bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox‐Responsive Nanocomposites Composed of Graphene Oxide and Chlorin e6 for Photodynamic Treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Dong Jun , Kim Jungsoo , Lee Hye Lim , Lee Sangeun , Choi Jung Sik , Kim Su Jin , Jeong Young‐IL , Kang Dae Hwan
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites conjugated with chlorin e6 (Ce6) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MePEG) using disulfide linkage for photodynamic treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. Graphene oxide was conjugated with MePEG and cystamine (GO‐(NSSNH2)‐PEG). After that, amine end group was further conjugated with Ce6. Ce6 and MePEG conjugated GO nanocomposites (GO NP) were characterized and its photodynamic effect was studied with various CCA cells. In morphological observation, GO NP formed nano‐aggregates with small sizes less than 100 nm while GO itself showed typical sheet shape. Ce6 release from GO NP was faster in the presence of glutathione, indicating that GO NP has redox‐responsiveness. GO NP showed significantly higher intracellular Ce6 uptake ratio and produced higher amount of ROS than Ce6 itself. Then, GO NP resulted in increased anticancer activity against CCA cells compared to Ce6 itself. In animal study with SNU478 cell‐bearing mice, GO NP was properly concentrated in tumor tissue while Ce6 treatment showed relatively higher fluorescence intensity in liver than that of tumor tissue. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by treatment of GO NP with irradiation compared to Ce6 treatment. GO NP showed redox‐responsiveness and increased photodynamic effect against CCA cells. We suggest GO NP as a promising candidate for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of CCA cells.
A case study of the challenges for an integrative practitioner learning a new psychological therapy
Authors: Byrne Angela , Salmon Peter , Fisher Peter
Published: August 2018

Background

Many psychotherapy practitioners draw from several psychotherapeutic models in an effort to maximise the help they can give to individual patients. Such “integrative” practice is promoted by training that typically encompasses multiple models, but might impair practitioners’ ability to learn any single approach proficiently.

Aims

One way to identify the influence of integrative practice on therapists’ ability to learn a new approach is by examining the challenges that arise when a psychotherapist, previously socialised into the integrative approach, tries to learn a new single approach. Here we describe the experience of the first author, a clinical psychologist being supervised by the last author, to make the transition from an integrative way of working to a single approach.

Method

In a single case of post‐qualification training, we aimed to identify the influence of the integrative approach to clinical practice by analysing the challenges that arose when one experienced clinical psychologist was supervised with the aim to reach competence in an unfamiliar psychotherapeutic model: metacognitive therapy. The present paper is based on the experience of the training period, documented contemporaneously by the supervisee and supervisor and analysed subsequently in discussion amongst all authors.

Results

The challenges included learning to adhere to the model consistently, resisting previous habits of engaging with the content of patients’ distress, dismantling beliefs about the nature and importance of therapeutic relationship, and learning not to interpret patient improvement as indicating therapeutic competence.

Conclusions

These challenges reflect fundamental weaknesses of the integrative approach that characterise current psychotherapy training in the USA and more generally and highlight implications for how training and supervision might be strengthened to ensure psychotherapists’ competence.
Influence of the Membrane Dye R18 and of DMSO on Cell Penetration of Guanidinium‐Rich Peptides
Authors: Kurth Felix , Dittrich Petra S. , Walde Peter , Seebach Dieter
Published: August 2018

A quantitative analysis by confocal fluorescence microscopy of the entry into HEK293 and MCF‐7 cells by fluorescein‐labeled octaarginine (1) and by three octa‐Adp derivatives (2 – 4, octamers of the β‐Asp‐Arg‐dipeptide, derived from the biopolymer cyanophycin) is described, including the effects of the membrane dye R18 and of DMSO on cell penetration.
Preparation and investigation of indirubin‐loaded SLN nanoparticles and their anti‐cancer effects on human glioblastoma U87MG cells
Authors: Rahiminejad Ali , Dinarvand Rassoul , Johari Behrooz , Nodooshan Saeedeh Jafari , Rashti Ali , Rismani Elham , Mahdaviani Parvin , Saltanatpour Zohreh , Rahiminejad Sajad , Raigani Mozhgan , Khosravani Masood
Published: August 2018

Indirubin, an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, is considered as an anti‐cancer agent. However, due to its hydrophobic nature, clinical efficiency has been limited. Drug delivery via nanotechnology techniques open new windows toward treatment of cancerous patients. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most severe and common type of brain primary tumors. Of common problems in targeting therapies of glioblastoma is the availability of drug in tumoric tissues. In this study, Indirubin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and their therapeutic potentials and antitumoric effects were assessed on GBM cell line (U87MG). The SLNs were prepared with Cetyl palmitate and Polysorbat 80 via high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) methods in hot mode. Then, properties of SLNs including size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficacy (EE %) and drug loading were characterized. SLNs morphology and size were observed using SEM and TEM. The crystalinity of formulation was determined by different scattering calorimetry (DSC). The amount of drug release and antitumor efficiency were evaluated at both normal brain pH of 7.2 and tumoric pH of 6.8. The prapared SLNs had mean size of 130 nm, zeta potential of −16 mV and EE of 99.73%. The results of DSC showed proper encapsulation of drug into SLNs. Drug release assessment in both pH displayed sustain release property. The result of MTT test exhibited a remarkable increment in antitumor activity of Indirubin loaded SLN in comparison with free form of drug and blank SLN on multiform GB. This study indicated that Indirubin loaded SLNs could act as a useful anticancer drugs.
Yeast dynamin and Ypt6 function in parallel for the endosome‐to‐Golgi retrieval of Snc1
Authors: Makaraci Pelin , Delgado Cruz Mariel , McDermott Hyoeun , Nguyen Vy , Highfill Chad , Kim Kyoungtae
Published: August 2018

