bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessing the metabolism of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) microbes
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: April 2019

While many microbes could be cultivated on common nutrient medium from environmental samples, there is perhaps a larger consortium of microbes that could not be brought under cultivation. Known as viable but non-culturable (VBNC) microbes, many facets of cell biology, biochemistry and physiology remain hidden from view given the inability to culture them in the laboratory. Without the ability to culture VBNC, many modern genetic tools could not be used to interrogate intrinsic metabolic capabilities and regulatory mechanisms of the cells. A more important question is perhaps what defines the VBNC state. Specifically, what is the level of metabolic activity in such cells and which branch of metabolism remains active in helping cells maintain cellular sensory system essential to understanding extracellular nutrition and environmental conditions crucial for activating vegetative growth under the right conditions? To answer the questions, we first need to develop methods for identifying cells in the VBNC state. One possibility involves screening environmental microbes for their ability to grow in rich medium under standard laboratory incubation conditions using 96 well plate assay where single cells are inoculated into each well. Cells that fail to grow would subsequently be selected for single cell RNA sequencing to understand the transcriptome that could be correlated to the VBNC state. In parallel, single cell whole genome sequencing could also be conducted to obtain the reference genome on which expression of different genes in the transcriptome could be assessed. Specifically, automated gene annotation pipelines could be used for gene detection; thereby, yielding an ensemble of genes useful for understanding the transcriptome. But, detection of mRNA transcripts does not mean the successful translation of mRNA into proteins. More importantly, while single cell proteomics might be achievable on a routine basis in future, conventional methods lack the sensitivity for profiling cellular proteome at the global level in single cell given the inability to massively amplify proteins unlike the case for DNA or RNA. Similarly, single cell metabolomics, which is essential to obtaining a complete picture of cellular metabolism in VBNC state faces challenges associated with sensitivity and detection of a broad range of intermediates and compounds. Thus, at present, efforts to access the metabolic state associated with VBNC would most likely stop at probing the global transcriptome at the single cell level. But, future developments in single cell proteomics and metabolomics would hopefully provide new tools for biologists to revisit the important question on what is the metabolic status of cells in VBNC, and more importantly, which metabolic branch remain active in maintaining sensory awareness of the cell’s immediate environment.
Signal categorization by foraging animals depends on ecological diversity
Authors: Kikuchi David William , Dornhaus Anna , Gopeechund Vandana , Sherratt Thomas N
Published: April 2019

Warning signals displayed by defended prey are mimicked by both mutualistic (Müllerian) and parasitic (Batesian) species. Yet mimicry is often imperfect: why does selection not improve mimicry? Predators create selection on warning signals, so predator psychology is crucial to understanding mimicry. We conducted experiments where humans acted as predators in a virtual ecosystem to ask how prey diversity affects the way that predators categorize prey phenotypes as profitable or unprofitable. The phenotypic diversity of prey communities strongly affected predator categorization. Higher diversity increased the likelihood that predators would use a ‘key’ trait to form broad categories, even if it meant committing errors. Broad categorization favors the evolution of mimicry. Both species richness and evenness contributed significantly to this effect. This lets us view the behavioral and evolutionary processes leading to mimicry in light of classical community ecology. Broad categorization by receivers is also likely to affect other forms of signaling.
Effect of a Four Weeks Aerobic Training Intervention on Body Fat Percentage and Physical Fitness Indices among 5 to 6-year-old Obese, Overweight and Normal Weight Children: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Akhavan Rad Sanaz , Mokhtar Nasiri , Kiwanuka Frank
Published: April 2019

Background: Optimal physical activity and functional fitness is fundamental in children. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a four-weeks aerobic training intervention on body fat percentage and selected physical fitness indices among five to six-years-old obese, overweight and normal weight children. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study design was used; a statistical sample of 20 preschool girls participated in the study. One group (n=10) comprised of normal weight children and another for overweight and obese children (n=10). SPSS Version 21 was used for data analysis, a 95% level of significance was considered. Paired independent t-test and Analysis of Covariance were used to test the impact of the intervention within and between groups. Results: the intervention had a significant influence on body weight (p=0.023), BMI (p=0.025), flexibility (p=0.005) and muscular endurance (p=0.001) among children with obesity or overweight. It also showed a significant influence on balance (p=0.03) among normal weight children. However, it showed no significant difference between groups with exception of balance (p=0.002). Conclusions: The four-weeks training intervention had a significant difference on some physical fitness indices among children aged 5 to 6 years with obesity or overweight. Programmed aerobic training interventions can be used to achieve optimal body fat percentage and improve on some physical fitness indices among children.
Prevalence and Determinants of Low Back Pain among Lecturers: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: Ogunboyo O. F. , Halid O. Y. , Adigun K. A. , Ilesanmi A. O.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Lower back pain is one of the most common work-related problems among teaching professionals in both developed and developing nations and it often leads to absenteeism or early retirement of workers. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain among academic staff.

Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was adopted. Five faculties were randomly selected in Ekiti State University, Nigeria and a self-structured questionnaire was purposively administered; depending on interest and availability of the respondents. The data was explored and Chi-square analysis alongside binary logistic regression was applied in order to evaluate the relationship between low back pain and some associated factors. Analysis was carried out in SPSS version 20.

Results: This study comprises 127 lecturers with a mean age of (41.95±9.42). There were more males (55.9%) than females. More than thirty six percent of the lecturers had teaching experience below 5 years while 44.9% had 5 to 10 years and 18.9% had above 10 years of teaching experience. The results show that age, gender, prolonged sitting and prolonged standing significantly (p-value <.05) associated with occurrence of low back pain among lecturers while mixed teaching posture serves a protective against low back pain.

Conclusion: The results reveal a very high prevalence of low back pain. Findings show that female gender, old age and inappropriate work postures are the risk factors of low back pain. It is suggested that effort should be to ameliorate occupational stress among academic staff.
A Lewis‐Acid‐Catalyzed Phenolic Ether ‘O to C’ Rearrangement: Synthesis of 4‐Aryldihydrocoumarins
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Kunkalkar Rupesh A. , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: April 2019

An efficient O to C rearrangement of phenolic ethers is developed. The Lewis acid BF3⋅OEt2 (0.5 equiv) could catalyze the O to C migration of β‐aryloxy‐β‐arylesters to β,β‐bis‐arylesters, thereby the free phenolic OH cyclizes with the ester group, resulting in the formation of 4‐aryldihydrocoumarins.
Novel electrodynamic oscillation technique enables enhanced mass transfer and mixing for cultivation in micro‐bioreactor
Authors: Frey Lasse J. , Vorländer David , Rasch Detlev , Ostsieker Hendrik , Müller Bernhard , Schulze Moritz , Schenkendorf René , Mayr Torsten , Grosch Jan‐Hendrik , Krull Rainer
Published: April 2019

Micro‐bioreactors (MBRs) have become an indispensable part for modern bioprocess development enabling automated experiments in parallel while reducing material cost. Novel developments aim to further intensify the advantages as dimensions are being reduced. However, one factor hindering the scale‐down of cultivation systems is to provide adequate mixing and mass transfer. Here, vertical oscillation is demonstrated as an effective method for mixing of MBRs with a reaction volume of 20 μL providing adequate mass transfer. Electrodynamic exciters are used to transduce kinetic energy onto the cultivation broth avoiding additional moving parts inside the applied model MBR. The induced vertical vibration leads to oscillation of the liquid surface corresponding to the frequency and displacement. On this basis, the resonance frequency of the fluid was identified as the most decisive factor for mixing performance. Applying this vertical oscillation method outstanding mixing times below 1 s and exceptionally high oxygen transport with volumetric mass transfer coefficients (kLa) above 1,000/hr can be successfully achieved and controlled. To evaluate the applicability of this vertical oscillation mixing for low volume MBR systems, cultivations ofEscherichia coliBL21 as proof‐of‐concept were performed. The dissolved oxygen was successfully online monitored to assure any avoidance of oxygen limitations during the cultivation. The here presented data illustrate the high potential of the vertical oscillation technique as a flexible measure to adapt mixing times and oxygen transfer according to experimental demands. Thus, the mixing technique is a promising tool for various biological and chemical micro‐scale applications still enabling adequate mass transfer.
Flow Compartments in Viscoelastic Fluids Using Radial Impellers in Stirred Tanks
Authors: Kolano Markus , Kraume Matthias
Published: April 2019

The influence of viscoelastic flow properties on fluid dynamics using radial impellers is investigated. The use of transparent model fluids allows for the optical measurement of general flow behavior with a fluorescence dying technique. By varying viscoelastic flow properties, size of agitators and rotational frequency, the impact of these parameters on fluid dynamics is analyzed. Toroidally shaped, cavern‐like flow compartments form around the agitators in all fluids in specific rotational frequency ranges, preventing an efficient mixing. By balancing elastic with centrifugal forces, a simple model is developed with which compartment sizes can be predicted with good accuracy. The results indicate a good suitability of the elasticity number as a scale‐up criterion.
Ankle‐brachial index, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers in the prediction of mortality and outcomes in patients with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Otsuka Kenichiro , Nakanishi Koki , Shimada Kenei , Nakamura Haruo , Inanami Hitoshi , Nishioka Hiroki , Fujimoto Kohei , Kasayuki Noriaki , Yoshiyama Minoru
Published: April 2019

Background

Although ankle‐brachial index (ABI) and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are significant predictors of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), their prognostic value in association with biomarkers has not been fully evaluated in patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that ABI/baPWV would provide better prognostic value independent of biomarkers in ESKD patients.

Methods

This study included 104 ESKD patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis who underwent ABI and baPWV examinations and laboratory tests, including brain‐natriuretic peptide, high‐sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT), and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). MACE was defined as a composite event of all‐cause death, acute coronary syndrome, and stroke.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 3.6 ± 1.7 years, a total of 51 MACE were observed. The independent factors associated with MACE were age >75 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.15; P < .05), abnormal ABI (adjusted HR, 2.01; P < .05), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (adjusted HR, 3.33; P < .001), the upper tertile of hs‐cTnT (adjusted HR, 2.77; P < .05), and hs‐CRP (HR, 1.96; P < .05). However, baPWV did not remain as an independent predictor of MACE in the entire cohort and also in patients without abnormal ABI. The combination of predictors improves the predictive value of MACE, providing increased HR with 4.00 for abnormal ABI + hs‐CRP, 4.42 for abnormal ABI + hs‐cTnT, and 7.04 for abnormal ABI + LVEF <50% (all P < .001).

Conclusion

Abnormal ABI is a robust predictor of MACE independent of biomarkers and their combination provides better risk stratification compared with a single predictor in ESKD patients.
Association of C‐reactive protein and vitamin D deficiency with cardiovascular disease: A nationwide cross‐sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007 to 2008
Authors: Li Qian , Dai Zhenguo , Cao Yuze , Wang Lihua
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The association of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unknown.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis on 3848 participants by using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007 to 2008). CVD was defined as a compromise of stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. High CRP was defined as ≥0.2 mg/dL, and vitamin D status were categorized as severe deficiency, <25 nmol/mL; deficiency, 25 to 49.9 nmol/mL; insufficiency, 50 to 74.9 nmol/mL; and normal, ≥75 nmol/mL. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression models.

Results

We found that both high CRP and low 25(OH)D levels were associated with CVD. Participants with high CRP levels and severe vitamin D deficiency had a higher likelihood of having CVD than those with neither risk factor (odds ratio = 2.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.45‐4.98, P = .0017). In stratified analysis, a significant positive association between vitamin D level and CVD was observed only in the high CRP group. However, in the absence of high CRP, even with severe vitamin D deficiency, no association was found with an increasing risk of CVD (P = .6416).

Conclusion

Within a cross‐sectional, nationally representative sample, these findings suggest that vitamin D status evaluation, or vitamin D supplement may be especially important for individuals with high CRP levels.
Bioorthogonal Fluorescence Turn‐On Labeling Based on Bicyclononyne−Tetrazine Cycloaddition Reactions that Form Pyridazine Products
Authors: Siegl Sebastian J. , Galeta Juraj , Dzijak Rastislav , Dračínský Martin , Vrabel Milan
Published: April 2019

Fluorogenic bioorthogonal reactions enable visualization of biomolecules with excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio. A bicyclononyne−tetrazine ligation that produces fluorescent pyridazine products has been developed. In stark contrast to previous approaches, the formation of the dye is an inherent result of the chemical reaction and no additional fluorophores are needed in the reagents. The crucial structural elements that determine dye formation are electron‐donating groups present in the starting tetrazine unit. The newly formed pyridazine fluorophores show interesting photophysical properties the fluorescence intensity increase in the reaction can reach an excellent 900‐fold. Model imaging experiments demonstrate the application potential of this new fluorogenic bioorthogonal reaction.
Highly Cation Permselective Metal–Organic Framework Membranes with Leaf‐Like Morphology
Authors: Xu Tingting , Shehzad Muhammad A. , Yu Dongbo , Li Qiuhua , Wu Bin , Ren Xuemei , Ge Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: April 2019

Highly cation permselective metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes are desirable for the extraction of valuable metal cations. However, fabrication of defect‐free and stable permselective MOF membranes is technically challenging, owing to their arduous self‐assembly and poor water resistance, respectively. A simple and readily scalable method has been developed for the controlled in situ smart growth of UiO‐66‐NH2 into leaf‐like nanostructures with tunable density of the leaves and the surface layer thickness. The self‐assembly approach reproducibly fabricates seamless, ultrathin (<500 nm) UiO‐66‐NH2 membranes at the surface of anodic aluminum oxide. The membranes contain nanosized interstices among the MOF leaves, which enable maximum admission of ions within the membrane, and angstrom‐sized inherent pores in every single UiO‐66‐NH2 crystal, which efficiently regulate the cation permselectivity. Consequently, the highest ever reported cation separations (Na+/Mg2+>200 and Li+/Mg2+>60) and excellent membrane stability during five sequential electrodialysis cycles are achieved. These characteristics position the fabricated MOF membranes as potential candidates for efficient extraction of pure lithium and sodium ions from salt lakes and seawater, respectively.
What are the roles of retinoids, other morphogens, and Hox genes in setting up the vertebrate body axis?
Authors: Durston Antony J.
Published: April 2019

This article is concerned with the roles of retinoids and other known anterior–posterior morphogens in setting up the embryonic vertebrate anterior–posterior axis. The discussion is restricted to the very earliest events in setting up the anterior–posterior axis (from blastula to tailbud stages in Xenopus embryos). In these earliest developmental stages, morphogen concentration gradients are not relevant for setting up this axis. It emerges that at these stages, the core patterning mechanism is timing: BMP‐anti BMP mediated time space translation that regulates Hox temporal and spatial collinearities and Hox‐Hox auto‐ and cross‐ regulation. The known anterior–posterior morphogens and signaling pathways––retinoids, FGF's, Cdx, Wnts, Gdf11 and others––interact with this core mechanism at and after space–time defined “decision points,” leading to the separation of distinct axial domains. There are also other roles for signaling pathways. Besides the Hox regulated hindbrain/trunk part of the axis, there is a rostral part (including the anterior part of the head and the extreme anterior domain [EAD]) that appears to be regulated by additional mechanisms. Key aspects of anterior–posterior axial patterning, including: the nature of different phases in early patterning and in the whole process; the specificities of Hox action and of intercellular signaling; and the mechanisms of Hox temporal and spatial collinearities, are discussed in relation to the facts and hypotheses proposed above.
Longitudinal outcomes of an individualized and intensive reading intervention for third grade students
Authors: Partanen Marita , Siegel Linda S. , Giaschi Deborah E.
Published: April 2019

Early intervention is known to reduce reading disabilities; however, treatment response is variable, and some students have persistent deficits that require intensive supports. This study examined the immediate and 1‐year outcomes of an individualized and intensive reading program for third grade students, which was delivered throughout the school day for an average of 189 hr of instruction over 3 months. These students' performances were compared with two comparison groups, including poor readers who received small group supports and good readers who did not have additional reading instruction. The intensive group showed an improvement in word recognition and decoding fluency immediately after the program and 1 year later, and there was a decrease in significant reading impairments from 62% before intervention to 35% at follow‐up. Furthermore, baseline reading, spelling, phonological awareness, and rapid naming skills were predictive of persistent reading deficits at a later time point. Although improvements in reading skills were shown, a significant gap between poor and good readers persisted in the third and fourth grades. This study illustrates the importance of a tertiary intensive reading program, but also the need for continuing supports.
Opportunities to integrate herders’ indicators into formal rangeland monitoring: an example from Mongolia
Authors: Jamsranjav Chantsallkham , Fernández‐Giménez María E. , Reid Robin S. , Adya B.
Published: April 2019

Despite increasing calls for knowledge integration around the world, traditional knowledge is rarely used in formal, Western‐science‐based monitoring and resource management. To better understand indicators herders use and their relationship to researcher‐measured indicators, we conducted in‐depth field interviews with 26 herders in three ecological zones of Mongolia. We asked each herder to (1) assess the overall condition of three different sites located along a livestock‐use gradient from their winter camp using a numeric scale, (2) describe the indicators they used in their assessment, and (3) explain what caused their pastures to remain healthy or become degraded. At each site, we collected field data on vegetation variables and compared these with herders’ ratings and indicators using linear regression. We used classification and ordination to understand how herders’ assessment scores related to plant community composition, and determine how well multivariate analysis of factors determining plant community composition aligned with herders’ observations of factors causing rangeland change. Across all ecological zones, herders use indicators similar to those used in formal monitoring. Herders’ assessment scores correlated significantly and positively with measured total foliar cover in all three ecological zones, and with additional measured variables in the steppe and desert steppe. Ordination revealed that herder assessment scores were correlated with the primary ordination axis in each zone, and the main factors driving plant community composition in each zone were the same as those identified by herders as the primary causes of rangeland change in that zone. These results show promise for developing integrated indicators and monitoring protocols and highlight the importance of developing a common language of monitoring terminology shared by herders, government monitoring agencies, and researchers. We propose a new model for integrating herder knowledge and participation into formal monitoring in Mongolia, with implications for rangelands and pastoral people globally. We suggest practical ways of involving herders in formal monitoring that have potential broad application for promoting local and indigenous people's participation in implementing international agreements such as the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, both of which call for involvement of local people and indigenous/traditional knowledges.
Phylogeography and species limits in the red‐shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus): Characterization of the Northern Florida Suture Zone in birds
Authors: Barrowclough George F. , Groth Jeff G. , Mauck William M. , Blair Mary E.
Published: April 2019

The North American red‐shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus, is comprised of two widely allopatric eastern and western populations with an additional well‐marked subspecies in the Florida peninsula. The two eastern populations meet in northern Florida, the location of a well‐known suture zone in many nonavian organisms. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial ND2 gene and two nuclear introns to investigate its genetic population structure and species status. No mitochondrial haplotypes were shared between the eastern and western populations, and genetic variance among 14 populations was 0.42; almost all of this (0.40) was distributed among the three regions. A clade of haplotypes very common in the Florida peninsula decreased in frequency elsewhere and, when modeled as a hybrid zone, had an estimated width of 1,158 km with a center near Ocala, FL. Ecological niche modeling suggests the western, eastern, and Florida peninsula populations were geographically isolated during the last glacial maximum. We consider these to represent three phylogenetic species. A coalescent analysis incorporating incomplete lineage sorting and gene tree uncertainty also suggested the divergence between the western and eastern populations is consistent with species‐level divergence. With the addition of this hawk, four avian species are now known to hybridize along the Gulf Coast of the United States in or near the Northern Florida Suture Zone. The widths of these avian zones vary substantially (176–1,158 km) and appear to reflect magnitude of gene flow, rather than extent of genetic differentiation. None of these birds was suggested as possible exemplars in the original description of the suture zone. Of the six species that were so identified, three have been surveyed to date, but none of those was found to be genetically differentiated.
Identity statuses in prebariatric patients with obesity: Associations with eating disorder symptoms, psychological complaints, and coping behaviour?
Authors: Claes Laurence , Boekaerts Els , Verschueren Margaux , Boukaert Wim , Luyckx Koen
Published: April 2019

Objective

In the present study, we focused on the associations between identity processes/statuses and eating and general psychopathology and coping in prebariatric patients suffering from morbid obesity.

Method

Our sample consisted of 369 prebariatric patients (68.8% female) who filled out self‐report questionnaires to assess identity processes, eating and general psychopathology, and coping.

Results

Concerning identity processes, ruminative exploration was positively related to eating‐related and general psychopathology and maladaptive coping, whereas commitment processes were protective against psychopathology and maladaptive coping. Based on cluster analyses, we identified five identity statuses, being achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, diffusion, and an undifferentiated status, showing some heterogeneity within the prebariatric patient group. Patients in the diffused and moratorium statuses reported more eating and general psychopathology and more maladaptive coping compared with prebariatric patients of the other statuses.

Conclusions

Given the clinical vulnerability to psychopathology of patients in the moratorium and diffused statuses, it would be advisable to increase the psychological help in their prebariatric and postbariatric trajectories.
Aberrant brain structural–functional connectivity coupling in euthymic bipolar disorder
Authors: Zhang Ruibin , Shao Robin , Xu Guiyun , Lu Weicong , Zheng Wenjing , Miao Qingzhe , Chen Kun , Gao Yanling , Bi Yanan , Guan Lijie , McIntyre Roger S. , Deng Yue , Huang Xuejun , So Kwok‐Fai , Lin Kangguang
Published: April 2019

Aberrant structural (diffusion tensor imaging [DTI]) and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imagining connectivity are core features of bipolar disorder. However, few studies have explored the integrity agreement between structural and functional connectivity (SC–FC) in bipolar disorder. We examine SC connectivity coupling index whether could potentially provide additional clinical predictive value for bipolar disorder spectrum disorders besides the intramodality network measures. By examining the structural (DTI) and resting‐state functional network properties, as well as their coupling index, among 57 euthymic bipolar disorder patients (age 13–28 years, 18 females) and 42 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (age 13–28 years, 16 females), we found that compared to controls, bipolar disorder patients showed increased structural rich‐club connectivity as well as decreased functional modularity. Importantly, the coupling strength between structural and functional connectome was decreased in patients compared to controls, which emerged as the most powerful feature discriminating the two groups. Our findings suggest that structural–functional coupling strength could serve as a valuable biological trait‐like feature for bipolar disorder over and above the intramodality network measures. Such measure can have important clinical implications for early identification of bipolar disorder individuals, and inform strategies for prevention of bipolar disorder onset and relapse.
Peer‐assisted content delivery network by vehicular clouds: Algorithm and evaluation
Authors: Tseng Lewis , Mantica Juan , DeAntonis James , Higuchi Takamasa , Altintas Onur
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we study how to improve the performance of content delivery networks (CDNs) using the novel concept of vehicular clouds. Our main idea is to use a cluster of connected vehicles (ie, vehicular clouds) to act as virtual servers in CDNs in order to relieve the workload of physical CDN servers. The key benefits include guaranteed content availability/reliability in terms of mean time between failures and optimized data storage workload at vehicular clouds. Workload is an important metric as it is directly related to the latency of content delivery. Specifically, we present a content placement algorithm that has an optimal workload at vehicular clouds. Finally, we verify the system efficacy using our own simulator based on simulation of urban mobility (SUMO) and Python.
Effects of curcumin on ion channels and pumps: A review
Authors: Tabeshpour Jamshid , Banaeeyeh Sara , Eisvand Farhad , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Hashemzaei Mahmoud , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2019

Curcumin, an orange‐yellow lipophilic polyphenolic molecule, is the active component of Curcuma longa, which is extensively used as a spice in most of the Asian countries. This natural compound is able to interact with a large number of molecular structures like proteins, enzymes, lipids, DNA, RNA, transporter molecules, and ion channels. It has been reported to possess several biological effects such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, wound healing, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiangiogenic, antimutagenic, and antiplatelet aggregation properties. These beneficial effects of curcumin are because of its extraordinary chemical interactions such as extensive hydrogen and covalent bonding, metal chelation, and so on. Therefore, the aim of this review was to outline the evidence in which curcumin could affect different types of ion channels and ion channel‐related diseases, and also to elucidate basic molecular mechanisms behind it. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019
Cytokine fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) polymorphisms are associated with risk of myopia in young children
Authors: Sun Wei , Li Yinan , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaoming , Feng Qingyang , Zhang Zhenyu , Kang Jianfang , Huang Xuelin
Published: April 2019

Myopia has become a major public health issue worldwide. Identification of genetic loci related to myopia in young children may advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of myopia. Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) plays essential roles for the development of myopia through modulating extracellular matrix‐associated genes. Studies revealed that genetic variants of FGF10 were associated with extreme myopia in adults. However, their associations with susceptibility of myopia in young children, which are less affected by confounding factors and more suitable for studying genetic factors of myopia, have not been explored. In the current study, we evaluated 13 tagSNPs that captured 100% of genetic variation in the FGF10 gene region for their associations with myopia in a large Chinese case‐control study with 900 myopia children and 900 nonmyopia children. We found rs2973644 was significantly associated with increased risk of myopia (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.06‐1.49; P = 0.009). furthermore, rs339501 (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18‐2.53; P = 0.005), rs2973644 (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.13‐2.19; P = 0.007), and rs79002828 (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.20‐2.77; P = 0.005) were significantly associated with increased risk of high myopia in young children. Functional assessment of rs2973644 by luciferase assays revealed the risk G allele causes a higher expression level of FGF10 than the protective A allele. Our results do support that genetic variants of cytokine FGF10 are associated with susceptibility of myopia (as well as high myopia) in young children and further exploration are needed for myopia in children.
Pharmacogenetic Analysis of OATP1B1, UGT1A1, and BCRP Variants in Relation to the Pharmacokinetics of Letermovir in Previously Conducted Clinical Studies
Authors: Kobie Julie , Guo Zifang , Cho Carolyn R. , Menzel Karsten , McCrea Jacqueline B. , Blanchard Rebecca , Shaw Peter M.
Published: April 2019

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral terminase inhibitor letermovir is indicated for prevention of CMV infection in CMV‐seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. In this analysis, functional variants in solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1), uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were assessed for effects on letermovir pharmacokinetics (PK) using pooled genetic information from 296 participants in 12 phase 1 studies. Letermovir area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) was increased in carriers of the SLCO1B1 variant rs4149056 C allele relative to noncarriers with a geometric mean ratio (GMR) of 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.30) for carriers of 1 copy and 1.42 (1.10–1.84) for carriers of 2 copies of the risk allele C compared with noncarriers. The SLCO1B1 variant rs4149032 T allele was associated with a decrease in letermovir AUC with GMR (95%CI) of 0.93 (0.85–1.02) and 0.82 (0.73–0.92) for carriers of 1 and 2 copies of the risk allele T, respectively, compared with noncarriers. The UGT1A1*6 variant rs4148323 A allele was present predominantly in Asian participants and was associated with an increase in letermovir AUC compared with noncarriers (GMR, 1.36; 95%CI, 1. 1.07–1.74). SLCO1B1 variant rs2306283, UGT1A1*28 TA promoter repeat, and BCRP variant rs2231142 had no effect on letermovir PK. Together, these data suggest that variants of enzymes and transporters that are involved in the disposition of letermovir in vitro may account for some variability in letermovir PK, but do not affect exposure to a clinically relevant extent.
Role of inoculum and feeding strategy in the preference of nitrogen removal pathway in case of the fluctuations in nitrogen loading rate
Authors: Cobansoy Selin , Kolukırık Mustafa , Ciggin Asli S
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The investigation of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) pathways has improved our insight into nitrogen removal from wastewater. The detection of dominant pathways is beneficial for gaining knowledge on the fate of nitrogen during wastewater treatment. The aim of this study is to explore the nitrogen removal pathways in case of fluctuation in nitrogen loading rate (NLR). For this purpose, the effect of fluctuation in NLR under different feeding strategies (short‐term and long‐term feeding) on the relative abundance of functional genes related to nitrogen removal pathways were investigated. With the analysis of genes encoding enzymes instead of the 16S rRNA genes, it was aimed to focus on processes rather than the microbial species.

RESULTS

The inoculum consisted of aerobic and anaerobic sludge was determined as optimum inoculum for nitrogen removal via anammox when the long‐term feeding was applied. The fluctuation in NLR resulted with dominance of different pathways in reactors operated with different feeding strategies. The statistical analyses indicated the importance of DNRA in achieving low nitrogen concentrations. Also, a positive significant correlation between nitrogen removal efficiency with aerobic ammonium oxidation revealed the importance of aerobic ammonium oxidation in nitrogen removal even under anoxic conditions.

CONCLUSION

The main conclusions of this study may be summarized as (i) feeding strategy determines dominant nitrogen removal process, (ii) selecting appropriate inoculum is important to shorten the acclimation period, (iii) functional genes are useful as early warning system for track changes in process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic polymorphisms in IL1R1 and IL1R2 are associated with susceptibility to thyroid cancer in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Xiong Zichao , Sun Yao , Wu Jiamin , Niu Fanglin , Jin Tianbo , Li Bin
Published: April 2019

Background

Thyroid carcinoma accounts for a large part of endocrine neoplasia and the relationship between inflammation and thyroid cancer has been validated previously. Two known receptors of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐1 receptor 1 (IL1R1) and IL‐1 receptor 2 (IL1R2), are implicated in numerous inflammatory responses. The present study aimed to assess the genetic polymorphisms of IL1R1 and IL1R2 with respect to thyroid cancer in the Chinese Han population.

Methods

Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL1R1 and IL1R2 were identified among 241 thyroid cancer patients and 463 controls using the Agena MassARRY method (http://www.internationalgenome.org). Genetic models and haplotype analysis were carried out to evaluate the significant links between the variants and the risk of thyroid cancer.

Results

Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations of rs3917225, rs2072472 and rs11674595 with susceptibility to thyroid cancer. Haplotype analysis presented two blocks of IL1R2, whereas no statistical significance existed.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that rs3917225, rs2072472 and rs11674595 are risk factors associated with the development of thyroid carcinoma in Chinese Han people.
Embryonic development of the bullseye puffer Sphoeroides annulatus (Tetraodontidae): A morphofunctional approach to ontogenetic steps
Authors: Martínez‐Brown Juan M. , Cetzal‐Aké Carlos A. , Ibarra‐Castro Leonardo , Sánchez‐Cárdenas Rebeca , Maldonado‐Amparo María A. , Rojo‐Cebreros Angel H. , Sánchez‐Téllez Juan L.
Published: April 2019

The embryonic development of the bullseye puffer, Sphoeroides annulatus, was characterized on the basis of the theory of saltatory ontogeny. This theory predicts a correlative relationship between the ontogeny‐type in an altricial‐precocial spectrum and the habitat that a species occupies within an unstable‐stable environmental spectrum. Because S. annulatus inhabits a variety of unstable environments along a wide latitudinal range, the hypothesis that this species presents one of the most altricial embryonic developments among tetraodontids was tested. Based on major developmental events that marked the ontogenetic thresholds nine embryonic steps were identified. Developmental features such as small adhesives eggs, lack of vitelline circulation, small free embryos swimming up at hatching guided by positive phototaxis, and small first‐feeding larvae actively swam in the water column, suggest that S. annulatus belongs to the reproductive guild of the nonguarders‐lithopelagophils. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the developmental sequences, egg size, and first‐feeding larvae size between tetraodontids confirms the hypothesis of this study and supports the evolutionary principle of the altricial‐precocial spectrum postulated in the theory of saltatory ontogeny.
A high precision shooting and bouncing rays method without mesh for scattering calculation of complex target
Authors: Li Jianzhou , Li Shuang
Published: April 2019

To extend the application of shooting and bouncing rays (SBR) method in the penetration structure and further improve the calculation accuracy, an improved mesh free SBR method that completely implements ray‐tracing and electromagnetic computing in 3‐D geometrical modeling software is proposed. The basic idea is to combine the non‐uniform rational b‐splines (NURBS) surface modeling function and open application programming interface (Open API) to implement the process of mesh free ray tracing, which greatly improve calculation accuracy and efficiency of SBR. Based on this, the improved SBR method can yield a superior performance for scattering analysis of complex targets, especially at the problem where reflected and transmitted waves exist simultaneously in a target. The numerical results demonstrate that the improved SBR is highly effective in computing scattering fields of complex targets.
Simultaneous determination of nine trace concentration angiotensin peptides in human serum using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry with sephadex LH‐20 gel solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Shen Yue , Liu Mingyang , Xu Mingyue , Xu Zhanling , Na Yue , Zhang Ning , Geng Fang
Published: April 2019

The renin–angiotensin system is a highly complex enzymatic system consisting of multiple peptide hormones, enzymes, and receptors. Here, an assay to simultaneously quantify eight angiotensin peptides and bradykinin in human serum was developed and validated, using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A pre‐concentration method of Sephadex LH‐20 gel solid‐phase extraction was first applied for analysis of angiotensin peptides from serum sample. The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was operated in the positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring was used for drug quantification. The analytical time was within 5 min, much raising the analysis efficiency. Limits of detection ranged from 0.9 to 1.3 pg/mL, and displayed the same level of sensitivity compared with radioimmunoassay. The method was successfully applied to 22 healthy human serum samples, giving the concentrations of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, angiotensin III, angiotensin IV, angiotensin 1–9, angiotensin 1–7, angiotensin 1–5, Asn1,Val5‐Angiotensin II, and bradykinin for reference. This novel metabolic profile study of vasoactive peptides based on gel solid‐phase extraction concentration provided not only an accurate quantitative assay of the serum concentrations, but also a promising methodology for evaluating the diagnostic values of the various peptides.
Safety and reliability of a handheld stimulator for neural monitoring during thyroid surgery
Authors: Lawson Bradley R. , Kamani Dipti , Shama Mohamed , Kyriazidis Natalia , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The Checkpoint nerve stimulator (Checkpoint Surgical, Cleveland, OH) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved device for neural localization and monitoring during surgery. Its safety, efficacy, and reliability for neural monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery have not been compared to more standard formats of neural monitoring.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Vagal, recurrent, and superior laryngeal nerve monitoring were performed using both the Checkpoint stimulator and Medtronic NIM 3.0 laryngeal electromyography endotracheal tube (Medtronic, Jacksonville, FL) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. A total of 21 operated sides in 15 patients were included for analysis. Latency and amplitude data for the Checkpoint stimulator were recorded using the NIM monitor and compared to normative endotracheal tube surface electrode data.

Results

Mean amplitude using the Checkpoint stimulator was 574.6 microvolts (μV), 1060.6 μV, and 182.8 μV for the vagus, recurrent laryngeal, and superior laryngeal nerves, respectively. Mean amplitude using standard laryngeal electromyography was 709 μV, 1077.0 μV, and 183.7 μV for the same nerves. Mean latency was significantly shorter with stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve compared to the vagus nerve with both stimulators (P < 0.001). No neural injuries occurred during the study.

Conclusion

The Checkpoint stimulator is a safe and reliable alternative to traditional laryngeal electromyography providing equivalent induced electromyography of the vocalis for neural monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:561–565, 2020
Response of boreal lakes to changing wind strength: Coherent physical changes across two large lakes but varying effects on primary producers over the 20th century
Authors: Strock Kristin E. , Saros Jasmine E. , McGowan Suzanne , Edlund Mark B. , Engstrom Daniel R.
Published: April 2019

Near‐surface wind speeds have changed over recent decades, raising questions about the extent to which these changes are altering the vertical thermal structure of lakes and affecting lake food webs. Neo‐ and paleolimnological techniques were used to assess wind‐driven changes in lake thermal habitat and resulting effects on primary producers in two lakes in Isle Royale National Park, an island archipelago located in Lake Superior, where wind speed has increased in recent decades. Responses in Siskiwit Lake, a large (16 km2 surface area), deep (Zmax = 49 m), oligotrophic lake, were compared to those of Lake Desor, a moderately large (4.3 km2) but shallower (Zmax = 13 m), mesotrophic lake. High‐frequency sensor data suggested that changes in wind speed affected epilimnion thickness in both lakes synchronously (ρ = 0.7, p < 0.001). Diatom‐inferred mixing depths suggested a coherent shift in both lakes to deeper mixing (an increase of 3 and 6 m) since 1920 (ρ = 0.8), which was correlated with an increase in regional wind speed during the 20th century at the decadal‐scale in Lake Desor and Siskiwit Lake (ρ = 0.6 and 0.4, respectively). In Lake Desor, algal biomass declined as mixing deepened from 1920 to 1980, and then cyanobacteria and cryptophyte pigments increased from 1980 to present, a period of inferred stable and deep mixing. Algal pigment concentrations in Siskiwit Lake were unchanged as mixing depth deepened. Although changes in wind speed altered lake physical structure similarly, the ecological consequences of these changes differed between lakes and were most likely influenced by lake‐specific variability in nutrient and light availability.
Hydrophilicity Tunable Hyperbranched Polymers by Visible Light Induced Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization
Authors: Bener Semira , Aydogan Cansu , Yagci Yusuf
Published: April 2019

A facile and efficient route for synthesizing hydrophilicity tunable hyperbranched polymers is described. The method is based on the visible light induced self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) and 2‐(2‐bromoisobutryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (BIBEM) as monomer and inimer, respectively, in the presence of dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn2(CO)10). Subsequently, the hydrophlicity of the resulting hydrophobic hyperbranched polymers is tuned by hydrolysis of the tert‐butyl ester moieties of the copolymer. The effect of inimer concentration and irradiation time on the branching density and hydrophilicity is evaluated. The precursor and hydrolyzed hyperbranched polymers are characterized by 1H NMR, GPC, FT‐IR, and contact angle measurements.