bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting burrowing crab impacts on salt marsh plants
Authors: Walker Janet B. , Grosholz Edwin D. , Long Jeremy D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBurrowing animals profoundly influence plant communities, and changes in the burrower and plant communities together with changing abiotic parameters can shift the influence of burrowers on plants. However, we lack an ability to predict when, where, and how burrowers will influence vegetation. To begin to understand how naturally, varying environmental conditions influence the impacts of burrowers, we need to examine how burrower impacts on marsh plants differ across sites differing in environmental conditions. We manipulated crab presence for multiple years and measured the responses of the dominant plants, Pacific cordgrass (Spartina foliosa) and perennial pickleweed (Sarcocornia pacifica), at three sites in northern California and two sites in southern California. Southern California (Point Conception, CA, to the U.S.–Mexico border) experiences higher air and water temperatures, lower precipitation, and higher porewater salinity levels. Combining data from these field studies with laboratory studies allowed us to generate predictions about burrowing crab effects in salt marshes. Our models included (1) an estimate of grazing pressure on marsh plants by the dominant burrowing crab (Pachygrapsus crassipes) and (2) several soil biogeochemical measurements. Crab effects varied from strongly positive to strongly negative and depended upon estimated crab grazing pressure and edaphic conditions (salinity, ammonium, and nitrate). Relative to crabs at other sites, crabs enhanced cordgrass at sites with intermediate levels of ammonium and extreme salinities. The dependence of crab effects on edaphic conditions suggests that projected interannual variability in temperature, precipitation, and nutrients could lead to more temporally variable impacts of crabs on cordgrass. Understanding the environmental controls on these interactions will help promote cordgrass productivity and stabilize salt marsh ecosystems.
Investigating the relationship between serum uric acid to high‐density lipoprotein ratio and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yazdi Farzaneh , Baghaei Mohammad Hassan , Baniasad Amir , Naghibzadeh‐Tahami Ahmad , Najafipour Hamid , Gozashti Mohammad Hossein 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to determine a parameter to more easily diagnose metabolic syndrome and predict its probability of occurrence in high‐risk individuals.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, data related to the study population in the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factor Study (KERCADRS) were examined. Subjects were divided into two groups with and without metabolic syndrome, and the relevant factors such as the ratios of uric acid to high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (UHR) in these two groups were compared, and the best cut‐off point was determined.ResultsData related to 817 people including 96 people with metabolic syndrome and 721 people without metabolic syndrome were analysed. The mean UHR was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (14.76 ± 6.33%) compared with those without metabolic syndrome (10.0 ± 3.10%) (p < .001). People with high UHR are 2.9 times more at risk of metabolic syndrome and the best cut‐off point was 9.50% with 86% sensitivity and 55% specificity.ConclusionsAccording to our study, UHR is also helpful in diagnosing metabolic syndrome and can also be used to screen people at risk for metabolic syndrome.
Predictive value of plasma volume status for contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients with heart failure undergoing PCI
Authors: He Chen , Zhang Sicheng , He Haoming , You Zhebin , Lin Xueqin , Zhang Liwei , Chen Jiankang , Lin Kaiyang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsContrast‐induced nephropathy remains a common complication of coronary procedure and increases poor outcomes, especially in patients with heart failure. Plasma volume expansion relates to worsening prognosis of heart failure. We hypothesized that calculated plasma volume status (PVS) might provide predictive utility for contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients with heart failure undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods and resultsWe enrolled 441 patients with heart failure undergoing elective PCI from 2012 to 2018. Pre‐procedural estimated PVS by the Duarte's formula (Duarte‐ePVS) and Kaplan–Hakim formula (KH‐ePVS) were calculated for all patients. CIN was defined as an absolute serum creatinine (SCr) increase ≥0.5 mg/dL or a relative increase ≥25% compared with the baseline value within 48 h of contrast medium exposure. We assessed the association between PVS and CIN in patients with heart failure undergoing elective PCI. In 441 patients, 28 (6.3%) patients developed CIN. The median Duarte‐ePVS was 4.44 (3.87, 5.13) and the median KH‐ePVS was −0.03 (−0.09, 0.05). The best cutoff values for Duarte‐ePVS and KH‐ePVS to predict CIN were 4.64 (with 78.6% sensitivity and 61.7% specificity) and 0.04 (with 64.5% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity), respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, KH‐ePVS > 0.04 [odds ratio (OR) 2.685, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.012–7.123, P = 0.047] remained significantly associated with CIN whereas Duarte‐ePVS was not.ConclusionsPre‐procedural KH‐ePVS is an independent risk factor for CIN in patients with heart failure undergoing elective PCI. The best cutoff point of KH‐ePVS for predicting CIN was 0.04.
Ruthenium (II) Complexes Bearing Heteroleptic Terpyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Photophysics and Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Jain Nimisha , Mary Angelina , Manjunath Vishesh , Sakla Rahul , Devan Rupesh S. , Jose D. Amilan , Naziruddin Abbas Raja 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHeteroleptic ruthenium (II) complexes featuring donor functionalized phenyl‐terpyridine (ph‐tpy) and a monocarboxylic‐(ph‐tpy)/(tpy) are synthesized and characterized. Reactions of ruthenium (II) precursors at 80 °C favored heteroleptic complexes formation over the homoleptic side products. Visible light excitation of these complexes resulted in the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. The inter‐planar torsional angle between the atoms of donor functionalized phenyl ring and the central pyridine (py) of the tpy core strongly influences visible light absorption and photovoltaic properties. The lower inter‐ring py‐ph torsion in the acceptor end of the MLCT structures and its increase in the oxidized doublets could prevent the back electron transfer. The ruthenium atom and the acceptor functionalized tpy host the triplet‐MLCT spin density. Ambient temperature excited‐state decay followed the energy gap law and occurred in the order of a few nanoseconds. Herein, we evaluate the photosensitizing ability of these complexes via a combined experimental and computational approach.
One‐Pot Mitsunobu Protocol to Access Ketene S,S‐/N,S‐Acetals at Room Temperature
Authors: Saha Priya , Ansari Monish Arbaz , Shukla Gaurav , Singh Maya Shankar 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWith unique chemical reactivity, α‐oxoketene S,S‐ and N,S‐acetals have attracted enormous attention in the past decades, whereas limited reports exist for their synthesis via eco‐compatible protocols. Herein, we developed a one‐pot protocol for symmetrical and unsymmetrical α‐oxoketene S,S‐/N,S‐acetals through chemoselective alkylation of α‐enolic dithioesters using Mitsunobu chemistry at room temperature. The operationally simple and user‐friendly mild protocol tolerates a wide range of alcohols and α‐enolic dithioesters/β‐ketothioamides. Short reaction time, good yields, highly selective C−S functionalization, and E/Z‐stereoselectivity are imperative characteristics of this strategy.
Sediment‐ecological connectivity in a large river network
Authors: Kemper John T. , Thaxton Richard D. , Rathburn Sara L. , Friedman Jonathan M. , Mueller Erich R. , Scott Michael L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSediment eroded from the headwaters of a large basin strongly influences channels and ecosystems far downstream, but the connection is often difficult to trace. Disturbance‐dependent riparian trees are thought to rely primarily on floods for formation of the sand bars necessary for seedling establishment, but pulses of sediment should also promote formation of such features. In order to expand understanding of the role of sediment connectivity in governing ecological processes, here we explore the hypothesis that cottonwood forest along the Green and Yampa Rivers in Utah and Colorado are dominated by trees established a century ago during a period of extensive channel migration caused by significant headwater erosion. Analysis of historical documents and aerial photographs suggests that three key tributaries of the Yampa River underwent significant historical erosion from roughly 1880 to 1940. Average width and depth of tributaries with defined arroyos increased two to six times from historical surveys, resulting in the export of ~30 million metric tons of sediment, sizably increasing the sediment load and channel migration rate of the Yampa and Green Rivers. Establishment of major portions of several downstream cottonwood forests occurred during this period of historical erosion, increased sediment loads, and heightened channel migration rates, and the area of forest dating to that time is much greater than can be explained by high flows alone. Viewed collectively, our findings suggest tributary erosion played a vital role in successful downstream forest establishment, a link we contend is best illustrated through a sediment‐ecological connectivity framework. Broadly, this framework facilitates consideration of linkages between morphological and ecological processes at the watershed‐scale. Development and utilization of a watershed‐scale sediment‐ecological connectivity perspective highlights the value of sediment as a critical ecological resource to be managed jointly with flow to ensure the maintenance of vital riverine ecosystems.
Lnc‐MEG3 inhibits invasion, migration, and epithelial– mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by regulating sequestosome 1
Authors: Zhou Caifeng , Cao Huiling , Meng Xinyu , Zhang Qiyao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundLong non‐coding RNAs regulate malignant behaviors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aim to investigate the roles and mechanisms of long non‐coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lnc‐MEG3) in NPC.MethodsThe expression levels of lnc‐MEG3 and sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) in NPC tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell invasion and migration abilities were evaluated using transwell and wound healing assays, respectively.ResultsDownregulated lnc‐MEG3 expression and upregulated SQSTM1 expression were found in NPC tissues and cells. Overexpression of lnc‐MEG3 inhibited invasion, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in NPC cells. Overexpression of lnc‐MEG3 reduced the expression level of SQSTM1, and SQSTM1 expression was inversely correlated with lnc‐MEG3 level in NPC tissues. Besides, overexpression of SQSTM1 reversed the effects of lnc‐MEG3 overexpression. Moreover, knockdown of lnc‐MEG3 enhanced NPC progression while its effects were eased by SQSTM1 silence.ConclusionLnc‐MEG3 inhibits malignant behaviors by regulating SQSTM1 expression. It may serve as a therapeutic target to treat NPC.
Taurolithocholic acid but not tauroursodeoxycholic acid rescues phagocytosis activity of bone marrow‐derived macrophages under inflammatory stress
Authors: Wu Siyu , Romero‐Ramírez Lorenzo , Mey Jörg 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) causes cell death and consequently the breakdown of axons and myelin. The accumulation of myelin debris at the lesion site induces inflammation and blocks axonal regeneration. Hematogenous macrophages contribute to the removal of myelin debris. In this study, we asked how the inflammatory state of macrophages affects their ability to phagocytose myelin. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) and Raw264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or interferon gamma (IFNγ), which induce inflammatory stress, and the endocytosis of myelin was examined. We found that activation of the TLR4‐NFκB pathway reduced myelin uptake by BMDM, while IFNγ‐Jak/STAT1 signaling did not. Since bile acids regulate lipid metabolism and in some cases reduce inflammation, our second objective was to investigate whether myelin clearance could be improved with taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), tauroursodeoxycholic acid or hyodeoxycholic acid. In BMDM only TLCA rescued myelin phagocytosis, when this activity was suppressed by LPS. Inhibition of protein kinase A blocked the effect of TLCA, while an agonist of the farnesoid X receptor did not rescue phagocytosis, implicating TGR5‐PKA signaling in the effect of TLCA. To shed light on the mechanism, we measured whether TLCA affected the expression of CD36, triggering receptor on myeloid cells‐2 (TREM2), and Gas6, which are known to be involved in phagocytosis and affected by inflammatory stimuli. Concomitant with an increase in expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha, LPS reduced expression of TREM2 and Gas6 in BMDM, and TLCA significantly diminished this downregulation. These findings suggest that activation of bile acid receptors may be used to improve myelin clearance in neuropathologies.
Glucose 6‐P dehydrogenase delays the onset of frailty by protecting against muscle damage
Authors: Arc‐Chagnaud Coralie , Salvador‐Pascual Andrea , Garcia‐Dominguez Esther , Olaso‐Gonzalez Gloria , Correas Angela G. , Serna Eva , Brioche Thomas , Chopard Angele , Fernandez‐Marcos Pablo J. , Serrano Manuel , Serrano Antonio L. , Muñoz‐Cánoves Pura , Sebastiá Vicente , Viña Jose , Gomez‐Cabrera Mari Carmen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundFrailty is a major age‐associated syndrome leading to disability. Oxidative damage plays a significant role in the promotion of frailty. The cellular antioxidant system relies on reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) that is highly dependent on glucose 6‐P dehydrogenase (G6PD). The G6PD‐overexpressing mouse (G6PD‐Tg) is protected against metabolic stresses. Our aim was to examine whether this protection delays frailty.MethodsOld wild‐type (WT) and G6PD‐Tg mice were evaluated longitudinally in terms of frailty. Indirect calorimetry, transcriptomic profile, and different skeletal muscle quality markers and muscle regenerative capacity were also investigated.ResultsThe percentage of frail mice was significantly lower in the G6PD‐Tg than in the WT genotype, especially in 26‐month‐old mice where 50% of the WT were frail vs. only 13% of the Tg ones (P < 0.001). Skeletal muscle transcriptomic analysis showed an up‐regulation of respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation (P = 0.009) as well as glutathione metabolism (P = 0.035) pathways in the G6PD‐Tg mice. Accordingly, the Tg animals exhibited an increase in reduced glutathione (34.5%, P < 0.01) and a decrease on its oxidized form (−69%, P < 0.05) and in lipid peroxidation (4‐HNE: −20.5%, P < 0.05). The G6PD‐Tg mice also showed reduced apoptosis (BAX/Bcl2: −25.5%, P < 0.05; and Bcl‐xL: −20.5%, P < 0.05), lower levels of the intramuscular adipocyte marker FABP4 (−54.7%, P < 0.05), and increased markers of mitochondrial content (COX IV: 89.7%, P < 0.05; Grp75: 37.8%, P < 0.05) and mitochondrial OXPHOS complexes (CII: 81.25%, P < 0.01; CIII: 52.5%, P < 0.01; and CV: 37.2%, P < 0.05). Energy expenditure (−4.29%, P < 0.001) and the respiratory exchange ratio were lower (−13.4%, P < 0.0001) while the locomotor activity was higher (43.4%, P < 0.0001) in the 20‐month‐old Tg, indicating a major energetic advantage in these mice. Short‐term exercise training in young C57BL76J mice induced a robust activation of G6PD in skeletal muscle (203.4%, P < 0.05), similar to that achieved in the G6PD‐Tg mice (142.3%, P < 0.01).ConclusionsGlucose 6‐P dehydrogenase deficiency can be an underestimated risk factor for several human pathologies and even frailty. By overexpressing G6PD, we provide the first molecular model of robustness. Because G6PD is regulated by pharmacological and physiological interventions like exercise, our results provide molecular bases for interventions that by increasing G6PD will delay the onset of frailty.
H19X‐encoded miR‐322(424)/miR‐503 regulates muscle mass by targeting translation initiation factors
Authors: Liang Rui , Shen Xiaopeng , Wang Fan , Wang Xin , DesJarlais Alex , Syed Anam , Saba Raymond , Tan Zhi , Yu Fang , Ji Xuan , Shrestha Shreesti , Ren Yinghong , Yang Jin , Park Yoonjung , Schwartz Robert J. , Soibam Benjamin , McConnell Bradley K. , Stewart M. David , Kumar Ashok , Liu Yu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle atrophy is a debilitating complication of many chronic diseases, disuse conditions, and ageing. Genome‐wide gene expression analyses have identified that elevated levels of microRNAs encoded by the H19X locus are among the most significant changes in skeletal muscles in a wide scope of human cachectic conditions. We have previously reported that the H19X locus is important for the establishment of striated muscle fate during embryogenesis. However, the role of H19X‐encoded microRNAs in regulating skeletal mass in adults is unknown.MethodsWe have created a transgenic mouse strain in which ectopic expression of miR‐322/miR‐503 is driven by the skeletal muscle‐specific muscle creatine kinase promoter. We also used an H19X mutant mouse strain in which transcription from the locus is interrupted by a gene trap. Animal phenotypes were analysed by standard histological methods. Underlying mechanisms were explored by using transcriptome profiling and validated in the two animal models and cultured myotubes.ResultsOur results demonstrate that the levels of H19X microRNAs are inversely related to postnatal skeletal muscle growth. Targeted overexpression of miR‐322/miR‐503 impeded skeletal muscle growth. The weight of gastrocnemius muscles of transgenic mice was only 54.5% of the counterparts of wild‐type littermates. By contrast, interruption of transcription from the H19X locus stimulates postnatal muscle growth by 14.4–14.9% and attenuates the loss of skeletal muscle mass in response to starvation by 12.8–21.0%. Impeded muscle growth was not caused by impaired IGF1/AKT/mTOR signalling or a hyperactive ubiquitin–proteasome system, instead accompanied by markedly dropped abundance of translation initiation factors in transgenic mice. miR‐322/miR‐503 directly targets eIF4E, eIF4G1, eIF4B, eIF2B5, and eIF3M.ConclusionsOur study illustrates a novel pathway wherein H19X microRNAs regulate skeletal muscle growth and atrophy through regulating the abundance of translation initiation factors, thereby protein synthesis. The study highlights how translation initiation factors lie at the crux of multiple signalling pathways that control skeletal muscle mass.
Quality Control of Magnetic Resonance Elastography Using Percent Measurable Liver Volume Estimation
Authors: Ballard David H. , Ludwig Daniel R. , Fraum Tyler J. , Salter Amber , Narra Vamsi R. , Shetty Anup S. 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAlthough studies have described factors associated with failed magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), little is known about what factors influence usable elastography data.PurposeTo identify factors that have a negative impact on percent measurable liver volume (pMLV), defined as the proportion of usable liver elastography data relative to the volume of imaged liver in patients undergoing MRE.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsA total of 264 patients (n = 132 males, n = 132 females; mean age = 57 years) with suspected or known chronic liver disease underwent MRE paired with a liver protocol MRI.Field strength/SequenceMRE was performed on a single 1.5 T scanner using a two‐dimensional gradient‐recalled echo phase‐contrast sequence with a passive acoustic driver overlying the right hemiliver.AssessmentStiffness maps (usable data at 95% confidence) and liver contours on magnitude images of the MRE acquisition were manually traced and used to assess mean stiffness and pMLV. Hepatic fat fraction and R2* values were also calculated. The distance from the acoustic wave generator on the skin surface to the liver edge was measured. Two radiologists performed the MR analyses with 50 overlapping cases for inter‐reader analysis.Statistical TestsLinear regression was performed to identify factors significantly associated with pMLV. Intraclass correlation was performed for inter‐reader reliability.ResultspMLV was 31% ± 20% (range 0%–86%). Complete MRE failure (i.e. pMLV = 0%) occurred in 10 patients (4%). Multivariate linear regression identified higher hepatic fat fraction, R2*, BMI, and driver‐to‐liver surface distance; male sex; and lower mean liver stiffness was significantly independently associated with lower pMLV. Intraclass correlation for pMLV was 0.96, suggestive of excellent reliability.Data ConclusionHigher fat fraction, R2*, BMI, driver‐to‐liver surface distance, male sex, and lower mean liver stiffness were associated with lower pMLV. Optimization of image acquisition parameters and driver placement may improve MRE quality, and pMLV likely serves as a diagnostic utility quality control metric.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage2
Transanal excision with adjuvant therapy for pT1N0 rectal tumors with high‐risk features offers equivalent survival to radical resection: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Hrebinko Katherine A. , Reitz Katherine M. , Mohammed Maryam K. , Nassour Ibrahim , Watson Andrew R. , Cunningham Kellie E. , Medich David S. , Celebrezze James P. , Holder‐Murray Jennifer M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines favor transabdominal radical resection (RR) over transanal local excision (TAX) followed by adjuvant therapy (TAXa) for pT1N0 rectal tumors with high‐risk features. Comparison of oncologic outcomes between these approaches is limited, although the former is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. We hypothesize that such treatment strategies result in equivalent long‐term survival.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Cancer Database (2010–2016) to identify patients with pT1N0 rectal adenocarcinoma with high‐risk features who underwent TAX or RR for curative intent. The primary outcome was 5‐year overall survival (OS), evaluated with log‐rank and Cox‐proportional hazards testing.ResultsA total of 1159 patients (age 67.4 ± 12.9 years; 56.6% male; 83.3% White) met study criteria, of which 1009 (87.1%) underwent RR and 150 (12.9%) underwent TAXa. Patients undergoing TAXa had shorter lengths of stay (RR = 6.5 days, TAXa = 2.7 days, p < 0.001). The 5‐year OS was equivalent between groups. TAX without adjuvant therapy was associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.78, p = 0.01).ConclusionsThis is the largest study to demonstrate equivalent 5‐year OS between TAXa and RR for T1N0 rectal cancer with high‐risk features. These findings may guide the development of prospective, randomized trials and influence changes in practice recommendations for early‐stage rectal cancer.