bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antioxidant properties of golden grass (Syngonanthus nitens) by electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Barroso Rafael P. , Berlim Leonardo S. , Ito Amando S. , Costa‐Filho Antonio J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe in vitro antioxidant properties of golden grass (GG), a grass‐like herb (Syngonanthus nitens), were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We measured the antioxidant capacity of methanolic extracts based on their ability to scavenge 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The kinetics of reaction between DPPH and GG extract was determined. This kinetics followed a biexponential decay, and this behavior was attributed to different flavonoids acting together as antioxidants. Isoorientin and luteolin, which are two of the eight flavonoids found in GG extract, were used to investigate kinetics of reaction between DPPH and both the flavonoids acting separately and together. The antioxidant activity of GG extract was determined in terms of the vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC). Compared to other well‐known plant‐based antioxidants, such as pulp and peels of fruit and vegetables, S. nitens presented a high antioxidant capacity (VCEAC = 1,485 ± 198 mg/100 g), indicating that it should be regarded as a valuable source of antioxidants and also that it may bestow health benefits when consumed.
On producing CO2 from subsurface reservoirs: simulations of liquid‐gas phase change caused by decompression
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis , Pan Lehua , Zhou Quanlin , Dobeck Laura , Spangler Lee 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCarbon dioxide (CO2) extraction from deep reservoirs is currently important in CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and may become more important in the future if interim CO2 storage becomes common. In late 2014, we were involved in a production test of liquid CO2 from the Middle Duperow dolostone at Kevin Dome, Montana. The test resulted in lowering the temperature at the well bottom to ∼2 °C, and showed that the well and reservoir had very low CO2 productivity. We have used the CO2 modeling capabilities of the TOUGH codes to simulate the test and to show that liquid CO2 in the reservoir changes to gas phase as the pressure is lowered in the well during production testing. The associated phase change and decompression combine to drastically lower the bottom‐hole temperature, creating the potential for water ice or CO2 hydrate to form. By hypothesizing a relatively high‐permeability damage zone near the well surrounded by lower permeability reservoir rock, we can match the observed pressure, temperature, and production rate. Moving from the Kevin Dome test to the question of CO2 extraction from deep reservoirs in general, we carried out a parametric study to investigate the effects of reservoir depth and transmissivity on CO2 production rate for a prototypical reservoir. Simulations show that depth and high transmissivity favor productivity. Complex phase changes within the ranges of P‐T encountered in typical CO2 production wells affect production rates. The results of our parametric study may be useful for the preliminary feasibility assessment of CO2 extraction from deep reservoirs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LA‐ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating of the Heilongjiang Complex in the Luobei area: New constraints for the late Palaeozoic‐Mesozoic tectonic evolution of Jiamusi Block, NE China
Authors: Han Wei , Zhou Jian‐Bo , Wilde Simon A. , Li Long 
Published: February 2019

The Heilongjiang Complex is a sequence of high‐pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks that are distributed along the N‐S suture zone between the Jiamusi and Songliao blocks in NE China. In this study, we investigated samples from Luobei in order to understand the geochronological and tectonic framework of the Heilongjiang Complex. The Heilongjiang Complex consists of two‐mica schist, muscovite‐albite schist, quartz schist, plagioclase gneiss, granitic gneiss, serpentinite, blueschist, greenschist, amphibolite, and marble. LA‐ICP‐MS dating of all samples shows a range of protolith ages from 435 to 210 Ma. These data, together with a 492 ± 6 Ma age from a granite gneiss sample in the Yilan area, indicate that the protoliths of the Heilongjiang Complex were formed over a protracted time span from ~490 to ~210 Ma. In addition, five zircon grains in two samples contain metamorphic rims that yield ages of 197 ± 2 Ma. These results, when combined with field evidence that the Heilongjiang Complex is overlain by Middle Jurassic strata, indicate it was metamorphosed between ~210 and 197 Ma and not in the Cretaceous as previously considered. This line of evidence, plus the occurrence of late Palaeozoic arc‐affinity volcanic rocks in the eastern margin of the Jiamusi Block and syn‐collisional Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Zhangguangcai and Lesser Xing'an ranges, suggests the Heilongjiang Complex was a result of Panthalassa subduction during the late Palaeozoic and Paleo‐Pacific subduction during the Mesozoic.
Configurational Lability of Imino‐Substituted Ethano Tröger Bases. Insight on the Racemization Mechanism
Authors: Bosmani Alessandro , Guarnieri‐Ibáñez Alejandro , Lacour Jérôme 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPolycyclic indoline‐benzodiazepines are afforded in one step by the reaction of Tröger bases with N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles under Rh(II) catalysis. After α‐imino carbene formation, the process involves a cascade of [1,2]‐Stevens rearrangement, Friedel‐Crafts, Grob fragmentation, and aminal formation reactions. It is highly diastereoselective (d.r. >49:1, four stereocenters incl. two bridgehead N‐atoms). However and in contrast with other reported carbene additions to these moieties, full racemization occurs when enantiopure Tröger bases are used as substrates. To pinpoint the origin of this unexpected behavior, a key elemental step of the mechanism was evaluated and tested. Interestingly, it is not only the initial ring‐opening but also the latter reversible Mannich reaction of the imino‐substituted ethano Tröger base intermediate that is responsible for the loss of enantiospecificity.
Antidiabetic properties of aqueous and methanol extracts from the trunk bark of Ceiba pentandra in type 2 diabetic rat
Authors: Fofie Christian Kuete , Katekhaye Shankar , Borse Swapnil , Sharma Vipin , Nivsarkar Manish , Nguelefack‐Mbuyo Elvine Pami , Kamanyi Albert , Singh Vijai , Nguelefack Telesphore Benoît 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe type 2 diabetes is one of the major global health issues that affects millions of people. This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extracts (AECP) and methanol extracts (MECP) from Ceiba pentandra trunk bark on an experimental model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This model was induced in rats by the combination of a high‐fat diet (HFD) and a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) at the seventh day of experimentation. Diabetes was confirmed on day 10 by fasting blood glucose more than or equal to 200 mg/dL. Diabetic animals still under HFD were treated orally and twice daily, with MECP and AECP (75 and 150 mg/kg) or metformin (40 mg/kg) for 14 days. During the experiment, blood glucose and animal weights were determined. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 15, followed by animals sacrifice for blood, liver, and pancreas collection. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were evaluated in plasma, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, and catalase were quantified in tissue homogenates. AECP and MECP significantly reduced the hyperglycemia by up to 62% and significantly improved the oral glucose tolerance test. The impaired levels of cholesterol and triglycerides registered in diabetic control were significantly reversed by both extracts at all the doses used. Alterations in diabetic pancreas weight, GSH, and MDA were also significantly reversed by plant extracts. AECP and MECP possess type 2 antidiabetic effects that could result from their ability to improve the peripheral use of glucose, lipid metabolism or from their capacity to reduce oxidative stress. These finding provide a new avenue for better control and management of early or advanced T2D.
Platelet‐rich plasma promotes the regeneration of cartilage engineered by mesenchymal stem cells and collagen hydrogel via the TGF‐β/SMAD signaling pathway
Authors: Fang Depeng , Jin Pan , Huang Quanxin , Yang Yuan , Zhao Jinmin , Zheng Li 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe tissue engineering technique using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffolds is promising. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is generally accepted as an chondrogenic agent, but immunorejection and unexpected side effects, such as tumorigenesis and heterogeneity, limit its clinical application. Autogenous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), marked by low immunogenicity, easy accessibility, and low‐cost, may be favorable for cartilage regeneration. In our study, the effect of PRP on engineered cartilage constructed by MSCs and collagen hydrogel in vitro and in vivo was investigated and compared with TGF‐β1. The results showed that PRP promoted cell proliferation and gene and protein expressions of chondrogenic markers via the TGF‐β/SMAD signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it suppressed the expression of collagen type I, a marker of fibrocartilage. Furthermore, PRP accelerated cartilage regeneration on defects with engineered cartilage, advantageous over TGF‐β1, as evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Our work demonstrates that autogenous PRP may substitute TGF‐β1 as a potent and reliable chondrogenic inducer for therapy of cartilage defect.
