bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early‐life exposure to Tris(1,3‐dichloroisopropyl) phosphate induces dose‐dependent suppression of sexual behavior in male rats
Authors: Kamishima Manami , Hattori Tatsuya , Suzuki Go , Matsukami Hidenori , Komine Chiaki , Horii Yasuyuki , Watanabe Gen , Oti Takumi , Sakamoto Hirotaka , Soga Tomoko , Parhar Ishwar S. , Kondo Yasuhiko , Takigami Hidetaka , Kawaguchi Maiko
Published: December 2017

Exposure to endocrine‐disrupting chemicals may adversely affect animals, particularly during development. Tris(1,3‐dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is an organophosphate with anti‐androgen function in vitro that is present in indoor dust at relatively high concentrations. In male rats, androgens are necessary for the development of reproductive organs, as well as the endocrine and central nervous systems. However, we currently do not know the exact effects of TDCIPP exposure through suckling on subsequent reproductive behavior in males. Here, we show that TDCIPP exposure (25–250 mg kg–1 via oral administration over 28 consecutive days post‐birth) suppressed male sexual behavior and reduced testes size. These changes were dose‐dependent and appeared first in adults rather than in juveniles. These results demonstrate that TDCIPP exposure led to normal body growth and appearance in juveniles, but disrupted the endocrine system and physiology in adults. Therefore, assays should be performed using adult animals to ensure accuracy, and to confirm the influence of chemical substances given during early mammalian life.
Mechanistic and structural insight into promiscuity based metabolism of cardiac drug digoxin by gut microbial enzyme
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Jaiswal Shubham K. , Dhoke Gaurao V. , Srivastava Gopal N. , Sharma Ashok K. , Sharma Vineet K.
Published: December 2017

The recent advances in microbiome studies have revealed the role of gut microbiota in altering the pharmacological properties of oral drugs, which contributes to patient‐response variation and undesired effect of the drug molecule. These studies are essential to guide us for achieving the desired efficacy and pharmacological activity of the existing drug molecule or for discovering novel and more effective therapeutics. However, one of the main limitations is the lack of atomistic details on the binding and metabolism of these drug molecules by gut‐microbial enzymes. Therefore, in this study, for a well‐known and important FDA‐approved cardiac glycoside drug, digoxin, we report the atomistic details and energy economics for its binding and metabolism by the Cgr2 protein of Eggerthella lenta DSM 2243. It was observed that the binding pocket of digoxin to Cgr2 primarily involved the negatively charged polar amino acids and a few non‐polar hydrophobic residues. The drug digoxin was found to bind Cgr2 at the same binding site as that of fumarate, which is the proposed natural substrate. However, digoxin showed a much lower binding energy (17.75 ± 2 Kcal mol−1) than the binding energy (42.17 ± 2 Kcal mol−1) of fumarate. This study provides mechanistic insights into the structural and promiscuity‐based metabolism of widely used cardiac drug digoxin and presents a methodology, which could be useful to confirm the promiscuity‐based metabolism of other orally administrated drugs by gut microbial enzymes and also help in designing strategies for improving the efficacy of the drugs.
Epigenetic regulation of integrin β6 transcription induced by TGF‐β1 in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Xu Mingyan , Yin Liqin , Cai Yihuang , Hu Qingwei , Huang Jie , Ji Qing , Hu Yanping , Huang Wenxia , Liu Fan , Shi Songlin , Deng Xiaoling
Published: December 2017

Overexpression of integrin αvβ6 is believed to play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms leading to αvβ6 upregulation in OSCC. As the integrin β6 (ITGB6) is the only partner with αv, the expression of αvβ6 is dependent on ITGB6, it is, therefore, pivotal to investigate the mechanisms underlying ITGB6 overexpression in OSCC. We previously reported the cloning and characterization of human ITGB6 gene. In the current study, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms of ITGB6 expression and the upregulation by carcinogenesis related cytokine‐transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in OSCC cells. We first demonstrated that TGF‐β1 can induce ITGB6 mRNA and protein express in a time and concentration dependent manner, and the induced‐ITGB6 mRNA was not due to increase the mRNA stability, but regulated at transcriptional level. By using a luciferase reporter assay, site‐mutation, RNA interference, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we revealed for the first time that JunB, a member of the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) family, is involved in the positive regulation to the ITGB6 transcription induced by TGF‐β1 in OSCC cells. Furthermore, our data also demonstrated that histone acetyltransferase (HAT) CBP mediated histone H3 and H4 hyperacetylation, and RNA Polymerase II recruitment to ITGB6 promoter, facilitated the binding of transcription factor JunB to ITGB6 promoter after TGF‐β1 stimulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that JunB and CBP‐mediated histone hyperacetylation are responsible for TGF‐β1 induced ITGB6 transcription in OSCC cells, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms are responsible for the active transcription expression of ITGB6 induced by TGF‐β1 in OSCC cells.
RBM10: Harmful or helpful‐many factors to consider
Authors: Loiselle Julie J. , Sutherland Leslie C.
Published: December 2017

