bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wetland environmental bioreactor system contributes to the decomposition of cellulose
Authors: Liu Wen , Tanimura Aya , Nagara Yumi , Watanabe Tetsuhiro , Maegawa Shingo , Toyohara Haruhiko
Published: July 2019

Recently, numerous species of aquatic invertebrates inhabiting wetlands have been shown to possess endogenous cellulase, following the discovery that termites have cellulase genes encoded in their own genome rather than relying on symbiotic bacteria for decomposing cellulose. Wetlands have been empirically shown to play an important role in the decomposition of land‐originating hard‐to‐degrade polysaccharides such as cellulose. However, the mechanism that connects the cellulase producer and the wetlands remains unknown, which makes it very difficult to evaluate the ecological function of wetlands. Here we found that a macrobenthic bivalve, Corbicula japonica, secretes its cellulase to the wetland sediment. Secreted cellulases are immobilized in the components of the sediment. Moreover, adding cellulose or glucose to C. japonica could trigger its cellulase secretion level. These findings suggest a novel wetland cellulose decomposition mechanism. The decomposition ability of wetlands was previously ascribed only to microbes and/or invertebrates that contain cellulases. Our findings suggest that benthic animals supply wetlands with their enzymes as decomposition agents, while wetland sediments serve as immobilization scaffolds for the enzymes. This system, which was named by us an “environmental bioreactor system,” could provide a key function in wetlands.
Allelopathic effects of volatile organic compounds released from Pinus halepensis needles and roots
Authors: Santonja Mathieu , Bousquet‐Mélou Anne , Greff Stéphane , Ormeño Elena , Fernandez Catherine
Published: July 2019

The Mediterranean region is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. However, over the last decades, the cessation of traditional farming in the north part of the Mediterranean basin has given way to strong afforestation leading to occurrence of abandoned agricultural lands colonized by pioneer expansionist species like Pinus halepensis. This pine species is known to synthesize a wide range of secondary metabolites, and previous studies have demonstrated strong allelopathic potentialities of its needle and root leachates. Pinus halepensis is also recognized to release significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC) with potential allelopathic effects that have never been investigated. In this context, the objectives of the present study were to improve our knowledge about the VOC released from P. halepensis needles and roots, determine if these VOC affect the seed germination and root growth of two herbaceous target species (Lactuca sativa and Linum strictum), and evaluate if soil microorganisms modulate the potential allelopathic effects of these VOC. Thirty terpenes were detected from both, needle and root emissions with β‐caryophyllene as the major volatile. Numerous terpenes, such as β‐caryophyllene, δ‐terpinene, or α‐pinene, showed higher headspace concentrations according to the gradient green needles < senescent needles < needle litter. Seed germination and root growth of the two target species were mainly reduced in presence of P. halepensis VOC. In strong contrast with the trend reported with needle leachates in literature, we observed an increasing inhibitory effect of P. halepensis VOC with the progress of needle physiological stages (i.e., green needle < senescent needle < needle litter). Surprisingly, several inhibitory effects observed on filter paper were also found or even amplified when natural soil was used as a substrate, highlighting that soil microorganisms do not necessarily limit the negative effects of VOC released by P. halepensis on herbaceous target species.
The influence of fire frequency on the structure and botanical composition of savanna ecosystems
Authors: Ribeiro Natasha , Ruecker Gernot , Govender Navashni , Macandza Valério , Pais Aurélio , Machava Domingos , Chauque Aniceto , Lisboa Sa Nogueira , Bandeira Romana
Published: July 2019

Savannas cover 60% of the land surface in Southern Africa, with fires and herbivory playing a key role in their ecology. The Limpopo National Park (LNP) is a 10,000 km2 conservation area in southern Mozambique and key to protecting savannas in the region. Fire is an important factor in LNP's landscapes, but little is known about its role in the park's ecology. In this study, we explored the interaction between fire frequency (FF), landscape type, and vegetation. To assess the FF, we analyzed ten years of the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burned area product (2003–2013). A stratified random sampling approach was used to assess biodiversity across three dominant landscapes (Nwambia Sandveld‐NS, Lebombo North‐LN, and Shrubveld Mopane on Calcrete‐C) and two FF levels (low—twice or less; and high—3 times or more, during 10 years). Six ha were sampled in each stratum, except for the LN versus high FF in which low accessibility allowed only 3 ha sampling. FF was higher in NS and LN landscapes, where 25% and 34% of the area, respectively, burned more than three times in 10 years. The landscape type was the main determinant of grass composition and biomass. However, in the sandy NS biomass was higher under high FF. The three landscapes supported three different tree/shrub communities, but FF resulted in compositional variations in NS and LN. Fire frequency had no marked influence on woody structural parameters (height, density, and phytomass). We concluded that the savannas in LNP are mainly driven by landscape type (geology), but FF may impose specific modifications. We recommend a fire laissez‐faire management system for most of the park and a long‐term monitoring system of vegetation to address vegetation changes related to fire. Fire management should be coordinated with the neighboring Kruger National Park, given its long history of fire management. Synthesis: This study revealed that grass and tree/shrub density, biomass, and composition in LNP are determined by the landscape type, but FF determines some important modifications. We conclude that at the current levels FF is not dramatically affecting the savanna ecosystem in the LNP (Figure 1). However, an increase in FF may drive key ecosystem changes in grass biomass and tree/shrub species composition, height, phytomass, and density.
Amperometric Immunosensor for Rapid Detection of Honeybee Pathogen Melissococcus Plutonius
Authors: Mikušová Zuzana , Farka Zdeněk , Pastucha Matěj , Poláchová Veronika , Obořilová Radka , Skládal Petr
Published: July 2019

European foulbrood (EFB) is a honeybee larvae disease caused by a bacterium Melissococcus plutonius. An amperometric immunosensor based on a sandwich assay was developed for rapid point‐of‐care detection of this pathogen. An in‐house made anti‐Melissococcus antibody was immobilized to a gold surface of a screen‐printed sensor via self‐assembled monolayer of cysteamine activated with glutaraldehyde. The direct impedimetric detection of captured microbial cells was tested, however, a better performance was obtained after the formation of sandwich with the peroxidase‐labeled antibody in the amperometric mode. The label‐free assay was limited by higher non‐specific binding. The limit of detection of the immunosensor was 6.6×104 CFU mL−1 (colony‐forming units) with wide linear range between 105 CFU mL−1 and 109 CFU mL−1. The whole analysis was completed within 2 h, which is shorter compared to common laboratory diagnostic tools, such as enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy was used for confirmation of the bacteria presence on the electrode surface. The developed immunosensor was successfully employed in the analysis of real samples of honeybees and larvae. The achieved results demonstrate the potential of the amperometric immunosensor for practical in‐field diagnosis of EFB, which can prevent infection spreading and connected losses of honeybee colonies.
Rb–Sr geochronology and geochemistry of pyrite from the Shihu gold deposit, central North China Craton: Implication for the timing and genesis of gold mineralization
Authors: Zeng Yong‐jie , Li Lin , Li Sheng‐Rong , Santosh M. , Song Ying‐Xin , Alam Masroor
Published: July 2019

The Shihu quartz vein‐type gold deposit in the central North China Craton occurs within Neoarchean TTG (tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite) gneisses and shows spatial relationship with quartz diorite porphyry. The occurrence of the ore body is controlled by the N‐S fracture. Primary mineral assemblage of the ore body is composed of quartz, calcite, and base‐metal sulphides, including pyrite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite. Eight pyrite samples from veins of the main mineralization stage yield an isochron age of 129 ± 3 Ma (MSWD = 1.6), coinciding with the major Early Cretaceous magmatic event, and associated lithospheric thinning recognized in the NCC. The (87Sr/86Sr)i values of the pyrite (0.7102 ± 0.0006) are lower than the continental crust mean value (0.719) and higher than that of the mantle initial ratio (0.707), suggesting mixed crust–mantle source for the metallogenic components. Three types of hydrothermal pyrite from the early to major ore‐forming stages were identified in the quartz vein, including Py(I) as disseminated euhedral grains, Py (II) as dense bulks, and Py (III) as intergrowth with base‐metal sulphides. Electron microprobe analysis of the pyrite grains indicates a trend from S‐deficient to S‐enriched and from Fe‐enriched to Fe‐deficient stages, suggesting an increase in sulphur fugacity and reducing conditions. The arsenic in pyrite shows decrease against increasing Au during Stages II and III, implying that As is not the only trigger of gold precipitation, but electrochemical‐geochemical barrier played a major role in the formation of the ore. The Co and Ni concentrations, as well as Co/Ni ratios in pyrite, are relatively high, which provide an additional clue to the link with the regional magmatic event. Combined with the textural features, we propose a wider potential for gold exploration in this region, linking the mineralization with a major transitional tectonic regime.
Early Carboniferous extension regime in South Tianshan: Constraints from alluvial fan of Bashisuogong Formation in Sepabayi area in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yu Hao‐Cheng , Qiu Kun‐Feng , Pang Yao , Zhao Zhi‐Gang , Sun Zhi‐Jia , Wen Yi‐Tong
Published: July 2019

The Bashisuogong Formation, exposed along the southern margin of the Chinese South Tianshan and north‐western edge of the Tarim Block, is divided into the lower member conglomerates and sandstones and upper member limestones. In the present contribution, four lithofacies types are recognized and further grouped into two distinct lithofacies sub‐associations based on sedimentary features of the alluvial fan of the Bashisuogong Formation in Sepabayi area. The debris flow products, with lenticular clast‐supported conglomerate, dominate the proximal fan. Couplets composed of conglomerate and sandstone represent the middle fan. The sedimentary features and palaeocurrent data indicate that clasts are sourced from the north‐east adjacent area. We propose that the Bashisuogong Formation, with an upward‐fining facies sequence pattern in this study, reveals an extensional regime during the Early Carboniferous. This fits within the context of synchronous volcanism and Bashisuogong Formation in north‐west Tarim. This tectonic setting resulted in the onset of the Carboniferous to Permian sedimentary cycle. The sedimentation centres were confined to Tuogemaiti‐Wushi band, where the alluvial fan was deposited. The Carboniferous transgressive succession controlled by the former graben shoulders thins progressively south‐eastward in north‐west Tarim.
Evaluation of associations between genetically predicted circulating protein biomarkers and breast cancer risk
Authors: Shu Xiang , Bao Jiandong , Wu Lang , Long Jirong , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Guo Xingyi , Yang Yaohua , Michailidou Kyriaki , Bolla Manjeet K. , Wang Qin , Dennis Joe , Andrulis Irene L. , Castelao Jose E. , Dörk Thilo , Gago‐Dominguez Manuela , García‐Closas Montserrat , Giles Graham G. , Lophatananon Artitaya , Muir Kenneth , Olsson Håkan , Rennert Gadi , Saloustros Emmanouil , Scott Rodney J. , Southey Melissa C. , Pharoah Paul D.P. , Milne Roger L. , Kraft Peter , Simard Jacques , Easton Douglas F. , Zheng Wei
Published: July 2019