NLRC3 inhibits MCT‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats via attenuating PI3K activation
Authors: Zha Li‐Huang , Zhou Jun , Li Tang‐Zhiming , Luo Hui , Zhang Men‐Qiu , Li Sheng , Yu Zai‐Xin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPhosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) activation plays a critical role in the pulmonary vascular remodeling of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The nucleotide‐oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor subfamily C3 (NLRC3) inhibits proliferation and inflammation via PI3K signaling in cancer. We previously showed NLRC3 was significantly reduced in PH patients, but the mechanism of function remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential role of NLRC3 in PH. We found that NLRC3 was downregulated in the pulmonary arteries of PH animal models and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) stimulated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). NLRC3 pretreatment reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling and RVHI, and ameliorated proliferation, migration, and inflammation. Monocrotaline (MCT)‐ and PDGF‐BB‐mediated PI3K activation were suppressed by NLRC3 pretreatment. 740Y‐P decreased the effect of NLRC3. Collectively, NLRC3 protected against MCT‐induced rat PH and PDGF‐BB‐induced PASMC proliferation, migration, and inflammation through a mechanism involving PI3K inhibition. NLRC3 may have a therapeutic effect on PH and provide a promising therapeutic strategy for PH.
Hibernation impacts lysine methylation dynamics in the 13‐lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
Authors: Watts Alexander J. , Storey Kenneth B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDuring winter hibernation in mammals, body temperature falls to near‐ambient levels, metabolism shifts to favor lipid oxidation, and metabolic rate is strongly suppressed by inhibiting many ATP‐expensive processes (e.g., transcription, translation) for animals in order to survive for many months on limited reserves of body fuels. Regulation of such profound changes (i.e., metabolic rate depression) requires rapid and reversible controls provided by protein posttranslational modifications. Protein lysine methylation provides one mechanism by which the functionality, activity, and stability of cellular proteins and enzymes can be modified for the needs of the hibernator. The present study reports the responses of seven lysine methyltransferases (SMYD2, SUV39H1, SET8, SET7/9, G9a, ASH2L, and RBBP5) in skeletal muscle and liver over seven stages of the torpor/arousal cycle in 13‐lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). A tissue‐specific and stage‐specific analysis revealed significant changes in the protein levels of lysine methyltransferases, methylation patterns on histone H3, histone methyltransferase activity, and methylation of the p53 transcription factor. Enzymes typically increased in protein amount in either torpor, arousal, or the transitory periods. Methylation of histone H3 and p53 typically followed the patterns of the methyltransferase enzymes. Overall, these data show that protein lysine methylation is an important regulator of the mammalian hibernation phenotype.
Pre‐exposure prophylaxis initiation and adherence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in three US cities: results from the HPTN 073 study
Authors: Wheeler Darrell P , Fields Sheldon D , Beauchamp Geetha , Chen Ying Q , Emel Lynda M , Hightow‐Weidman Lisa , Hucks‐Ortiz Christopher , Kuo Irene , Lucas Jonathan , Magnus Manya , Mayer Kenneth H , Nelson LaRon E , Hendrix Craig W , Piwowar‐Manning Estelle , Shoptaw Steven , Watkins Phaedrea , Watson C Chauncey , Wilton Leo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionRandomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antiretroviral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, limited research has examined initiation and adherence to PrEP among Black MSM (BMSM) in the United States (US) who are disproportionately represented among newly HIV infected and late to care individuals. This research reports on the HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 (HPTN 073) study aimed to examine PrEP initiation, utilization and adherence among Black MSM utilizing the theoretically principled, culturally informed and client‐centered care coordination (C4) model.MethodsThe HPTN 073 study enrolled and followed 226 HIV‐uninfected Black MSM in three US cities (Los Angeles, CA; Washington DC; and Chapel Hill, NC) from February 2013 through September 2015. Study participants were offered once daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir (FTC/TDF) PrEP combined with C4 and followed up for 52 weeks. Participants received HIV testing, risk reduction education and clinical monitoring.ResultsOf the 226 men enrolled, 178 participants initiated PrEP (79%), and of these 64% demonstrated PrEP utilization at week 26 (mid‐point of the study) based on pharmacokinetic testing. Condomless anal sex with an HIV‐infected or unknown status casual male partner was statistically significantly associated with a greater likelihood of PrEP initiation (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7, 11.7). Greater age (≥25 vs. <25, OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.37 –6.37), perception of having enough money (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.7) and knowledge of male partner taking PrEP before sex (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.79) were statistically significantly associated with increased likelihood of PrEP adherence at week 26. Annualized HIV incidence was 2.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 7.9) among those who initiated PrEP, compared to 7.7 (95% CI 2.5 to 24.1) among those who did not initiate PrEP (p = 0.18).ConclusionsResults suggest a high level of PrEP initiation among at‐risk Black MSM, a group historically characterized as hard to reach. The data support the importance of addressing contextual factors that affect PrEP initiation and adherence, and of additional research on the ultimate benefit of PrEP in HIV prevention among Black MSM.
Patterns and clinical consequences of discontinuing HIV preexposure prophylaxis during primary care
Authors: Krakower Douglas , Maloney Kevin M , Powell Victoria E , Levine Ken , Grasso Chris , Melbourne Kathy , Marcus Julia L , Mayer Kenneth H 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionDiscontinuations of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by at‐risk individuals could decrease the effectiveness of PrEP. Our objective was to characterize patterns of, reasons for, and clinical outcomes associated with PrEP discontinuations in primary care.MethodsWe conducted medical chart reviews for patients prescribed PrEP during 2011 to 2014 at a Boston community health centre specializing in healthcare for sexual and gender minorities. Patients were followed through 2015. We characterized patients’ sociodemographics, relationship status, behavioural health conditions, patterns of and reasons for PrEP discontinuations, and HIV seroconversions. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess patient factors associated with PrEP discontinuations.ResultsOf the 663 patients prescribed PrEP, the median age was 33 years, 96% were men who have sex with men (MSM) and 73% were non‐Hispanic white; 40% were in committed relationships and 15% had HIV‐infected partners. Patients either used PrEP continuously (60%), had 1 or more discontinuations (36%), or did not initiate PrEP (4%). Discontinuations were most often due to a decrease in HIV risk perception (33%), non‐adherence to care plans (16%), or insurance barriers (12%). Of the 7 (1.1%) PrEP patients diagnosed with HIV, 1 was HIV‐infected at baseline, 2 seroconverted while using PrEP, and 4 seroconverted after discontinuations. In a multivariable model adjusted for race/ethnicity, relationship status, substance use disorders, and insurance status, those who were less than 30 years old (aHR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.9 for ages 18 to 24, aHR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.1 for ages 25 to 29, vs. ages 30 to 39 years), who identified as transgender women (aHR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4, vs. cisgender men), and who had mental health disorders (aHR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4 for each additional disorder) were more likely to have discontinuations.ConclusionsDiscontinuations of PrEP use among this American sample of predominately MSM were common, particularly among patients who were younger, identified as transgender women, or had behavioural health issues. As HIV seroconversions occurred after discontinuations of PrEP, strategies to prevent inappropriate discontinuations are needed.
New insights into human lysine degradation pathways with relevance to pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy due to antiquitin deficiency
Authors: Crowther Lisa M. , Mathis Déborah , Poms Martin , Plecko Barbara 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDeficiency of antiquitin (ATQ), an enzyme involved in lysine degradation, is the major cause of vitamin B6‐dependent epilepsy. Accumulation of the potentially neurotoxic α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde (AASA) may contribute to frequently associated developmental delay. AASA is formed by α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase (AASS) via the saccharopine pathway of lysine degradation, or, as has been postulated, by the pipecolic acid (PA) pathway, and then converted to α‐aminoadipic acid by ATQ. The PA pathway has been considered to be the predominant pathway of lysine degradation in mammalian brain; however, this was refuted by recent studies in mouse. Consequently, inhibition of AASS was proposed as a potential new treatment option for ATQ deficiency. It is therefore of utmost importance to determine whether the saccharopine pathway is also predominant in human brain cells. The route of lysine degradation was analyzed by isotopic tracing studies in cultured human astrocytes, ReNcell CX human neuronal progenitor cells and human fibroblasts, and expression of enzymes of the two lysine degradation pathways was determined by Western blot. Lysine degradation was only detected through the saccharopine pathway in all cell types studied. The enrichment of 15N‐glutamate as a side product of AASA formation through AASS furthermore demonstrated activity of the saccharopine pathway. We provide first evidence that the saccharopine pathway is the major route of lysine degradation in cultured human brain cells. These results support inhibition of the saccharopine pathway as a new treatment option for ATQ deficiency.
Tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites in the control of macrophage activation and effector phenotypes
Authors: Noe Jordan T , Mitchell Robert A 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is a mitochondrial metabolic hub that coordinates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into carbon dioxide and ATP. At specific points in the cycle, the diversion, import, or export of TCA metabolites allows for the dynamic regulation of a variety of tissue and/or cell-specific phenotypic processes. Recent studies have identified that a number of TCA metabolites are important in controlling monocyte/macrophage phenotypes and effector functions while specific macrophage activation or polarization states functionally determine the relative utilization of each. This review focuses on the metabolic reprogramming of the TCA cycle in macrophages and how individual metabolites play a variety of context-specific roles in determining physiologic and pathologic macrophage activation and homeostatic functions. We discuss the implications of these findings and address unanswered questions regarding the role of the TCA cycle in guiding macrophage-dependent immune responses.
Fermentation product with new equol‐producing Lactobacillus paracasei as a probiotic‐like product candidate for prevention of skin and intestinal disorder
Authors: Kwon Jeong Eun , Lim Jaewon , Bang Ina , Kim Inhye , Kim Donghyuk , Kang Se Chan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDEquol is a major isoflavone metabolite, and equol‐producing bacteria have been isolated and characterized; however, fermentation has been performed with soybean‐based products as substrates. Pueraria lobata has been reported as a plant with higher content of isoflavones.RESULTSThe genome of new equol‐producing bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei JS1, was analyzed. Also, the effect of P. lobata extract fermented with L. paracasei JS1 (FPE) on the skin and intestinal immune response was examined. With gene expression analysis, it was proven that seven skin‐related proteins, hyaluronan synthase‐1, ‐2, ‐3, collagen, elastin, epidermal growth factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor were differentially expressed upon FPE treatment. The messenger RNA expression increased with treatment with the FPE, and a skin moisturizing effect was confirmed by a hematoxylin–eosin staining experiment. In addition, such an experiment showed that proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin‐1β, ‐4, and ‐6, were reduced in large intestine when treated with FPE.CONCLUSIONL. paracasei JS1 has the ability to produce equol having beneficial effects on the skin. Moreover, FPE also has an inhibitory effect on inflammation cytokines in the large intestine. Thus, the novel and edible equol‐producing L. paracasei JS1 and FPE have thepotential to be developed as nutricosmetic resources. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of self‐concept and place attachment on migrants' travel
Authors: Yankholmes Aaron , McKercher Bob 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study links self‐concept and place attachment to generate a better understanding of travel behavior patterns by migrant populations, in this case, Western professional migrants who live in the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions of China. Five discrete Western professional migrant groups are identified, each with different demographic profiles, travel patterns, propensity, and intensity. The findings challenge the view that migrant populations are homogenous and also challenge the widely held notion that home return travel is their dominant mobility pattern. Conceptual and managerial implications of migrant travel behavior for destination marketers are briefly outlined.