bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N,N‐dimethylacrylamide—A new sensitizer in the FreeStyle Libre glucose sensor
Authors: Mowitz Martin , Herman Anne , Baeck Marie , Isaksson Marléne , Antelmi Annarita , Hamnerius Nils , Pontén Ann , Bruze Magnus 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundIsobornyl acrylate (IBOA) has recently been identified as one sensitizer in the FreeStyle Libre glucose sensor. Analyses with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) have indicated the presence of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) in the sensor.Material and methodsSeven patients were referred for patch testing after developing skin reactions when using FreeStyle Libre. All patients were patch tested with IBOA and DMAA. Two patients were tested with adhesive patches that had been removed from the sensors “as is,” and two patients were tested with acetone extracts of materials from the sensor. The extracts were analysed with GC‐MS.ResultsSix patients reacted to both IBOA and DMAA, and one patient reacted only to DMAA. Positive reactions were also observed in both patients tested with the adhesive patch "as is". One patient reacted to both an extract of the adhesive patch and an extract of the sensor itself. When analysed with GC‐MS, IBOA was found in both extracts and DMAA was found in the extract of the sensor.ConclusionBoth IBOA and DMAA may be present in adhesives used in medical devices such as glucose sensors or insulin pumps, and should be patch tested when suspected contact allergic reactions to these products are investigated.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes – a new genotype of zoophilic dermatophyte causes sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Kupsch Christiane , Czaika Viktor‐Alexander , Deutsch Cornelia , Gräser Yvonne 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundA new genotype of the zoophilic fungal species Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes was recently described in two studies. It was isolated from three patients who had visited Southeast Asia and one patient who had visited Egypt. In contrast to these studies, we have observed a number of cases with the dimensions of an epidemic outbreak.Patients and methodsAt the University Hospital Charité Berlin, 43 patients, mostly suffering from highly inflammatory, painful and persistent infections of the pubogenital region were observed between January 2016 and July 2017. Mycological examination was performed with fungal culture and sequencing of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region of the ribosomal DNA. Three additional genomic regions were spot‐checked.ResultsIn 37 of the cases, a new genotype of T. mentagrophytes (referred to here as T. mentagrophytes VII) was isolated as the etiological agent, and sequencing revealed identical sequences for all isolates. Most of the infected patients had no history of travel, and only two patients reported contact with animals.ConclusionsThe new genotype clustered phylogenetically among the strains of the zoophilic species T. mentagrophytes with four different DNA markers. While human‐to‐human transmission of zoophilic dermatophytes is rare, transmission via sexual contact seemed to be quite effective here.
The effect of income inequality on political polarization: Evidence from European regions, 2002–2014
Authors: Winkler Hernan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article investigates whether income inequality leads to political polarization and provides new evidence that an increase in the Gini coefficient at the local level increases the probability of supporting a political party at the extreme left and right of the ideological distribution. Using individual data for 25 European countries from 2002 to 2014, I find that increasing inequality leads on average to more support for left‐wing parties. I also find that increasing inequality leads to more support for far‐right parties among older individuals. Support for far‐right parties seems to be driven by rising anti‐immigrant sentiments. The results are robust to different specifications, including an instrumental variable that addresses the endogeneity of income inequality.
Leaf‐cutting ants use relative humidity and temperature but not CO2 levels as cues for the selection of an underground dumpsite
Authors: Römer Daniela , Bollazzi Martin , Roces Flavio 
Published: February 2019

1. Leaf‐cutting ants remove copious amounts of colony waste, a potential pathogen source for workers and reared symbiotic fungus, to above‐ground heaps or deep underground chambers. However, the dumpsite may also contain information about plants initially harvested and disposed of because of unsuitability for the fungus.2. The underground environment presents climatic gradients across the soil profile and it is an open question whether leaf‐cutting ants use microclimatic cues to choose suitable sites for waste disposal, as displayed for other in‐nest tasks.3. Climatic preferences in leaf‐cutting ants were investigated for the deposition of colony waste. In the laboratory, deposition of waste particles by workers of Atta laevigata was quantified by offering them, in different experiments, a binary choice of temperatures (range, 15–30 °C), levels of air humidity (range 10–98%), and CO2 concentrations (range, atmospheric values to 10%).4. Leaf‐cutting ants used temperature and air humidity, but not CO2 levels, as cues for the deposition of their waste. They consistently preferred a dry (≤ 33% air humidity) environment. Less consistent, temperature preferences varied depending on colony (15–25 °C for one colony and 25–30 °C for the other). Although workers showed clear preferences for high levels of CO2 for themselves, they were CO2‐indifferent for waste deposition.5. It is argued that the observed climatic preferences for underground waste disposal might aid nest hygiene by providing unsuitable dry conditions for pathogen growth, with thermal preferences that do not hinder worker activities for further waste management and inspection of discarded plants.
A soil‐quality index for soil from Mediterranean forests
Authors: Andrés‐Abellán Manuela , Wic‐Baena Consolación , López‐Serrano Francisco R. , García‐Morote Francisco A. , Martínez‐García Eduardo , Picazo Marta I. , Rubio Eva , Moreno‐Ortego Jose L. , Bastida‐López Felipe , García‐Izquierdo Carlos 
Published: February 2019

Treatments involving vegetation thinning have become more frequent in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Under extreme climate conditions, this practice can affect the balance between physicochemical, microbiological and biochemical soil properties, modifying the soil quality and the ability of these forest ecosystems to regenerate. The aim of this study was to use principal component analysis (PCA) to develop a multivariable soil‐quality index (SQI) applicable to the Mediterranean forest ecosystems of the Cuenca mountain range in central‐eastern Spain. To achieve this, seven physicochemical properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, carbonate, total organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus) and six microbiological properties (basal respiration and microbial biomass carbon, as well as the activity of dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase and β‐glucosidase enzymes) were measured seasonally between 2011 and 2012. Soil samples were obtained from seven unmanaged and undisturbed forest areas and these data were used to create the SQI. Subsequently, we applied this SQI to soil samples from other forests in the Cuenca mountain range, which had been affected by different thinning treatments. Our analysis showed that the greater was the canopy present in these treated forests, the larger were the average values for all 13 variables. The smallest SQI values were in areas that had been intensively thinned. Therefore, our results suggest that this SQI is an important tool for the development of appropriate measures to maintain the quality of forest soil in Spanish Mediterranean forest ecosystems.HighlightsWe developed a multivariable soil quality index (SQI) to assess status of Mediterranean forest ecosystems.This index is adequate to detect changes quickly in forest soil of Mediterranean ecosystems.The SQI helped to assess the effects of thinning treatments on forest soil.The SQI enabled establishment of different levels of soil quality (very high, high, medium and low).
The measurement of coevolution in the wild
Authors: Week Bob , Nuismer Scott L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCoevolution has long been thought to drive the exaggeration of traits, promote major evolutionary transitions such as the evolution of sexual reproduction and influence epidemiological dynamics. Despite coevolution’s long suspected importance, we have yet to develop a quantitative understanding of its strength and prevalence because we lack generally applicable statistical methods that yield numerical estimates for coevolution’s strength and significance in the wild. Here, we develop a novel method that derives maximum likelihood estimates for the strength of direct pairwise coevolution by coupling a well‐established coevolutionary model to spatially structured phenotypic data. Applying our method to two well‐studied interactions reveals evidence for coevolution in both systems. Broad application of this approach has the potential to further resolve long‐standing evolutionary debates such as the role species interactions play in the evolution of sexual reproduction and the organisation of ecological communities.
Naringenin as an opener of mitochondrial potassium channels in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Kampa Rafal Pawel , Kicinska Anna , Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa , Pasikowska‐Piwko Monika , Dolegowska Barbara , Debowska Renata , Szewczyk Adam , Bednarczyk Piotr 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFlavonoids belong to a large group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely present in plants. Certain flavonoids, including naringenin, have cytoprotective properties. Although the antioxidant effect has long been thought to be a crucial factor accounting for the cellular effects of flavonoids, mitochondrial channels have emerged recently as targets for cytoprotective strategies. In the present study, we characterized interactions between naringenin and the mitochondrial potassium (mitoBKCa and mitoKATP) channels recently described in dermal fibroblasts. With the use of the patch‐clamp technique and mitoplasts isolated from primary human dermal fibroblast cells, our study shows that naringenin in micromolar concentrations leads to an increase in mitoBKCa channel activity. The opening probability of the channel decreased from 0.97 in the control conditions (200 μmol/L Ca2+) to 0.06 at a low Ca2+ level (1 μmol/L) and increased to 0.85 after the application of 10 μmol/L naringenin. Additionally, the activity of the mitoKATP channel increased following the application of 10 μmol/L naringenin. To investigate the effects of naringenin on mitochondrial function, the oxygen consumption of dermal fibroblast cells was measured in potassium‐containing media. The addition of naringenin significantly and dose‐dependently increased the respiratory rate from 5.8 ± 0.2 to 14.0 ± 0.6 nmol O2 × min−1 × mg protein−1. Additionally, a Raman spectroscopy analysis of skin penetration indicated that the naringenin was distributed in all skin layers, including the epidermis and dermis. In this study, we demonstrated that a flavonoid, naringenin, can activate two potassium channels present in the inner mitochondrial membrane of dermal fibroblasts.
Imaging of pH and pO2 gives insight in molecular processes of irradiated cells
Authors: Reinders Yvonne , Meier Robert J. , Liebsch Gregor , Pohl Fabian , Schreml Stephan , Prantl Lukas , Haubner Frank 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOne of the major challenges in radiation therapy is the interference with tissue repair processes due to hypoxic characteristics and pH dysregulation. In this study, we present dual imaging of pH and oxygenation in vitro based on luminescent biocompatible sensor foils that allow studying the effects of irradiation on different cell types in culture. Different sensitivities of fibroblast and oral squamous carcinoma cells were observed by complementing oxygen and pH differences with proliferation assays. This study highlights especially the distinct role of oxygen after irradiation and the difference in proliferation processes of irradiated normal dermal cells in contrast to irradiated tumor cells.
Control and regulation of S‐Adenosylmethionine biosynthesis by the regulatory β subunit and quinolone‐based compounds
Authors: Panmanee Jiraporn , Bradley‐Clarke Jack , Mato Jose M. , O'Neill Paul M. , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Hasnain S. Samar 
Published: February 2019

Methylation is an underpinning process of life and provides control for biological processes such as DNA synthesis, cell growth, and apoptosis. Methionine adenosyltransferases (MAT) produce the cellular methyl donor, S‐Adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Dysregulation of SAMe level is a relevant event in many diseases, including cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer. In addition, mutation of Arg264 in MATα1 causes isolated persistent hypermethioninemia, which is characterized by low activity of the enzyme in liver and high level of plasma methionine. In mammals, MATα1/α2 and MATβV1/V2 are the catalytic and the major form of regulatory subunits, respectively. A gating loop comprising residues 113–131 is located beside the active site of catalytic subunits (MATα1/α2) and provides controlled access to the active site. Here, we provide evidence of how the gating loop facilitates the catalysis and define some of the key elements that control the catalytic efficiency. Mutation of several residues of MATα2 including Gln113, Ser114, and Arg264 lead to partial or total loss of enzymatic activity, demonstrating their critical role in catalysis. The enzymatic activity of the mutated enzymes is restored to varying degrees upon complex formation with MATβV1 or MATβV2, endorsing its role as an allosteric regulator of MATα2 in response to the levels of methionine or SAMe. Finally, the protein–protein interacting surface formed in MATα2:MATβ complexes is explored to demonstrate that several quinolone‐based compounds modulate the activity of MATα2 and its mutants, providing a rational for chemical design/intervention responsive to the level of SAMe in the cellular environment.EnzymesMethionine adenosyltransferase (EC.2.5.1.6).DatabaseStructural data are available in the RCSB PDB database under the PDB ID 6FBN (Q113A), 6FBP (S114A: P22121), 6FBO (S114A: I222), 6FCB (P115G), 6FCD (R264A), 6FAJ (wtMATα2: apo), 6G6R (wtMATα2: holo)
Denitrification as a major regional nitrogen sink in subtropical forest catchments: Evidence from multi‐site dual nitrate isotopes
Authors: Yu Longfei , Mulder Jan , Zhu Jing , Zhang Xiaoshan , Wang Zhangwei , Dörsch Peter 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIncreasing nitrogen (N) deposition in subtropical forests in south China causes N saturation, associated with significant nitrate (NO3−) leaching. Strong N attenuation may occur in groundwater discharge zones hydrologically connected to well‐drained hillslopes, as has been shown for the subtropical headwater catchment “TieShanPing”, where dual NO3− isotopes indicated that groundwater discharge zones act as an important N sink and hotspot for denitrification. Here, we present a regional study reporting inorganic N fluxes over two years together with dual NO3− isotope signatures obtained in two summer campaigns from seven forested catchments in China, representing a gradient in climate and atmospheric N input. In all catchments, fluxes of dissolved inorganic N indicated efficient conversion of NH4+ to NO3− on well‐drained hillslopes, and subsequent interflow of NO3− over the argic B‐horizons to groundwater discharge zones. Depletion of 15N‐ and 18O–NO3− on hillslopes suggested nitrification as the main source of NO3−. In all catchments, except one of the northern sites, which had low N deposition rates, NO3− attenuation by denitrification occurred in groundwater discharge zones, as indicated by simultaneous 15N and 18O enrichment in residual NO3−. By contrast to the southern sites, the northern catchments lack continuous and well‐developed groundwater discharge zones, explaining less efficient N removal. Using a model based on 15NO3− signatures, we estimated denitrification fluxes from 2.4 to 21.7 kg N ha−1 year−1 for the southern sites, accounting for more than half of the observed N removal. Across the southern catchments, estimated denitrification scaled proportionally with N deposition. Together, this indicates that N removal by denitrification is an important component of the N budget of southern Chinese forests and that natural NO3− attenuation may increase with increasing N input, thus partly counteracting further aggravation of N contamination of surface waters in the region.
Sevoflurane anesthesia impairs metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression and cognitive functions in senile mice
Authors: Yu Xiangdi , Zhang Fangxiang , Shi Jinshan 
Published: February 2019

AimPostoperative cognitive dysfunction is often observed in older patients. Previous reports described the link between postoperative cognitive dysfunction and general anesthetics, such as sevoflurane, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. We therefore sought to characterize the effects of sevoflurane on hippocampal‐dependent cognitive functions, as well as hippocampal plasticity, and to delineate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsBehavioral assays including the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze test were carried out to assess the cognitive performance of control and sevoflurane‐exposed mice. Electrophysiological recordings were carried out to evaluate the sevoflurane‐induced changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Furthermore, western blot assay was utilized to quantitatively assess the altered protein expression resulting from sevoflurane exposure.ResultsSevoflurane anesthesia impaired cognitive functions, as well as metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression, through elevated surface expression of small conductance calcium‐activated potassium type 2 channels. Blockage of calcium‐activated potassium type 2 channels reversed the sevoflurane‐induced deficits at both cellular and behavioral levels.ConclusionsSevoflurane anesthesia impaired metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression and thereby affected cognitive functions in old mice. Inhibitory modulators of calcium‐activated potassium type 2 channels might prevent cognitive decline elicited by sevoflurane. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 357–362.
Investigation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Hard Rock Terrain, Wadi Na'man, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algaydi Bander A.M. , Subyani Ali M. , Hamza Mohamed H.M.M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn arid and hyper‐arid zones, groundwater exploration is one of the most significant ways to locate potential new water supplies. Geophysical prospecting is currently the most successfully used method for locating new supplies, but it is rather costly. Satellite remote sensing (RS) detection, however, with its integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides the best chance for identifying and initially evaluating water‐bearing formations. In the western part of Saudi Arabia, Wadi Na'man has for centuries been one of the major water sources for the city of Makkah Al‐Mukarramah. It is therefore very important to find appropriate groundwater potential (GP) zones in this wadi for water supply. This study utilizes RS and GIS techniques, and also studies the hydrogeological, geological, and geomorphological characteristics that have significant impact on groundwater occurrence in Wadi Na'man. Representative layers are generated for each component and each given a weight ratio that depends on the level of influence. The overlay and integration of these thematic layers was used to produce a map that shows the most promising potential groundwater areas and classifies local potentials as either low, medium, or high. The results also reveal that the areas overall‐rated as “promising” (i.e., classified as medium or high) represent approximately 17‐25% of the total basin area and consist mainly of Quaternary sediments and connected fractured rock areas.
Hemodialysis‐induced bradycardia, “a plumbing issue”: Resolved with catheter repositioning
Authors: Sitaula Subhas , Kaul Pratibha , Aggarwal Vikram 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSudden cardiac death (SCD) is reported as leading cause of death in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Arrhythmias are proposed to be a major predisposing factor for SCD. However, triggers for potentially lethal arrhythmias are not well understood. Here we describe a case of 72‐year‐old man on chronic hemodialysis via permanent Central venous catheter (CVC) who was admitted for evaluation after unwitnessed fall. Within 10 minutes of his first routine dialysis session in the hospital, he had cardiac‐arrest. He was successfully resuscitated within 3 minutes. The next day, fifteen minutes into the dialysis session, he had bradycardia with telemetry demonstrating long sinus pause and he lost consciousness. After few minutes of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) he regained pulse and consciousness. Further review of the chest X‐ray revealed the tip of CVC to be directly touching the distal Superior Vena Cava (SVC) wall. We felt the catheter tip may have migrated after the fall and now is irritating the Sinoatrial node and triggering bradyarrhythmia. Next day, the CVC was exchanged, and the tip was placed higher up in superior vena‐cava. After repositioning, we started him on dialysis under intensive monitoring, and he tolerated well without any arrhythmia. Subsequent dialysis was uneventful. We describe a case of recurrent symptomatic intra‐dialytic bradycardia due to abnormal positioning of CVC that resolved after the repositioning of the catheter. This case in addition to similar case in nondialysis settlings provides additional insights into mechanisms of fatal arrhythmias in hemodialysis patient having CVC.
Successful management of severe hyponatremia in CKD‐VD: In a cost limited setting
Authors: Pattanashetti Navin , Bharati Joyita , Kohli Harbir Singh , Gupta Krishan Lal , Ramachandran Raja 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPatients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and severe hyponatremia always pose a challenge to manage. It is necessary to correct biochemical parameters, advanced azotemia, and fluid overload with conventional haemodialysis (HD) but it may correct serum sodium (Na) rapidly resulting in neurological complications like seizures and osmotic demyelination syndrome. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is an ideal modality to manage such patients. However, most of the centers in the developing or underdeveloped nations do not have CRRT facility. We present two cases of ESRD, who had advanced azotemia requiring dialysis, also had persistent vomiting and severe hyponatremia (one with Na 107, another with Na 109 mEq/L), both cases were managed with conventional HD using dialysate Na concentration of 128 mEq/L (lowest permissible level of Na in a traditional HD machine) and keeping the blood flow of 50 mL/min. The serum Na increased by 1 mEq/L/h during first HD session, during the next session blood flow increased to 100 mL/min, and serum Na increased by two mEq/L/h. At the end of 48 hours, we were able to successfully correct serum Na by 18 mEq/L, with complete resolution of uremic manifestations and no neurological deficits. The current reports highlight management of hyponatremia in newly diagnosed ESRD in a cost limited setting.