bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes derived from chemically induced human hepatic progenitors inhibit oxidative stress induced cell death
Authors: Hyung Sujin , Jeong Jaemin , Shin Kyusoon , Kim Ju Young , Yim Ji‐Hye , Yu Chan Jong , Jung Hyun Suk , Hwang Kyung‐Gyun , Choi Dongho , Hong Jong Wook
Published: June 2020

The emerging field of regenerative medicine has revealed that the exosome contributes to many aspects of development and disease through intercellular communication between donor and recipient cells. However, the biological functions of exosomes secreted from cells have remained largely unexplored. Here, we report that the human hepatic progenitor cells (CdHs)‐derived exosome (EXOhCdHs) plays a crucial role in maintaining cell viability. The inhibition of exosome secretion treatment with GW4869 results in the acceleration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby causing a decrease of cell viability. This event provokes inhibition of caspase dependent cell death signaling, leading to a ROS‐dependent cell damage response and thus induces promotion of antioxidant gene expression or repair of cell death of hypoxia‐exposed cells. Together, these findings show the effect of exosomes in regeneration of liver cells, and offer valuable new insights into liver regeneration.
Geographical disparities in human papillomavirus herd protection
Authors: Berenson Abbey B. , Hirth Jacqueline M. , Chang Mihyun
Published: June 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has occurred unequally across the United States, potentially contributing to uneven vaccine‐type HPV prevalence between regions. We examined whether emerging vaccine‐related herd protection exhibits regional differences among unvaccinated girls and women.

Methods

We evaluated the prevalence of vaginal HPV among women 14‐59 years of age from 2003 to 2014 using repeated cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Women who provided an adequate vaginal swab sample were included. Vaginal prevalence of vaccine‐type HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) were examined in four regions of the United States between 2003 and 2014. We examined vaccine‐type HPV prevalence in 2007‐2014 in each US census region among younger participants (14‐34 years old) stratified by vaccination status to determine whether one or both groups contributed to uneven HPV prevalence.

Results

A total of 12 175 participants 14‐59 years of age met inclusion criteria. Vaccine‐type HPV prevalence decreased in all regions. Vaccine‐type HPV varied by region only among unvaccinated 14‐34 year olds, with a higher prevalence in the Midwest (13.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.7‐17.0) and South (12.5%, 95% CI: 10.2‐14.8) compared to the Northeast (8.9%, 95% CI: 6.5‐11.2). No regional variation in vaccine‐type HPV prevalence was observed among vaccinated participants.

Conclusions

Higher prevalence of vaccine‐type HPV among unvaccinated women in the South and Midwest may contribute to regional disparities in HPV‐related cancer incidence, as emerging herd immunity may not be as strong in those regions.
Galangin promotes cell apoptosis through suppression of H19 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhong Xiaowei , Huang Siyi , Liu Dianfeng , Jiang Ziping , Jin Qinglong , Li Chengshun , Da Liu , Yao Qunyan , Wang Dongxu
Published: June 2020

Background

Galangin has been extensively studied as the antitumor agent in various cancers. However, the effect of galangin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive.

Methods

Using RNA sequencing, the differential expression of lncRNA in human HCC cell line with highly metastatic potential (MHCC97H) cells treated with galangin was investigated. Furthermore, H19 expression pattern was also determined in MHCC97H cells following treatment with galangin. In addition, knockdown and overexpression of H19 was performed to analyze the effect of the expression pattern of H19 on cell apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in HCC cells. Moreover, the in vivo effect of galangin on tumor development was also determined in nude mice. In order to analyze loss expression of H19 in vivo, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9) was used.

Results

Total of 50 lncRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in MHCC97H cells treated with galangin. Besides, the expression of H19 was markedly reduced following treatment with galangin in MHCC97H cells. Compared to the Control group, the galangin‐treated group inhibited cell migration and invasion. Knockdown of H19 expression showed increased cell apoptosis and decreased invasion. In addition, RNA‐seq data also identified 161 mRNA which was significantly differentially expressed following treatment with galangin. To further determine the underlying mechanism, p53 protein was analyzed. Notably, the results indicated that knockdown of H19 and miR675 induced the expression of p53, eventually promoting cell apoptosis in MHCC97H cells. These results indicated that galangin promoted cell apoptosis through reduced the expression of H19 and miR675 in MHCC97H cells. The in vivo result showed that compared to the Con, tumor growth was remarkably suppressed with loss expression of H19.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that galangin has a crucial role in hepatocarcinogenesis through regulating the expression pattern of H19.
Exploring Student Success Courses With a Latinx Perspective: A Focus on Students and Outcomes
Authors: Sommer Cynthia L. Santana , Cuellar Marcela G.
Published: June 2020

This chapter presents an initial inquiry about students who take student success courses with a Latinx focus at two California community colleges, one with an HSI designation and one without.
Teaching Latinx Students With Carino: Using Validation Theory and Culturally Inclusive Pedagogy in Catch the Next's Ascender Program
Authors: Castillo Rafael
Published: June 2020

This article describes the Catch the Next Ascender model, developed under the aegis of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as a corrective to increase persistence and completion rates among the Texas Latinx college population.
Unveiling Latina Community College Leadership Pathways Through Testimonio
Authors: Elenes Briseida Ileana
Published: June 2020

