bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy protects the kidney from acute ischemic injury
Authors: Popkov Vasily A. , Andrianova Nadezda V. , Manskikh Vasily N. , Silachev Denis N. , Pevzner Irina B. , Zorova Ljubava D. , Sukhikh Gennady T. , Plotnikov Egor Y. , Zorov Dmitry B.
Published: September 2018

A complex analysis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in pregnant women shows that it is caused by the interaction of gestation-associated pathologies and beneficial signaling pathways activated by pregnancy. Studies report an increase in the regeneration of some organs during pregnancy. However, the kidney response to the injury during pregnancy has not been addressed. We investigated the mechanisms of the pregnancy influence on AKI. During pregnancy, the kidneys were shown to be more tolerant to AKI. Pregnant animals showed remarkable preservation of kidney functions after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) indicated by the decrease of serum creatinine levels. The pregnant rats also demonstrated a significant decrease in kidney injury markers and an increase in protective markers. Two months after the I/R, group of pregnant animals had a decreased level of fibrosis in the kidney tissue. These effects are likely linked to increased cell proliferation after injury: using real-time cell proliferation monitoring we demonstrated that after ischemic injury, cells isolated from pregnant animal kidneys had higher proliferation potential vs. control animals; it was also supported by an increase of proliferation marker PCNA levels in kidneys of pregnant animals. We suggest that these effects are associated with hormonal changes in the maternal organism, since hormonal pseudopregnancy simulated effects of pregnancy.
More Prevalent Prescription of Medicine for Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome in Males from Couples Undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Elenkov A. , Al-Jebari Y. , Giwercman A.
Published: September 2018

Register-based studies have indicated that men with impaired fertility are at higher risk for developing various adult-onset diseases than fertile men. The majority of men undergoing ICSI treatment are sub-fertile and since they are in contact with the health care system, these men are well suited as target for preventive measures. Our study included all men (N = 459 766) who had fathered children in Sweden between 2006 and 2016. Swedish registry data was used for obtaining information regarding conception method and defining three groups of fathers – ICSI -treated, IVF – treated and non IVF/ICSI. By sourcing data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, we specifically searched for information regarding prescription and usage of at least one prescription for diabetes mellitus, hypertension (HT) or dyslipidemia to serve as a proxy for metabolic disease among the study groups. If all three types of medicine were prescribed, the patient was considered as having metabolic syndrome. Our results indicate male partners in couples who became parents using ICSI to be at higher risk for being treated for hypertension (HR = 1.15 95% CI: 1.06–1.24, p = 0.001) and metabolic syndrome (HR = 1.28 95% CI: 1.01–1.58, p = 0.042) when compared to non IVF/ICSI men.
Antimicrobial genes from Allium sativum and Pinellia ternata revealed by a Bacillus subtilis expression system
Authors: Kong Xi , Yang Mei , Abbas Hafiz Muhammad Khalid , Wu Jia , Li Mengge , Dong Wubei
Published: September 2018

Antimicrobial genes are found in all classes of life. To efficiently isolate these genes, we used Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli as target indicator bacteria and transformed them with cDNA libraries. Among thousands of expressed proteins, candidate proteins played antimicrobial roles from the inside of the indicator bacteria (internal effect), contributing to the sensitivity (much more sensitivity than the external effect from antimicrobial proteins working from outside of the cells) and the high throughput ability of screening. We found that B. subtilis is more efficient and reliable than E. coli. Using the B. subtilis expression system, we identified 19 novel, broad-spectrum antimicrobial genes. Proteins expressed by these genes were extracted and tested, exhibiting strong external antibacterial, antifungal and nematicidal activities. Furthermore, these newly isolated proteins could control plant diseases. Application of these proteins secreted by engineered B. subtilis in soil could inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. These proteins are thermally stable and suitable for clinical medicine, as they exhibited no haemolytic activity. Based on our findings, we speculated that plant, animal and human pathogenic bacteria, fungi or even cancer cells might be taken as the indicator target cells for screening specific resistance genes.
Improved collective influence of finding most influential nodes based on disjoint-set reinsertion
Authors: Zhu Fengkuangtian
Published: September 2018

Identifying vital nodes in complex networks is a critical problem in the field of network theory. To this end, the Collective Influence (CI) algorithm has been introduced and shows high efficiency and scalability in searching for the influential nodes in the optimal percolation model. However, the crucial part of the CI algorithm, reinsertion, has not been significantly investigated or improved upon. In this paper, the author improves the CI algorithm and proposes a new algorithm called Collective-Influence-Disjoint-Set-Reinsertion (CIDR) based on disjoint-set reinsertion. Experimental results on 8 datasets with scales of a million nodes and 4 random graph networks demonstrate that the proposed CIDR algorithm outperforms other algorithms, including Betweenness centrality, Closeness centrality, PageRank centrality, Degree centrality (HDA), Eigenvector centrality, Nonbacktracking centrality and Collective Influence with original reinsertion, in terms of the Robustness metric. Moreover, CIDR is applied to an international competition on optimal percolation and ultimately ranks in 7th place.
High-affinity IgM+ memory B cells are defective in differentiation into IgM antibody-secreting cells by re-stimulation with a T cell-dependent antigen
Authors: Tashiro Yasuyuki , Murakami Akikazu , Hara Yasushi , Shimizu Takeyuki , Kubo Masato , Goitsuka Ryo , Kishimoto Hidehiro , Azuma Takachika
Published: September 2018

