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Biomedical subjects

Mark E Davis

Publications and source records attributed to Mark E Davis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Issues in the synthesis of crystalline molecular sieves: towards the crystallization of low framework-density structures.

Fundamental and practical interest in crystalline, microporous, molecular sieves is largely a direct consequence of the fact that their bulk properties can be manipulated through variations in atomic structure. This correspondence between the macroscale and the atomic scale is due to the uniformity of these crystalline materials. Control of the atomic structure therefore is of extreme importance, and is the thesis of this Review. Synthesis mechanisms and the parameters that can direct the crystal assembly pathway and the ultimate product formed are discussed and rationalized.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Cyclodextrin-based pharmaceutics: past, present and future.

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligomers of glucose that can form water-soluble inclusion complexes with small molecules and portions of large compounds. These biocompatible, cyclic oligosaccharides do not elicit immune responses and have low toxicities in animals and humans. Cyclodextrins are used in pharmaceutical applications for numerous purposes, including improving the bioavailability of drugs. Current cyclodextrin-based therapeutics are described and possible future applications discussed. Cyclodextrin-containing polymers are reviewed and their use in drug delivery presented. Of specific interest is the use of cyclodextrin-containing polymers to provide unique capabilities for the delivery of nucleic acids.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

PEGylation significantly affects cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of non-viral gene delivery particles.

In vitro studies of non-viral gene delivery vectors are typically not performed at physiological conditions, and thus may not provide meaningful results for in vivo investigations. We determine if polycation-plasmid DNA complexes (polyplexes) exploited for in vitro studies behave similarly to variants more applicable to in vivo use by examining their cellular uptake and trafficking. Branched polyethylenimine (25 kDa) or a linear beta-cyclodextrin-containing polymer are each used to formulate polyplexes, which can be PEGylated (PEG: poly(ethylene glycol)) to create particles stable in physiological salt concentrations. Particle size, cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and reporter gene expression are reported for polyplexes and for their PEGylated variants. PEGylation confers salt stability to particles but produced a reduction in luciferase expression. Examination of in vitro particle internalization by transmission electron microscopy shows unmodified polyplexes entering cells as large aggregates while PEGylated particles remain small and discrete, both outside and within cells. Unmodified and PEGylated particles enter cells through the endocytic pathway and accumulate in a perinuclear region. Immunolabeling reveals unpackaged exogenous DNA in the cytoplasm and nuclei. It appears all particle types traffic towards the nucleus within vesicles and undergo degradation in vesicles and/or cytoplasm, and eventually some exogenous DNA enters the nucleus, where it is transcribed. In comparing polyplexes and their PEGylated variants, significant differences in particle morphology, cellular uptake, and resultant expression suggest that in vitro studies should be conducted with particles prepared for physiological conditions if the results are to be relevant to in vivo performance.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Urocortin-1 infusion in normal humans.

Urocortin-1 (Ucn-1), a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor family, has been shown in animal studies to have effects on the pituitary-adrenal axis, the cardiovascular system, circulating neurohormones, and renal function and to suppress appetite. For the first time in man we have evaluated these effects of infused Ucn-1 as well as actions on plasma ghrelin, a hormone known to increase appetite. We also assessed Ucn-1 pharmacokinetics. Eight healthy male volunteers consuming a diet of constant sodium and potassium content received 50 micro g Ucn-1 iv over 1 h in a placebo-controlled, randomized, time-matched, cross-over study. Ucn-1 infusion compared with placebo increased plasma levels of corticotropin [44.6 +/- 7.7 vs. 19.1 +/- 3.2 pg/ml (9.5 +/- 1.7 vs. 4.2 +/- 0.7 pmol/liter); P < 0.001], cortisol [15.6 +/- 1.6 vs. 7.7 +/- 1.4 micro g/dl (432 +/- 43 vs. 213 +/- 40 nmol/liter); P < 0.001], and atrial natriuretic peptide [26.2 +/- 3.4 vs. 21.3 +/- 2.2 pg/ml [8.5 +/- 1.1 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.7 pmol/liter); P = 0.019] while suppressing plasma ghrelin (P = 0.008). No hemodynamic or renal effects were observed at the dose used. The plasma Ucn-1 t(1/2) was 52 min based on a one-compartment model. In conclusion, a brief iv infusion of 50 micro g Ucn-1 stimulates plasma ACTH, cortisol, and atrial natriuretic peptide secretion and suppresses plasma ghrelin in healthy male volunteers. The latter effect might contribute to the anorexic action of Ucn-1.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2003

A combustion-free methodology for synthesizing zeolites and zeolite-like materials.

Zeolites are mainly used for the adsorption and separation of ions and small molecules, and as heterogeneous catalysts. More recently, these materials are receiving attention in other applications, such as medical diagnosis and as components in electronic devices. Modern synthetic methodologies for preparing zeolites and zeolite-like materials typically involve the use of organic molecules that direct the assembly pathway and ultimately fill the pore space. Removal of these enclathrated species normally requires high temperature combustion that destroys this high cost component, and the associated energy release in combination with the formed water can be extremely detrimental to the inorganic structure. Here we report a synthetic methodology that avoids these difficulties by creating organic structure-directing agents (SDAs) that can be disassembled within the zeolite pore space to allow removal of their fragments for possible use again by reassembly. The methodology is shown for the synthesis of zeolite ZSM-5 using a SDA that contains a cyclic ketal group that is removed from the SDA while it is inside the zeolite without destruction of the inorganic framework. This approach should be applicable to the synthesis of a wide variety of inorganic and organometallic structures.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Design of heterogeneous catalysts via multiple active site positioning in organic-inorganic hybrid materials.

Catalytic materials bearing multiple sulfonic acid functional groups and positioned at varying distances from one another on the surface of mesoporous solids are prepared to explore the effects that the spatial arrangement of active sites have on catalytic activity and selectivity. A series of organosiloxane precursors containing either disulfide or sulfonate ester functionalities (synthons of the eventual sulfonic acid groups) are synthesized. From these molecular precursors, a variety of organic-inorganic hybrid, mesostructured SBA-15 silica materials are prepared using a postsynthetic grafting procedure that leads to disulfide and sulfonate ester modified silicas: [Si]CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)SS-pyridyl, 2.SBA, [Si]CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)SSCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)[Si], 3.SBA, [Si]CH(2)CH(2)(C(6)H(4))(SO(2))OCH(2)CH(3), 4.SBA, and [Si]CH(2)CH(2)(C(6)H(4))(SO(2))OC(6)H(4)O(SO(2))(C(6)H(4))CH(2)CH(2)[Si], 6.SBA ([Si] = (tbd1;SiO)(x)()(RO)(3)(-)(x)()Si, where x = 1, 2). By subsequent chemical derivatization of the grafted species, thiol and sulfonic acid modified silicas are obtained. The materials are characterized by a variety of spectroscopic ((13)C and (29)Si CP MAS NMR, X-ray diffraction) and quantitative (TGA/DTA, elemental analysis, acid capacity titration) techniques. In all cases, the organic fragment of the precursor molecule is grafted onto the solid without measurable decomposition, and the precursors are, in general, attached to the surface of the mesoporous oxide by multiple siloxane bridges. The disulfide species 2.SBA and 3.SBA are reduced to the corresponding thiols 7.SBA and 8.SBA, respectively, and 4.SBA and 6.SBA are transformed to the aryl sulfonic acids 11.SBA and 12.SBA, respectively. 7.SBA and 8.SBA differ only in terms of the level of control of the spatial arrangement of the thiol groups. Both 7.SBA and 8.SBA are further modified by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide to produce the alkyl sulfonic acid modified materials 9.SBA and 10.SBA, respectively. The performances of the sulfonic acid containing SBA-15 silica materials (with the exception of 12.SBA) are tested as catalysts for the condensation reaction of phenol and acetone to bisphenol A. The alkyl sulfonic acid modified material 10.SBA derived from the cleavage and oxidation of the dipropyl disulfide modified material 3.SBA is more active than not only its monosite analogue 9.SBA, but also the presumably stronger acid aryl sulfonic acid material 11.SBA. It appears that a cooperative effect between two proximal functional groups may be operating in this reaction.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Regeneration of rat sciatic nerve across a LactoSorb bioresorbable conduit with interposed short-segment nerve grafts.

OBJECT: This study was conducted to evaluate peripheral nerve regeneration through a conduit composed of a bioresorbable material (LactoSorb). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats weighing approximately 250 g were randomized into five groups. A 20-mm-long sciatic nerve gap was created, then it was bridged by a reverse nerve autograft (Group I), an empty silicone tube (Group II), a silicone tube containing a short (2-mm) interposed nerve segment (Group III), an empty LactoSorb conduit (Group IV), or a LactoSorb conduit containing a 2-mm interposed nerve segment (Group V). The intact sciatic nerve served as the control in each animal. At 16 weeks postoperatively, no nerve regeneration was observed through either the empty silicone tube or the empty LactoSorb conduit. There was regeneration in all animals receiving the reverse autograft as well as in all animals receiving the silicone or LactoSorb conduit containing the 2-mm interposed nerve segment. Effective regeneration was assessed based on histological, electrophysiological, and morphometric criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a conduit made of resorbable material will support sciatic nerve regeneration over a critical gap defect.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2002

Mechanism of CIT-6 and VPI-8 crystallization from zincosilicate gels.

The crystallisation of CIT-6, a large-pore zincosilicate with the framework topology of zeolite Beta and synthesised from clear hydrogels that contain, tetraethylammonium (TEA+), Li+ and Zn2+ cations, proceeds initially through the formation of an amorphous solid that incorporates all the initial Zn species. Nucleation of the *BEA phase is effected by reorganisation of the amorphous phase, whereas crystal growth involves the incorporation of soluble species also. A highly crystalline CIT-6 material is obtained after 164 h of synthesis at 140 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that this sample exhibits two different types of crystals: well-defined pseudo-cubic crystals and rounded crystals. The latter has a broad crystal-size distribution. If crystallisation is continued with longer synthesis times, the VPI-8 crystalline phase appears, and a new population of needle-shaped crystals is detected in the SEM images. This new crystalline phase is nucleated on the surface of the rounded CIT-6 crystals, which disappear as the crystallisation progresses, while no changes are observed in the population of pseudo-cubic CIT-6 crystals. At higher crystallisation temperatures these phase transformations are accelerated, and the formation of VPI-8 is favoured over that of CIT-6.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Ordered porous materials for emerging applications.

"Space--the final frontier." This preamble to a well-known television series captures the challenge encountered not only in space travel adventures, but also in the field of porous materials, which aims to control the size, shape and uniformity of the porous space and the atoms and molecules that define it. The past decade has seen significant advances in the ability to fabricate new porous solids with ordered structures from a wide range of different materials. This has resulted in materials with unusual properties and broadened their application range beyond the traditional use as catalysts and adsorbents. In fact, porous materials now seem set to contribute to developments in areas ranging from microelectronics to medical diagnosis.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2002

Organocations in zeolite synthesis: fused bicyclo [l.m.0] cations and the discovery of zeolite SSZ-48.

A set of zeolite synthesis experiments is described where lattice substitution is varied in the context of the structure of particular structure-directing organocations (at times referred to as templates). In this particular series, the organocations are constructed as members of a fused bicyclo organonitrogen class of compounds, described as having ring construction [l.m.n], where n = 0. We show that these compounds can best be achieved from starting cyclic ketones that are converted to imines via a Beckman rearrangement reaction. A particular approach to the Beckmann reaction works best in our hands. In some instances isomeric organocations are made and separated. Often their use in zeolite synthesis led to different products. There is a high correlation for the space-filling details of the guest organocations and the type of crystalline host lattice developed in the synthesis. In one instance involving isomers of a decahydroquinoline derivative, a new zeolite, SSZ-48, is discovered and contains only one of the isomers. Characterization of the isomers and their use in the zeolites is followed by (13)C MAS NMR analyses. Some details of the new zeolite are given and it is shown that a reasonable symmetry operation predicting a 14-ring zeolite could be generated under similar conditions to SSZ-48 (a 12-ring zeolite).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Non-viral gene delivery systems.

Non-viral gene delivery systems have the potential to create viable pharmaceuticals from nucleic acids. These DNA delivery systems contain lipids and/or cationic polymers. In order for these systems to be developed into commercial products, several barriers must be overcome. These include obstacles in manufacturing, formulation and stability. In vivo, problems of extracellular non-specific interactions and intracellular trafficking to the nucleus are also encountered. Recent progress has been made in overcoming these issues.

Biological Transport, Active↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development of a nonviral gene delivery vehicle for systemic application.

Polycation vehicles used for in vitro gene delivery require alteration for successful application in vivo. Modification of polycations by direct grafting of additional components, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), either before or after DNA complexation, tend to interfere with polymer/DNA binding interactions; this is a particular problem for short polycations such as linear, beta-cyclodextrin-containing polycations (betaCDPs). Here, a new method of betaCDP polyplex (polycation/DNA composite structures) modification is presented that exploits the ability to form inclusion complexes between cyclodextrins and adamantane. Surface-PEGylated betaCDP polyplexes are formed by self-assembly of the polyplexes with adamantane-PEG conjugates. While unmodified polyplexes rapidly aggregate and precipitate in salt solutions, the PEGylated betaCDP polyplexes are stable at conditions of physiological salt concentration. Addition of targeting ligands to the adamantane-PEG conjugates allows for receptor-mediated delivery; galactosylated betaCDP-based particles reveal selective targeting to hepatocytes via the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Galactosylated particles transfect hepatoma cells with 10-fold higher efficiency than glucosylated particles (control), but show no preferential transfection in a cell line lacking the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Thus, surface modification of betaCDP-based polyplexes through the use of cyclodextrin/adamantane host/guest interactions endows the particles with properties appropriate for systemic application.

Adamantane↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Structural effects of carbohydrate-containing polycations on gene delivery. 1. Carbohydrate size and its distance from charge centers.

Cationic polymers have the ability to bind plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic interactions and condense it into particles that can be readily endocytosed by cultured cells. The effects that polycation structure has on toxicity and gene delivery efficiency are investigated here by synthesizing a series of amidine-based polycations that contain the carbohydrates d-trehalose and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) within the polycation backbone. The carbohydrate size (trehalose vs CD) and its distance from the charge centers affect the gene delivery behavior in BHK-21 cells. It is found that as the charge center is further removed from the carbohydrate unit, the toxicity is increased. Also, as the size of the carbohydrate moiety is enlarged from trehalose to beta-cyclodextrin, the toxicity is reduced. The absence of a carbohydrate in the polycation produces high toxicity. All carbohydrate polycations transfect BHK-21 cells to approximately the same level of gene expression.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Structural effects of carbohydrate-containing polycations on gene delivery. 2. Charge center type.

Recent polycation structure-gene delivery studies reveal that subtle changes in the molecular structure of polycations have substantial influences on DNA-binding and condensation and on in vitro toxicity and gene delivery efficiency. In Part 1 of this structure-property study using carbohydrate-containing polycations (1), it is demonstrated that as the amidine charge center is removed further from the carbohydrate unit within the polycation structure, the toxicity increases. Inclusion of larger carbohydrate species within the polycation backbone also reduces the toxicity. Here, the effect that polycation charge center type has on toxicity and gene delivery efficiency is investigated. A series of quaternary ammonium polycations containing N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, d-trehalose, and beta-cyclodextrin are synthesized in order to elucidate the effects of charge center type (by comparison to the data given in Part 1) on gene delivery. In all cases, it is found that the quaternary ammonium analogues exhibit lower gene expression values and similar toxicities to their amidine analogues. Additionally, transfection experiments conducted in the presence of chloroquine reveal increased gene expression from quaternary ammonium containing polycations and not from their amidine analogues.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Structural effects of carbohydrate-containing polycations on gene delivery. 3. Cyclodextrin type and functionalization.

Linear cationic beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-based polymers can form polyplexes with plasmid DNA and transfect cultured cells. The effectiveness of the gene delivery and the cellular toxicity has been related to structural features in these polycations. Previous beta-CD polycations were prepared from the cocondensation of 6(A),6(D)-dideoxy-6(A),6(D)-diamino-beta-CD monomers with other difunctionalized monomers such as dimethyl suberimidate (DMS). Here, the type of CD and its functionalization are varied by synthesizing numerous 3(A),3(B)-dideoxy-3(A),3(B)-diamino-beta- and gamma-CD monomers. Both alkyl- and alkoxydiamines are prepared in order to vary the nature of the spacing between the CD and the primary amines in the monomers. These diamino-CD-monomers are polymerized with DMS to yield amidine-based polycations. The nature of the spacer between the CD-ring and the primary amines of each monomer is found to influence both molecular weight and polydispersity of the polycations. When these polycations are used to form polyplexes with plasmid DNA, longer alkyl regions between the CD and the charge centers in the polycation backbone increase transfection efficiency and toxicity in BHK-21 cells, while increasing hydrophilicity of the spacer (alkoxy versus alkyl) provides for lower toxicity. Further, gamma-CD-based polycations are shown to be less toxic than otherwise identical beta-CD-based polycations.

Animals↗