bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscapes socialised by fire: post‐contact changes in Aboriginal fire use in northern Australia, and implications for prehistory
Authors: HEAD LESLEY
Published: July 2017

Fire is integral to two distinct yet related types of hunter‐gatherer social landscape — those perceived and those physically transformed by human action. The relationships between the two are explored here, first in the ethnographic fire record for northern Australia. Results of a case study of Aboriginal fire on pastoral land are compared with previous research into fire use on Aboriginal lands. In situations of flux, the most resilient aspect of fire use is argued to be the ethic of ‘cleaning up the country’, an expression of the human signature on the landscape. Relationships between this ethic and physical landscape transformations are complex; the former has a range of expressions on the ground, and varying impacts on vegetation. Applying these findings to the prehistoric period, I argue that the ‘conservative’ Aboriginal burning observed ethnographically in northern Australia, embedded as it is in present patterns of seasonality, is a feature of the late Holocene. The concept of ‘cleaning up the country’ is at least this old, and may be considerably older. If the latter, the impact on the vegetation is likely to have been quite different in earlier times, given the changes in boundary conditions.
Variations in Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal SSRI Antidepressant Exposure
Authors: Rotem‐Kohavi Naama , Oberlander Tim F.
Published: July 2017

Mood disorders and treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants during pregnancy are common and both pose neurodevelopmental risks. This often makes the decision to treat prenatal depression with pharmacotherapy (i.e., antidepressants) challenging for clinicians and mothers. SSRIs block the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT) and given its developmental role, it is not inconceivable that early changes in 5HT signaling could have an impact on early brain development. Identifying long‐term neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal SSRI exposure is challenging in humans due to difficulties in distinguishing the effect of the drug from mother's mood during pregnancy and everyday environment in which the child lives, all of which contribute to shaping emotional, cognitive, and social development long after birth. In this review, we focus on the long‐term neurobehavioral effects in childhood illustrating wide variations in outcomes revealing that some, but not all children appear to be affected by prenatal SSRI exposure. Emerging research reports findings that are beginning to distinguish the impact of genetic factors and the environment from prenatal medication exposure. Future research is needed to identify genetic, maternal, and environmental factors that put some children at developmental risk and others who may even benefit from maternal SSRI treatment. Birth Defects Research 109:909–923, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of Psychotropic Medications in Breastfeeding Women
Authors: Kronenfeld Nirit , Berlin Maya , Shaniv Dotan , Berkovitch Matitiahu
Published: July 2017

Background

Breastfeeding women who are prescribed with psychotropic medications on a regular basis are often concerned, regarding the possible implications of such treatment on the breastfed infant. A mother's well‐being has a direct influence on the well‐being of the baby. However, the notorious reputation of psychotropic medications may lead to suboptimal prescribing by the physician and poor adherence by the mother.

Methods

A PubMed search (from 1976 through February 2017) was conducted for commonly used psychotropic drug classes, as well as individual medications commonly prescribed in these classes, along with the MeSH terms “breastfeeding”/“lactation”. In each case, we chose studies that describe the pharmacokinetics of passage into breast milk and/or adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Results

No large‐scale controlled studies regarding the safety of psychotropic medications in breastfeeding mothers were reported. Based on case reports and small studies, most psychotropic medications produce low milk levels and low plasma levels in the infant, while serious adverse effects in the breastfed infant are rarely reported. Safety data for some psychotropic medications are still unavailable.

Conclusion

According to the data available in the literature to date, most psychotropic medications are expected to produce low levels in breast milk with no clinical importance. Nevertheless, an individual risk‐benefit assessment of a proposed treatment should always be performed, as inter‐individual differences may have a substantial effect on the breastfeeding infant's response to the treatment. Further studies and additional objective data are needed to consolidate and improve our current knowledge of psychopharmacotherapy in breastfeeding women. Birth Defects Research 109:957–997, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors during Pregnancy: Do We Have Now More Definite Answers Related to Prenatal Exposure?
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Koren Gideon
Published: July 2017

Despite extensive studies, there still seems to be uncertainty as to the possible reproductive risk of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in pregnancy. We, therefore, assess the current data on the risk/benefit of SSRI use in pregnancy. As the neurodevelopmental effects of SSRIs are discussed in another paper in this issue, we will not address the possible neurodevelopmental effects. Special emphasis is given to the newer, large population‐based studies. Most studies have shown that the overall risk of major malformations is similar to that in unexposed children, except for some small increased risk for cardiac anomalies. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn has also been described with a low absolute risk of <1%, less than twice that observed in nonexposed newborns. Poor neonatal adaptation was described in up to 25% of exposed neonates. However, newer population‐based studies have also shown similarly high rates among offspring of women with untreated depression. There is a higher risk for psychiatric problems possibly related to the maternal psychiatric disease for which SSRIs were prescribed. Judging from the new population registry‐based studies with comparison to disease controls, there seems to be no demonstrable increase in the rate of major anomalies, prematurity, small for gestational age, or miscarriage. Therefore, the risk associated with treatment discontinuation (e.g., higher frequency of relapse, and postpartum depression) appears to outweigh the fetal and neonatal risks of maternal treatment. Thus, following appropriate explanation regarding possible risks, treatment should continue during pregnancy with minimal effective doses. Birth Defects Research 109:898–908, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetic Alterations and Prenatal Maternal Depression
Authors: Nemoda Zsofia , Szyf Moshe
Published: July 2017

Major depressive disorder of the mother affects 6 to 17% of pregnancies worldwide and can lead to negative outcomes, such as preterm delivery and later mental health problems of the child. It has been proposed that developmental programming has long‐lasting effects in the offspring that might be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation. Altered stress regulation or impaired immunological function of the mother can potentially affect DNA methylation processes of the fetus, changing gene expression levels in utero. These underlying biological processes can be tested in animal models, where pharmacological experiments using epigenetic drugs can prove causality.

Recent human studies show that DNA methylation changes of hypothesis‐driven candidate gene regions, such as the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor and the serotonin transporter, were associated with maternal depression in peripheral tissue samples of newborns' cord blood, infants' saliva, or adults' peripheral blood. In addition, epigenome‐wide association studies using blood cells show modest but significant changes in a subset of genes involved in immune functions. These DNA methylation changes were found mainly in enhancers, which point to regulatory effects in gene expression. Limited number of studies using brain tissue showed a significant overlap of differentially methylated genes in the different studies. In conclusion, prenatal maternal depression can induce covalent modifications in the offspring's DNA, which are detectable at birth in leukocytes and could be potentially present in other tissues, consistent with the hypothesis that system‐wide epigenetic changes are involved in life‐long responses to the psychosocial environment in utero. Birth Defects Research 109:888–897, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New Insights into How Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors Shape the Developing Brain
Authors: Gingrich Jay A. , Malm Heli , Ansorge Mark S. , Brown Alan , Sourander Andre , Suri Deepika , Teixeira Cátia M. , Caffrey Cagliostro Martha K. , Mahadevia Darshini , Weissman Myrna M.
Published: July 2017

Development passes through sensitive periods, during which plasticity allows for genetic and environmental factors to exert indelible influence on the maturation of the organism. In the context of central nervous system (CNS) development, such sensitive periods shape the formation of neuro‐circuits that mediate, regulate, and control behavior. This general mechanism allows for development to be guided by both the genetic blueprint, as well as the environmental context. While allowing for adaptation, such sensitive periods are also windows of vulnerability during which external and internal factors can confer risk to brain disorders by derailing adaptive developmental programs. Our group has been particularly interested in developmental periods that are sensitive to serotonin (5‐HT) signaling, and impact behavior and cognition relevant to psychiatry. Specifically, we review a 5‐HT‐sensitive period that impacts fronto‐limbic system development, resulting in cognitive, anxiety, and depression‐related behaviors. We discuss preclinical data to establish biological plausibility and mechanistic insights. We also summarize epidemiological findings that underscore the potential public health implications resulting from the current practice of prescribing 5‐HT reuptake inhibiting antidepressants during pregnancy. These medications enter the fetal circulation, likely perturb 5‐HT signaling in the brain, and may be affecting circuit maturation in ways that parallel our findings in the developing rodent brain. More research is needed to better disambiguate the dual effects of maternal symptoms on fetal and child development from the effects of 5‐HT reuptake inhibitors on clinical outcomes in the offspring. Birth Defects Research 109:924–932, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An OFF–ON–OFF type fluorescent probe based on a naphthalene derivative for Al3+ and F− ions and its biological application
Authors: Ren Yanpeng , Han Juan , Wang Yun , Tang Xu , Wang Lei , Ni Liang
Published: July 2017

A novel fluorescent probe‐based naphthalene Schiff, 1‐(C2‐glucosyl‐ylimino‐methyl)‐naphthalene‐2‐ol (L) was synthesized by coupling d‐glucosamine hydrochloride with 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde. It exhibited excellent selectivity and highly sensitivity for Al3+ in ethanol with a strong fluorescence response, while other common metal ions such as Pb2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Hg2+, Li+, Na+, K+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Zn2+, Ag+, Ba2+ and Ca2+ did not cause the same fluorescence response. The probe selectively bound Al3+ with a binding constant (Ka) of 5.748 × 103 M−1 and a lowest detection limit (LOD) of 4.08 nM. Moreover, the study found that the fluorescence of the L − Al3+ complex could be quenched after addition of F− in the same medium, while other anions, including Cl−, Br−, I−, NO2−, NO3−, ClO4−, CO32−, HCO3−, SO42−, HSO4−, CH3COO−, PO43−, HPO42−, S2− and S2O32− had nearly no influence on probe behaviour. Binding of the [L − Al3+] complex to a F− anion was established by different fluorescence titration studies, with a detection limit of 3.2 nM in ethanol. The fluorescent probe was also successfully applied in the imaging detection of Al3+ and F− in living cells.
Dynamic Cooperation of Hydrogen Binding and π Stacking in ssDNA Adsorption on Graphene Oxide
Authors: Xu Zhen , Lei Xiaoling , Tu Yusong , Tan Zhi‐Jie , Song Bo , Fang Haiping
Published: July 2017

Functional nanoscale structures consisting of a DNA molecule coupled to graphene or graphene oxide (GO) have great potential for applications in biosensors, biomedicine, nanotechnology, and materials science. Extensive studies using the most sophisticated experimental techniques and theoretical methods have still not clarified the dynamic process of single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) adsorbed on GO surfaces. Based on a molecular dynamics simulation, this work shows that an ssDNA segment could be stably adsorbed on a GO surface through hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions, with preferential binding to the oxidized rather than to the unoxidized region of the GO surface. The adsorption process shows a dynamic cooperation adsorption behavior; the ssDNA segment first captures the oxidized groups of the GO surface by hydrogen bonding interaction, and then the configuration relaxes to maximize the π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of the nucleobases and those of the GO surface. We attributed this behavior to the faster forming hydrogen bonding interaction compared to π–π stacking; the π–π stacking interaction needs more relaxation time to regulate the configuration of the ssDNA segment to fit the aromatic rings on the GO surface.
Silver‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids from Primary Alcohols
Authors: Ghalehshahi Hajar Golshadi , Madsen Robert
Published: July 2017

A simple silver‐catalyzed protocol has been developed for the acceptorless dehydrogenation of primary alcohols into carboxylic acids and hydrogen gas. The procedure uses 2.5 % Ag2CO3 and 2.5–3 equiv of KOH in refluxing mesitylene to afford the potassium carboxylate which is then converted into the acid with HCl. The reaction can be applied to a variety of benzylic and aliphatic primary alcohols with alkyl and ether substituents, and in some cases halide, olefin, and ester functionalities are also compatible with the reaction conditions. The dehydrogenation is believed to be catalyzed by silver nanoparticles that are formed in situ under the reaction conditions.
Identification and classification of brain tumor through mixture model based on magnetic resonance imaging segmentation and artificial neural network
Authors: Deepa Ayal Raj , Sam Emmanuel Wilson Rizy Mercy
Published: July 2017

Detection of brain tumor in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is vital as it delivers data about unusual tissues which is essential for planning treatment. Automating this method is challenging due to the high variety in appearance of tumor tissue among dissimilar patients and in many circumstances, comparison between tumor and normal tissue. In this article, we presented a mixture model based segmentation and classification of brain MRI for tumor identification. The proposed robust mixture estimator combining trimming of the outliers is based on component wise confidence level ordering of observations. The proposed method consists of three stages. In the first stage, the brain MRI is segmented into white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and outliers by ordering of observations. In second stage, outliers consists of tumor cells in which eight type of features Contrast, Correlation, Homogeneity, Energy, Entropy, Standard deviation, Skewness, and Kurtosis are extracted. In the third stage, the extracted features are trained by Artificial Neural Network (ANN)and based on this a brain tumor identification scheme is established to examine those features to judge whether brain tumor is present in the given image or not. Experimental results indicate that the proposed classification method has achieved 93.47% in sensitivity, 100% in specificity, and 96.34% accuracy with less computational time based on the number of extracted features when compared to earlier classification methods.
Cerebellins are differentially expressed in selective subsets of neurons throughout the brain
Authors: Seigneur Erica , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: July 2017

Cerebellins are secreted hexameric proteins that form tripartite complexes with the presynaptic cell‐adhesion molecules neurexins or ‘deleted‐in‐colorectal‐cancer’, and the postsynaptic glutamate‐receptor‐related proteins GluD1 and GluD2. These tripartite complexes are thought to regulate synapses. However, cerebellins are expressed in multiple isoforms whose relative distributions and overall functions are not understood. Three of the four cerebellins, Cbln1, Cbln2, and Cbln4, autonomously assemble into homohexamers, whereas the Cbln3 requires Cbln1 for assembly and secretion. Here, we show that Cbln1, Cbln2, and Cbln4 are abundantly expressed in nearly all brain regions, but exhibit strikingly different expression patterns and developmental dynamics. Using newly generated knockin reporter mice for Cbln2 and Cbln4, we find that Cbln2 and Cbln4 are not universally expressed in all neurons, but only in specific subsets of neurons. For example, Cbln2 and Cbln4 are broadly expressed in largely non‐overlapping subpopulations of excitatory cortical neurons, but only sparse expression was observed in excitatory hippocampal neurons of the CA1‐ or CA3‐region. Similarly, Cbln2 and Cbln4 are selectively expressed, respectively, in inhibitory interneurons and excitatory mitral projection neurons of the main olfactory bulb; here, these two classes of neurons form dendrodendritic reciprocal synapses with each other. A few brain regions, such as the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract, exhibit astoundingly high Cbln2 expression levels. Viewed together, our data show that cerebellins are abundantly expressed in relatively small subsets of neurons, suggesting specific roles restricted to subsets of synapses.
An intelligent skin‐color capture method based on fuzzy C‐means with applications
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Wen , Yen Chih‐Huang , Lee Chu‐Hsuan
Published: July 2017

Consumer behavior is complicated. In the cosmetic market, personal intuition and fashion trends for color selection are guidelines for consumers. A systematic method for female facial skin‐color classification and an application in the makeup market are proposed in this study. In this article, face recognition with a large number of images is first discussed. Then, an innovative method to capture color at selected points is presented and complexion‐aggregated analysis is performed. This innovative method is an extension of face‐recognition theory. Images in RGB format are converted to CIELAB format during data collection and then Fuzzy C‐means theory is used to cluster and group the data. The results are classified and grouped in Lab value and RGB index. Two programs are created. The first program, “FaceRGB,” captures color automatically from images. The second program, “ColorFCM,” clusters and groups the skin‐color information. The results can be used to assist an expert system in the selection of customized colors during makeup and new‐product development.
Mechanical Characterization of EuD4TEA‐ and ZnS:Mn‐Enhanced Composites
Authors: Scheiner Margaret , Joshi Kunal , Okoli Okenwa I. , Dickens Tarik J.
Published: July 2017

Triboluminescent (TL) materials are assessed as components in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems within polymer composites. Processing must be addressed due to particle characteristics such as density, morphology, and chemical makeup, all of which can affect polymer curing dynamics and thermo‐mechanical properties. This study considers key processing parameters during incorporation of TL compounds into various polymers. The TL materials chosen for this study are zinc sulfide manganese (ZnS:Mn) and europium dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium (EuD4TEA). These crystals are dispersed within the liquid phase of polyvinyl ester (VE), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and Dymax 9663 ultraviolet‐curable (UV‐curing) resins. Incorporation of the europium compound apparently slows the cure process, particularly in the UV‐curing resin, while the zinc compound had a minimal effect on curing. Tensile testing shows a decrease in tensile modulus due to incorporation of TL crystals. Incorporation of the europium compound caused a 20–53% decrease in modulus; incorporation of the zinc compound caused a 7–66% decrease in modulus. Experimental results are used to create a multi‐scale model using Digimat. Discrepancies in the found values may be due to sample quality (e.g. presence of voids in experimental samples).
Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived FeCo‐N‐Doped Hollow Porous Carbon Nanocubes for Electrocatalysis in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Fang Xinzuo , Jiao Long , Yu Shu‐Hong , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: July 2017

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are ideal precursors/ templates for porous carbons with homogeneous doping of active components for energy storage and conversion applications. Herein, metalloporphyrinic MOFs, PCN‐224‐FeCo, with adjustable molar ratio of FeII/CoII alternatively residing inside the porphyrin center, were employed as precursors to afford FeCo‐N‐doped porous carbon (denoted as FeCo‐NPC) by pyrolysis. Thanks to the hollow porous structure, the synergetic effect between highly dispersed FeNx and CoNx active sites accompanied with a high degree of graphitization, the optimized FeCo2‐NPC‐900 obtained by pyrolysis at 900 °C exhibits more positive half‐wave potential, higher diffusion‐limited current density, and better stability than the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C, under both alkaline and acidic media. More importantly, the current synthetic approach based on MOFs offers a rational strategy to structure‐ and composition‐controlled porous carbons for efficient electrocatalysis.
Brønsted Acid Promoted Cyclization of Cross‐Conjugated Enynones into Dihydropyran‐4‐ones
Authors: Saulnier Steve , Lozovskiy Stanislav V. , Golovanov Alexander A. , Ivanov Alexander Yu. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: July 2017

In triflic acid or sulfuric acid, diaryl‐substituted cross‐conjugated enynones undergo addition of the acid to the carbon–carbon triple bond to afford the corresponding vinyl triflates or sulfates. The vinyl triflates are stable under aqueous workup, whereas the vinyl sulfates are hydrolyzed to α,β‐unsaturated 1,3‐diketones (existing as conjugated enol forms). Extended reaction times lead to cyclization into dihydropyran‐4‐ones with yields of up to 95 %. The protonated forms of the vinyl triflates or sulfates in triflic and sulfuric acid, respectively, are studied as reactive intermediates by NMR spectroscopy. Plausible reaction mechanisms for the formation of dihydropyran‐4‐ones are discussed.
Selective Reagent for Detection of N‐ε‐Monomethylation of a Peptide Lysine Residue through SNAr Reaction
Authors: Mori Shuichi , Hirano Tomoya , Takaguchi Asuka , Fujiwara Takashi , Okazaki Yusuke , Kagechika Hiroyuki
Published: July 2017

Methylations of specific lysine residues of histone proteins are catalyzed by histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and play key roles in the epigenetic control of gene expression. Several methods to detect N‐ε‐methylation of the lysine residue have been established in order to evaluate the activity of HMTs, to develop inhibitors, and to identify substrates. However, they mostly employ specific antibodies or enzymes such as peptidases, and their reliability and reproducibility often depend on the quality of the protein reagents and the reaction conditions. Here, we describe a convenient method to detect N‐ε‐monomethylation of the lysine residue through a simple chemical reaction. We focused on nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction (SNAr reaction) between an aromatic electrophile and a primary or monomethylated amino group. Screening of various electrophiles indicated that 4‐fluoro‐2‐nitroacetophenone (1g) has high selectivity for the N‐ε‐monomethylated amino group of lysine. Furthermore, the reaction products of 1g with lysine and N‐ε‐monomethylated lysine, 5g and 6g, respectively, show different absorption spectra, that is, the absorbance at 350 nm of 6g is 13 times larger than that of 5g. We show that these characteristic properties of 1g can be utilized for the selective detection of the methylation state of lysine residues in HMT substrate peptides, and for an assay of HMT activity.
A fast and accurate method for the pharmacokinetic research of four coumarin analogs in Fructus cnidii using capillary electro‐chromatography with a methacrylate ester‐based monolithic column
Authors: Chen Zhao , Xu Aili , Bi Xiaoli , Luo Wenhui , Li Ji , Fan Guorong , Sun Dongmei
Published: July 2017

In the present study, a monolithic capillary column with higher permeability was developed for the in vivo discrimination of four coumarin analogs (bergapten, 2′‐acetylangelicin, imperatorin, and osthole) that typically require long separation times in HPLC. Instead of conventional methacrylate ester monolith (containing 19.5% porogen) with insufficient permeability (K = 1.52 – 1.66 × 10−14 M2) for plasma sample, the proposed column (20.5% porogen) had better permeability (around 3.80 × 10−14 M2) while properties such as pore distribution, stability, and resolution changed slightly. As a result, due to the negatively charged electro‐dynamic flow of the methacrylate ester groups in the monolith, the migration of targeted analytes was achieved within 6 min (compared with 30 min in HPLC) with acceptable resolution and improved sensitivity (0.005–0.02 μg/mL vs. 0.04 μg/mL). The proposed method was also applied to pharmacokinetic research: accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was used to improve the extraction efficiency, which prepared extract much faster and more pure than conventional methods. As the pharmacokinetic parameters indicated, the monolithic capillary electro‐chromatography method was efficient, sensitive, specific, and durable, guaranteeing its utility for the determination of multiple structure‐related compounds in rat plasma.
Comparison of cell‐based versus cell‐free mammalian systems for the production of a recombinant human bone morphogenic growth factor
Authors: Jérôme Valérie , Thoring Lena , Salzig Denise , Kubick Stefan , Freitag Ruth
Published: July 2017

The human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (hBMP2) is a glycoprotein, which induces de novo bone formation. Here, recombinant production in stably transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells is compared to transient expression in Human Embryo Kidney (HEK) cells and cell‐free synthesis in CHO cell lysates containing microsomal structures as sites of post‐translational processing. In case of the stably transfected cells, growth rates and viabilities were similar to those of the parent cells, while entry into the death phase of the culture was delayed. The maximum achievable rhBMP2 concentration in these cultures was 153 pg/mL. Up to 280 ng/mL could be produced in the transient expression system. In both cases the rhBMP‐2 was found to interact with the producer cells, which presumably contributed to the low yields. In the cell‐free system, hBMP2 yields could be increased to almost 40 μg/mL, reached within three hours. The cell‐free system thus approached productivities for the active (renatured) protein previously only recorded for bacterial hosts, while assuring comprehensive post‐translational processing.
Ultrasound‐assisted swelling of bacterial cellulose
Authors: Song Ji Eun , Su Jing , Loureiro Ana , Martins Madalena , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur , Kim Hye Rim , Silva Carla
Published: July 2017

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was obtained by static cultivation using commercial BC gel from scoby. BC membranes (oven dried and freeze‐dried) were swelled with 8% NaOH, in the absence and in the presence of ultrasound (US), for 30, 60, and 90 min. The influence of swelling conditions on both physico‐chemical properties and molecules entrapment was evaluated. Considering the highest levels of entrapment, an optimum swelling procedure was established: 8% NaOH for 30 min at room temperature in the presence of US. Native and PEGylated laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila was immobilized on BC membranes and a different catalytic behaviour was observed after immobilization. Native laccase presented activity values similar to published reports (5–7 U/gBC) after immobilization whereas PEGylated enzymes showed much lower activity (1–2 U/gBC). BC swelled membranes are presented herein as a potential support for the preparation of immobilized enzymes for industrial applications, like phenolics polymerization.
Applying the erythrocyte Pig‐a assay concept to rat epididymal sperm for germ cell mutagenicity evaluation
Authors: Ji Zhiying , LeBaron Matthew J.
Published: July 2017

The Pig‐a assay, a recently developed in vivo somatic gene mutation assay, is based on the identification of mutant erythrocytes that have an altered repertoire of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored cell surface markers. We hypothesized that the erythrocyte Pig‐a assay concept could be applied to rat cauda epididymal spermatozoa (sperm) for germ cell mutagenicity evaluation. We used GPI‐anchored CD59 as the Pig‐a mutation marker and examined the frequency of CD59‐negative sperm using flow cytometry. A reconstruction experiment that spiked un‐labeled sperm (mutant–mimic) into labeled sperm at specific ratios yielded good agreement between the detected and expected frequencies of mutant–mimic sperm, demonstrating the analytical ability for CD59‐negative sperm detection. Furthermore, this methodology was assessed in F344/DuCrl rats administered N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), a prototypical mutagen, or clofibrate, a lipid‐lowering drug. Rats treated with 1, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight/day (mkd) ENU via daily oral garage for five consecutive days showed a dose‐dependent increase in the frequency of CD59‐negative sperm on study day 63 (i.e., 58 days after the last ENU dose). This ENU dosing regimen also increased the frequency of CD59‐negative erythrocytes. In rats treated with 300 mkd clofibrate via daily oral garage for consecutive 28 days, no treatment‐related changes were detected in the frequency of CD59‐negative sperm on study day 85 (i.e., 57 days after the last dose) or in the frequency of CD59‐negative erythrocytes on study day 29. In conclusion, these data suggest that the epidiymal sperm Pig‐a assay in rats is a promising method for evaluating germ cell mutagenicity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:485–493, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychometric Evaluation and Norms for the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) in a Clinical Eating Disorders Sample
Authors: Brown Tiffany A. , Berner Laura A. , Jones Michelle D. , Reilly Erin E. , Cusack Anne , Anderson Leslie K. , Kaye Walter H. , Wierenga Christina E.
Published: July 2017

Altered interoceptive awareness (IA) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders; however, few comprehensive self‐report measures of IA exist in eating disorders. The present study sought to validate the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), originally developed to assess IA in individuals practicing mind–body therapies, in an eating disorder sample. Adult and adolescent patients (n = 376) completed assessments upon admission to a partial hospital programme. Analyses examined the factor structure of the MAIA, scale means, scale–scale correlations, internal consistency and construct validity. Analyses also examined associations between MAIA subscales and eating disorder symptoms. Results supported the original eight‐factor structure of the MAIA. Internal consistency was acceptable, and the scales converged with associated measures. Importantly, Not Distracting, Self‐regulation, Body Listening and Trusting were most strongly associated with eating disorder symptoms. Results support use of the MAIA among eating disorders and provide further support for the relevance of IA in eating disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Assessment of the Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Qualities of Rooftop Harvested Rainwater in a Rural Community
Authors: Igbinosa Isoken Henrietta , Aighewi Isoken Tito
Published: July 2017

This study is conducted to assess the quality of harvested rainwater. Rooftop rainwater samples are collected between April and September 2015 from Ugbihioko village near Benin City, Nigeria. Heavy metal concentration and physicochemical quality are determined with the use of standard analytical techniques for water quality, and the results are compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits for drinking water. Of the different water quality parameters, the results show that temperature is within WHO drinking water standards for all locations, but pH, turbidity, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate concentrations vary considerably and do not meet the standards for all locations. Regarding the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC), electrical conductivity is well below the MAC for all cases; the heavy metals copper and iron are above the MAC for all cases; the light metals sodium and potassium are below the MAC for all cases. Lead is above the MAC for all locations, except for in one location; and selenium varied, with some sites having selenium concentrations above the MAC. The results from this study show that public health education or advising is vital for mitigating the possible risks that can be linked to the use of harvested rainwater without treatment.
Chronic inflammation‐elicited liver progenitor cell conversion to liver cancer stem cell with clinical significance
Authors: Li Xiao‐Feng , Chen Cheng , Xiang Dai‐Min , Qu Le , Sun Wen , Lu Xin‐Yuan , Zhou Teng‐Fei , Chen Shu‐Zhen , Ning Bei‐Fang , Cheng Zhuo , Xia Ming‐Yang , Shen Wei‐Feng , Yang Wen , Wen Wen , Lee Terence Kin Wah , Cong Wen‐Ming , Wang Hong‐Yang , Ding Jin
Published: July 2017

The substantial heterogeneity and hierarchical organization in liver cancer support the theory of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). However, the relationship between chronic hepatic inflammation and LCSC generation remains obscure. Here, we observed a close correlation between aggravated inflammation and liver progenitor cell (LPC) propagation in the cirrhotic liver of rats exposed to diethylnitrosamine. LPCs isolated from the rat cirrhotic liver initiated subcutaneous liver cancers in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice, suggesting the malignant transformation of LPCs toward LCSCs. Interestingly, depletion of Kupffer cells in vivo attenuated the LCSC properties of transformed LPCs and suppressed cytokeratin 19/Oval cell 6–positive tumor occurrence. Conversely, LPCs cocultured with macrophages exhibited enhanced LCSC properties. We further demonstrated that macrophage‐secreted tumor necrosis factor‐α triggered chromosomal instability in LPCs through the deregulation of ubiquitin D and checkpoint kinase 2 and enhanced the self‐renewal of LPCs through the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1/Src/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway, which synergistically contributed to the conversion of LPCs to LCSCs. Clinical investigation revealed that cytokeratin 19/Oval cell 6–positive liver cancer patients displayed a worse prognosis and exhibited superior response to sorafenib treatment. Conclusion: Our results not only clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammation‐mediated LCSC generation but also provide a molecular classification for the individualized treatment of liver cancer. (Hepatology 2017;66:1934–1951)
MicroRNA‐206 prevents the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating expression of met proto‐oncogene and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 in mice
Authors: Wu Heng , Tao Junyan , Li Xiaolei , Zhang Tianpeng , Zhao Lei , Wang Yao , Zhang Lei , Xiong Jun , Zeng Zhi , Zhan Na , Steer Clifford J. , Che Li , Dong Mingjie , Wang Xiaomei , Niu Junqi , Li Zhuoyu , Yan Guiqing , Chen Xin , Song Guisheng
Published: July 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide, and therapeutic agents for this malignancy are lacking. MicroRNAs play critical roles in carcinogenesis and present tremendous therapeutic potential. Here, we report that microRNA‐206 is a robust tumor suppressor that plays important roles in the development of HCC by regulating cell‐cycle progression and the cMet signaling pathway. MicroRNA‐206 was underexpressed in livers of two HCC mouse models, human individuals bearing HCC, and human HCC cell lines. Combining bioinformatic prediction and molecular and cellular approaches, we identified cMET (Met proto‐oncogene), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) as functional targets of microRNA‐206. By inhibiting expression of cMET, CCND1, and CDK6, microRNA‐206 delayed cell‐cycle progression, induced apoptosis, and impaired proliferation of three distinct human HCC cell lines. Systemic administration of microRNA‐206 completely prevented HCC development in both cMyc and V‐Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1/neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (AKT/Ras) HCC mice, whereas 100% of control mice died from lethal tumor burdens. Conversely, reintroduction of cMet or Cdk6 into livers of cMyc and AKT/Ras HCC mice recovered growth of HCC inhibited by microRNA‐206. These results strongly suggested that cMet and Cdk6 were two functional targets that mediated the inhibitory effect of microRNA‐206 on the development of HCC. MicroRNA‐206 overexpression demonstrated a profound therapeutic effect on HCC in xenograft and cMyc HCC mice. Conclusion: In summary, this study defines a potentially critical role of microRNA‐206 in preventing the growth of HCC and suggests its use as a potential therapeutic strategy for this malignancy. (Hepatology 2017;66:1952–1967)
Sustained lean transformation of working conditions: A Swedish longitudinal case study
Authors: Håkansson Malin , Dellve Lotta , Waldenström Måns , Holden Richard J.
Published: July 2017

Studies of lean production's effect on working conditions are mixed but point toward worsened conditions. The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess how lean contributes to transforming work characteristics in a medium‐sized specialized industrial family business. A mixed methods approach was used to combine an external assessment of work characteristics with self‐reported employee questionnaires. Favorable psychosocial working conditions were indicated, with role conflicts decreasing over time. The assessment of work provided descriptions of how lean practices contributed to decreased task control due to standardized work and simplified work processes. At the same time, employees still had opportunities to influence their long‐term work assignment. There was also a trend toward job enlargement through new, higher‐skilled tasks, multiskilling, and extended opportunities to influence work through different continuous improvement activities. The participative lean approach and type of skilled jobs may have contributed to this transformation.
Efficacy of ultrasound and nerve stimulation guidance in peripheral nerve block: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Xue , Zhang De‐Li , Liu Xin‐Wei , Li Yan , Zhang Xiao‐Xia , Li Ru‐Hong
Published: July 2017

Evidence was controversial about whether nerve stimulation (NS) can optimize ultrasound guidance (US)‐guided nerve blockade for peripheral nerve block. This review aims to explore the effects of the two combined techniques. We searched EMBASE (from 1974 to March 2015), PubMed (from 1966 to Mar 2015), Medline (from 1966 to Mar 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and clinicaltrials.gov. Finally, 15 randomized trials were included into analysis involving 1,019 lower limb and 696 upper limb surgery cases. Meta‐analysis indicated that, compared with US alone, USNS combination had favorable effects on overall block success rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.17; confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 1.30, P = 0.004), sensory block success rate (RR 1.56; CI 1.29 to 1.89, P < 0.00001), and block onset time (mean difference [MD] –3.84; CI –5.59 to –2.08, P < 0.0001). USNS guidance had a longer procedure time in both upper and lower limb nerve block (MD 1.67; CI 1.32 to 2.02, P < 0.00001; MD 1.17; CI 0.95 to 1.39, P < 0.00001) and more patients with anesthesia supplementation (RR 2.5; CI 1.02 to 6.13, P = 0.05). USNS guidance trends to result in a shorter block onset time than US alone as well as higher block success rate, but no statistical difference was demonstrated, as more data are required. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(9):720–734, 2017
Characterization of a multiple particle delivery complex and determination of cellular photodamage in skin fibroblast and breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Mfouo‐Tynga Ivan , Houreld Nicolette N. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: July 2017

Zinc metallized Phthalocyanine (ZnPcSmix), a potent photosensitizer, is conjugated to gold dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (AuDENPs) in order to improve the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and WS1 fibroblast cells as a control. Both ZnPcSmixand AuDENPs are mixed in a nitrogen atmosphere for 48 hours and characterization analysis conducted using ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectrometry for spectral properties, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological features and zeta potential measurement for surface stability and size distribution of the compound obtained or of the multiple particles delivery complex (MPDC). Cell viability, proliferation and membrane damage following PDT are assessed by the trypan blue exclusion test, adenosine triphosphate luminescence and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assays, respectively. Stable MPDCs are spherical shaped with a diameter lesser than 5 nm, and have a maximum absorption peak at 676 nm. The MPDC‐mediated PDT induces a decrease in cell viability and proliferation, and increased membrane damage or cytotoxicity. The conjugation enhances the therapeutic efficiency of PDT by improving drug delivery and targeting of MCF‐7 cancer cells.
An improved correlation to predict molecular weight between crosslinks based on equilibrium degree of swelling of hydrogel networks
Authors: Jimenez‐Vergara Andrea C. , Lewis John , Hahn Mariah S. , Munoz‐Pinto Dany J.
Published: July 2017

Accurate characterization of hydrogel diffusional properties is of substantial importance for a range of biotechnological applications. The diffusional capacity of hydrogels has commonly been estimated using the average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc), which is calculated based on the equilibrium degree of swelling. However, the existing correlation linking Mc and equilibrium swelling fails to accurately reflect the diffusional properties of highly crosslinked hydrogel networks. Also, as demonstrated herein, the current model fails to accurately predict the diffusional properties of hydrogels when polymer concentration and molecular weight are varied simultaneously. To address these limitations, we evaluated the diffusional properties of 48 distinct hydrogel formulations using two different photoinitiator systems, employing molecular size exclusion as an alternative methodology to calculate average hydrogel mesh size. The resulting data were then utilized to develop a revised correlation between Mc and hydrogel equilibrium swelling that substantially reduces the limitations associated with the current correlation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1339–1348, 2018.
The evaluation of acute toxicity, antimicrobial activity of 1‐phenyl‐5‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐1, 2, 3‐triazole, and binding to human serum albumin
Authors: Duan Hong‐Ye , Li Jian‐Ling , Wu Lu‐Yong , Shu Huo‐Ming , Chen Yu‐Xue , Ding Guo‐Hua , Dong Run‐Cong , Si Hong‐Zong , Zhong Xia , He Wen‐Ying
Published: July 2017

1‐Phenyl‐5‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐1, 2, 3‐triazole (PPTA) was a synthesized compound. The result of acute toxicities to mice of PPTA by intragastric administration indicated that PPTA did not produce any significant acute toxic effect on Kunming strain mice. It exhibited the various potent inhibitory activities against two kinds of bananas pathogenic bacteria, black sigatoka and freckle, when compared with that of control drugs and the inhibitory rates were up to 64.14% and 43.46%, respectively, with the same concentration of 7.06 mM. The interaction of PPTA with human serum albumin (HSA) was studied using fluorescence polarization, absorption spectra, 3D fluorescence, and synchronous spectra in combination with quantum chemistry and molecular modeling. Multiple modes of interaction between PPTA and HSA were suggested to stabilize the PPTA–HSA complex, based on thermodynamic data and molecular modeling. Binding of PPTA to HSA induced perturbation in the microenvironment around HSA as well as secondary structural changes in the protein.
Transversals in Latin Arrays with Many Distinct Symbols
Authors: Best Darcy , Hendrey Kevin , Wanless Ian M. , Wilson Tim E. , Wood David R.
Published: July 2017

An array is row‐Latin if no symbol is repeated within any row. An array is Latin if it and its transpose are both row‐Latin. A transversal in an array is a selection of n different symbols from different rows and different columns. We prove that every Latin array containing at least distinct symbols has a transversal. Also, every row‐Latin array containing at least distinct symbols has a transversal. Finally, we show by computation that every Latin array of order 7 has a transversal, and we describe all smaller Latin arrays that have no transversal.
The natural history of thin melanoma and the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Durham Alison B. , Schwartz Jennifer L. , Lowe Lori , Zhao Lili , Johnson Andrew G. , Harms Kelly L. , Bichakjian Christopher K. , Orsini Amy P. , McLean Scott A. , Bradford Carol R. , Cohen Mark S. , Johnson Timothy M. , Sabel Michael S. , Wong Sandra L.
Published: July 2017

Background and Objectives

Current literature may overestimate the risk of nodal metastasis from thin melanoma due to reporting of data only from lesions treated with SLNB. Our objective was to define the natural history of thin melanoma, assessing the likelihood of nodal disease, in order to guide selection for SLNB.

Methods

Retrospective review. The primary outcome was the rate of nodal disease. Clinicopathologic factors were evaluated to find associations with nodal disease.

Results

Five hundred and twelve lesions, follow up available for 488 (median: 48 months). Lesions treated with WLE/SLNB compared to WLE alone were more likely to have high‐risk features. The rate of nodal disease was higher in the WLE/SLNB group (24 positive SLNB, five false‐negative SLNB with nodal recurrence: 10.2%) compared to WLE alone (four nodal recurrences: 2.0%). Univariate analysis showed age ≤45, Breslow depth ≥0.85 mm, mitotic rate >1 mm2, and ulceration were associated with nodal disease. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of age ≤45 and ulceration.

Conclusions

SLNB for melanoma 0.75‐0.99 mm should be considered in patients age ≤45, Breslow depth ≥0.85 mm, mitotic rate >1 mm2, and/or with ulceration. Thin melanoma <0.85 mm without high‐risk features may be treated with WLE alone.