bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal effects in vulnerability to eye‐parasites and correlations between behavior and parasitism in juvenile Arctic charr
Authors: Kortet Raine , Lautala Tiina , Kekäläinen Jukka , Taskinen Jouni , Hirvonen Heikki
Published: September 2017

Hatchery‐reared fish show high mortalities after release to the wild environment. Explanations for this include potentially predetermined genetics, behavioral, and physiological acclimation to fish farm environments, and increased vulnerability to predation and parasitism in the wild. We studied vulnerability to Diplostomum spp. parasites (load of eye flukes in the lenses), immune defense (relative spleen size) and antipredator behaviors (approaches toward predator odor, freezing, and swimming activity) in hatchery‐reared juvenile Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) using a nested mating design. Fish were exposed to eye‐fluke larvae via the incoming water at the hatchery. Fish size was positively associated with parasite load, but we did not find any relationship between relative spleen size and parasitism. The offspring of different females showed significant variation in their parasite load within sires, implying a dam effect in the vulnerability to parasites. However, the family background did not have any effect on spleen size. In the mean sire level over dams, the fish from the bolder (actively swimming) families in the predator trials suffered higher loads of eye flukes than those from more cautiously behaving families. Thus, the results indicate potentially maternally inherited differences in vulnerability to eye‐fluke parasites, and that the vulnerability to parasites and behavioral activity are positively associated with each other at the sire level. This could lead to artificial and unintentional selection for increased vulnerability to both parasitism and predation if these traits are favored in fish farm environments.
The contribution of non‐protected areas to the conservation of Eurasian Eagle‐owls in Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: León‐Ortega Mario , Martínez José E. , Pérez Eloy , Lacalle José A. , Calvo José F.
Published: September 2017

Land‐use management, human impacts, and wildlife population processes taking place outside protected areas may affect the conservation of species within protected areas. While many studies have evaluated the effectiveness of protected areas for conserving biodiversity, the contribution of non‐protected areas in this respect has seldom been assessed. Here, we assess the suitability of non‐protected areas for a Eurasian Eagle‐owl population using long‐term monitoring data of 127 territories, together with survival and home range data from 30 radio‐tracked individuals, in order to investigate whether the demographic parameters estimated and home range size differed inside and outside protected areas. The results showed that the number of breeding territories was higher inside the protected areas and that the average home range was significantly smaller for individuals nesting inside the protected areas. However, no significant differences in survival or in the breeding performance were observed between individuals nesting in territories inside and outside the protected areas. We conclude that although protected areas are effective for maintaining breeding populations of Eurasian Eagle‐owls and their size can be considered sufficient to offer suitable protection of the foraging habitat, non‐protected areas also deliver positive outcomes for these populations.
Role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in clinical stratification in heart failure. A position paper from the Committee on Exercise Physiology and Training of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Corrà Ugo , Agostoni Pier Giuseppe , Anker Stefan D. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Crespo Leiro Maria G. , de Boer Rudolph A. , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Hill Loreena , Lainscak Mitja , Lund Lars H. , Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Riley Jillian , Seferović Petar M. , Piepoli Massimo F.
Published: September 2017

Traditionally, the main indication for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in heart failure (HF) was for the selection of candidates to heart transplantation: CPET was mainly performed in middle‐aged male patients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Today, CPET is used in broader patients' populations, including women, elderly, patients with co‐morbidities, those with preserved ejection fraction, or left ventricular assistance device recipients, i.e. individuals with different responses to incremental exercise and markedly different prognosis. Moreover, the diagnostic and prognostic utility of symptom‐limited CPET parameters derived from submaximal tests is more and more considered, since many patients are unable to achieve maximal aerobic power. Repeated tests are also being used for risk stratification and evaluation of intervention, so that these data are now available. Finally, patients, physicians and healthcare decision makers are increasingly considering how treatments might impact morbidity and quality of life rather than focusing more exclusively on hard endpoints (such as mortality) as was often the case in the past. Innovative prognostic flowcharts, with CPET at their core, that help optimize risk stratification and the selection of management options in HF patients, have been developed.
Electronic Structures of Divinylchalcogenophene‐Bridged Biruthenium Complexes: Exploring Trends from O to Te
Authors: Liu Wen‐Xia , Yan Feng , Qian Shu‐Li , Ye Jin‐Yu , Liu Xu , Yu Ming‐Xia , Wu Xiao‐Hui , Le Meng‐Lei , Zhou Zhi‐You , Liu Sheng‐Hua , Low Paul J. , Jin Shan
Published: September 2017

