bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐ step synthesis and luminescent properties of BaB2O4:Eu3+ nano/microphosphors prepared from Ba‐B‐O:Eu3+ precursor
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Feng Xiaoqin , Zhang Wenjuan , Huang Hongsheng
Published: January 2019

The BaB2O4:Eu3+ nano/microphosphors with sphere‐, rod‐, and granular‐like morphologies were successfully obtained by a two‐step method using Ba‐B‐O:Eu3+ as the precursor. The structure, morphology and photoluminescent properties of the products were characterized by Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry‐differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). The formation mechanisms of Ba‐B‐O:Eu3+ and BaB2O4:Eu3+ were proposed. The results show that the BaB2O4:Eu3+ could retain the original morphologies of their respective precursors largely. The BaB2O4:Eu3+ prepared by this two‐step method exhibited better morphology, smaller particle size and better crystallinity than when prepared by a solid‐state method. The granular‐like BaB2O4:Eu3+ red phosphor prepared by this two‐step method exhibited stronger PL intensity and better red color purity than when prepared by a solid‐state method.
Association between platelet distribution width and serum uric acid in Chinese population
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Wang Huiying , Huang Chao , Meng Zhaowei , Zhang Wenjuan , Li Yongle , Yu Xuefang , Du Xin , Liu Ming , Sun Jinhong , Zhang Qing , Gao Ying , Song Kun , Wang Xing , Zhao Li , Fan Yaguang
Published: January 2019

Platelet distribution width (PDW) is a simple and inexpensive parameter, which could predict activation of coagulation efficiently. And it has been confirmed to have a significant role in many diseases. We aimed to explore the association between PDW and hyperuricemia in a large Chinese cohort. This cross‐sectional study recruited 61,091 ostensible healthy participants (29,259 males and 31,832 females) after implementing exclusion criteria. Clinical data of the enrolled population included anthropometric measurements and serum parameters. Database was sorted by gender, and the association between PDW and hyperuricemia was analyzed after dividing PDW into quartiles. Crude and adjusted odds ratios of PDW for hyperuricemia with 95% confidence intervals were analyzed using binary logistic regression models. We found no significant difference in PDW values between the genders. Males showed significantly higher incidence of hyperuricemia than females. From binary logistic regression models, significant hyperuricemia risks only were demonstrated in PDW quartiles 2 and 3 in males (P < 0.05). This study displayed close association between PDW and hyperuricemia as a risk factor. It is meaningful to use PDW as a clinical risk predictor for hyperuricemia in males. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):326–334, 2019
Identification of interactions between multiple components in Socheongryong‐tang using a plant profiling approach
Authors: Oh Hyun‐A , Lee Hyunbeom , Kang Keon Wook , Im Ji Hye , Kim Donghak , Yang Hyun Ok , Jung Byung Hwa
Published: January 2019

Traditional herbal medicine consists of multiple components. There are interactions among the components, which affect both potency and toxicity. The preparation of herbal medicines can be a cause of interactions between multicomponents in herbs. To demonstrate the differences in multiherb interactions based on the preparation methods, the changes in the active components in the different preparations of Socheongryong‐tang (SCRT) were evaluated using metabolomics profiling. We performed multicomponent profiling of the decoction of SCRT (SCRTD) and individual herb mixture (SCRTM) using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF–MS). Active compounds from SCRTD and SCRTM were identified using multivariate analysis, and the activities between the two groups were compared. We also evaluated the anti‐inflammatory effect of SCRT through investigating the protein expression of iNOS and COX‐2 in lipopolysaccharide‐induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in both groups. From the multivariate analysis, 53 active compounds that have different intensities between SCRTD and SCRTM were identified. The intensities of those components, such as ephedrines, glycyrrhizic acid, 6‐gingerol and (2E,4E,8Z,10E)‐N‐isobutyl‐2,4,8,10‐dodecatetraenamide, which is newly identified in Asiasarum heterotropoides, were mostly higher in SCRTD than in SCRTM, which was related to the anti‐inflammatory effect. From the iNOS inhibition test, it was found that SCRTD had a stronger anti‐inflammatory effect than SCRTM. It was demonstrated that multicomponent interactions can be changed by the preparation method, and finally the anti‐inflammatory effect in SCRT can be affected.
Microneedle‐based intradermal delivery of stabilized dengue virus
Authors: Turvey Michelle E. , Uppu Divakara S.S.M. , Mohamed Sharif Abdul Rahim , Bidet Katell , Alonso Sylvie , Ooi Eng Eong , Hammond Paula T.
Published: January 2019

Current live‐attenuated dengue vaccines require strict cold chain storage. Methods to preserve dengue virus (DENV) viability, which enable vaccines to be transported and administered at ambient temperatures, will be decisive towards the implementation of affordable global vaccination schemes with broad immunization coverage in resource‐limited areas. We have developed a microneedle (MN)‐based vaccine platform for the stabilization and intradermal delivery of live DENV from minimally invasive skin patches. Dengue virus‐stabilized microneedle arrays (VSMN) were fabricated using saccharide‐based formulation of virus and could be stored dry at ambient temperature up to 3 weeks with maintained virus viability. Following intradermal vaccination, VSMN‐delivered DENV was shown to elicit strong neutralizing antibody responses and protection from viral challenge, comparable to that of the conventional liquid vaccine administered subcutaneously. This work supports the potential for MN‐based dengue vaccine technology and the progression towards cold chain‐independence.

Dengue virus can be stabilized using saccharide‐based formulations and coated on microneedle array vaccine patches for storage in dry state with preserved viability at ambient temperature (VSMN; virus‐stabilized microneedle arrays).
Resveratrol promotes sensitization to Doxorubicin by inhibiting epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and modulating SIRT1/β‐catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Jin Xiaoxia , Wei Yingze , Liu Yushan , Lu Xiaoyun , Ding Fei , Wang Jiatai , Yang Shuyun
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer is one of the leading fatal diseases for women worldwide who cannot have surgery typically have to rely on systemic chemotherapy to extend their survival. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents against breast cancer, but acquired resistance to DOX can seriously impede the efficacy of chemotherapy, leading to poor prognosis and recurrences of cancer. Resveratrol (RES) is a phytoalexin with pharmacological antitumor properties, but its underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood in the treatment of DOX‐resistant breast cancer. We used cell viability assays, cell scratch tests, and transwell assays combined with Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining to evaluate the effects of RES on chemoresistance and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) in adriamycin‐resistant MCF7/ADR breast cancer cells, and to investigate its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that a treatment of RES combining with DOX effectively inhibited cell growth, suppressed cell migration, and promoted cell apoptosis. RES reversed EMT properties of MCF7/ADR cells by modulating the connection between SIRT1 and β‐catenin, which provides a hopeful therapeutic avenue to conquer DOX‐resistance and thereby prolong survival rates in breast cancer patients.
Dissociative Bioorthogonal Reactions
Authors: Tu Julian , Xu Minghao , Franzini Raphael M.
Published: January 2019

Bioorthogonal reactions that proceed readily under physiological conditions without interference from biomolecules have found widespread application in the life sciences. Complementary to the bioorthogonal reactions that ligate two molecules, reactions that release a molecule or cleave a linker are increasingly attracting interest. Such dissociative bioorthogonal reactions have a broad spectrum of uses, for example, in controlling bio‐macromolecule activity, in drug delivery, and in diagnostic assays. This review article summarizes the developed bioorthogonal reactions linked to a release step, outlines representative areas of the applications of such reactions, and discusses aspects that require further improvement.
Are guilt and shame in male forensic patients associated with treatment motivation and readiness?
Authors: Fuller Jeannette , Tapp James , Draycott Simon
Published: January 2019

Background

Motivation and readiness to change are important drives for forensic patients accessing interventions. It is thought that guilt and shame influence these drives, but to date, their relationship has not been empirically tested.

Aims and Hypotheses

The aim of this study is to investigate associations between guilt, shame, and treatment motivation and readiness in a sample of men in a secure hospital. It was hypothesised that guilt would be positively correlated, and shame negatively correlated, with treatment motivation and readiness.

Methods

Sixty‐six adult male patients detained in a secure hospital completed the assessments of experiences of guilt, shame, motivation, and readiness for treatment. Clinician‐rated readiness ratings were also collected.

Results

Shame proneness showed no significant association with motivation for change or treatment readiness. Guilt proneness and offence‐related shame were positively correlated with treatment readiness. Offence‐related guilt was positively correlated with both motivation and readiness. Regression modelling indicated offence‐related guilt had a significant level of explanatory power.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice

This first study of the impact of guilt and shame on motivation and readiness for change among offender hospital inpatients found that offence‐related guilt may be helpful but did not replicate the potential disadvantage of shame. Further research would be warranted into whether the “newness” or the extent of shame may be more important than shame more generally. Given the probable importance of offence‐related guilt, we recommend that guilt attribution is assessed in offender patients to optimise nature and timing of treatment.
Protamine Promotes Direct Electron Transfer Between Shewanella oneidensis Cells and Carbon Nanomaterials in Bacterial Biocomposites
Authors: Pinck Stéphane , Jorand Frédéric P. A. , Xu Mengjie , Etienne Mathieu
Published: January 2019

In this work, we studied the direct electron transfer reactions occurring in a biocomposite resulting from the self‐assembly of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 cells with different carbon nanomaterials (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, Ketjen black or ordered mesoporous carbon) and protamine. The system has been studied with dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy and electrochemistry. Although protamine is known to have an antimicrobial activity, the interaction with carbon nanomaterials largely limits this effect. Formate and lactate oxidation and fumarate reduction have been studied. In the presence of 50 mM formate or 50 mM fumarate, the anodic current was lower than the cathodic one with the biocomposite prepared with protamine, while it was found similar with the biocomposite prepared with cytochromes c1 or c3DvH, suggesting different electron transfer pathways. The redox potential observed for fumarate reduction (half‐wave potential) was found between −0.1 V and −0.2 V vs. SHE with an onset potential close to 0 V vs. SHE with MWCNT, i. e. very close to 0.030 V vs. SHE, the formal redox potential for fumarate/succinate interconversion. A maximum current density in the range of 1 A m−2 was reached for fumarate reduction. These data highlight a new way to promote direct electron transfer reactions in electroactive artificial biofilms.
Advanced Li‐Ion Batteries with High Rate, Stability, and Mass Loading Based on Graphene Ribbon Hybrid Networks
Authors: Zhang Longhai , Wei Tong , Jiang Zimu , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: January 2019

To optimize the cycle life and rate performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), ultra‐fine Fe2O3 nanowires with a diameter of approximately 2 nm uniformly anchored on a cross‐linked graphene ribbon network are fabricated. The unique three‐dimensional structure can effectively improve the electrical conductivity and facilitate ion diffusion, especially cross‐plane diffusion. Moreover, Fe2O3 nanowires on graphene ribbons (Fe2O3/GR) are easily accessible for lithium ions compared with the traditional graphene sheets (Fe2O3/GS). In addition, the well‐developed elastic network can not only undergo the drastic volume expansion during repetitive cycling, but also protect the bulk electrode from further pulverization. As a result, the Fe2O3/GR hybrid exhibits high rate and long cycle life Li storage performance (632 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1, and 471 mAh g−1 capacity maintained even after 3000 cycles). Especially at high mass loading (≈4 mg cm−2), the Fe2O3/GR can still deliver higher reversible capacity (223 mAh g−1 even at 2 A g−1) compared with the Fe2O3/GS (37 mAh g−1) for LIBs.
Photosensitive Tin Sulfur Dioxide Complexes with Unexpected Bonding Modes
Authors: Liu Xing , Liu Xiao‐Rui
Published: January 2019

Infrared spectra of the matrix‐isolated Sn(η2‐O2S), Sn(η2‐OSO), Sn(η2‐O2S)(η1‐OSO), Sn(η2‐O2S)2, OSn2(η2‐SO), and Sn(μ2‐O2)SnS molecules were observed following laser‐ablated Sn atom reactions with SO2 during condensation in solid argon. The assignments for the major vibrational modes were confirmed by appropriate S18O2 and 34SO2 isotopic shifts and density functional vibrational frequency calculations (B3LYP and BPW91). Interestingly, the mononuclear complexes are interconvertible; that is, irradiation induces the isomerization of Sn(η2‐O2S) and Sn(η2‐O2S)(η1‐OSO) to Sn(η2‐OSO) and Sn(η2‐O2S)2, respectively, and vice versa on annealing. However, there is no evidence of isomerization reaction in between the binuclear molecules OSn2(η2‐SO) and Sn(μ2‐O2)SnS. Bonding in these products is discussed, and the electronic structure changes associated with different bonding types are revealed, which is crucial for the observed photochemical reactions.
Unusual Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) Recognition Mechanism Based on Chlorine–Oxygen Bond (Cl−O) Formation
Authors: Ma Jianlong , Yan Chaoxian , Li Yijing , Duo Huixiao , Li Qiang , Lu Xiaofeng , Guo Yong
Published: January 2019

One of the most important endogenous reactive oxygen species, hypochlorous acid (HClO), is involved in numerous pathological and physiological processes. Herein, a near‐infrared fluorescence probe (CyHR) was designed and synthesized for ultrafast (within 0.2 s), sensitive (limit of detection=39.44 nm), and selective response to HClO. The reaction mechanism was systematically analyzed by MS, 1H NMR spectroscopy, HPLC‐MS techniques, and theoretical calculations. The results indicated that HClO can be recognized by CyHR, which is based on chlorine–oxygen (Cl−O) bond formation. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to find Cl−O bonds among organic aromatic compounds, given that Cl−O bonds are common among inorganics. Through biological experiments, CyHR was successfully applied to image exogenous and endogenous HClO in macrophage cells (RAW 264.7). Thus, CyHR is a promising tool for HClO‐related physiological and pathological studies and may provide a means for designing HClO‐specific fluorescence probes.
Strategies for Substrate‐Regulated P450 Catalysis: From Substrate Engineering to Co‐catalysis
Authors: Xu Jiakun , Wang Chunlan , Cong Zhiqi
Published: January 2019

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s) catalyze the monooxygenation of various organic substrates. These enzymes are fascinating and promising biocatalysts for synthetic applications. Despite the impressive abilities of P450s in the oxidation of C−H bonds, their practical applications are restricted by intrinsic drawbacks, such as poor stability, low turnover rates, the need for expensive cofactors (e.g., NAD(P)H), and the narrow scope of useful non‐native substrates. These issues may be overcome through the general strategy of protein engineering, which focuses on the improvement of the catalysts themselves. Alternatively, several emerging strategies have been developed that regulate the P450 catalytic process from the viewpoint of the substrate. These strategies include substrate engineering, decoy molecule, and dual‐functional small‐molecule co‐catalysis. Substrate engineering focuses on improving the substrate acceptance and reaction selectivity by means of an anchoring group. The latter two strategies utilize co‐substrate‐like small molecules that either are proposed to reform the active site, thereby switching the substrate specificity, or directly participate in the catalytic process, thereby creating new catalytic peroxygenation capabilities towards non‐native substrates. For at least 10 years, these approaches have played unique roles in solving the problems highlighted above, either alone or in conjunction with protein engineering. Herein, we review three strategies for substrate regulation in the P450‐catalyzed oxidation of non‐native substrates. Furthermore, we address remaining challenges and potential solutions associated with these approaches.
Are Two Metal Ions Better than One? Mono‐ and Binuclear α‐Diimine‐Re(CO)3 Complexes with Proton‐Responsive Ligands in CO2 Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Du Jia‐Pei , Wilting Alexander , Siewert Inke
Published: January 2019

Here, the reduction chemistry of mono‐ and binuclear α‐diimine‐Re(CO)3 complexes with proton responsive ligands and their application in the electrochemically‐driven CO2 reduction catalysis are presented. The work was aimed to investigate the impact of 1) two metal ions in close proximity and 2) an internal proton source on catalysis. Therefore, three different Re complexes, a binuclear one with a central phenol unit, 3, and two mononuclear, one having a central phenol unit, 1, and one with a methoxy unit, 2, were utilised. All complexes are active in the CO2‐to‐CO conversion and CO is always the major product. The catalytic rate constant kcat for all three complexes is much higher and the overpotential is lower in DMF/water mixtures than in pure DMF (DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies in the absence of substrate revealed that this is due to an accelerated chloride ion loss after initial reduction in DMF/water mixtures in comparison to pure DMF. Chloride ion loss is necessary for subsequent CO2 binding and this step is around ten times faster in the presence of water [2: kCl(DMF)≈1.7 s−1; kCl(DMF/H2O)≈20 s−1]. The binuclear complex 3 with a proton responsive phenol unit is more active than the mononuclear complexes. In the presence of water, the observed rate constant kobs for 3 is four times higher than of 2, in the absence of water even ten times. Thus, the two metal centres are beneficial for catalysis. Lastly, the investigation showed that the phenol unit has no impact on the rate of the catalysis, it even slows down the CO2‐to‐CO conversion. This is due to an unproductive, competitive side reaction: After initial reduction, 1 and 3 loose either Cl− or undergo a reductive OH deprotonation forming a phenolate unit. The phenolate could bind to the metal centre blocking the sixth coordination site for CO2 activation. In DMF, O−H bond breaking and Cl− ion loss have similar rate constants [1: kCl(DMF)≈2 s−1, kOH≈1.5 s−1], in water/DMF Cl− loss is much faster. Thus, the effect on the catalytic rate is more pronounced in DMF. However, the acidic protons lower the overpotential of the catalysis by about 150 mV.
Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Cyclohexadienylborons via an Intermolecular Diels–Alder Reaction of Alkenyl MIDA Boronates with 2‐Pyrones
Authors: Lv Wen‐Xin , Li Zhan , Lin E , Li Ji‐Lin , Tan Dong‐Hang , Cai Yuan‐Hong , Li Qingjiang , Wang Honggen
Published: January 2019

An efficient synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexadienylborons via an inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder reaction/CO2 extrusion of alkenyl MIDA boronates with 2‐pyrones is outlined. By controlling the reaction temperature, the corresponding C(sp3)‐rich bicyclolactones could also be readily formed. The exo‐selective reactions feature good functional‐group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and excellent regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. Oxidation of the cyclohexadienylborons in a one‐pot procedure led to the construction of aromatic boronates bearing valuable functional groups. Synthetic transformations of the C−B bond were demonstrated.
Technologien zur Speicherung von Wasserstoff. Teil 1: Wasserstoffspeicherung im engeren Sinn
Authors: Müller Karsten
Published: January 2019

Die effiziente und energiedichte Speicherung von Wasserstoff stellt nach wie vor eine Herausforderung dar. Neben komprimiertem und verflüssigtem Wasserstoff existiert eine Reihe von Ansätzen, die durch die Bindung von Wasserstoff an andere Stoffe versuchen, die Speicherdichte zu erhöhen. Sowohl physisorbierende als auch chemisorbierende, organische wie anorganische Systeme sind hierfür denkbar. Viele dieser Methoden befinden sich erst in frühen Laborstadien. Mehrere Technologien haben es mittlerweile aber auch schon zu deutlich höherer technischer Reife gebracht. Der erste Teil dieser Studie soll die wesentlichen Ansätze zur Wasserstoffspeicherung im engeren Sinn vorstellen.
Avoiding chemotherapy prescribing errors: Analysis and innovative strategies
Authors: Reinhardt Heike , Otte Petra , Eggleton Alison G. , Ruch Markus , Wöhrl Stefan , Ajayi Stefanie , Duyster Justus , Jung Manfred , Hug Martin J. , Engelhardt Monika
Published: January 2019

Background

At Freiburg University Medical Center, chemotherapy prescriptions are processed via a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) tool and clinically checked by a designated chemotherapy surveillance team. Any error detected is reported instantly, corrected, and prospectively recorded. The objective of the current study was to gain insight into the causes, potential consequences, and future preventability of chemotherapy prescribing errors.

Methods

A detailed analysis of 18,823 consecutive antineoplastic orders placed in 2013 through 2014 was performed. In cooperation with information technology (IT) specialists, the intercepted errors were analyzed for effective future prevention using IT measures. Potential error consequences were determined by case discussions between pharmacists and physicians.

Results

Within 24 months, a total of 406 chemotherapy prescribing errors were intercepted that affected 375 (2%) of the total orders. Errors were classified as clinically relevant in 279 of the chemotherapy orders (1.5%). In these cases, reduced therapeutic efficacy (0.44%), the need for increased monitoring (0.48%), prolonged hospital stay (0.55%), and fatality (0.02%) were avoided as potential consequences. The most efficient conventional measures for error prevention comprised checking the order history and patient’s medical record, and a detailed knowledge of chemotherapy protocols. Of all the errors analyzed, 61% would be avoided through further software development. The improvements identified are implemented through a validated next‐generation CPOE tool.

Conclusions

The upgraded CPOE tool can be shared across other hospitals to raise safety standards and spread potential benefits across a wider patient population. The current analysis also highlighted that approximately 30% to 40% of errors cannot be avoided electronically. Therefore, pharmacovigilance initiatives remain indispensable.
The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and DARPP‐32 in the house crow (Corvus splendens) brain
Authors: Sen Shankhamala , Parishar Pooja , Pundir Arvind Singh , Reiner Anton , Iyengar Soumya
Published: January 2019

Birds of the family Corvidae which includes diverse species such as crows, rooks, ravens, magpies, jays, and jackdaws are known for their amazing abilities at problem‐solving. Since the catecholaminergic system, especially the neurotransmitter dopamine, plays a role in cognition, we decided to study the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines in the brain of house crows (Corvus splendens). We also studied the expression of DARPP‐32 (dopamine and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein), which is expressed in dopaminoceptive neurons. Our results demonstrated that as in other avian species, the expression of both TH and DARPP‐32 was highest in the house crow striatum. The caudolateral nidopallium (NCL, the avian analogue of the mammalian prefrontal cortex) could be differentiated from the surrounding pallial regions based on a larger number of TH‐positive “baskets” of fibers around neurons in this region and greater intensity of DARPP‐32 staining in the neuropil in this region. House crows also possessed distinct nuclei in their brains which corresponded to song control regions in other songbirds. Whereas immunoreactivity for TH was higher in the vocal control region Area X compared to the surrounding MSt (medial striatum) in house crows, staining in RA and HVC was not as prominent. Furthermore, the arcopallial song control regions RA (nucleus robustus arcopallialis) and AId (intermediate arcopallium) were strikingly negative for DARPP‐32 staining, in contrast to the surrounding arcopallium. Patterns of immunoreactivity for TH and DARPP‐32 in “limbic” areas such as the hippocampus, septum, and extended amygdala have also been described.
Effects of early life NICU stress on the developing gut microbiome
Authors: D’Agata Amy L. , Wu Jing , Welandawe Manushi K. V. , Dutra Samia V. O. , Kane Bradley , Groer Maureen W.
Published: January 2019

Succession of gut microbial community structure for newborns is highly influenced by early life factors. Many preterm infants cared for in the NICU are exposed to parent–infant separation, stress, and pain from medical care procedures. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of early life stress on the trajectory of gut microbial structure. Stool samples from very preterm infants were collected weekly for 6 weeks. NICU stress exposure data were collected daily for 6 weeks. V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Zero‐inflated beta regression model with random effects was used to assess the impact of stress on gut microbiome trajectories. Week of sampling was significant for Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Proteus, Streptococcus, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium perfringens. Antibiotic usage was significant for Proteus, Citrobacter, and C. perfringens. Gender was significant for Proteus. Stress exposure occurring 1 and 2 weeks prior to sampling had a significant effect on Proteus and Veillonella. NICU stress exposure had a significant effect on Proteus and Veillonella. An overall dominance of Gammaproteobacteria was found. Findings suggest early life NICU stress may significantly influence the developing gut microbiome, which is important to NICU practice and future microbiome research.
DNA metabarcoding assays reveal a diverse prey assemblage for Mobula rays in the Bohol Sea, Philippines
Authors: Bessey Cindy , Jarman Simon N. , Stat Michael , Rohner Christoph A. , Bunce Michael , Koziol Adam , Power Matthew , Rambahiniarison Joshua M. , Ponzo Alessandro , Richardson Anthony J. , Berry Oliver
Published: January 2019

Diet studies provide base understanding of trophic structure and are a valuable initial step for many fields of marine ecology, including conservation and fisheries biology. Considerable complexity in marine trophic structure can exist due to the presence of highly mobile species with long life spans. Mobula rays are highly mobile, large, planktivorous elasmobranchs that are frequently caught either directly or as bycatch in fisheries, which, combined with their conservative life history strategy, makes their populations susceptible to decline in intensely fished regions. Effective management of these iconic and vulnerable species requires an understanding of the diets that sustain them, which can be difficult to determine using conventional sampling methods. We use three DNA metabarcode assays to identify 44 distinct taxa from the stomachs (n = 101) of four sympatric Mobula ray species (Mobula birostris, Mobula tarapacana, Mobula japanica, and Mobula thurstoni) caught over 3 years (2013–2015) in a direct fishery off Bohol in the Philippines. The diversity and incidence of bony fishes observed in ray diets were unprecedented. Nevertheless, rays showed dietary overlap, with krill (Euphausia) dominating their diet. Our results provide a more detailed assessment of sympatric ray diets than was previously described and reveal the complexity that can exist in food webs at critical foraging habitats.
Transgenerational and within‐generation plasticity shape thermal performance curves
Authors: Cavieres Grisel , Alruiz José M. , Medina Nadia R. , Bogdanovich José M. , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: January 2019

Thermal performance curves (TPCs) compute the effects of temperature on the performance of ectotherms and are frequently used to predict the effect of environmental conditions and currently, climate change, on organismal vulnerability and sensitivity. Using Drosophila melanogaster as an animal model, we examined how different thermal environments affected the shape of the performance curve and their parameters. We measured the climbing speed as a measure of locomotor performance in adult flies and tested the ontogenetic and transgenerational effects of thermal environment on TPC shape. Parents and offspring were reared at 28 ± 0ºC (28C), 28 ± 4ºC (28V), and 30 ± 0ºC (30C). We found that both, environmental thermal variability (28V) and high temperature (30C) experienced during early ontogeny shaped the fruit fly TPC sensitivity. Flies reared at variable thermal environments shifted the TPC to the right and increased heat tolerance. Flies held at high and constant temperature exhibited lower maximum performance than flies reared at the variable thermal environment. Furthermore, these effects were extended to the next generation. The parental thermal environment had a significative effect on TPC and its parameters. Indeed, flies reared at 28V whose parents were held at a high and constant temperature (30C) had a lower heat tolerance than F1 of flies reared at 28C or 28V. Also, offspring of flies reared at variable thermal environment (28V) reached the maximum performance at a higher temperature than offspring of flies reared at 28C or 30C. Consequently, since TPC parameters are not fixed, we suggest cautiousness when using TPCs to predict the impact of climate change on natural populations.
Association of heart rate with mortality in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sartipy Ulrik , Savarese Gianluigi , Dahlström Ulf , Fu Michael , Lund Lars H.
Published: January 2019

Aims

To assess the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and mortality, and also the association between resting heart rate (HR) and mortality in both sinus rhythm (SR) and AF in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

A total of 9090 patients with HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥ 50%) were included from the Swedish Heart Failure registry; 4296 (47%) had SR and 4794 (53%) had AF. Patients with AF were older (80.3 vs. 75.0 years) and more symptomatic compared with patients in SR. The outcome measure was all‐cause mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for AF vs. SR was 1.21 (1.11–1.32). Compared with HR ≤ 60 b.p.m., the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were in SR: 1.06 (0.92–1.21) for HR 61–70 b.p.m., 1.30 (1.12–1.52) for HR 71–80 b.p.m., 1.27 (1.07–1.51) for HR 81–90 b.p.m., and 1.77 (1.45–2.17) for HR > 90 b.p.m. Due to non‐proportional hazards in AF, hazard ratios were estimated in three time periods. Compared with HR ≤ 60 b.p.m., the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were in AF: 1.30 (1.07–1.57), 1.07 (0.83–1.39), and 1.01 (0.70–1.48) for HR 61–70 b.p.m., 1.35 (1.12–1.62), 0.99 (0.77–1.27), and 0.96 (0.66–1.40) for HR 71–80 b.p.m., 1.41 (1.16–1.73), 1.01 (0.76–1.36), and 0.79 (0.51–1.22) for HR 81–90 b.p.m., and 1.78 (1.46–2.17), 1.08 (0.80–1.46), and 0.73 (0.46–1.17) for HR > 90 b.p.m., during 0–2, 2–4, and 4–6 years of follow‐up, respectively.

Conclusion

In a large and unselected cohort of patients with HFpEF, AF was independently associated with all‐cause mortality. A higher HR was associated with increased mortality in SR. In AF, the effect of a higher HR on mortality was only present during the first years of follow‐up, with convergence in outcomes according to baseline HR groups over long‐term follow‐up.
The contribution of active and passive mechanisms of 5mC and 5hmC removal in human T lymphocytes is differentiation‐ and activation‐dependent
Authors: Vincenzetti Lucia , Leoni Cristina , Chirichella Michele , Kwee Ivo , Monticelli Silvia
Published: January 2019

In mammals, the 5’‐methylcytosine (5mC) modification in the genomic DNA contributes to the dynamic control of gene expression. 5mC erasure is required for the activation of developmental programs and occurs either by passive dilution through DNA replication, or by enzymatic oxidation of the methyl mark to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which can persist as such or undergo further oxidation and enzymatic removal. The relative contribution of each mechanism to epigenetic control in dynamic biological systems still remains a compelling question. To explore this critical issue, we used primary human T lymphocytes, in which two cellular states can be clearly identified, namely quiescent naïve T cells, which are slowly or rarely proliferating, and rapidly proliferating activated T cells. We found that active mechanisms of methylation removal were selectively at work in naïve T cells, while memory T lymphocytes entirely relied on passive, replication‐dependent dilution, suggesting that proliferative capacity influences the choice of the preferential demethylation mechanism. Active processes of demethylation appear to be critical in quiescent naïve T lymphocytes for the maintenance of regulatory regions poised for rapid responses to physiological stimuli.
Rational Design of Tetranuclear Complexes Employing N‐Imidoylamidine Based Ligands
Authors: Castañeda Raúl , Harriman Katie L. M. , Wong Joanne W. L. , Gabidullin Bulat , Murugesu Muralee , Brusso Jaclyn L.
Published: January 2019

Ligands such as N‐2‐pyrimidylimidoyl‐2‐pyrimidylamidine (Pm2ImAm) possess both a bidentate and tridentate coordination site within a single ligand framework. Taking advantage of this, two tetranuclear complexes with manganese ([MnIIIMnII3(Pm2ImAm)3Cl6]) and iron ([FeIII4(Pm2ImAm)3Cl9]) have been isolated, characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, and their magnetic properties have been investigated through SQUID magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy. As well, a mononuclear ([FeIII(Pm2ImAm)Cl3]) and binuclear ([MnII2(µ‐Cl)2(Pm2ImAm)2Cl2]) complex employing this ligand framework were also isolated, characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and their magnetic properties were investigated. For comparison purposes, the previously reported mononuclear complexes [MnIII(Py2ImAm)3] and [FeIII(Py2ImAm)3] were also probed here via SQUID magnetometry due to the similarities between these mononuclear systems and fragments of the tetranuclear complexes. Through this approach, clear interpretation of the magnetic properties in [MnIIIMnII3(Pm2ImAm)3Cl6] and [FeIII4(Pm2ImAm)3Cl9] was achieved. These results reveal that employing our N‐imidoylamidine ligands facilitates the rational design of polynuclear complexes with differing metal ion spin states.
Weinreb Amide as Secondary Station for the Dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 in a Molecular Shuttle
Authors: Gauthier Maxime , Coutrot Frédéric
Published: January 2019

Here is reported the synthesis of a new molecular shuttle: it consists of a dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8) that surrounds a molecular axle containing an ammonium group and a newly considered Weinreb amide as stations. At the protonated state the DB24C8 is localized around the best ammonium station, while deprotonation‐carbamoylation of the ammonium triggers the shuttling of the macrocycle around the Weinreb amide site. Further post‐interlocking modification of the [2]rotaxane was attempted through the cleavage of the Weinreb amide bond using a Grignard reagent. While the non‐interlocked molecular axle was cleaved after a short time in mild conditions, the Weinreb amide bond remained unaltered in the [2]rotaxane species over time, even in the presence of a larger amount of Grignard and at a higher temperature, highlighting the protection shield of the macrocycle around the encircled axle.
Motor performance during experimental pain: The influence of exposure to contact sports
Authors: Thornton Claire , Sheffield David , Baird Andrew
Published: January 2019

Background

Athletes who play contact sports are regularly exposed to pain, yet manage to perform complex tasks without significant decrement. Limited research has suggested that superior pain tolerance in contact athletes may be important in this context and this may be altered via experience of pain. Other psychological variables such as challenge states, pain bothersomeness and coping style may also influence skill execution during pain.

Methods

Forty experienced contact athletes (>3 years experience), 40 novice contact athletes (<6 months experience) and 40 non‐contact athletes performed a motor task both in pain and without pain. During the pain condition, pressure pain was induced and half of each group were given challenge instructions and the other half threat based instructions. Measures of cognitive appraisal, heart rate variability, pain bothersomeness, tolerance and intensity and coping styles were taken.

Results

Contact athletes, regardless of experience, performed better during pain compared to the non‐contact athletes, this relationship was mediated by pain tolerance and physical bothersomeness. During the threat condition, experience of contact sports moderated performance. Contact athletes were challenged by the pain, regardless of the instructions given, had higher direct coping and found pain less psychologically bothersome. Experienced contact athletes had higher pain tolerance and reported pain as less intense than the other groups.

Conclusions

Athletes who play contact sports may have better coping and adjustment to experimental pain, especially during threatening conditions. Performance during experimental pain is mediated by pain tolerance and physical pain bothersomeness.

Significance

Athletes with even relatively small amounts of contact sport experience perform better during experimental pain than athletes who play non‐contact sports. Experienced contact athletes had higher levels of direct coping and were more challenged and less threatened by pain than non‐contact athletes.
Lumbosacral radicular pain during micturition, defecation or orgasm
Authors: Haddad Rebecca , Hentzen Claire , Le Breton Frederique , Sheikh Ismael Samer , Amarenco Gerard
Published: January 2019

Background

The objective of this study was to describe, in a cohort of patients followed for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunctions, the occurrence of radicular pain during micturition, defecation and/or orgasm.

Methods

The study included all patients referred in our neuro‐urology department and who suffered from radicular pain before, during or after micturition, defecation and/or orgasm. Data included demographic and medical variables, urodynamic and perineal electromyographic diagnosis.

Results

A total of 30 patients (men: 70%, mean age 45.4 ± 11.8,) complained of radicular pain before, during or after orgasm (51.4%), micturition (34.3%), or defecation (14.3%). In 30% of cases, radiculopathy was found and was predicted by micturition pain. Other pathologies were as follows: vertebral (16.5%), pelvis and sacral (16.5%), inflammatory central nervous system (10%) lesions and peripheral neuropathies (6.7%). Neurological level of injury was between the lumbar and the sacral level. All spinal cord lesions were lesions of the conus medullaris. Patients also complained of lower urinary tract symptoms (70%), sexual (63.3%) and bowel (60%) disorders. In most cases, the urodynamic diagnosis was neurogenic bladder with peripheral abnormalities and the electromyographic diagnosis was distal neuropathy.

Conclusion

Radicular pain occurring during micturition, defecation or orgasm is a rare condition. The most common underlying lesion seems to be radiculopathy, from lumbar to sacral spine. The presence of these symptoms, in the absence of any known neurological condition, should suggest the practitioner a radiculopathy in most of the cases. In consequence, appropriate additional tests should be offered to these patients.

Significance

Few data are available on sciatica during micturition, defecation or orgasm. This study underlines the need for appropriate tests if a patient complaint from this type of symptom. Indeed, the most common underlying lesion is a radiculopathy but can also be a lesion of conus medullaris.
Detection of RNA‐protein interactions using a highly sensitive non‐radioactive electrophoretic mobility shift assay
Authors: Daras Gerasimos , Alatzas Anastasios , Tsitsekian Dikran , Templalexis Dimitris , Rigas Stamatis , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis
Published: January 2019

Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) is a sensitive technique useful in the identification and characterization of protein interactors with nucleic acids. This assay provides an efficient method to study DNA or RNA binding proteins and to identify nucleic acid substrates. The specific interaction plays important roles in many biological processes such as transcription, translation, splicing, and global gene expression. In this article, we have modified the EMSA technique and developed a non‐radioactive straightforward method to study and determine RNA‐protein interactions. The labeling of target RNAs by 3'‐end biotinylation and the detection of biotin reactivity to streptavidin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase is a highly sensitive approach capable to detect the formation of RNA‐protein complexes. Overall, we provide a complete technical guide useful to determine in vitro RNA‐protein interactions and analyze RNA target specificity.
Decreased epileptogenesis in mice lacking the System xc− transporter occurs in association with a reduction in AMPA receptor subunit GluA1
Authors: Sears Sheila M. S. , Hewett James A. , Hewett Sandra J.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Although the cystine/glutamate antiporter System xc− (Sxc−) plays a permissive role in glioma‐associated seizures, its contribution to other acquired epilepsies has not been determined. As such, the present study investigates whether and how Sxc− contributes to the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) chemical kindling model of epileptogenesis.

Methods

Male Sxc− null (sut/sut) mice and their wild‐type littermates were administered PTZ (i.p.) daily for up to 21 days (kindling paradigm). Seizure severity was scored on a 5‐point behavioral scale. Mossy fiber sprouting, cellular degeneration, and Sxc− light chain (xCT) messenger RNA (mRNA) were explored using Timm staining, thionin staining, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. Levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione and cysteine were determined via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma membrane protein levels of glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunits as well as the K+/Cl− co‐transporter KCC2 were quantified via western blot analysis.

Results

Repeated administration of PTZ produced chemical kindling in only 50% of Sxc− null mice as compared to 82% of wild‐type littermate control mice. Kindling did not result in any changes in xCT mRNA levels assessed in wild‐type mice. No cellular degeneration or mossy fiber sprouting was discernible in either genotype. Except for a small, but significant, decrease in oxidized cysteine in the hippocampus, no other change in measured redox couples was determined in Sxc− null mice. Cortical levels of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA1 were decreased in Sxc− null mice as compared to wild‐type littermates, whereas all other proteins tested showed no difference between genotypes.

Significance

This study provides the first evidence that Sxc− signaling contributes to epileptogenesis in the PTZ kindling model of acquired epilepsy. Further data indicate that a reduction in AMPA receptor signaling could underlie the resistance to PTZ kindling uncovered in Sxc− null mice.
Disinfection Byproducts Bind Human Estrogen Receptor-α
Authors: Holmes Breanne E. , Smeester Lisa , Fry Rebecca C. , Weinberg Howard S.
Published: January 2019

Disinfection byproducts are formed during most drinking water treatment and presently number >800, some of which are implicated in human health outcomes including bladder cancer and infertility, with unknown mechanisms of action. In particular, it is not yet understood whether these compounds can disrupt the estrogen-signaling pathway through binding to the human estrogen receptor (ER). In the present study, 21 disinfection byproducts, selected for their predicted involvement in endocrine-related diseases and their structural diversity, were individually evaluated for their binding affinity to the human ER and in silico, and then a subset of these chemicals was studied in binary mixtures with the known weak estrogen, 4-n-nonylphenol. Individually, 9 of the 21 disinfection byproducts were able to weakly bind to the ER, with affinities ranging from log median inhibitory concentration values of –3.83 to –2.19 M. In binary mixtures, the chemicals followed concentration addition, with their weak binding affinities having little contribution to the overall mixture affinity. These results demonstrate the variety of small-molecule disinfection byproduct structures that are capable of binding to the ER, and that their weak binding can still be of importance when overall human exposure to mixtures of disinfection byproducts in disinfected drinking water is considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;9999:1–9. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

More than 800 disinfection byproducts have been identified. Among them, some structurally diverse compounds are able to bind to the human estrogen receptor.
Effect of microencapsulation on concentration of isoflavones during simulated in vitro digestion of isotonic drink
Authors: Wyspiańska Dorota , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Sokół‐Łętowska Anna , Kolniak‐Ostek Joanna
Published: January 2019

Isotonic drinks, fortified with microencapsulated maltodextrin and inulin isoflavone extract, were evaluated by organoleptic assessment and color measurement on the CIE L*a*b scale, then they were subjected to in vitro digestion. Changes of concentrations of isoflavones released during digestion of drinks and their ability to neutralize free radicals (ABTS) were determined. The effect of microencapsulation and storage on isoflavone content in isotonic drinks was also evaluated. In the organoleptic evaluation, beverages without additives and beverages fortified with microencapsulated extract were evaluated as better than a beverage with pure extract. Microencapsulation largely eliminated the unpleasant taste and odor of isoflavones and masked their color. Before digestion, isotonic drinks contained 29.07–43.17 μg of isoflavones in 1 ml. Microencapsulated isoflavones were released gradually during simulated digestion. The highest recovery of these compounds was observed for glycoside and malonylate derivatives of daidzein. Daidzin and genistin with encapsulation showed bioavailability of 0.02%–0.07%. The use of inulin as a carrier increased the stability of microcapsules during the storage of isotonic beverages. Microencapsulated of isoflavones from soybeans can increase the health benefits of conventional beverages available on the market.