bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro assessment of 24 CYP2D6 allelic isoforms on the metabolism of methadone
Authors: Su Ying , Zhan Yun‐yun , Wang Ben‐fu , Wang Si‐Cong , Dai Da‐peng , Hu Guo‐xin , Lin Han , Lian Qing‐quan , Cai Jian‐ping
Published: March 2016

CYP2D6 is an important member of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme super family, with at least 100 CYP2D6 alleles being previously identified. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 significantly influence the efficacy and safety of some drugs, which might cause adverse effects and therapeutic failure. The aim of this study was to clarify the catalytic activities of 24 CYP2D6 alleles on the oxidative in vitro metabolism of methadone. Reactions were incubated with 50–2000  µM methadone for 30 min at 37 °C and terminated by cooling to ‐80 °C immediately. Methadone and the major metabolite EDDP were analyzed by an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) system. Compared with wild‐type CYP2D6*1, most variants showed significantly altered values in Vmax and intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km). Only three variants (CYP2D6*88, *91 and E215K) exhibited markedly increased intrinsic clearance values, and one variant CYP2D6*94 showed no significant difference. On the other hand, the kinetic parameters of two CYP2D6 variants (CYP2D6*92 and *96) could not be determined because they had no detectable enzyme activity, whereas 18 variants exhibited significantly decreased values. To sum up, this study demonstrated that more attention should be paid in clinical administration of methadone to individuals carrying these CYP2D6 alleles. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of three cannabimimetic indazole and pyrazole derivatives, APINACA 2H‐indazole analogue, AMPPPCA, and 5F‐AMPPPCA
Authors: Jia Wei , Meng Xin , Qian Zhenhua , Hua Zhendong , Li Tao , Liu Cuimei
Published: March 2016

This paper reports analytical properties of three cannabimimetic indazole and pyrazole derivatives seized from a clandestine laboratory. These three new synthetic cannabinoids include N‐(1‐adamantyl)‐2‐pentyl‐2H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide (APINACA 2H‐indazole analogue, 1), N‐(1‐adamantyl)‐4‐methyl‐1‐pentyl‐5‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (AMPPPCA, 2), and N‐(1‐adamantyl)‐1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐4‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (5F‐AMPPPCA, 3). These compounds were identified by liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS), gas chromatography‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (GC‐TOF‐MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. No analytical properties and pharmacological activities about compounds 1–3 have appeared until now, making this the first report on these compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of loss of control while eating in adolescents with purging disorder
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Accurso Erin C. , O'Brien Setareh , Kara Fitzpatrick Kathleen , Lock James D. , Le Grange Daniel
Published: March 2016

Objective

Although many individuals with purging disorder (PD) report loss of control (LOC) eating, it is unclear whether they differ from those who do not, or from other eating disorders involving purging and/or LOC.

Method

We compared PD with LOC (PD‐LOC), PD without LOC (PD‐noLOC), bulimia nervosa (BN), and anorexia nervosa‐binge/purge subtype (AN‐B/P) on measures of eating‐related and general psychopathology in treatment‐seeking adolescents.

Results

PD‐LOC comprised ∼30% of PD diagnoses. PD‐LOC and PD‐noLOC did not differ from one another, or from BN and AN‐B/P, on most measures of psychopathology, with some exceptions. PD‐noLOC was similar to AN‐B/P (p = 0.99) and significantly different from BN on eating concerns (p < 0.001), while PD‐LOC was similar to BN, AN‐B/P, and PD‐noLOC on this measure (ps ≥ 0.06). PD‐LOC reported higher self‐esteem than BN, AN‐B/P, and PD‐noLOC (ps < 0.001).

Discussion

PD was largely similar to other eating disorders characterized by purging, regardless of whether LOC eating was present. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:801–804)
Beyond carbon and nitrogen: guidelines for estimating three‐dimensional isotopic niche space
Authors: Rossman Sam , Ostrom Peggy H. , Gordon Forrest , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: March 2016

Isotopic niche has typically been characterized through carbon and nitrogen ratios and most modeling approaches are limited to two dimensions. Yet, other stable isotopes can provide additional power to resolve questions associated with foraging, migration, dispersal and variations in resource use. The ellipse niche model was recently generalized to n‐dimensions. We present an analogous methodology which incorporates variation across three stable dimensions to estimate the significant features of a population's isotopic niche space including: 1) niche volume (referred to as standard ellipsoid volume, SEV), 2) relative centroid location (CL), 3) shape and 4) area of overlap between multiple ellipsoids and 5) distance between two CLs. We conducted a simulation study showing the accuracy and precision of three dimensional niche models across a range of values. Importantly, the model correctly identifies differences in SEV and CL among populations, even with small sample sizes and in cases where the absolute values cannot precisely be recovered. We use these results to provide guidelines for sample size in conducting multivariate isotopic niche modeling. We demonstrate the utility of our approach with a case study of three bottlenose dolphin populations which appear to possess largely overlapping niches when analyzed with only carbon and nitrogen isotopes. Upon inclusion of sulfur, we see that the three dolphin ecotypes are in fact segregated on the basis of salinity and find the stable isotope niche of inshore bottlenose dolphins significantly larger than coastal and offshore populations.
Investigating the widespread introduction of a tropical marine fouling species
Authors: Sheets Elizabeth A. , Cohen C. Sarah , Ruiz Gregory M. , da Rocha Rosana M.
Published: March 2016

Little is known about the number and rate of introductions into terrestrial and marine tropical regions, and if introduction patterns and processes differ from temperate latitudes. Botryllid ascidians (marine invertebrate chordates) are an interesting group to study such introduction differences because several congeners have established populations across latitudes. While temperate botryllid invasions have been repeatedly highlighted, the global spread of tropical Botrylloides nigrum (Herdman, 1886) has been largely ignored. We sampled B. nigrum from 16 worldwide warm water locations, including around the Panama Canal, one of the largest shipping hubs in the world and a possible introduction corridor. Using mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ANT) markers, we discovered a single species with low genetic divergence and diversity that has established in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indo‐Pacific, and Mediterranean Oceans. The Atlantic Ocean contained the highest diversity and multilocus theta estimates and may be a source for introductions to other regions. A high frequency of one mitochondrial haplotype was detected in Pacific populations that may represent a recent introduction in this region. In comparison to temperate relatives, B. nigrum displayed lower (but similar to temperate Botrylloides violaceus) genetic divergence and diversity at both loci that may represent a more recent global spread or differences in introduction pressures in tropical regions. Additionally, chimeras (genetically distinct individuals sharing a single body) were detected in three populations by the mitochondrial locus and validated using cloning, and these individuals contained new haplotype diversity not detected in any other colonies.
Effect of Ni Incorporation into Malachite Precursors on the Catalytic Properties of the Resulting Nanostructured CuO/NiO Catalysts
Authors: Ortega Klaus Friedel , Hüttner Andreas , Heese Justus , Behrens Malte
Published: March 2016

Synthetic nickelian malachite nanopowders (Cu1–xNix)2(OH)2CO3 with x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1 were prepared by constant‐pH coprecipitation. N2 sorption isotherms confirmed a steady increase of the BET surface area with increasing Ni content for the as‐synthesized and calcined mesoporous materials. Powder XRD patterns for x ≤ 0.1 indicate the formation of single‐phase materials with an anisotropic contraction of the unit cell. This is related to the gradual decrease of the Jahn–Teller distortion in the malachite structure. An XRD‐amorphous hydroxide‐rich phase is formed for x > 0.1, which appears as spongelike regions in SEM images. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that nickel lowers the onset of thermal decomposition. Powder XRD patterns of the calcined samples evidence the formation of a tenorite structure despite the presence of Ni. Heterogeneous Fenton‐like decomposition of Bismarck Brown Y with H2O2 showed that a Cu/Ni ratio of 92:8 in the nanostructured oxide leads to the highest reaction rate constant derived from a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic rate law expression. Temperature‐programmed CO oxidation experiments revealed that pure CuO achieved the highest activity. Similar performance was observed for the binary system obtained through calcination of the precursor prepared with a Cu/Ni ratio of 96:4.
Green Synthesis of Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Materials: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: March 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is Miriam M. Unterlass, Technische Universität Wien, Austria. The cover image shows symbolically how a hybrid material should be prepared by green chemistry.
Preparation of human milk fat substitutes from basa catfish oil: Combination of enzymatic acidolysis and modeled blending
Authors: Zou Xiaoqiang , Jin Qingzhe , Guo Zheng , Xu Xuebing , Wang Xingguo
Published: March 2016

Human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) were prepared from basa catfish oil by combination of Lipozyme RM IM‐catalyzed acidolysis and physical blending. In acidolysis step, sesame oil fatty acids were used as acyl donors to replace palmitic acid (PA) at sn‐1, 3 positions of basa catfish oil, and the enzymatic product had 23.8% PA, 48.3% PA at sn‐2 position (sn‐2 PA), and 67.7% distribution probability of sn‐2 PA among total PA (%sn‐2 PA) under the selected conditions: Enzyme load, 8 wt%; temperature, 40°C; substrate molar ratio, 1:3; water content, 3.5 wt%; and reaction time, 2 h. In blending step, with fatty acid profiles of human milk fat (HMF) as a preferable goal, selected oils were added to the enzymatic product, and the desirable formula predicted by the blending model which guaranteed the maximum addition constituted enzymatic product/flaxseed oil/sunflower oil/palm kernel oil/palm stearin/algal oil/microbial oil at a mole ratio of 1: 0.1319: 0.0353: 0.1775: 0.0674: 0.0078: 0.0128. The blending product had 21.5% PA, 39.0% sn‐2 PA, and 60.4% %sn‐2 PA, respectively. The similarity of the product to HMF was assessed by the evaluation model, and the achievement of high scores indicated it has potential for use as fat substitute in infant formulas.

Practical applications: Basa catfish oil was found to contain around 30% total PA with more than 45% sn‐2 PA, which is a new alternative starting material suitable for HMFS production. Basa catfish is widely cultured in southern Vietnam in floating cages with annual production of 15 000 tonnes. Preparation of HMFSs from basa catfish oil is thus important for the development of HMFSs. This process reported preparation of HMFSs by combination of enzymatic acidolysis and modeled blending, with the attributes of lower cost and higher similarity, has great potential for industrial uses.

Human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) were prepared from basa catfish oil by combination of Lipozyme RM IM‐catalyzed acidolysis and physical blending. In the acidolysis step, free fatty acids from sesame oil were used as acyl donors to replace palmitic acid (PA) at sn‐1, 3 positions of basa catfish oil. In the blending step, with the fatty acid profiles of human milk fat (HMF) as a preferable goal, selected oils were added to the enzymatic product and the desirable formula was predicted by the physical blending model which could guarantee the maximum addition. The final product had 21.5% of total PA, 39.0% of PA at sn‐2 position,and the relative content of PA at the sn‐2 position was 60.4%. High scores for the similarity of the product to HMF were obtained, which was evaluated by the established model, indicating the great potential of the product as a fat substitute for infant formulas.
Silyl Assistance in the Intramolecular Addition of Pyridyl Radicals onto Pyridines and Quinolines
Authors: Filace Fabiana , Sánchez‐Murcia Pedro A. , Sucunza David , Pérez‐Redondo Adrián , Álvarez‐Buílla Julio , Gago Federico , Burgos Carolina
Published: March 2016

The first example of a stable acylazinium salt obtained by an intramolecular acylpyridine‐centered radical attack on azine nitrogen atoms is reported. Depending on the relative position of the bromo substituent on the attacking aminopyridine ring, it is possible to obtain selectively either the N‐attack product or a different C‐attack derivative. A rationale for this pathway selectivity was obtained from quantum mechanical calculations.
One‐step Electrosynthesis of Poly(1,5‐diaminonaphthalene)/Graphene Nanocomposite as Platform for Lead Detection in Water
Authors: Nguyen T. Dung , Dang T. T. Huyen , Thai Hoang , Nguyen L. Huy , Tran D. Lam , Piro B. , Pham M. C.
Published: March 2016

A simple electrochemical methodology was described to elaborate a sensor based on poly(1,5‐diaminonaphthalene)/reduced graphene oxide film onto platinum‐patterned electrodes. The composite electrodes were investigated for Pb2+ determination using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Pb2+ was first reduced and preconcentrated onto the modified electrodes at −1.0 V, then a positive potential sweep was applied to oxidize Pb0. A well‐defined stripping peak appeared at −0.5 V, which was used as analytical signal. The linear detection range was found from 200 ng L−1 to 700 µg L−1. Interferences with several other metal ions were evaluated.
A Compact Batch Injection Analysis Cell for Screen Printed Electrodes: A Portable Electrochemical System for On‐site Analysis
Authors: Richter Eduardo M. , Tormin Thiago F. , Cunha Rafael R. , Silva Weberson P. , Pérez‐Junquera Alejandro , Fanjul‐Bolado Pablo , Hernández‐Santos David , Muñoz. Rodrigo A. A.
Published: March 2016

Herein, a compact batch injection analysis cell for screen printed electrodes (BIASPE cell) is reported. The proposed system shows several requirements of a portable system that include easy‐to‐operate (“user‐friendly”), high‐speed quantitative and qualitative analysis, excellent cost effectiveness, and low‐power requirements (all auxiliary components are battery‐powered). Similar to analytical microsystems, small volumes of samples (5 to 100 μL) are required for analysis, however, the robustness of the system here proposed is considerably higher. The combination of the BIASPE cell with battery‐powered accessories (electronic micropipette, potentiostat and tablet or laptop computer) can be considered as a robust portable electroanalytical system. Electrochemical methods with portable characteristics can be now easily developed.
Rapid amplification of the RM‐Yplex assay
Authors: Abuidrees Aqeela S. , Alghafri Rashed H. , Hadi Sibte
Published: March 2016

A multiplex PCR assay consisting of 13 Rapidly Mutating Y STR loci called RM‐Yplex was previously developed. Platinum® Taq DNA polymerase was used to amplify the 13 Y STR loci in a single reaction at an amplification time of approximately 2.5 h. In order to shorten the process with reliable results, two DNA polymerases were tested with the multiplex. Phusion® Flash High Fidelity, TAKARA Z‐taqTM, and Platinum® Taq DNA polymerases were investigated for conducting RM‐Yplex assay at various PCR cycling conditions. Rapid, robust, and efficient amplification of all the markers within the multiplex were achieved. The amplification time was reduced from 2.5 h to less than 28 min with Phusion® Flash High Fidelity DNA polymerase using Veriti® PCR thermal cycler.
Influence of Reactant Atmospheres and Temperature on Mechanism of Gasification of Coal Char Derived from Lignite
Authors: Ye Chao , Wang Qinhui , Luo Zhongyang , Fang Mengxiang , Cen Kefa
Published: March 2016

