bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased brain plasmin levels following experimental ischemic stroke in male mice
Authors: Mindel Ekaterina , Weiss Ronen , Bushi Doron , Gera Orna , Orion David , Chapman Joab , Shavit‐Stein Efrat 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMany coagulation factor proteases are increased in the brain during ischemic stroke. One of these proteases is plasmin. In this study we established a novel method for direct quantitative measurement of plasmin activity in male mouse brain slices using a sensitive fluorescent substrate in the presence of specific protease inhibitors. In both the ischemic and contralateral hemispheres, plasmin activity increased 3, 6, and 24 hr following stroke in comparison to healthy mice (F(3, 72) = 39.5, p < 0.0001, repeated measures ANOVA) after the induction of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAo). Plasmin activity was higher in the ischemic hemisphere (F(1,36) = 9.1, p = 0.005) and there was a significant interaction between time and ischemic hemisphere (F(3,36) = 4.4, p = 0.009). Plasmin activity was correlated with infarct volume (R2 = 0.5289, p = 0.0009 by Spearman). The specificity of the assay was verified utilizing tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA)‐deficient mice which, as expected, had significantly lower levels of plasmin 24 hr following ischemia compared to wild‐type mice (ischemic (0.6 ± 0.23 and 1.94 ± 0.5, respectively), p = 0.049 and contralateral hemispheres (0.13 ± 0.14 and 0.75 ± 0.10, respectively), p = 0.018 by t test). There is a time‐dependent increase in plasmin levels and an association of higher levels of plasmin with larger infarct volumes in an experimental stroke model. This suggests caution in the use of recombinant tPA (rtPA) and that plasmin inhibition in the brain may be a therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke.
Impact of a poor functional capacity on the clinical outcomes in patients with a pacemaker implantation –Results from the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society Registry –
Authors: Arimoto Takanori , Watanabe Eiichi , Kohno Ritsuko , Shimeno Kenji , Kikuchi Kan , Doi Atsushi , Inoue Kanki , Nitta Takashi , Nogami Akihiko , Abe Haruhiko , Okumura Ken 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundFunctional capacity (FC) correlates with mortality in various cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether cardiac pacemaker implantations improve the FC and affect the prognosis.Methods and ResultsWe prospectively enrolled 621 de novo pacemaker recipients (age 76 ± 9 years, 50.7% male). The FC was assessed by metabolic equivalents (METs) during the implantation and periodically thereafter. The patients were a priori classified into poor FC (<2 METs, n = 40), moderate FC (2 ≤ METs < 4, n = 239), and good FC (≥4 METs, n = 342). Three months after the pacemaker implantation, poor FC or moderate FC patients improved to a good FC by 43%. The distribution of the three FCs remained at those levels until after 1 year of follow‐up (P = .18). During a median follow‐up of 2.4 years, 71 patients (11%) had cardiovascular hospitalizations and 35 (5.6%) all‐cause death. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that a poor FC at baseline was an independent predictor of both cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 2.494, P = .012) and all‐cause death (HR 3.338, P = .016). One year after the pacemaker implantation, the eight who remained with a poor FC had a high mortality rate of 37.5% (P < .01).ConclusionApproximately half of the poor or moderate FC patients improved to good FC 3 months after the pacemaker implantation. The baseline FC predicted the prognosis, and patients with an improved FC after the pacemaker implantation had a better prognosis.
Vitamin C in orthopedic practices: Current concepts, novel ideas, and future perspectives
Authors: Oakes Bennett , Bolia Ioanna K. , Weber Alexander E. , Petrigliano Frank A 
Published: December 2020

AbstractVitamin C (ascorbic acid), is an important antioxidant that has been applied broadly in the field of orthopaedics. Current research on vitamin C examines the molecule's role in bone and tendon physiology, as well as joint replacement and Postoperative pain. Most laboratory and human studies associate the use of vitamin C with improved bone health and tendon healing. Recent literature moderately supports the use of vitamin C to improve functional outcomes, decreased postoperative pain, and prevent complex regional pain syndrome following orthopaedic procedures. The perioperative use of vitamin C in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is still under investigation. Overall, there is need for high‐quality human trials to confirm whether vitamin C can potentiate the outcomes of orthopaedic procedures and to determine optimal dosage and means of administration to maximize its proposed benefits. The purpose of this review was to summarize the application of vitamin C in orthopaedic practices and to identify potential areas for future study.
Reusable vs disposable nasopharyngolaryngoscopes: Cost analysis and resident survey
Authors: Walczak Ryan , Arnold Mark , Grewal Jeewanjot , Yuan Xiao , Suryadevara Amar , Marzouk Haidy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveAssess the quality of a new disposable nasopharyngolaryngoscope (NPL) through resident feedback at multiple academic institutions and provide a cost analysis of reusable and disposable NPLs at a single academic center.Study DesignAn online survey was distributed to residents at institutions throughout the United States that have implemented use of a disposable NPL (Ambu aScope 4 Rhinolaryngo).SettingCost analysis performed at a single academic center. Resident survey distributed to multiple residency programs throughout the United States.Subjects and MethodsThe survey collected demographic information and asked residents to rate the new disposable NPL and other reusable NPLs using a 5‐point Likert scale. A cost analysis was performed of both reusable and disposable NPLs using information obtained at a single academic center.ResultsThe survey was distributed to 109 residents throughout the country and 37 were completed for a response rate of 33.9%. The disposable NPL was comparable to reusable NPLs based on ergonomics and maneuverability, inferior in imaging quality (P < .001), and superior in setup (P < .001), convenience (P < .001), and rated better overall (P < .04). The disposable NPL was found to be cheaper per use than reusable NPLs at $171.82 and $170.36 compared to $238.17 and $197.88 per use for the reusable NPL if the life span is 1 year and 5 years respectively.ConclusionDisposable NPLs may offer an alternative option and initial feedback obtained from resident physicians is favorable. Cost analysis favors disposable NPLs as the cost‐effective option.Level of EvidenceNA.
A Four‐Armed Polyacrylic Acid Homopolymer Binder with Enhanced Performance for SiOx/Graphite Anode
Authors: Luo Chao , Wu Xiufen , Zhang Tian , Chi Shang‐Sen , Liu Zhengying , Wang Jun , Wang Chaoyang , Deng Yonghong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe large‐scale application of Si‐based anodes is impeded by their fast capacity decay, which is mainly attributed to the huge volume expansion upon cycling. The employment of functional binders is one efficient method to mitigate this issue. In this work, a four‐armed polyacrylic acid (4A‐PAA) homopolymer is explored as a remarkably effective binder for Si‐based anodes. The 4A‐PAA binder is prepared via an atom transfer radical polymerization, followed by ester hydrolysis. Compared to the conventional linear polyacrylic acid (PAA) binder, the 4A‐PAA not only shows enhanced toughness due to its decreased molecular regularity and intramolecular hydrogen bond but also exhibits increased binding strength because of its multidimensional binding structure. As a result, the SiOx/graphite electrode using the 4A‐PAA retains a capacity retention of 89.1% and a capacity of 558.1 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.16 A g−1, which are superior to the PAA electrode, corresponding to 80.4% and 469.3 mAh g−1, respectively. The improved performance is attributed to the employment of the 4A‐PAA, which mitigates the volume change of the SiOx/graphite anode. This work not only offers a promising binder for Si‐based anodes but also presents a universal solution for other anodes with high volume expansion during cycling.
Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Cognitive and Motor Functions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Elfil Mohamed , Bahbah Eshak I. , Attia Mahmoud M. , Eldokmak Mohamed , Koo Brian B. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that presents with motor and non‐motor manifestations. Amongst the non‐motor features, various forms of sleep disturbances can occur, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered to be a common comorbidity. We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the impact of OSA on cognitive and motor functions in PD.MethodsThe information sources of for this systematic review and meta‐analysis were PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Studies meeting the following criteria were included: (1) studies including idiopathic PD patients, (2) studies using polysomnography to categorize PD patients into PD with OSA and PD without OSA, and (3) studies with observational designs (case–control, cohort, or cross‐sectional). Data analysis was performed using RevMan.ResultsOur meta‐analysis showed that OSA was associated with significantly lower scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessments (MoCA) (mean difference (MD) = −0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.28, −0.13], P = 0.01) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) (MD = −0.69, 95% CI [−1.17, −0.21], P = 0.005). Moreover, the score of the motor part of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III) was significantly higher in PD patients with OSA as compared with those without OSA (MD = 1.63, 95% CI [0.03, 3.23], P = 0.049).ConclusionsOSA is associated with increased severity of PD‐associated cognitive dysfunction and motor symptoms. However, further studies are needed to corroborate these findings, assess the underlying mechanisms by which OSA influences the motor and cognitive functions in PD, and investigate whether OSA can accelerate the neurodegenerative process of PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Geometrical model for calculating the effect of surface morphology on total x‐ray output of medical x‐ray tubes
Authors: Siller Maximilian , Minkkinen Mika , Bogust Pamela , Jelinek Alexander , Schatte Jürgen , Bostrom Neil , Greenland Kasey , Knabl Wolfram , Clemens Helmut , Pippan Reinhard , Maier‐Kiener Verena 
Published: December 2020

PurposeCorrelation of characteristic surface appearance and surface roughness with measured air kerma (kinetic energy released in air) reduction of tungsten‐rhenium (WRe) stationary anode surfaces.MethodsA stationary anode test system was developed and used to alter nine initially ground sample surfaces through thermal cycling at high temperatures. A geometrical model based on high resolution surface data was implemented to correlate the measured reduction of the air kerma rate with the changing surface appearance of the samples. In addition to the nine thermally cycled samples, three samples received synthetic surface structuring to prove the applicability of the model to nonconventional surface alterations. Representative surface data and surface roughness values were acquired by laser scanning confocal microscopy.ResultsAfter thermal cycling in the stationary anode test system, the samples showed surface features comparable to rotating anodes after long‐time operation. The established model enables the appearance of characteristic surface features like crack networks, pitting, and local melting to be linked to the local x‐ray output at 100 kV tube voltage ,10° anode take off angle and 2 mm of added Al filtration. The results from the conducted air kerma measurements were compared to the predicted total x‐ray output reduction from the geometrical model and show, on average, less than 10 % error within the 12 tested samples. In certain boundaries, the calculated surface roughness Ra showed a linear correlation with the measured air kerma reduction when samples were having comparable damaging characteristics and similar operation parameters. The orientation of the surface features had a strong impact on the measured air kerma rate which was shown by testing synthetically structured surfaces.ConclusionsThe geometrical model used herein considers and describes the effect of individual surface features on the x‐ray output. In close boundaries arithmetic surface roughness Ra was found to be a useful characteristic value on estimating the effect of surface damage on total x‐ray output.
A new data augmentation method based on local image warping for medical image segmentation
Authors: Liu Hong , Cao Haichao , Song Enmin , Ma Guangzhi , Xu Xiangyang , Jin Renchao , Liu Tengying , Liu Lei , Liu Daiyang , Hung Chih‐Cheng 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe segmentation accuracy of medical images was improved by increasing the number of training samples using a local image warping technique. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated in the segmentation of breast masses, prostate and brain tumors, and lung nodules.MethodsWe propose a simple data augmentation method which is called stochastic evolution (SE). Specifically, the idea of SE stems from our thinking about the deterioration of the diseased tissue and the healing process. In order to simulate this natural process, we implement it according to the local distortion algorithm in image warping. In other words, the irregular deterioration and healing processes of the diseased tissue is simulated according to the direction of the local distortion, thereby producing a natural sample that is indistinguishable by humans.ResultsThe proposed method is evaluated on four segmentation tasks of breast masses, prostate, brain tumors, and lung nodules. Comparing the experimental results of four segmentation methods based on the UNet segmentation architecture without adding any expanded data during training, the accuracy and the Hausdorff distance obtained in our approach remain almost the same as other methods. However, the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and sensitivity (SEN) have both improved to some extent. Among them, DSC is increased by 5.2%, 2.8%, 1.0%, and 3.2%, respectively; SEN is increased by 6.9%, 4.3%, 1.2%, and 4.5%, respectively.ConclusionsExperimental results show that the proposed SE data augmentation method could improve the segmentation accuracy of breast masses, prostate, brain tumors, and lung nodules. The method also shows the robustness with different image datasets and imaging modalities.
The impact of intellectual disability nurse specialists in the United Kingdom and Eire Ireland: An integrative review
Authors: Bur Jennifer , Missen Karen , Cooper Simon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo identify and evaluate the impact of Intellectual Disability Nurse Specialists person‐centred care for people with intellectual disability.DesignAn Integrative review of the literature was performed between January 2007–December 2017.MethodsSearching the PubMed Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline Ovid, PsychINFO, Health Source: Nursing/Academic edition. A total of eight articles were selected for the final study example, including four mixed methods studies and four qualitative studies.ResultsThree Intellectual Disability Nurse Specialist models were evaluated, and three main themes emerged: person‐centred care, organizational and practice development.ConclusionThe Intellectual Disability Nurse Specialist expert knowledge and skills contribute to the development of effective systems and processes. The results highlighted the complex nature of the Intellectual Disability Nurse Specialist role and the importance of ongoing development, promotion and evaluation and their contribution to care in the healthcare setting.
Layer‐by‐Layer‐Assembled Capsule Size Affects the Efficiency of Packaging and Delivery of Different Genetic Cargo
Authors: Tarakanchikova Yana V. , Muslimov Albert R. , Zyuzin Mikhail V. , Nazarenko Irina , Timin Alexander S. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Lepik Kirill V. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe lack of an efficient and versatile intracellular nucleic acids delivery platform impedes the clinical implementation of gene therapy. Advances in layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technology have led to the production of LbL polymer capsules, a promising universal delivery tool. The biocompatibility, sufficient packaging capacity, safety, low cost, and high variability of structure and composition of the LbL capsules make it possible to meet the requirements for clinical‐grade nonviral gene transfer. Here, the possibility of polymeric LbL capsules of different sizes (micrometer and sub‐micrometer‐sized) to serve as universal nonviral carriers for messenger RNA (mRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) is considered. In particular, the internalization of capsules into human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs, as an example of adult primary stem cells), capsule uptake, and intracellular delivery of mRNA and siRNA is studied. Importantly, the use of micrometer‐ or sub‐micrometer‐sized polymer capsules (MicCaps and SubCaps) allows the mRNA or siRNA to be packaged and transferred into hMSCs with high efficiency. While the uptake efficiency is comparable between MicCaps and SubCaps, the latter are significantly more efficient than MicCap when transferring siRNAs. These results demonstrate the potential of the LbL capsules as a universal gene delivery platform, which can be tuned according to the properties of genetic cargo.
Impact of Extracellular Polymeric Substance in the Inactivation of Harmful Algae by Ag2O/g‐C3N4 under Visible Light
Authors: Fan Gongduan , Lin Jiuhong , Xia Mingqian , Luo Jing , Du Banghao , Pang Heliang , Yan Zhongsen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPhotocatalysis has attracted much attention as an emerging algae removal technology, but the inactivation performance is inevitably affected by the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) produced by algae. In this study, a photocatalyst (Ag2O/g‐C3N4) with efficient algae inactivation is adopted to investigate the interactions with EPS, and the impact of EPS on photocatalytic algae removal is studied. The results show that EPS can adhere to the surface of Ag2O/g‐C3N4 by electrostatic force. The interaction with EPS decreases the surface zeta potential of the Ag2O/g‐C3N4 from 7.71 to −22.3 mV with the increase in EPS concentration, and the maximum ratio of particle size increases from 825 to 1281 nm. In addition, the interaction with EPS inhibits the release of Ag+ in Ag2O/g‐C3N4 by half, thus, the toxicity of metal ions will be alleviated. Meanwhile, EPS can also be degraded by Ag2O/g‐C3N4, indicating that EPS can work as a radical scavenger to protect the algae cells. Without the protection of EPS, 97.8% of algae cells are inactivated after 5 h photocatalysis. Therefore, more attention should be given to the interaction between EPS and photocatalyst to promote the design and application of the photocatalytic.
Mental health history and social barriers impacting caregivers of infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gillespie Michelle L. , Nemastil Christopher J. , Moore‐Clingenpeel Melissa , Gilmore Diana , Dell Mary L. , Krivchenia Katelyn 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesCaregivers of infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) carry a heavy treatment burden for their child along with the inherent difficulties of raising an infant. This study investigated the impact of self‐reported caregiver mental health diagnoses and social barriers during the 1st year of life on clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted for infants seen in a large tertiary hospital CF clinic over a 5‐year period. Baseline characteristics were collected, and documentation from physician and social work notes were reviewed. Demographics and clinical characteristics were compared by the presence or absence of self‐reported mental health diagnoses, social barriers, and “emotional concern.”ResultsAnalyses were conducted on 71 patients. Thirty‐five percent of caregivers disclosed mental health diagnoses, 52% identified social barriers to care, and 55% reported feeling upset or fatigued. Having a caregiver with a self‐reported mental health diagnosis was associated with tobacco smoke exposure (p < .001) and increased odds of hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–6.06), emergency department/urgent care visits (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.32–7.64), and longer lengths of stay (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.69–2.20). Caregivers who expressed emotional concern had infants with significantly lower weight‐for‐length percentiles (p = .012).DiscussionCaregiver mental health and social barriers to care are important determinants to address as they may impact clinical outcomes in infants with CF. Identifying barriers and struggles early increases the likelihood that clinical teams can intervene and provide support. Further research into mental health and socioeconomic barriers faced by caregivers of infants with CF is crucial.
Thioglucopyranose Ligands Promote Phase‐Transfer of Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots from Organic Solvents to Water
Authors: Carrizo Antonella F. , Argüello Juan E. , Schmidt Luciana C. , Colomer Juan P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe attainment of water‐dispersible cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) with bright luminescence and tunable optical properties represents a great challenge to improve their biological applications. Indeed, over the last years, fluorescent materials have been widely applied for sensing and bioimaging, thus promoting research in the field of life science. Herein, we present the functionalization of CdSe QDs with peracetylated thioglucopyranose (2,3,4,6‐Tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranose) and the subsequent deprotection reaction. This novel protocol performed at room temperature and under mild conditions allows the phase‐transfer of the functionalized nanoparticles from organic solvents into water. The CdSe QDs in water showed higher photoluminescent efficiency than their nanoparticle precursors in organic solvents. Our results represent an effective methodology useful to obtain water‐soluble QDs to foster the potential uses for glycobiological studies.
Depolymerization of End‐of‐Life Poly(lactide) to Lactide via Zinc‐Catalysis
Authors: Alberti Christoph , Enthaler Stephan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe chemical recycling of poly(lactide) (PLA), especially the initial depolymerization step was studied. High molecular weight PLA was depolymerized in the presence of zinc catalyst to lactide, the industrial relevant chemical for the synthesis of high molecular weight PLA; therefore, an efficient recycling is feasible without the need for depolymerization reagents. An excellent performance was observed for zinc(II) acetate with turnover frequencies of up to ∼260 h−1at 200–210 °C. Noteworthy, the lactide was isolated in high purity by reactive distillation. Furthermore, the zinc(II) acetate catalyst was recycled up to five times.
A Green Catalyst Fe(OTs)3/SiO2 for theSynthesis of 4‐Pyrrolo‐12‐oxoquinazolines
Authors: Sai Allaka Bhargava , Basavoju Srinivas , Rama Krishna Gamidi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn efficient and eco‐friendly diversity‐oriented synthetic protocol has been presented to synthesize structurally versatile drug‐like molecules under solvent‐free grinding in the presence of Fe(OTs)3/SiO2 as a catalyst. The use of Fe(OTs)3/SiO2 as a recyclable and reusable catalyst has been explored in the synthetic domino protocol involving one‐pot, three component reaction for the synthesis of 4‐pyrrolo‐12‐oxoquinazolines with special features of the protocol like high atom‐economy, operational simplicity, short reaction time and high selectivity with excellent yields.