination of SnS nanoparticles and FLG nanosheets can not only enhance the overall electrical conductivity and facilitate the ion diffusion greatly, but alleviate the large volume expansion of SnS effectively and maintain the electrode integrity during cycling. Thus, the densely compacted SnS/FLG composite exhibits superior volumetric lithium and sodium storage, including high volumetric capacities of 1926.5/1051.4 mAh cm−3 at 0.2 A g−1, and high retained capacities of 1754.3/760.3 mAh cm−3 after 500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. With superior volumetric storage performance and facile scalable synthesis, the SnS/FLG composite can be a promising anode for practical batteries application.
TNF‐α and IL‐1β sensitize human MSC for IFN‐γ signaling and enhance neutrophil recruitment
Authors: Hackel Alexander , Aksamit Aleksandra , Bruderek Kirsten , Lang Stephan , Brandau Sven
Published: August 2020

During inflammatory processes, tissue environmental cues are influencing the immunoregulatory properties of tissue‐resident mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). In this study, we elucidated one of the molecular and cellular responses of human MSC exposed to combinations of inflammatory cytokines. We showed that during multi‐cytokine priming by TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IFN‐γ, IL‐1β further augmented the well‐established immunoregulatory activity induced by TNF‐α/IFN‐γ. On the molecular level, TNF‐α and IL‐1β enhanced the expression of IFN‐γ receptor (IFN‐γR) via NF 'kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer' of activated B‐cells (NF‐κΒ) signaling. In turn, enhanced responsiveness to IFN‐γ stimulation activated STAT5 and p38‐MAPK signaling. This molecular feedback resulted in an increased IL‐8 release and augmented recruitment of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). Our study suggests the possibility that responses of MSC to multi‐cytokine priming regimens may be exploited therapeutically to fine‐tune inflammatory activity in tissues. This study elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying the immunological priming of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their interaction with neutrophils.
Perceived validation and criticism in pain: Development of a new measure in chronic pain
Authors: Andrade Carvalho Sérgio , Pinto‐Gouveia José , Gillanders David , Castilho Paula
Published: August 2020

Background

Research suggests that the way others react to a pain flare‐up impacts on psychological and pain‐related symptoms in chronic pain (CP). Experiencing validation from others is associated with less negative emotions and better functioning. Contrarily, experiencing criticism is linked to greater pain intensity and worse functioning. Nonetheless, studies are limited by an exclusive focus on spouses rather than significant other relationships, the use of proxy constructs (e.g. social support, responsiveness, solicitousness) rather than specific measures of validation and criticism and a focus on significant others′ behaviour rather than patients′ subjective experience. This study examines the psychometric properties of a new measure – Perceived Validation and Criticism in Pain Questionnaire (PVCPQ), and tests its contribution to functional impairment beyond pain intensity, sociodemographic and medical‐related variables, positive and negative affect, safeness and compassion from others.

Methods

Women with CP (N = 172), 130 (75.6%) of whom had fibromyalgia, completed an online battery of questionnaires (PVCPQ; numeric pain rating scale; work and social adjustment scale; positive and negative affect schedule; social and pleasure scale; compassionate engagement and action scale). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability analysis, correlational analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were performed.

Results

EFA showed a 23‐item two‐factor solution with good psychometric properties. Criticism in pain (but not validation in pain) contributed to functional impairment above and beyond the variance explained by pain intensity, sociodemographic and medical variables, positive and negative affect, safeness and compassion from others.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the PVCPQ is a psychometrically valid new measure of perceived validation and criticism in pain that contributes to explaining pain‐related functional impairment.

Significance

The current study provides a new 23‐item measure of perceived validation and criticism by others in chronic pain that overcomes the limitations of existing measures. It adds to the literature by suggesting that perceived criticism (but not validation) contributes to functional impairment beyond sociodemographic variables, pain intensity, affect and related constructs such as social safeness and compassion from others. These results suggest that psychosocial interventions that aim to promote functioning in chronic pain should focus on the subjective experience of being criticized and validated by significant others.
A Fishery after the Decline: The Susquehanna River Smallmouth Bass Story
Authors: Schall Megan K , Smith Geoffrey D , Blazer Vicki S , Walsh Heather L , Li Yan , Wagner Tyler
Published: August 2020

The Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu fishery in the Susquehanna River basin, Pennsylvania, is one of the most socioeconomically important fisheries in the region and has recently undergone considerable changes. These changes started in 2005, when disease was documented in young-of-the-year (age-0) Smallmouth Bass. Shortly thereafter, declines in abundance of both juveniles and adults were observed. These declines in abundance coincided with disease infections in age-0, intersex in adults, and concerns regarding contaminant exposure. Natural mortality rates, particularly for age-0, increased during this period (2005–2011), and there were concerns for the overall health of this world-class fishery. However, in recent years (2012–2017), there have been decreases in both mortality rates and external observations of disease and increases in abundance across multiple size-classes. Recent changes are encouraging for the future of the Smallmouth Bass fishery in the Susquehanna River. Yet, in light of the ever changing environmental, social, and anthropogenic influences on aquatic ecosystems, there remain concerns for Smallmouth Bass health and management. Because of this, ongoing research efforts are needed to monitor population and health changes and to conduct integrative research that considers complex relationships between organisms and their environments.
The roles of banana peel powders to alter technological functionality, sensory and nutritional quality of chicken sausage
Authors: Zaini Hana Binti Mohd , Sintang Mohd Dona Bin , Pindi Wolyna
Published: August 2020

Chicken sausages included with three different quantities of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel powder. The technological properties (cooking yield, texture, water‐holding capacity, color, rheology, and texture), composition, and sensory acceptability were assessed. In storage study, lipid oxidation of the best formulation from the sensory score was evaluated. The inclusion of banana peel powder (BPP) raises the nutritional value with regard to an increase in dietary fiber and a reduction in the sausage fat content. The addition of BPP also causes a significant increase in the cooking yield and water‐holding capacity. Additionally, storage modulus values increase with the increase in the BPP's concentration. However, with BPP incorporation, a hard texture and darkening of the sausage were observed. Interestingly, our findings exhibit the compromise in microstructural of chicken sausage with high percentage of BPP manifested by the high storage modulus and hardness but with low resistance toward stress, short linear viscoelastic region. This aspect also caused a significant change in the sensory score. The TBA value in the sausage containing 2% BPP exhibited a delay in lipid oxidation up to 55%, prompting its antioxidant potential. Generally, the incorporation of BPP to chicken sausage changes its properties. BPP has been a potential candidate as a value‐adding ingredient that may be used during meat preparation since it positively influences the nutritional value and specific technological properties of the food.
Efficient gene–environment interaction tests for large biobank‐scale sequencing studies
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Lim Elise , Liu Ching‐Ti , Sung Yun Ju , Rao Dabeeru C. , Morrison Alanna C. , Boerwinkle Eric , Manning Alisa K. , Chen Han
Published: August 2020

Complex human diseases are affected by genetic and environmental risk factors and their interactions. Gene–environment interaction (GEI) tests for aggregate genetic variant sets have been developed in recent years. However, existing statistical methods become rate limiting for large biobank‐scale sequencing studies with correlated samples. We propose efficient Mixed‐model Association tests for GEne–Environment interactions (MAGEE), for testing GEI between an aggregate variant set and environmental exposures on quantitative and binary traits in large‐scale sequencing studies with related individuals. Joint tests for the aggregate genetic main effects and GEI effects are also developed. A null generalized linear mixed model adjusting for covariates but without any genetic effects is fit only once in a whole genome GEI analysis, thereby vastly reducing the overall computational burden. Score tests for variant sets are performed as a combination of genetic burden and variance component tests by accounting for the genetic main effects using matrix projections. The computational complexity is dramatically reduced in a whole genome GEI analysis, which makes MAGEE scalable to hundreds of thousands of individuals. We applied MAGEE to the exome sequencing data of 41,144 related individuals from the UK Biobank, and the analysis of 18,970 protein coding genes finished within 10.4 CPU hours.
Detecting X‐linked common and rare variant effects in family‐based sequencing studies
Authors: Turkmen Asuman S. , Lin Shili
Published: August 2020

The breakthroughs in next generation sequencing have allowed us to access data consisting of both common and rare variants, and in particular to investigate the impact of rare genetic variation on complex diseases. Although rare genetic variants are thought to be important components in explaining genetic mechanisms of many diseases, discovering these variants remains challenging, and most studies are restricted to population‐based designs. Further, despite the shift in the field of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) towards studying rare variants due to the “missing heritability” phenomenon, little is known about rare X‐linked variants associated with complex diseases. For instance, there is evidence that X‐linked genes are highly involved in brain development and cognition when compared with autosomal genes; however, like most GWAS for other complex traits, previous GWAS for mental diseases have provided poor resources to deal with identification of rare variant associations on X‐chromosome. In this paper, we address the two issues described above by proposing a method that can be used to test X‐linked variants using sequencing data on families. Our method is much more general than existing methods, as it can be applied to detect both common and rare variants, and is applicable to autosomes as well. Our simulation study shows that the method is efficient, and exhibits good operational characteristics. An application to the University of Miami Study on Genetics of Autism and Related Disorders also yielded encouraging results.
Autofluorescence imaging to identify oral malignant or premalignant lesions: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: August 2020

The aim is to evaluate the accuracy of autofluorescence for screening oral cancer in comparison with toluidine blue staining and clinical examination. Oral mucosal disorders detected by autofluorescence were compared with those detected using toluidine blue staining. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for autofluorescence was 8.197 (95% confidence interval, 4.018‐16.723). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.815. Compared with toluidine blue, autofluorescence had a similar sensitivity, negative predictive value, and AUC but a lower specificity and DOR. Compared with clinical examination, the autofluorescence had a higher sensitivity but lower specificity, DOR, and AUC. Although the diagnostic accuracy of autofluorescence in the screening work‐up of oral cancer and precancer was more sensitive than those of clinical examination and toluidine blue staining, it was not accurate enough to be used alone reliably.
Prognostic nomogram for adenoid cystic carcinoma in different anatomic sites
Authors: Mu Xiaoli , Li Yan , He Ling , Guan Hui , Wang Jingjing , Wei Zhigong , He Yan , Liu Zheran , Li Ruidan , Peng Xingchen
Published: August 2020

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively uncommon tumor. The existing prediction model is limited to the head and neck. We aim to construct a prognostic nomogram combined with the clinical features and treatment options of ACC to predict the disease‐specific survival (DSS) of patients diagnosed with ACC in different anatomic sites.

Methods

A novel predictive model was constructed using 1285 patients with ACC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry between 2010 and 2015. The performance of this model was externally validated using 118 patients with ACC in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University between 2010 and 2017.

Results

The prognostic model demonstrated that age, primary site, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, radiotherapy and surgery were independent factors for DSS. The validation of the model using an external cohort proved its reliability.

Conclusion

The developed novel predictive model is shown to provide accurate and efficient predictive information for patients with ACC for different anatomic sites.
Defect Dynamics in MAPbI3 Polycrystalline Films: The Trapping Effect of Grain Boundaries
Authors: Mattoni Alessandro , Meloni Simone
Published: August 2020

Metal halide perovskites, chemical compounds of ABX3 stoichiometry (A=CH3NH3+, Cs+, …; B=Pb2+, Sn2+; X=I−, Br−), have attracted great interest as they emerged as one of the most promising class of materials for low‐cost photovoltaics with over 25 % certified power conversion efficiency. An important open question for further improving their efficiency and stability is the formation and dynamics of point defects, for example, iodide vacancies and interstitials. In particular, recently it has been shown that defects strongly interact with grain boundaries, which, for example, prevents a quick restoration of initial conditions of film when kept in the dark after illumination [Phung et al., Adv. Energy Mater. 2020, 1903735]. It has also been shown that iodide defects may accumulate at grain boundaries, where they induce carriers’ recombination [Park et al., ACS Energy Lett. 2019, 4, 1321–1327]. In this article, we make use of molecular dynamics and ab initio simulations to follow the evolution and compute the energetics of a iodide vacancy,
, and an iodide Interstitial,
, interacting with Σ5/(102) grain boundaries of different termination, MAI and PbI2. We show that the polarization charge of Σ5/(102) grain boundary associated to a prescribed termination drives the dynamics of charged defects,
and
. The long‐range interaction of grain boundaries with charged species might induce the accumulation of point defects present in crystallites or formed under operation conditions. Moreover, the selective attraction of specific defects by a grain boundary may help splitting Frenkel pairs formed in solar cells under illumination, thus preventing the quick annihilation of defects and enhancing the effect of light in inducing degradation processes.
Detection of living cervical cancer cells by transient terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Yuezheng , Hou Lei , Ma Cheng , Yang Lei , Dong Chengang , Wang Zhiquan , Wang Haiqing , Guo Juan , Xu Shenglong , Li Jing
Published: August 2020

The photonic energy of terahertz wave is in the same order of magnitude as the rotational and vibrational energy levels of organic and biological macromolecules, so it has unique advantages in detecting cells and biological macromolecules. However, in the life environment, the dynamic time scale of cell‐environment interaction and structural conformation change of biological macromolecules are within picosecond to millisecond, and water has strong absorption to terahertz wave, which has become the bottleneck problem for the detection of cells and biological macromolecules by terahertz technology. In this article, we developed a set of terahertz single measurement system based on the tilt wave front of grating pulse technique. The system was employed for the terahertz detection of trace living cervical cancer cells. We achieved transient detection of the terahertz pulse time‐domain waveform of the living HeLa cells. The characteristic absorption peaks were identified by Lambert‐Beer law, respectively, at 0.49, 0.71, 1.04, 1.07, 1.26 and 1.37 THz. The absorbance is proportional to the cell concentration.
Surface modification strategies for hemodialysis catheters to prevent catheter‐related infections: A review
Authors: Balikci Elif , Yilmaz Bengi , Tahmasebifar Aydin , Baran Erkan Türker , Kara Ekrem
Published: August 2020

Insertion of a central venous catheter is one of the most common invasive procedures applied in hemodialysis therapy for end‐stage renal disease. The most important complication of a central venous catheter is catheter‐related infections that increase hospitalization and duration of intensive care unit stay, cost of treatment, mortality, and morbidity rates. Pathogenic microorganisms, such as, bacteria and fungi, enter the body from the catheter insertion site and the surface of the catheter can become colonized. The exopolysaccharide‐based biofilms from bacterial colonies on the surface are the main challenge in the treatment of infections. Catheter lock solutions and systemic antibiotic treatment, which are commonly used in the treatment of hemodialysis catheter‐related infections, are insufficient to prevent and terminate the infections and eventually the catheter needs to be replaced. The inadequacy of these approaches in termination and prevention of infection revealed the necessity of coating of hemodialysis catheters with bactericidal and/or antiadhesive agents. Silver compounds and nanoparticles, anticoagulants (e.g., heparin), antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin and chlorhexidine) are some of the agents used for this purpose. The effectiveness of few commercial hemodialysis catheters that were coated with antibacterial agents has been tested in clinical trials against catheter‐related infections of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with promising results. Novel biomedical materials and engineering techniques, such as, surface micro/nano patterning and the conjugation of antimicrobial peptides, enzymes, metallic cations, and hydrophilic polymers (e.g., poly [ethylene glycol]) on the surface, has been suggested recently.
Fe/Mn multilayer nanowires as dual mode T1–T2 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents
Authors: Gu Liyuan , Cao Xiaoming , Mukhtar Aiman , Wu KaiMing
Published: August 2020

To overcome the negative contrast limitations, and to improve the sensitivity of the magnetic resonance signals, the mesoporous silica coated Fe/Mn multilayered nanowires (NWs) were used as a T1–T2 dual‐mode contrast agents (CAs). The single component Fe and Mn NWs, and Fe/Mn multilayer NWs were synthesized by electrodeposition in the homemade anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with the aperture of about 30 nm. The structural characterization and morphology of single component and multisegmented NWs was done by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The elemental composition of Fe/Mn multilayerd NWs was confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray and energy‐dispersive spectrometer. Vibrating sample magnetometer was used to test the magnetic properties, and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner was used to measure the relaxation efficiency. Importantly, the MRI study indicated that the Fe/Mn multilayer NWs showed a significant T1–T2 imaging effect, and have longitudinal relaxivity (r1) value, that is, 1.25 ± 0.0329 × 10−4 μM−1 s−1 and transverse relaxivity (r2), that is, 5.13 ± 0.123 × 10−4 μM−1 s−1, which was two times of r1 value (0.654 ± 0.00899 × 10−4 μM−1 s−1) of Mn NWs, and r2 value (2.96 ± 0.0415 × 10−4 μM−1 s−1) of Fe NWs. Hence, Fe/Mn multilayer NWs have potential to be used as T1–T2 dual‐mode CAs.
Evaluation of osteogenic and antibacterial properties of strontium/silver‐containing porous TiO2 coatings prepared by micro‐arc oxidation
Authors: Zhang Yang‐Yang , Zhu Ye , Lu Da‐Zhuang , Dong Wei , Bi Wen‐Juan , Feng Xiao‐Jie , Wen Li‐Ming , Sun Hong , Qi Meng‐Chun
Published: August 2020

Ti and Ti alloys are bioinert materials and two frequent problems associated with them are bacterial infection and lack of osteogenic potential for rapid bone integration. To overcome the problems, the present study incorporated strontium (Sr) and silver (Ag) simultaneously into porous TiO2 coatings through a single‐step technique, micro‐arc oxidation (MAO). Incorporation of Sr and Ag brought no significant changes to coating micromorphology and physicochemical properties, but endowed TiO2 coatings with both strong antibacterial activity and osteogenic ability. Antibacterial activity increased with Ag contents in the coatings. When Ag content reached 0.58 wt%, the coating showed both excellent short‐term (100.0%) and long‐term (77.6%) antibacterial activities. Sr/Ag‐containing coatings with 18.23 wt% Sr and 0.58 wt% Ag also presented good cytocompatibility for preosteoblast adhesion and proliferation, and promoted preosteoblast osteogenic differentiation both short‐termly and long‐termly. However, higher Ag content (1.29 wt%) showed toxic effects to preosteoblasts. In summary, MAO is a simple and effective way to incorporate Sr and Ag into porous TiO2 coatings and Sr/Ag‐containing TiO2 coating with 18.5 wt% Sr and 0.58 wt% Ag has both good osteogenic activity and strong antibacterial capability short‐termly and long‐termly. Therefore, such coatings are valuable for clinical application to strengthen osseointegration and long‐term high quality use of titanum implants.
Curcumin induced apoptosis is mediated through oxidative stress in mutated p53 and wild type p53 colon adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Sritharan Sruthi , Sivalingam Nageswaran
Published: August 2020

Curcumin has anti‐oxidant, anti‐cancer and anti‐carcinogen property. Our laboratory had previously reported that, curcumin treatment induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HT‐29 cell line, an effect contradictory to its anti‐oxidant property. This study evaluates the role of p53 in curcumin mediated ROS generation and cell death. Curcumin induced ROS was determined by 2’,7’‐dichlorofluorescein and apoptosis by Hoechst33342/PI staining in HT‐29 and HCT‐116 cell lines. ROS generation occurs within 1 hour of 40 µM curcumin treatment and a reduction was observed by third hour in HCT‐116 insinuating p53 involvement. N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) pre‐treatment effectively quenched ROS and inhibited membrane potential loss in HT‐29, but less effective in HCT‐116. Mitochondrial membrane potential loss is evident with 10 and 40 µM curcumin in HCT‐116 and at 40 µM curcumin in HT‐29. Total p53 protein level increase was observed by 24 hours in HCT‐116 upon NAC pre‐treatment. Our results indicate that curcumin induces ROS mediated cell death in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and may be mediated via p53.
Protective role of zinc in liver damage in experimental diabetes demonstrated via different biochemical parameters
Authors: Sacan Ozlem , Turkyilmaz Ismet Burcu , Bayrak Bertan Boran , Mutlu Ozgur , Akev Nuriye , Yanardag Refiye
Published: August 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a serious worldwide metabolic disease, which is accompanied by hyperglycaemia and affects all organs and body system. Zinc (Zn) is a basic cofactor for many enzymes, which also plays an important role in stabilising the structure of insulin. Liver is the most important target organ after pancreas in diabetic complications. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective role of Zn in liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes mellitus. There are four experimental groups of female Swiss albino rats: group I: control; group II: control + ZnSO4; group III: STZ‐induced diabetic animals and group IV: STZ‐diabetic + ZnSO4. To induce diabetes, STZ was injected intraperitoneally (65 mg/kg). ZnSO4 (100 mg/kg) was given daily to groups II and IV by gavage for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed under anaesthesia and liver tissues were collected. In the diabetic group, hexose, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid levels, arginase, adenosine deaminase, tissue factor activities and protein carbonyl levels increased, whereas catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and Na+/K+‐ATPase activities decreased. The administration of Zn to the diabetic group reversed all the negative effects/activities. According to these results, we can suggest that Zn has a protective role against STZ‐induced diabetic liver damage.
A longitudinal investigation of racial discrimination, distress intolerance, and psychological well‐being in African American college students
Authors: Le Thomas P. , Iwamoto Derek K. , Burke Lindsey A.
Published: August 2020

There is robust evidence that racism negatively influences health outcomes for African American college students. However, few studies have longitudinally examined the underlying mechanisms related to the repercussions of racism.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between racial discrimination and psychological well‐being (PWB), as well as the mediating role of distress intolerance.

Method

As part of a larger parent study, a sample of 105 African American first‐year undergraduate students (mean age = 18.1) completed three surveys across 1 year. The RMediation program was used to test the indirect effect of racism on PWB through distress intolerance.

Results

There was a significant positive indirect effect of racism on PWB through distress intolerance, such that increased racism was associated with increased distress intolerance, which was thus associated with decreased PWB.

Conclusions

Intervention efforts may be aimed at preventing racism for African American college students and providing clinical services that reduce distress intolerance.
Comprehensive study and multipurpose role of the CLV3/ESR‐related (CLE) genes family in plant growth and development
Authors: Khan Shahid U. , Khan Muhammad Hafeez U. , Ahmar Sunny , Fan Chuchuan
Published: August 2020

The CLAVATA3/endosperm surrounding region‐related (CLE) is one of the most important signaling peptides families in plants. These peptides signaling are common in the cell to cell communication and control various physiological and developmental processes, that is cell differentiation and proliferation, self‐incompatibility, and the defense response. The CLE signaling systems are conserved across the plant kingdom but have a diverse mode of action in various developmental processes in different species. In this review, we concise various methods of peptides identification, structure, and molecular identity of the CLE family, the developmental role of CLE genes/peptides in plants, environmental stimuli, and CLE family and some other novel progress in CLE genes/peptides in various crops, and so forth. According to previous literature, about 1,628 CLE genes were identified in land plants, which deeply explained the tale of plant development. Nevertheless, some important queries need to be addressed to get clear insights into the CLE gene family in other organisms and their role in various physiological and developmental processes. Furthermore, we summarized the power of the CLE family around the environment as well as bifunctional activity and the crystal structure recognition mechanism of CLE peptides by their receptors and CLE clusters functions. We strongly believed that the discovery of the CLE family in other organisms would provide a significant breakthrough for future revolutionary and functional studies.
Cell surface GRP78 signaling: An emerging role as a transcriptional modulator in cancer
Authors: Gopal Udhayakumar , Pizzo Salvatore V.
Published: August 2020

Cancer cells acquire dysregulated gene expression to establish specific transcriptional dependencies and their underlying mechanisms that are ultimately responsible for this addictions have not been fully elucidated. Glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a stress‐inducible, multifunctional, prosurvival, endoplasmic reticulum chaperone in the heat shock protein 70 family. Expression of cell surface GRP78 (CS‐GRP78) is associated with increased malignant behavior and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by endowing various cancer cells with increased proliferative ability, altered metabolism, improved survival, and augmented invasive and metastatic potential. Emerging evidence has highlighted an unusual role of CS‐GRP78 in regulating transcription factors (TFs) by mediating various signaling pathways involved in malignant transformation, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor progression. During the last decade, we targeted CS‐GRP78 with C38 monoclonal antibody (C38 Mab) in numerous studies, which have highlighted the epigenetic interplay between CS‐GRP78 and various TFs including c‐MYC, Yes‐associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif, c‐Fos, and histone acetylation to potentiate subsequent modulation of tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the role of CS‐GRP78 in cancer development and progression, including epigenetic regulation and sheds light on CS‐GRP78 as vulnerable target for cancer therapy. Overall, this review focuses on the mechanisms of TFs that are behind the transcriptional dysregulation in cancer and lays the groundwork for rational therapeutic use of C38 Mab based on CS‐GRP78 biology.
Mechanisms for sulfide‐induced nitrobenzene reduction mediated by a variety of different carbonaceous materials: Graphitized carbon‐facilitated electron transfer versus quinone‐facilitated formation of reactive sulfur species
Authors: Wei Chenhui , Yin Shujun , Zhu Dongqiang
Published: August 2020

Although it has long been known that carbonaceous materials (CMs) can facilitate the reduction of organic contaminants by sulfide, the underlying mechanisms and controlling factors, particularly the surface property dependence, are not well understood. Here, sulfide‐induced nitrobenzene reduction was explored as a model reaction to compare the mediation efficiency of a variety of CMs, including rice straw−derived black carbon (R‐BC) and pine wood−derived black carbon (P‐BC), a commercial activated carbon (AC), multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MCNT), and graphite. Given the same load (250 mg L−1), the observed pseudo‐first‐order rate constant (kobs) of nitrobenzene reduction was ordered as AC > R‐BC > MCNT > P‐BC > graphite. The surface area−normalized rate constant (kSN) was ordered as R‐BC > graphite > MCNT > AC > P‐BC. Neither the kobs nor the kSN followed the order of mediator's electron conductivity (graphite > MCNT > AC > P‐BC > R‐BC). For the low‐graphitized R‐BC and P‐BC, increasing surface oxygen content by HNO3 oxidation enhanced nitrobenzene reduction, whereas decreasing the content by NaBH4 reduction impeded the reaction. Opposite trends were observed with the high‐graphitized AC, MCNT, and graphite. The quinone moieties of low‐graphitized CMs were found to facilitate nitrobenzene reduction by serving as one‐electron acceptors to generate reactive reducing sulfur species (polysulfides and polysulfide free radicals) from sulfide. In contrast, the surface oxygen groups of high‐graphitized CMs suppressed the reaction by lowering the electron conductivity. These results demonstrate that the types of CMs and their surface chemistry properties are key determinants in mediating redox transformation of organic contaminants.
Characterization and mapping of sensilla on the head appendages of noterid larvae (Coleoptera: Noteridae), and development of a preliminary biometric method for taxa delimitation
Authors: Urcola Juan I. , Benetti Cesar J. , Alarie Yves , Rodriguez Georgina , Michat Mariano C.
Published: August 2020

Larvae of the burrowing water beetle family Noteridae are distributed worldwide and are often abundant in a broad range of aquatic habitats, playing an important role in structuring freshwater communities, yet they have remained among the most poorly studied groups of aquatic beetles. Studies on sensillar equipment of aquatic insect larvae are largely lacking, despite their potential use in phylogeny and biometric identification methods. In this article, the external morphology and distribution of sensilla on the head appendages of first instar larvae of selected genera of Noteridae were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Seven main types were distinguished based on their morphological structure: basiconica (3 subtypes), campaniformia (2 subtypes), chaetica (7 subtypes), coeloconica (6 subtypes), coniform complex (2 subtypes), placodea, and styloconica (3 subtypes). The apex of the labial palpus was found to be the most variable and informative region in regard to the number, relative position, and topology of sensilla. Fingerprint models were, therefore, generated for this region in each of the studied genera, allowing their identification.
Appendage regeneration in anamniotes utilizes genes active during larval‐metamorphic stages that have been lost or altered in amniotes: The case for studying lizard tail regeneration
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

This review elaborates the idea that organ regeneration derives from specific evolutionary histories of vertebrates. Regenerative ability depends on genomic regulation of genes specific to the life‐cycles that have differentially evolved in anamniotes and amniotes. In aquatic environments, where fish and amphibians live, one or multiple metamorphic transitions occur before the adult stage is reached. Each transition involves the destruction and remodeling of larval organs that are replaced with adult organs. After organ injury or loss in adult anamniotes, regeneration uses similar genes and developmental process than those operating during larval growth and metamorphosis. Therefore, the broad presence of regenerative capability across anamniotes is possible because generating new organs is included in their life history at metamorphic stages. Soft hyaluronate‐rich regenerative blastemas grow in submersed or in hydrated environments, that is, essential conditions for regeneration, like during development. In adult anamniotes, the ability to regenerate different organs decreases in comparison to larval stages and becomes limited during aging. Comparisons of genes activated during metamorphosis and regeneration in anamniotes identify key genes unique to these processes, and include thyroid, wnt and non‐coding RNAs developmental pathways. In the terrestrial environment, some genes or developmental pathways for metamorphic transitions were lost during amniote evolution, determining loss of regeneration. Among amniotes, the formation of soft and hydrated blastemas only occurs in lizards, a morphogenetic process that evolved favoring their survival through tail autotomy, leading to a massive although imperfect regeneration of the tail. Deciphering genes activity during lizard tail regeneration would address future attempts to recreate in other amniotes regenerative blastemas that grow into variably completed organs.
Multiparametric‐MRI‐Based Radiomics Model for Differentiating Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma From Glioblastoma: Development and Cross‐Vendor Validation
Authors: Xia Wei , Hu Bin , Li Haiqing , Geng Chen , Wu Qiuwen , Yang Liqin , Yin Bo , Gao Xin , Li Yuxin , Geng Daoying
Published: August 2020

Background

Preoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from glioblastoma (GBM) is important to guide neurosurgical decision‐making.

Purpose

To validate the generalization ability of radiomics models based on multiparametric‐MRI (MP‐MRI) for differentiating PCNSL from GBM.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 240 patients with GBM (n = 129) or PCNSL (n = 111).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T scanners (two vendors). Sequences: fluid‐attenuation inversion recovery, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging (CE‐T1WI). Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were derived from DWI.

Assessment

Cross‐vendor and mixed‐vendor validation were conducted. In cross‐vendor validation, the training set was 149 patients' data from vendor 1, and test set was 91 patients' data from vendor 2. In mixed‐vendor validation, a training set was 80% of data from both vendors, and the test set remained at 20% of data. Single and multisequence radiomics models were built. The diagnoses by radiologists with 5, 10, and 20 years' experience were obtained. The integrated models were built combining the diagnoses by the best‐performing radiomics model and each radiologist. Model performance was validated in the test set using area under the ROC curve (AUC). Histological results were used as the reference standard.

Statistical Tests

DeLong test: differences between AUCs. U‐test: differences of numerical variables. Fisher's exact test: differences of categorical variables.

Results

In cross‐vendor and mixed‐vendor validation, the combination of CE‐T1WI and ADC produced the best‐performing radiomics model, with AUC of 0.943 vs. 0.935, P = 0.854. The integrated models had higher AUCs than radiologists, with 5 (0.975 vs. 0.891, P = 0.002 and 0.995 vs. 0.885, P = 0.007), 10 (0.975 vs. 0.913, P = 0.029 and 0.995 vs. 0.900, P = 0.030), and 20 (0.975 vs. 0.945, P = 0.179 and 0.995 vs. 0.923, P = 0.046) years' experiences.

Data Conclusion

Radiomics for differentiating PCNSL from GBM was generalizable. The model combining MP‐MRI and radiologists' diagnoses had superior performance compared to the radiologists alone.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Best Practices for Approaching Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Hagerty Sarah L. , Wielgosz Joseph , Kraemer Jaclyn , Nguyen Hong V. , Loew Dorene , Kaysen Debra
Published: August 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic presents major challenges for mental health care providers. In particular, providers who treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are now tasked with determining whether to initiate trauma‐focused therapy during the pandemic and, if so, whether and how to adapt treatment. The purpose of this communication is to identify and organize key considerations for whether and how to deliver commonly used evidence‐supported therapy protocols for trauma treatment—specifically, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) therapy—during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic for adults who currently meet the criteria for PTSD. Based on relevant public health and clinical literature, we present a structured guide that can be used by treatment teams and individual providers to evaluate whether initiating CPT or PE is indicated given a particular patient–provider pair and system context amidst pandemic conditions. In addition, we suggest appropriate action steps, including problem‐solving strategies, evidence‐informed modifications to CPT and PE, and alternative intervention approaches.
Grading Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in ex vivo Mouse Lungs Using Ultrasound Image Analysis
Authors: Zhou Boran , Shao Juntao , Schaefbauer Kyle J. , Egan Ashley M. , Carmona Eva M. , Limper Andrew H. , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis on ex vivo mouse lungs using ultrasound image grading and texture analysis.

Methods

Excised mouse lungs were divided into 3 groups: control, mild fibrosis, and severe fibrosis based on the monitored indicators of health. B‐mode ultrasound images were obtained via scanning the mouse lungs ex vivo. The surface smoothness, echo density, and angle of lesions or the lung margin were graded, and the imaging contrast, correlation, homogeneity, and entropy were assessed via texture analysis.

Results

The grades of surface smoothness, echo density, and angle were statistically higher for the severe fibrosis group compared with those of the control and mild fibrosis groups (P < .05). In addition, statistically significant differences in the contrast, correlation, and homogeneity between mild and severe fibrosis groups were observed (P < .05).

Conclusions

The results obtained in this study suggest that ultrasound image grading and texture analysis are valuable and meaningful methods for assessing pulmonary fibrosis in a bleomycin mouse model.
The Benefit of Primary Tumor Surgical Resection in Distant Metastatic Carcinomas of the Thyroid
Authors: Elsamna Samer T. , Suri Pooja , Mir Ghayoour S. , Roden Dylan F. , Paskhover Boris
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Thyroid cancer with distant metastasis (TCDM) at diagnosis has significantly worse survival rates when compared to localized/regional thyroid cancer. This study sought to report on the characteristics of patients presenting with TCDM and the potential survival advantage of surgical resection.

Study Design

Data were acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database with cases from 2004 to 2015.

Methods

TCDM cases (n = 2,558) were identified from the SEER database. The Bonferroni correction was applied for multivariate analysis. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was utilized to obtain disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates. Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify independent factors significantly associated with survival.

Results

The average age of diagnosis of TCDM was 62.0 (±17.5) years. Patients were predominantly white (74.6%), female (54.6%), in a relationship (56.0%), and between ages 36 and 80 years (76.4%). Cases consisted of papillary (57.2%), follicular (16.0%), medullary (8.9%), anaplastic (17.9%) TCDM histological variants. Overall 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year DSS rates were 72.0%, 56.8%, and 43.8%, respectively. Anaplastic and medullary variants had the worst 10‐year DSS (0% and 25.5%, respectively). Patients who underwent surgical resection only and surgical resection with radiation were 49% and 59% less likely to die, respectively. Treatment, age, histology, T staging, relationship status, and metastasis site were determined to be significant predictors of survival.

Conclusions

Surgical resection with radiation was found to be a significant predictor of survival after applying the Bonferroni correction for all thyroid cancer variants except medullary. To increase survival, surgical intervention should be recommended in patients who are deemed to be medically tolerant of surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1026–1034, 2021
Environmental DNA identifies marine macrophyte contributions to Blue Carbon sediments
Authors: Ortega Alejandra , Geraldi Nathan R. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: August 2020

Estimation of marine macrophyte contribution to coastal sediments is key to understand carbon sequestration dynamics. Nevertheless, identification of macrophyte carbon is challenging. We propose environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding as a new approach for identification of sediment contributors, and compared this approach against stable isotopes—the traditional approach. eDNA metabarcoding allowed high‐resolution identification of 48 macroalgae, seagrasses, and mangroves from coastal habitats. The relative eDNA contributions of macrophytes were similar to their contributions of organic carbon based on stable isotopes; however, isotopes were unreliable for taxonomical discrimination among macrophyte sources. Additionally, we experimentally found that eDNA abundance in the sediment correlates with both the DNA (84%, R2 = 0.71, p = 0.001) and the organic carbon content (76%, R2 = 0.58, p = 0.006) per macrophyte lineage. These results demonstrate the unparallel resolution of eDNA as a method for estimation of the organic carbon contribution of marine macrophytes to blue carbon stocks.