Xiamen University

About: Xiamen University is a education organization based out in Amoy, Fujian, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Population. The organization has 50472 authors who have published 54480 publications receiving 1058239 citations. The organization is also known as: Amoy University & Xiàmén Dàxué.

Polysaccharide-Based Controlled Release Systems for Therapeutics Delivery and Tissue Engineering: From Bench to Bedside.

Abstract: Polysaccharides or polymeric carbohydrate molecules are long chains of monosaccharides that are linked by glycosidic bonds. The naturally based structural materials are widely applied in biomedical applications. This article covers four different types of polysaccharides (i.e., alginate, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and dextran) and emphasizes their chemical modification, preparation approaches, preclinical studies, and clinical translations. Different cargo fabrication techniques are also presented in the third section. Recent progresses in preclinical applications are then discussed, including tissue engineering and treatment of diseases in both therapeutic and monitoring aspects. Finally, clinical translational studies with ongoing clinical trials are summarized and reviewed. The promise of new development in nanotechnology and polysaccharide chemistry helps clinical translation of polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems.

Hydrogen Sulfide Induces Keap1 S-sulfhydration and Suppresses Diabetes-Accelerated Atherosclerosis via Nrf2 Activation.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to have powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that can regulate multiple cardiovascular functions. However, its precise role in diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis remains unclear. We report here that H2S reduced aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation with reduction in superoxide (O2 (-)) generation and the adhesion molecules in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced LDLr(-/-) mice but not in LDLr(-/-)Nrf2(-/-) mice. In vitro, H2S inhibited foam cell formation, decreased O2 (-) generation, and increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and consequently heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression upregulation in high glucose (HG) plus oxidized LDL (ox-LDL)-treated primary peritoneal macrophages from wild-type but not Nrf2(-/-) mice. H2S also decreased O2 (-) and adhesion molecule levels and increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression, which were suppressed by Nrf2 knockdown in HG/ox-LDL-treated endothelial cells. H2S increased S-sulfhydration of Keap1, induced Nrf2 dissociation from Keap1, enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and inhibited O2 (-) generation, which were abrogated after Keap1 mutated at Cys151, but not Cys273, in endothelial cells. Collectively, H2S attenuates diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis, which may be related to inhibition of oxidative stress via Keap1 sulfhydrylation at Cys151 to activate Nrf2 signaling. This may provide a novel therapeutic target to prevent atherosclerosis in the context of diabetes.

Recent progress towards gold-catalyzed synthesis of N-containing tricyclic compounds based on ynamides

Abstract: N-Containing tricyclic compounds, especially the tricyclic N-heterocycles, are important structural motifs that possess significant potential in organic chemistry for their momentous applications in natural and man-made bioactive molecules. Gold catalysis, which exhibits specific catalytic properties in terms of both high reactivity and selectivity for various organic transformations, has proven to be a powerful tool for the straightforward synthesis of cyclic compounds, especially the polycyclic molecules. Currently, several approaches towards polycycle synthesis have been developed via gold-catalyzed transformations of readily available ynamides. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in the gold-catalyzed construction of N-containing tricycles based on ynamides by highlighting their specificity and applicability, and the mechanistic rationale is presented where possible.

Experiential value in branding food tourism

Abstract: Although food tourism has been characterized as an emerging industry, studies of branding in food tourism are limited. This work applies a novel, value-driven approach to evaluate experiential value as the antecedent for branding food tourism. The research setting is Tainan: a Taiwanese historical city with many street vendors selling traditional foods. Data were collected only from Taiwanese residents. Empirical results reveal that one type of experiential value, consumer return on investment (CROI), can significantly enhance a place's food image. Place food image then, in turn, significantly affects a tourist's behavioral intentions toward food tourism. Based on the findings, the study makes a theoretical contribution to examining experiential values in food tourism by identifying CROI as a key antecedent of place food image. The study also makes practical recommendations for branding food tourism in a given destination.

Origin of the current peak of negative scan in the cyclic voltammetry of methanol electro-oxidation on Pt-based electrocatalysts: a revisit to the current ratio criterion

Abstract: A popular criterion that uses the ratio between the peak currents of the respective positive (anodic) and negative (cathodic) potential scans, If/Ib, in the cyclic voltammetry of methanol electro-oxidation to gauge CO-tolerance and catalytic activity of Pt-based electro-catalysts was revisited and its inadequacy was revealed by an in situ surface enhanced IR study.