An homologous series of divinylchalcogenophene‐bridged binuclear ruthenium complexes [{(PMe3)3Cl(CO)Ru}2(µ‐CH=CH‐C4H2E‐CH=CH)] (4a–4d, E = O, S, Se, Te) have been synthesised and fully characterised by X‐ray crystallography and various spectroscopic techniques. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction results reveal a distinct short/long bond‐length alternation along the polyene‐like hydrocarbon backbone, with geometric constraints imposed by the chalcogenophene leading to an increasing distance between the two metal centres (dRu–Ru) in complexes 4a–4d as the heteroatom in the five‐membered ring is changed from oxygen (9.980 Å in 4a) to tellurium (11.063 Å in 4d). The complexes undergo two sequential one‐electron oxidation processes, the half‐wave potential and separation of which appear to be sensitive to a range of factors, including aromatic stabilisation and re‐organisation energies. Analysis of [4a–4d]n+ (n = 0, 1, 2) by UV/Vis/NIR and IR spectroelectrochemical methods, supported by DFT calculations (n = 0, 1), revealed that the redox character of the complexes is dominated by the polyene‐like backbone with the chalcogenide playing a subtle but influential, structural rather than electronic, role. In the radical cations [4a–4d]+, the charge is rather effectively delocalised over the 10‐atom Ru–[4‐s‐cis‐all‐trans‐(CH=CH)4]–Ru chain, giving rise to a species with spectroscopic properties not dissimilar to oxidised polyaceylene.
Acyl Donors and Additives for the Biocatalytic Friedel–Crafts Acylation
Authors: Schmidt Nina G. , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: September 2017

The Friedel–Crafts acylation is a broadly applied reaction that can be conducted using various types of catalyst. However, a biocatalytic alternative has only been reported recently. In this study, the scope of acetyl donors is described, showing that, in addition to vinyl acetate derivatives, phenyl esters are also suitable donors. Furthermore, it was found that various amines enhance the reaction, whereby the effect do not seem to be correlated to the pH but to the structure of the donor. For instance, 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) turned out to be a viable alternative to imidazole; however the former performed best at pH 9.85, whereas the latter performed best at pH 8.3.
Highly Sensitivein vitroBiosensor for EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliDetection Based on ssDNA Anchored on PtNPs‐Chitosan Nanocomposite
Authors: Kashish  , Bansal Surbhi , Jyoti Anurag , Mahato Kuldeep , Chandra Pranjal , Prakash Rajiv
Published: September 2017

Detection of EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliin various biological samples has tremendous importance in human health. In this direction, we have designed a label free electrochemical biosensor for highly selective detection ofEscherichia colithrough detecting ST gene. The ability of sensor probe to detect STGwas confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. The biosensor was fabricated based on STGspecific probes immobilized on platinum nanoparticles chitosan nanocomposite on screen printed carbon electrode, which was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, transmission electron microscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A highly sensitive label free sensing was achieved by analyzing STGhybridization using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. The EIS analysis showed a significant increase in charge transfer resistance after STGinteraction with the highly selective ssDNA probe immobilized on the nanocomposite film. The increase in charge transfer resistance was evaluated for varying concentrations of STG, which shows a dynamic range between 1.0×10−12and 1.0×10−4with the detection limit of 3.6×10−14 M (RSD<4.5 %). The regeneration of sensor probe was also studied and interference due to non‐target sequences was evaluated to ensure the selectivity of the designed sensor. The practical applicability of sensor probe was also analyzed by detecting the STGfrom the bacteria present in surface water.
Direct design method based on seismic capacity redundancy for structures with metal yielding dampers
Authors: Hao Linfei , Zhang Ruifu , Jin Kiwoong
Published: September 2017

In this study, a direct static design method for structures with metal yielding dampers is proposed based on a new design target called the seismic capacity redundancy indicator (SCRI). The proposed method is applicable to the design of elastic‐plastic damped structures by considering the influence of damper on different structural performance indicators separately without the need for iteration or nonlinear dynamic analysis. The SCRI—a quantitative measure of the seismic capacity redundancy—is defined as the ratio of the seismic demand required by the target performance limit to the design seismic demand. Changes in the structural SCRI are correlated with the parameters of the supplemental dampers so that the dampers can be directly designed according to a given target SCRI. The proposed method is illustrated through application to a 12‐story reinforced‐concrete frame, and increment dynamic analysis is performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The seismic intensity corresponding to the target structural performance limit is regarded as a measure of the structural seismic capacity. The required seismic intensity increases after the structure is equipped with the designed metal yielding dampers according to the expected SCRI. It is concluded that the proposed method is easy to implement and feasible for performance‐based design of metal yielding dampers.
Effect of combined farnesoid X receptor agonist and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker on hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Namisaki Tadashi , Moriya Kei , Kitade Mitsuteru , Takeda Kosuke , Kaji Kosuke , Okura Yasushi , Shimozato Naotaka , Sato Shinya , Nishimura Norihisa , Seki Kenichiro , Kawaratani Hideto , Takaya Hiroaki , Sawada Yasuhiko , Akahane Takemi , Saikawa Soichiro , Nakanishi Keisuke , Kubo Takuya , Furukawa Masanori , Noguchi Ryuichi , Asada Kiyoshi , Kitagawa Koh , Ozutsumi Takahiro , Tsuji Yuki , Kaya Daisuke , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: September 2017