IgM antibodies (Abs) are thought to play a major role in humoral immunity but only at the early stage of the primary immune response. However, two subsets of IgM+ memory B cells (MBCs), one with high affinity gained by means of multiple somatic hypermutation (SHM) and the other with low affinity and no SHMs, are generated through the germinal center (GC)-dependent and GC-independent (non-GC) pathway, respectively, after immunization with (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)-chicken γ-globulin. Surprisingly, an analysis of antibody-secreting cells reveals that a large amount of anti-NP IgM Ab with few SHMs is secreted during the recall response, indicating that only non-GC MBCs have terminal differentiation potential. Since secondary IgM Abs are capable of binding to dinitrophenyl ligands, they likely provide broad cross-reactivity in defense against microbial infection.
Migration dynamics of juvenile southern bluefin tuna
Authors: Patterson Toby A. , Eveson J. Paige , Hartog Jason R. , Evans Karen , Cooper Scott , Lansdell Matt , Hobday Alistair J. , Davies Campbell R.
Published: September 2018

Large scale migrations are a key component of the life history of many marine species. We quantified the annual migration cycle of juvenile southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii; SBT) and spatiotemporal variability in this cycle, based on a multi-decadal electronic tagging dataset. Behaviour-switching models allowed for the identification of cohesive areas of residency and classified the temporal sequence of movements within a migration cycle from austral summer foraging grounds in the Great Australian Bight (GAB) to winter foraging grounds in the Indian Ocean and Tasman Sea and back to the GAB. Although specific regions within the Indian Ocean were frequented, individuals did not always return to the same area in consecutive years. Outward migrations from the GAB were typically longer than return migrations back to the GAB. The timing of individual arrivals to the GAB, which may be driven by seasonality in prey availability, was more cohesive than the timing of departures from the GAB, which may be subject to the physiological condition of SBT. A valuable fishery for SBT operates in the GAB, as do a number of scientific research programs designed to monitor SBT for management purposes; thus, understanding SBT migration to and from the area is of high importance to a number of stakeholders.
A fluoride ion-mediated continuous etching–redeposition strategy to synthesize Si nanocomposites with appropriate SiO2 coating layers for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Fan Xiaoming , Zhao Junhao , Yang Zeheng , Zhang Weixin
Published: September 2018

A silicon core in a silica shell: an etching–redeposition strategy to synthesize silicon nanocomposites with high rate capability and cycling stability in LIBs.
Local trapping of energetic holes at gold nanoparticles on TiO2
Authors: Nishi Hiroyasu , Sakamoto Masumi , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: September 2018

Holes generated by plasmon-induced charge separation cause a local oxidation reaction at plasmonic resonance sites, which is applicable to photo-nanofabrication.
Preferential intermolecular interactions lead to chiral recognition: enantioselective gel formation and collapse
Authors: Gambhir Diksha , Kumar Sunil , Dey Gourab , Krishnan Venkata , Koner Rik Rani
Published: September 2018

Enantioselective recognition of chiral amines through gel formation and collapse.
Humidity-sensitive polymer xerogel actuators prepared by biaxial pre-stretching and drying
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wu Chu , Wu Dongbei , Wang Qigang , Chen Yonggui
Published: September 2018

This communication provides a facile approach to prepare a polyacrylamide polymer xerogel film which exhibits humidity-sensitive actuation and ionic conductivity.
Multi-principal element transition metal dichalcogenides via reactive fusion of 3D-heterostructures
Authors: Hlova Ihor Z. , Dolotko Oleksandr , Boote Brett W. , Pathak Arjun K. , Smith Emily A. , Pecharsky Vitalij K. , Balema Viktor P.
Published: September 2018

Mixed transition metal dichalcogenides have been prepared from binary precursors via mechanochemical generation of 3D-heterostructures and subsequent reactive fusion.
Construction of [2]rotaxane-based supramolecular polymers driven by wheel-stopper π⋯π interactions
Authors: Zeng Xianqiang , Deng Hongmei , Jia Xueshun , Cui Lei , Li Jian , Li Chunju , Fang Jianhui
Published: September 2018

A new strategy for supramolecular polymerization is designed and presented, which is based on the wheel-stopper charge-transfer interactions of [2]rotaxanes.
Understanding of the dissolution–crystallization fabrication strategy towards macro/microporous ZSM-5 single crystals
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Zhang Xiaomin , Zhang Jie , Li Peidong , Han Qiao , Xu Lei , Guo Hongchen
Published: September 2018

Amounts of NaOH, Si/Al ratios and crystallization temperature together determine the dissolution–crystallization balance and thus the generation of macropores in ZSM-5 crystals.
A novel way of synthesising C8 cubic carbon nanocrystals
Authors: Sukhinina Nadezhda S. , Khodos Igor I. , Zhokhov Andrey A. , Masalov Vladimir M. , Zverkova Irina I. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Emelchenko Gennadi A.
Published: September 2018

We synthesized C8 nanocrystals (NCs) by carbonization and deposition of anthracene vapors onto various substrates.
Chiral cyanido-bridged Mn–Nb magnets including halogen-bonds
Authors: Ohno Takuro , Nakabayashi Koji , Imoto Kenta , Komine Masaya , Chorazy Szymon , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: September 2018

Chiral and achiral three-dimensional cyanido-bridged metal assemblies with 4-halopyridine, [MnII(4-Xpy)4]2[NbIV(CN)8] (X = I, 1; X = Cl, 2), are prepared. 1 and 2 show ferrimagnetism with TC of 22 and 28 K, respectively. Chiral compound 1 exhibits second-harmonic generation.
Luminescent Zn(ii) coordination polymers as efficient fluorescent sensors for highly sensitive detection of explosive nitroaromatics
Authors: Tsai Meng-Jung , Li Chih-Yu , Wu Jing-Yun
Published: September 2018

Zn CPs 1–3 exhibit strong blue/cyan fluorescence emissions in toluene suspension for highly selective and sensitive detection of explosive nitroaromatics through remarkable fluorescence quenching responses. In addition, the framework Zn2+ ions in 3 were partially substituted by Cu2+ ions via a single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformation.
Dropwise cooling crystallization of ammonium perchlorate in gas–liquid two-phase suspension systems
Authors: Liu Wei , Xie Yong , Xie Qiang , Fang Kexiong , Zhang Xuan , Chen Houhe
Published: September 2018

A dropwise cooling crystallization method was proposed to prepare AP crystals with a uniform shape, a narrow particle size distribution and a smooth surface, which is also a reference for the crystallization of other crystalline materials in crystal engineering.
Vertical vs. adiabatic ionization energies in solution and gas-phase: probing ionization-induced reorganization in conformationally-mobile bichromophoric actuators using photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemistry and theory
Authors: Ivanov Maxim V. , Wang Denan , Zhang Depeng , Rathore Rajendra , Reid Scott A.
Published: September 2018

Ionization-induced structural and conformational reorganization is probed in various π-stacked dimers and covalently linked bichromophores.
Pressure-dependent kinetics of methyl formate reactions with OH at combustion, atmospheric and interstellar temperatures
Authors: Wu Junjun , Ning Hongbo , Ma Liuhao , Ren Wei
Published: September 2018

Pressure dependence occurs in bimolecular hydrogen abstraction reactions at combustion, atmospheric and interstellar temperatures.
Probing ultrafast dynamics during and after passing through conical intersections
Authors: Adachi Shunsuke , Schatteburg Tom , Humeniuk Alexander , Mitrić Roland , Suzuki Toshinori
Published: September 2018

Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy using vacuum-UV probe pulses enables observing ultrafast dynamics during and after passing through conical intersections.
A 4,4′-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)stilbene luminescent probe: assessment of aggregate formation through photophysics experiments and quantum-chemical calculations
Authors: Battisti Antonella , Ambrosetti Matteo , Ruggeri Giacomo , Cappelli Chiara , Pucci Andrea
Published: September 2018

A combination of experimental and quantum mechanical investigations is applied to the study of the optical features of 4,4′-bis(2-benzoxazolyl)stilbene (BBS) dissolved in solution or in a poly(l-lactic acid) (PLA) thermoplastic matrix at different concentrations.
Effect of nitroxide spin probes on the transport properties of Nafion membranes
Authors: Überrück Till , Neudert Oliver , Kreuer Klaus-Dieter , Blümich Bernhard , Granwehr Josef , Stapf Siegfried , Han Songi
Published: September 2018

NMR, EPR, ODNP, conductivity, and hydration studies to examine Nafion water transport properties in the presence of TEMPO derived spin probes.
Ultra-sensitive microfluidic wearable strain sensor for intraocular pressure monitoring
Authors: Agaoglu Sevda , Diep Priscilla , Martini Matthew , KT Samudhyatha , Baday Murat , Araci I. Emre
Published: September 2018

A passive wearable microfluidic sensor for the 24 hour monitoring of intraocular pressure using a smartphone.
Physical exfoliation of graphene and molybdenum disulfide sheets using conductive polyaniline: an efficient route for synthesizing unique, random-layered 3D ternary electrode materials
Authors: Noh Seonmyeong , Le Thanh-Hai , Park Chul Soon , Kim Saerona , Kim Yukyung , Park Jong-Jin , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: September 2018

Unique ternary graphene/MoS2/PANI nanoarchitectures with beneficial properties are synthesized via a simple, physical exfoliation approach.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity and ultra-sensitive benzaldehyde sensing performance of a SnO2·ZnO·TiO2 nanomaterial
Authors: Subhan Md Abdus , Chandra Saha Pallab , Sumon Shamim Ahmed , Ahmed Jahir , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Al-Mamun Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Schematic of a GCE fabricated with SnO2·ZnO·TiO2 NMs/Nafion/GCE using a conducting Nafion binder and its electrochemical response as a benzaldehyde sensor.
In situ approach of cementite nanoparticles encapsulated with nitrogen-doped graphitic shells as anode nanomaterials for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries
Authors: Li Na Na , Sheng Zhao Min , Tian Hao Liang , Chang Cheng Kang , Jia Run Ping , Han Sheng
Published: September 2018

Novel Fe3C nanoparticles encapsulated with nitrogen-doped graphitic shells were synthesized by floating catalytic pyrolysis.
Force field induced heterogeneous molecular orientation within polyacrylonitrile monofilaments
Authors: Sha Yang , Liu Wei , Wang Mengfan , Wu Jianglu , Cao Weiyu
Published: September 2018

The evolution of radial structure of polyacrylonitrile monofilament under force field.
Effect of metal doping on the visible light absorption, electronic structure and mechanical properties of non-toxic metal halide CsGeCl3
Authors: Rahaman Md. Zahidur , Akther Hossain A. K. M.
Published: September 2018

We have studied the optical, electronic and mechanical properties of Ni and Mn-doped CsGeCl3 using DFT calculations.
Template-free synthesis of three dimensional porous boron nitride nanosheets for efficient water cleaning
Authors: Li Jie , He Shi , Li Rui , Dai Wei , Tao Junhui , Wang Chuanhui , Liu Junyi , Wu Tian , Tang Chengchun
Published: September 2018

Preparation of efficient and reusable adsorption materials for water treatment and purification is still remarkably challenging.
Synthesis and performance evaluation of nanostructured NaFexCr1−X(SO4)2 cathode materials in sodium ion batteries (SIBs)
Authors: Nisar Umair , Gulied Mona Hersi , Shakoor R. A. , Essehli Rachid , Ahmad Zubair , Alashraf Abdullah , Kahraman Ramazan , Al-Qaradawi Siham , Soliman Ahmed
Published: September 2018

This research work focuses on the synthesis and performance evaluation of NaFexCr1−X(SO4)2 (X = 0, 0.8 and 1.0) cathode materials in sodium ion batteries (SIBs).
The activity and stability of CeO2@CaO catalysts for the production of biodiesel
Authors: Zhang Ni , Xue Huiyuan , Hu Rongrong
Published: September 2018

