bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effects between Anionic and Sulfobetaine Surfactants for Stabilization of Foams Tolerant to Crude Oil in Foam Flooding
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Chen Zhao , Cui Zhenggang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn foam flooding, foams stabilized by conventional surfactants are usually unstable in contacting with crude oil, which behaves as a strong defoaming agent. In this article, synergistic effects between different surfactants were utilized to improve foam stability against crude oil. Targeted to reservoir conditions of Daqing crude oil field, China (45 °C, salinity of 6778 mg L−1, pH = 8–9), foams stabilized by typical anionic surfactants fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (AES) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) show low composite foam index (200–500 L s) and low oil tolerance index (0.1–0.2). However, the foam stability can be significantly improved by mixing the anionic surfactant with a sulfobetaine surfactant, which behaves as a foam stabilizer increasing the half‐life of foams, and those with longer alkyl chain behave better. As an example, by mixing AES and SDS with hexadecyl dimethyl hydroxypropyl sulfobetaine (C16HSB) at a molar fraction of 0.2 (referring to total surfactant, not including water), the maximum composite foaming index and oil tolerance index can be increased to 3000/5000 L s and 1.0/4.0, respectively, at a total concentration between 3 and 5 mM. The attractive interaction between the different surfactants in a mixed monolayer as reflected by the negative βs parameter is responsible for the enhancement of the foam stabilization, which resulted in lower interfacial tensions and therefore negative enter (E), spreading (S), and bridging (B) coefficients of the oil. The oil is then emulsified as tiny droplets dispersed in lamellae, giving very stable pseudoemulsion films inhibiting rupture of the bubble films. This made it possible to utilize typical conventional anionic surfactants as foaming agents in foam flooding.
Effects of food matrix and probiotics on the bioavailability of curcumin in different nanoformulations
Authors: Han Juan , Ye Tao , Liu Yao‐hui , Chen Xin , Miao Guo‐peng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDNanoparticles can improve the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Concomitant intake of food can affect pharmacokinetic profiles by altering dissolution, absorption, metabolism, and elimination behavior. Studies on the effects of food and its supplements on the bioavailability of bioactives in nanoformulations are few. In this study, the effects of typical food (milk, sugar, high‐fat diet, and regular kibble) and a widely consumed probiotic [Bifidobacterium lactis Bb‐12® (Bb‐12)] on the bioavailability of curcumin in four formulations [simply suspended curcumin (Cur‐SS) and curcumin in nanoemulsions (Cur‐NEs), in single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Cur‐SWNTs), and in nanostructured lipid carriers (Cur‐NLCs)] were investigated.RESULTSFasting treatment and sugar co‐ingestion can significantly enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in Cur‐NEs and Cur‐SWNTs, respectively. Compared with the fasting treatment, co‐ingestion with regular kibble reduced the absorption of curcumin in Cur‐NEs and Cur‐SWNTs. Ingesting milk along with Cur‐NE is also not recommended. The mechanisms behind these phenomena were briefly discussed. This study revealed for the first time that the intestinal colonization of Bb‐12 reduces the bioavailability of curcumin and this reduction can be attenuated by nanoformulations SWNTs and NLCs, but not NEs. The reason for this difference was the protective effects of the former two nanoformulations against curcumin degradation by Bb‐12 according to in vitro experiments.CONCLUSIONDietary status (including supplementary probiotics) can dramatically influence the bioavailability of curcumin in nanoformulations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Delphian lymph node metastasis is a novel indicator of tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhu Youzhi , Lin Junyu , Yan Yixing , Zheng Ke , Zhang Huihao , Wu Kunlin , Kong Lingjun , Chen Ling , Chen Xiangjin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAlthough the significance of Delphian lymph nodes (DLNs) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been reported, all studies have been based on a small sample size and lack a direct statement concerning prognosis.MethodsA total of 904 consecutive patients were enrolled in the current study, and all patients were divided into two groups (DLN‐positive and DLN‐negative) according to the presence of DLN metastasis.ResultsDLN was detected in 687 patients (76.0%), and 123 (17.9%) had DLN metastasis. Compared to those in the DLN‐negative group, the proportion of other central lymph node (CLN) metastases, mean number of metastatic CLNs, and mean metastatic CLN ratio were higher in the DLN‐positive group (86.2 vs. 50.2%, 6.70 ± 5.19 vs. 1.60 ± 2.37, and 0.54 ± 0.25 vs. 0.18 ± 0.26, respectively; p < .001). The same phenomena were observed in the metastatic lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) between the DLN‐positive and DLN‐negative groups (52.0 vs. 15.4%, 7.28 ± 6.08 vs. 3.38 ± 3.73, and 0.23 ± 0.15 vs. 0.13 ± 0.12, respectively; p < .001). Patients in the DLN‐positive group had shorter LLN metastasis‐free survival and distant metastasis‐free survival than patients in the DLN‐negative group (93.5% vs. 98.6% and 95.9% vs. 98.8%, respectively, p < .05).ConclusionsDLN metastasis in PTC is associated with tumor aggressiveness and a poor prognosis.
Tranexamic acid in patients with current or former cancer undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Varady Nathan H. , Chen Antonia F. , Drayer Nicholas J. , Ready John , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago A. , Hayden Brett L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWhile tranexamic acid (TXA) is an excellent mechanism to reduce blood loss in arthroplasty, its safety in cancer patients—who could potentially benefit the most from blood conservation—is unknown.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective review of current or former cancer patients undergoing hip/knee arthroplasty from 2014 to 2019 was performed. The use of intravenous TXA, indication (oncologic/degenerative), cancer state, cancer type, surgical factors, demographics, and comorbidities were collected. The association between TXA use and 90‐day/1‐year complications was analyzed with multivariable logistic regressions.ResultsWe identified 282 patients with current (87.9%) or former (12.1%) malignancies undergoing arthroplasty (73.0% oncologic/27.0% degenerative). About 74 (26.2%) patients received TXA (52.7% had oncologic indications, 74.3% had active cancer). In adjusted analysis, TXA was not associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism within 90‐days (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16–2.16, p = 0.43) or 1‐year (OR 0.47; 95%CI 0.15–1.44, p = 0.19), with a trend towards lower risk. Similar results were seen for mortality and wound complications, and when stratifying by indication.ConclusionTXA was not associated with increased complications in current or former cancer patients undergoing arthroplasty. Future randomized studies of TXA in arthroplasty should include cancer patients; in the interim, clinicians should weigh the theoretical risks of TXA with the known benefits of reduced blood loss in oncology patients.
Curettage and cryosurgery for enchondroma and atypical cartilaginous tumors of the long bones: Oncological results of a large series
Authors: Deckers Claudia , de Leijer Esther M. , Flucke Uta , de Rooy Jacky W. J. , Schreuder H. W. Bart , Dierselhuis Edwin F. , van der Geest Ingrid C. M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIntralesional surgical treatment is the preferred therapy for atypical cartilaginous tumors (ACTs) of the long bones in many institutions. However, the literature is still controversial regarding intralesional treatment versus wide resection. Due to the relative rarity of these tumors, studies reporting on the results of intralesional treatment are often small sample studies.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the oncological results of 55 enchondromas, 119 ACTs, and 5 chondrosarcomas grade 2 (CS2) treated with curettage and cryosurgery between the years 2004 and 2017 at our institution. The median follow‐up period was 53 months (range, 24–169 months).ResultsIn total, seven cases (three ACT, four CS2) recurred. Residual tumor was detected in 20 cases. Three cases underwent secondary curettage and cryosurgery due to local recurrence. Four cases underwent wide resection and reconstruction due to local recurrence with aggressive imaging characteristics. In total, 20 postoperative complications were seen.ConclusionCurettage and cryosurgery for enchondroma and ACT show very good oncological results with a low recurrence rate and acceptable complication rate. Curettage and cryosurgery is reliable as a surgical treatment for enchondroma and ACT. Further research should define the criteria for determining which specific cartilaginous tumors necessitate surgical treatment.
Assessing an ecological security network for a rapid urbanization region in Eastern China
Authors: Zhou De , Lin Zhulu , Ma Siming , Qi Jialing , Yan Tingting 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRapid urbanization leads to fragmentation of landscape and destruction of the ecological security network. A sound ecological security network promotes connectivity between ecological sources and mitigates the degradation of an ecological system. However, when identifying the ecological sources of the ecological network, studies available in the current literature did not simultaneously consider the structures, functions, and values of ecological patches. Our study aimed to fill this research gap, and our objective was to improve the framework for assessing the ecological security network. We demonstrated the application of the proposed framework through a case‐study of the urban agglomeration around Hangzhou Bay (UAHB), a rapid urbanization region in Eastern China. We improved the identification method of ecological sources by integrating the evaluations of ecosystem services value and ecological sensitivity, while we screened ecological sources by using the rank‐size rule and the natural breaks method. Based on the screened ecological sources, the ecological corridors were reconstructed and optimized for the UAHB region. The results from this study showed that ecological network has actually improved in the UAHB in the last 20 years. However, the structure and function of the ecological security network were strongly influenced by human activities and urban sprawl. The ecological security network has deteriorated locally in eastern coastal areas of UAHB during the past 20 years with strong spatial variability in ecological security patterns. To maintain an environment with well‐protected ecological quality, we proposed a set of five measures to improve the sustainable development of the ecological system.
Determining usages in post‐mining sites according to landscape design approaches
Authors: Gulpinar Sekban Demet Ulku , Acar Cengiz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractToday, with the gradual expansion of city centres, mining sites neighbouring cities have become high‐potential landscapes on which user needs and urban ecological necessities can be satisfied. However, as works on such fields remain at the upper scale and planning level, subscale design efforts required to give the areas in question an identity and usage opportunities are quite limited. Within this context, the present study aims to create various usage paradigms by evaluating the landscaping potentials of new landscape elements in rehabilitated mining sites. The study defined these new landscape elements and determined usage scenarios for the landscape elements by following different design approaches. These new usage scenarios were categorized into three different design orientations as nature‐oriented, human‐oriented, and mixed‐use. These categorizations were then transformed into 30 paradigms based on deliberations with experts. The aim here was to define multipurpose usages required for natural and human needs in rehabilitated mining sites.
Characterising spatiotemporal vegetation variations using LANDSAT time‐series and Hurst exponent index in the Mekong River Delta
Authors: Tran Thuong V. , Tran Duy X. , Nguyen Ho , Latorre‐Carmona Pedro , Myint Soe W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSpatiotemporal analysis and monitoring of vegetation help us investigate ecological health and guide better forest conservation and land management practices for sustainable development. This paper proposes the use of spatial analysis approaches (i.e., ordinary least squares [OLS] and the Hurst exponent) combined with time‐series analysis using enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data, derived from LANDSAT via the Google Earth Engine, to estimate the trends and sustainability of vegetation dynamics in the Tra Vinh Province in the Mekong River Delta. We also assessed the EVI changes connected to land change issues to examine the influence of land use conversion on vegetation dynamics. Results show that a large portion of the study area was covered by abundant vegetation (over 50% of the total area), and the increased EVI area was about 5.5‐times greater than the area of EVI reduction. Additionally, vegetation sustainability was being seriously compromised (e.g., a decrease in the total area of 8,275 ha) due to several land conversion drivers such as shrimp farming, urbanisation, and industrialisation. Furthermore, results obtained from this research provide insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation coverage and reveal the consistency of future vegetation trends. Moreover, the study also quantitatively assessed the positive impacts of Buddhist doctrines on reducing the negative trend of vegetation change in the study area. These findings can lay the ground to formulate sustainable land and environmental plans that meet the 11th, 13th and 15th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (i.e., the sustainable cities and communities, the climate actions, and the life on land). Besides, the analytical procedure adopted in this study can also be applicable to any other coastal areas that require the accurate assessment of vegetation status over time.
Comparison Study of the Effects of Cationic Liposomes on Delivery across 3D Skin Tissue and Whitening Effects in Pigmented 3D Skin
Authors: Lee Mi So , Lee Ju Won , Kim Su Ji , Pham‐Nguyen Oanh‐Vu , Park Jongmin , Park Ju Hyun , Jung Young Mee , Lee Jun Bae , Yoo Hyuk Sang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCharged phospholipids are employed to formulate liposomes with different surface charges to enhance the permeation of active ingredients through epidermal layers. Although 3D skin tissue is widely employed as an alternative to permeation studies using animal skin, only a small number of studies have compared the difference between these skin models. Liposomal delivery strategies are investigated herein, through 3D skin tissue based on their surface charges. Cationic, anionic, and neutral liposomes are formulated and their size, zeta‐potential, and morphology are characterized using dynamic light scattering and cryogenic‐transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). A Franz diffusion cell is employed to determine the delivery efficiency of various liposomes, where all liposomes do not exhibit any recognizable difference of permeation through the synthetic membrane. When the fluorescence liposomes are applied to 3D skin, considerable fluorescence intensity is observed at the stratum cornea and epithelium layers. Compared to other liposomes, cationic liposomes exhibit the highest fluorescence intensity, suggesting the enhanced permeation of liposomes through the 3D skin layers. Finally, the ability of niacinamide (NA)‐incorporated liposomes to suppress melanin transfer in pigmented 3D skin is examined, where cationic liposomes exhibit the highest degree of whitening effects.
Fluoropolymer‐Mediated Intracellular Delivery of miR‐23b for the Osteocyte Differentiation in Osteoblasts
Authors: Wang Sihan , Xing Jiakai , Xiong Boyu , Han Haobo , Hu Min , Li Quanshun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in the regulation of multiple biological processes, including the differentiation of osteoblasts. Although miRNA‐based gene therapy holds immense potential in the treatment of a variety of diseases, the intracellular delivery of miRNA remains challenging owing to the lack of efficient and safe gene carriers. In this study, a fluoropolymer (FP) is constructed through the modification of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) using heptafluorobutyric anhydride and then is used as a carrier for miR‐23b transfection to induce osteocyte differentiation of osteoblasts. The derivative FP is found to facilitate miR‐23b transfection due to its favorable endosomal escape from the "proton sponge" effect. Compared to PAMAM/miR‐23b, the FP/miR‐23b nanocomplex efficiently promotes the differentiation of osteoblasts and formation of calcified nodules, attributable to enhanced expression of various osteogenesis genes (runt‐related transfection factor 2 [RUNX2], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], osteopontin [OPN], and osteocalcin [OCN]). Thus, FP‐mediated miR‐23b transfection may be used as an effective strategy to facilitate osteogenic differentiation.
Free but fake speech: When giving primacy to the source decreases misinformation sharing on social media
Authors: Di Domenico Giandomenico , Nunan Daniel , Sit Jason , Pitardi Valentina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSocial media platforms are facing increasing tensions in balancing the desire to maintain freedom of expression with limiting the spread of fake news and misinformation. This study investigates whether giving primacy to the source of misinformation on Facebook influences users' sharing behaviour. Two experimental studies show that when fake news is presented in a source‐primacy format, users are less likely to share the post because of reduced trust in the message and increased perceptions of deceptive intent. Additionally, this effect persists only when the person sharing the fake news has a weak interpersonal relationship with the receiver. The study extends current understanding of how misinformation is shared and provides insights into how presentation formats can be used to limit the spread of fake news without restricting freedom of speech.
Stimuli‐Responsive Multifunctional Phenylboronic Acid Polymers Via Multicomponent Reactions: From Synthesis to Application
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Zhu Chongyu , Tao Lei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractStimuli‐responsive polymers undergo changes under different environmental conditions. Among them, phenylboronic acid (PBA) containing polymers (PBA‐polymers) are unique, because they can selectively react with diols to generate borates that are sensitive to pH, sugars, and H2O2, and can be effectively used to synthesize smart drug carriers and self‐healing hydrogels. Recently, multifunctional PBA‐polymers (MF‐PBA‐polymers) have been developed using multicomponent reactions (MCRs) to introduce PBA groups into polymer structures. These MF‐PBA‐polymers have features similar to those of traditional PBA‐polymers; moreover, they exhibit additional properties, such as fluorescence, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant capability, when different MCRs are used. In this mini review, the preparation of these MF‐PBA‐polymers are summarized and the new properties/functions that have been introduced into these polymers using different MCRs are discussed. The uses of these MF‐PBA‐polymers as fluorescent cell anticoagulants, drug carriers, and gelators of functional self‐healing hydrogels have been discussed. Additionally, the challenges encountered during their preparation are discussed and also the future developments in this field are touched upon.
Twist1 is required for the development of UVB‐induced squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Eguiarte‐Solomon Fernando , Blazanin Nicholas , Rho Okkyung , Carbajal Steve , Felsher Dean W. , Tran Phuoc T. , DiGiovanni John 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe transcription factor Twist1 has been reported to be essential for the formation and invasiveness of chemically induced tumors in mouse skin. However, the impact of keratinocyte‐specific Twist1 deletion on skin carcinogenesis caused by UVB radiation has not been reported. Deletion of Twist1 in basal keratinocytes of mouse epidermis using K5.Cre × Twist1flox/flox mice led to significantly reduced UVB‐induced epidermal hyperproliferation. In addition, keratinocyte‐specific deletion of Twist1 significantly suppressed UVB‐induced skin carcinogenesis. Further analyses revealed that deletion of Twist1 in cultured keratinocytes or mouse epidermis in vivo led to keratinocyte differentiation. In this regard, deletion of Twist1 in epidermal keratinocytes showed significant induction of early and late differentiation markers, including TG1, K1, OVOL1, loricrin, and filaggrin. Similar results were obtained with topical application of harmine, a Harmala alkaloid that leads to degradation of Twist1. In contrast, overexpression of Twist1 in cultured keratinocytes suppressed calcium‐induced differentiation. Further analyses using both K5.Cre × Twist1flox/flox mice and an inducible system where Twist1 was deleted in bulge region keratinocytes showed loss of expression of hair follicle stem/progenitor markers, including CD34, Lrig1, Lgr5, and Lgr6. These data support the conclusion that Twist1 has a direct role in maintaining the balance between proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and keratinocyte stem/progenitor populations. Collectively, these results demonstrate a critical role for Twist1 early in the process of UVB skin carcinogenesis, and that Twist1 may be a novel target for the prevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
De novo c.2455C>T mutation of NPR2 gene in a fetus with shortened long bones and a ventricular septal defect conceived by a mother with a fragile site at 16q22.1 and a father with a rare heterochromatic variant of chromosome 4 from Vietnam
Authors: Ha Thi Minh Thi , Nguyen Tran Thao Nguyen , Nguyen Thi Mai Ngan , Nguyen Huu Nguyen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundA heterozygous natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) gene c.2455C>T mutation was identified as a cause of familial idiopathic short stature (ISS). Only two cases with this mutation were reported previously, and the probands with ISS had no organ system defects.MethodsNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on an amniotic fluid DNA sample of a fetus with shortened long bones and a small ventricular septal defect detected by an obstetric ultrasound examination. The pathogenic variant of the fetus was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Sanger sequencing, G‐banded, and C‐banded karyotyping of the fetus's parents were subsequently performed.ResultsA de novo NPR2 gene c.2455C>T, p.(Arg819Cys) mutation was identified in the fetus. No microdeletion or microduplication was identified in the fetus by copy number variation sequencing with a maximum resolution of 400 kb. The two previous miscarriages experienced by the fetus's parents were interpreted as a result of chromosomal aberrations, including a maternal fragile site at 16q22.1 and a rare paternal variant involving in a large G‐band‐positive and C‐band‐positive block of paracentric heterochromatin of chromosome 4p.ConclusionThis report provides clinical signs of a de novo heterozygous NPR2 gene c.2455C>T mutation in the fetus and shows paternal chromosomal aberrations causing repeated pregnancy loss.