Protein recycling is an important cellular process required for cell homeostasis. Results from prior studies have shown that vacuolar sorting protein‐1 (Vps1), a dynamin homolog in yeast, is implicated in protein recycling from the endosome to the trans‐Golgi Network (TGN). However, the function of Vps1 in relation to Ypt6, a master GTPase in the recycling pathway, remains unknown. The present study reveals that Vps1 physically interacts with Ypt6 if at least one of them is full‐length. We found that overexpression of full‐length Vps1, but not GTP hydrolysis‐defective Vps1 mutants, is sufficient to rescue abnormal phenotypes of Snc1 distribution provoked by the loss of Ypt6, and vice versa. This suggests that Vps1 and Ypt6 function in parallel pathways instead of in a sequential pathway and that GTP binding/hydrolysis of Vps1 is required for proper traffic of Snc1 toward the TGN. Additionally, we identified two novel Vps1‐binding partners, Vti1 and Snc2, which function for the endosome‐derived vesicle fusion at the TGN. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that Vps1 plays a role in later stages of the endosome‐to‐TGN traffic.
ERK1/2 and JNK signaling synergistically modulate mitogenic effect of fibroblast growth factor 2 on liver cell
Authors: Wu Shiyong , Zhang Wenhua , Ma Shumin , Li Bin , Xu Chanjuan , Yi Ping
Published: August 2018

Proliferation of the adult hepatocyte population represents a central feature of tissue regeneration after liver injury and resection. This process could be driven by a diverse range of mitogens, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Among FGF family, FGF2 is closely related to wound repair and cell proliferation. FGF2 does function in the process of angiogenesis in regenerating liver, while fewer reports are concerned with the impact and underlying mechanism of FGF2 on liver cell proliferation. To this end, an immortalized human normal hepatocyte L02 and mouse primary hepatocytes were exposed to FGF2 in this study. We demonstrate that FGF2 significantly enhances liver cell proliferation. Treatment with FGF2 obviously increases the phosphorylation level of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Activity inhibition or expression down‐regulation prove that both ERK1/2 and JNK signaling are required for FGF2‐mediated effect on liver cell proliferation. Interestingly, interfering of ERK1/2 signaling results in marked decrease of JNK activation under FGF2 treatment, and JNK signaling is also involved in regulation of FGF2‐induced ERK1/2 activation, suggesting that cross‐talk between ERK1/2 and JNK signaling is important for FGF2 mitogenic activity. Both ERK1/2 and JNK signal via CREB to function in proliferation impact of FGF2 on liver cells. Taken together, this study reveals that ERK and JNK pathways synergistically regulate FGF2‐induced liver cell proliferation via phosphorylating CREB, which will contribute to the understanding of FGF2 impact on liver cell proliferation and liver regeneration.
Proliferation, cancer, and aging—novel functions of the nucleolar methyltransferase fibrillarin?
Authors: Shubina Maria Y. , Musinova Yana R. , Sheval Eugene V.
Published: August 2018

Fibrillarin is an essential nucleolar protein that catalyzes the 2′‐O‐methylation of ribosomal RNAs. Recently, experimental data have begun to accumulate that suggest that fibrillarin can influence various cellular processes, development of pathological processes, and even aging. The exact mechanism by which fibrillarin can influence these processes has not been found, but some experimental data indicate that up‐ or downregulation of fibrillarin can modify the ribosome structure and, thus, causе an alteration in relative efficiency with which various mRNAs are translated. Here, we discuss recent studies on the potential roles of fibrillarin in the regulation of cell proliferation, cancer progression, and aging.
Parent/child separation: Immediate trauma with lifelong consequences
Authors: Paccione‐Dyszlewski Margaret R.
Published: August 2018

Current U.S. policy toward immigration has ignited robust discussion about parent/child separation. I suspect most of us intuitively know that the separation of a child from their parent is harmful to the child — but how damaging and why?
Benefit of routine preprocedural radial artery angiography in STEMI patients
Authors: Zafirovska Biljana , Antov Slobodan , Kostov Jorgo , Spiroski Igor , Vasilev Ivan , Jovkovski Aleksandar , Kitanoski Darko , Petkoska Danica , Bertrand Olivier F. , Kedev Sasko
Published: August 2018

Aims

To assess the benefit of routine preprocedural radial artery (RA) angiography in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods and Results

All consecutive STEMI patients, in the period from January 2010 until December 2016 were included in the study.

