bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PARTIAL ROOTZONE DRYING TO SAVE WATER WHILE GROWING APPLES IN A SEMI‐ARID REGION
Authors: Zegbe Jorge A. , Serna‐Pérez Alfonso 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTWater availability represents the main environmental limitation in arid and semi‐arid agro‐ecosystems. In these regions, irrigation water is a scarce and expensive resource for apple and other horticultural production systems. The north‐central part of Mexico, where 70% (≈ 44 thousand hectares) of apples are grown, is such a semi‐arid system. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of partial rootzone drying (PRD) on tree physiology, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and irrigation water use efficiency of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees growing in a semi‐arid region. Treatments were commercial irrigation (CI, as control) and PRD (50% of the irrigation water supplied to CI). The PRD trees had slightly reduced leaf xylem water potential, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Yield, fruit size and quality, vegetative growth, and pruning weight were not modified by the irrigation treatments. Over three years, average WUE increased by 51% under PRD irrigation and water savings were ≈ 3, 240 m3 water per hectare. Therefore, PRD is a potential irrigation technique to make apple production sustainable not only in the semi‐arid regions of Mexico, but also in other regions where water resources are becoming insufficient. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic factors controlling carrier anchoring on vascular cells
Authors: Swaminathan Tirumani N. , Liu Jin , Balakrishnan Uma , Ayyaswamy Portonovo S. , Radhakrishnan Ravi , Eckmann David M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article reviews experimental and modeling methods for determining the critical roles played by the various factors that control nanocarrier drug delivery to vascular endothelial cells. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011
Magnetic nanoparticles for targeted vascular delivery
Authors: Chorny Michael , Fishbein Ilia , Forbes Scott , Alferiev Ivan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMagnetic targeting has shown promise to improve the efficacy and safety of different classes of therapeutic agents by enabling their active guidance to the site of disease and minimizing dissemination to nontarget tissues. However, its translation into clinic has proven difficult because of inherent limitations of traditional approaches inapplicable for deep tissue targeting in human subjects and a need for developing well‐characterized and fully biocompatible magnetic carrier formulations. A novel magnetic targeting scheme based on the magnetizing effect of deep‐penetrating uniform fields is presented as an example of a strategy providing a potentially clinically viable solution for preventing injury‐triggered reobstruction of stented blood vessels (in‐stent restenosis). The design of optimized magnetic carrier formulations and experimental results showing the feasibility of uniform field‐controlled targeting for site‐specific vascular delivery of small‐molecule pharmaceuticals, biotherapeutics, and cells are discussed in the context of antirestenotic therapy. The versatility of this approach applicable to different classes of therapeutic agents exerting their antirestenotic effects through distinct mechanisms prompts exploring the utility of uniform field‐mediated magnetic stent targeting for combination therapies with enhanced efficiencies and improved safety profiles. Additional improvements in terms of site specificity and protracted carrier retention at the site of injury may be expected from the development and use of magnetic carriers exhibiting affinity for arterial wall‐specific antigens. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011
Effects of melamine on pregnant dams and embryo‐fetal development in rats
Authors: Kim Sung‐Hwan , Lee In‐Chul , Lim Jeong‐Hyeon , Shin In‐Sik , Moon Changjong , Kim Sung‐Ho , Park Seung‐Chun , Kim Hyoung‐Chin , Kim Jong‐Choon 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThere are worldwide concerns regarding the potential adverse effect of melamine. This study investigated the potential effects of melamine on pregnant dams and embryo‐fetal development in Sprague–Dawley rats following maternal exposure on gestational days (GD) 6–20. Melamine was administered to pregnant rats by gavage at doses of 0, 200, 400 and 800 mg kg−1 per day (n = 8–10 for each group). All dams were subjected to a Caesarean section on GD 21 and their fetuses were examined for morphological abnormalities. With administration of melamine at 800 mg kg−1 per day, maternal toxicity manifested as increased incidences of clinical signs and death, lower body weight gain and food intake, and increases in heart, adrenal gland and kidney weights. Histopathological examinations revealed an increase in incidences of congestion, tubular necrosis/degeneration, crystals, casts, inflammatory cells in tubules, tubular dilation and tubular hyaline droplets in the maternal kidneys, while fetal kidneys (one fetus/litter) did not show any histopathological changes. Developmental toxic effects included a decrease in fetal weight, an increase in the incidence of skeletal variations and a delay in fetal ossification. No treatment‐related maternal or developmental effects were observed at doses ≤400 mg kg−1 per day. These results show that 15‐day repeated oral dosing of melamine is embryo‐/fetotoxic at a maternotoxic dose, but not teratogenic in rats. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level of melamine for pregnant dams and embryo‐fetal development is considered to be 400 mg kg−1 per day. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amelioration of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis rats by blood purification treatment using 4‐mercaptoethylpyridine‐based adsorbent
Authors: Ren Jun , Bai Ying , Hao Lan , Dong Yan , Pi Zhiqian , Jia Lingyun 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe role of immunoadsorption therapy is well established in the management of myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness and caused by circulating IgG antibodies with specificity against the acetylcholine receptor. Conventional immunoadsorbents that employ recombinant protein A as immobilized ligand suffer from the drawbacks of high cost and low stability. The objective of this work is to assess the safety and efficacy of a synthetic adsorbent for treating MG. Adsorption columns were prepared from a Sepharose‐based adsorbent coupled to 4‐mercaptoethylpyridine (MEP), which acted as immobilized ligands. Animal model of experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) using Lewis rats was developed and treated by whole blood perfusion. The results showed that the treatments provided a significant amelioration of clinical weakness for EAMG rats, with clinic score decreasing from 2.08 ± 0.38 to 1.25 ± 0.27. After a treatment session of about 1.5 h, blood cell counts were not significantly changed. Serum levels of total IgG and acetylcholine receptor antibody were reduced by 37.1 ± 6.5% and 35.6 ± 8.6%, respectively. In addition, reduction in complement components C3 (47.1 ± 6.7%), C4 (34.3 ± 3.4%), inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐17 (10.4 ± 2.7%), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (8.2 ± 3.1%) were also observed. This study demonstrated that MEP‐based adsorbent not only removed pathogenic autoantibodies directly from the blood as with protein A adsorbents but also modulated cellular immunity through removal of complement components and related proinflammatory cytokines, thereby providing a potentially superior strategy for the treatment of MG. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
In vivo comparative biokinetics and biocompatibility of titanium and zirconium microparticles
Authors: Olmedo Daniel G. , Tasat Deborah R. , Evelson Pablo , Rebagliatti Raúl , Guglielmotti María B. , Cabrini Rómulo L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTitanium and zirconium are biomaterials that present a layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) or zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). As a result of corrosion, microparticles can be released into the bioenvironment, and their effect on tissues is seemingly associated with differences in the physicochemical properties of these metals. The aim of this study was to perform a long‐term evaluation of the distribution, destination, and potential risk of TiO2 and ZrO2 microparticles that might result from the corrosion process. Wistar rats were i.p. injected with an equal dose of either TiO2 or ZrO2 suspension. The following end‐points were evaluated at 3, 6, and 18 months: (a) the presence of particles in blood cells and liver and lung tissue, (b) Ti and Zr deposit quantitation, (c) oxidant–antioxidant balance in tissues, and (d) O2− generation in alveolar macrophages. Ti and Zr particles were detected in blood mononuclear cells and in organ parenchyma. At equal doses and times postadministration, Ti content in organs was consistently higher than Zr content. Ti elicited a significant increase in O2− generation in the lung compared to Zr. The consumption of antioxidant enzymes was greater in the Ti than in the Zr group. The present study shows that the biokinetics of TiO2 and ZrO2 depends on particle size, shape, and/or crystal structure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Preparation, structure, and in vitro chemical durability of yttrium phosphate microspheres for intra‐arterial radiotherapy
