bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Medical Applications of Plant Secondary Metabolites (FromAPRVolume 39)
Authors: Heilmann Jörg 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn the last years, only a limited number of structurally new plant secondary metabolites have entered the scene to attract high medical interest. In contrast, the development of new techniques in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology, e.g. new assay techniques, which are also applicable in the field of natural products chemistry, allowed the finding of several new insights into the molecular mode of action and the pharmacological characterization of known plant secondary metabolites. Accordingly, the pharmacological or clinical characterization of several known plant‐derived compounds like the taxanes, artemisinin derivatives or boswellic acids was significantly broadened. Furthermore, new and important medical applications or pharmacological mechanisms of known compounds were found like the antiviral activity of betulinic acid derivatives or the inhibition of tubulin polymerization by combretastatin A‐4. Recently, a strong interest has evolved in natural products exhibiting chemopreventive activity. Consequently, the role of several plant polyphenols, like curcumin and xanthohumol, as protective and pharmacologically active, dietary constituents has become an increasingly important area of research. Besides the investigation of single compounds, there is still a growing interest in the application of standardized extracts, complex phytochemical mixtures with a well‐defined content of the bioactive constituents. Therefore, new insights concerning the application of extracts fromGinkgo bilobaandHypericum perforatumare also discussed.
Biosynthesis of Alkaloids and Betalains
Authors: Roberts Margaret F. , Strack Dieter , Wink Michael 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlkaloids represent a structurally diverse group of nitrogen‐containing secondary metabolites. Many of them have pronounced pharmacological activities and are therefore important for medicine and biotechnology. Most alkaloids derive from an amino acid as a precursor, such as ornithine, arginine, lysine, phenylalanine, tyrosine or tryptophan. The biosynthetic pathways of the main groups of alkaloids have already been elucidated at the enzyme and gene levels. In a few cases, it was already possible to produce alkaloids (e.g. benzylisoquinoline alkaloids) in transgenic microorganisms which were transformed with the respective genes of alkaloid biosynthesis. Details are given for nicotine and tropane alkaloids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, monoterpene indole alkaloids, ergot alkaloids, acridone alkaloids, purine alkaloids and taxol. Betalains (the red–violet betacyanins and the yellow betaxanthins) are structurally related to alkaloids (‘chromoalkaloids’) and are typical for plants in the order Caryophyllales. Their biosynthesis and function are discussed in this chapter.
Synthesis of Aromatic Sulfones from SO2 and Organosilanes Under Metal‐free Conditions
Authors: von Wolff Niklas , Char Joëlle , Frogneux Xavier , Cantat Thibault 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe conversion of SO2 into arylsulfones under metal‐free conditions was achieved for the first time by reacting SO2 with (hetero)arylsilanes and alkylhalides in the presence of a fluoride source. The mechanism of this transformation was elucidated based on DFT calculations, which highlight the influence of SO2 in promoting C−Si bond cleavage.
