bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation insights from wild bee genetic studies: Geographic differences, susceptibility to inbreeding, and signs of local adaptation
Authors: Kelemen Evan P. , Rehan Sandra M.
Published: March 2021

Conserving bees are critical both ecologically and economically. Genetic tools are valuable for monitoring these vital pollinators since tracking these small, fast‐flying insects by traditional means is difficult. By surveying the current state of the literature, this review discusses how recent advances in landscape genetic and genomic research are elucidating how wild bees respond to anthropogenic threats. Current literature suggests that there may be geographic differences in the vulnerability of bee species to landscape changes. Populations of temperate bee species are becoming more isolated and more genetically depauperate as their landscape becomes more fragmented, but tropical bee species appear unaffected. These differences may be an artifact of historical differences in land‐use, or it suggests that different management plans are needed for temperate and tropical bee species. Encouragingly, genetic studies on invasive bee species indicate that low levels of genetic diversity may not lead to rapid extinction in bees as once predicted. Additionally, next‐generation sequencing has given researchers the power to identify potential genes under selection, which are likely critical to species’ survival in their rapidly changing environment. While genetic studies provide insights into wild bee biology, more studies focusing on a greater phylogenetic and life‐history breadth of species are needed. Therefore, caution should be taken when making broad conservation decisions based on the currently few species examined.
The genic view of hybridization in the Anthropocene
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente
Published: March 2021

Human impact is noticeable around the globe, indicating that a new era might have begun: the Anthropocene. Continuing human activities, including land‐use changes, introduction of non‐native species and rapid climate change, are altering the distributions of countless species, often giving rise to human‐mediated hybridization events. While the interbreeding of different populations or species can have detrimental effects, such as genetic extinction, it can be beneficial in terms of adaptive introgression or an increase in genetic diversity. In this paper, I first review the different mechanisms and outcomes of anthropogenic hybridization based on literature from the last five years (2016–2020). The most common mechanisms leading to the interbreeding of previously isolated taxa include habitat change (51% of the studies) and introduction of non‐native species (34% intentional and 19% unintentional). These human‐induced hybridization events most often result in introgression (80%). The high incidence of genetic exchange between the hybridizing taxa indicates that the application of a genic view of speciation (and introgression) can provide crucial insights on how to address hybridization events in the Anthropocene. This perspective considers the genome as a dynamic collection of genetic loci with distinct evolutionary histories, giving rise to a heterogenous genomic landscape in terms of genetic differentiation and introgression. First, understanding this genomic landscape can lead to a better selection of diagnostic genetic markers to characterize hybrid populations. Second, describing how introgression patterns vary across the genome can help to predict the likelihood of negative processes, such as demographic and genetic swamping, as well as positive outcomes, such as adaptive introgression. It is especially important to not only quantify how much genetic material introgressed, but also what has been exchanged. Third, comparing introgression patterns in pre‐Anthropocene hybridization events with current human‐induced cases might provide novel insights into the likelihood of genetic swamping or species collapse during an anthropogenic hybridization event. However, this comparative approach remains to be tested before it can be applied in practice. Finally, the genic view of introgression can be combined with conservation genomic studies to determine the legal status of hybrids and take appropriate measures to manage anthropogenic hybridization events. The interplay between evolutionary and conservation genomics will result in the constant exchange of ideas between these fields which will not only improve our knowledge on the origin of species, but also how to conserve and protect them.
Charting a course for genetic diversity in the UN Decade of Ocean Science
Authors: Thomson Alex Innes , Archer Frederick I. , Coleman Melinda A. , Gajardo Gonzalo , Goodall‐Copestake William P. , Hoban Sean , Laikre Linda , Miller Adam D. , O’Brien David , Pérez‐Espona Sílvia , Segelbacher Gernot , Serrão Ester A. , Sjøtun Kjersti , Stanley Michele S.
Published: March 2021

The health of the world's oceans is intrinsically linked to the biodiversity of the ecosystems they sustain. The importance of protecting and maintaining ocean biodiversity has been affirmed through the setting of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the ocean for society's continuing needs. The decade beginning 2021–2030 has additionally been declared as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This program aims to maximize the benefits of ocean science to the management, conservation, and sustainable development of the marine environment by facilitating communication and cooperation at the science–policy interface. A central principle of the program is the conservation of species and ecosystem components of biodiversity. However, a significant omission from the draft version of the Decade of Ocean Science Implementation Plan is the acknowledgment of the importance of monitoring and maintaining genetic biodiversity within species. In this paper, we emphasize the importance of genetic diversity to adaptive capacity, evolutionary potential, community function, and resilience within populations, as well as highlighting some of the major threats to genetic diversity in the marine environment from direct human impacts and the effects of global climate change. We then highlight the significance of ocean genetic diversity to a diverse range of socioeconomic factors in the marine environment, including marine industries, welfare and leisure pursuits, coastal communities, and wider society. Genetic biodiversity in the ocean, and its monitoring and maintenance, is then discussed with respect to its integral role in the successful realization of the 2030 vision for the Decade of Ocean Science. Finally, we suggest how ocean genetic diversity might be better integrated into biodiversity management practices through the continued interaction between environmental managers and scientists, as well as through key leverage points in industry requirements for Blue Capital financing and social responsibility.
The lysosomal endopeptidases Cathepsin D and L are selective and effective proteases for the middle‐down characterization of antibodies
Authors: Čaval Tomislav , Hecht Elizabeth Sara , Tang Wilfred , Uy‐Gomez Maelia , Nichols Andrew , Kil Yong J. , Sandoval Wendy , Bern Marshall , Heck Albert J. R.
Published: March 2021

Mass spectrometry is gaining momentum as a method of choice to de novo sequence antibodies (Abs). Adequate sequence coverage of the hypervariable regions remains one of the toughest identification challenges by either bottom‐up or top‐down workflows. Methods that efficiently generate mid‐size Ab fragments would further facilitate top‐down MS and decrease data complexity. Here, we explore the proteases Cathepsins L and D for forming protein fragments from three IgG1s, one IgG2, and one bispecific, knob‐and‐hole IgG1. We demonstrate that high‐resolution native MS provides a sensitive method for the detection of clipping sites. Both Cathepsins produced multiple, albeit specific cleavages. The Abs were cleaved immediately after the CDR3 region, yielding ~ 12 kDa fragments, that is, ideal sequencing‐sized. Cathepsin D, but not Cathepsin L, also cleaved directly below the Ab hinge, releasing the F(ab’)2. When constrained by the different disulfide bonds found in the IgG2 subtype or by the tertiary structure of the hole‐containing bispecific IgG1, the hinge region digest product was not produced. The Cathepsin L and Cathepsin D clipping motifs were related to sequences of neutral amino acids and the tertiary structure of the Ab. A single pot (L + D) digestion protocol was optimized to achieve 100% efficiency. Nine protein fragments, corresponding to the VL, VH, CL, CH1, CH2, CH3, CL + CH1, and F(ab')2, constituted ~ 70% of the summed intensities of all deconvolved proteolytic products. Cleavage sites were confirmed by the Edman degradation and validated with top‐down sequencing. The described work offers a complementary method for middle‐down analysis that may be applied to top‐down Ab sequencing.

Enzymes

Cathepsin L—EC 3.4.22.15, Cathepsin D—EC 3.4.23.5.
Chromatin accessibility of kidney tubular cells under stress reveals key transcription factor mediating acute and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Xing Yuexian , Wang Qi , Zhang Jing , Li Wenju , Duan Aiping , Yang Jingping , Liu Zhihong
Published: March 2021

Cellular injury caused by stimuli plays an important role in the progression of various diseases including acute and chronic kidney diseases. The dynamic transcriptional regulation responding to stimuli underlies the important mechanism of injury. In this study, we investigated the regulatory elements and their dynamic activities in kidney tubular epithelial cells. We captured the chromatin accessibility and gene expression with ATAC‐seq and RNA sequencing under a variety of extracellular stimuli including H2O2, TGF‐β1, and FG4592 which is an agonist of hypoxia‐inducible factor. Our results revealed both condition‐specific and condition‐shared transcription regulation. Interestingly, the shared regulation program revealed that the key transcription factor HNF1B‐mediated cellular reprogramming leads to a common change among the stimuli. We found the HNF1B regulatory network was significantly disrupted in various kidney diseases.
The expression of P2Y6 receptor promotes the quality of mucus in colitic mice
Authors: Placet Morgane , Molle Caroline M. , Arguin Guillaume , Geha Sameh , Gendron Fernand‐Pierre
Published: March 2021

In the intestine, mucins are expressed and secreted by goblet cells and enterocytes in a constitutive manner and in response to secretagogues to form a protective mucus layer. This protective barrier is often lost in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Interestingly, extracellular nucleotides, through P2Y receptors, were identified as mucin secretagogues in mucinous epithelia. These nucleotides are found in the intestine’s extracellular milieu under basal conditions and in higher concentrations in pathologies such as IBD. It was observed that the mucus layer was affected in P2ry6 knockout mice suffering from dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis. P2ry6−/− mice were more sensitive to DSS‐induced colitis, resulting in larger ulcers and increased disease activity index. Interestingly, the absence of P2Y6 receptor expression negatively affected the mucus quality, as shown by a reduction in sulfomucin staining and the absence of a dense internal fucosylated mucin layer in P2ry6−/− mice. Hence, we cannot rule out that the absence of P2Y6 receptors in knockout animals could negatively impact mucin secretion. However, we did not measure a reduction in the number of goblet cells, as previously reported. Instead, the results suggest that goblet cells rapidly discharged mucins to compensate for the mucus layer's increased lability, which resulted in empty goblet cells that are less visible to mucin staining. This study's results, along with previous reports, point toward a protective role for the P2Y6 receptor in IBD.
Deciphering the initial products of coal during methanogenic bioconversion: Based on an untargeted metabolomics approach
Authors: Wang Bobo , Ndayisenga Fabrice , Zhang Guilong , Yu Zhisheng
Published: March 2021

Although the process of microbial degradation of coal to produce biomethane has got much attention from many research works, the products profiles of coal at the initial stage of methanogenic bioconversion are not clear yet. In this study, five coal‐degrading bacterial strains (CD1, CD10, CD20, CD24, and CD25) from a methanogenic community were isolated and identified. Among them, CD1 and CD24 belong to Paenibacillus sp., CD10 and CD20 belong to Bacillus sp., and CD25 belongs to Stenotrophomonas sp. After biotreatment of lignite and bituminous coal, the kinds of newly produced compounds were 33 and 45, respectively. Metabolomics analysis showed that a large number of alkane compounds and heterocyclic aromatic compounds were produced after degradation of bituminous coal and lignite by isolated bacteria, and most of the compounds had been produced in a hydroxylated or acylated manner, indicating that the initial microbial treatment enhanced the bioavailability of coal. Some alkaloids and biosurfactants were also detected in the aforementioned products, such as glycerophosphocholine, proveratrol A, proveratrol B, surfactin, etc. These microbial metabolites may play an important role in solubilization during the degradation of coal. This study added to the understanding of the complicated metabolic process of methanogenic coal bioconversion and enabled effective production of biomethane with appropriate metabolic strategies.
Changes in the study abroad gender gap: A European cross‐country analysis
Authors: Di Pietro Giorgio
Published: March 2021

Although it is well‐established that female participation in study abroad programmes is higher than the male participation, less is known about how this gap has changed over time. Using student‐level data from the nationally representative surveys of three European countries (France, Germany and Italy), this paper begins by examining changes in the relationship between gender and participation in study abroad programmes between the beginning of the 2000s and the mid‐2010s. It then explores to what extent these changes can be explained by different characteristics of men and women. The results suggest that in none of the countries there is evidence of a systematic decline over time in women's over‐representation in study abroad programmes. However, the size of the gap is consistently significantly reduced (or even the sign of the gap reversed) once gender differences in observable traits are accounted for. Field of study and academic performance are important factors contributing to the gender disparity in study abroad.
Adoption of peer review of literature search strategies in knowledge synthesis from 2009 to 2018: An overview
Authors: Neilson Christine J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Knowledge synthesis (KS) reviews rely on good quality literature searches to capture a complete set of relevant studies, and peer review of the search strategy is one quality control mechanism that contributes to better quality reviews. Guidelines for peer review of electronic search strategies (PRESS) have been available since 2008.

Objectives

This overview provides a snapshot of KS indexed in Scopus, published between 2009 and 2018, that reported peer review of the literature search strategy.

Methods

Articles were identified through citation chasing for PRESS guidance documents and supplementary keyword searches. The characteristics of individual articles and the journals that published them were documented, and descriptive statistics were compiled.

Results

415 articles from 169 journals met inclusion criteria. Approximately half were published in 14 journal titles. Most reviews reported the involvement of an information professional, but PRESS reviewers were rarely acknowledged. An overwhelming majority of review teams were based in Canada.

Discussion

Reported use of PRESS was low during the period examined, but under‐reporting may be a factor. Investigation of the barriers and facilitators of PRESS adoption is needed.

Conclusion

Despite its value, adoption of PRESS appears low. Advocacy for, and education about, PRESS may be required.
Importance of COX‐2 expression in Wilms’ tumour: A preliminary study
Authors: Ceylan Onur , Caglar Ozgur
Published: March 2021

Objectives

In Wilms’ tumour (WT), secondary malignancies caused by the side effects of intensive treatments remain one of the important problems. Therefore, there is a need for new studies to identify low‐ and high‐risk groups for WT and to improve the treatment regimens of children in the low‐risk group. In our study, we aimed to determine the prognostic significance of the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) biomarker in WT.

Materials and Methods

Our study included 24 patients diagnosed with WT between January 2010 and December 2019. The correlation between COX‐2 expression and significant prognostic parameters was investigated by studying the COX‐2 antibody using the immunohistochemical method.

Results

COX‐2 expression was observed in 22 of the patients and it was more evident in the epithelial component. No significant correlation was observed between COX‐2 positivity and prognostic parameters. There was also no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding survival (P = .563).

Conclusions

In our study, no significant relationship was found between significant prognostic parameters and COX‐2 expression. Since COX‐2 expression was observed in almost all patients, we consider that the COX‐2 pathway is effective during the development phase of WT.
Relationship between daily testosterone production and bispectral index (BIS) values in patients who underwent septoplasty operation
Authors: Duymaz Gokcen , Ozgur Tuncay , Kara Ali Giray , Erden Veysel
Published: March 2021

Aim

The study aimed to investigate the effect of varying testosterone levels in the morning and evening on the depth of anaesthesia in patients who underwent a septoplasty.

Materials and Methods

Male patients who underwent septoplasty under general anaesthesia between September 2016 and September 2017 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of patients who were operated on in the morning hours (between 8.00 and 10.00) when the testosterone level was the highest and the second group consisted of patients who had the lowest testosterone level in the afternoon (between 14.00 and 16.00). Blood was taken from the brachial vein to measure the testosterone level of the patients and blood testosterone levels were measured by mass spectrometry before the induction of anaesthesia.