Authors: Kawashita Masakazu , Matsui Naoko , Li Zhixia , Miyazaki Toshiki , Kanetaka Hiroyasu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractChemically durable microspheres containing yttrium and/or phosphorus are useful for intra‐arterial radiotherapy. In this study, we attempted to prepare yttrium phosphate (YPO4) microspheres with high chemical durability. YPO4 microspheres with smooth surfaces and diameters of around 25 μm were successfully obtained when gelatin droplets containing yttrium and phosphate ions were cooled and solidified in a water‐in‐oil emulsion and then heat‐treated at 1100°C. The chemical durability of the heat‐treated microspheres in a simulated body fluid at pH = 6 and 7 was high enough for clinical application of intra‐arterial radiotherapy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Characterization and preliminary in vivo evaluation of a novel modified hydroxyapatite produced by extrusion and spheronization techniques
Authors: Cortez P. P. , Atayde L. M. , Silva M. A. , Armada‐da‐Silva P. , Fernandes M. H. , Afonso A. , Lopes M. A. , Maurício A. C. , Santos J. D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA glass‐reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) composite, recently registered as Bonelike®, was developed for bone grafting. This biomaterial is composed of a modified HA matrix with α‐ and β‐tricalcium phosphate secondary phases and ionic species that mimic the chemical composition of human bone. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the benefits of these properties. However, these studies were all executed with Bonelike® polygonal granules obtained by crushing. In this study, Bonelike® pellets were produced through a patented process, which required the use of techniques such as extrusion and spheronization. The final product presented a homogeneous size, a 55.1% global porosity and a spherical shape. This spherical shape permitted a better adaptation to the implantation site and improved injectability. Additionally, it also may contribute to formation of macropores as pellets packaging leaves open spaces. After implantation of Bonelike® polygonal granules and Bonelike® pellets in monocortical defects in sheep for 8 and 12 weeks, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed extensive osteointegration simultaneously with bone regeneration for both presentations. Histomorphometric analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between defects treated with Bonelike® polygonal granules and Bonelike® pellets, which suggests similar in vivo performances. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Formulated siRNAs targeting Rankl prevent osteolysis and enhance chemotherapeutic response in osteosarcoma models
Authors: Rousseau Julie , Escriou Virginie , Lamoureux François , Brion Régis , Chesneau Julie , Battaglia Séverine , Amiaud Jérome , Scherman Daniel , Heymann Dominique , Rédini Françoise , Trichet Valérie 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The development of osteosarcoma, the most common malignant primary bone tumor is characterized by a vicious cycle established between tumor proliferation and paratumor osteolysis. This osteolysis is mainly regulated by the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Rankl blockade by soluble receptors is an effective strategy to prevent osteolytic lesions leading to osteosarcoma inhibition. A new therapeutic option could be to directly inhibit Rankl expression by small interfering RNAs (Rkl-siRNAs) and combine these molecules with chemotherapy to counteract the osteosarcoma development more efficiently. An efficient siRNA sequence directed against both mouse and rat mRNAs coding Rankl was first validated in vitro and tested in two models of osteosarcoma: a syngenic osteolytic POS-1 model induced in immunocompetent mice and a xenograft osteocondensant model of rat OSRGA in athymic mice. Intratumor injections of Rankl-directed siRNAs in combination with the cationic liposome RPR209120/DOPE reduced the local and systemic Rankl production and protected bone from paratumor osteolysis. Although Rkl-siRNAs alone had no effect on tumor development in both osteosarcoma models, it significantly blocked tumor progression when combined with ifosfamide compared with chemotherapy alone. Our results indicate that siRNAs could be delivered using cationic liposomes and thereby could inhibit Rankl production in a specific manner in osteosarcoma models. Moreover, the Rankl inhibition mediated by RNA interference strategy improves the therapeutic response of primary osteosarcoma to chemotherapy. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Bone marrow processing with the AMICUS™ separator system
Authors: Witt V. , Beiglböck E. , Fritsch G. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractABO incompatible bone marrow transplantation (BMT) requires processing of the donated bone marrow (BM), either erythrocyte depletion, or also a volume reduction. The AMICUS™ system was introduced in the field of peripheral blood mononuclear cell collection, showing a good performance regarding efficiency and safety. To evaluate the performance of the MNC collection program of the Amicus device for BM, we analysed our data obtained from the Amicus and the Fenwal CS3000omnix™ plus device. Methods: From 2005 to 2008, we performed 22 automated erythrocyte depletions of BM for ABO mismatched BMT in 21 patients, 11 with the Amicus (A; 10 patients) and 11 with the CS3000 (F; 11) device. Results: There were no statistical differences in donor age, recipient age, type of ABO mismatch, and CD34+ cell yield [group A pre 7.03 post 4.93 vs. group F pre 8.55 and post 6.2 × 10E06 cells per kilogram of bodyweight] for both devices. The efficiency for the CD34+ cell collection was lower, but not statistically significant, in the Amicus device (70% ± 12 vs. 84% ± 12; U‐test P = 0.123). The erythrocyte volume in the final product was higher but not statistically significant different in the Amicus device (9.46 ± 2.3 vs. 6.98 ± 3.3 ml; U‐test P = 0.17). During the evaluation period, no technical problems were observed. Allpatients but one, who died at d + 11, showed a sustained engraftment. Conclusions: We conclude that, in principle, the Amicus device can be used for MNC collection from BM to deplete erythrocytes from BM grafts in allogeneic stem cell transplantations. J. Clin. Apheresis 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ab Initio prediction of protein–ligand binding structures by replica‐exchange umbrella sampling simulations
Authors: Kokubo Hironori , Tanaka Toshimasa , Okamoto Yuko 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe have developed a prediction method for the binding structures of ligands with proteins. Our method consists of three steps. First, replica‐exchange umbrella sampling simulations are performed along the distance between a putative binding site of a protein and a ligand as the reaction coordinate. Second, we obtain the potential of mean force (PMF) of the unbiased system using the weighted histogram analysis method and determine the distance that corresponds to the global minimum of PMF. Third, structures that have this global‐minimum distance and energy values around the average potential energy are collected and analyzed using the principal component analysis. We predict the binding structure as the global‐minimum free energy state on the free energy landscapes along the two major principal component axes. As test cases, we applied our method to five protein–ligand complex systems. Starting from the configuration in which the protein and the ligand are far away from each other in each system, our method predicted the ligand binding structures in excellent agreement with the experimental data from Protein Data Bank. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
A continuous ultrasound‐assisted packed‐bed bioreactor for the lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of caffeic acid phenethyl ester
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Ching , Kuo Chia‐Hung , Twu Yawo‐Kuo , Chen Jiann‐Hwa , Chang Chieh‐Ming J. , Liu Yung‐Chuan , Shieh Chwen‐Jen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The focus of this paper is the ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) from caffeic acid and phenyl ethanol in a continuous packed‐bed bioreactor. Immobilized Novozym® 435 (from Candida antarctica) is used as the catalyst. A three‐level–three‐factor Box–Behnken design and a response surface methodology (RSM) are employed to evaluate the effects of temperature, flow rate, and ultrasonic power on the percentage molar conversion of CAPE.RESULTS: Based on ridge max analysis, it is concluded that the optimum condition for synthesis is reaction temperature 72.66 °C, flow rate 0.046 mL min−1, and ultrasonic power 1.64 W cm−2. The expected molar conversion value is 97.84%. An experiment performed under these optimal conditions resulted in a molar conversion of 92.11 ± 0.75%. The enzyme in the bioreactor was found to be stable for at least 6 days.CONCLUSIONS: The lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of CAPE by an ultrasound‐assisted packed‐bed bioreactor uses mild reaction conditions. Enzymatic synthesis of CAPE is suitable for use in the nutraceutical and food production industries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of magnetite modified with aluminum/silica to adsorb phosphate in aqueous solution
Authors: Lin Ya‐Fen , Chen Hua‐Wei , Chang Chia‐Chi , Hung Wen‐Chiang , Chiou Chyow‐San 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Phosphate is one of the main contaminants responsible for the eutrophication of surface waters, and adsorption is a potential treatment method for this pollutant. A magnetic adsorbent manufactured from magnetite (Fe3O4) can be recovered easily from treated water by magnetic force, without requiring further downstream treatment. In this research, the surface of magnetite modified with aluminum and silica (Al/SiO2/Fe3O4) was used to adsorb phosphate in an aqueous solution in a batch system.RESULTS: The optimum solution pH for phosphate adsorption by Al/SiO2/Fe3O4 was found to be 4.5. The phosphate adsorption behavior of Al/SiO2/Fe3O4 was in good agreement with both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) and Gibbs free energy of phosphate was 25.64 mg g−1 and − 21.47 kJ mol−1, respectively. A pseudo‐second‐order model could best describe the adsorption kinetics, and the derived activation energy was 3.52 kJ mol−1. The optimum condition to desorb phosphate from Al/SiO2/Fe3O4 is provided by a solution with 0.05 mol L−1 NaOH.CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic adsorbent is a potential material for a water treatment method. The results of this study will be helpful in the development of aluminum modified silica magnetic adsorbents that can be used to remove phosphate in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Vinylferrocene copolymers based biosensors for phenol derivatives
Authors: Dursun Fuat , Ozoner Seyda Korkut , Demirci Ali , Gorur Mesut , Yilmaz Faruk , Erhan Elif 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Newly synthesized composite films of P(glycidyl methacrylate85‐co‐vinylferrocene15)/Poly(glutaraldehyde)/ Polypyrrole [P(GMA85‐co‐VFc15)/PGA/PPy] and Poly(3‐methylthienyl methacrylate85‐co‐vinylferrocene15)/Polypyrrole [P (MTM85‐co‐VFc15)/PPy] were used as matrices for tyrosinase based working electrodes. Direct covalent attachment of enzyme was carried out via the pendant epoxy groups of P(GMA85‐co‐VFc15) film, and the entrapment of enzyme was achieved for electrode containing P(MTM85‐co‐VFc15) film via electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of enzyme. The aim of the study is amperometric determination of various phenolics and investigation of the effect of interfacial interactions between enzyme and matrices on biosensor response.RESULTS: The lowest detection limit and the highest sensitivity for a P(GMA85‐co‐VFc15) based working electrode was found to be 0.113 µmol L−1 for 4‐methoxyphenol, 40 nA (µmol L−1)−1 for pyrocatechol, respectively. Results showed that sensitivities were at least 8500–55000 times higher than the results in previous P(GMA‐co‐VFc) related studies.CONCLUSION: Facilitated electron transfer was achieved by means of mediator incorporated in conductive composites of VFc based redox copolymers. The effect was greater when enzyme was covalently bonded via epoxy groups due to the proximity of enzyme, mediator and electrode surface. Results showed that a multifunctional surface was provided on electrodes since the suggested copolymers could mediate an electrochemical reaction, and the multifunctional surface was capable of coating with conductive PPy. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradation of phenol at high concentration by a novel bacterium: Gulosibacter sp. YZ4
Authors: Zhai Zhijun , Wang Hailei , Yan Shoubao , Yao Jianming 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: A novel bacterial strain, Gulosibacter sp. YZ4, has been isolated from activated sludge. Its application potential for phenol biodegradation has not yet been reported, therefore, in this study, biodegradation tests using strain YZ4 were executed under different conditions.RESULTS: The strain was identified as a new member of the genus Gulosibacter and nominated as Gulosibacter sp. YZ4. Phenol biodegradation tests showed that strain YZ4 could thoroughly biodegrade 1000 mg L−1 phenol across a wide temperature range from 10 to 42 °C and pH range 5 to 11. Degradation of 1000 mg L−1 phenol was not inhibited by the coexistence of p‐cresol or quinoline. During phenol degradation, strain YZ4 excreted both phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase to efficiently metabolize phenol. At 36 °C, pH 7.5, strain YZ4 could effectively degrade phenol at concentrations as high as 2000 mg L−1 within 76 h. Haldane's model with the parameters obtained from the experiments could successfully describe the behavior of the phenol biodegradation by the strain YZ4.CONCLUSIONS: The strain YZ4 has a high potential for applications in phenol wastewater treatment in view of its adaptability to temperature and pH fluctuations and great tolerance to other coexistent toxics. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry