bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perforating the GORE® CARDIOFORM septal occluder and atrial septal defect occluder to gain access to the left atrium
Authors: Anderson Jason H. , Adamson Teagan , Migliati Elton , Herlihy Jennipher , Danieu Pierrette , Daly John , Allen Carissa , Hua Khoa , Inglessis Ignacio
Published: April 2020

Objective

Perforate the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane of the GORE® CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder (GSO) and GORE® CARDIOFORM ASD Occluder (GCA) after implantation.

Background

Percutaneous transseptal access to the left atrium is necessary for many structural and electrophysiological procedures. The potential need to access the left atrium may influence decision‐making for patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect closure.

Methods

Sixteen canines underwent implantation of equal number GSO or GCA devices. A transseptal crossing procedure was performed through the device 85 (±1) days postoccluder implantation. The crossing procedure was performed utilizing commercially available equipment: radiofrequency/SureFlex sheath and standard needle/Mullin's sheath. Progressive dilation of the perforation was performed to allow passage of a 12 French Mullin's sheath into the left atrium.

Results

Left atrial access was achieved in all cases. Postmortem analysis demonstrated passage through both occluder discs in all radiofrequency/SureFlex sheath cases (4 GSO, 4 GCA) and half of the standard needle/Mullin's sheath cases (3 GSO, 1 GCA). The remaining standard needle/Mullin's sheath cases demonstrated perforation through the right atrial disc but passage around the septal aspect of the left atrial disc, thus not perforating the left atrial disc. No acute embolic complications from the procedure were observed.

Conclusions

Left atrial access may be achieved through the GSO or GCA devices after implantation and endothelialization. The combination of a radiofrequency needle and steerable sheath provides benefit over a standard needle and Mullin's sheath in accomplishing passage through both occluder discs.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Crystalline Molecular Machines with Ultrafast Rotation and Displacive Phase Transitions
Authors: Colin‐Molina Abraham , Jellen Marcus J. , Rodríguez‐Hernández Joelis , Cifuentes‐Quintal Miguel Eduardo , Barroso Jorge , Toscano Rubén A. , Merino Gabriel , Rodríguez‐Molina Braulio
Published: April 2020

Two new crystalline rotors 1 and 2 assembled through N−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds by using halogenated carbazole as stators and 1,4‐diaza[2.2.2]bicyclooctane (DABCO) as the rotator, are described. The dynamic characterization through 1H T1 relaxometry experiments indicate very low rotational activation barriers (Ea) of 0.67 kcal mol−1 for 1 and 0.26 kcal mol−1 for 2, indicating that DABCO can reach a THz frequency at room temperature in the latter. These Ea values are supported by solid‐state density functional theory computations. Interestingly, both supramolecular rotors show a phase transition between 298 and 250 K, revealed by differential scanning calorimetry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The subtle changes in the crystalline environment of these rotors that can alter the motion of an almost barrierless DABCO are discussed here.
Supramolecular Assembly of Metal Complexes by (Aryl)I⋅⋅⋅d[PtII] Halogen Bonds
Authors: Katlenok Eugene A. , Haukka Matti , Levin Oleg V. , Frontera Antonio , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: April 2020

The theoretical data for the half‐lantern complexes [{Pt(
)(μ‐
)}2] [1–3;
is cyclometalated 2‐Ph‐benzothiazole;
is 2‐SH‐pyridine (1), 2‐SH‐benzoxazole (2), 2‐SH‐tetrafluorobenzothiazole (3)] indicate that the Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt orbital interaction increases the nucleophilicity of the outer d
orbitals to provide assembly with electrophilic species. Complexes 1–3 were co‐crystallized with bifunctional halogen bonding (XB) donors to give adducts (1–3)2⋅(1,4‐diiodotetrafluorobenzene) and infinite polymeric [1⋅1,1′‐diiodoperfluorodiphenyl]n. X‐ray crystallography revealed that the supramolecular assembly is achieved through (Aryl)I⋅⋅⋅d
[PtII] XBs between iodine σ‐holes and lone pairs of the positively charged (PtII)2 centers acting as nucleophilic sites. The polymer includes a curved linear chain ⋅⋅⋅Pt2⋅⋅⋅I(areneF)I⋅⋅⋅Pt2⋅⋅⋅ involving XB between iodine atoms of the perfluoroarene linkers and (PtII)2 moieties. The 195Pt NMR, UV/Vis, and CV studies indicate that XB is preserved in CH(D)2Cl2 solutions.
Conformational preference of bicyclic β‐amino acid dipeptides
Authors: Otani Yuko , Park Seokhwi , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: April 2020

Bridged bicyclic amino acids have high potential applicability as self‐organized, conformationally constrained synthetic building blocks that do not require assistance from hydrogen bond formation. We systematically investigated the intrinsic conformational propensities of dipeptides of bridged bicyclic β‐amino acids by means of accelerated molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations in methanol, chloroform, and water. While the main‐chain conformation, represented by φ and θ values, is fixed by the nature of the bicyclic ring structure, rotation of the C‐terminal carbonyl group (ψ) is also restricted, converging to one or two minima. In endo‐type dipeptides, in which the two N‐ and C‐terminal amides are spatially close to each other, the C‐terminal amide plane is placed horizontally. In exo‐type dipeptides, in which the two amides are on opposite sides of the ring plane, the C‐terminal carbonyl group can take two types of positions: either parallel/antiparallel with the N‐terminal carbonyl or beneath the bicyclic ring, forcing the amide NHMe moiety to lie outside of the ring. We also examined the cis‐trans preference of model bicyclic amides. Although the parent amides exhibit cis‐trans equilibrium without any preference, addition of a methyl group on one of the bridgehead positions tips the equilibrium towards trans.
Cost‐efficiency disk failure prediction via threshold‐moving
Authors: Jiang Tianming , Huang Ping , Zhou Ke
Published: April 2020

Self‐Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) is a technology in hard disk drives to predict impending disk failures for data repair in advance. As the prediction accuracy of SMART is unsatisfactory, recently, machine learning techniques have been explored to improve the prediction accuracy. Those approaches treat disk failure prediction as a binary classification problem and take SMART attributes as features, and some of them achieve satisfactory prediction accuracy. However, there is no uniform metric to measure the financial impact of these methods whose primary objective is to reduce disk failure recovery costs via disk failure prediction. In this article, from a financial impact perspective, we propose a simple, yet practical, metric Mean‐Cost‐To‐Recovery (MCTR) for disk failure prediction in data centers. Specifically, by assigning different weights to mispredicted healthy disks and failed disks, we measure the entire misprediction costs, that is, MCTR. In addition, we argue that the commonly used threshold 0.5 for disk failure prediction is suboptimal because of the fact of data imbalance, that is, failed disks are much fewer than healthy ones. To find the optimal threshold which renders minimal MCTR, we wrap a cost‐minimizing procedure around disk failure prediction and use a threshold‐moving technique for searching. Moreover, to map sample‐level prediction results to disk‐level prediction results, a modified leaky‐bucket algorithm is design to determine the disk health state by considering its multiple sample‐level prediction results. To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we conduct extensive experiments using three real‐world datasets. The experimental results show that compared with reactive data protection schemes, we can reduce MCTR by up to 86.9%, and compared with cost‐blind failure predictions, we can reduce MCTR by up to 22.3%.
Turning Waste into Value: Potassium‐Promoted Red Mud as an Effective Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of CO2
Authors: Russkikh Artem , Shterk Genrikh , Al‐Solami Bandar H. , Fadhel Bandar A. , Ramirez Adrian , Gascon Jorge
Published: April 2020

Since 1887, red mud has been an unavoidable waste derived from the production of alumina in the Bayer process. Because of its high alkalinity and metal loading, red mud disposal and storage constitute a significant environmental risk. With worldwide storage capacity reaching its limits and no alternatives to the Bayer Process, the development of methods for the valorization of red mud is a must. In this study, red mud is converted into an efficient catalyst for the valorization of CO2. By simple potassium promotion, 45 % conversion of CO2 with a light olefin (C2–C4) selectivity of 36 % is achieved at 375 °C, 30 bar, and 9600 mL g−1 h−1, matching the performance of some of the best catalysts reported to date.
Steno type 1 risk engine and preclinical atherosclerosis in Mediterranean individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Viñals C. , Conget I. , Pané A. , Boswell L. , Perea V. , Blanco A. J. , Ruiz S. , Giménez M. , Vinagre I. , Esmatjes E. , Ortega E. , Amor A. J.
Published: April 2020

Background and aims

Tools to detect type 1 diabetes (T1D) individuals at overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are scarce. We aimed to assess the usefulness of the score ‘Steno Type 1 Risk Engine’ (Steno‐Risk) to identify T1D patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis.

Material and methods

T1D patients without CVD with at least one of the following were included: ≥40 years, diabetic nephropathy, or diabetes duration ≥10 years with ≥1 CVD risk factor. Intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaque presence (IMT ≥1.5 mm) were assessed by standardized B‐mode ultrasonography. Steno‐Risk was used to estimate 10‐year risk (<10% low; 10%‐20% moderate; ≥20% high risk). Associations between Steno‐Risk and preclinical atherosclerosis were assessed after adjusting for other CVD risk factors.

Results

We evaluated 302 patients (55% men, age 47.8 ± 9.8 years, T1D duration 26.3 ± 9.3 years). The prevalence of carotid plaque and ≥2 plaques were 36.4% and 19.2%, respectively; without sex differences. Age (57.4 ± 7.4 vs 37.1 ± 6.2 years), T1D duration (31.3 ± 10.4 vs 21.5 ± 7.1 years), hypertension (52.3% vs 6.3%), nephropathy (25.6% vs 5.1%) and retinopathy (53.5% vs 32.9%) were higher in high‐risk (n = 86) vs low‐risk participants (n = 79; P < .001 for all). Preclinical atherosclerosis (IMT and plaque) increased in parallel with Steno‐Risk (P < .001). In logistic regression analysis, both age ≥40 years and Steno‐Risk ≥20% were associated with the presence of plaque (OR 4.22 [1.57‐11.36] and 3.79 [1.61‐6.80]; respectively), but only high Steno‐Risk remained independently associated with ≥2 plaques (OR 3.31 [1.61‐6.80]).