The structural characteristics and reactivity of char derived from lignite were studied to explore the mechanism of char gasification and existence of a maximum reaction rate under an atmosphere of CO2 and H2O in a pressured thermogravimetric analyzer system. Gasification was carried out at temperatures of 1123, 1173, and 1223 K. When the temperature was below 1173 K, the mechanism of char gasification in the mixture of H2O and CO2 proceeded through the separate active sites assumption, whereas if the temperature was higher than 1173 K, it favored common active sites. The reaction rate increased and then decreased during the remaining time, which was in agreement with the total surface area. The existence of a maximum reaction rate depended highly on the surface area: a larger surface area resulted in a higher reaction rate. The total surface in H2O was the largest and the addition of CO2 inhibited the formation of pores. The reaction of char with CO2 mainly took place on the microporous surface first, and then took place on a mesoporous surface, and the reaction of char with H2O took place on both the micro‐ and mesoporous surfaces simultaneously.
3D Free‐Standing NiCo2O4@graphene Foam for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Yiying , Sun Bing , Su Dawei , Zhu Jianguo , Wang Guoxiu
Published: March 2016

Free‐standing NiCo2O4@graphene 3D foams were prepared by using a controllable freeze‐casting method (CFC). In this designed method, the amount of water governs the size and shape of the ice upon introducing the material into a freeze‐drying system. By this means, controllable pore size and aligned nanostructures can be achieved. In the free‐standing foam, the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets form a highly conductive skeleton with high surface area to support the uniform distribution of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles on graphene sheets. When applied as electrode materials for supercapacitors, this dense NiCo2O4@graphene foam material exhibited a high capacitance of 562 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, and an excellent cycling performance at a high current density of 10 A g−1. Compression testing revealed that the 3D NiCo2O4@graphene foam possesses strong mechanical properties, and is able to support 20,000 times of its own weight. The novel synthesis method can be extended to prepare other 3D porous foam materials for diverse applications.
Parametric analysis and systems design of dynamic photovoltaic shading modules
Authors: Hofer Johannes , Groenewolt Abel , Jayathissa Prageeth , Nagy Zoltan , Schlueter Arno
Published: March 2016

Shading systems improve building energy performance and occupant comfort by controlling glare, natural lighting, and solar gain. Integrating PV (photovoltaics) in shading systems opens new opportunities for BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics) on façades. A key problem of such systems is mutual shading among PV modules as it can lead to electrical mismatch losses and overheating effects. In this work, we present a new modeling framework, which couples parametric 3D with high‐resolution electrical modeling of thin‐film PV modules to simulate electric energy yield of geometrically complex PV applications. The developed method is able to predict the shading pattern for individual PV modules with high spatio‐temporal resolution, which is of great importance for electrical system design. The methodology is applied to evaluate the performance of different dynamic BIPV shading system configurations, as well as its sensitivity to façade orientation and module arrangement. The analysis shows, that there is a trade‐off between tracking performance and mutual shading of modules. Distance between modules is a critical parameter influencing the amount of mutual shading and hence limiting solar irradiation and electricity generation of PV shading systems using solar tracking. Planning of module string configuration, PV cell orientation, and location of bypass diodes according to partial shading conditions, reduces electrical mismatch losses and results in significantly higher electricity generation. The integration of parametric 3D and electrical modeling opens new possibilities for PV system design and dynamic control optimization. Though the analysis focuses on BIPV, the method is useful for the planning and operation of solar tracking systems in general.
Could alluvial knickpoint retreat rather than fire drive the loss of alluvial wet monsoon forest, tropical northern Australia?
Authors: Larsen Annegret , May Jan‐Hendrik , Moss Patrick , Hacker Jorg
Published: March 2016

Drainage rejuvenation through headward migration of alluvial knickpoints is common in ephemeral semi‐arid streams, but has not yet been described for tropical rivers. In the Australian monsoon tropics (AMT), wet monsoon forests have an important ecological function, and are present along many alluvial valleys and springs within a eucalypt‐savanna dominated landscape. Using a combination of LiDAR, remote sensing and field evidence, we observe the ongoing destruction of wet monsoon forest through hydro‐geomorphic feedbacks, along with the headward retreat of an alluvial knickpoint at Wangi Creek in Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory. Due to the highly transmissive shallow aquifer along the lower Wangi Creek, this knickpoint retreat leads to a downstream drop in in‐channel water level, which in turn drives a decrease in the local groundwater table. The lowered groundwater level causes the shallow anabranches and formerly water saturated peaty floodplain soil to desiccate, which results in a reduction of vegetation density. The resulting dry surface conditions allow annual to bi‐annual high frequency low‐intensity fires to affect the monsoon forest, while wet rainforest upstream of the knickpoint remains intact. In this paper, we argue that such hydro‐geomorphic feedbacks may cause the initial destabilization of the forest, which then provides the necessary conditions for the impact of fire. This scenario thus challenges the prevalent view that fire is a first‐order control on the spatial extent of wet monsoonal rainforest in the study area, and provides a new and testable hypothesis for further studies in the AMT. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological and cellular responses of oysters (Crassostrea hongkongensis) in a multimetal-contaminated estuary
Authors: Liu Xuan , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: March 2016

The Pearl River estuary, southern China, suffers from multiple sources of metal contamination as a result of the rapid industrial development in the region; but the biological impacts of contamination remain unknown. In the present study, a euryhaline oyster, Crassostrea hongkongensis, was collected from different sites of the Pearl River estuary; and various physiological (heart rate, alkaline phosphatase as homeostatic regulation, and glycogen as energy reserve) and cytological (lysosomal membrane stability) biomarkers were quantified to assess this species as a potential bioindicator of metal pollution in contaminated areas. Large variations of metal accumulation levels in the oysters were documented, especially for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium, and nickel (Ni). Among these metals, the authors demonstrated significant correlations between the digestive gland metal accumulation of Cu, Zn, and Ni and the cellular homeostasis (alkaline phosphatase) and glycogen reserves. Heart rate was positively correlated with Cd but negatively correlated with Cu and Zn concentrations in the gills. Lysosomal membrane stability was significantly inhibited at the most contaminated sites but had no relationship with the accumulated metal concentrations. These measurements indicate that multimetal contamination in the Pearl River estuary impacts the physiological and cytological performance of oysters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2577–2586. © 2016 SETAC
Facilitating Evaluation to Lead Meaningful Change
Authors: Catsambas Tessie Tzavaras
Published: March 2016

Evaluation education and training has traditionally emphasized methodological skills and ignored soft skills. A review of routine evaluation tasks, however, reveals that evaluation typically requires the evaluator to work with groups of people for organizing and managing an evaluation, as well as in collecting and analyzing data; that is, evaluators must frequently facilitate group interactions to conclude an evaluation successfully. A juxtaposition of evaluator and facilitator competencies shows significant overlap between them. Furthermore, evaluations of increasing complexity call for higher levels of facilitation. Transformational evaluations call for significant self‐development and strengthening of leadership competencies. Through development and use of facilitation tools and techniques, facilitation can be used to enhance the effectiveness and use of an evaluation.
Protein hydrolysates produced from rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) Head: emulsifying capacity and food safety
Authors: He Shan , Nguyen Trung T. , Su Peng , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2016

Lobster protein hydrolysates (LPH) were produced by an enzymatic process using a proteinase Alcalase, and a chemical process at strong alkaline condition (pH of 14), from rock lobster head (RLH), respectively. The chemical process recovered about 30% more protein than the enzymatic process (84.9% recovery of total protein in RLH by the chemical process and 54.5% recovery of total protein in RLH by the enzymatic process). The emulsifying capacity of LPH produced by the chemical process (69.7 m2/g) was significantly higher than the emulsifying capacity of the LPH produced by the enzymatic process (20.7 m2/g), and also exceeds the emulsifying capacity of cow gelatine (50.3 m2/g), a commercial emulsifier in the food industry. LPH produced by the chemical process possess 30.3% essential amino acids. This content is comparable with the essential amino acid content of fish protein, a commonly recognized food resource for essential amino acid supplement for human. The content of heavy metals, including inorganic arsenic, of LPH is lower than the standard levels regulated by Food Standard Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). These results demonstrated the potential value of LPH used as a safe emulsifier with significant nutritional value for the food industry.
Inactivation of Salmonella on tainted foods: using blue light to disinfect cucumbers and processed meat products
Authors: Guffey J. Stephen , Payne William C. , Motts Susan D. , Towery Pam , Hobson Todd , Harrell Grafton , Meurer Logan , Lancaster Kristoffer
Published: March 2016

Foodborne illness resulting from infectious organisms occurring in vegetables and processed meat is a serious health concern in the United States. Improved and cost‐effective techniques for disinfection are needed. Visible light in the blue range (405 nm) was administered to processed meat that had been inoculated with Escherichia coli. One application of light energy at doses of 10, 30, 60, and 100 J/cm2 was applied, in vitro. In the case of vegetables contaminated with Salmonella (cucumbers), 464 nm light was used at 6, 12, and 18 J/cm2. In both cases, after 20 hours of incubation, colony‐forming units were counted and compared to controls to determine whether the light energy inhibited growth of E. coli or Salmonella. E. coli – 405 nm light at doses of 30, 60, and 100 J/cm2 were all effective inhibitors of the organism. Kill rates of 75.61 – 96.34% were achieved. Salmonella – 464 nm light at doses of 6, 12, and 18 J/cm2 produced significant inactivation of the organism. Kill rates of 80.23–100% were obtained. Blue light, delivered in the wavelength/dose combinations used in this study is an effective inhibitor of both E. coli and Salmonella on actual foodstuffs. Blue light should be considered as a potentially effective tool in the effort to protect humans from foodborne illnesses.
Are premorbid abnormal personality traits associated with behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia?
Authors: Prior Jack , Abraham Rajesh , Nicholas Helen , Chan Tom , Vanvlymen Jeremy , Lovestone Simon , Boothby Harry
Published: March 2016

Objective

The study aims to investigate associations between behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and abnormal premorbid personality traits.

Methods

Data were obtained from 217 patients with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of late‐onset dementia were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Premorbid personality traits were assessed using the Standardised Assessment of Personality. Abnormal premorbid personality traits were categorised with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems—10 diagnostic criteria for personality disorders.

Results

Abnormal premorbid personality traits were associated with increased behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia. Cluster A (solitary/paranoid) premorbid personality traits were associated with anxiety, depression and hallucinations. Cluster C (anxious/dependent) traits were associated with a syndrome of depression.

Conclusions

The presence of Clusters A (solitary/paranoid) and C (anxious/dependent) abnormal premorbid personality traits seems to affect the expression of certain behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia, depression in particular. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Collecting New Data on Disability Health Inequities
Authors: Pendo Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

One of the goals of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the reduction and elimination of health inequities, generally defined as population‐level health differences that adversely affect disadvantaged groups. The ACA provides powerful new tools to collect, analyze, and share standardized data on these inequities. Prior to the ACA, disability was marginalized in data collection efforts, limiting our ability to understand and address significant health inequities experienced by millions of Americans. Now, for the first time, we can use these tools to collect valuable new data on the nature and extent of health inequities experienced by people with disabilities across the country. Standardized health data collection is critical to health equity.
Reframing Conscientious Care: Providing Abortion Care When Law and Conscience Collide
Authors: Buchbinder Mara , Lassiter Dragana , Mercier Rebecca , Bryant Amy , Lyerly Anne Drapkin
Published: March 2016

“It's almost like putting salt in a wound, for this person who's already made a very difficult decision,” suggested Meghan Patterson (an alias), a licensed obstetrician‐gynecologist whom we interviewed in our qualitative study of the experiences of North Carolina abortion providers practicing under the state's Woman's Right to Know Act (House Bill 854; 2011). The act requires that women receive counseling with state‐mandated information at least twenty‐four hours prior to obtaining an abortion. After the law was passed, Patterson worked with clinic administrators, in consultation with a lawyer, to write a script to be used in the state‐mandated counseling procedure. She and her colleagues took particular steps to mitigate the effects of what she described as HB 854's “forced language”—such as referring to the “father of the child.” While HB 854 stipulated that patients must be informed of the medical risks associated with the particular abortion procedure as well as those of carrying the child to term, Patterson's script made explicit the magnitude of comparative risks, emphasizing that the risks of carrying a pregnancy to term are substantially greater than the risks of an early‐term abortion. She felt that these contextualization strategies helped to facilitate trust and rapport in a clinical care situation that proved relationally and morally challenging. In this article, we take up and expand on this point by elucidating an empirically grounded approach to ethically justified care when health care providers face legal or institutional policy mandates that raise possible moral conflicts. Our approach builds on recent bioethics discourse addressing conscience in the practice of medicine. While the concept of conscience has broad philosophical underpinnings relating to moral judgment, agency, and discernments of right and wrong, debates in bioethics have tended to engage the concept primarily vis‐à‐vis rights of conscientious objection or refusal. Here, we suggest a broader frame for thinking about claims of conscience in health care. Our approach draws on the feminist bioethics and the ethics of care literatures to highlight how providers may be motivated by matters of conscience, including relational concerns, in the active provision of certain forms of care. What emerges are two possibilities: not only conscientious refusal to comply with a policy mandate but also conscientious compliance—working conscientiously within a mandate's confines.
Conscience, Courage, and “Consent”
Authors: Hall Mark A. , King Nancy M. P.
Published: March 2016

On September 8, 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making to revise the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, widely known as the “Common Rule.” The NPRM proposes several changes to the current system, including a dramatic shift in the approach to secondary research using biospecimens and data. Under the current rules, it is relatively easy to use biospecimens and data for secondary research. This approach systematically facilitates secondary research with biospecimens and data, maximizing the capacity for substantial public benefit. However, it has been criticized as insufficiently protective of the privacy and autonomy interests of biospecimen and data sources. Thus, the NPRM proposes a more restrictive regime, although more so for biospecimens than data. Both the status quo and the NPRM's proposal are critically flawed.
Cortical chemoarchitecture shapes macroscale effective functional connectivity patterns in macaque cerebral cortex
Authors: Turk Elise , Scholtens Lianne H. , van den Heuvel Martijn P.
Published: March 2016

The mammalian cortex is a complex system of—at the microscale level—interconnected neurons and—at the macroscale level—interconnected areas, forming the infrastructure for local and global neural processing and information integration. While the effects of regional chemoarchitecture on local cortical activity are well known, the effect of local neurotransmitter receptor organization on the emergence of large scale region‐to‐region functional interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we examined reports of effective functional connectivity—as measured by the action of strychnine administration acting on the chemical balance of cortical areas—in relation to underlying regional variation in microscale neurotransmitter receptor density levels in the macaque cortex. Linking cortical variation in microscale receptor density levels to collated information on macroscale functional connectivity of the macaque cortex, we show macroscale patterns of effective corticocortical functional interactions—and in particular, the strength of connectivity of efferent macroscale pathways—to be related to the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor densities of cortical areas. Our findings provide evidence for the microscale chemoarchitecture of cortical areas to have a direct stimulating influence on the emergence of macroscale functional connectivity patterns in the mammalian brain. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1856–1865, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural Insights into the Polymorphism of Self‐Assembled Amylin Oligomers
Authors: Wineman‐Fisher Vered , Miller Yifat
Published: March 2016

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects over 300 million people worldwide. The main component, found in the pancreas of 95 % of T2D patients, is amylin oligomers and fibrils. So far, four different molecular structures of the self‐assembled amylin oligomers have been observed experimentally: two ssNMR models and two crystal models. This review illustrates that there are further self‐assembled amylin oligomers that differ in the orientations of the side chains along the β‐arch and are all derived from the two ssNMR models. This review focuses on polymorphism of the self‐assembled amylin oligomers. It also provides the various pathway mechanisms which lead to various amylin oligomers. Finally, it illustrates that interactions of amylin oligomers with further amyloids, such as Aβ oligomers, increase the polymorphism by forming polymorphic states of amylin‐Aβ oligomers with various pathway mechanisms. The polymorphism of amylin oligomers and the polymorphism of the cross‐seeding amylin‐Aβ oligomers phenomena could contribute to explaining, at least in part, the still unknown origins of the pathological conditions, and may assist in preventing aggregation in amyloidogenic diseases with drug design and other therapeutic approaches.
The impact of psychological distance on integrative internal dialogs
Authors: Puchalska‐Wasyl Małgorzata M.
Published: March 2016

Negotiators more distanced from the negotiated goal more often exhibit integrative behavior, which maximizes both their individual and joint outcomes. Based on the assumption of an analogy between interpersonal negotiations and internal dialogs simulating social relationships, an experiment was carried out. It aimed to verify if psychological distance (proximal vs. distant perspective on the situation enacted in an internal dialog) affects the processes of integration and confrontation and, consequently, increases the frequency of integrative dialogs. Data from 115 participants (56 women) were analyzed. An increase in psychological distance was found to reduce the intensity of the confrontation process and to cause an increase in the number of integrative internal dialogs.
Silver nanoparticles induce pro‐inflammatory gene expression and inflammasome activation in human monocytes
Authors: Murphy A. , Casey A. , Byrne G. , Chambers G. , Howe O.
Published: March 2016

A complete cytotoxic profile of exposure to silver (AgNP) nanoparticles investigating their biological effects on the innate immune response of circulating white blood cells is required to form a complete understanding of the risk posed. This was explored by measuring AgNP‐stimulated gene expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in THP‐1 monocytes. A further study, on human monocytes extracted from a cohort of blood samples, was carried out to compare with the AgNP immune response in THP‐1 cells along with the detection of pro‐IL‐1β which is a key mediator of the inflammasome complex.

The aims of the study were to clearly demonstrate that AgNP can significantly up‐regulate pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression of IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in both THP‐1 cells and primary blood monocytes thus indicating a rapid response to AgNP in circulation. Furthermore, a role for the inflammasome in AgNP response was indicated by pro‐IL‐1β cleavage and release. These results highlight the potential inflammatory effects of AgNP exposure and the responses evoked should be considered with respect to the potential harm that exposure may cause. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycosidases Interact Selectively With Mannose‐6‐Phosphate Receptors of Bull Spermatozoa
Authors: Aguilera Andrea C. , Boschin Verónica , Carvelli Lorena , Cavicchia Juan C. , Sosa Miguel A.
Published: March 2016

Glycosidases may play a role in sperm maturation during epididymal transit. In this work, we describe the interaction of these enzymes with bull spermatozoa. We found that β‐galactosidase associated to spermatozoa can be released under low ionic strength conditions, whereas the interaction of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase and β‐glucuronidase with spermatozoa appeared to be stronger. On the other hand, α‐mannosidase and α‐fucosidase cannot be removed from the gametes. In addition, part of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase, β‐galactosidase, and β‐glucuronidase can also be released by mannose‐6‐phosphate. Taking into account these data, we explored the presence of cation‐independent‐ and cation‐dependent‐mannose‐6‐phosphate receptors in the spermatozoa and found that cation‐independent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor is highly expressed in bull spermatozoa and cation‐dependent‐mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor is expressed at a lesser extent. In addition, by immunofluorescence, we observed that cation‐independent‐mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor is mostly located at the acrosomal zone, whereas cation‐dependent‐mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor presents a different distribution pattern on spermatozoa during the epididymal transit. N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase and β‐glucuronidase isolated from epididymal fluid interacted mostly with cation‐independent‐mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor, while β‐galactosidase was recognized by both receptors. We concluded that glycosidases might play different roles in bull spermatozoa and that mannos‐6‐phosphate receptors may act as recruiters of some enzymes. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2464–2472, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of Antioxidant Molecules and Heat Shock Protein 27 in Thyroid Tumors
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Yang Shucui , Vlantis Alexander C. , Liu Shirley Y.W. , Ng Enders K.W. , Chan Amy B.W. , Wu Juekun , Du Jing , Wei Wei , Liu Xiaoling , Liu Zhimin , Ng Siu Kwan , van Hasselt C. Andrew , Tong Michael C.F. , Chen George G.
Published: March 2016

Oxidative stress‐induced DNA damage is a known causing factor for many types of tumors, but information on the role of oxidants and antioxidants in thyroid tumors is limited. The aim of this study was to determine antioxidant levels in thyroid tumors. In this study, tumor and its matched non‐tumor thyroid tissue samples were obtained from 53 patients with thyroid tumors. The levels of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), thioredoxin reductase 2 (TXNRD2), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), catalase (CAT), and 27 kd heat‐shock protein (hsp27) were determined in both thyroid tissue samples and cultured thyroid cells by immunohistochemical staining and western blot. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to generate oxidant stress in the cell culture experiments. We found that the levels of MnSOD, TXNRD2, GSH, Gpx, and Hsp27 were increased in both malignant and benign tumors, while the level of CAT was decreased. To verify the results of the tissue study, we treated cultured thyroid cells with H2O2 and found the same pattern of antioxidant changes. Hsp27 was also increased after H2O2 treatment. The expression of hsp27 was upregulated by 8.24‐, 6.96‐, and 3.09‐fold in thyroid cancer, follicular adenoma, multinodular goiter, respectively. Collectively, our study demonstrated that the levels of hsp27 together with MnSOD, TXNRD2, GSH, and Gpx were significantly upregulated by H2O2 in thyroid tumors. The increase of these antioxidants is observed in both malignant and benign tumors, particularly in the former. The upregulation of antioxidants is likely a protective mechanism of tumor cells to maintain their survival and growth. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2473–2481, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dysfunction of respiratory muscles in critically ill patients on the intensive care unit
Authors: Berger David , Bloechlinger Stefan , von Haehling Stephan , Doehner Wolfram , Takala Jukka , Z'Graggen Werner J. , Schefold Joerg C.
Published: March 2016

Muscular weakness and muscle wasting may often be observed in critically ill patients on intensive care units (ICUs) and may present as failure to wean from mechanical ventilation. Importantly, mounting data demonstrate that mechanical ventilation itself may induce progressive dysfunction of the main respiratory muscle, i.e. the diaphragm. The respective condition was termed ‘ventilator‐induced diaphragmatic dysfunction’ (VIDD) and should be distinguished from peripheral muscular weakness as observed in ‘ICU‐acquired weakness (ICU‐AW)’.

Interestingly, VIDD and ICU‐AW may often be observed in critically ill patients with, e.g. severe sepsis or septic shock, and recent data demonstrate that the pathophysiology of these conditions may overlap. VIDD may mainly be characterized on a histopathological level as disuse muscular atrophy, and data demonstrate increased proteolysis and decreased protein synthesis as important underlying pathomechanisms. However, atrophy alone does not explain the observed loss of muscular force. When, e.g. isolated muscle strips are examined and force is normalized for cross‐sectional fibre area, the loss is disproportionally larger than would be expected by atrophy alone. Nevertheless, although the exact molecular pathways for the induction of proteolytic systems remain incompletely understood, data now suggest that VIDD may also be triggered by mechanisms including decreased diaphragmatic blood flow or increased oxidative stress. Here we provide a concise review on the available literature on respiratory muscle weakness and VIDD in the critically ill. Potential underlying pathomechanisms will be discussed before the background of current diagnostic options. Furthermore, we will elucidate and speculate on potential novel future therapeutic avenues.
Biobutanol separation from ABE model solutions and fermentation broths using a combined adsorption–gas stripping process
Authors: Abdehagh Niloofar , Dai Bo , Thibault Jules , Handan Tezel F
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Butanol is considered a promising sustainable biofuel to partly replace petroleum‐based fuels. However, to become an economically viable biofuel, some challenges need to be overcome in the biobutanol production process such as the low final product concentration caused by product toxicity to the microorganism. Few separation techniques have been proposed to extract biobutanol in situ or ex situ from dilute fermentation broths. In this investigation, the combination of gas stripping and adsorption has been studied experimentally as a process to effectively separate butanol from dilute model solutions and fermentation broths using the advantages of both separation techniques.

RESULTS

Results showed that the butanol adsorption capacity of activated carbon F‐400 was 261 mg g−1, for a stripped gas stream from butanol–water binary solution with an initial liquid phase composition of 15 g L−1 butanol, which ended up having a vapour phase composition of 5.8 mg L−1 after gas stripping. This capacity is relatively high compared with the values reported in the literature. Butanol adsorption capacities for a stripped gas stream in equilibrium with ABE model solutions (5.1 mg L−1) and fermentation broths (2.3 mg L−1) for this adsorbent (211.6 and 219.8 mg g−1, respectively), were also higher than the capacities reported in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Combined gas stripping and adsorption could be considered an effective technique for biobutanol separation processes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry