bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating basic and applied research to estimate carnivore abundance
Authors: Sells Sarah N. , Podruzny Kevin M. , Nowak J. Joshua , Smucker Ty D. , Parks Tyler W. , Boyd Diane K. , Nelson Abigail A. , Lance Nathan J. , Inman Robert M. , Gude Justin A. , Bassing Sarah B. , Loonam Kenneth E. , Mitchell Michael S.
Published: August 2022

A clear connection between basic research and applied management is often missing or difficult to discern. We present a case study of integration of basic research with applied management for estimating abundance of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Montana, USA. Estimating wolf abundance is a key component of wolf management but is costly and time intensive as wolf populations continue to grow. We developed a multimodel approach using an occupancy model, mechanistic territory model, and empirical group size model to improve abundance estimates while reducing monitoring effort. Whereas field‐based wolf counts generally rely on costly, difficult‐to‐collect monitoring data, especially for larger areas or population sizes, our approach efficiently uses readily available wolf observation data and introduces models focused on biological mechanisms underlying territorial and social behavior. In a three‐part process, the occupancy model first estimates the extent of wolf distribution in Montana, based on environmental covariates and wolf observations. The spatially explicit mechanistic territory model predicts territory sizes using simple behavioral rules and data on prey resources, terrain ruggedness, and human density. Together, these models predict the number of packs. An empirical pack size model based on 14 years of data demonstrates that pack sizes are positively related to local densities of packs, and negatively related to terrain ruggedness, local mortalities, and intensity of harvest management. Total abundance estimates for given areas are derived by combining estimated numbers of packs and pack sizes. We estimated the Montana wolf population to be smallest in the first year of our study, with 91 packs and 654 wolves in 2007, followed by a population peak in 2011 with 1252 wolves. The population declined ~6% thereafter, coincident with implementation of legal harvest in Montana. Recent numbers have largely stabilized at an average of 191 packs and 1141 wolves from 2016 to 2020. This new approach accounts for biologically based, spatially explicit predictions of behavior to provide more accurate estimates of carnivore abundance at finer spatial scales. By integrating basic and applied research, our approach can therefore better inform decision‐making and meet management needs.
Predation thresholds for reintroduction of native avifauna following suppression of invasive Brown Treesnakes on Guam
Authors: McElderry Robert M. , Paxton Eben H. , Nguyen Andre V. , Siers Shane R.
Published: August 2022

The brown treesnake (BTS) (Boiga irregularis) invasion on Guåhan (in English, Guam) led to the extirpation of nearly all native forest birds. In recent years, methods have been developed to reduce BTS abundance on a landscape scale. To help assess the prospects for the successful reintroduction of native birds to Guåhan following BTS suppression, we modeled bird population persistence based on their life history characteristics and relative sensitivity to BTS predation. We constructed individual‐based models and simulated BTS predation in hypothetical founding populations for each of seven candidate bird species. We represented BTS predation risk in two steps: risk of being encountered and risk of mortality if encountered. We link encounter risk from the bird's perspective to snake contact rates at camera traps with live animal lures, the most direct practical means of estimating BTS predation risk. Our simulations support the well‐documented fact that Guåhan's birds cannot persist with an uncontrolled population of BTS but do indicate that bird persistence in Guåhan's forests is possible with suppression short of total eradication. We estimate threshold BTS contact rates would need to be below 0.0002–0.0006 snake contacts per bird per night for these birds to persist on the landscape, which translates to an annual encounter probability of 0.07–0.20. We simulated the effects of snake‐proof nest boxes for Sihek (Todiramphus cinnamominus) and Såli (Aplonis opaca), but the benefits were small relative to the overall variation in contact rate thresholds among species. This variation among focal bird species in sustainable predation levels can be used to prioritize species for reintroduction in a BTS‐suppressed landscape, but variation among these species is narrow relative to the required reduction from current BTS levels, which may be four orders of magnitude higher (>0.18). Our modeling indicates that the required predation thresholds may need to be lower than have yet been demonstrated with current BTS management. Our predation threshold metric provides an important management tool to help estimate target BTS suppression levels that can be used to determine when bird reintroduction campaigns might begin and serves as a model for other systems to match predator control with reintroduction efforts.
Climatic history, constraints, and the plasticity of phytochemical traits under water stress
Authors: Diethelm Aramee C. , Reichelt Michael , Dilts Thomas E. , Farlin James P. , Marlar Audrey , Pringle Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2022

Environmental stress can induce changes in organismal traits and in resulting intraspecific variation. The nature of such effects will depend on the plasticity of trait expression and on any ecological constraints to such expression. Plants can mitigate abiotic stress, like drought, by changing their chemistry, but the ability to induce costly metabolites may be under strong local selection and ecologically constrained. Here, we asked whether climate at the seed source predicts plant chemical plasticity in response to water stress and what the consequences are for intraspecific variation in phytochemical traits. To this end, we used common gardens of two widespread species of western milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis and Asclepias speciosa) that had been collected from sites across an aridity gradient. Both species produce high concentrations of leaf flavonols, which are hypothesized to mitigate water stress by functioning as antioxidants. These compounds were found in higher constitutive concentrations in plants sourced from drier sites, and both species responded to water stress in the common garden by increasing leaf flavonol concentrations. Interestingly, flavonol plasticity was higher in plants sourced from wetter sites in A. fascicularis, with similar, but weaker, patterns in A. speciosa. These opposing patterns in constitutive and induced flavonol expression reduced the variation between populations in leaf flavonol concentrations under water stress. These results suggest that local adaptation in plants can shape phytochemical strategies for water limitation but that the cost of metabolite production may ultimately limit the range of phytochemical variation.
Reestablishing a foundational species: Limitations on post‐wildfire sagebrush seedling establishment
Authors: Arkle Robert S. , Pilliod David S. , Germino Matthew J. , Jeffries Michelle I. , Welty Justin L.
Published: August 2022

