bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thresholds are in the eye of the beholder: plants and wildlife respond differently to short‐term cattle corrals
Authors: Veblen Kari E. , Porensky Lauren M.
Published: July 2019

Rangelands are governed by threshold dynamics, and factors such as drought, wildfire, and herbivory can drive change across thresholds and between ecological states. Most work on this topic has focused on shifts in a single response variable, vegetation, and little research has considered how to reconcile responses of more than one variable to determine whether a system has undergone a genuine state change. In sub‐Saharan Africa, mobile overnight livestock corrals (bomas) can be used by managers to precipitate ecological transitions from areas dominated by bare ground to productive ecosystem hotspots (glades) that are attractive to wild herbivores. We asked how long bomas must be occupied by cattle before undergoing a state change, considering both plant and animal response variables, to glade ecosystem hotspots. We tested five durations of boma occupation: 0, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days. Each treatment was replicated five times, and we assessed vegetation as well as herbivore dung (as a proxy of use) at multiple time points over 3 yr following boma abandonment. Vegetation in 7‐, 14‐, and 28‐d boma duration treatments appeared to undergo a complete transition to glade‐like plant communities, whereas the shortest 4‐d treatment had not converted to a glade plant community by year 3. Wildlife responses appeared to lag behind vegetation responses, with transitions to glade‐like herbivore use occurring only in the longest duration (14‐ and 28‐d) treatments. Our results show that different response variables, when considered individually, may provide incomplete or misleading information about state changes. Although shorter‐occupied bomas might be effective for reducing bare ground, they may not attract enough wild herbivores to constitute crossing into an alternative state. Understanding threshold dynamics associated not only with vegetation responses but with a broader suite of response variables is challenging, but will provide a more complete representation of ecosystem function and greater opportunity for more successful ecosystem management.
Mapping Ecosystem Services to Human Well‐being: a toolkit to support integrated landscape management for the SDGs
Authors: Johnson Justin A. , Jones Sarah K. , Wood Sylvia L. R. , Chaplin‐Kramer Rebecca , Hawthorne Peter L. , Mulligan Mark , Pennington Derric , DeClerck Fabrice A.
Published: July 2019

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the global and multi‐dimensional nature of sustainability and thus require improving our capacity to articulate and trace the impact of ecosystem change to measures of human well‐being. Yet, the integrated nature of these goals is challenging to assess without similarly integrated assessment tools. We present a new modeling toolkit, “Mapping Ecosystem Services to Human well‐being” (MESH), that integrates commonly used, stand‐alone ecosystem services (ES) models from the InVEST suite of models to quantify and illustrate the trade‐offs and synergies across five ecosystem services and up to 10 associated SDGs. Development of the software and its functionality were informed by a broad stakeholder consultation with ministries, non‐governmental organizations and civil society groups in West Africa to identify common barriers to uptake and application of modeling tools in developing countries. In light of this process, key features included in MESH are (1) integration of multiple ecosystem service (ES) models into a common modeling framework supported by a curated base data set, (2) built‐in scenario generation capacity to support policy analysis, (3) visualization of outcomes and trade‐offs, and (4) mapping of ecosystem service change to SDG targets and goals. We illustrate the use of MESH in a case study in the Volta basin of West Africa comparing the effectiveness of three alternative conservation prioritization approaches: (1) land cover‐based, (2) topographic‐based, and (3) an ecosystem service‐based approach to minimize the impact of agricultural expansion. We evaluate these approaches by linking changes in service supply to potential impacts on achievement of specific SDG goals and targets.
Estimating below‐canopy light regimes using airborne laser scanning: An application to plant community analysis
Authors: Zellweger Florian , Baltensweiler Andri , Schleppi Patrick , Huber Markus , Küchler Meinrad , Ginzler Christian , Jonas Tobias
Published: July 2019

Light is a key driver of forest biodiversity and functioning. Light regimes beneath tree canopies are mainly driven by the solar angle, topography, and vegetation structure, whose three‐dimensional complexity creates heterogeneous light conditions that are challenging to quantify, especially across large areas. Remotely sensed canopy structure data from airborne laser scanning (ALS) provide outstanding opportunities for advancement in this respect. We used ALS point clouds and a digital terrain model to produce hemispherical photographs from which we derived indices of nondirectional diffuse skylight and direct sunlight reaching the understory. We validated our approach by comparing the performance of these indices, as well as canopy closure (CCl) and canopy cover (CCo), for explaining the light conditions experienced by forest plant communities, as indicated by the Landolt indicator values for light (Llight) from 43 vegetation surveys along an elevational gradient. We applied variation partitioning to analyze how the independent and joint statistical effects of light, macroclimate, and soil on the spatial variation in plant species composition (i.e., turnover, Simpson dissimilarity, βSIM) depend on light approximation methodology. Diffuse light explained Llight best, followed by direct light, CCl and CCo (R2 = .31, .23, .22, and .22, respectively). The combination of diffuse and direct light improved the model performance for βSIM compared with CCl and CCo (R2 = .30, .27 and .24, respectively). The independent effect of macroclimate on βSIM dropped from an R2 of .15 to .10 when diffuse light and direct light were included. The ALS methods presented here outperform conventional approximations of below‐canopy light conditions, which can now efficiently be quantified along entire horizontal and vertical forest gradients, even in topographically complex environments such as mountains. The effect of macroclimate on forest plant communities is prone to be overestimated if local light regimes and associated microclimates are not accurately accounted for.
Controlling the Photophysics of Aromatic Guests Using a Cyclic Porphyrin Dimer: Synthesis, Structure, and Encapsulation‐Mediated “ON‐OFF” Switch
Authors: Mondal Pritam , Banerjee Sayantani , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: July 2019

A cyclic zinc(II) porphyrin dimer with flexible linkers has been employed as an artificial molecular container that can efficiently encapsulate aromatic guests (pyrene/anthracene) through π–π interactions. Such molecular entrapment inside the container completely alters the photophysical pathways of the encapsulated guests that are normally favored in solution. As a consequence, the exciplex emission (in case of pyrene), and photodimerization (in case of anthracene) properties are suppressed inside the container. The structural integrity and compactness of the host–guest assemblies are the reason that prevents the guest molecules to come out from the container, thus switching “OFF” their favored solution pathways. The effects of such supramolecular encapsulation have been extensively investigated using UV/Visible, 1H NMR, fluorescence, and X‐ray structure determination of the host–guest complexes. The high association constant for the complexes manifests the robust nature of the host–guest assemblies in solution. Moreover, the exciplex emission and photodimerization properties of the guests can be recovered by the addition of bidentate N‐donor ligand (1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, DABCO), which immediately replaces the encapsulated guests by coordinating with the metal centers of the host. Such controllable and dynamic features of the bisporphyrinic container will further enhance the choice of incoming guest molecules and extend the range of various applications in supramolecular host–guest chemistry.
Stabilization of Heteroleptic Heavier Alkaline Earth Metal Complexes with an Encapsulating Dipyrromethene Ligand
Authors: Ballmann Gerd , Rösch Bastian , Harder Sjoerd
Published: July 2019

A new dipyrromethene ligand with 9‐anthracenyl substituents for steric shielding of the metal has been introduced. The ligand, AnthDPM‐H (3), was directly deprotonated with MN′′2 {M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn; N′′ = N(SiMe3)2} to give (AnthDPM)MN′′ (4–8) in the form of highly fluorescent substances that are intensively colored from deep‐red to purple. Crystal structures reveal in all cases monomeric complexes with tricoordinate metals. Also the crystal structure of (AnthDPM)K, prepared by reaction of 3 with KN′′, is presented. The metal's coordination sphere in complexes 4–8 is further saturated by anagostic M···MeSi interactions which are most important for the smaller metals Mg and Zn. For the larger metals, Ca–Ba, the anthracenyl‐substituents assist in metal coordination. These secondary metal π‐interactions result in very high thermal stabilities. The least stable complex (AnthDPM)BaN′′ decomposes at circa 100 °C. The dipyrromethene complexes are clearly more stable than the corresponding β‐diketiminate complexes (DIPPBDI)MN′′ {DIPPBDI = CH[C(Me)N‐DIPP]2, DIPP =2,6‐diisopropylphenyl} which partially decompose at room temperature. These heteroleptic complexes of similar constitution, with metals ranging from Mg to Ba, form a new series that is potentially useful for investigations towards metal effects in early main group metal catalysis.
Cu‐Mediated Synthesis of Indolines and Dihydroisoquinolinones through Arylperfluoroalkylation of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Li Dandan , Wang Yan , Jia Zhenzhen , Ou Zhaocheng , Dong Yongrui , Lv Cunjie , Fu Guangbin , Liang Deqiang
Published: July 2019

The copper‐mediated fluroalkylation/cyclization of N‐allyl anilines has been described using fluoroalkyl iodides as fluoroalkylation reagents for the first time. The reaction provides an efficient and direct access to 3‐fluoroalkyl indolines in moderate to good yields with unactivated double bonds as the radical acceptor. This protocol combines a simple experimental procedure with low‐costing fluoroalkylated sources and excellent functional group tolerance.
Streamlined Routes to Phenacyl Azides and 2,5‐Diarylpyrazines Enabled by Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Vitale Paola , Cicco Luciana , Messa Francesco , Perna Filippo Maria , Salomone Antonio , Capriati Vito
Published: July 2019

A Deep Eutectic Solvent like choline chloride/glycerol (1:2 mol mol–1) proved to be an effective, sustainable reaction medium to easily synthesize both phenacyl azides and symmetrical 2,5‐diarylpyrazines of interest in pharmacology and in coordination chemistry. Notable features of our report include: (i) nucleophilic substitution reactions of α‐halo carbonyl compounds to the corresponding phenacyl azides compatible with the eutectic mixture, (ii) the reduction of phenacyl azides to α‐amino carbonyl compounds, which undergo spontaneous dimerisation/cyclisation/aromatisation in the same eutectic mixture to provide valuable pyrazines. Telescoped, one‐pot, two‐steps stoichiometric/catalytic processes have also been successfully developed to furnish 2,5‐diarylpyrazines in up to 95 % yield.
Employing α‐Diazocarbonyl Compound Chemistry in the Assembly of Medicinally Important Aryl(alkyl)thiolactam Scaffold
Authors: Barkhatova Darina , Zhukovsky Daniil , Dar'in Dmitry , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: July 2019

RH2(OAc)4‐catalyzed coupling of α‐diazo‐γ‐butyrolactams with a wide range of aliphatic and aromatic thiols leads to α‐aryl(alkyl)thiolactams in generally good yields. The transformation was found to be tolerant to sterically hindered thiols in contrast to analogous O–H insertion. Moreover, the same diazo lactams can be easily converted to β‐aryl(alkyl)thiolactams in two steps using one‐pot protocol. Consequently, the continued synthetic exploration of α‐diazo‐γ‐butyrolactams paves the way toward two medicinally important scaffolds.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Sn(II) and Sn(IV) Iodide Perovskites and Study of Their Structural, Chemical, Thermal, Optical, and Electrical Properties
Authors: El Ajjouri Yousra , Locardi Federico , Gélvez-Rueda María C. , Prato Mirko , Sessolo Michele , Ferretti Maurizio , Grozema Ferdinand C. , Palazon Francisco , Bolink Henk J.
Published: July 2019

Phase‐pure CsSnI3, FASnI3, Cs(PbSn)I3, FA(PbSn)I3 perovskites (FA = formamidinium = HC(NH2)2+) as well as the analogous so‐called vacancy‐ordered double perovskites Cs2SnI6 and FA2SnI6 are mechanochemically synthesized. The addition of SnF2 is found to be crucial for the synthesis of Cs‐containing perovskites but unnecessary for hybrid ones. All compounds show an absorption onset in the near‐infrared (NIR) region, which makes them especially relevant for photovoltaic applications. The addition of Pb(II) and SnF2 is crucial to improve the electronic properties in 3D Sn(II)‐based perovskites, in particular their charge carriers mobility (≈0.2 cm2 Vs−1) which is enhanced upon reduction of the dark carrier conductivity. Stokes‐shifted photoluminescence is observed on dry powders of Sn(II)‐based perovskites, which makes these materials promising for light‐emitting and sensing applications. Thermal stability of all compounds is examined, revealing no significant degradation up to at least 200 °C. This meets the requirements for standard operation conditions of most optoelectronic devices and is potentially compatible with thermal vacuum deposition of polycrystalline thin films.
Petrogenesis of the Cenozoic Lianhuashan pluton (SW China): Constrained by zircon U–Pb geochronology, Lu–Hf isotope, and geochemistry
Authors: Du Bin , Wang Changming , Yang Lifei , Shi Kangxing , Chen Qi , Zhu Jiaxuan
Published: July 2019

Potassic magmatic rocks provide significant insights in understanding of mantle composition, evolution, and interaction with crust. Potassic magmatism along the Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan Paleo‐Tethyan suture has drawn much attention. Whereas igneous intrusion in the Simao terrane, west to Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan potassic magmatic belt has rarely been investigated. Hence, we present zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope and whole‐rock geochemistry for the Lianhuashan pluton. Zircon U–Pb dating from monzonite and quartz monzonite porphyry yield ages of 33.6 ± 0.2 and 33.5 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Monzonites are characterized by high K2O (4.93–5.16%) and K2O/Na2O (1.46–1.71), high Y (22.90–23.80 ppm), and Yb (1.87–2.21 ppm), relatively enrichment of light rare earth element (LREE). Zircons from monzonites show εHf(t) values ranging from −1.1 to +0.6 and crustal model ages (TDMC) between 1.04 and 1.15 Ga. These geochemical features suggest that parent magmas of the rocks originated from a metasomatized lithospheric mantle. Quartz monzonite porphyries are characterized by high Sr (836.00–1,529.00 ppm), Sr/Y (70.85–99.93) and La/Yb (32.31–49.83), low Y (11.80–15.60 ppm), and Yb (0.95–1.30 ppm), enrichment in LREE and depletion in heavy rare earth elements (HREE). Quartz monzonite porphyries have higher Mg#, MgO, Ni, and Cr contents than the lower crust‐derived adakite‐like rocks. It is suggested that they were derived by variable degree of mixing between lower‐crustal melts and mafic magmas. Based on petrology and geochemistry features, the following evolution process are concluded. During the Neoproterozoic, metasomatic‐enriched mantle magma resulted from the bisubduction of oceanic plate; meanwhile, the crust thickened, and juvenile lower crust formed. During late Eocene, hot asthenosphere upwelled and K‐rich mafic magmas resulted from the decompression of delamination, followed by magmatism emplacing, crystallizing, and the forming of the Lianhuashan pluton.
Clinical characteristics in patients with cervicogenic dizziness: A systematic review
Authors: Knapstad Mari Kalland , Nordahl Stein Helge Glad , Goplen Frederik Kragerud
Published: July 2019

Background and aims

Cervicogenic dizziness (CD) is a clinical syndrome of dizziness associated with neck dysfunction. CD represents a considerable diagnostic challenge since dizziness and neck pain are common symptoms with complex and multifactorial etiologies. Both research and clinical work on CD is limited by the lack of accepted diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to review clinical studies on CD and to assess current evidence regarding the clinical characteristics of this syndrome.

Methods

A comprehensive PubMed and MEDLINE search was conducted from the date of inception of the database, with the last search conducted in September 2018. Included studies had to contain operable diagnostic criteria as well as a comparison between patients considered to have CD and a clinical comparison group. Data extracted were clinical outcomes, diagnostic criteria, age, sex, and sample size. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool.

Results

Out of 2161 screened studies, eight studies comprising 225 patients met the inclusion criteria. Studies were of low to acceptable methodological quality. The most frequent and consistent clinical characteristic in patients classified as having CD, compared with other populations, was reduced posturographic stability. The most consistent diagnostic criteria were based on the concurrence of neck pain with dizziness after exclusion of other possible reasons for dizziness.

Conclusion

There are few studies examining clinical characteristics in patients with cervicogenic dizziness. Altered posturography appeared to be the only consistent characteristic used when distinguishing CD from other populations. Diagnostic criteria currently used in research are likely to have low specificity, since they rest on the exclusion of other causes rather than on positive distinctive features. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical interrelations between dizziness and neck pain.
Catchment chemostasis revisited: Water quality responds differently to variations in weather and climate
Authors: Godsey Sarah E. , Hartmann Jens , Kirchner James W.
Published: July 2019

Solute concentrations in streamflow typically vary systematically with stream discharge, and the resulting concentration–discharge relationships are important signatures of catchment biogeochemical processes. Solutes derived from mineral weathering often exhibit decreasing concentrations with increasing flows, suggesting dilution of a kinetically limited weathering flux by a variable flux of water. However, previous work showed that concentration–discharge relationships of weathering‐derived solutes in 59 headwater catchments were much weaker than this simple dilution model would predict. Instead, catchments behaved as chemostats, with rates of solute production and/or mobilization that were nearly proportional to water fluxes, on both event and interannual timescales. Here, we re‐examine these findings using data for a wider range of solutes from 2,186 catchments, ranging from ~10 to >1,000,000 km2 in drainage area and spanning a wide range of lithologic and climatic settings. Concentration–discharge relationships among this much larger set of larger catchments are broadly consistent with the previously described chemostatic behaviour, at least on event and interannual timescales for weathering‐derived solutes. Among these same catchments, however, site‐to‐site variations in mean concentrations of weathering‐derived solutes exhibit strong negative correlations with long‐term average precipitation and discharge, reflecting strong climatic control on long‐term leaching of the critical zone. We use multiple regression of site characteristics including discharge to identify potential controls on long‐term mean concentrations and find that lithologic and land cover controls are significant predictors for many analytes. The picture that emerges is one in which, on event and interannual timescales, weathering‐derived stream solute concentrations are chemostatically buffered by groundwater storage and fast chemical reactions, but each catchment's chemostatic “set point” reflects site‐to‐site differences in climatically driven evolution of the critical zone. In contrast to these weathering products, some nutrients and particulates are often near‐chemostatic across all timescales, and their long‐term mean concentrations correlate more strongly with land use than climatic characteristics.
Blood arsenic levels and the risk of familial breast cancer in Poland
Authors: Marciniak Wojciech , Derkacz Róża , Muszyńska Magdalena , Baszuk Piotr , Gronwald Jacek , Huzarski Tomasz , Cybulski Cezary , Jakubowska Anna , Falco Michał , Dębniak Tadeusz , Lener Marcin , Oszurek Oleg , Pullella Katherine , Kotsopoulos Joanne , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A. , Lubiński Jan
Published: July 2019

Arsenic is recognized as a potent carcinogen at high concentrations, but the relationship between environmental arsenic and breast cancer risk has not well been studied. Most research has focused on the effect of arsenic in populations with high endemic exposure, and not in populations with arsenic levels within normal limits. We sought to determine if blood arsenic levels predict the risk of breast and other cancers risk among women in northern Poland. The cohort consisted of 1,702 healthy women, aged 40 and above, identified between 2010 and 2017. Blood arsenic level was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. After an average of 4.5 years of follow‐up (range 0.7–7.3 years), there were 110 incident cases of cancer diagnosed in the cohort, including 68 cases of breast cancer. Women in the highest quartile of arsenic had a highly significant 13‐fold increased risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio [HR] = 13.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.02–43.0). Results were similar for arsenic and all incident cancers (HR quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 = 13.3; 95% CI 4.78–37.0). If confirmed, our study suggests that the blood arsenic level may be a useful predictive marker of cancer risk in women.
Evidence for simulation in pharmacy education
Authors: Seybert Amy L. , Smithburger Pamela L. , Benedict Neal J. , Kobulinsky Lawrence R. , Kane‐Gill Sandra L. , Coons James C.
Published: July 2019

Innovations in clinical pharmacy education have advanced patient‐centered care knowledge in skills of pharmacy graduates through the use of simulation, virtual reality, and gaming. Pharmacy schools and colleges, as well as health care institutions, have adopted simulation education in various clinical education formats for all levels of learners and practitioners. Over the past 15 years, the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy has embraced innovative approaches to learning and documented advancement of clinical pharmacy education. This brief report will discuss advances in national and international pharmacy education, as well as the PittPharmacy experience with simulation education. A particular emphasis is on human patient simulation, computer‐based simulation, virtual patient, and gaming in the settings of direct patient care‐related education and assessment. The available literature and the experience at PittPharmacy shows improvement in learner satisfaction, knowledge enhancement, critical thinking skills, and problem solving in patient care topics. The evidence included provides support for the use of simulation to advance clinical pharmacy education and can serve to encourage further scholarship in this area.
Ameliorative role of aspirin in paraquat‐induced lung toxicity via mitochondrial mechanisms
Authors: Marashi Sayed Mahdi , Hosseini Seyede Fatemeh , Hosseinzadeh Massood , Qadir Muhammad Farhan , Khodaei Forouzan
Published: July 2019

Paraquat (PQ) has accounted for numerous suicide attempts in developing countries. Aspirin (ASA) as an adjuvant treatment in PQ poisoning has an ameliorative role. And, it's uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation role has been well established. The current study aimed at examining the aspirin mechanism on lung mitochondria of rats exposed to PQ. Male rats were randomly allocated in five groups: Control group, PQ group (50 mg/kg; orally, only on the first day), and PQ + ASA (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; i.p.) groups for 3 weeks. Mitochondrial indices and respiratory chain‐complex activities were determined. PQ induced lung interstitial fibrosis; however, ASA (400 mg/kg) led to decrease in this abnormal alteration. In comparison with PQ group, complex II and IV activity, and adenosine triphosphate content in ASA groups had significantly increased; however, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and mitochondrial swelling were significantly reduced. In conclusion, aspirin can alleviate lung injury induced by PQ poisoning by improving mitochondrial dynamics.
Integrative prognostic subtype discovery in high‐grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Xie Hongyu , Xu Huan , Hou Yan , Cai Yuqing , Rong Zhiwei , Song Wei , Wang Wenjie , Li Kang
Published: July 2019

Objective

We sought to identify novel molecular subtypes of high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) by the integration of gene expression and proteomics data and to find the underlying biological characteristics of ovarian cancer to improve the clinical outcome.

Methods

The iCluster method was utilized to analysis 131 common HGSC samples between TCGA and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium databases. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were used to estimate the overall survival of patients, and the differences in survival curves were assessed using the log‐rank test.

Results

Two novel ovarian cancer subtypes with different overall survival (P = .00114) and different platinum status (P = .0061) were identified. Eighteen messenger RNAs and 38 proteins were selected as differential molecules between subtypes. Pathway analysis demonstrated arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy pathway played a critical role in the discrimination of these two subtypes and desmosomal cadherin DSG2, DSP, JUP, and PKP2 in this pathway were overexpression in subtype I compared with subtype II.

Conclusion

Our study extended the underlying prognosis‐related biological characteristics of high‐grade serous ovarian cancer. Enrichment of desmosomal cadherin increased the risk for HGSC prognosis among platinum‐sensitive patients, the results guided the revision of the treatment options for platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer patients to improve outcomes.
New strategy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells against oxidative stress injury via Nrf2 pathway: oxidative stress preconditioning
Authors: Zhang Fei , Peng Wuxun , Zhang Jian , Dong Wentao , Yuan Dajiang , Zheng Yinggang , Wang Zhenwen
Published: July 2019

Clinically, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been used in treatment of many diseases, but the local oxidative stress (OS) of lesion severely limits the survival of BMSCs, which reduces the efficacy of BMSCs transplantation. Therefore, enhancing the anti‐OS stress ability of BMSCs is a key breakthrough point. Preconditioning is a common protective mechanism for cells or body. Here, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of OS preconditioning on the anti‐OS ability of BMSCs and its mechanism. Fortunately, OS preconditioning can increase the expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, NQO1, and heme oxygenase 1 through the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 pathway, thereby decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, relieved the damage of ROS to mitochondria, DNA and cell membrane, enhanced the anti‐OS ability of BMSCs, and promoted the survival of BMSCs under OS.
Intrapersonal and interpersonal facilitators of forgiveness following spousal infidelity: A stress and coping perspective
Authors: Chi Peilian , Tang Yixin , Worthington Everett L. , Chan Cecilia L. W. , Lam Debbie O. B. , Lin Xiuyun
Published: July 2019

Objective

Forgiveness includes processes that involve a decision to stop bitterness and thoughts of revenge (i.e., decisional forgiveness), which further motivates the forgiver towards the restoration of positive emotions (i.e., emotional forgiveness). Using stress and coping framework, this study investigated intrapersonal and interpersonal facilitators of decisional and emotional forgiveness in a Chinese marital context.

Method

Participants were 154 respondents who had experienced or were experiencing spousal infidelity.

Results

Solidarity‐oriented personality and perceived partner's reconciliation motivation facilitated benign attributions and empathy, then facilitated higher levels of decisional forgiveness, which promoted emotional forgiveness. Strength of marital bond before the infidelity directly predicted higher levels of emotional forgiveness.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence for the differentiated decisional and emotional forgiveness processes after spousal infidelity and delineate different coping mechanism that triggers them, thus lending culturally appropriate evidence for clinicians who work with clients facing spousal infidelity.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 sponges miR‐495‐3p to enhance myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury via MAPK6 activation
Authors: Luo Man , Sun Qingsong , Zhao Hongmei , Tao Jiali , Yan Dongsheng
Published: July 2019

The biological function of long noncoding RNA NEAT1 has been revealed in a lot of diseases. Nevertheless, it is still not yet clear whether NEAT1 can modulate the process of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (M‐I/R). Here, we reported that NEAT1 was able to sponge miR‐495‐3p to contribute to M‐I/R injury through activating mitogen‐activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6). First, elevated expression of NEAT1 was revealed in M‐I/R injury mice, meanwhile, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase‐muscle/brain (CK‐MB) were also upregulated in the serum. Meanwhile, as previously reported, miR‐495 serves as a tumor suppressor or an oncogenic miRNA in different types of cancer. Currently, we found miR‐495‐3p was remarkably reduced in M‐I/R mice. Additionally, NEAT1 was significantly induced whereas miR‐495‐3p was greatly reduced by H2O2 treatment in H9C2 cells. Moreover, loss of NEAT1 in H9C2 cells could repress the viability and proliferation of cells. For another, overexpression of NEAT1 exhibited an opposite phenomenon. Furthermore, LDH release and caspase‐3 activity were obviously triggered by upregulation of NEAT1 while suppressed by NEAT1 knockdown. miR‐495‐3p was indicated and validated as a target of NEAT1 using the analysis of bioinformatics. Interestingly, we observed that miR‐495‐3p mimics repressed tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐18 protein expression while their levels were enhanced by the inhibition of miR‐495‐3p in H9c2 cells. Subsequently, it was manifested that MAPK6 was a target of miR‐495‐3p, which could exert a lot in the NEAT1/miR‐495‐3p‐mediated M‐I/R injury. Overall, our results implied that NEAT1 contributed to M‐I/R injury via the modulation of miR‐495‐3p and MAPK6.
RETRACTED: Long noncoding RNA WDFY3‐AS2 suppresses tumor progression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of microRNA‐18a in ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Weijia , Ma Shihong , Bai Xiaoxu , Pan Wenjing , Ai Limin , Tan Wenhua
Published: July 2019

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a fatal cancer in women, mainly due to its aggressive nature and poor survival rate. The lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA (long noncoding RNA‐microRNA‐messenger RNA) interaction is promising biomarkers for the improving prognosis of OC. Therefore, we explored the regulatory mechanism of WDFY3‐AS2/miR‐18a/RORA axis involved in the biological activities of OC cells. Microarray analysis predicted differentially expressed lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA related to OC, followed by investigating the relationship among them. The expression patterns of the identified lncRNA WDFY3‐AS2, miR‐18a, and RORA were measured in OC tissue and cells. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments were performed to characterize the effect of lncRNA WDFY3‐AS2 on OC cells, as well as the involvement of miR‐18a and RAR related orphan receptor A (RORA). The in vitro assays were validated by in vivo experiments. According to bioinformatics analysis, WDFY3‐AS2 was speculated to affect OC by sponging miR‐18a and modulating RORA. WDFY3‐AS2 and RORA were underexpressed in OC, while miR‐18a was highly expressed. Notably, WDFY3‐AS2 acts as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR‐18a and upregulate RORA. Upon overexpressing WDFY3‐AS2 or inhibiting miR‐18a, RORA expression was increased, thereby the OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) were suppressed, accompanied by enhanced apoptosis. In vivo experiments confirmed that the tumor growth was reduced in response to overexpressed WDFY3‐AS2 or inhibited miR‐18a. Taken together, the lncRNA WDFY3‐AS2/miR‐18a axis regulates the tumor progression of OC by targeting RORA, providing new insights for prevention and control of OC.
Glycochenodeoxycholate promotes the metastasis of gallbladder cancer cells by inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition via activation of SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhan Ming , Liu Qiang , Wang Jian
Published: July 2019

The incidence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is relatively rare but a high degree of malignancy. The migration and invasion potential of GBC severely affects the prognosis of patients with GBC. Glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) is one of the most important components in GBC‐associated microenvironment. However, the role of GCDC in the metastatic feature of GBC cells is not fully understood. First, the results of this study found that GCDC could effectively enhance the metastasis of GBC cells. Furthermore, GCDC could lead to the enhancement of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in GBC cells, which is concerned to be an important mechanism of tumor metastasis. Further studies showed that GCDC treatment induced the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP3), MMP9, and SOCS3/JAK2/p‐STAT3 signal pathway in GBC cells, which could regulate the level of EMT. Beside that, we also found the positive expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in GBC cells and inhibition of FXR could significantly block the effect of GCDC on the metastasis of GBC cells. These results indicated that GCDC promoted GBC cells metastasis by enhancing the level of EMT and inhibition of FXR could significantly block the effect of GCDC. On one hand, FXR might be an indicator for predicting the metastasis of patient with GBC. On the other hand, FXR might serve as a potential antimetastasis target in GBC therapy.
Highly multiplex guide RNA expression units of CRISPR/Cas9 were completely stable using cosmid amplification in a novel polygonal structure
Authors: Nakanishi Tomoko , Maekawa Aya , Tabata Hirotaka , Yoshioka Takashi , Pei Zheng , Sato Kumiko , Mori Mai , Kato Masaya , Saito Izumu
Published: July 2019

Background

Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is now well documented in basic studies and is expected to be applied to gene therapy. Simultaneous expression of multiplex guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas9/Cas9 derivative is attractive for the efficient knockout of genes and a safe double‐nicking strategy. However, such use is limited because highly multiplex gRNA‐expressing units are difficult to maintain stably in plasmids as a result of deletion via homologous recombination.

Methods

Lambda in vitro packaging was used instead of transformation for the construction and preparation of large, cos‐containing plasmid (cosmid). Polymerase chain reaction fragments containing multiplex gRNA units were obtained using the Four‐guide Tandem method. Transfection was performed by lipofection.

Results

We constructed novel cosmids consisting of linearized plasmid‐DNA fragments containing up to 16 copies of multiplex gRNA‐expressing units as trimer or tetramer (polygonal cosmids). These cosmids behaved as if they were monomer plasmids, and multiplex units could stably be maintained and amplified with a lack of deletion. Surprisingly, the deleted cosmid was removed out simply by amplifying the cosmid stock using lambda packaging. The DNA fragments containing multiplex gRNA‐units and Cas9 were transfected to 293 cells and were found to disrupt the X gene of hepatitis B virus by deleting a large region between the predicted sites.

Conclusions

We present a simple method for overcoming the problem of constructing plasmids stably containing multiplex gRNA‐expressing units. The method may enable the production of very large amounts of DNA fragments expressing intact, highly‐multiplex gRNAs and Cas9/Cas9 derivatives for safe and efficient genome‐editing therapy using non‐viral vectors.
Using a HIV registry to develop accurate estimates for the HIV care cascade – the Singapore experience
Authors: Ho Zheng Jie Marc , Huang Flora , Wong Chen Seong , Chua Lily , Ma Stefan , Chen Mark I‐Cheng , Lee Vernon J
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Achieving UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets is a crucial step towards ending the AIDS epidemic. Many countries have published estimates of care cascades, although often with methodological limitations. We describe an approach that used the national HIV registry as a starting‐point to determine the HIV care cascade and resulting UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 estimates for Singapore in 2014.

Methods

HIV is a legally notifiable disease in Singapore. The anonymized HIV registry data provided for a back‐calculation model from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to obtain 2014 estimates for the total number of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), and the count in the registry for proportions diagnosed with HIV and linked to care. Using additional data collected for a simple random sample from the registry, outcomes in 2015 and 2016 were ascertained retrospectively to derive proportions for those retained in care, on antiretroviral therapy, and achieved viral suppression. Findings were extrapolated to derive national estimates and UN90‐90‐90 estimates. Bootstrapped samples from the model and sample were used to derive 95% confidence intervals.

Results

An estimated 6900 (95% CI 6650, 7050) persons were living with HIV and AIDS in 2014. Of these, 4948 were diagnosed with HIV, and 4820 had been linked to care. The random sample of 500 persons was further analysed, and of these, 87.2% were retained in care, 84.6% on antiretroviral therapy, and 79.6% had suppressed viral loads. The proportions of HIV‐infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy and achieving viral suppression were 60.7% (95% CI 58.4, 63.6) and 57.1% (95% CI 55.0, 60.5) respectively. The corresponding UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 estimates were 71.7% (95% CI 70.0, 74.2) of all persons diagnosed; 84.6% (95% CI 81.6, 87.4) of diagnosed persons being on antiretroviral therapy, and 94.1% (95% CI 91.6, 96.2) of persons on therapy having achieved viral suppression.

Conclusions

A national HIV registry, alongside back‐calculation and additional data from a sample, can be used to estimate attainment of UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets and identify system gaps. The registry had advantages of providing a well‐established, comprehensive capture of diagnosed persons and easily accessible data. The same approach can be used elsewhere if similar data are available.
Artificially designed hepatitis B virus core particles composed of multiple epitopes of type A and O foot‐and‐mouth disease virus as a bivalent vaccine candidate
Authors: Lei Yao , Shao Junjun , Zhao Furong , Li Yangfan , Lei Chenglin , Ma Feifei , Chang Huiyun , Zhang Yongguang
Published: July 2019

Recently, many countries, including China, have experienced a series of type A and O foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) epidemics, causing serious economic losses. Although concerns about the safety of inactivated FMD vaccines have been raised, the development of a safe and effective subunit vaccine is necessary. We constructed two chimeric virus‐like particles (VLPs; rHBc/AO and rHBc/AOT VLPs) displaying tandem repeats of B cell epitopes (VP1 residue 134‐161 and 200‐213) derived from type A and O FMDV and one T cell epitope (3 A residue 21‐35) using the truncated hepatitis B virus core (HBc) carrier. Our results indicate that the chimeric HBc can self‐assemble into VLPs with these FMDV epitopes displayed on the surface. Immunization with the chimeric VLPs induced specific IgG and neutralization antibodies against type A and O FMDV in mice. Compared with the commercial type A/O FMDV bivalent inactivated vaccine, rHBc/AO and rHBc/AOT VLPs significantly stimulated the production of Th1 type cytokines (IFN‐γ and IL‐2), whereas Th2 cytokine production (IL‐4 and IL‐10) was decreased. Compared with rHBc/AO, rHBc/AOT induced increased Th2 cytokine and specific IgG production. These results demonstrate that the VLPs constructed in the current study induced both humoral and cellular immune responses and may represent potential bivalent VLP vaccines targeting both FMDV type A and O strains.
An optimal far‐field radiation pattern synthesis of time‐modulated linear and concentric circular antenna array
Authors: Das Avishek , Mandal Durbadal , Kar Rajib
Published: July 2019

In this paper, an optimal far‐field radiation pattern synthesis by using time modulation technique is carried out for linear antenna array (LAA), and concentric circular antenna array (CCAA) designs using a stochastic optimization method called grey wolf optimization (GWO). An improved far‐field radiation characteristic mainly depends on the synthesis of low side lobe level (SLL) and narrow first null beam width (FNBW). A low SLL is a requirement to reduce the interference by the other systems operating in the same frequency band. A narrow FNBW is necessary to obtain a high directivity. In time modulation technique, “time” has a most significant role. It is considered as the fourth‐dimensional parameter as it plays the role of an additional degree of freedom to achieve an improved radiation pattern. The time‐modulated antenna array (TMAA) radiates at various harmonic frequencies for the periodic switching time sequence. In this paper, the generation of radiation pattern only at the fundamental/central frequency and at its first two harmonic frequencies are considered. The GWO algorithm is a flexible and robust search algorithm and is applied here to find out the optimum sets of switching on‐time duration for each array element and to determine the optimum inter‐element separation between two array elements of the 16‐element time‐modulated linear antenna array (TMLAA) and the nine‐ring time‐modulated concentric circular antenna array (TMCCAA). The GWO algorithm‐based results show a substantial improvement in far‐field radiation pattern synthesis compared with the uniform radiation pattern and those of the methods reported in state‐of‐the‐art literature.
Effect of biosurfactant derived from Vibrio natriegens MK3 against Vibrio harveyi biofilm and virulence
Authors: Kannan Suganya , Krishnamoorthy Govindan , Kulanthaiyesu Arunkumar , Marudhamuthu Murugan
Published: July 2019

Vibrio harveyi is a marine luminous pathogen, which causes biofilm‐mediated infections, pressures the search for an innovative alternate approach to strive against vibriosis in aquaculture. This study anticipated to explore the effect of glycolipid biosurfactant as an antipathogenic against
V. harveyi to control vibriosis. In this study, 27 bacterial strains were isolated from marine soil sediments. Out of these, 11 strains exhibited surfactant activity and the strain MK3 showed high emulsification index. The potent strain was identified as
Vibrio natriegens and named as
V. natriegens MK3. The extracted biosurfactant was purified using high‐performance liquid chromatography and it was efficient to decrease the surface tension of the growth medium up to 21 mN/m. The functional group and composition of the biosurfactant were determined by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectral studies and the nature of the biosurfactant was identified as glycolipid. The surfactant was capable of reducing the biofilm formation, bioluminescence, extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, and quorum sensing in marine shrimp pathogen
V. harveyi. The antagonistic effect of biosurfactant was evaluated against
V. harveyi‐infected brine shrimp
Artemia salina. This study reveals that biosurfactant can be considered for the management of biofilm‐related aquatic infections.
Analysis of the structures of confirmed and questionable CRISPR loci in 325 Staphylococcus genomes
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Bi Chunxia , Wang Mengyuan , Fu Hengxia , Mu Zhengrong , Zhu Yuanqi , Yan Zhiyong
Published: July 2019

The CRISPR‐Cas (clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR‐associated proteins) system is a newly discovered immune defense system in the genome of prokaryotes, which can resist the invasion of foreign genetic elements, such as plasmids or phage. In this study, 154 strains of Staphylococcus published in the CRISPRDatabase and 171 strains included in NCBI were downloaded, the confirmed and questionable CRISPR loci of which were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, including their distribution, characteristics of the structure (including the direct repeats, spacers and cas genes), and the relationship between the presence of CRISPR and the mecA gene. Meanwhile, a comprehensive analysis of orphan CRISPR arrays was performed on this basis. A total of 196 confirmed and 1757 questionable CRISPR loci were found in 325 Staphylococcus genomes. Only 25 strains contained cas genes, which were classified into III‐A (48.1%) and II‐C (51.9%). The difference between the presence of the cas gene and the carrying rate of mecA was statistically significant, and they were negatively correlated. A total of 137 confirmed and 1755 questionable CRISPR loci were assumed to be false‐CRISPR. The present study also analyzed the questionable CRISPR array for the first time while analyzing the confirmed CRISPR array in the Staphylococcal genome and screened the false‐CRISPR elements in the orphan CRISPR array.
Enhanced conversion of sterols to steroid synthons by augmenting the peptidoglycan synthesis gene pbpB in Mycobacterium neoaurum
Authors: Sun Wan‐Ju , Liu Yong‐Jun , Liu Hao‐Hao , Ma Jie‐De , Ren Yu‐Hong , Wang Feng‐Qing , Wei Dong‐Zhi
Published: July 2019

Some species of mycobacteria have been modified to transform sterols to valuable steroid synthons. The unique cell wall of mycobacteria has been recognized as an important organelle to absorb sterols. Some cell wall inhibitors (e.g., vancomycin and glycine) have been validated to enhance sterol conversion by interfering with transpeptidation in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Therefore, two transpeptidase genes, pbpA and pbpB, were selected to rationally modify the cell wall to simulate the enhancement effect of vancomycin and glycine on sterol conversion in a 22‐hydroxy‐23,24‐bisnorchol‐4‐ene‐3‐one (4‐HBC) producing strain (WIII). Unexpectedly, the pbpA or pbpB gene augmentation was conducive to the utilization of sterols. The pbpB augmentation strain WIII‐pbpB was further investigated for its better performance. Compared to WIII, the morphology of WIII‐pbpB was markedly changed from oval to spindle, indicating alterations of the cell wall. Biochemical analysis indicated that the altered cell wall properties of WIII‐pbpB might contribute to the positive effect on sterol utilization. The productivity of 4‐HBC was enhanced by 28% in the WIII‐pbpB strain compared to that of WIII. These results demonstrated that the modification of peptidoglycan synthesis can improve the conversion of sterols to steroid synthons in mycobacteria.