bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart‐on‐a‐Chip Platform for Assessing Toxicity of Air Pollution Related Nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Rick Xing Ze , Lai Benjamin Fook Lun , Benge Thomas , Wang Erika Yan , Davenport Huyer Locke , Rafatian Naimeh , Radisic Milica 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAccumulating evidence indicates that air pollution contributes to serious and fatal damage to the cardiovascular system, yet the mechanisms that drive air pollution associated cardiovascular disease and dysfunction remain unclear. In an effort to create a more predictive in vitro model, a 3D platform, known as integrated vasculature for assessing dynamic events is used, that supports the combination of dense human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiac tissue and vascular interface, to unravel the impact of nanoscale air pollution on endothelial cells and cardiac tissue. Air pollution relevant nanoparticles (CuO, SiO2) and a control (Au) are used to predict the toxic effects on the cardiovascular system under perfusion. It is demonstrated that CuO nanoparticles are highly toxic, as they are able to translocate into the cardiac tissue and induce electrical and contractile dysfunction through generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequently lead to disruption of cardiac troponin T and secretion of biomarkers associated with cardiac injury (B‐type natriuretic peptide, N‐terminated pro‐hormone BNP, and Troponin I). SiO2, on the other hand, causes the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and modulates the intracellular Ca2+ handling. This microengineering approach may offer new opportunities to more accurately model cardiovascular responses to nm‐sized air pollution.
A Robot Boat Powered by Liquid Metal Engines
Authors: Li Xiangpeng , Tang Shi‐Yang , Li Shen , Ge Du'an , Yang Junhui , Zhou Jiangxia , Yang Hao , Zhang Shiwu , Li Weihua , Sun Lining 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnlike conventional microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), machines based on gallium liquid metal alloys rely on Marangoni flows to induce motion without mechanical moving parts. Despite this advantage, currently developed liquid metal enabled robotic systems still need the locomotion of liquid metal droplets, thereby generating weak actuating forces and limiting their manoeuvrability. Here, a liquid metal engine (LME) is created to work as a jet thruster to continuously power a robot boat without the need of locomotion. In addition, the engine is electrically driven by surface tension without any mechanical moving parts. The structural design and the parameters of operation of the LME are investigated and optimized. Finally, the manipulation of the LME using a motor control unit is demonstrated for driving an untethered robot boat to realize complex locomotion with the precise control over the direction and speed. Thus, this LME could offer new opportunities for developing high‐performance liquid metal machines to power robotic systems.
Highly Stretchable Self‐Powered Wearable Electrical Energy Generator and Sensors
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Spinks Geoffrey M. , Sayyar Sepidar , Cheng Zhenxiang , Ruhparwar Arjang , Foroughi Javad 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe ubiquity of wearables, coupled with the increasing demand for power, presents a unique opportunity for fiber‐based mobile energy generator systems. However, no commercially available systems currently exist with typical problems including low energy efficiency; short cycle life; slow and expensive manufacturing; and stiff, heavy or bulky componentry that reduce wearer comfort and aesthetic appeal. Herein, a new method is demonstrated to create wearable energy generators and sensors using nanostructured hybrid polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/barium‐titanium oxide (BT) piezoelectric fibers and exploiting the enormous variety of textile architectures. Highly stretchable piezoelectric fibers based on coiled PVDF/rGO/BT fibers energy generator and sensor are developed. It is found that the coiled PVDF/ rGO/BT enables to stretch up to ≈100% strain that produces a peak voltage output of ≈1.3 V with a peak power density of 3 W Kg−1 which is 2.5 times higher than previously reported for piezoelectric textiles. An energy conversion efficiency of 22.5% is achieved for the coiled hybrid piezofiber energy generator. A prototype energy generator and sensors based on a hybrid piezofibers wearable device for energy harvesting and monitoring real time precise healthcare are demonstrated.
A Flexible Humidity Sensor Based on Natural Biocompatible Silk Fibroin Films
Authors: Zheng Yiqiang , Wang Lili , Zhao Lianjia , Wang Dongyi , Xu Hao , Wang Kang , Han Wei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIncorporated biological materials into a flexible sensing platform, which possess the features of biocompatibility and a capability of humidity‐induced visual color changes, is of significant interest for environmental and health monitoring, anti‐counterfeiting, and stealth technologies. Here, it is reported on a transparent and flexible sensing device based on biocompatible, natural biomaterials silk fibroin (SF) films that display high humidity response, significant flexibility, and remarkable noncontact characteristics for detecting ambient and human health, such as exhaling, speech, and fingertip movement. Depending on the design of the bionic structure, the patterned SF films can be applied as a color humidity indicator with visual color changes, reversibility, and stability. Such versatility highlights the potential for applications in human activity detection, human–machine interface, anti‐counterfeiting, and optical humidity sensors.
Drug‐Free, Nonsurgical Reduction of Intraocular Pressure for Four Months after Suprachoroidal Injection of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel
Authors: Chae J. Jeremy , Jung Jae Hwan , Zhu Wei , Gerberich Brandon G. , Bahrani Fard Mohammad Reza , Grossniklaus Hans E. , Ethier C. Ross , Prausnitz Mark R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Current treatments use drugs or surgery to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). In this study, a drug‐free, nonsurgical method is developed that lowers IOP for 4 months without requiring daily patient adherence. The approach involves expanding the suprachoroidal space (SCS) of the eye with an in situ‐forming hydrogel injected using a microneedle. This study tests the hypothesis that SCS expansion increases the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye via the unconventional pathway, which thereby lowers IOP. SCS injection of a commercial hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel reduces the IOP of normotensive rabbits for more than 1 month and an optimized HA hydrogel formulation enables IOP reduction for 4 months. Safety assessment by clinical ophthalmic examinations indicate the treatment is well tolerated. Histopathology shows minor hemorrhage and fibrosis at the site of injection. Further analysis by ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrates a strong correlation of IOP reduction with SCS expansion. Outflow facility measurements show no difference in pressure‐dependent outflow by the conventional pathway between treated and untreated eyes, supporting the hypothesis. In conclusion, SCS expansion with an in situ‐forming hydrogel can enable extended IOP reduction for treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma without drugs or surgery.
Flexible, Stretchable, and Multifunctional Electrospun Polyurethane Mats with 0D‐1D‐2D Ternary Nanocomposite‐Based Conductive Networks
Authors: Huang Jieyu , Zhao Min , Hao Yi , Li Dawei , Feng Jingdong , Huang Fenglin , Wei Qufu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA multifunctional electrospun polyurethane mat with unique multi‐dimensional conductive networks is fabricated with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and MXene weight ratio of 1:2 and twice Ag adsorption–reduction processes. 0D silver nanoparticles are designed to be loaded on 2D MXene sheets and combined with 1D CNT in ternary conductive networks. The obtained composite mats present outstanding strain sensitivity, wide strain sensing range, shorter response time, and long‐term stability and repeatability, precisely detecting large‐scale and subtle human motions. Triggered by the unique conductive networks, the mats also exhibit excellent Joule heating and electromagnetic interference shielding performance. The development of flexible, stretchable, and multifunctional mats is highly promising for smart wearable devices of integrated strain sensing, thermal management, and electromagnetic shielding.
Adolescent and young adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Final results of the phase II pediatric‐like GIMEMA LAL‐1308 trial
Authors: Testi Anna Maria , Canichella Martina , Vitale Antonella , Piciocchi Alfonso , Guarini Anna , Starza Irene Della , Cavalli Marzia , De Propris Maria Stefania , Messina Monica , Elia Loredana , Moleti Maria Luisa , Martino Bruno , Luppi Mario , D'Aloisio Marianna , Candoni Anna , Conter Valentino , Fazi Paola , Vignetti Marco , Chiaretti Sabina , Foà Roberto 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAdolescents and young adults (AYA) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represent a unique patient population with specific characteristics and needs. Growing evidences suggest that pediatric‐inspired approaches improve the outcome in AYA. These results prompted the design of a pediatric AIEOP‐BFM ALL 2000‐based regimen ‐ the GIMEMA LAL‐1308 protocol ‐ for newly diagnosed AYA (range 18‐35 years) with Philadelphia negative (Ph‐) ALL. The protocol included minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis at two different time‐points (TP), that is, at the end of induction IA and consolidation IB, and a modulation in post‐consolidation intensity according to MRD. Seventy‐six patients were eligible between September 2010 and October 2014. The regimen was well tolerated, with 2.7% induction deaths and no deaths in the post‐consolidation phase. The complete response (CR) rate was 92%; the 48‐month overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 60.3% and 60.4%. Both OS and DFS were significantly better in T‐ALL than B‐ALL. A molecular MRD <10−3 at TP1 was associated with a significantly better OS and DFS (77% vs 39% and 71.9% vs 34.4%, respectively);similar results were documented at TP2 (OS and DFS 74.5% vs 30.6% and 71.5% vs 25.7%, respectively). The LAL‐1308 results were compared to those from similar historic AYA populations undergoing the two previous GIMEMA LAL‐2000 and LAL‐0904 protocols. Both OS and DFS improved significantly compared to the two previous protocols. These results indicate that this pediatric‐inspired and MRD‐oriented protocol is feasible and effective for Ph‐ AYA ALL patients, and underline the prognostic value of MRD determinations at specific TPs.
“No somos máquinas” (We are not machines): Worker perspectives of safety culture in meatpacking plants in the Midwest
Authors: Ramos Athena K. , Carvajal‐Suarez Marcela , Trinidad Natalia , Quintero Sophia , Molina Diana , Rowland Sheri A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMeatpacking is dangerous, dirty, and demanding (3‐D) work—much of which is done by immigrant workers. It is characterized by high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses due to the speed of the production line, repetitive motions, and other inherent exposures. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore perceptions of safety culture among Hispanic/Latino meatpacking workers in the Midwest.MethodsFive focus groups with a total of 28 participants were conducted between March 2019 and February 2020 with Hispanic/Latino meatpacking workers in Nebraska. Workers were asked about the type of work performed, how the work was physically done, and perceptions of health risks and exposures. Thematic analysis was used to build a description of safety culture within the meatpacking industry.ResultsThree main themes were found: (1) workers depicted a culture where companies cared more about production than people; (2) workers felt powerless in improving their situation; and (3) workers noted that the work was precarious, both dangerous and one where much of the responsibility for safety was shifted to the individual workers.ConclusionsThe meatpacking industry has a poor safety culture. Safety culture within the industry may be improved by ensuring that organizational values and artifacts are aligned with safety by addressing the critical role of supervisors, providing culturally and linguistically appropriate consistent safety training and messaging to the workforce, and enforcing and strengthening safety regulations.
Aplasia cutis congenita in a CDC42‐related developmental phenotype
Authors: Schnabel Franziska , Kamphausen Susanne B. , Funke Rudolf , Kaulfuß Silke , Wollnik Bernd , Zenker Martin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCell division cycle 42 (CDC42) is a small Rho GTPase, which serves as a fundamental intracellular signal node regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics and several other integral cellular processes. CDC42‐associated disorders encompass a broad clinical spectrum including Takenouchi–Kosaki syndrome, autoinflammatory syndromes and neurodevelopmental phenotypes mimicking RASopathies. Dysregulation of CDC42 signaling by genetic defects in either DOCK6 or ARHGAP31 is also considered to play a role in the pathogenesis of Adams–Oliver syndrome (AOS). Here, we report a mother and her child carrying the previously reported pathogenic CDC42 variant c.511G>A (p.Glu171Lys). Both affected individuals presented with short stature, distinctive craniofacial features, pectus deformity as well as heart and eye anomalies, similar to the recently described Noonan syndrome‐like phenotype associated with this variant. Remarkably, one of the patients additionally exhibited aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp. Multi‐gene panel sequencing of the known AOS‐causative genes and whole exome sequencing revealed no second pathogenic variant in any disease‐associated gene explaining the aplasia cutis phenotype in our patient. This observation further expands the phenotypic spectrum of CDC42‐associated disorders and underscores the role of CDC42 dysregulation in the pathogenesis of aplasia cutis congenita.
Generalized hypertrichosis syndromes in Mexico
Authors: Aguayo‐Orozco Thania Alejandra , Ríos‐González Blanca Estela , Castro‐Martínez Anna Gabriela , Ruiz‐Ramírez Andrea Virginia , Figuera Luis E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHypertrichosis is a rare condition characterized by excessive hair in areas of the body that are not predominantly androgen dependent. We can identify three main syndromes with congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis described in Mexico. The first is X‐linked generalized hypertrichosis, an ultra‐rare disease, with few cases reported to date. The second is Cantú syndrome, also known as hypertrichotic osteochondrodysplasia, which has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and is caused by pathogenic variants in ABCC9 and KCNJ8. The third is congenital hypertrichosis terminalis with or without gingival hyperplasia, which displays other features and involves several associated genes. The first two syndromes were described by the Mexican geneticist José María Cantú, and the concept of atavistic genes was invoked to explain the emergence of this outstanding trait. By understanding the genetic and pathophysiological basis of hypertrichosis, we can offer effective treatment to patients and help solve esthetic problems related to hair growth.
Possible Mechanisms and Origin of Selectivities for Phosphine‐Catalyzed [2+n] (n=3, 4) Annulations of Saturated Amines and δ‐Acetoxy Allenoates
Authors: Yang Ting‐Ting , Wang Congcong , Li Shi‐Jun , Zhang Min , Wei Donghui , Lan Yu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to gain insights into possible reaction mechanisms and origin of selectivities on phosphine catalyzed [2+3] and [2+4] annulations of saturated amine with allenoate for the first time. The computed results reveal that allenoate prefers to serve as a C3 synthon rather than C4 synthon under phosphine catalysis, and the whole catalytic cycle generally undergoes through eight processes, i. e. (1) adsorption of catalyst, (2) dissociation of AcO− group, (3) deprotonation of saturated amine, (4) nucleophilic attack by the deprotonated amine anion to the electrophilic phosphonium diene intermediate, (5) [1,6]‐proton shift, (6) ring closure of five‐membered heterocycle, (7) [1,2]‐proton shift, and (8) desorption of catalyst and the formation of 3‐pyrroline. The fourth step was identified as both chemo‐ and stereo‐selectivities determining step, and the pathway associated with R‐isomer is energetically favorable pathway. Further non‐covalent interaction (NCI) and Bader's atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) analysis reveal that the C−H⋅⋅⋅O interaction has a significant contribution to the stability of R‐configured transition state. The obtained insights should be valuable for understanding the general principle for the detailed mechanism and predicting the origin of the chemo‐ and stereo‐selectivities on the phosphine catalyzed [2+3] and [2+4] annulations of saturated amine with allenoate.
The 15° reverse Trendelenburg position can improve visualization without impacting cerebral oxygenation in endoscopic sinus surgery—A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Wang Guyan , Li He , Yan Xing , Ren Yaoyao , Wang Yue , Hu Haili , Song Xiaoli , Wan Ying , Wang Chengshuo , Lou Hongfei , Huang Qian , Wang Xiangdong , Zhang Luo 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIn this study we compared intraoperative bleeding and regional cerebral oxygenation in patients with different degrees of the reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsIn total, 120 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis treated by ESS were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups: a horizontal position (HP) group, and 5°, 10°, and 15° RTP (5‐RTP, 10‐RTP, and 15‐RTP, respectively) groups. The primary outcome was the Boezaart grading scale (BS). The cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2), total blood loss, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, and complications were also recorded.ResultsThe median BS values in the HP, 5‐RTP, 10‐RTP, and 15‐RTP groups were 2.0, 2.0, 2.1, and 1.7, respectively. Multiple pairwise comparisons of the BS showed significant differences between the 15‐RTP group and the other 3 groups (HP, 5‐RTP, and 10‐RTP). Regarding the NRS and bleeding rate, significant differences were found between the HP and 15‐RTP groups. No difference was found in ScO2 among the 4 groups, and no cerebral desaturation events occurred in any group. No complications, including vital organ (heart, brain, and kidney) dysfunction problems, were reported in this study during hospitalization.ConclusionCompared with HP, 5‐RTP, and 10‐RTP, 15‐RTP can improve visual clarity during ESS, and ScO2 is not affected by the degree of RTP. No cerebral deoxygenation or vital organ dysfunction was observed in this study. Therefore, we recommend 15‐RTP with moderate deliberate hypotension for ESS.
The changes in strength of oropharyngeal muscles in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia and dysphagia
Authors: Lim Seong Hoon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough dysphagia is an important health problem and one of the determinants of quality of life in patients with dementia, the neurophysiologic changes of dysphagia in dementia have not been fully uncovered, yet. we investigated the changes of strength of tongue lip and pharyngeal muscles in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia.MethodThis study included 20 subjects with Alzheimer’s dementia. In all subjects, clinical assessments consisted of the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) for tongue and lip, surface electromyography (sEMG) with Vital stim plus on suprahyoid muscles, the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scales.ResultAll subjects were classified into 3 groups according to severity; CDR1, 2, 3. There was no difference between IOPI and sEMG among all three groups. The values of tongue and lip IOPI from all three dementia groups were significantly lower than values of control. The comparisons for values of tongue and lip IOPI among three dementia group were not different from each other. The sEMG of suprahyoid muscles were not different between all three dementia groups and control.ConclusionThese findings would be useful for understandings for patho‐physiology of dementia induced by AD and making occupational therapeutic strategies for oral phase in dysphagia with AD.
Ethnic disparities in the uptake of anti‐dementia medication in young and late onset dementia
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Cations Monica , Draper Brian , Komuravelli Aravind 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople with dementia (PwD) can face barriers when trying to access care after a diagnosis, particularly in young‐onset dementia (YOD). Little is known however about the effects of ethnicity on access to anti‐dementia medication and how these differ between age groups. The aim of this study was to analyse national data on variations in the current uptake of anti‐dementia medication between people with YOD and late‐onset dementia (LOD).MethodData from the US National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Centre was obtained from September 2005 to March 2019. First visits of people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia, Lewy Body dementia (LBD), and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) were included. Logistic regression was used to analyse the effects of education and ethnicity on use of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, accounting for YOD/LOD, gender, living situation, severity stage, and comorbidities.ResultIn total, 15,742 people with AD dementia and LBD/PDD were included, with 11,019 PwD having completed a first follow‐up visit. Significantly more people with YOD used memantine than those with LOD, whilst fewer used cholinesterase inhibitors. PwD from minority ethnic backgrounds used memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors less often than those from a White ethnic background. Logistic regression analysis showed that ethnicity was a significant determinant of both memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors usage, while education was only a significant determinant for memantine usage.ConclusionFindings highlight the impact of social factors on current usage of anti‐dementia medication, and highlight the need for more resources to enable equitable access to anti‐dementia medication.
The effect of neurofibrillary tangles on MMSE scores in patients with amyloid plaque
Authors: Sharma Sanjiv , Sharma Rishi , Gutt Samantha 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThroughout the past century, research regarding Alzheimer's disease has been focused on beta‐amyloid peptides (Aβ), which can aggregate to form plaques and toxify neurons in the brain. Recently, researchers have discovered another potential primary marker of Alzheimer’s Disease known as tau protein. When overproduced without regulation, tau can aggregate to form tangles (which subsequently interrupts the communication of the neuron’s nucleus to the rest of the cell). However, it is relatively uncertain as to how the presence of neurofibrillary tangles affects the rate of degeneration of one’s cognitive ability. It is predicted that the MMSE scores of patients with positive amyloid‐PET and positive tau‐PET scans will decline at a faster rate than patients with negative tau scans.MethodEighteen total patients who were found to be amyloid(+) were included in this analysis. 7 of the subjects were tau(‐), while 11 of the subjects were tau(+). Then, the patients’ MMSE scores over the past two years were evaluated to determine a monthly rate of decline.ResultThe results of this study concluded that patients who were tau‐positive [tau(+)] had a faster decline of cognitive ability compared to those who were tau‐negative [tau(‐)]. The MMSE score of amyloid(+) and tau(+) patients declined at a rate of 0.40 points per month, while amyloid(+) and tau(‐) patients declined at a rate of 0.031 points per month.ConclusionAlthough additional research is necessary, the results of this study conclude that declining cognition may be directly correlated to the presence of tau.