bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination drug delivery via multilamellar vesicles enables targeting of tumor cells and tumor vasculature
Authors: Liu Yarong , Kim Yu J. , Siriwon Natnaree , Rohrs Jennifer A. , Yu Zhiqiang , Wanga Pin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBlood vessel development is critical for the continued growth and progression of solid tumors and, therefore, makes an attractive target for improving cancer therapy. Indeed, vascular‐targeted therapies have been extensively explored but they have shown minimal efficacy as monotherapies. Combretastatin A4 (CA‐4) is a tubulin‐binding vascular disrupting agent that selectively targets the established tumor endothelium, causing rapid vascular beak down. Despite its potent anticancer potential, the drug has dose‐limiting side effects, particularly in the form of cardiovascular toxicity. Furthermore, its poor aqueous solubility and the resulting limited bioavailability hinder its antitumor activity in the clinic. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of CA‐4, we investigated its application as a combination therapy with doxorubicin (Dox) in a tumor vasculature targeted delivery vehicle: peptide‐modified cross‐linked multilamellar liposomal vesicles (cMLVs). In vitro cell culture studies showed that a tumor vasculature‐targeting peptide, RIF7, could facilitate higher cellular uptake of drug‐loaded cMLVs, and consequently enhance the antitumor efficacy in both drug resistant B16 mouse melanoma and human MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. In vivo, upon intravenous injection, targeted cMLVs could efficiently deliver both Dox and CA‐4 to significantly slow tumor growth through the specific interaction of the targeting peptide with its receptor on the surface of tumor vasculature. This study demonstrates the potential of our novel targeted combination therapy delivery vehicle to improve the outcome of cancer treatment.
Antibody glycoengineering strategies in mammalian cells
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chung Cheng‐Yu , Chough Sandra , Betenbaugh Michael J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAs a key parameter impacting functional and structural heterogeneity, protein glycosylation is a critical quality attribute for antibody biotherapeutic manufacturing. The glycan patterns on recombinant antibodies, particularly on the conserved fragment crystallizable (Fc) region, can have significant effects on an antibody's functional activities including clearance rate, antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and anti‐inflammatory activity. In this review, we examined specific glycan attachments (fucosylation, sialylation, galactosylation, high‐mannose, and bisecting glycans) and their importance to antibody properties. Next, we summarized the recent and current achievements on controlling antibody glycoforms in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and other mammalian cells through multiple strategies including genetic engineering, protein engineering, media modification, and other emerging technologies. Further, the impact of one carbohydrate modification on other glycan structures is also described. Finally, approaches to generate desirable homogenous glycan profiles on antibodies are also detailed. By applying multiple complementary intracellular and extracellular strategies, biotechnologists are well on their ways to precisely tuning antibody glycoforms emerging from bioreactors in the coming decades.
RNAi assisted genome evolution unveils yeast mutants with improved xylose utilization
Authors: HamediRad Mohammad , Lian Jiazhang , Li Hejun , Zhao Huimin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractXylose is a major component of lignocellulosic biomass, one of the most abundant feedstocks for biofuel production. Therefore, efficient and rapid conversion of xylose to ethanol is crucial in the viability of lignocellulosic biofuel plants. In this study, RNAi Assisted Genome Evolution (RAGE) was used to improve the xylose utilization rate in SR8, one of the most efficient publicly available xylose utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. To identify gene targets for further improvement, we created a genome‐scale library consisting of both genetic over‐expression and down‐regulation mutations in SR8. Followed by screening in media containing xylose as the sole carbon source, yeast mutants with 29% faster xylose utilization, and 45% higher ethanol productivity were obtained relative to the parent strain. Two known and two new effector genes were identified in these mutant strains. Notably, down‐regulation of CDC11, an essential gene, resulted in faster xylose utilization, and this gene target cannot be identified in genetic knock‐out screens.
Harnessing a methane‐fueled, sediment‐free mixed microbial community for utilization of distributed sources of natural gas
Authors: Marlow Jeffrey J. , Kumar Amit , Enalls Brandon C. , Reynard Linda M. , Tuross Noreen , Stephanopoulos Gregory , Girguis Peter 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHarnessing the metabolic potential of uncultured microbial communities is a compelling opportunity for the biotechnology industry, an approach that would vastly expand the portfolio of usable feedstocks. Methane is particularly promising because it is abundant and energy‐rich, yet the most efficient methane‐activating metabolic pathways involve mixed communities of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea and sulfate reducing bacteria. These communities oxidize methane at high catabolic efficiency and produce chemically reduced by‐products at a comparable rate and in near‐stoichiometric proportion to methane consumption. These reduced compounds can be used for feedstock and downstream chemical production, and at the production rates observed in situ they are an appealing, cost‐effective prospect. Notably, the microbial constituents responsible for this bioconversion are most prominent in select deep‐sea sediments, and while they can be kept active at surface pressures, they have not yet been cultured in the lab. In an industrial capacity, deep‐sea sediments could be periodically recovered and replenished, but the associated technical challenges and substantial costs make this an untenable approach for full‐scale operations. In this study, we present a novel method for incorporating methanotrophic communities into bioindustrial processes through abstraction onto low mass, easily transportable carbon cloth artificial substrates. Using Gulf of Mexico methane seep sediment as inoculum, optimal physicochemical parameters were established for methane‐oxidizing, sulfide‐generating mesocosm incubations. Metabolic activity required >∼40% seawater salinity, peaking at 100% salinity and 35 °C. Microbial communities were successfully transferred to a carbon cloth substrate, and rates of methane‐dependent sulfide production increased more than threefold per unit volume. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that carbon cloth‐based communities were substantially streamlined and were dominated by Desulfotomaculum geothermicum. Fluorescence in situ hybridization microscopy with carbon cloth fibers revealed a novel spatial arrangement of anaerobic methanotrophs and sulfate reducing bacteria suggestive of an electronic coupling enabled by the artificial substrate. This system: 1) enables a more targeted manipulation of methane‐activating microbial communities using a low‐mass and sediment‐free substrate; 2) holds promise for the simultaneous consumption of a strong greenhouse gas and the generation of usable downstream products; and 3) furthers the broader adoption of uncultured, mixed microbial communities for biotechnological use.
Evaluation of In Vitro α‐Amylase and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Potentials of 14 Medicinal Plants Constituted in Thai Folk Antidiabetic Formularies
Authors: Somtimuang Chonlatid , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai 
Published: February 2018

The sporadic increase in the occurrence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus have compelled and vigorous search for alternative anti‐diabetic therapeutic approach from medicinal plants and its bioactive. One of the major approach employed is the reduction of gastrointestinal glucose levels through the inhibition of carbohydrate digesting enzymes notably α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. In this study, the ethanol extracts of 14 selected plants from Mor Porn's recipe were screened for their α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. The ethanolic extract from the stem of Vitex glabrata displayed the highest percentage inhibitory activity of 84.98 ± 0.59 and 84.71 ± 1.51 against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase enzymes, respectively. Chemical investigation of the active extract of V. glabrata indicated that pentacyclic triterpenes were the major compounds responsible for the activity. The result obtained from this study suggests the potential use of V. glabrata as an alternative natural source for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Incorporation of mushroom powder into bread dough—effects on dough rheology and bread properties
Authors: Lu Xikun , Brennan Margaret A. , Serventi Luca , Brennan Charles S. 
Published: February 2018

Background and objectivesMushroom powders from white button, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms were used to replace high‐grade wheat flour at levels of 5%, 10%, and 15% in dough and bread manufacture for nutritional enhancement. Dough quality, including rheology properties, stickiness, adhesion, extension, and moisture content, was analyzed. Bread quality, including height, specific volume, moisture content, hardness, springiness, gumminess, and bubbles, was determined.FindingsMushroom powder‐substituted dough showed significantly less stability, higher water absorption capacity, less peak energy, and less extensibility than the control dough. The bread with mushroom powder were smaller in specific loaf volume (except for the 5% porcini mushroom), exhibited reduced springiness, and reduced height (except for the 5% porcini mushroom) compared to the control samples. Moreover, the addition of mushroom powder altered the porosity properties of the bread.ConclusionsMushroom‐supplemented bread have a place in the market as a functional, novel bread product, by delivering more dietary fiber, high‐quality protein, and other bioactive components to consumers. Further research on the nutritional properties of these final bread products should be carried out in the future.Significance and noveltyWhite button, shiitake, and porcini mushrooms were incorporated into wheat bread to evaluate their effects on the dough quality and the physical‐textural properties of final bread products.
Direct C(sp2)−H Hydroxylation of Arenes with Palladium(II)/Oxygen Using Sulfoximines as a Recyclable Directing Group
Authors: Das Prasenjit , Guin Joyram 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aerobic palladium(II) catalysis presented herein offers facile entry to various substituted phenols through site‐selective C−H hydroxylation of arenes by using sulfoximines as a reusable directing group. The notable aspects of our method include the use of molecular oxygen (O2) as the sole oxidant, the activation of molecular oxygen through aldehyde autoxidation, operational simplicity, and the mechanistic studies into the catalytic C−H hydroxylation process.
New Water‐Soluble Cluster Compound {Zn(en)3}3[V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅ (Ethylenediamine)3⋅10 H2O as a Synthon for the Generation of Two New Antimonato Polyoxovanadates
Authors: Mahnke Lisa K. , Warzok Ulrike , Lin Mengxi , Näther Christian , Schalley Christoph A. , Bensch Wolfgang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA new antimonato polyoxovanadate {Zn(en)3}3[V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅3 en⋅10 H2O (en=ethylenediamine) synthesized under hydrothermal conditions exhibits remarkable solubility in water. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) investigations on an aqueous solution demonstrate that the cluster core remains fully intact for 72 h. At longer times, slow transformation into a {V14Sb8O42} cluster is observed. The conversion reaches 50 % after 14 days and is complete after approximately 20 days. The rate of this {V15Sb6}→{V14Sb8} cluster transformation is significantly increased in the presence of ammonium acetate. Applying the new compound as a synthon in the presence of 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) led to crystallization of {Zn(phen)3}2[Zn(en)2V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅23 H2O after a short reaction time, whereas addition of Sb2O3 led to fast crystallization of {(Zn(en)2(H2O)2)(Zn(en)2)}[Zn(en)2V15Sb6O42(H2O)] ⋅8.5 H2O. In the crystal structure of {Zn(en)3}3 [V15Sb6O42(H2O)]⋅3 en⋅10 H2O, the en molecules are seen to be attached to the cluster anion through Sb−N bonds. In the structures of the two new compounds obtained, the [V15Sb6O42(H2O)]6− anions are expanded by Zn2+‐centered complexes through Zn−O−V bond formation.
Nucleophilic Substitution in Solution: Activation Strain Analysis of Weak and Strong Solvent Effects
Authors: Hamlin Trevor A. , van Beek Bas , Wolters Lando P. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe have quantum chemically studied the effect of various polar and apolar solvents on the shape of the potential energy surface (PES) of a diverse collection of archetypal nucleophilic substitution reactions at carbon, silicon, phosphorus, and arsenic by using density functional theory at the OLYP/TZ2P level. In the gas phase, all our model SN2 reactions have single‐well PESs, except for the nucleophilic substitution reaction at carbon (SN2@C), which has a double‐well energy profile. The presence of the solvent can have a significant effect on the shape of the PES and, thus, on the nature of the SN2 process. Solvation energies, charges on the nucleophile or leaving group, and structural features are compared for the various SN2 reactions in a spectrum of solvents. We demonstrate how solvation can change the shape of the PES, depending not only on the polarity of the solvent, but also on how the charge is distributed over the interacting molecular moieties during different stages of the reaction. In the case of a nucleophilic substitution at three‐coordinate phosphorus, the reaction can be made to proceed through a single‐well [no transition state (TS)], bimodal barrier (two TSs), and then through a unimodal transition state (one TS) simply by increasing the polarity of the solvent.
Enhanced Li Storage Stability Induced by Locating Sn in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Wei , Kou Lu‐Qing , Zhang Xue , Shi Ya‐Ru , Li Tao‐Hai , Li Feng , Zhou Jing‐Ming , Wei Yu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBy locating elemental Sn in an open anionic framework, the particle cracking arising from huge volume expansion of Sn‐based anode materials during lithiation/delithiation is alleviated, and the cycling stability is greatly improved. The Sn‐based metal–organic framework anode material shows superior cyclic stability, with a capacity retention >92 % (after 200 cycles) and high lithium storage capacity (610 mAh g−1).
A biosurfactant for inhibiting clay hydration in aqueous solutions: Applications to petroleum industry
Authors: Moslemizadeh Aghil , Samadzadeh Hafshejani Karim , Shahbazi Khalil , Zaravi Dezfuli Mohammad , Zendehboudi Sohrab 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe development of high performance and environmentally‐friendly clay stabilizers is still crucial to the drilling industry. This study aims to evaluate the impact of mulberry leaf extract (MLE), a biosurfactant as a clay stabilizer, on hydration of sodium bentonite in aqueous solutions. Several experimental techniques including sodium bentonite inhibition, sedimentation, filtration, zeta potential, particle size, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are utilized in this study. Based on the results, MLE aqueous solution loads a larger amount of sodium bentonite in contrast to deionized water, leading to a low rheological profile. Sodium bentonite is not able to form a stable dispersion in the MLE aqueous solution. The capability of sodium bentonite to control the fluid loss is considerably lost upon exposure to the aqueous solutions of MLE. In the presence of MLE, the zeta potential of sodium bentonite dispersion shifts towards positive values, implying the instability of the water film surrounding the sodium bentonite particles. Sodium bentonite particles are larger in the MLE aqueous solution, representing a lower degree of particle delamination. A lower water content is observed in TGA for sodium bentonite modified by MLE. In SEM analysis, sodium bentonite particles show larger aggregates in the MLE aqueous solution. MLE aqueous solutions also have larger shale cuttings, in contrast to deionized water. All experiments confirm the promising features of MLE as an excellent clay stabilizer during drilling through clay rich shales. In addition to the superior performance in the drilling industry, MLE exhibits an environmentally‐friendly characteristic which is an asset for this biosurfactant.
Numerical research on the biomechanical behaviour of braided stents with different end shapes and stent‐oesophagus interaction
Authors: Ni Xiao‐Yu , Zhang Yan‐Hong , Zhao Hai‐Xia , Pan Chang‐Wang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractQuasi‐static and dynamic numerical analyses are carried out by referring to computational models of commercial self‐expandable braided stents with 3 commonly used end shapes, to evaluate the influence of different end shapes of stent on the biomechanical interaction between stent and oesophagus. The end shape has no influence on the equivalent stress, but has a great influence on the contact stress in the narrowest zone of the oesophagus‐neoplasm system. However, the end shapes have significant effect on the equivalent stress and the contact stress in the healthy area of the oesophagus in contact with the stent ends. The results show that the maximum equivalent stress of the oesophagus occurs in the zone contact with the cup‐shaped end and the maximum contact stress occurs in the zone contact with the edge of the trumpet‐shaped stent end. Moreover, the stent apposition is almost not affected by the end shapes. Although small zones with an incomplete stent apposition appear in the transition zones of spherical‐cup‐shaped stent, such occurrence might not contribute to stent malapposition or stent migration. Therefore, these stents with 3 types of end shapes all have good stent apposition. Finally, the numerical simulation results can be used to assess the mechanical performance of stents with different end shapes, the effectiveness of stent expansion therapy, and the possibility of complications after stent implantation.
Risk Factor for Diabetes Mellitus and High Blood Glucose With HMG‐CoA Reductase Inhibitors Using a Postmarketing Surveillance Database in Japan
Authors: Hashiguchi Masayuki , Maruyama Junya , Shimizu Mikiko , Takahashi Daichi , Shiga Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTo investigate whether 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) use is associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia, we performed a nested case‐control study using a postmarketing surveillance database in Japan. The database cohort included 26,849 cases of statin use and 5308 cases of other lipid‐lowering drug use in patients with hyperlipidemia. Participants received at least 1 type of statin, had a clear medication history of statin use, and had no complications of diabetes mellitus. Cases were defined as onset of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia during statin intake. For each case, 20 controls were randomly selected and matched by time point. The factors associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia during statin intake examined included sex, age, body mass index, statin use duration, complications, concomitant medication, and clinical laboratory tests. Statin‐associated diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia was identified based on abnormal elevation of blood glucose concentrations beyond the reference range. A total of 19,868 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 24 were patients in the case group. Two complicating factors, fatty liver (adjusted odds ratio 16.10) and hyperuricemia (adjusted odds ratio 28.96), were extracted for onset of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. Nonalcoholic fatty liver was associated with diabetes mellitus, obesity, and insulin resistance, and hyperuricemia was associated with lifestyle. This study suggested that the onset of diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia might be increased with statin use in patients with complications of fatty liver and hyperuricemia.
Controls on denitrification potential in nitrate‐rich waterways and riparian zones of an irrigated agricultural setting
Authors: Webster Alex J. , Groffman Peter M. , Cadenasso Mary L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDenitrification, the microbial conversion ofNO3−to N gases, is an important process contributing to whether lotic and riparian ecosystems act as sinks for excessNO3−from agricultural activities. Though agricultural waterways and riparian zones have been a focus of denitrification research for decades, almost none of this research has occurred in the irrigated agricultural settings of arid and semiarid climates. In this study, we conducted a broad survey of denitrification potential in riparian soils and channel sediments from 79 waterway reaches in the irrigated agricultural landscape of California's Central Valley. With this approach, we sought to capture the wide range of variation that arose from diverse waterway management and fluctuating flow conditions, and use this variation to identify promising management interventions. We explored associations of denitrification potentials with surface waterNO3−‐N, organic matter, flow conditions, vegetation cover, near‐channel riparian bank slope, and channel geomorphic features using generalized linear mixed models. We found strong associations of sediment denitrification potentials with reach flow conditions, which we hypothesize was the result of variation in microbial communities’ tolerance to dry‐wet cycles. Denitrification potentials in riparian soils, in contrast, did not appear affected by flow conditions, but instead were associated with organic matter, vegetation cover, and bank slope in the riparian zone. These results suggest a strong need for further work on how denitrification responds to varying flow conditions and dry‐wet cycles in non‐perennial lotic ecosystems. Our findings also demonstrate that denitrifier communities respond to key features of waterway management, which can therefore be leveraged to control denitrification through a variety of management actions.
Full percutaneous biventricular support with two Impella pumps: the Bi‐Pella approach
Authors: Pappalardo Federico , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Latib Azeem 
Published: February 2018

AbstractExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation is used for acute respiratory distress syndrome, refractory cardiogenic shock, and out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest with uncertain neurological status, and, until recently, it was the only minimally invasive option to achieve biventricular support. However, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation increases left ventricular afterload and requires systemic anticoagulation, which is a major contraindication in the context of thrombolytic therapy following an ischaemic stroke. Conversely, the Impella heart pumps by design unload the ventricle and require minimal anticoagulation. We report the first case of mechanical circulatory supported with Impella CP on the left and Impella RP on the right (Abiomed Inc., Danvers, MA) for acute biventricular failure due to suspected acute myocarditis in the context of thrombolytic therapy for ischaemic stroke.