bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin 5% for autism: Impact on autism spectrum and markers of neuroinflammation
Authors: Melamed Isaac R. , Heffron Melinda , Testori Alessandro , Lipe Kellie 
Published: February 2018

Research has shown that a subset of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population presents with immune dysregulation. To explore this topic further, we investigated the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in children with ASD. In this study, participants were recruited based on a diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Participants also showed evidence of immune dysfunction based on abnormal levels of specific biomarkers, including CD40 ligand (CD154), lymphocyte stimulation, and T or B cell dysfunction. Of 17 screened patients, 14 completed the trial and received IVIG treatment (1 g/kg dose) for ten 21‐day treatment cycles. The primary endpoint was disease improvement assessed using standardized cognitive and behavioral tests (Children's Communication Checklist [CCC‐2], Social Responsiveness Scale [SRS], Aberrant Behavior Checklist [ABC], Clinical Global Impressions‐Severity [CGI‐S] and ‐Improvement [CGI‐I], Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS], and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test [PPVT]). Secondary endpoints included experimental biomarkers such as CD154, toll‐like receptor‐4, memory B cells, FOXP3, and lymphocyte stimulation. Significant improvements from baseline to study endpoint were observed in several subscales of the CCC‐2, SRS, CGI‐I, CGI‐S, and ADOS, including Associated Maladaptive Behaviors (P ≤ .043), Reciprocal Social Interaction (P = .015), Communication (P < .001), and Stereotyped Behaviors and Repetitive Interests (P ≤ .013). Statistically significant reductions were also seen in numerous secondary outcomes of immunological biomarkers indicative of neuroinflammation. IVIG was well tolerated; no subjects withdrew due to an adverse event, and clinical data showed no evidence of thromboembolic events. Autism Res 2018, 11: 421–433. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummarySince research has demonstrated a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and immune dysfunction, this study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in children with ASD. Fourteen patients received IVIG treatment and were assessed using standardized cognitive and behavioral tests. Following treatment with IVIG, significant improvement was observed across several subscales of the clinical tests and significant reductions were seen in the markers of neuroinflammation. These data suggest that inflammatory etiologies may play a role in select cases of autism, and IVIG treatment may exert a positive impact on behaviors and markers of inflammation in ASD.
School dysfunction in youth with autistic spectrum disorder in Taiwan: The effect of subtype and ADHD
Authors: Chiang Huey‐Ling , Kao Wei‐Chih , Chou Mei‐Chun , Chou Wen‐June , Chiu Yen‐Nan , Wu Yu‐Yu , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen 
Published: February 2018

School dysfunction is observed in youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the factors moderating their school dysfunction have not been well explored. This study investigated school functions in youths with ASD in Taiwan, stratified by personal characteristics including demographics, ASD subtypes, intelligence profiles, and the presence of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We recruited 160 youths (aged 6–18 years, 87.5% boys) with a clinical diagnosis of ASD and 160 age and gender‐matched typically developing (TD) youths. Their parents received a semi‐structured psychiatric interview for their ASD and ADHD diagnoses and reported their school functions. Youths with ASD were further grouped into low‐functioning autism (LFA, ASD with intellectual disability and developmental language delay, n = 44), high‐functioning autism (HFA, ASD with no intellectual disability, n = 55) and Asperger's syndrome (AS, ASD with neither language delay nor intellectual disability, n = 61). Compared to TD, ASD had worse school functions in the domains of academic performance, attitude toward schoolwork, social interaction, and behavioral problems except for no academic differences from TD in HFA and ASD without ADHD. Subgroup analysis revealed that HFA and AS had better academic performance but showed worse attitude toward school than LFA. Comorbidity of ADHD negatively impacted all domains of school functions. Besides autistic and ADHD symptoms, oppositional symptoms, lower intelligence, older age, and female gender in youths also predicted school dysfunction. Although youths with ASD have school dysfunction in several domains, this study specifically addresses the role of intelligence and comorbid ADHD on their school dysfunction. Autism Res 2018, 11: 857–869. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryImpaired school functions varied in ASD youths with different characteristics. Youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encounter varying levels and domains of impaired performance at schools, such as lower academic performance, negative attitude toward school work, fewer reciprocal friendships, and more behavioral problems. Our results indicate that ASD youths without intellectual disability had better academic performance, but worse attitude toward school than those with intellectual disability. Co‐occurrence with ADHD is associated with school dysfunction. In summary, intelligence and comorbid ADHD influences several domains of school functions.
The impact on the family of the co‐existing conditions of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Petrou Alexandra M. , Soul Abigail , Koshy Beena , McConachie Helen , Parr Jeremy R. 
Published: February 2018

We aimed to investigate whether the impact on families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with the number and/or type of emotional and behavioral co‐existing conditions that parents/carers of children with ASD reported as occurring frequently. In addition, we examined whether there was a greater impact on families if their child was male, had lower levels of language, had more severe autism symptomatology, and whether impact was associated with the number and/or type of co‐existing conditions. Families were recruited from large UK research databases. 420 parents/carers of children aged 3 years 2 months to 18 years 8 months completed the revised Impact on Family (IoF) Scale and reported on the frequency/rate of their child's co‐existing conditions. Parents/carers reported higher mean IoF scores if their child: had a greater number of frequent co‐existing conditions; had sleep problems; was only able to communicate physically; and had more severe autism symptomatology. The development and implementation of targeted treatment and management approaches are needed to reduce the impact of co‐existing conditions on family life.Autism Res2018, 11: 776–787. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is commonly associated with emotional and/or behavior conditions that affect family life. Parents/carers of children with ASD who: (a) reported a greater number of frequent co‐existing conditions, (b) had sleep problems, (c) were only able to communicate physically, and (d) had more severe symptoms characteristic of autism, reported a greater burden/strain on the family. Treatment approaches to target co‐existing conditions alongside characteristics of ASD are needed to reduce their impact on family life.
Anodic electro‐fermentation: Anaerobic production of L‐Lysine by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Vassilev Igor , Gießelmann Gideon , Schwechheimer Susanne K. , Wittmann Christoph , Virdis Bernardino , Krömer Jens O. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMicrobial electrochemical technologies (MET) are promising to drive metabolic processes for the production of chemicals of interest. They provide microorganisms with an electrode as an electron sink or an electron source to stabilize their redox and/or energy state. Here, we applied an anode as additional electron sink to enhance the anoxic metabolism of the industrial bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum through an anodic electro‐fermentation. In using ferricyanide as extracellular electron carrier, anaerobic growth was enabled and the feedback‐deregulated mutant Corynebacterium glutamicum lysC further accumulated L‐lysine. Under such oxidizing conditions we achieved L‐lysine titers of 2.9 mM at rates of 0.2 mmol/L/hr. That titer is comparable to recently reported L‐lysine concentrations achieved by anaerobic production under reductive conditions (cathodic electro‐fermentation). However unlike other studies, our oxidative conditions allowed anaerobic cell growth, indicating an improved cellular energy supply during anodic electro‐fermentation. In that light, we propose anodic electro‐fermentation as the right choice to support C. glutamicum stabilizing its redox and energy state and empower a stable anaerobic production of L‐lysine.
Simultaneous measurement of NAD metabolome in aged mice tissue using liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Yaku Keisuke , Okabe Keisuke , Nakagawa Takashi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a major co‐factor that mediates multiple biological processes including redox reaction and gene expression. Recently, NAD metabolism has received considerable attention because administration of NAD precursors exhibited beneficial effects against aging‐related metabolic disorders in animals. Although numerous studies have reported that NAD levels decline with aging in multiple animal tissues, the pathway and kinetics of NAD metabolism in aged organs are not completely understood. To determine the NAD metabolism upon aging, we developed targeted metabolomics based on an LC/MS/MS system. Our method is simple and applicable to crude biological samples, including culture cells and animal tissues. Unlike a conventional enzymatic cycling assay, our approach can determine NAD and NADH (reduced form of NAD) by performing a single sample preparation. Further, we validated our method using biological samples and investigated the alteration of the NAD metabolome during aging. Consistent with previous reports, the NAD levels in the liver and skeletal muscle decreased with aging. Further, we detected a significant increase in nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside in the kidney upon aging. The LC/MS/MS‐based NAD metabolomics that we have developed is extensively applicable to biomedical studies, and the results will present innovative ideas for the aging studies, especially for that of NAD metabolism.
Impulse control disorders in Parkinson's: Sleep disorders and nondopaminergic associations
Authors: Carbunaru Samuel , Eisinger Robert S. , Ramirez‐Zamora Adolfo , Bassan Dana , Cervantes‐Arriaga Amin , Rodriguez‐Violante Mayela , Martinez‐Ramirez Daniel 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesImpulse control disorders (ICDs) are common among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Risk factors identified for developingICDs include young age, family history, and impulsive personality traits. However, the association of these potentially disabling disorders with nondopaminergic drugs and sleep disorders has been understudied. Our objective was to examine the association betweenICDs and nondopaminergic medications and sleep disorders.MethodsWe conducted an observational study of 53 patients withPDfrom the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery.ICDs were diagnosed using the Questionnaire for Impulsive–Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (QUIP‐RS). Patients underwent polysomnography screening to diagnose the presence of sleep disorders. We documented the presence of dopaminergic and nondopaminergic medications, including monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors (MAOBIs), antidepressants, sleep inductors, and antipsychotics.ResultsICDs were reported in 18.9% of the patients (n = 10), and sleep disorders were diagnosed in 81.1% of patients (n = 43). 32.1% of the patients were on antidepressants, 17% onMAOBIs, 15.1% on sleep inductors, and 1.9% on antipsychotics. We observed thatQUIP‐RSA–D subscore depended on the presence of antidepressants (p = .03) and sleep inductors (p = .02). Sleep disorders were not associated with the totalQUIP‐RSscore (p = .93) orQUIP‐RSA–D subscore (p = .81).ConclusionAntidepressants and sleep inductors were significant predictors for individualQUIP‐RSitems and subscores. Our results suggest that nondopaminergic drugs commonly used forPDmay be associated with impulse control disorders. We did not identify a relationship betweenICDs and polysomnography‐confirmed sleep disorders in patients withPD. Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results.
Discovery of a Short‐Chain Dehydrogenase from Catharanthus roseus that Produces a New Monoterpene Indole Alkaloid
Authors: Stavrinides Anna K. , Tatsis Evangelos C. , Dang Thu‐Thuy , Caputi Lorenzo , Stevenson Clare E. M. , Lawson David M. , Schneider Bernd , O'Connor Sarah E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPlant monoterpene indole alkaloids, a large class of natural products, derive from the biosynthetic intermediate strictosidine aglycone. Strictosidine aglycone, which can exist as a variety of isomers, can be reduced to form numerous different structures. We have discovered a short‐chain alcohol dehydrogenase (SDR) from plant producers of monoterpene indole alkaloids (Catharanthus roseus and Rauvolfia serpentina) that reduce strictosidine aglycone and produce an alkaloid that does not correspond to any previously reported compound. Here we report the structural characterization of this product, which we have named vitrosamine, as well as the crystal structure of the SDR. This discovery highlights the structural versatility of the strictosidine aglycone biosynthetic intermediate and expands the range of enzymatic reactions that SDRs can catalyse. This discovery further highlights how a sequence‐based gene mining discovery approach in plants can reveal cryptic chemistry that would not be uncovered by classical natural product chemistry approaches.
Facilitation of Ca2+‐induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore either by nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase deficiency or statins treatment
Authors: Busanello Estela N.B. , Figueira Tiago R. , Marques Ana C. , Navarro Claudia D.C. , Oliveira Helena C.F. , Vercesi Anibal E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMitochondrial redox imbalance and high Ca2+ uptake induce the opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP) that leads to disruption of energy‐linked mitochondrial functions and triggers cell death in many disease states. In this review, we discuss the major results from our studies investigating the consequences of NAD(P)‐transhydrogenase (NNT) deficiency, and of statins treatment for mitochondrial functions and susceptibility to Ca2+‐induced PTP. We highlight the aggravation of high fat diet‐induced fatty liver disease in the context of NNT deficiency and the role of antioxidants in the prevention of statins toxicity to mitochondria.
Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma: a rare subtype of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Rai Manoj Ponadka , Bedi Prabhjot Singh , Marinas Edwin B , Khan Nazia Naz S. 
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical MessageAngioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare form of NHL and usually presents in the late stage due to the atypical laboratory findings. Immunohistochemistry of the lymph node in AITL is characterized by positive CD2, CD3, CD4, CD10, CXCL‐13, PD1 often BCL‐6 and CD20 positive. Meshworks of follicular dendritic cells are seen outside follicles with CD21 and CD23 stains. EBV can be often positive as well. Autologous transplantation should be offered in the first remission as poor outcome is reported with anthracycline‐containing regimens.
Fe2O+ Cation Mediated Propane Oxidation by Dioxygen in the Gas Phase
Authors: Zhao Yue , Hu Ji‐Chuang , Cui Jia‐Tong , Xu Lin‐Lin , Ma Jia‐Bi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe mass‐selected Fe2O+ cation mediated propane oxidation by O2 was investigated by mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations. In the reaction of Fe2O+ with C3H8, H2 was liberated by C−H bond activation to give Fe2OC3H6+. Interestingly, when a mixture of C3H8/O2 was introduced into the reactor, an intense signal that corresponded to the Fe2O2+ cation was present; the experiments indicated that O2 was activated in its reaction with Fe2O(C3H6)+ to give Fe2O2+and C3H6O (acetone or propanal). A Langmuir–Hinshelwood‐like mechanism was adopted in the propane oxidation reaction by O2 on gas‐phase Fe2O+cations. In comparison with the absence of Fe2O2+ in the reaction of Fe2O+ with O2, the ligand effect of C3H6 on Fe2OC3H6+ is important in the oxygen activation reaction. The theoretical results are consistent with the experimental observations. The propane oxidation by O2 in the presence of Fe2O+ might be applied as a model for alkane and O2 activations over iron oxide catalysts, and the mechanisms and kinetic data are useful for understanding corresponding heterogeneous reactions.
Structure determination of butylone as a new psychoactive substance using chiroptical and vibrational spectroscopies
Authors: Spálovská Dita , Králík František , Kohout Michal , Jurásek Bronislav , Habartová Lucie , Kuchař Martin , Setnička Vladimír 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecently, there has been a worldwide substantial increase in the consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPS), compounds that mimic the structure of illicit drugs, such as amphetamines or ecstasy. The producers try to avoid the law by a slight modification of illicit structures, thereby developing dozens of temporarily legal NPS every year. The current trends in the detection and monitoring of such substances demand a fast and reliable analysis. Molecular spectroscopy represents a highly effective tool for the identification of NPS and chiroptical methods can provide further information on their 3D structure, which is the key for the determination of their biological activity. We present the first systematic study of NPS, specifically butylone, combining chiroptical and vibrational spectroscopies with ab initio calculations. According to density functional theory calculations, 6 stable lowest energy conformers of butylone were found and their molecular structure was described. For each conformer, the relative abundance based on the Boltzmann distribution was estimated, their population weighted spectra predicted and compared to the experimental results. Very good agreement between the experimental and the simulated spectra was achieved, which allowed not only the assignment of the absolute configuration, but also a precise description of the molecular structure.
Tetrathiafulvalene‐[2.2]paracyclophanes: Synthesis, crystal structures, and chiroptical properties
Authors: Mézière Cécile , Allain Magali , Oliveras‐Gonzalez Cristina , Cauchy Thomas , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Sarbu Laura G. , Birsa Lucian M. , Pop Flavia , Avarvari Narcis 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTwo racemic tetrathiafulvalene‐[2.2]paracyclophane electron donors EDT‐TTF‐[2.2]paracyclophane 1 and (COOMe)2‐TTF‐[2.2]paracyclophane 2 have been synthesized via the phosphite mediated cross coupling strategy. Chiral HPLC allowed the optical resolution of the (RP) and (SP) enantiomers for both compounds. Solid‐state structures of (RP)‐1 and (rac)‐2 have been determined by single crystal X‐ray analysis. Intermolecular π‐π and S•••S interactions are disclosed in the packing. Single crystal X‐ray analysis of (RP)‐1 combined with experimental and theoretical circular dichroism spectra allowed the assignment of the absolute configuration of the enantiomers of 1 and 2.
Neurotransmitter diversity in pre‐synaptic terminals located in the parvicellular neuroendocrine paraventricular nucleus of the rat and mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Johnson Caroline S. , Bains Jaideep S. , Watts Alan G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVirtually all rodent neuroendocrine corticotropin‐releasing‐hormone (CRH) neurons are in the dorsal medial parvicellular (mpd) part of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). They form the final common pathway for adrenocortical stress responses. Their activity is controlled by sets of GABA‐, glutamate‐, and catecholamine‐containing inputs arranged in an interactive pre‐motor network. Defining the nature and arrangement of these inputs can help clarify how stressor type and intensity information is conveyed to neuroendocrine neurons. Here we use immunohistochemistry with high‐resolution 3‐dimensional image analyses to examine the arrangement of single‐ and co‐occurring GABA, glutamate, and catecholamine markers in synaptophysin‐defined pre‐synaptic terminals in the PVHmpd of unstressed rats and Crh‐IRES‐Cre;Ai14 transgenic mice: respectively, vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2), vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH), and phenylethanolamine n‐methyltransferase (PNMT). Just over half of all PVHmpd pre‐synaptic terminals contain VGAT, with slightly less containing VGluT2. The vast majority of terminal appositions with mouse CRH neurons occur non‐somatically. However, there are significantly more somatic VGAT than VGluT2 appositions. In the rat PVHmpd, about five times as many pre‐synaptic terminals contain PNMT than DBH only. However, because epinephrine release has never been detected in the PVH, PNMT terminals may functionally be noradrenergic not adrenergic. PNMT and VGluT2 co‐occur in some pre‐synaptic terminals indicating the potential for co‐transmission of glutamate and norepinephrine. Collectively, these results provide a structural basis for how GABA/glutamate/catecholamine interactions enable adrenocortical responses to fast‐onset interosensory stimuli, and more broadly, how combinations of PVH neurotransmitters and neuromodulators interact dynamically to control adrenocortical activity.
Color appearance rating of familiar real objects under immersive viewing conditions
Authors: Babilon Sebastian , Khanh Tran Quoc 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWith the concept of memory colors being considered to play a crucial role for many imaging and lighting applications, the questions how people assess the color appearance of familiar objects and what kind of fundamental characteristics can be derived from these assessments have extensively been studied in the past. However, all of the previous studies, the authors of this article are aware of, lack in realistic viewing and adaptation conditions. In the attempt of overcoming these deficiencies, a new experiment investigating the impact of long‐term memory on the color appearance ratings of 12 familiar test objects was performed. The pooled observer data were modeled in CIECAM02 color space using bivariate Gaussian functions whose centroids define the corresponding memory color centers for each test object. Comparisons with previous results obtained by Smet et al. revealed no significant differences in the reported memory color centers, but showed distinct deviations in the covariance matrices defining the shape of the fitted distribution functions. It is supposed that this new set of functions will lead to significantly different results when being used for the construction of an updated memory‐based color quality metric.