A small number of circulating proteins have been reported to be associated with breast cancer risk, with inconsistent results. Herein, we attempted to identify novel protein biomarkers for breast cancer via the integration of genomics and proteomics data. In the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC), with 122,977 cases and 105,974 controls of European descendants, we evaluated the associations of the genetically predicted concentrations of >1,400 circulating proteins with breast cancer risk. We used data from a large‐scale protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) analysis as our study instrument. Summary statistics for these pQTL variants related to breast cancer risk were obtained from the BCAC and used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for each protein using the inverse‐variance weighted method. We identified 56 proteins significantly associated with breast cancer risk by instrumental analysis (false discovery rate <0.05). Of these, the concentrations of 32 were influenced by variants close to a breast cancer susceptibility locus (ABO, 9q34.2). Many of these proteins, such as insulin receptor, insulin‐like growth factor receptor 1 and other membrane receptors (OR: 0.82–1.18, p values: 6.96 × 10−4–3.28 × 10−8), are linked to insulin resistance and estrogen receptor signaling pathways. Proteins identified at other loci include those involved in biological processes such as alcohol and lipid metabolism, proteolysis, apoptosis, immune regulation and cell motility and proliferation. Consistent associations were observed for 22 proteins in the UK Biobank data (p < 0.05). The study identifies potential novel biomarkers for breast cancer, but further investigation is needed to replicate our findings.
Whole‐exome sequencing of ovarian cancer families uncovers putative predisposition genes
Authors: Zhu Qianqian , Zhang Jianmin , Chen Yanmin , Hu Qiang , Shen He , Huang Ruea‐Yea , Liu Qian , Kaur Jasmine , Long Mark , Battaglia Sebastiano , Eng Kevin H. , Lele Shashikant B. , Zsiros Emese , Villella Jeannine , Lugade Amit , Yao Song , Liu Song , Moysich Kirsten , Odunsi Kunle O.
Published: July 2019

Despite the identification of several ovarian cancer (OC) predisposition genes, a large proportion of familial OC risk remains unexplained. We adopted a two‐stage design to identify new OC predisposition genes. We first carried out a large germline whole‐exome sequencing study on 158 patients from 140 families with significant OC history, but without evidence of genetic predisposition due to BRCA1/2. We then evaluated the potential candidate genes in a large case–control association study involving 381 OC cases in the Cancer Genome Atlas project and 27,173 population controls from the Exome Aggregation Consortium. Two new putative OC risk genes were identified, namely, ANKRD11, a putative tumor suppressor, and POLE, an enzyme involved in DNA repair and replication. These two genes likely confer moderate OC risk. We performed in vitro experiments and showed an ANKRD11 mutation identified in our patients markedly lowered the protein expression by compromising protein stability. Upon future validation and functional characterization, these genes may shed light on cancer etiology along with improving ascertainment power and preventive care of individuals at high risk of OC.
“It's hip to be square”: Grounding moral traits in geometric shapes
Authors: Ke Yannan , Zhang Yan , Jiang Jiang , Xu Yan
Published: July 2019

To examine the hypothesis that there is a metaphoric link between geometric shapes (square vs. circle) and moral traits (integrity vs. deviousness), we conducted three experiments in China. In Study 1, integrity‐related words were classified faster when embedded in a square than in a circle. Conversely, deviousness‐related words were classified faster in a circle than in a square. Study 2 found that a person who preferred squares was perceived as more righteous and that a person who preferred circles was perceived as more devious. Study 3 revealed that the participants were more likely to pair a square with integrity‐related words and a circle with deviousness‐related words in a memory task. Given the negation of square‐integrity and circle‐deviousness emotional congruence, the findings of this research show that shape‐related information is a meaningful part of the mental representations of moral traits.
Raman spectroscopy of dorsal root ganglia from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic neuropathic rats submitted to photobiomodulation therapy
Authors: Vieira Willians F. , de Magalhães Silviane F. , Farias Felipe H. , de Thomaz André A. , Parada Carlos A.
Published: July 2019

In this study, we used Raman spectroscopy as a new tool to investigate pathological conditions at the level of chemical bond alterations in biological tissues. Currently, there have been no reports on the spectroscopic alterations caused by diabetic neuropathy in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). DRG are a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain, and the need for more effective therapies is increasing. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) through infrared low‐level laser irradiation (904 nm) has shown analgesic effects on the treatment of neuropathy. Thus, the aim of this study was to use Raman spectroscopy to characterize the spectral DRG identities of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic neuropathic (hyperalgesic) rats and to study the influence of PBMT over such spectra. Characteristic DRG peaks were identified at 2704, 2850, 2885, 2940, 3061 and 3160 cm−1, whose assignments are CH2/CH3 symmetric/asymmetric stretches, and C─H vibrations of lipids and proteins. DRG from hyperalgesic rats showed an increased normalized intensity of 2704, 2850, 2885 and 3160 cm−1. These same peaks had their normalized intensity reduced after PBMT treatment, accompanied by an anti‐hyperalgesic effect. Raman spectroscopy was able to diagnose spectral alterations in DRG of hyperalgesic rats and the PBMT reduced the intensity of hyperalgesia and the altered Raman spectra.
Transcription factor Tbx5 promotes cardiomyogenic differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts treated with 5‐azacytidine
Authors: Jia Yangyang , Chang Yuqiao , Guo Zhikun , Li He
Published: July 2019

Conversion of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into induced cardiomyocytes has recently been demonstrated, represents a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac repair after myocardial injury. However, current approaches are inefficient. Here, we report that a defined transcription factor Tbx5, promoted cardiac reprogramming in the presence of a chemical inducer 5‐azacytidine (5‐aza). Morphological changes and cardiac specific genes and proteins expression were determined by immunofluorescence, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Remarkably, Tbx5 enabled cardiac reprogramming with 5‐aza by activating the expression of myocardial transcription‐related genes, including cTnT, α‐actin, Mef2c and inhibiting the expression of pluripotent genes such as Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2. Moreover, overexpression of Tbx5 upregulated the expression of sarcomere protein cTnT in CFs more efficiently at week 3 compared with 5aza‐treated alone (P < 0.05). Conversely, inhibition of Tbx5 attenuated cardiac reprogramming. Furthermore, downregulated Tbx5 decreased wnt3a expression. At the same time, the inhibition effect of Tbx5i on cardiac reprogramming was reversed in vitro when these cells were exposed to Chir99021, a GSK‐3 inhibitor. This finding provides new insight into the mechanism of cardiac reprogramming underlying the cardiac reprogramming process and lays the foundation for future clinical applications.
Golgi apparatus fragmentation participates in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced endothelial cell injury
Authors: Ji Guang , Song Xueqin , Wang Liang , Li Zhenfei , Wu Hongran , Dong Hui
Published: July 2019

Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL)‐induced endothelial injury plays crucial roles in the development of arteriosclerosis (AS). Golgi apparatus (GA) fragmentation is involved in various pathological processes, including endothelial injury. However, the role of GA fragmentation in ox‐LDL‐induced endothelial injury has not been determined. In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to ox‐LDL were used as an in vitro AS model. Herein, we showed that ox‐LDL restrained proliferation and induced apoptosis and GA fragmentation of HUVECs. Moreover, overexpression of GRASP65 significantly prevented ox‐LDL‐induced GA fragmentation and endothelial cell injury by enhancing cell viability, nitric oxide production, and endothelial NOS expression and reducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, ox‐LDL resulted in the activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in HUVECs. Inactivation of the ERK pathway by U0126 suppressed the phosphorylation of GRASP65, GA fragmentation, and endothelial cell injury induced by ox‐LDL. In conclusion, ox‐LDL triggers GA fragmentation in HUVECs via activating the ERK signaling pathway, which participates in endothelial injury during the development of AS.
Analysis of metabolome changes in the HepG2 cells of apatinib treatment by using the NMR‐based metabolomics
Authors: Gu Jinping , Shu Dan , Su Feng , Xie Yuanyuan , Liang Xianrui
Published: July 2019

Neovascularization is required for the growth of tumors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and related signal pathways are important in tumor angiogenesis. Apatinib is a highly selective and potent antiangiogenesis drug targeting the receptor of VEGFR2, blocking downstream signal transduction and inhibiting angiogenesis of tumor tissue. Apatinib has a wide range of antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo, but its effect on metabolic changes has not deeply research at present. Nowadays, our research first systematically studied the metabolic changes affected by apatinib in the HepG2 cells at the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration value. We used the metabolomics by using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) to analyze the HepG2 cell culture media. Multivariable Statistics was applied to analyze the 1H‐NMR spectra of the cell media, including principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and orthogonal PLS‐DA (OPLS‐DA). Compared with the uncultured and cultured media (negative/positive control), the metabolic phenotypes were changed in the apatinib treatment with a continuous effect over time. The metabolic pathway analysis is shown that the mainly disturbed metabolic pathways pyruvate metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism and amino acid metabolism associated with them in the apatinib treatment. The differential metabolites which were identified from the reconstructed OPLS‐DA loading plots also reflected in these disturbed metabolic pathways. Our works could allow us to well understand the therapeutic effect of apatinib, especially in metabolism.
Correlation between SEPS1 gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A preliminary study
Authors: Li Feng , Mao Aiyou , Fu Xianxian , She Yang , Wei Xiaobin
Published: July 2019

Background

The protein encoded by the selenoprotein S gene is considered to be an anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant protein and is involved in a variety of diseases. Therefore, we want to study the distribution characteristics of this gene in Chinese diabetic population.

