bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Anti–Calponin 3 Autoantibodies: A Newly Identified Specificity in Patients With Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Birnbaum Julius , Hoke Ahmet , Lalji Aliya , Calabresi Peter , Bhargava Pavan , Casciola‐Rosen Livia 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveAutoantibodies are clinically useful for phenotyping patients across the spectrum of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Using serum from a patient with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), we detected a new specificity by immunoblotting. This study was undertaken to identify this autoantibody and to evaluate its disease specificity.MethodsA prominent 40‐kd band was detected when immunoblotting was performed using SS patient serum and lysate from rat dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Using 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry peptide sequencing, the autoantigen was identified as calponin 3. Anti–calponin 3 antibodies were evaluated in sera from patients with primary SS (n = 209), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 138), patients with myositis (n = 138), patients with multiple sclerosis (MS; n = 44), and healthy controls (n = 46) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of calponin 3 was assessed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsCalponin 3 was identified as a new autoantigen. Anti–calponin 3 antibodies were detected in 23 (11.0%) of the 209 SS patients, 12 (8.7%) of the 138 SLE patients, 7 (5.1%) of the 138 myositis patients, 3 (6.8%) of the 44 MS patients, and 1 (2.2%) of the 46 healthy controls. Among SS patients, the frequency of anti–calponin 3 antibodies was highest in those with neuropathies (7 [17.9%] of 39). In this subset, the frequency of anti–calponin 3 antibodies differed significantly from that in the control group (P = 0.02). Calponin 3 was expressed primarily in rat DRG perineuronal satellite cells but not neurons.ConclusionCalponin 3 is a novel autoantigen. Antibodies against this protein are found in SS and associate with the subset of patients experiencing neuropathies. Intriguingly, we found that calponin 3 is expressed in DRG perineuronal satellite cells, suggesting that these may be a target in SS.
Marginalized zero‐inflated Poisson models with missing covariates
Authors: Benecha Habtamu K. , Preisser John S. , Divaris Kimon , Herring Amy H. , Das Kalyan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUnlike zero‐inflated Poisson regression, marginalized zero‐inflated Poisson (MZIP) models for counts with excess zeros provide estimates with direct interpretations for the overall effects of covariates on the marginal mean. In the presence of missing covariates, MZIP and many other count data models are ordinarily fitted using complete case analysis methods due to lack of appropriate statistical methods and software. This article presents an estimation method for MZIP models with missing covariates. The method, which is applicable to other missing data problems, is illustrated and compared with complete case analysis by using simulations and dental data on the caries preventive effects of a school‐based fluoride mouthrinse program.
Building a genome engineering toolbox in nonmodel prokaryotic microbes
Authors: Freed Emily , Fenster Jacob , Smolinski Sharon L. , Walker Julie , Henard Calvin A. , Gill Ryan , Eckert Carrie A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe realization of a sustainable bioeconomy requires our ability to understand and engineer complex design principles for the development of platform organisms capable of efficient conversion of cheap and sustainable feedstocks (e.g., sunlight, CO2, and nonfood biomass) into biofuels and bioproducts at sufficient titers and costs. For model microbes, such as Escherichia coli, advances in DNA reading and writing technologies are driving the adoption of new paradigms for engineering biological systems. Unfortunately, microbes with properties of interest for the utilization of cheap and renewable feedstocks, such as photosynthesis, autotrophic growth, and cellulose degradation, have very few, if any, genetic tools for metabolic engineering. Therefore, it is important to develop “design rules” for building a genetic toolbox for novel microbes. Here, we present an overview of our current understanding of these rules for the genetic manipulation of prokaryotic microbes and the available genetic tools to expand our ability to genetically engineer nonmodel systems.
Changes in intestinal microbiota affect metabolism of ginsenoside Re
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Fei , Qin Wang‐Jun , Fu Chao , Zhang Xiang‐Lin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGinsenoside Re, an active ingredient in Panax ginseng, is widely used as a therapeutic and nutriment. The intestinal microbiota plays crucial roles in modulating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological actions of ginsenoside Re. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between bacterial community variety and the metabolic profiles of ginsenoside Re. We developed two models with intestinal dysbacteriosis: a pseudo‐germ‐free model induced by a nonabsorbable antimicrobial mixture (ATM), and Qi‐deficiency model established via over‐fatigue and acute cold stress (OACS). First, the bacterial community structures in control, ATM and OACS rats were compared via 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. Then, the gut microbial metabolism of ginsenoside Re was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively in the three groups by UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS and HPLC‐TQ‐MS, respectively. Ten metabolites of ginsenoside Re were detected and tentatively identified, three of which were novel. Moreover, owing to significant differences in bacterial communities, deglycosylated products, as the main metabolites of ginsenoside Re, were produced at lower levels in ATM and OACS models. Importantly, the levels of these deglycosylated metabolites correlated with alterations in Prevotella, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides populations, as well as glycosidase activities. Collectively, biotransformation of ginsenoside Re is potentially influenced by regulation of the composition of intestinal microbiota and glycosidase activities.
Sputtered Titanium Nitride Films on Titanium Foam Substrates as Electrodes for High‐Power Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Zheng Tianye , Tahmasebi Mohammad H. , Li Bei , Li Ying , Ran Sijia , Glen Tom S. , Lam Kwok‐Ho , Choi In‐Suk , Boles Steven T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractElectrochemical capacitors (ECs) with high‐power capabilities and stable cycling can effectively improve the state of the art in power delivery and energy storage. In this study, we investigate reactively sputtered titanium nitride (TiN) electrodes on three‐dimensional (3D) substrates with various electrolytes and high‐rate cycling conditions. The electrode exhibits cycling stability with negligible capacitance fading after 5 000 cycles and a great rate capability, allowing the (dis)charge rate to extend from 0.1 to 10 V s−1 and retaining nearly 50 % of the capacitance in a three‐electrode system. A symmetric device made with such electrodes is capable of working at a scan rate up to 100 V s−1, yielding a remarkable power density of 4.81×105 W kg−1 at 1.60 Wh kg−1. The energy density can be pushed to 168.03 Wh kg−1 at 4.03×104 W kg−1 by replacing the aqueous electrolyte with an organic one, and this can likely be further increased by electrolyte optimization. The material synthesis and device processing suggest that 3D TiN structures can enable a new class of high‐power ECs with enhanced stability compared to their carbon‐ and pseudo‐ counterparts.
Biocatalytic Production of Psilocybin and Derivatives in Tryptophan Synthase‐Enhanced Reactions
Authors: Blei Felix , Baldeweg Florian , Fricke Janis , Hoffmeister Dirk 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPsilocybin (4‐phosphoryloxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine) is the main alkaloid of the fungal genus Psilocybe, the so‐called “magic mushrooms.” The pharmaceutical interest in this psychotropic natural product as a future medication to treat depression and anxiety is strongly re‐emerging. Here, we present an enhanced enzymatic route of psilocybin production by adding TrpB, the tryptophan synthase of the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis, to the reaction. We capitalized on its substrate flexibility and show psilocybin formation from 4‐hydroxyindole and l‐serine, which are less cost‐intensive substrates, compared to the previous method. Furthermore, we show enzymatic production of 7‐phosphoryloxytryptamine (isonorbaeocystin), a non‐natural congener of the Psilocybe alkaloid norbaeocystin (4‐phosphoryloxytryptamine), and of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) by means of the same in vitro approach.
