bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary arterial pressure and nasal obstruction in mouth‐breathing children: Similarities between adenotonsillar hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ferreira Nader Carolina Maria Fontes , Capanema Flávio Diniz , Franco Letícia Paiva , Meira Zilda Maria Alves , Galvão Cláudia Pena , Ramos Vinícius Malaquias , Tinano Mariana Maciel , Torres Lucas Lima , Guimarães Roberto Becker , Becker Helena Maria Gonçalves 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundUpper airway obstruction may cause pulmonary hypertension in childhood. In this study we aimed to identify a possible correlation of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP), using Doppler echocardiography, with nasal patency (NP), as measured by rhinomanometry, in mouth‐breathing (MB) children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study we evaluated 183 patients, from 2 to 12 years of age, at an MB referral clinic in Brazil, from December 2013 to 2017. We allocated patients to 4 etiology groups: group 1, 60 MBs with ATH; group 2, 47 MBs with AR; group 3, 43 MBs with both ATH and AR; and group 4, 33 nasal breathing control subjects. The ratio of total nasal inspiratory flow (assessed by active anterior rhinomanometry) and expected inspiratory flow adjusted for height determined the percent NP (%NP).ResultsThe median %NP was higher in controls than in the MB groups (controls, 114% [79‐147%]; ATH: 65% [5‐116%]; AR: 57% [23‐144%]; ATH and AR: 64% [3‐120%]; p < 0.001). Median SPAP was higher in the MB groups than in controls (SPAP: ATH, 26.0 [20.0‐35.0] mmHg; AR, 26.0 [22.0‐32.0] mmHg; ATH and AR, 26.30 [20.0‐34.0] mmHg; control, 22.0 [16.0‐30.0] mmHg; p < 0.001). SPAP showed a negative association with %NP (Spearman's rho = −0.24; p < 0.001).ConclusionReduced nasal airflow in MB children showed a correlation with higher levels of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure. The AR and ATH groups were similar in nasal obstruction severity and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure level distribution.
Topical nasal treatment efficacy on adult obstructive sleep apnea severity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nguyen Dang‐Khoa , Liang Jonathan , Durr Megan 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundNasal obstruction is a common complaint in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although topical nasal treatments (TNTs) have been shown to reduce nasal resistance and improve nasal obstruction, there is conflicting evidence regarding the role of TNTs in adult OSA. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis we aim to evaluate the role of TNTs in adults with OSA. Data sources used included PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central, from January 2001 to July 2019.MethodsInclusion criteria were English‐language studies containing original data on TNTs in adults (≥18 years) with OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] ≥5). Exclusion criteria were case reports, studies without outcome measures, and concurrent non‐TNT treatment for OSA. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles and performed quality assessment using validated tools. Meta‐analysis and quality assessment were performed.ResultsOf the 2180 abstracts identified, 8 studies met inclusion criteria. TNTs included decongestants (4 of 8 studies), corticosteroids (3 of 8), and antihistamines (1 of 8). Outcome measures included AHI (8 of 8), respiratory distress index (RDI; 1 of 8), oxygen‐desaturation index (ODI; 3 of 8), minimum SaO2 (MinSaO2; 4 of 8), nasal resistance (4 of 8), endoscopic sinus surgery (4 of 8 studies) and standardized rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire scores (1 of 8 studies). Qualitatively, all studies showed trends toward improving objective and subjective measures of OSA, although the significance of these improvements varied across studies. A meta‐analysis was performed in 5 studies, but TNTs did not reveal a significant change in AHI (p > 0.05).ConclusionTNTs may improve minimum oxygen saturation, ODI, RDI, and subjective/quality‐of‐life measures. Allergic patients may have more improvement in OSA measures compared with nonallergic patients. Future studies are indicated to accurately determine the efficacy of TNTs.
Dynamics of Bacteriorhodopsin in the Dark‐Adapted State from Solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kooijman Laurens , Schuster Matthias , Baumann Christian , Jurt Simon , Löhr Frank , Fürtig Boris , Güntert Peter , Zerbe Oliver 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTo achieve efficient proton pumping in the light‐driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin (bR), the protein must be tightly coupled to the retinal to rapidly convert retinal isomerization into protein structural rearrangements. Methyl group dynamics of bR embedded in lipid nanodiscs were determined in the dark‐adapted state, and were found to be mostly well ordered at the cytosolic side. Methyl groups in the M145A mutant of bR, which displays only 10 % residual proton pumping activity, are less well ordered, suggesting a link between side‐chain dynamics on the cytosolic side of the bR cavity and proton pumping activity. In addition, slow conformational exchange, attributed to low frequency motions of aromatic rings, was indirectly observed for residues on the extracellular side of the bR cavity. This may be related to reorganization of the water network. These observations provide a detailed picture of previously undescribed equilibrium dynamics on different time scales for ground‐state bR.
Dual‐Function HKUST‐1: Templating and Catalyzing Formation of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Quantum Dots Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Albolkany Mohamed K. , Wang Yang , Li Weijin , Arooj Syeda , Chen Chun‐Hui , Wu Niannian , Wang Yan , Zbořil Radek , Fischer Roland A. , Liu Bo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGraphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g‐CNQDs) are highly promising photoresponsive materials. However, synthesis of monodispersed g‐CNQDs remains challenging. Here we report the dual function of MOF [Cu3BTC2] (HKUST‐1) as a catalyst and template simultaneously to prepare g‐CNQDs under mild conditions. Cyanamide (CA), a graphitic carbon nitride precursor, catalytically dimerized inside the larger MOF cavities at 90 °C and condensed into g‐CNQDs at 120 °C in a controlled fashion. The HKUST‐1 template was stable under the reaction conditions, leading to uniform g‐CNQDs with a particle size of 2.22±0.68 nm. The as prepared g‐CNQDs showed photoluminescence emission with a quantum yield of 3.1 %. This concept (MOF dual functionality) for catalyzing CA polycondensation (open metal sites (OMSs) effect) and controlling the produced particle size (pore‐templating effect), together with the tunable MOF porosity, is expected to produce unique g‐CNQDs with controllable size, morphology, and surface functionality.
Heterochiral Self‐Discrimination‐Driven Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Decanuclear Gold(I)‐Sulfido Complexes into 2D Nanostructures with Chiral Anions‐Tuned Morphologies
Authors: Yao Liao‐Yuan , Chen Zhen , Zhang Kaka , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChiral self‐recognition and self‐discrimination are of vital importance to biological processes. In this work, 2D regular rhombic nanocrystals (RS‐NC) were fabricated through heterochiral self‐discrimination between chiral polynuclear gold(I)‐sulfido complex enantiomers, [(R‐BINAP)4Au10S4]Cl2 (R‐Au10) and [(S‐BINAP)4Au10S4]Cl2 (S‐Au10), in MeOH without the need for any surfactants or templates. The monitoring of nanocrystals (NCs) formation by TEM and DLS has uncovered the self‐assembly process and shape evolution of the NCs and revealed a screw‐dislocation dictated spiral growth of the rhombic NCs. Upon addition of chiral anions, the morphology of the gold NCs was found to change from rhombic to strip and quasi‐hexagonal nanosheets, arising from reverse and rotational layer‐by‐layer stacking to give the bilayer NCs. By applying a high temperature, rhombic gold nanoisland films were obtained from the rhombic NCs. The current study has provided a simple strategy towards the construction of regular geometric 2D NCs as well as their chiral anion‐tuned and reverse and rotational stacking‐determined morphology change by heterochiral self‐discrimination.
Clinical Anatomy and Unexpected Careers: Is There Curriculum for That?
Authors: Bazos Ethan , Attardi Stefanie M. , Baytor Jennifer , Wilson Timothy D. 
Published: July 2020

Reduction in faculty positions in higher education and increased graduate matriculation rates represent a higher education conundrum. Planned happenstance theory (PHT) is a career development model focusing on positive outcomes resulting from unpredictable precareer events. This mixed methods study explores how PHT applies to the career paths of a clinical anatomy (CA) postgraduate cohort. It provides insight into educational practices designed to equip students for labor markets inside and outside academia. Alumni of CA (n = 12; 2014‐2018) were interviewed about career‐related events transpiring from graduate studies to present, allowing exploration on how PHT contextualizes their shared experiences. Planned happenstance career inventory (PHCI) enumerated planned happenstance skill (PHS) scores. Total PHS was referenced 527 times across 12 interviews. Of the PHS references, curiosity established highest incidence (154 references, 29%), optimism (132 references, 25%), flexibility (101 references, 19%), risk‐taking (85 references, 16%), and persistence (55 references, 10%) and 43 distinct happenstance events were documented. In addition, social networking (52 references) arose as an emergent code and was divided into internal networking (28 references, 54%) and external networking (24 references, 46%). Application of the five‐point PHCI scale revealed: curiosity (4.4 ± 0.3; mean ± SD), flexibility (3.6 ± 0.7), persistence (4.4 ± 0.3), optimism (4.3 ± 0.4), and risk‐taking (4.1 ± 0.5). Curiosity had the strongest association with happenstance event incidence. Social networking was a key substituent of PHT not yet described in the literature. Educational practices incorporating PHT concepts, with emphasis on curiosity, may provide graduates novel metacognitive skills needed to develop novel career paths.
Lignin valorization using biological approach
Authors: Singhvi Mamata , Kim Beom Soo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDue to the structural complexity and recalcitrance nature of lignin, its depolymerization into monomeric units becomes one of the biggest challenges in the bioconversion of lignin into value‐added products. Depolymerization of lignin produces a blend of many compounds that are problematic for isolating components in a cost‐effective way. Lignin valorization using a biological approach facilitates sustainable and commercially viable biorefineries. The use of microbes for the conversion of depolymerized lignin compounds into target products can be a solution to the heterogeneity issue. Several studies have been carried out to develop robust strains that can utilize all relevant lignin‐derived compounds, but constructing these strains is difficult. As an alternative, designing multiple microbes to convert a mixture of various compounds into the desired product seems realistic. This review provides an overview of lignin bioconversion using various approaches such as metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Ligninolytic strains have a broad enzymatic machine for depolymerization of lignin and its conversion into intermediates such as catechol or protocatechuate. These intermediates can be further converted to metabolite products such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and triacylglycerol. Synthetic biology offers encouraging methodologies to construct pathways for lignin conversion and to engineer ligninolytic microbes as prospective strains for lignin bioconversion.
Effect of quercetin on the amiloride–bovine serum albumin interaction using spectroscopic methods, molecular docking and chemometric approaches
Authors: Shinde Mandakini , Kale Kishor , Kumar Keshav , Ottoor Divya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe effect of quercetin flavonoid (QUE), on the binding interaction of antihypertensive drug, amiloride (AMI) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated in this study. Spectroscopic methods such as steady‐state, synchronous, three‐dimensional fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy were employed to study the interaction. Fluorescence data were analyzed using the Stern–Volmer equation and a static quenching process was found to be involved in the formation of AMI–BSA and QUE–BSA complexes and were in good agreement with the thermodynamic study. The thermodynamic parameters illustrated that the process is spontaneous and enthalpy driven. Hydrophobicity is acting as the primary force in the binding interaction. Fluorescence spectral data were resolved using a multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares method (MCR–ALS). Site marker and molecular docking studies confirmed the binding site of AMI on BSA, i.e. site II. The binding distance between amino acid of BSA and AMI was calculated and found to be 2.18 nm which indicated that energy transfer has occurred from an amino acid of BSA to AMI. The binding affinity of AMI to BSA was found to be reduced in the presence of QUE, which may lead to the poor distribution of AMI at the desired site.
Quantitative analysis and pharmacokinetic comparison of multiple bioactive components in rat plasma after oral administration of Qi‐Shen‐Ke‐Li formula and its single‐herb extracts using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Hui , He Yang , Zheng Zhong , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui , Liu Shu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractQi‐Shen‐Ke‐Li (QSKL), a traditional Chinese formula prepared from six herbs, has long been used for the treatment of coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure. However, the herbal combination mechanism and underlying material basis of this multi‐herbal formula are not clear. In this study, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method to simultaneously determine multiple bioactive compounds in QSKL was established and validated. Using the developed method, 18 bioactive components in rat plasma after oral administration of QSKL formula and its single herb extracts were quantified. Based on these results, pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters (T1/2,Tmax,Cmax, AUC0–48h,and AUC0–∞) of the 18 bioactive components were analyzed and compared using PKSlover 2.0 PK software. The experimental data suggested that significant changes in PK profiles were observed between the QSKL formula and its single‐herb extracts. The herbal combination in QSKL significantly influences the system exposure and the PK behaviors of the 18 bioactive components, indicating multicomponent interactions among the herbs. This study provides insight into the herbal combination mechanism and underlying material basis of the QSKL formula.
Are textbook lungs really normal? A cadaveric study on the anatomical and clinical importance of variations in the major lung fissures, and the incomplete right horizontal fissure
Authors: West Charles T. , Slim Naim , Steele Duncan , Chowdhury Alexander , Brassett Cecilia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe lungs have three main fissures: the right oblique fissure (ROF), right horizontal fissure (RHF), and left oblique fissure (LOF). These can be complete, incomplete or absent; quantifying the degree of completeness of these fissures is novel. Standard textbooks often refer to the fissures as complete, but awareness of variation is essential in thoracic surgery.Materials and MethodsFissures in 81 pairs of cadaveric lungs were classified. Oblique fissures were measured from lung hila posteriorly to the lung hila anteriorly; and the RHF measured from the ROF to the anteromedial lung edge. The degree of completeness of fissures was expressed as a percentage of the total projected length were they to be complete. The frequency and location of accessory fissures was noted.ResultsLOF were complete in 66/81 (81.5%), incomplete in 13/81 (16.0%) and absent in 2/81 (2.47%); ROF were complete in 52/81 (64.2%), incomplete in 29/81 (35.8%) and never absent; RHF were more variable, complete in 18/81 (22.2%), incomplete in 54/81 (66.7%) and absent in 9/81 (11.1%). LOF and ROF were on average 97.1% and 91.6% complete, respectively, being deficient posteriorly at the lung hila. The RHF on average 69.4% complete, being deficient anteromedially. There were accessory fissures in 10 left and 19 right lungs.ConclusionsThis study provides a projection of the anatomy thoracic surgeons may encounter at operation, in particular the variable RHF. This knowledge is essential for optimal outcomes in both benign and oncological procedures influenced by the fissures.
Anatomical variations of the circle of Willis and their prevalence, with a focus on the posterior communicating artery: A literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jones Joshua D. , Castanho Pedro , Bazira Peter , Sanders Katherine 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe circle of Willis is an anastomotic network of arteries surrounding the base of the brain, providing collateral circulation to prevent ischemia. It has, however, long been established that it exhibits considerable anatomical variation when compared to Thomas Willis' originally described circle. This study aimed primarily to determine an accurate prevalence of the variation of the circle of Willis in the general population and the prevalence of common posterior communicating artery variations. Additional aims were to explain why such a wide range of reported variations exist, and whether different types of studies report significantly different prevalence of variation. A comprehensive literature search identified 764 papers. A three‐phase screening process was undertaken, involving a critical analysis of papers, and a total of 33 papers were selected for analysis and literature review. A descriptive statistics test with bootstrap was performed to estimate the average prevalence of variations. The estimated prevalence of general variation, unilateral, and bilateral posterior communicating artery hypoplasia or aplasia was 68.22 ± 14.32%, 19.45 ± 8.63%, and 22.83 ± 14.58%, respectively. Over half of the population exhibit a circle of Willis with some form of variation. To provide a more accurate estimation for the prevalence of variations, a universal classification system needs to be established, collating all the work from high‐quality studies, to provide a comprehensive database of the circle's variations. Knowing the prevalence of variations and how they can impact neurosurgical approaches or patterns of ischemic pathology can be crucial in providing effective patient care.
Long noncoding RNA HCG18 up‐regulates the expression of WIPF1 and YAP/TAZ by inhibiting miR‐141‐3p in gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Yan , Lin Wenji , Dong Yangyang , Li Xinyu , Lin Zhibin , Jia Jing , Zou Wenbing , Pan Yu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccumulating works show that lncRNAs play critical roles in the development of gastric cancer (GC). LncRNA HLA complex group 18 (HCG18) was implicated in the progression of bladder cancer and glioma, but its role in GC is unknown.MethodsRT‐PCR was used to detect HCG18 and miR‐141‐3p expression in GC specimen. GC cell lines (AGS and MKN‐28) were exploited as cell model. The biological effect of HCG18 on cancer cells was probed by CCK‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell and wound‐healing experiments in vitro, and subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model and tail vein injection model in vivo. Interaction between HCG18 and miR‐141‐3p was determined by bioinformatics analysis, RT‐PCR, and luciferase reporter experiments. Downstream gene expression of miR‐141‐3p, including Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein interacting protein family member 1 (WIPF1), Yes associated protein 1 (YAP), and tafazzin (TAZ) were detected using Western blot.ResultsHCG18 was markedly up‐regulated in GC specimens, while miR‐141‐3p was markedly down‐regulated. Down‐regulation of HCG18 inhibited viability, migration, and invasion of GC cells, while miR‐141‐3p transfection led to opposite effect. HCG18 could down‐regulate miR‐141‐3p through adsorbing it, and a negative association between HCG18 and miR‐141‐3p was found in GC specimens. HCG18 promoted WIPF1, YAP and TAZ expression, nonetheless, such influence was reversed by co‐transfecting with miR‐141‐3p.ConclusionHCG18 was aberrantly up‐regulated in GC tissues, and it indirectly regulated the activity of Hippo signaling through counteracting miR‐141‐3p expression.
Pediatric cancer mortality and survival in the United States, 2001‐2016
Authors: Siegel David A. , Richardson Lisa C. , Henley S. Jane , Wilson Reda J. , Dowling Nicole F. , Weir Hannah K. , Tai Eric W. , Buchanan Lunsford Natasha 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundAlthough pediatric cancer mortality and survival have improved in the United States over the past 40 years, differences exist by age, race/ethnicity, cancer site, and economic status. To assess progress, this study examined recent mortality and survival data for individuals younger than 20 years.MethodsAge‐adjusted death rates were calculated with the National Vital Statistics System for 2002‐2016. Annual percent changes (APCs) and average annual percent changes (AAPCs) were calculated with joinpoint regression. Five‐year relative survival was calculated on the basis of National Program of Cancer Registries data for 2001‐2015. Death rates and survival were estimated overall and by sex, 5‐year age group, race/ethnicity, cancer type, and county‐based economic markers.ResultsDeath rates decreased during 2002‐2016 (AAPC, –1.5), with steeper declines during 2002‐2009 (APC, –2.6), and then plateaued (APC, –0.4). Leukemia and brain cancer were the most common causes of death from pediatric cancer, and brain cancer surpassed leukemia in 2011. Death rates decreased for leukemia and lymphoma but were unchanged for brain, bone, and soft‐tissue cancers. From 2001‐2007 to 2008‐2015, survival improved from 82.0% to 85.1%. Survival was highest in both periods among females, those aged 15 to 19 years, non‐Hispanic Whites, and those in counties in the top 25% by economic status. Survival improved for leukemias, lymphomas, and brain cancers but plateaued for bone and soft‐tissue cancers.ConclusionsAlthough overall death rates have decreased and survival has increased, differences persist by sex, age, race/ethnicity, cancer type, and economic status. Improvements in pediatric cancer outcomes may depend on improving therapies, access to care, and supportive and long‐term care.
Superconducting and Superhard Ice
Authors: Lu Qianqian , Li Jinjin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSuperconducting and superhard materials are essential for a myriad of scientific, biomedical and industrial applications. The contradiction between covalent bonds in superhard materials and metallic bonds in superconductors makes superconductivity and superhardness in the same material a very interesting and precious effect. Their abilities of zero‐resistance and anti‐pressure stem from the relationship between the crystal structure, chemical composition, and microstructure. The complexity of this interdependence limits researchers to conduct comprehensive experimental investigations, but can be supported by the theoretical calculations. Here, we report a general ab initio computational method to study three ice structures (Pmc21, P21 and C2/m) and predict their phase transitions quantitatively at terapascal pressure. We predict that the ice structure will become a superhard material above 1.3 TPa (corresponding to P21 and C2/m), and turn into a superconductor above 5.0 TPa (corresponding to C2/m) with a critical temperature of 1.782 K. The proposed work benefits the applications of low temperature superconductors in high energy physics and fusion research and provides opportunities to advance the development of superconducting and superhard materials through computation.