Conclusion

Steno‐Risk is independently associated with preclinical atherosclerosis. Further studies are needed to ascertain its usefulness in this high‐risk population.
Toward a standardized quantitative and qualitative insect monitoring scheme
Authors: Hausmann Axel , Segerer Andreas H. , Greifenstein Thomas , Knubben Johannes , Morinière Jerôme , Bozicevic Vedran , Doczkal Dieter , Günter Armin , Ulrich Werner , Habel Jan Christian
Published: April 2020

The number of insect species and insect abundances decreased severely during the past decades over major parts of Central Europe. Previous studies documented declines of species richness, abundances, shifts in species composition, and decreasing biomass of flying insects. In this study, we present a standardized approach to quantitatively and qualitatively assess insect diversity, biomass, and the abundance of taxa, in parallel. We applied two methods: Malaise traps, and automated and active light trapping. Sampling was conducted from April to October 2018 in southern Germany, at four sites representing conventional and organic farming. Bulk samples obtained from Malaise traps were further analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. Larger moths (Macroheterocera) collected with light trapping were further classified according to their degree of endangerment. Our methods provide valuable quantitative and qualitative data. Our results indicate more biomass and higher species richness, as well as twice the number of Red List lepidopterans in organic farmland than in conventional farmland. This combination of sampling methods with subsequent DNA metabarcoding and assignments of individuals according depending on ecological characteristics and the degree of endangerment allows to evaluate the status of landscapes and represents a suitable setup for large‐scale long‐term insect monitoring across Central Europe, and elsewhere.
Seasonal plasticity of thermal tolerance in ants
Authors: Bujan Jelena , Roeder Karl A. , Yanoviak Stephen P. , Kaspari Michael
Published: April 2020

Analyses of heat tolerance in insects often suggest that this trait is relatively invariant, leading to the use of fixed thermal maxima in models predicting future distribution of species in a warming world. Seasonal environments expose populations to a wide annual temperature variation. To evaluate the simplifying assumption of invariant thermal maxima, we quantified heat tolerance of 26 ant species across three seasons that vary two‐fold in mean temperature. Our ultimate goal was to test the hypothesis that heat tolerance tracks monthly temperature. Ant foragers tested at the end of the summer, in September, had higher average critical thermal maximum (CTmax) compared to those in March and December. Four out of five seasonal generalists, species actively foraging in all three focal months, had, on average, 6°C higher CTmax in September. The invasive fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, was among the thermally plastic species, but the native thermal specialists still maintained higher CTmax than S. invicta. Our study shows that heat tolerance can be plastic, and this should be considered when examining species‐level adaptations. Moreover, the plasticity of thermal traits, while potentially costly, may also generate a competitive advantage over species with fixed traits and promote resilience to climate change.
Tree diversity promotes growth of late successional species despite increasing deer damage in a restored forest
Authors: Devaney John L. , Pullen Jamie , Cook‐Patton Susan C. , Burghardt Karin T. , Parker John D.
Published: April 2020

The role of tree diversity in restored forests and its impact on key ecological processes like growth and resistance to herbivory has become increasingly important. We analyzed height growth and white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus browsing damage to saplings of 16 broadleaved tree species in a large‐scale (13 ha) reforestation experiment in Maryland, USA, where we manipulated tree diversity in 70 1,225‐m2 plots. After four growing seasons, higher plot‐level tree richness led to increased deer browsing damage (i.e., associational susceptibility). Despite increased deer damage to saplings in mixed plots, tree richness had no overall effect on sapling height growth. However, diversity–height relationships were related to species functional traits. Light demanding species with large leaves and faster growth rates had reduced heights in mixtures, whereas shade‐tolerant, slower‐growing species generally had either increased or unchanged height growth in diverse tree communities, likely related to increased canopy closure in mixtures relative to monocultures. We show that tree diversity can improve growth of late successional species despite exacerbated mammalian herbivore damage. By facilitating the establishment of species with a range of life‐history strategies, increased tree diversity may enhance ecosystem multi‐functionality in the early stages of forest restoration.
Research on motor with nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy stator cores
Authors: Nonaka Tsuyoshi , Zeze Shingo , Makino Shogo , Ohto Motomichi
Published: April 2020

We built a prototype motor with NANOMET stator cores. NANOMET is one of the several nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys [1]. The motor iron loss and other characteristics of NANOMET were compared with 35A360, which is one of the widely used conventional electromagnetic steel sheets, and the effectiveness of the new material is shown. This paper describes the methods to build NANOMET stator cores, and presents the evaluation results of the prototype motor.
Heart failure with mid‐range ejection fraction: pro and cons of the new classification of Heart Failure by European Society of Cardiology guidelines
Authors: Branca Luca , Sbolli Marco , Metra Marco , Fudim Marat
Published: April 2020

Currently, the assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the cornerstone of the classification of patients with heart failure (HF). The mid‐range LVEF (HFmrEF) category was identified in an attempt to uncover specific characteristics of these patients. So far, the analysis of trials, registries, and observational studies have demonstrated that patients with mid‐range LVEF belong to a patient cohort with generally intermediate clinical profile as compared with other groups but with a remarkable variety of intrinsic phenotypes. This is due to the limitations of LVEF as the sole criterion to categorize patients with HF and characterize their prognosis, above all when it is >40%. To better define the HFmrEF phenotype, it is reasonable to consider other parameters, such as LVEF changes over time, HF aetiology, co‐morbidities, and other imaging parameters. A multiparametric evaluation may contextualize a patient with HFmrEF in a more defined phenotype with a specific prognosis.
Gram‐Scale Synthesis of Tomatidine, a Steroid Alkaloid with Antibiotic Properties Against Persistent Forms of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Normandin Chad , Malouin François , Marsault Eric
Published: April 2020

We herein describe the first diastereoselective synthesis of the Solanum alkaloid tomatidine 1. The synthesis has been accomplished in 11 steps and 24.9 % overall yield (longest linear sequence). This methodology, which involves a convergent synthon insertion followed by a sequence of ring opening/nitrogen substitution/ring closing, allowed the generation of 1 on > 2 g scale. The synthetic challenge with the diastereoselective generation of the unusual spiroaminoketal moiety was solved through a combined azide reduction/addition sequence. The first diastereoselective synthesis of the phytosteroid yamogenin is also reported. Tomatidine has shown promising antibiotic properties against persistent forms of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In particular, it possesses the unique ability to kill persistent forms of S. aureus and MRSA while simultaneously potentiating the antibiotic efficacy of aminoglycoside antibiotics against wild type strains of the bacteria.
tert‐Butyl Nitrite Mediated Nitro‐Nitratosation of Internal Alkenes
Authors: Mir Bilal Ahmad , Rajamanickam Suresh , Begum Pakiza , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: April 2020

In an oxygen atmosphere tert‐butyl nitrite (TBN) reacts with unsymmetrical internal benzylic alkenes giving nitro‐nitratosation product exclusively. The γ‐diaryl‐substituted styrenes provided better yields compared to γ‐alkyl‐aryl‐substituted styrenes. The higher yields for the former type of substrates is possibly dictated by the additional stability of benzylic radical due to the anchimeric assistance imparted by the γ‐substituted phenyl ring. During oxidative nitration, the nitro (NO2) group adds at the non‐benzylic site, whereas the nitrato group (ONO2) is attached at the relatively stable benzylic position. Under similar reaction conditions, α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids, afforded nitroalkenes as the sole product.
First Example of Copper(I) Catalyzed Decarboalkoxymethylation of Alkyl 2‐[1‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl]acetates
Authors: Ali Sk Asraf , Bera Anirban , Manna Susanta Kumar , Santra Subrata , Molla Mijanur Rahaman , Samanta Shubhankar
Published: April 2020

Herein we report an unprecedented functional group assisted decarboalkoxymethylation (–CH2CO2R) of N‐pyridinyl pyrrolo esters by using air stable and cheap copper(I) catalyst. 2‐formyl substituent of pyrrole unit is the key isolated intermediate for this novel transformation. This methodology is quick and tolerates a wide range of functional groups in open flask conditions. This protocol provides a large array of tricyclic N‐pyridinyl 2, 5 unsubstituted fused pyrrole derivatives with high yield (up to 92 %).
The Chemistry of Peresters
Authors: Locklear Moriah , Dussault Patrick H.
Published: April 2020

Peresters have long been familiar as radical initiators, oxidants for allylic functionalization, and as sources of electrophilic oxygen. In recent years, peresters have emerged as important reagents or intermediates for many additional reactions or processes, including C‐H activation, dehydrogenative coupling, and activation of transition metal catalysts. This comprehensive review, which is intended to encourage and facilitate safe exploration of the rich chemistry of peresters, includes an overview of methods for synthesis, a user's manual perspective on modes of reactivity, a discussion of good practices for safe handling and use, and a survey of both traditional and emerging synthetic applications.
Mitochondrial Respiratory Inhibition Promoted by Pyraclostrobin in Fungi is Also Observed in Honey Bees
Authors: Nicodemo Daniel , Mingatto Fábio Erminio , De Jong David , Bizerra Paulo Francisco Veiga , Tavares Marco Aurélio , Bellini William Cesar , Vicente Eduardo Festozo , de Carvalho Amanda
Published: April 2020

There is no use restriction associated with bees for many fungicides used in agriculture; however, this does not always mean that these pesticides are harmless for these nontarget organisms. We investigated whether the fungicide pyraclostrobin, which acts on fungal mitochondria, also negatively affects honey bee mitochondrial bioenergetics. Honey bees were collected from 5 hives and anesthetized at 4 °C. The thoraces were separated, and mitochondria were isolated by grinding, filtering, and differential centrifugation. An aliquot of 0.5 mg of mitochondrial proteins was added to 0.5 mL of a standard reaction medium with 4 mM succinate (complex II substrate) plus 50 nM rotenone (complex I inhibitor), and mitochondrial respiration was measured at 30 °C using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined spectrofluorimetrically using safranin O as a probe, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis was determined by chemiluminescence. Pyraclostrobin at 0 to 50 μM was tested on the mitochondrial preparations, with 3 repetitions. Pyraclostrobin inhibited mitochondrial respiration in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 10 μM and above, demonstrating typical inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. Pyraclostrobin also promoted a decline in the mitochondrial membrane potential at doses of 5 μM and above and in ATP synthesis at 15 μM and above. We conclude that pyraclostrobin interferes with honey bee mitochondrial function, which is especially critical for the energy-demanding flight activity of foraging bees. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1267–1272. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

When the fungicide pyraclostrobin is applied to crops, bees can also be affected, as this pesticide, whose mode of action is inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in fungi, has a similar effect on bee mitochondria. ATP = adenosine triphosphate.
Superpixel with nanoscale imaging and boosted deep convolutional neural network concept for lung tumor classification
Authors: Rani K. Vijila , Jawhar S. Joseph
Published: April 2020

Lung tumor is a complex illness caused by irregular lung cell growth. Earlier tumor detection is a key factor in effective treatment planning. When assessing the lung computed tomography, the doctor has many difficulties when determining the precise tumor boundaries. By offering the radiologist a second opinion and helping to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of tumor detection, the use of computer‐aided diagnosis could be near as effective. In this research article, the proposed Lung Tumor Detection Algorithm consists of four phases: image acquisition, preprocessing, segmentation, and classification. The Advance Target Map Superpixel‐based Region Segmentation Algorithm is proposed for segmentation purposes, and then the tumor region is measured using the nanoimaging theory. Using the concept of boosted deep convolutional neural network yields 97.3% precision, image recognition can be achieved. In the types of literature with the current method, which shows the study's proposed efficacy, the implementation of the proposed approach is found dramatically.
Utility of clinical‐focused multiple mini interviews during postgraduate year one pharmacy residency interviews
Authors: Austin Szwak Jennifer , Bondi Deborah S. , Knoebel Randall , Soni Hailey P.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Determining a candidate's clinical skills from an interview can be challenging with traditional interviewing techniques. Identifying techniques to objectively, reliably, and efficiently screen candidates is critical given the increasing number of postgraduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency applicants. Multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are one technique shown to correlate with clinical performance in the medical field; however, limited data exists for evaluating pharmacy residency candidates.

Objectives

To determine if incorporating a clinical‐focused MMI would distinguish candidates who demonstrate stronger clinical skills during their PGY1 residency.

Methods

This retrospective review compared the clinical MMI and traditional interview scores of all interviewed candidates from January 2015 to March 2017 and clinical performance of residents who matched at our institution. For candidates who matched at our institution, a clinical performance ranking (CPR) of each resident was determined by the PGY1 Residency Program Director based on a subjective rank of overall clinical skills. All candidates who matched at our institution had clinical MMI and traditional interview scores compared with the CPR using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Clinical MMI and traditional interview scores were also compared with the final rank list quartiles for all candidates with a one‐way ANOVA and Wilcoxon rank sum test, respectively.

Results

For candidates matching at our institutions, clinical MMI scores strongly correlated with their CPR during the residency year (R2 = 0.7149), while traditional interview scores were very weak (R2 = 0.0818). Both clinical MMI and traditional interview scores of all candidates differed significantly between each quartile on the final rank list (P < .05 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

For residency candidates that matched at our institution, clinical MMI interview performance strongly correlated with CPR while traditional interview scores did not. Data from multiple centers is needed to better assess if clinical MMI scores can reliably predict a residency candidate's future clinical performance.
lncRNA SNHG11 promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and migration via activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Shaoxia , Yang Ningning , Wang Li , Wei Bing , Chen Jiayao , Gao Yonghua
Published: April 2020

Lung cancer ranks topmost among the most frequently diagnosed cancers. Despite increasing research, there are still unresolved mysteries in the molecular mechanism of lung cancer. Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (SNHG11) was found to be upregulated in lung cancer and facilitated lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition progression while suppressed cell apoptosis. Moreover, the high expression of SNHG11 was correlated with poor prognosis of lung cancer patients, TNM stage, and tumor size. Further assays demonstrated that SNHG11 functioned in lung cancer cells via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Subsequently, Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was found to be activated through SNHG11/miR‐4436a/CTNNB1 ceRNA axis. As inhibiting miR‐4436 could only partly rescue the suppression of cell function induced by silencing SNHG11, it was suspected that β‐catenin might enter cell nucleus through other pathways. Mechanism investigation proved that SNHG11 would directly bind with β‐catenin to activate classic Wnt pathway. Subsequently, in vivo tumorigenesis was also demonstrated to be enhanced by SNHG11. Hence, SNHG11 was found to promote lung cancer progression by activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in two different patterns, implying that SNHG11 might contribute to lung cancer treatment by acting as a therapeutic target.
Cytoprotective effects of antioxidant supplementation on mesenchymal stem cell therapy
Authors: Panahi Mohammad , Rahimi Bahareh , Rahimi Golbarg , Yew Low Teck , Saraygord‐Afshari Neda , Alizadeh Effat
Published: April 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are earmarked as perfect candidates for cell therapy and tissue engineering due to their capacity to differentiate into different cell types. However, their potential for application in regenerative medicine declines when the levels of the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) increase from the physiological levels, a phenomenon which is at least inevitable in ex vivo cultures and air‐exposed damaged tissues. Increased levels of RONS can alter the patterns of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation and inhibit proliferation, as well. Besides, oxidative stress enhances senescence and cell death, thus lowering the success rates of the MSC engraftment. Hence, in this review, we have selected some representatives of antioxidants and newly emerged nano antioxidants in three main categories, including chemical compounds, biometabolites, and protein precursors/proteins, which are proved to be effective in the treatment of MSCs. We will focus on how antioxidants can be applied to optimize the clinical usage of the MSCs and their associated signaling pathways. We have also reviewed several paralleled properties of some antioxidants and nano antioxidants which can be simultaneously used in real‐time imaging, scaffolding techniques, and other applications in addition to their primary antioxidative function.
LncRNA SNHG6 plays an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer and can be used as a prognostic biomarker for solid tumors
Authors: Yao Xiang , Lan Zhixian , Lai Qiuhua , Li Aimin , Liu Side , Wang Xinke
Published: April 2020

Small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) has been recognized as an oncogene in numerous cancers and overexpression of SNHG6 was found to promote colorectal cancer (CRC). Hence, we performed a meta‐analysis to examine the clinical importance of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG6. Moreover, comprehensive identification of RNA‐binding proteins‐mass spectrometry (ChIRP‐MS) was conducted to explore the carcinogenic mechanism of lncRNA SNHG6 in CRC. Fourteen studies conducted on 1,139 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. We also constructed the protein–protein interactive (PPI) network in string based on the ChIRP‐MS results and cytoscape was used to identify core modules in the PPI network, which were then analyzed using the bioinformatics websites, cancer single‐cell state atlas (CancerSEA) and G:profilter. The clinical outcomes of the meta‐analysis indicated that higher expression of SNHG6 was related with a poorer survival outcome (overall survival: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.48, 2.49; p < .0001; disease‐free survival: HR = 1.84; 95% Cl: 1.02, 3.34; p = .044), higher tumor stage (odds ratio [OR] = 3.35; 95% Cl: 2.57, 4.37; p < .0001), distant metastasis (OR = 1.83; 95% Cl: 1.11, 2.99; p = .017) and lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.33; 95% Cl: 0.93, 1.89; p = .119). The ChIRP‐MS results showed that core Module 1 of the PPI was significant in ribosomes and core Module 2 was mainly related to spliceosomes and messenger RNA processing. In conclusion, a higher expression of SNHG6 was found to be associated with a poorer survival outcome, high tumor stage, and distant metastasis in various solid tumors. SNHG6 was also found to be able to affect the processes of transcription and translation to promote CRC.
RETRACTED: RFC2, a direct target of miR‐744, modulates the cell cycle and promotes the proliferation of CRC cells
Authors: Hu Tao , Shen Hengyang , Li Jie , Yang Peng , Gu Qiou , Fu Zan
Published: April 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common digestive tract malignancy, which is characterized by high mortality, morbidity, and poor prognosis. Replication factor C subunit 2 (RFC2), one RFC family member, was reported to be related to various malignancies and plays an important role in proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Nonetheless, the RFC2 biological role within CRC is still unknown. RFC2 expression profiles in CRC tissues were collected based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, whereas miR‐744 and RFC2 expression levels were detected in human CRC tissues. miR‐744 and RFC2 effects on the proliferation of CRC were assessed both in vivo and in vitro. RFC2 was recognized to be a direct miR‐744 target through luciferase reporter assay. RFC2 upregulation was observed within CRC tissues, and a high RFC2 level showed a correlation with poor clinicopathological symptoms. RFC2 knockdown inhibited CRC cell proliferation through promoting cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, which was achieved by cyclin E2 (CCNE2) downregulation in vivo and in vitro. miR‐744 was identified to be the tumor suppressor microRNA, which targeted RFC2 directly for inhibiting the proliferation of CRC cells both in vivo and in vitro. miR‐744 downregulation was detected within CRC tissue, and messenger RNA expression showed a negative correlation with RFC2 expression within CRC tissues. Our study demonstrates that the miR‐744/RFC2/CCNE2 axis potentially provides a candidate for a treatment strategy for CRC.
β2 adrenoceptor signaling regulates ion transport in 16HBE14o‐ human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Rui‐Gang , Yip Chung‐Yin , Pan Ke‐wu , Cai Meng‐yun , Ko Wing‐Hung
Published: April 2020

We investigated the regulation of Cl− secretion by adrenoceptors in polarized 16HBE14o‐ human bronchial epithelial cells. Treatment with the nonselective β adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline stimulated an increase in short‐circuit current (ISC), which was inhibited by the β adrenoceptor blocker propranolol. Treatment with procaterol, an agonist specific for the β2 adrenoceptor subtype, stimulated a similar increase in ISC, which was inhibited by the β2 adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118551. Inhibitors of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and calcium‐activated Cl− channel (CaCC), but not K+ channel blockers, were able to inhibit the increase in ISC. “Trimultaneous” recording of ISC and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and Ca2+ levels in 16HBE14o‐ epithelia confirmed that the ISC induced by isoprenaline or procaterol involved both cAMP and Ca2+ signaling. Our results demonstrate that β2 adrenoceptors regulate Cl− secretion in the human airway epithelium by activating apical CFTRs and CaCCs via cAMP‐dependent and intracellular Ca2+‐dependent mechanisms, respectively.
An experimental analysis of jackpot reinforcers
Authors: Kuroda Toshikazu , Roca Alicia , Hall Ezra G. , Jarmolowicz David P. , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: April 2020

Animal trainers and others often recommend the use of jackpot reinforcers, which are disproportionally large and come as a “surprise” to the animals. Because the actual behavioral effects of these jackpots remain uninvestigated, many basic questions about their use and even definition are unanswered. This series of experiments explored the definitions of jackpots using several different behavioral tests with both rats and pigeons. Because the original description of a jackpot resembled the reinstatement of previously reinforced and extinguished responding with response‐independent deliveries of reinforcer, reinstatement effects of a jackpot, defined by its quality, were examined with rats in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, response‐potentiating effects of response‐independent and ‐dependent deliveries of a jackpot, defined by its quantity, were assessed with pigeons when responding had nearly ceased. The response‐potentiating effects of the frequency of jackpot‐reinforcer delivery were investigated when responding of pigeons was maintained in single (Experiment 3) or concurrent (Experiment 4) schedules of reinforcement. Effects of jackpots on resistance to change were assessed with rats in Experiment 5. The effects of jackpots in each experiment were either absent or unsystematic across the subjects, casting doubt on their utility in animal training. Possible factors contributing to the negative results are discussed.
A simple methodology to estimate plant volume in nitrous oxide emission studies
Authors: Mateo‐Marín Noemí , Isla Ramón , Quílez Dolores
Published: April 2020

Closed‐chamber methodology is widely used for the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agricultural systems. The volume displaced by plants inside chambers influences GHG flux estimation, although generally it is not discounted from chamber headspace in the calculation. A novel image analysis–based procedure is proposed to estimate plant volume and to assess its impact on nitrous oxide (N2O) flux estimations in a wheat (Triticum aestivumL. ‘Rimbaud’) crop. A maximum of 2.2% of the 13‐L chambers was displaced by plants, leading to a systematic 0.9% overestimation in cumulative N2O emissions if plant volume was not considered. Thus, plant canopy volume should be taken into account for improving the accuracy of emissions.
The evolution of specialized dentition in the deep‐sea lanternfishes (Myctophiformes)
Authors: Martin Rene P. , Davis Matthew P.
Published: April 2020

The evolution of heterodonty, the possession of varied tooth morphologies on the jaws of animals, has been relatively unexplored in ray‐finned fishes compared to terrestrial vertebrates, and to an even lesser degree in deep‐sea fish lineages. Lanternfishes (Myctophiformes) are an abundant and species‐rich group endemic to deep‐sea pelagic habitats. In this study, we document the presence of heterodonty on the oral jaws of lanternfishes, identifying differing anatomical and positional variations of dentition. We survey the anatomical variation in tooth morphology on the oral jaws of 114 lanternfish species across 37 genera and integrate our findings with a hypothesis of evolutionary relationships of lanternfishes to infer the number of times heterodonty evolved in this lineage. Our results indicate that heterodonty evolved at least six separate times on the oral jaws of lanternfishes, occurring as variable tooth morphologies in combination with villiform teeth. These combinations of tooth types include villiform plus hooked teeth, villiform plus hooked and recurved teeth, villiform plus spade, tricuspid, and hooked teeth, and villiform plus caniniform teeth. The reoccurring evolution of hooked teeth on the premaxilla and dentary in lanternfishes suggests heterodonty may serve an important functional role in their pelagic deep‐sea environment. Hooked teeth could aid in securing and retaining prey in the oral cavity and allow for species to specialize on differing food resources, vital attributes for organisms living in open‐ocean habitats.
Imaging and clinical features of patients with 2019 novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Yinghao , Liu Xiaoling , Xiong Lijuan , Cai Kailin
Published: April 2020

Background

Currently, the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has begun to spread worldwide. We aim to explore reliable evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of the COVID‐19 by analyzing all the published studies by Chinese scholars on the clinical and imaging features in novel coronavirus pneumonia caused by SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

We searched five medical databases including two Chinese and three English databases for all published articles on COVID‐19 since the outbreak. A random‐effects model was designed, and the imaging and clinical data from all studies were collected for meta‐analysis.

Results

Overall, 31 articles and 46 959 patients were included, including 10 English articles and 21 Chinese articles. The results of meta‐analysis showed that the most common clinical manifestations were fever (87.3%; 0.838‐0.909), cough (58.1%; 0.502‐0.660), dyspnea (38.3%; 0.246‐0.520), muscle soreness or fatigue (35.5%; 0.253‐0.456), and chest distress (31.2%; −0.024 to 0.648). The main imaging findings were bilateral pneumonia (75.7%; 0.639‐0.871) and ground‐glass opacification (69.9%; 0.602‐0.796). Among the patients, the incidence that required intensive care unit (ICU) was (29.3%; 0.190‐0.395), the incidence with acute respiratory distress syndrome was (28.8%; 0.147‐0.429), the incidence with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome was (8.5%; −0.008 to 0.179), and the case fatality rate of patients with COVID‐19 was (6.8%; 0.044‐0.093).

Conclusion

COVID‐19 is a new clinical infectious disease that mainly causes bilateral pneumonia and lung function deteriorates rapidly. Nearly a third of patients need to be admitted to the ICU, and patients are likely to present respiratory failure or even death.
The effectiveness of quarantine of Wuhan city against the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A well‐mixed SEIR model analysis
Authors: Hou Can , Chen Jiaxin , Zhou Yaqing , Hua Lei , Yuan Jinxia , He Shu , Guo Yi , Zhang Sheng , Jia Qiaowei , Zhao Chenhui , Zhang Jing , Xu Guangxu , Jia Enzhi
Published: April 2020

A novel coronavirus pneumonia, first identified in Wuhan City and referred to as COVID‐19 by the World Health Organization, has been quickly spreading to other cities and countries. To control the epidemic, the Chinese government mandated a quarantine of the Wuhan city on January 23, 2020. To explore the effectiveness of the quarantine of the Wuhan city against this epidemic, transmission dynamics of COVID‐19 have been estimated. A well‐mixed “susceptible exposed infectious recovered” (SEIR) compartmental model was employed to describe the dynamics of the COVID‐19 epidemic based on epidemiological characteristics of individuals, clinical progression of COVID‐19, and quarantine intervention measures of the authority. Considering infected individuals as contagious during the latency period, the well‐mixed SEIR model fitting results based on the assumed contact rate of latent individuals are within 6–18, which represented the possible impact of quarantine and isolation interventions on disease infections, whereas other parameter were suppose as unchanged under the current intervention. The present study shows that, by reducing the contact rate of latent individuals, interventions such as quarantine and isolation can effectively reduce the potential peak number of COVID‐19 infections and delay the time of peak infection.
Dysregulation of synaptic pruning as a possible link between intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Eltokhi Ahmed , Janmaat Isabel E. , Genedi Mohamed , Haarman Bartholomeus C. M. , Sommer Iris E. C.
Published: April 2020

The prenatal and early postnatal stages represent a critical time window for human brain development. Interestingly, this window partly overlaps with the maturation of the intestinal flora (microbiota) that play a critical role in the bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous systems (microbiota‐gut‐brain axis). The microbial composition has important influences on general health and the development of several organ systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system, and also the brain. Clinical studies have shown that microbiota alterations are associated with a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. In this review, we dissect the link between these neuropsychiatric disorders and the intestinal microbiota by focusing on their effect on synaptic pruning, a vital process in the maturation and establishing efficient functioning of the brain. We discuss in detail how synaptic pruning is dysregulated differently in the aforementioned neuropsychiatric disorders and how it can be influenced by dysbiosis and/or changes in the intestinal microbiota composition. We also review that the improvement in the intestinal microbiota composition by a change in diet, probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may play a role in improving neuropsychiatric functioning, which can be at least partly explained via the optimization of synaptic pruning and neuronal connections. Altogether, the demonstration of the microbiota's influence on brain function via microglial‐induced synaptic pruning addresses the possibility that the manipulation of microbiota‐immune crosstalk represents a promising strategy for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
Monthly precipitations over semi‐arid basins in Northern Africa: Homogenization and trends
Authors: Abahous Houria , Guijarro Jose A. , Sifeddine Abdelfettah , Chehbouni Abdelghani , Ouazar Driss , Bouchaou Lhoussaine
Published: April 2020

Long‐term and high quality observed climate data are required to analyse with reduced uncertainty temporal and spatial climate variability. The aim of this work is the quality control, the reconstruction and homogenization of monthly precipitation observed in semi‐arid basins within Souss‐Massa region in North Africa during the period 1933–2010. Data recorded in local meteorological stations underwent a neighbour‐based homogenization algorithm. We apply Mann‐Kendall test and Sen's method to raw and homogenized time series to calculate trends and their magnitude. The greatest variation in data properties is highlighted for the trend analysis where the homogenization process allows the detection of a higher number of the statistically significant negative trend with 95 and 99% confidence levels.
Does Cognitive Style Moderate Expected Evaluation and Adolescents' Creative Performance: An Empirical Study
Authors: Lei Weina , Deng Wenbo , Zhu Rongjuan , Runco Mark A. , Dai David Yun , Hu Weiping
Published: April 2020

Two studies investigated the effects of cognitive and school environmental factors on adolescents' creative performance. The first study tested the effects of expected evaluation and cognitive style on creativity among 89 high school students. The second study tested the effects of evaluation type and cognitive style on creativity among 92 high school students. Study 1 found main effects of expected evaluation and cognitive style on creativity. The interaction between expected evaluation and cognitive style was statistically significant. Under an experimental condition of expected evaluation, field‐dependent adolescents performed more creatively (i.e., higher originality) than those without expected evaluation. Study 2 uncovered main effects of expected evaluation type and cognitive style on creativity but no interactions between expected evaluation type and cognitive style. Adolescents performed better on the dimension of flexibility in a controlling evaluation condition, compared with adolescents in informational evaluation condition, and field‐independent adolescents showed more fluency and originality than field‐dependent adolescents. Together, this research provides a better understanding of the effects of expected evaluation and cognitive style on adolescents' creative performance. Implications for further research are discussed.