bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐155‐5p regulates mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis and proliferation by targeting GSK3B in steroid‐associated osteonecrosis
Authors: Wu Fei , Huang Wei , Yang Yue , Liu Feng , Chen Jin , Wang Guangyong , Sun Zhibo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractmicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been recognized as playing an important role in bone‐associated diseases. This study investigated whether the reduced miR‐155‐5p in steroid‐associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) attenuated osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation by targeting GSK3B. Bone marrow was collected from the proximal femurs of patients with steroid‐associated ONFH (n = 10) and patients with new femoral neck fracture (n = 10) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated. The expression profile, the biological function of miR‐155‐5p, and the interaction between miR‐155‐5p and GSK3B were investigated by cell viability measurement, western blot, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, luciferase reporter assay, and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining of MSCs. The MSCs that were obtained from the femoral neck fracture group and from the steroid‐associated ONFH group were transfected with or without miR‐155‐5p. We found that, in ONFH samples, the level of mature miR‐155‐5p was significantly lower than that of control samples. By inhibiting GSK3B, miR‐155‐5p promoted the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin, increased the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes, and facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. Restoring the expression of GSK3B in MSCs partially reversed the effect of miR‐155‐5p. These findings suggest that reduced miR‐155‐5p in steroid‐associated ONFH attenuates osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation by increased levels of GSK3B and inhibition of Wnt signaling.
Melatonin ameliorates degenerative alterations caused by age in the rat prostate and mitigates high‐fat diet damages
Authors: Tamarindo Guilherme H. , Gobbo Marina G. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Almeida Eduardo A. , Góes Rejane M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImbalance of sexual steroids milieu and oxidative stress are often observed during aging and correlated to prostate disorders. Likewise, high‐fat intake has been related to prostate damage and tumor development. Melatonin (MLT) is an antioxidant whose secretion decreases in elderly and is also suggested to protect the gland. This study evaluated the impact of a long‐term high‐fat diet during aging on prostate morphology and antioxidant system of rats and tested the effects of MLT supplementation under these conditions. Male rats were assigned into four groups: control, treated with MLT, high‐fat diet and high‐fat diet treated with MLT. The high‐fat diet was provided from the 24th week of age, MLT from the 48th (100 μg/kg/day) and rats were euthanized at the 62nd week. The high‐fat diet increased body weight, retroperitoneal fatness, glycaemia, and circulating estrogen levels. It aggravated the aging effects, leading to epithelial atrophy (∼32% reduction of epithelial height) and collagen fibers increase (83%). MLT alone did not alter biometric and physiological parameters, except for the prostate weight decrease, whereas it alleviated biometric as well as ameliorated acinar atrophy induced by high‐lipid intake. Systemic oxidative stress increased, and prostatic glutathione peroxidase activity decreased fivefold with the high‐fat diet despite the indole. Regardless of the diet, MLT triggered epithelial desquamation, reduced androgen receptor‐positive cells, increased smooth muscle layer thickness (12%), decreased at least 50% corpora amylacea formation, and stimulated prostatic gluthatione‐S‐transferase activity. In conclusion, MLT partially recovered prostate damage induced by aging and the long‐term high‐fat diet and ameliorated degenerative prostate alterations.
Diagnosis and prognosis potential of four gene promoter hypermethylation in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Meng Lingyin , Shi Tao , Ren Jing , Deng Quanjun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe current prostate special antigen (PSA) test causes the overtreatment of indolent prostate cancer (PCa). It also increases the risk of delayed treatment of aggressive PCa. DNA methylation aberrations are important events for gene expression dysregulation during tumorigenesis and have been suggested as novel candidate biomarkers for PCa. This may improve the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. This study assessed the differential methylation and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression between normal and PCa samples. Correlation between promoter methylation and mRNA expression was estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Moreover, the diagnostic potential of candidate methylation markers was estimated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using continuous beta values. Survival and Cox analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic potential of the candidate methylation markers. A total of 359 hypermethylated sites 3435 hypomethylation sites, 483 upregulated genes, and 1341 downregulated genes were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Furthermore, 17 hypermethylated sites (covering 13 genes), including known genes associated with hypermethylation in PCa (e.g., AOX1 and C1orf114), showed high discrimination between adjacent normal tissues and PCa samples with the area under the ROC curve from 0.88 to 0.94. Notably, ANXA2, FGFR2, HAAO, and KCNE3 were identified as valuable prognostic markers of PCa through the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Using gene methylation as a continuous variable, four promoter hypermethylation was significantly associated with disease‐free survival in univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression. This study identified four novel diagnostic and prognostic markers for PCa. The markers provide important strategies for improving the timely diagnosis and prognosis of PCa.
Facile Synthesis of Three‐dimensional Hierarchical Ni3S2@CoAl‐LDHs Nanosheet Arrays and Their Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Du Yuhang , Lu Yufei , Zhang Hongjian , Nie Zhentao , Sun Zhicheng , Han Congying , Li Ruizi , Zhu Jixin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDesigning an electrocatalyst with optimized structure and performance is vital for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical composite electrode material is proposed for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), consisting of Co−Al hydroxides (CoAl‐LDHs) nanosheets decorated with vertically aligned nickel sulfide (Ni3S2) arrays (Ni3S2@CoAl‐LDHs/NF). The as‐obtained electrocatalyst displays a minimum overpotential of 175 mV at 10 mA cm−2 toward HER. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel slope further reveals outstanding kinetics in the electrolysis process. The catalytic performance of the electrode can still maintain 90 % capacity after 1000 CV cycles. The outstanding properties of the composite material benefits from its unique 3D hierarchical structure, which promote plentiful active sites and faster electronic transfer rate. This work sheds lights on the current research of noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts and the design of overall water splitting.
Application of Lyapunov's Methods for Analyzing the Stability of a Tubular Chemical Reactor with Recycle
Authors: Berezowski Marek 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe first and second Lyapunov methods were adapted to analyze the stability of a tubular chemical reactor with recycle. The criterion of local stability in the form of inequalities was derived using Lyapunov's first method. It is an explicit algebraic form, despite the fact that the mathematical model of the reactor is a partial differential problem with a boundary condition. As part of the second Lyapunov method, a mathematical criterion for non‐local stability was derived in the form of an increase of Lyapunov's function. Both criteria are presented on graphs.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Fluorinated Cellodextrins Identifies a New Allomorph for Cellulose‐Like Materials**
Authors: de Andrade Peterson , Muñoz‐García Juan C. , Pergolizzi Giulia , Gabrielli Valeria , Nepogodiev Sergey A. , Iuga Dinu , Fábián László , Nigmatullin Rinat , Johns Marcus A. , Harniman Robert , Eichhorn Stephen J. , Angulo Jesús , Khimyak Yaroslav Z. , Field Robert A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the fine details of the self‐assembly of building blocks into complex hierarchical structures represents a major challenge en route to the design and preparation of soft‐matter materials with specific properties. Enzymatically synthesised cellodextrins are known to have limited water solubility beyond DP9, a point at which they self‐assemble into particles resembling the antiparallel cellulose II crystalline packing. We have prepared and characterised a series of site‐selectively fluorinated cellodextrins with different degrees of fluorination and substitution patterns by chemoenzymatic synthesis. Bearing in mind the potential disruption of the hydrogen‐bond network of cellulose II, we have prepared and characterised a multiply 6‐fluorinated cellodextrin. In addition, a series of single site‐selectively fluorinated cellodextrins was synthesised to assess the structural impact upon the addition of one fluorine atom per chain. The structural characterisation of these materials at different length scales, combining advanced NMR spectroscopy and microscopy methods, showed that a 6‐fluorinated donor substrate yielded multiply 6‐fluorinated cellodextrin chains that assembled into particles presenting morphological and crystallinity features, and intermolecular interactions, that are unprecedented for cellulose‐like materials.
BIAN‐NHC Ligands in Transition‐Metal‐Catalysis: A Perfect Union of Sterically Encumbered, Electronically Tunable N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes?
Authors: Chen Changpeng , Liu Feng‐Shou , Szostak Michal 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe discovery of NHCs (NHC = N‐heterocyclic carbenes) as ancillary ligands in transition‐metal‐catalysis ranks as one of the most important developments in synthesis and catalysis. It is now well‐recognized that the strong σ‐donating properties of NHCs along with the ease of scaffold modification and a steric shielding of the N‐wingtip substituents around the metal center enable dramatic improvements in catalytic processes, including the discovery of reactions that are not possible using other ancillary ligands. In this context, although the classical NHCs based on imidazolylidene and imidazolinylidene ring systems are now well‐established, recently tremendous progress has been made in the development and catalytic applications of BIAN‐NHC (BIAN = bis(imino)acenaphthene) class of ligands. The enhanced reactivity of BIAN‐NHCs is a direct result of the combination of electronic and steric properties that collectively allow for a major expansion of the scope of catalytic processes that can be accomplished using NHCs. BIAN‐NHC ligands take advantage of (1) the stronger σ‐donation, (2) lower lying LUMO orbitals, (3) the presence of an extended π‐system, (4) the rigid backbone that pushes the N‐wingtip substituents closer to the metal center by buttressing effect, thus resulting in a significantly improved control of the catalytic center and enhanced air‐stability of BIAN‐NHC‐metal complexes at low oxidation state. Acenaphthoquinone as a precursor enables facile scaffold modification, including for the first time the high yielding synthesis of unsymmetrical NHCs with unique catalytic properties. Overall, this results in a highly attractive, easily accessible class of ligands that bring major advances and emerge as a leading practical alternative to classical NHCs in various aspects of catalysis, cross‐coupling and C−H activation endeavors.
Bisubstrate Ether‐Linked Uridine‐Peptide Conjugates as O‐GlcNAc Transferase Inhibitors
Authors: Makwana Vivek , Ryan Philip , Malde Alpeshkumar K. , Anoopkumar‐Dukie Shailendra , Rudrawar Santosh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) transferase (OGT) is a master regulator of installing O‐GlcNAc onto serine or threonine residues on a multitude of target proteins. Numerous nuclear and cytosolic proteins of varying functional classes, including translational factors, transcription factors, signaling proteins, and kinases are OGT substrates. Aberrant O‐GlcNAcylation of proteins is implicated in signaling in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Selective and potent OGT inhibitors are valuable tools to study the role of OGT in modulating a wide range of effects on cellular functions. We report linear bisubstrate ether‐linked uridine‐peptide conjugates as OGT inhibitors with micromolar affinity. In vitro evaluation of the compounds revealed the importance of donor substrate, linker and acceptor substrate in the rational design of bisubstrate analogue inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations shed light on the binding of this novel class of inhibitors and rationalized the effect of amino acid truncation of acceptor peptide on OGT inhibition.
Effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors on microtensile bond strength of dental composite restorations to dentin in use of an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive system
Authors: Saffarpour Aida , Valizadeh Sara , Amini Abolghasem , Kharazifard Mohammad‐Javd , Rohaninasab Marzieh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimThis study assesses the effect of matrix metalloproteinases on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive system.MethodsThis in vitro study evaluated 88 extracted premolars. The teeth were sectioned to expose dentin and were then randomly divided into four groups (n= 22). In group 1 (control), dentin surface was etched, and Adper Single Bond 2 was applied. In groups 2–4, dentin surface was etched and chlorhexidine (CHX), 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were applied on the surfaces, respectively, and blotted dry. Next, Adper Single Bond 2 was applied and all teeth were built up with Z350 composite. In each group, half the samples immediately and the other half after 10,000 thermal cycles underwent μTBS test. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α= .05).ResultsIn thermocycled samples, maximum μTBS was noted in CHX group followed by DMSO, EDC, and control group (p < .001). The thermocycled μTBS of composite to dentin was significantly higher in CHX group compared with EDC, DMSO, and control groups (p < .001) but was not significantly different in EDC and DMSO groups (p= .498).ConclusionThe thermocycled μTBS obtained by the application of CHX, EDC, and DMSO was significantly higher compared with the value to the control group.
Differences among eighteen winter pea genotypes for forage and cover crop use in the southeastern United States
Authors: Vann Rachel A. , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Castillo Miguel S. , Murphy J. Paul , Martins Lais B. , Mirsky Steven B. , Saha Uttam , McGee Rebecca J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWinter pea (Pisum sativumL.) can be used as a forage and cover crop in the southeast and mid‐Atlantic United states; however, minimal effort has been devoted to optimize winter pea genetics for forage and cover crop production in these regions. Studies were conducted from 2015–2017 in Maryland and North Carolina screening 18 winter pea genotypes for forage and cover crop use. Winter pea genotypes were compared with widely grown crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatumL.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth]. All legume genotypes were harvested across four timings. Legume winter hardiness, disease incidence, biomass production, quality, and N release were estimated. Winter hardiness was severe with many winter pea genotypes at the Maryland environments, which restricted winter pea biomass production. There was considerable variation for disease incidence among the winter pea genotypes depending on biotic stressors at each environment. At the North Carolina environments, several winter pea genotypes produced similar biomass to crimson clover and hairy vetch across harvest timings. At the Maryland environments, crimson clover and hairy vetch biomass exceeded winter pea biomass. The winter pea genotypes varied considerably for quality traits including protein, lignin, and cellulose. Relative forage value declined as biomass harvest was delayed and was generally higher with all winter pea genotypes than crimson clover or hairy vetch. These results show wide genetic variation in the winter pea genotypes screened for biomass and quality; this variation could be utilized in breeding efforts to enhance winter pea production in the region.
Serum irisin levels are decreased in patients with sepsis, and exogenous irisin suppresses ferroptosis in the liver of septic mice
Authors: Wei Shasha , Bi Jianbin , Yang Lifei , Zhang Jia , Wan Yafeng , Chen Xue , Wang Yawen , Wu Zheng , Lv Yi , Wu Rongqian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSepsis remains a major health issue without an effective therapy. Ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent programmed cell death, has been proposed to be related to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Irisin, a myokine released during exercise, improves mitochondrial function under various conditions. Ferroptosis is closely related to mitochondrial function. However, the role of irisin in sepsis‐induced ferroptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver remained unknown. Thus, we hypothesize that irisin treatment suppresses ferroptosis and improves mitochondrial function in sepsis.MethodsTo study this, we first explored the role of serum irisin levels in patients with sepsis, and then determined the effect of irisin administration on ferroptosis and mitochondrial function in the liver of septic mice.ResultsSerum irisin levels were decreased and negatively correlated with the APACHE II scores in patients with sepsis. In mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), exogenous irisin administration suppressed ferroptosis, inhibited inflammatory response, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, restored abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and increased mtDNA copy number and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. The effect of irisin on ferroptosis was confirmed in LPS‐treated hepatocytes and CLP‐induced septic mice. Inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a central regulator of ferroptosis, reduced irisin's protective effects in LPS‐treated hepatocytes and CLP‐induced septic mice, while blocking the irisin receptor with RGD peptide or Echistain decreased irisin‐induced GPX4 expression.ConclusionsSerum irisin levels are decreased and negatively correlated with disease severity in patients with sepsis, and irisin treatment suppresses ferroptosis and restores mitochondrial function in experimental sepsis. Irisin may offer therapeutic potential in the management of sepsis.
Extrapair paternity in two populations of the socially monogamous Thorn‐tailed RayaditoAphrastura spinicauda(Passeriformes: Furnariidae)
Authors: Botero‐Delgadillo Esteban , Quirici Verónica , Poblete Yanina , Ippi Silvina , Kempenaers Bart , Vásquez Rodrigo A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStudies on extrapair paternity (EPP) are key to understanding the ecological and evolutionary drivers of variation in avian mating strategies, but information is currently lacking for most tropical and subtropical taxa. We describe the occurrence of EPP in two populations of a South American socially monogamous bird, the Thorn‐tailed Rayadito, based on data from 266 broods and 895 offspring that were sampled during six breeding seasons in north‐central and southern Chile. In the northern population, 21% of the broods contained at least one extrapair young and 14% of all offspring were sired by an extrapair male, while in the southern population, we detected extrapair offspring (EPO) in 14% of the broods, and 6% of all offspring were EPO. Variation in the frequency of EPP could stem from population differences in the duration of the breeding season or the density of breeding individuals. Other factors such as differences in breeding synchrony and variation in food availability need to be evaluated. More reports on EPP rates are necessary to determine the patterns of taxonomic and geographic variation in mating strategies in Neotropical birds, and to better understand the differences in ecological dynamics between northern and southern hemisphere populations.
Evaluation of exercise intensity by real‐time skin lactate monitoring system
Authors: Konno Sakae , Suzuki Yusuke , Suzuki Masanobu , Kudo Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA sweat lactic acid (LA) monitoring system embedded on an armband for evaluation of exercise intensity was fabricated and real‐time LA monitoring of a free‐moving subject was conducted for the first time. The LA monitoring system utilizes an electrochemical biosensor, which uses redox reaction of lactate oxidase immobilized on a screen‐printed carbon graphite electrode. The volunteer wearing the system on the upper arm performed bouldering activity (climbing and 2 minutes rest alternately) in two different difficulty levels (100 degrees and 150 degrees). Different secretion of LA was confirmed (11 µg/cm2/min for the 150 degrees course and 2 µg/cm2/min for the 110 degrees course). This indicates that the LA levels obtained with our system successfully reflected the metabolic status of the subject.
Chemical exposure and flammability risks of upholstered furniture
Authors: Harris Debra , Davis Aika , Ryan Peter Barry , Cohen Jordan , Gandhi Pravinray , Dubiel David , Black Marilyn 
Published: September 2020

SUMMARYUpholstered furniture remains a consumer fire hazard. Flame retardant technologies are necessary but may present a health risk from chemical exposure. This study developed methodologies for measuring exposure to flame retardants and flammability performance, comparing the effectiveness of differing flammability reduction strategies on upholstered chairs with and without added flame retardants and the use of a barrier material. The chemical analysis focused on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flame retardants. Open flame tests were conducted on chair assemblies, and smolder resistance tests were conducted on chair materials. Results showed that VOC inhalation exposure during consumer use was low for all chair types. However, VOCs were significantly elevated during the chair burns. The organophosphorus flame retardant used in this study was found in air, settled dust and dermal transfer samples. The chairs with a barrier material demonstrated significantly lower flammability hazards when compared to the other chair types. All assembled chairs did not meet the criteria for smolder testing, suggesting a lack of correlation with open‐flame performance. This study demonstrated that combined human health and flammability advantages may be achieved for upholstered chairs constructed with an effective fire barrier material without any added flame retardants.
Open Educational Resource Exercises for Fisheries Classes
Authors: Grossman Gary D , Bozeman Bryan B , Sliger Ridge W , Simon Troy N , Matsumoto George I 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Open Educational Resources (OERs) represent any form of educational resource that is available free of charge. Few OERs exist for courses in fisheries or other life science courses, and the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic only exacerbates the need for such resources. To rectify this shortcoming, we build on earlier work (Grossman and Chernoff 2018) and present four OERs designed for fisheries classes. The OERs may be used as described or may be modified for different class levels by varying their complexity and outcomes. The OERs examine behavioral repertoires and time budgets of Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus, factors affecting winners and losers of intraspecific interactions in interior Dolly Varden Charr Salvelinus malma, the effects of velocity on foraging success of Brook Trout S. fontinalis, and an exploration of animal abundance and spatial distributions in a soft-bottom habitat at 875m depth in Monterey Bay, California. We also provide a grading rubric for the first exercise that is easily modified for the other exercises. These exercises should aid fisheries instructors in a time when remote pedagogy may be a necessity.