bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic detoxification: a sustainable means of degrading toxic organophosphate pesticides and chemical warfare nerve agents
Authors: Manco Giuseppe , Porzio Elena , Suzumoto Yoko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOrganophosphorus (OP) compounds are highly toxic molecules mainly used as pesticides. OP compounds also include nerve gases used in the past as chemical warfare agents and collectively OP pesticides and nerve gases are referred to as nerve agents (NA). An intensive, widespread use of pesticides since the 20th century has resulted in the emergence of an urgent global issue concerning both environment and human health. In addition, past terroristic acts and the recent dramatic events in Syria highlighted more than ever the need to explore applicable strategies for the sensing, decontamination and detoxification of these compounds in stored bulks, on critical surfaces and media (food, water and air) and for in vivo prophylaxes and therapies.OP compounds, act as covalent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the nerve system of vertebrates, thus posing a substantial threat to the ecosystem. In order to address a strong demand for the establishment of an environmental monitoring system and remediation process for NA, an increasing number of studies have been focused on the enzymatic degradation in vitro. Use of enzymes for detoxification and decontamination of toxic NA could provide a long‐term benefit as it is environmentally friendly compared with conventional methods such as chemical treatments and incineration. This review presents an overview of the current state of enzymatic detoxification research against NA. This includes the detailed characterization and protein engineering for the improvement in NA‐degrading activities of such enzymes. Research on biosensors for NA detection and identification, although important in the field, has not been treated in this review. Instead special attention has been paid to the Phosphotriesterase‐Like‐Lactonase (PLL) enzyme family. Several PLL enzymes have been isolated from hyperthermophilic Archaea or thermophilic/extremophilic Bacteria, and exhibit exceptional thermal stability. Extremophilic PLLs therefore hold promise for potential industrial application towards NA detoxification. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of diet on masticatory motor patterns in musteloid carnivorans: An analysis of jaw adductor activity in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and kinkajous (Potos flavus)
Authors: Davis Jillian S. , Williams Susan H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBroad similarities in the timing of jaw adductor activity driving jaw movements across distantly related and morphologically disparate species have led to the hypothesis that mammalian masticatory motor patterns are conserved. However, some quantitative analyses also suggest that masticatory motor patterns have evolved in concert with dietary and/or morphological specialization. Here, we assess this relationship in two closely related carnivoran species with divergent diets and morphology: carnivorous ferrets and frugivorous kinkajous. Using electromyography to characterize jaw adductor activity during rhythmic mastication, we test the hypotheses that (1) carnivoran masticatory motor patterns differ from those of non‐carnivorans based on previously published data, and (2) differences between ferret and kinkajou motor patterns are associated with dietary and morphological differences. We find that both species exhibit highly synchronous jaw adductor activity that is likely typical of most carnivorans. Kinkajous differ from ferrets, however, in having a balancing‐side zygomaticomandibularis that is active later than all other adductors. The significance of these different masticatory motor patterns may relate to morphological differences in the dentition of ferrets and kinkajous. Whereas ferret cheek teeth have vertical occlusal surfaces that limit jaw closing to a primarily dorsally directed movement, kinkajous have relatively flat occlusal surfaces that allow more transverse movement, which may be essential for processing fruits. Our results suggest that some aspects of masticatory motor patterns are highly conserved yet some components are modified in concert with functional and morphological evolution of the masticatory apparatus.
Identification and characterization of homeobox (Hox) genes and conservation of the single Hox cluster (324.6 kb) in the water flea Daphnia magna
Authors: Kim Duck‐Hyun , Lee Bo‐Young , Kim Hui‐Su , Jeong Chang‐Bum , Hwang Dae‐Sik , Kim Il‐Chan , Lee Jae‐Seong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe report the complete sequence analysis of the entire complement of eight typical homeobox (Hox) genes (Lab, Pb, Dfd, Scr, Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B) and two other genes (Hox3 and Ftz) in a 324.6‐kb region in the water flea Daphnia magna. In the cluster of D. magna Hox genes, we found one long interspersed nuclear element (LINE)/R2‐NeSL between Ubx and Abd‐A that was not present in Daphnia pulex Hox genes. In basal expression of Hox genes at different developmental stages, biothorax complex genes (Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B) and some antennapedia complex genes (Lab, Scr, Antp) were moderately expressed, but the Hox3 gene was barely expressed. Three homeobox genes (Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A) were highly expressed at 6–7 days after release from the brood chamber and/or in the adult stage. The structural array and transcribed orientation of Dm‐Hox genes were identical to those of the sister species D. pulex (∼340 kb), indicating that the Hox gene structure in daphnids is highly conserved. However, Dm‐ and Dp‐Hox3, ‐deformed (Dfd), and ‐fushi tarazu (Ftz) genes varied from orthologous genes in pancrustacean species.
Model transfer for Raman‐spectroscopy‐based bacterial classification
Authors: Guo Shuxia , Heinke Ralf , Stöckel Stephan , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen , Bocklitz Thomas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRaman spectroscopy has gained increasing attention in biomedical diagnostics thanks to instrumental developments and chemometric models that enhance the accuracy and speed of this technique. In particular, a model transfer procedure is needed if the chemometric models are utilized to predict a new dataset measured under (secondary) conditions different to the training data (primary). The model transfer methods try to achieve satisfactory prediction on the secondary dataset with minimal or no training samples measured under secondary conditions. Model transfer methods that have been reported are mostly applied for near‐infrared spectroscopy and in regression problems. The investigation of model transfer in Raman spectroscopy and classification is rare. Our recently reported Tikhonov regularization based on partial least squares regression (TR‐PLSR) was utilized for model transfer of Raman‐based classification models for spore species. In the present work, we show that the TR‐PLSR also works for Raman spectra of vegetative bacteria, even though the Raman spectra of 3 species of bacteria were acquired on 3 different Raman spectrometers. Additionally, we report 2 newly developed model transfer methods for Raman spectra: movement of principal components scores and spectral augmentation. Both methods were validated based on the Raman spectra of bacterial spores and vegetative bacteria, where a significant improvement of the model transferability was observed. The movement of principal components scores method yielded results comparable with those of the TR‐PLSR. However, the new methods are superior to TR‐PLSR in 2 ways: No training samples in the secondary conditions are necessary, and the methods are not restricted to partial least squares regression but can also be applied to other models. Both advantages are important in real‐world applications and represent a large step for improving the model transfer of Raman spectra.
Presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome with altered synaptic vesicle homeostasis linked to compound heterozygous sequence variants in RPH3A
Authors: Maselli Ricardo A. , Vázquez Jessica , Schrumpf Leah , Arredondo Juan , Lara Marian , Strober Jonathan B. , Pytel Peter , Wollmann Robert L. , Ferns Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundMonogenic defects of synaptic vesicle (SV) homeostasis have been implicated in many neurologic diseases, including autism, epilepsy, and movement disorders. In addition, abnormal vesicle exocytosis has been associated with several endocrine dysfunctions.MethodsWe report an 11 year old girl with learning disabilities, tremors, ataxia, transient hyperglycemia, and muscle fatigability responsive to albuterol sulfate. Failure of neuromuscular transmission was confirmed by single fiber electromyography. Electron microscopy of motor nerve terminals revealed marked reduction in SV density, double‐membrane‐bound sacs containing SVs, abundant endosomes, and degenerative lamellar bodies. The patient underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) and relevant sequence variants were expressed and studied in a mammalian cell line.ResultsChromosomal microarray studies and next generation sequencing (NGS) of mitochondrial DNA were unrevealing; however, NGS of genomic DNA showed two rare sequence variants in the gene encoding rabphilin 3a (RPH3A). The paternally inherited variant c.806 G>A (p.Arg269Gln) involves a substitution of a conserved residue in the linker region, while the maternally inherited variant c.1390 G>T (p.Val464Leu) involves a conserved amino acid substitution in the highly conserved C2A region. Expression studies revealed that p.Arg269Gln strongly impairs the binding of rabphilin 3a to 14‐3‐3, which is a proposed regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity. In contrast, the binding of rabphilin 3a to 14‐3‐3 is only marginally impaired by p.Val464Leu; thus, the pathogenic role of p.Val464Leu remains unclear.ConclusionIn summary, we report a patient with a multisystem neurologic disorder and altered SV regulation attributed to defects in RPH3A, which grants further studies of this gene in human disorders of synaptic transmission.
Familial aortic disease and a large duplication in chromosome 16p13.1
Authors: Erhart Philipp , Brandt Tobias , Straub Beate K. , Hausser Ingrid , Hentze Sabine , Böckler Dittmar , Grond‐Ginsbach Caspar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and purposeA recurrent duplication of chromosome 16p13.1 was associated with aortic dissection as well as with cervical artery dissection. We explore the segregation of this duplication in a family with familial aortic disease.MethodsWhole exome sequencing (WES) analysis was performed in a patient with a family history of aortic diseases and ischemic stroke due to an aortic dissection extending into both carotid arteries.ResultsThe index patient, his affected father, and an affected sister of his father carried a large duplication of region 16p13.1, which was also verified by quantitative PCR. The duplication was also found in clinically asymptomatic sister of the index patient. WES did not detect pathogenic variants in a predefined panel of 11 genes associated with aortic disease, but identified rare deleterious variants in 14 genes that cosegregated with the aortic phenotype.ConclusionsThe cosegregation of duplication 16p13.1 with the aortic phenotype in this family suggested a causal relationship between the duplication and aortic disease. Variants in known candidate genes were excluded as disease‐causing in this family, but cosegregating variants in other genes might modify the contribution of duplication 16p13.1 on aortic disease.
Predictors of early left ventricular systolic dysfunction in duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Cirino Raphael Henrique Déa , Scola Rosana Herminia , Ducci Renata Dal‐Prá , Wermelinger Ana Cristina Camarozano , Kay Claudia Suemi Kamoi , Lorenzoni Paulo José , Werneck Lineu Cesar , Carmes Eliane Ribeiro , Da Cunha Claudio Leinig Pereira 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Early detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is important for therapeutic strategies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. We analyzed myocardial strain using echocardiography for early detection of LVSD and determined the predictors of early LVSD. Methods: This investigation was a cross‐sectional study of 40 DMD patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was used to analyze subtle disturbances in longitudinal contraction of the myocardium. Patients were determined to have early LVSD (GLS > –18) or normal left ventricular systolic function (GLS ≤ –18). Results: Patients who had early LVSD were older and had a higher frequency of corticosteroid therapy and of mutations in exons 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 52. Discussion: Myocardial strain measurements are useful for the early diagnosis of LVSD in DMD patients. Older age, use of corticosteroids, and mutations within the “hot‐spot” region of the DMD gene are associated with early LVSD. Muscle Nerve 58: 84–89, 2018
Methods for addressing “innocent bystanders” when evaluating safety of concomitant vaccines
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , Abdurrob Abdurrahman , Spoendlin Julia , Lewis Edwin , Newcomer Sophia R. , Fireman Bruce , Daley Matthew F. , Glanz Jason M. , Duffy Jonathan , Weintraub Eric S. , Kulldorff Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeThe need to develop methods for studying the safety of childhood immunization schedules has been recognized by the Institute of Medicine and Department of Health and Human Services. The recommended childhood immunization schedule includes multiple vaccines in a visit. A key concern is safety of concomitant (same day) versus separate day vaccination. This paper addresses a methodological challenge for observational studies using a self‐controlled design to investigate the safety of concomitant vaccination.MethodsWe propose a process for distinguishing which of several concomitantly administered vaccines is responsible for increased risk of an adverse event while adjusting for confounding due to relationships between effect modifying risk factors and concomitant vaccine combinations. We illustrate the approach by re‐examining the known increase in risk of seizure 7 to 10 days after measles‐mumps‐rubella (MMR) vaccination and evaluating potential independent or modifying effects of other vaccines.ResultsInitial analyses suggested that DTaP had both an independent and potentiating effect on seizure. After accounting for the relationship between age at vaccination and vaccine combination, there was little evidence for increased risk of seizure with same day administration of DTaP and MMR; incidence rate ratio, 95% confidence interval 1.2 (0.9–1.6), P value = θ.226.ConclusionWe have shown that when using a self‐controlled design to investigate safety of concomitant vaccination, it can be critically important to adjust for time‐invariant effect modifying risk factors, such as age at time of vaccination, which are structurally related to vaccination patterns due to recommended immunization schedules.
Active wrapping paper against mango anthracnose fungi and its releasing profiles
Authors: Jaimun Ratchadaporn , Sangsuwan Jurmkwan , Intipunya Pilairuk , Chantrasri Parinya 
Published: February 2018

Active wrapping papers varied in bio‐based coating materials (chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose) and vanillin concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% (w/v)) were prepared to study their antifungal effects and release properties. Chitosan‐coated paper with 1% (w/v) vanillin gave the best inhibition against mycelial growth of mango anthracnose fungi and could inhibit its conidiospores germination. The release of vanillin from a chitosan‐coated paper under different conditions of temperatures (13°C, 25°C, and 37°C), relative humidity (RH) (75%, 86%, and 96% RH), and pH values (pH 3.8, 5.2, and 6.2) was studied. Moreover, the vanillin release from the paper to mango fruit under an actual commercial storage condition (13°C, 90% RH) was also investigated. The predominant mechanism of vanillin release under low temperatures (13‐25°C) and all RH studied was a Fickian diffusion, whereas the high temperature (37°C) and in all buffers varying pH showed a non‐Fickian behaviour. Increasing temperature and RH enhanced in diffusion coefficient (D value) from 78.24 × 10−10 to 162.10 × 10−10 cm2/s and 42.87 × 10−10 to 59.98 × 10−10 cm2/s, respectively. Meanwhile, the increasing pH value reduced the D value from 233.87 × 10−10 to 122.74 × 10−10 cm2/s. The kinetic of vanillin release under an actual wrapping application exhibited a non‐Fickian behaviour, and the D value was considerably low (approximately 65.36 × 10−12 cm2/s). The developed active wrapping paper can be great interest for food industry and is practically reasonable for postharvest mango fruits.
Preparation and properties of quercetin‐incorporated high density polyethylene/low density polyethylene antioxidant multilayer film
Authors: Lu Li‐Jing , Lu Li‐Xin 
Published: February 2018

High density polyethylene/low density polyethylene (LDPE) antioxidant multilayer films were prepared by the co‐extrusion method, and quercetin was incorporated in the LDPE layers as an antioxidant. The release rates of quercetin and the antioxidant activities of films were adjusted by changing the amount of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and diatomite added into the LDPE active layer. The morphologies of the films were observed by SEM, and the release property of quercetin was characterized by a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The mechanical properties and heat sealing performance of the films were influenced to a certain extent by the amounts of EVA and diatomite in the active layers, while the barrier properties of the films were almost unchanged. The release of quercetin from the active films to a food simulant (95% alcohol) at 37°C was measured over 55 days. When the EVA amounts were 30% and 40% to 50%, the diffusion coefficients, D, were 10−14 and 10−13 cm2/s, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activity values of the films were enhanced as the EVA amount increased. When adding diatomite into the active layer with 50% EVA, the diffusion coefficient, D, was 10−11 cm2/s, and the quercetin was almost completely released with a partition coefficient, K, of less than 1. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity values of the films exceeded 95%. The antioxidant release rate could be adjusted within a wide range; thus, these active films could be used for food antioxidant protection.
Concise Review: Assessing the Genome Integrity of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: What Quality Control Metrics?
Authors: Assou Said , Bouckenheimer Julien , De Vos John 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have the potential to differentiate virtually into any cell type in unlimited quantities. Therefore, they are ideal for in vitro tissue modeling or to produce cells for clinical use. Importantly, and differently from immortalized and cancer cell lines, the hiPSC genome scrupulously reproduces that of the cell from which they were derived. However, hiPSCs can develop genetic abnormalities during reprogramming or prolonged cell culture, such as aneuploidies or oncogenic mutations (e.g., in TP53). Therefore, hiPSC genome integrity must be routinely monitored because serious genome alterations would greatly compromise their usefulness or safety of use. Here, we reviewed hiPSC genome quality control monitoring methods and laboratory practice. Indeed, due to their frequency and functional consequences, recurrent genetic defects found in cultured hiPSCs are inacceptable and their appearance should be monitored by routine screening. Hence, for research purposes, we propose that the genome of hiPSC lines should be systematically screened at derivation, at least by karyotyping, and then regularly (every 12 weeks) during experiments, for instance with polymerase chain reaction-based techniques. For some specific applications, such as research on aging, cell cycle, apoptosis or cancer, other tests (e.g., TP53 mutation detection) should also be included. For clinical use, in addition to karyotyping, we advise exome sequencing.
Changing climate and glacio‐hydrology in Indian Himalayan Region: a review
Authors: Singh Shaktiman , Kumar Rajesh , Bhardwaj Anshuman , Sam Lydia , Shekhar Mayank , Singh Atar , Kumar Ramesh , Gupta Akhilesh 
Published: February 2018

This study presents a comprehensive review of the published literature on the evidences of a changing climate in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and its impacts on the glacio‐hydrology of the region. The IHR serves as an important source of fresh water for the densely populated areas downstream. It is evident from the available studies that temperature is significantly increasing in all parts of the IHR, whereas precipitation is not indicative of any particular spatiotemporal trend. Glacio‐hydrological proxies for changing climate, such as, terminus and areal changes of the glaciers, glacier mass balance, and streamflow in downstream areas, highlight changes more evidently in recent decades. On an average, studies have predicted an increase in temperature and precipitation in the region, along with increase in streamflow of major rivers. Such trends are already apparent in some sub‐basins of the western IHR. The region is particularly vulnerable to changing climate as it is highly dependent on snow and glacier melt run‐off to meet its freshwater demands. We present a systematic review of key papers dealing with changing temperature, precipitation, glaciers, and streamflow in the IHR. We discuss these interdisciplinary themes in relation to each other, in order to establish the present and future impacts of climatic, glaciological, and hydrological changes in the region. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:393–410. doi: 10.1002/wcc.393This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change
Climate and famines: a historical reassessment
Authors: Slavin Philip 
Published: February 2018

This study, dealing with the question of the impact of climate and extreme weather events on famines, has two objectives. The first objective is to review recent literature on the topic, distinguishing between economic and political science papers aimed at addressing contemporary famine events in the Third World countries, and historical research dealing with famines of the past. The former category of literature is characterized by a tendency to take the connection between the two variables for granted. The latter category, however, tends to exercise more analytical caution, but it still exhibits a degree of environmental determinism. The second objective of the article is to reassess the role and impact of climate and short‐term weather anomalies on famines in pre‐Industrial societies, in both European and non‐European history. At first, it appears that famines went invariably hand‐in‐hand with climatic changes and anomalies. A closer analysis, however, reveals that those climatic events created environmental shocks (harvest failures and blights), which implied shortages, rather than famines. Whether those shortages were bound to transform into full‐fledged famines was determined by nonenvironmental factors: primarily, human institutions and demographic trends. Climate alone, it is argued, is incapable of creating famines. The often unquestioned connection between the two variables appears to be an imaginary cultural and political construct of our era, when the fear of global warming and the awareness of climate change dominate the public and scholarly discourse.WIREs Clim Change2016, 7:433–447. doi: 10.1002/wcc.395This article is categorized under:Climate, History, Society, Culture > World Historical Perspectives