bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of magnetic theranostic nanoparticles for curcumin delivery and evaluation as MRI contrast agent
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Charmi Jalil , Abedini Somayeh , Rashidi Nafis , Attari Elahe , Davaran Soodabeh , Danafar Hossein , Kheiri Manjili Hamidreza 
Published: October 2018

In this study we described the production of curcumin (CUR) loaded L‐tyrosine (Tyr coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. CUR loaded Tyr modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (F@Tyr@CUR NPs) were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, X‐ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering techniques. The dynamic light scattering results showed that the ζ‐potential of F@Tyr@CUR NPs was about −15.4 mV. Also, the internal average size was about 25.81 ± 3.31 (mean ± SD (n = 30)) nm. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were 8.87 ± 0.09% and 35.21 ± 0.41%, respectively. In addition, hemolysis test on human red blood cells were conducted to determine the hemocompatibility of F@Tyr@CUR NPs. Next, MTT assays on HEK‐293 were conducted to determine the toxicity of F@Tyr@CUR NPs. Lastly, the potential anticancer effect of F@Tyr@CUR NPs was considered on MCF‐7 cancer cell line. The outcomes indicated that these F@Tyr@CUR NPs are appropriate for delivery of CUR anticancer drug. Also, the MRI training established the effectiveness of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles as contrast agent for the revealing of tumor as evidenced from the phantom images as well as higher T2 relaxivity.
Fabrication of noble‐metal‐free g‐C3N4‐MIL‐53(Fe) composite for enhanced photocatalytic H2‐generation performance
Authors: Bai Chunpeng , Bi Jingce , Wu Junbiao , Meng Hao , Xu Yan , Han Yide , Zhang Xia 
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we reported that g‐C3N4/MIL‐53(Fe) composites were successfully fabricated through a simple grinding method, and they were used as photocatalysts to generate H2 from water under simulated sunlight irradiation. The introduction of g‐C3N4 into MIL‐53(Fe) could efficiently improve the H2 evolution rate from splitting water, which was attributed to the charge spatial separation between g‐C3N4 and MIL‐53(Fe). Impressively, g‐C3N4/MIL‐53(Fe)‐0.5 composite displayed the highest H2 evolution rate (0.9054 mmol g−1 h−1), about 335 and 47 times higher than that of pristine MIL‐53(Fe) 0.0027 mmol g−1 h−1 and g‐C3N4 (0.0193 mmol g−1 h−1), respectively. Further investigation demonstrated that an intimate interfacial contact, more active sites and well‐matched energy level were responsible for the enhancement of photocatalytic H2 evolution over g‐C3N4/MIL‐53(Fe) composites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about using g‐C3N4/MIL‐53(Fe) composite as photocatalyst for H2 evolution. Thus, this study might open an avenue to fabricate the novel photocatalysts with superior activity.
Thermal stability enhancement of guar‐based hydraulic fracturing fluids by phosphate treatment
Authors: Ma X. , Wang H. , Boyd W. W. , Cheng M. , Yao C. , Lei G. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTGuar gum (GG), along with its derivatives [e.g., hydroxypropyl guar (HPG)], is an important thickening agent in the hydraulic fracturing fluid system. However, as the oil reservoir gets deeper, GG is unable to tolerate the elevated temperature. In this study, the thermal stability of GG and HPG can be increased up to 95% and 80%, respectively, when phosphates are used as thermal stabilizer. The thermal stability is highest when the usage of phosphate is 1.84 mmol L−1 KH2PO4 for GG and 2.27 mmol L−1 K2HPO4 for HPG and the pH is 6.25–6.90 for GG and 6.25–8.75 for HPG. Furthermore, the heated GG with phosphate treatment demonstrates excellent crosslinking ability, which suggests that phosphate can be a good alternative for current thermal stabilizers and has potential application in the high‐temperature formation oil or gas production. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47119.
Encapsulation ofN,N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET) via miniemulsion polymerization for temperature controlled release
Authors: Gomes G. M. , Bigon J. P. , Montoro F. E. , Lona L. M. F. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTN,N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET), an insect repellent, can be successfully encapsulated in poly(n‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) nanospheres via direct miniemulsion polymerization. Stable and low polydisperse nanospheres with a number average diameter of 114 ± 37 nm were obtained. It is shown that DEET is an effective costabilizer and that sodium lauryl sulfate is a suitable surfactant. The nanospheres glass‐transition temperature (Tg) can be tuned by adjusting the ratio betweenn‐butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate in the monomer formulation. The repellent reduced the polymerization reaction rate and the copolymer molecular weight, and changed the nanoparticle morphology. The release rate of the encapsulated DEET provides repellency for over 9 h and is and more controlled when compared to the free DEET. Results show the mechanism of release is temperature dependent. At temperatures close to and lower than the polymerTg, polymer relaxation is the limiting mechanism. At higher temperatures, Fickian diffusion limits the overall release. Thus, the DEET release rate can be tuned by adjusting the copolymerTg. This ensures this material a great potential as temperature‐dependent delivery system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47139.
Sunlight photodepolymerization of transient polymers
Authors: Phillips O. , Engler A. , Schwartz J. M. , Jiang J. , Tobin C. , Guta Y. A. , Kohl P. A. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe study and development of transient devices is an emerging field where the disposal of a device after use is desired to avoid reverse engineering and minimize the environmental impact. Polyaldehydes with phototriggers have been investigated because the radiation wavelength can be adjusted to meet the transient application. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were used as the optical sensitizer for photoacid generators (PAGs). Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) with an iodonium‐based PAG was used to expand the spectral sensitivity range. Anthracene, tetracene, and pentacene derivatives were synthesized with appended phenylethynyl groups to improve the solubility of the sensitizer and adjust the absorption wavelength. Sensitization of the iodonium‐based PAG with the PAH derivatives was found to have thermodynamically favorable PET reactions for depolymerization of poly(propylene carbonate) and poly(phthalaldehyde) (PPHA). The Rehm–Weller equation and Stern–Volmer analysis were used to study the electron transfer and the fluorescence quenching rates of the PAHs with the iodonium salts, respectively. The photosensitivity, efficiency, and byproducts of the PET reactions in the decomposable polymer films are reported. A rapid photoreaction is reported for the depolymerization of PPHA exposed to a sunlight dose of <6 J cm−2 (i.e., 1 min of direct sunlight) with a pentacene‐based sensitizer. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47141.
Otitis media, antibiotics, and risk of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wimberley Theresa , Agerbo Esben , Pedersen Carsten B. , Dalsgaard Søren , Horsdal Henriette Thisted , Mortensen Preben B. , Thompson Wesley K. , Köhler‐Forsberg Ole , Yolken Robert H. 
Published: October 2018

Otitis media infections and antibiotic treatment have been linked to the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics may alter the composition of the gut flora microbiota, which is hypothesized to be involved in the regulation of the immune system. This study examines the interplay among otitis media, antibiotics, and the subsequent risk of developing autism. Based on the entire Danish population, 780,547 children were followed from birth (January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2008) until December 31, 2012. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios and absolute risks of autism with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) related to previous otitis media diagnoses and antibiotic prescriptions redeemed at Danish pharmacies. The absolute risk of autism before age 10 was increased among children with otitis media (1.2% for females and 3.3% for males) and in children who had redeemed an antibiotic prescription (0.6% and 2.7% for females and males) compared to children without a history of otitis media and antibiotics usage (0.4% for females and 1.9% for males). Similarly, we found an increased hazard ratio of autism associated with otitis media (1.83 95% CI 1.71–1.95) and antibiotics usage (1.29 95% CI 1.17–1.43). A history of both otitis media and antibiotic treatment did not further increase the risk of autism. Although the risk of autism was associated with otitis media and treatment with antibiotics, we found little evidence of a synergistic effect between otitis media infections and treatment with antibiotics. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1432–1440. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryWe investigated whether otitis media ear infections and antibiotic treatment were associated with autism spectrum disorder. Autism was more common in children who had had an otitis media infection or who had been treated with antibiotics. Given the observational nature of our data, our study cannot be used to conclude that otitis media or use of antibiotics cause autism, as our findings may be subject to unobserved confounding.
Chemical cross‐linking of a variety of green fluorescent proteins as Förster resonance energy transfer donors for Yukon orange fluorescent protein: A project‐based undergraduate laboratory experience
Authors: Marchioretto Mira K. , Horton Jacqueline T. , Berstler Calvin A. , Humphries Joseph B. , Koloditch Isaac J. , Voss Samuel D. , de La Harpe Kimberly , Hicks Barry W. , Jefferies Latisha R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFörster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is the basis for many techniques used in biomedical research. Due to its wide use in molecular sensing, FRET is commonly introduced in many biology, chemistry, and physics courses. While FRET is of great importance in the biophysical sciences, the complexity and difficulty of constructing FRET experiments has resulted in limited usage in undergraduate laboratory settings. Here, we present a practical undergraduate laboratory experiment for teaching FRET using a diverse set of green‐emitting fluorescent proteins (FPs) as donors for a cross‐linked Yukon orange FP. This laboratory experiment enables students to make the connection of basic lab procedures to real world applications and can be applied to molecular biology, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and biophysical laboratory courses. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA., 46(5):516–522, 2018.
Detection of aquaporin‐4 antibodies for patients with CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases other than typical MS in Lithuania
Authors: Sakalauskaitė‐Juodeikienė Eglė , Armalienė Giedrė , Kizlaitienė Rasa , Bagdonaitė Loreta , Giedraitienė Nataša , Mickevičienė Dalia , Rastenytė Daiva , Kaubrys Gintaras , Jatužis Dalius 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is frequently associated with aquaporin‐4 autoantibodies (AQP4‐Ab); however, studies of NMO in Lithuania are lacking. Therefore, the main objective of our study is to assess positivity for AQP4‐Ab in patients presenting with inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) diseases other than typical multiple sclerosis (MS) in Lithuania.Materials and methodsData were collected from the two largest University hospitals in Lithuania. During the study period, there were 121 newly diagnosed typical MS cases, which were included in the MS registry database. After excluding these typical MS cases, we analyzed the remaining 29 cases of other CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases, including atypical MS (n = 14), acute transverse myelitis, TM (n = 8), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, ADEM (n = 3), clinically isolated syndrome, CIS (n = 2), atypical optic neuritis, ON (n = 1), and NMO (n = 1). We assessed positivity for AQP4‐Ab for the 29 patients and evaluated clinical, laboratory, and instrumental differences between AQP4‐Ab seropositive and AQP4‐Ab seronegative patient groups.ResultsAQP4‐Ab test was positive for three (10.3%) patients in our study, with initial diagnoses of atypical MS (n = 2) and ADEM (n = 1). One study patient was AQP4‐Ab negative despite being previously clinically diagnosed with NMO. There were no significant clinical, laboratory, or instrumental differences between the groups of AQP4‐Ab positive (3 [10.3%]) and negative (26 [89.7%]) patients.ConclusionsAQP4‐Ab test was positive for one‐tenth of patients with CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases other than typical MS in our study. AQP4‐Ab testing is highly recommended for patients presenting with not only TM and ON but also an atypical course of MS and ADEM.
Design, Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of Some Tetrahydropyrimidine Derivatives as Possible Fascin Inhibitors
Authors: Riahi Narges , Kefayat Amirhosein , Ghasemi Ahmad , Asgarshamsi Mohammadhosein , Panjehpoor Mojtaba , Fassihi Afshin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEight derivatives of tetrahydropyrimidine scaffold were designed and prepared as hybrid compounds possessing the structural features of both monastrol as an anticancer drug and nifedipine as a fascin blocking agent. All of the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic potency and the ability to inhibit 4T1 breast cancer cells migration. Then, they were investigated in silico for their ability to inhibit the fascin protein using molecular docking simulation. The most potent compound was 4d and the weakest one was 4a according to the in vitro cytotoxicity assay. The corresponding IC50 values were 193.70 and 248.75 μm, respectively. The least cytotoxic compound (4a) was one of the strongest ones in binding to the fascin binding site according to the molecular docking results. 4a and 4e inhibited the 4T1 cells migration better than other compounds. They were more potent than nifedipine in inhibiting the migration process. In silico studies proved 4h to be the most potent fascin inhibitor in terms of ΔGbind although it was not inhibiting migration. The controversy between the in vitro and in silico results may cancel the theory of the involvement of the fascin inhibition in the migration inhibition. However, the considerable antimigratory effects of some of the synthesized compounds encourage performing further in vivo experiments to introduce novel tumor metastasis inhibitors.
Substrate Preference Pattern of Agaricus meleagris Pyranose Dehydrogenase Evaluated through Bioelectrochemical Flow Injection Amperometry
Authors: Rafighi Parvin , Bollella Paolo , Pankratova Galina , Peterbauer Clemens K. , Conghaile Peter Ó , Leech Dónal , Haghighi Behzad , Gorton Lo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPyranose dehydrogenase (PDH) is a quinone‐dependent extracellular flavoglycoprotein mainly produced by litter‐decomposing fungi and contributes to the degradation of lignocellulose. PDH in terms of structure and catalytic features pertains to the glucose methanol‐choline oxidoreductase family and oxidizes a wide substrate range of aldopyranoses including hexoses, pentoses, disaccharides and oligosaccharides with a high degree of regioselectivity. The purpose of this study was to rationalize the preference of PDH immobilized on an electrode with the structural features of various substrates and thus the kinetic constants were measured for various sugars. PDH was co‐immobilized on the electrode with an osmium redox polymer. Response currents for different sugars were measured using flow injection amperometry at +0.3 V vs. Ag|AgCl, KCl (0.1 M). The Michaelis‐Menten constants, the turnover numbers and the catalytic efficiency were calculated and revealed that type, orientation and configuration of the substituent play a major role on substrate preference. An OH‐group at C‐1 and C‐6 are not essential and substrate specificities are little affected by the substitution at C‐1. The presence and orientation of OH− at C‐2 and C‐3 are relevant for reactivity. Orientation of OH− at the C‐4 position has little effect, and sugars with a substitution below the plane at C‐5 are not suitable as substrate. Highest activity for oxidation of glucose, mannose and sucrose was detected at pH 8.5.
Effect of sulphation on the catalytic activity of MIL‐101 and the activation energy of an esterification reaction
Authors: Yılmaz Esra , Sert Emine , Atalay Ferhan Sami 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTMetal organic frameworks have been recently highlighted as promising materials for heterogeneous catalysts. In this study, MIL‐101, a chromium‐based metal organic framework was synthesized using the solvothermal method and functionalized through sulphation. The catalytic activities of MIL‐101 and sulphated MIL‐101 (MIL‐101s) were tested in the esterification of acetic acid. The conversion of acetic acid increased from 73.7 to 86.2 % after sulphation at 363 K. These results prove that the sulphation of MIL‐101 is an effective way to enhance the acidity and catalytic activity of MIL‐101.The characterization of MIL‐101 and MIL‐101s was performed using FTIR, BET, XRD, TG‐DTA, SEM/EDX, XPS, and potentiometric titration methods. A BET analysis showed that MIL‐101 maintained its porosity after sulphation. The sulphation reduced the surface area and pore volume but increased the acidity.
Analysis of Cysteine Post Translational Modifications Using Organic Mercury Resin
Authors: Doulias Paschalis‐Thomas , Gould Neal S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe wide reactivity of the thiol group enables the formation of a variety of reversible, covalent modifications on cysteine residues. S‐nitrosylation, like many other post‐translational modifications, is site selective, reversible, and necessary for a wide variety of fundamental cellular processes. The overall abundance of S‐nitrosylated proteins and reactivity of the nitrosyl group necessitates an enrichment strategy for accurate detection with adequate depth. Herein, a method is presented for the enrichment and detection of endogenous protein S‐nitrosylation from complex mixtures of cell or tissue lysate utilizing organomercury resin. Minimal adaptations to the method also support the detection of either S‐glutathionylation or S‐acylation using the same enrichment platform. When coupled with high accuracy mass spectrometry, these methods enable a site‐specific level of analysis, facilitating the curation comparable datasets of three separate cysteine post‐translational modifications. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Engineering of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using PiggyBac Transposon System
Authors: Park Mi Ae , Jung Ho Sun , Slukvin Igor 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) emerged as an important tool to investigate human development and disease. These studies often require genetically engineering hPSCs to stably express a transgene, which remains functional in various hPSC progeny. PiggyBac transposon is a highly effective and technically simple vector system with large cargo space available for permanent gene delivery. This unit describes the use of PiggyBac transposons to genetically engineer hPSCs to introduce conditionally expressed transgene or reporter to effectively monitor gene expression during differentiation. Both methods enable robust generation of stable hPSC lines within 1 month. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Investigation of the antimicrobial and anticancer activity of aminonaphthoquinones
Authors: Wellington Kevin W. , Kolesnikova Natasha I. , Nyoka Nomgqibelo B. P. , McGaw Lyndy J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this study, we report on the inhibitory activity of synthesized aminonaphthoquinones against two bacterial and one fungal species to determine their antimicrobial properties. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 7.8 μg/mL was obtained against the fungus, Candida albicans, which was better than that of Amphotericin B (MIC = 31.25 μg/mL). Escherichia coli (Gram ‐), was inhibited at a MIC of 23.4 μg/mL and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram +) at a MIC of 31.3 μg/mL. The aminonaphthoquinones were also screened against HCT116 colon, PC3 prostate and HepG2 liver cancer cell lines to evaluate their cytostatic effects. They had potent activity (GI50 = 5.87–9.90 μM) which was about three‐6‐fold better than that of parthenolide (GI50 = 25.97 μM) against the prostate cancer cell line. These compounds were generally more selective for cancer cells than for normal human lung fetal fibroblasts (WI‐38).
Morphological and biological characterization of a light‐colored mutant in the multicolored Asian lady beetle,Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Sun Yuan‐Xing , Hao Ya‐Nan , Yan Yu , Zhang Yi , Feng Yi , Liu Tong‐Xian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInsect cuticle color formed with melanin pigments has numerous types of mutants which usually cause pleiotropic effects. Melanism has been widely studied, but mutants with light‐colored phenotype as well as the consequent fitness changes have rarely been reported.Here, in the laboratory strain ofHarmonia axyridis, we found a novel mutantgrand confirmed that the mutation was inherited in a simple Mendelian autosomal recessive manner. This mutant (HAM) continuously displayed a light‐colored pigmentation versus dark blackish in the wild phenotype (HAW). L‐DOPAand dopamine are melanin precursors, and less L‐DOPAwas present in the cuticle of larval and adultHAMmutants compared toHAWwild type, but more dopamine was detected in the larval cuticle ofHAM(p ≤ 0.0235). For the orange background of elytra, the composition as well as total concentration of carotenoids was different betweenHAMandHAW, which resulted in significantly lower saturation value but significantly higher hue value inHAMthan inHAW(p < 0.0001).Extensive fitness changes were detected inHAM. (a)HAMlarvae had similar predation capacity and preimaginal development time asHAW, but the newly emerged adults were much smaller (p < 0.0001). (b) Both fecundity and egg hatch rate in cross ♀(HAM) × ♂(HAM) were significantly lower than those in ♀(HAW) × ♂(HAW) (p ≤ 0.0087), but were not different with those in ♀(HAW) × ♂(HAM). (c)HAMhad weaker resistance to desiccation and ultraviolet irradiation compared toHAW(p ≤ 0.0115).These results indicated that the novel light‐colored mutant (HAM) was highly correlated with fitness changes, and it would be a perfect model to study molecular mechanisms of melanism and how a gene results in pleiotropic effects.