Search results for "DISCOVERY"

Editorial: Chemoprevention of cancer by natural products

2019

Textual data compression in computational biology: Algorithmic techniques

2012

Abstract In a recent review [R. Giancarlo, D. Scaturro, F. Utro, Textual data compression in computational biology: a synopsis, Bioinformatics 25 (2009) 1575–1586] the first systematic organization and presentation of the impact of textual data compression for the analysis of biological data has been given. Its main focus was on a systematic presentation of the key areas of bioinformatics and computational biology where compression has been used together with a technical presentation of how well-known notions from information theory have been adapted to successfully work on biological data. Rather surprisingly, the use of data compression is pervasive in computational biology. Starting from…

STAT6: its role in interleukin 4-mediated biological functions.

1997

Interleukin (IL) 4 is known to be a cytokine which plays a central role in the regulation of immune response. Studies on cytokine signal transduction have clarified the mechanism by which IL4 exerts its functions. Two cytoplasmic proteins, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 and IL4-induced phosphotyrosine substrate/insulin receptor substrate 2 (4PS/IRS2), are activated in IL4 signal transduction. Recent studies from STAT6-deficient mice have revealed the essential role of STAT6 in IL4-mediated biological actions. In addition, STAT6 has also been demonstrated to be important for the functions mediated by IL13, which is related to IL4. IL4 and IL13 have been shown to in…

<p>Cuprous oxide nanoparticles reduces hypertrophic scarring by inducing fibroblast apoptosis</p>

2019

Background Less apoptosis and excessive growth of fibroblasts contribute to the progression of hypertrophic scar formation. Cuprous oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) could have not only inhibited tumor by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation of tumor cells, but also promoted wound healing. The objective of this study was to further explore the therapeutic effects of CONPs on hypertrophic scar formation in vivo and in vitro. Methods In vivo, a rabbit ear scar model was established on New Zealand albino rabbits. Six full-thickness and circular wounds (10 mm diameter) were made to each ear. Following complete re-epithelization observed on postoperative day 14, an intralesional injection o…

Enhanced Gene Delivery by Avidin-Displaying Baculovirus

2004

Flexible alteration of virus surface properties would be beneficial for enhanced and targeted gene delivery. A useful approach could be based on a high-affinity receptor–ligand pair, such as avidin and biotin. In this study, we have constructed an avidin-displaying baculovirus, Baavi. Avidin display was expected to enhance cell transduction due to the high positive charge of avidin in physiological pH and to provide a binding site for covering the virus with desired biotinylated ligands. Successful incorporation of avidin on the virus envelope was detected by immunoblotting and electron microscopy. Multiple biotin-binding sites per virus were detected with fluorescence-correlation spectrosc…

4,4′-Substituted biphenyl coronands. Preparation of a new selective fluorescent sensor for mercury salts

2006

Six new 4,4′-substituted biphenyl coronands have been prepared. The ligands containing dimethylamino groups in the biphenyl moiety have been used in transition metal cations’ complexation and one of them (3) has demonstrated to be a selective fluorescent sensor for mercury. Stoichiometries of the formed complexes and complexation constants have been determined by titration experiments. In addition, the extractant ability of some ligands has also been studied. Finally, the electrochemical properties of some of these ligands are also described.

Redox-active crown ethers derived from biphenyl. Electrochemical and spectroscopic study of binding processes with alkali, alkali-earth and mercury s…

1998

Abstract Three new electroactive ligands, 3a, 3b and 3c, that contain the biphenyl frameworks in their structure were prepared. These new ligands presented three interesting characteristics: 1) they exhibited a reversible oxidation, 2) the oxidation induced a conformational change in the crown moiety and 3) they had two different coordination centers, the crown ether and the dimethylamino groups. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies using alkali, alkali-earth and mercury salts were carried out.

Biphenyl macrolactams in anion complexation. Selective naked-eye fluoride recognition

2004

Two colorimetric anion sensors 1 and 2 allow for the selective differentiation of fluoride in the presence of other anions. Two different types of species have been observed in the complexation process, one of them is a co-ordination complex and the other is a salt generated by ligand deprotonation. The deprotonation reaction induces a conformational change, giving rise to a symmetrical species. This species is responsible for colour development. Ligand 3 has a similar structure and does not give rise to any colour modification due to presence of the dimethylamino groups in the biphenyl moiety. The X-ray structure of ligand 2 is also reported and compared with that of ligand 1, that had bee…

Cation and anion fluorescent and electrochemical sensors derived from 4,4′-substituted biphenyl

2005

Five new fluorescent macrocyclic ligands derived from biphenyl are described. These new compounds can be used in cation and anion recognition and sensing. Their fluorescent and electrochemical properties are studied and the influence of the biphenyl conformation on these properties is considered. The X-ray single crystal structure of one of the described ligands has been determined.

Bis(crown ethers) derived from biphenyl: extraction and electrochemical properties

2004

Abstract Ligands derived from 4,4′-dinitrobiphenyl containing azacrown cavities in the 2,2′ position have been used in extraction and transport experiments. Control experiments with a system containing only one complexing cavity have demonstrated that the capability of forming a sandwich-type complex in the aforementioned ligand not only increases extraction but also the transport across a liquid membrane. Extraction studies have also shown that the complex present in the membrane has a 1:1 stoichiometry with regard to both ligands. Electrochemical studies have also been carried out. The ligand containing two complexing cavities is capable of giving rise to a 2:1 complex under electrochemic…