bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ultrapulsed CO2 Laser in Chronic Wounds
Authors: Jiang Bo , Tang Rui , Zheng Danyu , Yang Yuting , Li Ying , Yang Ruxi , Liu Ligang , Yan Hong 
Published: June 2020

Background and ObjectivesChronic wound repair is a major problem in wound treatment. Recently, several studies have suggested that carbon dioxide (CO2) laser can be used to improve the healing of chronic wounds. The aim of the present study was to preliminarily investigate the efficacy of laser debridement in treating chronic wound through a comparison of traditional instrument/surgical debridement with the ultrapulsed CO2 laser debridement in terms of wound healing, wound infection control, and wound blood perfusion.Study Design/Materials and MethodsPatients with chronic wound admitted to the Wound Repair Clinic at The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University (Luzhou, China) between February 2019 and May 2019 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in one group were treated with traditional sharp instrument/surgical debridement (RT group; number of wounds: 28), while the patients in the other group were treated with ultrapulsed CO2 laser debridement (LT group; number of wounds: 26). An intergroup comparison was performed based on parameters, such as wound healing, wound infection control, and changes in wound blood perfusion.ResultsThe wound healing rate and the total time to achieve healing were significantly better in the LT group versus the RT group at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment. The wound exudation scores were significantly higher in the LT group versus the RT group at 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment. The positive rate of pre‐debridement bacterial culture was significantly lower in the LT group versus the RD group at 14 and 28 days after treatment. The percentage of wound perfusion/normal periwound skin perfusion was significantly higher in the LT group versus the RT group at 1, 7, and 14 days after treatment.ConclusionFor the treatment of chronic refractory wounds, the ultrapulsed CO2 laser exhibits higher accuracy, more effectively controls wound infection, promotes an increase in wound blood perfusion, and achieves faster wound healing compared with traditional sharp instrument/surgical debridement. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Core–Sheath Wet Electrospinning of Nanoporous Polycaprolactone Microtubes to Mimic Fenestrated Capillaries
Authors: Zhou Yingge , Tan George Z. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFormation of capillary vessel structures in scaffolds is critical for engineering various tissues and organs. Various biofabrication techniques are developed in recent years to create scaffolds integrated with perfusion channels. However, rapid fabrication of artificial capillary vessels (<10 µm) still remains challenging. In this study, a novel electrospinning approach is developed to fabricate nanoporous polycaprolactone microtubes as potential functional capillaries. The results show that ambient environment parameters and solution properties affect the pore formation and tube morphology. Porous microbeads, helical fibers, and microtubes were fabricated under different processing conditions. The optimal tubular structure is obtained with consistent viscosities between the core and the sheath solutions. The biomimetic nanoporous microtubes hold great potential for vascularization in tissue engineering.
Comparison of suspected Lynch syndrome patients carrying BRCA and BRCA‐like variants with Lynch syndrome probands: Phenotypic characteristics and pedigree analyses
Authors: Xu Yun , Li Cong , Wang Zhimin , Liu Fangqi , Xu Ye 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome (LS) are recommended genetic testing. Increasing numbers of germline variants involved in homologous recombination have been identified in suspected LS patients. This study compared phenotypic the characteristics of suspected LS patients carrying BRCA and BRCA‐like variants with those of LS patients.MethodsForty‐two patients carrying pathogenic variants of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MMR group), 9 carrying BRCA variants, and 11 carrying BRCA‐like variants (BRCA/BRCA‐like group) who met LS clinical criteria were enrolled in this study. Clinical characteristics, pedigrees, and survival rates were compared and BRCA variants were analyzed.ResultsThe earliest CRC‐onset age and tumor differentiation were higher in the BRCA/BRCA‐like group than in the MMR group. Metachronous CRCs were more numerous in the MMR group, resulting in a higher progression‐free survival rate in the BRCA/BRCA‐like group. Extra‐colorectal cancers were more frequently observed in the BRCA/BRCA‐like group. BRCA2 and BRCA1 variants were clustered in exons 11 and 4/7, respectively.ConclusionBRCA and BRCA‐like variants in CRC patients with LS showed moderate penetrance. BRCA/BRCA‐like variant carriers had a higher risk for extra‐colorectal cancers. Surveillance of susceptible organs other than the intestine should be performed for probands and affected family members.
