bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olfactory placode generates a diverse population of neurons expressing GnRH, somatostatin mRNA, neuropeptide Y, or calbindin in the chick forebrain
Authors: Murakami Shizuko , Ohki‐Hamazaki Hiroko , Uchiyama Yasuo
Published: July 2022

The olfactory placode (OP) of vertebrates generates several classes of migrating cells, including hypothalamic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐producing neurons, which play essential roles in the reproduction system. Previous studies using OP cell labeling have demonstrated that OP‐derived non‐GnRH cells enter the developing forebrain; however, their final fates and phenotypes are less well understood. In chick embryos, a subpopulation of migratory cells from the OP that is distinct from GnRH neurons transiently expresses somatostatin (SS). We postulated that these cells are destined to develop into brain neurons. In this study, we examined the expression pattern of SS mRNA in the olfactory‐forebrain region during development, as well as the destination of OP‐derived migratory cells, including SS mRNA‐expressing cells. Utilizing the Tol2 genomic integration system to induce long‐term fluorescent protein expression in OP cells, we found that OP‐derived migratory cells labeled at embryonic day (E) 3 resided in the olfactory nerve and medial forebrain at E17–19. A subpopulation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled GnRH neurons that remained in the olfactory nerve was considered to comprise terminal nerve neurons. In the forebrain, GFP‐labeled cells showed a distribution pattern similar to that of GnRH neurons. A large proportion of GFP‐labeled cells expressed the mature neuronal marker NeuN. Among the GFP‐labeled cells, the percentage of GnRH neurons was low, while the remaining GnRH‐negative neurons either expressed SS mRNA, neuropeptide Y, or calbindin D‐28k or did not express any of them. These results indicate that a diverse population of OP‐derived neuronal cells, other than GnRH neurons, integrates into the chick medial forebrain.
Pharmacokinetic Characteristics, Safety, and Tolerability of Telitacicept, an Injectable Recombinant Human B‐Lymphocyte Stimulating Factor Receptor‐Antibody Fusion Protein, in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Xie Jing , Fan Xiaoyun , Su Yue , Zhou Huan , Cao Shugang , Zhu Xingyu , Zhu Minhui , He Cuixia , Wang Ying , Fan Ling , Ge Qin , Zhu Juan , Liu Bingyan , Chen Xiao , Xie Yunqiu , Ma Ling , Liu Yuanyuan , Chen Juan , Wang Huaxue , Li Zhijun
Published: July 2022

Telitacicept, an injectable recombinant human B‐lymphocyte stimulating factor receptor‐antibody fusion protein, is a new dual B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)/APRIL (a proliferation‐inducing ligand) inhibitor that effectively blocks proliferation of B lymphocytes. This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic characteristics, tolerability, and safety of a single subcutaneous injection of various doses (80, 160, and 240 mg) of telitacicept in healthy Chinese subjects. This trial is a single‐center, randomized, open‐label phase I clinical study that includes three dose groups (80, 160, and 240 mg) with 12 subjects in each dose group. The subjects were randomly assigned to different dose groups in a 1:1:1 ratio for a single subcutaneous administration trial. After a single dose, the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of total and free telitacicept was reached within 0.5‐1 days. The elimination half‐lives of total and free telitacicept at doses of 80–240 mg were 10.9–11.9 days and 11–12.5 days, respectively. The formation and elimination of the BLyS‐telitacicept complex were much slower; the median time to Cmax was 15–57 days and was significantly prolonged with increasing dose. Only two of the 36 healthy subjects had positive antidrug antibodies with antibody titers of 1:15. The severity of adverse events was mild or moderate, and no higher treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported. In conclusion, total telitacicept within a dose range of 80–240 mg and free telitacicept within a dose range of 160–240 mg had linear pharmacokinetic characteristics.
Modified local binary patterns based feature extraction and hyper parameters tuned attention segmental recurrent neural network classifier using flamingo search optimization algorithm for disease diagnosis model
Authors: Suresh T. , Brijet Z. , Subha T. D.
Published: July 2022

In this article, the modified local binary patterns based feature extraction and hyper parameters tuned attention segmental recurrent neural network classifier with flamingo search optimization algorithm (MLBPFE‐ASRNNFSOAC‐DDM) is proposed for the disease diagnosis model. Here, breast cancer, diabetic, chronic kidney diseases diagnosis model is implemented. Initially, images are considered as dataset for disease diagnosis, which is given to the altered phase preserving dynamic range compression (APPDRC) scheme for preprocessing process. This APPDRC is used to preserve local features for boundary detection, thus; recovers image quality. Then the morphological, grayscale statistical and Haralick texture features are taken from preprocessed image with the help of modified local binary pattern process. The extracted features are given with attention segmented recurrent neural network (ASRNN) for classification. Then the weight parameters of ASRNN classifier are optimized by flamingo search optimization algorithm (FSOA), which increases the classification accuracy. This simulation process is accomplished at MATLAB platform. The proposed method, during Diabetic Diagnosis Model attains higher accuracy 16.4%, 21.45%, 30.38%, and 21.01% compared with the existing methods like FE‐ResNetV2DNNMSOC‐DDM and CMVHHO‐DKMLC‐DDM, CNN‐CAD‐DDM, and AD‐CFDRI‐SDL, respectively. During breast cancer Diagnosis Model attains higher accuracy 27.3%, 20.56%, 31.34%, and 25.13% compared with the existing methods like CMVHHO‐DKMLC‐BCM and SVMFE‐OPFPSOC‐BCM, MLPNN‐CNN‐BCM, and DCNN‐EL‐BCM, respectively.
Protein Structural Modeling for Electron Microscopy Maps Using VESPER and MAINMAST
Authors: Alnabati Eman , Terashi Genki , Kihara Daisuke
Published: July 2022

An increasing number of protein structures are determined by cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and stored in the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB). To interpret determined cryo‐EM maps, several methods have been developed that model the tertiary structure of biomolecules, particularly proteins. Here we show how to use two such methods, VESPER and MAINMAST, which were developed in our group. VESPER is a method mainly for two purposes: fitting protein structure models into an EM map and aligning two EM maps locally or globally to capture their similarity. VESPER represents each EM map as a set of vectors pointing toward denser points. By considering matching the directions of vectors, in general, VESPER aligns maps better than conventional methods that only consider local densities of maps. MAINMAST is a de novo protein modeling tool designed for EM maps with resolution of 3–5 Å or better. MAINMAST builds a protein main chain directly from a density map by tracing dense points in an EM map and connecting them using a tree‐graph structure. This article describes how to use these two tools using three illustrative modeling examples. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Protein structure model fitting using VESPER

Alternate Protocol: Atomic model fitting using VESPER web server

Basic Protocol 2: Protein de novo modeling using MAINMAST
Energy‐efficient multipliers using imprecise compressors for image multiplication
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Chen Xiaoyue , He Cong , Xie Guangjun
Published: July 2022

Approximate computing has been deemed to be an effective way to improve energy efficiency for error‐tolerant applications. In this work, a set of approximate 3‐2, 4‐2, and 5‐2 compressors are proposed by, respectively, introducing specific errors to the truth tables of the exact designs to lower hardware cost. Four 8 × 8 and four 16 × 16 Dadda multipliers are then designed and analyzed using the proposed compressors to achieve a significant optimization in compressing partial products, while keeping an acceptable computing accuracy. Synthesis and simulation results indicate that the proposed 8 × 8 multipliers obtain efficient reductions in area, power, and critical path delay, respectively, by up to 38%, 26%, and 8%, compared with the cutting‐edge designs. An application to the image multiplication algorithm is realized to verify the practicability of the significantly optimized inexact multipliers. Two figures of merits present that the proposed inexact multipliers surpass the counterparts in overall performance embracing hardware cost and computing accuracy in image processing. In this work, a set of approximate 3‐2, 4‐2, and 5‐2 compressors are proposed by respectively introducing specific errors to the truth tables of the exact designs to lower hardware cost. Four 8 × 8 Dadda and four 16 × 16 multipliers are then designed and analyzed using the proposed compressors to achieve a significant optimization in compressing partial products while keeping an acceptable computing accuracy.
Early life experience and sex influence acoustic repertoire use in wild‐born, but hand‐reared, captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Bouchet Hélène , Lemasson Alban , Collier Katie , Marker Laurie , Schmidt‐Küntzel Anne , Johnston Becky , Hausberger Martine
Published: July 2022

Early deprivation of adult influence is known to have long‐lasting effects on social abilities, notably communication skills, as adults play a key role in guiding and regulating the behavior of youngsters, including acoustic repertoire use in species in which vocal production is not learned. Cheetahs grow up alongside their mother for 18 months, thus maternal influences on the development of social skills are likely to be crucial. Here, we investigated the impact of early maternal deprivation on vocal production and use in 12 wild‐born cheetahs, rescued and subsequently hand‐reared either at an early (less than 2 months) or a later stage of development. We could distinguish 16 sound types, produced mostly singly but sometimes in repeated or multitype sound sequences. The repertoire of these cheetahs did not differ fundamentally from that described in other studies on adult cheetahs, but statistical analyses revealed a concurrent effect of both early experience and sex on repertoire use. More specifically, early‐reared males were characterized by a high proportion of Purr, Meow, and Stutter; early‐reared females Mew, Growl, Hoot, Sneeze, and Hiss; late‐reared males Meow, Mew, Growl, and Howl; and late‐reared females mostly Meow. Our study demonstrates therefore the long‐term effects of maternal deprivation on communication skills in a limited‐vocal learner and its differential effect according to sex, in line with known social differences and potential differential maternal investment. More generally, it emphasizes the critical importance to consider the past history of the subjects (e.g., captive/wild‐born, mother/hand‐reared, early/late‐mother‐deprived, etc.) when studying social behavior, notably acoustic communication.
Origin, diversity, and biogeography of Antarctic scale worms (Polychaeta: Polynoidae): a wide‐scale barcoding approach
Authors: Cowart Dominique A. , Schiaparelli Stefano , Alvaro Maria Chiara , Cecchetto Matteo , Le Port Anne‐Sophie , Jollivet Didier , Hourdez Stephane
Published: July 2022

The Antarctic marine environment hosts diversified and highly endemic benthos owing to its unique geologic and climatic history. Current warming trends have increased the urgency of understanding Antarctic species history to predict how environmental changes will impact ecosystem functioning. Antarctic benthic lineages have traditionally been examined under three hypotheses: (1) high endemism and local radiation, (2) emergence of deep‐sea taxa through thermohaline circulation, and (3) species migrations across the Polar Front. In this study, we investigated which hypotheses best describe benthic invertebrate origins by examining Antarctic scale worms (Polynoidae). We amassed 691 polynoid sequences from the Southern Ocean and neighboring areas: the Kerguelen and Tierra del Fuego (South America) archipelagos, the Indian Ocean, and waters around New Zealand. We performed phylogenetic reconstructions to identify lineages across geographic regions, aided by mitochondrial markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S). Additionally, we produced haplotype networks at the species scale to examine genetic diversity, biogeographic separations, and past demography. The Cox1 dataset provided the most illuminating insights into the evolution of polynoids, with a total of 36 lineages identified. Eunoe sp. was present at Tierra del Fuego and Kerguelen, in favor of the latter acting as a migration crossroads. Harmothoe fuligineum, widespread around the Antarctic continent, was also present but isolated at Kerguelen, possibly resulting from historical freeze–thaw cycles. The genus Polyeunoa appears to have diversified prior to colonizing the continent, leading to the co‐occurrence of at least three cryptic species around the Southern and Indian Oceans. Analyses identified that nearly all populations are presently expanding following a bottleneck event, possibly caused by habitat reduction from the last glacial episodes. Findings support multiple origins for contemporary Antarctic polynoids, and some species investigated here provide information on ancestral scenarios of (re)colonization. First, it is apparent that species collected from the Antarctic continent are endemic, as the absence of closely related species in the Kerguelen and Tierra del Fuego datasets for most lineages argues in favor of Hypothesis 1 of local origin. Next, Eunoe sp. and H. fuligineum, however, support the possibility of Kerguelen and other sub‐Antarctic islands acting as a crossroads for larvae of some species, in support of Hypothesis 3. Finally, the genus Polyeunoa, conversely, is found at depths greater than 150 m and may have a deep origin, in line with Hypothesis 2. These “non endemic” groups, nevertheless, have a distribution that is either north or south of the Antarctic Polar Front, indicating that there is still a barrier to dispersal, even in the deep sea.
Additive genetic variation, but not temperature, influences warning signal expression in Amata nigriceps moths (Lepidoptera: Arctiinae)
Authors: Binns Georgina E. , Hämäläinen Liisa , Kemp Darrell J. , Rowland Hannah M. , Umbers Kate D. L. , Herberstein Marie E.
Published: July 2022

Many aposematic species show variation in their color patterns even though selection by predators is expected to stabilize warning signals toward a common phenotype. Warning signal variability can be explained by trade‐offs with other functions of coloration, such as thermoregulation, that may constrain warning signal expression by favoring darker individuals. Here, we investigated the effect of temperature on warning signal expression in aposematic Amata nigriceps moths that vary in their black and orange wing patterns. We sampled moths from two flight seasons that differed in the environmental temperatures and also reared different families under controlled conditions at three different temperatures. Against our prediction that lower developmental temperatures would reduce the warning signal size of the adult moths, we found no effect of temperature on warning signal expression in either wild or laboratory‐reared moths. Instead, we found sex‐ and population‐level differences in wing patterns. Our rearing experiment indicated that ~70% of the variability in the trait is genetic but understanding what signaling and non‐signaling functions of wing coloration maintain the genetic variation requires further work. Our results emphasize the importance of considering both genetic and plastic components of warning signal expression when studying intraspecific variation in aposematic species.
The extent and magnitude of edge effects on woody vegetation in road‐bisected treed peatlands in boreal Alberta, Canada
Authors: Willier Caitlin N. , Dennett Jacqueline M. , Devito Kevin J. , Bater Christopher W. , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: July 2022

Treed peatlands can exhibit dramatic shifts in woody plant cover when they are bisected by roads, a product of change in the flow of surface and subsurface water; however, the edge effects that roads have on overstory cover remain poorly understood. We examined how road and environmental conditions influence woody cover in treed fens in northeastern Alberta, Canada. We used generalized linear mixed models to explain variation in cover as measured using airborne laser scanning (ALS) data obtained for 48 road‐bisected fens. Over half of the study fens had >10% differences in canopy cover between the upstream and downstream sides. Variation in cover was best explained by a complex interaction between road side, distance, and type, as well as distance to upland forest and open water, in both rich and poor treed fens. Substrate texture (fine vs. coarse) further explained cover in rich fens. Gravel roads appeared to have the most dramatic effect on cover adjacent to roads (0–20 m) in both fen types, with differences persisting beyond 100 m. In fens bisected by gravel and paved roads, differences in cover between road sides tended to be ameliorated within 200 m, except for unimproved roads where changes were more linear. This study demonstrates the complexity of landscape conditions under which roads built through peatlands can cause structural changes in woody cover and the usefulness of ALS data for studying this phenomenon.
Clamshell Palladium(II) Complexes: Suitable Precursors for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Water
Authors: Kitamura Takuma , Yamanishi Katsunori , Inoue Satoshi , Yan Yin‐Nan , Yano Natsumi , Kataoka Yusuke , Handa Makoto , Kawamoto Tatsuya
Published: July 2022

A series of carboxylato‐bridged dinuclear palladium(II) complexes with cyclopalladated 2‐phenylbenzothiazole ligands were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, NMR, IR, and UV‐vis spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, and X‐ray crystallography. All the complexes have clamshell structures in which two cyclopalladated 2‐phenylbenzothiazole ligands bound to palladium atoms are in the anti‐configuration arranging the ligands in opposite orientations from each other. The Pd−Pd distances of these complexes are shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii, indicative of the presence of metal‐metal bonding interactions. These dinuclear complexes were used as water reduction catalysts in the photocatalytic system for hydrogen evolution and regarded as precatalysts that are converted into highly catalytically active species.
Synthesis, Structure, and Spectroscopic Properties of Calcium Thiophenecarboxylate Polymers. Structural Comparison with Analogous Lead Complexes
Authors: Masternak Joanna , Kazimierczuk Katarzyna , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Brzeski Jakub , Kowalik Mateusz
Published: July 2022

Three novel calcium coordination polymers [Ca(2tpCOO)2(2mpa)(H2O)]n (1), [Ca(3tpCOO)2(2mpa)(H2O)]n (2), and {[Ca(3tpacCOO)2(H2O)2] ⋅ H2O}n (3) (2tpCOO− or 3tpCOO− – thiophene‐2‐ or thiophene‐3‐carboxylate, 3tpacCOO− – thiophene‐3‐acetate, 2mpa – 2‐methylpropanal), were synthesised using a self‐assembly method. The obtained polymers were characterised using SC‐XRD, FTIR, UV‐Vis DRS, thermogravimetric and luminescence analyses. The polymer fluorescence studies showed that calcium complexes can emit light of different colours ranging from violet (1) and blue (2) to green (3). The molecular structure of each polymer consists of a calcium ion at the centre of a dodecahedral coordination sphere. The crystal structure consists of one dimensional zig‐zag chains that form a three‐dimensional network via π⋅⋅⋅π, C−H⋅⋅⋅π and O−H⋅⋅⋅O or O−H⋅⋅⋅S interactions. Additionally, a comparative structural analysis of CaCPs with lead(II) coordination polymers containing analogous linkers was performed as part of modelling studies to explore the substitution of calcium ions by lead ions in biological polymers.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 2‐Oxyenamides**
Authors: Krieg Sara‐Cathrin , Grimmer Jennifer , Pick Annika Maria , Kelm Harald , Breugst Martin , Manolikakes Georg
Published: July 2022

An improved route for the highly stereoselective synthesis of (Z)‐2‐oxyenamides is reported. The desired products can be accessed in only three steps from aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal as common, readily available building block in a highly modular fashion. The improved procedure has been applied to the synthesis of various acylated and sufonylated oxyenamides. Mechanistic and theoretical studies provide a conclusive rationale for the observed stereoselectivities.
Trends in opioid utilization in Hungary, 2006–2020: A nationwide retrospective study with multiple metrics
Authors: Engi Zsófia , Benkő Ria , Soós Gyöngyvér , Szok Délia , Csenki Melinda , Csüllög Emese , Balog Attila , Csupor Dezső , Viola Réka , Doró Péter , Matuz Mária
Published: July 2022

Background

Opioid use is well documented in several countries: some countries struggle with overuse, whereas others have almost no access to opioids. For Europe, limited data are available. This study analysed Hungarian opioid utilization in ambulatory care between 2006 and 2020.

Methods

We obtained national drug utilization data on reimbursed opioid analgesics (ATC code: N02A) from a national health insurance database for a 15‐year period. We investigated utilization trends, using three volume‐based metrics [defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), oral morphine equivalent per 1000 inhabitants per day, packages dispensed per 1000 inhabitants per year]. We stratified data based on administration routes, analgesic potency and reimbursement categories.

Results

Total opioid utilization increased during the study period according to all three metrics (74% in DID) and reached 5.31 DID by 2020. Upward trends were driven by an increase both in weak and strong opioid use (79% vs. 53%). The most commonly used opioids were fentanyl (in the strong category; 0.76 DID in 2020) and tramadol (in the weak category; 2.62 DID in 2020). Overall, tramadol was also the most commonly used opioid throughout the study period. Oral administration of opioid medications was dominant. Based on reimbursement categories, musculoskeletal pain was becoming a more frequent indication for opioid use (1552% increase in DID), while opioid use for cancer pain declined significantly during the study period (−33% in DID).

Conclusions

Our low utilization numbers might indicate underuse of opioid analgesia, especially for cancer pain.

Significance

This study was one of the recent opioid utilization studies using three volume‐based metrics, covering a long time period. To our knowledge, this was also the first national, population level study describing opioid utilization in Hungary. National opioid utilization data suggested not an overuse but rather an underuse of opioid analgesics in a developed, Central European country.
Non‐orthogonal multiple access‐aided MIMO cognitive radio networks with selective reporting
Authors: Yasrab Tamanna , Kishore Rajalekshmi , Gurugopinath Sanjeev
Published: July 2022

In this article, we investigate the performances of conventional cooperative sensing (CCS)‐ and superior selective reporting (SSR)‐based cooperative sensing schemes in a multiple‐input, multiple‐output (MIMO)‐aided non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)‐driven cognitive radio (CR) networks. First, we derive expressions for the probabilities of false‐alarm and signal detection for an optimal detector in the considered MIMO‐NOMA CR setup. Next, we study a constrained optimization problem that maximizes the sum rates of CCS and SSR schemes, with a constraint on the power allocation at SUs. This problem is shown to be a constrained convex optimization problem. Later, we analytically characterize and compare the sum rate performances of CCS and SSR schemes in MIMO‐NOMA CR and MIMO‐based orthogonal multiple access (MIMO‐OMA) CR networks. Extensive computer simulation results are presented which corroborate our analysis, which also quantifies the gain in performance of the proposed MIMO‐NOMA CR network employing SSR scheme when compared to conventional MIMO‐OMA CR systems. Furthermore, we present an experimental study based on RTL‐SDR setup, which supports our theory and also paves way towards a practical implementation of the proposed framework.
A survey on green unmanned aerial vehicles‐based fog computing: Challenges and future perspective
Authors: Gupta Akshita , Gupta Sachin Kumar
Published: July 2022

In the area of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the Internet of Things (IoT), enormous technological advancement has transformed the way we choose to live. UAVs link everything in the modern world, and it is an attractive area for academia to focus on. UAVs are proven to be a boon for the whole world as it provides flying services in critical and medical emergencies. UAVs are futuristic technology that enriches human needs by providing numerous benefits or services to proceed toward the smart world. In UAV‐assisted traditional networks, multiple sensors and flying nodes consume a lot of energy resources, and Fifth Generation (5G)/Beyond 5G enabled devices to excrete high radiations, which may cause damage to our environment as well as our society. So, it is very important to maintain a balance between the environment and modern technologies for a better lifestyle. To maintain this, many steps need to be put further to reduce the energy consumption of nodes, consume fewer data resources, and encourage effective energy‐use techniques. Green UAV‐based fog computing is a promising solution to balance environmental issues and provide energy‐efficient data computation and aerial to ground network communication for building an intelligent world with improved Quality of Services (QoS). This article provides a comprehensive survey on green technologies and applications for UAV‐Fog. We also highlight research issues, current challenges, lessons learned, and the future direction of the UAV‐Fog network.
Expert perspectives on global biodiversity loss and its drivers and impacts on people
Authors: Isbell Forest , Balvanera Patricia , Mori Akira S , He Jin‐Sheng , Bullock James M , Regmi Ganga Ram , Seabloom Eric W , Ferrier Simon , Sala Osvaldo E , Guerrero‐Ramírez Nathaly R , Tavella Julia , Larkin Daniel J , Schmid Bernhard , Outhwaite Charlotte L , Pramual Pairot , Borer Elizabeth T , Loreau Michel , Omotoriogun Taiwo Crossby , Obura David O , Anderson Maggie , Portales‐Reyes Cristina , Kirkman Kevin , Vergara Pablo M , Clark Adam Thomas , Komatsu Kimberly J , Petchey Owen L , Weiskopf Sarah R , Williams Laura J , Collins Scott L , Eisenhauer Nico , Trisos Christopher H , Renard Delphine , Wright Alexandra J , Tripathi Poonam , Cowles Jane , Byrnes Jarrett EK , Reich Peter B , Purvis Andy , Sharip Zati , O’Connor Mary I , Kazanski Clare E , Haddad Nick M , Soto Eulogio H , Dee Laura E , Díaz Sandra , Zirbel Chad R , Avolio Meghan L , Wang Shaopeng , Ma Zhiyuan , Liang Jingjing , Farah Hanan C , Johnson Justin Andrew , Miller Brian W , Hautier Yann , Smith Melinda D , Knops Johannes MH , Myers Bonnie JE , Harmáčková Zuzana V , Cortés Jorge , Harfoot Michael BJ , Gonzalez Andrew , Newbold Tim , Oehri Jacqueline , Mazón Marina , Dobbs Cynnamon , Palmer Meredith S
Published: July 2022

Despite substantial progress in understanding global biodiversity loss, major taxonomic and geographic knowledge gaps remain. Decision makers often rely on expert judgement to fill knowledge gaps, but are rarely able to engage with sufficiently large and diverse groups of specialists. To improve understanding of the perspectives of thousands of biodiversity experts worldwide, we conducted a survey and asked experts to focus on the taxa and freshwater, terrestrial, or marine ecosystem with which they are most familiar. We found several points of overwhelming consensus (for instance, multiple drivers of biodiversity loss interact synergistically) and important demographic and geographic differences in specialists’ perspectives and estimates. Experts from groups that are underrepresented in biodiversity science, including women and those from the Global South, recommended different priorities for conservation solutions, with less emphasis on acquiring new protected areas, and provided higher estimates of biodiversity loss and its impacts. This may in part be because they disproportionately study the most highly threatened taxa and habitats.

Front Ecol Environ2022;
Selection of promising accessions of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) based on fruit‐related traits
Authors: Mirheidari Farhad , Khadivi Ali , Moradi Younes
Published: July 2022

Phalsa or falsa (Grewia asiatica L., family Malvaceae) is a promising, yet underutilized berry fruit of tropical regions. It contains a rich source of various bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids. In the present study, morphological and pomological diversity of 48 accessions of this species was evaluated to introduce superior selections. Considerable variability was detected among the accessions studied based on the characteristics recorded. Fruit shape exhibited the highest CV (69.66%), while seed length showed the lowest CV (7.98%). Fruit color showed strong diversity, including red, red‐purple, purple‐cream, purple, and dark purple. Fruit weight ranged from 0.29 to1.14 g, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.90 to 3.91 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 82.64% of the variability observed was explained by the first 13 components. A dendrogram created using cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters. Based on the traits related to fruit quality, such as fruit weight, fruit color, fruit flesh color, and fruit taste, 14 accessions, including Talsar‐6, Talsar‐8, Ganjabad‐31, Talsar‐4, Ganjabad‐18, Ganjabad‐24, Talsar‐5, Ganjabad‐25, Ganjabad‐30, Ganjabad‐17, Talsar‐7, Talsar‐3, Talsar‐2, and Talsar‐1, were superior. It is recommended to use the best accessions selected in breeding programs.
Cynara cardunculus as a potential source of milk coagulating protease: Effects on physical properties of cow's milk
Authors: Ghribi Abir Mokni , Gafsi Ines Makhlouf , Blecker Christophe , Attia Hamadi , Bouaziz Mohamed Ali , Besbes Souhail
Published: July 2022

In the present research study, Cynara cardunculus (wild cardoon) flowers were blended and extracted using different types of buffers (phosphate buffer; citrate buffer and distilled water) for different maceration times. The most reliable, quick and efficient buffer was found to be phosphate (pH = 6.5) with a 6‐h maceration time, which was used throughout this study. C. cardunculus extract (CE) was found to have high clotting and proteolytic activities. The extracted enzyme was found to be very stable against a wide range of pH values as well as of temperature. The formation of milk gels prepared in the presence of CE with different types of milk was evaluated using dynamic rheology and Turbiscan. The evolution of both elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli was monitored with time. The values of the whole milk enriched with milk powder gels were higher. Coagulum stability was evaluated using Turbiscan. The textural properties and the curd‐firming rate of coagulum were also determined. In conclusion, the prepared CE could be an efficient milk‐clotting agent in the production of dairy products.
Curcumin: A dietary phytochemical for boosting exercise performance and recovery
Authors: Nosrati‐Oskouie Mohammad , Aghili‐Moghaddam Nazanin Sadat , Tavakoli‐Rouzbehani Omid Mohammad , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2022

Curcumin, as the main natural compound in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), is a yellowish polyphenol that has been used traditionally in Asian countries as a medicinal herb for various types of disease and pathological conditions caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. In the present review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search for evidence that shows the effect of curcumin on factors influencing exercise performance, including muscle damage, muscle soreness, inflammation, and oxidative stress. During exercise, reactive oxygen species and inflammation are increased. Thus, if there is no balance between endogenous and exogenous antioxidants and increases in oxidative stress and inflammation, which is important for maintaining redox homeostasis in skeletal muscle, it can lead to muscle soreness and muscle damage and ultimately result in reduced exercise performance. Due to the anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of curcumin, it can increase exercise performance and decrease exercise‐induced muscle soreness and muscle damage. It appears that curcumin supplementation can have positive effects on exercise performance and recovery, muscle damage and pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, there is still a need to precisely evaluate factors to more accurately assess/quantify the beneficial therapeutic effects of curcumin with regard to enhancing exercise performance and recovery.
Gray matter volume differences between early bilinguals and monolinguals: A study of children and adults
Authors: Schug Alison K. , Brignoni‐Pérez Edith , Jamal Nasheed I. , Eden Guinevere F.
Published: July 2022

Gray matter has been shown to be greater in early bilingual adults relative to monolingual adults in regions associated with language (Mechelli et al., 2004), and executive control (EC; Olulade et al., 2016). It is not known, however, if language experience‐dependent differences in gray matter volume (GMV) exist in children. Further, any such differences are likely not to be the same as those observed in early bilingual adults, as children have had relatively shorter duration of dual‐language exposure and/or less development of brain regions serving EC. We tested these predictions by comparing GMV in Spanish–English early bilingual and English monolingual children, and Spanish–English early bilingual and English monolingual adults (n = 122). Comparing only children revealed relatively more GMV in the bilinguals in bilateral frontal, right inferior frontal, and right superior parietal cortices (regions associated with EC). Bilinguals, however, had less GMV in left inferior parietal cortex (region associated with language). An ANOVA including these children with bilingual and monolingual adults revealed interactions of Language Background by Age Group. There were no regions of more GMV in bilinguals relative to monolinguals that were less pronounced in children than adults, despite the children's shorter dual‐language experience. There were relative differences between bilingual and monolingual children that were more pronounced than those in adults in left precentral gyrus and right superior parietal lobule (close to, but not directly in areas associated with EC). Together, early bilingual children manifest relative differences in GMV, and, surprisingly, these do not diverge much from those observed in studies of bilingual adults.
Hepatocyte‐derived MASP1‐enriched small extracellular vesicles activate HSCs to promote liver fibrosis
Authors: Liu Xianzhi , Tan Siwei , Liu Huiling , Jiang Jie , Wang Xing , Li Leijia , Wu Bin
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

Liver fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by different etiological agents; dysregulated interactions between hepatocytes and HSCs contribute to this disease. β‐arrestin 1 (ARRB1) plays an important role in liver fibrosis; however, the effect of ARRB1 on the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs in liver fibrosis is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate how ARRB1 modulates hepatocyte and HSC activation during liver fibrosis.

Approach and Results:

Normal and fibrotic human liver and serum samples were obtained. CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis and methionine‐choline deficiency–induced NASH models were constructed. Primary hepatocytes and HSCs were isolated, and human hepatic LO2 and stellate LX2 cells were used. Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) were purified, and key proteins were identified. ARRB1 was up‐regulated in hepatocytes and associated with autophagic blockage in liver fibrosis. ARRB1 increased the release of hepatocyte‐derived small EVs by inhibiting multivesicular body lysosomal degradation and activating Rab27A, thereby activating HSCs. Proteomic analyses showed that mannan‐binding lectin serine protease 1 (MASP1) was enriched in hepatocyte‐derived small EVs and activated HSCs via p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) signaling. ARRB1 up‐regulated MASP1 expression in hepatocytes. MASP1 promoted liver fibrosis in mice. Clinically, MASP1 expression was increased in the serum and liver tissue of patients with liver fibrosis.

Conclusions:

ARRB1 up‐regulates the release of hepatocyte‐derived MASP1‐enriched small EVs by regulating the autophagic‐lysosomal/multivesicular body pathway and Rab27A. Hepatocyte‐derived MASP1 activates HSCs to promote liver fibrogenesis through p38 MAPK/ATF2 signaling. Thus, MASP1 is a pivotal therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.
Comparison between different fracture toughness techniques in zirconia dental ceramics
Authors: Alves Manuel Fellipe Rodrigues Pais , dos Santos Claudinei , Elias Carlos Nelson , Amarante José Eduardo Vasconcellos , Ribeiro Sebastião
Published: July 2022

Vickers indentation (IF) and single‐edge‐V‐notched beam (SEVNB), to measure the fracture toughness (KIC) of zirconia‐based dental ceramics and mathematical models were proposed to establish a correlation between both. Zirconia (ZrO2) stabilized with 3 mol. % of Y2O3 (3Y‐TZP) and 5 mol% of Y2O3 (5Y‐PSZ) were compacted (n = 42) and sintered for 2 h at different temperatures (1475°C, 1500°C, 1550°C, or 1600°C). After sintering, they were characterized by relative density using the ASTM C373‐88 standard, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average grain size was measured according to the ASTM E1382‐97 standard. The fracture toughness (KIC) was determined using two methods: Vickers indentation fracture toughness (KIC‐IF): method based on mathematical modeling that considers the parameters used for the Vickers hardness test and Fracture toughness by the single‐edge‐V‐notch‐beam (KIC‐SEVNB): method proposed by ISO 23146:08. The main phases of the 3Y‐TZP and 5Y‐PSZ ceramics were ZrO2‐tetragonal and ZrO2‐cubic, respectively. The 3Y‐TZP specimens showed equiaxed grains with average grain sizes ranging from 0.55 to 0.79 μm. The grain sizes of 5Y‐PSZ of specimens sintered at 1475°C and 1600°C were 0.62 and 2.32 μm, respectively. For all ceramics the crack size ratio was c/a < 2.5, suggesting a Palmqvist‐type crack system. The fracture toughness measured by the Vickers indentation method (KIC‐IF) and by the SEVNB method (KIC‐SEVNB) was the same when the experimental data were fit to a mathematical model.
eEF‐2K knockdown synergizes with STS treatment to inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the TG2/ERK pathway in A549 cells
Authors: Wang Bu , Gu Xin , Xiang Bao‐Li , Zhao Jian‐Qing , Zhang Chang‐Hong , Huang Pan‐Deng , Zhang Zhi‐Hua
Published: July 2022

Emerging research has suggested the anticancer potential of tanshinone IIA, the bioactive ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza. However, the molecular mechanism of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) antilung cancer effect is not very clear. In this study, our purpose is to investigate the roles of STS and elongation factor‐2 kinase (eEF‐2K) in regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells and explore the implicated pathways. We found that STS suppressed A549 cell survival and proliferation in a time‐ and xdose‐dependent manner. Knockdown of eEF‐2K and treatment with STS synergistically exerted antiproliferative, ‐migratory, and ‐invasive effects on A549 cells. These effects were caused by attenuation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway via inhibition of tissue transglutaminase (TG2). In summary, the inhibition of eEF‐2K synergizes with STS treatment, exerting anticancer effects on lung adenocarcinoma cells through the TG2/ERK signaling pathway, which provides a potential therapeutic target for treating lung adenocarcinoma.
Melatonin counteracts necroptosis and pulmonary edema in cadmium‐induced chronic lung injury through the inhibition of angiotensin II
Authors: Mahalanobish Sushweta , Saha Sukanya , Dutta Sayanta , Ghosh Sumit , Sil Parames C.
Published: July 2022

The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulator in pulmonary physiology. In our study, we identified the efficacy of melatonin to control the RAS in cadmium (Cd) induced chronic lung injury in a mouse model. Swiss albino mice exposed to CdCl2 intraperitoneally (I.P.) (1 mg/kg b.w.; 12 weeks) showed increased release of lactate dehydrogenase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, generating reactive oxygen species, impaired antioxidant enzymes function, and disrupted alveolar structure along with increased expression of Angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) in lung tissue. Cd‐induced angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2‐Ang‐II axis imbalance triggered the onset of Ang‐II induced tumour necrosis factor alpha  (TNF‐α) mediated necroptosis by upregulating the signalling molecules RIP‐1, RIP‐3, and p‐mixed lineage kinase domain‐like. In an in vitro study, colocalization of Ang‐II‐RIP‐3 molecule in Cd intoxicated L‐132 cells (human alveolar epithelial cell line), as well as pretreatment of Cd exposed cells with the inhibitor's captopril (10 μM), necrostatin‐1 (50 μM), and etanercept (5 μg/ml) indicated TNF‐α induced necroptotic cell death via activation of the key molecule, Ang‐II. Moreover, Ang‐II disrupted the alveolar‐capillary barrier by decreasing tight junctional proteins (zonula occludens‐1 and occludin) and endothelial VE‐cadherin expression. The use of human umbilical vein endothelial cells as a model of junctional protein‐expressing cells showed that captopril pretreatment (25 μM) restored VE‐cadherin expression in Cd‐treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In CdCl2 intoxicated mice, melatonin pretreatment (10 mg/kg b.w.; 12 weeks, I.P.) inhibited inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, interleukin [IL]‐1β, and IL‐6) release and effectively suppressed (Cd‐induced) Ang‐II mediated necroptotic cell death and alveolar‐capillary breaching due to Cd toxicity.
Skin‐to‐skin contact to support preterm infants and reduce NICU‐related stress
Authors: Pavlyshyn Halyna , Sarapuk Iryna , Horishna Ivanna , Slyva Viktoriia , Skubenko Neonila
Published: July 2022

Objective

Hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with numerous painful medical interventions, being separated from parents, leads to the high risk of chronic stress for preterm infants. Today, many NICUs use more appropriate developmental care and pain management, but the early and long‐term outcomes of stress in these vulnerable infants require searching for more stress‐reducing interventions in neonatal care. The objective of the study was to investigate how skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) can influence the biologic stress levels in preterm infants in the NICU by assessing cortisol and oxytocin levels.

Participants and methods

The study included 71 preterm infants with gestational age less than 34 + 0/7 weeks who were recruited from level III NICU. The overall design was a baseline‐response design. Saliva and urine were collected before (baseline) and after skin‐to‐skin contact to measure salivary cortisol and urinary oxytocin by enzyme immunoassay method.

Results

The infants' baseline hormonal status was represented by the following indicators: the level of salivary cortisol was 0.402 [0.227; 1,271] μg/dl, urinary oxytocin 48.88 [32.97; 88.11] pg/ml. There was a decrease in salivary cortisol levels to 0.157 [0.088; 0.351] μg/dl compared to baseline (p ˂ 0.001) with a simultaneous increase of the urinary oxytocin level −73.59 [45.18; 108.8] pg/ml (p = 0.028) in response to SSC.

Conclusion

Preterm infants in the NICU experience significant stress, characterized by hormonal imbalance: an increased level of the stress hormone cortisol and a decreased level of the anti‐stress hormone oxytocin. Skin‐to‐skin contact helps to ameliorate the hormonal stress in preterm infants by activating the oxytocin release with simultaneous reduction of cortisol secretion.
Hypophysial angiogenesis decodes annual time and underlies physiological adaptation to seasonal changes in the environment
Authors: Tortonese Domingo J.
Published: July 2022

Adaptation to annual changes in the environment is controlled by hypophysial hormones. In temperate zones, photoperiod is the primary external cue that regulates annual biological cycles and is translated by the pattern of melatonin secretion acting primarily in the hypophysial pars tuberalis. Angiogenic mechanisms within this tissue contribute to decode the melatonin signal through alternative splicing of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) gene in both the pars tuberalis and the capillary loops of the infundibulum. The resulting melatonin‐evoked differential productions of VEGF‐A isoforms will induce seasonal remodeling of the vascular connection between the hypothalamus and hypophysis, and act as paracrine messengers in the pars distalis to generate the required seasonal endocrine response. Specifically, the long melatonin signal in winter upregulates antiangiogenic VEGF‐A isoforms, which will reduce the number of vascular loops and the density of VEGF receptors in endocrine and folliculo‐stellate (FS) cells, inhibit prolactin secretion, and stimulate FSH. In contrast, the short melatonin signal in summer upregulates proangiogenic VEGF‐A isoforms that will increase the number of vascular loops and the density of VEGF receptors in endocrine and FS cells, stimulate prolactin secretion, and suppress FSH. A similar system has been identified in long day seasonal breeders, revealing that this is a conserved mechanism of adaptation across species. Thus, an angiogenesis‐based, intrahypophysial system for annual time measurement controls local microvascular plasticity and conveys the photoperiodic signal readout from the melatonin sensitive pars tuberalis to the endocrine cells of the pars distalis to regulate seasonal adaptation to the environment.
Safety and efficacy of pentazocine–midazolam combination for pain and anxiety relief in radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakano Masanori , Torisu Yuichi , Nakagawa Chika , Ueda Kaoru , Kanai Tomoya , Saeki Chisato , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Saruta Masayuki
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy is frequently used as first‐line treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RFA is often associated with pain; however, no definitive solution has been established for its relief. We retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficacy of the combination of pentazocine and midazolam to relieve pain experienced by HCC patients undergoing RFA.

Methods

We studied 77 patients with 98 HCCs treated with RFA between January 2015 and August 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: the sedative‐free group, which included those who received pentazocine alone, and the pentazocine–midazolam group, which included those who received a combination of pentazocine and midazolam. The degrees of analgesia and sedation were evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale (RASS), respectively. Other parameters such as treatment time, awakening time, midazolam dosage, vital signs, local recurrence rate, and time to recurrence were also examined.

Results

The median NRS score and RASS score were significantly lower in the pentazocine–midazolam group. Ninety‐five percent of patients in the pentazocine–midazolam group had no memory of the RFA session. The treatment time and awakening time were prolonged for the pentazocine–midazolam group. No significant differences in oxygen saturation, recurrence rates, and time to local recurrence were observed between groups.

Conclusion

A combination of pentazocine and midazolam is safe and effective for pain and anxiety relief experienced by patients undergoing RFA for local treatment of HCC.