This article presents the testimonios of the gendered and cultural pathways of two Latina community college administrators. Recommendations for improving Latina leadership development include the development of a Carnala Community Network and institutional interventions for providing culturally relevant professional development opportunities.
A giant arachnoid cyst: Is it an innocent bystander?
Authors: Hong Soonwoong , Clarke John‐Ross D. , Beck Lawrence
Published: June 2020

Arachnoid cysts vary in their size and location. Large cysts may cause symptoms requiring surgery. It is important to assess whether patients with arachnoid cysts and neurologic symptoms can benefit from such surgical interventions.
A new phenotype of choreic syndrome associating severe freezing of gait and chorea
Authors: Laurens Brice , Delleci Claire , Goizet Cyril , Spampinato Umberto , Burbaud Pierre , Guillaud Etienne , Bestaven Emma , Guehl Dominique
Published: June 2020

The early onset of gait akinesia should not rule out the diagnosis of hereditary chorea. It would be helpful to proceed to a whole‐genome and long‐read sequencing in order to track a new pathogenic variant including noncoding repeat expansion.
Single‐stage hepaticojejunostomy for symptomatic portal biliopathy in a splenectomized patient: A report of two cases
Authors: Pandit Narendra , Awale Laligen , Jaiswal Lokesh Shekher , Adhikary Shailesh
Published: June 2020

Single‐stage biliary decompression without prior shunt surgery, although risks for catastrophic bleeding, it is feasible to perform upfront hepaticojejunostomy in a splenectomized patient where shuntable vein is not available in patient with portal biliopathy.
Unexpected diagnosis following screening breast ultrasound
Authors: Cammertoni Federico , Bruno Piergiorgio , Pavone Natalia , Farina Piero , Colizzi Christian , Coli Antonella , Massetti Massimo
Published: June 2020

Any instrumental examination may lead to unexpected diagnosis that in turn can radically change the clinical pathway of a patient.
Chemoadsorption for Separation of Hydrogen Sulfide from Biogas with Iron Hydroxide and Sulfur Recovery
Authors: Lincke Marc , Petasch Uwe , Gaitzsch Uwe , Tillmann Andreas , Tietze Michael , Niebling Falko
Published: June 2020

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal from biogas is essential to allow biogas storage in the natural gas grid. Several established methods exist, most of them making use of non‐reusable substrates such as iron sponge or active carbon. Coated metallic foams provide a reusable sustainable alternative. Several iron oxides and hydroxides were tested to validate the H2S adsorption properties before and after thermal regeneration, i.e., sulfur removal. Amorphous iron hydroxide proved to efficiently clean biogas after maximum four sulfur removal cycles and showed an almost ten times larger capacity for sulfur adsorption than crystalline hematite Fe2O3. Very low H2S contents could be realized until breakthrough.
Flexible RuII Schiff Base Complexes: G‐Quadruplex DNA Binding and Photo‐Induced Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Gillard Martin , Weynand Justin , Bonnet Hugues , Loiseau Frédérique , Decottignies Anabelle , Dejeu Jérôme , Defrancq Eric , Elias Benjamin
Published: June 2020

A series of new RuII Schiff base complexes built on the salphen moiety has been prepared. This includes four flexible monometallic RuII compounds and six rigid bimetallic analogues that contain NiII, PdII or PtII cations into the salphen complexation site. Steady state luminescence titrations illustrated the capacity of the compounds to photoprobe G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA. Moreover, the vast array of the Schiff base structural changes allowed to extensively assess the influence of the ligand surface, flexibility and charge on the interaction of the compounds with G4 DNA. This was achieved thanks to circular dichroism melting assays and bio‐layer interferometry studies that pointed up high affinities along with good selectivities of RuII Schiff base complexes for G4 DNA. In cellulo studies were carried out with the most promising compounds. Cellular uptake with location of the compounds in the nucleus as well as in the nucleolus was observed. Cell viability experiments were performed with U2OS osteosarcoma cells in the dark and under light irradiation which allowed the measurements of IC50 values and photoindexes. They showed the substantial role played by light irradiation in the activity of the drugs in addition to the low cytotoxicity of the molecules in the dark. Altogether, the reported results emphasize the promising properties of RuII Schiff base complexes as a new class of candidates for developing potential G4 DNA targeting diagnostic or therapeutic compounds.
Breast Cancer Stem Cell Potency of Nickel(II)‐Polypyridyl Complexes Containing Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Feld Catherine J. , Johnson Alice , Xiao Zhiyin , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: June 2020