Feasibility and analysis of CNN‐based candidate beam generation for robotic radiosurgery
Authors: Gerlach Stefan , Fürweger Christoph , Hofmann Theresa , Schlaefer Alexander 
Published: June 2020

PurposeRobotic radiosurgery offers the flexibility of a robotic arm to enable high conformity to the target and a steep dose gradient. However, treatment planning becomes a computationally challenging task as the search space for potential beam directions for dose delivery is arbitrarily large. We propose an approach based on deep learning to improve the search for treatment beams.MethodsIn clinical practice, a set of candidate beams generated by a randomized heuristic forms the basis for treatment planning. We use a convolutional neural network to identify promising candidate beams. Using radiological features of the patient, we predict the influence of a candidate beam on the delivered dose individually and let this prediction guide the selection of candidate beams. Features are represented as projections of the organ structures which are relevant during planning. Solutions to the inverse planning problem are generated for random and CNN‐predicted candidate beams.ResultsThe coverage increases from 95.35% to 97.67% for 6000 heuristically and CNN‐generated candidate beams, respectively. Conversely, a similar coverage can be achieved for treatment plans with half the number of candidate beams. This results in a patient‐dependent reduced averaged computation time of 20.28%–45.69%. The number of active treatment beams can be reduced by 11.35% on average, which reduces treatment time. Constraining the maximum number of candidate beams per beam node can further improve the average coverage by 0.75 percentage points for 6000 candidate beams.ConclusionsWe show that deep learning based on radiological features can substantially improve treatment plan quality, reduce computation runtime, and treatment time compared to the heuristic approach used in clinics.
Natural colourants analysis and biological activities. Association to molecular markers to explore the biodiversity of Opuntia species
Authors: Salem Nidhal , Lamine Myriam , Damergi Bilel , Ezahra Fatma , Feres Nedia , Jallouli Selim , Hammami Majdi , Khammassi Saber , Selmi Sawsen , Elkahoui Salem , Limam Ferid , Tabben Olfa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionSynthetic colourants are subject to various allergies. As a result, the use of plant‐based additives has proved promising.ObjectiveIt is in this perspective that our objective was undertaken to investigate natural colourants from edible cactus. Opuntia species populations were single‐sequence repeat (SSR) fingerprinted, the analysis of betalains and phenolic compounds and the evaluation of their biological potentials were also characterised.ResultsPhotometric quantification of betalains and phenols showed an interspecific variation across Opuntia species. Opuntia ficus indica fruits showed the highest betalain [betaxanthins; 843.67 and betacyanins; 1400 mg/100 g dry weight (DW)] and polyphenol contents. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) analysis showed that the variation of individual phenols profile was influenced by interspecific and genetic factors. Isorhamnetin‐O‐(di‐deoxyhexosyl‐hexoside) was the major compound and its content varied according to Opuntia species, while catechol was the predominant phenolic compound in O. humifusa with 1.88 μg/g DW. Concerning cactus species, Opuntia colourants exhibited a potent antiradical activity [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) up to 1 μg/mL]. Opuntia species were effective against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains [inhibition zone (IZ) up to 27 mm]. A high genetic diversity within Opuntia genotypes based on SSR markers was revealed. UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) dendrogram and PCoA (principal coordinate analysis) based on natural pigments and antimicrobial profiles indicated significant variation. The correlation approach proved the presence of a probably metabolic relationship between genetic markers, pigments and their biological activities.ConclusionA possible association between molecular approach and metabolic profile analysis of Opuntia allows tracing the relationship among species for its genetic conservation.