Improving post‐wildfire restoration of foundational plant species is crucial for conserving imperiled ecosystems. We sought to better understand the initial establishment of sagebrush (Artemisia sp.), a foundational shrubland species over a vast area of western North America, in the first 1–2 years post‐wildfire, a critical time period for population recovery. Field data from 460 sagebrush populations sampled across the Great Basin revealed several patterns. Sagebrush seedlings were uncommon in the first 1–2 years after fire, with none detected in 69% of plots, largely because most fires occurred in areas of low resistance to invasive species and resilience to disturbance (hereafter, R&R). Post‐fire aerial seeding of sagebrush dramatically increased seedling occupancy, especially in low R&R areas, which exhibited a 3.4‐fold increase in occupancy over similar unseeded locations. However, occupancy models and repeat surveys suggested exceptionally high mortality, as occupancy rates declined by as much as 50% between the first and second years after fire. We found the prevalence of “fertile island” microsites (patches beneath fire‐consumed sagebrush) to be the best predictor of seedling occupancy, followed by aerial seeding status, native perennial grass cover, and years since fire. In populations where no sagebrush seeding occurred, seedlings were most likely to occur in locations with a combination of high fertile island microsite cover and close proximity to a remnant sagebrush plant. These important attributes were only present in 13% of post‐fire locations, making them rare across the Great Basin. Finally, in the absence of fertile islands and remnant plants, seedling establishment was not observed in any unseeded areas, and rarely in seeded locations. Thus, local extirpation of sagebrush could have important, long‐term implications for sagebrush reestablishment following future fires if there are no mature individuals to leave behind fertile islands or serve as remnant individuals. These findings highlight the importance of landscape legacy effects and could help guide where and how big sagebrush restoration is conducted in the future.
Atrial cardiomyopathy: from cell to bedside
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Ning Yuye , Tse Gary , Saguner Ardan M. , Wei Meng , Day John D. , Luo Guogang , Li Guoliang
Published: August 2022

Atrial cardiomyopathy refers to structural and electrical remodelling of the atria, which can lead to impaired mechanical function. While historical studies have implicated atrial fibrillation as the leading cause of cardioembolic stroke, atrial cardiomyopathy may be an important, underestimated contributor. To date, the relationship between atrial cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and cardioembolic stroke remains obscure. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of atrial cardiomyopathy, with a special focus on neurohormonal and inflammatory mechanisms, as well as the role of adipose tissue, especially epicardial fat in atrial remodelling. It reviews the current evidence implicating atrial cardiomyopathy as a cause of embolic stroke, with atrial fibrillation as a lagging marker of an increased thrombogenic atrial substrate. Finally, it discusses the potential of antithrombotic therapy in embolic stroke with undetermined source and appraises the available diagnostic techniques for atrial cardiomyopathy, including imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging as well as electroanatomic mapping, electrocardiogram, biomarkers, and genetic testing. More prospective studies are needed to define the relationship between atrial cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and embolic stroke and to establish a prompt diagnosis and specific treatment strategies in these patients with atrial cardiomyopathy for the secondary and even primary prevention of embolic stroke.
Sex differences among patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy – from diagnosis to prognosis
Authors: Patel Rishi K. , Ioannou Adam , Razvi Yousuf , Chacko Liza , Venneri Lucia , Bandera Francesco , Knight Daniel , Kotecha Tushar , Martinez‐Naharro Ana , Masi Ambra , Porcari Aldostefano , Brown James , Patel Kiara , Manisty Charlotte , Moon James , Rowczenio Dorota , Gilbertson Janet A. , Sinagra Gianfranco , Lachmann Helen , Wechalekar Ashutosh , Petrie Aviva , Whelan Carol , Hawkins Philip N. , Gillmore Julian D. , Fontana Marianna
Published: August 2022

Aims

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is predominantly diagnosed in men. The few available studies suggest affected women have a more favourable cardiac phenotype. We aimed to characterize sex differences among consecutive patients with non‐hereditary and two prevalent forms of hereditary (h)ATTR‐CM diagnosed over a 20‐year period.