The stability test results for the CaO, CeO2@CaO-60 and CeO2–CaO-60 catalysts for biodiesel production.
Enhanced dielectric properties of colossal permittivity co-doped TiO2/polymer composite films
Authors: Tse Mei-Yan , Wei Xianhua , Wong Chi-Man , Huang Long-Biao , Lam Kwok-ho , Dai Jiyan , Hao Jianhua
Published: September 2018

Colossal permittivity (CP) materials have shown great technological potential for advanced microelectronics and high-energy-density storage applications.
A simple, solvent free method for transforming bio-derived aldehydes into cyclic acetals for renewable diesel fuels
Authors: Staples Orion , Moore Cameron M. , Leal Juan H. , Semelsberger Troy A. , McEnally Charles S. , Pfefferle Lisa D. , Sutton Andrew D.
Published: September 2018

The acetalization of 2,3-butanediol with bio-derived C4–8 aldehydes has yielded a route to substituted 1,3-dioxolanes from small bio-building blocks.
Open hollow Co–Pt clusters embedded in carbon nanoflake arrays for highly efficient alkaline water splitting
Authors: Zhang Hong , Liu Yanyu , Wu Haijun , Zhou Wei , Kou Zongkui , Pennycook Stephen John , Xie Jianping , Guan Cao , Wang John
Published: September 2018

Water splitting provides a clean and renewable way to produce high-purity hydrogen; the current bottlenecks of which are the slow kinetics and poor stability of the available electrocatalysts.
Tailoring the energy storage performance of polymer nanocomposites with aspect ratio optimized 1D nanofillers
Authors: Xie Bing , Zhu Yiwei , Marwat Mohsin Ali , Zhang Shujun , Zhang Ling , Zhang Haibo
Published: September 2018

A universal theoretical computational model has been developed for understanding the effect of the aspect ratio of 1D nanofillers on composite properties, expected to benefit the design of nanocomposite dielectrics for energy storage applications.
The introduction of a perovskite seed layer for high performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jeong Jaeki , Kim Hak-Beom , Yoon Yung Jin , An Na Gyeong , Song Seyeong , Kim Jae Won , Kim Minjin , Jang Hyungsu , Kim Dong Suk , Kim Gi-Hwan , Kim Jin Young
Published: September 2018

A compact seed perovskite layer (CSPL) with a p–i–n planar heterojunction structure for perovskite solar cells achieved a 19.24% power conversion efficiency with a record open circuit voltage of 1.16 V and 20.37% PCE was achieved with a CSPL assisted n–i–p structure in a pure crystal perovskite film. The CSPL assists vertical growth of the perovskite crystal to enhance device performance.
Suppressing the voltage decay of low-cost P2-type iron-based cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Shuyin , Wu Jinpeng , Hu Enyuan , Li Qinghao , Zhang Jienan , Wang Yi , Stavitski Eli , Jiang Liwei , Rong Xiaohui , Yu Xiqian , Yang Wanli , Yang Xiao-Qing , Chen Liquan , Hu Yong-Sheng
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate the voltage decay in Fe based layered oxides comes from a dynamic origin. With excess Cu doping, Fe migration can be mitigated and structural stability can be maintained.
Complete dehydrogenation of N2H4BH3 with NiM-Cr2O3 (M = Pt, Rh, and Ir) hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Jianmin , Lu Zhang-Hui , Yao Qilu , Feng Gang , Luo Yan
Published: September 2018

A simple and facile surfactant-aided co-reduction route was developed to fabricate NiM-Cr2O3 (M = Pt, Rh, and Ir) hybrid NPs, which exhibited high catalytic activity for the dehydrogenation of hydrazine borane.
Sub-5 nm SnO2 chemically coupled hollow carbon spheres for efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Yiliguma Yiliguma , Wang Zhijie , Yang Chao , Guan Anxiang , Shang Longmei , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Zhang Lijuan , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: September 2018

A SnO2 nanoparticle-decorated hollow carbon spherical structure with interfacial Sn–O–C linkages was fabricated as an efficient CO2 reduction reaction electrocatalyst.
Inhibitor potency varies widely among tumor-relevant human isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutants
Authors: Avellaneda Matteo Diego , Wells Grace A. , Luna Lucas A. , Grunseth Adam J. , Zagnitko Olga , Scott David A. , Hoang An , Luthra Amit , Swairjo Manal A. , Schiffer Jamie M. , Sohl Christal D.
Published: September 2018

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) drive most low-grade gliomas and secondary glioblastomas and many chondrosarcomas and acute myeloid leukemia cases. Most tumor-relevant IDH1 mutations are deficient in the normal oxidization of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate (αKG), but gain the neomorphic activity of reducing αKG to D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D2HG), which drives tumorigenesis. We found previously that IDH1 mutants exhibit one of two reactivities: deficient αKG and moderate D2HG production (including commonly observed R132H and R132C) or moderate αKG and high D2HG production (R132Q). Here, we identify a third type of reactivity, deficient αKG and high D2HG production (R132L). We show that R132Q IDH1 has unique structural features and distinct reactivities towards mutant IDH1 inhibitors. Biochemical and cell-based assays demonstrate that while most tumor-relevant mutations were effectively inhibited by mutant IDH1 inhibitors, R132Q IDH1 had up to a 16 300-fold increase in IC50 versus R132H IDH1. Only compounds that inhibited wild-type (WT) IDH1 were effective against R132Q. This suggests that patients with a R132Q mutation may have a poor response to mutant IDH1 therapies. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that near the NADP+/NADPH-binding site in R132Q IDH1, a pair of α-helices switches between conformations that are more wild-type-like or more mutant-like, highlighting mechanisms for preserved WT activity. Dihedral angle changes in the dimer interface and buried surface area charges highlight possible mechanisms for loss of inhibitor affinity against R132Q. This work provides a platform for predicting a patient's therapeutic response and identifies a potential resistance mutation that may arise upon treatment with mutant IDH inhibitors.
The relationship between habitual dietary sodium intake and RAAS blockade on circulating microparticle levels in type two diabetes
Authors: Baqar Sara , Liu Dorothy , Lincz Lisa F. , Kong Yee Wen , Jerums George , Ekinci Elif I.
Published: September 2018

