bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel delivery system based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles and chitosan thermo-sensitive gel for mammary adenocarcinoma treatment
Authors: Pesoa Juan I , Rico María J , Rozados Viviana R , Scharovsky O Graciela , Luna Julio A , Mengatto Luciano N 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the combination of more than one release system in the same formulation as a useful strategy to achieve paclitaxel delivery in a more sustained and controlled manner.

Methods
The present study deals with the preparation of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles loaded with paclitaxel and included in a chitosan thermo-sensitive gelling solution. The microparticles were characterized by their size, shape and drug loading. The formulation was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, in vitro release experiments and was evaluated in mice bearing mammary adenocarcinoma.

Key findings
The formation of paclitaxel crystals in a pharmaceutical formulation reduces its efficacy. In this work, the use of microparticles avoided this phenomenon. Combining more than one delivery system allowed delivering paclitaxel in a more sustained and controlled manner leading to a long-term effect in the site of action. The formulation showed an inhibition in tumour volume of 63.0% in comparison with the control group.

Conclusions
One intratumour injection of gelling solution containing the microparticles was at least as efficacious as four intraperitoneal injections of a commercial formulation. In addition, the delivery system was nontoxic, and the treated mice presented the highest percentage of tumour regression and median survival time.
Validation of a Japanese Version of the Work Engagement Scale for Students
Authors: Tayama Jun , Schaufeli Wilmar , Shimazu Akihito , Tanaka Masanori , Takahama Akari 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe sought to verify the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students (UWES‐S‐J). We examined 824 university students. We calculated the goodness of fit for a single‐factor model and the three‐factor model. The fit to the data was better for the three‐factor than for the single‐factor model, but all factors were highly positively correlated. Additionally, the UWES‐S‐J had good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. For the content validity, there were significant positive correlations between the UWES‐S‐J score and social support, a resilience scale, and subjective happiness. The UWES‐S‐J has good reliability and validity and may therefore be used to assess study engagement among Japanese students.
Design of a bacterial speck resistant tomato by CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated editing of SlJAZ2
Authors: Ortigosa Andrés , Gimenez‐Ibanez Selena , Leonhardt Nathalie , Solano Roberto 
Published: September 2018

SummaryDue to their different lifestyles, effective defence against biotrophic pathogens normally leads to increased susceptibility to necrotrophs, and vice versa. Solving this trade‐off is a major challenge for obtaining broad‐spectrum resistance in crops and requires uncoupling the antagonism between the jasmonate (JA) and salicylate (SA) defence pathways. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000, the causal agent of tomato bacterial speck disease, produces coronatine (COR) that stimulates stomata opening and facilitates bacterial leaf colonization. In Arabidopsis, stomata response to COR requires the COR co‐receptor AtJAZ2, and dominant AtJAZ2Δjas repressors resistant to proteasomal degradation prevent stomatal opening by COR. Here, we report the generation of a tomato variety resistant to the bacterial speck disease caused by PtoDC3000 without compromising resistance to necrotrophs. We identified the functional ortholog of AtJAZ2 in tomato, found that preferentially accumulates in stomata and proved that SlJAZ2 is a major co‐receptor of COR in stomatal guard cells. SlJAZ2 was edited using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate dominant JAZ2 repressors lacking the C‐terminal Jas domain (SlJAZ2Δjas). SlJAZ2Δjas prevented stomatal reopening by COR and provided resistance to PtoDC3000. Water transpiration rate and resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, causal agent of the tomato gray mold, remained unaltered in Sljaz2Δjas plants. Our results solve the defence trade‐off in a crop, by spatially uncoupling the SA‐JA hormonal antagonism at the stomata, entry gates of specific microbes such as PtoDC3000. Moreover, our results also constitute a novel CRISPR/Cas‐based strategy for crop protection that could be readily implemented in the field.
A Ma10 gene encoding P‐type ATPase is involved in fruit organic acid accumulation in apple
Authors: Ma Baiquan , Liao Liao , Fang Ting , Peng Qian , Ogutu Collins , Zhou Hui , Ma Fengwang , Han Yuepeng 
Published: September 2018

SummaryAcidity is one of the main determinants of fruit organoleptic quality. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted between two cultivars that showed a significant difference in fruit acidity, but contained homozygous non‐functional alleles at the major gene Ma1 locus controlling apple fruit acidity. A candidate gene for fruit acidity, designated M10, was identified. The M10 gene encodes a P‐type proton pump, P3A‐ATPase, which facilitates malate uptake into the vacuole. The Ma10 gene is significantly associated with fruit malate content, accounting for ~7.5% of the observed phenotypic variation in apple germplasm. Subcellular localization assay showed that the Ma10 is targeted to the tonoplast. Overexpression of the Ma10 gene can complement the defect in proton transport of the mutant YAK2 yeast strain and enhance the accumulation of malic acid in apple callus. Moreover, its ectopic expression in tomato induces a decrease in fruit pH. These results suggest that the Ma10 gene has the capacity for proton pumping and plays an important role in fruit vacuolar acidification in apple. Our study provides useful knowledge towards comprehensive understanding of the complex mechanism regulating apple fruit acidity.
The Predictive Power of Subjective Probabilities: Probabilistic and Deterministic Polling in the Dutch 2017 Election
Authors: Bresser Jochem , Soest Arthur 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe paper evaluates the predictive validity of stated intentions for actual behaviour. In the context of the 2017 Dutch parliamentary election, we compare how well polls based on probabilistic and deterministic questions line up with subsequent votes. Our empirical strategy is built around a randomized experiment in a representative panel. Respondents were either asked which party they will vote for or were asked to allocate probabilities of voting for each party. The results show that probabilities predict individual behaviour better than deterministic statements for a large majority of respondents. There is, however, substantial heterogeneity in the predictive power of subjective probabilities. We find evidence that they work better for those with higher probability numeracy, even though probability numeracy was measured 8 years earlier.
Physiological adaptations to resistance training in rats selectively bred for low and high response to aerobic exercise training
Authors: Ahtiainen Juha P. , Lensu Sanna , Ruotsalainen Ilona , Schumann Moritz , Ihalainen Johanna K. , Fachada Vasco , Mendias Christopher L. , Brook Matthew S. , Smith Kenneth , Atherton Philip J. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Kainulainen Heikki 
Published: September 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?Can phenotypic traits associated with low response to one mode of training be extrapolated to other exercise‐inducible phenotypes? The present study investigated whether rats that are low responders to endurance training are also low responders to resistance training.
What is the main finding and its importance?After resistance training, rats that are high responders to aerobic exercise training improved more in maximal strength compared with low‐responder rats. However, the greater gain in strength in high‐responder rats was not accompanied by muscle hypertrophy, suggesting that the responses observed could be mainly neural in origin.
AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether rats selectively bred for low and high response to aerobic exercise training co‐segregate for differences in muscle adaptations to ladder‐climbing resistance training. Five high‐responder (HRT) and five low‐responder (LRT) rats completed the resistance training, while six HRT and six LRT rats served as sedentary control animals. Before and after the 6 week intervention, body composition was determined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Before tissue harvesting, the right triceps surae muscles were loaded by electrical stimulation. Muscle fibre cross‐sectional areas, nuclei per cell, phosphorylation status of selected signalling proteins of mTOR and Smad pathways, and muscle protein, DNA and RNA concentrations were determined for the right gastrocnemius muscle. The daily protein synthesis rate was determined by the deuterium oxide method from the left quadriceps femoris muscle. Tissue weights of fore‐ and hindlimb muscles were measured. In response to resistance training, maximal carrying capacity was greater in HRT (∼3.3 times body mass) than LRT (∼2.5 times body mass), indicating greater improvements of strength in HRT. However, muscle hypertrophy that could be related to greater strength gains in HRT was not observed. Furthermore, noteworthy changes within the experimental groups or differences between groups were not observed in the present measures. The lack of hypertrophic muscular adaptations despite considerable increases in muscular strength suggest that adaptations to the present ladder‐climbing training in HRT and LRT rats were largely induced by neural adaptations.
Functional Conservation of P48/45 Proteins in the Transmission Stages ofPlasmodium vivax(Human Malaria Parasite) andP. berghei(Murine Malaria Parasite)
Authors: Cao Yi , Hart Robert J. , Bansal Geetha P. , Kumar Nirbhay 
Published: September 2018

