bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Conservation Planning at an Ocean Basin Scale: Identifying a Viable Network of Deep-Sea Protected Areas in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean
Authors: Combes Magali , Vaz Sandrine , Grehan Anthony , Morato Telmo , Arnaud-Haond Sophie , Dominguez-Carrió Carlos , Fox Alan , González-Irusta José Manuel , Johnson David , Callery Oisín , Davies Andrew , Fauconnet Laurence , Kenchington Ellen , Orejas Covadonga , Roberts J. Murray , Taranto Gerald , Menot Lénaick
Published: June 2021

Designing conservation networks requires a well-structured framework for achieving essential objectives such as connectivity, replication or viability, and for considering local management and socioeconomic stakes. Although systematic conservation planning (SCP) approaches are increasingly used to inform such networks, their application remains challenging in large and poorly researched areas. This is especially the case in the deep sea, where SCP has rarely been applied, although growing awareness of the vulnerability of deep-sea ecosystems urges the implementation of conservation measures from local to international levels. This study aims to structure and evaluate a framework for SCP applicable to the deep sea, focusing on the identification of conservation priority networks for vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs), such as cold-water coral reefs, sponge grounds, or hydrothermal vents, and for key demersal fish species. Based on multi-objective prioritization, different conservation scenarios were investigated, allowing the impact of key elements such as connectivity and conservation cost to be evaluated. Our results show that continental margin slopes, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and deeper areas of large and productive shelves housing fishing grounds appeared as crucial zones for preserving the deep-sea biodiversity of the North Atlantic, and within the limitations imposed by the data available, of the Mediterranean. Using biologically-informed connectivity led to a more continuous and denser conservation network, without increasing the network size. Even when minimizing the overlap with socioeconomic activities, the inclusion of exploited areas was necessary to fulfil conservation objectives. Such areas included continental shelf fishing grounds for demersal fish species, and areas covered by deep-sea mining exploration contracts for hydrothermal vent communities. Covering 17% of the study area and protecting 55% of each feature on average, the identified priority network held a high conservation potential. However, these areas still suffer from poor protection, with 30% of them benefiting from some form of recognition and 11% only from protection against trawling. Integrating them into current marine spatial planning (MSP) discussions could foster the implementation of a basin-scale conservation network for the deep sea. Overall, this work established a framework for developing large-scale systematic planning, useful for managing Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).
Orchestrating the Ocean Using a National Ocean Policy: The Case of the Solomon Islands
Authors: Hills Jeremy M. , Lajaunie Claire , Maharaj Payal N. , Mazzega Pierre
Published: June 2021

Oceans are governed by multiple policies at international, regional and national levels. National level policies have traditionally been sector-based, covering fisheries, tourism, environment etc. Recently more integrated and holistic National Ocean Policies (NOP) have been promulgated. The Pacific Ocean also has well-developed regional ocean-related policies spanning decades. The work presented here uses lexicometric analysis to map the interlinkages between regional and national policies to determine if they are evolving synergistically. Focusing on the Solomon Islands, due to its reliance on the ocean and producing a NOP in 2018, 13,622 expressions were extracted from the corpus of 8 national and 10 regional ocean-related policies. Network analysis displayed limited differentiation between the NOP, national sector-based policies and regional policies. Clustering of policies showed progressive splitting of policies from a single cluster, rather than by formation of a number of separate clusters. This behaviour reflects the thematic interlocking of policies: all share many themes, and the more integrative policies add a few additional sectoral themes. The themes rarely addressed in the corpus include energy, agriculture, pollution and education. The NOP was predominantly built on existing national or regional policies and their main themes rather than setting a new direction in ocean governance. The benefit of the NOP may be less about its content itself, but the creation of allied cross-ministerial architecture. With the intense pressure on the oceans and its resources in present times, there will be a growing need for more substantive policy evolution.
Contesting Political Decisions Involving Environmental Issues: A Case Study in Portugal Based on the Press About Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
Authors: Pinto Bruno , Castro Paula
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a case study about the drilling of offshore oil and gas in mainland Portugal, a process that ended with the cancelation of all contracts. It aimed to better understand the argumentative and value dynamics involved in how municipalities, populations, civic organizations, and others successfully contested the central government decision of prospection. Since the press was one of the main stages for this conflict, it was important to analyze how it presented the respective arguments to society. Articles on this topic were collected from the two widely read national newspapers “Correio da Manhã” and “Público” in the culmination period of this confrontation, which occurred between June 2016 and December 2018. In total, 155 articles were found, 61.3% (n= 95) from “Público” and 38.7% (n= 60) from “Correio da Manhã.” The quantitative analysis focused on the number of news per month and the frequency of themes, as well as the frequency of actors and arguments used against and in favor of exploitation on the news. Thematic analysis was used to qualitatively assess the articulation of arguments in the two opposing views. Results show that, in both newspapers, the majority of articles focused on the positions and actions of those opposing prospection, as the Government and other actors in favor of drilling were much less active in presenting its arguments. Overall, the analysis suggests two different strategies: (a) a strong argumentative synergy between a wide range of actors against offshore prospection. Their concerted arguments defended multiple values, including public participation in political decisions, protecting local communities and places from environmental risks, countering climate change, and protecting local economic activities. (b) The Government was usually isolated in its arguments with the occasional exception of oil companies or representatives of the national industry. The scarce arguments used by these actors evoked mostly national economic values, with little engagement with other societal goals. This study suggests that the large mobilization of different sectors of society, their use of a convergent and wide range of arguments, and the lack of engagement of the Government in a dialogical argumentation were crucial to delegitimize the latter’s political decision.
Distribution and Persistence of Diflubenzuron and Teflubenzuron in the Marine Environment Around Salmonid Aquaculture Facilities
Authors: Parsons Aoife E. , Samuelsen Ole B. , Johnsen Ingrid Askeland , Hannisdal Rita , Tjensvoll Tore , Husa Vivian
Published: June 2021

To achieve a sustainable salmonid aquaculture industry, the environmental impacts of chemicals used to treat sea lice (Caligidae) infestations need to be considered. Our ability to assess the risks associated with these treatments in relation to human and wildlife health is limited by the lack of information on their concentrations in marine coastal environments. Diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron are chitin synthesis inhibiting insecticides frequently used to treat sea lice infestations on Norwegian salmon farms. In the present study, the distribution, persistence and bioaccumulation of both compounds were assessed in marine sediments and benthic macrofauna collected at four Norwegian aquacultures sites. Both compounds were detected in sediments sampled at 30–1400 m from the selected farms and 8–22 months after the last treatments took place. Diflubenzuron was detected above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 76% of sediment samples and measured levels ranged between 2.4 and 257 μg/kg dry weight (dw). Teflubenzuron was detected above the LOQ in 92% of sediment samples, at concentrations ranging between 1.3 and 3474 μg/kg dw. In all samples where diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron were detected, the measured levels exceeded the Norwegian environmental quality standards (EQSsediment; 0.2 and 0.0004 μg/kg dw, respectively), indicating that these compounds may pose a risk to benthic marine species living near fish farms. Both compounds were detected in wild fauna collected near the selected aquaculture sites with measured residue levels in the low micro-gramme per kilogramme wet weight range. The residue levels detected in economically important species caught for human consumption, such as pink shrimp (Pandalus montagui) and Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), were substantially lower than biota EQS’s and maximum residue limits (MRL) set by the EU for salmon tissue. Further studies are needed to fully understand the ecological impacts of these compounds in the marine environment, with the potential for lethal and sub-lethal effects to occur in non-target organisms following chronic exposures.
Nanoglass and Nanocrystallization Reactions in Metallic Glasses
Authors: Perepezko John H , Gao Meng , Wang Jun-Qiang
Published: June 2021

Strategies to change the properties of metallic glass by controlling the crystallization and the glass transition behavior are essential in promoting the application of these materials. Aside from changing the composition approaches to stabilize the glass and frustrate the nucleation and growth of crystals, new strategies at a fixed glass composition are of special interest. In this review, some recent work is summarized on new strategies to tune the properties of metallic glasses without changing composition. First, the nanocrystallization strategy is introduced that is based on the nanocrystallized microstructures such as those that develop in marginal Al-based metallic glasses. The heterogeneous and transient nucleation effects in the nanocrystallization reactions in Al-based metallic glasses are systematically investigated and can be assessed by the determination of delay time based on Flash DSC measurements. These results provide a basis to understand the strong effect of minor alloying additions on the onset of primary Al nanocrystallization and to design the novel Al-based composites with improved properties. Secondly, by an optimal annealing treatment, a liquid-cooled Au-based metallic glass can achieve very high kinetic stability to yield a large increase in glass transition temperature of 28 K and this is 3-5 times larger than the increase usually reported. The measured enthalpy decrease is about 50% of the difference between the as-cooled glass and the equilibrium crystalline state and reaches the extrapolated enthalpy of the supercooled liquid. Finally, the nano-glass strategy makes an Au-based nanoglass show ultrastable kinetic characters at low heating rate (e.g., 300 K/s) compared to a melt-spun ribbon, which is attributed to the kinetic constraint effect of nanoglobular interfaces. These results indicate that the nanoglass microstructure can act to increase metallic glass stability and provide another mechanism for the synthesis of ultrastable glass. These developments open new opportunities to improve the stability and properties and largely increase the application potentials of metallic glasses.
Structural and Transport Properties of 1T-VSe2 Single Crystal Under High Pressures
Authors: Song Dongqi , Zhou Ying , Zhang Min , He Xinyi , Li Xinjian
Published: June 2021

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-VSe2 exhibits a unique three-dimensional charge density wave (CDW) order below ∼110 K at ambient pressure, which shows unusual evolution under pressure. Here we report on the high-pressure structural and transport properties of 1T-VSe2 by extending the pressure up to 57.8 GPa, through electrical transport, synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering measurements, which unravel two critical pressure points. The CDW transition is found to be enhanced under compression at a rate of 16.5 K/GPa up to the first critical pressure PC1 ∼ 12 GPa, at which a structural phase transition from hexagonal P-3m1 to monoclinic C2/m phase takes place. The second critical pressure PC2 ∼ 33 GPa corresponds to another structural transition from monoclinic C2/m to P21/m phase. These findings extend the phase diagram of pressurized 1T-VSe2 and may help to understand pressure tuning of structures in transition metal dichalcogenides.
Attentional Bias Modification Training for Itch: A Proof-of-Principle Study in Healthy Individuals
Authors: van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , Becker Jennifer M. , van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. L. , Van Damme Stefaan , Crombez Geert , Wiers Reinout W. H. J.
Published: June 2021

Itch draws our attention to allow imposing action against bodily harm (e.g., remove insects). At the same time, itch is found to interfere with ongoing tasks and daily life goals. Despite the key role of attention in itch processing, interventions that train individuals to automatically disengage attention from itch cues are lacking. The present proof-of-principle attention bias modification (ABM) training study was aimed at investigating whether attention to itch as well as sensitivity to mild itch can be changed. Healthy volunteers were randomized over three ABM-training conditions. Training was done via a modified pictorial dot-probe task. In particular, participants were trained to look away from itch stimuli (n= 38), toward itch stimuli (n= 40) or not trained toward or away from itch at all (sham training,n= 38). The effects of the ABM-training were tested primarily on attention to itch pictures. Secondarily, it was investigated whether training effects generalized to alterations in attention to itch words and mechanical itch sensitivity. The ABM-training did not alter attention toward the itch pictures, and there was no moderation by baseline levels of attention bias for itch. Also, attention bias to the itch words and itch sensitivity were not affected by the ABM-training. This study was a first step toward trainings to change attention toward itch. Further research is warranted to optimize ABM-training methodology, for example increasing motivation of participants. Eventually, an optimized training could be used in patient populations who suffer most from distraction by their symptoms of itch.

Clinical Trial Registration:Identifier: NL6134 (NTR6273). The website URL is:https://www.trialregister.nl/
Metabolite Profiling of Malaysian Gracilaria edulis Reveals Eplerenone as Novel Antibacterial Compound for Drug Repurposing Against MDR Bacteria
Authors: Asghar Ali , Tan Yong-Chiang , Shahid Muhammad , Yow Yoon-Yen , Lahiri Chandrajit
Published: June 2021

With a continuous threat of antimicrobial resistance on human health worldwide, efforts for new alternatives are ongoing for the management of bacterial infectious diseases. Natural products of land and sea, being conceived to be having fewer side effects, pose themselves as a welcome relief. In this respect, we have taken a scaffolded approach to unearthing the almost unexplored chemical constituents of Malaysian red seaweed, Gracilaria edulis. Essentially, a preliminary evaluation of the ethyl acetate and acetone solvent extracts, among a series of six such, revealed potential antibacterial activity against six MDR species namely, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, and Bacillus subtilis. Detailed analyses of the inlying chemical constituents, through LC-MS and GC-MS chromatographic separation, revealed a library of metabolic compounds. These were led for further virtual screening against selected key role playing proteins in the virulence of the aforesaid bacteria. To this end, detailed predictive pharmacological analyses added up to reinforce Eplerenone as a natural alternative from the plethora of plausible bioactives. Our work adds the ongoing effort to re-discover and repurpose biochemical compounds to combat the antimicrobial resistance offered by the Gram-positive and the -negative bacterial species.
Screening of Compounds for Anti-tuberculosis Activity, and in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Potential Candidates
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yang Bing , Zou Yanyan , Rahman Khaista , Cao Xiaojian , Lei Yingying , Lai Ren , Fu Zhen F. , Chen Xi , Cao Gang
Published: June 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is a debilitating infectious disease responsible for more than one million deaths per year. The emergence of drug-resistant TB poses an urgent need for the development of new anti-TB drugs. In this study, we screened a library of over 4,000 small molecules and found that orbifloxacin and the peptide AK15 possess significant bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in vitro. Orbifloxacin also showed an effective ability on the clearance of intracellular Mtb and protect mice from a strong inflammatory response but not AK15. Moreover, we identified 17 nucleotide mutations responsible for orbifloxacin resistance by whole-genome sequencing. A critical point mutation (D94G) of the DNA gyrase (gyrA) gene was found to be the key role of resistance to orbifloxacin. The computational docking revealed that GyrA D94G point mutation can disrupt the orbifloxacin–protein gyrase interactions mediated by magnesium ion bridge. Overall, this study indicated the potential ability of orbifloxacin as an anti-tuberculosis drug, which can be used either alone or in combination with first-line antibiotics to achieve more effective therapy on TB.
Asymptomatic Carriage of C. botulinum Type D/C in Broiler Flocks as the Source of Contamination of a Massive Botulism Outbreak on a Dairy Cattle Farm
Authors: Souillard Rozenn , Grosjean Daniel , Le Gratiet Thibault , Poezevara Typhaine , Rouxel Sandra , Balaine Loïc , Macé Sabrina , Martin Laure , Anniballi Fabrizio , Chemaly Marianne , Le Bouquin Sophie , Le Maréchal Caroline
Published: June 2021

In winter 2018, a massive type D/C cattle botulism outbreak occurred on a mixed dairy and broiler farm in France. An investigation was conducted based on the hypothesis of asymptomatic carriage in poultry. We set out to identify the source of contamination of the dairy cattle and to monitor the contamination of broilers over time, including the hatchery delivering chicks to the farm. Environmental samples were collected on the farm during the cattle outbreak (n = 40), after the outbreak for three successive broiler flocks (n = 128), and once in the hatchery delivering the chicks (n = 58). These samples were analyzed using real-time PCR after an enrichment step to detect Clostridium botulinum type D/C. The results showed contamination in the manure from the broilers raised just before the onset of the cattle outbreak (5 + /5), as well as in some of the components of the cattle ration (3 + /17). This latter contamination is likely due to the use of the same tractor bucket to remove litter from the poultry house and to prepare the cattle ration on the same day. Contamination monitoring over several months revealed continuous asymptomatic carriage in the broilers (4 + /20 and 17 + /20 cloacal swabs in 2 successive flocks), a persistence of C. botulinum type D/C in the ventilation system of the poultry house (8 + /14), and contamination of the equipment coming from the hatchery used for delivering the chicks (3 + /18). Further investigations conducted in the hatchery demonstrated contamination in the hatchery by C. botulinum type D/C (6 + /58). Comparison of samples using a multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis showed the same profile for samples collected on broilers, cattle and in the hatchery. This study highlighted the crucial role of the implementation of biosecurity measures in mixed farms to avoid cross-contamination between production units given the potential asymptomatic carriage of poultry. This study also revealed the contamination of the poultry hatchery. Further investigations are required to better understand the role of hatcheries in the epidemiology of animal botulism.
DNA Blocks the Lethal Effect of Human Beta-Defensin 2 Against Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Wassing Gabriela M. , Lidberg Kenny , Sigurlásdóttir Sara , Frey Jonas , Schroeder Kristen , Ilehag Nathalie , Lindås Ann-Christin , Jonas Kristina , Jonsson Ann-Beth
Published: June 2021

Neisseria meningitidisis a gram-negative bacterium that often asymptomatically colonizes the human nasopharyngeal tract. These bacteria cross the epithelial barrier can cause life-threatening sepsis and/or meningitis. Antimicrobial peptides are one of the first lines of defense against invading bacterial pathogens. Human beta-defensin 2 (hBD2) is an antimicrobial peptide with broad antibacterial activity, although its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of hBD2 onN. meningitidis. We showed that hBD2 binds to and kills actively growing meningococcal cells. The lethal effect was evident after 2 h incubation with the peptide, which suggests a slow killing mechanism. Further, the membrane integrity was not changed during hBD2 treatment. Incubation with lethal doses of hBD2 decreased the presence of diplococci; the number and size of bacterial microcolonies/aggregates remained constant, indicating that planktonic bacteria may be more susceptible to the peptide. Meningococcal DNA bound hBD2 in mobility shift assays and inhibited the lethal effect of hBD2 in a dose-dependent manner both in suspension and biofilms, supporting the interaction between hBD2 and DNA. Taken together, the ability of meningococcal DNA to bind hBD2 opens the possibility that extracellular DNA due to bacterial lysis may be a means ofN. meningitidisto evade immune defenses.
Physical Activity, Weight Loss, and Weight Maintenance in the DiOGenes Multicenter Trial
Authors: van Baak Marleen A. , Hul Gabby , Astrup Arne , Saris Wim H.
Published: June 2021

In this secondary analysis of the DiOGenes study, we investigated whether physical activity (PA) contributes to diet-induced weight loss and helps to reduce subsequent regain. We also studied the associations of PA with changes in cardiometabolic variables. Adults with overweight were included and followed an 8-week low-calorie diet (LCD). When successful (>8% weight loss), participants were randomized to different ad libitum diet groups and were advised to maintain their weight loss over the 6-month intervention period. Body weight (BW), body composition, cardiometabolic variables and subjectively-assessed PA were measured at baseline, at the end of weight loss and at the end of the intervention. BW was reduced by the LCD (from 99.8 ± 16.7 to 88.4 ± 14.9 kg; P < 0.001). This reduction was maintained during the weight maintenance period (89.2 ± 16.0 kg). Total PA (sum score of the three subscales of the Baecke questionnaire) increased during the weight loss period (from 8.16 ± 0.83 to 8.39 ± 0.78; P < 0.001) and this increase was subsequently maintained (8.42 ± 0.90). We found no evidence that baseline PA predicted weight loss. However, a higher level of baseline PA predicted a larger weight-loss-induced improvement in total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and CRP, and in post-prandial insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index). Subsequent weight and fat mass maintenance were predicted by the post-weight loss level of PA and associated with changes in PA during the weight maintenance phase. In conclusion, despite the fact that higher baseline levels of PA did not predict more weight loss during the LCD, nor that an increase in PA during the LCD was associated with more weight loss, higher PA levels were associated with more improvements in several cardiometabolic variables. The positive effect of higher PA on weight loss maintenance seems in contrast to randomized controlled trials that have not been able to confirm a positive effect of exercise training programmes on weight loss maintenance. This analysis supports the notion that higher self-imposed levels of PA may improve the cardiometabolic risk profile during weight loss and help to maintain weight loss afterwards.
Identification and Validation of Hub Genes Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Sumei , Song Zuoli , Tan Bing , Zhang Jinjuan , Zhang Jiandong , Liu Shuye
Published: June 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the liver, with high morbidity and mortality, yet its molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis are still unclear. In this study, gene expression profile of GSE62232 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The RNA-seq expression data and relative clinical information were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The datasets were analyzed by differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to obtain the overlapping genes. Then, we performed a functional enrichment analysis to understand the potential biological functions of these co-expression genes. Finally, we constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis combined with survival analysis. MARCO, CLEC4M, FCGR2B, LYVE1, TIMD4, STAB2, CFP, CLEC4G, CLEC1B, FCN2, FCN3 and FOXO1 were identified as the candidate hub genes using the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. Based on survival analysis, the lower expression of FCN3 and FOXO1 were associated with worse overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. Furthermore, the expression levels of FCN3 and FOXO1 were validated by the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and the qRT-PCR. In summary, our findings contribute new ideas for the precise early diagnosis, clinical treatment and prognosis of HCC in the future.
Enzalutamide-Induced Upregulation of PCAT6 Promotes Prostate Cancer Neuroendocrine Differentiation by Regulating miR-326/HNRNPA2B1 Axis
Authors: Liu Bo , Jiang Hui-Yang , Yuan Tao , Luo Jie , Zhou Wei-Dong , Jiang Qi-Quan , Wu Denglong
Published: June 2021

Our previous studies have demonstrated that Enzalutamide-induced upregulation of long non-coding RNA p21 (lncRNA-p21) facilitates prostate cancer (PCa) neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). Given the important role of lncRNAs in PCa pathogenesis, and given that lots of lncRNAs are dys-regulated in neuroendocrine PCa (NEPC) patients, we next explored the biological function and underlying mechanism of lncRNA-PCAT6 (PCAT6) in mediating Enzalutamide-induced NED. The level of PCAT6 in Enzalutamide-treated PCa cells and NEPC samples were assessed using quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR). The effect of PCAT6 on PCa cell proliferation, invasion, and NED was evaluated through CCK-8, transwell, qPCR, western blot analysis, Xenograft mouse model, and in vivo lung metastasis model. We found that PCAT6 was highly expressed in NE-like cells (PC3, DU145, and NCI-H660) compared with androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. PCAT6 was also highly expressed in NEPC tissues. Enzalutamide treatment resulted in a significant increase of PCAT6 level in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Functionally, PCAT6 overexpression promoted NED of C4-2 cells, as evidenced by an increased expression of NE markers (NSE, ChgA, and SYP), whereas PCAT6 knockdown in NCI-H661 cells repressed NED. Furthermore, PCAT6 overexpression promoted PCa cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PCAT6 functioned as competing endogenous (ce) RNA via absorbing miR-326, thus resulting in a de-suppression of Hnrnpa2b1 target gene. The current results demonstrate that PCAT6 acted as a tumor activator in PCa progression by sponging miR-326 and increasing Hnrnpa2b1 expression and that the PCAT6/miR-326/Hnrnpa2b1 signaling might be a new therapeutic target for PCa.
A Prospective Study on Fertility Preservation in Prepubertal and Adolescent Girls Undergoing Hematological Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wikander Ida , Lundberg Frida E. , Nilsson Hanna , Borgström Birgit , Rodriguez-Wallberg Kenny A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Hematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established method which has markedly increased the survival rate of hematologic malignancies since its introduction in the 1980’s. The conditioning for HSCT has known gonadotoxic effects and often leads to premature loss of fertility. In this study we have prospectively followed a cohort of girls undergoing HSCT and studied the outcomes of fertility preservation treatments performed before or after HSCT, as well as the long-term reproductive outcome.

Methods

In this one-center prospective study, 39 girls counselled for fertility preservation prior to or after conditioning for HSCT for malignant or benign diseases at childhood or adolescence between 1990 and 2017 were included. The patients were presented with the option to undergo cryopreservation of ovarian tissue or oocytes depending on their age and the time available. Follicle counts of the ovarian tissue and number of oocytes collected before or after HSCT were compared between patients treated for benign and malignant diseases. Hormone measurements post HSCT treatment, including FSH and AMH, reproductive outcomes and overall survival until January 2021 were investigated.

Results

In total, 34 girls and adolescents underwent fertility preservation before or after HSCT. Before HSCT, ovarian tissue was cryopreserved in 15 patients and two patients had oocytes preserved. Thirteen patients cryopreserved ovarian tissue after HSCT and seven patients returned to cryopreserve oocytes. Follicles were present in all tissue samples collected prior to HSCT, and in more than half of the samples collected post-HSCT. Half of the patients had spontaneous menarche or resumed menstruation post HSCT. Overall, 35 patients had survived at end of follow up and 7 patients had achieved parenthood.

Conclusions

Since fertility loss is common following HSCT, fertility preservation should be offered to all patients. Fertility preservation treatments can be performed both before and after HSCT.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04602962, identifier NTC04602962
The Effect of Chinese Medicine Compound in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Level of Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Xuan , Liu Zehao , Yang Zhihua , Xu Shengmei , Wang Maojie , Chen Xiumin , Wen Zehuai , Huang Runyue
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence whether Chinese medicine compound (CMC) can reduce the serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP).

Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), and Wanfang data. We then performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the CMC therapy methods. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020216284.

Results: In total, 65 studies were eligible for inclusion, including 6099 patients. The result of the meta-analysis showed that compared with common Western medicine therapy, CMC monotherapy or combined with Western medicine was able to reduce serum RF (SMD= −0.85, 95%CI −1.04 to −0.67) and anti-CCP (SMD= −0.56, 95%CI −0.79 to −0.32) levels to some extent. In the efficacy meta-analysis, a greater number of CMC-treated patients achieved the efficacy criteria after a period of treatment, where the relative risk (RR) was 1.20 [1.08, 1.33] for achieving ACR20, 1.57 [1.38, 1.78] for ACR50, and 2.21 [1.72, 2.84] for ACR70. At the same time, there was a statistically significant difference in the effective rate of the patient's TCM symptoms (RR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.19–1.26).

Conclusions: Through this meta-analysis and systematic review, we found that CMC for the treatment of RA is effective in reducing RF and anti-CCP levels and might have better clinical efficacy than Western medicine monotherapy. Some active components are responsible for this efficacy and worth further exploring.
A Novel Biochemical Study of Anti-Dermal Fibroblast Replicative Senescence Potential of Panax Notoginseng Oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhai Lu , Xu Xiaohao , Liu Jiangzeng , Jing Chenxu , Yang Xinzhao , Zhao Daqing , Jiang Rui , Sun Li-Wei
Published: June 2021

Dermal fibroblast replicative senescence that often occurs in aging skin is characterized by loss of cell proliferative capacity, cell cycle arrest, decreased cell elongation, and decreased synthesis of dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Although Panax notoginseng is known for its effectiveness in alleviating many age-related degenerative diseases, few studies have evaluated P. notoginseng components for efficacy or mechanisms of action in delaying cell replicative senescence. In this study, P. notoginseng oligosaccharides (PNO) were isolated using a stepwise purification procedure involving water extraction and alcohol precipitation followed by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography, preparative high performance liquid chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography. Monosaccharides detected in PNO constituents included mannose, galactose, and sorbitose in relative molar proportions of 14.2:12.3:1, respectively, aligning with PNO absorption spectrum results resembling typical known spectra for sugars. In vitro, PNO treatment of replicative senescent NIH-3T3 fibroblasts significantly promoted cell vitality, inhibited SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, and reduced p16 and p21 protein-level expression. Moreover, PNO treatment of senescent fibroblasts led to a lower proportion of G1 phase cells and higher proportion of S phase cells, while also inducing aging NIH-3T3 cells to migrate and synthesize collagen-I (CoL-I). Mechanistically, PNO treatment up-regulated expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin E, cyclin D1, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) proteins and promoted phosphorylation of MEK, p38, and ERK1/2 to trigger cell cycle progression. Additionally, PNO treatment also up-regulated protein-level expression of TGF-β1 and levels of p-Smad2/3, p-FAK, and p-Pax to trigger CoL-I synthesis and cell migration. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that oligosaccharides purified from P. notoginseng could reverse fibroblast replicative senescence by promoting fibroblast cell proliferation, migration, and CoL-I production.
Controlling H3+ Formation From Ethane Using Shaped Ultrafast Laser Pulses
Authors: Townsend Tiana , Schwartz Charles J. , Jochim Bethany , P. Kanaka Raju , Severt T. , Iwamoto Naoki , Napierala J. L. , Feizollah Peyman , Tegegn S. N. , Solomon A. , Zhao S. , Carnes K. D. , Ben-Itzhak I. , Wells E.
Published: June 2021

An adaptive learning algorithm coupled with 3D momentum-based feedback is used to identify intense laser pulse shapes that control H3+ formation from ethane. Specifically, we controlled the ratio of D2H+ to D3+ produced from the D3C-CH3 isotopologue of ethane, which selects between trihydrogen cations formed from atoms on one or both sides of ethane. We are able to modify the D2H+:D3+ ratio by a factor of up to three. In addition, two-dimensional scans of linear chirp and third-order dispersion are conducted for a few fourth-order dispersion values while the D2H+ and D3+ production rates are monitored. The optimized pulse is observed to influence the yield, kinetic energy release, and angular distribution of the D2H+ ions while the D3+ ion dynamics remain relatively stable. We subsequently conducted COLTRIMS experiments on C2D6 to complement the velocity map imaging data obtained during the control experiments and measured the branching ratio of two-body double ionization. Two-body D3+ + C2D3+ is the dominant final channel containing D3+ ions, although the three-body D + D3+ + C2D2+ final state is also observed.
Spontaneous Formations of Dynamical Steady States in Polariton Condensates
Authors: Niu Zhen-Xia , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2021

We present a numerical analysis on dynamical steady states of polariton Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) in an incoherent exciton reservoir driven by a ring-shaped optical pump. The balance between the loss and gain of polariton BEC induces a variety of steady states with different configurations, including approximate Gaussian distribution and topological defects, such as vortex–antivortex pairs, vortices with a winding number, and solitons. Besides, the system becomes unstable under fast decay rates and small pumping ring, where BECs can no longer exist in the long-time limit. We also confirm the soliton is dynamically stable in this system, with a steady polariton current induced by the repulsive polariton–polariton and polariton–exciton interactions.
RETRACTED: Molecular Perspectives of Mitophagy in Myocardial Stress: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Ji Haizhe , Wu Dan , Kimberlee O’Maley , Li Ruibing , Qian Geng
Published: June 2021

A variety of complex risk factors and pathological mechanisms contribute to myocardial stress, which ultimately promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases, including acute cardiac insufficiency, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, high-glycemic myocardial injury, and acute alcoholic cardiotoxicity. Myocardial stress is characterized by abnormal metabolism, excessive reactive oxygen species production, an insufficient energy supply, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis. Mitochondria, the main organelles contributing to the energy supply of cardiomyocytes, are key determinants of cell survival and death. Mitophagy is important for cardiomyocyte function and metabolism because it removes damaged and aged mitochondria in a timely manner, thereby maintaining the proper number of normal mitochondria. In this review, we first introduce the general characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy. We then describe the three classic mitophagy regulatory pathways and their involvement in myocardial stress. Finally, we discuss the two completely opposite effects of mitophagy on the fate of cardiomyocytes. Our summary of the molecular pathways underlying mitophagy in myocardial stress may provide therapeutic targets for myocardial protection interventions.
Responses of Low-Cost Input Combinations on the Microbial Structure of the Maize Rhizosphere for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Plant Biomass Production
Authors: Yoshiura Caio Augusto , Venturini Andressa Monteiro , Braga Lucas Palma Perez , França Aline Giovana da , Lyra Maria do Carmo Catanho Pereira de , Tsai Siu Mui , Rodrigues Jorge Luiz Mazza
Published: June 2021

The microbial composition of the rhizosphere and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the most common input combinations in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivated in Brazil have not been characterized yet. In this study, we evaluated the influence of maize stover coverage (S), urea-topdressing fertilization (F), and the microbial inoculant Azospirillum brasilense (I) on soil GHG emissions and rhizosphere microbial communities during maize development. We conducted a greenhouse experiment and measured methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from soil cultivated with maize plants under factorial combinations of the inputs and a control treatment (F, I, S, FI, FS, IS, FIS, and control). Plant biomass was evaluated, and rhizosphere soil samples were collected at V5 and V15 stages and DNA was extracted. The abundance of functional genes (mcrA, pmoA, nifH, and nosZ) was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and the structure of the microbial community was assessed through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Our results corroborate with previous studies which used fewer input combinations and revealed different responses for the following three inputs: F increased N2O emissions around 1 week after application; I tended to reduce CH4 and CO2 emissions, acting as a plant growth stimulator through phytohormones; S showed an increment for CO2 emissions by increasing carbon-use efficiency. IS and FIS treatments presented significant gains in biomass that could be related to Actinobacteria (19.0%) and Bacilli (10.0%) in IS, and Bacilli (9.7%) in FIS, which are the microbial taxa commonly associated with lignocellulose degradation. Comparing all factors, the IS (inoculant + maize stover) treatment was considered the best option for plant biomass production and GHG mitigation since FIS provides small gains toward the management effort of F application.
Climate Change in Your Backyard: When Climate is Proximate, People Become Activists
Authors: Sparks Aaron C.
Published: June 2021

Scientific warnings about climate change continue as climate disasters strike all around the world. There is increasing public support for climate mitigation policies, and major mass protests shed light on the issue. How does climate change impact increase climate activism? I build on a conventional understanding of activism by adding the insight of construal level theory. When climate change is experienced more directly, people are more likely to act because they care more and can link concern to specific actions. Among a sample of Californians (MTurk; n = 604) as climate was perceived as more proximate, respondents were more likely to take action. A survey-experiment conducted using a US sample (MTurk; n = 609) demonstrated that as issues become more psychologically proximate, respondents were more likely to take political action. These results suggest that organizers can activate proximity to mobilize supporters.
Functional Limitations and Perceived Neighborhood Walkability Among Urban Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Suzuki Rie , Blackwood Jennifer , Webster Noah J. , Shah Shailee
Published: June 2021

Older adults with functional limitations (FLs) often experience obstacles to walking. Although health promotion programs targeting physical activity are available in lower-income areas, few studies have compared the walking experiences of older adults who have FLs with those who do not in the community. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to compare perceptions of neighborhood walkability among older adults living in lower-income communities with and without FLs. Participants (N = 132) were recruited in 2018 at regional health clinics in Flint, Michigan. To be eligible, participants had to be 65 years of age or older, report no cognitive decline, and be Flint residents. Of the 132 participants, the mean age was 69.74 (SD = 4.97). The majority were female (66%); African American (77%); single, divorced, or widowed (72%); educated below the General Education Development level (57%), and had a FL (67%). Older adults with FLs were significantly (p < 0.05) less likely than those without to visit many places within walking distance, to have well-lit neighborhoods at night, and to reside in neighborhoods where sidewalks were separated from the road and traffic. Multiple regression analyses revealed that having a FL was associated with poorer neighborhood perceptions of mixed-land-use (b = −0.19, p < 0.05) and more walking hazards (b = −0.26, p < 0.05). Findings suggest that a FL is associated with perceptions of walkability. It is essential to develop disability-friendly support systems and accommodations to encourage walking in lower-income communities.
Bibliometric Reports for Institutions: Best Practices in a Responsible Metrics Scenario
Authors: Cabezas-Clavijo Alvaro , Torres-Salinas Daniel
Published: June 2021

Carrying out bibliometric reports is one of the common tasks performed by librarians and practitioners within the framework of their professional duties. The emergence of novel data sources, the need to measure new research activities and the growing demand for fairer and more equitable evaluation within the framework of the Responsible Metrics movement has led to calls for a review of the traditional approaches to these types of reports. The main goal of this study is to outline a series of recommendations for bibliometricians, consultants and research support librarians when drafting bibliometric reports in their institutions. These best practices can significantly enhance the quality and utility of bibliometric reports, posing their practitioners as key players in the science management process.
Analysing the Governance Factors for Sustainability in Organisations and Their Inter-Relations
Authors: Temel Melis , Lozano Rodrigo , Barreiro-Gen Maria
Published: June 2021

Governance is instrumental to the implementing sustainability in organisations (civil society, companies, and public sector ones). Seven governance factors have been identified to achieve this: vision and mission, policies, reporting, communication, board of directors, department, and person in charge. However, their importance and interrelations are still under-researched. A survey was sent to 5,299 organisations, with 305 responses. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, rankings, comparison between organisation types, correlations, and centrality. The results provide the ranking of the factors, where vision and mission, person in charge, and reporting were highest ranked. The analysis also reveals that the seven factors are interrelated, albeit some more than others. The research provides a comparison of the rankings and interrelations between the organisation types. Each factor and its relation to other factors can contribute to better governance for sustainability, and better governance can contribute to a more holistic implementation of sustainability in organisations.
What is Interoception and Why is it Important?
Authors: Barker Melissa , Brewer Rebecca , Murphy Jennifer
Published: June 2021

What is the word for the sense of signals that come from inside your body, such as feeling your heart beating and your breathing, or knowing when you are hungry? This is called interoception. Interoception is one of our senses, like vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. In this article, we talk about what interoception is and how information about these feelings is sent from the body to the brain. We will also talk a little about how interoception is measured and the different types of interoception. Finally, we will discuss why interoception might be important for things like recognising emotions in ourselves and in other people, our physical and mental health, and why understanding how interoception changes throughout our lives might help us to understand where differences in interoception across different people come from.