bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of classical conditioning over immature and mature B lymphocytes regulation
Authors: Rodríguez Bustos Héctor , Espinoza‐Navarro Omar , Castro María Eugenia
Published: October 2018

Classical conditioning (CC) with a sweet flavored is useful for experimental models of immune response. The objective this work was analyze spleen cell response on the differentiation of B‐lymphocytes associated with the CC with sweet flavored in adult rats. Twelve adult male rats were divided (n = 3) in Group 1 (control); Group 2 without conditioned stimulus (WCS) received only water; Group 3 receiving only water with salt; Group 4 (experimental) with CS of sweet flavored and salty flavored afterwards. In every work group, all animals were subjected to the unconditioned stimulus (US) treated by 10 mg/kg body weight of cyclophosphamide injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). Subsequently an immunological challenge with sheep red blood cells i.p. was applied. Spleen samples were obtained 15 days after using euthanasia with 1% sodium thiopental i.p. The evaluation B lymphocyte (immature and mature) was performed by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against CD20 and against CD37, and revealed with HRP/DAB. The results show in every work group significant increases of CD20+ and CD37+ cell densities in the red pulp of the spleen of male adult rats from different groups of the experimental design. We concluded that the immunomodulatory response under CC might facilitate a less aggressive and more physiological immunological response against immunosuppression.

Research highlights

The immune response can be reinforced by classical conditioning.

The sweet taste allows to positively condition the immune response.

B lymphocytes actively participate in the immune response and classical conditioning.
Determining E1 and E2 values for yttrium aluminum garnet ceramics using the Duane‐Hunt limit
Authors: Wang Yongzhe , Kong Mingguang , Khan Matiullah , Zhang Jimei , Lin Chucheng , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2018

A major challenge when performing scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray analysis on many ceramic materials is their electrical insulation properties, which leads to buildup of the surface charge and reduced contrast in the secondary electron image. A new procedure was established to quantitatively determine the neutral state values, E1 and E2, of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) ceramics using the Duane‐Hunt limit (EDHL) of Bremsstrahlung, in order to eliminate this charge effect. Thirty‐eight EDHL values were linearly fitted with the last portion of X‐ray spectra acquired under the incident energy, E0, from 0.35 to 5.0 kV. According to the distribution of EDHL, two piecewise linear fitting was first employed with a breakpoint of 1.0 kV. Consequently, two intersection points of 0.54 and 2.48 kV, which correspond to E1 and E2 for YAG ceramics, were directly determined using a theoretical curve (EDHL = E0). As a result, the high‐resolution images of the YAG ceramic grain structure were successfully obtained using the calculated E1 and E2 values.
Hemorheological mechanisms for increased thrombosis in subjects using gestodene
Authors: Swanepoel Albe Carina , Roberts Hildegarde Cecilia , Soma Prashilla , Lindeque Barend Gerhardus , Bester Janette
Published: October 2018

There are several possible mechanisms by which combined oral contraceptives (COC) use increase venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Melodene® is a monophasic COC containing the third‐generation progestin Gestodene (GSD), which is associated with increased risk of VTE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible alterations in viscoelastic parameters of whole blood and plasma clots along with the biophysical characteristics of erythrocytes and specifically fibrin fibers in females using a COC containing GSD. GSD appeared to have a significant impact on the biophysical characteristics of fibrin fiber networks. When GSD is combined with ethinylestradiol the viscoelastic properties of whole blood clots tend to become more prothrombotic. The alterations to and aggregation of erythrocytes accompanied with spontaneous formation of a fibrin “blanket” provides a possible mechanism for the increased occurrence of “red” clots, which can lead to occlusions in the vascular system. Thus, the increased risk of VTE associated with these COCs can be attributed to these erythrocyte‐and‐fibrin‐rich‐clots occluding venous vessels. However, our findings also propose that these changes to the biophysical properties of both erythrocytes and fibrin, specifically spontaneous expansion of deformed fibrin networks, can also occlude vessels in the microcirculation, which could have lasting, subclinical complications for female users. We recommend that a thorough risk assessment, with specific focus on coagulation and other factors affecting fibrin formation, be done for each female before prescribing a GSD‐containing COC. Females that “qualify” then need to be monitored on a regular basis to lower the risk of thrombotic events.

Research Highlights

Gestodene in combination with ethinyl estradiol significantly impacts the biophysical characteristics of erythrocytes and fibrin fiber networks.

These changes, specifically spontaneous expansion of deformed fibrin networks, can occlude vessels in the microcirculation, which could have lasting, subclinical complications for the female user.

The changes observed for specifically erythrocytes and fibrin show that the hormone formulation investigated contribute to a thrombogenic profile for female users
Heteroannulated Coumarins and Chromones from Chemical Transformations of 6,8‐Dimethylchromone‐3‐carbonitrile
Authors: Ibrahim Magdy A. , Badran Al‐Shimaa , Hashiem Salsabeel H.
Published: October 2018

A novel series of heterocyclic systems fused coumarins and chromones were efficiently synthesized from chemical transformations of 6,8‐dimethylchromone‐3‐carbonitrile (1) with a variety of carbon nucleophilic reagents. Ring opening ring closure reactions of carbonitrile 1 with cyanoacetohydrazide, malononitrile dimer (2‐aminoprop‐1‐ene‐1,1,3‐tricarbonitrile), and isomeric cyclohexanediones led to a diversity of coumarins and chromones fused nitrogen heterocyclic systems. Also, 1‐ethyl‐4‐hydroxyquinolin‐2(1H)‐one (13) and 6‐ethyl‐4‐hydroxypyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐2,5(6H)‐dione (14) are chemical equivalent towards carbonitrile 1 leading to benzo [h]chromeno[2,3‐b][1, 6] naphthyridine derivative 15. Structures of the new synthesized products were deduced on the basis of their analytical and spectral data.
TLR activation inhibits the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells through Akt signaling in a Myd88‐ or TRIF‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhu Yunyan , Li Qian , Zhou Yanheng , Li Weiran
Published: October 2018

Background

This study investigated the effects of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) osteogenic differentiation and the associated mechanisms.

Methods

TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR6 expression in hPDLSCs was evaluated by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and flow cytometry, whereas their functional roles were assessed based on nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. The osteogenic effects of these TLRs were analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, and alizarin red staining. The roles of Myd88, TRIF, and downstream molecules mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) in TLR‐mediated impaired osteogenic differentiation were examined by real‐time RT‐PCR and western blotting using specific small interfering RNA siRNA and pharmacologic inhibitors. The involvement of Akt activation in restoring TLR1‐, 4‐, and 6‐mediated osteogenic suppression was verified using the Akt activator SC‐79.

Results

TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR6 were highly expressed functionally in hPDLSCs and high doses of TLR ligands inhibited osteogenic potential. Furthermore, blocking Myd88 partly rescued the decrease in osteogenesis mediated by TLR1, TLR4, and TLR6 activation by enhancing Akt phosphorylation; likewise, TRIF suppression partially rescued lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated osteogenic inhibition through ERK and Akt activation. Moreover, Akt activation restored the TLR‐mediated inhibition of hPDLSC osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

High doses of TLR1, TLR4, and TLR6 ligands suppress hPDLSC osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting Akt activation through Myd88‐ or TRIF‐dependent signaling pathways. Blocking these adaptors or reactivating Akt could restore the TLR‐mediated decrease in hPDLSC osteogenesis, and might be an ideal strategy for periodontitis treatment.
Optimization of phosphate recovery from monkfish,Lophius vomerinus, processing by‐products and characterization of the phosphate phases
Authors: Swart Jasmin , Bordoloi Achinta , Goosen Neill J
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Fish‐processing by‐products represent an increasing proportion of wastes globally. Valorizing offers a sustainable alternative by harnessing high‐value products through process development. This study aimed to develop and optimize a demineralization process to recover minerals from fish bones with subsequent recovery of phosphates from the resulting solution.

RESULTS

The demineralization process was optimized under the following conditions: 5% H3PO4concentration (v/v), four extractions and solvent to feed ratio (v/w) of 5:1 at ambient temperature of 17 °C. This resulted in an ossein containing 2.0 ± 1.2 g kg−1DMash and 71.5 ± 3 g kg−1DMhydroxyproline and mineral liquor. The phosphate precipitation from the mineral liquor was further optimized resulting in > 99% total P recovery at 75 °C reaction temperature and 1 mol L−1Ca(OH)2to mineral liquor ratio(v/v) of 0.95:1 for a reaction time of 17 min, per 150 mL starting mineral liquor. The precipitate contained 215.2 ± 3.0 g kg−1DMdicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) with a net contribution of 17.2% P from the fishbones, and 25 ± 0.2 gDMof octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was precipitated from 150 mL starting mineral liquor at 25 °C reaction temperature, (1.2:1) 1 mol L−1Ca(OH)2to mineral liquor ratio (v/v) and reaction time of 17 min. The X‐ray spectra confirmed the DCPD structure and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicated OCP precipitation.

CONCLUSION

This work successfully illustrated the recovery of minerals from fish bones and the subsequent production of different high‐quality phosphates from fish‐processing by‐products, thus indicating a potential source for high‐value products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification and characterization of the thermostable protease produced by Serratia grimesii isolated from channel catfish
Authors: Accumanno Gina M , Richards Vanessa A , Gunther Nereus W , Hickey Michael E , Lee Jung‐Lim
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Microbial spoilage of fishery products accounts for significant financial losses, yearly on a global scale. Psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria often secrete extracellular enzymes to break down surrounding fish tissue, rendering the product unsuitable for human consumption. For a better understanding of bacterial spoilage due to enzymatic digestion of fish products, proteases in Serratia grimesii isolated from North American catfish fillets (Ictalurus punctatus) were investigated.

RESULTS

Mass spectrometric evidence demonstrated that S. grimesii secretes two distinct extracellular proteases and one lipase. Protease secretion displayed broad thermostability in the 30–90 °C range. The major protease‐secretion (O‐1) was most active under alkaline conditions and utilized manganese as a co‐factor. Organic solvents significantly disrupted the efficacy of S. grimesii extracellular enzymes and, in a series of bactericidal detergents, protease activity was highest when treated with Triton X‐100. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) significantly inhibited the enzyme activity, while protease was moderately stable under freeze–thaw and refrigerated storage.

CONCLUSION

The influence of fish spoilage‐related enzymes, depending on various factors, is discussed in this paper. This study will provide new insight into enzymatic spoilage and its control, which can be exploited to enhance food safety and the shelf‐life of fishery products worldwide. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene on surface wax and related gene expression in cold‐stored ‘Hongxiangsu’ pears
Authors: Li Dan , Cheng Yudou , Guan Junfeng
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Surface wax protects fruit from dehydration and pathogen erosion during storage. The surface wax of pears changes greatly during storage. In this work, the effect of ethylene action inhibitor 1‐methylcyclopropene on wax accumulation and related gene expression in ‘Hongxiangsu’ pears during cold storage was investigated.

RESULTS

The alkanes, alkenes, fatty acids, esters, aldehydes and triterpenoids on the fruit surface accumulated and peaked at day 180, but fatty alcohols decreased before day 90 and then increased in the control. Treatment with 1‐MCP (1.0 µL L−1) reduced surface wax at day 180 of storage. Compared with the control, the wax crystals became smaller in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit on days 90 and 270. The 1‐MCP decreased the expression levels of ethylene synthesis, perception and signal genes ACS1, ACO1, ERS1, ETR2, ERF1 and wax‐related genes (LACS1, LACS2, KCS2, KCS9, KCS20, FDH, CER6, CER10, LTPG1, LTP3, LTP4, ABCG11 and ABCG12).

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that 1‐MCP suppressed ethylene synthesis and signal‐pathway and wax‐related gene expression; it also reduced the wax and the size of crystals on the fruit surface in cold‐stored ‘Hongxiangsu’ pears. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection and quantification of salep with real time PCR utilizing the nr‐ITS2 region
Authors: Kabacaoğlu Eda , Budak Barçın Karakaş
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Salep is a highly valued food product, susceptible to adulteration with less costly additives such as starch. The aim of this study is to develop a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection and quantification of authentic salep using primers designed from the nr‐ITS2 region.

RESULTS

The designed primers were shown to amplify selectively with salep DNA and cloning/sequencing of end‐point PCR products obtained with authentic salep (Orchideceae) confirmed amplimers to be copies of the intended target region. Detection of salep DNA using the designed primer set was possible at levels as low as 20 pg. After initial evaluation of the real‐time PCR method with binary DNA mixtures of salep and cornflour, quantification of salep was conducted in binary mixtures of potato starch (a more likely adulterant) and salep, showing that quantification within the range 25%–100% could be achieved. The real‐time assay was performed using the 18S rDNA region co‐amplified as an internal standard and evaluated using the ΔΔCt method. The calibration curves obtained as a result of real‐time PCR runs showed linearity, with R2 values above 99%.

CONCLUSION

A real‐time PCR method using SybreGreen intercalating dye was established for salep detection and quantification based on the specific amplification of salep DNA. Method validation was performed utilizing blind and commercial samples. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Population estimate and management options for introduced rhesus macaques
Authors: Anderson C. Jane , Van De Kerk Madelon , Pine William E. , Hostetler Mark E. , Heard Darryl J. , Johnson Steve A.
Published: October 2018

Approximately 12 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were introduced to the forests along the Silver River, central Florida, USA, between 2 introductions in the 1930s and 1940s to increase tourism; this land is now Silver Springs State Park (SSSP). By the mid‐1980s the population along the Silver River reached nearly 400 individuals. Approximately 1,000 animals were trapped and removed from 1984 to 2012 to reduce population growth and mitigate negative macaque‐human interactions. This practice was halted due to extensive public controversy, and consequently no population management has been implemented since 2012. To aid in informing management decisions related to rhesus macaques, we estimated the fall 2015 population size within SSSP, developed an age‐structured matrix model to estimate the population growth rate, and examined the efficacy of 4 management strategies to regulate this population, including culling (50% or 80% of subadults and adults) and sterilizing adult females (50% or 80% ≥3 years old). Our assessment suggested there were 176 macaques among 5 social groups within SSSP in fall 2015. We estimated this population was growing and will likely double in size by 2022 without management intervention. Management actions designed to eradicate the macaque population would be most effective by removing ≥50% of subadults and adults at least biennially. The population could be reduced to about a third of the fall 2015 size by sterilizing ≥50% of adult females annually or ≥80% biennially. The rhesus macaque population extends outside of our study site, and thus our results are a proxy for management implications in the region. Managers tasked with rhesus macaque management must carefully weigh the trade‐offs of these options in future management of this charismatic, invasive species. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Land ownership and use influence grassland bird abundance
Authors: Ahlering Marissa A. , Johnson Douglas H. , Elliott Lisa H.
Published: October 2018

Populations of grassland songbirds continue to decline, and grasslands devoted to conservation are rare across the Great Plains. To gain the most value from grasslands for grassland birds, we must understand what types of management benefit these species. We evaluated the relative abundance of grassland birds on ownership types and the association of different land use activities with their abundance. We surveyed a wide range of grasslands (e.g., from idle to heavily managed, from remnant prairie to reconstructed) across western Minnesota and northwestern Iowa, USA, in 2013 and 2014. Sites surveyed covered a gradient of landscape context, management history (fire, grazing, reconstruction), and public and private ownership. We evaluated the influence of ownership and management history on the abundance of 12 species of grassland birds by comparing Akaike's Information Criterion values of linear models that included the variables of interest to models that included only local and landscape habitat factors. Ownership explained additional variation in bird abundance beyond local and landscape variables for 7 of the 12 species, and 5 species were more common on private lands. Fire or grazing history explained variation in bird abundance for 11 species, and 7 species had greater abundance on remnant prairie than on reconstructed grassland. For all but 1 species, ownership and management factors significantly improved models above a base model of local and landscape variables typically used to predict abundance. Our results suggest remnant prairie plays an important role for grassland birds, and that grazing could be a tool to increase abundance of some grassland bird species in the region. Furthermore, tracking management history of public lands in a consistent and accessible way could help improve landscape‐based models for these species. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Changes in soil nitrogen stocks following vegetation restoration in a typical karst catchment
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Wei , Wu Min , Ye Yingying , Wang Kelin , Li Dejun
Published: October 2018

Soil nitrogen (N) accumulation enhances carbon (C) sequestration and subsequently the restoration of degraded ecosystems, but the changes in soil N properties after vegetation restoration in such ecosystems are poorly understood. We collected data from 358 fixed points in the karst catchment in China to determine the trends, magnitude, and mechanisms of soil N sequestration after 10 years of revegetation. The revegetation types were tillage fields that were abandoned or were converted to pasture, planted forest, or converted to mixed pasture and forest and pasture lands that were abandoned (P_Aban) or converted to mixed pasture and forest (P_Mix). The changes in soil N density (g m−2) over time were insignificant, and only P_Aban, P_ Mix, and the overall catchment experienced significant increases in soil N concentration (g kg−1). Structural equation modeling indicated that bedrock exposure affected the change in soil N concentration (∆NC) and the soil N sequestration value (∆ND) via affecting the change in soil C concentration, by directly affecting bulk density, soil depth, and Ca2+. The soil C:N ratio increased significantly, and the increase in soil N was slower than that of C, suggesting a decoupling of soil C and N accumulation in the initial stage of revegetation. ∆ND was significantly related to the change in soil C:N ratio, indicating that the coupling between soil C and N may be constrained by insufficient soil N sequestration during revegetation. These findings suggest that the restoration of degraded karst ecosystems requires an increase in soil N input early during vegetation restoration.
Soil erosion from urbanization processes in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
Authors: Jeong Ara , Dorn Ronald I.
Published: October 2018

Cattle stock ponds on the fringe of metropolitan Phoenix, USA, experienced a wide range of land‐use changes over the period from 1989 to 2009. This research measures soil erosion from watersheds of different rock types, variable relief, and land uses. Monitoring sediment accumulation behind 18 earthen berms at each major land‐use transition enabled calculations of soil erosion rates. Compared with the first decade of study with more precipitation and cattle grazing, accelerated urbanization in the drier second decade increased soil erosion from wildfires by up to 4.2×, from exposure of bare ground due to building construction by up to 3.4×, and from bare ground exposure due to road and pipeline construction by up to 3.1× overgrazing alone. Stock pond watersheds underlain by granite experienced statistically significant higher erosion rates compared with watersheds underlain by metamorphic, basalt, and other rock types. Global sediment yield data for warm desert (BWh Köppen‐Geiger) sites reveal that our data plot consistently with other grazed study areas with a tendency for higher area‐specific sediment yields in smaller drainage areas. These sediment yield data, however, do not support previously published generalizations of anomalously high or low sediment yields from warm desert settings. Desert urbanization processes accelerate soil erosion, resulting in the need for regulatory agencies to impose new erosion mitigation strategies.
Nutrient fluxes into an isolated coral reef atoll by tidally driven internal bores
Authors: Green Rebecca H. , Jones Nicole L. , Rayson Matthew D. , Lowe Ryan J. , Bluteau Cynthia E. , Ivey Gregory N.
Published: October 2018

Scott Reef is a remote yet biodiverse coral reef atoll, rising from depths > 1000 m on the edge of the continental shelf of northwestern Australia. An intensive 2‐week field study was conducted to assess how physical oceanographic processes influence reef communities in South Scott's deep (~ 50 m) and expansive (~ 300 km2) semi‐enclosed lagoon. The study covered a spring–neap tidal cycle, during which moored instruments measured temperature and velocities at a lagoon entrance and ship‐based vertical profilers measured water quality parameters. Tidally driven internal bores advected cooler and deeper offshore waters (up to 4.5°C, mean 2.4°C) into the lagoon, which were also richer in nutrients and chlorophyll a than lagoon waters. This offshore water originated from approximately 75 m depth. We used the strong observed relationship between in situ measurements of nitrate and temperature to estimate nitrate concentrations from high temporally and spatially resolved temperature measurements at the lagoon entrance, and then estimated the horizontal nitrate fluxes into the lagoon using the velocity measurements. The depth‐integrated, time‐averaged nitrate flux during spring tides (1.46 kg m−1 d−1) was over three times larger than during neap tides (0.46 kg m−1 d−1), despite a passing tropical storm that temporarily deepened the offshore thermocline and reduced the magnitude of the fluxes. Our observations indicate that colder, deeper, and nutrient‐rich water associated with internal tidal bores during spring tide is likely to be the primary mechanism through which allochtonous nutrients are delivered to benthic and pelagic communities within the lagoon of this isolated atoll.
Benthic hotspots in the pelagic zone: Light and phosphate availability alter aggregates of microalgae and suspended particles in a shallow turbid lake
Authors: Brinkmann Bregje W. , Vonk J. Arie , van Beusekom Sebastiaan A. M. , Ibanez Maria , de Lucas Pardo Miguel A. , Noordhuis Ruurd , Manders Erik M. M. , Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , van der Geest Harm G.
Published: October 2018

Limnetic aggregates from a turbid delta lake with low dissolved nutrient availability were studied in relation to light and dissolved nutrient availability. Quick light‐attenuation restricts the euphotic zone to the top surface layer of the water column, whereas mineralization processes in the sediment specifically provide dissolved nutrients near the lakebed. This suggests neither the pelagic nor the benthic zone provides the combination of resources required for microalgal growth. Nutrient mineralization in aggregates could bridge this apparent spatial gap in light and nutrients by providing dissolved nutrients in the euphotic zone, promoting microalgal growth. To explore this, aggregates obtained from turbid and phosphate‐limited lake Markermeer (The Netherlands) were exposed in the laboratory to phosphate‐replete and phosphate depleted conditions, at high‐light and low‐light availability. Confocal microscopy revealed that aggregates exhibited alkaline phosphatase activity and contained microalgae, other microbes, and extracellular polymeric substances. The spatial distribution of the phosphatase activity in aggregates largely matched that of chlorophyll a (Chl a)‐lacking microbes, suggesting that these microbes were responsible for the activity. Colorimetric quantification revealed that aggregates exhibited over 1.9‐fold higher phosphatase activity than surrounding water. Two‐day exposure to different light and phosphate availabilities affected aggregate composition. Phosphate depleted conditions resulted in more Chl a‐lacking microbes and more phosphatase activity than phosphate‐replete conditions. Low‐light intensity resulted in higher abundance of extracellular polymeric substances than high‐light intensity. In contrast to aggregates from deep stratified systems, Markermeer aggregates were not enriched with dissolved phosphorus. These results suggest that P‐cycling in aggregates differs between shallow turbid and deep stratified ecosystems.
Creation and description of sand blasted stamp created micro roughness on polyetheretherketone with subsequent physical vapor deposition coating for promotion of osseointegration
Authors: Martin A. , König M. , Scheerer H. , Andersohn G. , Oechsner M.
Published: October 2018

Adjusting the topography of implant surfaces on a micro‐scale allows improvement of osseointegration. Titanium surface modification like sand blasting is one of the known methods to alter the topography of the surface. Polyetheretherketone as a biomaterial is a suitable alternative to titanium but exhibits an inert surface character. The aim of this study was to combine the positive bulk properties of polyetheretherketone with the positive surface properties of sand blasted titanium. For the creation of particle free structured polyetheretherketone surface, four different sand blasted die were pressed on counter die polyetheretherketone to transfer the structure. Furthermore, a titanium layer was applied on the surface using physical vapor deposition. The transfer process of the four different topographies was investigated with roughness measurements and scanning electron microscope. One topography, created with aluminum oxide particles on copper, was found with the required Ra value of 1 μm and Rz value of 9.2 μm for improved osseointegration.
Researches on compressive mechanical property of thin‐walled hollow spheres structure
Authors: Dai M. , Deng J. , Jiang H. , Yang F. , He X. , Dai X.
Published: October 2018

The compressive mechanical property of thin‐walled hollow spheres structure is researched by experiment and finite element method in this paper. Due to the ideal elastic‐plastic material and extremely thin but uniform wall thickness, Ping‐Pong balls are bonded together with a linking neck to comprise the ideal model of thin‐walled hollow spheres structure. The experimental result validates the effectiveness of the finite element model. The effects of the material and geometry parameters of the spheres and linking neck are then investigated by finite element method. The results reveal that: 1) The deformation process of the two‐ball bonding structure includes four stages: elastic deformation, axisymmetric buckling, forming non‐axisymmetric polygon and transforming to axisymmetric mode (or structural self‐contact behavior); 2) the Young's modulus and initial yield stress are basically unaffected by the linking neck center thickness, but they increase linearly with the hollow sphere wall thickness and linking neck radius as well as the Young's modulus and yield stress of material, and the linear correlation of the material yield stress is the lowest; 3) the strain of structural self‐contact behavior increases with the linking neck center thickness and radius.
Accessing small craft‘s boatbuilding sustainability: A materials selection chart‘s approach
Authors: Walter Y. , Júnior W.K. , da Silva F.P.
Published: October 2018

Materials properties charts are proposed to compare available materials for small fishing craft artisanal boatbuilding. Mechanical flexural performance parameters were selected for the boats’ seakeeping and service life. Price, CO2 footprint, and embodied energy were the parameters used for economic and environmental sustainability evaluation. Combined parameters showed a competitive performance for wood. Results indicate that adopting laminate composite construction as a substitute for wood in the fishing craft fleet can be less sustainable from both economical and environmental perspectives. Efforts could be more effective if directed to increase existing artisanal boatyards’ sustainability through enhancing wood durability, optimizing its scantlings, adopting alternative native wood, reforested wood or wood cored sandwich composites.
Some investigations in evaluating the cyclic stress‐strain curves of titanium alloys
Authors: Li J. , Qiu Y.Y. , Li C.W. , Zhang Z.P.
Published: October 2018

Most of the existing methods for estimating cyclic strength coefficient and cyclic strain hardening exponent are developed based on the experimental data of steel alloys or aluminum alloys. For titanium alloys, approximation methods are scarce in literature. In the present paper, the compatibility between Manson‐Coffin and Ramberg‐Osgood equations are evaluated using the 18 cyclic stress‐strain curves obtained from 13 titanium alloys. It is found that there is a reasonable correlation between the Ramberg‐Osgood's parameters (K′ and n′) and the Manson‐Coffin's parameters (σ′f, ϵ′f, b and c). However, the indirect methods utilizing the Manson‐Coffin's parameters predicted from monotonic tensile data cannot be successfully applied to estimate the Ramberg‐Osgood's parameters on the basis of the compatibility assumption.
C3HeB/FeJ Mice mimic many aspects of gene expression and pathobiological features of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zavadil Jessica A. , Herzig Maryanne C. S. , Hildreth Kim , Foroushani Amir , Boswell William , Walter Ronald , Reddick Robert , White Hugh , Zare Habil , Walter Christi A.
Published: October 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a deadly cancer, underscoring the need for relevant preclinical models. Male C3HeB/FeJ mice model spontaneous HCC with some hepatocarcinogenesis susceptibility loci corresponding to syntenic regions of human chromosomes altered in HCC. We tested other properties of C3HeB/FeJ tumors for similarity to human HCC. C3HeB/FeJ tumors were grossly visible at 4 months of age, with prevalence and size increasing until about 11 months of age. Histologic features shared with human HCC include hepatosteatosis, tumor progression from dysplasia to poorly differentiated, vascular invasion, and trabecular, oncocytic, vacuolar, and clear cell variants. More tumor cells displayed cytoplasmic APE1 staining versus normal liver. Ultrasound effectively detected and monitored tumors, with 85.7% sensitivity. Over 5000 genes were differentially expressed based on the GSE62232 and GSE63898 human HCC datasets. Of these, 158 and 198 genes, respectively, were also differentially expressed in C3HeB/FeJ. Common cancer pathways, cell cycle, p53 signaling and other molecular aspects, were shared between human and mouse differentially expressed genes. We established eigengenes that distinguish HCC from normal liver in the C3HeB/FeJ model and a subset of human HCC. These features extend the relevance and improve the utility of the C3HeB/FeJ line for HCC studies.
Cytoglobin ameliorates the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma via coupling oxidative‐nitrosative stress signals
Authors: Zhang Jun , Pei YuanYuan , Yang Wen , Yang WenXiu , Chen BoXin , Zhao Xing , Long Shiqi
Published: October 2018

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) account for tumor self‐renewal and heterogeneity. Oxidative‐nitrosative stress (ONS) is an independent etiologic factor throughout tumorigenesis. Emerging evidences indicated that the interaction of ONS with CSCs contributes to tumor progression and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Cytoglobin (Cygb) is a member of human hexacoordinate hemoglobin family and acts as a dynamic mediator of redox homeostasis. We observed that Cygb is significantly deregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue and its decrease aggravates the growth of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and increases the subpopulation of CD133(+) LCSCs. Cygb restoration inhibits HCC proliferation and LCSC growth, and decreases the subpopulation of CD133 (+) LCSCs in vitro. We found that Cygb absence promotes LCSC phenotypes and PI3 K/AKT activation, whereas Cygb restoration inhibits LCSC phenotypes and PI3 K/AKT activation. Furthermore, exogenous antioxidants can eliminate the inhibitory effect of Cygb to LCSC growth and phenotypes, as well as PI3 K/AKT activation. Collectively, this study demonstrated that cytoglobin functions as a tumor suppressor and targets CSCs at an ONS‐dependent manner. Thus, Cygb restoration could be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy against HCC with aberrant ROS/RNS accumulation.
Extracellular vesicle secretion of miR‐142‐3p from lung adenocarcinoma cells induces tumor promoting changes in the stroma through cell‐cell communication
Authors: Lawson James , Dickman Christopher , Towle Rebecca , Jabalee James , Javer Ariana , Garnis Cathie
Published: October 2018

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of communication between cancer cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. EV content is able to influence key tumorigenic changes including invasion, metastasis, and inducing pro‐tumor changes in the stroma. MiR‐142‐3p is a known tumor suppressor in LAC and was recently shown to be enriched within LAC EVs, indicating its potential as a key signaling miRNA. Our research demonstrates the role EV associated miR‐142‐3p plays when transferred from LAC cells to both endothelial and fibroblast cells. We demonstrate that transfer of miR‐142‐3p in LAC EVs to endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis through inhibition of TGFβR1. Additionally, we show EV associated miR‐142‐3p promotes the cancer‐associated fibroblast phenotype in lung fibroblast cells which we show is independent of TGFβ signaling. These findings suggest that miR‐142‐3p within LAC EVs can be transferred from LAC cells to both endothelial and fibroblast cells to promote tumor associated changes.
Mixture of Two Lactobacillus plantarum Strains Modulates the Gut Microbiota Structure and Regulatory T Cell Response in Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Lee Jieun , Jang Ja‐Young , Kwon Min‐Sung , Lim Seul Ki , Kim Namhee , Lee Jihyun , Park Hyo Kyeong , Yun Misun , Shin Mi‐Young , Jo Hee Eun , Oh Young Joon , Ryu Byung Hee , Ko Mi Yeon , Joo Wooha , Choi Hak‐Jong
Published: October 2018

Scope

The gut microbiota has been linked to diet‐induced obesity, and microorganisms that influence obesity have important health implications. In this study, the anti‐obesity effects of two Lactobacillus plantarum strains (DSR M2 and DSR 920) isolated from kimchi are investigated.

Methods and results

Mice are fed a normal or high‐fat diet with or without DSR M2 and DSR 920 (DSR, 1 × 109 CFU d–1) for 12 weeks. DSR improves the obesity state, as evidenced by the i) suppressed obesity‐related markers, e.g., gains in body weight and fat mass, ii) reduced serum and liver triglyceride levels, iii) upregulated β‐oxidation and downregulated lipogenesis‐related genes in the liver, iv) reduced serum leptin levels, v) altered microbial communities, vi) increased regulatory T cell immunity, and vii) suppressed inflammatory response. In addition, correlation analysis shows that Akkermansia muciniphila and the genus Anaerostipes, which are increased in the DSR group, are negatively correlated with obesity‐related markers, but Mucispirillum schaedleri, which is increased in the high‐fat‐diet (HFD) group, is positively correlated with serum leptin level.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus plantarum DSR M2 and DSR 920 are candidate probiotics for the prevention and amelioration of obesity.
Obesity in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia increases the risk of adverse events during pre‐maintenance chemotherapy
Authors: Meenan Chelsea K. , Kelly John A. , Wang Li , Ritchey A. Kim , Maurer Scott H
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Obesity correlates with adverse events (AEs) in children with acute myelogenous leukemia and during maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Less is known about AEs in obese ALL patients during pre‐maintenance chemotherapy. We evaluated the relationship between obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95th percentile) and AEs during pre‐maintenance chemotherapy in pediatric patients with ALL.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐five pediatric ALL patients diagnosed at a single institution between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated for infections, treatment‐requiring hypertension, insulin‐requiring hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, pediatric intensive care unit admissions, sepsis, febrile neutropenia (FN) admissions, thrombosis, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Univariate and multivariable analyses compared proportions of obese versus nonobese patients experiencing AEs.

Results

AEs occurring significantly more frequently in obese patients by univariate analysis included treatment‐requiring hypertension (17.5% vs 6.1%; OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.1–10.0, P = 0.0497) and insulin‐requiring hyperglycemia (25.0% vs 11.3%; OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.04–6.56, P = 0.04). Obese patients had greater incidence rates for recurrent admission‐requiring infections (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.64; 95% CI, 1.08–2.48, P = 0.02) and recurrent FN admissions (IRR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.10–2.12, P = 0.01). Accounting for combined age and NCI risk status, obesity was a risk factor for treatment‐requiring hypertension (OR, 3.90; 95% CI, 1.19–12.76, P = 0.02), insulin‐requiring hyperglycemia (OR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.39–11.05, P = 0.01), and FN admission (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.27–6.73, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

During pre‐maintenance chemotherapy for ALL, obesity is a risk factor for the development of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and FN admissions. This research provides implications for augmented preventive and supportive care guidelines in obese ALL patients.
Future health of AYA survivors
Authors: Burkart Madelyn , Sanford Stacy , Dinner Shira , Sharp Lisa , Kinahan Karen
Published: October 2018

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology patients (ages 15–39) have been identified as a group with healthcare disparities including gaps and challenges in diagnosis, access to care, research, clinical trial participation, and cure rates. Like other patient groups with cancer or other chronic illnesses, disparities can lead to poor future health and outcomes, which is a well‐recognized concern within the AYA population. Cancer is the leading disease‐related cause of death in this age range. Numerous interested groups including the National Cancer Institute have met to address the research and cancer care needs of AYAs. This review highlights how these gaps in care during and after treatment can affect future health of this population of patients. Access to care, models of survivorship care, and lack of provider education are discussed. Survivorship care and use of guidelines, and promotion of psychosocial support and health behaviors during treatment and beyond are essential to optimizing future health of AYA patients.
Outcome after surgery for solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors in children: Report from the TREP project—Italian Rare Tumors Study Group
Authors: Crocoli Alessandro , Grimaldi Chiara , Virgone Calogero , De Pasquale Maria Debora , Cecchetto Giovanni , Cesaro Simone , Bisogno Gianni , Cecinati Valerio , Narciso Alessandra , Alberti Daniele , Ferrari Andrea , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Spada Marco , Inserra Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Background

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors (SPPT) are an extremely rare entity in pediatric patients. Even if the role of radical surgical resection as primary treatment is well established, data about follow‐up after pancreatic resection in children are scant.

Methods

A retrospective review of data from the Italian Pediatric Rare Tumor Registry (TREP) was performed. Short‐term (<30 days) and long‐term complications of different surgical resections, as well as long‐term follow‐up were evaluated.

Results

From January 2000 to present, 43 patients (male:female = 8:35) were enrolled. The median age at diagnosis was 13.2 years (range, 7–18). Nine children had an incidental diagnosis, whereas 26 complained of abdominal pain and 4 of palpable mass. Tumors arose either from the head of pancreas (n = 14) or from body/tail (n = 29): only one patient presented with metastatic disease. Resection was complete in all patients (cephalic duodenopancreatectomy vs distal resection). At follow‐up (median, 8.4 years; range, 0–17 years), one recurrence occurred in a patient with intraoperative rupture. All patients are alive. Three pancreatic fistulas occurred in the body/tail group, whereas four complications occurred in the head group (one ileal ischemia, two stenosis of the pancreatic duct, and one chylous fistula).

Conclusion

Surgery is the best therapeutic option for these tumors; hence, complete resection is mandatory. Extensive resections, including cephalic duodenopancreatectomy, are safe when performed in specialized centers. Long‐term follow‐up should be aimed to detect tumor recurrence and to evaluate residual pancreatic function.
Development of sustainable carrier in thermosensitive hydrogel based on chitosan/alginate nanoparticles for in situ delivery system
Authors: Cui Cheng‐Long , Gan Lu , Lan Xin‐Yi , Li Jia , Zhang Chun‐Feng , Li Fei , Wang Chong‐Zhi , Yuan Chun‐Su
Published: October 2018

A biodegradable hydrogel with thermosensitive properties and controlled release based on the core‐shell polymers chitosan/sodium alginate nanoparticles (CS/SA NPs) constituted an in situ drug delivery system (DDS). The hydrogel composites was prepared in which nanoparticles loading bovine serum albumin were added to the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) mixture solution. The CS/SA NPs were physically synthesized using a nanoemulsion technique. The nanoparticles were successfully prepared and assessed via a size analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and differential scanning calorimetry. The gelation behaviors of HPMC hydrogel composites were monitored using a visual tube inversion method at different temperatures. And glycerol mixed in HPMC solution promoted the gelation and lowered the phase transition temperature. The composite thermosensitive hydrogel including drug‐loaded nanoparticles showed a physiological pH ranging from 6.8 to 6.9 and an excellent gelation time within 1.0 min at 37°C. Moreover, the drug release data showed that the sustained release time lasted for 9 days with a total cumulative release rate of 78%, and the degradation of HPMC hydrogel containing lysozyme was almost completed after 7 days (82.66 ± 1.23%). The composite thermosensitive hydrogel had good thermosensitivity and biodegradability, as well as significantly enhanced the controlled release, showing a promising potential for its usage in situ DDSs. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2187–2196, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
How the Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared at Different pH Values Affect the Optical Transmittance and the Electrical Properties of Polystrene Latex Films?
Authors: Yargi Onder , Gelir Ali , Sahinturk Utkan , Ozer Tanju , Caliskan Murat , Aksakal Baki
Published: October 2018

Optical transmittance and electrical properties of polystyrene (PS)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were studied. Photon transmission technique was used to monitor the optical transmittance and two‐/four‐probe methods were used for the electrical conductivity measurements. Two separate experimental sets were prepared. In the first set, the composite films were prepared at equal amounts of PS and rGO where the pH of the solution in which GO was reduced to rGO was changed from about 3 to 10. The second set includes the composite films which were prepared at different weight ratios of rGO which prepared at pH = 10. All of the composite films were annealed under the Infrared lamp and the annealing time was changed from 10 to 30 min to be able to understand the effect of the annealing time. It was observed that increasing annealing time starts the film formation at lower temperatures. Only the void closure stage of the film formation process could be observed for all composite films and increasing amount of rGO decreased the required energy for the void closure stage. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1441–E1450, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers