bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex investigation of extraction techniques applied for cyclitols and sugars isolation from different species of Solidago genus
Authors: Ratiu Ileana‐Andreea , Al‐Suod Hossam , Ligor Magdalena , Ligor Tomasz , Railean‐Plugaru Viorica , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: March 2018

Cyclitols are phytochemicals naturally occurring in plant material, which attracted an increasing interest due to multiple medicinal attributes, among which the most important are the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Due to their valuable properties, sugars are used in the food industry as sweeteners, preservatives, texture modifiers, fermentation substrates, and flavoring and coloring agents. In this study, we report for the first time the quantitative analysis of sugars and cyclitols isolated from Solidago virgaurea L., which was used for the selection of the optimal solvent and extraction technique that can provide the best possible yield. Moreover, the quantities of sugars and cyclitols extracted from two other species, Solidago canadensis and Solidago gigantea, were investigated using the best extraction method and the most appropriate solvent. Comparative analysis of natural plant extracts obtained using five different techniques—maceration, Soxhlet extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction—was performed in order to decide the most suitable, efficient, and economically convenient extraction method. Three different solvents were used. Analysis of samples has been performed by solid‐phase extraction for purification and pre‐concentration, followed by derivation and GC‐MS analysis. Highest efficiency for the total amount of obtained compounds has been reached by PLE, when water was used as a solvent. d‐pinitol amount was almost similar for every solvent and for all the extraction techniques involved.
Multigenerational effects of nickel on Daphnia magna depend on temperature and the magnitude of the effect in the first generation
Authors: Pereira Ceclia M.S. , Everaert Gert , Blust Ronny , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: March 2018

Ecological risk assessment is commonly based on single-generation ecotoxicological tests that are usually performed at one standard temperature. We investigated the effects of nickel (Ni) on Daphnia magna reproduction at 15, 20, and 25 °C over 4 generations. Multigenerational Ni effects on D. magna reproduction depended on the magnitude of the effect in the first generation (F0) and showed very different patterns at different temperatures. At low effect level concentrations (<10% effect concentration [EC10] in F0), chronic Ni toxicity at 15 and 20 °C did not increase over 4 generations, and the increase in Ni toxicity at 25 °C observed in F1 and F2 in some Ni treatments did not persist into F3, where complete recovery of reproduction was observed. At higher effect level concentrations, the multigenerational Ni effects depended on the test temperature. In F0, Ni toxicity was 6.5-fold lower at 25 °C than at 15 °C (based on the median effect concentration), but the temperature effect on Ni toxicity was not explained by differences in Ni accumulation. At a lower temperature, lower internal Ni concentrations in D. magna were necessary to induce the same Ni toxicity as at a higher temperature. Overall, our results indicate that low single-generation chronic effect concentrations of Ni in D. magna (EC10 in the present study) are also protective in a long-term, multigenerational context and that temperature should be taken into account in the ecological risk assessment of Ni. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1877–1888 © 2018 SETAC
Identification of key aroma compounds in raw and roasted lily bulbs (Bai He)
Authors: Chiang Nancy , Ho Chi Tang , Munafo John P.
Published: March 2018

Lily bulbs (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.), known as ‘Bai He’ in Chinese, are a popular ingredient used in Asian cooking. Despite their popularity, little is known about the odorants responsible for their distinct aroma. The key aroma‐active compounds present in both raw and roasted lily bulbs were isolated by solvent extraction followed by solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) and gas chromatography–olfactometery (GC/O) analysis. A comparative aroma extract dilution analysis (cAEDA) in the flavour dilution (FD) factor range from ≥1 to 1024 resulted in 48 aroma‐active compounds reported in L. longiflorum bulbs for the first time. The highest FD factors in raw lily bulbs were determined for (E)‐hex‐3‐enal (green, FD 1024) and 3‐methylsulfanylpropanal (cooked potato‐like, FD 1024), followed by 2,2,4‐trimethyl‐3‐oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (eucalyptus‐like, FD 256) and 2‐phenyl acetaldehyde (floral, FD 256). Following roasting, odorants with high FD values in raw lily bulbs decreased in intensity. The thermal treatment resulted in the generation of 34 aroma‐active compounds. Aroma‐active compounds with FD factors of ≥1024 in roasted lily bulbs were identified as 1‐(3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐5‐yl)ethan‐1‐one (roasty), 3‐methylsulfanylpropanal (cooked potato‐like), 2‐ethyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine (earthy), 2,3‐diethyl‐5‐methylpyrazine (earthy), 3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethyl‐2(5H)‐furanone (maple‐like), 2‐ethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐2H‐furan‐5‐one (maple‐like), and 2‐methoxy‐4‐[(E)‐prop‐1‐enyl]phenol (clove‐like). In summary, the aroma‐active compounds with high FD factors in raw lily bulbs decreased significantly as a result of roasting, and a new pool of aroma‐active compounds were formed during the roasting process.
Depositional settings and changing composition of the Jambi palaeoflora within the Permian Mengkarang Formation (Sumatra, Indonesia)
Authors: Van Waveren Isabel M. , Booi Menno , Crow Michael J. , Hasibuan Fauzie , Van Konijnenburg‐Van Cittert Johanna H.A. , Perdono Andri Putri , Schmitz Mark D. , Donovan Stephen K.
Published: March 2018