Methods and results

Analysis of deep phenotyping at presentation, changes on serial echocardiography and overall prognosis were evaluated. In total, 1732 consecutive patients were studied, comprising: 1095 with wild‐type (wt)ATTR‐CM; 206 with T60A‐hATTR‐CM; and 431 with V122I‐hATTR‐CM. Female prevalence was greater in T60A‐hATTR‐CM (29.6%) and V122I‐hATTR‐CM (27.8%) compared to wtATTR‐CM (6%). At presentation, females were 3.3 years older than males (wtATTR‐CM: 81.9 vs. 77.8 years; T60A‐hATTR‐CM: 68.7 vs. 65.1 years; V122I‐hATTR‐CM: 77.1 vs. 74.9 years). Body size significantly influenced measures of disease severity; when indexed, overall structural and functional phenotype was similar between sexes, the few significant differences suggested a mildly worse phenotype in females. No significant differences were observed in both disease progression on serial echocardiography and mortality across the overall population (p = 0.459) and when divided by genotype (wtATTR‐CM: p = 0.730; T60A‐hATTR‐CM: p = 0.161; V122I‐hATTR‐CM: p = 0.056).

Conclusion

This study of a well‐characterized large cohort of ATTR‐CM patients did not demonstrate overall differences between sexes in either clinical phenotype, when indexed, or with respect to disease progression and prognosis. Non‐indexed wall thickness measurements may have contributed to both under‐representation and delays in diagnosis for affected females and highlights the potential role of utilizing indexed echocardiographic parameters for a more accurate assessment of patients at diagnosis and for disease prognostication.
Atrial amyloidosis: mechanisms and clinical manifestations
Authors: Vergaro Giuseppe , Aimo Alberto , Rapezzi Claudio , Castiglione Vincenzo , Fabiani Iacopo , Pucci Angela , Buda Gabriele , Passino Claudio , Lupón Josep , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Emdin Michele , Braunwald Eugene
Published: August 2022

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is now recognized as an important cause of heart failure. Increased wall thickness and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle are the most easily detectable manifestations of CA, but amyloid accumulates in all cardiac structures. Involvement of the left and right atria may be due to the haemodynamic effects of ventricular diastolic dysfunction, the effects of amyloid infiltration into the atrial wall, and the cardiotoxic damage of atrial cardiomyocytes by amyloid precursors. Atrial amyloidosis is an early manifestation of CA, and is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic events. Furthermore, atrial amyloidosis can be found even in the absence of systemic disease and ventricular involvement. This condition is named isolated atrial amyloidosis and is due to a local overproduction of atrial natriuretic peptide. In this review we summarize the evidence on the mechanisms and clinical relevance of atrial amyloidosis.
Oxidation Mechanism of 1‐Methyl‐tryptophan and Tryptophan on Glassy Carbon Electrode: A Comparative Study
Authors: Queiroz Nathalia L. , Mendes Carlos H. S. , Nascimento José A. M. , Silva Maycom W. F. , Oliveira José Eudes S. , Oliveira Severino Carlos B.
Published: August 2022

The anodic behaviour of 1‐methyl‐tryptophan (1‐mTrp) in aqueous electrolytes was investigated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), using voltammetric techniques. The oxidation of 1‐mTrp was associated with an electrochemical‐chemical (EC) mechanism: one electron and one proton were removed of C2 to form an intermediate radical, 1‐mTrp⋅. This was followed by a two‐way reaction, producing a 1‐mTrp dimer and/or reaction with water to form a final hydroxylated product. The oxidation mechanism of 1‐mTrp proposed was also compared with the anodic oxidation Trp on GCE. Differential pulse voltammetry was also explored for quantification of Trp and 1‐mTrp in neutral medium with low detection limits, on an anodically pre‐treated GCE.
A High Efficient Electrocatalytic Activity of Metal‐organic Frameworks ZnO/Ag/ZIF‐8 Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Detection of Toxic Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Arabbani Finly K. , Vasu Dhanapal , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Chiu Te‐Wei , Liu Ming‐Che
Published: August 2022

A novel electrochemical sensor on ZIF‐8 nanocomposites (Ag/ZnO/ZIF‐8) was developed to analyze the mercury ions (Hg2+). The ZIF‐8 materials are one of the 3‐dimensional porous metal‐organic frameworks with highly accessible pores and great surface area. The ZIF‐8 nanocomposites were prepared through simple sol‐gel methods and their physio‐chemical properties were characterized via different analytical analyses. As a result of cyclic voltammetry, Ag/ZnO/ZIF‐8 exhibited a better electrocatalytic behavior towards the detection of mercury ions (Hg2+). Furthermore, the composite modified electrode was then inspected as a sensor for DPV detection of mercury ions. The nanocomposite sensor performed a wide linear range from 0.5 μM to 140 μM with a low detection limit of 40 nM, and high sensitivity of 56.06 μA μM−1 cm−2. Moreover, the ZIF‐8 composite sensor showed a higher selectivity toward the detection of mercury ions (Hg2+). The real‐time applications of the ZIF‐8 composites sensor were inspected in various samples with good sensitivity.
The effect of chemical detergents on the decellularization process of olive leaves for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ahangar Salehani Alireza , Rabbani Mohsen , Biazar Esmaeil , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Pourjabbar Bahareh
Published: August 2022

The decellularization of plant tissues can be one of the design options of scaffolds in tissue engineering. Chemical detergents such as Triton X‐100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in different concentrations were used to decellularize olive leaves as an acellular plant matrix for tissue engineering. The samples were investigated by different analyses such as Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, SEM, tensile strength, swelling, water vapor transmission, and toxicity. The results of staining and toxicity tests showed that the Triton X‐100 decellularized samples at a concentration of 0.1% had the best morphology and the lowest toxicity. Mechanical results showed that the elasticity modulus of acellular samples was significantly reduced compared to normal leaf samples. While swelling rate and water vapor transmission in acellular samples compared to the control sample doubled and tripled, respectively. In general, acellular olive leaf can be suggested as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
A note on statistical tests for homogeneities in multivariate extreme value models for block maxima
Authors: Lilienthal Jona , Zanger Leandra , Bücher Axel , Fried Roland
Published: August 2022

Mathematical theory suggests to model annual or seasonal maxima by the generalized extreme value distribution. In environmental applications like hydrology, record lengths are typically small, whence respective parameter estimators typically exhibit a large variance. The variance may be decreased by pooling observations from different sites or variables, but this requires to check the validity of the inherent homogeneity assumption. The present paper provides an overview of (partly new) respective asymptotic significance tests. It is found that the tests' levels are often violated in typical finite‐sample situations, whence a parametric bootstrap approach based on max‐stable process models is proposed to obtain more accurate critical values. As a side product, we present an overview of asymptotic results on a variety of common estimators for GEV parameters in a multisample situation of varying record lengths.
Numerical simulation on gas–liquid separation characteristics in a GLCC‐horizontal combined separator
Authors: Ma Hongtao , Zhang Shuhao , Li Yuxing
Published: August 2022

Currently, computational fluid dynamics has become the primary method for analyzing the fluid flow state inside the machine. Herein, the Ansys Fluent software is used to design a more effective oil‐field device, namely, a gas–liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC)‐horizontal combined separator. The characteristics of gas–liquid mixed flow, fluid turbulence intensity, and phase volume fraction distribution are analyzed, and the factors affecting the gas–liquid separation efficiency are evaluated under various working conditions. The results show that low gas–liquid separation efficiencies are obtained at inlet liquid ratios (liquid proportion in fluid) of both 30% and 70% in GLCC. After the fluid enters the separator, the maximum level of turbulence in the collision area increases from 2.458 to 3.033 m2/s2 as the inlet liquid ratio is increased from 30% to 70%, with the generation of oil–water and gas–liquid stratification at the back. Furthermore, the maximum gas holdup in the liquid outlet increases from 7% to 12% to 25% as the liquid ratio is increased from 30% to 50% to 70%. With throttling at a liquid ratio of 70%, the maximum gas holdup is again close to 14%.
A Bioavailability Model to Predict the Impact of pH and Dissolved Organic Carbon on Ciprofloxacin Ecotoxicity to the Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Zhang Qiyun , Demeestere Kristof , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C.
Published: August 2022

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a pseudopersistent antibiotic detected in freshwater worldwide. As an ionizable chemical, its fate in freshwater is influenced by water chemistry factors such as pH, hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. We investigated the effect of pH, DOC, and Ca2+ levels on the toxicity of CIP to Microcystis aeruginosa and developed a bioavailability model on the basis of these experimental results. We found that the zwitterion (CIP+/−) is the most bioavailable species of CIP to M. aeruginosa, whereas DOC is the most dominant factor reducing CIP toxicity, possibly via binding of both CIP+/− and CIP+ to DOC. pH likely also regulates CIP–DOC binding indirectly through its influence on CIP speciation. In addition, higher tolerance to CIP by M. aeruginosa was observed at pH < 7.2, but the underlying mechanism is yet unclear. Calcium was identified as an insignificant factor in CIP bioavailability. When parameterized with the data obtained from toxicity experiments, our bioavailability model is able to provide accurate predictions of CIP toxicity because the observed and predicted total median effective concentrations deviated by <28% from each other. Our model predicts that changes in pH and DOC conditions can affect CIP toxicity by up to 10-fold, suggesting that CIP in many natural environments is likely less toxic than in standard laboratory toxicity experiments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2835–2847. © 2022 SETAC
Petrogenetic implications of Fe–Mg substitution in clinopyroxene lattices of basaltic suites of Khandwa area, eastern Deccan volcanic province, Central India
Authors: Dey Payel , Ray Jyotisankar , Sheikh Janisar M. , Patel Suresh C. , Koeberl Christian
Published: August 2022

Field investigations and lava flow mapping around Khandwa (21°49′ N:76°21′ E), Central India (within the eastern Deccan volcanic province) record three distinct lava flows which are in general, characterized by several structural zones, for example, Lower Vesicular Zone, Lower Colonnade Zone, Entablature Zone (EZ), Upper Colonnade Zone (UCZ), and Upper Vesicular Zone (UVZ). Different lava flows (often with chilled zones) in the field have been marked by discontinuous thin intertrappean beds. The occasional presence of chilled dyke and feeder dyke (both associated with Flow II) has also been noticed. The entire lava succession rests over coarse‐grained (cumulate) gabbroic (apparent) basement. Deduced clinopyroxene ordering clearly indicates that 100% initial ordering had been achieved for Flow II chilled zone, Flow II UCZ, Flow III UCZ, Flow III EZ, and cumulate gabbro. On the contrary, Flow II UCZ (97.35% initial ordering), feeder dyke (98.76% initial ordering), chilled dyke (99.82% initial ordering), and Flow I chilled zone (99.07% initial ordering) show initial clinopyroxene disordering (<100% ordering), which were later subjected to a gradual process to achieve ordering. Second‐order regression analyses clearly indicate that the progressive clinopyroxene ordering‐process is controlled by several differentiation parameters namely An% of coexisting plagioclase, lower thermometric values, and FeOt/MgO. In addition, roles of AlVI, Ti4+, and Fe3 were also suggested to influence the clinopyroxene ordering‐style. Based on Ti/6ox versus Al/6ox relation of clinopyroxene, it was deduced that cooling rate appreciably controls the clinopyroxene ordering‐behaviour. We contemplate that variation in clinopyroxene ordering‐pattern in basaltic rocks of Khandwa represents interplay of differentiation parameters and cooling rate of the ambient magma.
Hearing impairment, family financial support, and depressive symptoms among Chinese middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Gao Jiamin , Zhu Dawei , Deal Jennifer A. , Lin Frank R. , He Ping
Published: August 2022

Aims

Hearing impairment (HI) is prevalent among middle‐aged and older adults, but few studies have examined its mental health consequences in China. This study investigated the association of HI with depressive symptoms and whether family financial support moderated the association among adults aged 45 in China.

Methods

Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013 and 2015). Hearing impairment was defined as a self‐reported hearing problem in one or both ears. Depressive symptoms were measured with CESD‐10. Associations between HI and depressive symptoms were modeled using fixed‐effect models.

Results

People with self‐reported hearing loss were more likely than those without hearing loss to have depressive symptoms, with an odds ratio of 1.25 [1.07–1.47]. The association remained significant after adjusting for socio‐demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and health conditions. Family financial support moderated this association. Among those with HI, adults with a higher level of family financial support tend to have better performance on symptoms of depression.

Conclusions

HI was positively associated with depressive symptoms among adults aged ≥45 in China, and family financial support played a buffering role in the relationship between HI and depressive symptoms.
Government policy, filial piety, and foreign direct investment
Authors: Ma Pengcheng , Cui Lin , Dong Meitong , Liao Yi‐Chuan
Published: August 2022

Research Summary

This study investigates formal institutional pressure from government policy, informal institutional pressure from filial piety, and their interaction effect on firms' internationalization strategy. We argue that, while influenced by independent policy and cultural effects, firms also exercise agency when responding to these competing institutional pressures. We find empirical support for the influence of policy and cultural effects on firms' foreign direct investment (FDI). We also find that, in making decisions about FDIs, state‐owned enterprises are more sensitive to government policy, whereas family businesses are more sensitive to filial piety.

Managerial Summary

This study reveals that firms' strategies in complex institutional environments are influenced by their needs for formal and informal institutional legitimacy. Managers can exercise agency by weighing the importance of formal and informal legitimacy differently and therefore vary in their responses to institutional pressures. However, managerial agency is bound by firm ownership type. Managers of state‐owned firms prioritize formal institutional legitimacy, while their family business counterparts attend more to informal institutional legitimacy. Policymakers should be aware of this important difference between types of firms, which allows them to address noncompliance in a culturally sensitive and ultimately more effective way.
Posttreatment FDG‐PET/CT Hopkins criteria predict locoregional recurrence after definitive radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Miller Jacob A. , Moradi Farshad , Sundaram Vandana , Liang Rachel , Zhang Carrie , Nguyen Ngan Kim , Akhtar Faisal , Liu Yuhan , Ren Yulan , Harandi Nima , Weng Yingjie , Pollom Erqi L. , Colevas Alexander Dimitrios , Divi Vasu , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Beadle Beth M. , Le Quynh‐Thu , Gensheimer Michael F.
Published: August 2022

Background

Metabolic response assessment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) aids in identifying locoregional persistence/recurrence (LRR). The Hopkins Criteria are a standardized qualitative response assessment system using posttreatment FDG‐PET/CT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with node‐positive OPSCC treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy. We assessed Hopkins Criteria performance for LRR, then developed and validated a competing‐risks model.

Results

Between 2004 and 2018, 259 patients were included with median follow‐up of 43 months. The Hopkins Criteria sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 68%, 88%, 95%, and 85%. The 36‐month cumulative incidence of LRR was greater with positive scores (45% vs. 5%, HR 12.60, p < 0.001). PET/CTs performed ≤10 weeks after radiotherapy were associated with a four‐fold increase in pathologically negative biopsies/surgeries (36% vs. 9%, p = 0.03). The AUC for LRR was 0.89 using a model integrating the Hopkins score.

Conclusions

The Hopkins Criteria predict LRR with high accuracy for OPSCC response assessment.
Transposition nasolabial flap: A versatile flap for sensate reconstruction of lip defects
Authors: Mishra Aseem , Shankar Ravi , Prakash Gautam , Banerjee Sudeshna , Daga Dipti , Birmiwal Krishna Gopal , Tiwari Neelesh , Gupta Monika , Sahu Guru Charan , Das Abhishek
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Lip reconstruction aims at maintaining the function and aesthetics of the facial subunits. Sensation in the reconstructed lip helps in bolus formation, tactile discrimination, and thermal sensation. In this study, we aim to describe random pattern nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction using various functional parameters.

Methodology

This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with carcinoma lip who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with sensate nasolabial flap. Several clinicopathological parameters were studied. Outcome parameters like oral competence, tactile sensation, thermal sensitivity of reconstructed lip and speech outcomes were evaluated.

Result

A functional outcome with 2–4 mm of two‐point discrimination was obtained in 19 patients. All patients had intelligible speech. A mean sulcus depth of 19.59 mm was achieved. One patient had partial flap loss owing to wound infection.

Conclusion

Random pattern senate nasolabial flap offers a good functional outcome by maintaining the tactile and thermal sensitivity.
Enhanced mitochondrial activity reshapes a gut microbiota profile that delays NASH progression
Authors: Juárez‐Fernández María , Goikoetxea‐Usandizaga Naroa , Porras David , García‐Mediavilla María Victoria , Bravo Miren , Serrano‐Maciá Marina , Simón Jorge , Delgado Teresa C. , Lachiondo‐Ortega Sofía , Martínez‐Flórez Susana , Lorenzo Óscar , Rincón Mercedes , Varela‐Rey Marta , Abecia Leticia , Rodríguez Héctor , Anguita Juan , Nistal Esther , Martínez‐Chantar María Luz , Sánchez‐Campos Sonia
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Recent studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction promotes progression to NASH by aggravating the gut‐liver status. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we hypothesized that enhanced mitochondrial activity might reshape a specific microbiota signature that, when transferred to germ‐free (GF) mice, could delay NASH progression.

Approach and Results:

Wild‐type and methylation‐controlled J protein knockout (MCJ‐KO) mice were fed for 6 weeks with either control or a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid–defined, high‐fat diet (CDA‐HFD). One mouse of each group acted as a donor of cecal microbiota to GF mice, who also underwent the CDA‐HFD model for 3 weeks. Hepatic injury, intestinal barrier, gut microbiome, and the associated fecal metabolome were then studied. Following 6 weeks of CDA‐HFD, the absence of methylation‐controlled J protein, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I activity, reduced hepatic injury and improved gut‐liver axis in an aggressive NASH dietary model. This effect was transferred to GF mice through cecal microbiota transplantation. We suggest that the specific microbiota profile of MCJ‐KO, characterized by an increase in the fecal relative abundance of Dorea and Oscillospira genera and a reduction in AF12, Allboaculum, and [Ruminococcus], exerted protective actions through enhancing short‐chain fatty acids, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism, and sirtuin activity, subsequently increasing fatty acid oxidation in GF mice. Importantly, we identified Dorea genus as one of the main modulators of this microbiota‐dependent protective phenotype.

Conclusions:

Overall, we provide evidence for the relevance of mitochondria–microbiota interplay during NASH and that targeting it could be a valuable therapeutic approach.
Development and application of a prioritization and rehabilitation decision support tool for uncontrolled waste disposal sites in developing countries
Authors: Massoud May A. , Abdallah Chadi , Merhbi Farouk , Khoury Ricardo , Ghanem Rachad
Published: August 2022

The uncontrolled dumping of solid waste is widespread in many developing countries with most of all generated wastes being indiscriminately disposed of in an unsanitary manner that entails significant environmental and public health risks. It is imperative to prioritize dumpsites based on their relative risks so that the necessary control and remedial measures can be undertaken. This research aimed to formulate a pragmatic prioritization and rehabilitation decision tool that can be utilized in low- and middle-income countries to guide decision makers in prioritizing dumpsites for remediation and in identifying the most suitable rehabilitation option for municipal as well as construction and demolition waste. The established prioritization model presents an integrated, risk-based approach to developing a decision-making tool for dumpsite prioritization and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation tool drew on a decision tree module to develop the appropriate remedial measures required for each site. The model proved to be effective in prioritizing uncontrolled solid waste disposal sites in Lebanon and for adopting control and remedial measures that can considerably improve decision-making. The improper disposal of solid waste adversely affects public health and the environment in, to a greater or lesser extent, almost all low- and middle-income countries. Considering that it is unfeasible to remediate all uncontrolled solid waste disposal sites at once, the proposed model facilitates the evaluation process by prioritizing sites for closure and remediation based on their relative risks. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:436–445. © 2022 SETAC
Benzyl isothiocyanate and its metabolites inhibit cell proliferation through protein modification in mouse preosteoclast RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Nakamura Toshiyuki , Tsutsui Chiharu , Okuda Yu , Abe‐Kanoh Naomi , Okazawa Saori , Munemasa Shintaro , Murata Yoshiyuki , Kato Yoji , Nakamura Yoshimasa
Published: August 2022

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), derived from cruciferous vegetables, is an organosulfur compound exerting antiproliferative effects in several human cancer cells. In this study, we assessed BITC as a potential osteoclastogenesis inhibitor and investigated its underlying mechanism. BITC at 5 μM significantly decreased the viability of the osteoclast‐like differentiating RAW264.7 cells, coinciding with the downregulation of the primary biomarkers for osteoclast differentiation, such as the tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity and nuclear factor of activated T‐cells gene expression. Not only BITC but also its metabolites, inhibited cell proliferation in the normal RAW264.7 cells, suggesting that BITC shows an anti‐osteoclastogenesis effect in vivo after its ingestion and metabolism, possibly through an antiproliferative action. Both BITC and its metabolites also enhanced the DNA fragmentation and the caspase‐3 activity, whereas their higher concentrations tended to suppress these effects. BITC was intracellularly accumulated when the cells were treated with its metabolites via their degradation into the free form. A quantitative experiment using the proteolysis/high performance liquid chromatography technique showed that the amount of BITC‐lysine thiourea in the cells was also increased in a time‐dependent manner, suggesting that lysine modification of the cellular proteins actually took place in the cells treated by BITC. Among the cellular proteins, the cleaved caspase‐3 was identified as a potential target for lysine modification by BITC. Taken together, BITC dissociated from its metabolites as well as its free form might modulate osteoclastogenesis, possibly through inhibition of cell proliferation by protein modification.
Chemopreventive potential of Diosmin against benzo[a]pyrene induced lung carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino mice
Authors: Islam Johirul , Shree Alpa , Khan Haider Ali , Sultana Sarwat
Published: August 2022

Lung cancer, one of the most common cancer is a cause of concern associated with cancer‐related mortality. Benzo[a]pyrene [B(a)P], a potent carcinogen as well as an environmental contaminant is reported to be found in cigarette smoke among various sources. The present study focuses on the chemopreventive potential of Diosmin against B[a]P‐induced lung carcinogenesis and its possible mechanism in male Swiss Albino mice (SAM). SAM were treated orally with Diosmin (200 mg/kg b.w.) for 16 weeks and/or B[a]P (50 mg/kg b.w) for a period of 4 weeks. B[a]P treated cancerous mice showed increased peroxidation of membrane lipid as well as a decrease in the level/activity of antioxidant proteins. Cancerous mice also showed an increased level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE). Diosmin treatment, however, leads to decreased peroxidation of lipids, increased antioxidant proteins as well decrease in the level of CEA and NSE. B[a]P‐induced cancerous animals also exhibited increased expression of cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), COX2 as well as prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2) while Diosmin‐treated mice were found to have an ameliorative effect. Histopathological results further confirm the protective effect of Diosmin in averting B[a]P‐induced pathological alterations of lung tissue. Overall, our results suggest Diosmin exerts its chemopreventive potential possibly via targeting the CREB/cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)/PGE2 pathway thereby repressing inflammation.
Circ‐CBFB exacerbates hypoxia/reoxygenation‐triggered cardiomyocyte injury via regulating miR‐495‐3p in a VDAC1‐dependent manner
Authors: Chen Yue‐e , Yang Han , Pang Hu‐bo , Shang Fen‐qing
Published: August 2022

A large body of literature has identified that circular RNAs play critical roles in regulating the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we intended to provide new ideas and perspectives on the functional role of circ‐CBFB in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐injured cardiomyocytes. We observed that circ‐CBFB expression was enhanced which was accompanied by a miR‐495‐3p reduction in response to H/R exposure. Functionally, deletion of circ‐CBFB obviously potentiated cell viability and restrained cell apoptosis, which was accompanied by a remarkable elevation of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 but the repression of proapoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase‐3 in response to H/R. Additionally, the absence of circ‐CBFB dramatically prohibited H/R‐evoked cardiomyocyte oxidative stress, as revealed by a decrease in reactive oxygen species overproduction, diminution in MAD content, and enhancement in SOD, CAT, and GSH‐Px activities. Moreover, elimination of circ‐CBFB resulted in improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction, as assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate production, and the release of cyto‐c. Interestingly, circ‐CBFB inversely regulated miR‐495‐3p expression via acting as a competing endogenous RNA. VDAC1 was identified to be a functional target of miR‐495‐3p and positively modulated by circ‐CBFB. Mechanically, dissipation of miR‐495‐3p or augmentation of VDAC1 manifestly counteracted the beneficial effects of circ‐CBFB knockdown on H/R‐elicited cardiomyocyte insult. Collectively, these observations demonstrated that absence of circ‐CBFB offered cardio‐protection against H/R‐triggered cardiomyocyte injury by relieving apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondria dysfunction through miR‐495‐3p/VDAC1 axis. This work unveiled an innovative axis of circ‐CBFB/miR‐495‐3p/VDAC1 in H/R‐challenged cardiomyocyte damage, exerting its potential in providing new thoughts in acute myocardial infarction management.
Audit committee characteristics and Key Audit Matters (KAMs) disclosures
Authors: Bepari Md Khokan
Published: August 2022

In this study we have examined if audit committee characteristics in terms of audit committee members’ gender, audit committee members’ accounting and finance backgrounds, audit committee members’ industry expertise and audit committee members’ legal expertise affect the number and content characteristics of KAMs reported. We examine the issue based on a sample of 1112 firm‐year‐observations and 3013 KAMs spanning for the period 2017–2020. We use multivariate regression models to examine the research questions. We also use a variety of other specifications for robustness test. Our findings suggest that female audit committee members reduce the number and lengths of KAMs. Our results further suggest that auditors disclose more specific information, identify more firm specific KAMs and produce more readable KAMs in the presence of female members in the audit committee. We find similar results for audit committee members’ accounting and finance backgrounds and audit committee members’ industry expertise. However, audit committee members’ legal expertise reduces disclosure specificity, readability, and lengths of KAMs. Our results suggest that the audit committee strength/diversity affects the number and content characteristics of KAMs disclosure. This study makes a unique contribution by showing that audit committee characteristics affect the content specificity and idiosyncrasy of KAMs disclosed by external auditors. Moreover, this study supports the previous findings in the UK context that audit committee characteristics affect the number and readability of KAMs. Given the global adoption of ISA 701, evidence from current study will add to the global effort to understand the determinants of KAMs reporting practices. For regulators this study contributes by showing that audit committee members’ diversity affects the content characters of KAM.
Aβ42 oligomers can seed the fibrillization of Aβ40 peptides
Authors: Wu Yi‐Shan , Huang Shing‐Jong , Wu Meng‐Hsin , Tu Ling‐Hsien , Lee Ming‐Che , Chan Jerry Chun Chung
Published: August 2022

Aggregation of Aβ40 and Aβ42 are considered as pivotal players in the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease. In this work, we applied reverse micelles formed by sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) to prepare oligomeric aggregates of Aβ40 or Aβ42 peptides. The resultant globular aggregates were approximately 22 nm in diameter and they were capable to form mature fibrils upon self‐aggregation. Furthermore, we found that the Aβ42 oligomeric aggregates can seed the fibrillization of Aβ40 monomers. Solid‐state NMR results revealed that the Aβ40 fibrils seeded by Aβ40 or Aβ42 oligomers adopt a similar molecular structure for the residues near the C‐terminus.
High‐grade bladder cancer cells secrete extracellular vesicles containing miRNA‐146a‐5p and promotes angiogenesis
Authors: Prieto‐Vila Marta , Usuba Wataru , Yoshioka Yusuke , Takeshita Fumitaka , Yoshiike Miki , Sasaki Hideo , Yamamoto Yusuke , Kikuchi Eiji , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: August 2022

Recurrence is one of the major issues in bladder cancer (BCa). Novel technologies, such as the detection of microRNAs carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) in urine, have been proposed as biomarkers for detecting recurrence in BCa. Although the usefulness of microRNAs in body fluids from cancer patients has been reported, it is also known that they play essential roles in cancer progression. We previously proposed miR‐146a‐5p as a prognostic marker in BCa, since its urinary expression was associated with grade and tumour depth. However, the specific mechanisms of miR‐146a‐5p remain unclear. Here, we show the proangiogenic effects of miR‐146a‐5p secreted by high‐grade BCa cells. The urinary miR‐146a‐5p level was higher in patients with high‐grade BCa than in those with low‐grade BCa. Similarly, tumours generated by miR‐146a‐overexpressing BCa cells in mice grew rapidly with high levels of angiogenesis. BCa‐derived EV treatment promoted the proliferation of endothelial cells via the inhibition of the demethylase TET2 and the subsequent increase in its downstream target c‐Myc. These findings demonstrate that secreted miR‐146a‐5p contributes to cancer progression by promoting angiogenesis. Therefore, miRNAs in EVs may become not only a diagnostic tool but also a target molecule for therapy.
ELTD1 is present in extracellular vesicles derived from endothelial cells as a cleaved extracellular domain which induces in vivo angiogenesis
Authors: Sheldon Helen , Zhang Wei , Bridges Esther , Ang Koon Hwee , Lin Salwa , Masiero Massimo , Li Demin , Handford Penny A. , Whiteman Pat , Fischer Roman , Buffa Francesca , Vatish Manu , Banham Alison H. , Harris Adrian L.
Published: August 2022

ELTD1/ADGRL4 is an adhesion GPCR with an important role in angiogenesis. We recently identified a role for ELTD1 in wound repair and inflammation. Activation of ELTD1 in endothelial cells results in a type II EMT to myofibroblast‐like cells that have enhanced angiogenic ability. Furthermore, expression of Eltd1 in murine breast cancer cells increases tumour growth by increasing blood vessel size and perfusion and by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment. As extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to be involved in vascular development, growth and maturation we investigated the composition and functional effects of the EVs isolated from ELTD1 expressing cells to elucidate their role in these processes. A highly glycosylated form of the extracellular domain (ECD) of ELTD1 is readily incorporated into EVs. Using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics we identified proteins that are enriched in ELTD1‐EVs and are involved in haemostasis and immune responses. ELTD1 enriched EVs were pro‐angiogenic in vivo and in vitro and the presence of the ECD alone induced endothelial sprouting. In endothelial cells experiencing laminar flow, ELTD1 levels were reduced in the EVs when they are quiescent, showing a relationship between ELTD1 and the activation state of the endothelium. Using FACS, we detected a significant increase in vesicular ELTD1 in the plasma of patients with preeclampsia, a condition characterized by endothelial dysfunction. These data confirm a role for ELTD1 in wound repair and inflammation and reveal its potential as a biomarker of vessel dysfunction.