Visible‐Light Catalytic Photooxygenation of Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids: Access to Spirooxindole‐1,3‐oxazines
Authors: von Drathen Thorsten , Hoffmann Frank , Brasholz Malte 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFew natural oxindole alkaloids possess an exceptional spiro‐[(1,3)oxazinan‐3,6′‐oxindole] core structure, which results from an unusual oxidative indole rearrangement. The Rauvolfia alkaloid reserpine can be converted into the spirooxindole‐1,3‐oxazines dioxyreserpine and trioxyreserpine through efficient visible‐light catalytic photooxygenation with anthraquinone photocatalysts. A mechanistic investigation sheds new light on the photooxidative rearrangement of reserpine and related monoterpene indole alkaloids, and the spirooxindole‐1,3‐oxazine products can be valorized by reductive ring opening, to obtain cis‐decahydroisoquinolines as new enantiopure synthetic building blocks, as demonstrated for dioxyreserpine.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylzinc Halides with Thioesters
Authors: Gehrtz Paul H. , Kathe Prasad , Fleischer Ivana 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Pd‐catalyzed Fukuyama reaction of thioesters with organozinc reagents is a mild, functional‐group‐tolerant method for acylation chemistry. Its Ni‐catalyzed variant might be a sustainable alternative to expensive catalytic Pd sources. We investigated the reaction of S‐ethyl thioesters with aryl zinc halides with hetero‐ and homotopic Ni precatalysts and several ligands. The results show that both homo‐ and heterotopic species may contribute to catalysis. The substrate scope using an operationally homogeneous defined Ni complex was established. Acyl radicals are postulated as short‐lived intermediates.
Understanding Patient Adherence and Concerns with STatins and MedicatION Discussions With Physicians (ACTION): A survey on the patient perspective of dialogue with healthcare providers regarding statin therapy
Authors: Brinton Eliot A. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundStatins are first‐line for cholesterol lowering and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but their use is complicated by side effects and potential for drug–drug interactions. Provider‐patient communication is the basis of the recommended shared decision‐making, but relatively little is known about this in the context of statin use.MethodsWe surveyed 5014 US adults prescribed a statin for hypercholesterolemia to learn their perspectives on communication with their provider.ResultsNinety‐four percent reported currently taking a statin while 6% had stopped. Past users vs current users were more likely to be female, age < 65 years, and to have fewer cardiovascular disease–related comorbidities (hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease, respectively). Although 93% of current statin users were taking ≥1 other prescription medications (median of 4), 76% were “not at all”/“not very concerned” about potential drug–drug interactions with their statin, and fewer than one‐quarter recalled mention of these from their provider. Ninety‐five percent of subjects said it was “extremely”/“somewhat” important that their healthcare provider take “an individualized approach to selecting the right statin,” but 73% and 76%, respectively, said their statin choice was made with little or no input from them. Only 25% were told that “some statins might be more likely than others to interact with other medications,” and only 18% (and only 20% of past users) were told that “their particular statin might interact with other medications.”ConclusionProvider‐patient communication regarding statin therapy appears inadequate, by patient recall, and efforts to improve it are warranted.
Modeling the Accumulation of Degradable Polymer Drug Carriers in the Brain
Authors: Bolwerk Celine , Govers Larissa P. M. W. D. , Knol Hanna , Oostendorp Thom F. , Brock Roland 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits the access of drugs to the brain. Intensive research is being conducted on the development of nanoparticulate drug carriers that mediate transfer across the BBB. A question that has been neglected so far is the potential accumulation of the carrier in the brain upon long‐term exposure. Here, we address this question by implementing a kinetic model to relate drug loading, required concentration of drug in the brain, and drug clearance to the degradation half‐life of the carrier. As a test case with clinical relevance we chose poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic‐acid (PLGA) as a carrier material and a chemotherapeutic for which the required parameters could be recovered from the literature. For methotrexate with a drug load of 8.5 %, a required concentration of free drug of 1 μm, a release from PLGA of 6 hours, a drug clearance from the brain of 3 hours and a half‐life of polymer degradation of 28 days, a steady‐state accumulation of 1.3 g polymer would be reached in the brain (1.5 L) after seven months. While this number is surprisingly small, further physiological research is warranted to assess to which degree this will be in a tolerable range.
Comparative Randomized, Single‐Dose, Two‐Way Crossover Open‐Label Study to Determine the Bioequivalence of Two Formulations of Dalfampridine Tablets
Authors: Al Bawab Abdel Qader , Alkhalidi Bashar A. , Albarahmieh Esra'a , Qassim Sami M.A. , Al‐Saifi Mohammad A. D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDalfampridine is a medication that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to improve walking impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The branded dalfampridine is enormously expensive; hence, the availability of generic dalfampridine will provide better access to the medication, especially for uninsured patients with MS. Bioequivalence studies are demanded by the regulatory authorities to allow the marketing of new generics of dalfampridine. The aim of this study was to assess the bioavailability of the generic (test) and branded (reference) formulations of 10 mg dalfampridine of extended‐release tablets after oral administration to healthy adults under fed conditions. The current report methodology was based on a comparative, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐way crossover open‐label study design. Twenty‐seven subjects were given a single dose of the test dalfampridine tablet and completed the clinical study. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax and AUC0→t, Kel, AUC0→∞, tmax, and t1/2el were estimated to prove bioequivalence. The confidence intervals for the log‐transformed test/reference ratios for dalfampridine 100.96% (97.09%–104.97%) and 99.77% (95.81%–103.87%) for Cmax and AUC0→∞, respectively, were within the allowed limit specified by the regulatory authorities (80%–125%). Hence, clinically, the test tablet can be prescribed as an alternative to the reference for the indication of improving walking impairments in patients with MS.
Atomic Force Microscopy Study of the Influence of the Synthesis Conditions on the Single‐Crystal Surface of Interdigitated Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Kamakura Yoshinobu , Hosono Nobuhiko , Terashima Aya , Kitagawa Susumu , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Tanaka Daisuke 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) containing two or more types of metal ions exhibit promising new functionalities. To precisely control the distribution of metal ions, the relationship between the crystal‐growth mechanism and the metal‐ion type is important. Therefore, we investigated this relationship by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), which provided significant information about crystal‐growth processes. We focus on interdigitated MOFs of the type: {[M(ip)(bpy)]⋅solvent}n (M=Zn or Cd, ip=isophthalate, bpy=4,4′‐bipyridine, solvent=water or N,N‐dimethylformamide). AFM images show two surface condition types that strongly depend on the solvent or synthetic conditions. We also demonstrate that the adsorption properties between different crystal surfaces are affected by the surface conditions. Finally, we synthesize solid‐solution MOFs and observe their surface conditions. Such mechanistic insights will aid in the design of the adsorption properties of multi‐metal MOFs.
Hierarchical NiCoO2 Nanosheets Anchored on Hollow Carbon Spheres for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Chen Sheng , Liang Jin , Pang Yuanchao , Dong Bitao , Xu Xin , Ding Shujiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study reports the synthesis of hierarchical NiCoO2 nanosheets growing on hollow carbon spheres (denoted as NiCoO2 NSs@HCS) via a facile and low‐cost process. When evaluated as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, the as‐prepared NiCoO2 NSs@HCS exhibits high specific capacity, enhanced cycling stability, and good rate capability. A high discharge capacity of 631.7 mA h g−1 is delivered even after 200 cycles at a current density of 400 mA g−1, corresponding to approximately 92 % of the second reversible discharge capacity. The hierarchical and hollow structure of NiCoO2 NSs@HCS plays a role in its excellent performance.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Furan‐Based Oligoesters and their Self‐Assembly‐Assisted Polymerization
Authors: Muthusamy Kumarasamy , Lalitha Krishnamoorthy , Prasad Yadavali Siva , Thamizhanban Ayyapillai , Sridharan Vellaisamy , Maheswari C. Uma , Nagarajan Subbiah 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe investigate the synthesis of bio‐based hydrophilic and hydrophobic oligoesters, which in turn are derived from easily accessible monomers from natural resources. In addition to the selection of renewable monomers, Novozyme 435, an immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica was used for the oligomerization of monomers. The reaction conditions for oligomerization using Novozyme 435 were established to obtain a moderate‐to‐good yield. The average number of repeating units and the molecular weight distribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic oligoester were identified by using NMR spectroscopy, gel‐permeation chromatography, and MS. The oligoester derived from a hydrophilic monomer self‐assembled to form a viscous solution, which upon further heating resulted in the formation of a polymer by the intermolecular Diels–Alder reaction. The viscosity of the solution and the assembly of oligoester to form a fibrous structure were investigated by using rheological studies, XRD, and SEM. The molecular weight of the cross‐linked polymer was identified by using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–MS. The thermal properties of the bio‐based polymers were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. For the first time, the self‐assembly‐assisted polymerization of an oligoester is reported using the intermolecular Diels–Alder reaction, which opens a new avenue in the field of polymer science.
Design of a Mesoscale Continuous‐Flow Route toward Lithiated Methoxyallene
Authors: Seghers Sofie , Heugebaert Thomas S. A. , Moens Matthias , Sonck Jolien , Thybaut Joris W. , Stevens Christian V. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe unique nucleophilic properties of lithiated methoxyallene allow for C−C bond formation with a wide variety of electrophiles, thus introducing an allenic group for further functionalization. This approach has yielded a tremendously broad range of (hetero)cyclic scaffolds, including precursors to active pharmaceutical ingredients. To date, however, its valorization at scale is hampered by the batch synthesis procedure, which suffers from serious safety issues. Hence, the attractive heat‐ and mass‐transfer properties of flow technology were exploited to establish a mesoscale continuous‐flow route toward lithiated methoxyallene. An excellent conversion of 94 % was obtained, corresponding to a methoxyallene throughput of 8.2 g h−1. The process is characterized by short reaction times, mild reaction conditions and a stoichiometric use of reagents.
Physiological linkage and affective dynamics in dyadic interactions between adolescents and their mothers
Authors: McKillop Hannah N. , Connell Arin M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study examined physiological linkage (specifically, linkage in respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) between parents and youth (aged 11–17) across conflict and fun activity discussion tasks. We also examined whether observed, momentary negative affect or parental depressive symptoms, would moderate patterns of RSA linkage across the interaction tasks. RSA linkage was assessed using a multilevel actor–partner interdependence model (APIM). Participants were 59 mother–adolescent dyads, including mothers with or without clinically significant depressive symptoms. Both mothers and teens evidenced stable RSA over time (actor effect), although the stability of maternal RSA was moderated by maternal depression, with maternal depressive symptoms related to slower RSA return to baseline. There was a significant partner influence on youth RSA, with maternal RSA positively related to subsequent youth RSA. However, this effect was moderated by maternal depression and maternal negative affect (NA), with low maternal depression/low maternal NA related to dyadic synchrony, whereas high depression or high NA led to attenuation of this relationship. Results demonstrate the importance of understanding the dynamic and complex nature of family interactions in the context of depression.
Neonatal pain and stress disrupts later‐life pavlovian fear conditioning and sensory function in rats: Evidence for a two‐hit model
Authors: Davis Seth M. , Rice Makaela , Rudlong Jacob , Eaton Victoria , King Tamara , Burman Michael A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEarly life trauma has been linked to increased risks for anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. We used rodent models of acute and inflammatory neonatal pain to explore effects on fear conditioning and somatosensory function. Hindpaw needle pricks or handling on postnatal days (PNDs) 1–7 caused lasting impacts on affective and somatosensory function when assessed at later ages, PNDs 24 (postweaning), 45 (adolescence), or 66 (adulthood). First, auditory, but not contextual, freezing was mildly disrupted regardless of age. Second, a profound postfear conditioning tactile hypersensitivity was observed in neonatally stressed, postweaning rats. In the absence of fear conditioning, the mechanical hypersensitivity was not observed, consistent with a two‐hit model of psychopathology. Injections of 2% α‐carrageenan did not have the same lasting impact but was slightly protective against observed effects of neonatal vehicle injections. Basal and elicited corticosterone levels postweaning were not altered by neonatal pain or handling. These data demonstrate that neonatal adversity can have lasting impacts on affective and somatosensory function that differs regardless of age.