Preprocedural radial artery angiography was performed in all patients since March 2011. We compared clinical and procedure characteristics, access site bleeding complications and failure of primary chosen TRA between two groups of STEMI patients before and after we started performing routine RA angiography.

We compared 762 STEMI patients from 2010 until March 2011 and 4306 STEMI patients after March 2011 until December 2016. Mean age of patients was 60 ± 11 years with 73% males. The latter group had more elderly and obese patients (P < .0001 both). Prior percutaneous coronary interventions was present in 7% of patients and 0, 1% had prior coronary bypass surgery.

Procedure duration (38 ± 16 vs. 32 ± 20 min) was significantly longer in the first group (P value < .0001), but contrast volume (120 ± 33 vs. 110 ± 35 ml), and fluoroscopy time (8.6 ± 6 vs. 8.7 ± 8 min) were similar in both groups. Access crossover from primary TRA was 4, 6% in the first group, with a significant decrease to 3, 1% in the second (P < .0001), after introducing preprocedural RA angiography.

Access site bleeding complications were significantly higher in the first group 6.8% vs. 4.3% in the second (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Routine preprocedural radial artery angiography in STEMI patients is associated with lower rate of access site bleeding complications and reduced overall procedural time and TRA crossover rate.
Molybdenum Nitride Nanocatalyst Derived from Melamine and Polyoxometalate‐based Hybrid for Oxidative Coupling of Amines to Imines with Air
Authors: Li Yue , Xiao Kang , Li Jingjing , Jiang Pingping , Jiang Yuchen , Du Shengyu , Leng Yan
Published: August 2018

Molybdenum nitride (Mo2N) is one of the most promising alternative catalysts for a wide range of Pt‐catalyzed catalytic applications but is seldom investigated in oxidative coupling of amines to imines. A Mo2N‐based nanocatalyst is successfully achieved by the hybridization of PMo12O403− (PMo)‐paired ionic pyridine‐4‐carboxylic acid (PC) and melamine (Mel), followed by calcination in N2. Melamine acts as an outstanding carburization and nitridation reagent that can convert into carbon nitride, and meanwhile the released N element react with Mo species in PMo to form Mo2N. The obtained catalyst PC‐PMo‐Mel‐800 exhibits high activity and remarkable stability for the oxidative coupling of amines to imines under solvent‐free and atmospheric conditions. This is the first case of Mo2N‐catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction catalyst. The strategy reported herein for fabricating Mo2N may provide a significant and interesting approach to design more transition metal nitrides for wide catalytic applications.
A Robust and Scalable Continuous Flow Process for Glycerol Carbonate
Authors: Van Mileghem Seger , De Borggraeve Wim M. , Baxendale Ian R.
Published: August 2018

With glycerol being a bulk waste product, the interest in converting it to other value‐added products is steadily increasing. A scalable continuous flow process was developed for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate (2‐GLC) from glycerol and dimethyl carbonate on a hydroxide functional resin. High conversion and selectivity were obtained while the residence times were typically shorter than 10 min. Continuous production of 2‐GLC was achieved in high throughput and with improved processing metrics, creating the foundations for a production level process.
Simple immersed boundary matrix‐cut‐method for cartesian grids using FV and FD discretizations
Authors: Dierich Frank , Ananiev Sergey , Nikrityuk Petr A.
Published: August 2018

This work presents a means of implementing a simple implicit Cartesian grid matrix‐cut method to model the heat and mass transfer in irregular geometries using any implicit Cartesian grid solver in finite‐volume and finite‐difference formulations. This method allows the precise imposing of Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions in any internal node of the grid. The main idea of this method comes from a finite element method  where the coefficients of the implicit matrix of a discretized equation are modified directly to ensure the consistency of the presence of the boundary conditions at immersed boundaries represented by grid nodes. One of the advantages of this method is its capability to solve a transport equation implicitly in steady and unsteady modes, applied to complex geometry immersed into the Cartesian grid. This method can be easily implemented in any direct matrix solver, e.g., Gauss elimination, or any iterative matrix solver. To validate this method, different cases are considered.
Einflussfaktoren auf chemiebezogene Berufswahlabsichten von Schülerinnen und Schülern
Authors: Spitzer Philipp , Gröger Martin
Published: August 2018

Im Zuge des drohenden Fachkräftemangels fordern chemische Industrie und Politik eine stärkere Berufsorientierung für chemische Berufe. In einer Fragebogenstudie mit 1113 Schüler/‐innen der Jahrgangsstufen 8 und 11 wurden daher die aktuelle Umsetzung von Berufsorientierung an Schulen sowie Einflussfaktoren auf eine chemiebezogene Berufswahl unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Image, Selbstkonzept und Prototypenbeschreibung erhoben. Die berechneten Modelle für die Jahrgangsstufen 8 und 11 zeigen insbesondere Imagevariablen und das chemische Selbstkonzept als Einflussfaktoren auf eine chemiebezogene Berufswahl.

Als eine mögliche Interventionsmaßnahme zur Stärkung der Berufsorientierung im Chemieunterricht wird das Chem‐Trucking‐Projekt vorgestellt. Hier bekommen Schüler/‐innen die Möglichkeit, anhand authentischer Problemstellungen umweltanalytische Messungen mit professionellem Equipment vor Ort und im Kontakt mit Experten durchzuführen und so einen chemischen Beruf kennenzulernen.
Left ventricular thrombosis in acute anterior myocardial infarction: Evaluation of hospital mortality, thromboembolism, and bleeding
Authors: Ram Pradhum , Shah Mahek , Sirinvaravong Natee , Lo Kevin Bryan , Patil Shantanu , Patel Brijesh , Tripathi Byomesh , Garg Lohit , Figueredo Vincent
Published: August 2018

Background

Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a well‐known complication of acute myocardial infarction, most commonly seen in anterior wall ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It is associated with systemic thromboembolism.

Hypothesis

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of LVT on in‐hospital mortality, thromboembolism, and bleeding in patients with anterior STEMI.

Methods

Data was collected from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample where patients with a primary diagnosis of “Anterior STEMI” [ICD9‐CM code 410.1] were included. Comparisons were made between patients with LVT [ICD9‐CM code 429.79] vs those without using propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

From 2002 to 2014, there were 157 891 cases of anterior STEMI. Among these, 649 (0.4%) had LVT. Post‐PSM, there was no difference in in‐hospital mortality between the groups with LVT and without (7.3% vs 8.6%). Thromboembolic event rate was higher with LVT compared to those without LVT (7.3% vs 2.1%). There was no difference in bleeding events between patients with LVT and those without (2.9% vs 3.2%). The baseline average length of stay in the group with LVT was longer than the group without LVT (7.9 ± 6.7 days vs 5.1 ± 6.0 days). The average hospitalization‐related costs were also significantly higher among patients with LVT compared to those without (95 598 USD vs 66 641 USD per stay) at baseline.

Conclusion

Among patients hospitalized with anterior STEMI, presence of LVT is associated with increased thromboembolic events, average length of hospital stay and average cost of hospitalization. However, it is not associated with increased in‐hospital mortality or bleeding events.
Algal Communities: An Answer to Global Climate Change
Authors: Asadian Mehrdad , Fakheri Barat A. , Mahdinezhad Nafiseh , Gharanjik Shahrokh , Beardal John , Talebi Ahmad F.
Published: August 2018

Human activities and resultant changes in global climate have profound consequences for ecosystems and economic and social systems, including those that are dependent upon marine systems. The increasing concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) has resulted in gradual modification of multiple aspects of marine ecosystem properties such as salinity, temperature, and pH. It is well known that temporal and spatial variations in environmental properties determine the composition and abundance of different algal populations in a region. Within the present study the evidence for algal compatibility to changing environmental conditions is surveyed. The unique ability of algal communities to play a role in promotion of CO2 sequestration technologies, biorefinery approaches, as well as transition to CO2‐neutral renewable energy has gained traction with environmentalists and economists in a view to mitigation of climate change using algae. The next step is to re‐evaluate the assumption of a steady‐state oceanic carbon cycle and the role of biological activities in response to future climate changes.
Actin's N‐terminal acetyltransferase uncovered
Authors: Arnesen Thomas , Marmorstein Ronen , Dominguez Roberto
Published: August 2018

Humans express six highly conserved actin isoforms, which differ the most at their N‐termini. Actin's N‐terminus undergoes co‐ and post‐translational processing unique among eukaryotic proteins. During translation, the initiator methionine of the two cytoplasmic isoforms is N‐terminally acetylated (Nt‐acetylated) and that of the four muscle isoforms is removed and the exposed cysteine is Nt‐acetylated. Then, an unidentified acetylaminopeptidase post‐translationally removes the Ac‐Met (or Ac‐Cys), and all six isoforms are re‐acetylated at the N‐terminus. Despite the vital importance of actin for cellular processes ranging from cell motility to organelle trafficking and cell division, the mechanism and functional consequences of Nt‐acetylation remained unresolved. Two recent studies significantly advance our understanding of actin Nt‐acetylation. Drazic et al. (2018, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 115, 4399–4404) identify actin's dedicated N‐terminal acetyltransferase (NAA80/NatH), and demonstrate that Nt‐acetylation critically impacts actin assembly in vitro and in cells. NAA80 knockout cells display increased filopodia and lamellipodia formation and accelerated cell motility. In vitro, the absence of Nt‐acetylation leads to a decrease in the rates of filament depolymerization and elongation, including formin‐induced elongation. Goris et al. (2018, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 115, 4405–4410] describe the structure of Drosophila NAA80 in complex with a peptide‐CoA bi‐substrate analog mimicking the N‐terminus of β‐actin. The structure reveals the source of NAA80's specificity for actin's negatively‐charged N‐terminus. Nt‐acetylation neutralizes a positive charge, thus enhancing the overall negative charge of actin's unique N‐terminus. Actin's N‐terminus is exposed in the filament and influences the interactions of many actin‐binding proteins. These advances open the way to understanding the many likely consequences and functional roles of actin Nt‐acetylation.
The brain of the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). II. The olfactory system
Authors: Imam Aminu , Bhagwandin Adhil , Ajao Moyosore S. , Spocter Muhammed A. , Ihunwo Amadi O. , Manger Paul R.
Published: August 2018

This study employed a range of neuroanatomical stains to determine the organization of the main and accessory olfactory systems within the brain of the tree pangolin. The tree pangolin has a typically mammalian olfactory system, but minor variations were observed. The main olfactory system is comprised of the layered main olfactory bulb (MOB), the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), the rostral olfactory cortex (including the taenia tecta, anterior hippocampal continuation and induseum griseum), the olfactory tubercle (Tu), the lateral olfactory tract (lot) and the olfactory limb of the anterior commissure, the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (NLOT), the piriform cortex (PIR) and a typically mammalian rostral migratory stream (RMS). The accessory olfactory system included the layered accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and the nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract (NAOT). Volumetric analysis of the relative size of the MOB and PIR indicate that the tree pangolin has an olfactory system that occupies a proportion of the brain typical for the majority of mammals. Within the MOB, the glomeruli of the tree pangolin, at 200 μm diameter, are larger than observed in most other mammalian species, and the MOB lacks a distinct internal plexiform layer. In addition, the laminate appearance of the NLOT was not observed in the tree pangolin. The accessory olfactory system appears to lack the posterior compartment of the accessory olfactory bulb. These observations are contextualized in relation to olfactory‐mediated behaviors in pangolins.
Convergence of Adaptive Compression Methods for Hartree‐Fock‐Like Equations
Authors: Lin Lin , Lindsey Michael
Published: August 2018

The adaptively compressed exchange (ACE) method provides an efficient way to solve Hartree‐Fock‐like equations in quantum physics, chemistry, and materials science. The key step of the ACE method is to adaptively compress an operator that is possibly dense and full‐rank. In this paper, we present a detailed study of the adaptive compression operation and establish rigorous convergence properties of the adaptive compression method in the context of solving linear eigenvalue problems. Our analysis also elucidates the potential use of the adaptive compression method in a wide range of problems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Epiperimetric Inequality for the Regularity of Some Free Boundary Problems: The 2‐Dimensional Case
Authors: Spolaor Luca , Velichkov Bozhidar
Published: August 2018

Using a direct approach, we prove a two‐dimensional epiperimetric inequality for the one‐phase problem in the scalar and vectorial cases and for the double‐phase problem. From this we deduce, in dimension 2, the C1,α regularity of the free boundary in the scalar one‐phase and double‐phase problems, and of the reduced free boundary in the vectorial case, without any restriction on the sign of the component functions. Furthermore, we show that in the vectorial case each connected component of might have cusps, but they must be a finite number. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lipid Lowering Therapy for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: It Is Not So Simple
Authors: Vincent John
Published: August 2018

Plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins reflect a key risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ASCVD and treatments that lower these lipoproteins improve CV outcomes. Statins and PCSK9 inhibitors reduce LDL‐C remarkably to low levels but do not eliminate residual cardiovascular risk as a result of other atherogenic lipoproteins or pathways for ASCVD, including inflammation, that are independent of LDL‐C. Statins and PCSK9 inhibitors have complex mechanisms of action which appear to be additive and hence beneficial. Statin‐intolerant subjects may benefit from ezetimibe, combination nutraceuticals and other drugs in development, while subjects with low LDL‐C levels may benefit from anti‐inflammatory drugs that target specific pathways. The future of pharmacotherapy for ASCVD will rely on a combination of drugs that reduce LDL‐C and other atherogenic lipoproteins and drugs that target pathways including inflammation, endothelial function, vascular stiffness and anti‐oxidant activity.
Use of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Evaluate the Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Disposition of Hepatic CYP2C8 and OATP1B Drug Substrates
Authors: Tan Ming‐Liang , Zhao Ping , Zhang Lei , Ho Yunn‐Fang , Varma Manthena V.S. , Neuhoff Sibylle , Nolin Thomas D. , Galetin Aleksandra , Huang Shiew‐Mei
Published: August 2018

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) differentially affects the pharmacokinetics (PK) of nonrenally cleared drugs via certain pathways (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6); however, the effect on CYP2C8‐mediated clearance is not well understood because of overlapping substrate specificity with hepatic organic anion‐transporting polypeptides (OATPs). This study used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to delineate potential changes in CYP2C8 or OATP1B activity in patients with CKD. Drugs analyzed are predominantly substrates of CYP2C8 (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone), OATP1B (pitavastatin), or both (repaglinide). Following initial model verification, pharmacokinetics (PK) of these drugs were simulated in patients with severe CKD considering changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma protein binding, and activity of either CYP2C8 and/or OATP1B in a stepwise manner. The PBPK analysis suggests that OATP1B activity could be decreased up to 60% in severe CKD, whereas changes to CYP2C8 are negligible. This improved understanding of CKD effect on clearance pathways could be important to inform the optimal use of nonrenally eliminated drugs in patients with CKD.
Millennials' green consumption behaviour: Exploring the role of social media
Authors: Bedard Stephanie Anne Nicole , Tolmie Carri Reisdorf
Published: August 2018

Several studies have investigated millennials' perceptions of sustainable products, and the factors that make these products appealing. Yet insight into the green purchase intentions of this demographic and influencing factors is limited. This study investigates the influence of social media usage and online interpersonal influence on green purchase intentions among millennials in the USA. In addition, the study considers how the cultural dimensions of individualism–collectivism and masculinity–femininity moderate the relationship between social media usage, online interpersonal influence, and green purchase intentions. Results indicate that social media usage and online interpersonal influence have significant, positive relationships with green purchase intentions. Masculinity was found to exert a weakening effect on the relationships in the study, while the effects of individualism were found to be insignificant. Results have important managerial implications for firms' sustainability strategy and provide a framework for investigating green purchase intentions in additional cultures around the world.
Integrated reporting: The mediating role of the board of directors and investor protection on managerial discretion in munificent environments
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , Garcia‐Benau María‐Antonia
Published: August 2018

Is there a relationship between managerial discretion in munificent environments and the propensity to disclose an integrated reporting? Is this relationship contingent on the board of directors and investor protection? For an international sample for 2006–2014, this paper supports the assertion that managers are more able to extract superior perquisites when the level of accumulated cash holding is higher; that is, in munificent contexts. Because of the greater managerial discretion in these contexts, managers show a lower incentive to disclose voluntary information through an integrated report, which decreases the firm's transparency. Nonetheless, the board of directors and the level of investor protection, as control mechanisms, play an active role in constraining managerial discretion and improving the firm's transparency. The lower dissemination of integrated reporting in munificent contexts—where managerial discretion is greater—is moderated when the board is stronger and in countries with higher levels of investor protection.
Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Derived Co3S4 Hollow Nanoboxes for the Selective Reduction of Nitroarenes
Authors: Yang Shuliang , Peng Li , Sun Daniel T. , Oveisi Emad , Bulut Safak , Queen Wendy L.
Published: August 2018

MOF‐derived Co3S4/CN hollow nanoboxes (CN=nitrogen‐doped carbon) was used to catalyze the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to anilines under mild reaction conditions with H2 as the reducing agent. The catalyst provides high conversion efficiencies and selectivities for a variety of nitroarene substrates that contain electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing substituents under mild reaction conditions (in methanol at 60 °C). Further, the nanobox inhibits both dehalogenation and vinyl hydrogenation reactions, which are common limitations of state‐of‐the‐art Pd‐based catalysts. Because the reactions result in pure aniline products, the need for separation by column chromatography is eliminated. The resulting anilines are easily separated from the methanolic reaction solution in just three simple steps (centrifugation, decantation, and drying). If employed in industrial processes, catalysts of this kind would significantly reduce the amount of waste organic solvent generated and thus satisfy the need for sustainable chemical processes.
Across the Board: Arjan Kleij
Authors: Kleij Arjan W.
Published: August 2018

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Prof. Arjan W. Kleij, who discusses the use of terpenes as raw materials for the synthesis of biobased polyesters and polycarbonates, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for these renewable polymers in the area of material science, trying to meet the requirements of a circular economy.
Field tests of a general ectotherm niche model show how water can limit lizard activity and distribution
Authors: Kearney Michael R. , Munns Suzanne L. , Moore Danae , Malishev Matthew , Bull C. Michael
Published: August 2018

Mechanistic forecasts of how species will respond to climate change are highly desired but difficult to achieve. Because processes at different scales are explicit in such models, careful assessments of their predictive abilities can provide valuable insights that will be relevant to functionally similar species. However, there are surprisingly few comprehensive field tests of mechanistic niche models in the literature. We applied a general, thermodynamically grounded modeling framework to determine the fundamental niche of an extremely well‐studied herbivorous ectotherm, the sleepy lizard Tiliqua rugosa. We then compared the model predictions with detailed long‐term field observations that included sub‐hourly data on microclimate, activity levels, home ranges, and body temperatures as well as annual to decadal patterns of body condition and growth. Body temperature predictions inferred from gridded climatic data were within 10% of empirically observed values and explained >70% of observed daytime activity patterns across all lizards. However, some periods of activity restriction were explained by predicted desiccation level rather than by temperature, and metabolically driven activity requirements were much lower than potential activity time. Decadal trajectories of field growth and body condition could also be explained to within 10% of observed values, with the variance in trajectories being attributable to whether individuals had access to permanent water. Continent‐wide applications of the model partly captured the inland distribution limit, but only after accounting for water limitations. Predicted changes in habitat suitability under six climate change scenarios were generally positive within the species’ current range, but varied strongly with predicted rainfall. Temperature is regarded as the major factor that will restrict the distribution and abundance of lizards and other terrestrial ectotherms under climate change. Yet our findings show how water can be more important than temperature in constraining the activity, habitat requirements, and distribution limits of terrestrial ectotherms. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of first‐principles computation of the climatic limits on terrestrial animals from gridded environmental data, providing a coherent picture for how species will respond to climate change at different scales of space and time.
Environmental and endogenous drivers of tree mast production and synchrony in piñon–juniper–oak woodlands of New Mexico
Authors: Parmenter Robert R. , Zlotin Roman I. , Moore Douglas I. , Myers Orrin B.
Published: August 2018

Tree masting (synchronous, episodic reproduction) is common worldwide and is hypothesized to be especially important in ecosystems with low species diversity and productivity as in semi‐arid woodlands of the American Southwest. We analyzed mast dynamics of three dominant tree species, one‐seed juniper (Cupressaceae: Juniperus monosperma), two‐needle piñon pine (Pinaceae: Pinus edulis), and Sonoran scrub oak (Fagaceae: Quercus turbinella), on six sites during 1997–2016 within the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. We tested multiple hypotheses regarding environmental and endogenous variables as controlling mechanisms, analyzing time‐series mast production data in relation to weather variables (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit, wind) over different time frames, and assessed evidence for weather tracking, resource switching, resource depletion, resource cycling, and pollen limitation. We found that (1) in univariate regression analyses, mast production in all three species was inversely related to lagged late‐summer/autumn temperatures during fruit primordia formation (1‐yr lag for juniper and oak, 2‐yr lag for piñon pine). Juniper mast production (n = 412 trees) was positively related to current‐year late‐winter (February–April) precipitation, combined with a negative relationship with current‐year summer temperatures. Piñon pine mast production (n = 210 trees) was positively related to 1‐yr lagged total annual precipitation and negatively associated with current‐year spring and summer temperatures. Oak mast production (n = 194 trees) also was positively related to current‐year late‐winter precipitation but was not affected by subsequent summer temperatures. (2) Multivariate environmental logistic regression models produced reasonable fits to observed field mast values. (3) High‐mast years in juniper and oak were characterized by greater proportions of trees producing mast and increased mast production per tree. (4) Juniper, oak, and piñon pine mast years were highly synchronized. (5) We found indirect support for resource depletion in all three species at some sites and indirect support for resource cycling in oak populations. (6) We observed only marginal indirect evidence for resource switching in piñon pine and oak. (7) Analyses of atmospheric pollen abundance relative to mast production produced no significant relationships. Predictive models of mast production have direct applications to regional silviculture, wildlife management, and ecosystem services in Southwestern woodlands.
Microbes follow Humboldt: temperature drives plant and soil microbial diversity patterns from the Amazon to the Andes
Authors: Nottingham Andrew T. , Fierer Noah , Turner Benjamin L. , Whitaker Jeanette , Ostle Nick J. , McNamara Niall P. , Bardgett Richard D. , Leff Jonathan W. , Salinas Norma , Silman Miles R. , Kruuk Loeske E. B. , Meir Patrick
Published: August 2018

More than 200 years ago, Alexander von Humboldt reported that tropical plant species richness decreased with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. Surprisingly, coordinated patterns in plant, bacterial, and fungal diversity on tropical mountains have not yet been observed, despite the central role of soil microorganisms in terrestrial biogeochemistry and ecology. We studied an Andean transect traversing 3.5 km in elevation to test whether the species diversity and composition of tropical forest plants, soil bacteria, and fungi follow similar biogeographical patterns with shared environmental drivers. We found coordinated changes with elevation in all three groups: species richness declined as elevation increased, and the compositional dissimilarity among communities increased with increased separation in elevation, although changes in plant diversity were larger than in bacteria and fungi. Temperature was the dominant driver of these diversity gradients, with weak influences of edaphic properties, including soil pH. The gradients in microbial diversity were strongly correlated with the activities of enzymes involved in organic matter cycling, and were accompanied by a transition in microbial traits towards slower‐growing, oligotrophic taxa at higher elevations. We provide the first evidence of coordinated temperature‐driven patterns in the diversity and distribution of three major biotic groups in tropical ecosystems: soil bacteria, fungi, and plants. These findings suggest that interrelated and fundamental patterns of plant and microbial communities with shared environmental drivers occur across landscape scales. These patterns are revealed where soil pH is relatively constant, and have implications for tropical forest communities under future climate change.
Exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with pulmonary artery catheter monitoring in carcinoid heart disease: a shift towards early intervention?
Authors: Timmermans Philippe , Rega Filip , Bogaert Jan , Herregods Marie‐Christine
Published: August 2018

Neuroendocrine tumours are a rare malignancy, which can be complicated by a carcinoid syndrome and, in more rare cases, also valve destruction. The correct timing for surgical repair remains unknown. We report the first‐in‐men exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with pulmonary artery catheter measurements in order to better understand the haemodynamic impact of isolated tricuspid valve insufficiency in a low symptomatic patient. Not pressure but volume overload is the key factor in the development of symptoms, as long as the right ventricular function is intact. Based on our findings, we referred the patient for tricuspid valve replacement. This case, together with the review of all carcinoid heart disease cases in our hospital (a large tertiary cardiology and oncology centre) since 2000, indicates a potential benefit for early intervention in carcinoid heart disease.
General versus pain‐specific cognitions: Pain catastrophizing but not optimism influences conditioned pain modulation
Authors: Traxler Juliane , Hanssen Marjolein M. , Lautenbacher Stefan , Ottawa Fabian , Peters Madelon L.
Published: August 2018

Background

Previous studies found evidence that dispositional optimism is related to lower pain sensitivity. Recent findings suggest that temporarily increasing optimism by means of imagining a positive future may also have pain‐alleviating effects.

Objectives

The present experiment was designed to investigate conditioned pain modulation (CPM) as a potential underlying mechanism of this pain‐alleviating effect of induced optimism.

Methods

For this purpose, 45 healthy participants were randomized into an optimistic or neutral imagery condition. Additionally, participants completed questionnaires on dispositional optimism, pain catastrophizing and pain expectations. CPM was assessed by delivering a series of five heat pain stimuli on the nondominant hand before and during immersion of the dominant hand in water of 5°C for 70 s.

Results

A clear CPM effect was found, that is heat pain reports were lower during simultaneous cold water stimulation. Although the optimism manipulation successfully increased optimism, it did not affect pain ratings or CPM. Post hoc analyses indicated that dispositional optimism was not associated with the magnitude of CPM, but pain catastrophizing and pain expectations did significantly correlate with the CPM effect.

Conclusion

Pain‐specific but not general cognitions appear to influence endogenous pain modulation.

Significance

Conditioned pain modulation is not the underlying mechanism of the pain‐alleviating effects of induced optimism. However, pain‐specific cognitions including pain catastrophizing and pain expectations affect endogenous pain modulation which should be taken into account in treatment and CPM research.
A case report of sustained resolution of cancer pain by continuous perineural infusion of local anaesthetic
Authors: Fuzier Régis , Izard Philippe , Daboussi Amelle , Pouymayou Jacques , Pierre Sébastien
Published: August 2018

Background

Opioids are currently offered as first‐line treatment for chronic pain from cancer. Continuous regional analgesia could be an alternative to opioids. However, the required duration of catheterization and the sustained analgesic effects of this technique after catheter removal have yet to be clarified.

Case Report

We report the case of a patient with a shoulder desmoid tumour for which monitoring of tumour progression was the sole therapeutic strategy. Analgesia took the form of patient‐controlled infusion of local anaesthetics through an interscalene catheter. Due to the need of an MRI control 45 days later, the pump was stopped. The persistence of pain relief 48 hr later led to the decision to remove the perineural catheter. No pain was reported by the patient over the following 42 days.

Conclusions

In this patient, it would seem that continuous analgesia allowed for a sustained resolution of pain from the shoulder‐located tumour. One hypothesis is that local anaesthetics play a direct role in the erasure of pain memory. This hypothesis needs to be tested with a large patient cohort.

Significance

This case report provides new insights into the treatment of cancer pain. The most interesting finding is that the pain did remained absent after 45 days of continuous infusion of local anaesthetics through an interscalene catheter. We postulated that local anaesthetic drugs have an impact on pain memory.
Active channel width as a proxy of sediment supply from mining sites in New Caledonia
Authors: Bertrand Mélanie , Liébault Frédéric
Published: August 2018

Although the channel morphology of upland fluvial systems is known to be strongly controlled by sediment supply from hillslopes, it is still difficult to isolate this effect from the other controlling factors of channel forms, such as the sediment transport capacity (depending notably on the size of the catchment) and local conditions (e.g. confinement, riparian vegetation, valley‐floor slope). The rivers in New Caledonia offer an interesting field laboratory to isolate the morphological effect of contrasted sediment supply conditions. Some of these rivers are known to be highly impacted by the coarse sediment waves induced by the mining of nickel deposits that started in the early 1870s, which was particularly intensive between the 1940s and 1970s. The propagation of the sediment pulses from the mining sites can be traced by the presence of wide and aggraded active channels along the stream network of nickel‐rich peridotite massifs. A first set of 63 undisturbed catchments in peridotite massifs distributed across the Grande Terre was used to fit a classic scaling law between active channel width and drainage area. A second set of 86 impacted sites, where the presence of sediment waves was clearly attested by recent aerial imagery, showed systematically wider active channels, with a width ratio around 5 (established from the intercept ratio of width–area power laws). More importantly, this second set of disturbed sites confirmed that the residual of active channel widths, computed from the scaling law of undisturbed sites, is statistically positively related to the catchment‐scale relative area of major mining sediment sources. It is therefore confirmed that the characterization of sediment supply conditions is crucial for the understanding of spatial patterns of active channel width, and this should be more thoroughly considered in morphological studies of rivers draining environments with contrasted geomorphic activities on hillslopes. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.