bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A test of the optimal iron hypothesis among breastfeeding Ariaal mothers in northern Kenya
Authors: Fujita Masako , Wander Katherine 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe optimal iron hypothesis posits a trade‐off in iron nutrition—iron deficiency restricts iron available to infectious agents, protecting against severe infection, but also compromises immune defense—such that mild‐to‐moderate iron deficiency may be more adaptive than either iron‐replete or severe deficiency in environments with high infectious disease load. This hypothesis has not been tested among adults.Materials and MethodsA secondary analysis of data and specimens from 220 lactating mothers in northern Kenya was conducted. Elevated serum C‐reactive protein (CRP > 2 or >5 mg/l) was utilized to identify prevalent subclinical infection/inflammation. Iron deficiency was identified with transferrin receptor in archived dried blood spots (TfR > 5.0 mg/l). The absence of iron deficiency or anemia (Hemoglobin < 12 g/l) defined the iron replete state. Iron‐deficient erythropoiesis (IDE, mild‐to‐moderate iron deficiency) was defined as iron deficiency without anemia; iron deficiency anemia (IDA, severe iron deficiency) as iron deficiency with anemia; and noniron‐deficiency anemia (NIDA) as anemia without iron deficiency.ResultsThe prevalence of elevated inflammation (subclinical infection) was lowest in IDE. In logistic regression, IDE was inversely associated with inflammation (for CRP > 2 mg/l: adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.30; p = 0.02; for CRP > 5 mg/l: aOR = 0.27; p = 0.10), compared to the iron replete state. The protective effect of IDE differed in the presence of vitamin A deficiency or underweight.ConclusionsWe interpret these patterns as tentative support for the optimal iron hypothesis in breastfeeding women in the infectious disease ecology of northern Kenya. Iron deficiency may interact in important ways with other forms of malnutrition that are known to affect immune protection.
Perspectives of Aboriginal issues among non‐Aboriginal residents of rural Victorian communities
Authors: Bourke Lisa , Malatzky Christina , Terry Daniel , Nixon Raelene , Ferguson Karyn , Ferguson Peter 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRacism, in various forms, remains a dominant feature in Australian society. Aboriginal Australians are commonly targets of racial discrimination. However, understanding racism is difficult given that racial attitudes vary towards particular groups of people, across place and time and are difficult to measure. This paper presents responses of residents across four rural shires in Victoria to questions about attitudes towards Aboriginal people/issues. Responses indicated that attitudes towards Aboriginal people were diverse and that individuals varied in their attitudes on specific items. There were subtle differences between the four sites and association between demographic characteristics and some items in particular sites. This suggests that respondents are inconsistent in their attitudes relating to Aboriginal people/issues and that there are place‐based influences on these attitudes. We conclude that the many varied understandings of racism and Aboriginal Australians allow the discourses of exclusion, disempowerment and othering to be maintained.
Uneven Integration: Local Government Integration Policies and Filipino Residents in Nagoya City, Japan
Authors: Sioson Erica Paula 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe failure at the national level to address foreign resident integration has highlighted the need for local governments to implement policies and provide social services to foreign residents to promote multicultural co‐existence. How such policies impact the integration of foreign residents given the specific context by which they migrated and settled is what this article seeks to investigate. Indices measuring integration policies tend to assess only what policies are intended to measure, leaving out unintended outcomes that can help better understand policy impact. This study is based on a mixed‐methods study of Filipino residents in Nagoya City. Using a multidimensional approach to understand the extent of integration, I found that the Filipino residents are experiencing an uneven integration, brought about by a conflation of the approach of the local government to integration that prioritizes structural integration and the specific context of the Filipino residents in Japan.
A metabolic engineering strategy for producing free fatty acids by the Yarrowia lipolytica yeast based on impairment of glycerol metabolism
Authors: Yuzbasheva Evgeniya Y. , Mostova Elizaveta B. , Andreeva Natalia I. , Yuzbashev Tigran V. , Fedorov Alexander S. , Konova Irina A. , Sineoky Sergey P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn recent years, bio‐based production of free fatty acids from renewable resources has attracted attention for their potential as precursors for the production of biofuels and biochemicals. In this study, the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica was engineered to produce free fatty acids by eliminating glycerol metabolism. Free fatty acid production was monitored under lipogenic conditions with glycerol as a limiting factor. Firstly, the strain W29 (Δgpd1), which is deficient in glycerol synthesis, was obtained. However, W29 (Δgpd1) showed decreased biomass accumulation and glucose consumption in lipogenic medium containing a limiting supply of glycerol. Analysis of substrate utilization from a mixture of glucose and glycerol by the parental strain W29 revealed that glycerol was metabolized first and glucose utilization was suppressed. Thus, the Δgpd1Δgut2 double mutant, which is deficient also in glycerol catabolism, was constructed. In this genetic background, growth was repressed by glycerol. Oleate toxicity was observed in the Δgpd1Δgut2Δpex10 triple mutant strain which is deficient additionally in peroxisome biogenesis. Consequently, two consecutive rounds of selection of spontaneous mutants were performed. A mutant released from growth repression by glycerol was able to produce 136.8 mg L−1 of free fatty acids in a test tube, whereas the wild type accumulated only 30.2 mg L−1. Next, an isolated oleate‐resistant strain produced 382.8 mg L−1 of free fatty acids. Finely, acyl‐CoA carboxylase gene (ACC1) over‐expression resulted to production of 1436.7 mg L−1 of free fatty acids. The addition of dodecane promoted free fatty acid secretion and enhanced the level of free fatty acids up to 2033.8 mg L−1 during test tube cultivation.
Comparative analysis of plant‐produced, recombinant dimeric IgA against cell wall β‐glucan of pathogenic fungi
Authors: Capodicasa Cristina , Catellani Marcello , Moscetti Ilaria , Bromuro Carla , Chiani Paola , Torosantucci Antonella , Benvenuto Eugenio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractImmunoglobulins A (IgA) are crucially involved in protection of human mucosal surfaces from microbial pathogens. In this work, we devised and expressed in plants recombinant chimeric antifungal antibodies (Abs) of isotype A (IgA1, IgA2, and scFvFcA1), derived from a murine mAb directed to the fungal cell wall polysaccharide β‐glucan which had proven able to confer protection against multiple pathogenic fungi. All recombinant IgA (rIgA) were expressed and correctly assembled in dimeric form in plants and evaluated for yield, antigen‐binding efficiency and antifungal properties in vitro, in comparison with a chimeric IgG1 version. Production yields and binding efficiency to purified β‐glucans showed significant variations not only between Abs of different isotypes but also between the different IgA formats. Moreover, only the dimeric IgA1 was able to strongly bind cells of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans and to restrain its adhesion to human epithelial cells. Our data indicate that IgG to IgA switch and differences in molecular structure among different rIgA formats can impact expression in plant and biological activity of anti‐β‐glucans Abs and provide new insights for the design of recombinant IgA as anti‐infective immunotherapeutics, whose potential is still poorly investigated.
Codelivery of anti‐cancer agents via double‐walled polymeric microparticles/injectable hydrogel: A promising approach for treatment of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Davoodi Pooya , Ng Wei Cheng , Srinivasan Madapusi P. , Wang Chi‐Hwa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive sub‐type of breast cancer that rarely responds to conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, novel agents or new routes need to be developed to improve treatment efficacy and diminish severe side‐effects of anti‐cancer agents in TNBC patients. This study explores a novel localized co‐delivery platform with potential application against TNBC. Uniform core‐shell microparticles encapsulating cisplatin (Cis‐DDP) and paclitaxel (PTX) are fabricated using coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization technique and subsequently are embedded into an injectable hydrogel. The hydrogel provides an additional diffusion barrier against Cis‐DDP and confines premature release of drugs. In addition, the hydrogel can provide a versatile tool for retaining particles in the tumor resected cavity during the injection following debulking surgery and prevent surgical site infection due to its inherent antibacterial properties. The combination of Cis‐DDP and PTX demonstrates a synergistic effect against MDA‐MB‐231 cell line assigned to three different mechanisms of action, including denaturation of DNA strands, stabilization of microtubules, and amplification of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of caspase‐3 pathways. The results show a significant accumulation of mitochondrial ROS insults in cells upon treatment that consequently causes programmed cells death. The performance of microparticles/hydrogel carrier is evaluated against three‐dimensional MDA‐MB‐231 (breast cancer) 3D spheroids, where a superior efficacy and a greater reduction in spheroid growth are observed over 14 days, as compared with free‐drug treatment. Overall, drug‐loaded core‐shell microparticles embedded into injectable hydrogel provides a promising strategy to treat aggressive cancers and a modular platform for a broad range of localized multidrug therapies customizable to the cancer type.
Dynamic monitoring of p53 translocation to mitochondria for the analysis of specific inhibitors using luciferase‐fragment complementation
Authors: Noda Natsumi , Awais Raheela , Sutton Robert , Awais Muhammad , Ozawa Takeaki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntracellular protein translocation plays a pivotal role in regulating complex biological processes, including cell death. The tumor suppressor p53 is a transcription factor activated by DNA damage and oxidative stress that also translocates from the cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix to facilitate necrotic cell death. However, specific inhibitors of p53 mitochondrial translocation are largely unknown. To explore the inhibitors of p53, we developed a bioluminescent probe to monitor p53 translocation from cytosol to mitochondria using luciferase fragment complementation assays. The probe is composed of a novel pair of luciferase fragments, the N‐terminus of green click beetle luciferase CBG68 (CBGN) and multiple‐complement luciferase fragment (McLuc1). The combination of luciferase fragments showed significant luminescence intensity and high signal‐to‐background ratio. When the p53 connected with McLuc1 translocates from cytosol into mitochondrial matrix, CBGN in mitochondrial matrix enables to complement with McLuc1, resulting in the restoration of the luminescence. The luminescence intensity was significantly increased under hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress following the complementation of CBGN and McLuc1. Pifithrin‐μ, a selective inhibitor of p53 mitochondrial translocation, prevented the mitochondrial translocation of the p53 probe in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the high luminescence intensity made it easier to visualize the p53 translocation at a single cell level under a bioluminescence microscope. This p53 mitochondrial translocation assay is a new tool for high‐throughput screening to identify novel p53 inhibitors, which could be developed as drugs to treat diseases in which necrotic cell death is a major contributor.
Simultaneous determination of morphine‐6‐d‐glucuronide, morphine‐3‐d‐glucuronide and morphine in human plasma and urine by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: Application to M6G injection pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhuang Quankun , Chen Xia , Jiang Ji , Hu Pei , Wang Hongyun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA robust ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method for the determination of morphine‐6‐d‐glucuronide (M6G), morphine‐3‐d‐glucuronide (M3G) and morphine (MOR) in human plasma and urine has been developed and validated. The analytes of interest were extracted from plasma by protein precipitation. The urine sample was prepared by dilution. Both plasma and urine samples were chromatographed on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column using gradient elution. Detection was performed on a Xevo TQ‐S tandem mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode using positive electrospray ionization. Matrix interferences were not observed at the retention time of the analytes and internal standard, naloxone‐D5. The lower limits of quantitation of plasma and urine were 2/0.5/0.5 and 20/4/2 ng/mL for M6G/M3G/MOR, respectively. Calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 2–2000/0.5–500/0.5–500 and 20–20,000/4–4000/2–2000 ng/mL for M6G/M3G/MOR in plasma and urine samples, respectively. The precision was <7.14% and the accuracy was within 85–115%. Furthermore, stability of the analytes at various conditions, dilution integrity, extraction recovery and matrix effect were assessed. Finally, this quantitative method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of M6G injection in Chinese noncancer pain patients.
Quantitative analysis of clofazimine (Lamprene®), an antileprosy agent, in human dried blood spots using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Wenkui , Doherty John , Fu Yunlin , Flarakos Jimmy 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAn LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for bioanalysis of clofazimine in human dried blood spot (DBS) samples in support of a clinical study on multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in developing countries. The validated assay dynamic range was from 10.0 to 2000 ng/mL using a 1/8 inch DBS punch. The accuracy and precision of the assay were ±11.0% (bias) and ≤13.5% (CV) for the LLOQs (10.0 ng/mL) and ±15% (bias) and ≤15% (CV) for all other QC levels. The assay was proved to be free from the possible impact owing to spot size and storage temperature (e.g. at 60°C, ≤ − 60°C). The validated assay is well suited for the intended clinical study where conventional pharmacokinetic sample collection is not feasible.
Employment of modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles using thermo‐sensitive polymer for extraction and pre‐concentration of cefexime in biological samples
Authors: Naghibi Saman , Sahebi Hamed 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCefexime is a useful antibiotic that can be prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Nanoparticles have been widely marketed as a universal solution among scientists. Many studies have been performed to modify nanoparticles to make them functional as extraction and pre‐concentration agents and drug carriers. Temperature‐sensitive polymers belong to a group of substances that undergo a major change in their physical features in response to temperature. Recently developed polymers can be used in many different areas, including modification of nanoparticles. In order to modify this nanoparticle, grafting copolymerization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was performed using poly (N‐vinylcaprolactam) and 3‐allyloxy‐1,2‐propanediol. The optimum conditions for pre‐concentration of cefexime were studied. Under these optimum conditions, extraction recovery of biological samples in the range of 71–89% was obtained. The limit of detection and precision of proposed method were 4.5 × 10−4 μg mL−1 and <4.11% (relative standard deviation), respectively. Based on the results from analysis of cefexime, in biological samples using the proposed method, the ability of this method to extract and pre‐concentrate cefexime was confirmed. Also, satisfactory results from an in vitro study on drug release in simulated intestine media were obtained.
β‐Acrolein‐Substituted Corroles: A Route to the Preparation of Functionalized Polyacrolein Microspheres for Chemical Sensor Applications
Authors: Savoldelli Andrea , Magna Gabriele , Di Natale Corrado , Catini Alexandro , Nardis Sara , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Paolesse Roberto 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAn efficient β‐functionalization of [5,10,15‐tris‐(4‐methylphenyl)corrolato]cobalt derivatives through a Vilsmeier‐type reaction allows the introduction of an acrolein substituent, which is subsequently copolymerized with pure acrolein. The obtained hybrid microspheres are exploited as nanogravimetric chemical sensors. The sensing properties of the developed sensors are tested through exposure to different volatile organic compounds chosen as model analytes. The results show improved sensor sensitivity of the resulting devices for all the tested analytes with respect to sensors functionalized with either corrole or polyacrolein. The enhanced properties are attributed to the accurate and tunable merging of the properties of both exploited materials.
Robust Macroscopic 3D Sponges of Manganese Oxide Molecular Sieves
Authors: Liu Zhenxin , Wu Depeng , Guo Xuehui , Fang Shaoming , Wang Lizhen , Xing Yu , Suib Steven L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe construction of macroscopic 3D sponges is of great technological importance for various applications. An outstanding challenge is the facile fabrication of sponges with the desirable combination of good stability, high electrical conductivity, and absorption ability. Here free‐standing 3D OMS‐2 sponges are demonstrated, with various densities, which possess a combination of desirable physical properties including high porosity, robustness, permeability, recyclability, high electrical conductivity, and selective water absorption in preference to oil. Some of these properties have systematic trends with various densities. The stress of the OMS‐2 sponge, made by nanowire‐based freeze‐drying process, is four orders of magnitude higher than that made by calcination‐related process. These new materials should find practical applications in environmental, catalysis, sensing, absorption, and energy storage, particularly in the removal of water spill cleanup, and beyond.
Two New Preyssler‐Type Polyoxometalate‐Based Coordination Polymers and Their Application in Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilization
Authors: Du Jing , Cao Mei‐Da , Feng Shu‐Li , Su Fang , Sang Xiao‐Jing , Zhang Lan‐Cui , You Wan‐Sheng , Yang Mei , Zhu Zai‐Ming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEnzyme immobilization is of increasing importance for biocatalysis, for which good supports are critical. Herein, two new Preyssler‐type polyoxometalate (POM)‐based coordination polymers, namely, {[Cu(H2biim)2][{Cu(H2biim)2(μ‐H2O)}2Cu(H2biim)(H2O)2]H[({Cu(H2biim)(H2O)2}0.5)2((μ‐C3HN2Cl2){Cu(H2biim)}2){Z(H2O)P5W30O110}]⋅x H2O}n (1: Z=Na, x=9; 2: Z=Ag, x=10; H2biim=2,2′‐biimidazole) were designed and synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit the same skeletons, which contain multiple CuII complex fragments and penta‐supported {ZP5W30} (Z=Na, Ag) clusters. They were first employed to immobilize horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Results show that compounds 1 and 2 are good supports for HRP immobilization, and exhibit higher enzyme loading, lower loading times, and excellent reusability. The immobilized HRP (HRP/1 or HRP/2) was further applied to detect H2O2, and good sensitivity, wide linear range, low detection limit, and fast response were achieved. This work shows that POM‐based hybrid materials are a new kind of promising support for enzyme immobilization.
Opioid Tripeptides Hybridized with trans‐1‐Cinnamylpiperazine as Proliferation Inhibitors of Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional in vitro Models
Authors: Laskowska Anna K. , Puszko Anna K. , Sosnowski Piotr , Różycki Krzysztof , Kosson Piotr , Matalińska Joanna , Durlik Marek , Misicka Aleksandra 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization, the mortality rate among patients with pancreatic cancer will increase in the upcoming years. Gemcitabine is the first choice for treatment of pancreatic malignancy, but increasing resistance to this drug is decreasing its overall efficacy. Studies on new therapies that target metabolic pathways, growth factor inhibitors, and tumor stroma or tumor stem cells are currently underway in many research groups. Herein we report the bioactive properties (cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity) of synthetic peptidomimetics containing an opioid tripeptide fragment (Tyr‐R1‐R2‐; where R1 is d‐Ala or d‐Thr, and R2 is Phe or Trp) hybridized with trans‐1‐cinnamylpiperazine. These compounds are stable in plasma up to 96 h and exhibit low hemotoxicity and good inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth in two‐ and three‐dimensional in vitro models of pancreatic cancer.
Analyses of Complex Mixtures by F1 Homo‐Decoupled Diagonal Suppressed Total Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Verma Ajay , Parihar Rashmi , Bhattacharya Subrato , Baishya Bikash 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA diagonal suppressed F1 decoupled total correlation spectroscopy(TOCSY) experiment is developed for analyses of complex mixtures. In 2D homonuclear correlation, assignment of the cross peaks is crucial for structure elucidation. However, when cross peaks are close to the diagonal peaks in overcrowded spectral regions, their assignment becomes tedious. In complex mixtures, the presence of multiple spectra along with broad and complex proton multiplets owing to homonuclear scalar couplings degrade the resolution to the extent that assignment of various cross peaks becomes tedious or impossible. Herein, a diagonal suppressed total correlation technique with F1 decoupling is presented to improve the resolution of the cross peaks. The resolution of the cross peaks is improved by both diagonal suppression as well as the collapse of the multiplets to singlets. Application of the method to a few mixtures of organic compounds reveals better identification of the cross peaks relative to other TOCSY variants.