bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron radiation microtomography of brain hemisphere and spinal cord of a mouse model of multiple sclerosis revealed a correlation between capillary dilation and clinical score
Authors: Saiga Rino , Hoshino Masato , Takeuchi Akihisa , Uesugi Kentaro , Naitou Katsuko , Kamijo Akemi , Kawabe Noboru , Ohtsuka Masato , Takizawa Shunya , Mizutani Ryuta
Published: October 2018

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder in which the myelin sheaths of axons are damaged by the immune response. We report here a three‐dimensional structural analysis of brain and spinal cord tissues of a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE‐induced mice were raised with or without administration of fingolimod, which is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Brains and spinal cords dissected from the EAE mice were lyophilized so as to reconstitute the intrinsic contrast of tissue elements, such as axons, in X‐ray images. Three‐dimensional structures of the brain hemispheres and spinal cords of the EAE mice were visualized with synchrotron radiation microtomography. Microtomographic cross sections reconstructed from the X‐ray images revealed dilation of capillary vessels and vacuolation in the spinal cord of the EAE mice. Vacuolation was also observed in the cerebellum, suggesting that the neuroinflammatory response progressed in the brain. The vessel networks and vacuolation lesions in the spinal cords were modelled by automatically tracing the three‐dimensional image in order to analyze the tissue structures quantitatively. The results of the analysis indicated that the distribution of vacuolations was not uniform but three‐dimensionally localized. The mean vessel diameter showed a linear correlation with the clinical score, indicating that vasodilation is relevant to paralysis severity in the disease model. We suggest that vasodilation and vacuolation are related with neurological symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Ion‐Reagent Interactions Contributing to Ionic Liquid Solvent Effects on a Condensation Reaction
Authors: Keaveney Sinead T. , Harper Jason B. , Croft Anna K.
Published: October 2018

Molecular dynamics simulations of solutions of hexan‐1‐amine or 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde in acetonitrile, an ionic liquid/acetonitrile mixture (χIL=0.2), and a number of different (neat) ionic liquids were performed, to further understand the solvent effects on the condensation reaction of these species. This work indicates that, in the presence of an ionic liquid, the amine group of hexan‐1‐amine is exclusively solvated by the components of the ionic liquid, and not by acetonitrile, and that the anion interacts with the aldehyde group of 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde. These interactions showed little dependence on the proportion of the ionic liquid present. When varying the cation of the ionic liquid there were changes in the cation–amine interaction, and 1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Bm2im][N(CF3SO2)2]) was found to order more than expected about the amine. This ordering is likely the origin of the large rate constant values determined in [Bm2im][N(CF3SO2)2] for this condensation reaction and explains an anomaly seen previously. When changing the anion, changes were seen in the interactions between both the cation and anion with hexan‐1‐amine, and the anion with 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde. The differing magnitude of these interactions likely causes subtle changes in the activation parameters for this condensation reaction, and provides an explanation for the anomalous rate constant values previously determined when varying the anion.
Life events, coping styles, and psychological well‐being in children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol
Authors: Iacopetti Cinzia , Londi Ilaria , Patussi Valentino , Sirigatti Saulo , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol might experience more life events, in particular negative, than children living with parents who do not harmfully consume alcohol. They also primarily use less adaptive coping styles and often demonstrate lower resilience. No studies evaluated whether coping styles or psychological well‐being might influence the risk of life events occurrence in children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol.

Methods

Forty‐five children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol and 45 children living with parents who do not harmfully consume alcohol, matched for sex and age, were assessed via the Appendix Life Events of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent, the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, and the Psychological Well‐Being scales.

Results

Children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol had more life events in the 6‐month period before the assessment, mostly negative and neutral, and lower levels of psychological well‐being than children living with parents who do not harmfully consume alcohol. The risk of having experienced at least one negative or neutral life event was higher in children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol than in their peers and in those with lower psychological well‐being. The risk of having had a positive life event was not related to parents' consumption of alcohol but to avoidant coping and low self‐acceptance behaviours.

Conclusions

Children living with parents who harmfully consume alcohol need interventions aimed at improving psychological well‐being to protect them from life events, especially from negative ones.
Ion‐ and Electron‐Conductive Buffering Layer‐Modified Si Film for Use as a High‐Rate Long‐Term Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Chen Qiulin , Zheng Hongfei , Yang Yifang , Xie Qingshui , Ma Yating , Wang Laisen , Peng Dong‐Liang
Published: October 2018

The rational design of electrochemically and mechanically stable Si anodes is of great importance for the development of high energy density lithium‐ion batteries. In this study, patterned Si‐based (Si/ZnO/C) trilayer composite films were synthesized by magnetron sputtering with the assistance of a patterned mask. The electron‐conductive C layer at the top of the composite film is deposited to enhance the interfacial stability between active film and electrolyte. The ion‐ and electron‐conductive Li2O–Zn middle layer can be ingeniously introduced by means of the poor reversed conversion reaction between ZnO and Li+ ions after the first cycle. The resultant Si/Li2O–Zn/C trilayer composite film delivers a high reversible capacity of 1536 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 and a long high‐rate cycling stability (1400 mAh g−1 after 6000 cycles even at a high current density of 10.0 A g−1). Excellent rate capability and improved Coulombic efficiency are also achieved. The influences of the patterned structure and each modified layer on the electrochemical properties are analyzed systematically. This work offers a new and promising direction to enhance the lithium‐storage properties of Si‐based thin‐film anodes.
Aqueous Dual‐Ion Battery Based on a Hematite Anode with Exposed {1 0 4} Facets
Authors: Tao Yaping , Ding Chunxia , Tan Deming , Yu Feng , Wang Faxing
Published: October 2018

The aqueous rechargeable lithium battery (ARLB) is one of the most promising devices for large‐scale grid applications. Currently, a key issue for ARLBs is to develop promising anode materials with favorable electrochemical performances. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate an aqueous battery that utilizes the reversible redox reaction with hydroxide ions (OH−) in the hematite (Fe2O3) anode and a commercial Li ion intercalation compound in neutral solution as the cathode. The fabricated aqueous battery displays a reversible capacity of 92 mAh g−1. The morphology of the used Fe2O3 anode with exposed {1 0 4} facets for this aqueous battery is unique and attractive. Importantly, with the dual‐pH neutral–alkaline hybrid electrolyte, many excellent anode materials that previously could only work in alkaline electrolytes can now be successfully combined with commercial cathodes in neutral solutions, which may significantly enrich the range of anode materials for ARLBs. In addition, the reported battery configuration can be extended to other aqueous batteries beyond Li‐ion ones with lower cost.
Zinc‐Incorporated Microporous Molecular Sieve for Mild Catalytic Hydrolysis of γ‐Valerolactone: A New Selective Route for Biomass Conversion
Authors: Lin Wei‐Che , Ye Lin , Wu Simson , Lo Ben , Peng Yung‐Kang , Zhao Pu , McPherson Ian , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: October 2018

γ‐Valerolactone (GVL) is regarded as a key platform molecule in the production of fine chemicals such as pentenoic acid (PA) from biomass. Although PA is believed to be the key intermediate in solid‐acid‐catalyzed reactions of GVL, due to subsequent facile decarboxylation reactions further alkene products are formed. Here, by tailoring the acidity of Brønsted acid sites in an aluminophosphate (AlPO) molecular sieve through incorporation of Zn2+ into the framework, we access a new selective and effective catalyst for GVL conversion to PA.
Contemporary analysis of functional immune recovery to opportunistic and vaccine‐preventable infections after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: de Silva Harini D , Ffrench Rosemary A , Korem Maya , Orlowski Eva , Curtis David J , Spencer Andrew , Avery Sharon , Patil Sushrut , Morrissey Catherine Orla
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Infections are a major cause of mortality after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), and immune recovery is necessary for prevention. Novel transplant procedures have changed the epidemiology of infections but contemporary data on functional immune recovery are limited. In this pilot study, we aimed to measure immune recovery in the current era of alloHSCT.

Methods

Twenty, 13, 11, 9 and 9 alloHSCT recipients had blood collected at baseline (time of conditioning) and 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐months post‐alloHSCT, respectively. Clinical data were collected, and immune recovery was measured using immunophenotyping, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine analysis and antibody isotyping.

Results

Median absolute T‐ and B‐cell counts were below normal from baseline until 9‐ to 12‐months post‐alloHSCT. Median absolute CD4+ T‐cell counts recovered at 12‐months post‐alloHSCT. Positive proliferative responses to Aspergillus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), influenza and tetanus antigens were detected from 9 months. IL‐6 was the most abundant cytokine in cell cultures. In cultures stimulated with CMV, EBV, influenza and tetanus peptides, the CD4+ T‐cell count correlated with IL‐1β (P = 0.045) and CD8+ T‐cell count with IFNγ (P = 0.013) and IL‐1β (P = 0.012). The NK‐cell count correlated with IL‐1β (P = 0.02) and IL‐17a (P = 0.03). Median serum levels of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 were normal while IgG4 and IgA were below normal range throughout follow‐up.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that immune recovery can be measured using CD4+ T‐cell counts, in vitro antigen stimulation and selected cytokines (IFNγ, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐31) in alloHSCT recipients. While larger studies are required, monitoring immune recovery may have utility in predicting infection risk post‐alloHSCT.
Alda‐1, an aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 agonist, causes deterioration in renal functions following ischemia–reperfusion injury due to crystalline nephropathy
Authors: Hammad Fayez T. , Al‐Salam Suhail , Yuvaraju Priya , Lubbad Loay
Published: October 2018

Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) induces the production of aldehydes which are detoxified by aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs). Alda‐1 is a selective ALDH2 agonist and its protective effect was demonstrated in several conditions. The effect of Alda‐1 on the kidney or on renal IRI was not investigated. We investigated the effect of Alda‐1 on the renal dysfunction following IRI. Wistar rats underwent left IRI for 40 min. Group‐Alda (n = 11) received Alda‐1 starting 24 h before IRI and continued for 7 days thereafter when renal functions were measured. Group‐Vx (n = 11) underwent similar protocol but received the dissolvent. Alda‐1 did not affect renal blood flow or glomerular filtration rate in the left ischemic kidney in Group‐Alda compared to Group‐Vx (3.05 ± 0.50 vs. 3.53 ± 0.70, and 0.40 ± 0.06 vs. 0.51 ± 0.08, respectively, p > .05 for both). However, left renal fractional sodium excretion was higher in Group‐Alda (2.80 ± 0.43 vs. 1.37 ± 0.36, p = .02). Alda‐1 also adversely affected the gene expressions of kidney injury molecule‐1 and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (217 ± 38 vs. 99 ± 13 and 49 ± 13 vs. 20 ± 5, respectively, p < .05 for both) and the alterations in tumor necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, fibronectin 1 and p53 (4.4 ± 0.9 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3, 1.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1, 30.0 ± 2.7 vs. 11.7 ± 2.3, 3.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.07, respectively, p ≤ .05 for all). This was associated with intratubular crystal deposition suggestive of crystalline nephropathy. Alda‐1 exacerbated the IRI‐induced renal tubular dysfunction and alterations in markers of acute kidney injury, biomarkers of inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis and this was associated with intratubular crystal deposition suggestive of crystalline nephropathy.
Early parenting predicts hippocampal subregion volume via stress reactivity in childhood
Authors: Blankenship Sarah L. , Chad‐Friedman Emma , Riggins Tracy , Dougherty Lea R.
Published: October 2018

Rodent models indicate that parenting shapes offspring outcomes by programming the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis response to stress and, ultimately, altering brain structure and function. The present study tested this hypothesis and explored possible timing‐dependent associations in a longitudinal sample of children (N = 63). At Time 1 (M = 4.23 ± 0.84 years) and Time 2 (M = 7.20 ± 0.89 years), children completed parent–child interaction tasks and a laboratory stressor after which salivary cortisol samples were collected. At Time 2, children also completed a structural MRI. Analyses revealed timing‐ and region‐dependent associations between early and concurrent parenting and cortisol reactivity and hippocampal subregion volumes. Moreover, greater negative parenting during early childhood predicted greater cortisol reactivity three years later, which, in turn, led to reduced left hippocampal tail volume. Findings suggest that the hippocampus is sensitive to environmental influences during early childhood, a result that parallels findings from rodent models.
Microfluidic electrochemical immunosensor for the trace analysis of cocaine in water and body fluids
Authors: Abdelshafi Nahla A. , Bell Jérémy , Rurack Knut , Schneider Rudolf J.
Published: October 2018

Quick but accurate testing and on‐the‐spot monitoring of cocaine in oral fluids and urine continues to be an important toxicological issue. In terms of drug testing, a number of devices have been introduced into the market in recent decades, notably for workplace inspection or roadside testing. However, these systems do not always fulfill the requirements in terms of reliability, especially when low cut‐off levels are required. With respect to surface water, the presence of anthropogenic small organic molecules such as prescription and over‐the‐counter pharmaceuticals as well as illicit drugs like cannabinoids, heroin, or cocaine, has become a challenge for scientists to develop new analytical tools for screening and on‐site analysis because many of them serve as markers for anthropogenic input and consumer behavior. Here, a modular approach for the detection of cocaine is presented, integrating an electrochemical enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) performed on antibody‐grafted magnetic beads in a hybrid microfluidic sensor utilizing flexible tubing, static chip and screen‐printed electrode (SPE) elements for incubation, recognition, and cyclic voltammetry measurements. A linear response of the sensor vs. the logarithm of cocaine concentration was obtained with a limit of detection of 0.15 ng/L. Within an overall assay time of 25 minutes, concentrations down to 1 ng/L could be reliably determined in water, oral fluids, and urine, the system possessing a dynamic working range up to 1 mg/L.
Raw regulates glial population of the eye imaginal disc
Authors: Hans Victoria R. , Wendt Taylor I. , Patel Asmabanu M. , Patel Mit M. , Perez Luselena , Talbot Danielle E. , Jemc Jennifer C.
Published: October 2018

Glia are critical for proper development, support, and function of the nervous system. The Drosophila eye has proven an excellent model for gaining significant insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating glial development and function. Recent studies have demonstrated that Raw is required in glia of the central and peripheral nervous systems; however, the function of Raw in glia of the developing eye has not been explored. These studies demonstrate that raw knockdown results in a reduction in the number of glia in the third instar eye imaginal disc and reduced glial spreading across the field of differentiating photoreceptor neurons. Expression of a raw enhancer trap reveals that raw is expressed in eye disc glia. Exploration of the mechanism by which raw knockdown results in glial reduction reveals that Raw is required for glial proliferation and migration into the eye disc. In addition, Raw negatively regulates Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in glia of the developing eye and increased JNK signaling results in a reduction in the number of glia populating the eye disc, similar to that observed upon raw knockdown. Thus, Raw functions as a critical regulator of glial population of the eye imaginal disc by regulating glial proliferation and migration and inhibiting JNK signaling.
Spatial scale‐dependent phylogenetic signal in species distributions along geographic and elevation gradients in a mountainous rangeland
Authors: Pashirzad Maral , Ejtehadi Hamid , Vaezi Jamil , Shefferson Richard P.
Published: October 2018

The mechanisms determining community phylogenetic structure range from local ecological mechanisms to broad biogeographical processes. How these community assembly processes determine phylogenetic structure and patterns in rangeland communities across multiple spatial scales is still poorly understood. We sought to determine whether the structure of herbaceous and shrub assemblages along local environmental gradients (elevation) and broad geography (latitude) exhibited phylogenetic signal at different spatial scales, across 2,500 ha of a mountainous rangeland. We analyzed species distribution and phylogenetic data at two spatial scales: the community level (1 m2 sample units obtained by stratified random sampling) and the habitat level (plant assemblages identified categorically based on environmental and geographical variables). We found significant phylogenetic signal in structure and pattern at both spatial scales, along local elevational, and latitudinal gradients. Moreover, beta diversity was affected by different environmental variables in herbaceous and shrub species distributions across different spatial scales. Our results highlight the relative importance of local ecological mechanisms, including niche‐based deterministic processes (environmental filtering and species interactions) as well as those of biogeographical processes, such as stochastic dispersal limitation and habitat specialization in plant assemblages of mountainous rangeland.
Extensive diversity of malaria parasites circulating in Central African bats and monkeys
Authors: Boundenga Larson , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Mombo Illich Manfred , Tsoubmou Thierry Audrey , Renaud François , Rougeron Virginie , Prugnolle Franck
Published: October 2018

The order Haemosporidia gathers many protozoan parasites which are known to infect many host species and groups. Until recently, the studies on haemosporidian parasites primarily focused on the genus Plasmodium among a wide range of hosts. Genera, like the genus Hepatocystis, have received far less attention. In the present study, we present results of a survey of the diversity of Hepatocystis infecting bats and monkeys living in a same area in Gabon (Central Africa). Phylogenetic analyses revealed a large diversity of Hepatocystis lineages circulating among bats and monkeys, among which certain were previously observed in other African areas. Both groups of hosts harbor parasites belonging to distinct genetic clades and no transfers of parasites were observed between bats and monkeys. Finally, within each host group, no host specificity or geographical clustering was observed for the bat or the primate Hepatocystis lineages.
Functional diversity metrics detect spatio‐temporal changes in the fish communities of a Caribbean marine protected area
Authors: Rincón‐Díaz Martha Patricia , Pittman Simon J. , Arismendi Ivan , Heppell Selina S.
Published: October 2018

Functional diversity (FD) metrics quantify the trait diversity in biological assemblages and act as a proxy for the diverse ecological functions performed in the community. Analyses of FD offer a potentially useful tool to identify functional changes in diverse, complex, and disturbed marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, yet this metric is rarely applied to evaluate community change. Here, we documented spatio‐temporal variability in the trophic function of fish assemblages to identify changes in coral reef communities inside the Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM) in the U.S. Virgin Islands between 2002 and 2010, which included an intense coral bleaching event in 2005. We combined six trait categories related to the trophic function of 95 fish species together with species biomass estimated from underwater surveys to calculate assemblage‐level descriptors of functional richness (FRic), dispersion (FDis), and evenness. We tested the effects of habitat type, time, and their interaction on fish FD using a non−parametric permutational multivariate analysis of variance. We found statistically significant differences for FRic and FDis between habitat types and survey years. Coral reef and other hard bottom areas supported highest levels of trophic functional richness and variation, but low functional redundancy. Fish species exhibited high functional uniqueness within the functional trait space suggesting that a significant decline in fish diversity in the BIRNM would likely result in loss of trophic functions from the fish community. Detection of temporal variations in functional trait composition subsequent to the mass coral bleaching event in 2005 indicates that FD descriptors are sensitive enough to track shifts in the emergent trophic organization of fish communities. In the BIRNM, the trophic organization in fish assemblages did not return to the pre‐bleaching state even after five years of monitoring. We demonstrate a novel way to monitor resilience to disturbance by plotting and tracking the centroid of the functional trait space through time. Our findings demonstrate the utility of FD descriptors to evaluate changes to the functional integrity of diverse and spatially heterogeneous habitat structure across the seascape.
Integrating spatial and phylogenetic information in the fourth‐corner analysis to test trait–environment relationships
Authors: Braga João , ter Braak Cajo J. F. , Thuiller Wilfried , Dray Stéphane
Published: October 2018

The fourth‐corner analysis aims to quantify and test for relationships between species traits and site‐specific environmental variables, mediated by site‐specific species abundances. Since there is no common unit of observation, the significance of the relationships is tested using a double permutation procedure (site based and species based). This method implies that all species and sites are independent of each other. However, this fundamental hypothesis might be flawed because of phylogenetic relatedness between species and spatial autocorrelation in the environmental data. Here, using a simulation‐based experiment, we demonstrate how the presence of spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelations can, in some circumstances, lead to inflated type I error rates, suggesting that significant associations can be misidentified. As an alternative, we propose a new randomization approach designed to avoid this issue, based on Moran's spectral randomization. In this approach, standard permutations are replaced by constrained randomizations so that the distribution of the statistic under the null hypothesis is built with additional constraints to preserve the phylogenetic and spatial structures of the observed data. The inclusion of this new randomization approach provides total control over type I error rates and should be used in real studies where spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelations often occur.
Diabetes mellitus induced by somatostatin analogue therapy is not permanent in acromegalic patients
Authors: Cappellani Daniele , Urbani Claudio , Sardella Chiara , Scattina Ilaria , Marconcini Giulia , Lupi Isabella , Manetti Luca , Marcocci Claudio , Bogazzi Fausto
Published: October 2018

Context

Therapy with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) may have deleterious effects on glucose metabolism in patients with acromegaly, often leading to the development of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether DM, developed during therapy with SSAs, may revert after drug withdrawal and cure of acromegaly with pituitary adenomectomy.

Design

Retrospective cohort study, in a tertiary referral centre.

Patients

Eighteen acromegalic patients without DM at the diagnosis of acromegaly treated with SSAs as a primary therapy, and then cured by pituitary adenomectomy.

Methods

Endocrine status and glucose homeostasis were evaluated at diagnosis of acromegaly and at least every 6 months during SSA therapy. At each visit, patients were classified into one of the following classes: normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes, overt diabetes.

Results

Median follow‐up after starting SSAs therapy was 69 months (IQR 54.75‐132.25). During SSA therapy, all patients had controlled acromegaly defined by normal serum IGF1 concentrations for the age. Of the 13 euglycaemic patients at diagnosis, three developed prediabetes and three diabetes, whereas, of the five prediabetic patients at diagnosis, two worsened to overt diabetes and three remained in the prediabetic range (P = 0.04). After curing acromegaly with pituitary adenomectomy and subsequent SSA withdrawal, prediabetes reverted in five of six patients, and diabetes in all five patients (three reverted to euglycaemia, while two reverted to prediabetes) (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

In acromegalic patients with controlled disease, changes in glycaemic status induced by SSAs are not permanent.
Regulatory IFN‐γ‐producing killer dendritic cells are enhanced in B6.MLR‐Faslpr/J lupus‐prone mice
Authors: Rodríguez‐Alba Juan Carlos , Girón‐Pérez Daniel Alberto , Romero‐Ramírez Héctor , Pelayo Rosana , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo
Published: October 2018

A novel cell population denominated IFN‐γ‐producing killer dendritic cells (IKDCs) have been recently described. These cells are lymphocytes lacking B‐ or T‐ receptors, but they can be identified by the presence of B220+CD38+CD49b+ and low CD11c, among other cell surface markers. The main characteristics of IKDCs are the production of IFN‐γ and the ability to spontaneously kill tumor cells. We found that this population increases in B6.MLR‐Faslpr/J mice. Interestingly, IKDCs increase with age and are more abundant in mice older than 6 months onward. To analyze whether these cells have any role in the induction of the lupus‐like phenotype in the B6.MLR‐Faslpr/J mice, IKDCs were purified and transferred into 6‐month‐old B6.MRL‐Faslpr/J mice, then the presence of anti‐nuclear antibodies (ANAS) and anti‐dsDNA antibodies were analyzed 2 and 4 months after the transfer. The results showed a reduction in the levels of these autoantibodies and increased survival of these mice, indicating that these cells may have a regulatory function. In vitro assays demonstrated that IKDCs reduced the proliferation of both autoreactive B and T cells, suggesting that these may be the mechanisms used by these cells to ameliorate the lupus‐like phenotype in the B6.MRL‐Faslpr/J mice.
Understanding Regioselectivities of Corey–Chaykovsky Reactions of Dimethylsulfoxonium Methylide (DMSOM) and Dimethylsulfonium Methylide (DMSM) toward Enones: A DFT Study
Authors: Xiang Yu , Fan Xing , Cai Pei‐Jun , Yu Zhi‐Xiang
Published: October 2018

The Corey–Chaykovsky reaction, using either in situ generated dimethylsulfoxonium methylide (DMSOM) or dimethylsulfonium methylide (DMSM) to react with ketones or aldehydes, is widely used in the synthesis of epoxides. However, when DMSOM and DMSM react with enones (such as chalcone), the former reactions give cyclopropanation products whereas the latter reactions still generate epoxides. DFT calculations have been carried out to understand these different regioselectivities. We found that the cyclopropanation pathways for both DMSOM and DMSM toward chalcone (a model for enones) start with rate‐determining and irreversible 1,4‐addition reactions, followed by easier intramolecular substitution reactions to give cyclopropanes. The overall activation free energies for cyclopropanation are 17.5 and 15.5 kcal/mol for DMSOM and DMSM, respectively. The epoxidation pathways for both DMSOM and DMSM have reversible 1,2‐addition reactions, followed by rate‐determining intramolecular substitution reactions to give epoxides. The computed barriers for the epoxidation are 23.0 and 13.3 kcal/mol for DMSOM and DMSM, respectively. Therefore, the cyclopropanation pathway is favored for DMSOM while epoxidation is preferred for DMSM. We attribute these different reaction scenarios to thermodynamic reasons that DMSOM is more stable than DMSM. The reaction pathways for reactions of other derivatives of DMSM toward enones have also been discussed.
Facile Synthesis of 1,3,5‐Triarylbenzenes and 4‐Aryl‐NH‐1,2,3‐Triazoles Using Mesoporous Pd‐MCM‐41 as Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Saha Arijit , Wu Chia‐Ming , Peng Rui , Koodali Ranjit , Banerjee Subhash
Published: October 2018

We report mesoporous nano‐Pd‐MCM‐41 catalyzed rapid and efficient synthesis of 1,3,5‐triarylbenzenes via de‐nitrative cyclotrimerization of β‐nitrostyrenes. All the reactions were very fast and high yielding. The Pd‐MCM‐41 was also very effective in catalyzing de‐nitrative [3+2] cycloaddition of β‐nitrostyrenes with TMSN3 to synthesize 4‐aryl‐NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles. The catalyst was reused at least up to eight times with minimum loss of catalytic activity.
The biopsychosocial model of pain in the context of pediatric burn injuries
Authors: Nelson Sarah , Conroy Caitlin , Logan Deirdre
Published: October 2018

Background

Burns are a common and traumatic source of childhood injury in the United States. The treatment and recovery from burn injuries can be significantly painful and may lead to chronic or persistent pain for years following the initial incident. Further, burn injuries in youth have been found to increase the potential for significant psychosocial (e.g., anxiety, depression,PTSD) and physical (e.g., decreased mobility) impairment. Relatedly, the general experience and processing of pain in youth can also be associated with greater psychosocial (e.g., anxiety, depression) impairment and functional disability over time. However, the phenomenology and associated characteristics of the pain experience following burn injury and, in particular, the potential for combined impact on physical and psychosocial outcomes in youth with severe and/or prolonged pain and a history of burn injury is poorly understood.

Methods

A review of the literature was performed in the areas of burn injuries and outcomes associated with both acute and chronic pain with youth and adult populations.

Results

The current review highlights current gaps in the literature in important areas of function in youth with a history of burn injuries using the biopsychosocial model of pain. Future research and considerations for practice are also outlined.

Conclusions

Gaining a greater understanding of the relationship between pain, physical impairment, and psychosocial functioning in these youth is significantly important in order to provide greater preventative and treatment‐related intervention going forward.

Significance

Using a biopsychosocial framework, this review highlights the need for a greater understanding of pain processing and the long‐term potential for persistent pain and pain‐related impairment (e.g., functional disability) in youth with a history of burn injuries.
Musculoskeletal pain in adults born preterm: Evidence from two birth cohort studies
Authors: Evensen Kari Anne I. , Tikanmäki Marjaana , Heinonen Kati , Matinolli Hanna‐Maria , Sipola‐Leppänen Marika , Lano Aulikki , Wolke Dieter , Vääräsmäki Marja , Eriksson Johan G. , Andersson Sture , Järvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Hovi Petteri , Räikkönen Katri , Kajantie Eero
Published: October 2018

Background

Individuals born preterm are at risk of later developmental problems and long‐term morbidities. There is conflicting evidence regarding musculoskeletal pain in young adulthood. We investigated the prevalence of self‐reported musculoskeletal pain in young adults born across the range of preterm birth compared with a term‐born reference group.

Methods

From two Finnish birth cohorts, 184 individuals born early preterm (<34 weeks), 350 late preterm (34 to <37 weeks) and 641 at term completed a self‐report questionnaire of musculoskeletal pain at mean age 24.1 (SD: 1.4) years. Group differences were examined by logistic regression models adjusting for sex, age and cohort (Model 1), potential early life confounders (Model 2) and lifestyle factors related to physical (Model 3) and mental health (Model 4).

Results

The late preterm group had lower odds for reporting neck pain (0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56–0.96), which was further reduced when adjusting for early life confounders and lifestyle factors (Model 4). Odds for reporting peripheral pain were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.48–0.99, Model 4) in the early preterm group. The odds for reporting any pain, shoulder, low back or widespread pain did not differ significantly between groups, although odds for reporting widespread pain were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.58–1.03, Model 4) in the late preterm group.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence of increased prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adults born early or late preterm. In contrast, our results suggest that adults born preterm have a slightly lower risk of reporting musculoskeletal pain, also when we adjusted for lifestyle factors.

Significance

Young adults born preterm do not have increased rates of musculoskeletal pain. Our findings rather suggest that these rates may be slightly lower than among those born at term.
Altered tactile localization and spatiotemporal integration in complex regional pain syndrome patients
Authors: Trojan Jörg , Speck Verena , Kleinböhl Dieter , Benrath Justus , Flor Herta , Maihöfner Christian
Published: October 2018

Background

In complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), altered perception of the affected hand and neglect‐like symptoms of the affected body side are common features. In this study, we presented tactile stimuli to the affected hands in CRPS patients and matched healthy controls.

Methods

The participants’ task was to point at the perceived positions of the stimuli using a tracking device. The spatial coordinates of the perceived positions were analysed for accuracy and consistency. We also presented patterns consisting of two stimuli at distinct positions with a delay of 100 ms. These patterns are known to induce spatiotemporal integration (“sensory saltation”).

Results

CRPS patients were less accurate and less consistent in the spatial perception of tactile stimuli on their hands. Furthermore, they showed increased spatiotemporal integration, although these effects were smaller than expected. These deficiencies were related to the clinically assessed intensity of recurrent pain episodes. Surprisingly, the intensity of clinically assessed ongoing pain was associated with increased precision.

Conclusions

In line with earlier reports, our findings indicate that the representation of the affected hands in CRPS patients is less accurate than in healthy people, probably reflecting reorganization in somatosensory cortices. The exact relationships between these findings and other aspects of CRPS remain to be elucidated.

Significance

CRPS patients performed poorly in localizing positions on their affected hands via pointing and exhibited increased spatiotemporal integration. The presented method may prove useful in diagnostics as well as psychophysical and neurofunctional research on CRPS and other chronic pain disorders.
Sensory disturbances induced by sensorimotor conflicts are higher in complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia compared to arthritis and healthy people, and positively relate to pain intensity
Authors: Brun Clémentine , Mercier Catherine , Grieve Sharon , Palmer Shea , Bailey Jacqueline , McCabe Candida S.
Published: October 2018

Background

Sensorimotor conflicts are well known to induce sensory disturbances. However, explanations as to why patients with chronic pain are more sensitive to sensorimotor conflicts remain elusive. The main objectives of this study were (a) to assess and compare the sensory disturbances induced by sensorimotor conflict in complex regional pain syndrome (n = 38), fibromyalgia (n = 36), arthritis (n = 34) as well as in healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 32); (b) to assess whether these disturbances were related to the intensity and duration of pain, or to other clinical variables assessed using questionnaires (abnormalities in sensory perception, depression and anxiety); and (c) to categorize different subgroups of conflict‐induced sensory disturbances.

Methods

One hundred and forty participants performed in phase or anti‐phase movements with their arms while viewing a reflection of one arm in a mirror (and the other arm obscured). They were asked to report changes in sensory disturbances using a questionnaire.

Results

First, results showed that patients with complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia were more prone to report sensory disturbances than arthritis patients and HV in response to conflicts (small effect size). Second, conflict‐induced sensory disturbances were correlated with pain intensity (large effect size) and abnormalities in sensory perception (only in the CRPS group) but were not related to the duration of the disease or psychological factors. Finally, we identified two distinct subgroups of conflict‐induced sensory disturbances.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that pain lowers the threshold for the detection of sensorimotor conflicts, a phenomenon that could contribute to the maintenance of pain in clinical populations.

Significance

Individuals with complex regional pain syndrome and fibromyalgia were more sensitive to sensorimotor conflicts than arthritis patients and controls. Moreover, conflict‐induced sensory disturbances were specific to higher pain intensity and higher sensory abnormalities in all groups, suggesting that pain lowers the threshold for the detection of sensorimotor conflicts.
Polishing approach with fully connected flow‐through purification for therapeutic monoclonal antibody
Authors: Ichihara Takamitsu , Ito Takao , Gillespie Christopher
Published: October 2018

The biopharmaceutical industry is evolving toward process intensification that can offer increased productivity and improved economics without sacrificing process robustness. A semi‐continuous downstream process linking purification/polishing unit operations in series can reduce or eliminate intermediate holding tanks and reduce overall processing time. Accordingly, we have developed a therapeutic monoclonal antibody polishing template comprised of a connected flow‐through polishing technologies that include activated carbon, cation exchange, and anion‐exchange chromatography. In this report, we evaluated fully‐connected pool‐less polishing with three flow‐through technologies, operating as a single skid to streamline and improve an mAb purification platform. Laboratory‐scale pool‐less processing was achieved without utilizing in‐line pH adjustment and conductivity dilution based on the previously optimized single process parameter. Two connected flow‐through configurations of polishing steps were evaluated: a two‐step process using anion exchange and cation exchange and a three step process using activated carbon, anion exchange and cation exchange chromatography. Laboratory‐scale proof of concept studies showed comparable performance between the batch purification process and the pool‐less process configuration. Three step polishing highly intensified the processes and provided higher process loading and achieved bulk drug specification with higher impurity clearance (>95%) and high overall mAb yield (>95%).
Performance analysis of a photovoltaic/wind/diesel hybrid power generation system for domestic utilization in winnipeg, manitoba, canada
Authors: Arabzadeh Saheli Mahdieh , Fazelpour Farivar , Soltani Nima , Rosen Marc A.
Published: October 2018

The development and modeling is reported of a photovoltaic (PV)/wind/diesel hybrid power generation system for a household in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. For optimizing and determining the feasibility of the system, Homer simulation software is utilized. Various system configurations are investigated and comparisons are made using an optimization approach. For the Winnipeg location, the annual mean and the peak loads are 16 kWh/d and 1.9 kW, respectively. It is found that the hybrid system comprising 1 kW PV arrays, a 2 kW diesel generator, five batteries and a 2 kW converter with a total net present cost of $33,110 and a cost of energy of 0.444 $/kWh has the optimal configuration. The results obtained with Homer software demonstrate that a hybrid wind/PV/diesel/battery power generation system has the lowest cost and the highest efficiency of the systems considered. The system helps reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 548–562, 2019
Development of fungal consortium for the pretreatment of rice straw under optimized solid state and shake flask conditions
Authors: Kaur Pardeep , Kocher Gurvinder Singh , Taggar Monica Sachdeva
Published: October 2018

Three consortia were developed out of the ligninolytic fungal isolates for pretreatment of rice straw. The fungal consortium of Pleurotus ostreatus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, produced maximum laccase (Lac), lignin peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities of 2.40 nkat/gds, 37.92 nkat/gds, and 62.50 nkat/gds, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize pretreatment of rice straw under solid state conditions. With a desirability value of 0.862, the optimum conditions (moisture, 121.1%; temperature, 31.3°C; and log spore count, 8.0 spores/mL) resulted in 43.0%, 12.7% and 7.0% cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, respectively, from an initial respective values of 39.5%, 23.3%, and 11.5%. Optimization under shake flask conditions using 2.5 g rice straw, 8.0 mL concentrated ligninolytic enzyme extract, 10 mM Ca2+ ions, 45°C incubation temperature in an incubation period of 72 h resulted in 56.4%, 12.2%, and 2.2%, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, respectively. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 635–646, 2019
Solanum xanthocarpum Plant as a Potential Low Cost Adsorbent for the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Zaman Muhammad Iqbal , Khan Siffat Uullah , Shahnaz Aysha , Niaz Abdul , Khan Sadullah , Muhammad Nawshad , Khan Matiullah , Shah Khizar Hussain
Published: October 2018

This study reports the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution by powdered fruit of Solanum xanthocarpum plant which is important in terms of its applicability in the decontamination of water through an environmental friendly and low cost adsorbent. The biosorbent has a BET surface area of 3.09 m2/g while FE‐SEM and FTIR analyses show that it is a porous material having OH, CH, CO, and SO3‐H surface groups. The sorption equilibrium experiments show that sorption of MB increases with increasing pH, temperature, initial concentration, and sorbent dosage. The sorption equilibrium data fits well to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The values of the isosteric heat of sorption (ΔH), being positive are consistent with the endothermic nature of the sorption process. Sorption kinetics experiments of MB onto the biosorbent show that equilibrium is established in about 180 minutes at both the pH values of 6 and 5.2 and that the data give best fit to pseudo‐second order kinetics model. The maximum adsorption capacity of the biosorbent for MB is about 0.05067 mmol/g. Sorption data along with the spectroscopic analyses suggests that MB is removed from the aqueous solution by the sorbent mostly through ion exchange, adsorption, diffusion, and surface precipitation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S166–S175, 2019
Development KCl/CaO as a catalyst for biodiesel production by tri‐component coupling transesterification
Authors: Tang Ying , Liu Huan , Ren Haomiao , Cheng Qitong , Cui Yi , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2018

In this research, the optimized experimental conditions to obtain CaO supported KCl (KCl/CaO) as an efficient heterogeneous basic catalyst to produce no‐glycerol biodiesel using tri‐component (canola oil, dimethyl carbonate [DMC], and methanol) coupling transesterification was established. The solid base catalyst was prepared by wet impregnation of CaO in KCl solution and calcination subsequently, which greatly improved the reaction efficiency with high biodiesel yield of 96.4% at only 2 h. The KCl/CaO was characterized by techniques, such as BET surface area, XRD, CO2‐TPD, and SEM. Then, it was observed that the KCl introduced not only differed from CaO particles in the surface area and number of basic sites but also changed its base strength significantly. To obtain an improvement in conversion of canola oil, the influence on the catalytic performance of several kinetic parameters, such as mass ratio of catalyst to oil, reaction time, and molar ratio of methanol/oil/DMC were evaluated separately.

Novelty or Significance: In this work, it was found that the catalytic performance of CaO‐based catalyst to coupling transesterification for no‐glycerol biodiesel production can be greatly improved by modifying CaO with KCl. As a result, the time to obtain as high as 96.4% yield of biodiesel over KCl/CaO can be greatly shortened from 5 to 2 h compared with common CaO. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 647–653, 2019