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, a bile acid‐activated nuclear receptor, has been shown to improve the histologic features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, a satisfactory effect on hepatic fibrosis has not been achieved. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of FXR agonist and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker on hepatic fibrogenesis in rat models of NASH. For 8 weeks, two rat models of NASH were developed. Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were administered intraperitoneal injections of 1 mL/kg pig serum (PS) twice a week, whereas Fischer‐344 rats were fed a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid‐defined diet (CDAA). The in vitro and in vivo effects of an FXR agonist (INT747) and an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (losartan) on hepatic fibrogenesis were evaluated. In PS‐administered OLETF rats, INT747 and losartan had potent inhibitory effects on hepatic fibrogenesis with suppression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and expression of transforming growth factor β1 and toll‐like receptor 4. INT747 decreased intestinal permeability by ameliorating zonula occuludens‐1 disruption, whereas losartan directly suppressed activated‐HSC (Ac‐HSC) regulation. The in vitro inhibitory effects of INT747 and losartan on messenger RNA expressions of transforming growth factor β1, toll‐like receptor 4, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 and phosphorylation of nuclear factor‐κB and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 in Ac‐HSC were almost in parallel. Losartan directly inhibited the regulation of Ac‐HSC. Likewise, INT747 in combination with losartan was beneficial on hepatic fibrogenesis in rats fed with CDAA diet. The therapeutic effects of these agents were almost comparable between PS‐administered OLETF and CDAA‐treated rats. Conclusion: INT747 and losartan synergistically suppressed hepatic fibrogenesis by reversing gut barrier dysfunction and inhibiting Ac‐HSC proliferation. Combined therapy may represent a promising novel approach for NASH. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:928–945)
From schoolyard to workplace: The impact of bullying on sales and business employees' machiavellianism, job satisfaction, and perceived importance of an ethical issue
Authors: Valentine Sean , Fleischman Gary
Published: September 2017

Bullying can precipitate many negative outcomes at work, but previous research does not adequately address how such misbehavior affects employee dispositions and attitudes; how these characteristics impact ethical decision making is also underexplored. Given these research gaps, the purpose of this study is to assess (1) the impact of bullying on Machiavellianism and job satisfaction, and (2) the influences of Machiavellianism and job satisfaction on perceived ethical issue importance, a measure of ethical decision making. Three hundred eighty‐four sales and business employees working for different firms operating in the United States answered a self‐report questionnaire. The findings showed that, after accounting for social desirability bias, workplace bullying was positively associated with Machiavellianism and negatively associated with job satisfaction. Machiavellianism was negatively related to the perceived importance of an ethical issue embedded in a vignette highlighting Machiavellianism and latent bullying behaviors. In addition, job satisfaction was positively related to ethical issue importance. Finally, both Machiavellianism and job satisfaction mediated the relationship between bullying experiences and importance of an ethical issue, as evidenced by their significant indirect effects. HR professionals should minimize bullying and Machiavellianism to reduce the corrosive effect on the ethical environment and enhance work attitudes and ethical decisions.
Propelling diverse leaders to the top: A developmental network approach
Authors: Chanland Dawn E. , Murphy Wendy Marcinkus
Published: September 2017

Scholars and practitioners are making a strong business case for greater representation of women and other underrepresented groups on senior management teams and boards. A model is developed that highlights how to create optimal developmental networks—groups of developers who help advance people's careers and personal growth—that can assist in propelling diverse leaders into the upper echelons of their organizations and board positions. Several literature streams are integrated in order to identify developmental networks that will help diverse leaders overcome barriers to breaking the glass ceiling in greater numbers. Numerous strategies intended to shape diverse leaders' network structure and content are discussed, as are contextual challenges that may inhibit optimal networks' development. Lastly, theoretical and practical implications for individuals and organizations are highlighted.
Using hydrochemical, stable isotope, and river water recharge data to identify groundwater flow paths in a deeply buried karst system
Authors: Qin Dajun , Zhao Zhanfeng , Guo Yi , Liu Wencai , Haji Muhammed , Wang Xiaohong , Xin Baodong , Li Yu , Yang Yong
Published: September 2017

The deeply buried river‐connected Xishan karst aquifer (XKA) in western Beijing, China, has been suffering from diminishing recharge for several decades, which in turn leads to the disappearing of spring water outflows and continuously lowering of groundwater level in the area. Thus, it is important to correctly recognize the groundwater recharge and flow paths for the sustainable development of the XKA. To investigate these issues, the hydrochemical and isotopic compositions are analysed for both surface water and groundwater samples collected over an area of about 280 km2. Results show that (a) the river water is characterized by high Na contents; (b) the δ2H and δ18O values in the river water are distinctively higher than those of groundwater samples, after experiencing the long‐time evaporative enrichment in the upstream reservoir; (c) the Sr concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of groundwater clearly indicated the interaction between water and carbonate minerals but excluded the water–silicate interaction; and (d) the groundwater samples in the direct recharge area of the XKA have the lowest Na concentrations and the δ2H and δ18O values. Based on the large differences in the Na contents and 18O values of groundwater and surface water, a simple two‐component mixing model is developed for the study area and the fractions of the river water are estimated for groundwater samples. We find that the distribution pattern of the river water fractions in the XKA clearly shows a change of directions in the preferential flow path of the groundwater from its source zone to the discharge area. Overall, our results suggest that the recharged surface water can be a useful evidence for delineating the groundwater flow path in river‐connected karst aquifer. This study improves our understanding of the heterogeneity in karst groundwater systems.
Building Background Knowledge Through Reading: Rethinking Text Sets
Authors: Lupo Sarah M. , Strong John Z. , Lewis William , Walpole Sharon , McKenna Michael C.
Published: September 2017

To increase reading volume and help students access challenging texts, the authors propose a four‐dimensional framework for text sets. The quad text set framework is designed around a target text: a challenging content area text, such as a canonical literary work, research article, or historical primary source document. The three remaining dimensions include visual texts (e.g., a video, pictures), informational texts to build students’ background knowledge and vocabulary, and an accessible young adult novel or current events article to help students engage with the topic. Working together, these texts can build students’ background knowledge, make the target text accessible to students, and also allow them to synthesize information across sources. The authors suggest that quad text sets are useful in English, science, and social studies classrooms.
Raman spectroscopy for accurately characterizing biomolecular changes in androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells
Authors: Corsetti Stella , Rabl Thomas , McGloin David , Nabi Ghulam
Published: September 2017

Metastatic prostate cancer resistant to hormonal manipulation is considered the advanced stage of the disease and leads to most cancer‐related mortality. With new research focusing on modulating cancer growth, it is essential to understand the biochemical changes in cells that can then be exploited for drug discovery and for improving responsiveness to treatment. Raman spectroscopy has a high chemical specificity and can be used to detect and quantify molecular changes at the cellular level. Collection of large data sets generated from biological samples can be employed to form discriminatory algorithms for detection of subtle and early changes in cancer cells. The present study describes Raman finger printing of normal and metastatic hormone‐resistant prostate cancer cells including analyses with principal component analysis and linear discrimination. Amino acid‐specific signals were identified, especially loss of arginine band. Androgen‐resistant prostate cancer cells presented a higher content of phenylalanine, tyrosine, DNA and Amide III in comparison to PNT2 cells, which possessed greater amounts of L‐arginine and had a B conformation of DNA. The analysis utilized in this study could reliably differentiate the 2 cell lines (sensitivity 95%; specificity 88%).
The Prevalence of Vertebral Fractures Is Associated With Reduced Hip Bone Density and Inferior Peripheral Appendicular Volumetric Bone Density and Structure in Older Women
Authors: Johansson Lisa , Sundh Daniel , Zoulakis Michael , Rudäng Robert , Darelid Anna , Brisby Helena , Nilsson Anna G , Mellström Dan , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: September 2017

Vertebral fractures (VFs) are among the most severe and prevalent osteoporotic fractures. Their association with bone microstructure have been investigated in several retrospective case-control studies with spine radiography for diagnosis of VF. The aim of this population-based cross-sectional study of 1027 women aged 75 to 80 years was to investigate if prevalent VF, identified by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), was associated with appendicular volumetric bone density, structure, and bone material strength index (BMSi), independently of hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD). aBMD was measured using DXA (Discovery; Hologic); BMSi with microindentation (Osteoprobe); and bone geometry, volumetric BMD, and microstructure with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) (XtremeCT; Scanco Medical AG). aBMD was lower (spine 3.2%, total hip [TH] 3.8%) at all sites in women with VF, but tibia BMSi did not differ significantly compared to women without VF. In multivariable adjusted logistic regression models, radius trabecular bone volume fraction and tibia cortical area (odds ratio [OR] 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.06 to 1.49]; and OR 1.27 [95% CI, 1.08 to 1.49], respectively) were associated with VF prevalence, whereas BMSi and cortical porosity were not. The risk of having one, two, or more than two VFs was increased 1.27 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.54), 1.83 (95% CI, 1.28 to 2.61), and 1.78 (95% CI, 1.03 to 3.09) times, respectively, for each SD decrease in TH aBMD. When including either cortical area, trabecular bone volume fraction or TBS in the model together with TH aBMD and covariates, only TH aBMD remained independently associated with presence of any VF. In conclusion, TH aBMD was consistently associated with prevalent VFA-verified VF, whereas neither trabecular bone volume fraction, cortical area, cortical porosity, nor BMSi were independently associated with VF in older women. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Procaine is a specific DNA methylation inhibitor with anti‐tumor effect for human gastric cancer
Authors: Li Yong‐Chao , Wang Yun , Li Dan‐Dan , Zhang Ying , Zhao Tian‐Cheng , Li Chang‐Feng
Published: September 2017

DNA hypermethylation and the silencing of tumor suppressor genes caused by DNA hypermethylation is considered as a molecular hallmark of many kinds of cancers. Procaine, a local anesthetic, has been shown as a potential DNA methylation inhibitor in some types of cancers. However, the influence of procaine on DNA methylation regulation as well as the biological function in gastric cancer is still unknown. We report here that procaine represses the DNA‐methylation level and promotes the proliferation arrest and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Global DNA methylation measurement demonstrates that procaine significantly reduces the global DNA methylation level. Analyses of the DNMTs expression and activity show procaine represses the activity, but not the expression, of DNMT1/DNMT3A. Further evidence on specific genes shows that procaine reduces the DNA methylation level in the promoter regions of CDKN2A and RARβ genes through abrogating the binding of DNMT1/DNMT3A toward these regions. This repression would not be reversed by the overexpression of DNMT1/DNMT3A. Moreover, RT‐qPCR and luciferase report assays demonstrate that procaine leads to the upregulation of CDKN2A and RARβ due to the activation of the promoter of these genes. In the end, we test the function of procaine toward gastric cancer cells and find that procaine has the growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducement effect toward gastric cancer cells. Collectively, our data not only uncovers the regulation mechanisms of procaine to DNA methylation but also suggests an anti‐tumor potential of procaine specific to the gastric carcinoma and provides a new therapeutic strategy for gastric carcinoma.
Long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma development via microRNA‐125b/STAT3 axis
Authors: Chang Shi‐Min , Hu Wei‐Wei
Published: September 2017

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as the most common type of oral cancer, is responsible for almost 3% of all malignant tumors worldwide. Non‐coding RNAs such as lncRNAs and microRNAs have been involved in many cancers including OSCC. Recently, lncRNA metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript‐1 (MALAT1) has been reported to play an oncogenic role in OSCC metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism of MALAT1 in regulating OSCC progression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific role of MALAT1 in OSCC development. It was observed that MALAT1 was upregulated in OSCC cell lines. Inhibition of MALAT1 can prevent OSCC proliferation while overexpressing MALAT1 promoted OSCC progression. In addition, bioinformatics search was used to identify that miR‐125b was a direct target of MALAT1, which indicated a negative correlation between MALAT1 and miR‐125b. Besides these, STAT3 was predicted as a binding target of miR‐125b in OSCC. Overexpression of MALAT1 was able to suppress the tumor inhibitory effect of miR‐125b mimics via upregulating STAT3. Moreover, the function of MALAT1 in OSCC development was further investigated by using in vivo assays. The established nude mice models revealed that downregulated MALAT1 greatly inhibited OSCC tumor growth and reversely upregualated MALAT1 promoted OSCC development via miR‐125b/STAT3 axis, respectively. In conclusion, MALAT1 can function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to modulate STAT3 expression by absorbing miR‐125b in OSCC and could be used as a novel therapeutic target in OSCC diagnosis and treatment.
Anti‐osteoporosis activity of Sanguinarine in preosteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells and an ovariectomized rat model
Authors: Zhang Fuzhan , Xie Jile , Wang Genlin , Zhang Ge , Yang Huilin
Published: September 2017

Sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine alkaloid, has been previously demonstrated to exert antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐tumor activities. A previous study has identified Sanguinarine as a potential drug candidate for osteoporosis treatment by computational bioinformatics analysis. This study further evaluated the effects of Sanguinarine on the differentiation of murine preosteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells and its anti‐osteoporosis activity in an ovarietomized rat model. Sanguinarine treatment (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 µm) of MC3T3‐E1 cells significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the phoshporalyation of AMP‐activated protein kinase α subunit (AMPKα), but did not affect cell proliferation. The induction effects of Sanguinarine treatment (2 µm) on ALP activity, AMPKα phosphorylation, Smad1 phosphorylation, and the expression of three osteoblast differentiation‐regulators (bone morphogenetic protein 2 [BMP2], osterix [OSX], and osteoprotegerin [OPG]) were partially reversed by Compound C treatment. More importantly, Sanguinarine treatment promoted bone tissue growth in an ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporosis rat model as evaluated by histological examination, micro‐CT analysis, and serum parameter detection. In conclusion, these results indicate that Sanguinarine induces the differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells through the activation of the AMPK/Smad1 signaling pathway. Sanguinarine can stimulate bone growth in vivo and may be an effective drug for osteoporosis treatment.
Pulmonary hypertension: Molecular aspects of current therapeutic intervention and future direction
Authors: Arora Taruna K. , Arora Amit K. , Sachdeva Monika K. , Rajput Satyendra K. , Sharma Arun K.
Published: September 2017

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life‐threatening lung disorder with towering prevalence and risk for future has been gradually rising worldwide. Even, no specific medications are available for pulmonary hypertension; various classes of treatment based upon the origin and magnitude of hypertension are still used for the treatment of PH. Consideration of molecular or signaling modulation is the imperative approach that can offer a new notion for prevalent pharmacotherapeutic agents. Instead of concurrent targets, including endothelin receptor antagonists (ETA/ETB), phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDF‐5), calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, diuretics, and long acting prostacyclin analog, recent scientific reports revealed the numerous potential alternative therapeutic approaches that can significantly target the pathological signaling alteration associated with PH. Understanding precise molecular cascade involved in PH can be useful for designing preclinical animal experiments and human clinical trials to evaluate target specific novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of PH. In this review, we discussed the possible molecular signaling involved in the pathogenesis of PH and detailed account of the current status of medications employed for the treatment of PH. Moreover, the newly identified potential target sites and alternative approaches for treating the PH have been discussed.
FAM20C regulates osteoblast behaviors and intracellular signaling pathways in a cell‐autonomous manner
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Hua , Jani Priyam , Wang Xiaofang , Lu Yongbo , Li Nan , Xiao Jing , Qin Chunlin
Published: September 2017

Recent studies indicate that Family with sequence similarity 20 member C (FAM20C) catalyzes the phosphorylation of secreted proteins, and participates in a variety of biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, mineralization, and phosphate homeostasis. To explore the local influences of FAM20C on osteoblast, Fam20c‐deficient osteoblasts were generated by treating the immortalized Fam20cf/f osteoblasts with CMV‐Cre‐IRES‐EGFP lentivirus. Compared with the normal Fam20cf/f osteoblasts, the expression of Bone sialoprotein (Bsp), Osteocalcin (Ocn), Fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23), and transcription factors that promote osteoblast maturation were up‐regulated in the Fam20c‐deficient osteoblasts. In contrast, the expression of Dental matrix protein 1 (Dmp1), Dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp), Osteopontin (Opn), type I Collagen a 1 (Col1a1), and Alkine phosphatase (Alp) were down‐regulated in the Fam20c‐deficient cells. These alterations disclosed the primary regulation of Fam20c on gene expression. The Fam20c‐deficient osteoblasts showed a remarkable reduction in the ability of forming mineralized nodules. However, supplements of extracellular matrix proteins extracted from the normal bone failed to rescue the reduced mineralization, suggesting that FAM20C may affect the biomineralization by the means more than local phosphorylation of extracellular matrix proteins and systemic phosphorus homeostasis. Moreover, although Fam20c deficiency had little impact on cell proliferation, it significantly reduced cell migration and lowered the levels of p‐Smad1/5/8, p‐Erk and p‐p38, suggesting that the kinase activity of FAM20C might be essential to cell mobility and the activity of BMP ligands. In summary, these findings provide evidences that FAM20C may regulate osteoblast maturation, migration, mineralization, and BMP signaling pathways in a cell‐autonomous manner.
Kinetic characterization of Scenedesmus quadricauda under low irradiation conditions
Authors: Buitrón Germán , Figueroa‐González Ivonne , Quijano Guilllermo
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The kinetic parameters of a model culture of Scenedesmus quadricauda were assessed under low light irradiation conditions. A simple and reliable method was developed for the kinetic characterization, which avoided CO2 mass transfer limitations and allowed the retrieval of accurate kinetic data. Biomass and oxygen yields were also assessed.

RESULTS

A maximum specific CO2 uptake rate of 0.015 ± 0.002 gCO2 g‐1VS h‐1 and half‐saturation constant of 91 ± 13 gCO2 mLiq‐3 were determined for S. quadricauda at a light intensity of 30 µmol m‐2 s‐1 at 25 °C. The biomass and oxygen yields ranged from 0.045–0.137 g VS g‐1CO2 and 0.211–0.505 gO2 g‐1CO2, respectively, both parameters being dependent on the initial CO2 concentration used.

CONCLUSION

A simple and reliable methodology for the kinetic characterization of microalgal cultures was developed and tested. It was demonstrated that the maximum specific CO2 uptake rate of S. quadricauda at 30 µmol m‐2 s‐1 was higher than previous values reported for Scenedesmus cultures exposed to light intensities up to 4.5 times higher but limited by CO2 mass transfer. The methodology and results obtained are useful for determining whether or not to implement a given microalgal‐based process under low irradiance conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced succinic acid production from polyacrylamide‐pretreated cane molasses in microbial electrolysis cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Li Huanhuan , Feng Jiao , Zhang Alei , Ying Hanxiao , He Xun , Jiang Min , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are bioelectrochemical reactors in which chemical energy stored in organic compounds is converted to hydrogen through biocatalytic oxidation by microorganisms. This study is the first to report on the practical application of an electric MEC bioreactor to succinic acid anaerobic fed‐batch fermentation from polyacrylamide‐pretreated cane molasses by Actinobacillus succinogenes (130Z).

RESULTS

When molasses was used as the carbon source with an initial sugar concentration of 15 g L‐1, the succinic acid concentration was 22.4% higher in electric MECs than in non‐electric MECs. However, the high molasses concentration inhibited the function of MECs. Nevertheless, anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) pretreatment of molasses was noted to be effective for succinic acid production in MECs even at an initial sugar concentration of 75 g L‐1. Therefore, fed‐batch fermentation of APAM‐pretreated cane molasses with electric MECs at −1.0 V was performed, and a succinic acid concentration of 83.67 g L‐1 and productivity of 1.743 g L‐1 h‐1 were obtained, which were 20.7% and 505% higher than those achieved in non‐electric MECs and without pretreated molasses in MECs, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The succinic acid concentration is significantly increased in electric MECs. Polyacrylamide treatment strategy can resolve the inhibition of high molasses concentration to succinic acid production in MECs and might be an effective method for improvement of chemical production from high hydrolysate content using MECs. Fed‐batch fermentation with polyacrylamide‐pretreated cane molasses in electric MECs is noted to be ideal to achieve further increase in succinic acid concentration and yield. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the effect of four final irrigation protocols on root canal dentin components by polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Baldasso Flávia Emi Razera , Cardoso Luana Roleto , Silva Vinicius Duval da , Morgental Renata Dornelles , Kopper Patrícia Maria Poli
Published: September 2017

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of four endodontic chelating agents, followed by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), as final irrigation regimens on organic and inorganic components of human root dentin. Sixty mandibular incisors were prepared and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): QMiX, 1% peracetic acid (PA), 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid (CA), 2.5% NaOCl (solution control) and distilled water (DW‐negative control). After irrigation with the chelating agents, a final flush was performed with 2.5% NaOCl. The specimens were split longitudinally in halves; one was designated for organic component analysis by polarized light microscopy (PLM) and the other for inorganic structure analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Scores data obtained in the PLM analysis were submitted to Kruskal‐Wallis' test, followed by Dunn's test (p < .05). SEM findings were presented descriptively. NaOCl and DW groups showed uniformity in the fibrillar network and smear layer obliterating the dentinal tubules, while CA group presented alteration in organic and inorganic components of dentin. EDTA group did not show differences from others in the organic component, but altered the inorganic structure. QMiX and PA groups did not cause a significant morphological alteration in collagen and removed the smear layer without inorganic structure modification. As final irrigation, QMiX and PA solutions, followed by 2.5% NaOCl, showed better behavior than the other chelating agents tested, preserving organic and inorganic components of human root dentin.
Voxel‐by‐voxel 4D flow MRI‐based assessment of regional reverse flow in the aorta
Authors: Shen Xin , Schnell Susanne , Barker Alex J. , Suwa Kenichiro , Tashakkor Lingzi , Jarvis Kelly , Carr James C. , Collins Jeremy D. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Markl Michael
Published: September 2017

Background

Complex and reverse flow in the aorta has been implicated in aneurysm development and stroke via retrograde embolization.

Purpose

To evaluate global and regional differences between standard 2D plane‐based and volumetric voxel‐based quantification of regional forward/reverse flow, and reverse flow fraction (RFF) in the aorta.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 35 subjects: 10 healthy controls (age: 57 ± 7 years, nine male), nine patients without aortic valve regurgitation (AR) (age: 63 ± 10 years, seven male), six patients with mild AR (age: 66 ± 6 years, five male), and 10 with moderate or severe AR (age: 60 ± 16 years, eight male).

Field Strength/Sequence

4D flow MRI (3T and 1.5T) was employed to acquire 3D blood flow velocities with entire thoracic aorta in all subjects.

Assessment

Data analysis included standard 2D plane‐based quantification of forward/reverse flow, and RFF‐plane. In addition, a new semiautomatic workflow based on 3D segmentation and extraction of an aorta centerline was developed for voxel‐by‐voxel visualization (forward/reverse flow and RFF‐voxel maps) and quantification of regional voxel‐by‐voxel forward/reverse flow in the entire thoracic aorta.

Statistical Tests

Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed to test for differences between groups. A two‐sample t‐test or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare voxel‐based and plane‐based results.

Results

Semiautomatic plane‐based analysis showed excellent agreement with standard manual plane‐based analysis for net flow and RFF‐plane (RFF‐plane: y = 0.99x‐0.0, net flow: y = 1.00x‐0.21, R > 0.99, P < 0.0001). Voxel‐by‐voxel maps demonstrated marked regional flow reversal in the ascending aorta in all patients and RFF‐voxel was significantly increased (P < 0.001) compared to RFF‐plane for all four groups, with the most pronounced differences for mild AR (18.0 ± 15.2% vs. 4.7 ± 5.4%). Voxel‐based flow and RFF‐voxel along the aorta showed areas with marked regional flow reversal (eg, vortex flow) compared to plane‐based analysis.

Data Conclusion

Voxel‐based analysis demonstrated regional flow reversal that was not detected by plane‐based analysis.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1276–1286.
Pressure correction for the computation of nitrate concentrations in seawater using an in situ ultraviolet spectrophotometer
Authors: Sakamoto Carole M. , Johnson Kenneth S. , Coletti Luke J. , Jannasch Hans W.
Published: September 2017

The most accurate calculation of nitrate concentration from the ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum of seawater requires that the absorption signal due to bromide in seawater be removed before nitrate concentrations are computed. Recent work suggests that the UV absorption spectrum of bromide in seawater has a pressure dependence. Neglect of this signal could add a bias when nitrate concentrations at high pressure are computed from UV measurements. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the pressure dependence of the bromide absorption in seawater. Our results confirm the existence of a pressure coefficient in the bromide spectrum. The percentage change in bromide molar absorptivity is wavelength and temperature independent. The effect of pressure on the absorptivity of sea salt (ESW), which is dominated by bromide ion, can therefore be calculated as
The correction amounts to an error of around 0.95 μM nitrate at 1000 dbar. The pressure correction should be used in the calculations of nitrate concentrations from UV absorption spectra at high pressures.
Environmental peer pressure: CD4+ T cell help in tolerance and transplantation
Authors: Tedesco Dana , Grakoui Arash
Published: September 2017

The liver participates in a multitude of metabolic functions that are critical for sustaining human life. Despite constant encounters with antigenic‐rich intestinal blood, oxidative stress, and metabolic intermediates, there is no appreciable immune response. Interestingly, patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation benefit from a high rate of graft acceptance in comparison to other solid organ transplant recipients. In fact, cotransplantation of a donor liver in tandem with a rejection‐prone graft increases the likelihood of graft acceptance. A variety of players may account for this phenomenon including the interaction of intrahepatic antigen‐presenting cells with CD4+ T cells and the preferential induction of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression on CD4+ T cells following injurious stimuli. Ineffective insult management can cause chronic liver disease, which manifests systemically as the following: antibody‐mediated disorders, ineffective antiviral and antibacterial immunity, and gastrointestinal disorders. These sequelae sharing the requirement of CD4+ T cell help to coordinate aberrant immune responses. In this review, we will focus on CD4+ T cell help due to the shared requirements in hepatic tolerance and coordination of extrahepatic immune responses. Overall, intrahepatic deviations from steady state can have deleterious systemic immune outcomes and highlight the liver's remarkable capacity to maintain a balance between tolerance and inflammatory response while simultaneously being inundated with a panoply of antigenic stimuli. Liver Transplantation 24 89–97 2018 AASLD.
TNFAIP8 regulates Hippo pathway through interacting with LATS1 to promote cell proliferation and invasion in lung cancer
Authors: Han Yong , Tang ZhongPing , Zhao Yue , Li Qingchang , Wang Enhua
Published: September 2017

TNFAIP8 is associated with prognosis of several human malignancies. However, the molecular mechanism of TNFAIP8 in lung cancer remains unknown. In our study, we found TNFAIP8 could enhance TEAD luciferase activity and inhibits the activity of Hippo pathway. TNFAIP8 also increased cyclin D1, CDK6, and decreased p27 in lung cancer cells. In addition, TNFAIP8 increased total YAP protein and promoted nuclear localization of YAP. More importantly, YAP depletion blocked the role of TNFAIP8 on cell cycle‐related proteins and TEAD luciferase activity, revealing that TNFAIP8 regulates Hippo pathway in a YAP‐dependend manner. Further experiments identified that TNFAIP8 depletion enhanced LATS1 phosphorylation and TNFAIP8 overexpression decreased phosphorylated LAST1 level. LATS1 siRNA treatment reversed the effects of TNFAIP8 plasmid or siRNA on cell cycle proteins. Besides, immunofluorescence and co‐immunoprecipitation demonstrated the interaction between TNFAIP8 and LATS1 in H460 and H1299 cells, suggesting that TNFAIP8 regulates Hippo signaling through its interaction with LATS1. Colony formation assays and transwell assays showed that YAP or LATS1 depletion reversed the positive effect of TNFAIP8 on cell proliferation and invasion. TNFAIP8 overexpression could increase MMP‐7 and TNFAIP8 depletion could decrease MMP‐7 at both protein and mRNA levels, without significant changes of E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, and Vimentin. Collectively, the present study provides a novel finding that TNFAIP8 regulates Hippo pathway through interacting with LATS1 to promote cell proliferation and invasion in lung cancer. TNFAIP8 may serve as a candidate biomarker for poor prognosis and a target for new therapies.
A posteriori error analysis for solving the Navier‐Stokes problem and convection‐diffusion equation
Authors: Agroum Rahma
Published: September 2017

In this article, we consider the finite element discretization of the Navier‐Stokes problem coupled with convection‐diffusion equations where both the viscosity and the diffusion coefficients depend on the temperature. Existence and uniqueness of a solution are established. We prove a posteriori error estimates.
Media attention regarding sudden cardiac death associated with domperidone use does not affect in hospital ECG recording
Authors: Berger Florine , Saâïd Selma , van Gelder Teun , Stricker Bruno , Becker Matthijs , van den Bemt Patricia
Published: September 2017

Purpose

In March 2013, regulatory warnings concerning the potential risks of domperidone caused considerable media attention in the Netherlands. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of regulatory warnings and the resulting media hype on the frequency of electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring of inpatients using domperidone. We also studied the effect on the frequency of prescribing domperidone by physicians.

Methods

A 2‐centre, observational, retrospective cohort study was performed. Inpatients using domperidone in 2 hospitals in the Netherlands during a period of 384 days before and after the media hype were included.

The main outcomes were (1) the proportion of domperidone users with ECGs before and/or during domperidone treatment, (2) the proportion of patients with an ECG before and during treatment, and (3) the proportion of patients with an ECG during treatment. Secondary outcome was the proportion of domperidone prescriptions comparing the before‐ and after‐period.

Results

Four hundred twenty‐eight patients were included. The main outcomes [respectively (1) relative risk (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85‐1.21; (2) RR 1.06, 95% CI, 0.60‐1.85; and (3) RR 1.27, 95% CI, 0.80‐2.01) were not different. After stratifying for hospital, no significant differences were found. A statistically significant decrease (RR 0.40, 95% CI, 0.35‐0.45) in numbers of prescriptions was found for the university medical centre only.

Conclusions

No effect of the media hype was found on the intensity of ECG monitoring in domperidone users. In the university medical centre, domperidone prescriptions were reduced.