Objective: Low sodium intake is paradoxically associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), possibly from renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, leading to endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the associations between habitual sodium intake and RAAS blockade on endothelial function by measuring circulating microparticles (MPs) in individuals with T2D. Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study in 74 individuals with T2D. Habitual dietary sodium intake was estimated by using the mean of three corrected 24-h urine sodium excretion measurements (24hUNa). MP subtypes in platelet-free plasma were quantitated using flow cytometry. Results: No associations between 24hUNa with levels of endothelial MPs were observed. Instead, a trend toward higher diabetes related CD36+/CD235a+ MP levels was associated with lower 24hUNa (rho = −0.23, P=0.05). When stratified according to tertiles of 24hUNa, platelet-derived CD42b+/CD41+ and CD42+/CD41+/Annexin V+ MPs were higher in the lowest tertile (24hUNa < 157 mmol/24 h) (P=0.02 respectively). Despite RAAS blockade being associated with lower levels of most MP subsets, it was not associated with lower MPs, in the setting of low sodium intake. Conclusion: Lower sodium intake is associated with higher circulating procoagulant MPs, but not with evidence of endothelial dysfunction in individuals with T2D.
Bioassay standardization issues in freshwater ecosystem assessment: test cultures and test conditions
Authors: Terekhova Vera A. , Wadhia Kirit , Fedoseeva Elena V. , Uchanov Pavel V.
Published: September 2018

The use of bioassays for environment contamination assessment, in particular for aquatic ecosystems, has gained topicality and found extensive applications over the past decades. The methodologies are well established, but the standardization of bioassay conditions needs to be better defined in order to assure applicability as an efficient analytic tool and that results are ecologically relevant. This paper addresses the analysis of the current international situation and the specifics of Russian practice in culturing and use of test organisms for freshwater bioassays. Standardization of bioassays calls for the utilisation of pertinent sources of test cultures and the provision of appropriate cultivation conditions. The paper discusses and reviews recommendations for the selection of test species and their culturing in the context of established ecotoxicological targets and the assessment of sensitivity to various reference toxicants. The significance of the quality of water utilized for test cultures and sample dilution is highlighted. Strict water quality requirements and synthetic media options are analyzed and due consideration is given to temperature and illumination conditions. Toxkit microbiotests are discussed as an alternative to toxicity bioassays alleviating the need for continuous stock test culturing and maintenance.
The first records of the occurrence of a North American invader Gammarus tigrinus Sexton, 1939 in the tributaries of the upper Vistula River
Authors: Lewin Iga , Halabowski Dariusz , Rymarski Zbigniew
Published: September 2018

The amphipod species Gammarus tigrinus, Sexton 1939 is native to the Atlantic coast of North America. The native range of its occurrence includes oligo- and mesohaline brackish waters with salinity of up to 14‰. Our survey was carried out in the tributaries of the upper Vistula River in Upper Silesia that is the most urbanised and industrialised region in Poland and constitutes one of the largest coal basins in the world. This survey uncovered the first occurrence of G. tigrinus with the maximum density of 1040 individuals m−2 in the tributaries of the upper Vistula River that have been polluted by coal mine water discharge. The occurrence of the invasive alien gastropod species, i.e. Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1843) was also recorded in such salinised water. Our results showed that the anthropogenically salinised tributaries of the upper Vistula River constitute new habitats for euryhaline species and create new migration routes for alien and invasive species.
First report of the parasitic copepod Lernaea cyprinacea (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) on gobioid fishes (Teleostei: Gobonellidae) in southern Europe
Authors: Ahnelt Harald , Konecny Robert , Gabriel Andreas , Bauer Andreas , Pompei Laura , Lorenzoni Massimo , Sattmann Helmut
Published: September 2018

Lernaea cyprinacea is a non host-specific parasitic copepod known to infest many freshwater fish species. Outbreaks of infestations by this ectoparasite may cause mass mortality of parasitized fishes. L. cyprinacea has been found mostly on pelagic species. Records on small benthic fish species are less common. Especially rare are infestations of Gobioidei adapted to a benthic life style, with reports restricted to Asia and, in Europe, to the Ponto-Caspian region. Although it is cosmopolitan, L. cyprinacea has rarely been found in Italy. One of the few Italian localities with documented infestations is Lake Trasimeno, a lake with an economically important fishery. Although endoparasites of commercially interesting fish species in this lake are well documented, information about ectoparasites is rare. In May 2015, specimens of two gobioids − Knipowitschia panizzae and Pomatoschistus canestrinii − infested with L. cyprinacea were sampled at the south shore of Lake Trasimeno. Both gobies are not native to the lake. This is the first documentation of gobioid fishes as hosts of L. cyprinacea in Italy and in Europe (outside of the Ponto-Caspian region). Although both gobies are not optimal hosts (small size, short life expectancy) they have the potential to carry and to transmit the parasite in freshwater habitats, e.g. by unintentional introduction with fry of other fish species.
Requiem für den Marlboro Man
Authors: Holzhauer Peter
Published: September 2018

Begriffe wie Freiheit, Abenteuer, Autonomie, repräsentiert durch starke heldenhafte Archetypen, sind unverwechselbar und prägend mit der Werbung von zahlreichen bedeutenden Marken verbunden. So entstand in den 50er-Jahren die Kunstfigur des Marlboro Man, der einsam und autark, nur mit Pferd und Zigarette bewaffnet, durch die eindrucksvolle Wildnis des amerikanischen Westens streifte.
Immuntherapie eines inoperablen Bronchialkarzinoms
Authors: Holzhauer Peter
Published: September 2018

Die schnelle klinische Evaluierung und Zulassung von sogenannten Checkpoint-Inhibitoren bei mittlerweile zahlreichen Tumorentitäten hat das therapeutische onkologische Spektrum spürbar und effektiv bereichert. Nach Publikation der Phase-III-Studie „KEYNOTE-024“, die ein verbessertes Gesamtüberleben bei Behandlung mit Pembrolizumab im Vergleich zu platinhaltiger Standardtherapie zeigen konnte, wurde die Immuntherapie mit dem Antikörper auch in der EU in der ersten Therapielinie beim nichtkleinzelligen Bronchialkarzinom zugelassen. Voraussetzung für den Einsatz sind das Vorliegen einer hohen Tumor PD-L1-Expression (>50%) und das Fehlen von aktivierenden Treibermutationen wie ALK, ROS und EGFR. Hier wird der Behandlungsverlauf eines Patienten mit inoperablem NSCLC und bipulmonaler Metastasierung vorgestellt.
MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Imaging for Diagnosis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis – A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Berger Judith , Henneman Onno , Rhemrev Johann , Smeets Maddy , Jansen Frank
Published: September 2018

It was the aim of our study to evaluate this procedure using pelvic anatomical landmarks in order to assess the accuracy of fusion imaging and to critically evaluate the applicability in daily practice.

In a prospective, single center study, 10 patients with clinical signs of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) were selected. We measured the distance between the landmark organ and the target shown by the software system (measurement 1). Measurement 2 depicts the distance between the landmark and the nearest calibration point. The calibration inaccuracy was measured as a third type of measurement (measurement 3).

Measurement 1: the average distance between the organ landmark to the target was 13.6 mm (range: 0–96 mm). Measurement 2: in 31 of the 40 attempts (77.5 %), we could measure the distance from the landmark organ to the nearest calibration point. The average distance was 34.4 mm (range: 0–69 mm).

Measurement 3: A perfect match was seen in 6 of 20 attempts (30.0 %). There was a deviation in 14 of the 20 attempts (70.0 %). The mean distance was 11.1 mm (range: 6–23 mm). Conclusion Although very promising, MRI-ultrasound fusion imaging (MUFI) currently cannot be readily implemented into daily practice as a routine evaluation of DIE.
Immuntherapien mit Checkpoint-Inhibitoren – Eine Übersicht
Authors: Holzhauer Peter
Published: September 2018

Das Konzept, Zellen des Immunsystems so zu aktivieren, dass eine ausreichend effektive Immunantwort gegen Tumorzellen erzielt werden kann, ist nicht neu. Bis zur klinischen Einführung der Checkpoint-Inhibitoren konnte sich aber keine Form der Immuntherapie, seien es Zytokin-basierte Therapien oder Therapiekonzepte mit aktivierten Effektorzellen, als ausreichend effektiv durchsetzen. In dieser Übersicht werden die wichtigsten heute zugelassenen Checkpoint-Inhibitoren bei verschiedenen Tumorentitäten vorgestellt.
Mitochondrien als potenzielle Zielstruktur in der Krebstherapie
Authors: Schmitt Sabine , Zischka Hans
Published: September 2018

Mitochondrien spielen für das Überleben, die metabolische Homöostase, das Wachstum und die Teilung (Proliferation) von Zellen eine entscheidende Rolle. Zu den herausragenden Funktionen dieser Organellen gehören insbesondere die effiziente zelluläre Energieproduktion, die Regulation des programmierten Zelltods und die Beteiligung am Zellmetabolismus durch den Auf-, Ab- und Umbau wichtiger zellulärer Moleküle. Um die besonderen Bedürfnisse von schnell proliferierenden Krebszellen erfüllen zu können, verändern Mitochondrien die Gewichtung dieser Funktionen durch eine Veränderung ihres molekularen Aufbaus. Diese molekularen Veränderungen stellen den zentralen Ansatzpunkt dar, um mitochondrial wirksame Chemotherapeutika („Mitocans“) mit hoher Tumorspezifität zu entwickeln. Dieser Übersichtsartikel beschreibt die mitochondrialen Funktionen und dazugehörigen molekularen Grundlagen welche für die Wirkung solcher Mitocans von Bedeutung sind und gibt einen Überblick über den derzeitigen Entwicklungsstand dieser Substanzen.
Liebe Leserin, lieber Leser
Authors: Edlhaimb Hans-Peter
Published: September 2018

Michael Balint hat mit der Balint-Gruppenarbeit Ärztinnen und Ärzten das diagnostisch-therapeutische Instrument der Selbstreflexion und Selbsterfahrung in einem geschützten Raum gegeben. Das Erleben der wechselseitigen, intersubjektiven „Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung“ ermöglicht Fremd- und Selbstbestimmung, das Spüren des Fremden im Eigenen sowie des Eigenen im Fremden. Die Wahrnehmung und Analyse der Übertragung und Gegenübertragung eröffnen den Weg in eine komplexe Welt von Diversitäten und Ähnlichkeiten.
Zwischen Liberalität und Retraditionalisierung – Einstellungen zu sexualitätsbezogenen Themen in Deutschland
Authors: Klein Verena , Brunner Franziska
Published: September 2018

Einleitung: Sexualpolitische Themen wie das Recht von Frauen auf Informationen zum Schwangerschaftsabbruch, sexuelle Vielfalt als Thema des
Schulunterrichts und das Adoptionsrecht für homosexuelle Paare dominieren die öffentliche Debatte. Der sogenannte Wertekonflikt zwischen Liberalen versus
Konservativen / Linken versus Rechten lässt sich besonders in der Erforschung von Einstellungen zu sexualitätsbezogenen Themen erkennen. Während die Mehrzahl
der großen internationalen Survey-Untersuchungen zur Erfassung sexueller Verhaltensweisen Fragen zu sexualitätsbezogenen Einstellungen einbezog, existiert
bisher keine systematische, repräsentative Studie zu sexualitätsbezogenen Einstellungen in Deutschland.