Results

Sixty patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 33.77 ± 10.98 years. The rocuronium and propofol doses used in the morning group were significantly higher (P = .012 for propofol, P = .002 for rocuronium, P < .001 for rocuronium dose) (Table 2). Additionally, the time to reach saturation of sevoflurane doses in expirium and inspiration was later in the morning group (morning group at 15th minute, evening group at 10th minute).

Conclusions

Sedation anaesthesia applied in patients who underwent septoplasty operation was associated with testosterone level and it was more difficult for patients to switch to sedation with increased testosterone level.
Effects of curcumin‐based photodynamic method on protein degradation of oysters
Authors: Lu Na , Wang Zhiguang , Zhang Xu , Liu Fang , Gao Yuan , Li Zhaojie , Xue Changhu , Tang Qingjuan
Published: March 2021

Photodynamic treatment (PDT) is a novel cold‐sterilisation technology, but the evaluation of the protein quality of shellfish was scarce. In this study, the effects of curcumin (CUR)‐mediated PDT on delaying protein degradation of oysters during cold storage at 4 ℃ and the mechanisms were investigated. The protein‐degradation indexes and related enzymes were determined every 2 days. The results showed that the content of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), polypeptide nitrogen (PeN), amino acid nitrogen (AN) and free amino acid (FAA) in photodynamic group was significantly different from the control group since the first 2 days (P < 0.05). The pH value was significantly changed by PDT at the 4th and 8th day (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the activities of serine and aspartic protease were significantly inhibited by PDT during the whole cold storage (P < 0.05). Therefore, the study indicated that PDT has a positive effect on preventing protein degradation.
The effects of faking on the relationship between cognitive ability and conscientiousness: A cautionary note
Authors: Davison H. Kristl , Kluemper Donald H. , Tao Siyi , Stewart David W. , Bing Mark
Published: March 2021

It is well‐established that selection decisions can be improved using multiple non‐redundant assessments. Two such assessments are cognitive ability and conscientiousness. Though meta‐analytic findings demonstrate little or no relationship between cognitive ability and conscientiousness, faking research suggests the two variables are related when test‐takers are motivated to fake. We extend this logic by showing that incremental validity for conscientiousness declines when respondents fake, due to enhanced collinearity between conscientiousness and cognitive ability. Three studies, employing within‐subjects designs and utilizing three different faking conditions, reveal a consistent increase in collinearity between conscientiousness and cognitive ability when respondents are motivated to fake, leading to reduced incremental validity of conscientiousness beyond cognitive ability in predicting the performance. Implications for selection systems are discussed.
The double‐edged sword of Tregs in M tuberculosis, M avium, and M. abscessus infection
Authors: Verma Deepshikha , Chan Edward D. , Ordway Diane J.
Published: March 2021

Immunity against different Mycobacteria species targeting the lung requires distinctly different pulmonary immune responses for bacterial clearance. Many parameters of acquired and regulatory immune responses differ quantitatively and qualitatively from immunity during infection with Mycobacteria species. Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria species (NTM) Mycobacterium avium‐ (M avium), Mycobacterium abscessus‐(M abscessus), and the Mycobacteria species Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐(Mtb). Herein, we discuss the potential implications of acquired and regulatory immune responses in the context of animal and human studies, as well as future directions for efforts to treat Mycobacteria diseases.
Is Humane Farming Morally Permissible?
Authors: Smolkin Doran
Published: March 2021

Humane farming can be defined as the practice of raising animals for food in an environment that is good for them and where they are killed in a manner that is relatively painless. Many people who oppose factory farming think that humane farming is morally permissible, even morally laudable. In what follows, I focus on one argument in support of humane farming that emphasizes its good consequences, not only for producers, and consumers, but for the animals themselves. I discuss problems for this argument and explain how it can be revised to overcome those problems. In the end, I explain why even the strongest version of the good‐consequences argument fails to show that most cases of humane farming are morally permissible. However, my objections to this argument suggest that humane farming may be morally permissible in rare cases.
When and how health‐oriented leadership relates to employee well‐being—The role of expectations, self‐care, and LMX
Authors: Kaluza Antonia J. , Weber Franziska , van Dick Rolf , Junker Nina M.
Published: March 2021

Despite the increasing interest in leaders’ health‐promoting behavior, the employees’ role in the effectiveness of such behavior and the mechanisms underlying how such leadership behavior affects their well‐being have largely been ignored. Drawing on implicit leadership theories, we advance the health‐oriented leadership literature by examining employees’ ideals, that is, their expectations regarding such leader behavior, as a moderating factor. We propose that higher expectations increase the association between actual health‐oriented leader behavior and employee‐rated leader‐member relationships (LMX) and health‐oriented behaviors by employees, which, in turn, positively relate to their well‐being (here: exhaustion and work engagement). We tested our theoretical model in three studies, using a cross‐sectional design (Study 1, N = 307), a two‐wave time‐lagged design (Study 2, N = 144) and an experimental design (Study 3, N = 173). We found that the effect of actual health‐oriented leader behavior on LMX is contingent on employees’ ideal health‐oriented leader behavior. Yet, for employees’ self‐care behavior, the proposed moderation was only significant in Study 1. High expectations strengthened the relationship between actual health‐oriented leader behavior with LMX and self‐care behavior, which, in turn, were associated with less exhaustion and more work engagement (only LMX), supporting most of our mediation hypotheses. Our results highlight the pivotal role of employees’ expectations regarding leaders’ health support and help in building practical interventions with regard to leaders’ health promotion.
Impact of diagnosis‐to‐ablation time on non‐pulmonary vein triggers and ablation outcomes in persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Takamiya Tomomasa , Nitta Junichi , Inaba Osamu , Sato Akira , Inamura Yukihiro , Murata Kazuya , Ikenouchi Takashi , Kono Toshikazu , Takahashi Yoshihide , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Non‐pulmonary vein (PV) triggers are a major cause of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence after catheter ablation. However, the effect of the diagnosis‐to‐ablation time (DAT) on non‐PV triggers in persistent atrial fibrillation is unknown.

Methods and Results

This observational study evaluated 502 consecutive persistent AF patients who underwent initial ablation. We compared 408 patients whose DAT was <3 years with 94 patients whose DAT was ≥3 years. Following PV and posterior wall isolation, 193 non‐PV triggers, including 50 AFs, 30 atrial tachycardias (ATs), and 113 repetitive atrial premature beats, were elicited and ablated in 137 (27%) patients. Specifically, 80 non‐PV AF/AT triggers were provoked in 64 (13%) patients, being identified more frequently in the DAT ≥ 3 years group than in the DAT < 3 years group (20% vs. 11%, p = .025) especially with a higher prevalence of coronary sinus/inferior left atrial triggers. During a median follow‐up of 770 days, the ATA recurrence‐free rate was higher in the DAT < 3 years group than the DAT ≥ 3 years group (79% vs. 53% at 2 years, p < .001). In a multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio: 2.70, p = .002) and a longer DAT (odds ratio: 1.13/year, p = .008) were predictors of non‐PV AF/AT triggers, and a longer DAT (hazard ratio: 1.12/year, p < .001) and non‐PV AT/AF triggers (hazard ratio: 1.79, p = .009) were associated with ATA recurrence.

Conclusion

Early ablation after the first diagnosis of persistent AF may reduce emerging non‐PV AF/AT triggers and ATA recurrence.
Circular RNA circANAPC2 mediates the impairment of endochondral ossification by miR‐874‐3p/SMAD3 signalling pathway in idiopathic short stature
Authors: Liu Xijuan , Du Zhi , Yi Xuan , Sheng Tianle , Yuan Jinghong , Jia Jingyu
Published: March 2021

Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a main reason for low height among children. Its exact aetiology remains unclear. Recent findings have suggested that the aberrant expression of circRNAs in peripheral blood samples is associated with many diseases. However, to date, the role of aberrant circRNA expression in mediating ISS pathogenesis remains largely unknown. The up‐regulated circANAPC2 was identified by circRNA microarray analysis and RT‐qPCR. Overexpression of circANAPC2 inhibited the proliferation of human chondrocytes, and cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase. The expressions of collagen type X, RUNX2, OCN and OPN were significantly down‐regulated following circANAPC2 overexpression. Moreover, Von Kossa staining intensity and alkaline phosphatase activity were also decreased. Luciferase reporter assay results showed that circANAPC2 could be targeted by miR‐874‐3p. CircANAPC2 overexpression in human chondrocytes inhibits the expression of miR‐874‐3p. The co‐localization of circANAPC2 and miR‐874‐3p was confirmed in both human chondrocytes and murine femoral growth plates via in situ hybridization. The rescue experiment demonstrated that the high expression of miR‐874‐3p overexpression antagonized the suppression of endochondral ossification, hypertrophy and chondrocyte growth caused by circANAPC2 overexpression. A high‐throughput screening of mRNA expression and RT‐qPCR verified SMAD3 demonstrated the highest different expressions following overcircANAPC2. Luciferase reporter assay results indicated that miR‐874‐3p could be targeted by Smad3, thus down‐regulating the expression of Smad3. Subsequent rescue experiments of SMAD3 further confirmed that circANAPC2 suppresses endochondral ossification, hypertrophy and chondrocyte growth through miR‐874‐3p/Smad3 axis. The present study provides evidence that circANAPC2 can serve as a promising target for ISS treatment.
H2S catalysed by CBS regulates testosterone synthesis through affecting the sulfhydrylation of PDE
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Jing , Shen Tao , Hong Renyun , Tang Shanshan , Zhao Xia
Published: March 2021

Testosterone deficiency resulted in increased mortality in men. Our previous work found that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) significantly alleviated the spermatogenesis disorder. To investigate whether H2S could regulate testosterone synthesis and the relative signalling pathways. Disorder model of testosterone synthesis was constructed in vitro and in vivo. The cell viability was detected using CCK‐8 method. The concentration of H2S and testosterone were examined using ELISA kits. The relative mRNA and protein expression of CBS, PDE4A, PDE8A and proteins related to testosterone synthesis were detected by RT‐qPCR and western blotting. PAS staining was used to detect the inflammatory status of testis. The sulfhydryl level of PDE4A and PDE8A was determined by Biotin Switch Technique. CBS overexpression inhibited while knockdown promoted LPS + H2O2 induced injury in testosterone synthesis of MLTC‐1 cells, though regulating the level of H2S. The LPS + H2O2 induced inhibition on cAMP and p‐PKA was recovered by CBS overexpression, while addition of the specific inhibitor of PKA had opposite effects. CBS overexpression alleviated the inflammation status in testis and promoted the expression of StAR, P450scc, P450c17 and 3β‐HSD. CBS could also exhibit its protective role through promoting sulfhydrylation of PDE4A and PDE8A. H2S catalysed by CBS could recover testosterone synthesis in vitro and in vivo through inhibiting PDE expression via sulfhydryl modification and activating cAMP/PKA pathway.
Nanoparticle formulation of mycophenolate mofetil achieves enhanced efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting tumour‐associated fibroblast
Authors: Yang Zhentao , Zhang Liang , Zhu Hai , Zhou Ke , Wang Hangxiang , Wang Yuchen , Su Rong , Guo Danjing , Zhou Lin , Xu Xiao , Song Penghong , Zheng Shusen , Xie Haiyang
Published: March 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive tumours with marked fibrosis. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was well‐established to have antitumour and anti‐fibrotic properties. To overcome the poor bioavailability of MMF, this study constructed two MMF nanosystems, MMF‐LA@DSPE‐PEG and MMF‐LA@PEG‐PLA, by covalently conjugating linoleic acid (LA) to MMF and then loading the conjugate into polymer materials, PEG5k‐PLA8k and DSPE‐ PEG2k, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and C57BL/6 xenograft model were used to examine the anti‐HCC efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs), whereas NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts and highly‐fibrotic HCC models were used to explore the anti‐fibrotic efficacy. Administration of NPs dramatically inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells and fibroblasts in vitro. Animal experiments revealed that MMF‐LA@DSPE‐PEG achieved significantly higher anti‐HCC efficacy than free MMF and MMF‐LA@PEG‐PLA both in C57BL/6 HCC model and highly‐fibrotic HCC models. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed that MMF‐LA@DSPE‐PEG dramatically reduced cancer‐associated fibroblast (CAF) density in tumours, as the expression levels of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and collagen IV were significantly downregulated. In addition, we found the presence of CAF strongly correlated with increased HCC recurrence risk after liver transplantation. MMF‐LA@DSPE‐PEG might act as a rational therapeutic strategy in treating HCC and preventing post‐transplant HCC recurrence.
Comparative analyses of the soft tissue interfaces around teeth and implants: Insights from a pre‐clinical implant model
Authors: Yuan Xue , Pei Xibo , Chen Jinlong , Zhao Yuan , Brunski John B. , Helms Jill A.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate the similarities and differences in barrier function of a peri‐implant epithelium (PIE) versus a native junctional epithelium (JE).

Materials and methods

A mouse model was used wherein titanium implants were placed sub‐occlusally in healed extraction sites. The PIE was examined at multiple timepoints after implant placement, to capture and understand the temporal nature of its assembly and homeostatic status. Mitotic activity, hemidesmosomal attachment apparatus, and inflammatory responses in the PIE were compared against a JE. Additionally, we evaluated whether the PIE developed a Wnt‐responsive stem cell niche like a JE.

Results

The PIE developed from oral epithelium (OE) that had, by the time of implant placement, lost all characteristics of a JE. Compared with a JE, an established PIE had more proliferating cells, exhibited lower expression of attachment proteins, and had significantly more inflammatory cells in the underlying connective tissue. Wnt‐responsive cells in the OE contributed to an initial PIE, but Wnt‐responsive cells and their descendants were lost as the PIE matured.

Conclusions

Although histologically similar, the PIE lacked a Wnt‐responsive stem cell niche and exhibited characteristics of a chronically inflamed tissue. Both features contributed to suboptimal barrier functions of the PIE compared with a native JE.
Phenomenological‐based semiphysical model to predict the water holding capacity of processed meats in the mixing process
Authors: Gaviria Laura M. , Ospina‐E Juan C. , Muñoz Diego A.
Published: March 2021

This study proposes a phenomenological‐based semiphysical model (PBSM) for the mixing process to predict meat protein denaturation and their interactions with water molecules when salts and phosphates are present. Protein fractions are measured according to their solubility, which is an indicator of structural changes. A reaction scheme is proposed based on the literature review and the consolidation of individual experiments carried out at an industrial scale mortadella fed‐batch reactor. The model is simulated with numerical integration of a set of ODEs governing the time‐evolution of species concentrations. The results show that the model was able to predict the water‐holding capacity at standard formulation and operational conditions.

Practical applications

The knowledge of the effects of processing conditions on the structure and the interactions of muscle proteins contributes to understanding the impact of processing on meat product quality. The phenomenological‐based semiphysical model developed in this study has broad applicability in the food industry since it is the first attempt to link meat protein composition with the functional property water‐holding capacity mathematically. The high interpretability of model parameters provides a deeper understand of the process phenomena; so that the model becomes a way to develop strategies to improve the process.
“My backpack is so heavy”: Experiences of Latino caregivers of family with early‐onset Alzheimer's
Authors: Withers Mellissa , Cortez‐Sanchez Kristyan , Herrera Joseph , Ringman John M. , Segal‐Gidan Freddi
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives

While it is well‐known that caregiving can have adverse effects on the physical and mental health of informal caregivers and their families, caregivers of those with early‐onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD) may have distinct needs. Little is written about the experiences of Latino caregivers of family members with EOAD, especially inherited forms. This study's objective was to explore the experiences and needs of Latino caregivers of persons with EOAD.

Methods

Five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 27 informal caregivers of Latinos with EOAD who were recruited through an AD clinic in Los Angeles.

Results

The stress of caregiving was compounded by other pressures and worries, such as taking care of young children, providing financially for family, caregivers' own co‐morbidities, and contemplating their own risk of inheriting EOAD. Resources for monolingual Spanish speakers were scarce. Participants had two primary unmet needs: information and support services. Participants lacked information about how to provide appropriate care, which heightened fears. Difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis from physicians who were uninformed about EOAD was also common. Recommended topics for informational campaigns included how‐to videos on caring for a loved one but also topics related to self‐care for caregivers.

Conclusions

Our results underscore the need to tailor programs for caregivers of family members with EOAD. Educational campaigns could help to dispel myths and misconceptions, reduce stigma associated with EOAD, and encourage more people to seek timely care. Additional psychosocial support, such as support groups, could build solidarity and self‐efficacy. Better access to dual‐language information and support could encourage early help‐seeking but also improve caregivers' quality of life as they manage long‐term caregiving responsibilities.
Predictive validity of the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form for rehabilitation patients: A retrospective analysis of the Japan Rehabilitation Nutrition Database
Authors: Nishioka Shinta , Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Kayashita Jun , Taketani Yutaka , Momosaki Ryo
Published: March 2021

Background

Malnutrition is associated with worse outcome in rehabilitation patients; however, appropriate malnutrition screening tools for this population have not been investigated. We examined the predictive validity of specific cut‐off values of the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form version 2 (MNA‐SFv2) for Japanese rehabilitation patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients (≥ 20 years) in the Japan Rehabilitation Nutrition Database who were in convalescent rehabilitation wards after stroke or hip fracture. Patients were classified into three categories based on MNA‐SFv2 original (0–7, 8–11 and 12–14 points, respectively) or modified (0–5, 6–7 and 8–14 points, respectively) cut‐off values: malnutrition, at risk of malnutrition or well‐nourished. Functional independence measure (FIM) and home discharge were compared between the categories.

Results

Overall, 489 patients were analyzed. Based on the MNA‐SFv2 original and modified cut‐off values, 64.4% and 36.0% were malnourished, 32.3% and 28.4% were at risk of malnutrition, and 3.3% and 35.6% were well‐nourished, respectively. Malnutrition defined by both cut‐off values was significantly associated with the FIM at admission, whereas only those defined by modified cut‐off values predicted the FIM at discharge (B, −7.1; 95% confidence interval = −12.3 to −1.9). Neither original, nor modified cut‐off values predicted discharge to home and long‐term care facilities.

Conclusions

An MNA‐SFv2 score of 0–5 points may be useful to identify Japanese patients with poor outcomes in a rehabilitation setting.
Comparing Perceptions of Patient Nonparticipation in Nursing Care: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Marshall Andrea P. , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Patient participation is characterized by dyadic patient–nurse interactions that enable patients to passively or actively participate in communicative and physical care activities. Less research has been conducted on nonparticipation. Examining this phenomenon may highlight issues to address and identify strategies that may ultimately promote patient participation and move the rhetoric of patient participation to a reality. The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore hospital patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of nonparticipation in nursing care specifically focused on communication and self‐care.

Design

Secondary supplementary analysis of qualitative data. We collated original transcripts from one dataset that included 20 patient and 20 nurse interviews conducted at two hospitals in Australia, in November 2013 to March 2014.

Methods

Interviews were arranged into units of analysis dependent on group (patient/nurse) and setting (public/private hospital) and were reanalyzed using manifest, inductive content analysis.

Findings

Two categories were found: (a) nurses impeding two‐way clinical communication; and (b) patients and nurses disregarding patients’ self‐care efforts. These categories describe that nonparticipation occurred when nurses inhibited communication, and when patients were not involved in self‐care while hospitalized or during discharge planning.

Conclusions

Perceptions of nonparticipation differ across settings, having implications for how patient participation recommendations are enacted in different contexts.

Clinical Relevance

There is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach; nurses need to identify common instances of nonparticipation within their setting and develop and implement strategies to promote patient participation that are suited to their context.
Cimetidine‐induced androgenic failure causes cell death and changes in actin, EGF and V‐ATPase immunoexpression in rat submandibular glands
Authors: Manzato Mariane Castro , de Santi Fabiane , da Silva André Acácio Souza , Beltrame Flávia L. , Cerri Paulo S. , Sasso‐Cerri Estela
Published: March 2021

Submandibular gland (SMG) is responsive to androgens via androgen receptor (AR). We verified whether cimetidine induces androgenic dysfunction in SMG, and evaluated the structural integrity, cell death and immunoexpression of actin, EGF and V‐ATPase in androgen‐deficient SMG. Male rats received cimetidine (CMTG) and control animals (CG) received saline. Granular convoluted tubules (GCTs) diameter and number of acinar cell nuclei were evaluated. TUNEL and immunofluorescence reactions for detection of AR, testosterone, actin, EGF and V‐ATPase were quantitatively analysed. In CG, testosterone immunolabelling was detected in acinar and ductal cells cytoplasm. AR‐immunolabelled nuclei were observed in acinar cells whereas ductal cells showed AR‐immunostained cytoplasm, indicating a non‐genomic AR action. In CMTG, the weak testosterone and AR immunoexpression confirmed cimetidine‐induced androgenic failure. A high cell death index was correlated with decreased number of acinar cells, GCTs diameter and EGF immunoexpression under androgenic dysfunction. Actin immunofluorescence decreased in the SMG cells, but an increased and diffuse cytoplasmic V‐ATPase immunolabelling was observed in striated ducts, suggesting a disruption in the actin‐dependent V‐ATPase recycling due to androgenic failure. Our findings reinforce the androgenic role in the maintenance of SMG histophysiology, and point to a potential clinical use of cimetidine against androgen‐dependent glandular tumour cells.
Constraints associated with captivity alter craniomandibular integration in wild boar
Authors: Neaux Dimitri , Blanc Barbara , Ortiz Katia , Locatelli Yann , Schafberg Renate , Herrel Anthony , Debat Vincent , Cucchi Thomas
Published: March 2021

The domestication process is associated with substantial phenotypic changes through time. However, although morphological integration between biological structures is purported to have a major influence on the evolution of new morphologies, little attention has been paid to the influence of domestication on the magnitude of integration. Here, we assessed the influence of constraints associated with captivity, considered as one of the crucial first steps in the domestication process, on the integration of cranial and mandibular structures. We investigated the craniomandibular integration in Western European Sus scrofa using three‐dimensional (3D) landmark‐based geometric morphometrics. Our results suggest that captivity is associated with a lower level of integration between the cranium and the mandible. Plastic responses to captivity can thus affect the magnitude of integration of key functional structures. These findings underline the critical need to develop integration studies in the context of animal domestication to better understand the processes accountable for the set‐up of domestic phenotypes through time.
An evaluation of the FDA adverse event reporting system and the potential for reporting bias
Authors: Monnot Andrew D. , Fung Ernest S. , Compoginis Goli S. , Towle Kevin M.
Published: March 2021

Background

The FDA maintains the Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) database, which contains product complaint reports for foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Product line perception and subsequent adverse event reporting may be impacted by negative media attention.

Methods

The purpose of this analysis was to use the CAERS database to analyze temporal trends in adverse event reporting before and after media coverage of alleged health effects, using WEN by Chaz Dean (WCD) cleansing conditioners as a case study. WCD cleansing conditioner adverse event reports from January 2005 to December 2018 were abstracted from the CAERS database. Zero‐inflated negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the rate of adverse events (WCD events/10,000 WCD cleansing conditioner units sold/month), adjusted for temporal trends in CAERS.

Results

There was a statistically significant higher rate of adverse event reporting after negative media coverage in December 2015 (IRR 16.71 [95% CI: 7.89–35.39]) when compared to the rate of adverse event reporting before December 2015.

Conclusions

This analysis highlights the importance of assessing potential external factors, such as negative news media coverage, that may alter reporting behaviors due to societal shifts in product‐specific risk perception. Consideration of these factors in post‐market surveillance programs would result in more comprehensive safety evaluations.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on the medical activities of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene, Vatican City State
Authors: Ralli Massimo , Arcangeli Andrea , Soave Paolo Maurizio , Carbone Luigi , Ercoli Lucia , De‐Giorgio Fabio
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To report the changes in volume and characteristics of medical activities in the Vatican City State during COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Data for general / emergency procedures , specialty consultations, radiology examinations and diagnostic procedures delivered by the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State were retrospectively analysed. Analysis focused on the entire year 2020 and on the lockdown period 9 March – 18 May 2020.

Results

In 2020, 73.932 procedures were performed compared to 95.218 in 2019 (−22.4%). During lockdown, general / emergency activities decreased by 61.1%, specialty consultations by 85.3%, radiology examinations by 95.8%, and diagnostic procedures by 96.5%. A decrease was found for nearly all specialties; the most affected were occupational medicine and dermatology, whilst an increase was found for legal medicine, psychiatry and angiology.

Conclusion

Medical activities of the Vatican City State have been severely impacted, especially during the first months of the pandemic. However, organizational efforts allowed rapid restoration to near‐normal volumes.