The Merangin River section in Sumatra exposes the Permian Mengkarang Formation. This is composed of eight intervals showing upwards fining and thinning of volcanic tuffs and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks, overlain by their reworked alluvial products. Isotopic age evaluation of the top and the base of the Merangin section indicates an average duration of 630,000 years (from 296.77 ± 0.04 to 296.14 ± 0.09 Ma). Extrapolation of the eight intervals onto neighbouring tributaries by using earlier geological studies and the strike of the beds allows for the integration of the data assembled in recent expeditions, and those from 1925, leading to the lithostratigraphic assignment of more than 2,000 palaeobotanical specimens. The compilation of all assembled palaeobotanical data indicates there is a change in composition from a palaeoflora dominated by Cordaites, ferns, or club mosses to one in which seed ferns were dominant. These changes, coupled to eustatic sea‐level fluctuations, indicate a climatic origin for this transition and extend palaeofloral trends perceived earlier in Far Western low latitudes to the Far Eastern Palaeotethys.
Geochemistry of high‐Nb basalt‐andesite in the Erguna Massif (NE China) and implications for the early Cretaceous back‐arc extension
Authors: Liu Huichuan , Li Yinglei , Wu Liwen , Huangfu Pengpeng , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2018

This paper presents new zircon laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry U–Pb age and whole‐rock geochemical data for the high‐Nb basalts‐andesites (HNBs) from the Meiletu Formation in NE China. In comparison with common arc basalts and Nb‐enriched basalts, the Meiletu HNBs (140 Ma) show high TiO2 (1.7–3.2 wt.%), P2O5 (0.7–1.7 wt.%), Nb (14.6–34.0 ppm), and Zr (314–600 ppm) contents, and high (Nb/Th)PM (0.26–0.91), (Nb/La)PM (0.22–0.36), Nb/U (8.2–24.8) ratios. They show strongly light rare earth element (REE) enriched chondrite‐normalized REE patterns with unusually high total REE contents [(TREE)cn = 978–1802]. Unlike adakite‐associated HNBs derived from a mantle wedge metasomatized by adakites, the Meiletu HNBs were derived from low degree (<2%) partial melting of the garnet peridotite at considerable depth (>80 km). The Meiletu HNBs were generated in an intracontinental back‐arc extension setting. Combined with previous geological observations, it is argued that Early Cretaceous tectonics of the Erguna Massif is dominated by the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic slab‐rollback and back‐arc extension.
Pliocene seismic stratigraphy and deep‐water sedimentation in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea: Source‐to‐sink systems and hydrocarbon accumulation significance
Authors: Liu Hao , Meng Jun , Zhang Yingzhao , Yang Lu
Published: March 2018

This study uses high‐quality two‐dimensional (2‐D) seismic and well data to analyse seismic stratigraphy and deep‐water Pliocene sediments in the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB), South China Sea. Eight major seismic facies were identified based on the amplitude, continuity, configuration, and external geometry of seismic reflections. Among them, sigmoid progradational configurations, oblique progradational configurations, mound‐shaped chaotic configurations, and mound‐shaped hummocky configurations are newly identified seismic facies indicative of provenance and water system significance. They were interpreted as a Pliocene‐aged eastern shelf‐edge delta, a western shelf‐edge delta, and eastern and western submarine fans in QDNB. Consequently, two sets of Pliocene shelf‐edge delta‐continental slope canyon‐submarine fan systems were established in the QDNB. From the approximately NNW–SSE progradation of the shelf‐edge delta, the characteristics of the approximately ENE–WSW distributed continental slope system, and the definition of a source‐to‐sink system, as well as previous heavy mineral research, we conclude the existence of two Pliocene sources from Hainan Island in the northern QDNB, corresponding to the Lingshui River and Wanquan River. Two independent and complete source‐to‐sink systems (S2S‐2, S2S‐3) were distinguished from the northern Hainan Island to the basin area. S2S‐2 is located in the western QDNB, which includes the Lingshui River‐western shelf‐edge delta‐continental slope canyon‐submarine fan. This source‐to‐sink system has more sand‐rich material and better reservoir conditions than S2S‐3 in the eastern basin, predominantly due to a higher quality granite parent rock, abundant provenance, and a large‐scale delta and submarine fan.
Identification of facies‐controlled eogenetic karstification in the Upper Cretaceous of the Halfaya oilfield and its impact on reservoir capacity
Authors: Zhong Yuan , Tan Xiucheng , Zhao Limin , Guo Rui , Li Fei , Jin Zhimin , Chen Yantao , Xiao Di
Published: March 2018

Penecontemporaneous dissolution has been considered as the dominant origin of reservoir formation, whereas epigenetic dissolution has also played certain roles in the improvement of reservoir capacity in the Upper Cretaceous Mishrif Formation in the Middle East. Here, we report a possible new reservoir origin based on a case study in the Halfaya oilfield of Iraq, that is, facies‐controlled eogenetic karstification. The most representative evidence is that early selective dissolution is not only present in relative high‐energy categories of rocks but also in low‐energy ones in the cored intervals. Meanwhile, the occurrence frequency of karstification varies among different environments and associated lithologies. In grainstones and packstones, spongy‐like dissolution pores and irregular karst channels are widely developed, with fillings and massive plastic breccias. In contrast, in wackestones, lots of high‐angle karst channels are developed based on biological burrows, and the karst is more frequently observed in the shoal environment than in the low‐energy environments. These characteristics are indication of eogenetic karstification. The model of this karstification can be attributed to a multiple superimposition of short‐term exposure during the penecontemporaneous stage and the medium‐term exposure after the shallow burial stage. The karst has impact on reservoir capacity, according to which 3 areas are divided in the increasing order, namely, the tight bedrock area, spongy‐like dissolution pores area, and karst channels and vugs‐filled area, among which the karst channels and vugs‐filled area is the most favourable for oil accumulation. This understanding might be general to the Mishrif reservoirs in the entire Middle East.
CXCL12‐mediated feedback from granule neurons regulates generation and positioning of new neurons in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Abe Philipp , Wüst Hannah M. , Arnold Sebastian J. , van de Pavert Serge A. , Stumm Ralf
Published: March 2018

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is implicated in learning and memory processing. It is tightly controlled at several levels including progenitor proliferation as well as migration, differentiation and integration of new neurons. Hippocampal progenitors and immature neurons reside in the subgranular zone (SGZ) and are equipped with the CXCL12‐receptor CXCR4 which contributes to defining the SGZ as neurogenic niche. The atypical CXCL12‐receptor CXCR7 functions primarily by sequestering extracellular CXCL12 but whether CXCR7 is involved in adult neurogenesis has not been assessed. We report that granule neurons (GN) upregulate CXCL12 and CXCR7 during dentate gyrus maturation in the second postnatal week. To test whether GN‐derived CXCL12 regulates neurogenesis and if neuronal CXCR7 receptors influence this process, we conditionally deleted Cxcl12 and Cxcr7 from the granule cell layer. Cxcl12 deletion resulted in lower numbers, increased dispersion and abnormal dendritic growth of immature GN and reduced neurogenesis. Cxcr7 ablation caused an increase in progenitor proliferation and progenitor numbers and reduced dispersion of immature GN. Thus, we provide a new mechanism where CXCL12‐signals from GN prevent dispersion and support maturation of newborn GN. CXCR7 receptors of GN modulate the CXCL12‐mediated feedback from GN to the neurogenic niche.
Electrophysiological changes in poststroke subjects with depressed mood: A quantitative EEG study
Authors: Wang Chunfang , Chen Yuanyuan , Sun Changcheng , Zhang Ying , Ming Dong , Du Jingang
Published: March 2018

Background

We aimed to explore the electrophysiological changes in poststroke subjects with depressed mood.

Methods

Resting‐state electroencephalogram (EEG) signals of 16 electrodes in 35 poststroke depressed, 24 poststroke nondepressed, and 35 age‐matched healthy control subjects were analyzed by means of spectral power analysis, a quantitative EEG measurement of different frequency bands. The relationship among depressed mood, functional status, lesion side, and poststroke time was assessed by using variance and Spearman correlation analysis. Multiple analysis of variance was used to compare the differences among the 3 groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish a regression model to predict depressed mood in stroke subjects and to explore the association between depression and EEG band power. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to estimate the ability of spectral power selected by binary logistic regression to indicate depressed mood in stroke subjects.

Results

We found that the hemisphere in which the lesion was located and the time since stroke onset had no effect on depressed mood. Only the patient's functional status was related to emotional symptoms. Quantitative EEG analysis revealed increased delta, theta, and beta2 power in stroke subjects with depressed mood, particularly in temporal regions. The theta and beta2 power in the right temporal area were shown to be highly sensitive to depressed mood, and these parameters showed good discriminatory ability for depressed subjects following stroke.

Conclusion

Depressed mood after stroke is associated with functional status. Quantitative EEG parameters may be a useful tool in timely screening for depressed mood after stroke.
The hepatic BMAL1/AKT/lipogenesis axis protects against alcoholic liver disease in mice via promoting PPARα pathway
Authors: Zhang Deqiang , Tong Xin , Nelson Bradley B. , Jin Ethan , Sit Julian , Charney Nicholas , Yang Meichan , Omary M. Bishr , Yin Lei
Published: March 2018

Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is one of the major chronic liver diseases worldwide, ranging from fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and potentially, hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological studies suggest a potential link between ALD and impaired circadian rhythms, but the role of hepatic circadian proteins in the pathogenesis of ALD remains unknown. Here we show that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 in hepatocytes is both necessary and sufficient to protect mice from ALD. Ethanol diet‐fed mice with liver‐specific knockout (Bmal1‐LKO) or depletion of Bmal1 develop more severe liver steatosis and injury as well as a simultaneous suppression of both de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation, which can be rescued by the supplementation of synthetic PPARα ligands. Restoring de novo lipogenesis in the liver of Bmal1‐LKO mice by constitutively active AKT not only elevates hepatic fatty acid oxidation but also alleviates ethanol‐induced fatty liver and liver injury. Furthermore, hepatic over‐expression of lipogenic transcription factor ChREBP, but not SREBP‐1c, in the liver of Bmal1‐LKO mice also increases fatty acid oxidation and partially reduces ethanol‐induced fatty liver and liver injury. Conclusion: we identified a protective role of BMAL1 in hepatocytes against ALD. The protective action of BMAL1 during alcohol consumption depends on its ability to couple ChREBP‐induced de novo lipogenesis with PPARα‐mediated fatty oxidation. (Hepatology 2018).
Paying it forward? The mixed effects of organizational inducements on executive mentoring
Authors: Walker Dayna O. , Yip Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

How might organizational inducements influence the mentoring behavior of senior executives? In a multisource study of senior executives (n = 239) and their direct reports (n = 1,098), the researchers found mixed results—relational inducements (e.g., investments in career development) were positively associated with mentoring whereas transactional inducements (e.g., compensation) were negatively associated. Results are explained from signaling and self‐determination theory wherein inducements communicate organizational priorities that either uphold or undermine mentoring behavior. While prior research has examined the benefits of inducements on job performance, this study reveals that inducements can have differential and unintended consequence on prosocial and relational behavior such as mentoring. It is the first study to examine the unintended and differential consequence of inducements on mentoring behavior. In addition, the findings challenge assumptions about the trickle‐down benefits of organizational rewards and suggest that the consequences of human capital investments extend far beyond the focal leader.
Horizon scanning implanted biosensors in personalising breast cancer management: First pilot study of breast cancer patients views
Authors: Ikegwuonu Theresa , Haddow Gill , Tait Joyce , Murray Alan F. , Kunkler Ian H.
Published: March 2018

Aims

This study aimed to explore breast cancer patients' understanding and acceptability of implanted biosensors (BS) within the primary tumour to personalise adjuvant radiotherapy, and to determine optimal design and number of BS, and evaluate potential clinical benefits as well as concerns about tolerance, toxicity, dwell time, and confidentiality of data.

Patients and methods

A total of 32 patients treated by surgery (29 breast conserving, 3 mastectomy), postoperative radiotherapy and systemic therapy for early breast cancer, were recruited from a posttreatment radiotherapy clinic at a cancer centre. Patients participated in semistructured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative methods.

Results

Participants were aged 39 to 87 years, with a median age of 62 years. Most (N = 23[72%]) were unfamiliar with biosensors. The majority (N = 29[90.6%]) were supportive of the technology's potential use in future breast cancer treatment and were willing to accept biosensors (N = 28[88%]) if they were endorsed by their breast cancer consultant. Only 3 patients expressed concerns, predominantly about uncertainties on their role in the diagnostic and treatment pathway. Patients were flexible about the size and shape of BS, but had a preference for small size (N = 28 [87.5%]). Most (N = 22[69%]) would accept implantation of more than 5 BS and were flexible (N = 22[69%]) about indefinite dwell time. Patients had a strong preference for wireless powering of the BS (N = 28[87.5%]). Few had concerns about loss of confidentiality of data collected. All patients considered biosensors to be potentially of important clinical benefit.

Conclusions

While knowledge of biosensors was limited, patients were generally supportive of biosensors implanted within the primary tumour to collect data that might personalise and improve breast cancer radiotherapy in future.
Comparison of the Aptima HIV‐1 Quant Dx assay with the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV‐1 v2.0 Test for HIV‐1 viral load quantification in plasma samples from HIV‐1–infected patients
Authors: Longo Serena , Bon Isabella , Musumeci Giuseppina , Bertoldi Alessia , D'Urbano Vanessa , Calza Leonardo , Re Maria Carla
Published: March 2018

Background and aims

HIV‐1 RNA viral load (VL) in plasma samples of HIV‐1–positive patients is used to assess the level of viral replication, the risk of disease progression, and the response and efficacy to antiretroviral treatment. Knowing the performance of different tests for HIV‐1 RNA detection is, therefore, important for clinical care. This study compared the performance of the recently introduced Aptima HIV‐1 Quant Dx assay (Hologic, Inc) and the standard COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV‐1 v2.0 Test (CAP/CTM2) (Roche Molecular System, Inc) for HIV‐1 RNA quantitation.

Methods

Assay performance was assessed using 335 clinical samples, a standard HIV‐1 low VL panel, and 2 diluted samples from well‐characterized patients infected with different HIV‐1 subtypes tested in 5 replicates over 3 days. All samples were tested on both assays to evaluate inter‐assay agreement, both qualitatively and quantitively. Altogether, we evaluated assay sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, and reproducibility.

Results

Assay agreement for qualitative results in 335 clinical samples was fair (80.6%). Correlation of quantitative assay results (n = 164) was excellent (R2 = 0.97), with 96.3% of the results within the 95% limit of assay agreement (−0.42 to +0.86 log), and 98.8% within 1 log of each other. Aptima‐HIV‐1 yielded results, on average, 0.22 log higher than CAP/CTM2. Both assays accurately quantitated the HIV‐1 standard at low VL (R2 ≥ 0.94), with all samples within 0.5 log of the target.

Conclusion

Aptima‐HIV‐1 assay demonstrated sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility, and precision for the detection and quantitation of HIV‐1 RNA across a wide dynamic range of VLs. Its performance, together with full automation and high throughput, suggests that Aptima‐HIV‐1 could be a suitable assay for reliable monitoring of HIV‐1 VL in patients undergoing treatment.
Public policy and financial stability: The impact of PCA and TARP on U.S. bank non‐performing loans
Authors: Jiang Chunxia , Kanas Angelos , Molyneux Philip
Published: March 2018

This study explores the implications of prompt corrective action and the Troubled Asset Relief Program on the behaviour of non‐performing loans (NPLs) and real estate non‐performing loans (RELs) in the United States over 1984–2015 using a Markov switching framework. We find that NPLs and RELs exhibit pronounced episodic behaviour switching between non‐stationary and stationary regimes. Prompt corrective action and the Troubled Asset Relief Program have a significant impact on banking sector stability by influencing the probability of switching from non‐stationary regimes to stationary regimes and by reducing the level of NPLs and RELs. These results are robust to various model specifications and have important implications for bank regulation as well as for the formulation of macro stress testing.
Investigating Wind Damage of Centre Pivot Irrigators and Farmers' Reactions
Authors: Safa Majeed , KC Birendra
Published: March 2018

In 2013 (September and October) Canterbury, New Zealand, observed devastating gales, with highly varied wind speeds ranging around 150–250 km h‐1. Over 800 centre pivot irrigators were damaged in just 2 days (10 and 11 September 2013). A second windstorm occurred on 14 October 2014, which exacerbated the situation. In 2014, Lincoln University conducted a survey of the farmers in Canterbury, New Zealand, to understand and investigate the windstorm damage to centre pivot irrigators and farmers' responses. There was a big difference between attitudes of farmers who either could or could not protect their irrigators. The majority of the farmers had limited information about their irrigators and they underestimated the windstorm. The windstorm damage occurred overnight, making it difficult to tackle the problem. The information from this study could contribute to developing an action plan to reduce windstorm damage on farms with centre pivot irrigators. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memantine protects against ischemia/reperfusion‐induced brain endothelial permeability
Authors: Liu Yingying , Huang Yudiao , Xu Yueyue , Qu Peng , Wang Minghua
Published: March 2018

Increased transendothelial permeability and subsequent blood–brain barrier damage play a key role in the pathological progression of human brain ischemia and secondary reperfusion. Memantine is a licensed drug providing clinically relevant efficacy in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, little information is known regarding its effects on brain endothelial permeability. In this study, we investigated the effects of memantine on endothelial permeability and the underlying mechanisms in an ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury model in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells. First, we found that memantine treatment prevented I/R‐induced expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β at both the mRNA and the protein levels. Additionally, our results indicate that memantine treatment significantly reduced endothelial monolayer permeability after I/R by increasing the expression of tight junction protein occludin and the adherens junction protein VE‐cadherin. In addition, we found that memantine reduced the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 but not MMP‐9 after I/R. Memantine also elevated the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐2. Mechanistically, we found that memantine increased the expression of the transcriptional factor Krueppel‐like factor 2 (KFL2) through activating extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK5). In conclusion, our results identified a novel function of memantine in maintaining brain vascular barrier function and suggested that memantine might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of stroke. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(4):336–343, 2018
Tributyltin stimulates synthesis of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha in human lymphocytes
Authors: Lawrence Shanieek , Ismail Farah , Jamal Sarah Z. , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: March 2018

Tributyltin (TBT) is found in human blood and other tissues and thus is of considerable concern as to its effects on human health. Previous studies have demonstrated that TBT has detrimental effects on immune function. Recently, we found that exposures to TBT caused increased secretion of two important proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ). Elevation of either of these cytokines has the potential to cause chronic inflammation, which is an important factor in a number of diseases including cancer. The current study examined the mechanism of TBT‐induced elevations of TNFα and IFNγ secretion and found that the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway was essential to the ability of TBT to stimulate secretion. Additionally, this study demonstrated that increased secretion of these cytokines was due to TBT‐induced increases in their overall synthesis, rather than simply being due to an increase in the release of already formed proteins. The TBT‐induced increases in synthesis were evident within 6 hours of exposure. The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway is also necessary for the TBT‐induced increases in both TNFα and IFNγ synthesis. The role of increased transcription of TNFα and IFNγ mRNA in response to TBT exposures as a possible explanation for the increased synthesis of these cytokines was also examined. It was found that increased mRNA levels did not appear to explain fully the increases in either TNFα or IFNγ synthesis. Thus, TBT is able to increase secretion of two important proinflammatory cytokines by increasing their synthesis.
Photonic modulation of epidermal growth factor receptor halts receptor activation and cancer cell migration
Authors: Botelho Cláudia M. , Gonçalves Odete , Marques Rogério , Thiagarajan Viruthachalam , Vorum Henrik , Gomes Andreia C. , Neves‐Petersen Maria Teresa
Published: March 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a key role in regulating cell survival, proliferation and migration, and its overexpression and activation has been correlated with cancer progression. Cancer therapies targeting EGFR have been applied in the clinic with some success. We show, by confocal microscopy analysis, that illumination of adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (Human A549—EGFR biosensor cell line) with 280 nm at irradiance levels up to 20 times weaker than the Ultraviolet B (UVB) solar output for short periods of time (15‐45 minutes) prevents epidermal growth factor‐mediated activation of EGFR located on the cell membrane, preventing or reducing cellular disaggregation, formation of filopodia and cell migration. This effect of Ultraviolet (UV) light illumination was confirmed further in a functional scratch assay, and shown to be more effective than that of a specific EGFR‐signaling inhibitor. This new photonic approach may be applicable to the treatment of various types of cancer, alone or in combination with other therapies.
When psychology and politics commingle
Authors: Birbilis Jean M.
Published: March 2018

Psychologists’ work is always impacted by political events. Donald Trump's election raised many questions regarding my work with clients and students. How would they be impacted? What would they need? How would I respond? How transparent would I be? Students needed to process it. Most clients wanted to talk about it. However, reactions and needs of those who wanted to talk about it varied, and a few did not want to talk about it at all. Nevertheless, the election has been a royal road to the therapeutic alliance and interventions with clients, and it has been a path to deeper learning for students.
Utility of the Outcome Questionnaire‐45.2 in outpatient anxiety clinics: A comparison between anxiety patients with and without co‐occurring depression
Authors: Levy Hannah C. , Billingsley Amber L. , Springer Kristen S. , Hannan Scott , Das Akanksha , Tolin David F.
Published: March 2018

Objective

The Outcome Questionnaire‐45.2 (OQ‐45) is a self‐report measure of general psychological distress. Although intended to be transdiagnostic, the OQ‐45 may be best conceptualized as a measure of depression; as such, its utility in assessing other symptoms such as anxiety is unclear.

Method

We examined scores on the OQ‐45 in a sample of 329 patients with anxiety and related disorders, half of whom had co‐occurring depression.

Results

Eighty‐two percent of patients scored above the OQ‐45 cutoff, whereas 18% were incorrectly screened out. Patients with co‐occurring depression were more likely to score above the OQ‐45 cutoff than nondepressed patients. Depression severity predicted many of the OQ‐45 scales, even after controlling for anxiety severity. By contrast, most of the anxiety‐specific measures failed to predict the OQ‐45 after controlling for depression severity.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the OQ‐45 may not adequately capture anxiety symptoms and are discussed in terms of diagnostic screening and assessment.
Peritraumatic distress: A review and synthesis of 15 years of research
Authors: Vance Mary C. , Kovachy Benjamin , Dong Melissa , Bui Eric
Published: March 2018

Context

Although the subjective trauma exposure criterion was removed from the DSM‐5 criteria set for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emerging literature suggests that peritraumatic distress may be useful in predicting outcomes after exposure to a stressful event.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature examining the association between peritraumatic distress and PTSD and other psychiatric outcomes. The 57 studies herein varied in both experimental design and target populations.

Results

Forty‐eight studies found associations between peritraumatic distress and PTSD outcome measures, 23 found associations between peritraumatic distress and other psychiatric outcomes, and three found associations between peritraumatic distress and PTSD‐related symptoms or other psychiatric outcomes after non‐Criterion A stressful events by DSM‐5 criteria.

Conclusion

Peritraumatic distress is associated with PTSD symptom severity, other psychiatric symptoms, and severity of PTSD‐related symptoms after exposure to non‐Criterion A events, suggesting that peritraumatic distress is a risk factor for various psychiatric outcomes and furthering our understanding of the impact of subjective experience on trauma psychopathology.
The development of a family resilience‐strengthening programme for families in a South African rural community
Authors: Isaacs Serena Ann , Roman Nicolette V. , Savahl Shazly
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to develop a contextually based family resilience program. Also presented here is a literature review of family resilience interventions suggesting that these 3 processes are the basis for effective family functioning. A close collaboration with the community ensured an adequate understanding of the presenting family challenges and this article describes the process in developing a program based on these challenges. A 3‐round Delphi design was used for the study with international and local experts (n = 10) in the field of family and resilience studies and community stakeholders (n = 5). The program has three main aims: to increase family connectedness, family communication processes and social and economic resources. Based on the findings of this study, 4 modules will be presented to participants, “about family,” “talking together,” “close together,” and “working together.” A description is provided of the program content and decisions regarding logistical program concerns.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Etelcalcetide, a Novel Calcimimetic for Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis
Authors: Wu Benjamin , Melhem Murad , Subramanian Raju , Chen Ping , Jaramilla Sloey Bethlyn , Fouqueray Bruno , Hock M. Benjamin , Skiles Gary L. , Chow Andrew T. , Lee Edward
Published: March 2018

Etelcalcetide, a d‐amino acid peptide, is an intravenous calcimimetic approved for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Etelcalcetide binds the calcium‐sensing receptor and increases its sensitivity to extracellular calcium, thereby decreasing secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by chief cells. Etelcalcetide and its low‐molecular‐weight transformation products are rapidly cleared by renal excretion in healthy subjects, but clearance is substantially reduced and dependent on hemodialysis in end‐stage renal disease. The effective half‐life is 3–5 days in patients undergoing hemodialysis 3 times a week. A clinical study using a single microtracer intravenous dose of [14C]etelcalcetide indicated that 60% of the administered dose was eliminated in dialysate. Etelcalcetide undergoes reversible disulfide exchange with serum albumin to form a serum albumin peptide conjugate that is too large (67 kDa) to be dialyzed, until a subsequent exchange forms etelcalcetide or a low‐molecular‐weight transformation product. This exchange from albumin is apparent after hemodialysis, when it partially restores etelcalcetide concentrations in plasma. Etelcalcetide has no known risks for drug–drug interactions. In phase 3 studies, 74%–75% of hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism who received etelcalcetide achieved a >30% PTH reduction from baseline versus 8%–10% of patients who received placebo. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of etelcalcetide in hemodialysis patients supports a 5‐mg starting dose administered after hemodialysis and uptitration in 2.5‐ or 5‐mg increments every 4 weeks to a maximum dose of 15 mg 3 times a week.
Can Lonely People Behave Morally? The Joint Influence of Loneliness and Empathy on Moral Identity
Authors: Jiao Jinfeng (Jenny) , Wang Jing
Published: March 2018

We examine how loneliness moderates the effect of empathy on moral identity: the extent to which being a moral person is important to an individual's identity. Results of four studies show that only lonely people have increased moral identity when they have high (vs. low) empathy; empathy does not reliably increase moral identity for nonlonely people. We demonstrate these effects with psychological measures of moral identity as well as with downstream moral behaviors in various consumer settings. Our findings are consistent with the motivation theory of loneliness and empathy: Lonely people are capable, but are not motivated to empathize.
Enhanced product understanding in the QbD paradigm: linkage between charge heterogeneity and stability of monoclonal antibody therapeutic products
Authors: Joshi Varsha S , Kumar Vijesh , Rathore Anurag S
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Product stability is a major concern during production of biotherapeutic products, including the monoclonal antibody (mAbs) products. A deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms is encouraged in the Quality by Design (QbD) paradigm. This paper presents results from an investigation aimed at elucidation of the impact of product heterogeneity (charged variants) on mAb stability.

RESULTS

Samples exhibiting a wide variability in levels and distribution of charge variants and aggregates were generated using ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Both size based (fragments and aggregates) and charge based (basic and acidic variants) heterogeneities were monitored using analytical size exclusion chromatography and cation exchange chromatography, respectively. Partial least square (PLS) analysis was performed to correlate size heterogeneity with charge heterogeneity. It was found that presence of certain charge variants dominates degradation of mAb. Each high molecular weight specie is primarily influenced by a subset of charge heterogeneities and at times presence of other size heterogeneities. The resulting PLS models yielded satisfactory values for the regression coefficient as well as for predictability confirming the statistical relevance of the conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results presented in this study provide a novel insight into the impact of mAb charge and size heterogeneity on product stability. This knowledge can be used during process design so as to enhance stability of the biotherapeutic. This is the first investigation that relates charge heterogeneity to mAb stability. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Screening, and Computational Studies of a Tripodal Schiff Base Containing Pyrimidine Unit
Authors: Oruma Uchechukwu Susan , Ukoha Pius Oziri , Rhyman Lydia , Elzagheid Mohamed I. , Obasi Lawrence Nnamdi , Ramasami Ponnadurai , Jurkschat Klaus
Published: March 2018

A novel tripodal Schiff base ligand, 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tris(4‐carboxybenzimino)‐1,3‐pyrimidine (TTPS), was synthesized for the first time by the reaction of 2,4,5,6‐tetraaminopyrimidine with 4‐carboxybenzaldehyde. The ligand was characterized by means of ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transform infrared, one‐dimensional 1H‐NMR, and one‐dimensional 13C‐NMR spectroscopies and elemental microanalysis. The Fourier transform infrared and NMR studies revealed that one of the NH2 group in 2,4,5,6‐tetraaminopyrimidine is not involved in bonding. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the ligand were investigated against Gram‐negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (ATCC 6749) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), Gram‐positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579), and fungi: Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by the agar well diffusion technique. TTPS exhibits good activity against the test microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of TTPS against S. aureus were compared with tetracycline and gentamicin, which are conventional bacterial drugs. The upper level of Lorke's method was used to determine the acute toxicity of the compound. The acute toxicity test indicates that TTPS is toxic at doses above 2154 mg/kg. The in vivo antimalarial assay was carried out on Plasmodium berghei based on the 4‐day suppressive method. The result shows a general dose‐dependent significant parasitemia inhibition compared with the negative control with TTPS having inhibition of 72.20% at 50 mg/kg and 65.81% at 25 mg/kg close to the value (87.22%) of the standard drug artesunate 5 mg/kg. Density functional theory method was used to complement this experimental investigation.
Structural Elucidation and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidines and Pyrido[2,3‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidinones
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Mohamed Amany M. G. , Zaki Yasser H. , Ewies Mohamed M. , Elroby Shaaban A.
Published: March 2018

1,3‐Di(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (1) was utilized in the synthesis of 4,6‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐3,4‐dihydropyrimidine‐2(1H)‐thione (2) and 5,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2‐thioxo‐2,3‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(1H)‐one (4). The latter thiones were used in the synthesis of two new series of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidines 10a–i and pyrido[2,3‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidinones 5a–i via reaction with the appropriate hydrazonoyl halides using triethylamine as a basic catalyst in dioxane. The mechanism of formation of the synthesized compounds was discussed, and the assigned structure was established via microanalysis, spectral data (infrared, 1H NMR, and Mass), and density functional calculations. Moreover, the newly synthesized products were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities, and the results show that some derivatives have been well with mild activities. Finally, quantum chemistry calculations confirmed the mechanism and structure of the products.
An optimized radiosynthesis of [18F]FNDP, a positron emission tomography radiotracer for imaging soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)
Authors: Azad Babak Behnam , Holt Daniel P. , Ravert Hayden T. , Horti Andrew G. , Dannals Robert F.
Published: March 2018

In this concise practitioner protocol, the radiochemical synthesis of [18F]FNDP suitable for human positron emission tomography studies is described and the results from validation productions are presented. The high specific activity radiotracer product is prepared as a sterile, apyrogenic solution that conforms to current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.
Cold‐air pool evolution in a wide Pyrenean valley
Authors: Conangla Laura , Cuxart Joan , Jiménez Maria Antonia , Martínez‐Villagrasa Daniel , Miró Josep Ramon , Tabarelli Davide , Zardi Dino
Published: March 2018

This study on cold‐air pool formation in the wide Cerdanya Valley in the Pyrenees mountain range was conducted using available observational information from September 2010 to August 2014. Cold‐air pools occur during almost 60% of the nights, mainly during winter. Cold pools develop even under significant synoptic pressure gradients. Additionally, drainage currents transporting air down‐valley occur most of the nights. In particular one representative cold‐air pool event has been analysed in detail by a high‐resolution mesoscale simulation, combined with an analysis of data from both ground‐based stations and satellites. Radiative processes dominate the evolution of cold‐air pools, together with turbulence in the lowest layers, while drainage flows down from the high mountains mainly through the tributary valleys and from the valley sidewall slopes play a key role in bringing air to the pool. Cold pool formation begins approximately 1 hr after sunset, and it extends across most of the valley bottom, with a very strong thermal inversion close to the surface that has a depth of up to 100 m in the lowest parts of the valley. Wind veers down‐valley along the main axis 2–3 hr after sunset and the wind direction is approximately maintained until after sunrise.
Impact assessment of climate change on rice yields using the ORYZA model in the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Xu Chenchen , Wu Wenxiang , Ge Quansheng
Published: March 2018

Understanding how different climate factors interact and impact rice yield is essential for effective agricultural management strategies and policies. However, the potential impacts are less clear at the regional scale. In this work, we used the latest version of the ORYZA crop model to evaluate the impacts of climate change and carbon dioxide (CO2) on rice yields in the Sichuan Basin of China based on high‐quality agricultural experimental, meteorological and soil data and the incorporation of future climate data generated by five general circulation models (GCMs) under three newly released representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios.

Considering climate change alone, our modelling results indicated a continuing rice reduction for most stations by 2–17, 4–28 and 1–43% under the RCP2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively; when considering the CO2 fertilizer effect, rice yields increased by 3–10, 4–13 and 5–20% under the RCP2.6, 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively. However, for most stations, the CO2 fertilizer effect could not completely offset the negative impacts of climate change on rice yields. In addition, temperature and radiation were the main climate factors that cause yield variation by affecting the rice maturity periods (DAE), spikelet fertility factor (SPFERT) and spikelet number (NSP). The uncertainty arising from the climate models was less than 10% under the RCP2.6 scenario, 15% under the RCP4.5 scenario and 20% under the RCP8.5 scenario, indicating good consistency in rice yield simulations. These findings offer insight into the physiological mechanisms and the degree of climate change impacts on rice yields, thus informing appropriate adaptive strategies for rice planting in the Sichuan Basin, China.