bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dual PMMA/calcium sulfate carrier of vancomycin is more effective than PMMA‐vancomycin at inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus growth in vitro
Authors: Luo Shanchao , Jiang Tongmeng , Long Lina , Yang Yingnian , Yang Xiaoping , Luo Lan , Li Jinli , Chen Zhiyu , Zou Chongqi , Luo Shixing 
Published: February 2020

Both antibiotic‐impregnated poly(methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and antibiotic‐impregnated calcium sulfate have been successfully used as local antibiotic delivery vehicles for the management of chronic osteomyelitis. Here, we examined the antibiotic elution characteristics and antibacterial properties of a composite drug delivery system consisting of PMMA/calcium sulfate carrying vancomycin (dual carrier‐v) against Staphylococcus aureus, with PMMA loaded with vancomycin (PMMA‐v) as a control. Vancomycin gradually degraded from dual carrier‐v and PMMA‐v up to about 8 and 6 weeks, respectively. At different elution time points, the inhibition zones of the dual carrier‐v were larger than the inhibition zones of the PMMA‐v (P < 0.05). The colony inhibition rate of the dual carrier‐v was 95.57%, whereas it was 77.87% for PMMA‐v. Scanning electron microscopy was used to demonstrate biofilm formation on the surface of plates treated with vancomycin‐unloaded PMMA, whereas there was no biofilm formation on the surface of plates treated with dual carrier‐v or PMMA‐v. The dual carrier‐v was more effective at antibacterial adhesion at each time point after immersion in simulated body fluid as compared with PMMA‐v (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that the dual carrier‐v can release higher concentrations of antibiotics and inhibit bacteria growth more effectively in vitro as compared with PMMA‐v. The dual carrier‐v thus may have potential as an alternative strategy for osteomyelitis management.
Moderate‐intensity exercise increases renalase levels in the blood and skeletal muscle of rats
Authors: Tokinoya Katsuyuki , Yoshida Yasuko , Sugasawa Takehito , Takekoshi Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2020

Renalase is predominantly expressed in the kidney, where it plays a role in catecholamine metabolism and blood pressure regulation. Moderate‐intensity exercise (MEX) has been shown to increase the concentration of renalase in the blood and to reduce renal function in humans. Moreover, such exercise was also reported to increase catecholamine levels. Here, we examined renalase concentration in the blood and renalase expression levels in different organs after MEX in rats. Twelve male Wistar rats were made to run on a treadmill (MEX group) for 60 min at 20 m·min−1, after resting for 15 min. The control group rats were euthanized after resting on the treadmill. Tissue and blood samples were analyzed using western blotting, real‐time RT‐PCR and ELISA. Overall, the concentrations of renalase in the blood were significantly higher in the MEX group than that in the control group. Renalase expression was decreased in the kidney after 60 min of exercise, whereas the expression of renalase mRNA and protein in the extensor digitorum longus and plantaris muscles, respectively, increased after exercise. However, the expression of renalase in the other tissues examined did not change after acute exercise. In conclusion, we report that MEX for 60 min increases both renalase concentration in the blood and its expression in skeletal muscle.
Insulin‐Sensitizing Activity of Sub‐Nanoscaled Polyalkoxyvanadate Clusters
Authors: Chen Kun , Jia Hongli , Liu Yuan , Yin Panchao , Wei Yongge 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSub‐nanoscaled polyalkoxyvanadates (PAOVs) functionalized with various aliphatic acids are evaluated for their insulin‐sensitizing activity in lowering the blood glucose levels of diabetic mice in typical glucose tolerance tests. All the PAOVs can restore the blood glucose to normal levels after a single oral administration of PAOVs. Among them, the myristic acid‐modified PAOVs enable the response of insulin to the repeated glucose challenges, lasting for up to 13 h. The combined administration of PAOVs exerts better glucose control over insulin alone, while the capric acid‐ and myristic acid‐modified ones can enhance the responsiveness of insulin to glucose challenge and is comparable to a clinical‐used derivative of insulin. Interestingly, continuous glucose monitoring shows that myristic acid‐modified PAOV derivatives sensitize the responsiveness of insulin, almost matching with that of a healthy pancreas. These discoveries open up new opportunities for the application of PAOVs to promote glucose‐responsive and long‐lasting activity of insulin, which are expected to aid the accurate blood glucose control in insulin therapy while reducing the number of insulin administrations.
A Wirelessly Controlled Smart Bandage with 3D‐Printed Miniaturized Needle Arrays
Authors: Derakhshandeh Hossein , Aghabaglou Fariba , McCarthy Alec , Mostafavi Azadeh , Wiseman Chris , Bonick Zack , Ghanavati Ian , Harris Seth , Kreikemeier‐Bower Craig , Moosavi Basri Seyed Masoud , Rosenbohm Jordan , Yang Ruiguo , Mostafalu Pooria , Orgill Dennis , Tamayol Ali 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChronic wounds are one of the most devastating complications of diabetes and are the leading cause of nontraumatic limb amputation. Despite the progress in identifying factors and promising in vitro results for the treatment of chronic wounds, their clinical translation is limited. Given the range of disruptive processes necessary for wound healing, different pharmacological agents are needed at different stages of tissue regeneration. This requires the development of wearable devices that can deliver agents to critical layers of the wound bed in a minimally invasive fashion. Here, for the first time, a programmable platform is engineered that is capable of actively delivering a variety of drugs with independent temporal profiles through miniaturized needles into deeper layers of the wound bed. The delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through the miniaturized needle arrays demonstrates that, in addition to the selection of suitable therapeutics, the delivery method and their spatial distribution within the wound bed is equally important. Administration of VEGF to chronic dermal wounds of diabetic mice using the programmable platform shows a significant increase in wound closure, re‐epithelialization, angiogenesis, and hair growth when compared to standard topical delivery of therapeutics.
Selenium‐Containing Nanoparticles Combine the NK Cells Mediated Immunotherapy with Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Gao Shiqian , Li Tianyu , Guo Ye , Sun Chenxing , Xianyu Banruo , Xu Huaping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractConsidering the limited clinical benefits of individual approaches against malignancy, natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated immunotherapy is increasingly utilized in combination with radiotherapy and target therapeutics. However, the interplay of targeted agents, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy is complex. An improved understanding of the effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy on specific molecular pathways in immune cells would help to optimize the synergistic antitumor efficiency. In this study, the selenium‐containing nanoparticles (NPs) could deliver the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) to tumor sites by systemic administration. Radiation stimuli facilitate DOX release and enhance chemotherapy efficiency. Moreover, radiation could oxidize diselenide‐containing NPs to seleninic acid, which have both synergistic antitumor effect and immunomodulatory activity through enhancing NK cells function. These results indicate that the selenium‐containing NPs would be a potential approach to achieve simultaneous treatments of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy by a simple but effective method.
Solution‐Processed Centimeter‐Scale Highly Aligned Organic Crystalline Arrays for High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Duan Shuming , Wang Tao , Geng Bowen , Gao Xiong , Li Chenguang , Zhang Jing , Xi Yue , Zhang Xiaotao , Ren Xiaochen , Hu Wenping 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSolution‐printed organic single‐crystalline films hold great potential for achieving low‐cost manufacturing of large‐area and flexible electronics. For practical applications, organic field‐effect transistor arrays must exhibit high performance and small device‐to‐device variation. However, scalable fabrication of highly aligned organic crystalline arrays is rather difficult due to the lack of control over the crystallographic orientation, crystal uniformity, and thickness. Here, a facile solution‐printing method to fabricate centimeter‐sized highly aligned organic crystalline arrays with a thickness of a few molecular layers is reported. In this study, the solution shearing technique is used to produce large‐area, organic highly crystalline thin films. Water‐soluble ink is printed on the hydrophobic surface of organic crystalline films, to selectively protect it, followed by etching. It is shown that the addition of a surfactant dramatically changes the fluid drying dynamics and increases the contact line friction of the aqueous solution to the underlying nonwetting organic crystalline film. As a result, centimeter‐scale highly aligned organic crystalline arrays are successfully prepared on different substrates. The devices based on organic crystalline arrays show good performance and uniformity. This study demonstrates that solution printing is close to industrial application and also expands its applicability to various printed flexible electronics.
Water‐Stable Lithium Metal Anodes with Ultrahigh‐Rate Capability Enabled by a Hydrophobic Graphene Architecture
Authors: Dong Lei , Nie Lu , Liu Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractImplementing the utilization of lithium metal in actual processing and application conditions is essential for next‐generation high‐energy batteries at a practical level. However, the air/water instability of the high‐reactive Li metal remains unsolved. Here, a water‐stable Li metal anode with ultrahigh‐rate capability enabled by a rationally designed architecture is reported. A hydrophobic graphene framework, consists of an array of vertically aligned sheets and a roof of sloping‐aligned sheets, is utilized to fully host lithium metal. As a result, it is first demonstrated that the composite Li metal anode can run stably even after it directly contacts with water. In addition, both the arrays and the roof in the framework are directional graphene microsheets that can provide fast charge transport kinetics in the anode without tortuosity. Therefore, the anode can operate at an extremely high current density of 50 mA cm−2 with long‐term cycling stability. Importantly, the composite Li anodes in Li||LiFePO4 and Li||NCM‐811 cells also show much improved performances than Li metal foil under crucial conditions of lean electrolyte and low negative/positive capacity ratio. This design provides a significant stride in the safety toward the practicability of low air/water tolerance materials.
Influence of Nanoconfinement on the pKa of Polyelectrolyte Functionalized Silica Mesopores
Authors: Brilmayer Robert , Kübelbeck Sonja , Khalil Adnan , Brodrecht Martin , Kunz Ulrike , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Buntkowsky Gerd , Baier Grit , Andrieu‐Brunsen Annette 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFunctionalized ordered mesoporous materials are relevant in technologies, such as drug release, sensing, and separation. To design functionality, the silica framework can be functionalized with responsive molecules or polymers. Often, the pH value in those hybrid materials determines performance. Even though pH/pKa differences between polymers in bulk solutions and nanoscale confinement have been observed, the influence of confinement on pH‐ and pore filling dependent polyelectrolyte oligomer chain charge has yet not been investigated systematically. Here, mesoporous silica films are functionalized with (2‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (DMAEMA) and 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphate (MEP) oligomers using photoiniferter initiated polymerization. This approach allows a controlled and environmentally friendly mesopore functionalization in water. The obtained oligomer functionalized pores are tunable with respect to pore filling. For both, poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and poly(2‐(methacryloxy)ethyl phosphate) (PMEP), the charge generation inside mesopore confinement is significantly delayed toward harsher pH conditions resulting in pKa shifts of 1–2 pH units. Polymer amount and ionic strength show to further influence the pKa of PDMAEMA in mesopores. The technological importance of the pH value in confinement and its effect on enzyme stabilization is demonstrated. Lipase from Aspergillus oryzae loses its activity upon encapsulation in silica nanoparticles at pH values where the enzyme is stable in bulk solution.
Mercury Sorbents Made By Inverse Vulcanization of Sustainable Triglycerides: The Plant Oil Structure Influences the Rate of Mercury Removal from Water
Authors: Tikoalu Alfrets D. , Lundquist Nicholas A. , Chalker Justin M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHigh sulfur content polymers are prepared through the copolymerization of sustainable triglycerides and sulfur. These products of “inverse vulcanization” contain 50% sulfur by mass and are evaluated in the removal of mercury from water. The structurally distinct triglycerides found in canola oil, castor oil, and rice bran oil are examined as co‐monomers to determine how each influences the rate and capacity of mercury uptake. An important discovery is that the high percentage of hydroxylated ricinoleic acid in castor oil improves both wetting and the rate of uptake of mercury(II) chloride into the polymer, in comparison with the polymers made from canola oil and rice bran oil. Detailed kinetic and isotherm modeling is carried out for all polymers for both inorganic and organic mercury sorption. All of the polymers are superior to elemental sulfur in their mercury capture ability. In terms of sustainability, this work advances the use of renewable monomers such as triglycerides sourced from plants and inexpensive industrial byproducts such as sulfur to make affordable mercury‐binding materials.
High‐Performance Thermoelectric SnSe: Aqueous Synthesis, Innovations, and Challenges
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Lei , Tao Xinyong , Zou Jin , Chen Zhi‐Gang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTin selenide (SnSe) is one of the most promising candidates to realize environmentally friendly, cost‐effective, and high‐performance thermoelectrics, derived from its outstanding electrical transport properties by appropriate bandgaps and intrinsic low lattice thermal conductivity from its anharmonic layered structure. Advanced aqueous synthesis possesses various unique advantages including convenient morphology control, exceptional high doping solubility, and distinctive vacancy engineering. Considering that there is an urgent demand for a comprehensive survey on the aqueous synthesis technique applied to thermoelectric SnSe, herein, a thorough overview of aqueous synthesis, characterization, and thermoelectric performance in SnSe is provided. New insights into the aqueous synthesis‐based strategies for improving the performance are provided, including vacancy synergy, crystallization design, solubility breakthrough, and local lattice imperfection engineering, and an attempt to build the inherent links between the aqueous synthesis‐induced structural characteristics and the excellent thermoelectric performance is presented. Furthermore, the significant advantages and potentials of an aqueous synthesis route for fabricating SnSe‐based 2D thermoelectric generators, including nanorods, nanobelts, and nanosheets, are also discussed. Finally, the controversy, strategy, and outlook toward future enhancement of SnSe‐based thermoelectric materials are also provided. This Review guides the design of thermoelectric SnSe with high performance and provides new perspectives as a reference for other thermoelectric systems.
Switching from Fatty Acid Oxidation to Glycolysis Improves the Outcome of Acute‐On‐Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Yu Zujiang , Li Jingjing , Ren Zhigang , Sun Ranran , Zhou Yang , Zhang Qi , Wang Qiongye , Cui Guangying , Li Juan , Li Ang , Duan Zhenfeng , Xu Yuming , Wang Zhichao , Yin Peiyuan , Piao Hailong , Lv Jun , Liu Xiaorui , Wang Yanfang , Fang Ming , Zhuang Zhengping , Xu Guowang , Kan Quancheng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high mortality rate. Metabolic reprogramming is an important mechanism for cell survival. Herein, the metabolic patterns of ACLF patients are analyzed. An in vitro model of ACLF is established using Chang liver cells under hyperammonemia and hypoxia. A randomized clinical trial (ChiCTR‐OPC‐15006839) is performed with patients receiving L‐ornithine and L‐aspartate (LOLA) daily intravenously (LOLA group) and trimetazidine (TMZ) tid orally (TMZ group) based on conventional treatment (control group). The primary end point is 90‐day overall survival, and overall survival is the secondary end point. By analyzing metabolic profiles in liver tissue samples from hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related ACLF patients and the controls, the metabolic characteristics of HBV‐related ACLF patients are identified: inhibited glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and urea cycle, and enhanced fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and glutamine anaplerosis. These effects are mainly attributed to hyperammonemia and hypoxia. Further in vitro study reveals that switching from FAO to glycolysis could improve hepatocyte survival in the hyperammonemic and hypoxic microenvironment. Importantly, this randomized clinical trial confirms that inhibiting FAO using TMZ improves the prognosis of patients with HBV‐related ACLF. In conclusion, this study provides a practical strategy for targeting metabolic reprogramming using TMZ to improve the survival of patients with HBV‐related ACLF.
Lifestyle Factors and Other Influences on Medical Students Choosing a Career in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Keith Kevin C. , Smith Elizabeth , Reddy Shalini , Bourne Christina L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine which lifestyle factors influence medical students who choose a career in emergency medicine (EM).MethodsFinal‐year medical students from 10 medical schools were surveyed after the National Residency Match Program match but prior to graduation regarding preferred medical specialty and lifestyle preferences. Responses from students pursuing EM regarding importance of lifestyle factors were compared to students interested in other specialties.ResultsA total of 453 of 1,575 invited medical students completed an electronic survey. EM was the third most preferred specialty. Students selecting EM were less likely to endorse “having control of work schedule” as being important (p < 0.005), but more likely to endorse “having time off work” as important (p < 0.05). When students were asked what specific factors were important in choosing a specialty, EM students differed from other students in the importance of flexible work schedule, time outside of work, and balance between work and personal life (p < 0.001). Fewer EM students endorsed that having a “low‐stress work day” was an important consideration in their specialty choice (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn this study representing 10 medical schools, graduating medical students who prefer EM as opposed to other specialties exhibit differences in lifestyle factors deemed important when choosing a specialty as a physician. Further investigation regarding any potential link to these factors and career longevity is warranted.
Genetic considerations for adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ito Seiji , Chapman Kimberly A. , Kisling Monisha , John Anitha S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCongenital heart disease (CHD) remains the most common birth defect, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1% of all births. The population of adults with CHD is growing rapidly with advances in medical care. Overall survival to adulthood in the current era estimated to exceed 90%. Genetic causes of CHD can be classified into several broad categories: (a) chromosomal aneuploidy, (b) large chromosomal deletion or duplication, (c) single gene mutation, and (d) copy number variation. However, only 20–30% of CHD cases have an established etiology characterized by either genetic abnormalities or environmental factors. The role of genetics in the field of adult CHD is only increasing. More adult patients with CHD are seeking genetic counseling to understand the etiology of their underlying CHD and the risks to future offspring. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to provide appropriate counseling to patients regarding indications for genetic testing and interpretations of results. Novel advances with precision medicine may soon enable clinicians to individualize therapies for a comprehensive approach to the care of adult patients with CHD.
Chronic rhinosinusitis after radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer: a population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Yen‐Ting , Lu Ying‐Chou , Cheng Hui‐Chen , Hsin Chung‐Han , Yang Shun‐Fa , Wang Po‐Hui , Yeh Huan‐Jui 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common post‐radiotherapy (RT) side effect in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). However, whether RT is a risk factor for CRS in patients with other types of head and neck cancer remains unclear. This study investigated the association, if any, between CRS and RT in patients with head and neck cancer.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included the data of patients newly diagnosed as having head and neck cancer between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008, from the 2005 Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Patients were categorized into the following groups according to the treatment regimens received: RT alone (RT‐alone), RT combined with other treatments (any‐RT), and treatments without RT (no‐RT). The outcome was the occurrence of CRS after treatment.ResultsOf the 701 patients, 7% experienced CRS within 5 years after initial treatment. Patients were divided into subgroups according to different treatment policies, and the RT‐alone group, any‐RT group, and no‐RT group had 5‐year incidence of CRS of 12%, 9.3%, and 4.5%, respectively. Patients in the RT‐alone and any‐RT groups exhibited an increased risk of CRS compared with patients in the no‐RT group (hazard ratio: 6.76 and 2.91; 95% confidence interval: 2.60 to 17.5 and 1.60 to 5.31, respectively).ConclusionThis is the first nationwide population‐based cohort study to evaluate the risk of posttreatment CRS in patients with head and neck cancer. Our findings indicate that RT is a major risk factor for CRS. Thus, physicians should consider this potential risk in patients with head and neck cancer after RT.