bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking back and moving forward: Evaluating and advancing translation from animal models to human studies of early life stress and DNA methylation
Authors: Watamura Sarah Enos , Roth Tania L.
Published: November 2018

Advances in epigenetic methodologies have deepened theoretical explanations of mechanisms linking early life stress (ELS) and disease outcomes and suggest promising targets for intervention. To date, however, human studies have not capitalized on the richness of diverse animal models to derive and systematically evaluate specific and testable hypotheses. To promote cross‐species dialog and scientific advance, here we provide a classification scheme to systematically evaluate the match between characteristics of human and animal studies of ELS and DNA methylation. Three preclinical models were selected that are highly cited, and that differ in the nature and severity of the ELS manipulation as well as in the affected epigenetic loci (the licking and grooming, maternal separation, and caregiver maltreatment models). We evaluated the degree to which human studies matched these preclinical models with respect to the timing of ELS and of DNA methylation assessment, as well as the type of ELS, whether sex differences were explicitly examined, the tissue sampled, and the targeted loci. Results revealed <50% match (range of 8–83%) between preclinical models and human work on these variables. Immediate and longer‐term suggestions to improve translational specificity are offered, with the goal of accelerating scientific advance.
Habitat selection by the European hare in arable landscapes: The importance of small‐scale habitat structure for conservation
Authors: Mayer Martin , Ullmann Wiebke , Sunde Peter , Fischer Christina , Blaum Niels
Published: November 2018

Agricultural land‐use practices have intensified over the last decades, leading to population declines of various farmland species, including the European hare (Lepus europaeus). In many European countries, arable fields dominate agricultural landscapes. Compared to pastures, arable land is highly variable, resulting in a large spatial variation of food and cover for wildlife over the course of the year, which potentially affects habitat selection by hares. Here, we investigated within‐home‐range habitat selection by hares in arable areas in Denmark and Germany to identify habitat requirements for their conservation. We hypothesized that hare habitat selection would depend on local habitat structure, that is, vegetation height, but also on agricultural field size, vegetation type, and proximity to field edges. Active hares generally selected for short vegetation (1–25 cm) and avoided higher vegetation and bare ground, especially when fields were comparatively larger. Vegetation >50 cm potentially restricts hares from entering parts of their home range and does not provide good forage, the latter also being the case on bare ground. The vegetation type was important for habitat selection by inactive hares, with fabaceae, fallow, and maize being selected for, potentially providing both cover and forage. Our results indicate that patches of shorter vegetation could improve the forage quality and habitat accessibility for hares, especially in areas with large monocultures. Thus, policymakers should aim to increase areas with short vegetation throughout the year. Further, permanent set‐asides, like fallow and wildflower areas, would provide year‐round cover for inactive hares. Finally, the reduction in field sizes would increase the density of field margins, and farming different crop types within small areas could improve the habitat for hares and other farmland species.
Consequences of swamp forest fragmentation on assemblages of vascular epiphytes and climbing plants: Evaluation of the metacommunity structure
Authors: Pincheira‐Ulbrich Jimmy , Hernández Cristián E. , Saldaña Alfredo
Published: November 2018

Aim

Habitat reduction in fragmented landscapes provides an opportunity to study the biogeographic patterns that drive changes in diversity in poorly studied metacommunities. In this study, colonization–extinction dynamics were indirectly evaluated through the analysis of the species–area relationship and the nestedness of vascular epiphytes and climbing plants in 30 swamp forest fragments.

Location

Coast of the Araucanía Region in Chile.

Taxon

Vascular epiphytes (16 species, mainly Pteridophytes) and climbing plants (15 species).

Methods

We used the database in Pincheira‐Ulbrich et al. (New Zealand Journal of Botany, 54, 2016, 458), where 904 trees were sampled and a total abundance of 41,097 fern fronds and 3,098 climbing stems were reported. For the species–area relationship, a simple linear regression model (SLR) and two models that consider the spatial autocorrelation of species richness among fragments, generalized least squares (GLS) and simultaneous autoregressive model (SAR), were compared. For the species nestedness, the nestedness measure based on overlap and decreasing fills (NODF) and weighted nestedness metric based on overlap and decreasing fill (WNODF) indexes were used on presence–absence and abundance matrices, respectively. These matrices were sorted by area size and distance from the largest fragment and then contrasted with the probability distribution of a randomized null model based on 10,000 simulations.

Results

The results showed that the area size had a significantly positive effect on epiphyte species richness, while spatial autocorrelation played a fundamental role in explaining the richness of climbing plants. Both metacommunities had a general nestedness structure in terms of species incidence, which was determined first by area size and secondly by isolation.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that local colonization processes determined by species’ dispersal capacities could be the predominant mechanism for the spatial configuration of climbing plant species composition. On the other hand, selective extinction determined by patch size could characterize the spatial structure of epiphyte species’ composition.
Temporal variation in pollination services to Cucurbita moschata is determined by bee gender and diversity
Authors: Delgado‐Carrillo Oliverio , Martén‐Rodríguez Silvana , Ashworth Lorena , Aguilar Ramiro , Lopezaraiza‐Mikel Martha , Quesada Mauricio
Published: November 2018

It has been proposed that species‐rich insect communities and species turnover across landscapes enhance the pollination efficiency of crops through complementarity, where both the dominant and less abundant species contribute to reaching a yield threshold from pollination. Alternatively, fluctuations in the most abundant pollinator species, rather than changes in species richness, may drive temporal variation in pollination services. In this study, we used Cucurbita moschata as a model to investigate temporal variation in pollinator communities in a Mexican tropical dry forest region. We sampled floral visitors in the coastal region of Jalisco during the wet and dry seasons and determined the pollination efficiency of all floral visitors. Our results showed that there was temporal variation in the pollinator community and in the pollination efficiency of the main pollinators of Cucurbita moschata crops. In the wet season, native bees of the genus Peponapis were the most frequent and effective pollinators of C. moschata, whereas in the dry season, Peponapis bees were scarce and Apis mellifera became the most frequent floral visitor. Apis mellifera transfers smaller pollen loads than Peponapis, but it provides an effective pollination service in conjunction with other native bees during the dry season. There was also an interaction between flower gender and pollinator species, where A. mellifera had higher visitation rate to female C. moschata flowers, and Peponapis bees to staminate flowers. Mean visitation rate by Peponapis female bees was 17 times higher than visitation rate by male bees. This is the first report of a vis‐à‐vis relationship of pollinator gender with respect to plant gender in which plants of the genus Cucurbita that produce unisexual staminate and pistillate flowers are differentially visited by Peponapis male and female bees, where females are the main pollinators. Understanding the temporal variation in pollinator communities and the contribution of the different species of pollinators to the reproductive success of different crop species and varieties can be crucial to maintaining pollination services under the current global pollination crisis.
Different cutting regimes improve species and functional diversity of insect‐pollinated plants in power‐line clearings
Authors: Steinert Mari , Moe Stein R. , Sydenham Markus A. K. , Eldegard Katrine
Published: November 2018

To mitigate biodiversity loss, it is essential to understand how areas altered by human land use can act as alternative habitats for functional groups of species, which are in decline. In forested landscapes, power‐line clearings can be valuable habitats for early successional plant species, which in turn provide important food resources for pollinating insects. However, we know little about how management practices affect plant diversity, or how changes in species diversity translate into the functional diversity of floral resources. We conducted an experiment at 19 sites in power‐line clearings across southeast Norway where the woody vegetation was (1) cut and left to decay, (2) cut and removed, or (3) uncut. We assessed the effects of treatments on species diversity (richness, evenness, diversity) and functional diversity (functional evenness, functional dispersion) of understory plant communities of insect‐pollinated plants. We also investigated the influence of environmental conditions within the power‐line clearings, the surrounding landscape, and climatic factors on species and functional diversity. We found that the cut and cut–remove treatments were effective in increasing biological diversity of insect‐pollinated plants. The species and functional diversity showed contrasting responses to treatments, and the treatment effects depended on the environmental context. This shows that ecosystem functioning is not necessarily predictable from the ecological processes that drive species composition. The treatment effects on species diversity were partly explained by the stress‐gradient hypothesis; species richness was higher in the cleared plots in areas of low environmental stress from precipitation and elevation. In contrast, the treatment effects on functional diversity were positively influenced by productivity, stem density, temperature, available source habitats, elevation, and canopy density. Functional diversity, based on effect traits, should be emphasized when the aim is to maintain a broad range of pollination functions and services in power‐line clearings. This study shows that inclusion of power‐line clearings in conservation plans can mitigate biodiversity decline in forested landscapes. We recommend the cut–remove treatment in productive areas with available source habitats and high stem density. In low productive areas, with high stem density and high temperatures, the standard cut treatment is sufficient, but a higher cutting frequency is recommended.
ReI Complexes of Pyridylphosphinines and 2,2′‐Bipyridine Derivatives: A Comparison
Authors: Loibl Antonia , Weber Manuela , Lutz Martin , Müller Christian
Published: November 2018

The coordination chemistry of 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐4,6‐diarylphosphinines towards ReI has been investigated and compared to the structurally analogous 2,2′‐bipyridine derivatives. The different steric properties of the chelating pyridylphosphinines with respect to substituted bipyridines lead to considerable differences in the structures of the mononuclear [(P^N)Re(CO)3X] and [(N^N)Re(CO)3X] (X = Cl, Br) complexes, both in the solid state and in solution. The phosphinine‐based coordination compounds are highly sensitive towards nucleophilic attack and react reversibly with water at the P=C double bond.
High‐Performance 3D Pinecone‐Like LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shao Yijia , Huang Bin , Lu Zhiyuan , Liu Yanchen , Meng Xiangbo , Du Li , Song Huiyu , Liao Shijun
Published: November 2018

A high‐performance LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode with a uniform pinecone‐like morphology is reported, which is prepared by a solvothermal process, using urea to tune the pH of a mixed solvent of ethylene glycol and water, and a subsequent calcination process. The material has uniform, well‐defined pinecone‐like particles with lengths of 3–4 μm and widths of 1–2 μm. It exhibits a significantly enhanced cathodic performance in a Li‐ion battery, with a reversible discharging capacity of up to 199 mAh g−1 when it is charged to 4.6 V at a charge/discharge rate of 0.2 C and of 159.2 mAh g−1 at a rate of 2 C. After 100 charge/discharge cycles, the capacity retention is 91%, demonstrating its superior capacity and stability in comparison with a sample prepared via the coprecipitation method. The cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy results reveal that the pinecone‐like LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 material has markedly lower polarization and lower resistance to the migration of lithium ions than the coprecipitation sample. The material's high performance, especially its outstanding capacity at a high discharge rate and its significantly enhanced cyclability, makes the synthesized pinecone‐like LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 a promising high‐performance cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries.
The effect of a small vegetation dieback event on salt marsh sediment transport
Authors: Coleman Daniel J. , Kirwan Matthew L.
Published: November 2018

Vegetation is a critical component of the ecogeomorphic feedbacks that allow a salt marsh to build soil and accrete vertically. Vegetation dieback can therefore have detrimental effects on marsh stability, especially under conditions of rising sea levels. Here, we report a variety of sediment transport measurements associated with an unexpected, natural dieback in a rapidly prograding marsh in the Altamaha River Estuary, Georgia. We find that vegetation mortality led to a significant loss in elevation at the dieback site as evidenced by measurements of vertical accretion, erosion, and surface topography compared to vegetated reference areas. Below‐ground vegetation mortality led to reduced soil shear strength. The dieback site displayed an erosional, concave‐up topographic profile, in contrast to the reference sites. At the location directly impacted by the dieback, there was a reduction in flood dominance of suspended sediment concentration. Our work illustrates how a vegetation disturbance can at least temporarily reverse the local trajectory of a prograding marsh and produce complex patterns of sediment transport. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dunefield geoarchaeology at White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA: Site formation, resource use, and dunefield dynamics
Authors: Worman F. Scott , Kurota Alexander , Hogan Patrick
Published: November 2018

A recent reconnaissance survey at White Sands National Monument highlighted the importance of understanding the unique geology of the gypsum dunefield in order to interpret the archaeological record. Our geoarchaeological studies, carried out in conjunction with that survey and follow‐up excavations, generated insights into site formation processes, the timing of past occupations, the landscape context of sites, and the resource procurement strategies of the people who visited the dunefield during the past several millennia. Our research also produced information about natural processes that can create landscape features superficially similar to archaeological sites, illuminated soil formation processes, and highlighted the importance of biotic soil crusts in the dunefield environment. The results are useful for interpreting archaeological data produced by other studies and will be helpful in guiding future archaeological investigations. In addition, our study suggests that continued archaeological research could contribute significantly to understanding rates of dune migration, the long‐term trajectory of dunefield growth, and local impacts of climate change.
An integrative review of acupressure interventions for older people: A focus on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and agitation
Authors: Hmwe Nant Thin Thin , Browne Graeme , Mollart Lyndall , Allanson Viv , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This integrative review aimed to synthesize studies that investigated the effects of acupressure on sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and agitation in older people, and to describe the acupressure procedures and techniques applied in the included studies.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using electronic databases including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. The inclusion criteria for the review were studies examining the effect of acupressure in older people aged 60 years and above, measured the outcomes for sleep quality, depression, anxiety or agitation, applied body acupressure, and published in English language. The exclusion criteria were studies using auricular acupoints only, and articles published in any language other than English. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the critical appraised tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The information about study design, findings, and description of acupressure intervention were extracted, summarized, and synthesized.

Results

A total of 255 articles were identified from the search and as well one article from cross‐references. From there, a total of 19 studies were included in this review. Nine studies consistently showed positive effects of acupressure on sleep quality, and four studies consistently showed that acupressure reduced depression. The outcomes of acupressure on anxiety and agitation showed inconsistent findings, in which three studies measured anxiety and five studies measured agitation. There was also variation of acupressure techniques applied in the reviewed studies.

Conclusion

This review found some emerging evidences that acupressure can be beneficial for older people who suffer from sleep problems and depression. Use of specific acupressure points, with standardized acupressure treatment protocols, may improve sleep quality and possibly psychological wellbeing of older people. Future research with well‐designed mixed method studies are required to produce stronger evidence, as well as in‐depth understanding of acupressure intervention in aged care context.
Quantitative assessment of field strength, total intracranial volume, sex, and age effects on the goodness of harmonization for volumetric analysis on the ADNI database
Authors: Ma Da , Popuri Karteek , Bhalla Mahadev , Sangha Oshin , Lu Donghuan , Cao Jiguo , Jacova Claudia , Wang Lei , Beg Mirza Faisal ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2018

When analyzing large multicenter databases, the effects of multiple confounding covariates increase the variability in the data and may reduce the ability to detect changes due to the actual effect of interest, for example, changes due to disease. Efficient ways to evaluate the effect of covariates toward the data harmonization are therefore important. In this article, we showcase techniques to assess the “goodness of harmonization” of covariates. We analyze 7,656 MR images in the multisite, multiscanner Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. We present a comparison of three methods for estimating total intracranial volume to assess their robustness and correct the brain structure volumes using the residual method and the proportional (normalization by division) method. We then evaluated the distribution of brain structure volumes over the entire ADNI database before and after accounting for multiple covariates such as total intracranial volume, scanner field strength, sex, and age using two techniques: (a) Zscapes, a panoramic visualization technique to analyze the entire database and (b) empirical cumulative distributions functions. The results from this study highlight the importance of assessing the goodness of data harmonization as a necessary preprocessing step when pooling large data set with multiple covariates, prior to further statistical data analysis.
Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir, and Voxilaprevir for Treatment of Recurrent Hepatitis C Virus Infection After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Cardona‐Gonzalez Maria G. , Goldman Jason D. , Narayan Lawrence , Brainard Diana M. , Kowdley Kris V.
Published: November 2018

There are limited data on direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment options for previously treated patients with recurrent genotype 3 (GT3) hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) is currently approved for treatment of HCV in patients with prior treatment with DAAs. We report the first published experience using SOF/VEL/VOX after liver transplantation for a DAA‐experienced patient with severe hepatitis due to early recurrent GT3 HCV. The patient was treated with SOF/VEL/VOX that was extended to a total duration of 16 weeks and was intensified with ribavirin (RBV) starting at week 8 due to persistent viremia during treatment. Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) after treatment completion was achieved. SOF/VEL/VOX was well tolerated, and immediate drug–drug interaction (DDI) with tacrolimus (TAC) was not evident. Due to improvement in liver metabolic function with increasing TAC clearance, TAC dose adjustment was required throughout the treatment course. Conclusion: SOF/VEL/VOX can be considered for treatment of recurrent HCV after transplantation. Further study is needed to establish safety and efficacy and define treatment duration in difficult‐to‐treat populations.
Health care purchasing in Kenya: Experiences of health care providers with capitation and fee‐for‐service provider payment mechanisms
Authors: Obadha Melvin , Chuma Jane , Kazungu Jacob , Barasa Edwine
Published: November 2018

Background

Provider payment mechanisms (PPMs) play a critical role in universal health coverage due to the incentives they create for health care providers to deliver needed services, quality, and efficiency. We set out to explore public, private, and faith‐based providers' experiences with capitation and fee‐for‐service in Kenya and identified attributes of PPMs that providers considered important.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in two counties in Kenya. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 29 management team members in six health providers accredited by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Results

Capitation and fee‐for‐service payments from the NHIF and private insurers were reported as good revenue sources as they contributed to providers' overall income. The expected fee‐for‐service payment amounts from NHIF and private insurers were predictable while capitation funds from NHIF were not because providers did not have information on the number of enrolees in their capitation pool. Moreover, capitation payment rates were perceived as inadequate. Capitation and fee‐for‐service payments from NHIF and private insurers were disbursed late. Finally, public providers had lost their autonomy to access and utilise capitation and fee‐for‐service payments from the NHIF.

Conclusion

Through their experiences, health care providers revealed characteristics of PPMs that they considered important.
Application of differential transform method to unsteady free convective heat transfer of a couple stress fluid over a stretching sheet
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Reddy Gudala Janardhana , Kumar Nedunuri Naresh , Bég Osman Anwar
Published: November 2018

In the present article, the transient rheological boundary layer flow over a stretching sheet with heat transfer is investigated, a topic of relevance to non‐Newtonian thermal materials processing. Stokes couple stress model is deployed to simulate non‐Newtonian characteristics. Similarity transformations are utilized to convert the governing partial differential equations into nonlinear ordinary differential equations with appropriate wall and free stream boundary conditions. The nondimensional boundary value problem emerging is shown to be controlled by a number of key thermophysical and rheological parameters, namely the rheological couple stress parameter (), unsteadiness parameter (), Prandtl number (Pr), buoyancy parameter . The semi‐analytical differential transform method (DTM) is used to solve the reduced nonlinear coupled ordinary differential boundary value problem. A numerical solution is also obtained via the MATLAB built‐in solver “bvp4c” to validate the results. Further validation with published results from the literature is included. Fluid velocity is enhanced with increasing couple stress parameter, whereas it is decreased with unsteadiness parameter. Temperature is elevated with couple stress parameter, whereas it is initially reduced with unsteadiness parameter. The flow is accelerated with increasing positive buoyancy parameter (for heating of the fluid), whereas it is decelerated with increasing negative buoyancy parameter (cooling of the fluid). Temperature and thermal boundary layer thickness are boosted with increasing positive values of buoyancy parameter. Increasing Prandtl number decelerates the flow, reduces temperatures, increases momentum boundary layer thickness, and decreases thermal boundary layer thickness. Excellent accuracy is achieved with the DTM approach.
Epidemiology and outcomes of acute kidney injury in hospitalized cancer patients in China
Authors: Cheng Yichun , Nie Sheng , Li Lu , Li Yanqin , Liu Diankun , Xiong Mengqi , Wang Long , Ge Shuwang , Xu Gang ,   on behalf of the EACH study investigators
Published: November 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in cancer patients, but the data are lacking in Asian countries. We aimed to assed the epidemiology, correlated risk factors and outcomes of AKI in cancer patients from China. We conducted a nationwide cohort study of cancer patients who were admitted to 25 general and children hospitals across China from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015. We obtained patient‐level data from the electronic hospitalization information system and laboratory databases of all inpatients who had at least two serum creatinine tests within any 7‐day window during their first 30 days of hospitalization. AKI was defined and staged according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Incidence rate and risk factor profiles for AKI were examined. Outcomes of interest included in‐hospital mortality, length of stay and daily costs. A total of 136,756 adult cancer patients were assessed in our study. The overall incidence of AKI was 7.5%, of which 1.6% were community acquired and 5.9% hospital acquired. The top three cancer types with high incidence of AKI were bladder cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. Risk factors for community‐acquired and hospital‐acquired AKI were similar, including age, increased baseline serum creatinine, shock and urinary tract obstruction. In‐hospital death occurred in 12.0% with AKI vs. 0.9% cancer patients without AKI. After adjustment for confounders, the severe AKI was associated with higher risk of in‐hospital death, prolonged length of stay and higher daily costs. Clinicians should increase their awareness of AKI in hospitalized cancer patients.
Developmental effects of neonatal fractionated co‐exposure to low‐dose gamma radiation and paraquat on behaviour in adult mice
Authors: Philippot Gaëtan , Stenerlöw Bo , Fredriksson Anders , Sundell‐Bergman Synnöve , Eriksson Per , Buratovic Sonja
Published: November 2018

Radiological methods for screening, diagnostics and therapy are often used in healthcare; however, it has recently been reported that developmental exposure to low‐dose ionizing radiation (IR) causes neurotoxicity. Environmental chemicals also have the potential to affect the developing brain and the concomitant effects caused by IR and chemicals are of high interest today. We therefore aim to investigate if low‐dose IR can interact with the known neurotoxicant paraquat to induce neurotoxicity in the neonatal mouse model. Using the same model, we also aim to investigate if fractionated low‐dose IR can be as neurotoxic as higher acute doses. Male mice were exposed to a single dose of paraquat (0.2 or 0.02 mg/kg) on postnatal day 10 and 11. Two hours following paraquat exposure, mice were whole body irradiated with 100 or 300 mGy gamma radiation (137Cs). Behavioural observations were performed at 2 and 3 months of age. Following behavioural testing, we evaluated striatal dopaminergic gene transcription. Animals co‐exposed to IR and paraquat generally displayed altered spontaneous behaviour compared to controls and single agent exposed mice. Stronger effects by combined exposure were also observed on adult memory and learning. However, dopaminergic gene transcript levels remained unchanged by treatment. Co‐exposure to low‐dose IR and paraquat can interact to exacerbate neurotoxic effects and to impair cognitive function. Furthermore, fractionation of the radiation dose was observed to be as potent as higher acute exposure for induction of developmental neurotoxicity.
Combined effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and glucose on the cardiovascular system in young rats after oral administration
Authors: Chen Zhangjian , Zhou Di , Wang Yun , Zhao Lin , Hu Guiping , Liu Jiaxing , Feng Huimin , Long Changmao , Yan Tenglong , Zhou Shupei , Jia Guang
Published: November 2018

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have already been used as food additive in various products and are usually consumed with a considerable amount of sugar. Oral consumption of TiO2 NPs poses concerning health risks; however, research on the combined effect of ingested TiO2 NPs and glucose is limited. We examined young Sprague‐Dawley rats administrated TiO2 NPs orally at doses of 0, 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight per day with and without 1.8 g/kg body weight glucose for 30 and 90 days. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood biochemical parameters and histopathology of cardiac tissues was assessed to quantify cardiovascular damage. The results showed that oral exposure to TiO2 NPs and high doses of glucose both could induce cardiovascular injuries. The toxic effects were dose‐, time‐ and gender‐dependent. The interaction effects between oral‐exposed TiO2 NPs and glucose existed and revealed to be antagonism in most of the biological parameters. However, toxic effects of the high‐dose glucose seemed to be more severe than TiO2 NPs and the interaction of TiO2 NPs with glucose. These results suggest that it may be more important to control the sugar intake than TiO2 NPs for protecting the health of TiO2 NP consumers.
FOXD2‐AS1 correlates with the malignant status and regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Ren Wenqing , Zhu Zirong , Wu Lina
Published: November 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) FOXD2 adjacent opposite strand RNA 1 (FOXD2‐AS1) has been shown to be dysregulated in several types of human cancer. However, the role of FOXD2‐AS1 in cutaneous melanoma was still unclear. In our study, FOXD2‐AS1 expression has been found to be upregulated in cutaneous melanoma tissue specimens and cell lines compared with that in normal tissue specimens and normal human epidermal melanocyte, respectively. Furthermore, high expression of FOXD2‐AS1 was obviously correlated with deep Breslow thickness, present ulceration, high Clark level and distant metastasis in cutaneous melanoma patients. However, there were no statistical associations between FOXD2‐AS1 expression and cutaneous melanoma patients’ disease‐free survival and overall survival. The results of loss‐of‐function study showed that inhibition of FOXD2‐AS1 suppresses cutaneous melanoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion through regulating phospho‐Akt expression. In conclusion, FOXD2‐AS1 is associated with clinical progression in cutaneous melanoma patients, and functions as oncogenic lncRNA in cutaneous melanoma cells.
Knockdown GREM1 suppresses cell growth, angiogenesis, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in colon cancer
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Yongchao , Hou Ruizhe , Shu Zhenbo
Published: November 2018

Gremlin 1 (GREM1), as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR2) novel agonist, has been confirmed as overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues but its role in carcinogenesis remains unclear. Here we reported that the GREM1 expression in mesenchymal‐like colon cancer cells (SW620 and SW480) was significantly higher than that of epithelial‐like colon cancer cells (Caco‐2, HTC116, and HT29) and normal colon cell. Simultaneously, we analyzed two series of CRC transcriptomes from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and found the great majority of primary CRC tissues expressed high level of GREM1 messenger RNA (mRNA) compared with adjacent normal tissues, and that the GREM1 mRNA expression is correlated with low histological grade development and stage 2 to 3 metastatic recurrence in CRC based on a data analysis of 104 different stage CRC tissue from the GEO databases. Functional studies showed that GREM1 silencing by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) significantly inhibited CRC cells proliferation, migration, the formation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced capillary structure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in colon cancer cells by repressing phosphorylation levels of BMP downstream signal Smad1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) downstream signal matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), and metastasis‐related factor C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) expression. In addition, shGREM1 combined with VEGF inhibitor BAW2881 displayed more effective antiangiogenesis to inhibit the tube formation of HUVEC. Hence, these experiments demonstrated that GREM1 is involved in CRC development and procession and provide a new idea for CRC diagnosis, resistance therapy, and prognosis.
Oxidative stress in cervical cancer pathogenesis and resistance to therapy
Authors: Ebrahimi Safieh , Soltani Arash , Hashemy Seyed Isaac
Published: November 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers among females, and it is most notable in developing countries. The exact etiology of CC is poorly understood; but, smoking, oral contraceptives, immunosuppression, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) may increase the risk of CC. There is also an association between CC and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by a disturbed oxidant‐antioxidant balance in favor of the former, leading to an excessive generation of free radicals, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequently to biological damages. Thus, redox enzymatic and nonenzymatic regulators are required to maintain the redox homeostasis. Dysregulated antioxidants system and the pathogenic role of oxidative stress in CC have been investigated in several clinical and preclinical studies. In this study, we reviewed studies that have addressed the cross‐talk between oxidative stress and CC pathogenesis and resistance to therapy.
TRF4, the novel TBP‐related protein of Drosophila melanogaster, is concentrated at the endoplasmic reticulum and copurifies with proteins participating in the processes associated with endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Kurshakova Maria M. , Nabirochkina Elena N. , Georgieva Sofia G. , Kopytova Daria V.
Published: November 2018

Understanding the functions of TBP‐related factors is essential for studying chromatin assembly and transcription regulation in higher eukaryotes. The novel TBP‐related protein‐coding gene, trf4, was described in
Drosophila melanogaster.
trf4 is found only in
Drosophila and has likely originated in
Drosophila common ancestor. TRF4 protein has a distant homology with TBP and TRF2 in the region of TBP‐like domain and is evolutionarily conserved among distinct
Drosophila species, which indicates its functional significance. TRF4 is widely expressed in
D. melanogaster with high levels of its expression being observed in testes. Interestingly enough, TRF4 has become a cytoplasmic protein having lost nuclear localization signal sequence. TRF4 is concentrated at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and copurifies with the proteins participating in the ER‐associated processes. We suggest that
trf4 gene is an example of homolog neofunctionalization by protein subcellular relocalization pathway, where the subcellular relocalization of gene product of duplicated gene leads to the new functions in ER‐associated processes.
MicroRNA‐141 binds to the nerve growth factor receptor associated protein 1 gene and restores the erectile function of diabetic rats through down‐regulating the nerve growth factor/neurotrophin receptor p75 (NGF/p75NTR) signaling
Authors: Wen Yan , Liu Guohui , Jia Linpei , Ji Wei , Li Hai
Published: November 2018

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the major complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). We have previously reported that the nerve growth factor (NGF)/tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkA) signaling is actively involved in DM‐induced ED (DMED). Here, we investigate the effect of micro‐RNA‐141 (miR‐141) on the NGF/p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) signaling and erectile function of diabetic rats.

Methods

Sprague‐Dawlay (SD) rats were used to establish a DMED model. The dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was first performed to identify the nerve growth factor receptor–associated protein 1 (NGFRAP1) gene as the target gene of miR‐141. The regulatory mechanisms underlying miR‐141 governing NGFRAP1 in vivo were then validated by modulating the expressions of miR‐141 and knocking down NGFRAP1.

Results

The expressions of miR‐141 were decreased while the expressions of NGFRAP1, NGF, and p75NTR were increased in DMED. miR‐141 and downregulation of NGFRAP1, respectively, increased the density of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle and the ratio of intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and promoted the expression of α‐actin and desmin as well. miR‐141 also upregulated the expressions of NGFRAP1 in DMED, and knockdown of NGFRAP1 inhibited the productions of NGF and p75NTR. Furthermore, miR‐141 suppressed the NGF/p75NTR signaling via binding to NGFRAP1.

Conclusions

NGF/p75NTR signaling actively participates in the pathogenesis of DMED. miR‐141 binds to NGFRAP1 and restores the erectile function of diabetic rats via downregulation of NGF/p75NTR signaling.
LL202 ameliorates colitis against oxidative stress of macrophage by activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Gao Yuan , Bai Dongsheng , Zhao Yue , Zhu Qin , Zhou Yihui , Li Zhiyu , Lu Na
Published: November 2018

LL202, a newly synthesized flavonoid derivative, has been confirmed to inhibit the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway and activation protein‐1 activation in monocytes; however, the anti‐inflammatory mechanism has not been clearly studied. Uncontrolled overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has involved in oxidative damage of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we investigated that LL202 reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ROS production and malondialdehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity in RAW264.7 cells. Mechanically, LL202 could upregulate heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) via promoting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF‐E2)‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) to regulate LPS‐induced oxidative stress in macrophages. In vivo, we validated the role of LL202 in dextran sulfate sodium‐ and TNBS‐induced colitis models, respectively. The results showed that LL202 decreased the proinflammatory cytokine expression and regulated colonic oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. In conclusion, our study showed that LL202 exerts an anti‐inflammatory effect by enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway to macrophages.
The effect of cerium incorporation on the catalytic performance of cobalt and manganese containing layer double oxides for acetone oxidation
Authors: Zhao Qian , Liu Qingling , Han Jinfeng , Lu Shuangchun , Su Yun , Song Chunfeng , Ji Na , Lu Xuebin , Ma Degang , Cheung Ocean
Published: November 2018

Background

Acetone is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is often associated with poor air quality. Acetone has chronic toxicity towards humans and has a significant impact on the overall atmospheric air quality. In this study, several layer double oxides (with M2+ = Mg, Ni, Co or Mn and M3+ = Al or Ce) were tested as catalysts for acetone oxidation.

Results

MnAl‐LDO was found to be the most efficient catalyst. 50% acetone conversion was achieved at 170 °C (T50%) and 90% conversion at 200 °C (T90%).The incorporation of Ce on MnCeAl‐LDO did not improve its catalytic properties over MnAl‐LDO (the T50% for MnCeAl‐LDO was 12 °C higher than for MnAl‐LDO). The good performance on MnAl‐LDO was due to the presence of Mn3+ and the low reduction temperature. MnAl‐LDO was not affected when water was introduced into the catalytic reaction setup. Less than 5% fluctuation in the acetone conversion rate at 170 and 200 °C was detected in the presence of 5.5% water. The incorporation of Ce on CoCeAl‐LDO improved its catalytic performance over CoAl‐LDO (T50% of CoCeAl‐LDO was 15 °C lower than CoAl‐LDO). Our results showed that the good catalytic performance of CoCeAl‐LDO was ascribed to the increased Co2+/Co3+ ratio and the abundance of lattice oxygen (Olatt).

Conclusion

MnAl‐LDO has good catalytic properties for acetone oxidation, even under humid conditions. The LDO catalysts tested here can be developed into efficient catalysts for acetone oxidation and serve as functional materials for the reduction in acetone or VOC emission. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Mesophilic microfiltration–anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor–membrane distillation hybrid system for phosphorus recovery
Authors: Chang Hau‐Ming , Chen Shiao‐Shing , Lu Ming‐Yeh , Cong Duong Chinh , Cong Nguyen Nguyen , Chang Wen‐Shing , Sinha Ray Saikat
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

For the first time, a closed‐loop anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor–membrane distillation (AnOMBR‐MD) hybrid system integrated with periodic microfiltration (MF) extraction was investigated for simultaneous nutrient and energy recovery while maintaining high water quality for reuse. In addition, phosphorus (P) was recovered as a valuable material for agricultural purposes.

RESULTS

The AnOMBR‐MD system exhibited excellent nutrient (>99.9%) and organic removal (almost 100%) due to double‐layer filtration (FO and MD membrane). Moreover, higher methane production (0.24 L CH4/g COD) was achieved from the MF‐AnOMBR process to supply a heat source for MD during the draw solution recovery process to reduce energy consumption. The MF permeate can significantly reduce the scaling potential caused by PO43− ions in bulk solution and mitigate salt accumulation in the anaerobic reactor. The P from the MF permeate was effectively recovered with an efficacy of 60 mg L−1 when the solution pH was adjusted to 12.

CONCLUSION

The overall performance of the MF‐AnOMBR‐MD hybrid system using 1.5 mol L−1 MgSO4 as the draw solution demonstrates its potential application in wastewater treatment with high nutrient recovery in the closed‐loop system. Moreover, this system combined with MD in AnOMBR for draw solution recovery could achieve low energy consumption when its biogas production is utilized as heat source from the anaerobic system. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancing Value of MRI: A Call for Action
Authors: Anzai Yoshimi , Minoshima Satoshi , Lee Vivian S.
Published: November 2018

As national healthcare spending has spiraled out of control, payment reform that moves from volume to value‐based payment has been introduced as a practical solution. Under alternative value‐based payment models, physicians and clinical teams must deliver the best care possible at a lower cost. Medical imaging has changed the way we diagnose disease, evaluate severity, assess treatment effects, and provide biological insights for the pathophysiology of many diseases. Over the past 50 years, imaging techniques have become increasingly advanced—from X‐ray to computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and multi‐modal imaging. Advanced imaging such as MRI has given clinicians remarkable insights into medical conditions and saved innumerable lives. Under the value proposition, however, we must ask if each imaging study changes treatment decisions, improves patient outcomes, and is cost‐effective. Imaging research has been focused on developing new technologies and clinical applications to assess diagnostic accuracy. What is needed is the higher‐level technology assessment. In this article we review why we need to demonstrate the value of MRI, how we define value, what strategies can enhance MR value through partnership with various stakeholders, and how imaging scientists can contribute to healthcare delivery in the future.

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e40–e48.
Influence of Temperature on the Surface Tension of Triton Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Nguyen Trung B. , Phan Chi M.
Published: November 2018

The surface tension of different Triton surfactants (X‐100, X‐405, and X‐705) with or without adding sodium chloride was measured in the temperature range between 20 and 40°C using the maximum bubble pressure method. Rising temperature reduced the surface tension of Triton surfactants via disrupting the H‐bonds between the ethylene oxide (EO) group and water. Increasing the number of the EO groups created the steeper thermal gradient of the surface tension. The data indicated that EO‐water bonds are easier to be broken by rising temperature than the water–water H‐bonds, with an entropy change of −0.535 J deg−1 per mole of EO. The presence of NaCl decreased the surface tension for all systems. However, NaCl produced a synergistic effect with surfactants on the surface tension.
Comparison of lycopene changes between open‐field processing and fresh market tomatoes during ripening and post‐harvest storage by using a non‐destructive reflectance sensor
Authors: Sikorska‐Zimny Kalina , Badełek Ewa , Grzegorzewska Maria , Ciecierska Anna , Kowalski Artur , Kosson Ryszard , Tuccio Lorenza , Mencaglia Andrea A , Ciaccheri Leonardo , Mignani Anna Grazia , Kaniszewski Stanisław , Agati Giovanni
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Accumulation and stability of tomato lycopene markedly depends on the cultivar, plant growing and storage conditions. To estimate lycopene in open‐field cultivated processing and fresh market tomatoes, we used a calibrated spectral reflectance portable sensor.

RESULTS

Lycopene accumulation in fruits attached to the plant, starting from the Green ripening stage, followed a sigmoidal function. It was faster and reached higher levels in processing (cv. Calista) than fresh market (cv. Volna) tomatoes (90 and 62 mg kg−1 fresh weight, respectively). During storage at 12, 20 and 25 °C, Red tomatoes retained about 90% of harvest lycopene for three weeks. Pink tomatoes increased lycopene during the first week of storage, but never reached the lycopene values of Red tomatoes ripened on the vine. Storability at 12 °C retaining the highest quality in red tomatoes was limited to 14 and 7 days for Calista and Volna cultivars, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in lycopene accumulation and stability between processing and fresh market tomatoes were established by examining with time the very same fruits by a non‐destructive optical tool. It can be useful in agronomical and post‐harvest physiological studies and can be of interest for producers oriented to the niche nutraceutical market. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry