bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of DVDMS‐2 in Tumor‐bearing Mice
Authors: Li Tingting , Lv Haiyan , Yang Liu , Xie Jun , Liu Cong , Xu Peilan , Li Wanyun , Wang Shengyu , Yang Dong , Wu Ting , Yan Jianghua , Luo Fanghong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDVDMS‐2 is a novel candidate for photodynamic therapy of tumors. The purpose of the present study was to assess the distribution and elimination of DVDMS‐2 in mice bearing hepatoma 22 tumors. DVDMS‐2 (1, 2 and 4 mg kg−1) was injected intravenously into the mice, extracted from biological tissues and quantified using a fluorescence assay. The data obtained were processed with WinNonlin pharmacokinetic software. The fluorescence assay established for DVDMS‐2 quantification was a rapid, reproducible, sensitive and specific method with good linearity. The pharmacokinetics of DVDMS‐2 in tumor‐bearing mice conformed to a two‐compartment model. DVDMS‐2 accumulated in tumor tissue to a greater extent than adjacent tissues (skin, muscle) and sustained a relatively high‐level concentration 12 to 24 h following administration, which may be the optimal treatment time point. In conclusion, DVDMS‐2 selectively accumulated in tumor tissue and was eliminated at a rapid rate in tumor‐bearing mice, suggesting that DVDMS‐2 may have few side effects, including skin phototoxicity. The present study established the pharmacokinetic characteristics of DVDMS‐2, which may be beneficial in future clinical study.
RETRACTED: The relationship between Internet addiction, psychological distress, and coping strategies in a sample of Saudi undergraduate students
Authors: Hasan Abd Al‐Hadi , Abu Jaber Ala 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between Internet addiction (IA), psychological distress, and coping strategies.MethodsData were collected using a convenience sample of 163 student nurses.FindingsThe results showed that there was high prevalence rate of IA among students. In addition, the use of avoidance and problem‐solving coping mechanism was statistically significant among the IA group compared with the non‐IA group (P < .05). This was associated with a more negative impact on psychological distress and self‐efficacy (P < .05).ConclusionsIA is an increasing problem in the general population and among university students. It can affect many aspects of a student life.Practical ImplicationsThe results will raise awareness of the deleterious effects of IA on a wide range of student life.
A Game Theory Approach for Assessment of Risk and Deployment of Police Patrols in Response to Criminal Activity in San Francisco
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Kuang , Chen Yi‐Ming , Wu Dachrahn , Chi Ching‐Lin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAn efficient police patrol schedule must ensure the allocation of an appropriate number of officers sufficient to respond to the danger of criminal incidents, particularly in an urban environment, even when the available number of personnel is limited. This study proposes a framework that incorporates two game theory models designed for the allocation of police officers to patrol shifts. In the first step, the interactions of three factors between the criminal and the operation captain are modeled as a zero‐sum, noncooperative game, after which a mixed strategy Nash equilibrium method is used to derive the risk value for each district to be patrolled. In the second step, the risk values are used to compute the Shapley value for all 10 districts, for three different threat levels. A fair allocation of police personnel based on the Shapley value is made with a minimum set of personnel deployment costs. The efficacy of the proposed method is verified using openly available data from the San Francisco City Police detailing incidents from the year 2016. The experimental results show that police planners can use this framework to quantitatively evaluate the criminal threat in each district when deciding upon the deployment of patrol officers for three shifts per day.
The impact of trade agreements on world export prices
Authors: Flach Lisandra , Gräf Fabian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper uncovers new stylized facts on the relation between economic integration and world trade prices. Using free on board export price data for the universe of manufacturing products, we show that a country's membership in the WTO (World Trade Organization) or in a PTA (Preferential Trade Agreement) is associated with an increase in export prices of differentiated goods. For the WTO, this effect is captured by the countries that were subject to rigorous WTO accession procedures. We also exploit the importance of the depth of a PTA and of its different provisions. Whereas the effect of the depth per se is not significant, individual provisions evoke distinct effects on prices. In particular, we find that PTAs with provisions on investments are associated with higher export prices. The results are consistent with theoretical models that relate competition to the innovation behavior of firms.
‘Perfect practice makes perfect’: the role of laparoscopic simulation training in modern gynaecological training
Authors: Bryant‐Smith Alison , Rymer Janice , Holland Tom , Brincat Maximilian 
Published: October 2019

Key content

Unique psychomotor and perceptual challenges of laparoscopy – such as marred depth perception, the requirement for advanced hand–eye coordination and the use of long instruments – mean that laparoscopic trainees face a steep learning curve.

The difficulties that trainees encounter in meeting required laparoscopic competencies may, in part, be overcome through the use of laparoscopic simulation training (LST), with benefits for trainees, patients, consultant staff and hospital budgets.

There is growing evidence that LST improves patient outcomes, such as shorter operative duration, fewer intraoperative errors and cancellations, and reduced litigation.

In 2017, the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy formally adopted the European Academy of Gynaecological Surgery's Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment programme; this programme is likely to play an increasing role in trainees’ attainment and validation of laparoscopic skills.

Learning objectives

To understand the role of laparoscopic simulation training in modern gynaecological training.

To know about the European Academy of Gynaecological Surgery's Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgical Education and Assessment programme.

Ethical issues

How does laparoscopic simulation training benefit patient safety?

How can trainees’ access to laparoscopic simulation training be standardised?
Form, development and function of grass stomata
Authors: Nunes Tiago D. G. , Zhang Dan , Raissig Michael T. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryStomata are cellular breathing pores on leaves that open and close to absorb photosynthetic carbon dioxide and to restrict water loss through transpiration, respectively. Grasses (Poaceae) form morphologically innovative stomata, which consist of two dumbbell‐shaped guard cells flanked by two lateral subsidiary cells (SCs). This ‘graminoid’ morphology is associated with faster stomatal movements leading to more water‐efficient gas exchange in changing environments. Here, we offer a genetic and mechanistic perspective on the unique graminoid form of grass stomata and the developmental innovations during stomatal cell lineage initiation, recruitment of SCs and stomatal morphogenesis. Furthermore, the functional consequences of the four‐celled, graminoid stomatal morphology are summarized. We compile the identified players relevant for stomatal opening and closing in grasses, and discuss possible mechanisms leading to cell‐type‐specific regulation of osmotic potential and turgor. In conclusion, we propose that the investigation of functionally superior grass stomata might reveal routes to improve water‐stress resilience of agriculturally relevant plants in a changing climate.
The ERF transcription factor MdERF38 promotes drought stress‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in apple
Authors: An Jian‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , Bi Si‐Qi , You Chun‐Xiang , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Hao Yu‐Jin 
Published: October 2019

SUMMARY
Drought stress induces anthocyanin biosynthesis in many plant species, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play key roles in plant growth and various stress responses, including affecting anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here, we characterized an ERF protein, MdERF38, which is involved in drought stress‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. Biochemical and molecular analyses showed that MdERF38 interacted with MdMYB1, a positive modulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and facilitated the binding of MdMYB1 to its target genes. Therefore, MdERF38 promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis in response to drought stress. Furthermore, we found that MdBT2, a negative modulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, decreased MdERF38‐promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis by accelerating the degradation of the MdERF38 protein. In summary, our data provide a mechanism for drought stress‐induced anthocyanin biosynthesis that involves dynamic modulation of MdERF38 at both transcriptional and post‐translational levels.
Uncovering the evolutionary origin of blue anthocyanins in cereal grains
Authors: Jia Yong , Selva Caterina , Zhang Yujuan , Li Bo , McFawn Lee A. , Broughton Sue , Zhang Xiaoqi , Westcott Sharon , Wang Penghao , Tan Cong , Angessa Tefera , Xu Yanhao , Whitford Ryan , Li Chengdao 
Published: October 2019

SummaryFunctional divergence after gene duplication plays a central role in plant evolution. Among cereals, onlyHordeum vulgare(barley),Triticum aestivum(wheat) andSecale cereale(rye) accumulate delphinidin‐derived (blue) anthocyanins in the aleurone layer of grains, whereasOryza sativa(rice),Zea mays(maize) andSorghum bicolor(sorghum) do not. The underlying genetic basis for this natural occurrence remains elusive. Here, we mapped the barleyBlx1locus involved in blue aleurone to an approximately 1.13 Mb genetic interval on chromosome 4HL, thus identifying a trigenic cluster named MbHF35 (containingHvMYB4H,HvMYC4HandHvF35H). Sequence and expression data supported the role of these genes in conferring blue‐coloured (blue aleurone) grains. Synteny analyses across monocot species showed that MbHF35 has only evolved within distinct Triticeae lineages, as a result of dispersed gene duplication. Phylogeny analyses revealed a shared evolution pattern for MbHF35 in Triticeae, suggesting that these genes have co‐evolved together. We also identified a Pooideae‐specific flavonoid 3′,5′‐hydroxylase (F3′5′H) lineage, termed here Mo_F35H2, which has a higher amino acid similarity with eudicot F3′5′Hs, demonstrating a scenario of convergent evolution. Indeed, selection tests identified 13 amino acid residues in Mo_F35H2 that underwent positive selection, possibly driven by protein thermostablility selection. Furthermore, through the interrogation of barley germplasm there is evidence that HvMYB4H and HvMYC4H have undergone human selection. Collectively, our study favours blue aleurone as a recently evolved trait resulting from environmental adaptation. Our findings provide an evolutionary explanation for the absence of blue anthocyanins in other cereals and highlight the importance of gene functional divergence for plant diversity and environmental adaptation.
tuxnet: a simple interface to process RNA sequencing data and infer gene regulatory networks
Authors: Spurney Ryan J. , Van den Broeck Lisa , Clark Natalie M. , Fisher Adam P. , de Luis Balaguer Maria A. , Sozzani Rosangela 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPredicting gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from expression profiles is a common approach for identifying important biological regulators. Despite the increased use of inference methods, existing computational approaches often do not integrate RNA‐sequencing data analysis, are not automated or are restricted to users with bioinformatics backgrounds. To address these limitations, we developed tuxnet, a user‐friendly platform that can process raw RNA‐sequencing data from any organism with an existing reference genome using a modified tuxedo pipeline (hisat 2 + cufflinks package) and infer GRNs from these processed data. tuxnet is implemented as a graphical user interface and can mine gene regulations, either by applying a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) inference algorithm, genist, or a regression tree‐based pipeline, rtp‐star. We obtained time‐course expression data of a PERIANTHIA (PAN) inducible line and inferred a GRN using genist to illustrate the use of tuxnet while gaining insight into the regulations downstream of the Arabidopsis root stem cell regulator PAN. Using rtp‐star, we inferred the network of ATHB13, a downstream gene of PAN, for which we obtained wild‐type and mutant expression profiles. Additionally, we generated two networks using temporal data from developmental leaf data and spatial data from root cell‐type data to highlight the use of tuxnet to form new testable hypotheses from previously explored data. Our case studies feature the versatility of tuxnet when using different types of gene expression data to infer networks and its accessibility as a pipeline for non‐bioinformaticians to analyze transcriptome data, predict causal regulations, assess network topology and identify key regulators.
Evaluation of riboflavin photochemical treatment for inactivation of HCT116 tumor cells mixed in simulative intraoperative salvage blood
Authors: Yu Yang , Yang Lu , He Chunyu , Tai Shengfei , Ma Chunya , Yang Tianxin , Wang Deqing 
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUNDRadiation and filtration have achieved satisfactory results in inactivation or removal of tumor cells mixed in salvage blood, but some drawbacks remain. This study evaluated the inactivation on HCT116 cells mixed in simulative salvage blood by riboflavin photochemical treatment.METHODSHCT116 cells were added to the whole blood to simulate contaminated salvaged blood. The mixed blood was added with riboflavin of 50 μmol/L final concentration and illuminated by ultraviolet light. The samples were divided into control group and Experimental Groups 1 (18 J/cm2), 2 (23.4 J/cm2), and 3 (28.8 J/cm2). An autotransfusion system (Cell Saver Elite, Haemonetics) was used to simulate the intraoperative blood salvage procedure to deal with whole blood. The apoptosis rate and tumorigenicity of HCT116 cells and the superimposed damage to red blood cells (RBCs) were evaluated.RESULTSThe apoptosis rates of HCT116 in Experimental Groups 1, 2, and 3 were much higher than that in the control group. Tumor growth was found in the control group, but no tumor growth was found in the three experimental groups. The hemolysis rates in the three experimental groups were significantly higher than that in the control group, but much lower than the quality standard of RBCs at the end of preservation. The concentration of adenosine triphosphate in RBCs was comparable in the control and experimental groups.CONCLUSIONRiboflavin at a 50 μmol/L final concentration and 18 J/cm2 ultraviolet illumination can effectively inactivate HCT116 cells in salvaged blood, with minimum damage to the structure and function of RBCs, and the main quality indexes of salvaged RBCs were within the standard range.
Allogeneic platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is superior to platelets or plasma alone in stimulating fibroblast proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and chemotaxis as relevant processes for wound healing
Authors: van der Bijl Ivo , Vlig Marcel , Middelkoop Esther , de Korte Dirk 
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUNDPlatelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is frequently used in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. One of the major problems concerning the use of PRP is the absence of a well‐characterized and standardized product, which leads to a high variety in study outcomes. Therefore, more studies on the composition and standardization of PRP in wound healing are needed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPlatelet concentrates derived from healthy blood donors were made in plasma (PC‐plasma) or platelet additive solution (PC‐PAS). The effects of PC‐plasma, PC‐PAS, and plasma were then tested on proliferation, differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts, as well as sprouting of endothelial cells in fibrin gels and chemotaxis of white blood cells (WBCs).RESULTSPC‐plasma stimulates the migration and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts more than plasma or platelets alone. Furthermore, platelet factors decrease the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin in dermal fibroblast cultures. PC‐plasma also stimulates sprouting of endothelial cells. Finally, PC‐plasma also acts as a strong chemoattractant for WBCs.CONCLUSIONSAllogeneic PC‐plasma has beneficial effects on various aspects of wound healing in vitro and is superior to plasma or platelets alone. PC‐plasma is an attractive candidate for further in vivo evaluation.
Shipping cost and development of the landlocked developing countries: Panel evidence from the common correlated effects approach
Authors: Pham Ngoc Thien Anh , Sim Nicholas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe estimate the impact of shipping cost on development for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). Since container trade is important to them, we construct a country‐specific measure of shipping cost, called HarpexCost, which combines the global cost of container shipping with information on how exposed to container shipping each LLDC is. We employ the common correlated effects (CCE) estimator of Pesaran (Econometrica, 2006; 55: 967) to first estimate the impact of HarpexCost on the LLDCs’ development, and then recover the actual impact of shipping cost from these estimates. Overall, we observe that shipping cost has large negative effects on the LLDCs. Building upon these results, we provide new estimates on the cost of landlockedness and how trade benefits their development.
Antimicrobial activity of thyme oil, oregano oil, thymol and carvacrol against sensitive and resistant microbial isolates from dogs with otitis externa
Authors: Sim Jowenna Xiao Feng , Khazandi Manouchehr , Chan Wei Yee , Trott Darren J. , Deo Permal 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundMultidrug‐resistant pathogens present a major global challenge in antimicrobial therapy and frequently complicate otitis externa in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesIn vitro efficacy of oregano oil, thyme oil and their main phenolic constituents against bacterial and fungal isolates associated with canine otitis externa were investigated. It was hypothesized that the main phenolic components would have greater antimicrobial activity compared to the relative essential oil.Methods and materialsAntimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using broth microdilution with spot‐plating technique to determine minimum inhibitory and bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MICs, MBCs and MFCs). A time–kill kinetics assay was performed to confirm the bactericidal and fungicidal activity of the oils and their phenolic constituents. One hundred bacterial and fungal isolates, including meticillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 10), meticillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (n = 10), β‐haemolytic Streptococcus spp. (n = 20), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 20; including 10 isolates resistant to one or two antimicrobials), Proteus mirabilis (n = 20) and Malassezia pachydermatis (n = 20) from dogs with otitis externa were used.ResultsOregano oil, thyme oil, carvacrol and thymol exhibited antibacterial activity against all bacterial and fungal isolates tested. MIC90 values ranged from 0.015 to 0.03% (146–292 μg/mL) for the Gram‐positive bacteria and P. mirabilis. For P. aeruginosa and M. pachydermatis, MIC90 values ranged from 0.09 to 0.25% (800–2,292 μg/mL).Conclusions and clinical significanceOregano oil, thyme oil, carvacrol and thymol showed good in vitro bactericidal and fungicidal activity against 100 isolates from dogs with otitis externa, including some highly drug‐resistant isolates. These essential oils and their main phenolic constituents have the potential to be further investigated in vivo for the treatment of canine otitis externa.
Local and transient inhibition of p21 expression ameliorates age‐related delayed wound healing
Authors: Jiang Dongsheng , de Vries Juliane C. , Muschhammer Jana , Schatz Susanne , Ye Haifeng , Hein Tabea , Fidan Miray , Romanov Vasily S. , Rinkevich Yuval , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractNonhealing chronic wounds in the constantly growing elderly population represent a major public health problem with high socioeconomic burden. Yet, the underlying mechanism of age‐related impairment of wound healing remains elusive. Here, we show that the number of dermal cells expressing cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 was elevated upon skin injury, particularly in aged population, in both man and mouse. The nuclear expression of p21 in activated wound fibroblasts delayed the onset of the proliferation phase of wound healing in a p53‐independent manner. Further, the local and transient inhibition of p21 expression by in vivo delivered p21‐targeting siRNA ameliorated the delayed wound healing in aged mice. Our results suggest that the increased number of p21+ wound fibroblasts enforces the age‐related compromised healing, and targeting p21 creates potential clinical avenues to promote wound healing in aged population.
Chemical constituent analysis of the Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) mesocarp
Authors: Batista de Farias Gabriela , Da Silva Rodrigues Jean Lucas , De Sousa Ribeiro Maria Nilce , Oliveira Magalhães Lyege , Ferreira Antonio Gilberto , Lima Maria Da Paz 
Published: October 2019

The Babassu nut (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) mesocarp is traditionally transformed to flour and consumed in some Brazilian areas for its attributed medicinal activity; however, its chemical properties remain to be elucidated. The present work aimed at analyzing the babassu mesocarp phytochemical constituents. Babassu nut samples were collected in the Brazilian Amazon, and their mesocarps were prepared and macerated in different solvents. The chromatographic fractionation of selected methanol extracts yielded three fractions, A-5, A-6, and B-1 that were characterized with high resolution methods. Fraction A-5 was characterized through GC/MS as a fatty acid mixture with predominance of eicosanoic (38.67 %) and 11-octadecanoic (21.71 %) acids. Fraction A-6 was characterized by the presence of three phytosteroids (32.02 %), sesquiterpene (nerolidol; 24.89 %), and diterpene (17-acetoxy-19-kauranal; 15.17 %). The 1H and 13C NMR spectra on fraction A-6 showed characteristic chemical shifts for its compounds. Compound B-1 was identified as ergostanol-3-benzoate based on NMR experiments in one and two dimensions. These results constitute the first identification of babassu mesocarp chemical constituents in 1 and 2-dimensions, paving the way to understanding its role in popular medicine.