bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate Metabolic Compensation Coupled to High Tolerance to Oxidative Stress in Ticks
Authors: Della Noce Bárbara , Carvalho Uhl Marcelle Vianna de , Machado Josias , Waltero Camila Fernanda , de Abreu Leonardo Araujo , da Silva Renato Martins , da Fonseca Rodrigo Nunes , de Barros Cintia Monteiro , Sabadin Gabriela , Konnai Satoru , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Ohashi Kazuhiko , Logullo Carlos
Published: March 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural byproducts of metabolism that have toxic effects well documented in mammals. In hematophagous arthropods, however, these processes are not largely understood. Here, we describe that Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and embryonic cell line (BME26) employ an adaptive metabolic compensation mechanism that confers tolerance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at concentrations too high for others organisms. Tick survival and reproduction are not affected by H2O2 exposure, while BME26 cells morphology was only mildly altered by the treatment. Furthermore, H2O2-tolerant BME26 cells maintained their proliferative capacity unchanged. We evaluated several genes involved in gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathway, major pathways for carbohydrate catabolism and anabolism, describing a metabolic mechanism that explains such tolerance. Genetic and catalytic control of the genes and enzymes associated with these pathways are modulated by glucose uptake and energy resource availability. Transient increase in ROS levels, oxygen consumption, and ROS-scavenger enzymes, as well as decreased mitochondrial superoxide levels, were indicative of cell adaptation to high H2O2 exposure, and suggested a tolerance strategy developed by BME26 cells to cope with oxidative stress. Moreover, NADPH levels increased upon H2O2 challenge, and this phenomenon was sustained mainly by G6PDH activity. Interestingly, G6PDH knockdown in BME26 cells did not impair H2O2 tolerance, but generated an increase in NADP-ICDH transcription. In agreement with the hypothesis of a compensatory NADPH production in these cells, NADP-ICDH knockdown increased G6PDH relative transcript level. The present study unveils the first metabolic evidence of an adaptive mechanism to cope with high H2O2 exposure and maintain redox balance in ticks.
Endophytic Bacterial Communities Associated with Roots and Leaves of Plants Growing in Chilean Extreme Environments
Authors: Zhang Qian , Acuña Jacquelinne J. , Inostroza Nitza G. , Mora María Luz , Radic Sergio , Sadowsky Michael J. , Jorquera Milko A.
Published: March 2019

Several studies have demonstrated the relevance of endophytic bacteria on the growth and fitness of agriculturally-relevant plants. To our knowledge, however, little information is available on the composition, diversity, and interaction of endophytic bacterial communities in plants struggling for existence in the extreme environments of Chile, such as the Atacama Desert (AD) and Patagonia (PAT). The main objective of the present study was to analyze and compare the composition of endophytic bacterial communities associated with roots and leaves of representative plants growing in Chilean extreme environments. The plants sampled were: Distichlis spicate and Pluchea absinthioides from the AD, and Gaultheria mucronata and Hieracium pilosella from PAT. The abundance and composition of their endophytic bacterial communities was determined by quantitative PCR and high–throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA, respectively. Results indicated that there was a greater abundance of 16S rRNA genes in plants from PAT (1013 to 1014 copies g−1 DNA), compared with those from AD (1010 to 1012 copies g−1 DNA). In the AD, a greater bacterial diversity, as estimated by Shannon index, was found in P. absinthioides, compared with D. spicata. In both ecosystems, the greater relative abundances of endophytes were mainly attributed to members of the phyla Proteobacteria (14% to 68%), Firmicutes (26% to 41%), Actinobacteria (6 to 23%) and Bacteroidetes (1% to 21%). Our observations revealed that most of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were not shared between tissue samples of different plant species in both locations, suggesting the effect of the plant genotype (species) on the bacterial endophyte communities in Chilean extreme environments, where Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriacea could serve as keystone taxa as revealed our linear discriminant analysis.
Anti-alcohol abuse drug disulfiram inhibits human PHGDH via disruption of its active tetrameric form through a specific cysteine oxidation
Authors: Spillier Quentin , Vertommen Didier , Ravez Séverine , Marteau Romain , Thémans Quentin , Corbet Cyril , Feron Olivier , Wouters Johan , Frédérick Raphaël
Published: March 2019

Due to rising costs and the difficulty to identify new targets, drug repurposing appears as a viable strategy for the development of new anti-cancer treatments. Although the interest of disulfiram (DSF), an anti-alcohol drug, to treat cancer was reported for many years, it is only very recently that one anticancer mechanism-of-action was highlighted. This would involve the inhibition of the p97 segregase adaptor NPL4, which is essential for the turnover of proteins involved in multiple regulatory and stress-response intracellular pathways. However, recently DSF was also reported as one of the first phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) inhibitors, a tetrameric enzyme catalyzing the initial step of the serine synthetic pathway that is highly expressed in numerous cancer types. Here, we investigated the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of PHGDH inhibition by disulfiram analogues as well as the mechanism of action of DSF on PHGDH via enzymatic and cell-based evaluation, mass spectrometric and mutagenesis experiments.
The VQ motif-containing proteins in the diploid and octoploid strawberry
Authors: Garrido-Gala José , Higuera José Javier , Muñoz-Blanco Juan , Amil-Ruiz Francisco , Caballero José L.
Published: March 2019

