bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial Metalloenzymes for Asymmetric Catalysis by Creation of Novel Active Sites in Protein and DNA Scaffolds
Authors: Drienovská Ivana , Roelfes Gerard 
Published: September 2014

AbstractArtificial metalloenzymes have emerged as a promising new approach to asymmetric catalysis. In our group, we are exploring novel artificial metalloenzyme designs involving creation of a new active site in a protein or DNA scaffold that does not have an existing binding pocket. In this review, we give an overview of the developments in the two approaches to artificial metalloenzymes for asymmetric catalysis investigated in our group: creation of a novel active site on a peptide or protein dimer interface and using DNA as a scaffold for artificial metalloenzymes.
Boron nitride nanotubes chemically functionalized with glycol chitosan for gene transfection in eukaryotic cell lines
Authors: Ferreira T. H. , Hollanda L. M. , Lancellotti M. , de Sousa E. M. B. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNanostructured materials have been widely studied concerning their potential biomedical applications, primarily to selectively carry specific drugs or molecules within a tissue or organ. In this context, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have generated considerable interest in the scientific community because of their unique properties, presenting good chemical inertness and high thermal stability. Among the many applications proposed for BNNTs in the biomedical field in recent years, the most important include their use as biosensors, nanovectors for the delivery of proteins, drugs, and genes. In the present study, BNNTs were synthesized, purified, and functionalized with glycol chitosan through a chemical process, yielding the BNNT‐GC. The size of BNNT‐GC was reduced using an ultrasound probe. Two samples with different sizes were selected for in vitro assays. The nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis (TGA), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The in vitro assays MTT and neutral red (NR) were performed with NIH‐3T3 and A549 cell lines and demonstrated that this material is not cytotoxic. Furthermore, the BNNT‐GC was applied in gene transfection of plasmid pIRES containing a gene region that express a green fluorescent protein (GFP) in NIH‐3T3 and A549 cell lines. The gene transfection was characterized by fluorescent protein produced in the cells and pictured by fluorescent microscopy. Our results suggest that BNNT‐GC has moderate stability and presents great potential as a gene carrier agent in nonviral‐based therapy, with low cytotoxicity and good transfection efficiency. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2176–2185, 2015.
Analysis of microbial fuel cell operation in acidic conditions using the flocculating agent ferric chloride
Authors: Winfield Jonathan , Greenman John , Dennis Julian , Ieropoulos Ioannis 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDFerric chloride (FeCl3) is widely used as a flocculating agent during wastewater treatment but can detrimentally lower pH and increase iron concentration. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for treating waste while concomitantly producing electricity and so were tested under the extreme conditions imposed by the addition of FeCl3. MFCs were fed eight concentrations of FeCl3 over two 8‐week periods and the effects on power, pH, conductivity, metal content and COD were examined.RESULTSMFCs generated highest power (3.58 W m‐3) at 1.6 mmol L‐1 FeCl3 (pH 3.46), however cells reversed when fed 2 mmol L‐1 (pH 3.29). During the second run, power almost doubled and MFCs were more resilient at higher loadings up to 2.8 mmol L‐1 (pH 3.02). Conductivity and pH increased following treatment while soluble phosphorus, sulphur and iron levels decreased significantly in all feedstock up to 1.6 mmol L‐1 FeCl3. COD reduction was observed but efficiency may have been affected by the presence of alternative electron donors such as hydrogen sulphide.CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrate the robustness and versatility of MFCs in hostile conditions. They also confirm that MFCs can complement current wastewater treatment processes, even downstream from FeCl3 dosing where conditions might be deemed unsuitable for operation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Primary recovery of bioactive compounds from stressed carrot tissue using aqueous two‐phase systems strategies
Authors: Sánchez‐Rangel Juan C , Jacobo‐Velázquez Daniel A , Cisneros‐Zevallos Luis , Benavides Jorge 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe application of controlled postharvest abiotic stresses in carrots induces the production of phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acids, which present diverse biological functions. Aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) is a liquid–liquid extraction technique that has demonstrated its potential for the fractionation and recovery of bioactive compounds. ATPS have the advantages of using environmentally friendly constituents, ease of scale‐up and process integration capability. This experimental work addresses for the first time the recovery of bioactive compounds (mainly hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives) from abiotically stressed carrot tissue using ATPS strategies, including in situ extraction, in alcohol–salt and ionic liquid–salt systems.RESULTSThe partitioning of chlorogenic acid was favored in the ethanol–potassium phosphate system achieving a recovery yield of 81.9%. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives fractioning was favored in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM‐Ac)–potassium phosphate ATPS, where recovery yields up to 85.4% were achieved. The in situ extraction strategy not only demonstrated potential for merging extraction and recovery in the same system but also, depending on ATPS used, allowed differential phenolic profiles to be obtained.CONCLUSIONATPS strategies (either solid–liquid extraction followed by ATPS or in situ extraction) were shown to have great potential for the recovery of bioactives from stressed carrot tissue. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of inoculation with multiple composite microorganisms on characteristics of humic fractions and bacterial community structure during biogas residue and livestock manure co‐composting
Authors: Song Caihong , Li Mingxiao , Wei Zimin , Jia Xuan , Xi Beidou , Liu Dongming , Zhu Chaowei , Pan Hongwei 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIt is necessary to inoculate microbes in the composting of special materials. Biogas residue (BR) is rich in refractory lignocellulose. To improve humification processes of BR composting, composite microorganisms (CMs), with multiple functions, were added to the mixture of BR and animal manure.RESULTSThe results indicated that four humification indices (DP, PHA, HR, HI) were all markedly higher in the inoculated compost (0.46, 27.5, 43.34, 11.92) than in the uninoculated compost (0.39, 22.53, 28.56, 6.49) (P < 0.05). The inoculation increased the degree of polycondensation and aromatization, and molecular size, as well as the humification degree of BR compost as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence regional integration analysis of humic acids, fulvic acids and hydrophilic fraction, three chemically isolated fractions. Additionally, the inoculation increased the quantity and diversity of indigenous microorganisms and accelerated their proliferation by adjusting environmental conditions to optimize their growth.CONCLUSIONThe CMs inoculant is suitable for BR composting and inoculating based on the composition of the composting substrate could enhance composting efficiency and improve compost quality. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Monoclonal antibody‐targeted polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapy – future prospects
Authors: Goodall Stephen , Jones Martina L. , Mahler Stephen 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlthough combination therapy for cancer utilising monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with chemotherapeutic drugs has resulted in increases in 5 year survivals, there nevertheless remains significant morbidity and mortality associated with systemic delivery of cytotoxic drugs. The advent of living radical polymerisation has resulted in complex and elegant nanoparticle structures that can be engineered to passively target a drug payload for cancer treatment. This presents a therapeutic modality whereby biodistribution and consequently systemic toxicity can be reduced, while focusing drug delivery to the tumour site. Nanoparticle delivery can be enhanced by attachment of a targeting monoclonal antibody fragment to facilitate tumour cell uptake through endocytosis, and so increase therapeutic efficacy. In this way, monoclonal antibodies can be supercharged by carrying a payload consisting of a cocktail of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and siRNA. This review will focus on antibody‐targeted polymeric nanoparticles to cancer cells, and methods and technologies for synthesising such antibody‐targeted nanoparticles. The review is confined to polymeric‐based nanoparticles as these offer some advantages over liposomal nanoparticles and may circumvent some of the pitfalls in nanomedicine. Development of these antibody based polymeric nanoparticles and future directions for therapy are highlighted in this review. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Ex vivo application of endocytoscopy for determining the longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer: a pathological analysis of 28 resected cases
Authors: Yoshikawa Toru , Hakamada Kenichi , Ogasawara Hiroshi , Kimura Norihisa , Kudo Daisuke , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Ishido Keinosuke , Toyoki Yoshikazu , Morohashi Satoko , Kijima Hiroshi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to examine the diagnostic ability of an endocytoscope system (ECS) for detecting the longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer.MethodsWe observed the surfaces of the bile duct of 28 consecutive patients undergoing biliary surgery both directly and under methylene blue staining by using an ECS. Based on the change in the microvascular caliber, abnormal vascularity, structural atypia, and cellular atypia, we created an ECS score.ResultsThe ECS score produced a median value of 1 (range 0–3) point in normal bile ducts, 3 (0–6) points in cholangitis, 9 (1–10) points in carcinoma in situ (CIS), and 8 (3–11) points in invasive cancer. A significant difference in the scores between cancerous and non‐cancerous lesions was found (P < 0.001). The ECS score was able to distinguish non‐cancerous lesions from cancerous lesions using the cut‐off value of a score less than 5, the accuracy being 92.1%, with a sensitivity of 91.1% and specificity of 93.5%.ConclusionsWith ECS observation of bile duct specimens, the newly created ECS score was able to clearly distinguish non‐cancerous lesions from cancerous lesions. This ECS score method should be validated in the differentiation of various BilIN lesions in the future.
Volumetric muscle loss: Persistent functional deficits beyond frank loss of tissue
Authors: Garg Koyal , Ward Catherine L. , Hurtgen Brady J. , Wilken Jason M. , Stinner Daniel J. , Wenke Joseph C. , Owens Johnny G. , Corona Benjamin T. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTOpen fracture is a common occurrence in civilian and military populations. Though great strides have been made in limb salvage efforts, persistent muscle strength deficits can contribute to a diminished limb function after the bone has healed. Over the past decade, a growing effort to establish therapies directed at de novo muscle regeneration has produced several therapeutic approaches. As this effort progresses and as therapies reach clinical testing, many questions remain regarding the pathophysiology of the volumetric loss of skeletal muscle. The current study demonstrates, in a rat “open fracture” model, that the volumetric loss of skeletal muscle results in persistent functional deficits that are dependent on muscle length and joint angle. Moreover, the injured muscle has an increased stiffness during passive stretch and a reduced functional excursion. A case study of a patient with an open type III tibia fracture resulting in volumetric muscle loss in the anterior and posterior compartment is also presented. Eighteen months after injury and tibia healing, persistent functional deficits are apparent with many of the same qualities demonstrated in the animal model. Muscle architectural adaptations likely underlie the altered intrinsic functional characteristics of the remaining musculature. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. J Orthop Res 33:40–46, 2015.
Susceptibility to large‐joint osteoarthritis (hip and knee) is associated with BAG6 rs3117582 SNP and the VNTR polymorphism in the second exon of the FAM46A gene on chromosome 6
Authors: Etokebe Godfrey E. , Jotanovic Zdravko , Mihelic Radovan , Mulac‐Jericevic Biserka , Nikolic Tamara , Balen Sanja , Sestan Branko , Dembic Zlatko 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTFamily with sequence similarity 46, member A (FAM46A) gene VNTR and BCL2‐Associated Athanogene 6 (BAG6) gene rs3117582 polymorphisms were genotyped in a case–control study with 474 large‐joint (hip and knee) osteoarthritis (OA) patients and 568 controls in Croatian population by candidate‐gene approach for association with OA. We found that BAG6 rs3117582 SNP genotypes were associated with protection (major allele homozygote) and susceptibility (major–minor allele heterozygote) to OA. BAG6 rs3117582 major allele (A) was associated with reduced risk to OA while the minor allele (C) was associated with increased risk to OA. We identified 6 alleles harboring 2 to 7 repeats making 20 genotypes for FAM46A. A rare FAM46A VNTR genotype comprising VNTR alleles with four and seven repeats (c/f) was associated with increased OA risk in both genders. The genotype with four and six repeats (c/e) was also associated with increased risk to OA in males. A polymorphic FAM46A allele with six repeats (e) was associated with reduced risk to OA in females. Our results suggest association between the FAM46A gene, BAG6 gene and OA in Croatian population, respectively. This is the first study to show associations between these genetic loci and OA. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:56–62, 2015.
C18‐bound porous silica monolith particles as a low‐cost high‐performance liquid chromatography stationary phase with an excellent chromatographic performance
Authors: Ali Faiz , Cheong Won Jo 
Published: September 2014

Ground porous silica monolith particles with an average particle size of 2.34 μm and large pores (363 Å) exhibiting excellent chromatographic performance have been synthesized on a relatively large scale by a sophisticated sol–gel procedure. The particle size distribution was rather broad, and the d(0.1)/d(0.9) ratio was 0.14. The resultant silica monolith particles were chemically modified with chlorodimethyloctadecylsilane and end‐capped with a mixture of hexamethyldisilazane and chlorotrimethylsilane. Very good separation efficiency (185 000/m) and chromatographic resolution were achieved when the C18‐bound phase was evaluated for a test mixture of five benzene derivatives after packing in a stainless‐steel column (1.0 mm × 150 mm). The optimized elution conditions were found to be 70:30 v/v acetonitrile/water with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid at a flow rate of 25 μL/min. The column was also evaluated for fast analysis at a flow rate of 100 μL/min, and all the five analytes were eluted within 3.5 min with reasonable efficiency (ca. 60 000/m) and resolution. The strategy of using particles with reduced particle size and large pores (363 Å) combined with C18 modification in addition to partial‐monolithic architecture has resulted in a useful stationary phase (C18‐bound silica monolith particles) of low production cost showing excellent chromatographic performance.
Application of an optimized dispersive nanomaterial ultrasound‐assisted microextraction method for preconcentration of carbofuran and propoxur and their determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection
Authors: Khodadoust Saeid , Talebianpoor Mohammad Sharif , Ghaedi Mehrorang 
Published: September 2014

An extraction method based on dispersive nanomaterial ultrasound‐assisted microextraction was used for the preconcentration of carbofuran and propoxur insecticides in water samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. ZnS:Ni nanoparticles were synthesized based on the reaction of the mixture of zinc acetate and nickel acetate with thioacetamide in aqueous media and then loaded on activated carbon (ZnS:Ni‐AC). Different methods were used for recognizing the properties of ZnS:Ni‐AC and then this nanomaterial was used for extraction of carbamate insecticide as new adsorbent. The influence of variables on the extraction method (such as amount of adsorbent (mg: NiZnS‐AC), pH and ionic strength of sample solution, vortex and ultrasonic time (min), ultrasound temperature and desorption volume (mL) was investigated by a screening 27–4Plackett–Burman design. Then the significant variables were optimized by using a central composite design combined with a desirability function. At optimum conditions, this method had linear response >0.0060–10 μg/mL with detection limit 0.0015 μg/mL and relative standard deviations <5.0% (n= 3).
Effects of Land Management on Different Forms of Soil Carbon in Olive Groves in Mediterranean Areas
Authors: Fernández‐Romero María Luisa , Lozano‐García Beatriz , Parras‐Alcántara Luis , Collins Chris D. , Clark Joanna M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis study analyses soil organic carbon (SOC) and hot‐water extractable carbon, both measures of soil quality, under different land management—(i) conventional tillage (CT); (ii) CT plus the addition of oil mill waste alperujo (A); (iii) CT plus the addition of oil mill waste olive leaves (L); (iv) no tillage with chipped pruned branches (NT1); and (v) no tillage with chipped pruned branches and weeds (NT2)—in a typical Mediterranean agricultural area: the olive groves of Andalusia, southern Spain. SOC values in CT, A, NT1 and NT2 decreased with depth, but in NT2, the surface horizon (0–5 cm) had higher values than the other treatments, 47% more than the average values in the other three soils. In L, SOC also decreased with depth, although there was an increase of 88·5% from the first (0–10 cm) to the second horizon (10–16 cm). Total SOC stock values were very similar under A (101·9 Mg ha−1), CT (101·7 Mg ha−1), NT1 (105·8 Mg ha−1) and NT2 (111·3 Mg ha−1, if we consider the same depth of the others). However, SOC under L was significantly higher (p < 0·05) at 250·2 Mg ha−1. Hot‐water extractable carbon decreased with depth in A, CT and NT1. NT2 and L followed the same pattern as the other management types but with a higher value in the surface horizon (2·3 and 4·9 mg g−1, respectively). Overall, our results indicate that application of oil mill waste olive leaves under CT (L) is a good management practice to improve SOC and reduce waste. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular Dynamics of Major Allergens from Alternaria, Birch Pollen and Peach
Authors: Garrido‐Arandia María , Gómez‐Casado Cristina , Díaz‐Perales Araceli , Pacios Luis F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn the search for factors that make a protein allergenic (an issue that remains so far elusive) some common features of allergens such as small size, high stability and lipid binding are recognized in spite of their structural diversity. Other relevant but still poorly understood feature is their capability to form homodimers. We investigated by means of Molecular Dynamics (MD) calculations the stability in solution of several dimers of three major allergens from Alternaria mold, birch pollen, and peach fruit known to play essential roles in allergic disease. By running 20 ns MD simulations we found essential properties on solution that provide information of interest on their dimerization, stability of their epitopes and dynamical features of ligand binding cavities. Our results show that three essential allergen proteins display a distinct behavior on their trends to form homodimers in solution.
Functional molecular imaging of tumors by chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI of 3‐O‐Methyl‐D‐glucose
Authors: Rivlin Michal , Tsarfaty Ilan , Navon Gil 
Published: September 2014

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility to detect tumors and metastases by the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI technique using 3‐O‐Methyl‐D‐glucose (3OMG), a nonmetabolizable derivative of glucose that is taken up rapidly and preferentially by tumors and is entirely excreted by the kidneys.MethodsIn vivo CEST MRI experiments were performed on a Bruker 7 Tesla Biospec on implanted orthotopic mammary tumors of mice before and following i.p. injection of 3OMG. The CEST images were generated by a series of gradient‐echo images collected from a single 1 mm coronal slice after a 1.2 s presaturation pulse, applied at offsets of ±1.2 ppm from the water and at B1 power of 2.5 µT.ResultsFollowing 3OMG (1.5 g/kg) i.p. injection, an enhanced CEST effect of approximately 20% was visualized at the tumor within a few minutes. The signal slowly declined reaching half of its maximum at approximately 80 min.ConclusionDue to the large CEST effect of 3OMG and its low toxicity 3OMG‐CEST may serve for the detection of tumors and metastases in the clinic. Magn Reson Med 72:1375–1380, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toothpick use among Epigravettian Humans from Grotta Paglicci (Italy)
Authors: Ricci S. , Capecchi G. , Boschin F. , Arrighi S. , Ronchitelli A. , Condemi S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis paper deals with two teeth (an upper right M1 and an upper right dM2) from the Epigravettian found in the site of Paglicci (Southern Italy) showing interproximal grooves that are situated below the crown, on the root walls just apical to the cementum–enamel junction. These grooves have been examined on a digital microscope which displays 3D images of the analysed surfaces. The images obtained made it possible to interpret these interproximal grooves as tooth picking activities that can be interpreted as an attempt to alleviate sore gums. The comparison with experimental images from available literature made it possible to form hypotheses concerning the nature of the probes that might have been used by the humans. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.