Forschungsziele: Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, Einstellungen in Deutschland zu ausgewählten sexualitätsbezogenen Themen darzustellen: Sex
außerhalb der Ehe, gleichgeschlechtliche Sexualkontakte von Männern und Frauen, Sexarbeit, Schwangerschaftsabbruch sowie Promiskuität.

Methoden: Die Daten wurden im Rahmen der Pilotstudie zur Erwachsenensexualität in Deutschland (vgl. Matthiesen et al.
2018, in diesem Heft) erhoben. Insgesamt wurden die sexualitätsbezogenen Einstellungen von 950 Männern und Frauen im Alter zwischen 18 und 75 Jahren
ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse: Durchschnittlich wurden die erhobenen Variablen eher akzeptierend beantwortet. Ausnahmen stellten die Einstellung zu Sex außerhalb der Ehe
sowie zu einer hohen Anzahl wechselnder Sexualpartner_innen dar – diese stießen auf weniger Akzeptanz im Vergleich zu den anderen sexualitätsbezogenen
Einstellungen.

Schlussfolgerung: In Deutschland überwiegen gegenwärtig liberale Einstellungen gegenüber gleichgeschlechtlichen Sexualkontakten, Schwangerschaftsabbruch
und Sexarbeit. Sex außerhalb der Ehe und ein promiskuitives Sexualverhalten stießen auf weniger Akzeptanz. Die Ergebnisse der Pilotstudie legen nahe, dass die
sexuellen Einstellungen der Deutschen eine permissive, aber monogame Werteorientierung unterstützen.
Sexuelle Identität, sexuelle Attraktion und sexuelles Verhalten – Dimensionen sexueller Orientierungen in der
Survey-Forschung
Authors: Cerwenka Susanne , Brunner Franziska
Published: September 2018

Einleitung: Nach aktueller Forschungslage empfiehlt sich die Erfassung der Vielfältigkeit sexueller Orientierungen über die Dimensionen sexuelle
Identität, sexuelle Attraktion und sexuelles Verhalten, zumal empirische Studien zeigen, dass für einen Anteil von Personen die Dimensionen nicht kongruent
(übereinstimmend) beantwortet werden. Bei der Interpretation von Forschungsergebnissen muss daher die Operationalisierung von sexuellen Orientierungen
berücksichtigt werden.

Forschungsziele: Ziel der Studie ist es, anhand einer deutschen Stichprobe verschiedene Muster der drei Dimensionen sexueller Orientierungen bei Männern
und Frauen zu verdeutlichen.

Methoden: Es wurden anhand der Daten von 498 Männern und 481 Frauen mit heterosexueller, bisexueller und homosexueller Identität Muster kongruenter
(übereinstimmender) und inkongruenter (nicht übereinstimmender) Angaben zu den Dimensionen sexueller Orientierungen analysiert.

Ergebnisse: Ein Großteil der Männer (94.9 %) und Frauen (95.8 %) machte kongruente Angaben in den drei Dimensionen sexueller Orientierungen. Personen mit
bisexueller Identität zeigten am häufigsten nicht übereinstimmende Antwortmuster bzw. Inkongruenzen (Männer: 100 %, Frauen: 90.0 %). Kongruente homosexuelle
Orientierungen waren häufig mit einer Variabilität innerhalb der drei Dimensionen verbunden, die auch nur vorwiegend gleichgeschlechtliche sexuelle Attraktion
und sexuelles Verhalten beinhalten kann (Männer: 60.0 %, Frauen: 87.5 %), während kongruente heterosexuelle Orientierungen öfter als ausschließliche Bezogenheit
auf das andere Geschlecht beschrieben wurden (Männer: 89.2 %, Frauen: 78.0 %).

Schlussfolgerung: Im Vergleich zu Personen mit heterosexueller Identität zeigte sich bei Männern und Frauen mit homosexueller Identität eine größere
Variabilität zwischen sexueller Identität und Attraktion und/oder zwischen sexueller Identität und Verhalten. Limitationen quantitativer Forschung hinsichtlich
der Abbildung der Komplexität der menschlichen Sexualität sind kritisch zu diskutieren.
Am Rande der Sprache – Dankbarkeit
Authors: Strasser K. , Petzold E.
Published: September 2018

Eine der wesentlichen Perspektiven der Hospizarbeit ist die Begleitung am Übergang zwischen Leben und Tod zwischen Endlichem und Unendlichen. Oft sind es Ehrenamtliche, die immer wieder von den in der letzten Lebensphase begleiteten Menschen etwas bekommen, was sie wie ein Geschenk erleben. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird kurz über die Struktur der Hospizarbeit in Essen und Oberhausen berichtet. Eine quantitative Auswertung einer Fragebogenaktion wurde in der Zeitschrift für Palliativmedizin publiziert 2. Neben Alter, Geschlecht, Beginn der ehrenamtlichen Hospizarbeit und den Zeiten der Begleitung geht es uns hier zentral um immaterielle Geschenke der Begleitenden und derer, die sie Begleiten.
Trumpism: a disfigured Americanism
Authors: Yang Mimi
Published: September 2018

The current cultural turmoil in the U.S. is much associated with Trumpism. This article asserts that Trumpism has its ideological root in nativism, a cultural tradition perpetuated by John Higham. To point out the disfigured Americanism in Trumpism, this paper theorizes the vertical America and the horizontal America, and dissects their complex interplay and symbiosis in an evolving American culture. The vertical Americanism sets hierarchies to secure power and control as well as maintain racial and cultural “purity;” the horizontal Americanism, epitomized by Martin Luther King and Barack Obama, equalizes and connects across races, creeds, and social classes. The color line (in Dubois’ term) thus becomes a converging and diverging boundary between the two Americas; it harbors and delineates Trumpism. It is argued that disfigurement of Americanism comes from a disruptive and destructive interplay of the vertical and the horizontal in Trump’s America.
The wavenumber of privileged cnoidal electron and ion holes—a nonlinearly nontrivial parameter
Authors: Borah Prathana , Das Nilakshi , Schamel Hans
Published: September 2018

The wavenumber of cnoidal electron and ion holes, the modes which constitute the basis for structure formation in collisionless intermittent plasma turbulence, is calculated in terms of the independent parameters in Schamel's nonlinear wave description under the assumption of regularly trapped particles. Being linearly a simple parameter, this quantity turns out anything other than trivial in the nonlinear regime.
Cluster–Micelle Transition of a Thermo- and Photoresponsive ABC Triblock Copolymer in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Saruwatari Aya , Hashimoto Kei , Tamate Ryota , Usui Ryoji , Kokubo Hisashi , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: September 2018

We report the photocontrollable micelle–cluster transition of an ABC-type triblock copolymer in an ionic liquid (IL). Polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(4-phenylazobenzyl acrylamide-r-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PSt-b-PEO-b-P(AzoBnAm-r-NIPAm)) was synthesised, where PSt is IL-phobic, PEO is IL-philic, and P(AzoBnAm-r-NIPAm) is photo- and thermoresponsive in the IL. At high temperatures, the triblock copolymer forms micelles with PSt cores; furthermore, at low temperatures, micelles self-assemble into clusters induced by the aggregation of P(AzoBnAm-r-NIPAm). Under UV irradiation, the micelles form clusters at lower temperatures than that in the dark because of the change in the solubility of P(AzoBnAm-r-NIPAm) induced by photoisomerisation of the azobenzene groups, indicating that this triblock copolymer has a photocontrollable micelle–cluster transition temperature.
National survey of attitudes towards pregnancy termination procedures among anaesthesiology residents in the US
Authors: Stowers Paris , Thannickal Aneesa , Wojtowycz Martha , Wallis Jodi , Reiss Zevidah V.
Published: September 2018

Anaesthesiologists are vital to abortion access in the US. An online survey of 215 anaesthesiology residents assessed attitudes towards abortion. Among the surveyed residents, first-trimester abortion was more acceptable than second-trimester abortion (P < 0.001). Few respondents objected to abortion in cases of fetal anomalies or maternal health indications. Further, 77.3% of surveyed residents reported past participation in abortion procedures, including 77.8% of residents with objections to abortion in some circumstances. Anaesthesiology residents who are female, childless and non-religious were more likely to find first-trimester abortion acceptable.
Mutations of mitochondrial DNA are not major contributors to aging of fruit flies
Authors: Kauppila Timo E. S. , Bratic Ana , Jensen Martin Borch , Baggio Francesca , Partridge Linda , Jasper Heinrich , Grönke Sebastian , Larsson Nils-Göran
Published: September 2018

Significance

Mutations of mtDNA accumulate in aging humans and other mammals to cause mitochondrial dysfunction in a subset of cells in various tissues. Furthermore, experimental induction of mtDNA mutations causes a premature aging syndrome in the mouse. To study if mitochondrial dysfunction is universally involved in shortening life span in metazoans, we generated a series of fruit fly lines with varying levels of mtDNA mutations. Unexpectedly, we report that fruit flies are remarkably tolerant to mtDNA mutations, as exemplified by their lack of effect on physiology and lifespan. Only an artificially induced, very drastic increase of the mtDNA mutation load will lead to reduced lifespan, showing that mtDNA mutations are unlikely to limit lifespan in natural fruit fly populations.
Rapid stimulation of human dentate gyrus function with acute mild exercise
Authors: Suwabe Kazuya , Byun Kyeongho , Hyodo Kazuki , Reagh Zachariah M. , Roberts Jared M. , Matsushita Akira , Saotome Kousaku , Ochi Genta , Fukuie Takemune , Suzuki Kenji , Sankai Yoshiyuki , Yassa Michael A. , Soya Hideaki
Published: September 2018

Significance

Our previous work has shown that mild physical exercise can promote better memory in rodents. Here, we use functional MRI in healthy young adults to assess the immediate impact of a short bout of mild exercise on the brain mechanisms supporting memory processes. We find that this brief intervention rapidly enhanced highly detailed memory processing and resulted in elevated activity in the hippocampus and the surrounding regions, as well as increased coupling between the hippocampus and cortical regions previously known to support detailed memory processing. These findings represent a mechanism by which mild exercise, on par with yoga and tai chi, may improve memory. Future studies should test the long-term effects of regular mild exercise on age-related memory loss.
FUS interacts with ATP synthase beta subunit and induces mitochondrial unfolded protein response in cellular and animal models
Authors: Deng Jianwen , Wang Peng , Chen Xiaoping , Cheng Haipeng , Liu Jianghong , Fushimi Kazuo , Zhu Li , Wu Jane Y.
Published: September 2018

Significance

In this study, we used an inducible cellular model for FUS proteinopathy to demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs as the earliest detectable change induced by FUS. In cellular and fly models, FUS interacts with the mitochondrial ATP synthase β-subunit (ATP5B), disrupts ATP synthase complex assembly, suppresses the activity of mitochondrial ATP synthase, and activates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR
mt
). ATP5B expression is increased in cells and flies expressing FUS. Down-regulating expression of ATP5B or UPR
mt
genes ameliorates FUS-induced neurodegeneration. Our data uncover a previously unknown role of FUS in targeting mitochondrial ATP synthesis and activating UPR
mt
.