Methods

A total of 170 patients with DM (including 100 patients with T2DM and 70 patients with diabetic nephropathy [DN]) and 100 healthy controls (HC) were selected from Haikou People's Hospital (China) between January 2017 and July 2017. The polymorphisms of three SEPS1 genes (SNP ID: rs4965814, rs28665122, and rs34713741) were measured by massARRAY method, while the polymorphisms of SEPS1 genes (SNP ID: rs4965373) were detected by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Comparing three groups, the results were the following: (a) There was a significant difference in the genotype and allele distribution of rs34713741 between DN group and HC group and between T2DM group and DN group; For this gene locus, the risk of diabetic nephropathy in healthy individuals with T allele was 0.6 times higher than that in individuals with GG genotype (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.46 ~ 0.77). (b) There was a significant difference in the distribution of rs4975814 genotype between DN group and HC group; for this gene locus, the risk of diabetic nephropathy in healthy individuals with T allele was 2.71 times higher than that in individuals with GG genotype (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.66 ~ 4.45).

Conclusion

We conclude that rs34713741 (GT + TT) may be a protective gene for DN and the rs4975814 (GT + TT) may be a susceptibility gene for DN.
Hypoxic storage of erythrocytes slows down storage lesions and prolongs shelf‐life
Authors: Meng Qiang , Peng Xiaowu , Zhao Shuming , Xu Ting , Wang Shichun , Liu Qi , Cai Ruili , Fan Yahan
Published: July 2019

Conventional storage conditions of erythrocytes cause storage lesions. We propose that hypoxic storage conditions, involving removal of oxygen and replacement with helium, the changes in stored erythrocytes under hypoxic condition were observed and assessed. Erythrocytes were divided into two equal parts, then stored in conventional and hypoxic conditions, separately. Blood gas analysis, hemorheology, and hemolysis were performed once a week. Energy metabolism and membrane damage were monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Phosphatidylserine exposure was measured by flow cytometry. P50 was measured and the oxygen dissociation curve (ODC) plotted accordingly. Erythrocyte morphology was observed microscopically. In the 9th week of storage, the hemolysis of the hypoxia group was 0.7%; lower (p < .05) than that of the control group and still below the threshold of quality requirements. The dissolved oxygen and pO2 were only 1/4 of that in the control group (p < .01); the adenosine triphosphate, glucose, and lactic acid levels were decreased (p < .05), while the 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate levels were increased relative to that in the control group (p < .01). There were no statistically significant differences in membrane damage, deformability, and aggregation between the two groups. In addition, the ODC of the two groups was shifted to the left but this difference was not statistically different. Basically similar to the effect of completely anaerobic conditions. Erythrocytes stored under hypoxic conditions could maintain a relatively stable state with a significant decrease in hemolysis, reduction of storage lesions, and an increase in shelf‐life.
Gene coexpression analysis offers important modules and pathway of human lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Wei Zhongheng , Zhongqiu Tan , Lu Shuxiong , Zhang Fang , Xie Wei , Wang Ying
Published: July 2019

Lung adenocarcinomas injured greatly on the people worldwide. Although clinic experiments and gene profiling analyses had been well performed, to our knowledge, systemic coexpression analysis of human genes for this cancer is still limited to date. Here, using the published data GSE75037, we built the coexpression modules of genes by Weighted Gene Co‐Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and investigated function and protein–protein interaction network of coexpression genes by Database for Annotation, visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and String database, respectively. First, 11 coexpression modules were conducted for 5,000 genes in the 83 samples recently. Number of genes for each module ranged from 90 to 1,260, with the mean of 454. Second, interaction relationships of hub‐genes between pairwise modules showed great differences, suggesting relatively high scale independence of the modules. Third, functional enrichment of the coexpression modules showed great differences. We found that genes in modules 8 significantly enriched in the biological process and/or pathways of cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and so forth. It was inferred as the key module underlying lung adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, PPI analysis revealed that the genes COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, CTGF, and BGN owned the largest number of adjacency genes, unveiling that they may functioned importantly during the occurrence of lung adenocarcinomas. To summary, genes involved in cell adhesion, ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway play crucial roles in human lung adenocarcinomas.
High‐fat diet reduces novelty‐induced expression of activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein
Authors: Chen Tsan‐Ju , Chen Shun‐Sheng , Wang Dean‐Chuan , Hung Hui‐Shan
Published: July 2019

Chronic high‐fat‐diet (HFD) consumption can lead to the development of brain insulin resistance, which then exerts deleterious effects on learning and memory. Activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc) is a memory‐related protein, and its expression can be induced by insulin stimulation. In HFD‐fed animals, their basal Arc protein levels in cerebral cortex and hippocampus are reduced. However, the effects of HFD on novelty‐induced Arc protein expression that is important for cognitive function is still unknown. In the present study, after feeding HFD (60% kcal from fat) for 5 weeks, mice developed brain insulin resistance and had a significant reduction in the novelty‐induced but not the basal Arc protein levels in their hippocampi. Further experiments were performed in primary rat hippocampal neurons. The results show that, under the condition of neuronal insulin resistance, acute insulin stimulation induced less activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (PI3K/Akt/p70S6K) pathway, resulting in reduced induction of Arc protein expression. Accordingly, it is suggested that following HFD feeding, the reduction in novelty‐induced Arc protein expression in animal's hippocampus is probably related to a suppressed activation of the PI3K/Akt/p70S6K pathway due to the existence of brain insulin resistance.
Factors, mechanisms and implications of chromatin condensation and chromosomal structural maintenance through the cell cycle
Authors: Ravi Maddaly , Ramanathan Srishti , Krishna Krupa
Published: July 2019

A series of well‐orchestrated events help in the chromatin condensation and the formation of chromosomes. Apart from the formation of chromosomes, maintenance of their structure is important, especially for the cell division. The structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins, the non‐SMC proteins and the SMC complexes are critical for the maintenance of chromosome structure. While condensins have roles for the DNA compaction, organization, and segregation, the cohesin functions in a cyclic manner through the cell cycle, as a “cohesin cycle.” Specific mechanisms maintain the architecture of the centromere, the kinetochore and the telomeres which are in tandem with the cell cycle checkpoints. The presence of chromosomal territories and compactness differences through the length of the chromosomes might have implications on selective susceptibility of specific chromosomes for induced genotoxicity.
Regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs in colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer stem cells
Authors: Shirmohamadi Masoud , Eghbali Elham , Najjary Shiva , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Kojabad Amir Baghbanzadeh , Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Lotfinezhad Parisa , Baradaran Behzad
Published: July 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal and hard‐to‐treat cancers in the world, which in its advanced stages, surgery and chemotherapy are the main common treatment approaches. The microRNAs (miRNAs), as novel markers for CRC detection, promote their regulatory effects via the 3′‐untranslated binding region (3′‐UTR) of target messenger RNA in posttranscriptional regulation of genes and also play a pivotal role in modulating resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. These small noncoding RNAs have also a critical role in CRC stem cells (CRCSCs) regulation, comprising self‐renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are distinctive cell types inside a tumor tissue that are believed to derive from normal somatic stem cells. The CSCs have self‐renewal abilities, angiogenesis, as well as specific surface markers expression characteristics. Furthermore, they are frequently criticized for tumor maintenance, treatment resistance, tumor development, and distant metastasis. In this review, we discuss the current understandings of CRCSCs and their environment with a focus on the role of miRNAs on the regulation of CSCs and their targeting application in CRC treatment.
Lentivirus‐mediated microRNA‐26a‐modified neural stem cells improve brain injury in rats with cerebral palsy
Authors: Guo Qi , Zhang Jing , Zheng Zhaoshi , Li Xinxin , Wang Fuli , Liu Songyan
Published: July 2019

This study is launched to investigate the effect of lentivirus‐mediated microRNA‐26a (miR‐26a)‐modified neural stem cells (NSCs) in brain injury in rats with cerebral palsy (CP). The successfully constructed miR‐26a lentivirus expression vector and empty vector virus were used to modify NSCs. The model of CP with ischemia and anoxia was established in rats. NSCs and miR‐26a‐NSCs were stereoscopically injected into the cerebral cortex of the modeled rats, respectively. The survival and migration of NSCs infected with recombinant lentivirus expressing green fluorescence in vivo was observed under a light microscope. The neurobehavioral functions, morphology, and ultrastructure of cerebral cortex and hippocampus, apoptosis of brain cells, expression of apoptosis‐related protein caspase‐3 and Bax, together with the expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were determined. Expression of miR‐26a in NSCs infected with plVTHM‐miR‐26a increased significantly. After NSCs transplantation, the neurobehavioral status of CP rats was improved, the degree of brain pathological injury was alleviated, the apoptotic index of cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus and the expression of the apoptotic protein (caspase‐3 and Bax) were decreased, the expression of GFAP were significantly decreased. After miR‐26a‐NSCs transplantation, these aforementioned results further improved or decreased. Our study suggests that miR‐26a‐modified NSCs mediated by lentivirus can improve brain injury, inhibit apoptosis of brain cells and activation of astrocytes in CP rats.
Complementarity of Technology Adoption and Social Capital Participation: The Case of Systems of Rice Intensification in Ghana
Authors: Yahaya Iddrisu , Zereyesus Yacob A. , Nakelse Tebila , Haruna Bashiru
Published: July 2019

Rice is the second most important staple food in Ghana. The system of rice intensification (SRI) technology has been introduced in farmers' fields, and its adoption is increasing. Using a bivariate probit model and maximum likelihood estimation methods, the study tests whether or not there is a complementarity relationship between adoption of SRI technology and membership in a cooperative. Results reveal that there is positive relationship between the SRI adoption and social capital participation. The study identified covariates including age, gender and educational level of respondents as influencing both the adoption of SRI technology and participation in a cooperative. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting Part 1: Potential uses, current challenges, and recommendations
Authors: Poorman Megan E. , Martin Michele N. , Ma Dan , McGivney Debra F. , Gulani Vikas , Griswold Mark A. , Keenan Kathryn E.
Published: July 2019

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a powerful quantitative MRI technique capable of acquiring multiple property maps simultaneously in a short timeframe. The MRF framework has been adapted to a wide variety of clinical applications, but faces challenges in technical development, and to date has only demonstrated repeatability and reproducibility in small studies. In this review, we discuss the current implementations of MRF and their use in a clinical setting. Based on this analysis, we highlight areas of need that must be addressed before MRF can be fully adopted into the clinic and make recommendations to the MRF community on standardization and validation strategies of MRF techniques.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:675–692.
Deriving optimal weather pattern definitions for the representation of precipitation variability over India
Authors: Neal Robert , Robbins Joanne , Dankers Rutger , Mitra Ashis , Jayakumar A. , Rajagopal E. N. , Adamson George
Published: July 2019

This study utilizes cluster analysis to produce sets of weather patterns for the Indian subcontinent. These patterns have been developed with future applications in mind; specifically relating to the occurrence of high‐impact weather and meteorologically induced hazards such as landslides. The weather patterns are also suited for use within probabilistic medium‐ to long‐range weather pattern forecasting tools driven by ensemble prediction systems. A total of 192 sets of weather patterns have been generated by varying the parameter which is clustered, the spatial domain and the number of weather patterns. Non‐hierarchical k‐means clustering was applied to daily 1200 UTC ERA‐Interim reanalysis data between 1979 and 2016 using pressure at mean sea level (PMSL) and u‐ and v‐component winds at 10‐m, 925‐hPa and 850‐hPa. The resultant weather pattern sets (clusters) were analysed for their ability to represent the main climatic precipitation patterns over India using the explained variation score. Weather patterns generated using 850‐hPa winds are among the most representative, with 30 patterns being enough to represent variability within different phases of the Indian climate. For example, several weather pattern variants are evident within the active monsoon, break monsoon and retreating monsoon. There are also several variants of weather patterns susceptible to western disturbances. These weather pattern variants are useful when it comes to identifying periods most susceptible to high‐impact weather within a large‐scale regime, such as identifying the most flood prone periods within the active monsoon. They hence have potentially many forecasting applications.
The Central Chile Mega Drought (2010–2018): A climate dynamics perspective
Authors: Garreaud René D. , Boisier Juan P. , Rondanelli Roberto , Montecinos Aldo , Sepúlveda Hector H. , Veloso‐Aguila Daniel
Published: July 2019

Central Chile, home to more than 10 million inhabitants, has experienced an uninterrupted sequence of dry years since 2010 with mean rainfall deficits of 20–40%. The so‐called Mega Drought (MD) is the longest event on record and with few analogues in the last millennia. It encompasses a broad area, with detrimental effects on water availability, vegetation and forest fires that have scaled into social and economical impacts. Observations and reanalysis data reveal that the exceptional length of the MD results from the prevalence of a circulation dipole‐hindering the passage of extratropical storms over central Chile—characterized by deep tropospheric anticyclonic anomalies over the subtropical Pacific and cyclonic anomalies over the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major modulator of such dipole, but the MD has occurred mostly under ENSO‐neutral conditions, except for the winters of 2010 (La Niña) and 2015 (strong El Niño). Climate model simulations driven both with historical forcing (natural and anthropogenic) and observed global SST replicate the south Pacific dipole and capture part of the rainfall anomalies. Idealized numerical experiments suggest that most of the atmospheric anomalies emanate from the subtropical southwest Pacific, a region that has experienced a marked surface warming over the last decade. Such warming may excite atmospheric Rossby waves whose propagation intensifies the circulation pattern leading to dry conditions in central Chile. On the other hand, anthropogenic forcing (greenhouse gases concentration increase and stratospheric ozone depletion) and the associated positive trend of the Southern Annular Mode also contribute to the strength of the south Pacific dipole and hence to the intensity and longevity of the MD. Given the concomitance of the seemingly natural (ocean sourced) and anthropogenic forcing, we anticipate only a partial recovery of central Chile precipitation in the decades to come.
Relationship lending in microfinance: How does it impact client dropout?
Authors: Godfroid Cécile
Published: July 2019

A close relationship between microfinance loan officers and their clients is essential to avoid the phenomenon of client dropout. Client retention has been identified as a critical factor for both the social performance and the financial sustainability of microfinance institutions. Relationship lending in microfinance decreases the probability of clients dropping out, showing the importance of close contacts between loan officers and their clients. We recommend that microfinance practitioners avoid the rotation of loan officers through different branches when the risk of fraud from loan officers is low.
Predictors for Excellent Versus Partial Response to Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Who Needs Additional Sessions?
Authors: Zang Yinyin , Su Yi‐Jen , McLean Carmen P. , Foa Edna B.
Published: July 2019

In practice, the duration of psychotherapy is determined by the patient's response to treatment. Identifying predictors for treatment responses is of great clinical utility to guide clinicians in their treatment planning. Demographic characteristics, trauma history, comorbidity, and early reduction of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were examined as predictors of excellent versus partial response to prolonged exposure therapy (PE) for PTSD. Participants were 96 female assault survivors with chronic PTSD who received at least eight PE sessions with or without cognitive restructuring. Participants were classified as excellent responders (n = 27) or partial responders (n = 69) based on whether they achieved at least 70% improvement in self‐reported PTSD severity on the PTSD Symptom Scale–Self‐Report at the end of Session 8. Excellent responders terminated therapy after Session 9, and partial responders were offered up to three additional sessions. Logistic regression was conducted to investigate predictors of response to PE. Results showed that prior interpersonal violence and comorbid alcohol use disorder were associated with partial response. Comorbid depressive disorder and early PTSD symptom reduction were associated with excellent response. Being treated by a cognitive behavioral therapy expert predicted higher excellent response for patients with a history of prior interpersonal violence. The model accounted for 56.6% of the variance in treatment response and correctly predicted responder status for 83.3% of the sample. These findings contribute to the field's understanding of factors that predict or moderate response to PE and have implications for treatment planning.
The prevalence of eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms in temporomandibular joint disorder patients
Authors: Newman Alan C. , Omrani Katayoun , Higgins Thomas S. , Ting Jonathan Y. , Walgama Evan S. , Wu Arthur W.
Published: July 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Ear fullness and pressure is a common complaint seen in otolaryngology clinics and frequently is attributed to eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). In addition to traditional tympanometry and physical examination, the seven‐item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ‐7) has recently been used to aid in the diagnosis of ETD and to assess its severity. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is a common condition that causes similar symptoms to ETD and has been recognized as a potential confounding condition in patients presenting with ETD symptoms. We sought to determine the cross‐sectional prevalence of ETD symptoms in patients with TMJD using the ETDQ‐7.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

An analysis was performed of ETDQ‐7 scores in patients diagnosed with TMJD.

Results

A total of 21 patients with confirmed TMJD completed the ETDQ‐7 at routine consult or follow‐up for their TMJD. The mean ± standard deviation ETDQ‐7 score for the cohort was 24.5 ± 12.5. Two‐thirds of patients had an ETDQ‐7 score of >14.5, which has been used in the literature to denote clinically significant ETD. No single question was scored significantly higher than the others.

Conclusions

Symptoms of ETD are highly prevalent among patients with TMJD determined by patient‐reported outcome measures. It is not clear if these symptoms reflect true derangement of eustachian tube function in these patients or whether there is only clinical similarity between ETD and TMJD. However, future research efforts may resolve this dilemma.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E233–E236, 2020
The role of T‐cell protein tyrosine phosphatase in epithelial carcinogenesis
Authors: Morales Liza D. , Archbold Anna K. , Olivarez Serena , Slaga Thomas J. , DiGiovanni John , Kim Dae Joon
Published: July 2019

T‐cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC‐PTP, encoded by PTPN2) is a nonreceptor PTP that is most highly expressed in hematopoietic tissues. TC‐PTP modulates a variety of physiological functions including cell cycle progression, cell survival and proliferation, and hematopoiesis through tyrosine dephosphorylation of its target substrates, such as EGFR, JAK1, JAK3, STAT1, and STAT3. Studies with whole or tissue‐specific loss of TC‐PTP function transgenic mice have shown that TC‐PTP has crucial roles in the regulation of the immune response, insulin signaling, and oncogenic signaling. More recently, the generation of epidermal‐specific TC‐PTP‐deficient mice for use in multistage skin carcinogenesis bioassays demonstrated that TC‐PTP suppresses skin tumor formation by negatively regulating STAT3 and AKT signaling. Further investigation showed that TC‐PTP also minimizes UVB‐induced epidermal cell damage by promoting apoptosis through the negative regulation of Flk‐1/JNK signaling. These findings provide major evidence for a tumor suppressive function for TC‐PTP against environment‐induced skin cancer. Here, we will discuss TC‐PTP, its substrates, and its functions with an emphasis on its role in skin carcinogenesis.
Multicriteria optimal operation of a microgrid considering risk analysis, renewable resources, and model predictive control
Authors: Zafra‐Cabeza Ascensión , Velarde Pablo , Maestre José M.
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes an optimal power dispatch by taking into account risk management and renewable resources. In particular, it examines how control engineering and risk management techniques can be applied in the field of power systems through their use in the design of risk‐based model predictive controllers. To this end, this paper proposes a two‐layer control scheme for microgrid management where both levels are based on model predictive control (MPC): the higher level is devoted to risk management while the lower layer is dedicated to power dispatching. In particular, the high‐level controller is based on a risk‐based approach where potential risks have been identified and evaluated. Mitigation actions are the decision variables to be optimized to reduce the consequences of risks and costs. The MPC‐based algorithm decides the appropriate frequency of mitigation actions such as changes in references, constraints, and insurance contracting, by relying on a model that includes integer variables, identifiable risks, their costs, and the cost/benefit assessment of mitigating actions. On the other hand, the low‐level controller drives the plant to suitable values to satisfy demands. A series of simulations on a nonlinear model of a real laboratory‐scale power plant located in the facilities of the University of Seville are conducted under varying conditions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm when risks are explicitly considered.