bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective down‐regulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by polyplexes of siRNA and lipid‐substituted polyethyleneimine for sensitization of breast tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy
Authors: Falamarzian Arash , Montazeri Aliabadi Hamidreza , Molavi Ommoleila , Seubert John M. , Lai Raymond , Uludağ Hasan , Lavasanifar Afsaneh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSignal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that plays a major role in the development of resistance to conventional anti‐cancer drugs in many types of cancer, when constitutively activated. Inhibition of STAT3 is considered as a promising strategy for inhibition of tumor growth and overcoming the drug resistance manifested. In this study, the capability of STAT3 knockdown by lipid substituted low molecular weight (2 kDa) polyethyleneimine (PEI2) complexes of STAT3–siRNA was assessed. The efficiency of PEI/STAT3‐siRNA polyplexes in the induction of STAT3 associated cell death in wild type and drug‐resistant MDA‐MB‐435 breast cancer cells as monotherapy and upon combination with chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin and paclitaxel, was also investigated. Our results identified linoleic acid‐substituted (PEI‐LA) polymer as the most efficient carrier among different lipid substituted PEI2 for siRNA delivery, leading to most STAT3 associated loss of cell viability in MDA‐MB‐435 cells. STAT3‐siRNA delivery by the PEI‐LA polymer resulted in efficient down‐regulation of STAT3 at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, pre‐treatment of cancer cells with STAT3–siRNA formulation increased the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin and paclitaxel in both wild type and drug resistant MDA‐MB‐435 cells. The results of this study point to the potential of PEI‐LA polyplexes of STAT3–siRNA as inhibitors of STAT3 expression in breast tumor cells. The results also demonstrate an improved efficacy for chemotherapeutic drugs in combination with lipid‐substituted low molecular weight PEI‐LA/STAT3‐siRNA complexes in comparison to drug therapy alone. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3216–3228, 2014.
Silica coating of the pore walls of a microporous polycaprolactone membrane to be used in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Demirdögen B. , Plazas Bonilla C. E. , Trujillo S. , Perilla J. E. , Elcin A. E. , Elcin Y. M. , Gómez Ribelles J. L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPolycaprolactone/silica microporous hybrid membranes were produced in two steps: A microporous polycaprolactone membrane with an interconnected porosity of 80% was obtained via a freeze extraction procedure, then silica was formed by a sol–gel reaction inside the micropores using tetraethyl orthosilicate, TEOS, as silica precursor. It is shown that silica forms a thin coating layer homogeneously distributed over the pore walls when sol–gel reaction is catalyzed by hydrochloric acid, while it forms submicron spherical particles when using basic catalyzer. Some physical properties and the viability and osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow rat mesenchymal stem cells cultured on pure and hybrid membranes were studied. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3229–3236, 2014.
Antibacterial activity of silver: The role of hydrodynamic particle size at nanoscale
Authors: Khurana Chandni , Vala Anjana K. , Andhariya Nidhi , Pandey O. P. , Chudasama Bhupendra 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSilver shows the highest antimicrobial activities amongst all metals. It is better than many first line antibiotics. The antimicrobial properties of silver can be tuned by altering its physical and surface properties. Researchers have demonstrated enhancement in the antibacterial properties of silver with decreasing particle size from bulk to nano. In the present article, we study the effect of particle size of silver at nanoscale on their antimicrobial properties. Two samples of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) of same physical size (≈8 nm) but different hydrodynamic size (59 and 83 nm) are prepared by chemical reduction of AgNO3 with oleylamine followed by phase transfer with triblock copolymer Pluronic F‐127. Their antimicrobial properties are investigated by microdilution method against clinically important strains of gram positive (S. aureus and B. megaterium) and gram negative (P. vulgaris and S. sonnei) bacteria. Nearly 38–50% enhancement in the antibacterial action of SNPs was observed when their hydrodynamic size was reduced to 59 nm from 83 nm. It has been observed that the antibacterial action of SNPs was governed by their hydrodynamic size and not by their crystallite and physical size. The phenomenological model was also proposed which makes an attempt to explain the microscopic mechanism responsible for the size dependent antibacterial activities of silver. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3361–3368, 2014.
Macrophage responses to a Zr‐based bulk metallic glass
Authors: Huang Lu , Zhang Tao , Liaw Peter K. , He Wei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are considered to be a competitive candidate of biomedical materials, owing to their appealing mechanical properties and high thermal processability. Based on the established biosafety of the Zr‐based BMGs, macrophage responses to (Zr55Al10Ni5Cu30)99Y1 (atomic percent) BMG were investigated in the present study, in comparison with Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy. The adhesion of RAW 264.7 macrophages to both alloys was found to be mediated by protein adsorption. The Zr‐based BMG is capable of supporting regular adhesion and proliferation of macrophages, indicating its good biocompatibility, which agrees with previous findings using other mammalian cells. A lower degree of morphological activation was revealed on Zr‐based BMG substrates than on Ti‐6Al‐4V substrates, which is evidenced by smaller spreading areas and less ruffling on cell surfaces. Smaller amount of proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, was secreted by macrophages cultured on Zr‐based BMGs, which further confirms the lower level of inflammation induced by BMG than by Ti alloys. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3369–3378, 2014.
Role of TGF-β in a Mouse Model of High Turnover Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Liu Shiguang , Song Wenping , Boulanger Joseph H , Tang Wen , Sabbagh Yves , Kelley Brian , Gotschall Russell , Ryan Susan , Phillips Lucy , Malley Katie , Cao Xiaohong , Xia Tai-He , Zhen Gehua , Cao Xu , Ling Hong , Dechow Paul C , Bellido Teresita M , Ledbetter Steven R , Schiavi Susan C 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Altered bone turnover is a key pathologic feature of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Expression of TGF-β1, a known regulator of bone turnover, is increased in bone biopsies from individuals with CKD. Similarly, TGF-β1 mRNA and downstream signaling is increased in bones from jck mice, a model of high-turnover renal osteodystrophy. A neutralizing anti-TGF-β antibody (1D11) was used to explore TGF-β's role in renal osteodystrophy. 1D11 administration to jck significantly attenuated elevated serum osteocalcin and type I collagen C-telopeptides. Histomorphometric analysis indicated that 1D11 administration increased bone volume and suppressed the elevated bone turnover in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were associated with reductions in osteoblast and osteoclast surface areas. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) confirmed the observed increase in trabecular bone volume and demonstrated improvements in trabecular architecture and increased cortical thickness. 1D11 administration was associated with significant reductions in expression of osteoblast marker genes (Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin) and the osteoclast marker gene, Trap5. Importantly, in this model, 1D11 did not improve kidney function or reduce serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, indicating that 1D11 effects on bone are independent of changes in renal or parathyroid function. 1D11 also significantly attenuated high-turnover bone disease in the adenine-induced uremic rat model. Antibody administration was associated with a reduction in pSMAD2/SMAD2 in bone but not bone marrow as assessed by quantitative immunoblot analysis. Immunostaining revealed pSMAD staining in osteoblasts and osteocytes but not osteoclasts, suggesting 1D11 effects on osteoclasts may be indirect. Immunoblot and whole genome mRNA expression analysis confirmed our previous observation that repression of Wnt/β-catenin expression in bone is correlated with increased osteoclast activity in jck mice and bone biopsies from CKD patients. Furthermore, our data suggest that elevated TGF-β may contribute to the pathogenesis of high-turnover disease partially through inhibition of β-catenin signaling. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Suitability of digoxin as a P‐glycoprotein probe: Implications of other transporters on sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Nader Ahmed M. , Foster David R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe study of transporter‐mediated drug–drug interactions (DDI) requires use of appropriate probes to reflect transporter function. Digoxin is often used as a probe in DDI studies involving P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and is recommended by FDA for this purpose, despite several lingering questions regarding suitability of digoxin as P‐gp probe. This review aims to critically evaluate use of digoxin as a probe for P‐gp‐mediated clinical DDI studies, with focus on sensitivity and specificity of digoxin for P‐gp. Although previous reviews have evaluated digoxin transport by P‐gp, the purpose of the current review is to critically evaluate such literature in light of newly evolving literature suggesting digoxin transport by non‐P‐gp transporters.
Optimization of SO2‐catalyzed hydrolysis of corncob for xylose and xylitol production
Authors: Fan Xiaoguang , Li Menghua , Zhang Jingkun , Tang Pingwah , Yuan Qipeng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDConventional techniques for corncob hydrolysis were generally based on acid treatment. However, a large number of by‐products and undesirable compounds released during acid hydrolysis process may act as inhibitors to xylitol fermentation. To replace acid hydrolysis, SO2‐catalyzed hydrolysis was used in this study to improve the fermentability of corncob hemicellulose hydrolysate.RESULTSBased on a central composite design (CCD), 20 operations were performed to optimize the process of SO2‐catalyzed hydrolysis by varying SO2 concentration, temperature and reaction time. The optimum condition found for these parameters was 2.16% (wt), 142 °C, 98 min, with 90.51% of the theoretical xylose yield obtained. In a comparison with sulfuric acid hydrolysis, SO2‐catalyzed hydrolysis was proved to be preferable since it resulted in approximately the same sugar yields, but better fermentability. The conversion of xylose to xylitol and volumetric productivity fermented from concentrated SO2‐catalyzed hydrolysate (SCH) were 70.21% and 1.16 g L‐1 h‐1, respectively, higher than those fermented from concentrated sulfuric acid hydrolysate (SAH).CONCLUSIONFindings suggested that the SO2‐catalyzed hydrolysis strategy can be conveniently and effectively applied to xylose and xylitol production. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Salt‐free production of γ‐aminobutyric acid from glutamate using glutamate decarboxylase separated from Escherichia coli
Authors: Dinh Thu Huong , Ho Ngoc Anh Thu , Kang Taek Jin , McDonald Karen A. , Won Keehoon 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDGamma(γ)‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been used extensively in pharmaceuticals and functional foods and is also a building block for bioplastics. GABA is produced from glutamate through decarboxylation catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). The reaction medium should be kept acidic because a pH rise resulting from the reaction inactivates the enzyme catalyst, which is active only at acidic pH. The use of conventional buffers and acids inevitably accompanies salts, which cause serious problems in separation and purification of GABA. In this work, we have applied heterogeneous solid acids for the first time.RESULTSThe GAD‐catalyzed reaction was conducted in 0.2 mol L−1 sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.6) with 1 mol L−1 monosodium glutamate at 37 °C. When commercial cation‐exchange resins as solid acids were simply added to the reaction medium, the conversion improved from 13% to 67% without salt formation. Even when water was used as the reaction medium, acidic ion‐exchange resins enhanced the reaction conversion significantly.CONCLUSIONIn a salt‐free manner, acidic resins suppress the pH rise during the reaction so that they can enhance the reaction conversion. In addition, they can be recovered and reused easily after the reaction. Heterogeneous solid acids make the GABA production process more economical and eco‐friendly. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Obtaining microbial communities with exoelectrogenic activity from anaerobic sludge using a simplified procedure
Authors: Ribot‐Llobet Edgar , Montpart Nuria , Ruiz‐Franco Yolanda , Rago Laura , Lafuente Javier , Baeza Juan Antonio , Guisasola Albert 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology transforms the chemical energy present in substrates into electricity. Starting‐up these systems, i.e. enriching the anodic community in exoelectrogenic bacteria, is a lengthy process or requires expensive equipment.RESULTSAn easy and low‐cost procedure based on a sediment MFC was developed to select microbial communities with exoelectrogenic activity from the anaerobic sludge of a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). The configuration was based on a simple vessel working as a single chamber MFC with a cathode of stainless steel wool in the liquid surface and a submerged graphite fibre brush as anode. In 30 days of operation, a biofilm with remarkable exoelectrogenic activity was grown on the anode of the MFC. This graphite fibre brush anode was able to supply 0.9 W m‐2 when working in an air‐cathode MFC (AC‐MFC) for 45 days.CONCLUSIONThe procedure presented was demonstrated to be a successful, low‐cost and low‐maintenance procedure to obtain exoelectrogenic activity and had performances comparable with other more costly and complex inoculation procedures. The Sed‐MFC does not require a potentiostat, external aeration, stirring, membranes or an enriched inoculum in the exoelectrogenic biomass. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel two‐species whole‐cell immobilization system composed of marine‐derived fungi and its application in wastewater treatment
Authors: Chen Hui‐Ying , Guan Yi‐Xin , Yao Shan‐Jing 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDMycelia pellet has been exploited as a biological carrier for whole‐cell immobilization due to its unique structural characteristics. An innovative two‐species whole‐cell immobilization system was developed initially, which was achieved simply by inoculating the marine‐derived fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. J63 spores into culture medium containing another fungus Penicillium janthinellum P1 pre‐grown mycelia pellets for 2 days.RESULTSThe resulting co‐immobilization system exhibited stronger biocatalytic activity, broader spectrum of substrates and remained more stable in media when subjected to hostile environment than free mycelia. In order to examine the potential function and prospects of this co‐immobilization system, the treatment of paper mill effluent was applied as a practical example. Numerous insoluble fine fibers in the wastewater were successfully and rapidly biodegraded and removed using this novel co‐immobilization system.CONCLUSIONOverall, the present study offers a simple and reproducible way to architect a two‐species whole‐cell immobilization system, which is highly promising for biochemical and industrial processes. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Transcranial doppler ultrasonography in children with sickle cell anemia: Clinical and laboratory correlates for elevated blood flow velocities
Authors: Lagunju IkeOluwa , Sodeinde Olugbemiro , Brown Biobele , Akinbami Felix , Adedokun Babatunde 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundTranscranial Doppler (TCD) sonography of major cerebral arteries is now recommended for routine screening for stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).MethodsWe performed TCD studies on children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) seen at the pediatric hematology clinic over a period of 2 years. TCD scans were repeated yearly in children with normal flow velocities and every 3 months in children with elevated velocities. Findings were correlated with clinical variables, hematologic indices, and arterial oxygen saturation. Predictors of elevated velocities were identified by multiple linear regressions.ResultsWe enrolled 237 children and performed a total of 526 TCD examinations. Highest time‐averaged maximum flow velocities were ≥170 cm/s in 72 (30.3%) cases and ≥200 cm/s in 20 (8.4%). Young age, low hematocrit, low hemoglobin, and arterial oxygen desaturation <95% showed significant correlations with presence of increased cerebral flow velocities.ConclusionsLow hematocrit, low hemoglobin concentration, young age, and low arterial oxygen desaturation predicted elevated cerebral blood flow velocities and, invariably, increased stroke risk, in children with SCA. Children who exhibit these features should be given high priority for TCD examination in the setting of limited resources. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:89–95, 2014
Sonographic classification of draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd‐Chiari syndrome
Authors: Gai Yong‐Hao , Cai Shi‐Feng , Guo Wen‐Bin , Zhang Chun‐Qing , Liang Bo , Jia Tao , Zhang Guo‐Quan 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeTo describe and propose a sonographic classification of the blood‐draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd‐Chiari syndrome.MethodsThis retrospective study included 206 patients with hepatic vein obstructions who underwent sonographic examination. We evaluated the afflicted hepatic veins, as well as the course, orifice, blood flow direction of draining veins, and communicating branches. Results were classified and compared with digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography.ResultsOf 618 hepatic veins in 206 patients, 542 were obstructed. The blood‐draining pathways were classified as hepatic vein‐accessory hepatic vein (131/206), hepatic vein‐hepatic vein/accessory hepatic+hepatic vein (49/206), and, less frequently, collateral pathways (26/206). Blood was drained from obstructed hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava, right atrium, para‐umbilical veins, or hepatic subcapsular veins through communicating branches of various number and diameters. Doppler signals were obtained from the draining veins.ConclusionsSonography provides accurate information regarding the blood‐draining pathways of obstructed hepatic veins in Budd‐Chiari syndrome, which may be helpful for treatment and follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:134–142, 2014
Screening and risk factors for anal cancer precursors in men infected with HIV in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Shu‐Hsing , Chu Fang‐Yeh , Wang Chi‐Chao , Hsueh Yu‐Mei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHomosexual men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a greater risk of developing anal cancer. Men who are infected with HIV and visited the outpatient clinics in Taoyuan General Hospital were enrolled to this study. During March to December 2011, thin preparation anal Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping were performed in 230 subjects, of which 69 subjects underwent anoscopic biopsy. Their mean age was 32.9 ± 8.1 years, and 181 (78.6%) men were homosexual. The proportion and 95% confidence interval (CI) of subjects with anal dysplasia in cytology was 23.0% (17.56–28.44), including 13.4% (9.26–18.14) with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 7.0% (3.70–10.30) with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 2.6% (0.54–4.66) with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. For participants having atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or higher grades, multivariate logistic regression models yielded adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 12.61 (1.63–97.56) for homosexuality, 1.62 (1.31–2.00) for number of oncogenic HPV types, and 1.01 (1.00–1.02) for number of lifetime sexual partners. For detection of histological grade II or III anal intraepithelial neoplasm in anoscopic biopsies, the sensitivity of sequential tests for oncogenic HPV and cytology with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or higher grades was 100%. The positive likelihood ratio was 3.09 (P = 0.05). It is important to consider anal cancer precursors among homosexual men who are infected with HIV. Anal cytology and oncogenic HPV genotyping testing are effective screening methods. J. Med. Virol. 86:193–201, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
De novo combination therapy adefovir plus lamivudine as a treatment for women of child‐bearing age with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B Before Pregnancy
Authors: Li‐Na Ma , Xiang‐Chun Ding , Xiao‐Yan Liu , Chun‐Qiong Xu , Liu Shuai‐Wei , Yan Xie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSubstantial progress has been achieved in antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B; however, options for women of child‐bearing age with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B remain a challenge. In this study, we sought to determine whether de novo combination therapy of Adefovir plus Lamivudine was a super treatment for women of child‐bearing age with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B prior to conception. A total of 122 women patients of child‐bearing age with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to receive (i) 10 mg Adefovir plus 100 mg Lamivudine (64 patients) or (ii) 10 mg Adefovir monotherapy (58 patients), administrated orally once daily for 96 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy within each group was compared at weeks 48 and 96. The results showed that de novo combination therapy of Adefovir plus Lamivudine significantly reduced HBV‐DNA detectability, and enhanced ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion in women of child‐bearing age with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B. No virological breakthrough and genotypic resistance were observed in the combination therapy group. Additionally, the combination therapy with Adefovir plus Lamivudine was well tolerated. This study suggests that de novo combination therapy of Adefovir plus Lamivudine offers a therapeutic advantage for women of child‐bearing age with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B when taken before conception. J. Med. Virol. 86:433–436, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.