bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement anaphylatoxins as immune regulators in cancer
Authors: Sayegh Eli T. , Bloch Orin , Parsa Andrew T. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe role of the complement system in innate immunity is well characterized. However, a recent body of research implicates the complement anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a as insidious propagators of tumor growth and progression. It is now recognized that certain tumors elaborate C3a and C5a and that complement, as a mediator of chronic inflammation and regulator of immune function, may in fact foster rather than defend against tumor growth. A putative mechanism for this function is complement‐mediated suppression of immune effector cells responsible for immunosurveillance within the tumor microenvironment. This paradigm accords with models of immune dysregulation, such as autoimmunity and infectious disease, which have defined a pathophysiological role for abnormal complement signaling. Several types of immune cells express the cognate receptors for the complement anaphylatoxins, C3aR and C5aR, and demonstrate functional modulation in response to complement stimulation. In turn, impairment of antitumor immunity has been intimately tied to tumor progression in animal models of cancer. In this article, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify studies that have characterized the effects of the complement anaphylatoxins on the composition and function of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. The search identified six studies based upon models of lymphoma and ovarian, cervical, lung, breast, and mammary cancer, which collectively support the paradigm of complement as an immune regulator in the tumor microenvironment.
Prognostic significance of specific anti‐WT1 IgG antibody level in plasma in patients with ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Andersson Charlotta , Oji Yusuke , Ohlson Nina , Wang Sihan , Li Xingru , Ottander Ulrika , Lundin Eva , Sugiyama Haruo , Li Aihong 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOvarian carcinoma (OC) has a poor prognosis and lack early effective screening markers. Wilm's tumor gene 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in OCs. Therefore, it is of great interest to investigate whether WT1‐specific antibody (Ab) measurements in plasma can serve as a biomarker of anti‐OC response, and is of importance in relation to patient prognosis. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from a total of 103 women with ovarian tumors with median being 1 day (range 0–48 days) before operation. WT1 IgG Ab levels were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemical analysis of WT1 protein expression was performed on OC tissue samples. We found that low‐WT1 Ab level in plasma was related to improved survival in patients diagnosed at stages III–IV and grade 3 carcinomas. Positive WT1 protein staining on OC tissue samples had a negative impact on survival in the entire cohort, both overall survival (OS) (P = 0.046) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = 0.006), but not in the serous OC subtype. Combining WT1 IgG Ab levels and WT1 staining, patients with high‐WT1 IgG Ab levels in plasma and positive WT1 protein staining in cancer tissues had shorter survival, with a significant association in PFS (P = 0.016). These results indicated that WT1 Ab measurements in plasma and WT1 staining in tissue specimens could be useful as biomarkers for patient outcome in the high‐risk subtypes of OCs for postoperative individualized therapy.
Sertraline increases the survival of retinoic acid induced neuronal cells but not glial cells from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Verdi Javad , Sharif Shiva , Banafshe Hamid Reza , Shoae‐Hassani Alireza 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAn increase in the number of viable in vitro differentiated neuronal cells is important for their use in clinics. A proportion of differentiated cells lose their viability before being used, and therefore we decided to use a pharmacological agent, sertraline, to increase neural cell differentiation and their survival. Purified endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) were examined for neuronal and glial cell specific markers after retinoic acid (RA) and sertraline treatment via RT‐PCR, immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. The survival of differentiated cells was measured by MTT assay and the frequency of apoptosis, demonstrated by caspase‐3‐like activity. EnSCs were differentiated into neuronal cells after RA induction. Sertraline increased neuronal cell differentiation by 1.2‐fold and their survival by 1.4‐fold, and decreased from glial cell differentiation significantly. The findings indicate that sertraline could be used to improve the in vitro differentiation process of stem cells into neuronal cells, and may be involved in regenerative pharmacology in future.
Unearthing the Mechanism of Prebiotic Nitrile Bond Reduction in Hydrogen Cyanide through a Curious Association of Two Molecular Radical Anions
Authors: Banerjee Ambar , Ganguly Gaurab , Tripathi Ravi , Nair Nisanth N. , Paul Ankan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHCN is clearly associated with the prebiotic chemical evolution of life. It has been known for decades that the radiolysis of HCN solutions produces sugars, amino acids and nucleobases. Remarkably, recent experimental studies have shown that the photolytic reduction of aqueous HCN by a photoredox reagent [Cu(CN)3]2− specifically yields sugars, which are the essential building blocks of RNA. Although a mechanistic understanding of such reductions with solvated electrons is poor, the general consensus is that they involve neutral free radicals. We show herein through the use of electronic structure studies and molecular simulations that the reduction of the nitrile bond of HCN is initiated through the formation of a molecular dipole‐bound anion from the photoredox reagent. Our theoretical studies show how HCN binds to the photoexcited reagent and then extracts an electron from the reagent and is ultimately detached as a dipole‐bound anion. The dipole‐bound anionic form of [HCN]− can easily convert into a solvated valence‐bound form of [HCN]−. After the formation of solvated [HCN]−, an extraordinary chemical event ensues through a counter‐intuitive coupling of two valence‐bound anions to form a solvated molecular dianionic intermediate, [HCN]22−. Finally, a proton‐coupled electron transfer occurs within the dianionic entity to complete the reduction. This mechanistic scenario is applicable to the reduction of other prebiotic nitrile species and avoids neutral radical‐based pathways, thereby preventing the proliferation of reactive species and preserving chemical selectivity. Furthermore, we show how such similar nitrile reduction pathways operate to yield the sugar precursors.
Uniform Decoration of Vanadium Oxide Nanocrystals on Reduced Graphene‐Oxide Balls by an Aerosol Process for Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathode Material
Authors: Choi Seung Ho , Kang Yun Chan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractVO2‐decorated reduced graphene balls were prepared by a one‐pot spray‐pyrolysis process from a colloidal spray solution of well‐dispersed graphene oxide and ammonium vanadate. The graphene–VO2 composite powders prepared directly by spray pyrolysis had poor electrochemical properties. Therefore, the graphene–VO2 composite powders were transformed into a reduced graphene ball (RGB)–V2O5 (RGB) composite by post‐treatment at 300 °C in an air atmosphere. The TEM and dot‐mapping images showed a uniform distribution of V and C components, originating from V2O5 and graphene, consisting the composite. The graphene content of the RGB–V2O5 composite, measured by thermogravimetric analysis, was approximately 5 wt %. The initial discharge and charge capacities of RGB–V2O5 composite were 282 and 280 mA h g−1, respectively, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency was approximately 100 %. On the other hand, the initial discharge and charge capacities of macroporous V2O5 powders were 205 and 221 mA h g−1, respectively, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency was approximately 93 %. The RGB–V2O5 composite showed a better rate performance than the macroporous V2O5 powders.
Anti‐cancer Applications of Titanocene‐Functionalised Nanostructured Systems: An Insight into Cell Death Mechanisms
Authors: Ceballos‐Torres Jesús , Virag Piroska , Cenariu Mihai , Prashar Sanjiv , Fajardo Mariano , Fischer‐Fodor Eva , Gómez‐Ruiz Santiago 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA series of alkenyl‐substituted titanocene compounds have been supported on the mesoporous silica‐based material KIT‐6. The corresponding functionalised materials were completely characterised by different techniques (solid‐state multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X‐ray fluorescence and diffraction, SEM and TEM) to observe the incorporation of the titanocene derivatives on the external surface of the material KIT‐6. Both the titanocene compounds and the materials were tested in vitro against a wide variety of human cancer and normal cell lines. A very high cytotoxicity of the synthesised titanocene derivatives (IC50 values in the range of those described in the literature for the most active cytotoxic titanocene compounds), with selectivity towards cancer cell lines was observed. The cytotoxic activity of the materials is the highest reported to date for titanocene‐functionalised materials. In addition, higher Ti uptake (from 4 to 23 % of the initial amount of Ti) of the cells treated with materials was observed with respect to those treated with “free” titanocene derivatives (which gave Ti uptake values from 0.4 to 4.6 % of the initial amount of Ti). Additional experiments with the titanocene derivatives and the functionalised materials revealed that changes to the morphological and functional dynamics of apoptosis occurred when the active titanocene species were incorporated into mesoporous materials. In addition, the materials could induce programmed cell death in tumour cell populations by impairing the damaged DNA repair mechanisms and by upregulation of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signalling pathways.
Insight into the Functional and Structural Properties of 3‐Arylcoumarin as an Interesting Scaffold in Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibition
Authors: Matos Maria João , Vilar Santiago , García‐Morales Verónica , Tatonetti Nicholas P. , Uriarte Eugenio , Santana Lourdes , Viña Dolores 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe design, synthesis, pharmacological evaluation, and theoretical studies of a new series of halogenated 3‐arylcoumarins were carried out with the aim of finding new structural and biological features. This series displays several alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, and/or alkoxy groups in both benzene rings of the 3‐arylcoumarin scaffold. Most of the compounds studied show high affinity and selectivity for the human monoamine oxidase B (hMAO‐B) isoenzyme, with IC50 values in the low nanomolar and picomolar range. Most of the evaluated compounds display higher MAO‐B inhibitory activity and selectivity than selegiline (the reference compound). Coumarin 12 (3‐(3‐bromophenyl)‐6‐methylcoumarin) is the most active compound (IC50=134 pM), being 140‐fold more active than selegiline and showing the highest specificity for hMAO‐B. To better understand the structure–activity relationships, docking experiments were carried out on human monoamine oxidase (A and B) structures. Finally, the prediction of passive blood–brain partitioning, based on in silico derived physicochemical descriptors, was performed.
Discovery of 14‐3‐3 Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitors that Sensitize Multidrug‐Resistant Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin and the Akt Inhibitor GSK690693
Authors: Mori Mattia , Vignaroli Giulia , Cau Ylenia , Dinić Jelena , Hill Richard , Rossi Matteo , Colecchia David , Pešić Milica , Link Wolfgang , Chiariello Mario , Ottmann Christian , Botta Maurizio 
Published: April 2014

Abstract14‐3‐3 is a family of highly conserved adapter proteins that is attracting much interest among medicinal chemists. Small‐molecule inhibitors of 14‐3‐3 protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are in high demand, both as tools to increase our understanding of 14‐3‐3 actions in human diseases and as leads to develop innovative therapeutic agents. Herein we present the discovery of novel 14‐3‐3 PPI inhibitors through a multidisciplinary strategy combining molecular modeling, organic synthesis, image‐based high‐content analysis of reporter cells, and in vitro assays using cancer cells. Notably, the two most active compounds promoted the translocation of c‐Abl and FOXO pro‐apoptotic factors into the nucleus and sensitized multidrug‐resistant cancer cells to apoptotic inducers such as doxorubicin and the pan‐Akt inhibitor GSK690693, thus becoming valuable lead candidates for further optimization. Our results emphasize the possible role of 14‐3‐3 PPI inhibitors in anticancer combination therapies.
Estimating migratory connectivity of birds when re‐encounter probabilities are heterogeneous
Authors: Cohen Emily B. , Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Royle J. Andrew , Marra Peter P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the biology and conducting effective conservation of migratory species requires an understanding of migratory connectivity – the geographic linkages of populations between stages of the annual cycle. Unfortunately, for most species, we are lacking such information. The North American Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) houses an extensive database of marking, recaptures and recoveries, and such data could provide migratory connectivity information for many species. To date, however, few species have been analyzed for migratory connectivity largely because heterogeneous re‐encounter probabilities make interpretation problematic. We accounted for regional variation in re‐encounter probabilities by borrowing information across species and by using effort covariates on recapture and recovery probabilities in a multistate capture–recapture and recovery model. The effort covariates were derived from recaptures and recoveries of species within the same regions. We estimated the migratory connectivity for three tern species breeding in North America and over‐wintering in the tropics, common (Sterna hirundo), roseate (Sterna dougallii), and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia). For western breeding terns, model‐derived estimates of migratory connectivity differed considerably from those derived directly from the proportions of re‐encounters. Conversely, for eastern breeding terns, estimates were merely refined by the inclusion of re‐encounter probabilities. In general, eastern breeding terns were strongly connected to eastern South America, and western breeding terns were strongly linked to the more western parts of the nonbreeding range under both models. Through simulation, we found this approach is likely useful for many species in the BBL database, although precision improved with higher re‐encounter probabilities and stronger migratory connectivity. We describe an approach to deal with the inherent biases in BBL banding and re‐encounter data to demonstrate that this large dataset is a valuable source of information about the migratory connectivity of the birds of North America.
The Thermal Stability of Tris(methimazolyl)borates and Their Germanium Complexes
Authors: Wallace Dawn , Chalmers Kirsten , Dodds Christopher A. , Stepek Iain A. , Armstrong David R. , Berlouis Leonard E. A. , Reglinski John , Spicer Mark D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA series of methimazole‐based soft scorpionate anions ([RTmMe]–, R = H, Ph, Me, nBu) bearing substitution at the bridgehead boron have been used to produce a series of germanium complexes of general formulae [Ge(RTmMe)2]I2. Structural analyses of the germanium complexes by X‐ray crystallography reveal that they all contain an octahedral S6 coordination sphere. The scorpionate anions (as their Li or Na salts) and their germanium complexes have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis. This analysis suggests that the degradation pathway for the free scorpionate anions differs from that of the complexes. Both pathways involve the loss of a methimazole ring thereby supporting the view that cleavage of the boron–nitrogen bonds can occur under thermally aggressive conditions. As expected, the presence of the germanium alters the degradation profile of the anion. In contrast to the free anions, the four complexes all display a similar mechanism for degradation. Although the presence of the germanium enforces a conformational change in the anions, its presence does not significantly increase the stability of the boron–nitrogen bonds.
Synthesis of Phenyl‐1‐benzoxepinols Isolated from Butcher's Broom and Analogous Benzoxepines
Authors: Herrmann Josef M. , Untergehrer Monika , Jürgenliemk Guido , Heilmann Jörg , König Burkhard 
Published: April 2014

AbstractExtracts of Ruscus aculeatus L., known as butcher's broom, are mainly used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In a recent study on the phenolic compounds of Rusci rhizoma, new phenyl‐1‐benzoxepinols were isolated. As the therapeutic effect of butcher's broom is ascribed to the pharmacological activity of the main constituents, steroidal saponins and their aglycones the ruscogenins, the role of the newly identified compounds was of interest. Owing to the low availability of the compounds by isolation, we synthesized them for pharmacological testing. In an ORAC–fluorescein assay they revealed a significant antioxidative activity, which may contribute to the anti‐inflammatory properties of the phenolic fraction obtained from Rusci rhizoma extracts.
syn/anti Switching by Specific Heteroatom–Titanium Coordination in the Mannich‐Like Synthesis of 2,3‐Diaryl‐β‐amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Bonetti Andrea , Clerici Francesca , Foschi Francesca , Nava Donatella , Pellegrino Sara , Penso Michele , Soave Raffaella , Gelmi Maria Luisa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA very efficient synthesis of 2,3‐diaryl‐β‐amino acid derivatives is realized by a TiCl4/triethylamine‐catalyzed Mannich‐like reaction of arylacetic or arylthioacetic esters with arylimines. The presence on the arylacetic moiety of an ortho‐heteroatom group able to coordinate to the titanium center is of dramatic importance for the outcome of the reaction and to tune the syn/anti diastereoselection. In particular, with o‐F‐, o‐Cl‐, and o‐Br‐arylacetates, the syn adduct was isolated as the largely prevalent isomer. When (–)‐8‐phenylmenthyl (2‐fluorophenyl)acetate was used, the condensation with imines resulted in high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. In agreement with the stereochemical results and NMR studies, a conceivable reaction mechanism was proposed.
Intermolecular Interactions in Systems Containing Bi(III) – ClO−4 – H2O – Selected Amino Acids in the Aspect of Catalysis of Bi(III) Electroreduction
Authors: Nosal‐Wiercińska Agnieszka 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe paper describes recent results of studies on the accelerating effect of sulfur‐containing protein amino acids and water activity on multistep Bi(III) ion electroreduction at mercury electrode. The catalytic effect of methionine (Mt), cystine (CY) and cysteine (CE) was analyzed based on kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, which correlated with water activity. Investigations of adsorption of those amino acids at the electrode/solution interface provided information for the analysis of the electrical double layer and its influence on the kinetics of the electrode process. The multistep Bi(III) electroreduction process is controlled by the kinetics of active complexes formation, which precedes transfer of consecutive electrons.
Migraine Headache and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Rees Daniel I. , Sabia Joseph J. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryWhile migraine headache can be physically debilitating, no study has attempted to estimate its effects on labor market outcomes. Using data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we estimate the effect of being diagnosed with migraine headache on labor force participation, hours worked, and wages. Ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates suggest that migraines are associated with reduced labor force participation and lower wages among females. A negative association between migraine headache and the wages of female respondents is also obtained using an instrumental variables (IV) approach, although the IV estimates are imprecise relative to the OLS estimates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion channels of the nuclear membrane of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Fedorenko Olena A. , Marchenko Sergey M. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTRise in Ca2+ concentration in the nucleus affects gene transcription and has been implicated in neuroprotection, transcription‐dependent neuronal plasticity, and pain modulation, but the mechanism of regulation of nuclear Ca2+ remains poorly understood. The nuclear envelope is a part of the endoplasmic reticulum and may be one of the sources of nuclear Ca2+. Here, we studied ion channels in the nuclear membrane of hippocampal neurons using the patch‐clamp technique. We have found that the nuclear membrane of CA1 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule (DG), but not CA3 pyramidal neurons, was enriched in functional inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors/Ca2+‐release channels (IP3Rs) localized mainly in the inner nuclear membrane. A single nuclear ryanodine receptor (RyR) has been detected only in DG granule neurons. Nuclei of the hippocampal neurons also expressed a variety of spontaneously active cation and anion channels specific for each type of neuron. In particular, large‐conductance ion channels selective for monovalent cations (LCC) were coexpressed with IP3Rs. These data suggest that: (1) the nuclear membranes of hippocampal neurons contain distinct sets of ion channels, which are specific for each type of neuron; (2) IP3Rs, but not RyRs are targeted to the inner nuclear membrane of CA1 pyramidal and DG granule, but they were not found in the nuclear membranes of CA3 pyramidal neurons; (3) the nuclear envelope of these neurons is specialized to release Ca2+ into the nucleoplasm which may amplify Ca2+ signals entering the nucleus from the cytoplasm or generate Ca2+ transients on its own; (4) LCC channels are an integral part the of Ca2+‐releasing machinery providing a route for counterflow of К+ and thereby facilitating Ca2+ movement in and out of the Ca2+ store. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photochemical Flow Reactions
Authors: Schuster Elaine M. , Wipf Peter 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe versatility of photochemical flow processes is rapidly expanding, and we suggest that this technique is capable of broadening the general appeal and impact of photochemistry similar or even to a greater extent to what microwave technology has done to thermal processes. This review highlights the recent developments that support this suggestion as well as the technological challenges that have yet to be resolved. Continuous photoflow reactions allow for better control over heating and mixing, are safer to operate on scale‐up, in particular if LEDs are used in place of Hg lamps, they offer a higher surface/volume ratio and more efficient light penetration than batch mode photoreactions, and furthermore allow for the removal of products in‐line to avoid secondary decompositions and poor conversions.