bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FBXW7 induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells by regulating HDAC7
Authors: Nie Xiaohu , Jia Weiqiang , Li Xiaobin , Pan Xuyan , Yin Rui , Liu Ning , Su Zhongzhou
Published: July 2021

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer with an extremely poor prognosis. Additionally, the F‐box WD repeat‐containing protein 7 (FBXW7) is a component of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system that has been widely implicated in human cancers. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of FBXW7 in glioblastoma. FBXW7 expression was analyzed in normal and glioblastoma tissue samples using The Cancer Genome Atlas Glioblastoma Multiforme (TCGA‐GBM) database. Then, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to examine mRNA expression, whereas, western blot analysis was conducted to determine protein levels of the samples. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was assessed using the Annexin V staining method, followed by flow cytometry analysis. Immunoprecipitation (IP) assay was conducted as well to test protein–protein interactions. Lastly, protein expression in tissues was examined by conducting immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results showed that the glioblastoma tissue samples displayed an FBXW7 downregulation compared with normal tissues. In vitro, the overexpression of FBXW7 in glioblastoma cells induced apoptosis, whereas, its knockdown displayed the opposite effect. Mechanistically, FBXW7 interacted with HDAC7 to promote HDAC7 ubiquitination, however, the overexpression of HDAC7 in glioblastoma cells blocked FBXW7‐induced apoptosis. Finally, FBXW7 and HDAC7 displayed an inverse correlation in glioblastoma tissues in vivo. Therefore, our data demonstrated an important function of FBXW7 in promoting glioblastoma apoptosis by interacting with HDAC7 and promoting HDAC7 ubiquitination.
Gallstone Ileus with COVID‐19 Infection: An Unintended Sequela of Non‐Operative Management of Acute Cholecystitis During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Shah Adil A. , Stewart Shai , Raza Ahmed , Nizam Wasay , Petrosyan Mikael , Williams Mallory , Cornwell Edward E
Published: July 2021

Appropriate risk stratification and careful follow‐up are mandated in elderly patients with comorbidities. Herein, we report a case presenting 5 months after the nonoperative management of acute cholecystitis during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in hematological patients during allogenic stem cell transplantation: A double case report
Authors: Alexandra Van Uytvanck , Sebastian Wittnebel , Nathalie Meuleman , Angela Loizidou , Jean‐Corentin Salengros , Chloé Spilleboudt
Published: July 2021

Despite severe immunosuppression due to conditioning chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia, COVID‐19 did not lead to clinical deterioration or death, thus raising the question of the impact of immunosuppressive treatment on clinical course evolution.
Reconstruction of maxillary palatal defects after partial maxillectomy using a pedicled buccal fat pad and a nasolabial flap
Authors: Nishikubo Shuichi , Matsuda Hiroyuki , Watanabe Shinya , Tamura Hidetoshi , Tonogi Morio
Published: July 2021

The novelty of this procedure is the reconstruction of a maxillary palatal defect with two pedicled flaps: a pedicled buccal fat pad and a nasolabial flap. This use of combination flaps makes the surgery simple, short, and useful for a wide defect.The novelty of this procedure is the reconstruction of a maxillary palatal defect with two pedicled flaps: a pedicled buccal fat pad and a nasolabial flap. This use of combination flaps makes the surgery simple, short, and useful for a wide defect.
Ultrasound‐guided central venous catheterization via internal jugular vein in a patient with subcutaneous neck emphysema: A case report
Authors: Bae Sung Il , Cho Soo Buem , Lee Soo Hee , Park Kyeong‐Eon , Hwang Yeran , Kim Sunmin , Sohn Ju‐Tae
Published: July 2021

In patients with subcutaneous neck emphysema, ultrasound images of the internal jugular vein are unclear due to air bubbles. Central venous catheterization can be safely achieved by pushing the accumulated air laterally using an ultrasound probe.
Atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus closure in an 8‐month‐old patient with Silver‐Russell syndrome
Authors: Oda Ryoma , Nakanishi Keisuke , Kawasaki Shiori , Amano Atsushi
Published: July 2021

We present a case of an 8‐month‐old boy with Silver‐Russell syndrome who had high pulmonary vascular resistance, atrial septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus. He underwent cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass without any complications.
A General Strategy for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Pyrrole‐Fused Chiral Skeletons: [3+2] Cycloaddition with 2‐Nitro‐2,3‐Unsaturated Glycosides
Authors: Jiang Nan , Mei Yuling , Yang Yu , Dong Youxian , Ding Zekun , Zhang Jianbo
Published: July 2021