Effects of Gender on Costly Punishment
Authors: Mieth Laura , Buchner Axel , Bell Raoul 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWomen are often believed to be more cooperative and less egoistic than men. In the present study, we examined whether people punish women for failing to live up to these benevolent gender stereotypes. Participants played a prisoner's dilemma game with female and male partners who either cooperated or defected. Participants were offered a costly punishment option. They could spend money to decrease the payment of their partners. In Experiment 1, participants spent more money to punish the defection of female in comparison to male partners, but this effect of partner gender on punishment was indirect rather than direct: Participants were more likely to cooperate with female partners than with male partners, which gave them more opportunity for moralistic punishment. In Experiments 2 and 3, we examined the effects of the participants' own gender on cooperation and punishment of female and male partners. Female participants cooperated more with female partners than with male partners while male participants treated female and male partners equally. We conclude that the effect of facial gender on punishment are indirect rather than direct. The results also showed that women, in contrast to men, tended to make decisions that can be considered more social and less rational from an economic point of view, consistent with social‐role theory and evolutionary accounts. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Psychotropic Medications and Visits to Psychiatrists and Psychologists among Individuals with Nonsyndromic Oral Clefts: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Pedersen Dorthe Almind , Hageman Ida , Wehby George L. , Christensen Kaare 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundOral clefts (OCs) are among the most common congenital malformations and can have a large impact on the life of the affected individual. Research findings regarding the psychological and psychosocial consequences of OC are inconclusive.MethodsUsing Danish nationwide registers, we investigated redeemed prescriptions of psychotropic medication during 1996 to 2012 and visits to psychiatrists and psychologists during 1996 to 2011 among individuals born with nonsyndromic OC in Denmark between 1936 and 2009 and a comparison cohort of individuals without OC. This includes 8244 individuals with OC and 82,665 individuals without OC.ResultsThe Cox regression analysis revealed 12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7 to 16%) increased risk of using any psychotropic medication for individuals with OC. When examining by cleft type, higher risks for medication use were observed in individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) or cleft palate (CP) only. The largest increased relative risk was found for use of antipsychotics and stimulants for individuals with CP followed by use of antipsychotics for individuals with CLP. We found increased risk of visits to psychiatrists for individuals with CP and no increased risk for visits to psychologists for either group.ConclusionsThis study indicates that a small group of individuals with nonsyndromic OC, in particular those with palatal involvement, have greater risk of using psychotropic medications. However, elevated use was also observed among younger individuals with cleft lip (CL) only. There seems to be only a modest increase in visits to health professionals for psychological reasons. Undiagnosed syndromes (e.g., 22q11 deletion syndrome), may, however, contribute to an overestimation of the associations. Birth Defects Research 109:824–835, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroprotective effects of phloretin and its glycosylated derivative on rotenone‐induced toxicity in human SH‐SY5Y neuronal‐like cells
Authors: Barreca Davide , Currò Monica , Bellocco Ersilia , Ficarra Silvana , Laganà Giuseppina , Tellone Ester , Laura Giunta Maria , Visalli Giuseppa , Caccamo Daniela , Galtieri Antonio , Ientile Riccardo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPhloretin and phlorizin are the two strong natural antioxidants whose biological and pharmacological applications are rapidly growing in different human pathological conditions. The neuroprotective activity of the two flavonoids has been analyzed on cell culture of neuroblastoma cells. The neuroprotective activity of the two flavonoids has been analyzed on cell culture of neuroblastoma cells and evaluated by testing cell vitality, mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ROS production, antioxidant enzymes detection, activation of caspase 3, DNA damage, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide anion scavenging activity. Incubation of cells with rotenone caused cell death and significant increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, activation of caspase 3, and variation in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Although, rotenone exposure caused a significant increase of antioxidant enzymes, high levels of lipid peroxidation were also observed. Phloretin or phlorizin, at micromolar concentration, reduced rotenone‐induced cell death by scavenging ability against superoxide anion radical, one of the main effectors of rotenone toxicity at level of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Under our experimental conditions, a reduction of the intracellular ROS levels with consequent normalization of the aforementioned antioxidant enzymes occurred. Concomitantly, we observed the inhibition of caspase 3 activity and DNA damage. This study shows the promising neuroprotective ability of the two dihydrochalcones able to protect human differentiated neuroblastoma cells (commonly used as model of Parkinson's disease) from injury induced by rotenone, actively scavenging ROS, normalizing mitochondrial transmembrane potential and consequently avoiding energy depletion. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):549–557, 2017
Chaotropic heat treatment resolves native‐like aggregation of a heterologously produced hyperthermostable laminarinase
Authors: Westphal Adrie H. , Geerke‐Volmer Astrid A. , van Mierlo Carlo P. M. , van Berkel Willem J. H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProduction of hyperthermostable enzymes in mesophilic hosts frequently causes undesired aggregation of these proteins. During production of Pyrococcus furiosus endo‐β‐1,3 glucanase (LamA) in Escherichia coli, soluble and insoluble species form. Here, the authors address the composition of this mixture, including the nature of LamA conformers, and establish a method to increase the yield of native monomer. With gel electrophoresis, size‐exclusion chromatography, light scattering, circular dichroism and enzyme kinetics the authors show that approximately 50 % of heterologously produced LamA is soluble, and that 40 % of this fraction constitutes native‐like oligomers and non‐native monomers. Soluble oligomers display, like native LamA monomer, substrate inhibition, although with poor activity. Treatment of soluble oligomers with 3 M guanidinium hydrochloride at 80 °C yields up to 75 % properly active monomer. Non‐native monomer shows low specific activity without substrate inhibition. Incubating non‐native monomer with 3 M guanidinium hydrochloride at 80 °C causes formation of 25 % native LamA. Also, a large amount of insoluble LamA aggregates can be converted into soluble native monomer by application of this procedure. Thus, chaotropic heat treatment can improve the yield and quality of hyperthermostable proteins that form aberrant species during production in E. coli.
Transcranial direct current stimulation may modulate extinction memory in posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: van‘t Wout Mascha , Longo Sharon M. , Reddy Madhavi K. , Philip Noah S. , Bowker Marguerite T. , Greenberg Benjamin D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundAbnormalities in fear extinction and recall are core components of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data from animal and human studies point to a role of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in extinction learning and subsequent retention of extinction memories. Given the increasing interest in developing noninvasive brain stimulation protocols for psychopathology treatment, we piloted whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during extinction learning, vs. during consolidation of extinction learning, might improve extinction recall in veterans with warzone‐related PTSD.MethodsTwenty‐eight veterans with PTSD completed a 2‐day Pavlovian fear conditioning, extinction, and recall paradigm. Participants received one 10‐min session of 2 mA anodal tDCS over AF3, intended to target the vmPFC. Fourteen received tDCS that started simultaneously with extinction learning onset, and the remaining 14 participants received tDCS during extinction consolidation. Normalized skin conductance reactivity (SCR) was the primary outcome measure. Linear mixed effects models were used to test for effects of tDCS on late extinction and early extinction recall 24 hr later.ResultsDuring early recall, veterans who received tDCS during extinction consolidation showed slightly lower SCR in response to previously extinguished stimuli as compared to veterans who received tDCS simultaneous with extinction learning (p = .08), generating a medium effect size (Cohen's d = .38). There was no significant effect of tDCS on SCR during late extinction.ConclusionsThese preliminary findings suggest that testing the effects of tDCS during consolidation of fear extinction may have promise as a way of enhancing extinction recall.
A new method allowing long‐term potentiation recordings in hippocampal organotypic slices
Authors: Paci Paula , Gabriele Sylvain , Ris Laurence 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundHippocampal organotypic slices are used to improve the understanding of synaptic plasticity mechanisms because they allow longer term studies compared to acute slices. However, it is more delicate to keep cultures alive in the recording system outside in vitro conditions. Experiments from the organotypic cultures are common but the handling of slices is rarely described in the literature, even though tissue preservation is crucial. Instruments are sometimes required to extract the slices from the culture inserts but this approach is delicate and can lead to damage, given how strongly the slices are attached to the insert.MethodsA new configuration is proposed to secure the transfer of slices from the incubator to the recording chamber through an adaptor piece that can be designed for any model of chamber and/or insert. The adaptor is a Plexiglas ring in which a culture insert containing the slice can be easily introduced and stabilized. This system allows slices to be placed in the interface for electrophysiological investigations without having to detach them from the insert. That way, no damage is caused and the recording system can safely hold the slices, maintaining them close to culture conditions.ResultsIn addition to the description of the adaptation system, slices were characterized. Their viability was validated and microglial expression was observed. According to the experimental conditions, neuroprotective ramified microgliocytes are present. Dendritic spines studies were also performed to determine neuronal network maturity in culture. Moreover, SKF 83822 hydrobromide and three trains of 100 pulses at 100 Hz with a 10‐min inter‐train interval are suggested to induce long‐term potentiation and to record an increase of fEPSP amplitude and slope.ConclusionThis paper provides detailed information on the preparation and characterization of hippocampal organotypic slices, a new recording configuration more suitable for cultures, and a long‐term potentiation protocol combining SKF and trains.
Left atrial size and risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in a Chinese population
Authors: Xue Jie , Lin Yuanshao , Huang Wensi , Chen Xiaoli , Li Qian , Cai Zhengyi , Zhang Wanli , Ye Yuansheng , Shao Bei 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough a number of studies have reported the role of an increased left atrial (LA) size on stroke, limited data are collected about the relationship between LA enlargement and recurrent ischemic stroke in the Chinese population. Our aim was to assess the association of LA size with the risk of stroke recurrence, particularly with recurrent cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke in ischemic stroke patients.MethodsThe study recruited 313 consecutive patients with acute first‐ever ischemic stroke. Echocardiographic LA diameter was measured and indexed by height and body surface area separately. The endpoint was recurrent ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of LA size with total recurrent ischemic stroke and recurrent cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke while adjusting for baseline demographics characteristics, clinical factors, echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction, and medication.ResultsOver a median follow‐up period of 1.63 years, 47 recurrent ischemic strokes (21 were cardioembolic or cryptogenic) occurred. In a multivariate model adjusted for potential confounders, compared with the bottom tertiles of LA diameter indexed to height (LA diameter/H), the top tertile of LA diameter/H was significantly associated with the total recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 3.610, 95% CI 1.870–6.967, p < .001) and the composite of recurrent cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke (adjusted HR 5.673, 95% CI 1.780–18.084, p = .003). Results were similar when LA diameter indexed to body surface area (LA diameter/BSA) was involved in the analysis.ConclusionLA size is an independent predictor of total recurrent ischemic stroke and the composite of recurrent cardioembolic or cryptogenic stroke.
Frontal assessment battery and frontal atrophy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Terada Tatsuhiro , Miyata Jun , Obi Tomokazu , Kubota Manabu , Yoshizumi Miho , Yamazaki Kinya , Mizoguchi Kouichi , Murai Toshiya 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the potential utility of the frontal assessment battery (FAB) in assessing cognitive impairments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we investigated the association between the FAB score and regional gray matter volume, and ascertained whether the regional brain alterations related to cognitive impairments occur in relatively mild stage of ALS.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four ALS patients with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of >23, a normal score on the Self‐Rating Depression Scale, little or no disturbance in speech and handling utensils on the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), and normal measures on respiratory tests (respiratory function test and arterial blood gas analysis), and two age‐matched normal control groups (one for FAB assessment and the other for brain morphometry) underwent FAB testing and structural magnetic resonance imaging. We applied voxel‐based morphometry to investigate the relationship between the FAB score and regional brain alteration, and assessed the relationship between the altered regional brain volume and ALSFRS or respiratory tests.ResultsFrontal assessment battery scores were significantly lower in ALS patients than in normal controls. Volume reduction in the right orbitofrontal gyrus in ALS was correlated with a lower FAB score. There was no correlation between the right orbitofrontal gyrus volume and ALSFRS or respiratory tests.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the FAB is an adequate tool for detecting cognitive impairments related to frontal lobe pathology in the relatively mild stage of ALS, independent of physical dysfunctions.
The role of microRNA‐93 regulating angiopoietin2 in the formation of malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Qian Qian , Sun Wenkui , Zhu Wen , Liu Yanan , Ge Ai , Ma Yuan , Zhang Yu , Zeng Xiaoning , Huang Mao 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe biological roles of miRNAs in the development of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are unclear. In this study, the miRNA microarray analysis was performed in two different prognosis groups of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Expression profiles of miRNAs in MPEs were identified. With the help of quantification PCR, we confirmed the expression differences of miRNAs and further analyzed their biological functions and relative target genes in vitro. The target gene of miR‐93 was estimated by online database, and also, the protein was tested. The target gene and the binding sites of specific miRNA were estimated by online database. The combining capacity of binding sites was verified by luciferase reporter gene assay, and the target gene protein was tested by western blot. We detected 107 miRNAs with expression differences (n = 10) and confirmed significant expression differences in miR‐93 and miR‐146a in two groups of patients (n = 84). By manipulating miR‐93 expression of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we discovered that high expression of miR‐93 inhibited migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. And also, miR‐93 increased not only apoptosis, but also G1 phase cell block. By using luciferase reporter gene assay and western blot, we confirmed that angiopoietin2 (Ang2) was the target of miR‐93. The data showed that miR‐93 has an inhibiting effect on pleural effusion. By targeting Ang2, miR‐93 regulates angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and plays a role in pathogenetic mechanism of MPE. MiR‐93/Ang2 may shed light on potential new targets in cancer treatment.
Formation of the IGF1R/CAV1/SRC tri‐complex antagonizes TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Guo Tianshu , Xu Ling , Che Xiaofang , Zhang Simeng , Li Ce , Wang Jin , Gong Jing , Ma Rui , Fan Yibo , Hou Kezuo , Zhou Huiming , Hu Xuejun , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLipid rafts provide a biological platform for apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL). We previously reported that insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) translocation into lipid rafts helped to explain TRAIL resistance. However, it was not clear whether TRAIL resistance was caused by the interaction of IGF1R with caveolin‐1 (CAV1) and the non‐receptor tyrosine kinase SRC in lipid rafts of gastric cancer cells. Here, we observed high IGF1R expression in TRAIL‐resistant gastric cancer cells, and showed that IGF1R combined with both CAV1 and SRC in a native complex. TRAIL was shown to promote the formation of the IGF1R/CAV1/SRC tri‐complex and the activation of these three molecules. Knockdown of IGF1R or CAV1 or inhibition of SRC activity reduced the formation of this tri‐complex and enhanced TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of microRNA‐194 reversed TRAIL resistance by reducing IGF1R expression. In summary, TRAIL increased formation of the IGF1R/CAV1/SRC tri‐complex and the activation of downstream survival pathways, leading to TRAIL resistance in gastric cancer cells.
Coexistence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma, do the roots of these entities originate from the same place?
Authors: Merdin Alparslan , Yıldız Jale , Dal Mehmet Sinan , Kızıl Çakar Merih , Kaya Ali Hakan , Tekgündüz Emre , Altuntaş Fevzi 
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical MessageMultiple myeloma is a plasma cell disease, whereas CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) affects mature B‐cell lymphocytes. Even though the coexistence of those two conditions is extremely rare, as both cell types differentiate from the same multipotent stem cells, the clinician should evaluate patients carefully not to misdiagnose such a concomitancy.
Steady‐State Measurements of Vanadium Redox‐Flow Batteries to Study Particular Influences of Carbon Felt Properties
Authors: Schweiss Ruediger , Meiser Christian , Goh Fu Wei Thomas 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCarbon felts based on rayon and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursors constitute the most widespread porous electrode material for vanadium redox‐flow batteries. Since the raw materials exhibit rather poor wettability, it has become common practice to apply oxidative surface treatments prior to use in flow batteries. This study investigates the electrode‐specific effects of raw and thermally oxidized (PAN and rayon‐based) carbon felts on their electrochemical behavior at the negative and the positive electrode in all vanadium redox‐flow batteries. By means of steady‐state single cell measurements, it is verified that oxidative surface treatment has opposite effects on negative and positive redox couples and that the beneficial influence on the vanadium redox‐flow battery performance is mainly brought about by substantially improved charge‐transfer kinetics at the negative electrode. Similarly, the type of carbon precursor and the degree of graphitic character have a particular impact on the electrode behavior.