The plant VQ motif-containing proteins are a recently discovered class of plant regulatory proteins interacting with WRKY transcription factors capable of modulate their activity as transcriptional regulators. The short VQ motif (FxxhVQxhTG) is the main element in the WRKY-VQ interaction, whereas a newly identified variable upstream amino acid motif appears to be determinant for the WRKY specificity. The VQ family has been studied in several species and seems to play important roles in a variety of biological processes, including response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we present a systematic study of the VQ family in both diploid (Fragaria vesca) and octoploid (Fragaria x ananassa) strawberry species. Thus, twenty-five VQ-encoding genes were identified and twenty-three were further confirmed by gene expression analysis in different tissues and fruit ripening stages. Their expression profiles were also studied in F. ananassa fruits affected by anthracnose, caused by the ascomycete fungus Colletotrichum, a major pathogen of strawberry, and in response to the phytohormones salicylic acid and methyl-jasmonate, which are well established as central stress signals to regulate defence responses to pathogens. This comprehensive analysis sheds light for a better understanding of putative implications of members of the VQ family in the defence mechanisms against this major pathogen in strawberry.
Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by cell-permeable stapled peptides
Authors: Pal Arumay , Neo Kurt , Rajamani Lakshminarayanan , Ferrer Fernando Jose , Lane David P. , Verma Chandra S. , Mortellaro Alessandra
Published: March 2019

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a major cytokine that initiates and enhances inflammatory responses. Excessive IL-1β production is a characteristic of most chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, which affect a large proportion of the global population. The production of bioactive IL-1β is mediated by a caspase-1-activating complex known as an ‘inflammasome’. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been associated with several human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and represents a potential therapeutic target for disrupting IL-1β production. We used molecular modeling guided by molecular dynamics simulations to design α-helical stapled peptides targeting the pyrin domain of the adaptor protein ASC to interrupt the development of its filament, which is crucial for NLRP3 inflammasome formation. The peptides were effectively internalized by human monocytic cells and efficiently suppressed the release of the inflammasome-regulated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, following exogenous activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The peptides reduced ASC speck formation and caspase-1 processing thereby suppressing pro-IL-1β processing and release of active IL-1β. This is the first demonstration of the successful use of stapled peptides designed to target the adaptor protein ASC, and can be extended to other inflammatory pathways to disrupt excessive IL-1β production.
Human herpesvirus infections and dementia or mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Warren-Gash Charlotte , Forbes Harriet J. , Williamson Elizabeth , Breuer Judith , Hayward Andrew C. , Mavrodaris Angelique , Ridha Basil H. , Rossor Martin N. , Thomas Sara L. , Smeeth Liam
Published: March 2019

Interest is growing in the role of infectious agents in the pathogenesis of dementia, but current evidence is limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of any of eight human herpesviruses on development of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Global Health, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, clinical trials registers and grey literature sources from inception to December 2017 for observational studies with cohort, case control or self-controlled designs, or randomised controlled trials of interventions against herpesviruses. Pooled effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated through random effects meta-analyses across studies with the same design, outcome, and virus type, method and site of measurement. We included 57 studies across various geographic settings. Past infection with herpesviruses, measured by IgG seropositivity, was generally not associated with dementia risk. A single cohort study rated moderate quality showed an association between varicella zoster virus reactivation (ophthalmic zoster) and incident dementia (HR 2.97; 95%CI, 1.89 to 4.66). Recent infection with, or reactivation of, herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 1/2 unspecified, cytomegalovirus and human herpes virus-6 measured by serum IgM, high titre IgG or clinical disease may be associated with dementia or MCI, though results were inconsistent across studies and overall evidence rated very low quality. Longitudinal population studies with robust repeated virus measurements taken sufficiently proximal to dementia onset are needed to establish whether, when and among whom herpesviruses affect dementia risk.
Development and Validation of Nomograms for Malignancy Prediction in Soft Tissue Tumors Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurements
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Yoon Young Cheol , Jin Wook , Cha Jang Gyu , Kim Seonwoo
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to develop, validate, and compare nomograms for malignancy prediction in soft tissue tumors (STTs) using conventional and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Between May 2011 and December 2016, 239 MRI examinations from 236 patients with pathologically proven STTs were included retrospectively and assigned randomly to training (n = 100) and validation (n = 139) cohorts. MRI of each lesion was reviewed to assess conventional and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measurements. Multivariate nomograms based on logistic regression analyses were built using conventional measurements with and without DWI measurements. Predictive accuracy was measured using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots. Statistical differences between the C-indexes of the two models were analyzed. Models were validated by leave-one-out cross-validation and by using a validation cohort. The mean lesion size, presence of infiltration, edema, and the absence of the split fat sign were significant and independent predictors of malignancy and included in the conventional model. In addition to these measurements, the mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient values were included in the DWI model. The DWI model exhibited significantly higher diagnostic performance only in the validation cohort (training cohort, 0.899 vs. 0.886, P = 0.284; validation cohort, 0.791 vs. 0.757, P = 0.020). Calibration plots showed fair agreements between the nomogram predictions and actual observations in both cohorts. In conclusion, nomograms using MRI features as variables can be utilized to predict the malignancy probability in patients with STTs. There was no definite gain in diagnostic accuracy when additional DWI features were used.
Autaptic cultures of human induced neurons as a versatile platform for studying synaptic function and neuronal morphology
Authors: Fenske Pascal , Grauel M. Katharina , Brockmann Marisa M. , Dorrn Anja L. , Trimbuch Thorsten , Rosenmund Christian
Published: March 2019

Recently developed technology to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into human induced neurons (iNs) provides an exciting opportunity to study the function of human neurons. However, functional characterisations of iNs have been hampered by the reliance on mass culturing protocols which do not allow assessment of synaptic release characteristics and neuronal morphology at the individual cell level with quantitative precision. Here, we have developed for the first time a protocol to generate autaptic cultures of iPSC-derived iNs. We show that our method efficiently generates mature, autaptic iNs with robust spontaneous and action potential-driven synaptic transmission. The synaptic responses are sensitive to modulation by metabotropic receptor agonists as well as potentiation by acute phorbol ester application. Finally, we demonstrate loss of evoked and spontaneous release by Unc13A knockdown. This culture system provides a versatile platform allowing for quantitative and integrative assessment of morphophysiological and molecular parameters underlying human synaptic transmission.
pH effects on plant calcium fluxes: lessons from acidification-mediated calcium elevation induced by the γ-glutamyl-leucine dipeptide identified from Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Westphal Lore , Strehmel Nadine , Eschen-Lippold Lennart , Bauer Nicole , Westermann Bernhard , Rosahl Sabine , Scheel Dierk , Lee Justin
Published: March 2019

Cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) elevation is an early signaling response upon exposure to pathogen-derived molecules (so-called microbe-associated molecular patterns, MAMPs) and has been successfully used as a quantitative read-out in genetic screens to identify MAMP receptors or their associated components. Here, we isolated and identified by mass spectrometry the dipeptide γ-Glu-Leu as a component of a Phytophthora infestans mycelium extract that induces [Ca2+]cyt elevation. Treatment of Arabidopsis seedlings with synthetic γ-Glu-Leu revealed stimulatory effects on defense signaling, including a weak enhancement of the expression of some MAMP-inducible genes or affecting the refractory period to a second MAMP elicitation. However, γ-Glu-Leu is not a classical MAMP since pH adjustment abolished these activities and importantly, the observed effects of γ-Glu-Leu could be recapitulated by mimicking extracellular acidification. Thus, although γ-Glu-Leu can act as a direct agonist of calcium sensing receptors in animal systems, the Ca2+-mobilizing activity in plants reported here is due to acidification. Low pH also shapes the Ca2+ signature of well-studied MAMPs (e.g. flg22) or excitatory amino acids such as glutamate. Overall, this work serves as a cautionary reminder that in defense signaling studies where Ca2+ flux measurements are concerned, it is important to monitor and consider the effects of pH.
Maritime Hunter-Gatherers Adopt Cultivation at the Farming Extreme of Northern Europe 5000 Years Ago
Authors: Vanhanen Santeri , Gustafsson Stefan , Ranheden Håkan , Björck Niclas , Kemell Marianna , Heyd Volker
Published: March 2019

The dynamics of the origins and spread of farming are globally debated in anthropology and archaeology. Lately, numerous aDNA studies have turned the tide in favour of migrations, leaving only a few cases in Neolithic Europe where hunter-gatherers might have adopted agriculture. It is thus widely accepted that agriculture was expanding to its northern extreme in Sweden c. 4000 BC by migrating Funnel Beaker Culture (FBC) farmers. This was followed by intense contacts with local hunter-gatherers, leading to the development of the Pitted Ware Culture (PWC), who nonetheless relied on maritime prey. Here, we present archaeobotanical remains from Sweden and the Åland archipelago (Finland) showing that PWC used free-threshing barley and hulled and free-threshing wheat from c. 3300 BC. We suggest that these hunter-gatherers adopted cultivation from FBC farmers and brought it to islands beyond the 60th parallel north. Based on directly dated grains, land areas suitable for cultivation, and absence of signs of exchange with FBC in Sweden, we argue that PWC cultivated crops in Åland. While we have isotopic and lipid-biomarker proof that their main subsistence was still hunting/fishing/gathering, we argue small-scale cereal use was intended for ritual feasts, when cereal products could have been consumed with pork.
A novel ex vivo tumor system identifies Src-mediated invasion and metastasis in mesenchymal tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Padhye Aparna , Ungewiss Christin , Fradette Jared J. , Rodriguez B. Leticia , Albritton Jacob L. , Miller Jordan S. , Gibbons Don L.
Published: March 2019

Lung cancer is the foremost cause of cancer related deaths in the U.S. It is a heterogeneous disease composed of genetically and phenotypically distinct tumor cells surrounded by heterotypic cells and extracellular matrix dynamically interacting with the tumor cells. Research in lung cancer is often restricted to patient-derived tumor specimens, in vitro cell cultures and limited animal models, which fail to capture the cellular or microenvironment heterogeneity of the tumor. Therefore, our knowledge is primarily focused on cancer-cell autonomous aberrations. For a fundamental understanding of lung cancer progression and an exploration of therapeutic options, we focused our efforts to develop an Ex Vivo Tumor platform to culture tumors in 3D matrices, which retains tumor cell heterogeneity arising due to in vivo selection pressure and environmental influences and recapitulate responses of tumor cells to external manipulations. To establish this model, implanted syngeneic murine tumors from a mutant KRAS/p53 model were harvested to yield multicellular tumor aggregates followed by culture in 3D extracellular matrices. Using this system, we identified Src signaling as an important driver of invasion and metastasis in lung cancer and demonstrate that EVTs are a robust experimental tool bridging the gap between conventional in vitro and in vivo models.
Repeat decompression and fusions following posterolateral fusion versus posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar spondylosis: a national database study
Authors: Park Moon Soo , Ju Young-Su , Moon Seong-Hwan , Kim Tae-Hwan , Oh Jae Keun , Lim Jin Kyu , Kim Chi Heon , Chung Chun Kee , Chang Ho Guen
Published: March 2019

There is a low incidence of reoperation after surgery. It is difficult to detect statistical differences between reoperation rates of different lumbar fusion surgeries. National population-based databases provide large, longitudinally followed cohorts that may help overcome this challenge. The purpose is to compare the repeat decompression and fusion rate after surgery for degenerative lumbar diseases according to different surgical fusion procedures based on national population-based databases and elucidate the risk factor for repeat decompression and fusions. The Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database was used. Patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbar diseases and who underwent single-level fusion surgeries between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2016, were included. They were divided into two groups based on procedure codes: posterolateral fusion or posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The primary endpoint was repeat decompression and fusion. Age, sex, the presence of diabetes, osteoporosis, associated comorbidities, and hospital types were considered potential confounding factors. The repeat decompression and fusion rate was not different between the patients who underwent posterolateral fusion and those who underwent posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Old age, male sex, and hospital type were noted to be risk factors. The incidence of repeat decompression and fusion was independent on the fusion method.
Noninvasive Contrast-Free 3D Evaluation of Tumor Angiogenesis with Ultrasensitive Ultrasound Microvessel Imaging
Authors: Huang Chengwu , Lowerison Matthew R. , Lucien Fabrice , Gong Ping , Wang Diping , Song Pengfei , Chen Shigao
Published: March 2019

Ultrasound microvessel imaging (UMI), when applied with ultrafast planewave acquisitions, has demonstrated superior blood signal sensitivity in comparison to conventional Doppler imaging. Here we propose a high spatial resolution and ultra-sensitive UMI that is based on conventional line-by-line high-frequency ultrasound imagers and singular value decomposition (SVD) clutter filtering for the visualization and quantification of tumor microvasculature and perfusion. The technique was applied to a chicken embryo tumor model of renal cell carcinoma that was treated with two FDA-approved anti-angiogenic agents at clinically relevant dosages. We demonstrate the feasibility of 3D evaluation with UMI to achieve highly sensitive detection of microvasculature using conventional line-by-line ultrasound imaging on a preclinical and commercially available high-frequency ultrasound device without software or hardware modifications. Quantitative parameters (vascularization index and fractional moving blood volume) derived from UMI images provide significantly improved evaluation of anti-angiogenic therapy response as compared with conventional power Doppler imaging, using histological analysis and immunohistochemistry as the reference standard. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that high-frequency UMI is a low-cost, contrast-agent-free, easily applicable, accessible, and quantitative imaging tool for tumor characterization, which may be very useful for preclinical evaluation and longitudinal monitoring of anti-cancer treatment.
Carbon nanotube incorporation in PMMA to prevent microbial adhesion
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Im , Kim Dong-Ae , Patel Kapil D. , Shin Ueon Sang , Kim Hae-Won , Lee Jung-Hwan , Lee Hae-Hyoung
Published: March 2019

Although PMMA-based biomaterials are widely used in clinics, a major hurdle, namely, their poor antimicrobial (i.e., adhesion) properties, remains and can accelerate infections. In this study, carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to achieve drug-free antimicrobial adhesion properties. After characterizing the mechanical/surface properties, the anti-adhesive effects against 3 different oral microbial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans) were determined for roughened and highly polished surfaces using metabolic activity assays and staining for recognizing adherent cells. Carboxylated multiwalled CNTs were fabricated and incorporated into PMMA. Total fracture work was enhanced for composites containing 1 and 2% CNTs, while other mechanical properties were gradually compromised with the increase in the amount of CNTs incorporated. However, the surface roughness and water contact angle increased with increasing CNT incorporation. Significant anti-adhesive effects (35~95%) against 3 different oral microbial species without cytotoxicity to oral keratinocytes were observed for the 1% CNT group compared to the PMMA control group, which was confirmed by microorganism staining. The anti-adhesive mechanism was revealed as a disconnection of sequential microbe chains. The drug-free antimicrobial adhesion properties observed in the CNT-PMMA composite suggest the potential utility of CNT composites as future antimicrobial biomaterials for preventing microbial-induced complications in clinical settings (i.e., Candidiasis).
Dietary Sargassum fusiforme improves memory and reduces amyloid plaque load in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Bogie Jeroen , Hoeks Cindy , Schepers Melissa , Tiane Assia , Cuypers Ann , Leijten Frank , Chintapakorn Yupyn , Suttiyut Thiti , Pornpakakul Surachai , Struik Dicky , Kerksiek Anja , Liu Hong-Bing , Hellings Niels , Martinez-Martinez Pilar , Jonker Johan W. , Dewachter Ilse , Sijbrands Eric , Walter Jochen , Hendriks Jerome , Groen Albert , Staels Bart , Lütjohann Dieter , Vanmierlo Tim , Mulder Monique
Published: March 2019

Activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) by synthetic agonists was found to improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice. However, these LXR agonists induce hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic steatosis, hampering their use in the clinic. We hypothesized that phytosterols as LXR agonists enhance cognition in AD without affecting plasma and hepatic triglycerides. Phytosterols previously reported to activate LXRs were tested in a luciferase-based LXR reporter assay. Using this assay, we found that phytosterols commonly present in a Western type diet in physiological concentrations do not activate LXRs. However, a lipid extract of the 24(S)-Saringosterol-containing seaweed Sargassum fusiforme did potently activate LXRβ. Dietary supplementation of crude Sargassum fusiforme or a Sargassum fusiforme-derived lipid extract to AD mice significantly improved short-term memory and reduced hippocampal Aβ plaque load by 81%. Notably, none of the side effects typically induced by full synthetic LXR agonists were observed. In contrast, administration of the synthetic LXRα activator, AZ876, did not improve cognition and resulted in the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. Administration of Sargassum fusiforme-derived 24(S)-Saringosterol to cultured neurons reduced the secretion of Aβ42. Moreover, conditioned medium from 24(S)-Saringosterol-treated astrocytes added to microglia increased phagocytosis of Aβ. Our data show that Sargassum fusiforme improves cognition and alleviates AD pathology. This may be explained at least partly by 24(S)-Saringosterol-mediated LXRβ activation.
A high-fat high-sugar diet in adolescent rats impairs social memory and alters chemical markers characteristic of atypical neuroplasticity and parvalbumin interneuron depletion in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Reichelt Amy C. , Gibson Gabrielle D. , Abbott Kirsten N. , Hare Dominic J.
Published: March 2019

A hypercaloric diet given to adolescent rats induces social memory deficits and reduced neurochemical markers of normal social development.
Fabrication of a low-cost functionalized poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanohybrid membrane for superior fuel cells
Authors: Prakash Om , Jana Karun Kumar , Manohar Murli , Shahi Vinod K. , Khan Saif A. , Avasthi Devesh , Maiti Pralay
Published: March 2019

Advanced membrane was designed by creating nanochannels using swift heavy ions from an accelerator. Fuel cell was fabricated using the novel membrane and demonstrated high power density as compared to standard Nafion.
High-yield production of few-layer boron nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic N2 reduction
Authors: Fan Qun , Choi Changhyeok , Yan Chao , Liu Yongchao , Qiu Jieshan , Hong Song , Jung Yousung , Sun Zhenyu
Published: March 2019

We report ambient electrochemical N2 fixation at low overpotentials by using a metal-free catalyst, two-dimensional β-boron.
Red-to-blue photon up-conversion with high efficiency based on a TADF fluorescein derivative
Authors: Chen Wenlong , Song Fengling , Tang Shanliang , Hong Gaobo , Wu Yingnan , Peng Xiaojun
Published: March 2019

A new photon up-conversion system with a TADF fluorescein derivative as a photosensitizer was developed to achieve a quite large anti-Stokes shift from red to blue with a fairly high up-conversion emission quantum yield.
Enhancing thermostability of iron ethylene polymerization catalysts through N,N,N-chelation of doubly fused α,α′-bis(arylimino)-2,3:5,6-bis(hexamethylene)pyridines
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Randi , Zhang Wenjuan , Solan Gregory A. , Liu Qingbin , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: March 2019

At temperatures up to 80 °C, high catalytic activity and high molecular weight PE was achievable using the Fe-catalyst depicted.
Microfluidic centrifugation assisted precipitation based DNA quantification
Authors: Banerjee I. , Aralaguppe S. G. , Lapins N. , Zhang W. , Kazemzadeh A. , Sönnerborg A. , Neogi U. , Russom A.
Published: March 2019

A microfluidic centrifugation assisted precipitation method for rapid DNA visualization and quantification.
Evaluation of the dialysis time required for carbon dots by HPLC and the properties of carbon dots after HPLC fractionation
Authors: Chen Chou-Yen , Tsai Yi-Hua , Chang Chih-Wei
Published: March 2019

HPLC can be used to evaluate the dialysis time required for C-dots and separate multiple C-dots in solution.
Towards more sustainable synthesis of diketopyrrolopyrroles
Authors: Pop Flavia , Humphreys Joshua , Schwarz Jesper , Brown Liam , van den Berg Ashmiani , Amabilino David B.
Published: March 2019

Functionalisation of diketopyrrolopyrroles with improved energy use during synthesis, ease of isolation, and yields of reactions is reported.
Small isomeric push–pull chromophores based on thienothiophenes with tunable optical (non)linearities
Authors: Podlesný Jan , Pytela Oldřich , Klikar Milan , Jelínková Veronika , Kityk Iwan V. , Ozga Katarzyna , Jedryka Jaroslaw , Rudysh Myron , Bureš Filip
Published: March 2019

Fused thiophene push–pull molecules with tunable optoelectronic properties.
Gold(i) catalysed regio- and stereoselective intermolecular hydroamination of internal alkynes: towards functionalised azoles
Authors: Michon Christophe , Gilbert Joachim , Trivelli Xavier , Nahra Fady , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Agbossou-Niedercorn Francine , Nolan Steven P.
Published: March 2019

Vinyl- and saturated azoles were synthesised through gold(i) catalysed regio- and stereoselective intermolecular hydroamination of internal alkynes and subsequent hydrogenation.
First synthesis of orthogonally 1,7-diprotected cyclens
Authors: Travagin Fabio , Lattuada Luciano , Giovenzana Giovanni B.
Published: March 2019

Six novel orthogonally 1,7-heterodiprotected cyclen derivatives have been prepared through an efficient and chromatography-free procedure.
Analysis of the EGNOS quality parameters during high ionosphere activity
Authors: Ciećko Adam
Published: March 2019

Today, one of the key problems of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) positioning with single‐frequency receivers is the variability of the ionospheric delay. Satellite‐based augmentation systems (SBAS) could overcome this problem since they generate the real time (updated every 5min) ionospheric delay corrections but these can be unstable during space weather disturbances. The aim of this article is to present the quality of European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) positioning during two one‐week observation periods in March 2015 and September 2017, in which the last two strongest geomagnetic storms took place. In order to perform a reliable analysis, the study was conducted at four IGS stations in different geographical latitudes located near the EGNOS availability border. The analyses and graphs of important navigation parameters were made using Septentrio Post Processing SDK and PEGASUS software which were developed in accordance with relevant aviation guidelines. The results showed an improvement in the quality of positioning in 2017, which could indicate positive impact of the new EGNOS software release. Nevertheless, even with the latest software, EGNOS positioning may still be unstable during geomagnetic storms, especially in the northern and southern borders of service coverage.
Stellar populations in hosts of giant radio galaxies and their neighbouring galaxies
Authors: Kuźmicz A. , Czerny B. , Wildy C.
Published: March 2019

Context. Giant radio galaxies (with projected linear size of radio structure larger than 0.7 Mpc) are very rare and unusual objects. Only ∼5% of extended radio sources reach such sizes. Understanding of the processes responsible for their large sizes is crucial to further our knowledge about the radio source’s evolution.

Aims. We check the hypothesis that giants become extremely large due to the specific history of their host galaxy formation, as well as in the context of the cluster or group of galaxies where they evolve. Therefore we study the star formation histories in their host galaxies and in galaxies located in their neighbourhood.

Methods. We studied 41 giant-size radio galaxies as well as galaxies located within a radius of 5 Mpc around giants to verify whether the external conditions of the intergalactic medium somehow influence the internal evolution of galaxies in the group/cluster. We compared the results with a control sample of smaller-sized Fanaroff–Riley type II radio galaxies and their neighbouring galaxies. We fit stellar continua in all galaxy spectra using the spectral synthesis code STARLIGHT and provide statistical analysis of the results.

Results. We find that hosts of giant radio galaxies have a larger amount of intermediate age stellar populations compared with smaller-sized FRII radio sources. The same result is also visible when we compare neighbouring galaxies located up to 1.5 Mpc around giants and FRIIs. This may be evidence that star formation in groups with giants was triggered due to global processes occurring in the ambient intergalactic medium. These processes may also contribute to mechanisms responsible for the extremely large sizes of giants.
Auswirkungen der Teilöffnung einer Suchtaufnahmestation – Follow-Up nach 3 Jahren
Authors: Schmid Petra , Uhlmann Carmen
Published: March 2019

Anliegen Eine psychiatrische Suchtaufnahmestation wurde 2014 konzeptionell durch eine Aufteilung in einen Stations- und Intensiv-betreuten Bereich verändert. Die Effekte der Umstrukturierungsmaßnahme wurden nun neben dem Prä-Post-Vergleich auch in einem Follow-Up 3 Jahre nach Umstrukturierung untersucht.

Methode Über drei Zeitabschnitte mit jeweils fünf-monatiger Beobachtungsdauer werden Daten zu Zeit der geschlossenen Türe, Verweildauer und Zwangsmaßnahmen evaluiert.

Ergebnisse Nach Umstrukturierung war die Tür signifikant seltener geschlossen, im Follow-Up reduzierte sich die Zeit der geschlossenen Türe nochmals.

Schlussfolgerung Die konzeptionelle – therapeutische, organisatorische und bauliche – Umstrukturierung führte zu einer nachhaltigen Änderung im Bezug auf freiheitsentziehende Maßnahmen und Verweildauer.
Wie sich die Geschlechterbeziehung in den letzten 100 Jahren verändert hat und warum es so schwierig ist, darüber innerhalb der Psychoanalyse ins Gespräch zu kommen
Authors: Rohde-Dachser Christa
Published: March 2019

Unter der Prämisse, dass Geschlechtsidentität immer nur als „Geschlecht-in-Beziehung“ gedacht werden kann, eine Beziehung, in der die Veränderung eines Geschlechtspartners grundsätzlich auch den anderen Partner in Mitleidenschaft zieht, betrachtet die Autorin die von Freud entwickelte Psychoanalyse der Geschlechterdifferenz und die Veränderungen, die sie seitdem erfahren hat, auf einer beziehungstheoretischen Ebene, in der eine veränderte Sichtweise des eigenen Geschlechts grundsätzlich auch eine Veränderung des jeweils anderen nach sich zieht, und zwar unabhängig davon, ob dies bewusst intendiert ist oder nicht. Die Autorin untersucht vor diesem Hintergrund, wie weibliche und männliche Psychoanalytiker seit Mitte des vorigen Jahrhunderts ihre jeweilige Geschlechtsidentität definiert haben, und wie diese Diskussionen über die Veränderungen innerhalb der Psychoanalyse der Geschlechterdifferenz in beiden Fällen bis heute weitgehend geschlechtsintern stattfanden. Auf der zwischengeschlechtlichen Ebene vollzieht sich der Geschlechterdialog demgegenüber vor allem als eine Auseinandersetzung mit wechselseitigen Kränkungen, in die auch Psychoanalytikerinnen und Psychoanalytiker immer noch verstrickt sind. Für eine andere Art des Austauschs ist die Psychoanalyse bis heute weder theoretisch noch methodisch hinreichend gerüstet. Die Autorin plädiert für eine Reflexion dieses zwischengeschlechtlichen Dialogs auch innerhalb der Psychoanalyse.
Zur Situation stationärer forensischer Psychotherapie in Deutschland – Ergebnisse einer Umfrage in Maßregelvollzugseinrichtungen
Authors: Lau Steffen , Voß Tatjana , Mauzaite Agne , Huchzermeier Christian , Konrad Norbert , Basdekis-Jozsa Raphaela
Published: March 2019

Um Informationen zu den Bedingungen von Psychotherapie im Maßregelvollzug zu gewinnen, wurde eine Online-Umfrage initiiert.

Die Auswertung ergab, dass in den Einrichtungen mehrheitlich psychotherapeutisch gearbeitet wird (vor allem verhaltenstherapeutisch, manualisiert), zum großen Teil durch Psychologen1, meist im Gruppensetting. Allerdings kommt es in relevantem Maß zu Ausfällen.

Der Vorwurf, der Maßregelvollzug sei eine allein kustodiale Unterbringung, scheint in weiten Teilen des Maßregelvollzugs heute nicht (mehr) zu gelten.
Aufgaben und Tätigkeiten der Pflege in der stationären Allgemeinpsychiatrie – Ergebnisse einer Delphi-Studie
Authors: Scheydt Stefan , Holzke Martin , Sauter Dorothea
Published: March 2019

Ziel der Studie Konsentierung der Aufgaben und Tätigkeiten der Pflege in der stationären Allgemeinpsychiatrie.

Methodik Delphi-Befragung zur Konsensfindung mit n = 235 (Runde 1) bzw. n = 193 (Runde 2) Experten der psychiatrischen Pflege.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnte ein auf Expertenmeinung basierender Konsens hinsichtlich der Aufgaben und Tätigkeiten der Pflege in der stationären Allgemeinpsychiatrie, bestehend aus 79 Items, generiert werden.

Schlussfolgerungen Weitere Untersuchungen in Bezug auf die Aufgaben und Tätigkeiten der Pflege in speziellen psychiatrischen Settings sowie in Bezug auf die Mindestqualifikationsanforderungen der Pflegenden sind notwendig.
Es ist nicht nur die Transportzeit – Das „Drip and ship“-Verfahren kostet Zeit
Authors: Neuhaus Oliver , Schimana Rainer , Bengel Dietmar , Staudacher Thomas , Ziemann Ulf , Hennersdorf Florian , Prey Nico , Bernhard Alfons
Published: March 2019

Hintergrund Zur Akutbehandlung des ischämischen Schlaganfalls werden die intravenöse Thrombolyse (IVT) und die endovaskuläre Thrombektomie (EVT) eingesetzt. In Deutschland gibt es etwa 110 überregionale Stroke Units mit und etwa 200 regionale Stroke Units ohne rund um die Uhr angebotene EVT. Die IVT wird in allen Stroke Units durchgeführt. Die Mehrheit der Patienten mit akutem Schlaganfall wird primär den regionalen Stroke Units zugewiesen. Neben der IVT vor Ort muss in Zusammenarbeit mit überregionalen Stroke Units im Sinne lokaler Netzwerke auch die EVT angeboten werden. Ein aktuelles Urteil des Bundessozialgerichtes definiert den Parameter „Transportzeit“ neu, was zu einer erheblichen finanziellen Bedrohung regionaler Stroke Units führen kann. Diese Studie untersucht beispielhaft retrospektiv die Akutbehandlung an einer regionalen Stroke Unit im Jahr 2016.

Methoden Die Akuttherapie aller Patienten, die in der regionalen Stroke Unit der SRH Kliniken Landkreis Sigmaringen im Jahr 2016 mit den Entlassdiagnosen ischämischer Schlaganfall (ICD 10: I63) oder transitorische ischämische Attacke (TIA; ICD 10: G45) behandelt wurden, wurde retrospektiv analysiert. Kooperiert wird mit den benachbarten überregionalen Stroke Units der Oberschwabenklinik Ravensburg und der Universitätsklinik Tübingen.

Ergebnisse 2016 wurden 299 Patienten mit ischämischem Schlaganfall und 168 Patienten mit TIA behandelt, dazu kamen 41 Patienten mit intrazerebraler Blutung (ICD 10: I61). Einhundertneunzehn dieser 508 Patienten kamen mit Symptombeginn im Zeitfenster < 4,5 Stunden in die Notaufnahme. Bei 52 Patienten wurde eine IVT durchgeführt. Bei 21 Patienten (11 mit, 10 ohne IVT) erfolgte die Verlegung zur EVT, die nach erneuter Sichtung bei 15 Patienten tatsächlich durchgeführt wurde. Die CT-zu-Leiste-Zeiten lagen mit 180 Minuten im Median mehr als doppelt so hoch wie bei primärer Zuweisung in das Zentrum (im Median 88 Minuten). Die etwa 90 Minuten Zeitverzögerung setzten sich aus den vier Faktoren Bilderübermittlung und Fallbesprechung mit dem Zentrum, Entscheidung zum Transport bis zur Bereitstellung des Transportmittels, reiner Transportzeit und Reevaluation teils mit erneuter Bildgebung im Zentrum zusammen.

Diskussion Die primäre Zuweisung von Patienten mit akutem Schlaganfall in regionale Stroke Units, die keine EVT anbieten, führt zu einer nicht verhinderbaren Zeitverzögerung, bis die EVT im weiterversorgenden Zentrum begonnen werden kann. Implikationen für aktuelle und künftige Versorgungsstrukturen werden diskutiert.
Aldehyde Carboxylation: A Concise DFT Mechanistic Study and a Hypothetical Role of CO2 in the Origin of Life
Authors: Juhl Martin , Kim Myungjo , Lee Hee-Yoon , Baik Mu-Hyun , Lee Ji-Woong
Published: March 2019

Carbon dioxide is arguably one of the most stable carbon-based molecules, yet enzymatic carbon fixation processes enabled the sustainable life cycle on Earth. Chemical reactions involving CO2-functionalization often suffer from low efficiency with highly reactive substrates. We recently reported mild carboxylation of aldehydes to furnish α-keto acids – a building block for chiral α-amino acids via reductive amination. Here, we discuss potential reaction mechanisms of aldehyde carboxylation reactions based on two promoters: NHCs and KCN in the carboxylation reaction. New DFT mechanistic studies suggested a lower reaction barrier for a CO2-functionalization step, implying a potential role of CO2 in prebiotic evolution of organic molecules in the primordial soup.

1 Introduction: Aldehydes, Benzoins, Carboxylic Acids

2 CO2-Activation: NHC, Cyanide, Lewis Acid and Water

3 A Breslow Intermediate: Benzoin Reaction vs. Carboxylation with CO2

4 Carboxylation in the Primordial Soup

5 Conclusion
Selective Protection of Secondary Alcohols by Using Formic Acid as a Mild and Efficient Deprotection Reagent for Primary tert-Butyldimethylsilyl Ethers
Authors: Sapkota Krishna , Huang Faqing
Published: March 2019

A mild, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for the selective protection of secondary hydroxyl groups is described. The method involves the protection of both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups as tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) ethers and selective deprotection of the primary TBDMS group with formic acid in acetonitrile/water. The rates of desilylation of primary and secondary TBDMS ethers by different concentrations of formic acid are determined. Formic acid of 5–20% concentration is found to selectively deprotect primary TBDMS ethers while keeping more than 95% of their secondary counterparts intact.
Halonium-Induced Polyene Cyclizations
Authors: D’Hollander Agathe , Peilleron Laure , Grayfer Tatyana , Cariou Kevin
Published: March 2019

This review covers the methods that chemists have developed to access halogenated polycyclic structures from polyenes, by emulating Nature’s enzymatic machineries. From pioneering studies to the most recent developments, the different strategies, whether based on the use of standard reagents or on the design of specific ones, will be presented. Finally, asymmetric reactions and applications for the total synthesis of natural products will be exposed.

1 Introduction

2 Pioneering Studies

3 Use of Specific Reagents

4 Use of N-Haloamides

5 Asymmetric Reactions

6 Total Synthesis of Halogenated Natural Products

7 Conclusion and Perspectives
Medicolegal Review: Perinatal Effexor Lawsuits and Legal Strategies Adverse to Prescribing Obstetric Providers
Authors: Kirsch Nathan , Pacheco Luis , Hossain Amjad , Phelps John
Published: March 2019

Objectives This study was aimed to familiarize obstetricians with the legal environment surrounding Effexor lawsuits and emphasize the importance of documenting informed consent in the medical records when prescribing a medication that is being targeted for litigation.

Study Design We used the LexisNexis legal search engine to review legal documents from Effexor-related cases and also used Google to search for Effexor-related lawsuits online, further researching these cases via publically available court records from district clerk offices. Finally, we conducted a year-by-year literature review from 1993 to 2017 to establish the history and evolution of scientific studies surrounding Effexor use during pregnancy.

Results Litigation involving Effexor typically arises due to congenital cardiac birth defects in the neonate allegedly associated with maternal Effexor use in pregnancy. Medication manufacturers have employed a legal strategy termed the learned intermediary doctrine in an attempt to shift liability away from themselves and on to prescribing obstetricians. Manufacturers claim they adequately inform obstetricians of the risks and benefits of prescribing their product and it is the duty of the obstetrician to relay those risks and benefits to their patients.

Conclusion To reduce the risk of liability exposure, obstetricians must adequately document informed consent in the medical records when prescribing medications to their pregnant patients.
Interventional Oncology in Immuno-Oncology Part 1: Thermal Ablation
Authors: Slovak Ryan , Raja Junaid , Dendy Case Meaghan , Kim Hyun S.
Published: March 2019

Thermal ablation occupies a unique position among the various modalities available to treat malignancies. Initially utilized as a minimally invasive form of palliation, ablative techniques are increasingly being recognized for their role in activating an immune response. Locally destructive, but not thoroughly extirpative, thermal ablation function to generate an in situ tumor vaccine capable of stimulating and enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses. As monotherapy, the response engendered remains therapeutically insufficient, but newer data suggests that when used as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant, ablation may synergistically boost the anticancer immune response produced by other, sequentially acting immunotherapies. The purpose of this review is to discuss the local and systemic immunological effects induced by thermal ablation. Radio frequency, microwave, and cryoablation will all be considered in addition to focused ultrasound ablation.
Cytomegalovirus Infection among Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, California, 2005 to 2016
Authors: Tran Chinh , Bennett Mihoko V. , Gould Jeffrey B. , Lee Henry C. , Lanzieri Tatiana M.
Published: March 2019

Aim The main purpose of this article is to assess trends in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection reported among infants in California neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) during 2005 to 2016.

Study Design The California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative collects data on all very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight ≤ 1,500 g) and acutely ill infants > 1,500 g, representing 92% of NICUs in California. We compared clinical characteristics and length of hospital stay among infants with and without reported CMV infection (CMV-positive viral culture or polymerase chain reaction).

Results During 2005 to 2016, CMV infection was reported in 174 VLBW infants and 145 infants > 1,500 g, or 2.7 (range: 1.5–4.7) and 1.2 (range: 0.8–1.7) per 1,000 infants, respectively (no significant annual trend). Among infants > 1,500 g, 12 (8%) versus 4,928 (4%) of those reported with versus without CMV infection died (p < 0.05). The median hospital stay was significantly longer among infants reported with versus without CMV infection for both VLBW infants (98 vs. 46 days) and infants > 1,500 g (61 vs. 14 days) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Reports of CMV infection remained stable over a 12-year period. Although we were not able to assess whether infection was congenital or postnatal, CMV infection among infants > 1,500 g was associated with increased mortality.