bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal stability of the immobilization process of horseradish peroxidase in electrospun polymeric nanofibers
Authors: Rodríguez‐deLuna Sofía E. , Moreno‐Cortez Iván E. , Garza‐Navarro M. A. , Lucio‐Porto Raúl , López Pavón Luis , González‐González Virgilio A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe horseradish peroxidase enzyme (type VI 250 U mg−1) was encapsulated in polymeric nanofibers using the electrospinning technique and successfully immobilized by the exposure to glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor in order to create covalent bonds between the polyivinilalcohol (PVA) polymeric chains and the enzyme molecules. The morphology of the nanofibers was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showing a diameter in the range of 100–200 nm. The presence of the enzyme in the electrospun nanofibers was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optimum crosslinking time was 1 h of exposure to GA vapor. The maximum percentage of the retained protein and the enzyme activity was obtained using the lowest initial enzyme concentration. The enzyme activity of the sample was retained after four reuse cycles. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal stability of the samples. The thermal study of the immobilized HRP enzyme provide for the first time additional information regarding the interaction of the HRP enzyme molecules with the PVA chains of the nanofiber matrix, as well as the effect of the crosslinking time in the glass transition temperature and the heat of fusion of the samples. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44811.
Habitats for the Atlantic sturgeons in Russia
Authors: Popov Igor 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

The critically endangered Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, inhabited the Russian section of the Baltic Sea basin until recent times. Eight rivers were indicated as their habitats in local literature.
The Atlantic surgeon disappeared in Russia because of overfishing, not because of habitat loss.
Nowadays, potential spawning grounds for sturgeons occur in six rivers of the Russian section of the Baltic Sea basin. The largest river (Neva) is not blocked by dams and the whole river provides the ecological requirements of sturgeons on a stretch 75 km long.
Restocking of other sturgeon species in Russia demonstrated that the release of reared fishes into the sea is ineffective, whereas the release into rivers could result in successful acclimatization.
Recent climatic changes are rather favourable for sturgeon restocking in the Baltic Sea area. The main problem for the restoration of sturgeon populations is the intensive fishery.
Mathematical Modeling of Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Ghodoosi Fatemeh , Khosravi-Nikou Mohammad Reza , Shariati Ahmad 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA two‐dimensional, pseudo‐homogeneous model is used to study the reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction in a fixed‐bed reactor under steady‐state conditions. A redox kinetic model is applied in the reactor model for a description of the reaction kinetics. Results show that the model predictions have an average error of 2.7 % and are in good agreement with experimental data for nonequilibrium conditions. With increasing space velocity, the CO2 conversion decreases, but the temperature drop in the reactor increases. Furthermore, a H2/CO2 ratio equal to one in the feed is the optimum ratio. Finally, the temperature, concentration, and pressure profiles inside the reactor are predicted.
Catalytic NH3 Synthesis using N2/H2 at Molecular Transition Metal Complexes: Concepts for Lead Structure Determination using Computational Chemistry
Authors: Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhile industrial NH3 synthesis based on the Haber–Bosch‐process was invented more than a century ago, there is still no molecular catalyst available which reduces N2 in the reaction system N2/H2 to NH3. As the many efforts of experimentally working research groups to develop a molecular catalyst for NH3 synthesis from N2/H2 have led to a variety of stoichiometric reductions it seems justified to undertake the attempt of systematizing the various approaches of how the N2 molecule might be reduced to NH3 with H2 at a transition metal complex. In this contribution therefore a variety of intuition‐based concepts are presented with the intention to show how the problem can be approached. While no claim for completeness is made, these concepts intend to generate a working plan for future research. Beyond this, it is suggested that these concepts should be evaluated with regard to experimental feasibility by checking barrier heights of single reaction steps and also by computation of whole catalytic cycles employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This serves as a tool which extends the empirically driven search process and expands it by computed insights which can be used to rationalize the various challenges which must be met.
Synthesis and Neurotrophic Activity Studies of Illicium Sesquiterpene Natural Product Analogues
Authors: Richers Johannes , Pöthig Alexander , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Sippel Claudia , Hausch Felix , Tiefenbacher Konrad 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNeurotrophic natural products hold potential as privileged structures for the development of therapeutic agents against neurodegeneration. However, only a few studies have been conducted to investigate a common pharmacophoric motif and structure–activity relationships (SARs). Here, an investigation of structurally more simple analogues of neurotrophic sesquiterpenes of the illicium family is presented. A concise synthetic route enables preparation of the carbon framework of (±)‐Merrilactone A and (±)‐Anislactone A/B on a gram scale. This has allowed access to a series of structural analogues by modification of the core structure, including variation of oxidation levels and alteration of functional groups. In total, 15 derivatives of the natural products have been synthesized and tested for their neurite outgrowth activities. Our studies indicate that the promising biological activity can be retained by structurally simpler natural product analogues, which are accessible by a straightforward synthetic route.
Expanding the Catalytic Promiscuity of Heparinase III from Pedobacter heparinus
Authors: Gu Yayun , Lu Meiling , Wang Zongqiang , Wu Xuri , Chen Yijun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGlycosaminoglycans (GAG) lyases are useful biocatalysts for the preparation of oligosaccharides, but their substrate spectra are limited to the same family. Thus, the degradation activity across families of GAG lyases is advantageous and desirable for various applications. In this study, residue Lys130 at the substrate entrance of monomeric heparinase III from Pedobacter heparinus ATCC 13125 was replaced by cysteine, and the resulting mutant K130C showed novel catalytic activity in degrading hyaluronic acid without affecting its native activity toward heparin and heparan sulfate. The broadened catalytic promiscuity by mutant K130C was the result of dimerization through a disulfide bond to expand the substrate binding pocket. This bifunctional enzyme is potentially valuable in the degradation of different types of GAGs.
A Synthetic, X‐ray, NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Study of β‐Naphthil Dihydrazone, Di(β‐naphthyl)acetylene, Tetra(β‐naphthyl)cyclopentadienone, and Hexa(β‐naphthyl)‐benzene: C6(C10H7)6 Is a Disordered Molecular Propeller
Authors: Harrington Laura E. , Britten James F. , Nikitin Kirill , McGlinchey Michael J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTreatment of β‐naphthil dihydrazone, 1, with silver oxide yields di(β‐naphthyl)acetylene, 2, which undergoes Diels–Alder cycloaddition with tetra(β‐naphthyl)cyclopentadienone, 4, to give hexa(β‐naphthyl)benzene, 5, upon decarbonylation. Molecules 1, 2 and 4 have been characterised by X‐ray crystallography, but hexa(β‐naphthyl)benzene exhibits rotational disorder of the peripheral substituents. Nevertheless, calculations at the density functional level reveal the favoured structure of 5 to be a molecular propeller, in which the eight possible rotamers are essentially iso‐energetic. Variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy studies yield a naphthyl rotational barrier of approximately 17 kcal mol−1, similar to that previously found for meta‐substituted phenyl groups. Enantiomerisation of hexa(β‐naphthyl)benzene engendered by rotation of a single naphthyl ring has been studied by DFT calculations, and the process has been represented pictorially.
Efficacy of basal‐bolus insulin regimens in the inpatient management of non‐critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Christensen Merete B. , Gotfredsen Anders , Nørgaard Kirsten 
Published: January 2017

SummaryHyperglycemia during hospitalization is associated with increased rates of complications and longer hospital stays. Various insulin regimens are used in the inpatient diabetes management of non‐critically ill patients. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of basal‐bolus insulin therapy (BBI) by summarizing evidence from studies of BBI versus sliding scale insulin therapy (SSI) in the management of hospitalized non‐critically ill type 2 diabetes patients. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies comparing BBI therapy with SSI therapy in hospitalized non‐critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes. Primary outcome was mean daily blood glucose (BG) during admission. Secondary outcomes were incidence of hypoglycemia and length of hospital stay. Results of included randomized controlled trials (RCT) were pooled and meta‐analysed to provide estimates of the efficacy of BBI therapy. Five RCTs and seven observational studies were included in the review. Meta‐analysis of RCTs showed significantly lower mean daily BG with BBI than SSI. Mean difference in daily BG between the two regimens ranged from 14 to 29 mg/dl. BBI therapy was associated with increased risk of mild hypoglycemia (BG ≤ 70 mg/dl, RR 5.75; 95% CI 2.79‐11.83), (BG ≤ 60 mg/dl, RR 4.21; 95% CI 1.61‐11.02) compared with SSI therapy. There was no difference in risk of severe hypoglycemia (BG ≤ 40 mg/dl) and no difference in mean length of stay. In conclusion, basal‐bolus insulin in the inpatient diabetes management results in significantly lower mean daily BG than sliding scale insulin but is associated with increased risk of mild hypoglycemia.
Evaluating Conditions for Integrated Water Resource Management at Sub‐basin Scale. A Comparison of the Flemish Sub‐basin Boards and Walloon River Contracts
Authors: Mees Hannelore , Suykens Cathy , Crabbé Ann 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntegrated water resource management (IWRM) has long been advocated in academia and politics but appears difficult to pursue in practice. Defenders of IWRM call for governance institutions adapted to hydrological boundaries, but these would be at odds with existing administrative ones. In this paper, we investigate how coordination platforms at sub‐basin scale can contribute to IWRM. Most IWRM literature focuses on the catchment scale. It is however acknowledged by several authors that coordination is also needed at a lower level. Through document analysis and semi‐structured interviews, a comparison is made of the Flemish sub‐basin boards and the Walloon river contracts, two types of coordination platform in different regions of Belgium. Belonging to the same federal state, they form valuable cases to compare divergent systems rooted in similar administrative settings.A number of key factors appear to contribute to the effectiveness of the coordination platforms, as it is perceived by their stakeholders. These factors are a clear but flexible legislative framework, (financial) support of a higher government rather than command‐and‐control steering, the personal commitment of their coordinators, an independent status of their staff, a sense of urgency and a good connection with civil society and the wider public. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Predictive factors and outcomes for ibrutinib therapy in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma—a “real world” study
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Hamadani Mehdi , Cashen Amanda F. , Ahn Kwang W. , Oak Eunhye , Kanate Abraham S. , Calzada Oscar , Cohen Jonathon B. , Farmer Luke , Ghosh Nilanjan , Tallarico Michael , Nabhan Chadi , Costa Luciano J. , Kenkre Vaishalee P. , Hari Parameswaran N. , Fenske Timothy S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIbrutinib has demonstrated significant activity in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in clinical trials. However, the impact of hematopoietic cell transplantation on the outcomes of ibrutinib and the predictive factors for ibrutinib response has not been well studied. Hence, we conducted a multicenter retrospective study of MCL patients who received ibrutinib to (1) determine the overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of ibrutinib in routine clinical practice, (2) examine characteristics predictive of response to ibrutinib therapy, and (3) describe the outcomes of patients failing ibrutinib. Ninety‐seven patients met the eligibility criteria. Overall response rate and median DOR to ibrutinib were 65% and 17 months, respectively. Only lack of primary refractory disease was predictive of ibrutinib response on multivariate analysis. Twenty‐nine patients received postibrutinib therapies, with an ORR of 48% and a median DOR of 3 months. The median OS and PFS for the entire group (n = 97) was 22 and 15 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, ibrutinib response, low MCL international prognostic index, and absence of primary refractory disease were predictors of better PFS, while ibrutinib response and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1 were predictors of better OS. The median OS postibrutinib failure was 2.5 months. Our results confirm the high ORR and DOR of ibrutinib in MCL and that prior hematopoietic cell transplantation does not negatively influence ibrutinib outcomes. Survival following ibrutinib failure is poor with no specific subsequent therapy showing superior activity in this setting. As a result, for select (transplant eligible) patients, allogeneic transplant should be strongly considered soon after ibrutinib response is documented to provide durable responses.
Implementation of the redesigned Community Health Fund in the Dodoma region of Tanzania: A qualitative study of views from rural communities
Authors: Kalolo Albino , Gautier Lara , Radermacher Ralf , Stoermer Manfred , Jahn Albrecht , Meshack Menoris , De Allegri Manuela 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe need to understand how an intervention is received by the beneficiary community is well recognised and particularly neglected in the micro–health insurance (MHI) domain. This study explored the views and reactions of the beneficiary community of the redesigned Community Health Fund (CHF) implemented in the Dodoma region of Tanzania.We collected data from focus group discussions with 24 groups of villagers (CHF members and nonmembers) and in‐depth interviews with 12 key informants (enrolment officers and health care workers). The transcribed material was analysed thematically. We found that participants highly appreciate the scheme, but to be resolved are the challenges posed by the implementation strategies adopted. The responses of the community were nested within a complex pathway relating to their interaction with the implementation strategies and their ongoing reflections regarding the benefits of the scheme. Community reactions ranged from accepting to rejecting the scheme, demanding the right to receive benefit packages once enrolled, and dropping out of the scheme when it failed to meet their expectations. Reported drivers of the responses included intensity of CHF communication activities, management of enrolment procedures, delivery of benefit packages, critical features of the scheme, and contextual factors (health system and socio‐political context). This study highlights that scheme design and implementation strategies that address people's needs, voices, and values can improve uptake of MHI interventions. The study adds to the knowledge base on implementing MHI initiatives and could promote interests in assessing the response to interventions within the MHI domain and beyond.
Elevated serum milk fat globule‐epidermal growth factor 8 levels in type 2 diabetic patients are suppressed by overweight or obese status
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Ran Wenzhuo , Zhang Jiaqiang , Chen Shi , Li Yihang , Luo Deng , Wang Chen , Jia Weiping 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInflammation is the most important link between obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although milk fat globule‐epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG‐E8) is a key mediator in anti‐inflammatory responses, its role in obesity and diabetes is not yet completely understood. We aimed to measure MFG‐E8 serum levels and to explore the role of MFG‐E8 in obesity and T2D. Fasting serum MFG‐E8 levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for 168 individuals, whose oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, and levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein, were measured. The participants were subdivided into 66 newly diagnosed T2D individuals, 44 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) subjects and 58 healthy controls. Their characteristics were further classified as lean or nonlean for investigation. MFG‐E8 levels were significantly higher in T2D subjects than in healthy controls (P = 0.028). Decreased levels of MFG‐E8 were found in overweight or obese individuals, compared to those in lean subjects, in both the T2D and IGT groups (P < 0.001). Interestingly, MFG‐E8 levels showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) and TNF‐α levels in the total population and the T2D subgroup. Further, BMI and TNF‐α concentrations were found to be independent predictors of MFG‐E8 levels in all subjects. MFG‐E8 levels are elevated in T2D but suppressed by increased adipose tissues, thereby allowing inflammatory factors to rise to high levels. MFG‐E8 may serve as a potential biomarker for obesity and T2D in the clinical setting. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):63–71, 2017
When proteostasis goes bad: Protein aggregation in the cell
Authors: Radwan Mona , Wood Rebecca J. , Sui Xiaojing , Hatters Danny M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProtein aggregation is a hallmark of the major neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and motor neuron and is a symptom of a breakdown in the management of proteome foldedness. Indeed, it is remarkable that under normal conditions cells can keep their proteome in a highly crowded and confined space without uncontrollable aggregation. Proteins pose a particular challenge relative to other classes of biomolecules because upon synthesis they must typically follow a complex folding pathway to reach their functional conformation (native state). Non‐native conformations, including the unfolded nascent chain, are highly prone to aberrant interactions, leading to aggregation. Here we review recent advances in knowledge of proteostasis, approaches to monitor proteostasis and the impact that protein aggregation has on biology. We also include discussion of the outstanding challenges. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):49–54, 2017
Granulosa‐theca Cell Tumour Associated With Pregnancy
Authors: Talerman A. , Scholte E. , Daamen C. B. F. , Gratama S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTTalerman, A., Scholte, E., Daamen, C. B. F. and Gratama, S. (Dept. of Pathology, Rotterdam Institute of Radiotherapy, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Van Dam Hospital, and Dept. of Pathology, Bergweg Hospital, Rotterdam, Holland).
Endometrial Control: A Comparative Study of Three Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Talwar Prem P. , Dingfelder James R. , Ravenholt R. T. 
Published: January 2017

Talwar, P. P., Dingfelder, J. R. and Ravenholt, R. T. (International Fertility Research Program, Research Triangle Park, NC, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, and Office of Population, Agency for International Development, Washington, D.C., USA). Endometrial control—a comparative study of three oral contraceptives.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 385–389, 1976.Shortly after completing an OC cycle the relative hormonal deficit caused by discontinuing the hormones results in withdrawal bleeding. Similarly, if one or more oral contraceptive tablets are missed during a cycle, the resulting deficiency may cause breakthrough bleeding. A lower incidence of breakthrough bleeding on the day after one oral contraceptive tablet is missed and later onset of withdrawal bleeding indicate that a particular OC provides better endometrial control. These two measurements are used as indices to compare the endometrial control provided by Ovral, Norinyl 1/50, and Norlestrin 1 in a study of 480 women at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Seattle during 1974 and 1975. An analysis of the data shows that the normal chance of breakthrough bleeding on a particular day when one oral contraceptive tablet is not missed on the previous day is 0.017, 0.022, and 0.022 for Ovral, Norinyl, and Norlestrin users, but the chance on the day after a contraceptive tablet is missed increased by 13 to 16 times for each of the three OCs. Ovral provides more sustained endometrial control than Norinyl and Norlestrin, however, as indicated by its lower probability of breakthrough bleeding on the day a contraceptive tablet is missed and by its later onset of withdrawal bleeding.
Plasma Estradiol‐17 β as an Index of Fetoplacental Function
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Ratnam S. S. 
Published: January 2017

Chew, P. C. T. and Ratnam, S. S. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore 8). Plasma estradiol‐17 β as an index of fetoplacental function.Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 445–448, 1976.Serial plasma unconjugated estradiol‐17 β was measured by a radioimmunoassay method in 26 cases of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, 13 cases of poor obstetric history and 4 cases of intra‐uterine growth retardation. There was considerable overlap of hormonal values between pregnancies, resulting in delivery of normal fetuses and those with dysmature fetuses. Serial estimations of estradiol‐17 β were not found to be useful in the prediction of intra‐uterine death, although low values were obtained after fetal death has occurred. Estradiol‐17 β estimation appeared to be an unreliable index of fetoplacental function.
Medical Supervision for Contraception: Too Little or Too Much?
Authors: Rosenfield Allan 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe need to provide medical supervision in contraceptive services is reviewed in the context of the situation existing in developing nations. The author contends that less rather than more medical supervision can be justified if one compares the relatively low incidence of complications from modern contraception with the inordinately high maternal death rates from pregnancy and its complications in these same countries.
Risks and Benefits of Postmenopausal Exogenous Estrogen
Authors: Sarto Gloria E. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTCyclically administered estrogen helps prevent and treat vasomotor symptoms and atrophic changes in the genitourinary tracts of postmenopausal women. Administering exogenous estrogen may also help prevent postmenopausal bone loss and help treat severe postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although recent studies have indicated an association between estrogen replacement therapy and endometrial carcinoma, a true cause‐and‐effect relationship has not been established. Thus, estrogen replacement therapy should be administered carefully, considering the risk/benefit ratio for each individual, and should use the smallest dose necessary to achieve the desired effect. If irregular bleeding occurs before or during estrogen administration, a complete gynecologic examination (including a histologic examination of the endometrium) is mandatory.