bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What training and skills will the ecotoxicologists of the future require?
Authors: Harris Meagan J , Huggett Duane B , Staveley Jane P , Sumpter John P 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Students and academic researchers conduct a diverse range of studies that add to the growing body of ecotoxicology research. Once an academic researcher entertains an applied research topic, there is potential for that research to be used in local, state, or federal regulatory decision or action. The ability of regulatory decision makers to use academic studies to inform decisions is dependent on: 1) the relevance of the experiment to regulatory decisions, 2) the reliability of the laboratory and the study itself, and 3) quality reporting of data such that study relevance and reliability are evident. The purpose of this brief communication is to highlight actions that can be taken by Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry members to enhance the usability of academic research studies in regulatory decision making by promoting training, partnerships, and communication. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:580–584. © 2016 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points
Academic ecotoxicology studies may be considered for use in regulatory decision making, regardless of the authors’ intent for such studies to be used in this context. For academic studies to be useful for regulatory purposes, the study needs to be relevant and reliable; reporting of sufficient information for the evaluation of these attributes is critical. Training students on the topics of regulatory relevance and data reliability will lead to improvements in the applicability of academic research for regulatory decision making. Cross-sector partnerships (among academia, business, and government) provide learning and teaching opportunities for all participants.
Spheroid model for functional osteogenic evaluation of human adipose derived stem cells
Authors: Gurumurthy Bhuvaneswari , Bierdeman Patrick C. , Janorkar Amol V. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract3D culture systems have the ability to mimic the natural microenvironment by allowing better cell–cell interactions. We have prepared an in vitro 3D osteogenic cell culture model using human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) cultured atop recombinant elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) conjugated to a charged polyelectrolyte, polyethyleneimine (PEI). We demonstrate that hASCs cultured atop the ELP–PEI coated tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) formed 3D spheroids and exhibited superior differentiation toward osteogenic lineage compared to the traditional two dimensional (2D) monolayer formed atop uncoated TCPS. Live/dead viability assay confirmed >90% live cells at the end of the 3‐week culture period. Over the same culture period, higher protein content was observed in 2D monolayer than 3D spheroids, as the 2D environment allowed continued proliferation, while 3D spheroids underwent contact‐inhibited growth arrest. The normalized alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, which is an indicator for early osteogenic differentiation was higher for 3D spheroids. The normalized osteocalcin (OCN) production, which is an indicator for osteogenic maturation was also higher for 3D spheroids while 2D monolayer had no noticeable OCN production. On day 22, increased Alizarin red uptake by 3D spheroids showed greater mineralization activity than 2D monolayer. Taken together, these results indicate a superior osteogenic differentiation of hASCs in 3D spheroid culture atop ELP–PEI coated TCPS surfaces than the 2D monolayer formed on uncoated TCPS surfaces. Such enhanced osteogenesis in 3D spheroid stem cell culture may serve as an alternative to 2D culture by providing a better microenvironment for the enhanced cellular functions and interactions in bone tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1230–1236, 2017.
When size matters: differences in demineralized bone matrix particles affect collagen structure, mesenchymal stem cell behavior, and osteogenic potential
Authors: Dozza B. , Lesci I. G. , Duchi S. , Della Bella E. , Martini L. , Salamanna F. , Falconi M. , Cinotti S. , Fini M. , Lucarelli E. , Donati D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDemineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a natural, collagen‐based, osteoinductive biomaterial. Nevertheless, there are conflicting reports on the efficacy of this product. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether DBM collagen structure is affected by particle size and can influence DBM cytocompatibility and osteoinductivity. Sheep cortical bone was ground and particles were divided in three fractions with different sizes, defined as large (L, 1–2 mm), medium (M, 0.5–1 mm), and small (S, <0.5 mm). After demineralization, the chemical–physical analysis clearly showed a particle size‐dependent alteration in collagen structure, with DBM‐M being altered but not as much as DBM‐S. DBM‐M displayed a preferable trend in almost all biological characteristics tested, although all DBM particles revealed an optimal cytocompatibility. Subcutaneous implantation of DBM particles into immunocompromised mice resulted in bone induction only for DBM‐M. When sheep MSC were seeded onto particles before implantation, all DBM particles were able to induce new bone formation with the best incidence for DBM‐M and DBM‐S. In conclusion, the collagen alteration in DBM‐M is likely the best condition to promote bone induction in vivo. Furthermore, the choice of 0.5–1 mm particles may enable to obtain more efficient and consistent results among different research groups in bone tissue‐engineering applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1019–1033, 2017.
MCPIP1 Exogenous Overexpression Inhibits Pathways Regulating MYCN Oncoprotein Stability in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Boratyn Elżbieta , Nowak Iwona , Durbas Małgorzata , Horwacik Irena , Sawicka Anna , Rokita Hanna 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe main physiological function of MCPIP1 (regnase‐1) is negative regulation of inflammation. Moreover, roles of regnase‐1 in apoptosis and differentiation have also been described, but its involvement in cancer is yet to be fully recognized. Earlier, we showed a lack of expression of MCPIP1 in both primary tumors and several neuroblastoma cell lines. Additionally, we reported that levels of MCPIP1 and the key neuroblastoma oncoprotein—MYCN were inversely correlated in BE(2)‐C clones overexpressing the MCPIP1 gene. Here, we show that exogenous expression of the MCPIP1 protein decreases MYCN mRNA and protein levels without changing the MYCN mRNA half‐life. Furthermore, it was shown that MCPIP1‐wt exogenous expression affects levels and phosphorylation of MYCN partners such as Aurora A (Thr288), CDC2 (Tyr15 and Thr161), GSK3β (Ser9), and key cellular components of Akt/mTOR signaling, which regulate MYCN stability and activation. In accordance with the obtained results, we found increased phosphorylation of MYCN protein at Thr58 that causes destabilization of the oncoprotein. Moreover, it is shown that exogenous expression of MCPIP1 does not cause apoptosis. Our data extend knowledge on roles of MCPIP1 in our model and link the protein to regulation of expression and stability of MYCN through decrease of signaling via Akt/mTOR pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1741–1755, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macroporous hydroxyapatite ceramic beads for fluoride removal from drinking water
Authors: Nijhawan Anisha , Butler Elizabeth C , Sabatini David A 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study evaluates the capacity of hydroxyapatite ceramics to remove fluoride from drinking water. Porous hydroxyapatite ceramic beads approximately 5 mm in diameter were fabricated using soluble potato starch as well as insoluble rice starch, wheat starch, corn starch, and cellulose as pore‐forming agents.RESULTSCalcination of hydroxyapatite particles, followed by mixing with starches and water, compaction, and sintering at 1200 °C resulted in the formation of macroporous ceramic beads with maximum fluoride adsorption capacities ranging from 7 to 12 mg g−1, depending on the relative proportions of different pore‐forming agents. Increasing the insoluble starch content from 0 to 25% by volume in ceramics with 50% by volume hydroxyapatite led to a marked improvement in fluoride adsorption by creating interconnected macropores, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Calcination of hydroxyapatite powder at or above 400 °C before ceramic preparation was required to obtain a ceramic material with sufficient structural integrity to withstand operation and handling after sintering.CONCLUSIONThis study evaluates the potential of using porous hydroxyapatite ceramics to remove fluoride from drinking water. An increase in fluoride adsorption capacity was consistent with the observation of macropores in SEM images as well as an increase in open porosity and specific surface area (SSA) measurements as the insoluble starch content was increased from 0 to 25%. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Retracted: MicroRNA‐4656 is a prognostic factor and tumor suppressor in human pancreatic cancer through a downstream target of TrkA
Authors: Tan Xianglong , Lv Jinyong , Zhao Guodong , Zhao Zhiming , Li Chenggang , Xu Yong , Hu Minggen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn the present study, we investigated the expression profile and functional mechanism of microRNA‐4656 in human pancreatic cancer (PC).MethodsMiR‐4656 expression in PC tumors was examined using a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction in 134 patients. Associations between tumorous miR‐4656 expression and clinicopathological parameters of patients, as well as overall survival, were analyzed. MiR‐4656 expression was also examined in PC in vitro cell lines. In Capan‐1 and AsPC‐1 PC cells, lentivirus‐induced miR‐4656 overexpression or downregulation was applied to investigate its functional regulations on PC in vitro proliferation and invasion, as well as in vivo transplant growth. The association of miR‐4656 and its downstream target, the tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) gene, was investigated in both cell line and clinical pancreatic tumors. In miR‐4656‐overerxpressed PC cells, TrkA was overexpressed with the aim of investigating its role in miR‐4656‐induced functional regulation in PC.ResultsMiR‐4656 was downregulated in PC. Low tumorous miR‐4656 expression was associated with a poor prognosis and overall survival of patients. MiR‐4656 was also found to be downregulated in PC cell lines. MiR‐4656 overexpression in Capan‐1 and AsPC‐1 cells significantly inhibited cancer proliferation and invasion in vitro, as well as explant growth in vivo, whereas miR‐4656 downregulation had no effect on cancer development. The TrkA gene was directly bound by miR‐4656, and reversely expressed in PC tumors as miR‐4656. TrkA overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐4656‐overexpression on PC proliferation and invasion.ConclusionsMiR‐4656 is expressed to a low extent and is a potential biomarker in PC. Overexpressing miR‐4656 has tumor suppressive effects on PC development both in vitro and in vivo, likely through its downstream target of the TrkA gene.
A biophysical and computational study unraveling the molecular interaction mechanism of a new Janus kinase inhibitor Tofacitinib with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Abdelhameed Ali Saber , Nusrat Saima , Ajmal Mohammad Rehan , Zakariya Syed Mohammad , Zaman Masihuz , Khan Rizwan Hasan 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe interaction of a recently certified kinase inhibitor Tofacitinib (TFB) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied, by spectroscopic and molecular docking studies. Spectrofluorimetric measurements at 3 different temperatures (288, 298, and 310 K) showed that TFB quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA upon forming a nonfluorescent complex. The intrinsic fluorescence data showed that TFB binds to BSA with binding constant (Kb) of approximately 104M−1, affirming a significant affinity of TFB with BSA. The decrease in Stern‐Volmer quenching constant with increasing temperature exhibited the static mechanism of quenching. Negative value of ΔG (−6.94 ± 0.32 kcal·mol−1), ΔH (−7.87 ± 0.52 kcal·mol−1), and ΔS (−3.14 ± 0.42 cal·mol−1·K−1) at all 3 temperatures declared the reaction between BSA and TFB to be spontaneous and exothermic. Far‐UV circular dichroism spectroscopy results demonstrated an increase in helical content of BSA in the presence of TFB. Moreover, dynamic light scattering measurements showed that TFB resulted into a decrease in the hydrodynamic radii (from 3.6 ± 0.053 to 2.9 ± 0.02 nm) of BSA. Molecular docking studies confirmed that TFB binds near site II on BSA, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction were involved in the BSA‐TFB complex formation. The present study characterizing the BSA‐TFB interaction could be significant towards gaining an insight into the drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and also in the direction of rational drug designing with better competence, against emerging immune‐mediated diseases, ie, alopecia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Laryngeal pacing for bilateral vocal fold paralysis: Voice and respiratory aspects
Authors: Mueller Andreas H. , Hagen Rudolf , Pototschnig Claus , Foerster Gerhard , Grossmann Wilma , Baumbusch Katrin , Gugatschka Markus , Nawka Tadeus 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of neurostimulation with the laryngeal pacemaker (LP) system in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) in terms of voice quality and respiratory function.Study DesignFeasibility study, first‐in‐human, single‐arm, open‐label, prospective, multicenter study with group‐sequential design and 6‐month follow‐up period, as described in details in our previous publication.MethodsNine symptomatic BVFP subjects were unilaterally implanted with the LP system at three study sites in Germany and Austria. Subjective and objective voice function, spirometric parameters other than peak expiratory/inspiratory flow (PEF/PIF), and PEF‐meter self‐assessment were evaluated pre‐ and 6 months postimplantation.ResultsIn general, the LP system did not considerably change the voice quality of the implanted patients. Only the sound pressure level range improved significantly 6 months postimplantation (P = 0.018). The LP system implantation did not affect the glottal closure configuration, the duration of the closed phase, and the mucosal wave of the implanted side. The evaluated spirometric parameters were not significantly affected by laryngeal pacing, whereas PEF meter self‐assessment showed a stable and significant (P = 0.028) improvement of the PEF within a week upon activation of the LP system.ConclusionNeurostimulation with the LP system results in an immediate and stable PEF improvement, without negative effects on the voice quality. The PEF meter self‐assessment confirmed the spirometry results of the PEF. The stimulated abduction did not affect the glottal closure during phonation. These results should be confirmed in larger and more homogenous patient cohorts.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 127:1838–1844, 2017
Parameterization of the Effect of Bench Terraces on Runoff and Sediment Yield by Swat Modeling in a Small Semi‐arid Watershed in Northern Tunisia
Authors: Khelifa Walid Ben , Hermassi Taoufik , Strohmeier Stefan , Zucca Claudio , Ziadat Feras , Boufaroua Mohamed , Habaieb Hamadi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn Tunisia, soil and water conservation interventions are among the most practicable strategies to prevent and mitigate rainwater losses through surface runoff and consequential erosion of fertile soils. In this study, a small and terraced agricultural catchment (Sbaihia) was used as an experimental site to analyze and parameterize the effects of bench terraces on water and sediment yield using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. Model calibration and validation was performed, taking advantage from high‐quality daily runoff data from 1994 to 2000 and a high‐resolution bathymetric survey of the hill lake at the watershed outlet. Soil and Water Assessment Tool indicated that the local terraces, established on approximately 50% of the watershed area, reduced surface runoff by around 19% and sediment yield by around 22%, decelerating the siltation of the hill lake. Targeted model calibration delivered concise parameter set describing bench terrace impacts on runoff (Soil Conservation Service curve number method) and sediment yield (Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation) crucial for outscaling of soil and water conservation impacts and suitable watershed management. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Four‐dimensional diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (4D‐DWI): a feasibility study
Authors: Liu Yilin , Zhong Xiaodong , Czito Brian G. , Palta Manisha , Bashir Mustafa R. , Dale Brian M. , Yin Fang‐Fang , Cai Jing 
Published: December 2016

PurposeDiffusion‐weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWI) has been shown to be a powerful tool for cancer detection with high tumor‐to‐tissue contrast. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of developing a four‐dimensional DWI technique (4D‐DWI) for imaging respiratory motion for radiation therapy applications.Materials/MethodsImage acquisition was performed by repeatedly imaging a volume of interest (VOI) using an interleaved multislice single‐shot echo‐planar imaging (EPI) 2D‐DWI sequence in the axial plane. Each 2D‐DWI image was acquired with an intermediately low b‐value (b = 500 s/mm2) and with diffusion‐encoding gradients in x, y, and z diffusion directions. Respiratory motion was simultaneously recorded using a respiratory bellow, and the synchronized respiratory signal was used to retrospectively sort the 2D images to generate 4D‐DWI. Cine MRI using steady‐state free precession was also acquired as a motion reference. As a preliminary feasibility study, this technique was implemented on a 4D digital human phantom (XCAT) with a simulated pancreas tumor. The respiratory motion of the phantom was controlled by regular sinusoidal motion profile. 4D‐DWI tumor motion trajectories were extracted and compared with the input breathing curve. The mean absolute amplitude differences (D) were calculated in superior–inferior (SI) direction and anterior–posterior (AP) direction. The technique was then evaluated on two healthy volunteers. Finally, the effects of 4D‐DWI on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements were investigated for hypothetical heterogeneous tumors via simulations.ResultsTumor trajectories extracted from XCAT 4D‐DWI were consistent with the input signal: the average D value was 1.9 mm (SI) and 0.4 mm (AP). The average D value was 2.6 mm (SI) and 1.7 mm (AP) for the two healthy volunteers.ConclusionA 4D‐DWI technique has been developed and evaluated on digital phantom and human subjects. 4D‐DWI can lead to more accurate respiratory motion measurement. This has a great potential to improve the visualization and delineation of cancer tumors for radiotherapy.
Experimental evaluation of x‐ray acoustic computed tomography for radiotherapy dosimetry applications
Authors: Hickling Susannah , Lei Hao , Hobson Maritza , Léger Pierre , Wang Xueding , El Naqa Issam 
Published: December 2016

PurposeThe aim of this work was to experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of x‐ray acoustic computed tomography (XACT) as a dosimetry tool in a clinical radiotherapy environment.MethodsThe acoustic waves induced following a single pulse of linear accelerator irradiation in a water tank were detected with an immersion ultrasound transducer. By rotating the collimator and keeping the transducer stationary, acoustic signals at varying angles surrounding the field were detected and reconstructed to form an XACT image. Simulated XACT images were obtained using a previously developed simulation workflow. Profiles extracted from experimental and simulated XACT images were compared to profiles measured with an ion chamber. A variety of radiation field sizes and shapes were investigated.ResultsXACT images resembling the geometry of the delivered radiation field were obtained for fields ranging from simple squares to more complex shapes. When comparing profiles extracted from simulated and experimental XACT images of a 4 cm × 4 cm field, 97% of points were found to pass a 3%/3 mm gamma test. Agreement between simulated and experimental XACT images worsened when comparing fields with fine details. Profiles extracted from experimental XACT images were compared to profiles obtained through clinical ion chamber measurements, confirming that the intensity of XACT images is related to deposited radiation dose. Seventy‐seven percent of the points in a profile extracted from an experimental XACT image of a 4 cm × 4 cm field passed a 7%/4 mm gamma test when compared to an ion chamber measured profile. In a complicated puzzle‐piece shaped field, 86% of the points in an XACT extracted profile passed a 7%/4 mm gamma test.ConclusionsXACT images with intensity related to the spatial distribution of deposited dose in a water tank were formed for a variety of field sizes and shapes. XACT has the potential to be a useful tool for absolute, relative and in vivo dosimetry.
Evaluation of motion mitigation using abdominal compression in the clinical implementation of pencil beam scanning proton therapy of liver tumors
Authors: Lin Liyong , Souris Kevin , Kang Minglei , Glick Adam , Lin Haibo , Huang Sheng , Stützer Kristin , Janssens Guillaume , Sterpin Edmond , Lee John A. , Solberg Timothy D. , McDonough James E. , Simone Charles B. , Ben‐Josef Edgar 
Published: December 2016

PurposeTo determine whether individual liver tumor patients can be safely treated with pencil beam scanning proton therapy. This study reports a planning preparation workflow that can be used for beam angle selection and the evaluation of the efficacy of abdominal compression (AC) to mitigate motion.MethodsFour‐dimensional computed tomography scans (4DCT) with and without AC were available from 10 liver tumor patients with fluoroscopy‐proven motion reduction by AC, previously treated using photons. For each scan, the motion amplitudes and the motion‐induced variation of water‐equivalent thickness (ΔWET) in each voxel of the target volume were evaluated during treatment plan preparation. Optimal proton beam angles were selected after volume analysis of the respective beam‐specific planning target volume (BSPTV). M⊥80 and ΔWET80 derived from the 80th percentiles of perpendicular motion amplitude (M⊥) and ΔWET were compared with and without AC. Proton plans were created on the average CT to achieve target coverage similar to that of the conventional photon treatments. 4D dynamic dose calculation was performed postplan by synchronizing proton beam delivery timing patterns to the 4DCT phases to assess interplay and fractionation effects, and to determine motion criteria for subsequent patient treatment.ResultsSelected coplanar beam angles ranged between 180° and 39°, primarily from right lateral (oblique) and posterior (oblique) directions. While AC produced a significant reduction in mean Liver‐GTV dose, any reduction in mean heart dose was patient dependent and not significant. Similarly, AC resulted in reductions in M⊥, ΔWET, and BSPTV volumes and improved dose degradation (ΔD95 and ΔD1) within the CTV. For small motion (M⊥80 < 7 mm and ΔWET80 < 5 mm), motion mitigation was not needed. For moderate motion (M⊥80 7–10 mm or ΔWET80 5–7 mm), AC produced a modest improvement. For large motion (M⊥80 > 10 mm or ΔWET80 > 7 mm), AC and/or some other form of mitigation strategies were required.ConclusionA workflow for screening patients’ motion characteristics and optimizing beam angle selection was established for the pencil beam scanning proton therapy treatment of liver tumors. Abdominal compression was found to be useful at mitigation of moderate and large motion.