bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of adhesion properties of the cardiomyocyte integrins and extracellular matrix proteins using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Li Zecheng , Liu Tianqi , Yang Junxian , Lin Jiangguo , Xin Sherman Xuegang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntegrins are transmembrane adhesion receptors that play important roles in the cardiovascular system by interacting with the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, direct quantitative measurements of the adhesion properties of the integrins on cardiomyocyte (CM) and their ECM ligands are lacking. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to quantify the adhesion force (peak force and mean force) and binding probability between CM integrins and three main heart tissue ECM proteins, ie, collagen (CN), fibronectin (FN), and laminin (LN). Functionalizing the AFM probes with ECM proteins, we found that the peak force (mean force) was 61.69 ± 5.5 pN (76.54 ± 4.0 pN), 39.26 ± 4.4 pN (59.84 ± 3.6 pN), and 108.31 ± 4.2 pN (129.63 ± 6.0 pN), respectively, for the bond of CN‐integrin, FN‐integrin, and LN‐integrin. The binding specificity between CM integrins and ECM proteins was verified by using monoclonal antibodies, where α10‐ and α11‐integrin bind to CN, α3‐ and α5‐integrin bind to FN, and α3‐ and α7‐integrin bind to LN. Furthermore, adhesion properties of CM integrins under physiologically high concentrations of extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ were tested. Additional Ca2+ reduced the adhesion mean force to 68.81 ± 4.0 pN, 49.84 ± 3.3 pN, and 119.21 ± 5.8 pN and binding probability to 0.31, 0.34, 0.40 for CN, FN, and LN, respectively, whereas Mg2+ caused very minor changes to adhesion properties of CM integrins. Thus, adhesion properties between adult murine CM integrins and its main ECM proteins were characterized, paving the way for an improved understanding of CM mechanobiology.
Multiparametric Quantitative Brain MRI in Neurological and Hepatic Forms of Wilson's Disease
Authors: Dezortova Monika , Lescinskij Artem , Dusek Petr , Herynek Vit , Acosta‐Cabronero Julio , Bruha Radan , Jiru Filip , Robinson Simon D. , Hajek Milan 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundIn Wilson's disease (WD), demyelination, rarefaction, gliosis, and iron accumulation in the deep gray matter cause opposing effects on T2‐weighted MR signal. However, the degree and interplay of these changes in chronically treated WD patients has not been quantitatively studied.PurposeTo compare differences in brain multiparametric mapping between controls and chronically treated WD patients with neurological (neuro‐WD) and hepatic (hep‐WD) forms to infer the nature of residual WD neuropathology.Study TypeCross‐sectional.Population/SubjectsThirty‐eight WD patients (28 neuro‐WD, 10 hep‐WD); 26 healthy controls.Field Strength/Sequence3.0T: susceptibility, T2*, T2, T1 relaxometry; 1.5T: T2, T1 relaxometry.AssessmentThe following 3D regions of interest (ROIs) were manually segmented: globus pallidus, putamen, caudate nucleus, and thalamus. Mean bulk magnetic susceptibility, T2*, T2, and T1 relaxation times were calculated for each ROI.Statistical TestsThe effect of group (neuro‐WD, hep‐WD, controls) and age was assessed using a generalized least squares model with different variance for each ROI and quantitative parameter. A general linear hypothesis test with Tukey adjustment was used for post‐hoc between‐group analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsSusceptibility values were higher in all ROIs in neuro‐WD compared to controls and hep‐WD (P < 0.001). In basal ganglia, lower T2 and T2* were found in neuro‐WD compared to controls (P < 0.01) and hep‐WD (P < 0.05) at 3.0T. Much smaller intergroup differences for T2 in basal ganglia were observed at 1.5T compared to 3.0T. In the thalamus, increased susceptibility in neuro‐WD was accompanied by increased T1 at both field strengths (P < 0.001 to both groups), and an increased T2 at 1.5T only (P < 0.001 to both groups).Data ConclusionWe observed significant residual brain MRI abnormalities in neuro‐WD but not in hep‐WD patients on chronic anticopper treatment. Patterns of changes were suggestive of iron accumulation in the basal ganglia and demyelination in the thalamus; 3.0T was more sensitive for detection of the former and 1.5T of the latter abnormality.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy Stage: 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1829–1835.
Utility of directional high‐density mapping catheter (AdvisorTM HD Grid) in complex scar‐related atrial tachycardia
Authors: Tan Vern Hsen , Lyu Murphy Zhiyuan , Tan Peter Carlo , Wong Loo Chin , Yeo Colin , Wong Kelvin Cheok Keng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMapping of scar‐related atrial tachycardias (AT) can be challenging even with the use of high‐density (HD) mapping catheter. AdvisorTM HD Grid is the only directional HD mapping catheter which not only identify local electrical signal but more importantly capture the direction of wave front propagation especially in low voltage zone. Accordingly, we present a case of complex scar‐related AT with the use of AdvisorTM HD Grid which showed clear fractionated signal at isthmus area as compare to the absence of signal on ablation catheter at the same area despite adequate contact force. Ablation at this area terminated the tachycardia.
The effect of failure on performance over time: The case of cardiac surgery operations
Authors: Avgerinos Emmanouil , Gokpinar Bilal , Fragkos Ioannis 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFailure is a common occurrence in many operational contexts involving knowledge work. Concentrating on highly critical cardiac surgery operations, we investigate how failure affects subsequent performance over time. In addressing our research questions, we draw on the sensemaking perspective and incorporate behavioral aspects of failure that are often overlooked. We develop three hypotheses on the effects of failure (i.e., in‐hospital mortality of a patient) and test them with a unique data set of 4,306 cardiac surgery operations from a large European hospital, spanning five years. Our findings show that while failure promotes learning over time and improves task execution quality (as measured by patients' reduced length of stay) in the long term, its effect is the opposite in the short term. Our work also unravels how relational dynamics (i.e., familiarity) may reduce the short‐term effects of failure. We find evidence that team familiarity mitigates the detrimental effects of recent failures. This implies that certain team assignment strategies after failure (e.g., putting individuals into familiar teams) may be preferable than others. We explore and illustrate this by conducting a policy simulation based on our data. This article provides new insights into how operations managers can support their employees in moving forward after failure.
Thiol‐ene Hydrogels for Local Delivery of PTH for Bone Regeneration in Critical Size defects
Authors: Wojda Samantha J. , Marozas Ian A. , Anseth Kristi S. , Yaszemski Michael J. , Donahue Seth W. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTNeither allograft nor commercially available bone graft substitutes provide the same quality of bone healing as autograft. Incorporation of bioactive molecules like parathyroid hormone (PTH) within bone graft substitute materials may provide similar, if not better treatment options to grafting. The goal of this work was to develop a biomaterial system for the local delivery of PTH to large bone defects for promoting bone regeneration. PTH was loaded in a thiol‐ene hydrogel at several concentrations and polymerized in and around an osteoconductive poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) scaffold. PTH was shown to be bioactive when released from the hydrogel for up to 21 days. Eighty percent of the PTH was released by day 3 with the remaining 20% released by day 14. Bone healing was quantified in rat critical size femoral defects that were treated with hydrogel/PPF and 0, 1, 3, 10, or 30 µg of PTH. Although complete osseous healing was not observed in all samples in any one treatment group, all samples in the 10 µg PTH group were bridged fully by bone or a combination of bone and cartilage containing hypertrophic chondrocytes and endochondral ossification. Outcome measures indicated improved defect bridging by a combination of bony and cartilaginous tissue in the 10 μg treatment group compared with empty bone defects and defects treated with only hydrogel/PPF (i.e., without PTH). Given the tailorability of the hydrogel, future studies will investigate the effects of prolonged gradual PTH release on bone healing. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:536–544, 2020
Osmotic Swelling Responses Are Conserved Across Cartilaginous Tissues With Varied Sulfated‐Glycosaminoglycan Contents
Authors: Baylon Eva G. , Levenston Marc E. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTDetermining the influence of tissue composition on the osmotic swelling stress of articular cartilage and meniscus fibrocartilage is important to enhance our understanding of physiology and disease. This osmotic swelling stress is critical for the load‐bearing capability of both tissues and results in part due to the interactions between the negatively charged sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) chains and the ionic interstitial fluid. Changes in sGAG content, as those occurring during the progression of degenerative joint disease, alter such interactions. Here, we compare the time‐varying effects of altered osmotic environments on the confined compression swelling behavior of bovine tissues spanning a range of sGAG concentrations: juvenile articular cartilage, juvenile and adult meniscus, and juvenile cartilage enzymatically degraded to reduce its sGAG content. The transient response to changes in bath conditions was evaluated for explants assigned to one of three compressive offsets (5%, 10%, or 15% strain) and one of three bath conditions (0.1X, 1X, or 10X phosphate‐buffered saline). Our results show that relative responses to alterations to the osmotic environment are consistent across native tissues but differ for degraded juvenile cartilage, demonstrating that changes in sGAG do not completely recapitulate the native swelling behaviors. Further, we found a strong correlation between aggregate modulus and sGAG/collagen, as well as between sGAG and collagen contents across native tissue types, suggesting some conservation of composition–function relationships across a range of tissue types with varying sGAG concentrations. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:785‐792, 2020
Immunonutrition vs Standard Nutrition for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (Part 1)
Authors: Yu Kaili , Zheng Xiaoya , Wang Guiyue , Liu Miao , Li Yuhang , Yu Pulin , Yang Mengyuan , Guo Nana , Ma Xiaohui , Bu Yue , Peng Yahui , Han Ci , Yu Kaijiang , Wang Changsong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of immunonutrition vs standard nutrition in cancer patients treated with surgery. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science were searched. Sixty‐one randomized controlled trials were included. Immunonutrition was associated with a significantly reduced risk of postoperative infectious complications (risk ratio [RR] 0.71 [95% CI, 0.64–0.79]), including a reduced risk of wound infection (RR 0.72 [95% CI, 0.60–0.87]), respiratory tract infection (RR 0.70 [95% CI, 0.59–0.84]), and urinary tract infection (RR 0.69 [95% CI, 0.51–0.94]) as well as a decreased risk of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.70 [95% CI, 0.53–0.91]) and a reduced hospital stay (MD −2.12 days [95% CI −2.72 to −1.52]). No differences were found between the 2 groups with regard to sepsis or all‐cause mortality. Subgroup analyses revealed that receiving arginine + nucleotides + ω‐3 fatty acids and receiving enteral immunonutrition reduced the rates of wound infection and respiratory tract infection. The application of immunonutrition at 25–30 kcal/kg/d for 5–7 days reduced the rate of respiratory tract infection. Perioperative immunonutrition reduced the rate of wound infection. For malnourished patients, immunonutrition shortened the hospitalization time. Therefore, immunonutrition reduces postoperative infection complications and shortens hospital stays but does not reduce all‐cause mortality. Patients who are malnourished before surgery who receive arginine + nucleotides + ω‐3 fatty acids (25–30 kcal/kg/d) via the gastrointestinal tract during the perioperative period (5–7 days) may show better clinical efficacy.
Eucalyptus biochar application enhances Ca uptake of upland rice, soil available P, exchangeable K, yield, and N use efficiency of sugarcane in a crop rotation system
Authors: Butphu Sucharat , Rasche Frank , Cadisch Georg , Kaewpradit Wanwipa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIt was hypothesized that the application of eucalyptus biochar enhances nutrient use efficiencies of simultaneously supplied fertilizer, as well as provides additional nutrients (i.e., Ca, P, and K), to support crop performance and residual effects on subsequent crops in a degraded sandy soil. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an on‐farm field experiment in the Khon Kaen province of Northeastern Thailand to assess the effects of different application rates of eucalyptus biochar in combination with mineral fertilizers to upland rice and a succeeding crop of sugarcane on a sandy soil. The field experiment consisted of three treatments: (1) no biochar; (2) 3.1 Mg ha−1 biochar (10.4 kg N ha−1, 3.1 kg P ha−1, 11.0 kg K ha−1, and 17.7 kg Ca ha−1); (3) 6.2 Mg ha−1 biochar (20.8 kg N ha−1, 6.2 kg P ha−1, 22.0 kg K ha−1, and 35.4 kg Ca ha−1). All treatments received the same recommended fertilizer rate (32 kg N ha−1, 14 kg P ha−1, and 16 kg K ha−1 for upland rice; 119 kg N ha−1, 21 kg P ha−1, and 39 kg K ha−1 for sugarcane). At crop harvests, yield and nutrient contents and nitrogen (N) use efficiency were determined, and soil chemical properties and pH0 monitored. The eucalyptus biochar material increased soil Ca availability (117 ± 28 and 116 ± 7 mg kg−1 with 3.1 and 6.2 Mg ha−1 biochar application, respectively) compared to 71 ± 13 mg kg−1 without biochar application, thus promoting Ca uptake and total plant biomass in upland rice. Moreover, the higher rate of eucalyptus biochar improved CEC, organic matter, available P, and exchangeable K at succeeding sugarcane harvest. Additionally, 6.2 Mg ha−1 biochar significantly increased sugarcane yield (41%) and N uptake (70%), thus enhancing N use efficiency (118%) by higher P (96%) and K (128%) uptake, although the sugar content was not increased. Hence, the application rate of 6.2 Mg ha−1 eucalyptus biochar could become a potential practice to enhance not only the nutrient status of crops and soils, but also crop productivity within an upland rice–sugarcane rotation system established on tropical low fertility sandy soils.
Effect of deep UV laser treatment on silicon‐doped Tin oxide thin film
Authors: Deng Yuxi , Liu Xianzhe , Yuan Weijian , Ning Honglong , Tao Sha , Liu Yang , Ou Zhilong , Wang Xiaofeng , Yao Rihui , Peng Junbiao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of deep ultraviolet (UV) laser on physical and electrical properties of amorphous Silicon‐doped tin oxide (amorphous Si‐Sn‐O, a‐STO) thin films were studied. Surface morphology, thickness, crystallinity, and optical band gap of a‐STO thin films treated by laser were investigated. Results showed that the decrease of thickness and surface roughness of a‐STO thin films after deep UV laser treatment, and the films maintained an amorphous structure, which implied that the quality of a‐STO thin films were improved. The peak position of oxygen vacancy binding energy became lower; this is caused by an increase in oxygen vacancies resulting in a decrease in coordination number. And the oxygen vacancy content of the a‐STO thin films was increased after deep UV laser treatment. In addition, the optical band gap of a‐STO films was broaden after the deep UV laser treatment. It exploits a new application of deep UV laser in oxide semiconductor.
Occupational exposure of oropharyngeal human papillomavirus amongst otolaryngologists
Authors: Subbarayan Rahul S. , Shew Matthew , Enders Jonathan , Bur Andrés M. , Thomas Sufi M. 
Published: November 2019

Objectives/HypothesisHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus that causes cancer in multiple sites. Although sexual activity is the primary means of oropharyngeal HPV acquisition, studies suggest HPV transmission through occupational exposure from medical instruments and surgical fumes. We assess if aerosolization of HPV16 DNA via electrocautery places otolaryngologists at risk for exposure.Study DesignAnimal and human laboratory model.MethodsPlasmid (pLXSN16E6E7) expressing HPV p16 E6/E7 genes was transformed into DH5α Escherichia coli cells using the heat shock method. Miniprep and maxiprep purification of transformed DNA with subsequent restriction enzyme double digestion confirmed presence of E6E7 fragment. We injected 2 μg plasmid DNA in 20 μL TE (Tris and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) buffer intradermally into freshly severed mouse tail then cauterized for 5 to 10 seconds. Generated fumes were collected through a suction tube fitted with Whatman filter paper. Filter paper was placed in 100 μL TE buffer. Additionally, six patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery for resection of oropharyngeal cancer were identified, three with p16‐negative tumors and three with p16‐positive tumors. Intraoperatively, Whatman filter paper was exposed to electrocautery fumes, then placed in 100 uL TE buffer. Additional samples were collected from the suction tubing and filter, the surgical mask of the surgeon at head of the bed, and the robot arm.ResultsSamples were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction with an assay sensitivity of 1.5 ng E6E7 DNA. None of the patient or mouse tail samples yielded detectable HPV16 DNA in the electrocautery fumes. We did not detect HPV16 DNA on the surgical masks, suction apparatus, or robot arm intraoperatively.ConclusionsThere is likely minimal risk of occupational exposure to HPV16 via electrocautery fumes.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:2366–2371, 2020
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and menière's disease: Interventional versus medical therapy
Authors: Attanasio Giuseppe , Califano Luigi , Bruno Aldo , Giugliano Vincenzo , Ralli Massimo , Martellucci Salvatore , Milella Claudia , de Vincentiis Marco , Russo Francesca Y. , Greco Antonio 
Published: November 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the incidence of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in Menière's disease patients and the effect of bilateral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the jugular/azygos veins compared to medical therapy.Study DesignProspective case–control study.MethodsFive hundred fourteen subjects were included in the study, 412 affected by definite Menière's disease, and 102 healthy controls. All patients underwent audiovestibular and vascular examination. Patients with Menière's disease and concomitant cerebrospinal venous insufficiency were divided in two subgroups: patients who underwent vascular intervention with bilateral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the jugular/azygos veins and patients treated with medical therapy.ResultsChronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency was diagnosed in 330/412 (80.1%) Menière's disease patients and in 12/102 healthy individuals (11.8%) (P < .001). In the two chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency subgroups, a significant difference in Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores was found between patients in the PTA group compared to patients treated with medical therapy (31 ± 8.6 vs. 48.1 ± 14.4; P < .001); no significant differences were found for the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores (50.8 ± 16.58 vs. 49.6 ± 17.5; P = .23). Subjective evaluation of aural fullness was significantly better in patients in the PTA group (P = .003) as well as pure‐tone average, which was significantly different between groups (49.8 ± 16.5 dB in the PTA group vs. 55.8 ± 13 in the medical therapy group; P = .035).ConclusionsThe results of the present study confirm the close relationship between vascular disorders and Menière's disease. The encouraging responses to vascular interventional therapy on Meniére's disease symptoms suggest that this may be a promising path for interpretation and treatment of this complex disease.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 130: 2040–2046, 2020
The hidden land conservation benefits of olive‐based (Olea europaea L.) landscapes: An agroforestry investigation in the southern Mediterranean (Calabria region, Italy)
Authors: Brunori Elena , Maesano Mauro , Moresi Federico Valerio , Matteucci Giorgio , Biasi Rita , Scarascia Mugnozza Giuseppe 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOlive groves are key elements of the Mediterranean basin landscape. In southern Italy, olive polycultural systems are predominant over specialized ones. These systems occupy marginal and inner areas and are highly susceptible to abandonment. Their ecological functions in sensitive semi‐arid Mediterranean areas have not been studied enough.The purpose of this study was to address the measurable environmental benefits of olive‐based agroforestry systems in terms of (a) landscape structure, transformation, and degradation risk caused by landslides and wildfires; (b) soil quality; and (c) environmental quality.Land structure and land vulnerability layers (soil consumption, landslides and wildfires, and soil fertility loss) and spatial data analyses were performed in a QGIS environment.The land transformation over a recent period (1990–2012) was analysed, and the ecological role of modern and traditional olive grove assets, their impact on landscape quality and their soil carbon storage in agricultural, forested, and semi‐natural areas were quantified.Rapid land cover change leads to land rewilding, affecting the stability of sloping areas due to the increase in transitional re‐naturalized areas following agricultural abandonment. Under these harsh environmental conditions, traditional olive‐based agroforestry systems are widespread and resilient agricultural approaches that are able to preserve habitat diversity, landscape complexity, and soil health. Extensive sustainable agricultural management may be a pivotal strategy for counteracting land degradation phenomena, such as landslides, wildfires, and the uncontrolled re‐naturalization of terraced systems in the Mediterranean.The olive‐based agroforestry systems may become smart agricultural landscapes for multipurpose agriculture, forest uses, and for the preservation of lots of ecological services.