bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antidepressant‐like effect of flaxseed in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress
Authors: Han Yan , Deng Xin , Zhang Yi , Wang Xin , Zhu Xiongzhao , Mei Shiyong , Chen Anguo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionDepression is a serious mental illness. However, a significant proportion of patients with depression fail to achieve remission with antidepressant therapies. This study was conducted to explore the antidepressant‐like effect of flaxseed oil and flour in an animal model with depression‐like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS).MethodsRats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (Sham–Sham), CUS plus saline (S‐SN), CUS plus escitalopram (S‐Esc), CUS plus flaxseeds oil (S‐FO), and CUS plus flaxseed flour (S‐FF). Behaviors were tested using sucrose preference test and forced swimming test. The serum BDNF concentration, hippocampal BDNF mRNA, and protein expression were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time PCR, and Western blot, respectively.ResultsThe sucrose preference rate was significantly higher in S‐FO and S‐FF rats than in S‐SN and S‐Esc rats (p < .01), and lower in S‐Esc rats than in Sham–Sham rats (p < .01). The immobility time was significantly shorter in S‐FO and S‐FF rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .01), and shorter in S‐Esc rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .01). Plasma BDNF concentrations were significantly lower in S‐FO, S‐FF, and S‐Esc rats than in Sham–Sham rats (p < .01); BDNF was lower in S‐FO, S‐FF, and S‐SN rats than in S‐Esc rats. The hippocampal BDNF protein expression was significantly higher in S‐Esc rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .05). The hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression was significantly higher in S‐Esc rats than in S‐SN rats (p < .01). The BDNF gene expression in plasma and the hippocampus negatively correlated with the immobility time (p < .05), but BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus positively correlated with the sucrose preference rate (p < .05).ConclusionFlaxseed oil and flaxseed flour exert antidepressant‐like effect in rats exposed to chronic stress. Flaxseed may have a therapeutic effect on depression.
Protective effect of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate against neuroinflammation and anxiety‐like behavior in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Li Ping , Qin Tian , Sun Dongjie , Zhao Xin , Zhang Beilin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals who experience myocardial infarction (MI) often experience anxiety. Green tea has potent antioxidative properties and, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), which is a primary component of tea polyphenols, has advantageous effects on anxiety and depression. However, its mechanism of action regarding the inhibition of anxiety‐like symptoms after MI remains unclear. This study examined whether EGCG alleviated anxiety‐like behavior in MI rats and its possible mechanism.Material and MethodsRats were administered a daily gavage of EGCG (50 mg/kg) 7 days before and 14 consecutive days after the MI procedure. The open‐field test and light/dark shuttle box were performed to evaluate anxiety‐like behavior. Serum and hippocampus interleukin (IL)‐6 levels were tested using ELISA. Caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9 and bcl‐2 messenger RNA levels in the hippocampus were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and STAT3 protein was detected by Western blot.ResultsResults of the open field test and light/dark shuttle box task demonstrated that the MI procedure induced anxiety‐like behavior in the animals, and this impairment was improved by EGCG. Daily EGCG administration significantly decreased the level of IL‐6 both in serum and hippocampus after MI. The administration of EGCG also significantly moderated the expression of caspases 3, 8, and 9 mRNA, which was related to apoptosis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, EGCG also downregulated the expression of STAT3, which was related to the activity of IL‐6. These results suggest that EGCG alleviated anxiety‐like behavior by inhibiting increases in neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the rat hippocampus. In addition, EGCG reversed alterations of IL‐6 and STAT3 in the brain to alleviate apoptosis in the hippocampus.ConclusionsThus, EGCG reversed anxiety‐like behavior through an anti‐inflammation effect to alleviate apoptosis in neurons and may be a useful therapeutic material for anxiety‐like behavior after MI.
The in Vitro Antiplasmodial and Antiproliferative Activity of New Ferrocene‐Based α‐Aminocresols Targeting Hemozoin Inhibition and DNA Interaction
Authors: Mbaba Mziyanda , Dingle Laura M. K. , Swart Tarryn , Cash Devon , Laming Dustin , de la Mare Jo‐Anne , Taylor Dale , Hoppe Heinrich C. , Biot Christophe , Edkins Adrienne L. , Khanye Setshaba D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe conjugation of organometallic complexes to known bioactive organic frameworks is a proven strategy revered for devising new drug molecules with novel modes of action. This approach holds great promise for the generation of potent drug leads in the quest for therapeutic chemotypes with the potential to overcome the development of clinical resistance. Herein, we present the in vitro antiplasmodial and antiproliferative investigation of ferrocenyl α‐aminocresol conjugates assembled by amalgamation of the organometallic ferrocene unit and an α‐aminocresol scaffold possessing antimalarial activity. The compounds pursued in the study exhibited higher toxicity towards the chemosensitive (3D7) and ‐resistant (Dd2) strains of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite than to the human HCC70 triple‐negative breast cancer cell line. Indication of cross‐resistance was absent for the compounds evaluated against the multi‐resistant Dd2 strain. Structure‐activity analysis revealed that the phenolic hydroxy group and rotatable σ bond between the α‐carbon and NH group of the α‐amino‐o‐cresol skeleton are crucial for the biological activity of the compounds. Spectrophotometric techniques and in silico docking simulations performed on selected derivatives suggest that the compounds show a dual mode of action involving hemozoin inhibition and DNA interaction via minor‐groove binding. Lastly, compound 9 a, identified as a possible lead, exhibited preferential binding for the plasmodial DNA isolated from 3D7 P. falciparum trophozoites over the mammalian calf thymus DNA, thereby substantiating the enhanced antiplasmodial activity of the compounds. The presented research demonstrates the strategy of incorporating organometallic complexes into known biologically active organic scaffolds as a viable avenue to fashion novel multimodal compounds with potential to counter the development drug resistance.
Systematic Evaluation of Imine‐Reducing Enzymes: Common Principles in Imine Reductases, β‐Hydroxy Acid Dehydrogenases, and Short‐Chain Dehydrogenases/ Reductases
Authors: Stockinger Peter , Roth Sebastian , Müller Michael , Pleiss Jürgen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe enzymatic, asymmetric reduction of imines is catalyzed by imine reductases (IREDs), members of the short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, and β‐hydroxy acid dehydrogenase (βHAD) variants. Systematic evaluation of the structures and substrate‐binding sites of the three enzyme families has revealed four common principles for imine reduction: structurally conserved cofactor‐binding domains; tyrosine, aspartate, or glutamate as proton donor; at least four characteristic flanking residues that adapt the donor's pKa and polarize the substrate; and a negative electrostatic potential in the substrate‐binding site to stabilize the transition state. As additional catalytically relevant positions, we propose alternative proton donors in IREDs and βHADs as well as proton relays in IREDs, βHADs, and SDRs. The functional role of flanking residues was experimentally confirmed by alanine scanning of the imine‐reducing SDR from Zephyranthes treatiae. Mutating the “gatekeeping” phenylalanine at standard position 200 resulted in a tenfold increase in imine‐reducing activity.
Optical Control of GABAA Receptors with a Fulgimide‐Based Potentiator
Authors: Rustler Karin , Maleeva Galyna , Gomila Alexandre M. J. , Gorostiza Pau , Bregestovski Piotr , König Burkhard 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOptogenetic and photopharmacological tools to manipulate neuronal inhibition have limited efficacy and reversibility. We report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of Fulgazepam, a fulgimide derivative of benzodiazepine that behaves as a pure potentiator of ionotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) and displays full and reversible photoswitching in vitro and in vivo. The compound enables high‐resolution studies of GABAergic neurotransmission, and phototherapies based on localized, acute, and reversible neuroinhibition.
In Situ Bioremediation of Toluene‐Polluted Vadose Zone: Integrated Column and Wetland Study
Authors: Basu Shreejita , Yadav Brijesh Kumar , Mathur Shashi , Gupta Pankaj Kumar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA vertical soil column setup integrated with wetlands is developed to study the biodegradation and transport of toluene, a light non‐aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL), in the subsurface environment. LNAPL‐contaminated water is applied to infiltrate from the top of the soil column. The observed and simulated breakthrough curves show high equilibrium concentration at top ports rather than at lower ports, indicating effective toluene biodegradation with soil depth. The observed equilibrium concentration of toluene is higher in the case of unplanted wetland, asserting an accelerated biodegradation rate in the planted case. A difference in the relative concentration of toluene between input and output fluxes at 100 h is found as 13.34% and 30.86% for planted and unplanted wetland setups, respectively. Estimated biodegradation rates show that toluene degradation is 2.5 times faster in the planted wetland setup. In addition, the difference in the observed bacterial count and dissolved oxygen prove that toluene degraded aerobically at a faster rate in the planted setup. Simulations show that as time reached 80–100 h, there is no significant change in concentration profile, thereby confirming the equilibrium condition. The results of this study will be useful to frame plant‐assisted bioremediation techniques for LNAPL‐contaminated soil–water resources in the field.
Perineuronal nets and subtypes ofGABAergiccells differentiate auditory and multisensory nuclei in the intercollicular area of the midbrain
Authors: Beebe Nichole L , Noftz William A , Schofield Brett R 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe intercollicular region, which lies between the inferior and superior colliculi in the midbrain, contains neurons that respond to auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli. Golgi studies have been used to parse this region into three distinct nuclei: the intercollicular tegmentum (ICt), the rostral pole of the inferior colliculus (ICrp), and the nucleus of the brachium of the IC (NBIC). Few reports have focused on these nuclei, especially the ICt and the ICrp, possibly due to lack of a marker that distinguishes these areas and is compatible with modern methods. Here, we found that staining for GABAergic cells and perineuronal nets differentiates these intercollicular nuclei in guinea pigs. Further, we found that the proportions of four subtypes of GABAergic cells differentiate intercollicular nuclei from each other and from adjacent inferior collicular subdivisions. Our results support earlier studies that suggest distinct morphology and functions for intercollicular nuclei, and provide staining methods that differentiate intercollicular nuclei and are compatible with most modern techniques. We hope that this will help future studies to further characterize the intercollicular region.
Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Ions Complexes with a Partial Peptide of the Selectivity Filter in K+ Channels Studied by a Cold Ion Trap Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Otsuka Remina , Hirata Keisuke , Sasaki Yuta , Lisy James M. , Ishiuchi Shun‐ichi , Fujii Masaaki 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by Takashi Tsujino (Science Graphics Co., Ltd.) . The image shows the efficacy of a bottom‐up approach to ion selectivity of K+ channels. The GYG‐K+ complex, which replicates the local portion of K+ channels, has three conformations with an equivalent distribution. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202000033.
Design of low‐power all‐optical networks under the constraint of four‐wave mixing
Authors: Hirata Kouji , Kimura Tomotaka , Fukuchi Yutaka , Muraguchi Masahiro 
Published: April 2020

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a static lightpath establishment method to design low‐power all‐optical networks under the constraint of four‐wave mixing (FWM). Since the FWM causes nonlinear interchannel crosstalk, it degrades the communication quality of optical signals. The FWM crosstalk effect becomes strong in a fiber as the number of passing optical signals increases. Therefore, we should reduce the number of optical signals passing through the same fiber from the perspective of the FWM. Meanwhile, in order to enhance the power efficiency of optical amplifiers, which are deployed at each optical fiber, it is preferred that multiple optical signals are transmitted in the same fiber. In order to decrease the power consumption while keeping high communication quality, the proposed method statically selects routes, wavelengths, and fibers for each traffic demand, considering the FWM crosstalk effect and the usage efficiency of the optical amplifiers. We show the performance of the proposed method through numerical experiments.
High‐frequency sequences within a retrogradational deltaic succession: Upper Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, Western Canada Foreland Basin
Authors: Hay Michael J. , Plint A. Guy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAfter prograding for several hundred kilometres during Middle Cenomanian time, the Dunvegan delta complex in north‐west Alberta and adjacent British Columbia experienced stepwise transgression, commencing at about the Middle to Late Cenomanian boundary. Progressive drowning of the delta complex is recorded by Dunvegan allomembers B and A, each comprised of three simple depositional sequences, bounded by composite subaerial unconformity/flooding surfaces. Each sequence represents an array of deltaic depositional environments. Delta‐front sandstones preserve little evidence, such as hummocky cross‐stratification, for powerful storm wave action, although wave and combined‐flow ripples are common. Delta‐front sandstone bodies tend to be smaller and lobate in the lower part of the studied interval, and larger and more linear near the top. This suggests increasingly effective wave‐driven redistribution of sand as more open‐marine conditions were gradually established. The top surfaces of allomembers B and A are locally incised by sandstone‐filled palaeovalleys up to 19 m deep; river incision may have been a response to relative sea‐level fall and/or a change in the ratio of discharge to sediment load. Overall, the shoreline described a broad arc, open to the south east, with the sense of shoreline migration north‐west to south‐east. For each sequence, the shoreline migrated an average of 80 km between transgressive and regressive limits. The transgressive limit shows a progressive landward offset of about 15 km per sequence, culminating in complete drowning of the delta system above sequence A3. Isopach maps show that syn‐depositional tectonic subsidence rotated the basin down to the south‐west; palaeogeographic maps show, however, that the sea floor sloped to the south‐east, implying that sediment redistribution effectively filled all tectonically generated accommodation and maintained a south‐east inclined depositional surface. Transgressions and regressions across this surface were therefore driven primarily by eustasy rather than pulses of tectonic subsidence. Simple calculations based on inferred alluvial gradients of 10–20 cm/km suggest that eustatic excursions of ca 8–16 m would have been sufficient to generate sequence thicknesses on the order of 10 m. Limited geochronologic and biostratigraphic control suggests that the six simple sequences that form Dunvegan allomembers B and A each represent an average of about 41 kyr, suggesting that the orbital obliquity cycle was the primary control on high‐frequency sea‐level cycles.
CFAR processing by converting Weibull to Rayleigh distributions
Authors: Sayama Shuji 
Published: April 2020

AbstractI have observed sea clutter containing a target (ship) using an X‐band radar with a frequency of 9.41 GHz, a beamwidth of 1.0°, a pulsewidth of 0.5 μs, and a pulse‐repetition frequency of 1600 Hz. To investigate the sea clutter amplitude statistics, I introduce the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). I have found that the sea clutter amplitudes obey the Weibull distribution with the shape parameter of c = 2.83 for entire data and the log‐normal, Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions with the shape parameters of σ = 0.439, c = 2.76 to 4.59, and c = 8.09 to 10.42, respectively, for data within the beam width of an antenna. The number of the smallest AIC (MAIC) of the log‐normal, Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions to data are 1, 18, and 2, respectively, from 21 range sweep numbers. I have used a circuit to convert Weibull to Rayleigh distributions and a Cell‐Averaging (CA) LOG/CFAR circuit. It is found that ship is detected and sea clutter is suppressed with improvement of 31.43 dB by CFAR processing.
MiRNA‐181a is a novel regulator of aldosterone–mineralocorticoid receptor‐mediated cardiac remodelling
Authors: Garg Ankita , Foinquinos Ariana , Jung Mira , Janssen‐Peters Heike , Biss Sinje , Bauersachs Johann , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Thum Thomas 
Published: April 2020

AimThe aldosterone–mineralocorticoid receptor (Aldo–MR) pathway is activated during cardiac stress, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure. The importance of Aldo and MR in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases is well established; however, the regulatory mechanisms behind Aldo/MR‐induced cardiac remodelling remain uncertain. We here investigated potential miRNA‐mediated regulation of the Aldo–MR pathway to improve mechanistic understanding.Methods and resultsHigh‐throughput screening of 2,555 miRNAs using an MR responsive stable cardiomyocyte cell line (MMTV‐GFP‐HL‐1) identified miR‐181a as a potential regulator of Aldo–MR pathway. MiR‐181a was found to downregulate the expression of Ngal (lipocalin‐2), a well‐established downstream effector molecule of Aldo–MR. In addition, Aldo‐induced cellular hypertrophy decreased significantly upon miR‐181a overexpression. Genetic miR‐181 knockout in murine MI model led to deteriorated cardiac function, cardiac remodelling, and activation of Aldo–MR pathway while AAV9‐mediated miR‐181a overexpression improved cardiac function and deactivated Aldo–MR pathway proving a cardio‐protective role of miR‐181a. Global RNA sequencing of cells under Aldo treatment with/without miR‐181a overexpression identified potential miR‐181a targets functionally contributing to Aldo–MR pathway. Adamts1, a direct target of miR‐181a, was found to be downregulated with miR‐181a overexpression and upregulated with inhibition. Similar to miR‐181a overexpression, siRNA‐mediated inhibition of Adamts1 inhibited Aldo–MR pathway.ConclusionWe here show that miR‐181a is a novel regulator of the Aldo–MR pathway regulating the levels of Ngal via direct targeting of Adamts1. This new insight establishes miR‐181a as a factor of immense value participating in downstream networks of Aldo–MR pathway. Our in vivo studies further confirmed miR‐181a as cardio‐protective under MI stress. Thus, miR‐181a's involvement in Aldo–MR‐mediated cardiac remodelling confers it with tremendous potential to be developed further as a new therapeutic target.
Scarcity in the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Solomon Mildred Z. , Wynia Matthew , Gostin Lawrence O. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAs we write, U.S. cities and states with extensive community transmission of Covid‐19 are in harm's way—not only because of the disease itself but also because of prior and current failures to act. During the 2009 influenza pandemic, public health agencies and hospitals developed but never adequately implemented preparedness plans. Focused on efficiency in a competitive market, health systems had few incentives to maintain stockpiles of essential medical equipment. Just‐in‐time economic models resulted in storage of only those supplies needed then. At the same time, global purchasing in search of lower prices reduced the number of U.S. suppliers, with hospitals dependent on foreign companies. There is still a possibility that the pandemic will be manageably bad rather than unmanageably catastrophic in this country. Immediate, powerful, and sustained federal action could make the difference.
African Conceptions of Age‐Based Moral Standing: Anchoring Values to Regional Realities
Authors: Jecker Nancy S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIs age discrimination ethically objectionable? One puzzle is that we sometimes assume that the target of both age discrimination and ageism must be older people, yet in poorer nations, older people are generally shown more respect. This article explores the ethical question. It looks first at ethical arguments favoring age discrimination toward younger people in low‐income, less industrialized countries of the global South, using sub‐Saharan Africa as an illustration. It contrasts these with arguments favoring age discrimination toward older people in high‐income, more industrialized countries of the global North, particularly the United States and United Kingdom. Finally, it considers what role, if any, differences in life expectancy, infant and child mortality, and prospects for healthy lives should play in the moral embrace of a particular view by a community. It argues that there can be reasons to favor different types of discrimination in different parts of the world.
Green Bioethics and Hope
Authors: Dwyer James 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMany environmental problems are now more serious and urgent than ever. In high‐income countries, health care is part of the problem. In Principles of Green Bioethics: Sustainability in Health Care, Cristina Richie focuses on medical developments, techniques, and procedures, and she proposes four principles for green bioethics: distributive justice, resource conservation, simplicity, and ethical economics. Richie is right to emphasize the need for green bioethics, and I admire her aim to bring environmental concerns back into bioethics, but I was disappointed with this book. Since Plato, much of ethics has focused on the characteristics or principles of the ideally just society. This work in ethics seeks to transcend the culture in which we live in order to provide guidance about what we should do. I think it would be better to start with the messy, problematic, and unjust situations in which we are enmeshed.