bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slender distal radial five French coronary shockwave lithotripsy
Authors: Sgueglia Gregory A. , Gioffrè Gaetano , Piccioni Fabiana , Gaspardone Achille
Published: April 2019

Despite technological evolution, percutaneous coronary interventions targeting coronary calcifications remain challenging and associated with high rates of complications and adverse outcomes. Over the years, rotational atherectomy has emerged as the reference treatment of calcified coronary artery lesions despite some inherent limitations. Also, rotational atherectomy typically requires relatively large guiding catheters which may unfavorably impact on the decision for transradial access, especially when radial artery is small, and consequently offset the relevant clinical benefits associated to transradial access. Recently, a new technology has been introduced in interventional practice to implement coronary lithotripsy. The device implements multiple small emitters enclosed in a coronary balloon creating sonic pressure waves to selectively fracture calcium within the plaque and favorably modify vessel compliance. Owing to its specific design, coronary shockwave lithotripsy could be used with small bore guiding catheters which may allow for straightforward transradial percutaneous treatment of calcified coronary lesions even in patients with a small radial artery. To illustrate this concept, we report the first experience of slender transradial coronary shockwave lithotripsy with a five French sheathless guiding catheter.
Nitrogen/Cobalt Co‐doped Mesoporous Carbon Microspheres Derived from Amorphous Metal‐Organic Frameworks as a Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Both Alkaline and Acidic Electrolytes
Authors: Bai Yafeng , Yang Duanguang , Yang Mei , Chen Hongbiao , Liu Yijiang , Li Huaming
Published: April 2019

Nitrogen/cobalt co‐doped carbon (Co/N−C) catalysts are the best candidates to replace their Fe‐based analogues for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), owing to the absence of radical‐induced PEMFC membrane/ionomer degradations that are commonly encountered in the Fe/N−C system. Herein, we present an amorphous Co‐metal organic framework (MOF) route for the fabrication of N/Co co‐doped mesoporous carbon spheres by directly pyrolyzing amorphous Co‐MOF microspheres. The as‐synthesized Co/N−C‐800 catalyst (heat‐treated at 800 °C) has a unique spherical architecture with short nanotubes on its surface and simultaneously possesses a relatively large Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area (381 m2 g−1) and a high N content (4.95 at%). Owing to these benefits, the Co/N−C‐800 catalyst displays good ORR performance in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes, that is, the ORR onset potential (Eo), half‐wave potential (E1/2), and current density at 0.4 V (vs. RHE, J@0.4) are 0.981 V (vs. RHE), 0.872 V (vs. RHE), and 5.47 mA cm−2, respectively, in alkaline media, and 0.863 V (vs. RHE), 0.707 V (vs. RHE), and 5.29 mA cm−2, respectively, in acidic electrolyte. More importantly, the Co/N−C‐800 catalyst also exhibits excellent poison tolerance in acidic electrolytes.
Spectroscopic and Electronic Properties of Molybdacarborane Complexes with Non‐innocently Acting Ligands
Authors: Schwarze Benedikt , Sobottka Sebastian , Schiewe Robert , Sarkar Biprajit , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: April 2019

The molybdacarboranes [3‐{L‐κ2N,N}‐3‐(CO)2‐closo‐3,1,2‐MoC2B9H11] (L=2,2′‐bipyridine (2,2′‐bpy, 1 a) or 1,10‐phenanthroline (1,10‐phen, 1 b)) incorporating well‐known potentially non‐innocent ligands (CO, 2,2′‐bpy, 1,10‐phen) and the “non‐spectator” nido‐carborane ([η5‐C2B9H11]2−) ligand were prepared and fully characterised. High‐resolution mass spectrometry, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods, spectroscopy (IR, (resonance) Raman, NMR), cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry (electrochemical properties) were supported by theoretical investigations of the electronic structure (DFT, CAS‐SCF, TD‐DFT).
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electron‐Transfer Properties of Ferrocene–BODIPY–Fullerene Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing Triads: Are Catecholopyrrolidine‐Linked Fullerenes a Good Architecture to Facilitate Electron‐Transfer?
Authors: Zatsikha Yuriy V. , Swedin Rachel K. , Healy Andrew T. , Goff Philip C. , Didukh Natalia O. , Blesener Tanner S. , Kayser Mathew , Kovtun Yuriy P. , Blank David A. , Nemykin Victor N.
Published: April 2019

A series of covalent ferrocene–BODIPY–fullerene triads with the ferrocene groups conjugated to the BODIPY π‐system and the fullerene acceptor linked at the boron hub by a common catecholpyrrolidine bridge were prepared and characterized by 1D and 2D NMR, UV/Vis, steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and, for one of the derivatives, X‐ray crystallography. Redox processes of the new compounds were investigated by electrochemical (CV and DPV) methods and spectroelectrochemistry. DFT calculations indicate that the HOMO in all triads was delocalized between ferrocene and BODIPY π‐system, the LUMO was always fullerene‐centered, and the catechol‐centered occupied orbital was close in energy to the HOMO. TDDFT calculations were indicative of the low‐energy, low‐intensity charge‐transfer bands originated from the ferrocene–BODIPY core to fullerene excitation, which explained the similarity of the UV/Vis spectra of the ferrocene–BODIPY dyads and ferrocene–BODIPY–fullerene triads. Photophysical properties of the new triads as well as reference BODIPY–fullerene and ferrocene–BODIPY dyads were investigated by pump‐probe spectroscopy in the UV/Vis and NIR spectral regions following selective excitation of the BODIPY‐based antenna. Initial charge transfer from the ferrocene to the BODIPY core was shown to outcompete sub‐100 fs deactivation of the excited state mediated by the catechol bridge. However, no subsequent electron transfer to the fullerene acceptor was observed. The initial charge separated state relaxes by recombination with a time constant of 150–380 ps.
Synthesis of meso‐Alkyl‐Substituted Norcorrole–NiII Complexes and Conversion to 5‐Oxaporphyrins(2.0.1.0)
Authors: Liu Si‐Yu , Tanaka Hiroko , Nozawa Ryo , Fukui Norihito , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