Nanostructures from protected L/L and D/L amino acid containing dipeptides
Authors: Giri Rajat Subhra , Pal Saikat , Roy Sayanta , Dolai Gobinda , Manne Srinivasa Rao , Paul Sandip , Mandal Bhubaneswar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe self‐assembly of N‐ and C‐protected alternating L/L and D/L amino acids containing dipeptides, Boc‐L‐Val‐L‐Ile‐OMe (1), Boc‐D‐Val‐L‐Ile‐OMe (2), Boc‐L‐Ile‐L‐Val‐OMe (3), and Boc‐L‐Ile‐D‐Val‐OMe (4) has been investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images indicated that 1 and 3 self‐associated to form highly organized straight net microrods, whereas 2 and 4 self‐assembled to form hexagonal hollow microtube‐like architecture in the acetonitrile‐water medium. To understand the physical basis of such differential behavior, we performed X‐ray diffraction pattern analyses. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD) study revealed that 1 and 2 self‐assembled to form slightly different helix‐like architectures. The higher‐order association of 2 exhibited a hollow hexagonal tube‐like superstructure. The thermal stability of the nanostructures also varied based on the chiroptical composition of the dipeptides. Experimental findings were corroborated well with computational studies. The obtained results may be helpful in nano‐biotechnology as well as in material science.
Statistical post‐processing of heat index ensemble forecasts: Is there a royal road?
Authors: Baran Sándor , Baran Ágnes , Pappenberger Florian , Ben Bouallègue Zied 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe investigate the effect of statistical post‐processing on the probabilistic skill of discomfort index (DI) and indoor wet‐bulb globe temperature (WBGTid) ensemble forecasts, both calculated from the corresponding forecasts of temperature and dew point temperature. Two different methodological approaches to calibration are compared. In the first case, we start with joint post‐processing of the temperature and dew point forecasts and then create calibrated samples of DI and WBGTid using samples from the obtained bivariate predictive distributions. This approach is compared with direct post‐processing of the heat index ensemble forecasts. For this purpose, a novel ensemble model output statistics model based on a generalized extreme value distribution is proposed. The predictive performance of both methods is tested on the operational temperature and dew point ensemble forecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts and the corresponding forecasts of DI and WBGTid. For short lead times (up to day 6), both approaches significantly improve the forecast skill. Among the competing post‐processing methods, direct calibration of heat indices exhibits the best predictive performance, very closely followed by the more general approach based on joint calibration of temperature and dew point temperature. Additionally, a machine learning approach is tested and shows comparable performance for the case when one is interested only in forecasting heat index warning level categories.
Consumer‐diet discrimination of δ13C and δ15N: Source‐ and feeding‐oriented patterns based on gut content analysis in a large subtropical river of China
Authors: Wang Sai , Luo Bang‐Ke , Qin Ying‐Jun , Su Lin‐Hui , Stewart Simon D. , Wang Tuan‐Tuan , Tang Jin‐Peng , He Bai‐Dong , Zhang Jin‐Hua , Lin Hsing‐Juh , Yang Yang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the trophic discrimination (∆13C and ∆15N) between consumers and diets in fluvial systems remains difficult because of the variable food sources and complex predator–prey interactions from headwaters to the estuaries. Here, stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes in fish and invertebrates from a large subtropical river in southern China were determined to explore trophic discrimination in conjunction with a gut content analysis. The ∆13C values showed significant differences (p < .05) among functional feeding groups, with fish, shrimp, and insect scrapers presenting higher ∆13C values (1.20 ± 0.23‰ to 1.51 ± 0.31‰) than other groups. The ∆15N values varied significantly between invertebrates (0.64 ± 0.17‰ of insect collector‐gatherers to 1.63 ± 0.36‰ of shrimp predators) and fish (1.98 ± 0.19‰ of detritivores to 2.71 ± 0.43‰ of crustaceavores) and exhibited an increasing tendency from primary to secondary consumers. A linear regression analysis revealed that the longitudinal changes in ∆13C and ∆15N were closely associated with the δ13C of periphyton, the δ15N of particulate organic matter (POM) in water, and the relative contribution (%) of periphyton and organic detritus to the diet composition of consumers. These results indicated that discrimination factors might not only be influenced by the isotope signatures of basal food sources but also downstream shifts in dominant food items utilized by consumers. In particular, trophic discrimination between periphyton– and detritus–based food chains, such as “epilithic diatoms–shrimp scrapers–crustaceavorous fish” and “POM–bivalves–molluscivorous fish,” displayed regionally specific patterns. When back‐calculating to the diet assimilation and trophic position in subtropical streams and rivers, we suggest using the basin‐scale ∆13C value of 0.96 ± 0.26‰ for all consumers and ∆15N values of 1.07 ± 0.32‰ for invertebrates and 2.38 ± 0.37‰ for fish.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of Protic Triaminocyclopropenium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Curnow Owen J. , Walst Kelvin J. , Yunis Ruhamah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA range of protic triaminocyclopropenium salts with cations of the general formula [C3(NR2)2(NR'H)]+ (R=Me, Et; R’=H, Et, Pr, Bu, Pe, Hex, allyl, CH2CH2OMe) have been prepared by treatment of diaminoalkoxycyclopropenium salts with primary amines. Most salts were prepared with the bistriflamide anion, but the cation [C3(NEt2)2(NBuH)]+ was also combined with methylsulfate, dicyanamide, and tetrafluoroborate. The triprotic ionic liquid (IL) [C3(NPhH)3]NTf2 was also prepared and characterized. These protic ILs are characterised by thermal (DSC and TGA), density, viscosity and conductivity. The miscibility/solubility studies of these protic ILs has been determined in range of polar and non‐polar organic solvents. Comparisons have been made with similar series of aprotic bistriflamide (NTf2–) and dicyanamide (DCA) salts that have been reported previously.
A Detailed DFT Study on Electronic Structures and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Doped C30
Authors: Paul Debolina , Deb Jyotirmoy , Sarkar Utpal 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe present a systematic study on structural, electronic, optical properties of C30 fullerene and its six doped counterparts, C10X10Y10 (where, X=B, Al and Y=N, P, As) based on density functional theory calculation. All the fullerenes are energetically stable with cohesive energy per atom ranging from −5 to −8 eV. Chemical reactivity parameters are significantly enhanced due to doping. Further, nonlinear optics reveal that dopants bring remarkable change in polarizability and first hyperpolarizability of C30 derivatives. This work ensures the important implementations of these systems in nonlinear optics as well as for designing optical protective materials. Finally, the electronic absorption spectra predict the possibility of using C30 and heterofullerenes as photocatalyst in the visible region and UV light protection material in the UV region.
Instantaneous In Vivo Imaging of Acute Myocardial Infarct by NIR‐II Luminescent Nanodots
Authors: Mateos Sergio , Lifante José , Li Chunyan , Ximendes Erving C. , Muñoz‐Ortiz Tamara , Yao Jingke , de la Fuente‐Fernández María , García Villalón Ángel Luis , Granado Miriam , Zabala Gutierrez Irene , Rubio‐Retama Jorge , Jaque Daniel , Ortgies Dirk H. , Fernández Nuria 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFast and precise localization of ischemic tissues in the myocardium after an acute infarct is required by clinicians as the first step toward accurate and efficient treatment. Nowadays, diagnosis of a heart attack at early times is based on biochemical blood analysis (detection of cardiac enzymes) or by ultrasound‐assisted imaging. Alternative approaches are investigated to overcome the limitations of these classical techniques (time‐consuming procedures or low spatial resolution). As occurs in many other fields of biomedicine, cardiological preclinical imaging can also benefit from the fast development of nanotechnology. Indeed, bio‐functionalized near‐infrared‐emitting nanoparticles are herein used for in vivo imaging of the heart after an acute myocardial infarct. Taking advantage of the superior acquisition speed of near‐infrared fluorescence imaging, and of the efficient selective targeting of the near‐infrared‐emitting nanoparticles, in vivo images of the infarcted heart are obtained only a few minutes after the acute infarction event. This work opens an avenue toward cost‐effective, fast, and accurate in vivo imaging of the ischemic myocardium after an acute infarct.
3D Immunocompetent Organ‐on‐a‐Chip Models
Authors: Maharjan Sushila , Cecen Berivan , Zhang Yu Shrike 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn recent years, engineering of various human tissues in microphysiologically relevant platforms, known as organs‐on‐chips (OOCs), are explored to establish in vitro tissue models that recapitulate the microenvironments found in native organs and tissues. However, most of these models have overlooked the important roles of immune cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis under physiological conditions and in modulating the tissue microenvironments during pathophysiology. Significantly, gradual progress is being made in the development of more sophisticated microphysiologically relevant human‐based OOC models that allow the studies of the key biophysiological aspects of specific tissues or organs, interactions between cells (parenchymal, vascular, and immune cells) and their extracellular matrix molecules, effects of native tissue architectures (geometry, dynamic flow, or mechanical forces) on tissue functions, as well as unravelling the mechanism underlying tissue‐specific diseases and drug testing. In this progress report, the different components of the immune system, as well as immune OOC platforms and immunocompetent OOC approaches that have simulated one or more components of the immune system, are discussed. The challenges to recreate a fully functional tissue system in vitro with a focus on the incorporation of the immune system are also outlined.
Design Principles of Single Atoms on Carbons for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Fang Lingzhe , Feng Zhange , Cheng Lei , Winans Randall E. , Li Tao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe study of lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries has generated various rationally designed cathodes and modified separators. However, the shuttle of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the sluggish kinetics of transformation of LiPSs to Li2S2/Li2S still hinder the achievement of long‐life cycling and high‐rate of Li‐S batteries. Even though several kinds of nanocatalysts have been studied, the catalytic effects for Li‐S batteries are not ideal. Single atoms (SAs) with high surface free energy are found to serve as both anchoring and electrocatalytic centers for LiPSs. Atomically dispersed metal catalysts on carbon provide conductive and flexible hosts for dielectric sulfur. Moreover, SAs as the uniform lithiophilic sites can reduce the nucleation overpotential and ensure uniform plating of Li. In this review, the latest strategies for preparation of SAs supported on carbons are provided for the application of Li‐S batteries, including cathodes, modified separators, and Li metal anodes. In addition, it also discusses how SAs with high catalytic activity can help build better Li‐S batteries and the design principles for SAs. Finally, the future directions of SAs in energy storage applications are proposed.
Genomic data and morphological re‐assessment reveals synonymy and hybridisation among Seringia taxa (Lasiopetaleae, Malvaceae) in remote north‐western Australia
Authors: Binks Rachel M. , Wilkins Carolyn F. , Markey Adrienne S. , Lyons Michael N. , Byrne Margaret 
Published: June 2020

AbstractConservation of rare or threatened species requires a range of information, including a sound taxonomic foundation, to ensure appropriate management. However, rare species are often known from a limited number of specimens, and that can hinder taxonomic understanding. Seringia exastia and S. katatona are two conservation‐listed taxa that were poorly known in the remote Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. Recent surveys discovered additional populations of both species but also revealed extensive morphological variation that obscured the boundary between the two species and a third, more widespread species, S. nephrosperma. We applied genomic data (>5000 SNP loci) to investigate species boundaries and hybridisation within this group. We found unequivocal evidence that S. katatona is a hybrid between S. exastia and S. nephrosperma, which is consistent with its intermediate morphology in diagnostic characters between the two highly divergent parents. Unexpectedly, we also uncovered a lack of genome‐wide differentiation and polyphyly between S. exastia and an intended outgroup taxon, S. elliptica. These results have significant taxonomic implications, for which reason we present a revised taxonomic treatment that shows S. katatona to be a nothospecies, S. ×katatona, and synonymises S. elliptica under S. exastia, the oldest effectively published name. These taxonomic revisions present new information that will enable reconsideration of the current conservation status of these taxa and inform their management in northern Western Australia.