In this study, a two‐step methodology was developed for the synthesis of chiral pyrroles from 2‐nitroglycals via Ferrier rearrangement and Barton‐Zard reaction under mild conditions without transition metal catalysts. The Ferrier rearrangement reaction of 2‐nitro‐glycals and a series of O‐nucleophiles proceeded smoothly in the presence of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst and K2CO3 which allowed the highly stereoselective synthesis of the diverse 2‐nitro‐2,3‐unsaturated glycosides in excellent yields. Subsequently, the rearrangement products were conveniently transformed into the desired chiral pyrroles by [3+2] cycloaddition (Barton‐Zard reaction) with isocyanoacetate in the presence of Cs2CO3. One‐pot strategy was also successfully demonstrated for the gram‐scale synthesis of one chiral pyrrole. This is the first report of stereoselective conversion from 2‐nitroglycals to chiral pyrrole.
Decorating BODIPY with Electron‐Withdrawing NO Group: Spectroelectrochemical Consequences and Computational Investigation
Authors: Silva Thaissa L. , Do Nascimento Tamires A. , De Almeida Andresa K. A. , Melo Shaiani M. G. , Da Silva Julio C. S. , Xavier Jadriane A. , Xavier André F. A. , Santos Danyelle C. , Wadhawan Jay , Emery Flavio S. , Goulart Marilia O. F.
Published: July 2021

4,4‐difluoro‐5,7‐dimethyl‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) and derivatives are an outstanding class of fluorescent dyes. Herein, we report on the introduction of a nitrosyl moiety into the BODIPY structure and its dramatic effect on the observed electrochemical reaction mechanism. 6‐Nitrosyl‐8‐phenyl‐BODIPY and its 5‐nitrosyl positional isomer, compounds 2 and 3, respectively, were obtained from the meso precursor, 8‐phenyl‐BODIPY (1), by nitrosation. Electrochemical studies for 1–3 are reported. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry in degassed DMF or in MeCN (reduction+oxidation), both with n‐Bu4NPF6 (0.1 mol L−1), were obtained. Compound 1 displays the usual behaviour for 8‐phenyl substituted BODIPYs. The addition of the acceptor nitroso group in compounds 2 (in position β) and 3 (in position α), leads to a different profile. For all the compounds, the nitroso group greatly facilitates the reductions. For compound 3 (EpIc=−0.238 V), the first to be reduced is the nitroso group, due to the stability of the electrogenerated radical anion, along with non‐bonding interactions with the electronegative boron difluoride. This is different from compound 2 (EpIc=−0.351 V) with a β‐nitroso group, where the nitroso‐based facilitated reduction occurs in the substituted BODIPY core. Spectroelectrochemistry coupled with analysis through conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) corroborate the voltammetric results and explain the unexpected reactivity differences.
Electrochemical Treatment of Wastewater by ElectroFenton, Photo‐ElectroFenton, Pressurized‐ElectroFenton and Pressurized Photo ElectroFenton: A First Comparison of these Innovative Routes
Authors: Ma Pengfei , Prestigiacomo Claudia , Proietto Federica , Galia Alessandro , Scialdone Onofrio
Published: July 2021

In the last few years increasing attention has been devoted to the utilization of electroFenton (EF) and EF based technologies for the treatment of wastewater polluted by recalcitrant organics. It has been shown that the performances of EF can be strongly improved using ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, e. g., by the photo‐electroFenton (PEF) method, or pressurized air or oxygen, e. g., by the pressurized‐electroFenton (PrEF) one. Although several studies were carried out on the degradation of many organic pollutants using EF, PEF or PrEF, a systematic comparison between PEF and PrEF was never reported as well as the possibility to couple the irradiation with pressurized air. In this study the performances of EF, PEF and PrEF were systematically compared using synthetic solutions of three model organic substrates (e. g., formic acid, oxalic acid and Acid Orange 7). In addition, the pressurized‐photo‐electroFenton (PrPEF) process was proposed for the first time.
Spectroelectrochemical Properties of 1,10‐Phenanthroline Substituted by Phenothiazine and Carbazole Redox‐active Units
Authors: Wantulok Jakub , Sokolova Romana , Degano Ilaria , Kolivoska Viliam , Nycz Jacek E. , Fiedler Jan
Published: July 2021

Complexes of 1,10‐phenanthrolines with cations of transition metals have broad range of applications. This work aims at designing and investigating phenothiazine and carbazole substituted 1,10‐phenanthrolines as ligands for future complexes with transient metal cations. The combined electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and DFT studies were employed to demonstrate the effect of broken symmetry in substituted 4,7‐di(phenothiazine)‐1,10‐phenanthrolines on their spectroelectrochemical properties. A reversible color change (new absorption band around 500 nm) due to phenothiazine radical cation was observed in the first oxidation step. Results further indicate that phenothiazine substituents behave as two equivalent but almost electronically isolated redox centres. The work additionally presents a comprehensive reaction mechanistic study of oxidation and reduction processes complemented by HPLC‐MS/MS identification.
Does dicamba exposure elicit a hormetic response in sensitive soybean?
Authors: Castner Mason C , Norsworthy Jason K , Barber Tom , Gbur Edward , Roberts Trenton
Published: July 2021

Applications of dicambaherbicide to dicamba‐resistant (DR) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) may increase the risks of non‐DR soybean exposure to dicamba. Dicamba residue in sprayers poses a challenge for applicators that also treat non‐DR soybean. Risks for non‐DR soybean producers increase as the planted acreage and usage of DR crops increases, as there is potential for volatilization of the herbicide in the summer months, posing a risk for nearby non‐DR soybean producers. There has been widespread speculation that a low‐dose exposure of dicamba to sensitive soybean may elicit a positive response in yield or yield components of the crop. Therefore, experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to assess the ability of dicamba to cause a hormetic response on a sensitive soybean. Dicamba at 0.000008, 0.0000125, 0.000025, 0.00005, and 0.0001 lb a.i. acre–1 was applied to soybean at the V3 stage along with a nontreated control. Similar treatments were applied to soybean at the R1 stage in a second experiment. In 2018, 4 out of 60 treatment means across six yield parameters had a positive response over the control, although no increase in yield was detected. In 2019, 11 out of 60 treatment means across the same yield parameters displayed a decrease and subsequently reduced soybean grain yield. The degree of auxin symptoms varied between site–years and did not consistently display compensatory effects. Overall, no findings led to the conclusion that exposure of soybean to sublethal doses of dicamba increased grain yield.
Effect of Heterometal‐Functionalization and Template Exchange on the Redox Chemistry of Molecular Vanadium Oxides
Authors: Greiner Simon , Schwarz Benjamin , Streb Carsten , Anjass Montaha
Published: July 2021

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have emerged as material of interest in many applications such as energy storage and conversion due to their redox activity and molecularly defined structure. However, especially for polyoxovanadates a lack of understanding between structural modifications and physicochemical properties remains. The present study leverages a lacunary dodecavanadate to systematically investigate the electronic effect of heterometal functionalization. While structural distortion affects the stability of the cluster, the redox potentials correlate with the overall cluster charge. Furthermore, we report the first bromide‐templated analogue of this cluster family. While the halide anion is crucial for the formation of the cluster, no major effect on the electrochemical properties is observed. By improving the understanding of structure‐property relationship in this work, we hope to enable a more predictable tuning of redox‐properties of polyoxovandates.
Asymmetric synthesis of (1R,5S)‐2‐methyl‐6,7‐benzomorphan via Aza‐Prins reaction
Authors: Gálvez José A. , Badorrey Ramón , Mahía Alejandro , Díaz‐de‐Villegas María D.
Published: July 2021

(1R,5S)‐2‐Methyl‐6,7‐benzomorphan has been synthesised from (R)‐(benzyloxy)(phenyl)acetaldehyde. On a 2‐mmol scale Bi (OTf)3 promoted Aza‐Prins reaction with N‐tosylhomoallylamine afforded an 88/12 mixture of 6‐oxa‐2‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes. Major diastereoisomer was converted to enantiomerically pure (2S,4S)‐2‐benzyl‐1‐ methylpiperidin‐4‐ol via a high‐yielding sequence hydrogenolysis/N‐detosylation/N‐methylation. Acid‐catalysed intramolecular Friedel−Crafts cyclisation of the piperidinol afforded (1R,5S)‐2‐methyl‐6,7‐benzomorphan in five steps with a yield of 25%.
Doubly stochastic models for spatio‐temporal covariation of replicated point processes
Authors: Gervini Daniel
Published: July 2021

This article proposes log‐linear models for the latent intensity functions of replicated spatio‐temporal point processes. By simultaneously fitting correlated spatial and temporal Karhunen–Loève expansions, these models produce spatial and temporal components that are usually easy to interpret and capture the main directions of spatio‐temporal correlation. The asymptotic distribution of the estimators is derived, and their finite sample properties are studied by simulation. As an example of application, we analyze the spatio‐temporal patterns of usage of a bike station in the Divvy bike‐sharing system of the city of Chicago.
Structure‐Activity Relationship Explorations and Discovery of a Potent Antagonist for the Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2
Authors: Højgaard Hansen Anders , Christensen Henriette B. , Pandey Sunil K. , Sergeev Eugenia , Valentini Alice , Dunlop Julia , Dedeo Domonkos , Fratta Simone , Hudson Brian D. , Milligan Graeme , Ulven Trond , Rexen Ulven Elisabeth
Published: July 2021

Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2) is a sensor for short‐chain fatty acids that has been identified as an interesting potential drug target for treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Although several ligand series are known for the receptor, there is still a need for improved compounds. One of the most potent and frequently used antagonists is the amide‐substituted phenylbutanoic acid known as CATPB (1). We here report the structure‐activity relationship exploration of this compound, leading to the identification of homologues with increased potency. The preferred compound 37 (TUG‐1958) was found, besides improved potency, to have high solubility and favorable pharmacokinetic properties.
Quantifying the Long‐Range Coupling of Electronic Properties in Proteins with ab initio Molecular Dynamics**
Authors: Yang Zhongyue , Hajlasz Natalia , Steeves Adam H. , Kulik Heather J.
Published: July 2021

The delicate interplay of covalent and non‐covalent interactions in proteins is inherently quantum mechanical and highly dynamic in nature. To directly interrogate the evolving nature of the electronic structure of proteins, we carry out 100‐ps‐scale ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of three representative small proteins with range‐separated hybrid density functional theory. We quantify the nature and length‐scale of the coupling of residue‐specific charge probability distributions in these proteins. While some nonpolar residues exhibit expectedly narrow charge distributions, most polar and charged residues exhibit broad, multimodal distributions. Even for nonpolar residues, we observe sequence‐specific deviations corresponding to charge accumulation or depletion that would be challenging to capture in a fixed charge force field. We quantify the effect of residue‐residue interactions on charge distributions first with linear cross‐correlations. We then show how additional insight can be gained from evaluating the mutual information of charge distributions. We show that a significant number of residues couple most strongly with residues that are distant in both sequence and space over a range of secondary structures including α‐helical, β‐sheet, disulfide bridging, and lasso motifs. The mutual information analysis is necessary to capture coupling between some polar and charged residues that would be otherwise missed.
Evolving biological associations of upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Silagy Andrew W. , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Weng Stanley , Holmes Arturo , Singla Nirmish , Mano Roy , Attalla Kyrollis , Weiss Kate L. , DiNatale Renzo G. , Patil Sujata , Coleman Jonathan A. , Motzer Robert J. , Russo Paul , Voss Martin H. , Hakimi A. Ari
Published: July 2021

Background

Systemic responses to cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are variable and difficult to anticipate. The authors aimed to determine the association of CN with modifiable International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk factors and oncological outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients with mRCC referred for potential CN (2009‐2019) were reviewed. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS); variables of interest included undergoing CN and the baseline number of modifiable IMDC risk factors (anemia, hypercalcemia, neutrophilia, thrombocytosis, and reduced performance status). For operative cases, the authors evaluated the effects of IMDC risk factor dynamics, measured 6 weeks and 6 months after CN, on OS and postoperative treatment disposition.

Results

Of 245 treatment‐naive patients with mRCC referred for CN, 177 (72%) proceeded to surgery. The CN cases had fewer modifiable IMDC risk factors (P = .003), including none in 71 of 177 patients (40.1%); fewer metastases (P = .011); and higher proportions of clear cell histology (P = .012). In a multivariable analysis, surgical selection, number of IMDC risk factors, metastatic focality, and histology were associated with OS. Total risk factors changed for 53.8% and 57.2% of the patients from the preoperative period to 6 weeks and 6 months after CN, respectively. Adjusted for preoperative IMDC risk scores, an increase in IMDC risk factors at 6 weeks and 6 months was associated with adverse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐2.19; P = .007; HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.74‐3.65; P < .001).

Conclusions

IMDC risk factors are dynamic clinical variables that can improve after upfront CN in select patients, and this suggests a systemic benefit of cytoreduction, which may confer clinically meaningful prognostic implications.
Association of Parenteral Anticoagulation Therapy With Outcomes in Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Without Invasive Therapy: Findings from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China (CCC) project
Authors: Liu Yuan‐Hui , Fan Hua‐Lin , Zeng Li‐Huan , Duan Chong‐Yang , Chen Guo , Chen Peng‐Yuan , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Hao Yong‐Chen , He Wen‐Fei , Tao Sha , Wei Xue‐Biao , Jiang Lei , Guo Wei , Guo Yan‐Song , Chen Wei , Li Jun , Hu Yun‐Zhao , Li Wen‐Sheng , Chen Yi‐Yue , Luo Jian‐Fang , Zhou Ying‐Ling , Yu Dan‐Qing , Han Ya‐Ling , Tan Ning , Chen Ji‐Yan , He Peng‐Cheng
Published: July 2021

Our previous study showed that parenteral anticoagulation therapy (PACT) in the context of aggressive antiplatelet therapy failed to improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for non–ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS). However, the role of PACT in patients managed medically remains unknown. This observational cohort study enrolled patients with NSTE‐ACS receiving medical therapy from November 2014 to June 2017 in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China‐Acute Coronary Syndrome project. Eligible patients were included in the PACT group and non‐PACT group. The primary outcomes were in‐hospital all‐cause mortality and major bleeding. The secondary outcome included minor bleeding. Among 23,726 patients, 8,845 eligible patients who received medical therapy were enrolled. After adjusting the potential confounders, PACT was not associated with a lower risk of in‐hospital all‐cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.71; P = 0.151). Additionally, PACT did not increase the incidence of major bleeding or minor bleeding (major bleeding: adjusted OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.80–1.35; P = 0.763; minor bleeding: adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.91–1.75; P = 0.156). The propensity score analysis confirmed the primary analyses. In patients with NSTE‐ACS receiving antiplatelet therapy, PACT was not associated with a lower risk of in‐hospital all‐cause mortality or a higher bleeding risk in patients with NSTE‐ACS receiving non‐invasive therapies and concurrent antiplatelet strategies. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to reevaluate the safety and efficacy of PACT in all patients with NSTE‐ACS who receive noninvasive therapies and current antithrombotic strategies.
Hi‐C 3.0: Improved Protocol for Genome‐Wide Chromosome Conformation Capture
Authors: Lafontaine Denis L. , Yang Liyan , Dekker Job , Gibcus Johan H.
Published: July 2021

The intricate folding of chromatin enables living organisms to store genomic material in an extremely small volume while facilitating proper cell function. Hi‐C is a chromosome conformation capture (3C)‐based technology to detect pair‐wise chromatin interactions genome‐wide, and has become a benchmark tool to study genome organization. In Hi‐C, chromatin conformation is first captured by chemical cross‐linking of cells. Cells are then lysed and subjected to restriction enzyme digestion, before the ends of the resulting fragments are marked with biotin. Fragments within close 3D proximity are ligated, and the biotin label is used to selectively enrich for ligated junctions. Finally, isolated ligation products are prepared for high‐throughput sequencing, which enables the mapping of pair‐wise chromatin interactions genome‐wide. Over the past decade, “next‐generation” sequencing has become cheaper and easier to perform, enabling more interactions to be sampled to obtain higher resolution in chromatin interaction maps. Here, we provide an in‐depth guide to performing an up‐to‐date Hi‐C procedure on mammalian cell lines. These protocols include recent improvements that increase the resolution potential of the assay, namely by enhancing cross‐linking and using a restriction enzyme cocktail. These improvements result in a versatile Hi‐C procedure that enables the detection of genome folding features at a wide range of distances. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Fixation of nuclear conformation

Basic Protocol 2: Chromosome conformation capture

Basic Protocol 3: Hi‐C sequencing library preparation
Multicriteria decisions and portfolio analysis: land acquisition for biological and social objectives
Authors: Krainyk Anastasia , Lyons James E. , Rice Mindy B. , Fowler Kenneth A. , Soulliere Gregory J. , Brasher Michael G. , Humburg Dale D. , Coluccy John M.
Published: July 2021

Resource allocation for land acquisition is a common multiobjective problem that involves complex trade‐offs. The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently uses the Targeted Resource Acquisition Comparison Tool (TRACT) to allocate funds from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund (MBCF; established through the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Act of 1934) for land acquisition based on cost–benefit analysis, regional priority rankings of candidate land parcels available for acquisition, and the overall biological contribution to duck population objectives. However, current policy encourages decision makers to consider societal and economic benefits of lands acquired, in addition to their biological benefits to waterfowl. These decisions about portfolio elements (i.e., individual land parcels) require an analysis of the difficult trade‐offs among multiple objectives. In the last decade the application of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods has been instrumental in aiding decision makers with complex multiobjective decisions. In this study, we present an alternative approach to developing land‐acquisition portfolios using MCDA and modern portfolio theory (MPT). We describe the development of a portfolio decision analysis tool using constrained optimization for land‐acquisition decisions by the NWRS. We outline the decision framework, describe development of the prototype tool in Microsoft Excel, and test the results of the tool using land parcels submitted as candidates for MBCF funding in 2019. Our results indicate that the constrained optimization outperformed the traditional TRACT method and ad hoc portfolios developed using current NWRS criteria.
Noninvasive genetic sampling for flying foxes: a valuable method for monitoring demographic parameters
Authors: Ibouroi Mohamed Thani , Arnal Véronique , Cheha Ali , Dhurham Said Ali Ousseni , Montgelard Claudine , Besnard Aurélien
Published: July 2021

Establishing effective wildlife conservation measures requires accurate demographic information such as population size and survival probability: parameters that can be extremely difficult to obtain. This is especially the case for threatened species, which are often rare and sometimes occupy inaccessible areas. While noninvasive genetic sampling (NIGS) techniques are promising tools for providing demographic data, these methods may be unreliable in certain situations. For instance, fecal samples of frugivorous species in tropical areas degrade rapidly, affecting the usability of the genetic material. In this study, we compared (1) NIGS capture–mark–recapture (NIGS‐CMR) with conventional CMR to determine their potential in estimating demographic parameters of fruit bats, and (2) the precision of these demographic parameters and the associated costs given varying sampling designs through simulations. Using Livingstone’s fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii) fecal samples, microsatellite markers were tested and genotyping success and error rates were assessed. The average genotyping success rate was 77%, and the total genotyping error rate for all loci was low (allelic dropout rate = 0.089, false alleles rate = 0.018). Our results suggested that five loci were required to identify individuals. Simulations showed that monitoring the species over a 9‐yr period with a recapture rate of 0.20 or over a 6‐yr period with a recapture rate of 0.30 seems appropriate to obtain valuable demographic parameters. Overall, in comparison to conventional CMR, NIGS‐CMR offers a better method for estimating demographic parameters and subsequently for conducting long‐term population monitoring in flying foxes due to the fact that (1) sample collection is easy and the level of genotyping errors in the laboratory is low and (2) it is cheaper, less time‐consuming, and less disturbing to individual animals. We strongly advocate an approach that couples a pilot study with simulations as done in this study in order to choose the most efficient monitoring method for a given species or context.
Low‐intensity environmental education can enhance perceptions of culturally taboo wildlife
Authors: Williams Samual T. , Williams Kathryn S. , Constant Natasha , Swanepoel Lourens , Taylor Peter J. , Belmain Steven R. , Evans Steven W.
Published: July 2021

Traditional cultural beliefs influence perceptions of animals and can result in persecution of wildlife. In Africa, stigmas against species associated with witchcraft can act as a barrier to the uptake of sustainable practices such as reducing crop damage through reliance on indigenous predators rather than pesticides to control rodent agricultural pests. One way of enhancing perceptions of wildlife to increase participation in ecologically based rodent management schemes is through environmental education. Low‐intensity programs can produce positive attitudinal shifts, but their impact has not been assessed for species strongly associated with witchcraft. We tested whether a presentation on the natural history of owls in the Limpopo Province of South Africa could improve perceptions of these species and increase willingness to participate in the installation of owl boxes to increase owl populations and reduce rodent populations and crop damage. We used a pre‐ and post‐survey to assess the perceptions of owls of 340 learners aged between 12 and 18 in four schools before and after listening to the presentation. Respondents that watched the presentation had more positive perceptions of owls than those that had not watched the presentation and were more willing to put up owl boxes near their home. Despite this shift, negative perceptions of owls still dominated responses due to cultural associations with the occult. These findings indicate that even low‐intensity programs can be effective at enhancing perceptions of taboo wildlife. We suggest that environmental education programs featuring culturally taboo species should adopt a culturally sensitive approach to focus on the benefits these species provide.
Spatiotemporal variability of gas transfer velocity in a tropical high‐elevation stream using two independent methods
Authors: Whitmore Keridwen M. , Stewart Nehemiah , Encalada Andrea C. , Suárez Esteban , Riveros‐Iregui Diego A.
Published: July 2021

Streams in high‐elevation tropical ecosystems known as páramos may be significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere by transforming terrestrial carbon to gaseous CO2. Studies of these environments are scarce, and estimates of CO2 fluxes are poorly constrained. In this study, we use two independent methods for measuring gas transfer velocity (k), a critical variable in the estimation of CO2 evasion and other biogeochemical processes. The first method, kinematic k600 (k600‐K), is derived from an empirical relationship between temperature‐adjusted k (k600) and the physical characteristics of the stream. The second method, measured k600 (k600‐M), estimates gas transfer velocity in the stream by in situ measurements of dissolved CO2 (pCO2) and CO2 evasion to the atmosphere, adjusting for temperature. Measurements were collected throughout a 5‐week period during the wet season of a peatland‐stream transition within a páramo ecosystem located above 4000 m in elevation in northeastern Ecuador. We characterized the spatial heterogeneity of the 250‐m reach on five occasions, and both methods showed a wide range of variability in k600 at small spatial scales. Values of k600‐K ranged from 7.42 to 330 m/d (mean = 116 ± 95.1 m/d), whereas values of k600‐M ranged from 23.5 to 444 m/d (mean = 121 ± 127 m/d). Temporal variability in k600 was driven by increases in stream discharge caused by rain events, whereas spatial variability was driven by channel morphology, including stream width and slope. The two methods were in good agreement (less than 16% difference) at high and medium stream discharge (above 7.0 L/s). However, the two methods considerably differed from one another (up to 73% difference) at low stream discharge (below 7.0 L/s, which represents 60% of the observations collected). Our study provides the first estimates of k600 values in a high‐elevation tropical catchment across steep environmental gradients and highlights the combined effects of hydrology and stream morphology in co‐regulating gas transfer velocities in páramo streams.
Community eDNA metabarcoding as a detection tool for documenting freshwater mussel (Unionidae) species assemblages
Authors: Coghlan Stephanie A. , Currier Charise A. , Freeland Joanna , Morris Todd J. , Wilson Chris C.
Published: July 2021

Documenting species occurrences and habitat occupancy of unionid mussels can often be challenging. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been shown to be a reliable tool for detecting unionids with comparable or greater sensitivity than conventional sampling and has the added advantages of not disturbing individuals or occupied habitats. However, single‐species eDNA assays are limited to targeting individual species of interest and are functionally blind to the presence of other species. Community eDNA assays have the potential to characterize local species assemblages simultaneously but are currently less extensively developed and implemented than single‐species eDNA testing. We tested the effectiveness of community eDNA markers to identify unionid species assemblages, using two overlapping conserved primers that target the maternal mitochondrial 16S rDNA region. Both primer sets were optimized using three mock communities and successfully amplified 62.5%–81.6% of species with largely consistent results between the primer sets. Following optimization, eDNA from water samples from 24 reference sites with known mussel communities was amplified and sequenced to quantify species richness and diversity within and among sites. Metabarcoding results from the monitoring sites largely mirrored those from the mock communities, with >80% of species detections identified by both assays. The results were broadly consistent with species data from quadrat‐based manual field surveys, although both community eDNA and conventional sampling detected some species that the other method did not. These results demonstrate that community eDNA assays using conserved primers and next‐generation sequencing have the potential to simultaneously target eDNA from multiple unionid species and provide a powerful tool for complementing or augmenting conventional field surveys to characterize and monitor unionid species assemblages.
Optical properties of segmented Ag–Au wire at single particle level studied with a home‐built micro‐spectrometer
Authors: Neupane Bhanu B. , Chase Thomas E. , Zhao Luyang , Wang Gufeng , He Lin
Published: July 2021

Nanomaterials having hetero‐metallic junctions are being explored for sensing, catalytic, and biomedical applications. Insight into the bimetallic junction at nanoscale is important from both fundamental and application perspectives. In this study, we synthesized segmented Au–Ag wire by sequentially electroplating Au and Ag in cylindrical pores in anodic alumina membrane filters. We probed the one photon, two photon, and second harmonic signal in Au–Ag wire at single particle level by focusing laser beam to a diffraction limited spot using a home‐built sample scanning type micro‐spectrometer. When exciting the Au–Ag junctions into the mid‐UV range using two‐photon excitation, we observed two luminescence peaks at 455 and 520 nm, respectively, possibly because of the surface plasmon resonances supported by the sharp boundary and granular nanostructures on the Au–Ag interface. Interestingly, we also observed intense second harmonic generation (SHG) signal from the junction with a yield more than two orders of magnitude higher than that from the Au tips. The SHG intensity as a function of excitation wavelength showed a similar trend to the two‐photon excited luminescence emission spectrum, indicating that the SHG signal was enhanced in the presence of optical resonances. The observation of enhanced radiative properties of the bimetallic junction in the suggested that the Au–Ag wire may serve as an excellent imaging probe or single particle sensors.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Guided Cascade Control for Air Supply of Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhou Jianhao , Liao Yuhui , Liu Jun , Xue Yuan , Xue Siwu
Published: July 2021

The power consumption of an electric air compressor becomes the major parasitic energy waste leading to the deterioration of net efficiency of the fuel cell system (FCS). Optimal control of the oxygen excess ratio (OER) is recognized as a feasible way to resolve the paradox of stack health and system efficiency. Herein, a novel cascade control scheme that leverages model predictive control (MPC), fuzzy Proportion Integral control (FPI), and deep reinforcement learning technique is proposed to regulate the OER for a 75 kW FCS. The master‐slave control structure is adopted, and a reference air mass flow rate and the motor voltage of the air compressor are taken as control targets, respectively. A deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is used as a parameter tuner for MPCProportion Integral (PI) controller. The results indicate that both MPCFPI and DDPGMPCPI can achieve better control performance indices in comparison to classic controller under step response and a typical driving cycle. The DDPG‐guided cascade controller is also capable of regulating the OER tracking error and the derivative of rotation speed of the air compressor, which reveals the potential for extending the longevity of the FCS.
Coupling fully resolved light particles with the lattice Boltzmann method on adaptively refined grids
Authors: Werner Lukas , Rettinger Christoph , Rüde Ulrich
Published: July 2021

The simulation of geometrically resolved rigid particles in a fluid relies on coupling algorithms to transfer momentum both ways between the particles and the fluid. In this article, the fluid flow is modeled with a parallel lattice Boltzmann method using adaptive grid refinement to improve numerical efficiency. The coupling with the particles is realized with the momentum exchange method. When implemented in plain form, instabilities may arise in the coupling when the particles are lighter than the fluid. The algorithm can be stabilized with a virtual mass correction specifically developed for the lattice Boltzmann method. The method is analyzed for a wide set of physically relevant regimes, varying independently the body‐to‐fluid density ratio and the relative magnitude of inertial and viscous effects. These studies of a single rising particle exhibit periodic regimes of particle motion as well as chaotic behavior, as previously reported in the literature. The new coupled lattice Boltzmann method is compared with available experimental and numerical results. This serves to validate the presented method and additionally it leads to new physical insight for some of the parameter settings.
Association of bone mineral density and depression in different bone sites and ages: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Shiyi , Chen Jianjun , Zeng Li , Zhou Chanjuan , Yu Shenrun , Fang Liang
Published: July 2021

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is considered as a risk factor for osteoporosis. Bone mineral density (BMD), as the main tool for diagnosing osteoporosis, has been reported to have correlation with MDD in different cohorts. However, the information in causative link and etiology determinants of osteoporosis in MDD is still under investigation. The results are unclear. Thus, we perform a meta‐analysis to evaluate the association between altered BMD and MDD. We searched the electronic databases to find studies examining BMD in patients with MDD. Finally, 26 published studies were included in our meta‐analysis up from January 1990 to January 2019. All the data were pooled analysis using RevMan software. The association between altered BMD and MDD was assessed by std. mean difference (STD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each study. Twenty‐six studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Pooled results showed a significant lower BMD in spine (STD=0.51, 95% CI=0.30–0.71, p < .00001), total hip (STD=0.41, 95% CI=0.16 to 0.66, p = .001), and femoral neck (STD=0.93, 95% CI=0.32 to 1.55, p = .003) in MDD compared with controls. After stratification by mean age, gender, recruitment, diagnostic criteria, and measuring methods, no significant difference of BMD was found in bone mineral density of male total hip between MDD and controls(p > .05). Moreover, adults appear to have lower BMD than old cohorts. This is an updated meta‐analysis to reveal the association of bone mineral density and depression, suggesting that BMD appears to be more susceptible to occur in spine, total hip, femoral neck in MDD, especially for adults and women. Our meta‐analysis may provide clinicians and public health administrators with an important screening tool for assessing depression and avoiding osteoporosis in adult subjects and female.
Development and storage stability of chickpea, mung bean, and peanut‐based ready‐to‐use therapeutic food to tackle protein‐energy malnutrition
Authors: Javed Faiqa , Jabeen Sidra , Sharif Mian Kamran , Pasha Imran , Riaz Ayesha , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal , Sahar Amna , Karrar Emad , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) is most prevalent and affecting a large number of children in Pakistan. Ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a tackling strategy to overcome the PEM in Pakistan. The present research was designed to formulate RUTF from different indigenous sources. After conducting some preliminary trials, 14 RUTF formulations were developed by mixing peanut, mung bean, and chickpea alone as well as in various combinations with the addition of sugar, powdered milk, oil, and vitamin‐mineral premix. Freshly prepared RUTF was stored at room temperature (20 ± 5°C) and packed in aluminum foil for 90 days to investigate the microbiological analysis (total plate count and mold count), water activity (Aw), peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value. All the parameters showed significant (p < .05) differences among peanut, chickpea, and mung bean‐based RUTF except water activity. The storage days and interaction between treatments and storage days also showed a significant (p < .05) effect on water activity, total plate count, mold count, peroxide value, and TBA of RUTF formulations. The present study revealed that the peanut, chickpea, and mung bean can be used in the formulation of RUTF due to their shelf stability and help to mitigate the PEM in Pakistan.
Hydrogen‐rich water and caffeine for alertness and brain metabolism in sleep‐deprived habitual coffee drinkers
Authors: Todorovic Nikola , Zanini Dragana , Stajer Valdemar , Korovljev Darinka , Ostojic Jelena , Ostojic Sergej M.
Published: July 2021

The main aim of this randomized‐controlled cross‐over interventional trial was to assess the acute effects of taking a single dose of hydrogen‐rich water (HRW), and compare it with caffeine, HRW plus caffeine, and control water, for alertness, brain metabolism, brain and oxygen saturation, and self‐reported adverse events in healthy men and women who were habitual coffee drinkers and were sleep‐deprived for 24 hr. Sixteen apparently healthy young adults (8 men and 8 women; age 24.0 ± 3.5 years) were allocated in a cross‐over design to receive a single‐dose drink of HRW (8 ppm), caffeine (50 mg), HRW plus caffeine, or control drink (tap water) in the morning after 24‐hr sleep deprivation and 12‐hr fasting. The primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline (pre‐intervention) and 15‐min follow‐up. Significantly less time was needed to complete trail‐making test after both HRW and HRW plus caffeine compared with the control drink (p < .05). The number of errors in the symbol digit modalities test was significantly lower after drinking HRW or caffeine than control drink (p < .05). Both HRW and caffeine significantly increased the choline‐to‐creatine ratio in several brain regions (frontal white and gray matter), while HRW and the combination intervention also affected brain metabolism in the paracentral brain. No participants reported any side effects from any intervention. The attention enhancement driven by HRW appears along with changes in brain metabolism. Being generally recognized as a safe intervention, hydrogen could be thus recommended as a novel intervention that upholds attention in stressed conditions, with its metabolic footprint likely different from caffeine.
Long‐term exposure to air pollution and liver cancer incidence in six European cohorts
Authors: So Rina , Chen Jie , Mehta Amar J. , Liu Shuo , Strak Maciej , Wolf Kathrin , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A. , Rodopoulou Sophia , Stafoggia Massimo , Klompmaker Jochem O. , Samoli Evangelia , Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole , Atkinson Richard , Bauwelinck Mariska , Bellander Tom , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Brandt Jørgen , Brunekreef Bert , Cesaroni Giulia , Concin Hans , Forastiere Francesco , van Gils Carla H. , Gulliver John , Hertel Ole , Hoffmann Barbara , de Hoogh Kees , Janssen Nicole , Lim Youn‐hee , Westendorp Rudi , Jørgensen Jeanette T. , Katsouyanni Klea , Ketzel Matthias , Lager Anton , Lang Alois , Ljungman Petter L. , Magnusson Patrik K.E. , Nagel Gabriele , Simonsen Mette K. , Pershagen Göran , Peter Raphael S. , Peters Annette , Renzi Matteo , Rizzuto Debora , Sigsgaard Torben , Vienneau Danielle , Weinmayr Gudrun , Severi Gianluca , Fecht Daniela , Tjønneland Anne , Leander Karin , Hoek Gerard , Andersen Zorana J.
Published: July 2021

Particulate matter air pollution and diesel engine exhaust have been classified as carcinogenic for lung cancer, yet few studies have explored associations with liver cancer. We used six European adult cohorts which were recruited between 1985 and 2005, pooled within the “Effects of low‐level air pollution: A study in Europe” (ELAPSE) project, and followed for the incidence of liver cancer until 2011 to 2015. The annual average exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), warm‐season ozone (O3), and eight elemental components of PM2.5 (copper, iron, zinc, sulfur, nickel, vanadium, silicon, and potassium) were estimated by European‐wide hybrid land‐use regression models at participants' residential addresses. We analyzed the association between air pollution and liver cancer incidence by Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for potential confounders. Of 330 064 cancer‐free adults at baseline, 512 developed liver cancer during a mean follow‐up of 18.1 years. We observed positive linear associations between NO2 (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.17, 1.02‐1.35 per 10 μg/m3), PM2.5 (1.12, 0.92‐1.36 per 5 μg/m3), and BC (1.15, 1.00‐1.33 per 0.5 10−5/m) and liver cancer incidence. Associations with NO2 and BC persisted in two‐pollutant models with PM2.5. Most components of PM2.5 were associated with the risk of liver cancer, with the strongest associations for sulfur and vanadium, which were robust to adjustment for PM2.5 or NO2. Our study suggests that ambient air pollution may increase the risk of liver cancer, even at concentrations below current EU standards.