bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibody Conjugated PLGA Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel Palmitate: Efficacy and Biofate in a Lung Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Karra Nour , Nassar Taher , Ripin Alina Nemirovski , Schwob Ouri , Borlak Jürgen , Benita Simon 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAberrant signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is common to a variety of human cancers and is also found to be over‐expressed in most cases of non‐small cell lung cancer. For the development of a molecularly targeted therapy, cetuximab‐conjugated nanoparticles (immunonanoparticles, INPs) are designed and loaded with the lipophilic paclitaxel palmitate (pcpl) prodrug. Oleyl cysteineamide (OCA) is synthesized whereby its amphiphilic nature enables interfacial anchoring and thiol surface functionalization of PLGA NPs, facilitating bioconjugation to cetuximab by thioether bonds. It is demonstrated that the in vitro targeting efficiency and improved cellular internalization and cytotoxicity of this targeted delivery system in lung cancer cells over‐expressing EGFR. A quantitative measure of the high binding affinity of INPs to EGFR is demonstrated using surface plasmon resonance. In vivo tolerability and enhanced efficacy of cetuximab pcpl INPs in a metastatic lung cancer model are reported. Its therapeutic efficacy in A549‐luc‐C8 lung tumors is shown using non‐invasive bioluminescent imaging. Intravenous administration of cetuximab pcpl INPs to mice results in significantly higher inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival rates as compared to the non‐targeted drug solution, drug‐loaded nanoparticles or blank INPs. Pharmacokinetics and organ biodistribution of the prodrug and parent drug are evaluated by LC‐MS/MS in lung tumor bearing mice. No enhanced total accumulation of nanoparticles or INPs is found at the tumor tissue. However, persistent pcpl levels with sustained conversion and release of paclitaxel are observed for the encapsulated prodrug possibly suggesting the formation of a drug reservoir. The overall results indicate the potential of this promising targeted platform for the improved treatment of lung cancer and other EGFR positive tumors.
The predator pendulum revisited: Social conflict over wolves and their management in the western United States
Authors: Bruskotter Jeremy T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe reintroduction, recovery, and management of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in the western United States has long been a source of controversy and acrimonious public debate. I discuss 3 factors that perpetuate confusion and conflict over wolves and their management: 1) the role of science and politics in wildlife management, 2) rhetoric and political actions of elected officials and political appointees, and 3) justification of wolf harvest and specific practices employed during hunting and trapping seasons. Wildlife professionals could reduce the controversy surrounding wolves by 1) clearly delineating policy decisions from the scientific input used to inform these decisions; 2) clearly articulating scientific concepts when they are used in agency communications; 3) employing collaborative public‐involvement processes designed to reduce conflicts (e.g., collaborative learning, alternative dispute resolution); and 4) setting hunting and trapping regulations with public input concerning the timing of seasons, and methods and locations of take. Longitudinal studies designed to assess how human attitudes and behaviors change in response to changing policies would be particularly valuable for understanding and potentially reducing conflicts over wolves (and other wildlife) in the future. Such data could be collected through collaborations between social scientists, who possess expertise in relevant research methods and theoretical knowledge, and state Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research units, who possess experience working with state agencies. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Exotic grass invasion and wildlife abundance and diversity, South‐Central United States
Authors: Fulbright Timothy E. , Hickman Karen R. , Hewitt David G. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTExotic grasses dominate rangelands in parts of the South‐central United States. We reviewed the literature on the effects of exotic grasses on wildlife functional groups and species, and examined the state of the art of managing exotic vegetation in the South‐central United States. In cases where researchers reported that exotic grasses reduced wildlife species abundance or diversity, the exotics were dominants in the grassland community. In a few cases, plant communities dominated by exotic grasses appeared to provide desirable habitat for a wildlife species. Giant reed (Arundo donax), for example, provided habitat for white‐collared seedeaters (Sporophila torqueola) along the lower Rio Grande. Old World bluestems change soil microbial populations in a manner that inhibits colonization by native grasses. A threshold level of relative exotic grass abundance may exist below which presence of exotic grasses does not affect wildlife. The majority of peer‐reviewed literature from the South‐central United States on exotic grasses and wildlife is descriptive. Managers should base strategies to manage exotic grasses for wildlife on an understanding of the underlying reasons that certain wildlife species are benefited or negatively impacted by these grasses. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Psychosocial Burden of Sickle Cell Disease on Parents with an Affected Child in Cameroon
Authors: Wonkam Ambroise , Mba Caryl Zameyo , Mbanya Dora , Ngogang Jeanne , Ramesar Raj , Angwafo Fru F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe chronicity of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) could impair the quality of life of caregivers. We performed a quantitative study to assess various indices of psychosocial burden on Cameroonian parents (N = 130) with at least one living SCD‐affected child. Demographic and medical information were obtained from the participants and the review of the patients’ medical records. The survey instrument included a 38‐item stress factors scale using Likert‐type statements, evaluating general perceptions of stress and five main specific stressors: disease factors (clinical severity), hospital factors, financial factors, family factors (life/dynamic) and SCD‐child factors (perceived quality of life). The items pertaining to burden involved four response options with increasing severity: 0, 1, 2 or 3. Descriptive statistics and non‐parametric tests were used for analysis. Participants were typically aged 38 years, urban dwellers (89 %), female (80 %), married (60.2 %), employed (61.7 %) and had secondary/tertiary education (82 %). Median age of SCD‐affected children was 9 years. The median age at diagnosis of SCD was 6 months; 47.8 % had more than 3 painful crises per year. The majority of participants (88.3 %) experienced moderate to severe difficulty coping with SCD. On a 0–3 scale, median score of SCD clinical severity was the major factor to undermine the coping ability of parents (2.2); vaso‐occlusive painful events (>3 per year) was the disease‐related stressor that most impacted their coping ability. The family life dynamic was the least stressful (0.7). Unemployment affected all the stressors’ categories. Stressors scores also increased with female, single, low education level, age of SCD‐affected children or more than 3 children in the family. In Cameroon, there is an urgent need to implement practices that ensure affordable access to health‐care and activities that would reduce SCD morbidity.
Newborn Screening: Education, Consent, and the Residual Blood Spot. The Position of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Blout Carrie , Walsh Vockley Cate , Gaviglio Amy , Fox Michelle , Croke Brook , Williamson Dean Lori ,   The Newborn Screening Task Force on behalf of the NSGC Public Policy Committee
Published: July 2013

AbstractNewborn screening (NBS) is a minimally invasive lifesaving test. There is currently no federal mandate for NBS, thus states determine their own screening panel based on the recommendations of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborn and Children (SACHDNC), which was recently re‐chartered as the Discretionary Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (DACHDNC). After NBS is completed, a couple of residual blood spots remain. While some states allow these spots to be used for public health and scientific research purposes, parents are not always informed about these additional uses. This paper addresses the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ (NSGC's) position about NBS and blood spot storage/use and the rationale for these positions. The National Society of Genetic Counselors strongly supports newborn screening for the uniform screening panel of conditions recommended by the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children. NSGC also supports storage and use of blood spot samples by newborn screening laboratories and transparent policies that govern these activities.
Effects of pH, Temperature and Ionic Strength on Aggregation Behavior of Dodecyldiethoxylamine Oxide
Authors: Wang Ruitao , Li Yunling , Song Yongbo , Zhi Lifei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe isoelectric point of dodecyldiethoxylamine oxide (DDEAO) containing hydroxyethyl groups was determined with the method of acid–base titration. The isoelectric point value of DDEAO is 7.8. The effects of pH, temperature and ionic strength on the aggregation behavior of DDEAO were investigated by surface tension measurements. The results show a good surface activity over a large pH range, especially under weakly acidic conditions. The surface activity of DDEAO increases trend increasing temperature. The thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated and the results show that the micelle formation is entropy‐driven within the temperature range investigated. CMC values decrease with increases in ionic strength. The packing parameters (P) were evaluated and ensure the formation of vesicles for DDEAO at various pH values, which is expected to have potential applications in some fields, such as in nanomaterials synthesis and the application in drug delivery.
Enhancing of Corrosion Inhibition and the Biocidal Effect of Phosphonium Surfactant Compounds for Oil Field Equipment
Authors: Aiad Ismail A. , Tawfik Salah M. , Shaban Samy M. , Abd‐Elaal Ali A. , El‐Shafie Mohamed 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIt is well known that tetra hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) is commonly used in oil fields as a biocide for sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB), but it has low corrosion inhibition. In this study, four phosphonium surfactant compounds were synthesized via a coupling reaction between THPS and different fatty acids namely: decanoic, dodecanoic, palmitic and stearic acids to produce the corresponding surfactants. The chemical structure of the synthesized surfactants was confirmed using FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The surface activity of the prepared compounds was determined by surface tension measurements. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of each surfactant compound was determined. The corrosion inhibition of the synthesized compounds on carbon steel in 0.5 M HCl was studied by weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effect of the inhibitor concentration and hydrophobic chain length on the their efficiency was also studied. It was found that the CMC of each compound depends on its chemical structure. It was also found that the corrosion inhibition efficiency depends on both of concentration and molecular structure of the inhibitors. Polarization curves revealed that the inhibitors used represent mixed‐type inhibitors, which hinder the cathodic and anodic parts of the corrosion reaction in acidic media. Adsorption of used inhibitors leads to a reduction in the double layer capacitance and an increase in the charge transfer resistance. Also the biocidal effect of these compounds was enhanced.
Two‐year predictors of runaway and homeless episodes following shelter services among substance abusing adolescents
Authors: Slesnick Natasha , Guo Xiamei , Brakenhoff Brittany , Feng Xin 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTGiven high levels of health and psychological costs associated with the family disruption of homelessness, identifying predictors of runaway and homeless episodes is an important goal. The current study followed 179 substance abusing, shelter‐recruited adolescents who participated in a randomized clinical trial. Predictors of runaway and homeless episodes were examined over a two year period. Results from the hierarchical linear modeling analysis showed that family cohesion and substance use, but not family conflict or depressive symptoms, delinquency, or school enrollment predicted future runaway and homeless episodes. Findings suggest that increasing family support, care and connection and reducing substance use are important targets of intervention efforts in preventing future runaway and homeless episodes amongst a high risk sample of adolescents.
Prediction of lethal pulmonary hypoplasia among high‐risk fetuses via 2D and 3D ultrasonography
Authors: de Castro Rezende Guilherme , Pereira Alamanda Kfoury , Araujo Júnior Edward , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira , Vieira Cabral Antonio Carlos 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare accuracy between 3D and 2D ultrasonography for predicting lethal pulmonary hypoplasia (LPH) among high‐risk fetuses.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional prospective study at a fetal medicine referral center in Brazil, bilateral fetal lung scans were evaluated for 54 fetuses with suspected LPH between May 2008 and June 2011. Measurements for predicting LPH were ultrasonographic fetal lung volume/estimated fetal weight ratio (US‐FLW), observed/expected thoracic circumference (o/e‐TC), observed/expected thoracic circumference/abdominal circumference (o/e‐TC/AC), observed/expected thoracic area/heart area (o/e‐TA/HA), observed/expected amniotic fluid index (o/e‐AFI), and observed/expected total fetal lung volume (o/e‐Tot‐FLV). To evaluate accuracy in predicting LPH, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated, and areas under the curves (AUCs) were compared. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess 3D lung volume reproducibility.ResultsData were compared for 47 newborns, of whom 34 had LPH (perinatal mortality 74.5%). The AUCs for predicting LPH were 0.93, 0.69, 0.55, 0.46, 0.71, and 0.86 for US‐FLW, o/e‐TC, o/e‐TC/AC, o/e‐TA/HA, o/e–AFI, and o/e‐Tot–FLV, respectively. No significant intraobserver difference was observed in measurements of the right (ICC, 0.973; P < 0.0001) or left (ICC, 0.950; P < 0.0001) lung volumes.ConclusionAmong high‐risk fetuses, US‐FLW by 2D/3D and o/e‐Tot‐FLV by 3D ultrasonography were more accurate than 2D parameters for predicting LPH.
Breaking the Ice: The establishment of overland winter postal routes in the late Qing China
Authors: TSAI WEIPIN 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper looks at the establishment of experimental winter overland postal routes in the late 1870s and 1880s, which eventually led to the creation of the Great Qing Imperial Post Office in 1896. The history of this experiment sheds much light on important issues in the establishment of what was to become the country's most crucial information-bearing network, in particular those related to collaboration and negotiation between foreign and Chinese officials, and those between local interests and the central authorities. It also explores how foreign processes and management had to be adapted in order to function in a Chinese context.In March 1878, Robert Hart, inspector general of the Chinese Maritime Customs Service, instructed Gustav Detring, commissioner of Tianjin Port, to investigate the possibility of introducing overland public postal routes in China, beginning with Beijing to Tianijn, Niuzhuang, Yantai, and then to Zhenjiang, a treaty port on the lower Yangtze River.The three main challenges involved were: to establish a reliable workforce, to design appropriate routes, and to win the cooperation of local governing officials. Although the winter service was initiated on time, problems repeatedly arose from each one of these challenges.
The carbonylation and covalent dimerization of human superoxide dismutase 1 caused by its bicarbonate-dependent peroxidase activity is inhibited by the radical scavenger tempol
Authors: Queiroz Raphael F. , Paviani Verônica , Coelho Fernando R. , Marques Emerson F. , Di Mascio Paolo , Augusto Ohara 
Published: July 2013

Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-1-oxyl) reduces tissue injury in animal models of various diseases via mechanisms that are not completely understood. Recently, we reported that high doses of tempol moderately increased survival in a rat model of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) while decreasing the levels of oxidized hSOD1 (human Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase) in spinal cord tissues. To better understand such a protective effect in vivo, we studied the effects of tempol on hSOD1 oxidation in vitro. The chosen oxidizing system was the bicarbonate-dependent peroxidase activity of hSOD1 that consumes H2O2 to produce carbonate radical, which oxidizes the enzyme. Most of the experiments were performed with 30 μM hSOD1, 25 mM bicarbonate, 1 mM H2O2, 0.1 mM DTPA (diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid) and 50 mM phosphate buffer at a final pH of 7.4. The results showed that tempol (5–75 μM) does not inhibit hSOD1 turnover, but decreases its resulting oxidation to carbonylated and covalently dimerized forms. Tempol acted by scavenging the carbonate radical produced and by recombining with hSOD1-derived radicals. As a result, tempol was consumed nearly stoichiometrically with hSOD1 monomers. MS analyses of turned-over hSOD1 and of a related peptide oxidized by the carbonate radical indicated the formation of a relatively unstable adduct between tempol and hSOD1-Trp32•. Tempol consumption by the bicarbonate-dependent peroxidase activity of hSOD1 may be one of the reasons why high doses of tempol were required to afford protection in an ALS rat model. Overall, the results of the present study confirm that tempol can protect against protein oxidation and the ensuing consequences.
SATP (YaaH), a succinate–acetate transporter protein in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sá-Pessoa Joana , Paiva Sandra , Ribas David , Silva Inês Jesus , Viegas Sandra Cristina , Arraiano Cecília Maria , Casal Margarida 
Published: July 2013

In the present paper we describe a new carboxylic acid transporter in Escherichia coli encoded by the gene yaaH. In contrast to what had been described for other YaaH family members, the E. coli transporter is highly specific for acetic acid (a monocarboxylate) and for succinic acid (a dicarboxylate), with affinity constants at pH 6.0 of 1.24±0.13 mM for acetic acid and 1.18±0.10 mM for succinic acid. In glucose-grown cells the ΔyaaH mutant is compromised for the uptake of both labelled acetic and succinic acids. YaaH, together with ActP, described previously as an acetate transporter, affect the use of acetic acid as sole carbon and energy source. Both genes have to be deleted simultaneously to abolish acetate transport. The uptake of acetate and succinate was restored when yaaH was expressed in trans in ΔyaaH ΔactP cells. We also demonstrate the critical role of YaaH amino acid residues Leu131 and Ala164 on the enhanced ability to transport lactate. Owing to its functional role in acetate and succinate uptake we propose its assignment as SatP: the Succinate–Acetate Transporter Protein.
The central role of mosquito cytochrome P450 CYP6Zs in insecticide detoxification revealed by functional expression and structural modelling
Authors: Chandor-Proust Alexia , Bibby Jaclyn , Régent-Kloeckner Myriam , Roux Jessica , Guittard-Crilat Emilie , Poupardin Rodolphe , Riaz Muhammad Asam , Paine Mark , Dauphin-Villemant Chantal , Reynaud Stéphane , David Jean-Philippe 
Published: July 2013

The resistance of mosquitoes to chemical insecticides is threatening vector control programmes worldwide. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) are known to play a major role in insecticide resistance, allowing resistant insects to metabolize insecticides at a higher rate. Among them, members of the mosquito CYP6Z subfamily, like Aedes aegypti CYP6Z8 and its Anopheles gambiae orthologue CYP6Z2, have been frequently associated with pyrethroid resistance. However, their role in the pyrethroid degradation pathway remains unclear. In the present study, we created a genetically modified yeast strain overexpressing Ae. aegypti cytochrome P450 reductase and CYP6Z8, thereby producing the first mosquito P450–CPR (NADPH-cytochrome P450-reductase) complex in a yeast recombinant system. The results of the present study show that: (i) CYP6Z8 metabolizes PBAlc (3-phenoxybenzoic alcohol) and PBAld (3-phenoxybenzaldehyde), common pyrethroid metabolites produced by carboxylesterases, producing PBA (3-phenoxybenzoic acid); (ii) CYP6Z8 transcription is induced by PBAlc, PBAld and PBA; (iii) An. gambiae CYP6Z2 metabolizes PBAlc and PBAld in the same way; (iv) PBA is the major metabolite produced in vivo and is excreted without further modification; and (v) in silico modelling of substrate–enzyme interactions supports a similar role of other mosquito CYP6Zs in pyrethroid degradation. By playing a pivotal role in the degradation of pyrethroid insecticides, mosquito CYP6Zs thus represent good targets for mosquito-resistance management strategies.
Neuroprotective effect of Danshensu derivatives as anti-ischaemia agents on SH-SY5Y cells and rat brain
Authors: Seetapun Sunisa , Yaoling Jia , Wang Yang , Zhu Yi Zhun 
Published: July 2013

Novel Danshensu derivatives (3–8) were designed and synthesized to improve bioactivity based on the strategy of ‘medicinal chemical hybridization’. Our previous studies indicated that these compounds exhibited noticeable cardioprotective activities. Here, we investigate whether these novel Danshensu derivatives exert neuroprotective activities. An in vitro study revealed that these compounds could increase cell viability and reduce LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) leakage. Moreover, Danshensu-cysteine derivative compounds 6 and 8 could significantly inhibit lipid peroxidation of cell membrane and regulate the expression of apoptosis-related protein (Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3). An in vivo study demonstrated that treatment with compound 6 at 30 mg/kg markedly decreased the infarct volume of MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion) insulted rat brain. Furthermore, treatment with compound 6 showed the antioxidant capacity by increasing the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and decreasing the level of MDA (malondialdehyde) and the ROS (reactive oxygen species) production significantly. These results suggested that these novel conjugates exert significant neuroprotective effects as anti-ischaemia agents and those with high potential merit further investigation.
Deleted in breast cancer-1 (DBC-1) in the interface between metabolism, aging and cancer
Authors: Chini Eduardo Nunes , Chini Claudia C. S. , Nin Veronica , Escande Carlos 
Published: July 2013

DBC1 (deleted in breast cancer-1) is a nuclear protein that regulates cellular metabolism. Since alteration in cellular metabolism have been proposed to be the emerging ‘hallmark’ of cancer, it is possible that DBC1 may be implicated in the regulation of cancer cell energy metabolism. However, at this point any role of DBC1 in cancer is only speculative. In this review, we will discuss the new developments in DBC1 research, its molecular structure, regulatory roles and implication in metabolism, aging and cancer.