bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Titanium Dioxide Coated Graphene Nanosheets as a Reinforcement in Aluminum Matrix Composites Based on Pressure Sintering Process
Authors: Guo Zheng-Hua , Wu Qingjie , Li Ning , Jiang Li-Hong , He Wen , Tan Guo-Hui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced 7075 aluminum (Al) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized using the powder metallurgy method. A novel method for optimizing interfacial bonding by coating titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) on the surface of GNPs was proposed in this manuscript. The effects of GNPs on mechanical properties and microstructure of the aluminum matrix nanocomposites, both with and without TiO 2 coating layers, have been investigated. Experimental results showed that the corresponding mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were further improved when the GNPs have TiO 2 coating layers, compared with the addition of pure GNPs. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and microhardness of the nanocomposites reinforced with TiO 2 -coated GNPs increased by 22.9%, 25.9%, and 20.1%, respectively, in comparison to those of the matrix. The further improvement of the mechanical properties could be attributed to the existence of the coating layer, which optimizes the interface bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix, thereby improving the effectiveness of load transfer.
Implementation of the TaperGuard™ endotracheal tube in an unselected surgical population to reduce postoperative pneumonia
Authors: Martini Ross P , Yanez N Daid , Treggiari Miriam , Tekkali Praveen , Soelberg Cobin , Aziz Michael F 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Endotracheal tube (ETT) designs to decrease the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) include supraglottic suctioning, and/or modifications of the cuff shape. The TaperGuard™ ETT has a tapered, polyvinylchloride cuff designed to reduce microaspiration around channels that form with a standard barrel-shaped cuff. We compared risk of postoperative pneumonia using the TaperGuard™ ETT and the standard ETT in surgical patients requiring general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.Methods: We used an interrupted time-series design to compare endotracheal intubation using the TaperGuard™ ETT (intervention cohort), and a historic cohort using the standard ETT (baseline cohort), among surgical patients requiring hospital admission. We compared the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the intervention and baseline cohorts. Data were collected from the electronic health record and linked to patient-level data from National Surgical Quality Improvement Project. Additionally, we performed secondary analyses in a subgroup of patients at high risk of postoperative pneumonia.Results: 15,388 subjects were included; 6,351 in the intervention cohort and 9,037 in the baseline cohort. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative pneumonia between the intervention cohort (1.62%) and the baseline cohort (1.79%). The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of postoperative pneumonia was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.16; p=0.423) and the OR adjusted for patient characteristics and potential confounders was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.19; p=0.469), comparing the intervention and baseline cohorts. There was no a priori selected subgroup of patients for whom the use of the TaperGuard™ ETT was associated with decreased odds of postoperative pneumonia relative to the standard ETT. Hospital mortality was higher in the intervention cohort (1.5%) compared with the baseline cohort (1.0%; OR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.95; p=0.010).Conclusions: The broad implementation of the use of the TaperGuard™ ETT for intubation of surgical patients was not associated with a reduction in the risk of postoperative pneumonia. In the setting of a low underlying postoperative pneumonia risk and the use of recommended preventative VAP bundles, further risk reduction may not be achievable by simply modifying the ETT cuff design in unselected or high-risk populations undergoing inpatient surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02450929
The aceE involves in mycolic acid synthesis and biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Chen Suting , Teng Tianlu , Wen Shuan , Zhang Tingting , Huang Hairong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The integrity of cell wall structure is highly significant for the in vivo survival for mycobacteria. However, the mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of mycobacterial cell wall remain poorly understood. aceE encodes the E1 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)complex. This study aimed to know the functional role of aceE gene in cell wall biosynthesis in M. smegmatis.Results: We observed that the colony morphology of aceE-deficient mutants(aceE-mut)was quite different from the wild-type(WT) strain during the transposon library screening of M.smegmatis, smaller and smoother on the solid culture medium. Notably, the aceE-mut lost its ability of growing aggregately and biofilm forming, which are two very important features of mycobacteria.The morphological changes of the aceE-mut strain were further confirmed by electron microscopy that presented shorter, smoother and thinner images in contrast withWT strain.Additionally, the analysis of mycolic acid(MA)using LC-MS indicated deficiency of alpha-MA and epoxy-MA in aceE-mut strain whereas complementation of the aceE-mut with a wild-type aceEgene restored the composition of MA. Conclusions: Overall, this study indicates that aceE gene plays a significant role in the mycolic acid synthesis and affects the colony morphology and biofilm formation of M.smegmatis.
Comparative transcriptomic profiling of myxomatous mitral valve disease in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Authors: Corcoran Brendan , Markby Greg , Macrae Vicky , Summers Kim 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background.
All dogs develop myxomatous mitral valve disease by the end of their life, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) has a heightened susceptibility, frequently resulting in death at a young age and suggesting that there is a genetic component to the condition in this breed. Transcriptional profiling can reveal the impact of genetic variation through differences in gene expression levels. The aim of this study was to determine whether expression patterns were different in CKCS diseased mitral valves compared to valves from non-CKCS dogs.
Results.
Gene expression patterns in three groups of canine valves resulted in distinct separation of normal valves, CKCS diseased valves and diseased valves from other breeds; the latter were more similar to the normal valves than were the CKCS valves. CKCS valve gene expression patterns were quite different from those in the other dogs, both affected and normal. Patterns in all diseased valves (CKCS and other breeds) were also somewhat different from normal non-diseased samples. Analysis of differentially expressed genes showed enrichment in GO terms relating to cardiac development and function and to calcium signalling canonical pathway in the genes down-regulated in CKCS, compared to normal valves and to diseased valves from other breeds. F2 (prothrombin) (CKCS valves compared to normal) and MEF2C pathway activation (CKCS valves compared to non-CKCS) had the strongest association with the gene changes. A large number of DEGs in the CKCSs were associated with cardiomyocytes including CASQ2, TNNI3 and RYR2.
Conclusion.
Transcriptomic profiling identified gene expression changes in CKCS diseased valves that were not present in age and disease severity-matched non-CKCS valves. These genes are associated with cardiomyocytes, coagulation and extra-cellular matrix remodelling. Identification of genes that vary in the CKCS will allow exploration of genetic variation to understand the aetiology of the disease in this breed, and ultimately development of breeding strategies to eliminate this disease from the breed.
Electrochemical assessment of pigment-binding-pigment interactions in oil paint deterioration: a case study on indigo and Prussian blue
Authors: Doménech-Carbó Antonio , Doménech-Carbó María Teresa , Osete-Cortina Laura , Donnici Margherita , Guasch-Ferré Nuria , Gasol-Fargas Rosa M. , Iglesias-Campos Manuel Ángel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The degradation of synthetic oil paint film specimens containing indigo and Prussian blue pigments and pictorial samples from the Sant Francesc de Paula painting from the museum of Cardedeu (Catalonia, Spain) has been studied by voltammetry of immobilized particles. This technique, combined with SEM-EDX, ATR-FTIR and CG-MS techniques permits to propose a dual scheme for the degradation of the pigments when submitted to natural, UV and UV solar light aging. Under ‘ordinary’ conditions, Prussian blue acts as a radical scavenger moderating the production of ROS produced in the binding media by the action of UV radiation, resulting in the formation of Berlin green and indigo adducts with radicals. In the case of localized areas of the Sant Francesc de Paula paint, strong degradation occurs where Prussian blue acts as a promoter of the indigo oxidation to isatin, thus resulting in a considerable chromatic shift.
Utilization of epinephrine-soaked gauzes to address bleeding from osteotomy sites in non-tourniquet total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Liu Zhaohui , Zhang Qidong , Guo Wanshou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Abandoning tourniquet was commenced because of the complications of tourniquet extensively used for the control of hemorrhage in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Bleeding management is critical to acquire a relative bloodless arthrotomy interface for maximize cement fixation in non-tourniquet TKA. The purpose of this study was to investigate hemostatic and hemodynamic effects of epinephrine-soaked gauzes in cemented TKAs. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 101 patients in two groups was performed. The first group (n = 51) underwent unilateral TKA with our procedures of epinephrine use, the second group (n = 50) had the same protocol with tourniquet and no epinephrine utilization. Surgical field visualization was assessed by grading scale for difficulty of intraoperative visualization due to blood and number of surgical field clearances. Perioperative blood loss were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters were observed in the epinephrine group. Results There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) on surgeon-rated difficulty in visualization in the epinephrine group between before and after use of epinephrine, and no statistically significant differences (p = 0.96) between two groups before cementing. No statistically significantly result on numbers of surgical field clearances between two groups (p = 0.25) was reached. Significant difference in hidden blood loss, was observed in two groups (p = 0.04). The hemodynamic effects of epinephrine may be under control. Conclusion The procedure of epinephrine soaked gauzes, as a prudent adjunct, may be effective to reduce blood loss and obtain bloodless bone sections in non-tourniquet TKAs, regardless of hemodynamics.
Dietary Habits and its Association with Metabolic Syndrome in a large sample of Iranian adults: a population-based study
Authors: Lorzadeh Elnaz , Sangsefidi Zohreh Sadat , Mirzaei Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension are the core components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which is coincident with unhealthy dietary habits in the Middle-Eastern countries. The aim of this study was to explore the association between dietary habits and MetS of adult population living in Yazd Greater Area, Iran.
Methods

This is a cross-sectional study which uses the data of a population-based cohort study on Iranian adults, known as Yazd Health Study (YaHS). The relationship between dietary habits and metabolic syndrome among adults (n = 2896) were analyzed using multiple logistic regression method.
Results

The prevalence of the MetS among the participants was 32.2%. Outcomes from logistic regression examining show that breakfast consumption has a significant inverse effect on the occurrence of MetS after adjustment for age, education level, physical activity statue, history of chronic diseases and smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14, 0.97). This effect remains significant even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and reveals that odds of having MetS is 69% lower in breakfast consumers in contrast to non-consumers (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.87). However, no significant relationship was observed between other dietary habits including consumption of sweetened drinks, sugar cubes, and fast foods and MetS after adjustment for all potential confounders
Conclusions

This study revealed that eating breakfast has an inverse relationship with metabolic syndrome. Finding out stronger evidence in relation between dietary habits and MetS, more researches especially population-based cohort studies are needed to be conducted.
Beyond clinical food prescriptions and mobile markets: parent views on increasing healthy eating in food-insecure families
Authors: DeWit Emily L. , Meissen-Sebelius Emily M. , Shook Robin P. , Pina Kimberly Ann , De Miranda Evelyn Donis , Summar Michelle J. , Hurley Emily A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Children in food-insecure families face increased barriers to meeting recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption. Hospitals and pediatric healthcare institutions have attempted to alleviate food-insecurity through various internal programs like food prescriptions, yet little evidence for these programs exist. Consistent with a patient-centered perspective, we sought to develop a comprehensive understanding of barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption and a parent-driven agenda for healthcare system action.
Methods
We conducted six qualitative focus group discussions (four in English, two in Spanish) with 29 parents and caregivers of patients who had screened positive for food-insecurity during visits to a large pediatric healthcare system in a midwestern U.S. city. Out iterative analysis process consisted of audio-recording, transcribing and coding discussions, aiming to produce a) a conceptual framework of barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption and b) a synthesis of participant programmatic suggestions for their healthcare system.
Results
Participants were 90% female, 41% Black/African American and 41% Hispanic/Latino. Barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption in their families fell into three intersecting themes: affordability, accessibility and desirability. Participant-generated intervention recommendations were multilevel, suggesting healthcare systems focus not only on clinic and community-based action, but also advocacy for broader policies that alleviate barriers to acquiring healthy foods.
Conclusion
Parents envision an expanded role for healthcare systems in ensuring their children benefit from a healthy diet. Finding offers critical insight on why clinic-driven programs aimed to address healthy eating may have failed and healthcare organizations may more effectively intervene by adopting a multilevel strategy.
Drawing Insights from COVID-19 Infected Patients With no Past Medical History Using CT Scan Images and Machine Learning Techniques: A Study on 200 Patients
Authors: Sharma Sachin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
As the whole world is witnessing what novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) can do to the mankind, it presents several unique features also. In absence of specific vaccine for COVID-19, it is essential to detect the disease at an early stage and isolate an infected patient. Till today there is a global shortage of testing labs and testing kits for COVID-19. This paper discusses about the role of machine learning techniques for getting important insights like whether lung Computed Tomography (CT) scan should be the first screening /alternative test for real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Is COVID-19 pneumonia different from other viral pneumonia and if yes how to distinguish it using lung CT scan images from the carefully selected data of lung CT scan COVID-19 infected patients from the hospitals of Italy, China and India having no past medical illnesses i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. The reason for selecting images of the patients having no past illnesses history is that people with medical problems are already known to develop serious illness because of COVID-19 but we wanted to check and analyse condition of those patients (lung condition) which don’t have past medical history using CT scan images.
The comparison of extraction methods of ganjiang decoction based on fingerprint, quantitative analysis and pharmacodynamics
Authors: Wei Yanyan , Jiang Ning , Liu Tuo , Liu Chang , Xiao Wen , Liang Likeng , Li Tongming , Yu Yang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum with unknown etiology, and its symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia. Traditional Chinese medicine compound has a good therapeutic, multi-target effect on UC. Ganjiang decoction (GD), which is a traditional classic prescription in China, contains Zingiberis Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, Sanguisorbae Radix, Granati Pericarpium, and Asini Colla Corii and could be used to treat symptoms of UC. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary study before GD colon-targeted preparation, to explore the relationship between extraction method and efficacy of GD.

Methods

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the fingerprinting of five preparation methods of GD. HPLC and gas chromatography were used to quantitatively analyze the important chemical components of GD and compare their differences. Mice with UC induced by dextran sulphate sodium salt received the extracts from the five preparation methods of GD via gavage. Disease activity index (DAI) score, colonic length, relative weight of spleen, pathological analysis results, inflammatory factors, therapeutic effect of the five preparation methods of GD, and their relationship with extraction process were compared.

Results

Cluster analysis revealed that the content of the components extracted by traditional extraction methods was significantly different from the other four methods. The third and fifth preparation methods extracted Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex with 50% ethanol to obtain more alkaloids. In the fourth and fifth methods, more volatile oils were detected by adding Zingiberis Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix fine powder. According to DAI score, colonic length, relative weight of spleen, pathological analysis results, and inflammatory factors, the third method showed a good therapeutic effect, while the fifth method had the best therapeutic effect.

Conclusions

The results showed that the difference of the five extracts of GD in the efficacy of DSS-induced UC in mice was closely related to the extraction method. Our study improved the extraction process of GD and provided a foundation for the process of enteric-soluble preparations and a new idea for traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation.
A comparative study on normal and obese mice indicates that the secretome of mesenchymal stromal cells is influenced by tissue environment and physiopathological conditions
Authors: Ayaz-Güner Şerife , Alessio Nicola , Acar Mustafa B. , Aprile Domenico , Özcan Servet , Bernardo Giovanni Di , Peluso Gianfranco , GALDERISI Umberto 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe term mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) designates an assorted cell population comprised of stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, and stromal cells. MSCs contribute to the homeostatic maintenance of many organs through paracrine and long-distance signaling.Tissue environment, in both physiological and pathological conditions, may affect the intercellular communication of MSCs. MethodsWe performed a secretome analysis of MSCs isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (sWAT) and visceral adipose tissue (vWAT), and from bone marrow (BM), of normal and obese mice.ResultsThe MSCs isolated from tissues of healthy mice share a common core of released factors: components of cytoskeletal and extracellular structures; regulators of basic cellular functions, such as protein synthesis and degradation; modulators of endoplasmic reticulum stress; and counteracting oxidative stress. It can be hypothesized that MSC secretome beneficially affects target cells by the horizontal transfer of many released factors. Each type of MSC may exert specific signaling functions, which could be determined by looking at the many factors that are exclusively released from every MSC type.The vWAT-MSCs release factors that play a role in detoxification activity in response to toxic substances and drugs. The sWAT-MSC secretome contains proteins involved in in chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis. Analysis of BM-MSC secretome revealed that these cells exert a signaling function by remodeling extracellular matrix structures, such as those containing glycosaminoglycans. Obesity status profoundly modified the secretome content of MSCs, impairing the above-described activity and promoting the release of inflammatory factors.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the content of MSC secretomes depends on tissue microenvironment and that pathological condition may profoundly alter its composition.
Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis by Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in T1 Breast Cancer
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Kouhashi Rika , Yabumoto Akimichi , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Takashima Tsutomu , Fujita Hisakazu , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose:Lymph node metastasis is more likely in early-stage breast cancer with lower tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between TILs and lymph node metastasis in cT1 breast cancer patients undergoing surgery and the usefulness of TILs in predicting sentinel lymph node metastasis (SLNM) in cT1N0M0 breast cancer.Methods:We investigated 332 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery as the first-line treatment after preoperative diagnosis of cT1. A positive diagnosis of SLNM as an indication for axillary clearance was defined as macrometastasis in the sentinel lymph node (SLN) (macrometastasis: tumor diameter > 2 mm). Semi-quantitative evaluation of lymphocytes infiltrating the peritumoral stroma as TILs in primary tumor biopsy specimens prior to treatment was conducted.Results:For SLN biopsy (SLNB), a median of 2 (range, 1–8) SLNs were pathologically evaluated. Sixty cases (19.4%) of SLNM (macrometastasis: 46, micrometastasis: 16) were observed. Metastasis was significantly greater in breast cancers with tumor diameter > 10 mm than in those with diameter \le 10 mm (p = 0.016). Metastasis was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion (p <0.001). These two clinicopathological factors correlated with SLNM even in patients diagnosed with cN0 (tumor size; p = 0.017, lymphatic invasion; p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis for SLNM predictors revealed lymphatic invasion (p = 0.008, odds ratio [OR]=2.522) and TILs (p < 0.001, OR = 0.137) as independent factors.Conclusions:Our results suggest a correlation between lymph node metastasis and tumor immune-microenvironment in cT1 breast cancer. TIL density may be a predictor of SLNM in breast cancer without lymph node metastasis on preoperative imaging.