The synthesis of antiaromatic NiII–norcorroles having primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups at the reactive meso‐positions was attempted. Reductive coupling of a NiII–dipyrrin precursor provided NiII–meso‐dihexylnorcorrole, which underwent substantial degradation on silica gel. Introduction of tert‐butyl groups was unsuccessful due to the difficult preparation of the corresponding dipyrrin precursor. Meanwhile, NiII–norcorroles with isopropyl and cyclohexyl groups were isolated as stable molecules under ambient conditions. Furthermore, we found that oxidation of NiII–meso‐dialkylnorcorroles with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sodium carbonate gave NiII–5‐oxaporphyrins(2.0.1.0). In contrast, oxidation of NiII–meso‐dimesitylnorcorrole under the same reaction conditions gave 10‐oxaporphyrin(1.1.1.0). The contrasting reactivity can be attributed to the steric congestion around the meso‐positions.
Pentanuclear Gold(I) Cluster with an Axially Chiral Biaryl Center: Synthesis and Chiral Transformation
Authors: Xue Yang , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

We synthesized and structurally characterized a novel pentanuclear gold(I) cluster by a Ag(I)‐mediated organometallic transformation. The racemic mixture of this pentanuclear gold cluster has been successfully transformed into an enantio‐rich hexanuclear cluster compound by adding adscititious chiral species [Au2(S‐BINAP)2]2+ (S‐BINAP = (S)‐2,2’‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1’‐binaphthyl). In this process, a [AuPPh3]+ species in the pentanuclear cluster is replaced by [Au2(S‐BINAP)2]2+. This strategy represents a new method for the designed construction of chiral metal clusters.
Origins of Catalyst Inhibition in the Manganese‐Catalysed Oxidation of Lignin Model Compounds with H2O2
Authors: Barbieri Alessia , Kasper Johann B. , Mecozzi Francesco , Lanzalunga Osvaldo , Browne Wesley R.
Published: April 2019

The upgrading of complex bio‐renewable feedstock, such as lignocellulose, through depolymerisation benefits from the selective reactions at key functional groups. Applying homogeneous catalysts developed for selective organic oxidative transformations to complex feedstock such as lignin is challenged by the presence of interfering components. The selection of appropriate model compounds is essential in applying new catalytic systems and identifying such interferences. Here, it was shown by using as an example the oxidation of a model substrate containing a β‐O‐4 linkage with H2O2 and an in situ‐prepared manganese‐based catalyst, capable of efficient oxidation of benzylic alcohols, that interference from compounds liberated during the reaction can prevent its application to lignocellulose depolymerisation.
The testicular soma of Tsc22d3 knockout mice supports spermatogenesis and germline transmission from spermatogonial stem cell lines upon transplantation
Authors: Zhou Hai , Zeng Zhen , Koentgen Frank , Khan Mona , Mombaerts Peter
Published: April 2019

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are adult stem cells that are slowly cycling and self‐renewing. The pool of SSCs generates very large numbers of male gametes throughout the life of the individual. SSCs can be cultured in vitro for long periods of time, and established SSC lines can be manipulated genetically. Upon transplantation into the testes of infertile mice, long‐term cultured mouse SSCs can differentiate into fertile spermatozoa, which can give rise to live offspring. Here, we show that the testicular soma of mice with a conditional knockout (conKO) in the X‐linked gene Tsc22d3 supports spermatogenesis and germline transmission from cultured mouse SSCs upon transplantation. Infertile males were produced by crossing homozygous Tsc22d3 floxed females with homozygous ROSA26‐Cre males. We obtained 96 live offspring from six long‐term cultured SSC lines with the aid of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We advocate the further optimization of Tsc22d3‐conKO males as recipients for testis transplantation of SSC lines.
Long‐term outcome of inpatients with bulimia nervosa—Results from the Christina Barz Study
Authors: Quadflieg Norbert , Fichter Manfred M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess the long‐term outcome and identify outcome predictors in a very large sample of inpatients treated for bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method

Out of a total of 2,033 patients admitted consecutively to specialized treatment, 1,351 patients (mean age at treatment 25.94) were assessed for follow‐up on average 11 (SD 6) years after admission. Also a very long‐term (21 years) subsample (N = 147; mean age 25.92) was defined. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses identified predictors of poor outcome.

Results

For more than 70% of the patients follow‐up information could be gathered. Severity of eating disorder (ED) and other symptoms decreased over time but remained higher than in healthy controls, using published normative data. Remission rate was 38% after 11 years and 42% in the subsample after 21 years. Out of the total sample of N = 2,033 patients, 49 had died (2.4%). Persistent BN was found in 14.2% and the most frequent crossover was to ED not otherwise specified. Predictors of poor outcome were fewer follow‐up years, higher drive for thinness, higher age at treatment, and less global functioning.

Discussion

Based on clinical indicators, patients presented with a high level of ED and psychiatric symptomatology. With less than half of the patients remitted after 22 years, efforts are needed to improve treatment outcome.
Habitat use of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Wang Bingxin , Rocha Daniel G. , Abrahams Mark I. , Antunes André P. , Costa Hugo C. M. , Gonçalves André Luis Sousa , Spironello Wilson Roberto , de Paula Milton José , Peres Carlos A. , Pezzuti Juarez , Ramalho Emiliano , Reis Marcelo Lima , Carvalho Jr Elildo , Rohe Fabio , Macdonald David W. , Tan Cedric Kai Wei
Published: April 2019

Amazonia forest plays a major role in providing ecosystem services for human and sanctuaries for wildlife. However, ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Brazilian Amazon has threatened both. The ocelot is an ecologically important mesopredator and a potential conservation ambassador species, yet there are no previous studies on its habitat preference and spatial patterns in this biome. From 2010 to 2017, twelve sites were surveyed, totaling 899 camera trap stations, the largest known dataset for this species. Using occupancy modeling incorporating spatial autocorrelation, we assessed habitat use for ocelot populations across the Brazilian Amazon. Our results revealed a positive sigmoidal correlation between remote‐sensing derived metrics of forest cover, disjunct core area density, elevation, distance to roads, distance to settlements and habitat use, and that habitat use by ocelots was negatively associated with slope and distance to river/lake. These findings shed light on the regional scale habitat use of ocelots and indicate important species–habitat relationships, thus providing valuable information for conservation management and land‐use planning.
Life‐history differences across latitude in common side‐blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana)
Authors: Smith Geoffrey D. , Zani Peter A. , French Susannah S.
Published: April 2019

Life‐history strategies are known to shift with latitude in many species. While life‐history variation related to body size, reproductive investment, and behavior has been studied for years, another crucial life‐history component is the immune system, which can influence an animal's survival.

We measured selected life‐history traits in side‐blotched lizards in southern Utah and Oregon in the field for two consecutive years and conducted a common‐garden experiment in the laboratory to determine how organisms from different latitudes optimize either immunity or reproduction. We observed lizards from southern populations, which are known to be shorter‐lived, had lower immune function during reproduction when compared to northern lizards in 2012, but the relationship reversed in the following year.

Our laboratory study revealed that southern lizards healed cutaneous wounds faster and had higher microbiocidal ability when compared to their northern counterparts, but lost mass doing so. The northern lizards ate more than the southern ones and maintained their body mass. It is possible that northern lizards are better adapted to taking advantage of available food resources. Alternatively, southern lizards may have exhibited sickness behavior in response to an immune challenge or reacted more strongly to the stress of captivity.

We found differences in life‐history strategies used by animals from different latitudes, and that these changes can shift within a population depending on the weather conditions of the year. Furthermore, when taken from the field and placed into a common‐garden environment, some of these differences in strategy appear to be intrinsic to the animals (i.e., whether they came from southern or northern populations).
Hypergammaglobulinemia sustains the development of regulatory responses during chronic Leishmania donovani infection in mice
Authors: Silva‐Barrios Sasha , Stäger Simona
Published: April 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis, a chronic, potentially fatal disease, is characterized by high production of low‐affinity antibodies. In humans, hypergammaglobulinemia is prediction of disease progression. Nevertheless, the contribution of hypermutated and/or class‐switched immunoglobulins to disease pathogenesis has never been studied. Using Aicda−/− mice and the experimental model of Leishmania donovani infection, we demonstrate that the absence of hypermutated and/or class‐switched antibodies was associated with increased resistance to disease, stronger protective Th1 responses, and a lower frequency of regulatory IFNγ+IL‐10+ CD4 T cells. Interestingly, stronger Th1 responses and the absence of IFNγ+IL‐10+ CD4 T cells during chronic infection in infected Aicda−/− mice were not caused by a T‐cell intrinsic effect of AID, but by changes in the cytokine environment during chronic disease. Indeed TNF, IL‐10 and IFN‐ß expressions were only upregulated in the presence of hypermutated, class‐switched antibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia at later stages of infection. Taken together, our results suggest that hypergammaglobulinemia sustains inhibitory responses during chronic visceral leishmaniasis.
A possible link between recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and lower cytokine production in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome
Authors: Raijmakers Ruud P.H. , Jansen Anne F.M. , Keijmel Stephan P. , van der Meer Jos W.M. , Joosten Leo A.B. , Netea Mihai G. , Bleeker‐Rovers Chantal P.
Published: April 2019

Besides fatigue, many Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) patients also complain of frequently recurring upper respiratory tract infections with severe symptoms. We investigated whether immunologic dysregulation contributes to these complaints. Cytokine and chemokine production was measured after stimulating monocytes of QFS patients and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls with LPS and several viral ligands. The H3K4me3 mark of open chromatin was measured at the promoter regions of cytokines and chemokines that differed significantly from healthy controls. Monocytes of QFS patients produced significantly less TNF‐α (p = 0.032), IL‐1β (0.004, 0.024, and 0.008), IL‐6 (0.043), RANTES (0.033), IP‐10 (0.049), MCP‐1 (0.022), IL‐ 13 (0.029), and IL‐10 (0.026) than healthy controls when stimulated with various ligands. H3K4me3 expression was significantly lower in QFS patients than in healthy controls on the promoter regions of IL‐1β (p = 0.004), MCP‐1 (<0.001 and <0.001), IP‐10 (<0.001), IL‐10 (0.041), and IL‐13 (<0.001, <0.001, and 0.001). QFS patients showed diminished cytokine responses to various stimuli compared to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, likely due to epigenetic remodeling and long‐term memory as a result from the acute Q fever infection. This might explain the upper respiratory tract ailments in QFS.
Four‐Membered Cycle Formation Challenge: GaCl3‐Promoted Formal [2+2]‐Cycloaddition of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes to Bicyclobutylidene
Authors: Zotova Maria A. , Novikov Roman A. , Volodin Alexander D. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Tkachev Yaroslav V. , Korolev Victor A. , Tomilov Yury V.
Published: April 2019

The first selective process of formal [2+2]‐cycloaddition of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes (DAC) to multiple C–C bonds to form a four‐membered ring in the product has been developed. Bicyclobutylidene is used do demonstrate this reaction. The process is promoted by GaCl3 and occurs through generation of 1,2‐zwitterionic intermediates. A carbocationic rearrangement occurs in the bicyclobutylidene moiety. It results in expansion of both cyclobutane rings into five‐membered ones and formation of a [2.3.3]propellane skeleton in the final product.
Fast and Efficient Continuous Flow Method for the Synthesis of Ynones and Pyrazoles
Authors: Kandasamy Mohanraj , Ganesan Balaji , Hung Min‐Yuan , Lin Wei‐Yu
Published: April 2019

In this study, we developed a convenient and efficient two‐step method for the synthesis of ynones in a flow reactor, through the generation of lithium acetylide and its subsequent reactions with acid chlorides. Using this approach, we obtained the ynones in moderate to good yields at room temperature. Moreover, we transformed the ynones into pyrazole derivatives through coupling with hydrazines. This transition metal‐free process, mild reaction conditions, and broad functional group tolerance are all attractive features in comparison with conventional bench‐top methods.
Synthesis, Structural and Optical Properties of Tetrabenzoporphyrin Complexes Bearing Four or Eight Peripheral Phenyl Groups
Authors: Furuyama Taniyuki , Okujima Tetsuo , Muramatsu Kota , Takahashi Yuichi , Mikami Akihiro , Fukumura Tomoteru , Mori Shigeki , Nakae Takahiro , Takase Masayoshi , Uno Hidemitsu , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: April 2019

A series of free‐base and phosphorus(V) complexes of tetrabenzoporphyrin (TBP) and some phosphorus(V) porphyrins containing four or eight phenyl groups on the periphery have been synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography, electronic absorption, and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy, together with quantum chemical calculations. All phosphorus TBP and meso‐tetraphenyl porphyrin complexes adapted ruffled conformations due to the small P(V) ion, although the Zn(II)TBPs containing eight phenyl (Φ) groups at the so‐called β and α positions showed planar and saddled structures in the solid state, due to, respectively, marginal or severe steric hindrance between the neighboring Φ groups. All P(V)TBPs showed the Soret and Q bands beyond 450 and 700 nm, respectively, which are some of the longest wavelengths exhibited by metallated TBPs reported to date. Of the eight Φ group‐substituted P(V)TBPs, those substituted at α positions always showed absorption bands at longer wavelengths than those at β positions, which was reproduced by calculated absorption spectra. The Soret band positions of meso‐tetraphenylated P(V) species without fused benzo‐groups (ca. 430–440 nm) were also some of the longest among metalloporphyrins of this type.
An internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural therapy pain management programme for spinal cord injury pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Burke Dearbhla , Lennon Olive , Blake Catherine , Nolan Maeve , Barry Sorcha , Smith Eimear , Maye Fiona , Lynch John , O'Connor Lorna , Maume Liz , Cheyne Sheena , Ní Ghiollain Sadb , Fullen Brona M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Chronic pain is common after spinal cord injury (SCI) and dedicated SCI cognitive behavioural therapy pain management programmes (CBT‐PMPs) have a growing evidence base to support their uptake clinically. The development of internet‐delivered treatment options may overcome barriers to the access and uptake of centre‐based programmes. This study examines such an approach on quality of lie (QoL), pain, mood and sleep.

Methods

Adults with SCI pain (>3 months) were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention comprised a six module CBT‐PMP delivered once weekly. A blinded assessor determined changes in self‐reported outcome measures post‐intervention and at 3 months. Linear mixed models and effect sizes based on changes between groups were reported. Significance was set p < 0.05.

Results

The recruitment rate was 32% (intervention n = 35, control n = 34), and the drop‐out rate at 3 months was 26%. On average, participants accessed three (SD 2.1) of six modules. While no difference in QoL was reported, a significant group*time interaction was found for NRS of current pain (χ2 = 8.22, p = 0.016), worst pain (χ2 = 11.20, p = 0.004), and Brief Pain Inventory (interference) (χ2 = 6.924, p = 0.031). Moderate to large effect sizes favouring the intervention were demonstrated at each time point for the pain metrics (Cohen's d: 0.38–0.84). At 3‐month follow‐up, 48% of the intervention group rated themselves improved or very much improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential of an internet‐delivered SCI specific CBT‐PMP in reporting significant statistical and clinical benefit in pain intensity and interference. Strategies to improve engagement are needed.
Parent psychological flexibility in the context of pediatric pain: Brief assessment and associations with parent behaviour and child functioning
Authors: Timmers Inge , Simons Laura E. , Hernandez Jessica M. , McCracken Lance M. , Wallace Dustin P.
Published: April 2019

Background

The parent's role in the context of pediatric chronic pain is essential. There is growing evidence that parent psychological flexibility positively impacts child functioning. To assess parents’ abilities to respond with psychological flexibility to their child's pain, the Parent Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire (PPFQ) was developed. Here, we aim to validate the 10‐item version of the questionnaire in an English‐speaking population and to evaluate associations with parent behaviour, child pain acceptance and functioning.

Methods

Five hundred and seventy‐eight parent‐child dyads presenting at a pediatric pain clinic were included (92% mothers, average child age 15.2 ± 1.6 years). The PPFQ was completed by the parent. Parent and child also completed other standardized questionnaires. In addition to confirmatory factor analysis and assessments of reliability and validity of the PPFQ‐10, a mediation analysis was performed to examine the direct and indirect effects of parent psychological flexibility on child functioning.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three‐factor model with subscales for Values‐Based Action, Pain Willingness and Emotional Acceptance, and the PPFQ‐10 demonstrated strong psychometric properties. After controlling for child pain, parent psychological flexibility indirectly affected child functioning through its association with both parent behaviour (i.e., protectiveness) and child pain acceptance.

Conclusions

Our findings provide further support for use of the PPFQ‐10 and the importance of assessing and addressing parent psychological flexibility in the context of child chronic pain. Our data show that parent psychological flexibility has an important adaptive role and can impact child functioning through two different routes, both of which can be actively targeted in treatment.

Significance

Our findings demonstrate that the PPFQ‐10 is an efficient measure of parent psychological flexibility, demonstrating strong psychometric properties. Furthermore, our analyses showed that parent psychological flexibility indirectly affects child functioning through associations with both adaptive parent behaviour and child functioning. Taken together, this study furthers the understanding of how parent psychological flexibility operates and affects children with chronic pain, and may inform and optimize treatments aimed at improving functioning by addressing child and parent coping.
The relationships between worry, happiness and pain catastrophizing in the experience of acute pain
Authors: Lefebvre John C. , Jensen Mark P.
Published: April 2019

Background

The current study aimed to (a) evaluate the effects of an experimental manipulation of worry and happiness on pain perception and measures of worry about pain and pain catastrophizing and (b) determine if changes in situation‐specific worry about pain and pain catastrophizing would be related to changes in acute pain.

Methods

The study included 120 healthy, pain‐free volunteers. Participants were exposed to four levels of noxious stimulation and asked to report on the pain intensity, worry about pain and pain catastrophizing they experienced during the stimulation procedures. They were then randomly assigned to either a Happy or a Worry condition, where they were exposed to emotion induction procedures. The noxious exposure procedures and measures of pain, pain‐related worry and pain catastrophizing were then repeated.

Results

Participants in the Worry condition reported significant increases in pain intensity, and those in the Happy condition reported significant decreases in pain intensity. Further, the Worry condition participants reported significant increases in both pain‐related worry and pain catastrophizing, while the Happy condition showed the opposite effects. Finally, changes in worry about pain and pain catastrophizing were found to mediate the impact of the affect induction procedure on pain intensity.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that pain intensity, worry about pain and pain catastrophizing are all sensitive to changes in mood. The results have potential clinical implications.

Significance

The current study shows that manipulation‐induced changes in pain‐related worry, pain catastrophizing, and affect have direct effects on the experience of acute pain. More broadly, the overlap of these three variables provides with anxiety and mood disorders offers the promise of new vistas for research and treatment of pain conditions by assessing and targeting the cognitions and behaviors that are common to worry and catastrophizing.
Hanin: Nostalgia among Syrian refugees
Authors: Wildschut Tim , Sedikides Constantine , Alowidy Dalal
Published: April 2019

We examined the psychological functions of nostalgia (hanin in Arabic) among Syrian refugees residing in Saudi Arabia, who were forcibly displaced during the Syrian civil war. Forced displacement entails disruption, loss, and mourning, creating a salient contrast between one's past and present circumstances, which could attenuate the benefits of nostalgia. Studying this population thus affords a strong test of the boundaries of nostalgia's functionality. We experimentally induced nostalgia via vivid autobiographical recall and then assessed various psychological functions, as well as current affect. A supplemental objective was to examine the role of dispositional resilience. Most established benefits of nostalgia also accrued to Syrian refugees. However, contrary to previous findings, nostalgia decreased optimism, highlighting the limits of its palliative capacity among displaced individuals. As hypothesized, the impact of nostalgia was moderated by dispositional resilience, which acted as a catalyst of the emotion's benefits and as an inhibitor of its costs.
2‐Hydroxypyridine N‐Oxide is not genotoxic in vivo
Authors: Dobo Krista L. , Coffing Stephanie , Gunther William C. , Homiski Michael
Published: April 2019

2‐Hydroxypyridine N‐oxide (HOPO) is an important coupling reagent used in pharmaceutical synthesis. Our laboratory previously reported HOPO as equivocal in the Ames assay following extensive testing of multiple lots of material. Given the lack of reproducibility between lots of material and the weak increase in revertants observed, it was concluded that it would be highly unlikely that HOPO would pose a mutagenic risk in vivo. The purpose of the current investigation was to assess experimentally in rats the mutagenic (Pig‐a mutation induction) and more broadly genotoxic (micronucleus and comet induction) potential of HOPO. Rats were administered HOPO (0, 50, 150, 300, and 500 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 28 days. At the end of study, the following parameters were assessed: frequency of Pig‐a mutant red blood cells and reticulocytes, frequency of peripheral blood micronuclei, and the incidence of comet formation in liver. Toxicokinetic data collected on study Days 1 and 28 demonstrated systemic exposure to HOPO. Although there were no overt clinical signs, animals treated with HOPO showed a dose‐related decrease in body weight gain. There were no increases observed in any of the genotoxicity endpoints assessed. The results from this study further support the conclusion that in the context of pharmaceutical synthesis, HOPO should not be considered a mutagenic impurity but rather controlled as a normal process‐related impurity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on Catalytic Activity of V2O5/TiO2‐CNTs for 1, 2‐Dichlorobenzene Oxidation
Authors: Wang Qiulin , Zhang Jianchao , Tang Minghui , Peng Yaqi , Du Cuicui , Yan Jianhua , Lu Shengyong
Published: April 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with or without oxygen‐containing functional groups (e.g., hydroxy radical [─OH] and carboxyl [─COOH] group) were used in combination with titanium dioxide (TiO2) to support vanadium oxide as novel catalysts (i.e., V2O5/TiO2‐CNTs‐OH [V/Ti‐CNTs‐OH], V2O5/TiO2‐CNTs‐COOH [V/Ti‐CNTs‐COOH], and V2O5/TiO2‐CNTs [V/Ti‐CNTs]). These catalysts were used to catalytically decompose gaseous 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (1,2‐DCBz) at low temperature (150 °C). The results of this study indicate that the catalytic activity of V/Ti‐CNTs evidently improved by the introduction of oxygen‐containing functional groups, and particularly the V/Ti‐CNTs‐COOH catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance at low temperature. Oxygen‐containing functional groups in CNTs increase the active chemisorbed oxygen amount, thus improve both the oxygen delivery capability and the surface lattice oxygen mobility of the catalysts. The former guarantees an efficient 1,2‐DCBz oxidation and retards the catalyst deactivation in oxygen‐free atmosphere. The latter ensures the regeneration of the deactivated catalyst when oxygen is reinjected into reaction atmosphere. Or else, the surface oxygen vacancy caused by the consumption of surface reactive oxygen would be difficult to be replenished by the oxygen from atmosphere at low temperature (150°C). These results reveal the effect of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the structure‐catalytic property of V/Ti‐CNTs catalyst, suggesting that controlling the emission of chloro‐aromatic pollutants from incineration flue gas could be achieved by modifying the surface of the catalyst containing CNTs with proper oxygen‐containing functional groups. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: e13221, 2019
Parentage-Based Tagging: Reviewing the Implementation of a New Tool for an Old Problem
Authors: Steele Craig A , Hess Maureen , Narum Shawn , Campbell Matthew
Published: April 2019

Parentage-based tagging (PBT), an innovative and large-scale application of genetic parentage assignments, is transforming how fisheries managers determine the age and origin of sampled fish. PBT is an efficient alternative for mass tagging and has been widely implemented in the Pacific Northwest. While still an emerging technology, PBT is being used to provide information to managers in state, federal, and tribal agencies on the harvest, research, and conservation of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss in this region. We review the development of PBT in the Pacific Northwest focusing on the technical and logistical challenges for implementing a regional PBT program. We also showcase recent results and review management efforts that made use of PBT-derived data.
Effect of yellowing time on bioactive compounds in yellow tea and their antiproliferative capacity in HepG2 cells
Authors: An Ran , Sun Lingli , Xiang Limin , Zhang Wenji , Li Qiuhua , Lai Xingfei , Wen Shuai , Huo Mengen , Li Dongli , Sun Shili
Published: April 2019

Several studies have shown potent antineoplastic effects of tea, which can induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of cancer cells. Yellow tea is one of the six major types of tea, and yellowing time, a key factor in its processing, is known to improve its quality and bioactivity. However, the effects of yellowing on the composition of the bioactive substances of tea are poorly understood. We analyzed the biochemical composition and the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the extracts of yellow tea (EYTs) subjected to different yellowing durations. Prolonged yellowing increased the content of water extracts, amino acids, soluble sugars, theaflavins, and nonesterified catechins (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and decreased that of polyphenols, flavonols, thearubigins, caffeine, GA, and esterified catechins (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). In addition, yellowing also slightly increased the antioxidant capacity of the EYTs, but did not significantly affect their ability to inhibit the proliferation of the hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. Mechanistically, the EYTs significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT and upregulated the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio in the HepG2 cells. Taken together, the yellowing time influences the bioactive components of yellow tea, and the resulting yellow tea may have more potent antioxidant and anticancer effects.
Impact of body mass index on post‐thyroidectomy morbidity
Authors: Blanchard Claire , Bannani Sahar , Pattou François , Brunaud Laurent , Hamy Antoine , Christou Niki , Mathonnet Muriel , Dahan Marcel , Prades Jean‐Michel , Landecy Gérard , Dernis Henri‐Pierre , Sebag Fréderic , Babin Emmanuel , Bizon Alain , Lifante Jean‐Christophe , Jegoux Frank , Volteau Christelle , Caillard Cécile , Riche Valery‐Pierre , Mirallié Éric
Published: April 2019

Background

The impact of obesity on total thyroidectomy (TT) morbidity (recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypocalcaemia) remains largely unknown.

Methods

In a prospective study (NCT01551914), patients were divided into five groups according to their body mass index (BMI): underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese, and severely obese. Preoperative and postoperative serum calcium was measured. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) function was evaluated before discharge, and if abnormal, at 6 months.

Results

In total 1310 patients were included. Baseline characteristics were similar across BMI groups except for age and sex. Postoperative hypocalcaemia was more frequent in underweight compared to obese patients but the difference was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. There was no difference between groups in terms of definitive hypocalcaemia, transient and definitive RLN palsy, and postoperative pain.

Conclusion

Obesity does not increase intraoperative and postoperative morbidity of TT, despite a longer duration of the procedure.
American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section update on parathyroid imaging for surgical candidates with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zafereo Mark , Yu Justin , Angelos Peter , Brumund Kevin , Chuang Hubert H. , Goldenberg David , Lango Miriam , Perrier Nancy , Randolph Gregory , Shindo Maisie L. , Singer Michael , Smith Russell , Stack Brendan C. , Steward David , Terris David J. , Vu Thinh , Yao Mike , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: April 2019

Health care consumer organizations and insurance companies increasingly are scrutinizing value when considering reimbursement policies for medical interventions. Recently, members of several American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head & Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) committees worked closely with one insurance company to refine reimbursement policies for preoperative localization imaging in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. This endeavor led to an AAO‐HNS parathyroid imaging consensus statement (https://www.entnet.org/content/parathyroid-imaging). The American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section gathered an expert panel of authors to delineate imaging options for preoperative evaluation of surgical candidates with primary hyperparathyroidism. We review herein the current literature for preoperative parathyroid localization imaging, with discussion of efficacy, cost, and overall value. We recommend that planar sestamibi imaging, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), SPECT/CT, CT neck/mediastinum with contrast, MRI, and four dimensional CT (4D‐CT) may be used in conjunction with high‐resolution neck ultrasound to preoperatively localize pathologic parathyroid glands. PubMed literature on parathyroid imaging was reviewed through February 1, 2019.
Prediagnostic blood levels of organochlorines and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in three prospective cohorts in China and Singapore
Authors: Bassig Bryan A. , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Sjödin Andreas , Koh Woon‐Puay , Gao Yu‐Tang , Adams‐Haduch Jennifer , Davis Mark , Wang Renwei , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Engel Lawrence S. , Purdue Mark P. , Ji Bu‐Tian , Yang Gong , Jones Richard S. , Langseth Hilde , Hosgood H. Dean , Grimsrud Tom K. , Seow Wei Jie , Wong Jason Y.Y. , Hu Wei , Chen Dazhe , Zheng Wei , Yuan Jian‐Min , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: April 2019

Specific organochlorines (OCs) have been associated with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with varying degrees of evidence. These associations have not been evaluated in Asia, where the high exposure and historical environmental contamination of certain OC pesticides (e.g., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT], hexachlorocyclohexane [HCH]) are different from Western populations. We evaluated NHL risk and prediagnostic blood levels of OC pesticides/metabolites and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in a case–control study of 167 NHL cases and 167 controls nested within three prospective cohorts in Shanghai and Singapore. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze lipid‐adjusted OC levels and NHL risk. Median levels of p,p′‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′‐DDE), the primary DDT metabolite, and β‐HCH were up to 12 and 65 times higher, respectively, in samples from the Asian cohorts compared to several cohorts in the United States and Norway. An increased risk of NHL was observed among those with higher β‐HCH levels both overall (3rd vs. 1st tertile OR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.0–3.2; ptrend = 0.049) and after excluding cases diagnosed within 2 years of blood collection (3rd vs. 1st tertile OR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.1–3.9; ptrend = 0.03), and the association was highly consistent across the three cohorts. No significant associations were observed for other OCs, including p,p′‐DDE. Our findings provide support for an association between β‐HCH blood levels and NHL risk. This is a concern because substantial quantities of persistent, toxic residues of HCH are present in the environment worldwide. Although there is some evidence that DDT is associated with NHL, our findings for p,p′‐DDE do not support an association.
High‐resolution genomic alterations in Barrett's metaplasia of patients who progress to esophageal dysplasia and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sepulveda Jorge L. , Komissarova Elena V. , Kongkarnka Sarawut , Friedman Richard A. , Davison Jon M. , Levy Brynn , Bryk Diana , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Del Portillo Armando , Falk Gary W. , Sonett Joshua R. , Lightdale Charles J. , Abrams Julian A. , Wang Timothy C. , Sepulveda Antonia R.
Published: April 2019

The main risk factor for esophageal dysplasia and adenocarcinoma (DAC) is Barrett's esophagus (BE), characterized by intestinal metaplasia. The critical genomic mechanisms that lead to progression of nondysplastic BE to DAC remain poorly understood and require analyses of longitudinal patient cohorts and high‐resolution assays. We tested BE tissues from 74 patients, including 42 nonprogressors from two separate groups of 21 patients each and 32 progressors (16 in a longitudinal cohort before DAC/preprogression‐BE and 16 with temporally concurrent but spatially separate DAC/concurrent‐BE). We interrogated genome‐wide somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) at the exon level with high‐resolution SNP arrays in DNA from formalin‐fixed samples histologically confirmed as nondysplastic BE. The most frequent abnormalities were SCNAs involving FHIT exon 5, CDKN2A/B or both in 88% longitudinal BE progressors to DAC vs. 24% in both nonprogressor groups (p = 0.0004). Deletions in other genomic regions were found in 56% of preprogression‐BE but only in one nonprogressor‐BE (p = 0.0004). SCNAs involving FHIT exon 5 and CDKN2A/B were also frequently detected in BE temporally concurrent with DAC. TP53 losses were detected in concurrent‐BE but not earlier in preprogression‐BE tissues of patients who developed DAC. CDKN2A/p16 immunohistochemistry showed significant loss of expression in BE of progressors vs. nonprogressors, supporting the genomic data. Our data suggest a role for CDKN2A/B and FHIT in early progression of BE to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma that warrants future mechanistic research. Alterations in CDKN2A/B and FHIT by high‐resolution assays may serve as biomarkers of increased risk of progression to DAC when detected in BE tissues.
The interplay between microbiota‐dependent metabolite trimethylamine N‐oxide, Transforming growth factor β/SMAD signaling and inflammasome activation in chronic kidney disease patients: A new mechanistic perspective
Authors: El‐Deeb Omnia Safwat , Atef Marwa Mohamed , Hafez Yasser Mostafa
Published: April 2019

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) signifies a frequently life‐threatening condition influencing kidney structure and function. Despite its irrefutable importance, its exact pathogenesis is not completely clarified. However, CKD is known to be associated with accumulated uremic toxins/metabolites, interstitial fibrosis, and systemic inflammation. So we aimed to investigate the role of microbiota‐dependent metabolite trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/SMAD signaling, and inflammasome activation in CKD pathogenesis through its different stages.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty patients with CKD of stages 2 to 4 in addition 15 healthy control subjects were enrolled. SMAD3 and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐, leucine‐rich repeat‐ and pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions from whole blood were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Serum TGF‐β1 and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels were estimated by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma and urinary TMAO levels were measured. Oxidative stress markers were also assessed.

Results

SMAD3 and NLRP3 mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated in patients with CKD. Likewise, serum TGF‐β1 and IL‐1β levels were significantly elevated in patients with CKD, with increase in plasma and urinary TMAO levels and altered redox status throughout different CKD stages.

Conclusion

The study documented that TMAO could be used as a reliable biomarker to evaluate CKD progression; being linked to TGF‐β/SMAD signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome activation as well as being a noninvasive applicable technique.
l‐Methionine activates Nrf2‐ARE pathway to induce endogenous antioxidant activity for depressing ROS‐derived oxidative stress in growing rats
Authors: Wang Zhengxuan , Liang Mingcai , Li Hui , Cai Liang , He Hongjuan , Wu Qiong , Yang Lin
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Methionine is an essential sulfur‐containing amino acid. To elucidate the influence of l‐methionine on activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2–antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2‐ARE) antioxidant pathway to stimulate the endogenous antioxidant activity for depressing reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐derived oxidative stress, male Wistar rats were orally administered l‐methionine daily for 14 days.

RESULTS

With the intake of l‐methionine, Nrf2 was activated by l‐methionine through depressing Keap1 and Cul3, resulting in upregulation of ARE‐driven antioxidant expression (glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate cysteine ligase modulatory subunit, glutathione synthase (GS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) with increasing l‐methionine availability. Upon activation of Nrf2, glutathione synthesis was increased through upregulated expression of methionine adenosyltransferase, S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, cystathionine β‐synthase, cystathionine γ‐lyse, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) and GS, while hepatic expressions of methionine sulfoxide reductases (MsrA, MsrB2, MsrB3) and hepatic enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GCL, GR, GST, GPx) were uniformly stimulated with increasing consumption of l‐methionine. As a result, hepatic content of ROS and MDA were effectively reduced by l‐methionine intake.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that methionine availability plays a critical role in activation of the Nrf2‐ARE pathway to induce an endogenous antioxidant response for depressing ROS‐derived oxidative stress, which is primarily attributed to the stimulation of methionine sulfoxide reductase expression and glutathione synthesis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry