bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicenes Built from Silacyclopentadienes via Ring‐by‐Ring Knitting of the Helical Framework
Authors: Tok Oleg L. , Lang Kamil , Růžička Aleš , Cvačka Josef
Published: December 2018

Despite the apparent diversity of the protocols developed for the synthesis of helicenes, they essentially follow the same strategy: the closure of one, or several, internal rings in a key step. Herein, we report the synthesis of a new family of the heterohelicenes consisting of fused silacyclopentadiene rings formed via a facile and novel process. The treatment of oligo(alkynilydenesilylene) precursors of type H2C=CH−(SiMe2−C≡C)n−R (n=3–7), bearing a vinyl group on the terminal silicon atom, with 9‐borabicyclononane leads first to 1,2‐hydroboration of the terminal double bond which then continues with a cascade of intramolecular 1,1‐carboboration reactions accompanied with the closure of a new silole ring after each step affording the target silahelicenes with, currently, up to seven condensed silole rings and with excellent yields. According XRD analysis, the seven fused silole rings of the heptacyclic compound 11 b form an almost complete turn of a helix. The presented one‐pot sequence of reactions is the first example of ring‐by‐ring knitting of a helical framework starting from easily available linear precursors.
A Three‐Membered Cyclic Phosphasilene
Authors: Heider Yannic , Willmes Philipp , Mühlhausen Daniel , Klemmer Lukas , Zimmer Michael , Huch Volker , Scheschkewitz David
Published: December 2018

Small unsaturated phosphacycles are versatile reagents owing to their strain and the added functionality of the double bond and the phosphorus lone pair. Herein we report the synthesis and isolation of the smallest possible cyclic phosphasilene as a stable adduct with an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC). First reactivity studies show a) that the PSi2 ring is a competent ligand to the Fe(CO)4 fragment via the phosphorus lone pair and b) that the abstraction of the NHC by BPh3 results in the rapid head‐to‐head or head‐to‐tail dimerization of the PSi2 unit. The relatively facile NHC cleavage indicates that the P=Si double bond is available for further manipulation.
Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and Two‐Photon Absorption Study of Tetraazachrysene‐based N‐Heteroacenes
Authors: Li Gang , Wang Shuaihua , Yang Shufan , Liu Guangfeng , Hao Pin , Zheng Yusen , Long Guankui , Li Dandan , Zhang Yu , Yang Wenbin , Xu Liang , Gao Weibo , Zhang Qichun , Cui Guanwei , Tang Bo
Published: December 2018

Three novel N‐heteroacene molecules (SDNU‐1, SDNU‐2 and SDNU‐3) based on tetraazachrysene units as cores have been designed, synthesized and fully characterized. Their photophysical, electrochemical and fluorescence properties were investigated, and they exhibited blue to green emission in the solid state. Interestingly, SDNU‐2 exhibited high solid photoluminescence quantum efficiencies (75.3 %), which is the highest value of N‐heteroacenes derivatives to date. Two‐photon absorption studies have been conducted by using the open and close aperture Z‐san technique. SDNU‐3 showed a significant enhancement in the two‐photon absorption cross‐section with magnitudes as high as about 700 GM (1 GM=1×10−50 cm4 s/photon) when excited with 800 nm light, which is the largest value based on a heteroacene system measured by using a Z‐scan experiment so far. We attribute the outcome to sufficient electronic coupling between the strong charge transfer of quadrupolar substituents and the tetraazachrysene core. Our result would provide a new guideline to design novel efficient two‐photon materials based on N‐heteroacene cores.
The Construction of an In Vitro Synthetic Enzymatic Biosystem that Facilitates Laminaribiose Biosynthesis from Maltodextrin and Glucose
Authors: Sun Shangshang , Wei Xinlei , You Chun
Published: December 2018

Laminaribiose is a reducing disaccharide linked by a β‐1,3 glycosidic bond; it is also a precursor for building blocks in the pharmaceutical industry, a powerful germinating agent and antiseptic, as well as a potential prebiotic. In this study, an in vitro enzymatic biosystem composed of α‐glucan phosphorylase, laminaribiose phosphorylase, isoamylase, and 4‐glucanotransferase is designed for the one‐pot synthesis of laminaribiose from low‐cost maltodextrin and glucose. Through condition optimization, 51 mM laminaribiose is produced from 10 g L−1 maltodextrin (55.5 mM glucose equivalent) and 90 mM glucose. The product yield based on maltodextrin is 91.9%. To investigate the industrial potential of this in vitro enzymatic biosystem, the production of laminaribiose from high concentrations of substrates is also examined, and 179 mM laminaribiose is produced from 50 g L−1 of maltodextrin and 450 mM glucose. This in vitro enzymatic biosystem comprised of thermophilic enzymes can drastically decrease the manufacturing cost of laminaribiose and provide a green method for the production of other disaccharides using phosphorylases.
Macrocyclization enhances affinity of chemokine‐binding peptoids
Authors: Brahm Kevin , Wack Julia S. , Eckes Stefanie , Engemann Victoria , Schmitz Katja
Published: December 2018

Peptoids that bind to protein targets can be selected from one‐bead‐one‐compound libraries. Macrocyclization has been often used to increase conformational rigidity and binding affinity in both peptides and peptoids. Here we describe a combined strategy to label and cyclize hexameric peptoid sequences previously identified in a screen against the inflammatory chemokine interleukin‐8/CXCL8 that is involved in a number of inflammatory diseases. Cyclization can be performed on‐bead in the presence of side‐chain protecting groups so that this strategy can be applied to a large variety of sequences. The affinity of the resulting tetramethylrhodamine‐labeled macrocyclic peptomers to CXCL8 is increased by at least 1 order of magnitude compared to the original linear sequences.
Global surgery in an ecosystem for worldwide health
Authors: Søreide K , Winter D C
Published: December 2018

A call for action now
Highly effective active learning in a one‐year biochemistry series with limited resources
Authors: Reich Norbert , Wang Yuedong
Published: December 2018

We investigate the effectiveness of an active learning curriculum designed for an upper division Biochemistry series at a large, public research university. The goal was to determine how effective this format was when compared to a parallel conventional course, and to see if the active learning series can be run with limited resources (one instructor, one teaching assistant). The study involved 160 students in the first quarter and 92 students in the second quarter. The active learning curriculum consists of learning goals for each chapter, online quizzes, in‐class questions targeting the problematic areas, small group (3–4 students) discussions during class in which students presented their assumptions and arguments in support of their responses to online and in‐class questions, and two‐stage exams involving the ability to “re‐answer” as a group following a discussion). The in‐class questions involved the use of a student response system (i > clicker) (multiple choice) and short answer formats. Students in the active learning course and a control, conventional lecture course, took identical midterms and finals for the first, and second quarters. We found that students enrolled in the active learning curriculum had consistently better performance, with statistically significant higher scores on all tests for both quarters. The effect sizes of the improvements are medium to large and are independent of prior GPA and grades in prerequisites. This model curriculum redesign offers promise for improved student learning with less monetary investment than a flipped course model relying on, for example, an extensive collection of instructor‐produced videos. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):7–15, 2018.
Biology graduate teaching assistants as novice educators: Are there similarities in teaching ability and practice beliefs between teaching assistants and K–12 teachers?
Authors: Gardner Grant E. , Parrish Jennifer
Published: December 2018

Biology graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are a critical instructional group in the successful implementation of classroom reform efforts in higher education. Despite this, little is known about effective Teaching Professional Development (TPD) of this largely novice instructor group. This Idea to explore article proposes that a comparison of what we already know about novice K‐12 science teachers beliefs about teaching and learning might inform future research into GTA TPD. As such, data related to teaching ability and practice beliefs is provided to compare and contrast these constructs in GTA and novice K‐12 teacher groups. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):51–57, 2018.
Chemical Characterization of Leaves, Male and Female Flowers from Spontaneous Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) Growing in Hungary
Authors: Nagy David U. , Cianfaglione Kevin , Maggi Filippo , Sut Stefania , Dall'Acqua Stefano
Published: December 2018

Spontaneous forms of hemp (Cannabis sativa L., often reported as Cannabis sativa var. spontanea Vavilov) with a low content of psychoactive cannabinoids can be considered as a valuable source of other phytoconstituents to be used in nutraceuticals or for their health promoting properties. Chemical data on this hemp variety are rather scarce. In this article, we report a comprehensive phytochemical characterization of leaves, male and female inflorescences of C. sativa growing wild in Hungary. For the purpose, the essential oil along with polar extracts were analyzed using GC/MS, NMR and LC‐DAD‐MS techniques, respectively. The results indicated that female inflorescence essential oil contains high amounts of the CB2 agonists, (E)‐caryophyllene (28.3 %) and cannabidiol (CBD; 24.9 %), whereas leaves and male inflorescence essential oils contained lower amounts of both compounds. HPLC/MS allowed to quantify cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBD−A) in the ethyl acetate extracts from leaves, male and female inflorescences; they were 0.3, 0.8 and 0.9 %, and 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 %, respectively. Flavonoids of this spontaneous form of hemp were formed by C‐glycosides and glucuronic acids of kaempferol and apigenin with a total content of 3.8, 6.1 and 7.8 mg/g in methanolic extracts from leaves, male and female inflorescences, respectively. Based on these results, spontaneous C. sativa may represent an important source of CB2 agonists and bioflavonoids to be used in nutraceuticals, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The Active Nature of Crystal MoS2 for Converting Sulfur‐Containing Syngas
Authors: Liu Chang , Cui Xue‐Ying , Song Yong‐Hong , Zhu Min‐Li , Liu Zhao‐Tie , Liu Zhong‐Wen
Published: December 2018

Molybdenum disulfides are attractive sulfur‐tolerant catalysts suitable for the direct conversion of sulfur‐containing syngas, which avoids the expensive step of the deep desulfurization. However, the catalytic activity of MoS2‐based catalysts is relatively low. To improve the activity, previous works have focused on modifying MoS2 with various promoters and supports, but the structural aspects are largely overlooked. In this work, we investigated the active nature of the MoS2‐based catalysts for the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. Thus, the bulk MoS2 with varied crystallite sizes was synthesized by the hydrothermal and the thermal decomposition methods. The catalysts before and after catalytic tests were characterized by in‐situ X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope techniques. The CO hydrogenation under low‐temperature methanation conditions (The syngas with a H2/CO=2 and 40.0 ppm H2S, T=360 °C, and P=2 MPa) was applied to evaluate MoS2 as a catalyst for converting syngas. The catalytic results indicate that the MoS2 with smaller crystallite sizes exhibited a higher CO conversion. By correlating the structural propriety with the catalytic activity, a hexagonal‐prim‐shaped model was developed to describe different sites on the MoS2 crystallite. Based on this model, the activity of different active sites on the bulk MoS2 for CO hydrogenation decreased in the order of rim sites > edge sites ≫ basal sites. The highest catalytic activity over the bulk MoS2 with smallest particles was attributed to the highest exposure of the rim sites.
Positive Cooperative Effect in Ion‐Pair Recognition by a Tris‐urea Hemicryptophane Cage
Authors: Delecluse Magalie , Colomban Cédric , Moraleda Delphine , de Riggi Innocenzo , Duprat Françoise , Michaud‐Chevallier Sabine , Dutasta Jean‐Pierre , Robert Vincent , Chatelet Bastien , Martinez Alexandre
Published: December 2018

The synthesis of a hemicryptophane cage combining a CTV unit with a C3 symmetrical moiety bearing three urea functions is reported. This host was found to bind anions with higher binding constants than other previously reported hemicryptophanes. Due to its heteroditopic character this cage proved to be an efficient ion‐pair receptor. The best cooperativity effect was observed for the tetramethylammonium bromide (TMABr) salt, which was confirmed and rationalized by DFT calculations.
Dynamic Interactions in Synthetic Receptors: A Guest Exchange Saturation Transfer Study
Authors: Avram Liat , Havel Václav , Shusterman‐Krush Ronit , Iron Mark A. , Zaiss Moritz , Šindelář Vladimír , Bar‐Shir Amnon
Published: December 2018

The accumulated knowledge regarding molecular architectures is based on established, reliable, and accessible analytical tools that provide robust structural and functional information on assemblies. However, both the dynamicity and low population of noncovalently interacting moieties within studied molecular systems limit the efficiency and accuracy of traditional methods. Herein, the use of a saturation transfer‐based NMR approach to study the dynamic binding characteristics of an anion to a series of synthetic receptors derived from bambusuril macrocycles is demonstrated. The exchange rates of BF4− are mediated by the side chains on the receptor (100 s−1<kex<5000 s−1), which play a critical role in receptor‐anion binding dynamics. The signal amplification obtained with this approach allows for the identification of different types of intermolecular interactions between the receptor and the anion, something that could not have been detected by techniques hitherto used to study molecular assemblies. These findings, which are supported by a computational molecular dynamic study, demonstrate the uniqueness and added value of this NMR method.
Examining the perceived versus the actual knowledge about forensic odontology: A cross‐sectional survey among dentists
Authors: Almutairi Adel F. , Alkhtheri Bayan A. , Aleidan Hattan N. , Alhabib Asma A. , Alotaibi Eid A. , Salam Mahmoud
Published: December 2018

Dentists should have the basic essential skills and knowledge about forensic odontology, to better collaborate with law enforcement and investigations. The objective of this survey was to assess the perceived and actual knowledge toward forensic odontology among dentists and to question their willingness to attend training courses on this specialty. A cross‐sectional survey based on a self‐administered questionnaire was conducted in various districts of Saudi Arabia. Four hundred dentists responded to a questionnaire that tested their actual knowledge of forensic odontology based on answering 15 statements using the alternatives correct, incorrect, do not know. The perceived knowledge was registered as strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree, then assigned scores respectively from four to zero. A willingness to attend a training course in the future was recorded by (yes/no). Scores were summated then subjected to descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Responses were received from 360 study participants (89% response rate). The percentage of correct answers, that is, the actual knowledge, was 67.9 (standard deviation [SD] ± 18.4). About two thirds of the responders (n = 251, 69.7%) indicated a willingness to attend a forensic odontology course in the future. Differences in both actual and perceived knowledge were identified on the basis of gender, work experience, education level, attended a course in forensic odontology, and having previously provided a past bite‐mark examination. The perceived knowledge on forensic odontology among dentists was moderate to low. The gap between perceived and actual knowledge signifies low self‐confidence. Dentists with higher education levels and experience tend to have better knowledge.
Band‐Gap Narrowing of Highly Stable Heterogeneous ZrO2–ZnO Nanocomposites for the Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds with Formic Acid and Triethylamine
Authors: Mishra Kanchan , Kim Sung Hong , Lee Yong Rok
Published: December 2018

The band gap of a material can be affected by factors such as size, doping materials, and oxygen vacancies. The decrease in band gap and change in state of ZrO2 with the addition of ZnO indicates interfacial interactions between ZrO2 and ZnO in the nanocomposites (NCs), which is further confirmed by the observed shift of the peaks in the Raman spectra. Heterobimetallic ZrO2–ZnO NCs were synthesized through a sustainable green approach by using sucrose isolated from Angelica gigas Nakai root extract. The highly stable NCs displayed excellent catalytic activity for reductive amination of carbonyl compounds utilizing HCO2H/(CH3CH2)3N as a hydrogen source. The high catalytic performance of the NCs was closely correlated with the narrow band gap and synergistic effect of ZrO2 with ZnO in the NCs.
Electrochemical Oxidative C(sp3)−H/N−H Cross‐Coupling for N‐Mannich Bases with Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Pan , Yang Zhenlin , Wu Ting , Xu Chenyang , Wang Ziwei , Lei Aiwen
Published: December 2018

N‐Mannich bases are an important structure in various functional molecules. A new protocol to synthesize N‐Mannich bases was established through electrochemical external‐oxidant‐free C(sp3)−H/N−H cross‐coupling with hydrogen evolution. Various N‐methylanilines were explored in this transformation. Moreover, simple amides, heteroatom‐containing amides, and succinimides were well tolerated in moderate‐to‐good yields. In addition, the electrochemical dehydrogenative C(sp3)−H/N−H cross‐coupling could be scaled up to 5 mmol. By using triethyl phosphite as trapping agent, the phosphorylation product was detected. At the same time, kinetic isotope effect experiments showed that the cleavage of the C−H bond is the rate‐limiting step.
Urinary concentrations of AICAR and mannitol in athlete population
Authors: Sobolevsky Tim , Ahrens Brian
Published: December 2018

Both AICAR and mannitol are prohibited for use in sports, but no decisive criteria that would guide anti‐doping laboratories on data interpretation have been established so far. In an attempt to help harmonize reporting and management of analytical findings, reference population data collected for US athletes are presented. Upon analysis of 12 377 samples, mean urinary AICAR concentration was found to be 647 ± 365 ng/mL with median value of 574 ng/mL, 99th percentile at 1786 ng/mL and 99.7th percentile at 2151 ng/mL. Based on these results, we suggest that any sample with AICAR concentration greater than 2000 or 2500 ng/mL be analyzed by carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry to establish the origin. Urinary mannitol concentrations demonstrate larger variation with the mean value of 72 ± 140 μg/mL and median at 41 μg/mL (n = 6407). While the 99.7th percentile for mannitol was measured to be 1094 μg/mL, the population data alone is not sufficient to suggest a threshold value. It is also shown that the use of mannitol as a sweetener in amounts of up to 20 g per day results in a urinary concentration of about 14 mg/mL. As only intravenous mannitol is prohibited in sports, controlled excretion studies are needed to see whether intravenous administration could in fact be discriminated from dietary intake. An important observation is that mannitol present in mg/mL quantities significantly increases urine specific gravity, which makes a widely accepted normalization approach not applicable.
Fine‐scale stand structure mediates drought‐induced tree mortality in pinyon–juniper woodlands
Authors: Flake Samuel W. , Weisberg Peter J.
Published: December 2018

Severe drought has resulted in widespread tree die‐off events in forests and woodlands globally and is forecast to become more frequent in coming decades. Tree mortality is a complex process influenced by climate, soils, characteristics of individual trees, interactions between trees, and the dynamics of pests and pathogens. The role of stand structure and stand density in mediating the resistance of trees to drought remains poorly understood, especially in semiarid woodlands, which are expected to be highly susceptible to future severe drought. We sampled permanent plots in central Nevada woodlands dominated by single‐leaf pinyon pine and Utah juniper before and after a severe multi‐year drought (2013–2015) to investigate the importance of climate, tree attributes, and local‐neighborhood stand structure on tree mortality and canopy dieback at the level of individual trees and 0.1‐ha plots. We observed widespread tree mortality of pinyon at approximately eight times the reported background mortality rate, and substantial canopy dieback in both pinyon and juniper. Both species were more prone to mortality and dieback in hotter, drier sites. Canopy dieback was associated with both long‐term average climate and the severity of recent drought, with elevated mortality on sites with higher water deficits, average summer temperatures, and vapor pressure deficits. Soils also played a role in tree dieback, with greater mortality on deeper soils. While mortality was driven largely by climate at coarse scales, fine‐scale stand structure interacted with climate to mediate mortality and dieback. Neighborhood statistics showed that trees were susceptible to competitive influence, and pinyon trees were especially sensitive to neighborhood density on drier sites. Mortality and dieback were associated with diverse, co‐occurring insect and parasitic plant mortality agents. Canopy dieback prior to the drought was strongly associated with tree mortality during the drought, implying that current widespread defoliation caused by these agents may foreshadow future elevated woodland decline. Fine‐scale influences such as stand structure and soil characteristics play a key role in the long‐term dynamics of semiarid woodlands, and these factors should be considered in predictive models of forest and woodland susceptibility to drought.
Collapse of trophic‐niche structure in belowground communities under anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Korotkevich Anastasiya Yu. , Potapov Anton M. , Tiunov Alexei V. , Kuznetsova Natalia A.
Published: December 2018

The niche concept is a central paradigm in ecology, but empirical evidence on how the niche structure of belowground communities is affected by ecosystem disturbance is lacking. Niche differentiation evolves due to stable coexistence of species in a community, suggesting that in unstable communities, the niches of species should largely overlap. Here, we test this prediction using empirical data on the trophic‐niche structure of several belowground collembolan communities of natural (forest and meadow) and disturbed (pasture and urban lawn) habitats. Scaled stable isotope compositions of carbon and nitrogen were used to reveal the trophic specialization of species. In full agreement with the theoretical predictions, trophic‐niche structure collapsed in disturbed habitats, which was illustrated by decreased interspecific and increased intraspecific variation in the stable isotope compositions. In stable natural habitats, different trophic niches are occupied by different collembolan species, but in disturbed habitats, poor niche specialization is partly compensated for by intraspecific trophic flexibility. The simplification of food‐web structure was in line with the evidence coming from disturbed aquatic ecosystems, suggesting that the collapse of trophic‐niche structure may be a common feature of disturbed communities across biomes.
Synthesis of Benzocarbazole Derivatives by Photocyclization
Authors: Melekhina Valeriya G. , Mityanov Vitaly S. , Lichitsky Boris V. , Komogortsev Andrey N. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Krayushkin Michail M.
Published: December 2018

A simple and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of 11H‐benzo[a]carbazoles based on the photoinduced 6π‐electrocyclization of 2,3‐disubstituted indoles. Advantages of the new method are the simplicity of implementation and the easy isolation of reaction products. The structure of one of the cyclization products was determined by X‐ray diffraction. The starting 2,3‐disubstituted indoles were prepared by the selective three‐component condensation of aryl glyoxals with anilines and enols producing a single regioisomer.
The Wisdom of Thanos in Fishery Science: Why Manage Catch-and-Release Fisheries?
Authors: Love Joseph W
Published: December 2018

In the Marvel Comics movie “Avengers: Infinity War,” the god-like character Thanos regulates resources by eliminating half the human population. The goal (not the mechanism) is shared with fishery scientists who labor to allocate resources fairly and sustainably in open-access fisheries. Minimizing human exploitation is perceptively easier via catch-and-release fishing. This widespread and voluntary form of fishing has improved sustainability of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. As a fishery manager for bass in Maryland, I therefore asked whether scientists need to manage catch-and-release fisheries. I used an age-structured population model to test for circumstances under which catch-and-release fishing may not sustain Largemouth Bass populations. As was observed for a wild riverine population, I found that low to moderate levels of exploitation (e.g., catch-and-release mortality) could cause negative impacts when habitat loss also restricted recruitment. Although Thanos may have been wrong when thinking that reduced exploitation always leads to more resources, the wisdom in that admission encourages fishery and environmental agencies to jointly manage fish habitat and ensure the sustainability of sport fish.
Are overweight people more susceptible to anxiety?
Authors: Zhang Chichen , Li Mimi , Zhao Huining , Zhu Ruifang , Zheng Xiao , Lu Jiao , Du Yufeng , Yu Lingwei , Yang Tingzhong
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate anxiety status and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) among empty nesters in China, so as to improve their quality of life and provide direction for further research.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 4901 empty nesters in Shanxi, China. Anxiety, weight, height, depression, socio‐demographic variables, attention to daily nutritional health, social activities, and self‐care ability were evaluated in the study. T‐tests and chi‐square tests were used to compare differences in categorical and continuous variables. Binary logistic regression was performed to explore the association between anxiety and BMI among male and female empty nesters.

Results

The results showed that 44.5% of empty nesters reported anxiety, of which, 43.2% were male participants and 45.9% were female participants. After adjusting for other variables, overweight empty nesters odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.813 (0.692‐0.954) were less likely to be anxious, compared with their normal‐weight counterparts. Gender was a significant factor in the relationship, with the negative association between overweight and anxiety only found in female empty nesters OR (95%CI) = 0.718 (0.572‐0.901). Income, education, complete self‐care ability, and depression showed significant associations with anxiety.

Conclusion

The prevalence of anxiety was high in the study population. Gender is a significant factor in the relationship between anxiety and BMI among empty nesters. The results intend to inform the government and media that overweight is a protective factor for anxiety among female empty nesters, necessitating a move toward eliminating weight bias.
ROI and phobias: The effect of ROI approach on an ALE meta‐analysis of specific phobias
Authors: Gentili Claudio , Messerotti Benvenuti Simone , Lettieri Giada , Costa Cristiano , Cecchetti Luca
Published: December 2018

About 90% of fMRI findings on specific phobias (SP) include analysis of region of interest (ROI). This approach characterized by higher sensitivity may produce inflated results, particularly when findings are aggregated in meta‐analytic maps. Here, we conducted a systematic review and activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis on SP, testing the impact of the inclusion of ROI‐based studies. ALE meta‐analyses were carried out either including ROI‐based results or focusing on whole‐brain voxelwise studies exclusively. To assess the risk of bias in the neuroimaging field, we modified the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and measured the reliability of fMRI findings. Of the 31 selected investigations (564 patients and 485 controls) one‐third did not motivate ROI selection: five studies did not report an explicit rationale, whereas four did not cite any specific reference in this regard. Analyses including ROI‐based studies revealed differences between phobics and healthy subjects in several regions of the limbic circuit. However, when focusing on whole‐brain analysis, only the anterior midcingulate cortex differentiated SP from controls. Notably, 13 studies were labeled with low risk of bias according to the adapted NOS. The inclusion of ROI‐based results artificially inflates group differences in fMRI meta‐analyses. Moreover, a priori, well‐motivated selection of ROIs is desirable to improve quality and reproducibility in SP neuroimaging studies. Lastly, the use of modified NOS may represent a valuable way to assess and evaluate biases in fMRI studies: “low risk” of bias was reported for less than half of the included studies, indicating the need for better practices in fMRI.
Chemoselective Derivatization of Folded Synthetic Insulin Variants with Potassium Acyltrifluoroborates (KATs)
Authors: Boross Gábor N. , Schauenburg Dominik , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2018

Synthetic folded insulin variants containing an ornithine‐hydroxylamine residue are readily modified in aqueous buffers by amide‐forming ligations with potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs). The synthetic insulin analogs were prepared by Fmoc‐SPPS, α‐ketoacid‐hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation, and a prosthetic C‐peptide that delivers the correct disulfide pattern and allows facile incorporation at the B0 position of Glargine M2 of a new ornithine hydroxylamine protected with a photolabile group. The folded insulin is readily modified by photo‐deprotection followed by amide‐forming KAT ligation to give insulin variants labeled with dyes, lipids, and PEGs, as well as the formation of a covalent dimer.
MicroRNA‐384 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis through directly targeting WISP1 in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Wang Liang , Sun Jin , Cao Hua
Published: December 2018

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is an increasingly common malignant tumors of head and neck cancer. Aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) is closely related with LC development. In the current study, we investigated the biological function and underlying molecular mechanism of miR‐384 in LC. The results showed that the miR‐384 expression was markedly downregulated in LC tissue and cell lines (TU212 and TU686) as compared with that of adjacent nontumor tissues and a normal human bronchial epithelial cell line. Next, we performed gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments in the TU212 and TU686 cells by transfecting the cells with miR‐384 mimics, miR‐384 inhibitor, or miRNA control. Moreover, results showed that miR‐384 mimic remarkably inhibited LC cell proliferation, which was notably decreased by miR‐384 inhibitor. Furthermore, miR‐384 mimics notably increased the amounts of DNA fragmentation from the apoptotic cells (a hallmark of apoptosis) and the caspase‐3 activity, whereas miR‐384 inhibitor resulted in a decline of DNA fragmentation and the caspase‐3 activity compared with its control. In addition, a dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Wnt‐induced secreted protein‐1 (WISP1) gene was a direct target of miR‐384. MiR‐384 mimic remarkably inhibited the messenger RNA and protein expression of WISP1, which was upregulated by miR‐384 inhibitor as compared to its control. WISP1 knockdown by small interfering RNA inhibited LC cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. WISP1 overexpression partly abrogates the effect of miR‐384 overexpression. Taken together, these data indicate that miR‐384 regulates LC cell proliferation and apoptosis through targeting WISP1 signaling pathway, providing a novel insight into the LC treatment.
Suppression of microRNA‐141 suppressed p53 to protect against neural apoptosis in epilepsy by SIRT1 expression
Authors: Liu Ding , Li Shu , Gong Lina , Yang Yan , Han Yaru , Xie Miao , Zhang Chen
Published: December 2018

We investigated that microRNA (miRNA)‐141 protects against epilepsy‐induced apoptosis and its reaction mechanism. The serum expression of miRNA‐141 in epilepsy model mice and control volunteer was measured by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that miRNA‐141 serum expression was upregulated in patients with epilepsy. Overexpression of miRNA‐141 induced nerve cell apoptosis, suppressed proliferation, promoted caspase‐3/9, Bax and p53 protein expression, and reduced silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) protein expression in vitro model. In addition, the downexpression miRNA‐141 using si‐miRNA‐141 reduced nerve cell apoptosis and increased proliferation, suppressed caspase‐3/9, Bax and p53 protein expression, induced SIRT1 protein expression. SIRT1 inhibitor (nicotinamide) decreased SIRT1, reduced the effects of miRNA‐141 on nerve cell apoptosis in vitro model of epilepsy through SIRT1/p53. SIRT1 agonist also reduced the effects of miRNA‐141 overexpression on nerve cell apoptosis in vitro model of epilepsy through SIRT1/p53. Our preliminary findings indicate that anti‐miRNA‐141 protects against epilepsy‐induced apoptosis via SIRT1/p53 expression.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐7 incorporated polycaprolactone scaffold has a great potential to improve survival and proliferation rate of the human embryonic kidney cells
Authors: Saburi Ehsan , Atabati Hadi , Kabiri Ladan , Behdari Asma , Azizi Mina , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Enderami Seyed Ehsan , Ghaderian Sayyed Mohammad‐Hossein , Nafar Mohsen , Parvin Mahmoud , Omrani Mir Davood
Published: December 2018

Renal failures treatment has been faced with several problems during the last decades. Kidney tissue engineering has been created many hopes to improve treatment procedures with scaffold fabrication that can modulate kidney cells/stem cells migration to the lesion site and increase the survival of these cells at that site with imitating the role of the kidney extracellular matrix. In this study, bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP7) as a vital factor for kidney development and regeneration was incorporated in the polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and after morphological, mechanical, and biocompatible characterization, proliferation, and survival of the human embryonic kidney cells (HEK) were investigated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and gene expression while cultured on scaffolds. Mechanical properties of the PCL nanofibers modulated after combining with BMP7 and hydration degree, protein adsorption and cell adhesion were enhanced in PCL‐BMP7 compared to the pure PCL. Proliferation rate and growth increased significantly in HEK cells cultured on PCL‐BMP7 when compared with that of PCL and tissue culture plate, whereas these data were also confirmed via significant decrease in apoptotic genes expression level in HEK cell cultured on PCL‐BMP7. According to the results, PCL‐BMP7 demonstrated positive effects on the survival and proliferation rate of the kidney cells and showed has also a great potential to use as a bioimplant for kidney tissue engineering applications.
Polydatin suppresses the development of lung inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting activation of the NACHT domain‐, leucine‐rich repeat‐, and pyd‐containing protein 3 inflammasome and the nuclear factor‐κB pathway after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
Authors: Tang Jin , Li Yungai , Wang Jianqiang , Wu Qiong , Yan Hongli
Published: December 2018

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) can infect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Polydatin (PD), a traditional Chinese medicine, is known to have anti‐inflammation and antifibrosis properties. However, the protective effects of PD against MP pneumonia (MPP) remain unclear. So, the aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of PD against MPP. BALB/c mice were assigned to three groups: a normal control group, MP infection group, or PD‐treated MP infection group. BEAS‐2B cells transfected with or without NACHT domain‐, leucine‐rich repeat‐, and pyd‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) were used to confirm the protective mechanisms of PD. Immunohistochemical analysis, Western blot analysis, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry were used in this study. The results showed that PD treatment suppressed MP‐induced lung injury in mice by suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors and inhibiting the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Meanwhile, PD treatment inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway. Overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the protective effect of PD against MP‐induced injury of BEAS‐2B cells. Taken together, these results indicate that PD treatment suppressed the inflammatory response and the development of pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and NF‐κB pathway after MP infection.
A fast scheme to calculate electronic couplings between P3HT polymer units using diabatic orbitals for charge transfer dynamics simulations
Authors: Yu Tao , Fabunmi Florence , Huang Jingsong , Sumpter Bobby G. , Jakowski Jacek
Published: December 2018

We propose a fast and accurate calculation method to compute the electronic couplings between molecular units in a thiophene‐ring‐based polymer chain mimicking a real organic semiconducting polymer, poly(3‐hexylthiophene). Through a unit block diabatization scheme, the method employed minimal number of diabatic orbitals to compute the site energies and electronic couplings, which were validated by comparing with benchmark density functional theory calculations. In addition, by using the obtained electronic couplings, a quantum dynamics simulation was carried out to propagate a hole initially localized in a thiophene‐ring unit of the polymer chain. This work establishes a simple, efficient, and robust means for the simulation of electron or hole transfer processes in organic semiconducting materials, an important capability for study and understanding of the class of organic optoelectronic and photovoltaic materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interplay between microRNAs and Wnt, transforming growth factor‐β, and bone morphogenic protein signaling pathways promote osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Aslani Somayeh , Abhari Alireza , Sakhinia Ebrahim , Sanajou Davoud , Rajabi Hadi , Rahimzadeh Sevda
Published: December 2018

Osteoblasts are terminally differentiated cells with mesenchymal origins, known to possess pivotal roles in sustaining bone microstructure and homeostasis. These cells are implicated in the pathophysiology of various bone disorders, especially osteoporosis. Over the last few decades, strategies to impede bone resorption, principally by bisphosphonates, have been mainstay of treatment of osteoporosis; however, in recent years more attention has been drawn on bone‐forming approaches for managing osteoporosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a broad category of noncoding short sequence RNA fragments that posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of diverse functional and structural genes in a negative manner. An accumulating body of evidence signifies that miRNAs direct mesenchymal stem cells toward osteoblast differentiation and bone formation through bone morphogenic protein, transforming growth factor‐β, and Wnt signaling pathways. MiRNAs are regarded as excellent future therapeutic candidates because of their small size and ease of delivery into the cells. Considering their novel therapeutic significance, this review discusses the main miRNAs contributing to the anabolic aspects of bone formation and illustrates their interactions with corresponding signaling pathways involved in osteoblastic differentiation.
Bile salt (glycochenodeoxycholate acid) induces cell survival and chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chengzhi , Yang Manyi , Zhao Jinfeng , Li Xia , Xiao Xiangcheng , Zhang Yang , Jin Xin , Liao Mingmei
Published: December 2018

Objective

Glycochenodeoxycholate acid (GCDA) is a toxic component in bile salts. It plays an important role in the development and progression of liver cancer. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of GCDA in hepatocarcinogenesis and chemotherapy resistance.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferation was measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and clonality by Ki‐67 and colony‐formation assay. Apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis were used to measure messenger RNA and protein levels, respectively. Short hairpin RNA was used to silence signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) expression.

Results

Bile salts (GCDA) promoted the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (HepG2 and QGY‐7703), and GCDA treatment reduced the chemosensitivity of 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) in HepG2 and QGY‐7703 cells. GCDA upregulated the expression of antiapoptosis proteins Mcl‐1/Survivin/Bcl‐2. GCDA had no discernible effect on basal protein level or subcellular localization of phosphorylated Stat3. 5FU increased the apoptosis of HepG2 cells with silenced Stat3 expression, but GCDA‐induced chemoresistance was not reversed.

Conclusions

GCDA‐reduced HCC cell chemosensitivity may occur by upregulating antiapoptosis proteins Mcl‐1/Survivin/Bcl‐2. Stat3 may be a target for enhancing the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, but GCDA‐induced chemoresistance is independent of Stat3.
Relationship between serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein with angiographic severity of coronary artery disease and traditional cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Tajfard Mohammad , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Avan Amir , Latiff Latiffah A. , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Moohebati Mohsen , Hasanzadeh Mehdi , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Esmaeily Habibollah , Doosti Hassan , Taghipour Ali , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon A. , Emamian Marzie , Bin Abd Mutalib Mohd Sokhini
Published: December 2018

Serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to examine the possible association of hs‐CRP with presence and severity of CAD and traditional CAD risk factors. This case‐control study was carried out on 2,346 individuals from September 2011 to May 2013. Of these 1,187 had evidence of coronary disease, and were subject to coronary angiography, and the remainder were healthy controls (n = 1,159). Characteristics were determined using standard laboratory techniques and serum Hs‐CRP levels were estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, and severity of CAD was assessed according to the score of obstruction in coronary artery. Serum hs‐CRP levels were higher in those with severe coronary disease, who had stenosis ≥ 50% stenosis of at least one coronary artery (all p < 0.001 vs. individuals in healthy control), and correlated significantly with the score for coronary artery disease (all p < 0.01). After adjustment for conventional risk factors, regression analysis revealed that smoking habits, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, hs‐CRP, blood pressure, anxiety, dietary intake of vitamin E, and cholesterol remained as independent determinants for angiographic severity of CAD. The area under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve for serum hs‐CRP was 0.869 (CI 95% 0.721–0.872, p < 0.001). The optimal values for the cut‐off point was a serum hs‐CRP of 2.78 mg/l (sensitivity 80.20%, specificity 85%) to predict severity of CAD. Increased serum hs‐CRP levels are significantly associated with angiographic severity of CAD, suggesting its value as a biomarkers for predicting CAD.
TBX21-1993T/C polymorphism association with Th1 and Th17 response at periapex and with periapical lesions development risk
Authors: Colavite Priscila Maria , Cavalla Franco , Garlet Thiago Pompermaier , Azevedo Michelle de Campos Soriani , Melchiades Jessica Lima , Campanelli Ana Paula , Letra Ariadne , Trombone Ana Paula Favaro , Silva Renato Menezes , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier
Published: December 2018

TBX21-1993T/C (rs4794067) polymorphism increases the transcriptional activity of the Tbx21, essential for interferon gamma (IFNg) transcription, but its functional impact on development Th1- response in vivo remains unclear, as well its potential influence over inflammatory osteolytic conditions, such as periapical lesions. Therefore, this study comprises a case-control and functional investigation of Tbx21 genetic variations impact on Th1 response in vivo and in vitro, and its impact on periapical lesions risk and outcome, performed with a population of healthy controls (H; N = 283) and patients presenting periapical lesions (L; N = 188) or deep caries (DC; N = 152). TBX21-1993T/C genotyping demonstrated that the polymorphic allele C, as well TC/TC+CC genotypes, was significantly less frequent in the L patients compared to H and DC groups. Additionally, gene expression analysis demonstrates that T-cell-specific T-box transcription factor (Tbet) and IFNg transcripts levels were downregulated whereas IL-17 levels were upregulated in the TBX21-1993 C carriers (TC/TC+CC) in comparison with the TT group. Also, while TT and TC+CC genotypes are equally prevalent in the lesions presenting low IFN/IL17 ratio, a significant decrease in polymorphic TC+CC genotypes was observed in lesions presenting intermediate and high IFN/IL17 ratio. In vitro experiments confirmed the predisposition to Th1 polarization associated with TBX21-1993, since PBMC CD4 T cells from T allele carriers produce higher IFNg levels upon CD3/CD28 stimulation than the C group, in both standard/neutral and Th1-polarizing culture conditions. In conclusion, the TBX21-1993 T allele and TC/CC genotypes predispose to Th1-type immune response development in vitro, influence immune response polarization in vivo, and consequently account for the risk for apical periodontitis development.