bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arachidonic acid and lipoxin A4 attenuate alloxan‐induced cytotoxicity to RIN5F cells in vitro and type 1 diabetes mellitus in vivo
Authors: Gundala Naveen K.V. , Naidu Vegi G.M. , Das Undurti N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjective: We studied whether polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can protect rat insulinoma (RIN5F) cells against alloxan‐induced apoptosis in vitro and type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) in vivo and if so, mechanism of this beneficial action. Material and Methods: In vitro study was conducted using RIN5F cells while in vivo study was performed in Wistar rats. The effect of PUFAs, cyclo‐oxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors, various eicosanoids and PUFAs metabolites: lipoxin A4 (LXA4), resolvin D2 and protectin against alloxan‐induced cytotoxicity to RIN5F cells and type 1 DM was studied. Expression of PDX1, P65 NF‐kB and IKB in RIN5F cells and Nrf2, GLUT2, COX2, iNOS protein levels in the pancreatic tissue and plasma glucose, insulin and tumor necrosis factor‐α and antioxidants, lipid peroxides and nitric oxide were measured. Results: Of all, arachidonic acid (AA) was found to be the most effective against alloxan‐induced cytotoxicity to RIN5F cells and preventing type 1 DM. Both cyclo‐oxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors did not block the beneficial actions of AA in vitro and in vivo. Alloxan inhibited LXA4 production by RIN5F cells and in alloxan‐induced type 1 DM Wistar rats. AA‐treatment restored LXA4 levels to normal both in vitro and in vivo. LXA4 protected RIN5F cells against alloxan‐induced cytotoxicity and prevented type 1 DM and restored expression of Nrf2, Glut2, COX2, and iNOS genes and abnormal antioxidants to near normal. Discussion: AA seems to bring about its beneficial actions against alloxan‐induced cytotoxicity and type 1 DM by enhancing the production of LXA4. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):251–271, 2017
Serum albumin as a local therapeutic agent in cell therapy and tissue engineering
Authors: Horváthy Dénes B. , Simon Melinda , Schwarz Charlotte M. , Masteling Mariana , Vácz Gabriella , Hornyák István , Lacza Zsombor 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAlbumin is a major plasma protein that has become ubiquitous in regenerative medicine research. As such, many studies have examined its structure and advantageous properties. However, a systematic and comprehensive understanding of albumin's role, capabilities and therapeutic potential still eludes the field. In the present work, we review how albumin is applied in tissue engineering, including cell culture and storage, in vitro fertilization and transplantation. Furthermore, we discuss how albumin's physiological role extends beyond a carrier for metal ions, fatty acids, pharmacons and growth factors. Albumin acts as a bacteriostatic coating that simultaneously promotes attachment and proliferation of eukaryotic cells. These properties with the combination of free radical scavenging, neutrophil activation and as a buffer molecule already make the albumin protein beneficial in healing processes supporting functional tissue remodeling. Nevertheless, recent data revealed that albumin can be synthesized by osteoblasts and its local concentration is raised after bone trauma. Interestingly, by increasing the local albumin concentration in vivo, faster bone healing is achieved, possibly because albumin recruits endogenous stem cells and promotes the growth of new bone. These data also suggest an active role of albumin, even though a specific receptor has not yet been identified. Together, this discussion sheds light on why the extravascular use of the albumin molecule is in the scope of scientific investigations and why it should be considered as a local therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(3):315–330, 2017
Immobilized hematopoietic growth factors onto magnetic particles offer a scalable strategy for cell therapy manufacturing in suspension cultures
Authors: Worrallo Matthew J. , Moore Rebecca L.L. , Glen Katie E. , Thomas Robert J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHematopoietic therapies require high cell dosages and precise phenotype control for clinical success; scalable manufacturing processes therefore need to be economic and controllable, in particular with respect to culture medium and growth factor (GF) strategy. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the biological function, and integration within scalable systems, of a highly controllable immobilized growth factor (iGF) approach. GFs were biotinylated and attached to streptavidin coated magnetic particles. GF concentration during biotinylation, GF‐biotin ratio, and GF lysine content were shown to control iGF surface concentration and enable predictable co‐presentation of multiple GF on a single bead. Function was demonstrated for immobilized GMCSF, SCF, TPO and IL‐3 in GF dependent cell lines TF‐1 and M‐07e. Immobilized GMCSF (iGMCSF) was analyzed to show sustained activity over 8 days of culture, a 2–3 order of magnitude potency increase relative to soluble factor, and retained functionality under agitation in a micro‐scale stirred tank bioreactor. Further, short exposure to iGMCSF demonstrated prolonged growth response relative to soluble factor. This immobilization approach has the potential to reduce the manufacturing costs of scaled cell therapy products by reducing GF quantities and offers important process control opportunities through separation of GF treatments from the bulk media.
Metabolic engineering of Methanosarcina acetivorans for lactate production from methane
Authors: McAnulty Michael J. , Poosarla Venkata Giridhar , Li Jine , Soo Valerie W. C. , Zhu Fayin , Wood Thomas K. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTWe previously demonstrated anaerobic conversion of the greenhouse gas methane into acetate using an engineered archaeon that produces methyl‐coenzyme M reductase (Mcr) from unculturable microorganisms from a microbial mat in the Black Sea to create the first culturable prokaryote that reverses methanogenesis and grows anaerobically on methane. In this work, we further engineered the same host with the goal of converting methane into butanol. Instead, we discovered a process for converting methane to a secreted valuable product, L‐lactate, with sufficient optical purity for synthesizing the biodegradable plastic poly‐lactic acid. We determined that the 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (Hbd) from Clostridium acetobutylicum is responsible for lactate production. This work demonstrates the first metabolic engineering of a methanogen with a synthetic pathway; in effect, we produce a novel product (lactate) from a novel substrate (methane) by cloning the three genes for Mcr and one for Hbd. We further demonstrate the utility of anaerobic methane conversion with an increased lactate yield compared to aerobic methane conversion to lactate. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 852–861. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Establishing very long‐chain fatty alcohol and wax ester biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wenning Leonie , Yu Tao , David Florian , Nielsen Jens , Siewers Verena 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTWax esters (WEs) are neutral lipids and can be used for a broad range of commercial applications, including personal care products, lubricants, or coatings. They are synthesized by enzymatic reactions catalyzed by a fatty acyl reductase (FAR) and a wax ester synthase (WS). At present, commercially used WEs are mainly isolated from Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba), but the high extraction costs and limited harvest areas constrain their use. The use of FARs in combination with different WSs to achieve a synthesis of jojoba‐like WEs in bacteria and yeast has been reported previously, but the products were restricted to C28–C36 WEs. These rather short WEs make up only a very small percentage of the total WEs in natural jojoba oil. The synthesis of longer chain WEs (up to C44) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has so far only been achieved after substrate feeding. Here we identified new routes for producing very long‐chain fatty alcohols (VLCFOHs) up to a chain length of C22 by heterologous expression of a FAR derived from Apis mellifera (AmFAR1) or Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8 (Maqu_2220) in S. cerevisiae and achieved maximum yields of 3.22 ± 0.36 mg/g cell dry weight (CDW) and 7.84 ± 3.09 mg/g CDW, respectively, after 48 h. Moreover, we enabled the synthesis of jojoba‐like WEs up to a chain length of C42, catalyzed by a combination of Maqu_2220 together with the WS from S. chinensis (SciWS) and the S. cerevisiae elongase Elo2p, with a maximum yield of 12.24 ± 3.35 mg/g CDW after 48 h. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1025–1035. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shuttle‐mediated nanoparticle transport across an in vitro brain endothelium under flow conditions
Authors: Falanga Andrea P. , Pitingolo Gabriele , Celentano Maurizio , Cosentino Armando , Melone Pietro , Vecchione Raffaele , Guarnieri Daniela , Netti Paolo A. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTThe blood brain barrier (BBB) represents a challenge in the development of new nano‐delivery systems able to reach the central nervous system (CNS). In order to test the efficacy of these nanocarriers, it is fundamental to use in vitro models that resemble the in vivo cell culture conditions. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the ability of a membranotropic peptide, namely gH625, to transport a cargo—acting as a shuttle—across the BBB layer under flow conditions that mimic the blood flow rate. To this aim, a BBB microfluidic device was designed based on a transparent polyester porous membrane sandwiched between a top and a bottom overlying channel made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Our data clearly indicate that this microfluidic system allows the growth of brain endothelial bEnd.3 cells and the formation of a confluent layer at 7 days of culture that hinders the passage of nanoparticles compared to porous membrane alone. The device was validated at a 5 μL/min working flow rate, where the capability of the model to remain intact after nanoparticle passage was shown. Very interestingly, the decoration with the gH625 peptide enhances the adhesion of nanoparticles to the endothelial layer and the BBB crossing in flow conditions, thus confirming the efficacy of the gH625 as a delivery platform to the brain. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1087–1095. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Method of breast reconstruction and the development of lymphoedema
Authors: Lee K-T , Bang S I , Pyon J-K , Hwang J H , Mun G-H 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated an association between immediate autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction and a reduced incidence of lymphoedema. However, few of these have ocused specifically on whether the reconstruction method affects the development of lymphoedema. The study evaluated the potential impact of breast reconstruction modality on the incidence of lymphoedema.

Methods
Outcomes of women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using an autologous flap or a tissue expander/implant between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. Arm or hand swelling with pertinent clinical signs of lymphoedema and excess volume compared with those of the contralateral side was diagnosed as lymphoedema. The cumulative incidence of lymphoedema was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Clinicopathological factors associated with the development of lymphoedema were investigated by Cox regression analysis.

Results
A total of 429 reconstructions (214 autologous and 215 tissue expander/implant) were analysed; the mean follow-up of patients was 45·3 months. The two groups had similar characteristics, except that women in the autologous group were older, had a higher BMI, and more often had preoperative radiotherapy than women in the tissue expander/implant group. Overall, the 2-year cumulative incidence of lymphoedema was 6·8 per cent (autologous 4·2 per cent, tissue expander/implant 9·3 per cent). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that autologous reconstruction was associated with a significantly reduced risk of lymphoedema compared with that for tissue expander/implant reconstruction. Axillary dissection, a greater number of dissected lymph nodes and postoperative chemotherapy were also independent risk factors for lymphoedema.

Conclusion
The method of breast reconstruction may affect subsequent development of lymphoedema.
Blog construction as an effective tool in biochemistry active learning
Authors: Cubas Rolim Estêvão , Martins de Oliveira Julia , Dalvi Luana T. , Moreira Daniel C. , Garcia Caldas Natasha , Fernandes Lobo Felipe , André Polli Démerson , Campos Élida G. , Hermes‐Lima Marcelo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTo boost active learning in undergraduate students, they were given the task of preparing blogs on topics of clinical biochemistry. This “experiment” lasted for 12 teaching‐semesters (from 2008 to 2013), and included a survey on the blogs' usefulness at the end of each semester. The survey (applied in the 2008‐2010 period) used a Likert‐like questionnaire with eight questions and a 1‐to‐6 scale, from “totally disagree” to “fully agree.” Answers of 428 students were analyzed and indicated overall approval of the blog activity: 86% and 35% of the responses scored 4‐to‐6 and 6, respectively. Considering the survey results, the high grades obtained by students on their blogs (averaging 8.3 in 2008–2010), and the significant increase in average grades of the clinical biochemistry exam after the beginning of the blog system (from 5.5 in 2007 to 6.4 in 2008–2010), we concluded that blogging activity on biochemistry is a promising tool for boosting active learning. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(3):205–215, 2017.
Validated LC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of doxorubicin and curcumin in polymeric micelles in subcellular compartments of MCF‐7/Adr cells by protein precipitation–ultrasonic breaking method
Authors: Wang Jinling , Li Ying , Ma Wenzhuan , Wang Xiaohui , Tu Pengfei 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA specific and sensitive LC–MS/MS with protein precipitation– ultrasonic breaking method has been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (Cur) in DOX and Cur co‐loaded hyaluronic acid–vitamin E succinatemicelles [(DOX + Cur)–polymeric micelles (PMs)] in subcellular compartments of resistant MCF‐7/Adr cells. Sequential extraction of four subcellular protein fractions (cytosolic, membrane/organelle, nucleic and cytoskeleton) was performed directly from MCF‐7/Adr cells after incubation with (DOX + Cur)–PMs. An ultrasonic breaking–methanol precipitation method was used for extraction of the fractions, and the micelle breaking efficiency with methanol was 98.1 and 97.6% for DOX and Cur, respectively. The analytes were analyzed using positive electrospray ionization coupled with multiple reaction monitoring. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 0.5–400 ng/mL for DOX and 2–2000 ng/mL for Cur, and the recovery for the two analytes were >85% with negligible matrix effect. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision was <10.80% and relative error was within ±7.70%. The developed method was successfully applied for subcellular determination of DOX and Cur in MCF‐7/Adr cells. Moreover, Cur and (DOX + Cur)–PMs had a marked promoting effect on the distribution of DOX in the nucleic protein fraction.
Application of a solvent‐free solid injection technique coupled with GC–MS for discrimination between the secondary metabolites of wild and cultivated South Korean medicinal foods
Authors: Truong Lieu T. B. , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Kim Hyun Jin , Rahman Md. Musfiqur , Kim Sung‐Woo , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSolvent‐free solid injection was applied to differentiate between wild and cultivated South Korean medicinal foods, including dureup (Aralia elata), deodeok (Codonopsis lanceolata) and doraji (Platycodon grandiflorus). A number of compounds were identified in wild and cultivated dureup (53 and 46), deodeok (47 and 51) and doraji (43 and 38). Secondary metabolites, including butanal,2‐methyl‐, β‐caryophyllene, neoclovene, α‐humulene, γ‐curcumene, β‐bisabolene, and phytol, were identified in dureup with significantly (P < 0.05) different amounts between both types. In deodeok, squalene and other main components such as acetic acid, methyl ester, furan‐methyl‐furfural, 2‐furan‐methanol, and 5‐methyl‐furfural, were statistically different between the two types. Doraji has significantly different compounds such as furfural, 5‐methyl‐furfural, 2‐methoxy‐phenol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐(1‐propenyl)‐phenol, and 1‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐propanone. Although we failed to confirm the key compounds, a new compound, namely desaspidinol, was synthesized for the first time and its retention index determined under the experimental conditions. This solventless, easy technique can be used as a simple way to discriminate between wild and cultivated types of medicinal plants via identification of volatile markers or specific fingerprints.
Improving Intergroup Relations with Extended Contact among Young Children: Mediation by Intergroup Empathy and Moderation by Direct Intergroup Contact
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Hewstone Miles , Capozza Dora , Trifiletti Elena , Bernardo Gian Antonio Di 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA correlational study investigated extended contact as a strategy to improve outgroup attitudes and stereotyping and to prepare children for future contact. Additional aims were to investigate when and why the effects of extended contact occur. In particular, intergroup empathy was tested as a mediator and direct contact (i.e. cross‐group friendship) as a moderator of extended contact. Participants were Italian and immigrant elementary school children. Results showed that extended contact was associated with improved intergroup empathy, which, in turn, was associated with more positive outgroup attitudes, stereotypes and behavioural intentions. These effects were significant only among participants with a low or moderate level of direct contact. The theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 Flavonoids and a New Kaempferol Triglycoside from the Medicinal Plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Authors: Ürményi Fernanda Gouvêa Gomes , Saraiva Georgia do Nascimento , Casanova Livia Marques , Matos Amanda dos Santos , de Magalhães Camargo Luiza Maria , Romanos Maria Teresa Villela , Costa Sônia Soares 
Published: November 2016

Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae) is a medicinal plant native to Madagascar. The aim of this study was to investigate the flavonoid content of an aqueous leaf extract from K. daigremontiana (Kd), and assess its antiherpetic potential. The major flavonoid, kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside (1), was isolated from the AcOEt fraction (Kd‐AC). The BuOH‐soluble fraction afforded quercetin 3‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside (2) and the new kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (3), named daigremontrioside. The crude extract, Kd‐AC fraction, flavonoids 1 and 2 were evaluated using acyclovir‐sensitive strains of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2. Kd‐AC was highly active against HSV‐1 (EC50 = 0.97 μg/ml, SI > 206.1) and HSV‐2 (EC50 = 0.72 μg/ml, SI > 277.7). Flavonoids 1 and 2 showed anti‐HSV‐1 (EC50 = 7.4 μg/ml; SI > 27 and EC50 = 5.8 μg/ml; SI > 8.6, respectively) and anti‐HSV‐2 (EC50 = 9.0 μg/ml; SI > 22.2 and EC50 = 36.2 μg/ml; SI > 5.5, respectively) activities, suggesting the contribution of additional substances to the antiviral activity.
Improving the Binding Affinity of in‐Vitro‐Evolved Cyclic Peptides by Inserting Atoms into the Macrocycle Backbone
Authors: Wilbs Jonas , Middendorp Simon J. , Heinis Christian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCyclic peptides binding to targets of interest can be generated efficiently with powerful in vitro display techniques, such as phage display or mRNA display. The cyclic peptide libraries screened with these methods are generated by altering in a combinatorial fashion the amino acid sequence of the peptides, the number of amino acids in the macrocycle rings, and the cyclization chemistry. A structural element that cannot easily be varied in the cyclic peptides is the backbone, which is built from amino acids, each of which contributes three atoms to the macrocyclic ring structure. Here, we proposed to improve the affinity of a phage‐selected bicyclic peptide inhibitor of coagulation factor XII (FXII) by screening variants with one or two carbon atoms inserted into different positions of the backbone, and thus tapping into a structural space that was not sampled by phage display. Two mutants showed 4.7‐ and 2.5‐fold improved Ki values. The better one blocked FXII with a Ki of 1.5±0.1 nm and inhibited activation of the intrinsic coagulation pathway (EC2x 1.7 μm). The strategy of ring size variation by one or several atoms should be generally applicable for the affinity maturation of in‐vitro‐evolved cyclic peptides.
Efficient Conjugation of Oligosaccharides to Polymer Particles through Furan/Maleimide Diels–Alder Reaction: Application to the Capture of Carbohydrate‐Binding Proteins
Authors: Petrelli Antoine , Samain Eric , Pradeau Stéphanie , Halila Sami , Fort Sébastien 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGlycan–protein interactions play a crucial role in physiological and pathological events. Hence, improving the isolation of carbohydrate‐binding proteins (i.e., lectins and anti‐glycan antibodies) from complex media might not only lead to a better understanding of their function, but also provide solutions for public health issues, such as water contamination or the need for universal blood plasma. Here we report a rapid and efficient method for producing carbohydrate‐based affinity adsorbents combining enzymatic synthesis and metal‐free click chemistry. Both simple and complex glycans (maltose, blood group antigens A, B, and H) were readily modified by the addition of a furyl group at the reducing end without the need for protecting groups and were then efficiently conjugated to maleimide‐activated Sepharose particles through Diels–Alder cycloaddition. These neoglycoconjugates showed high efficiency for the purification of lectins (concanavalin A and Ulex europaeus agglutinin), as well as for the capture of anti‐A and anti‐B blood group antibodies, opening new prospects for glycoproteomics and for the development of universal blood plasma.
FOXP1 enhances tumor cell migration by repression of NFAT1 transcriptional activity in MDA‐MB‐231 cells
Authors: Oskay Halacli Sevil 
Published: November 2016

AbstractUntil now, forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) has been identified as a tumor suppressor in several correlation studies in breast cancer. Although FOXP1 is defined as a transcriptional repressor that interacts with other transcription factors in various mechanistic studies, there is no study that explains its repressor functions in breast cancer biology. This study demonstrated the repressor function of FOXP1 on nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT1) and the migratory effect of this repression in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments were performed for the investigation of protein–protein interaction between two transcription factors. Protein–protein interaction on DNA was investigated with EMSA and transcriptional effects of FOXP1 on NFAT1, luciferase reporter assay was performed. Wound healing assay was used to analyze the effects of overexpression of FOXP1 on tumor cell migration. This study showed that FOXP1 has protein–protein interaction with NFAT1 on DNA and enhances breast cancer cell migration by repressing NFAT1 transcriptional activity and FOXP1 shows oncogenic function by regulating breast cancer cell motility.