RBM10 is an RNA binding motif (RBM) protein expressed in most, if not all, human and animal cells. Interest in RBM10 is rapidly increasing and its clinical importance is highlighted by its identification as the causative agent of TARP syndrome, a developmental condition that significantly impacts affected children. RBM10's cellular functions are beginning to be explored, with initial studies demonstrating a tumor suppressor role. Very recently, however, contradictory results have emerged, suggesting a tumor promoter role for RBM10. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on RBM10, and address this dichotomy in RBM10 function. Furthermore, we discuss what may be regulating RBM10 function, particularly the importance of RBM10 alternative splicing, and the relationship between RBM10 and its paralogue, RBM5. As RBM10‐related work is gaining momentum, it is critical that the various aspects of RBM10 molecular biology revealed by recent studies be considered moving forward. It is only if these recent advances in RBM10 structure and function are considered that a clearer insight into RBM10 function, and the disease states with which RBM10 mutation is associated, will be gained.
What Happens Without Nickel? Cyclization Reactions of Ethylene with Ethanedithial and Related Molecules
Authors: Shibl Mohamed F. , Moncho Salvador , Brothers Edward N.
Published: December 2017

We present a computational study of the mechanism of the formation of 6‐member heterocycles through the binding of ethylene to oxaldehyde, ethanedithial, and 2‐thioxoacetaldehyde. This process is related to the olefin separation technology by metal dithiolenes and dioxolenes, being the formation of those heterocycles the main decomposition route. We also present a benchmark of 26 density functionals (spanning hybrid, double‐hybrid, range‐separated, semilocal, and local functionals) related to CCSD(T)/CBS reference values. Both the cyclization reaction and the isomerization of the cyclic product are included in the benchmark. The best functional among those tested for these reactions is ωB97XD, and the effect of the basis set is also investigated for it. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Efficient Synthesis of 1,3‐Diphenyl‐3‐phenylamino‐propan‐1‐one and its Derivatives by Mannich Reaction in the Presence of Doped Porous Carbon by Nitrogen and Sulfur (NS‐PCS) as Catalyst
Authors: Mansoori Aida , Eshghi Hossein , Lari Jalil
Published: December 2017

Synthesis of β‐amino carbonyl compounds by Mannich reaction involves the creation of various bonds in a single action and is attracting great attention as one of the most powerful synthetic tools for the expansion of molecular convolution and versatility. Carbon spheres (CSs) combine the advantages of carbon materials with spherical colloids, which gives them several inimitable features as catalysts. In this work, the reaction between acetophenone, aromatic aldehydes, and aromatic amines has been efficiently catalyzed by porous carbon spheres which were doped by nitrogen and sulfur (NS‐PCS) at ambient temperature to give diverse β‐amino carbonyl compounds in nearly high yields.
Study of the Enzymatic Activity of Arthrobacter ureafaciens Neuraminidase by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
Authors: Chen Chien‐Sheng , Lee Wei‐Jen
Published: December 2017

Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to determine the enzymatic activity and thermodynamic activation parameters of Arthrobacter ureafaciens sialidase with the sialyl substrates α‐2,3‐, α‐2,6‐sialyllactoses and α‐2,8‐sialic acid dimer. By monitoring the heat released during hydrolysis, the Michaelis constant (Km), catalytic rate constant (kcat), activation energy, activation Gibbs energy, enthalpy, and entropy for different monovalent sialyl conjugates were calculated and found to be consistent with those derived by chromatographic or colorimetric assays. The observed decreases in the activation energy and transition entropy of sialyllactoses were larger than the Michaelis activation parameters of lactose‐free di‐sialic acid because of the specific enzyme activity of A. ureafaciens sialidase.
Haplotype‐based association of two SNPs in miR‐323b with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wang Xue‐Qin , Li Ying , Su Xing , Zhang Lu , Liu Chun‐Mei , Liu Haining , Ma Xu , Xia Hongfei
Published: December 2017

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs are associated with the risk to development of certain human diseases and affect the regulatory capacity of miRNAs. However, the relationship between miRNAs polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is still largely unknown. Our study found that one SNP rs56103835 T>C in miR‐323b coding region was associated with the increase risk of human unexplained RPL (URPL), but no differences were found in another SNP rs75330474 C>T. However, in two‐locus haplotype analysis, T‐C haplotype was associated with an increased risk of URPL. The level of mature miR‐323b was obviously up‐regulated in cells transfected with T‐C haplotype. T‐C haplotype inhibited HTR‐8/SVneo cells proliferation and migration and promoted cells apoptosis. Further experiments identified that paired‐box 8 (Pax8) was a functionally relevant target of miR‐323b, and its expression was reversely regulated by miR‐323b. Besides, the expressions of Pax8 in villous chorionic tissues from URPL patients were lower than controls, contrary to the high expression of miR‐323. More importantly, dual‐luciferase assay indicated T‐C haplotype, increasing miR‐323b expression, could down‐regulated Pax8 expression. Collectively, our data suggest that T‐C haplotype in pre‐miR‐323b may aggravate the risk of developing URPL and influence the level of mature miR‐323b and its target gene Pax8.
A muscle‐specific MuRF1‐E2 network requires stabilization of MuRF1‐E2 complexes by telethonin, a newly identified substrate
Authors: Polge Cécile , Cabantous Stéphanie , Deval Christiane , Claustre Agnès , Hauvette Antoine , Bouchenot Catherine , Aniort Julien , Béchet Daniel , Combaret Lydie , Attaix Didier , Taillandier Daniel
Published: December 2017

Background

Muscle wasting is observed in the course of many diseases and also during physiological conditions (disuse, ageing). Skeletal muscle mass is largely controlled by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system and thus by the ubiquitinating enzymes (E2s and E3s) that target substrates for subsequent degradation. MuRF1 is the only E3 ubiquitin ligase known to target contractile proteins (α‐actin, myosins) during catabolic situations. However, MuRF1 depends on E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes for ubiquitin chain formation on the substrates. MuRF1‐E2 couples are therefore putative targets for preventing muscle wasting.

Methods

We focused on 14 E2 enzymes that are either expressed in skeletal muscle or up‐regulated during atrophying conditions. In this work, we demonstrated that only highly sensitive and complementary interactomic approaches (surface plasmon resonance, yeast three‐hybrid, and split green fluorescent protein) allowed the identification of MuRF1 E2 partners.

Results

Five E2 enzymes physically interacted with MuRF1, namely, E2E1, E2G1, E2J1, E2J2, and E2L3. Moreover, we demonstrated that MuRF1‐E2E1 and MuRF1‐E2J1 interactions are facilitated by telethonin, a newly identified MuRF1 substrate. We next showed that the five identified E2s functionally interacted with MuRF1 since, in contrast to the non‐interacting E2D2, their co‐expression in HEK293T cells with MuRF1 led to increased telethonin degradation. Finally, we showed that telethonin governed the affinity between MuRF1 and E2E1 or E2J1.

Conclusions

We report here the first MuRF1‐E2s network, which may prove valuable for deciphering the precise mechanisms involved in the atrophying muscle programme and for proposing new therapeutical approaches.
Synthesis of Various Fused Heterocyclic Rings from Oxoindenyl Esters and their Pharmacological and Antimicrobial Evaluations
Authors: Mahmoud Naglaa F. H. , Elsayed Galal A. , Ismail Mahmoud F.
Published: December 2017

Methyl (Z)‐2‐O‐carboxyphenyl‐3‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)acrylate 1 was prepared and cyclized in different conditions to give the indenone 2. Also, 1 was utilized to synthesize the isochroman dione derivatives 8, 10, 12, and 13 and isoquinoline derivatives 16 and 18. On the other hand, the reactions of 2 with some nucleophilic reagents such as Grignard reagents and hydrazine derivatives afforded the novel heterocyclic systems 3, 4a,b, 5, 6, and 7. Isochroman dione 12 was allowed to react with primary amines to give 14, 15, 17, and 19. The structures of the synthesized new compounds have been elucidated by spectroscopic data: IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analyses. The antimicrobial and anticancer activities have been evaluated.
The Role of Hydrophobicity in the Cellular Uptake of Negatively Charged Macromolecules
Authors: Abou Matar Tamara , Karam Pierre
Published: December 2017

It is generally accepted that positively charged molecules are the gold standard to by‐pass the negatively charged cell membrane. Here, it is shown that cellular uptake is also possible for polymers with negatively charged side chains and hydrophobic backbones. Specifically, poly[5‐methoxy‐2‐(3‐sulfopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene], a conjugated polyelectrolyte with sulfonate, as water‐soluble functional groups, is shown to accumulate in the intracellular region. When the polymer hydrophobic backbone is dissolved using polyvinylpyrrolidone, an amphiphilic macromolecule, the cellular uptake is dramatically reduced. The report sheds light on the fine balance between negatively charged side groups and the hydrophobicity of polymers to either enhance or reduce cellular uptake. As a result, these findings will have important ramifications on the future design of targeted cellular delivery nanocarriers for imaging and therapeutic applications.
Thermal and Lithographic Performance of Silsesquioxane with Cycloaliphatic Epoxy‐Siloxane Hybrid Spacer for Soft Lithography
Authors: Ramli Mohamad Riduwan , Ramli Rafiza , Mohamed Khairudin , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: December 2017

Pattern replication and fidelity are crucial during soft lithography process. The flexibility and surface energy of the resist with that of the master mold are among the factors in determining such an effect. In this work, polysilsesquioxane bearing cycloaliphatic‐epoxy spacer of different chain length at tethered positions is synthesized. Pattern replication using soft lithography is made using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as master mold. The thermal and UV‐cured lithographic performances are studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It shows that chain length of spacer induces flexibility and thermal stability. Despite chain flexibility, increase in spacer length results in poor lithographic performance. This can be attributed to the behavior of spreading parameter with different surface energy between the PMMA mold and the polysiloxane resist surfaces.
Review of Tools for Identifying, Planning, and Implementing Habitat Restoration for Pacific Salmon and Steelhead
Authors: Roni Philip , Anders Paul J. , Beechie Timothy J. , Kaplowe David J.
Published: December 2017

A key challenge in watershed restoration is identifying the appropriate assessments, data, and analyses needed to identify disrupted natural processes, lost and degraded habitats, and limiting factors to ultimately identify and design successful restoration projects. This has proven particularly challenging for large restoration programs focused on recovery of threatened and endangered salmon and trout where numerous tools, models, and other assessments have been developed to assist with habitat restoration at the watershed, reach, and project scale. Unfortunately, it is often unclear which step in the restoration process these various assessment tools will actually address. To assist with identifying the appropriate assessment tool (e.g., model, data collection, analysis, and survey), we reviewed major categories of watershed restoration assessment tools to determine their goals, inputs, outputs, and their utility in helping plan, prioritize, and implement restoration actions. The major categories of assessment tools reviewed were: (1) life cycle and fish–habitat models, (2) watershed assessment methods and techniques, (3) reach assessments, (4) prioritization tools, and (5) common monitoring methods to identify, prioritize, and plan river and watershed restoration projects. We specifically indicated whether these assessment tools directly or indirectly assisted with the key steps in the restoration process that are required to develop successful restoration plans and projects. These steps involve assessing watershed conditions, identifying limiting habitats and life stages, identifying problems and restoration actions, selecting restoration techniques, prioritizing restoration actions, or designing actual restoration projects. It is important to recognize that no single assessment tool will address all the steps in the restoration process. Selecting appropriate assessment tools requires a clear understanding of the goals of the restoration program and which step in the restoration process will be addressed by a particular tool. We provide recommendations for how restoration practitioners and managers can use our review to help select the appropriate assessment tools needed for their watershed.
A reliable algorithm for the approximate solution of the nonlinear Lane‐Emden type equations arising in astrophysics
Authors: Singh Harendra , Srivastava H.M. , Kumar Devendra
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present a reliable algorithm to obtain the approximate solution of the nonlinear Lane‐Emden type equations arising in astrophysics. The suggested algorithm is based upon the operational matrix of integration for Jacobi polynomials and the collocation method. Convergence analysis and numerical stability of the suggested method are provided. Numerical results for several interesting nonlinear cases of the Lane‐Emden type equations such as the standard Lane‐Emden equation, the white‐dwarf equation, and the isothermal gas spheres equation, as well as Richardson's theory of thermionic current are discussed. These numerical results are shown in the form of tables and figures for the particular cases of Jacobi polynomials such as the Legendre polynomial (P1), the Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind (P2), the Chebyshev polynomials of the third kind (P3), the Chebyshev polynomials of the fourth kind (P4), and the Gegenbauer (or ultraspherical) polynomials (P5). Numerical results are also compared with those that were derived earlier by applying some well‐known and recently developed numerical methods and it is observed that our numerical results are more accurate. The maximum absolute errors and the root mean square errors are calculated by using P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 for comparison purposes.
Bio‐nanocomposites for food packaging applications: effect of cellulose nanofibers on morphological, mechanical, optical and barrier properties
Authors: Carvalho Raissa Alvarenga , Santos Taline Amorim , de Azevedo Viviane Machado , Felix Pedro Henrique Campelo , Dias Marali Vilela , Borges Soraia Vilela
Published: December 2017

The effect of the addition of various concentrations of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) on the thickness, solubility, morphology, mechanics, water vapor permeability and optical properties of biopolymers isolated from whey protein produced by the casting method was studied. The results show that the addition of CNF did not cause significant variation in the thickness of the films and resulted in nanocomposites with lower solubility and water vapor permeability. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the films obtained with up to 4% of CNF showed good dispersion of the nanofibers in the whey protein matrix. The results of mechanical tests showed that the nanofibers acted as reinforcing material resulting in more resistant and less flexible films. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and thio‐bromo “click” chemistry approach toward the preparation of flame‐retardant polymers
Authors: Grubb Jonathan , Carosio Federico , Vasireddy Mallikharjun , Moncho Salvador , Brothers Edward N. , Hobbs Christopher E.
Published: December 2017

This contribution describes our recent efforts geared toward the use of a general, thio‐bromo “click” reaction as a post‐polymerization method for the preparation of flame‐resistant polymeric materials. α‐bromo ester‐containing polymers could easily be prepared using ROMP and a subsequent, facile thio‐bromo click reaction was used for the installation of a phosphorus‐moiety that was shown to impart flame‐resistant/self‐extinguishing properties to these polymers. The extent of their flame resistance was then ascertained by treating paper (previously coated with polymer) to standard burn tests as well as measuring the limiting oxygen index (LOI). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 645–652
An elderly woman with a mediastinal granulosa cell tumour: a rare presentation
Authors: Harp Garrett M. , Matwiyoff Gregory N. , Escobar Steven J. , Thompson Keith E. , Alkhas Addie , Ramirez Alfredo R.
Published: December 2017

Mediastinal lesions occur in a wide variety of clinical conditions. Metastatic granulosa cell tumour (GCT) in the mediastinum is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a woman who had a metastatic (GCT) in her mediastinum 40 years after treatment of the initial neoplasm. Surgical resection of the mediastinal mass revealed a low‐grade epithelioid neoplasm with coffee bean‐shaped nuclei and immunohistochemical stains that were consistent with metastatic GCT.
Linking animal movement and remote sensing – mapping resource suitability from a remote sensing perspective
Authors: Remelgado Ruben , Leutner Benjamin , Safi Kamran , Sonnenschein Ruth , Kuebert Carina , Wegmann Martin
Published: December 2017

Optical remote sensing is an important tool in the study of animal behavior providing ecologists with the means to understand species–environment interactions in combination with animal movement data. However, differences in spatial and temporal resolution between movement and remote sensing data limit their direct assimilation. In this context, we built a data‐driven framework to map resource suitability that addresses these differences as well as the limitations of satellite imagery. It combines seasonal composites of multiyear surface reflectances and optimized presence and absence samples acquired with animal movement data within a cross‐validation modeling scheme. Moreover, it responds to dynamic, site‐specific environmental conditions making it applicable to contrasting landscapes. We tested this framework using five populations of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) to model resource suitability related to foraging achieving accuracies from 0.40 to 0.94 for presences and 0.66 to 0.93 for absences. These results were influenced by the temporal composition of the seasonal reflectances indicated by the lower accuracies associated with higher day differences in relation to the target dates. Additionally, population differences in resource selection influenced our results marked by the negative relationship between the model accuracies and the variability of the surface reflectances associated with the presence samples. Our modeling approach spatially splits presences between training and validation. As a result, when these represent different and unique resources, we face a negative bias during validation. Despite these inaccuracies, our framework offers an important basis to analyze species–environment interactions. As it standardizes site‐dependent behavioral and environmental characteristics, it can be used in the comparison of intra‐ and interspecies environmental requirements and improves the analysis of resource selection along migratory paths. Moreover, due to its sensitivity to differences in resource selection, our approach can contribute toward a better understanding of species requirements.
Chlorofullerene C60Cl6: A Precursor for Straightforward Preparation of Highly Water‐Soluble Poly‐hydroxypyridinone Fullerene Derivatives as Potential Radionuclide Chelators
Authors: Zhang Qingchun , Jin Bo , Wang Xiaofang , Lei Shan , Liu Qiangqiang , Liang Hua , Chu Shijin , Peng Rufang
Published: December 2017

Radionuclide internal contamination can induce chemical and radiological intoxication and produce harmful free radicals in vivo. Conventional studies on chelating agents have disregarded the damage of free radicals to the body. Therefore, novel poly‐hydroxypyridinone fullerene derivatives were designed and prepared by using chlorofullerene as precursor. The poor water solubility of fullerene was ameliorated by chemically modifying of hydrophilic hydroxypyridinone, and obtaining high Water‐soluble fullerene derivatives. The radical scavenging reaction kinetics of target products were studied. They all exhibited much higher rate constants than other fullerene polymer system. The CeIII ion was used as a simulated radionuclide for evaluating the binding ability of target products, and the values of conditional stability constants were about 5.15‐6.11. Thus, the bifunctional, Water‐soluble fullerene derivatives were successfully generated. The results provided basis for further study on the potential application of poly‐hydroxypyridinone fullerene derivatives as radionuclide chelators.
Immobilization of [Pd{(Ph2P)2N(CH2)3Si(OCH3)3‐κP,P'}X2] (X=Cl, Br) onto Montmorillonite: Investigating their Performance as Homogeneous or Heterogenized Suzuki‐Miyaura Catalysts
Authors: Stamatopoulos Ioannis , Roulia Maria , Vallianatou Kalliopi A. , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Carravetta Marina , Papachristodoulou Christina , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Kostas Ioannis D. , Kyritsis Panayotis
Published: December 2017

Two palladium complexes, [Pd{(Ph2P)2N(CH2)3Si(OCH3)3‐κP,P'}X2], X=Cl (2), Br (3), were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray crystallography. Complexes 2 and 3 contain a PdP2X2 square planar coordination sphere exhibiting small endocyclic P–Pd–P angles [71.49(4) and 71.53(5)°, respectively], the magnitude of which is controlled by the formation of the Pd–P–N–P four‐membered chelating ring. Complexes 2 and 3 were found to be efficient catalysts in the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid at ambient or elevated temperature. At 100 °C, using 0.1 mol% of palladium loading, high conversions were observed even after 15 min. Both complexes were immobilized onto STx‐1 montmorillonite clay via their −Si(OMe)3 moiety, a process investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, solid‐state 31P NMR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The immobilized complexes, as heterogenized catalysts, displayed higher activity in the Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling compared to that of the free complexes. The recyclability of the former was also explored.
Roles of p21, p53, cyclin D1, CDK‐4, estrogen receptor α in aflatoxin B1‐induced cytotoxicity in testicular tissue of mice
Authors: Zamir‐Nasta Toraj , Razi Mazdak , Shapour Hasanzadeh , Malekinejad Hassan
Published: December 2017

This study was done in order to investigate time‐dependent effect of AFB1 on expression of genes involving in cell cycle check point machinery at G, S, and M phases. For this purpose, 24 mature male Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into control and test groups. The animals in test group subdivided into three groups, which received the AFB1 at a daily dose of 20 µg/kg body weight, through intraperitoneal (i.p.) route, for 7, 14, and 21 days. The p21, p53, cyclin D1, CDK4, and ERα expressions at both mRNA and protein level were analyzed by using reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Moreover, the tubular differentiation (TDI) and spermiogenesis (SPI) indices were analyzed. Finally, the testicular DNA fragmentation was assessed by using DNA Ladder test. Observations revealed that the AFB1 remarkably (P < .05) reduced cyclin D1, Cdk4, and ERα expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Up‐regulated p21 and p53 expression was revealed in AFB1‐received animals, which developed time dependently. Histological examinations exhibited a significant reduction in TDI and SPI indices. Finally, the AFB1 resulted in severe DNA fragmentation. Our data showed that the AFB1 by down‐regulating the cyclin D1, Cdk4, and ERα expression adversely affects cyclin D1/Cdk4 and cyclin D1/ERα interactions. Moreover, the AFB1‐induced overexpression of p21 (as a kinase inhibitor), in turn results in cell cycle arrest via inhibiting the Cdk4 interaction with cyclin D1. Finally, the AFB1‐induced DNA damage triggers the p53‐dependent apoptosis pathway independent to p21 overexpression.
Sieve maximum likelihood estimation in generalized linear models with an unknown link function
Authors: Yuan Mengdie , Diao Guoqing
Published: December 2017

Standard generalized linear models (GLMs) consist of three components: random component referring to a distribution of the response variable that belongs to the exponential family; systematic component referring to the linear predictor; and known link function specifying the relationship between the linear predictor and the mean of the distribution function. A flexible extension of the standard GLMs allows an unknown link function. Classical parametric likelihood approach is not applicable due to a large parameter space. To address this issue, sieve maximum likelihood estimation has been developed in literature in which the estimator of the unknown link function is assumed to lie in a sieve space. Various methods of sieves including the B‐spline and P‐spline based methods are introduced. The numerical implementation and theoretical properties of these methods are also discussed. WIREs Comput Stat 2018, 10:e1425. doi: 10.1002/wics.1425

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Signal and Image Processing and Coding

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods

Statistical Models > Generalized Linear Models

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Maximum Likelihood Methods
Mucosal Immunity: The Forgotten Arm of the Immune System
Authors: Wright Peter F , Ackerman Margaret E , Brickley Elizabeth B
Published: December 2017

The 2017 Stanley A. Plotkin Lecture in Vaccinology was delivered by Professor Peter F. Wright at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California, in May 2017. The presentation provided an overview of the mucosal immune system as it applies to vaccinology. Specifically, Professor Wright’s lecture highlighted the remarkable opportunities for mucosal immunity research afforded by having both topically administered live vaccines and systemically administered inactivated vaccines available for the same pathogen. Using influenza and poliovirus case studies, Professor Wright described the use of live attenuated vaccines for human challenges and discussed how recent technological advancements in immunological assays have ushered in a new era for investigating the correlates of immune protection against wild-type infections at mucosal sites.
An Unusual Cluster of Neuroinvasive Lyme Disease Cases Presenting With Bannwarth Syndrome in the Midwest United States
Authors: Shah Aditya , O’Horo John C , Wilson John W , Granger Dane , Theel Elitza S
Published: December 2017

Bannwarth syndrome (BWS), an infrequent manifestation of neuroinvasive Lyme disease (LD) characterized by radiculopathy, neuropathy, and lymphocytic pleocytosis, is more commonly documented in Europe than North America. Here, we describe a cluster of 5 neuroinvasive LD cases with BWS in the upper Midwest United States between July and August 2017.
Moral Distress and Associated Factors Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Multisite Descriptive Study
Authors: Krautscheid Lorretta , DeMeester Deborah A. , Orton Valorie , Smith Austin , Livingston Conor , McLennon Susan M.
Published: December 2017

AIM

The three study aims were to assess moral distress among senior baccalaureate nursing students, describe ethical dilemmas contributing to their moral distress in practice settings, and identify reasons for inaction when encountering dilemmas.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have linked postlicensure nurses' moral distress to compassion fatigue, frustration, and turnover. Little is known about this phenomenon in students.

METHOD

This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to measure moral distress and reasons for not taking action across three academic sites (N = 267). Content analysis was used to identify themes of distressing clinical situations.

RESULTS

Aggregate mean moral distress rating was 3.12. Content analysis revealed compromised best practices, disrespect for human dignity, perceived constraints, and navigating personal values. The most frequent reasons for inaction were subordinate role, relationship preservation, incomplete knowledge, and uncertainty about speaking up.

CONCLUSION

Results help educators prioritize strategies to prevent and manage moral distress among students.
PhD Education Outcomes: Results of a National Survey of Nursing PhD Alumni
Authors: Ellenbecker Carol Hall , Nwosu Chizoba , Zhang Yuqing , Leveille Suzanne
Published: December 2017

AIM

A national survey was conducted to examine the relationship between individual students’ experiences and nursing PhD program characteristics and program outcomes.

BACKGROUND

In light of the shortage of doctorally prepared nurse scientists and a growth in nursing PhD programs, an examination of the PhD nursing education experience in relation to educational outcomes is timely.

METHOD

Data were collected from graduates of a 50 percent random sample of nursing PhD programs in the United States.

RESULTS

Graduates who had worked as research assistants, attended classroom-based programs, and worked as a nurse no more than 12 hours per week during their PhD education were more likely to have successful publication records and receive external research grant funding than graduates who did not have these experiences.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of traditionally accepted measures of research productivity, our results indicate that nursing PhD programs have limited success in producing nurse researchers.
Mycoplasma-Induced Rash and Mucositis in a Father and Son: A Case Report
Authors: Song Hannah , Huang Jennifer T. , Tan Jennifer K.
Published: December 2017

This case report describes a father and son with recurrent Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). A father with a remote history of a similar rash in childhood presented to the hospital with a severe rash with mucosal involvement, and elevated Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin M titers, consistent with MIRM. Four years later, a similar rash developed in his son with a positive M. pneumoniae polymerase chain reaction assay, which was consistent with MIRM. His course was complicated by recurrence of disease shortly after discharge from the hospital. To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe recurrent MIRM affecting individuals within the same family.
Pneumonia Risk Stratification Scores for Children in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Deardorff Katrina V. , McCollum Eric D. , Ginsburg Amy Sarah
Published: December 2017

Background:

Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death among children less than 5 years of age. Predictive tools, commonly referred to as risk scores, can be employed to identify high-risk children early for targeted management to prevent adverse outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to identify pediatric pneumonia risk scores developed, validated and implemented in low-resource settings.

Methods:

We searched CAB Direct, Cochrane Reviews, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for studies that developed formal risk scores to predict treatment failure or mortality among children less than 5 years of age diagnosed with a respiratory infection or pneumonia in low-resource settings. Data abstracted from articles included location and study design, sample size, age, diagnosis, score features and model discrimination.

Results:

Three pediatric pneumonia risk scores predicted mortality specifically, and 2 treatment failure. Scores developed using World Health Organization–recommended variables for pneumonia assessment demonstrated better predictive fit than scores developed using alternative features. Scores developed using routinely collected healthcare data performed similarly well as those developed using clinical trial data. No score has been implemented in low-resource settings.

Conclusions:

While pediatric pneumonia-specific risk scores have been developed and validated, it is yet unclear if implementation is feasible, what impact, if any, implemented scores may have on child outcomes, or how broadly scores may be generalized. To increase the feasibility of implementation, future research should focus on developing scores based on routinely collected data.
Interpretation of Nondiagnostic Vulvar Biopsies
Authors: Day Tania , Knight Veronica , Dyall-Smith Delwyn , Dennerstein Graeme , Pagano Ross , Tran Hong , Tan Yasmin , Yap Desiree , Weigner Julie , Scurry James
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess clinical and histopathologic characteristics of symptomatic women who underwent a nondiagnostic biopsy of the inner vulva.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive nondiagnostic biopsies from medial labia minora, posterior fourchette, and vestibule obtained from symptomatic women between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed for this retrospective histopathologic case series. Histopathologic assessment included site, basal layer appearance, lymphocytic infiltrate, and presence of fibrosis or sclerosis. Examination findings, treatment, initial impression, and final clinical diagnosis were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed; clinical and histopathologic characteristics were compared with Fisher exact test.

Results

There were 85 cases; mean age was 53 years. Most women presented with painful erythema and underwent biopsy to confirm (30, 35%) or exclude (43, 51%) lichen planus. After clinical follow-up and histopathologic review, most cases had persistent diagnostic discordance. Final clinical diagnoses were available in 70 women: lichen planus in 27 (38%), vulvodynia in 15 (21%), and the other 28 (40%) had LS (8), plasma cell vulvitis (5), psoriasis (4), dermatitis (4), candidosis (3), estrogen deficiency (3), and aphthosis (1). Histopathologic review highlighted the difficulty in distinguishing mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue from an inflammatory infiltrate in 23 (27%) of cases. Compared with other sites, biopsies from the mucocutaneous junction were more likely to be associated with a positive culture for Candida albicans.

Conclusions

Nondiagnostic biopsies from the inner vulva should prompt thoughtful multidisciplinary review, but more research is required to resolve the problem of clinicopathologic discordance through better understanding of vulvar histology and pathophysiology.
Situation-Dependent Medical Device Risk Estimation: Design and Evaluation of an Equipment Management Center For Vendor-Independent Integrated Operating Rooms
Authors: Maktabi Marianne , Neumuth Thomas
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The complexity of surgical interventions and the number of technologies involved are constantly rising. Hospital staff has to learn how to handle new medical devices efficiently. However, if medical device–related incidents occur, the patient treatment is delayed. Patient safety could therefore be supported by an optimized assistance system that helps improve the management of technical equipment by nonmedical hospital staff.

Methods

We developed a system for the optimal monitoring of networked medical device activity and maintenance requirements, which works in conjunction with a vendor-independent integrated operating room and an accurate surgical intervention Time And Resource Management System. An integrated situation-dependent risk assessment system gives the medical engineers optimal awareness of the medical devices in the operating room.

Results

A qualitative and quantitative survey among ten medical engineers from three different hospitals was performed to evaluate the approach. A series of 25 questions was used to evaluate various aspects of our system as well as the system currently used. Moreover, the respondents were asked to perform five tasks related to system supervision and incident handling. Our system received a very positive feedback. The evaluation studies showed that the integration of information, the structured presentation of information, and the assistance modules provide valuable support to medical engineers.

Conclusions

An automated operating room monitoring system with an integrated risk assessment and Time And Resource Management System module is a new way to assist the staff being outside of a vendor-independent integrated operating room, who are nevertheless involved in processes in the operating room.
Deficient autophagy drives aging inHydra
Authors: Tomczyk Szymon , Schenkelaars Quentin , Suknovic Nenad , Wenger Yvan , Ekundayo Kazadi , Buzgariu Wanda , Bauer Christoph , Fischer Kathleen , Austad Steven , Galliot Brigitte
Published: December 2017

Hydraexhibits a negligible senescence as its epithelial and interstitial stem cell populations continuously divide. Here we identified twoH. oligactisstrains that respond differently to interstitial stem cell loss. Cold-resistant(Ho_CR)animals adapt and remain healthy while cold-sensitive(Ho_CS)ones die within three months, after their epithelial stem cells lose their selfrenewal potential. InHo_CSbut not inHo_CRanimals, the autophagy flux is deficient, characterized by a low induction upon starvation, proteasome inhibition or Rapamycin treatment, and a constitutively repressed Ulk activity. In the non-agingHydra vulgaris, WIPI2 silencing suffices to induce aging. Rapamycin can delay aging by sustaining epithelial self-renewal and regeneration, although without enhancing the autophagy flux. Instead Rapamycin promotes engulfment in epithelial cells where p62/SQSTM1-positive phagocytic vacuoles accumulate. This study uncovers the importance of autophagy in the longevity of early-branched eumetazoans by maintaining stem cell renewal, and a novel anti-aging effect of Rapamycin via phagocytosis.
Hematology, biochemistry, and toxicology of wild hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting in mangrove estuaries in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Tauer Aubrey M. , Liles Michael J. , Chavarría Sofía , Valle Melissa , Amaya Sada , Quijada Gabriela , Meléndez Oscar , Rodríguez Stanley , Lock Eric F. , Henríquez Ana V. , Gaos Alexander R. , Seminoff Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2017

Sea turtles are a keystone species and are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, making them excellent environmental indicators. In light of environmental and climate changes, species are increasingly threatened by pollution, changes in ocean health, habitat alteration, and plastic ingestion. There may be additional health related threats and understanding these threats is key in directing future management and conservation efforts, particularly for severely reduced sea turtle populations. Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are critically endangered, with those in the eastern Pacific Ocean (Mexico–Peru) considered one of the most threatened sea turtle populations in the world. This study establishes baseline health parameters in hematology and blood biochemistry as well as tested for heavy metals and persitent organic pollutants in eastern Pacific hawksbills at a primary nesting colony located in a mangrove estuary. Whereas hematology and biochemistry results are consistent with healthy populations of other species of sea turtles, we identified differences in packed cell volume, heterophils and lympohcyte counts, and glucose when comparing our data to other adult hawksbill analysis (1), (2), (3). Our analysis of heavy metal contamination revealed a mean blood level of 0.245 ppm of arsenic, 0.045 ppm of lead, and 0.008 ppm of mercury. Blood levels of persistent organic pollutants were below the laboratory detection limit for all turtles. Our results suggest that differences in the feeding ecology of eastern Pacific hawksbills in mangrove estuaries may make them less likely to accumulate persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in their blood. These baseline data on blood values in hawksbills nesting within a mangrove estuary in the eastern Pacific offer important guidance for health assessments of the species in the wild and in clinical rehabilitation facilities, and underscore the importance of preventing contamination from point and non-point sources in mangrove estuaries, which represent primary habitat to hawksbills and myriad other marine species in the eastern Pacific Ocean.