We report the breast cancer stem cell (CSC) potency of two nickel(II)‐3,4,7,8‐tetramethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline complexes, 1 and 3, containing the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), naproxen and indomethacin, respectively. The nickel(II) complexes, 1 and 3 kill breast CSCs and bulk breast cancer cells in the micromolar range. Notably, 1 and 3 display comparable or better potency towards breast CSCs than salinomycin, an established CSC‐active agent. The complexes, 1 and 3 also display significantly lower toxicity towards non‐cancerous epithelial breast cells than breast CSCs or bulk breast cancer cells (up to 4.6‐fold). Mechanistic studies suggest that 1 and 3 downregulate cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in breast CSCs and kill breast CSCs in a COX‐2 dependent manner. Furthermore, the potency of 1 and 3 towards breast CSCs decreased upon co‐treatment with necroptosis inhibitors (necrostatin‐1 and dabrafenib), implying that 1 and 3 induce necroptosis, an ordered form of necrosis, in breast CSCs. As apoptosis resistance is a hallmark of CSCs, compounds like 1 and 3, which potentially provide access to alternative (non‐apoptotic) cell death pathways could hold the key to overcoming hard‐to‐kill CSCs. To the best of our knowledge, 1 and 3 are the first compounds to be associated to COX‐2 inhibition and necroptosis induction in CSCs.
(Iso)Quinoline–Artemisinin Hybrids Prepared through Click Chemistry: Highly Potent Agents against Viruses
Authors: Çapcı Aysun , Lorion Mélanie M. , Mai Christina , Hahn Friedrich , Hodek Jan , Wangen Christina , Weber Jan , Marschall Manfred , Ackermann Lutz , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: June 2020

Viral infections cause life‐threatening diseases in millions of people worldwide every year and there is an urgent need for new, effective antiviral drugs. Hybridization of two chemically diverse compounds into a new bioactive effector product is a successful concept to improve the properties of a hybrid drug relative to the parent compounds. In this study, (iso)quinoline–artemisinin hybrids, obtained through copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition or metal‐free click reactions (in organic solvents or in the presence of water), were analyzed in vitro, for the first time, for their inhibitory activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), relative to their parent compounds and the reference drug ganciclovir. EC50 (HCMV) values were obtained in a range 0.22–1.20 μm, which indicated highly potent antiviral properties in the absence of cytotoxic effects on normal cells (CC50>100 μm). The most active hybrid, 1 (EC50=0.22 μm), is 25 times more potent than its parent compound artesunic acid (EC50=5.41 μm) and 12 times more efficient than the standard drug ganciclovir (EC50=2.6 μm). Interestingly, hybrid 1 also shows inhibitory activity against hepatitis B virus in vitro (EC50 (HBeAg)=2.57 μm).
Mechanoresponsive Self‐Assembled Perylene Bisimide Films
Authors: Adams Victoria , Cameron Joseph , Wallace Matthew , Draper Emily R.
Published: June 2020

In this work, self‐assembled amino‐acid appended perylene bisimides (PBIs) have been studied that when processed into thin films change their resistivity in response to being bent. The PBIs assemble into structures in water and form thin films upon drying. These normally delicate thin films can be tolerant to bending, depending on the aggregates they form. Furthermore, the films then reversibly change their resistivity in response to this mechanical stimulus. This change is proportional to the degree of bending of the film giving them the potential to be used quantitatively to measure mechanical movement, such as in wearable devices.
Molecular Insights into the Ligand‐Based Six‐Proton‐ and Six‐Electron‐Transfer Processes Between Tris‐ortho‐Phenylenediamines and Tris‐ortho‐Benzoquinodiimines
Authors: Matsumoto Takeshi , Yamamoto Risa , Wakizaka Masanori , Nakada Akinobu , Chang Ho‐Chol
Published: June 2020

The global demand for energy and the concerns over climate issues renders the development of alternative renewable energy sources such as hydrogen (H2) important. A high‐spin (hs) FeII complex with o‐phenylenediamine (opda) ligands, [FeII(opda)3]2+ (hs‐[6R]2+), was reported showing photochemical H2 evolution. In addition, a low‐spin (ls) [FeII(bqdi)3]2+ (bqdi: o‐benzoquinodiimine) (ls‐[0R]2+) formation by O2 oxidation of hs‐[6R]2+, accompanied by ligand‐based six‐proton and six‐electron transfer, revealed the potential of the complex with redox‐active ligands as a novel multiple‐proton and ‐electron storage material, albeit that the mechanism has not yet been understood. This paper reports that the oxidized ls‐[0R][PF6]2 can be reduced by hydrazine giving ls‐[FeII(opda)(bqdi)2][PF6]2 (ls‐[2R][PF6]2) and ls‐[FeII(opda)2(bqdi)][PF6]2 (ls‐[4R][PF6]2) with localized ligand‐based proton‐coupled mixed‐valence (LPMV) states. The first isolation and characterization of the key intermediates with LPMV states offer unprecedented molecular insights into the design of photoresponsive molecule‐based hydrogen‐storage materials.
Diversely Functionalised Cytochalasins through Mutasynthesis and Semi‐Synthesis
Authors: Wang Chongqing , Lambert Christopher , Hauser Maurice , Deuschmann Adrian , Zeilinger Carsten , Rottner Klemens , Stradal Theresia E. B. , Stadler Marc , Skellam Elizabeth J. , Cox Russell J.
Published: June 2020

Mutasynthesis of pyrichalasin H from Magnaporthe grisea NI980 yielded a series of unprecedented 4′‐substituted cytochalasin analogues in titres as high as the wild‐type system (≈60 mg L−1). Halogenated, O‐alkyl, O‐allyl and O‐propargyl examples were formed, as well as a 4′‐azido analogue. 4′‐O‐Propargyl and 4′‐azido analogues reacted smoothly in Huisgen cycloaddition reactions, whereas p‐Br and p‐I compounds reacted in Pd‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions. A series of examples of biotin‐linked, dye‐linked and dimeric cytochalasins was rapidly created. In vitro and in vivo bioassays of these compounds showed that the 4′‐halogenated and azido derivatives retained their cytotoxicity and antifungal activities; but a unique 4′‐amino analogue was inactive. Attachment of larger substituents attenuated the bioactivities. In vivo actin‐binding studies with adherent mammalian cells showed that actin remains the likely intracellular target. Dye‐linked compounds revealed visualisation of intracellular actin structures even in the absence of phalloidin, thus constituting a potential new class of actin‐visualisation tools with filament‐barbed end‐binding specificity.
The impact of the introduction of generic aromatase inhibitors on adherence to hormonal therapy over the full course of 5‐year treatment for breast cancer
Authors: Ma Siyu , Shepard Donald S. , Ritter Grant A. , Martell Robert E. , Thomas Cindy P.
Published: June 2020

Background

High out‐of‐pocket costs (OOPCs) often are found to be inversely associated with adherence to medical treatment. The introduction of generic aromatase inhibitors (GAIs) significantly reduced the OOPCs of patients. The objective of the current study was to explore the impact of the introduction of GAIs on adjuvant hormone therapy (AHT) adherence over the full course of breast cancer treatment.

Methods

Women aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer from 2007 through mid‐2009 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare–linked database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of AHT initiation and an interrupted time series model was used to predict the association between the introduction of GAIs and AHT adherence. The model was stratified further using Medicare low‐income subsidy (LIS) status.

Results

A total of 10,905 women were included, approximately 62.8% of whom initiated AHT within the first year of their breast cancer diagnosis. Adjusted adherence among LIS beneficiaries was 11.4% higher than among non‐LIS beneficiaries (P < .001). Non‐LIS beneficiaries had an overall decreasing trend of adherence (−0.035; P < .001) prior to the introduction of GAIs. They experienced a 3.4% increase in the slope 6 months after the first GAI, anastrozole, entered the market, and an additional 0.8% increase in the slope 6 months after letrozole and exemestane were introduced (P < .001). Adherence change among LIS patients was small and statistically insignificant.

Conclusions

With the introduction of GAIs, the decrease trend of adherence to therapy atteunated over the course of treatment. Although the successful implementation of the Medicare LIS program minimized the OOPCs for financially vulnerable patients, policymakers should be cautious not to introduce disparities for those who may be of low income but ineligible for such a program.
Increased vulnerability of clinical research units during the COVID‐19 crisis and their protection
Authors: de Miguel Maria , Doger Bernard , Boni Valentina , Hernández‐Guerrero Tatiana , Moreno Irene , Morillo Daniel , Moreno Victor , Calvo Emiliano
Published: June 2020

Lay Summary

Currently, the complexity of clinical trial development in oncology is being further complicated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, which is reducing the resources needed to comply with protocol‐specific procedures while putting patients in units, who are already vulnerable, at increased general risk not only for COVID‐19 infection but also with respect to their baseline disease.

Individualizing the management of patients while ensuring their safety and adherence to the study protocol, establishing specific staff contingency plans, and maintaining sponsor and contract research organization (CRO) alignment are some of the key issues for maintaining the continuity of cancer patients’ investigational treatment and minimizing their infection risk as well as the risk to staff members of the unit, sponsors, and CROs while maintaining the integrity of data quality and compliance with good clinical practice.
OpenABLext: An automatic code generation framework for agent‐based simulations on CPU‐GPU‐FPGA heterogeneous platforms
Authors: Xiao Jiajian , Andelfinger Philipp , Cai Wentong , Richmond Paul , Knoll Alois , Eckhoff David
Published: June 2020

The execution of agent‐based simulations (ABSs) on hardware accelerator devices such as graphics processing units (GPUs) has been shown to offer great performance potentials. However, in heterogeneous hardware environments, it can become increasingly difficult to find viable partitions of the simulation and provide implementations for different hardware devices. To automate this process, we present OpenABLext, an extension to OpenABL, a model specification language for ABSs. By providing a device‐aware OpenCL backend, OpenABLext enables the co‐execution of ABS on heterogeneous hardware platforms consisting of central processing units, GPUs, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). We present a novel online dispatching method that efficiently profiles partitions of the simulation during run‐time to optimize the hardware assignment while using the profiling results to advance the simulation itself. In addition, OpenABLext features automated conflict resolution based on user‐specified rules, supports graph‐based simulation spaces, and utilizes an efficient neighbor search algorithm. We show the improved performance of OpenABLext and demonstrate the potential of FPGAs in the context of ABS. We illustrate how co‐execution can be used to further lower execution times. OpenABLext can be seen as an enabler to tap the computing power of heterogeneous hardware platforms for
ABS.
Synthesis and Structural Characterisation of an N‐Phosphanyl Ferrocene Carboxamide and its Ruthenium, Rhodium and Palladium Complexes
Authors: Navrátil Michal , Císařová Ivana , Alemayehu Adam , Škoch Karel , Štěpnička Petr
Published: June 2020

[((Diphenylphosphanyl)amino)carbonyl]ferrocene (1) has been synthesized and coordinated to light platinum metals, ruthenium, rhodium and palladium, in diverse coordination modes. Specifically, compound 1 was used to prepare the following phosphane complexes, [(η6‐mes)RuCl2(1‐κP)], [(η5‐C5Me5)RhCl2(1‐κP)], trans‐[PdCl2(1‐κP)2], and [(LNC)PdCl(1‐κP)] (mes=mesitylene, LNC=[2‐(dimethylamino‐κN)methyl]phenyl‐κC1). They were subsequently converted into cationic O,P‐chelate complexes by halide abstraction with AgClO4 and into neutral O,P‐chelate complexes by deprotonation with potassium tert‐butoxide. All coordination compounds and phosphane chalcogenides 1E (P‐bound chalcogen atom E=O, S and Se), which were also synthesised, were structurally characterised using spectroscopic methods (IR, multinuclear NMR and ESI MS) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical behaviour of the prepared compounds was studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the (LNC)Pd‐1 complexes were further studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Agronomic optimal plant density for semiupright cowpea as a second crop in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Soratto Rogério P. , Matoso Aline O. , Gilabel Amanda P. , Fernandes Fabiana M. , Schwalbert Rai A. , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: June 2020

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cultivars with high yield potential and suitable plant architecture for mechanized harvesting have recently shown a growing interest to be cultivated as a second crop in fall–winter season of southeastern Brazil. The agronomic optimal plant density (AOPD) is one of the main management factors defining attainable yield. However, in the scientific literature for semiupright cowpea cultivars grown in fall–winter season in southeastern Brazil the AOPD is not yet clearly defined. A 3‐yr study was conducted to evaluate the effect of five plant densities (100,000–500,000 plants ha−1) on growth, seed yield and its components for two cowpea cultivars (BRS Guariba and BRS Novaera) in Botucatu, southeastern Brazil. The AOPD for cowpea increased as the attainable yield improved. The increase in plant density promoted increases in leaf area index (LAI) and the position (measured in height) of the first pod insertion for cowpea plants, but negatively affected per‐plant scale surviving rate, leaf area, aboveground dry matter (DM), and yield resulting from intraspecific competition. Maximum cowpea seed yields were achieved with AOPD ranging from 216,630 to 290,537 plants ha−1 (8–24% greater than under the lowest plant density). On average, 259,000 plants ha−1 was estimated for the AOPD to achieve maximum seed yield of semiupright cowpea grown as a second crop in fall–winter season in southeastern Brazil.
Long‐term changes in bat activity in Quebec suggest climatic responses and summer niche partitioning associated with white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Faure‐Lacroix Julie , Desrochers André , Imbeau Louis , Simard Anouk
Published: June 2020

In North America, the greatest and most sudden threat to hibernating bats is white‐nose syndrome (WNS), which has caused massive declines in populations since 2006. Other determinants of bat dynamics, such as the climate, and the effect of reduction in the number of individuals sharing foraging space and summer roosting habitat may have an effect on population dynamics. We analyzed transect acoustic bat surveys conducted with ultrasonic detectors in 16 regions in Quebec, Canada, between 2000 and 2015. We used piecewise regression to describe changes in activity over time for each species and a meta‐analytic approach to measure its association with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). As expected, mouse‐eared bat (Myotis spp.) activity sharply declined after the onset of WNS, down by 79% after 3 years. In contrast, big brown/silver‐haired bat activity increased over the same period, possibly due to a release of competition. Hoary bats and red bats remained present, although their activity did not increase. Myotis activity was positively correlated with a one‐year lag to the NAO index, associated with cold conditions in winter, but warm autumns. Big brown/silver‐haired and hoary bats were also more active during NAO‐positive years but without a lag. We conclude that combinations of threats may create rapid shifts in community compositions and that a more balanced research agenda that integrates a wider range of threats would help better understand and manage those changes.
Evidence of capacitation in the parasitoid wasp,Nasonia vitripennis,and its potential role in sex allocation
Authors: Jones Alun R. C. , Mallon Eamonn B.
Published: June 2020

The allocation of resources to the production of one sex or another has been observed in a large variety of animals. Its theoretical basis allows accurate predictions of offspring sex ratios in many species, but the mechanisms by which sex allocation is controlled are poorly understood. Using previously published data, we investigated whether alternative splicing, combined with differential gene expression, was involved with sex allocation in the parasitoid wasp,Nasonia vitripennis. We found that sex allocation is not controlled by alternative splicing but changes in gene and transcript‐specific expression, which were identified to be involved with oviposition, were shown to be similar to those involved in sperm motility and capacitation. Genes involved in cholesterol efflux, a key component of capacitation, along with calcium transport, neurotransmission, trypsin, and MAPKinase activity were regulated in ovipositing wasps. The results show evidence for regulation of sperm motility and of capacitation in an insect which, in the context of the physiology of theN. vitripennisspermatheca, could be important for sex allocation.
The Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Authors: Marek Ilan , Apeloig Yitzhak
Published: June 2020

In this guest editorial Ilan Marek and Yitzhak Apeloig present an overview on the history of the Technion – Israel's first technological university, and its significant impact on the establishment of the scientific research in this young country. The Schulich Faculty of Chemistry is highlighted as one of Technion's many leading scientific departments.
Biospeckle‐characterization of hairy root cultures using laser speckle photometry
Authors: Schott Carolin , Steingroewer Juliane , Bley Thomas , Cikalova Ulana , Bendjus Beatrice
Published: June 2020

Monitoring is indispensable for the optimization and simulation of biotechnological processes. Hairy roots (hr, plant tissue cultures) are producers of valuable relevant secondary metabolites. The genetically stable cultures are characterized by a rapid filamentous growth, making monitoring difficult with standard methods. This article focuses on the application of laser speckle photometry (LSP) as an innovative, non‐invasive method to characterize Beta vulgaris (hr). LSP is based on the analysis of time‐resolved interference patterns. Speckle interference patterns of a biological object, known as biospeckles, are characterized by a dynamic behavior that is induced by physical and biological phenomena related to the object. Speckle contrast, a means of measuring the dynamic behavior of biospeckles, was used to assess the biospeckle activity. The biospeckle activity corresponds to processes modifying the object and correlates with the biomass growth. Furthermore, the stage of the cultures’ physiological development was assessed by speckle contrast due to the differentiation between active and low active behavior. This method is a new means of monitoring and evaluating the biomass growth of filamentous cultures in real time. As a potential tool to characterize hairy roots, LSP is non‐invasive, time‐saving, can be used online and stands out for its simple, low‐cost setup.
Heterotic performance of the main yield traits in different types of Indica hybrid rice
Authors: Huang ZhiYuan , Lv QiMing , Xin YeYun , Yuan LongPing , Fu XiQin , Zhu LiHuang , Wang ZhiLong
Published: June 2020

Two‐line hybrid rice with high efficiency and yield was successfully and widely being planted in China. HHZ is an elite inbred rice which is widely cultivated in Southern China. The latest developed engineered hybrid is promising for the future of hybrid rice breeding and production. In order to explore its heterosis performance, the main yield traits of two different groups of hybrid rice varieties and a inbred variety were investigated, specifically: (1) a large‐scale extension of high‐yield varieties of two‐line hybrid rice and their parents (restorer lines), (2) a new generation of hybrid rice created by genetic engineered with HHZ as a background genome and its parental lines, and (3) a inbred indica rice variety, HHZ. We postulate that the performance of the main yield traits of genetically engineered hybrid rice may be better than that of commercial high‐yielding hybrid rice in the same paddy field. To test our assumption, field experiments were conducted to investigate the performance of the main yield traits in the different types of hybrid rice and to compare and analyze the differences of the yield heterosis traits. The hybrid rice varieties showed obvious high‐parent heterosis for effective panicle number (EPN) per hill, grain number per panicle (GNP), seed set rate (SSR), and harvest index (HI), but high‐parent heterosis for the 1000‐grain weight (KGW) was negative. Standard heterosis for GNP and KGW was found in the hybrid rice varieties, and the standard heterosis for EPN, SSR, and HI was negative. The grain number per panicle (GNP) is the largest contributor to heterotic performance. The genetically engineered hybrid rice showed similar heterotic performance to but not greater than that of two‐line hybrid rice varieties. This study provides important insights for the breeding, cultivation, and popularization of different types of hybrid rice varieties.
Biologically active components in by‐products of food processing
Authors: Galali Yaseen , Omar Zagros A. , Sajadi S. Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Food by‐products happen at various stages of production and processing at home and on commercial scales. In the recent years, because of the fast‐growing food companies and production, food processing by‐products have gained a lot of interest and attracted many technical and health professionals as well as policy makers internally and internationally. Also, concerns are increasing about food by‐products due to their ecological and environmental impact on the planet. This is particularly of concern when large companies emit. Large quantities of food by‐products are thrown into environment in which they can be exploited technically, medicinally, and pharmaceutically. This is due to their chemical component and biologically active compounds of the by‐products. Therefore, this systematic review focuses on the food by‐product biological compounds present in different parts of the food products, particularly in some common foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy products, meat, eggs, nuts, coffee, and tea. Moreover, the review also explains the kind of biologically active compounds and their quantity not just in edible foods, but also in part and types of the by‐product which then can be reused and recycled into different processes in order to extract and get benefit from.
Predictive value of computed tomography in identifying extranodal extension in human papillomavirus‐positive versus human papillomavirus‐negative head and neck cancer
Authors: Yan Flora , Byun Young J. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Stalcup Seth T. , Day Terry A.
Published: June 2020

Pathologic extranodal extension (pENE) impacts treatment planning and is an important prognostic indicator for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Computed tomography (CT) is a commonly used modality for assessment of radiographic ENE (rENE). To determine the predictive value of CT‐identified rENE in predicting pENE, we performed a systematic review through a search of 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and OVID). Meta‐analysis of diagnostic performance based on human papillomavirus (HPV) status was conducted. For HPV‐negative HNSCC, pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 60.6%, 93.3%, and 82.6%, respectively. Overall positive predictive value (PPV) was 82.7%. For HPV‐positive HNSCC, pooled sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 77.7%, 72.2%, and 63.8%, respectively. Overall PPV was 68.6%. Significant differences were observed in diagnostic performance parameters between the two cohorts. The radiographic characteristics of HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative nodal metastases in HNSCC differ and radiographic evaluation of ENE in HPV‐positive nodes is challenging. Development of refined imaging characteristics of HPV‐positive nodes is needed to improve diagnostic performance.
Lack of Augmenter of Liver Regeneration Disrupts Cholesterol Homeostasis of Liver in Mice by Inhibiting the AMPK Pathway
Authors: Wang Xin , Dong Ling‐yue , Gai Qu‐jing , Ai Wei‐lun , Wu Yuan , Xiao Wei‐chun , Zhang Jing , An Wei
Published: June 2020

It is well known that excessive cholesterol accumulation within hepatocytes deteriorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) has been reported to alleviate NAFLD through anti‐apoptosis; however, whether ALR could protect liver from cholesterol‐induced NAFLD remains unclear. Mice with heterozygous deletion ofGfer(the gene for ALR,Gfer+/−) were generated, and liver steatosis was induced by either choline‐deficient ethionine‐supplemented, methionine choline–deficient diet for 4 weeks, or high‐fat diet for 16 weeks. The results showed thatGfer+/−mice developed a more severe fatty liver phenotype thanGfer+/+mice. The livers ofGfer+/−mice exhibited a higher concentration of cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein compared with the normal mice. Transcriptome‐based analysis predicts low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) primarily involved in the metabolic pathway. The experiments further indicate that cholesterol accumulation within hepatocytes is closely associated with enhancing the expression of LDLR and activation of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2). Because adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical regulator of SREBP2 activation, we measured whether the activity of AMPK was regulated by ALR. We found that knockdown ofALRexpression inhibited the phosphorylation of LKB1, an upstream activator of AMPK, followed by AMPK inactivation and SREBP2 maturation/nuclear translocation, leading to extensive cholesterol accumulation. Meanwhile, cellular oxidative stress increased as a result of ALR knockdown, indicating that ALR might also have a role in suppressing reactive oxygen species production.Conclusion: Our results confirm that ALR regulates cholesterol metabolism and alleviates hepatic steatosis probably through the LKB1‐AMPK‐SREBP2‐LDLR pathwayin vivoandin vitro, providing a putative mechanism for combating fatty liver disease.
Altered hippocampal centrality and dynamic anatomical covariance of intracortical microstructure in first episode psychosis
Authors: Makowski Carolina , Lewis John D. , Khundrakpam Budhachandra , Tardif Christine L. , Palaniyappan Lena , Joober Ridha , Malla Ashok , Shah Jai L. , Bodnar Michael , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Evans Alan C. , Lepage Martin
Published: June 2020

Hippocampal circuitry has been posited to be fundamental to positive symptoms in psychosis, but its contributions to other factors important for outcome remains unclear. We hypothesized that longitudinal changes in the hippocampal circuit and concomitant changes of intracortical microstructure are altered in first episode psychosis (FEP) patients and that such changes are associated with negative symptoms and verbal memory. Longitudinal brain scans (2–4 visits over 3–15 months) were acquired for 27 FEP and 29 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Quantitative T1 maps, sensitive to myelin content, were used to sample the microstructure of the hippocampal subfields and output circuitry (fimbria, alveus, fornix, mammillary bodies), and intracortical regions. Dynamic anatomical covariance in pair‐wise regional trajectories were assessed for each subject, and graph theory was used to calculate a participation coefficient metric that quantifies the similarity/divergence between hippocampal and intracortical microstructure. The mean participation coefficient of the hippocampus was significantly reduced in FEP patients compared with controls, reflecting differences in output hippocampal regions. Importantly, lower participation coefficient of the hippocampal circuit was associated with worse negative symptoms, a relationship that was mediated by changes in verbal memory. This study provides evidence for reduced hippocampal centrality in FEP and concomitant changes in intracortical anatomy. Myelin‐rich output regions of the hippocampus may be an important biological trigger in early psychosis, with cascading effects on broader cortical networks and resultant clinical profiles.
“That makes all the difference”: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health‐seeking on social media
Authors: Carlson Bronwyn , Frazer Ryan , Farrelly Terri
Published: June 2020

Issue Addressed

Little is known about the complex relationships between Australian Indigenous people's use of social media and “health‐seeking” – seeking help for issues related to health and well‐being. This paper has emerged from a broader sociological research project focusing on the help‐seeking and help‐giving practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on social media, specifically aiming to unlock its potential to create vital and creative connections between help‐seekers and help‐givers.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 52 Indigenous Facebook users from five sites across Australia.

Results

The use of grounded theory and Indigenous‐centred methodologies for analysis showed clearly that users draw on the connections made possible through Facebook to health‐seek. We identify five primary health‐seeking strategies that differ in form, purpose and directness: soliciting health‐related information, gaining emotional support, producing social health‐seeking collectives, engaging in motivational and “eudaimonic” content, and connecting with formal health sources.

Conclusion

While far from being a panacea to health disparities, these findings show that Facebook does provide unique opportunities for many Indigenous help‐seekers and help‐givers in times of need.

So What?

Social media offers pathways for health‐seeking both beyond and outside the dominant western biomedical models of public health promotion. These already‐existing pathways should be considered by people working on social media public health promotion campaigns for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Risk stratification in breast cancer screening: Cost‐effectiveness and harm‐benefit ratios for low‐risk and high‐risk women
Authors: Sankatsing Valérie D. V. , van Ravesteyn Nicolien T. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , Broeders Mireille J. M. , de Koning Harry J.
Published: June 2020

In mammography screening programmes, women are screened according to a one‐size‐fits‐all principle. Tailored screening, based on risk levels, may lead to a better balance of benefits and harms. With microsimulation modelling, we determined optimal mammography screening strategies for women at lower (relative risk [RR] 0.75) and higher (RR 1.8) than average risk of breast cancer, eligible for screening, using the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of current uniform screening in the Netherlands (biennial [B] 50‐74) as a threshold ICER. Strategies varied by interval (annual [A], biennial, triennial [T]) and age range. The number of life‐years gained (LYG), breast cancer deaths averted, overdiagnosed cases, false‐positive mammograms, ICERs and harm‐benefit ratios were calculated. Optimal risk‐based screening scenarios, below the threshold ICER of €8883/LYG, were T50‐71 (€7840/LYG) for low‐risk and B40‐74 (€6062/LYG) for high‐risk women. T50‐71 screening in low‐risk women resulted in a 33% reduction in false‐positive findings, a similar reduction in costs and improved harm‐benefit ratios compared to the current screening schedule. B40‐74 in high‐risk women led to an increase in screening benefit, compared to current B50‐74 screening, but a relatively higher increase in false‐positive findings. In conclusion, optimal screening consisted of a longer interval and lower stopping age than current uniform screening for low‐risk women, and a lower starting age for high‐risk women. Extending the interval for women at lower risk from biennial to triennial screening reduced harms and costs while maintaining most of the screening benefit.
STED nanoscopy of KK114‐stained pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Lucidi Massimiliano , Hristu Radu , Nichele Lorenzo , Stanciu George A. , Tranca Denis E. , Holban Alina Maria , Visca Paolo , Stanciu Stefan G. , Cincotti Gabriella
Published: June 2020

Super‐resolution microscopy techniques can provide answers to still pending questions on prokaryotic organisms but are yet to be used at their full potential for this purpose. To address this, we evaluate the ability of the rhodamine‐like KK114 dye to label various types of bacteria, to enable imaging of fine structural details with stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED). We assessed fluorescent labeling with KK114 for eleven Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial species and observed that this contrast agent binds to their cell membranes. Significant differences in the labeling outputs were noticed across the tested bacterial species, but importantly, KK114‐staining allowed the observation of subtle nanometric cell details in some cases. For example, a helix pattern resembling a cytoskeleton arrangement was detected in Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, we found that KK114 easily penetrates the membrane of bacterial microorganism that lost their viability, which can be useful to discriminate between living and dead cells.
Inside Cover: Efficient and cost‐effective 3D cellular imaging by sub‐voxel‐resolving light‐sheet add‐on microscopy
Authors: Zhao Fang , Yang Yicong , Li Yi , Jiang Hao , Xie Xinlin , Yu Tingting , Wang Xuechun , Liu Qing , Zhang Hao , Jia Haibo , Liu Sheng , Zhen Mei , Zhu Dan , Gao Shangbang , Fei Peng
Published: June 2020

A type of compact and cost‐effective light‐sheet imaging device, termed sub‐voxel‐resolving light‐sheet add‐on module (SLAM), is developed to cooperate with conventional 2D epifluorescence microscope, allowing high‐contrast, resolution‐improved 3D imaging of various biological samples at high throughput.

Further details can be found in the article by Fang Zhao, Yicong Yang, Yi Li, et al. (e201960243).

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Different Responsiveness of Alveolar Bone and Long Bone to Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Interaction‐Related Factor
Authors: Son Chul , Choi Moon Sil , Park Joo‐Cheol
Published: June 2020

Alveolar bone is both morphologically and functionally different from other bones of the axial or peripheral skeleton. Because of its sensitive nature to external stimuli including mechanical stress, bone loss stimuli, and medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw, alveolar bone rendering is seen as an important factor in various dental surgical processes. Although multiple studies have validated the response of long bone to various factors, how alveolar bone responds to functional stimuli still needs further clarification. To examine the characteristics of bone in vitro, we isolated cells from alveolar, femur, and tibia bone tissue. Although primary cultured mouse alveolar bone‐derived cells (mABDCs) and mouse long bone‐derived cells (mLBDCs) exhibited similar osteoblastic characteristics, morphology, and proliferation rates, both showed distinct expression of neural crest (NC) and epithelial–mesenchymal interaction (EMI)‐related genes. Furthermore, they showed significantly different mineralization rates. RNA sequencing data demonstrated distinct transcriptome profiles of alveolar bone and long bone. Osteogenic, NC‐, and EMI‐related genes showed distinct expression between mABDCs and mLBDCs. When the gene expression patterns during osteogenic differentiation were analyzed, excluding several osteogenic genes, NC‐ and EMI‐related genes showed different expression patterns. Among EMI‐related proteins, BMP4 elevated the expression levels of osteogenic genes, Msx2, Dlx5, and Bmp2 the most, more noticeably in mABDCs than in mLBDCs during osteogenic differentiation. In in vivo models, the BMP4‐treated mABDC group showed massive bone formation and maturation as opposed to its counterpart. Bone sialoprotein expression was also validated in calcified tissues. Overall, our data suggest that alveolar bone and long bone have different responsiveness to EMI by distinct gene regulation. In particular, BMP4 has critical bone formation effects on alveolar bone, but not on long bone. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.