Malaria transmission depends upon successful sexual differentiation and maturation of parasites in the vertebrate host and further development in the mosquito midgut. Stage-specific proteins in the sexual stages have been shown to play a critical role in development and successful transmission through the anopheline mosquito vector. Studies presented in the current manuscript evaluated functional conservation of one such protein, P48/45, in two diverse species (P. bergheiandP. vivax). Replacement of endogenouspbs48/45inP. bergheiwithpvs48/45(P. vivaxhomologue) did not affect the viability of the parasites, and the transgenic parasites expressing Pvs48/45 remained transmission competent. These studies establish not only the functional conservation of P48/45 inP. bergheiandP. vivaxbut also offer an opportunity to develop anin vivotest model for Pvs48/45-basedP. vivaxtransmission-blocking vaccines, currently under development.
Relative importance of informational items in participant information leaflets for trials: a Q-methodology approach
Authors: Innes Karen , Cotton Seonaidh , Campbell Marion K , Elliott Jim , Gillies Katie 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo identify which information items potential participants and research nurses rank as the most important, and the reasons for this, when considering participation in a randomised controlled trial.DesignQ-methodology approach alongside a think-aloud process. Using a vignette outlining a hypothetical trial, participants were asked to rank statements about informational items usually included in a participant information leaflet (PIL) on a Q-grid, while undertaking a real-time think-aloud process to elicit the underpinning decision processes. Analysis of quantitative data was conducted using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was coded using content analysis.Participants20 participants (10 potential trial participants and 10 research nurses).SettingUK-based participants.ResultsTen research nurses and 10 potential trial participants provided data for the study. Both stakeholder groups ranked similar statements in their top three most important statements, with ‘What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?’ featuring in both. However, considerable variability existed between the groups with regard to their ranking of statements of least importance. Participants identified that sufficient information to make a decision was secured using around 14 items. Participants also identified other items of importance not routinely included in PILs.ConclusionsThis study has provided a unique insight into how and why different trial stakeholder groups rank informational items currently contained within PILs. These results have implications for those developing future PILs and those who develop guidance on their content; PILs should focus most on the information items that potential trial participants want and need to make an informed choice about trial participation.
Culprit vessel: impact on short-term and long-term prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Entezarjou Artin , Mohammad Moman Aladdin , Andell Pontus , Koul Sasha 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurs as a result of rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. Limited data exist regarding the impact of culprit coronary vessel on hard clinical event rates. This study investigated the impact of culprit vessel on outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of STEMI.MethodsA total of 29 832 previously cardiac healthy patients who underwent primary PCI between 2003 and 2014 were prospectively included from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry and the Registry of Information and Knowledge about Swedish Heart Intensive care Admissions. Patients were stratified into three groups based on culprit vessel (right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCx)). The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. The secondary outcomes included 30-day and 5-year mortality, as well as heart failure, stroke, bleeding and myocardial reinfarction at 30 days, 1 year and 5 years. Univariable and multivariable analyses were done using Cox regression models.ResultsOne-year analyses revealed that LAD infarctions had the highest increased risk of death, heart failure and stroke compared with RCA infarctions, which had the lowest risk. Sensitivity analyses revealed that reduced left ventricular ejection fraction on discharge partially explained this increased relative risk in mortality. Furthermore, landmark analyses revealed that culprit vessel had no significant influence on 1-year mortality if a patient survived 30 days after myocardial infarction. Subgroup analyses revealed female sex and multivessel disease (MVD) as significant high-risk groups with respect to 1-year mortality.ConclusionsLAD and LCx infarctions had a relatively higher adjusted mortality rate compared with RCA infarctions, with LAD infarctions in particular being associated with an increased risk of heart failure, stroke and death. Culprit vessel had limited influence on mortality after 1 month. High-risk patient groups include LAD infarctions in women or with concomitant MVD.
MIXED GERM CELL TERATOMATOUS TUMOUR OF TESTIS IN ADULTS: DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES FOR A HISTOPATHOLOGIST (case report)
Authors: Aden D. , Shadan M. , Khan I. D. , Alam F. , Naim M. , Mohiyadheen R. , Naim E. 
Published: September 2018

Background. Testicular tumours account for approximately 1-2 % of the total cancer cases in the male population globally and show higher incidence in the younger male age group of up to 15 years. The majority (~98 %) of testicular tumours are observed to be of the germ-cell origin which can either be of seminomatous type or non-seminomatous type. The non-seminomatous germ cell neoplasm may be pure or of mixed subtype. Objective was to emphasize the rare case of mixed germ cell teratomatous tumour of testis in adult man.Methods. A mixed germ cell teratomatous tumour of testis comprising of yolk sac tumour and embryonal carcinoma in an adult Indian male is reported in the research.Results. A 45 year-old Indian male presented with enlargement of right testis which was found to be an encapsulated right testicular tumour on exploratory surgery which was followed by radical orchiectomy. Serum AFP and β-hCG levels were elevated to 380 ng/ml and 590 mg/ml respectively. Histopathology revealed a mixed germ cell teratomatous tumour of testis comprising of yolk sac tumour and embryonal carcinoma.Conclusions. In adults teratomas occur usually as a component of mixed germ cell tumours. However in the present case teratomatous embryoid yolk sac germ cell tumour of testis was observed in an Indian adult male. The prognosis of embryoid germ cell tumours of testis is generally poor. The possibility of this condition should always be considered in all cases that present with a testicular lump.
CYTOKINES PROFILE IN EXPERIMENTAL CONTACT ALLERGIC DERMATITIS AND USE OF NANOENCAPSULATED PREPARATIONS
Authors: Khudan-Tsilo I. I. , Shevchuk O. O. , Korda M. M. 
Published: September 2018

Background. Inflammation, oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress are the essentials of the pathogenesis of contact allergic dermatitis as well as cytokines imbalance.Objective. The concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 in blood serum of rats with nickel-induced contact allergic dermatitis was evaluated to determine whether it correlated with the use of free and nanoencapsulated preparations of betamethasone, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and potent highly selective inhibitor of iNOS (1400W).Methods. To induce contact dermatitis (CD), 5 % nickel sulfate was used for 12 days. Experiments were performed on white inbred male rats, 180–220 g of body mass. All rats were divided into 10 groups (n=10). Group I – the control one; II – the animals with CD; III – the rats with CD treated with empty polymeric chitosan nanoparticles; groups IV–VI – the rats with CD treated with free SOD, 1400W and betamethasone; groups VII-IX – the rats administered with nanoencapsulated SOD, 1400W and betamethasone; X – CD + nano-composition of all agents.Results. The statistically higher serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and decrease of IL-4 and IL-10 in experimental contact dermatitis is proved in comparison with the healthy rats. Mono-treatment with betamethasone, SOD and 1400W is efficient, but the use of nanoparticles loaded with these preparations surpasses its effects. The use of the combination of all nanoencapsulated medicines is the most effective.Conclusions. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with topical anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid, and inhibitors of oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress is a promising method for treatment of allergic contact dermatitis and can be recommended for further research and use in clinics.
Length-weight relationships of thirteen penaeoid shrimps in the East China Sea
Authors: Li Hui Yu , Yang Lin Lin , Cheng Jia Hua , Ling Jian Zhong 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Length-weight relationships of various shrimp species were examined based on data from bottom trawl surveys from May 2014 to April 2015 in the East China Sea. A total of 2335 individuals belonging to Penaeidae and Solenoceridae were measured and weighed. Significant length-weight relationships were found for all species. The b-values of the length-weight relationships ranged from 2.0855 (Trachysalambria curvirostris) to 3.4808 (Metapenaeopsis barbata) with a mean value of 3.10 (±0.05). The differences in b-values between sexes and seasons were also examined. Whenever possible, b-values were compared for the species obtained both in this study and some of the species previously reported in other studies. Differences in the b-values for the same species in different areas suggest the influence of differences in environmental or habitat factors, including temperature and depth.
The Polyethylene Casing as Diffusion Barrier for Polyurethane Insulated District Heating Pipes
Authors: Olsson Maria , Jarfelt Ulf , Fröling Morgan , Ramnäs Olle 
Published: September 2018

Most district heating pipes are insulated with polyurethane foam in order to minimise heat losses. A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) casing protects the insulated pipe, and its permeability properties for the polyurethane cell gases, including air, play an important role for the long-term insulating capacity. The permeability of the HDPE casing of a district heating pipe was studied. Two methods were used to determine the permeability: I) by measuring the mass transfer through a sample, and II) by measuring the sorption and desorption of the gas in a sample. The experimental procedures are described. For carbon dioxide a permeability coefficient of about 9·10-16 mole·m-1·s-1·Pa-1 was found by both methods. For oxygen and nitrogen only method I was used and the permeability coefficients found were 1.9 and 0.6·10-16 mole·m-1·s-1·Pa-1, respectively.
Gas Diffusion in Polyolefin Foams during Creep Tests. Effect on Impact Behaviour and Recovery after Creep
Authors: Rodriguez-Perez M.A. , Ruiz-Herrero J.L. , Solorzano E. , de Saja J.A. 
Published: September 2018

A method to obtain the effective diffusion coefficient of the gas contained in closed cell polyolefin foams under static loading is presented. This property is obtained from pressure decrease with time using an analytical solution of the diffusion equation. The effect of density, type of base polymer, crosslinking and sample size on the diffusion coefficient is analysed.It has been shown that the impact behaviour of low density closed cell polyethylene based foams deteriorates after compressive creep periods and that this reduction of the cushion capabilities is directly related with the diffusion coefficient of the foams.Moreover, the recovery of the foams after creep showed a peculiar non-homogeneous behaviour, which has been analysed. Gas diffusion during creep is the main responsible for this particular behaviour.
Properties and Physical Structure of Cellular PVC Coatings
Authors: Garbacz Tomasz 
Published: September 2018

The production of cellular coatings made of polymeric materials by the extrusion process differs from solid coating extrusion in that the polymer produced by the process based on the application of blowing agents has a diphase structure (gas-polymer) with small and evenly distributed gas bubbles. The research described in the paper was conducted using blowing agents with endothermic and exothermic decomposition behaviours, dosed as pellets in the range from 0.4% to 0.8% by weight relative to the weight of the polymer being processed. The extrusion process for modified PVC was conducted using the technological line for the production of electrical cable coatings.The content of the blowing agents applied in the tests in the amount of up to 0.8 wt% was selected in such a way as to produce cables with a solid coating and center coating. The appearance of the produced cable coatings, their thickness and dimensions comply with the current norms.In the investigated range of the blowing agent content, the temperature of the extrudate leaving the head decreased by approximately 7%, which can probably be attributed to the endothermic blowing agent decomposition behaviour in the extruder head.The mechanical properties of cellular products, including their hardness, are affected by the macromolecular shape, orientation and bond. A lower number of cross-linkages in the cellular polymeric material means decreased strength properties of such product.The results of the cellular coating resistance to water and oil absorption have demonstrated considerably increased absorption of the coatings produced, depending on the residence time in the aggressive environment and type of blowing agent applied.Analyzing the results of density, porosity and optical examination of the physical structure of thin-walled cellular coatings, it has been determined that the favourable content of the blowing agent in the polymer should amount to 0.6-0.8 wt%, which leads to density decrease by approximately 40%.