bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Lateral Flushing on Emitter Clogging under Drip Irrigation with Yellow River Water and a Suitable Method
Authors: Han Siqi , Li Yunkai , Xu Feipeng , Sun Dongxuan , Feng Ji , Liu Zeyuan , Wu Ruonan , Wang Zhenhua 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLateral flushing is expected to become an important means of controlling emitter clogging in drip irrigation systems. This research investigated the effect of different flushing frequencies (once every 32, 64, 96 and 128 h) and flushing velocities (0.2, 0.4 and 0. m s−1) on emitter clogging. The experimental results showed that the substances that clogged the emitters mainly come from the cast of internal laterals, and could be effectively controlled by lateral flushing. And emitter clogging was most effectively relieved for the frequency of once per 64 h, and the velocity of 0.4 m s−1. The discharge ratio variation (Dra) and the coefficient of uniformity (CU) of the drip irrigation system, increased from 7.7 to 21.9% and 11.6 to 67.4%, respectively, compared with non‐flushed laterals. Also, as the frequency increased, Dra and CU first decreased and then increased. Similarly, with the increase of flushing velocity, Dra and CU also decreased then increased. In conclusion, for the drip irrigation system with YRW, the suitable lateral flushing velocity was found to be 0.4 m s−1 at a frequency of once per 64 h. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an artificial neural network model for risk assessment of skin sensitization using human cell line activation test, direct peptide reactivity assay, KeratinoSens™ and in silico structure alert parameter
Authors: Hirota Morihiko , Ashikaga Takao , Kouzuki Hirokazu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIt is important to predict the potential of cosmetic ingredients to cause skin sensitization, and in accordance with the European Union cosmetic directive for the replacement of animal tests, several in vitro tests based on the adverse outcome pathway have been developed for hazard identification, such as the direct peptide reactivity assay, KeratinoSens™ and the human cell line activation test. Here, we describe the development of an artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model for skin sensitization risk assessment based on the integrated testing strategy concept, using direct peptide reactivity assay, KeratinoSens™, human cell line activation test and an in silico or structure alert parameter. We first investigated the relationship between published murine local lymph node assay EC3 values, which represent skin sensitization potency, and in vitro test results using a panel of about 134 chemicals for which all the required data were available. Predictions based on ANN analysis using combinations of parameters from all three in vitro tests showed a good correlation with local lymph node assay EC3 values. However, when the ANN model was applied to a testing set of 28 chemicals that had not been included in the training set, predicted EC3s were overestimated for some chemicals. Incorporation of an additional in silico or structure alert descriptor (obtained with TIMES‐M or Toxtree software) in the ANN model improved the results. Our findings suggest that the ANN model based on the integrated testing strategy concept could be useful for evaluating the skin sensitization potential.
Ex vivo confocal microscopy features of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hartmann Daniela , Krammer Sebastian , Bachmann Mario R. , Mathemeier Leonie , Ruzicka Thomas , Bagci Isin S. , von Braunmühl Tanja 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundRapid microscopic evaluation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), its grade of differentiation and level of invasiveness would enable better management of patients’ therapy.ObjectivesAnalyzing specific ex vivo confocal microscopy criteria whether they can predict diagnosis of invasive SCC vs carcinoma in situ and poorly differentiated or undifferentiated vs well and moderately differentiated SCC.MethodsEx vivo confocal images of 102 SCCs in 57 patients were evaluated immediately after excision for the presence of predefined criteria based on confocal and histological knowledge.ResultsIn histopathological examination, 30 SCCs were in situ and 72 invasive. Of these, 29 invasive SCC tumors were well, 19 moderately, 15 poorly differentiated and 9 undifferentiated. χ2 analysis demonstrated that presence of erosion/ulceration, plump bright or speckled cells in dermis, keratin pearls and peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate correlated with diagnosis of invasive SCC. Erosion/ulceration and peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate were observed more frequently in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors. Plump bright or speckled cells in the dermis were observed less often in well‐differentiated tumors. The presence of keratin pearls was associated with well or moderately differentiated tumors.ConclusionEx vivo CLSM allowed rapid examination of SCC and provided useful information on invasiveness and grading of the tumor.
Intestinal organoids containing poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Davoudi Zahra , Peroutka‐Bigus Nathan , Bellaire Bryan , Wannemuehler Michael , Barrett Terrence A , Narasimhan Balaji , Wang Qun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation to the gastrointestinal tract. Local administration of anti‐inflammatory drugs such as 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) can alleviate the symptoms of IBD. The application of nanoparticles for IBD treatment in direct rectal administration showed high drug availability and treatment efficacy. However, relying on size‐dependent adsorption of smaller particles is not sufficient for making the formulation capable of targeting. Intestinal organoids can improve the functionality of the nanoparticles due to their ability to adsorb small nanoparticle inside the lumen and attach to the damaged area. In this study, intestinal organoids were used as carriers of 5‐ASA‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles. The nanoparticle sizes, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, were 200–300 nm and the zeta potential were negative. The nanoparticles did not have any noticeable pernicious effect on organoid growth and viability. After mixing the nanoparticles with Matrigel and organoids, Rhodamine B loaded inside the nanoparticles was highly detected inside the organoid's lumen after 3 days by confocal fluorescent microscopy and no longer detected in the lumen after day 4. It may be attributed to the ability of the lumen to digest particles. Thus, the organoid Trojan horse system is a possible approach for delivering drugs to inflamed areas. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 876–886, 2018.
Solvent or thermal extraction of ethylene oxide from polymeric materials: Medical device considerations
Authors: Lucas Anne D. , Forrey Christopher , Saylor David M. , Vorvolakos Katherine 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEthylene oxide (EO) gas is commonly used to sterilize medical devices. Bioavailable residual EO, however, presents a significant toxicity risk to patients. Residual EO is assessed using international standards describing extraction conditions for different medical device applications. We examine a series of polymers and explore different extraction conditions to determine residual EO. Materials were sterilized with EO and exhaustively extracted in water, in one of three organic solvents, or in air using thermal desorption. The EO exhaustively extracted varies significantly and is dictated by two factors: the EO that permeates the material during sterilization; and the effectiveness of the extraction protocol in flushing residual EO from the material. Extracted EO is maximized by a close matches between Hildebrand solubility parameters δpolymer, δEO, and δsolvent. There remain complexities to resolve, however, because maximized EO uptake and detection are accompanied by great variability. These observations may inform protocols for material selection, sterilization, and EO extraction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2455–2463, 2018.
Proof of concept testing of a positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro skin irritation testing
Authors: Nomura Yusuke , Lee Michelle , Fukui Chie , Watanabe Kayo , Olsen Daniel , Turley Audrey , Morishita Yuki , Kawakami Tsuyoshi , Yuba Toshiyasu , Fujimaki Hideo , Inoue Kaoru , Yoshida Midori , Ogawa Kumiko , Haishima Yuji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn vivo and in vitro irritation testing is important for evaluating the biological safety of medical devices. Here, the performance of positive reference materials for skin irritation testing was evaluated. Four reference standards, referred to as Y‐series materials, were analyzed: a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet spiked with 0 (Y‐1), 1.0 (Y‐2), 1.5 (Y‐3), or 10 (Y‐4) parts of Genapol X‐080 per 100 parts of PVC by weight. Y‐1, Y‐2, and Y‐3 did not induce skin irritation responses in an in vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) tissue model, as measured by tissue viability or interleukin‐1α release, or in an in vivo intracutaneous response test using rabbits. In contrast, Y‐4 extracts prepared with saline or sesame oil at 37°C and 50°C clearly elicited positive irritation responses, including reduced viability (< 50%) and significantly higher interleukin‐1α release compared with the solvent alone group, in the RhE tissue model and an intracutaneous response test, where substantial necrosis was observed by histopathology. The positive skin irritation responses induced in vitro under various extraction conditions, as well as those elicited in vivo, indicate that Y‐4 is an effective extractable positive control material for in vivo and in vitro skin irritation tests of medical devices. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2807–2814, 2018.
Amino group of salicylic acid exhibits enhanced inhibitory potential against insulin amyloid fibrillation with protective aptitude toward amyloid induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Zaman Masihuz , Khan Mohsin Vahid , Zakariya Syed Mohammad , Nusrat Saima , Meeran Syed Mustapha , Alam Parvez , Ajmal Mohammad Rehan , Wahiduzzaman Wahiduzzaman , Shahein Yasser E. , Abouelella Amira M. , Khan Rizwan Hasan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractProtein misfolding and aggregation lead to amyloid generation that in turn may induce cell membrane disruption and leads to cell apoptosis. In an effort to prevent or treat amyloidogenesis, large number of studies has been paying attention on breakthrough of amyloid inhibitors. In the present work, we aim to access the effect of two drugs, that is, acetylsalicylic acid and 5‐amino salicylic acid on insulin amyloids by using various biophysical, imaging, cell viability assay, and computational approaches. We established that both drugs reduce the turbidity, light scattering and fluorescence intensity of amyloid indicator dye thioflavin T. Premixing of drugs with insulin inhibited the nucleation phase and inhibitory potential was boosted by increasing the concentration of the drug. Moreover, addition of drugs at the studied concentrations attenuated the insulin fibril induced cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231. Our results highlight the amino group of salicylic acid exhibited enhanced inhibitory effects on insulin fibrillation in comparison to acetyl group. It may be due to presence of amino group that helps it to prolong the nucleation phase with strong binding as well as disruption of aromatic and hydrophobic stacking that plays a key role in amyloid progression.
Resistance of oral cancer cells to 5‐ALA‐mediated photodynamic therapy
Authors: Rosin Flávia Cristina P. , Teixeira Marina Gabriela , Pelissari Cibele , Corrêa Luciana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has been indicated for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at early stages. Chemo and radio‐resistance are frequently observed in OSCC, but it is unknown whether this tumor can develop resistance to PDT. It was investigated the process of acquiring resistance to multiple cycles of PDT by using OSCC cells. We also analyzed the expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins and those related to Akt/mTOR pathway. Sub‐lethal doses of PDT were applied, consisting of a constant concentration of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) (1 mM, 4‐h incubation) and increasing irradiation dose with LED (from 5.86 to 10.54 J/cm2). Cell viability, migration capacity, intracellular expression of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), mitochondrial density, and pro‐survival proteins were investigated in PDT‐resistant cells. Six OSCC cell generations resistant to PDT were isolated. The resistant cells exhibited a survival phenotype characterized by a reduction in the expression of endogenous PpIX, increase in mitochondrial density, increase in migration capacity, and up‐regulation of p‐NFκB, p‐survivin, iNOS, p‐Akt Ser473, cyclin D1, p‐mTOR Ser2481, and p‐mTOR Ser2448. OSCC cells are able to survive doses of 5‐ALA‐PDT by reducing PpIX synthesis and activating signaling pathways related to the inhibition of apoptosis and improvement of cell proliferation. Further studies are necessary to confirm whether this PDT‐resistance phenotype can be clinically present, mainly in OSCC showing clinical recurrences after exposure to different PDT protocols.
Identification of potential crucial genes associated with carcinogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Erlin , Song Wenting , Ren Minghua , Xing Li , Ni Wenjun , Li Yongxiang , Gong Mancheng , Zhao Mingbo , Ma Xin , Zhang Xu , An Ruihua 
Published: December 2017

AbstractClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common genitourinary malignancy with high mortality. However, the molecular pathogenesis of ccRCC remains unclear and effective biomarkers for daily practice are still limited. Thus, we aimed to identify the potential crucial genes and pathways associated with carcinogenesis of ccRCC and further analyze the molecular mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis. In the present study, expression profiles GSE 66270, GSE 53757, GSE 36895, and GSE 76351 were downloaded from GEO database, including 244 matched primary and adjacent normal tissues, furthermore, the level 3 RNAseq dataset (RNAseqV2 RSEM) of KIRC was also downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), which consist of 529 ccRCC tumors and 72 normal tissues. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathway enrichment were analyzed by using R software. A total of 129 up‐ and 123 down‐regulated genes were identified, which were aberrantly expressed both in GEO and TCGA data. Second, Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed that most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in integral component of membrane, extracellular exosome, plasma membrane, cell adhesion, and receptor binding. Signaling pathway analyses indicated that DEGs had common pathways in signal transduction, metabolism, and immune system. Third, hub genes were identified with protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network, including PTPRC, TGFB1, EGF, MYC, ITGB2, CTSS, FN1, CCL5, KNG1, and CD86. Additionally, sub‐networks analyse was also performed by using MCODE plugin. In conclusion, the novel DEGs and pathways in ccRCC identified in this study may provide new insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms that facilitates RCC carcinogenesis.
Genetic polymorphisms of microRNA machinery genes predict overall survival of esophageal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Wang Cuiju , Dong Hailing , Fan Haiyan , Wu Jianhua , Wang Guiying 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundMicroRNA (miRNA)‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (miR‐SNPs) in miRNA processing machinery genes are implicated in carcinogenesis, as they change the expression profiles of miRNA. Six miR‐SNPs in miRNA processing machinery genes, including Dicer (rs3742330), RAN (rs14035), XPO5 (rs11077), TNRC6B (rs9623117), GEMIN3 (rs197412), and GEMIN4 (rs2740348), were evaluated for their association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsThe miR‐SNP of the miRNA processing genes were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction‐ligase detection reaction (PCR‐LDR) assay, while the XPO5 expression levels in ESCC tissues were measured by immunochemistry methods.ResultsPatients carrying the rs11077 AA allele exhibited a significantly increased lifespan than AC+CC carriers, as determined by univariate and multivariate analyses (relative risk: 2.490; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.225‐5.058; P=.012). Furthermore, the rs11077 AA genotype displayed a trend for high XPO5 expression in ESCC tissues by immunochemistry analysis, and these high XPO5 expression levels were also associated with high survival rates among ESCC patients.ConclusionOur results suggested that the miRNA machinery gene expression‐associated miR‐SNPs would modify cancer outcomes; in this light, XPO5 may be an important new target for ESCC therapy.
Bombesin‐functionalized water‐soluble gold nanoparticles for targeting prostate cancer
Authors: Simpson Emily J. , Gobbo Pierangelo , Bononi Fernanda C. , Murrell Emily , Workentin Mark S. , Luyt Leonard G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCancer targeting can be used for both tumor diagnosis and therapy. Recently, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have found utility in this field as they are very small in size, and thus display an enhanced permeability and retention effect, allowing them to be taken up by tumor cells through “passive targeting.” However, this accumulation is non‐specific. Conversely, AuNPs functionalized with targeting entities such as peptides, antibodies, or small molecules can specifically target tumors through interaction with cancer‐specific protein receptors. In this study, targeted AuNPs were developed using an azide‐modified peptide that was able to react with alkyne‐functionalized AuNPs through an interfacial strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. Small (3 nm) AuNPs were made water‐soluble through PEGylation and functionalized with dibenzocyclooctyne to add the alkyne functionality. For the targeting entity, a pan‐bombesin peptide ([D‐Phe6,β‐Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]bombesin(6–14)) was chosen as it binds to all four receptor subtypes of the gastrin releasing peptide receptor, which is highly expressed in prostate cancer. Prostate cancer (PC‐3) cells were incubated with the targeted AuNPs and studied via transmission electron microscopy. AuNPs conjugated with bombesin showed higher accumulation in PC‐3 cells than either the blocking or control studies. These results suggest that these small, water‐soluble, bombesin‐functionalized AuNPs have potential applications in targeting prostate cancer as diagnostic or therapeutic entities.
Origin and transformation of the in‐flight wing‐coupling structure in Psocodea (Insecta: Paraneoptera)
Authors: Ogawa Naoki , Yoshizawa Kazunori 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany four‐winged insects have mechanisms that unite the forewings and hindwings in a single plane. Such an in‐flight wing coupling apparatus may improve flight performance in four‐winged insects, but its structure is variable among different insect groups. The wings of bark lice (Insecta: Psocodea: “Psocoptera”) also have an in‐flight wing coupling apparatus, but to date, its morphology has not been studied in detail. In this study, we examined the wing‐coupling structure in representative species of the three suborders of bark lice (Trogiomorpha, Troctomorpha, and Psocomorpha) and inferred its origin and transformation. We conclude that the main component of the psocodean wing coupling apparatus evolved once in the common ancestor via modification of cuticular structures at the apex of the forewing CuP vein. Morphological differences in components of the coupling structures are phylogenetically informative at the intraorder level and include an autapomorphy that characterizes Troctomorpha and a synapomorphy that supports a sister relationship between Troctomorpha and Psocomorpha.
The ontogeny of the female reproductive system in the parasitic castrator pea crab Calyptraeotheres garthi: Implications for its mating system
Authors: Ocampo Emiliano H. , Luppi Tomás A. , Spivak Eduardo D. , Klaus Sebastian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe knowledge of the mating system of pea crabs is still fragmentary as it remains dubious whether females copulate in the juvenile and free‐living ‘hard’ or in the obligatory symbiotic stages (adult stage ‘V’ or intermediate stages II to IV). To discriminate between these two possibilities, we analysed the female seminal receptacles, vagina and opercula, and the sperm content in different stages of the pea crab Calyptraeotheres garthi. Our histology and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that in the hard stage the seminal receptacle is simple without secretory epithelia, and vagina and opercula are not controlled by musculature. In stages II to IV, the seminal receptacles, vagina, and opercula are under development and these structures reach maturity in stage V. These results suggest that females become receptive in stage V and not during predating stages. We found no spermatozoa in SR of ‘hard’ and stage II to IV females while these structures were loaded of sperm in most stage V, indicating that females start to mate in stage V. Our results support the notion that males of C. garthi roam among hosts in search for sedentary stage V females, as predicted by Baeza and Thiel's () model of mating systems for symbiotic crustaceans. Nevertheless, we failed to reveal whether females mate repeatedly: the accumulation of sperm in larger females might indicate occurrence of multiple copula or a high variability in male sperm transfer.
Elaborate ultrastructure of the Hirudo (Annelida: Hirudinae) cocoon surface
Authors: Saidel William M. , Saglam Naim , Salas‐de la Cruz David , Saunders Ralph , Shain Daniel H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSpecies of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis, H. verbana, and H. sulukii) secrete hard‐shelled cocoons. When initially deposited, a cocoon is surrounded by a foam. Over a short time, the foam is transformed into a three‐dimensional structure. We show here that this peripheral structure likely forms by the solidification and dehydration of a moderately viscous, proteinaceous substance that surrounds bubbles of various sizes. The resulting matrix‐like structure comprises a network of curved branches juxtaposed at ∼120° and taper in width as a function of distance from the outer cocoon wall. The material is proteinaceous, and traps environmental material in its composition, especially silicon. The geometry of compartments and abundance of silicon on branch surfaces suggest a mechanism for trapping water to prevent desiccation in a terrestrial environment.