bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of the accumbal osteopontin-interacting transmembrane protein 168 in methamphetamine-induced place preference and hyperlocomotion in mice
Authors: Fu Kequan , Miyamoto Yoshiaki , Otake Kazuya , Sumi Kazuyuki , Saika Eriko , Matsumura Shohei , Sato Naoki , Ueno Yuka , Seo Seunghee , Uno Kyosuke , Muramatsu Shin-ichi , Nitta Atsumi
Published: October 2017

Chronic exposure to methamphetamine causes adaptive changes in brain, which underlie dependence symptoms. We have found that the transmembrane protein 168 (TMEM168) is overexpressed in the nucleus accumbens of mice upon repeated methamphetamine administration. Here, we firstly demonstrate the inhibitory effect of TMEM168 on methamphetamine-induced behavioral changes in mice, and attempt to elucidate the mechanism of this inhibition. We overexpressed TMEM168 in the nucleus accumbens of mice by using an adeno-associated virus vector (NAc-TMEM mice). Methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion and conditioned place preference were attenuated in NAc-TMEM mice. Additionally, methamphetamine-induced extracellular dopamine elevation was suppressed in the nucleus accumbens of NAc-TMEM mice. Next, we identified extracellular matrix protein osteopontin as an interacting partner of TMEM168, by conducting immunoprecipitation in cultured COS-7 cells. TMEM168 overexpression in COS-7 cells induced the enhancement of extracellular and intracellular osteopontin. Similarly, osteopontin enhancement was also observed in the nucleus accumbens of NAc-TMEM mice, inin vivostudies. Furthermore, the infusion of osteopontin proteins into the nucleus accumbens of mice was found to inhibit methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion and conditioned place preference. Our studies suggest that the TMEM168-regulated osteopontin system is a novel target pathway for the therapy of methamphetamine dependence, via regulating the dopaminergic function in the nucleus accumbens.
Effects of predator lipids on dinoflagellate defence mechanisms - increased bioluminescence capacity
Authors: Lindström Jenny , Grebner Wiebke , Rigby Kristie , Selander Erik
Published: October 2017

Short flashes of blue light (bioluminescence) from dinoflagellates can reduce copepod grazing of light-emitting cells. Other protective strategies against grazing are toxicity, reduced cell chain length and altered swimming patterns in different phytoplankton. Both toxicity and bioluminescence capacity in dinoflagellates decrease in copepod-free cultures, but toxin production can be restored in response to chemical alarm signals from copepods, copepodamides. Here we show that strains of the dinoflagellates Lingulodinium polyedra and Alexandrium tamarense, kept in culture for 14 and 9 years respectively, are capable of increasing their total bioluminescence capacity in response to copepodamides. The luminescence response to mechanical stimulation with air bubbles also increases significantly in L. polyedra after exposure to copepodamides. Effects on size, swimming speed and rate of change of direction in L. polyedra and A. tamarense were not detected, suggesting that post-encounter mechanisms such as bioluminescence and toxin production may constitute the dominating line of defence in these taxa. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of changes in bioluminescence physiology as a response to chemical cues from natural enemies and emphasizes the importance of bioluminescence as an anti-grazing strategy.
Morphology and mechanics of fungal mycelium
Authors: Islam M. R. , Tudryn G. , Bucinell R. , Schadler L. , Picu R. C.
Published: October 2017

We study a unique biomaterial developed from fungal mycelium, the vegetative part and the root structure of fungi. Mycelium has a filamentous network structure with mechanics largely controlled by filament elasticity and branching, and network density. We report the morphological and mechanical characterization of mycelium through an integrated experimental and computational approach. The monotonic mechanical behavior of the mycelium is non-linear both in tension and compression. The material exhibits considerable strain hardening before rupture under tension, it mimics the open cell foam behavior under compression and exhibits hysteresis and the Mullins effect when subjected to cyclic loading. Based on our morphological characterization and experimental observations, we develop and validate a multiscale fiber network-based model for the mycelium which reproduces the tensile and compressive behavior of the material.
Potential impacts of climate change on habitat suitability for the Queensland fruit fly
Authors: Sultana Sabira , Baumgartner John B. , Dominiak Bernard C. , Royer Jane E. , Beaumont Linda J.
Published: October 2017

Anthropogenic climate change is a major factor driving shifts in the distributions of pests and invasive species. The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Qfly), is the most economically damaging insect pest of Australia’s horticultural industry, and its management is a key priority for plant protection and biosecurity. Identifying the extent to which climate change may alter the distribution of suitable habitat for Qfly is important for the development and continuation of effective monitoring programs, phytosanitary measures, and management strategies. We used Maxent, a species distribution model, to map suitable habitat for Qfly under current climate, and six climate scenarios for 2030, 2050 and 2070. Our results highlight that south-western Australia, northern regions of the Northern Territory, eastern Queensland, and much of south-eastern Australia are currently suitable for Qfly. This includes southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania, which are currently free of breeding populations. There is substantial agreement across future climate scenarios that most areas currently suitable will remain so until at least 2070. Our projections provide an initial estimate of the potential exposure of Australia’s horticultural industry to Qfly as climate changes, highlighting the need for long-term vigilance across southern Australia to prevent further range expansion of this species.
Biomarker-indicated extent of oxidation of plant-derived organic carbon (OC) in relation to geomorphology in an arsenic contaminated Holocene aquifer, Cambodia
Authors: Magnone Daniel , Richards Laura A. , Polya David A. , Bryant Charlotte , Jones Merren , van Dongen Bart E.
Published: October 2017

The poisoning of rural populations in South and Southeast Asia due to high groundwater arsenic concentrations is one of the world’s largest ongoing natural disasters. It is important to consider environmental processes related to the release of geogenic arsenic, including geomorphological and organic geochemical processes. Arsenic is released from sediments when iron-oxide minerals, onto which arsenic is adsorbed or incorporated, react with organic carbon (OC) and the OC is oxidised. In this study we build a new geomorphological framework for Kandal Province, a highly studied arsenic affected region of Cambodia, and tie this into wider regional environmental change throughout the Holocene. Analyses shows that the concentration of OC in the sediments is strongly inversely correlated to grainsize. Furthermore, the type of OC is also related to grain size with the clay containing mostly (immature) plant derived OC and sand containing mostly thermally mature derived OC. Finally, analyses indicate that within the plant derived OC relative oxidation is strongly grouped by stratigraphy with the older bound OC more oxidised than younger OC.
Mechanical stress induces elastic fibre disruption and cartilage matrix increase in ligamentum flavum
Authors: Hayashi Kazunori , Suzuki Akinobu , Abdullah Ahmadi Sayed , Terai Hidetomi , Yamada Kentaro , Hoshino Masatoshi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Takahashi Shinji , Tamai Koji , Ohyama Shoichiro , Javid Akgar , Suhrab Rahmani Mohammad , Hasib Maruf Mohammad , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: October 2017

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is one of the most frequent causes of low back pain and gait disturbance in the elderly. Ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy is the main pathomechanism of LSS, but the reason for its occurrence is not clearly elucidated. In this study, we established a novel animal model of intervertebral mechanical stress concentration and investigated the biological property of the LF. The LF with mechanical stress concentration showed degeneration with elastic fibres disruption and cartilage matrix increase, which are similar to the findings in hypertrophied LF from patients with LSS. By contrast, decreased Col2a1 expression was found in the LF at fixed levels, in which mechanical stress was strongly reduced. These findings indicate that mechanical stress plays a crucial role in LF hypertrophy through cartilage matrix increase. The findings also suggest that fusion surgery, which eliminates intervertebral instability, may change the property of the LF and lead to the relief of patients’ symptoms.
Characterization and genomic study of “phiKMV-Like” phage PAXYB1 infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yu Xinyan , Xu Yue , Gu Yu , Zhu Yefei , Liu Xiaoqiu
Published: October 2017

Bacteriophage PAXYB1 was recently isolated from wastewater samples. This phage was chosen based on its lytic properties against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In the present study, characterized PAXYB1, clarified its morphological and lytic properties, and analyzed its complete genome sequence. Based on the morphology of PAXYB1, it is a Podoviridae. The linear GC-rich (62.29%) double-stranded DNA genome of PAXYB1 is 43,337 bp including direct terminal repeats (DTRs) of 468 bp. It contains 60 open reading frames (ORFs) that are all encoded within the same strand. We also showed that PAXYB1 is a virulent phage and a new member of the phiKMV-like phages genus. Twenty-eight out of sixty predicted gene products (gps) showed significant homology to proteins of known function, which were confirmed by analyzing the structural proteome. Altogether, our work identified a novel lytic bacteriophage that lyses P. aeruginosa PAO1 and efficiently infects and kills several clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. This phage has potential for development as a biological disinfectant to control P. aeruginosa infections.
Interventions for treating displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures in the elderly: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Bin-Fei , Wang Peng-Fei , Huang Hai , Cong Yu-Xuan , Wang Hu , Zhuang Yan
Published: October 2017

Displaced intracapsular femoral neck (AO type 31 B2/3) fractures have various treatments, including internal fixation (IF), unipolar uncemented hemiarthroplasty (HA), bipolar uncemented HA, unipolar cemented HA, bipolar cemented HA, uncemented total hip replacement (THR), and cemented THR. Systematic literature retrieval was performed from the databases to compare them in a network meta-analysis. Forty studies (85 arms) containing 6141 patients were included. Overall, our network meta-analysis rank the orders of 7 procedures in reoperation, mortality, dislocation and infection, which indicates that IF may provide the highest reoperation incidence, unipolar cemented HA may provide the lowest reoperation incidence; uncemented THR contributes the highest dislocation incidence; and bipolar uncemented HA provides the lowest infection incidence. No differences in mortality were observed among the treatments. This conclusion is indirect; higher-quality direct comparisons are required.
Evidence of Early-Stage Selection on EPAS1 and GPR126 Genes in Andean High Altitude Populations
Authors: Eichstaedt Christina A. , Pagani Luca , Antao Tiago , Inchley Charlotte E. , Cardona Alexia , Mörseburg Alexander , Clemente Florian J. , Sluckin Timothy J. , Metspalu Ene , Mitt Mario , Mägi Reedik , Hudjashov Georgi , Metspalu Mait , Mormina Maru , Jacobs Guy S. , Kivisild Toomas
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is to identify genetic variants that harbour signatures of recent positive selection and may facilitate physiological adaptations to hypobaric hypoxia. To achieve this, we conducted whole genome sequencing and lung function tests in 19 Argentinean highlanders (>3500 m) comparing them to 16 Native American lowlanders. We developed a new statistical procedure using a combination of population branch statistics (PBS) and number of segregating sites by length (nSL) to detect beneficial alleles that arose since the settlement of the Andes and are currently present in 15–50% of the population. We identified two missense variants as significant targets of selection. One of these variants, located within the GPR126 gene, has been previously associated with the forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity ratio. The other novel missense variant mapped to the EPAS1 gene encoding the hypoxia inducible factor 2α. EPAS1 is known to be the major selection candidate gene in Tibetans. The derived allele of GPR126 is associated with lung function in our sample of highlanders (p < 0.05). These variants may contribute to the physiological adaptations to hypobaric hypoxia, possibly by altering lung function. The new statistical approach might be a useful tool to detect selected variants in population studies.
Exclusive and Combined Use of Statins and Aspirin and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Archibugi Livia , Piciucchi Matteo , Stigliano Serena , Valente Roberto , Zerboni Giulia , Barucca Viola , Milella Michele , Maisonneuve Patrick , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Capurso Gabriele
Published: October 2017

Data on the association between aspirin and statin use and Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PDAC) risk are conflicting. These drugs are often co-prescribed, but no studies evaluated the potential combined or confounding effect of the two at the same time. We aimed to investigate the association between aspirin and statin exclusive and combined use and PDAC occurrence. Data on environmental factors, family and medical history were screened in a case-control study. PDAC cases were matched to controls for age and gender. Power calculation performed ahead. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals(CI) were obtained from multivariable logistic regression analysis. In 408 PDAC patients and 816 matched controls, overall statin (OR 0.61; 95%CI,0.43–0.88), but not aspirin use was associated to reduced PDAC risk. Compared to non-users, exclusive statin (OR 0.51; 95%CI,0.32–0.80) and exclusive aspirin users (OR 0.64; 95%CI,0.40–1.01) had reduced PDAC risk. Concomitant statin and aspirin use did not further reduce the risk compared with statin use alone and no interaction was evident. Statin protective association was dose-dependent, and consistent in most subgroups, being stronger in smokers, elderly, obese and non-diabetic patients. The present study suggests that statin use is associated to reduced PDAC risk, supporting a chemopreventive action of statins on PDAC.
Ginsenoside Rb1 prevents homocysteine-induced EPC dysfunction via VEGF/p38MAPK and SDF-1/CXCR4 activation
Authors: Lan Tao-Hua , Xu Dan-Ping , Huang Man-Ting , Song Ju-Xian , Wu Huan-Lin , Li Min
Published: October 2017

Hyperhomocystinemia (HHcy) is known as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our previous study showed that ginsenoside Rb1, the major active constituent of ginseng, prevents homocysteine (Hcy)-induced endothelial damage. However, the role of ginsenoside Rb1 in Hcy-induced dysfunction in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remains unknown. In the study, we found that ginsenoside Rb1 reversed the Hcy-induced impairment of adhesive and migratory ability in EPCs which were significantly abolished by CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and VEGFR2 inhibitor SU5416. Ginsenoside Rb1 significantly reversed Hcy-induced SDF-1 reduction in the supernatant and in the serum. Ginsenoside Rb1 reversed downregulation of SDF-1 and VEGFR2 protein expression, inhibition of p38MAPK phosphorylation induced by Hcy. Re-endothelialization in balloon-injured carotid arteries significantly increased with EPCs transplant, and was even better with Rb1 treatment. This effect was significantly abolished by AMD3100. AMD3100 also decreased the number of CM-DiI labeled EPCs in injured arteries. Here we show for the first time that Rb1 prevents Hcy-induced EPC dysfunction via VEGF/p38MAPK and SDF-1/CXCR4 activation. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of the action of Rb1 that may have value in prevention of HHcy associated cardiovascular disease.
Social support and mental health in late adolescence are correlated for genetic, as well as environmental, reasons
Authors: Wang R. Adele H. , Davis Oliver S. P. , Wootton Robyn E. , Mottershaw Abigail , Haworth Claire M. A.
Published: October 2017

Late adolescence is a crucial, but underexplored, developmental stage with respect to the aetiology of social support. These individuals are experiencing many major life changes and social support can help them adjust to the associated environmental stressors of this time. Using 1,215 18-year-old twin pairs from the Twins Early Development Study, we collected measures of two indices of support: support quality and support quantity, as well as wellbeing and depression. Both support indices were moderately heritable (55% and 49%, respectively), an interesting finding given the many environmental changes that late adolescents are encountering that could be environmentally altering their social network structures. Finding a genetic influence on support suggests the presence of gene-environment correlation whereby individuals create and perceive their supportive environment based upon their genetic predispositions. Shared genetic influences mediated the moderate phenotypic correlation (mean r = 0.46) between support and mental health. Genetic correlations were higher between support quality and mental health (mean rA = 0.75), than between support quantity and mental health (mean rA = 0.54), reflecting the phenotypic pattern. This suggests that interventions should focus more on making late adolescents aware of the support quality around them than encouraging them to increase their social network size.
Probiotic supplementation in preterm infants does not affect the risk of retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cavallaro Giacomo , Villamor-Martínez Eduardo , Filippi Luca , Mosca Fabio , Villamor Eduardo
Published: October 2017

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular disorder of the developing retina in preterm infants and is a leading cause of childhood blindness. Perinatal infection plays a pathogenic role in ROP. Probiotic supplementation reduces the risk of late onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants but it remains to be determined whether this reduction translates into a reduction of other complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the possible role of probiotics in altering the risk of ROP. Eleven randomized controlled trials (4250 infants; probiotics: 2121) were included in the meta-analysis that showed a significantly decreased rate of LOS with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.807 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.705 to 0.924 (P = 0.010; fixed effects model) but could not demonstrate a significant effect of probiotics on any stage ROP (RR 1.053, 95% CI 0.903 to 1.228, P = 0.508, 4 studies), or severe ROP (RR 0.841, 95% CI 0.666 to 1.063, P = 0.148, 9 studies). Meta-regression did not show any significant association between the RR for LOS and the RR for severe ROP. In conclusion, our results suggest that infection prevention by probiotics does not affect the risk of developing ROP in preterm infants.
Developmental Emergence of Sparse Coding: A Dynamic Systems Approach
Authors: Rahmati Vahid , Kirmse Knut , Holthoff Knut , Schwabe Lars , Kiebel Stefan J.
Published: October 2017

During neocortical development, network activity undergoes a dramatic transition from largely synchronized, so-called cluster activity, to a relatively sparse pattern around the time of eye-opening in rodents. Biophysical mechanisms underlying this sparsification phenomenon remain poorly understood. Here, we present a dynamic systems modeling study of a developing neural network that provides the first mechanistic insights into sparsification. We find that the rest state of immature networks is strongly affected by the dynamics of a transient, unstable state hidden in their firing activities, allowing these networks to either be silent or generate large cluster activity. We address how, and which, specific developmental changes in neuronal and synaptic parameters drive sparsification. We also reveal how these changes refine the information processing capabilities of an in vivo developing network, mainly by showing a developmental reduction in the instability of network’s firing activity, an effective availability of inhibition-stabilized states, and an emergence of spontaneous attractors and state transition mechanisms. Furthermore, we demonstrate the key role of GABAergic transmission and depressing glutamatergic synapses in governing the spatiotemporal evolution of cluster activity. These results, by providing a strong link between experimental observations and model behavior, suggest how adult sparse coding networks may emerge developmentally.
Essential role of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) in glutamate-enhanced cell survival in cardiac cells exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation
Authors: Maiolino Marta , Castaldo Pasqualina , Lariccia Vincenzo , Piccirillo Silvia , Amoroso Salvatore , Magi Simona
Published: October 2017

Myocardial ischemia culminates in ATP production impairment, ionic derangement and cell death. The provision of metabolic substrates during reperfusion significantly increases heart tolerance to ischemia by improving mitochondrial performance. Under normoxia, glutamate contributes to myocardial energy balance as substrate for anaplerotic reactions, and we demonstrated that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger1 (NCX1) provides functional support for both glutamate uptake and use for ATP synthesis. Here we investigated the role of NCX1 in the potential of glutamate to improve energy metabolism and survival of cardiac cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Specifically, in H9c2-NCX1 myoblasts, ATP levels, mitochondrial activities and cell survival were significantly compromised after H/R challenge. Glutamate supplementation at the onset of the reoxygenation phase significantly promoted viability, improved mitochondrial functions and normalized the H/R-induced increase of NCX1 reverse-mode activity. The benefits of glutamate were strikingly lost in H9c2-WT (lacking NCX1 expression), or in H9c2-NCX1 and rat cardiomyocytes treated with either NCX or Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters (EAATs) blockers, suggesting that a functional interplay between these transporters is critically required for glutamate-induced protection. Collectively, these results revealed for the first time the key role of NCX1 for the beneficial effects of glutamate against H/R-induced cell injury.
The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib attenuates renal fibrosis in mice via the suppression of TGF-β1
Authors: Zeniya Moko , Mori Takayasu , Yui Naofumi , Nomura Naohiro , Mandai Shintaro , Isobe Kiyoshi , Chiga Motoko , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi
Published: October 2017

Kidney fibrosis and fibrogenesis significantly exacerbate chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and are essential therapeutic targets. Bortezomib (BZM) is a proteasome inhibitor used for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Several studies have demonstrated that BZM attenuates renal impairment in patients with MM, although this effect is generally considered to be the result of MM remission. Recently, several studies on BZM reported anti-fibrotic effects on liver and skin in experimental animal models. However, its effect on renal fibrosis has yet to be examined. Here, we investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of BZM in an experimental mouse model of fibrosis that uses aristolochic acid I (AA). Ten weeks of AA administration with BZM treatment twice a week significantly attenuated AA-induced renal dysfunction and albuminuria, reduced the expression of renal fibrosis-related proteins and kidney injury markers, such as αSMA, Kim1, and Ngal, and prevented renal fibrosis at the level of histopathology. Furthermore, pathological activation of TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling and apoptosis, essential pathophysiological causes of AA-induced nephropathy (AAN), were ameliorated by BZM, suggesting this mechanism may be involved in improving fibrosis in AAN. In conclusion, BZM directly inhibits renal fibrosis in CKD via suppression of TGFβ1-Smad3 signaling and is promising in terms of drug repositioning.
Appropriate surgical modalities for stages T2a and T2b in the eighth TNM classification of lung cancer
Authors: Bie Fenglong , Qu Xiao , Yang Xudong , Pang Zhaofei , Yang Yufan , Liu Shaorui , Dong Wei , Du Jiajun
Published: October 2017

Patients with tumors of 3 to 5 cm were divided into stages T2a (3 to 4 cm) and T2b (4 to 5 cm) based on the 8th tumor-node-metastasis staging system for lung cancer. The objective of our study was to explore appropriate surgical modalities for the new stages, T2a and T2b. We selected 6,996 node-negative non-small-cell lung cancer patients with tumor sizes of 3 to 5 cm, diagnosed between 2009 and 2013, from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. The Pearson $${\chi }^{2}$$

χ

2

. statistic test and Kaplan–Meier curve were used to analyze patient data. The prognosis of patients with stage T2a was significantly better than that of patients with stage T2b, both in overall survival (p = 0.018) and lung cancer specific survival (p = 0.001). For patients with stage T2a, lobectomy had a significantly better outcome. For patients with stage T2b, surgical modalities including pneumonectomy, segmental resection and lobectomy, had similar outcomes in terms of survival. Consequently, lobectomy was the most appropriate surgical treatment modality for new stage T2a patients, whereas, for new T2b patients, treatment outcome did not vary significantly with the choice of surgical modality.
Simultaneous quantification of nine aconitum alkaloids in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and related products using UHPLC–QQQ–MS/MS
Authors: He Fan , Wang Can-Jian , Xie Ying , Cheng Chun-Song , Liu Zhong-Qiu , Liu Liang , Zhou Hua
Published: October 2017

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) is obtained from processed daughter roots of Aconitum carmichaeli, a toxic plant with a high medical value well known in Chinese medicine. In addition to the known toxic alkaloids (aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine) and bioactive alkaloids (benzoylaconine, benzoylmesaconine, and benzoylhypaconine), three rarely found alkaloids have been previously reported in Fuzi, i.e., yunaconitine, 8-deacetyl-yunaconitine, and crassicauline A, and they were reported in recent years to cause potential risk to patients who took Fuzi or related products. To better control the quality of this herb and its related products and ensure safe use, developing a method to simultaneously determine these 9 alkaloids is important. In this research, sensitive and accurate ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was established and used to examine 51 Fuzi and 27 Fuzi-containing products. Unexpectedly, 8-deacetyl-yunaconitine was detected in 17 Fuzi samples (33.3%) and 3 Fuzi-containing products (11.1%); yunaconitine in 10 Fuzi samples (19.6%) and 10 Fuzi-containing products (37.0%); and crassicauline A in 3 Fuzi samples (5.8%). Industry and clinics should be aware of the unusually high detection rate of these three toxic alkaloids in the Fuzi herb and its related products and take the necessary precautions to protect patients from any potential risk.
Synthesis and Absorption Properties of Hollow-spherical Dy2Cu2O5 via a Coordination Compound Method with [DyCu(3,4-pdc)2(OAc)(H2O)2]•10.5H2O Precursor
Authors: Liu Xuanwen , You Junhua , Wang Renchao , Ni Zhiyuan , Han Fei , Jin Lei , Ye Zhiqi , Fang Zhao , Guo Rui
Published: October 2017

Dy2Cu2O5 nanoparticles with perovskite structures were synthesized via a simple solution method (SSM) and a coordination compound method (CCM) using [DyCu(3,4-pdc)2(OAc)(H2O)2]•10.5H2O (pdc = 3,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) as precursor. The as-prepared samples were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and standard Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods. Compared to the aggregated hexahedral particles prepared by SSM, the Dy2Cu2O5 of CCM showed hollow spherical morphology composed of nanoparticles with average diameters of 100–150 nm and a larger special surface area up to 36.5 m2/g. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q
m
) of CCM for malachite green (MG) determined by the adsorption isotherms with different adsorbent dosages of 0.03–0.07 g, reached 5.54 g/g at room temperature. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption process were estimated by the fittings of the isotherms at 298, 318, and 338 K, and the kinetic parameters were obtained from the time-dependent adsorption isotherms. The results revealed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order reaction. Finally, the adsorption mechanism was studied using a competitive ion (CI) experiments, and the highly efficient selective adsorption was achieved due to strong O-Cu and O-Dy coordination bonds between Dy2Cu2O5 and MG.
Production and evaluation of parathyroid hormone receptor1 ligands with intrinsic or assembled peroxidase domains
Authors: Charest-Morin Xavier , Poubelle Patrice E. , Marceau François
Published: October 2017

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) can be C-terminally extended without significant affinity loss for the PTH1 receptor (PTHR1). We developed fusion protein ligands with enzymatic activity to probe PTHR1s at the cell surface. Two fusion proteins were generated by linking PTH to the N-terminus of either horseradish peroxidase (PTH-HRP) or the genetically modified soybean peroxidase APEX2 (PTH-APEX2). Alternatively, myc-tagged PTH (PTH-myc) was combined with antibodies, some of which HRP-conjugated, in the extracellular fluid. The three PTH-fusion proteins were produced as conditioned mediums (CM) by transfected producer HEK 293a cells. Binding of receptor-bound enzymatic ligands was revealed using widely available substrate/co-substrate systems. The stimulation of recipient HEK 293a expressing PTHR1s with the PTH-myc/antibodies combination or with PTH-APEX2 supported the histochemical or luminescent detection of recombinant PTHR1s (TrueBlueTM or luminol-based reagent). The PTH-HRP construction was the most sensitive and supported all tested peroxidase co-substrates (TrueBlueTM, tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), luminol, biotin-phenol with streptavidin-Qdots); the 3 latter schemes identified endogenous PTHR1 in the osteoblastic HOS cell line. The specificity of the fusion protein binding to PTHR1 was determined by its competition with an excess of PTH1–34. Bifunctional ligands possessing enzymatic activity detect intact receptors with various possible applications, including the screening of drugs that compete for receptor binding.
Mechanisms involved in the triggering of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by Candida glabrata during planktonic and biofilm growth
Authors: Johnson Chad J. , Kernien John F. , Hoyer Amanda R. , Nett Jeniel E.
Published: October 2017

Candida spp. adhere to medical devices, such as catheters, forming drug-tolerant biofilms that resist killing by the immune system. Little is known about how C. glabrata, an emerging pathogen, resists attack by phagocytes. Here we show that upon encounter with planktonic (non-biofilm) C. glabrata, human neutrophils initially phagocytose the yeast and subsequently release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), complexes of DNA, histones, and proteins capable of inhibiting fungal growth and dissemination. When exposed to C. glabrata biofilms, neutrophils also release NETs, but significantly fewer than in response to planktonic cells. Impaired killing of biofilm parallels the decrease in NET production. Compared to biofilm, neutrophils generate higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when presented with planktonic organisms, and pharmacologic inhibition of NADPH-oxidase partially impairs NET production. In contrast, inhibition of phagocytosis nearly completely blocks NET release to both biofilm and planktonic organisms. Imaging of the host response to C. glabrata in a rat vascular model of infection supports a role for NET release in vivo. Taken together, these findings show that C. glabrata triggers NET release. The diminished NET response to C. glabrata biofilms likely contributes to the resilience of these structured communities to host defenses.
Efficient reduction of nitric oxide using zirconium phosphide powders synthesized by elemental combination method
Authors: Li Zhen , Chen Ning , Wang Jigang , Li Peishen , Guo Ming , Wang Qiang , Li Chunhong , Wang Changzheng , Guo Tao , Chen Shaowei
Published: October 2017

Zirconium phosphide (ZrP) powders were synthesized by elemental combination method via the direct reaction of zirconium powders with red phosphorus, and characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, XRF, SAED and TEM measurements. The obtained ZrP powders were found to exhibit apparent activity in the ready eliminateion of nitric oxide (NO) via facile redox reactions, and the elimination dynamics was evaluated within the context of various important experimental parameters, such as reaction temperature and gas concentration. At a fixed amount of ZrP powders, an increasing amount of NO would be eliminated with increasing reaction temperature, and complete conversion of NO to N2 could be reached in the range of 700 to 800 °C. The addition of NH3 also facilitated NO elimination at a fixed reaction temperature. Furthermore, of the products of the elimination process, zirconia (ZrO2) powder is a kind of biocompatible material, red phosphorus can be used to produce safety matches, organophosphorous pesticide and phosphor bronze, and the produced N2 might be collected and used as a protective gas or be converted into liquid nitrogen for other purposes.
Effects of Prenatal Phthalate Exposure on Thyroid Hormone Concentrations Beginning at The Embryonic Stage
Authors: Gao Hui , Wu Wanke , Xu Yuanyuan , Jin Zhongxiu , Bao Huihui , Zhu Peng , Su Puyu , Sheng Jie , Hao Jiahu , Tao Fangbiao
Published: October 2017

Limited studies have consistently shown an association of phthalates exposure with thyroid hormones (THs) in pregnant women. However, it remains unknown on which specific phthalates can affect THs and whether any effects could differ by gestational age. In the present study, we investigated associations between serum concentrations of phthalate monoesters [monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(n + iso)-butyl phthalate (MBP) and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)] and THs [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (FT4)] in Chinese pregnant women. 1,397 women were recruited from the China-Anhui Birth Cohort. Maternal serum samples were collected and used to measure phthalate metabolites and THs. Covariate-adjusted linear regression analyses showed that natural log (Ln)-transferred concentrations of MBP and LnMEHP were negatively associated with TT4 (β = −0.277 and –0.461, respectively; p < 0.001). Stratification analyses by gestational weeks showed significant associations of LnMBP and LnMEHP with TT4 in gestational weeks 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 20. Our findings suggest an association of serum phthalates with lower TT4. The influence of MBP and MEHP on TT4 concentrations throughout the early pregnancy may begin from the embryonic stage (gestational weeks 5 to 8).
MSAllstrategy for comprehensive quantitative analysis of PEGylated-doxorubicin, PEG and doxorubicin by LC-high resolution q-q-TOF mass spectrometry coupled with all window acquisition of all fragment ion spectra
Authors: Yin Lei , Su Chong , Ren Tianming , Meng Xiangjun , Shi Meiyun , Paul Fawcett J. , Zhang Mengliang , Hu Wei , Gu Jingkai
Published: October 2017

Covalent attachment of PEG to therapeutic compounds (PEGylation) is one of the best techniques to improve the biological efficacy of small molecular weight drugs.
Thermo-responsive self-immolative nanoassemblies: direct and indirect triggering
Authors: Fan Bo , Trant John F. , Hemery Gauvin , Sandre Olivier , Gillies Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2017

A new thermo-responsive end-cap was developed and applied to self-immolative vesicles and micelles with both direct and indirect thermal triggering.
Shape effect-induced spiral superstructures in a self-assembled achiral disc-bent core amphiphile
Authors: Gu Kehua , Wen Tao , Han Mengying , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhou Yu , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xinghe , Ho Rong-Ming
Published: October 2017

Spiral superstructures of an achiral disc-bent core amphiphile demonstrate the shape effect of a giant molecule on the self-assembly of supramolecules.
Particle engineering by optimization for the unseeded batch cooling crystallization of l-asparagine monohydrate
Authors: Bhoi Stutee , Lenka Maheswata , Sarkar Debasis
Published: October 2017

A model-based optimization approach is proposed to obtain temperature profiles to achieve the target CSD in a batch cooling crystallization process.
Stacking interactions involving non-Watson–Crick basepairs: dispersion corrected density functional theory studies
Authors: Maiti Satyabrata , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay
Published: October 2017

Stacking interactions between a non Watson–Crick G:A S:HT basepair and C:G basepair is predicted in terms of roll, twist and slide basepair step parameters using DFT-D augmented with coarse-grain energy penalty for sugar–phosphate backbone.
The interaction of halogen atoms and molecules with borophene
Authors: Khanifaev Jamoliddin , Peköz Rengin , Konuk Mine , Durgun Engin
Published: October 2017

The interaction of halogen atoms (X: F, Cl, Br, I) and molecules (X2: F2, Cl2, Br2, I2) with borophene is revealed.
Investigation of the surface plasmon polariton and electrochemical properties of covalent and non-covalent functionalized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Saha Sanjit , Samanta Pranab , Chandra Murmu Naresh , Kuila Tapas
Published: October 2017

Non-covalent functionalized rGO showed superior plasmonic response and high donor density through a large frequency range at the electrode–electrolyte interface.
Nanosized palladium on phosphorus-incorporated porous carbon frameworks for enhanced selective phenylacetylene hydrogenation
Authors: Yu Weizhen , Xin Zhiling , Niu Shuo , Lin Tsung-Wu , Guo Wenyao , Xie Yanan , Wu Yifei , Ji Xiaobo , Shao Lidong
Published: October 2017

In the present study, Pd nanoparticles supported on phosphorus-incorporated porous carbon frameworks were prepared and used in selective phenylacetylene hydrogenation.
Achiral polyamine-induced chiral zinc gallophosphates with fused double helix-like strands exhibiting blue to green photoluminescence
Authors: Huang Hui-Lin , Liu You-Rong , Huang Li-Hsun , Chiang Ray-Kuang , Wang Sue-Lein
Published: October 2017

Chiral zinc gallophosphate structures with achiral linear-type polyamine templates exhibiting inorganic–organic double helix-like strands and intriguing blue to green photoluminescence.
A mechanistic study of nitrite reduction on iron(ii) complexes of methylated N-confused porphyrins
Authors: Ching Wei-Min , Chen Peter Ping-Yu , Hung Chen-Hsiung
Published: October 2017

A nitrite reduction reaction under methylated iron(ii) N-confused porphyrin revealed roles of porphyrin in transferring protons and promoting N–OH bond fission.
An unusual zig-zag 1D copper(ii) coordination polymer displaying magnetic phase transition
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Bao-Hong , Lu Lu , Liu Jian-Qiang , Sakiyama Hiroshi , Kumar Abhinav
Published: October 2017

A new Cu(ii)-based 1D chain was prepared and its magnetic behaviour was investigated, which indicated a magnetic phase transition below 25 K as well as long-range magnetic ordering.
Synergistic antibacterial activity of a combination of silver and copper nanoparticle impregnated activated carbon for water disinfection
Authors: Biswas Pritam , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip
Published: October 2017

Schematic representation of E. coli cell death using the synergistic anti-bacterial activity of a mixture of Ag-AC and Cu-AC hybrids.
Remarkably improved stability and enhanced activity of a Burkholderia cepacia lipase by coating with a triazolium alkyl-PEG sulfate ionic liquid
Authors: Nishihara T. , Shiomi A. , Kadotani S. , Nokami T. , Itoh T.
Published: October 2017

Three types of triazolium cetyl-PEG10 sulfate ionic liquid were synthesized and their activation of Burkholderia cepacia lipase was investigated.
Photochemical vapor generation: a radical approach to analyte introduction for atomic spectrometry
Authors: Sturgeon Ralph E.
Published: October 2017

A tutorial review of photochemical vapor generation for enhanced sample introduction with analytical atomic spectrometry is presented, covering experimental hardware, reaction mechanisms, products, interferences and future outlook.
Electrospun CuO/NiO composite nanofibers for sensitive and selective non-enzymatic nitrite sensors
Authors: Saravanan Jayachandran , Ramasamy Ramachandran , Annal Therese Helen , Amala G. , Gnana kumar G.
Published: October 2017

CuO/NiO composite nanofibers prepared by using an electrospinning technique were exploited as an electrochemical probe for the non-enzymatic detection of nitrite.
Combining vitamin B12 and cisplatin-loaded porous silica nanoparticles via coordination: a facile approach to prepare a targeted drug delivery system
Authors: Thepphankulngarm Nattanida , Wonganan Piyanuch , Sapcharoenkun Chaweewan , Tuntulani Thawatchai , Leeladee Pannee
Published: October 2017

In this work, a novel drug delivery system for targeted therapy is developed based on noncovalent interactions.
A smart two-photon fluorescent platform based on desulfurization–cyclization: a phthalimide–rhodamine chemodosimeter for Hg2+ NIR emission at 746 nm and through-bond energy transfer
Authors: Yao Shan-kun , Qian Ying , Qi Zheng-qing , Lu Chang-gui , Cui Yi-ping
Published: October 2017

In this work, a smart two-photon fluorescent platform based on desulfurization–cyclization was developed, in the construction of TBET-based fluorescent chemodosimeter CyRSN towards Hg2+ in near-infrared region at 746 nm.
Engineered phage nanofibers induce angiogenesis
Authors: Yoo So Young , Shrestha Kshitiz Raj , Jeong Su-Nam , Kang Jeong-In , Lee Seung-Wuk
Published: October 2017

We demonstrated that engineered phage nanofibers induce angiogenesis as an angiogenic and therapeutic biomaterial platform to restore tissues after ischemic injury.
Protein–polyelectrolyte complexes to improve the biological activity of proteins in layer-by-layer assemblies
Authors: vander Straeten A. , Bratek-Skicki A. , Germain L. , D'Haese C. , Eloy P. , Fustin C.-A. , Dupont-Gillain C.
Published: October 2017

A standard method of protein immobilization is proposed, based on the use of protein–polyelectrolyte complexes (PPCs) as building blocks for layer-by-layer assembly.
Redox-active nanomaterials for nanomedicine applications
Authors: Sims Christopher M. , Hanna Shannon K. , Heller Daniel A. , Horoszko Christopher P. , Johnson Monique E. , Montoro Bustos Antonio R. , Reipa Vytas , Riley Kathryn R. , Nelson Bryant C.
Published: October 2017

Nanomedicine utilizes the remarkable properties of nanomaterials for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Effects of an injectable functionalized self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel on angiogenesis and neurogenesis for regeneration of the central nervous system
Authors: Wang Tzu-Wei , Chang Kai-Chieh , Chen Liang-Hsin , Liao Shih-Yung , Yeh Chia-Wei , Chuang Yung-Jen
Published: October 2017

Functionalised self-assembling nanopeptide hydrogel mediates angiogenesis and neurogenesis for injured brain tissue regeneration.
Sugar hydrazide imides: a new family of glycosidase inhibitors
Authors: Lindbäck Emil , Lopéz Óscar , Tobiesen Ådne , Fernández-Bolaños José G. , Sydnes Magne O.
Published: October 2017

We present a new type of glycosidase inhibitor including a unique hydrazide imide moiety, which displays inhibition in the low micromolar range.
Hyperbranched polysiloxane with highly constrained rings and the effect of the attached arms on the assembly behavior
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Hu Chunhua , Liu Yuzhou
Published: October 2017

Attachment of incompatible arms to a designed hyperbranched polymer with highly constrained rings and the toroidal assembly.
The power of the ring: a pH-responsive hydrophobic epoxide monomer for superior micelle stability
Authors: Song Jaeeun , Palanikumar L. , Choi Yeongkyu , Kim Inhye , Heo Tae-young , Ahn Eungjin , Choi Soo-Hyung , Lee Eunji , Shibasaki Yuji , Ryu Ja-Hyoung , Kim Byeong-Su
Published: October 2017

We developed micelles with superior stability by integrating a novel hydrophobic, pH-responsive epoxide monomer, tetrahydropyranyl glycidyl ether.
Vibrational characteristics of DNA nanostructures obtained through a mass-weighted chemical elastic network model
Authors: Jo Soojin , Son Junyoung , Lee Byung Ho , Dugasani Sreekantha Reddy , Park Sung Ha , Kim Moon Ki
Published: October 2017

The proposed frequency analysis method is a feasible method for understanding DNA nanostructure's vibration characteristics, including both frequencies and mode shapes in atomic detail, adding to the molecular fingerprint provided by the conventional Raman spectrum.
Graphene/MnO2 aerogel with both high compression-tolerance ability and high capacitance, for compressible all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Lv Peng , Tang Xun , Wei Wei
Published: October 2017

Graphene/MnO2 electrodes for compressible all-solid-state supercapacitors show good compression-tolerance ability and achieve high volumetric capacitance under 90% compressive strain.
Fatty acid decarboxylation reaction kinetics and pathway of co-conversion with amino acid on supported iron oxide catalysts
Authors: Bian Junjie , Wang Yue , Zhang Qi , Fang Xudong , Feng Lijuan , Li Chunhu
Published: October 2017

Reaction kinetics and pathways of palmitic acid decarboxylation on Fe2O3/Al-MCCM-41 catalyst.
Preparation, characterization and anticancer activities of resveratrol loaded redox-sensitive F127-SS-TOC micelles
Authors: Liu Yuling , Lin Longfei , Song Jizheng , Zhao Ye , Chao Zhimao , Li Hui
Published: October 2017

Resveratrol (RES) loaded redox-sensitive F127-SS-TOC micelles (F127-SS-TOC/RES) hold the potential in improving the treatment of breast cancer, which compared to free RES or non-redox-sensitive micelles (F127-TOC/RES).
Rational design of hierarchical macroporous–mesoporous magnesium silicate for highly efficient removal of organic dye and Pb2+
Authors: Zhao Chaoxia , Yang Jie , Jiang Bo
Published: October 2017

Magnesium silicate with a hierarchical macroporous–mesoporous nanostructure favours the mass transportation of pollutants and exhibits excellent removal performance for methylene blue and Pb2+.
Complex study of the physical properties of a poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blend and its carbon black composite during various outdoor and laboratory ageing conditions
Authors: Mosnáčková Katarína , Danko Martin , Šišková Alena , Falco Lorena M. , Janigová Ivica , Chmela Štefan , Vanovčanová Zuzana , Omaníková Leona , Chodák Ivan , Mosnáček Jaroslav
Published: October 2017

Carbon black improved retention of mechanical properties of compostable PLA/PHB – based foil during ageing making it suitable as mulching material.
Role of porosity and polarity of nanoporous carbon spheres in adsorption applications
Authors: Kim Hee Soo , Lee Seunghun , Kim Dong Kwan , Lee Yong-Woo , Yoo Won Cheol
Published: October 2017

Structure-properties (i.e., porosity and polarity) of carbons are judiciously considered for the specific adsorption applications.
Molecular packing and morphological stability of dihydro-indeno[1,2-b]fluorenes in the context of their substitution pattern
Authors: Hempe M. , Reggelin M.
Published: October 2017

The synthesis and structural characterization of a series of dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorene (IF) derivatives with various side chain substituents is reported.