bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo evaluation of temperature‐responsive antimicrobial‐loaded PNIPAAm hydrogels for prevention of surgical site infection
Authors: Heffernan John M. , Overstreet Derek J. , Vernon Brent L. , McLemore Ryan Y. , Nagy Tamas , Moore Rex C. , Badha Vajra S. , Childers Erin P. , Nguyen Michael B. , Gentry Daniel D. , Calara Francis M. , Saunders W. Brian , Feltis Tim , McLaren Alex C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSurgical site infections (SSIs) are a persistent clinical challenge. Local antimicrobial delivery may reduce the risk of SSI by increasing drug concentrations and distribution in vulnerable surgical sites compared to what is achieved using systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis alone. In this work, we describe a comprehensive in vivo evaluation of the safety and efficacy of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐dimethylbutyrolactone acrylamide‐co‐Jeffamine M‐1000 acrylamide) [PNDJ], an injectable temperature‐responsive hydrogel carrier for antimicrobial delivery in surgical sites. Biodistribution data indicate that PNDJ is primarily cleared via the liver and kidneys following drug delivery. Antimicrobial‐loaded PNDJ was generally well‐tolerated locally and systemically when applied in bone, muscle, articulating joints, and intraperitoneal space, although mild renal toxicity consistent with the released antimicrobials was identified at high doses in rats. Dosing of PNDJ at bone‐implant interfaces did not affect normal tissue healing and function of orthopedic implants in a transcortical plug model in rabbits and in canine total hip arthroplasty. Finally, PNDJ was effective at preventing recurrence of implant‐associated MSSA and MRSA osteomyelitis in rabbits, showing a trend toward outperforming commercially available antimicrobial‐loaded bone cement and systemic antimicrobial administration. These studies indicate that antimicrobial‐loaded PNDJ hydrogels are well‐tolerated and could reduce incidence of SSI in a variety of surgical procedures.
Pigments from spent ammonium chloride zinc plating electrolytes
Authors: Zalyhina Volha , Cheprasova Victoria , Romanovski Valentin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe volumes of discharged spent plating electrolytes comprise ≈2–3% of the total amount of wastewater from galvanic production. However, the concentration of heavy metal ions they contain is 100–150‐fold higher than in rinsing waters. The periodic nature of such discharges leads to a disruption in the operation of treatment facilities. At the same time, heavy metals could be separated as pigments.RESULTSThe article presents the results of studies of the effect of brighteners included in the composition of spent zinc (Zn) plating electrolytes on the composition and structure of the resulting white pigments. The results confirmed the possibility of obtaining white pigments from spent Zn plating electrolytes. It was found that during the deposition of Zn(II) ions from the spent ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) Zn plating electrolytes with sodium phosphate, zinc phosphate predominantly is formed. It was found that the presence of brighteners in the spent NH4Cl Zn plating electrolytes practically did not affect the pH and the degree of deposition of Zn (II) ions, as well as the whiteness of the resulting pigments.CONCLUSIONThe presence of iron (Fe) ions in the spent zinc plating electrolytes leads to a decrease in the whiteness of the resulting precipitates; however, pigments of the required whiteness can be obtained with contents of Fe(III) of ≤170 mg L−1 and Fe(II) ≤1000 mg L−1. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A multielectrode array‐based hypoxia model for the analysis of electrical activity in murine retinae
Authors: Ingensiep Claudia , Schaffrath Kim , Denecke Bernd , Walter Peter , Johnen Sandra 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSeveral eye diseases, for example, retinal artery occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, are associated with retinal hypoxia. The lack of oxygen in the retina, especially in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), causes cell damage up to cell degeneration and leads to blindness. Using multielectrode array recordings, an ex vivo hypoxia acute model was established to analyze the electrical activity of murine wild‐type retinae under hypoxic stress conditions. Hypoxia was induced by exchanging the perfusion with oxygen‐saturated medium by nitrogen‐saturated medium. Hypoxic periods of 0 min (control) up to 60 min were tested on the retinae of adult female C57BL/6J mice. The electrical RGC activity vanished during hypoxia, but conditionally returned after the reestablishment of conventional test conditions. With increasing duration of hypoxia, the returning RGC activity decreased. After a hypoxic period of 30 min and a subsequent recovery time of 30 min, 59.43 ± 11.35% of the initially active channels showed a restored RGC activity. The survival rate of retinal cells after hypoxic stress was analyzed by a live/dead staining assay using two‐photon laser scanning microscopy. For detailed information about molecular changes caused by hypoxia, a microarray gene expression analysis was performed. Furthermore, the effect of 2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine, 1 mM) on retinae under hypoxic stress was tested. Treatment with taurine resulted in an increase in the RGC response rate after hypoxia and also increased the survival rate of retinal cells under hypoxic stress, confirming its potential as promising candidate for neuroprotective therapies of eye diseases.
Comparative in vitro study of commercially available products for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Jones Kirstin , Williams Cortes , Yuan Tony , Digeorge‐Foushee Ann Marie , Chambers Wilson Ramanda , Burton Tarea , Hamlin Nicholas , Martinez Luis 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundRidge preservation is performed by placing a biocompatible product, following tooth extraction, to maintain bone volume. However, current ridge preservation therapies do not always maintain the volume required for future implant placement. Variations in surgical technique and material selection contribute to determining clinical outcomes. The wide variety of grafting materials available and conflicting efficacy reports make selecting the appropriate graft materials challenging. To investigate how different commercially available ridge preservation products might perform clinically: Helistat (collagen control) (Material 1), OsteoGen Plug (Material 2), Bio‐Oss Collagen (Material 3), and J‐Bone (native bone) (Material 4) were evaluated.MethodsThese products underwent field emission scanning electron microscopy, microcomputed tomography, helium pycnometry, and infrared spectra analysis. Human osteosarcomas were incubated on products and proliferation was monitored with CCK‐8 and visualized with confocal microscopy. Scaffold osteoconductivity was evaluated through the cellular production of proteins osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin.ResultsResults indicated that products varied in porosity and pore interconnectivity. Although Material 3 was chemically similar to Material 4, Material 2 demonstrated significantly better biocompatibility. Functionally, Material 1 and Material 2 elicited higher osteonectin release than Material 3 and Material 4 which suggests the latter products suppress endogenous osteonectin secretion. Furthermore, osteopontin secretion was minimal for all products, while osteocalcin was elevated. This seems to suggest that high levels of mineralization might be deleterious for bone regeneration.ConclusionsAlthough all products are marketed as effective preservation products, the results demonstrated high variability in physical, chemical, and biological effects; however, this study suggests a product with higher ratio of collagen to mineral component may have the most desirable effects for the use in alveolar ridge preservation.
Predicting overall survival and resection in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with FOLFIRINOX: Development and internal validation of two nomograms
Authors: Brada Lilly J. H. , Walma Marieke S. , Daamen Lois A. , van Roessel Stijn , van Dam Ronald M. , de Hingh Ignace H. , Liem Mike L. S. , de Meijer Vincent E. , Patijn Gijs A. , Festen Sebastiaan , Stommel Martijn W. J. , Bosscha Koop , Polée Marco B. , Yung Nio C. , Wessels Frank J. , de Vries Jan J. J. , van Lienden Krijn P. , Bruijnen Rutger C. , Los Maartje , Mohammad Nadia Haj , Wilmink Hanneke W. , Busch Olivier R. , Besselink Marc G. , Quintus Molenaar I. , van Santvoort Hjalmar C. ,   for the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPatients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) are increasingly treated with FOLFIRINOX, resulting in improved survival and resection of tumors that were initially unresectable. It remains unclear, however, which specific patients benefit from FOLFIRINOX. Two nomograms were developed predicting overall survival (OS) and resection at the start of FOLFIRINOX for LAPC.MethodsFrom our multicenter, prospective LAPC registry in 14 Dutch hospitals, LAPC patients starting first‐line FOLFIRINOX (April 2015–December 2017) were included. Stepwise backward selection according to the Akaike Information Criterion was used to identify independent baseline predictors for OS and resection. Two prognostic nomograms were generated.ResultsA total of 252 patients were included, with a median OS of 14 months. Thirty‐two patients (13%) underwent resection, with a median OS of 23 months. Older age, female sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≤1, and CA 19.9 < 274 were independent factors predicting a better OS (c‐index: 0.61). WHO ps >1, involvement of the superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric vein ≥ 270° were independent factors decreasing the probability of resection (c‐index: 0.79).ConclusionsTwo nomograms were developed to predict OS and resection in patients with LAPC before starting treatment with FOLFIRINOX. These nomograms could be beneficial in the shared decision‐making process and counseling of these patients.
Agile optimization for a real‐time facility location problem in Internet of Vehicles networks
Authors: Martins Leandro do C. , Tarchi Daniele , Juan Angel A. , Fusco Alessandro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe uncapacitated facility location problem (UFLP) is a popular NP‐hard optimization problem that has been traditionally applied to logistics and supply networks, where decisions are difficult to reverse. However, over the years, many new application domains have emerged, in which real‐time optimization is needed, such as Internet of Vehicles (IoV), virtual network functions placement, and network controller placement. IoV scenarios take into account the presence of multiple roadside units (RSUs) that should be frequently assigned to operating vehicles. To ensure the desired quality of service level, the allocation process needs to be carried out frequently and efficiently, as vehicles' demands change. In this dynamic environment, the mapping of vehicles to RSUs needs to be reoptimized periodically over time. Thus, this article proposes an agile optimization algorithm, which is tested using existing benchmark instances. The experiments show that it can efficiently generate high‐quality and real‐time results in dynamic IoV scenarios.
Effects of extended abstinence on cognitive functions in tramadol‐dependent patients: A cohort study
Authors: Hassaan Shehab H. , Khalifa Hossam , Darwish Alaa M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSome pieces of the literature report impaired cognitive functioning in tramadol dependence. Whether extended abstinence improves cognitive functioning or not is not well studied.AimWe aimed to measure the change in cognitive functioning following complete abstinence among individuals with tramadol dependence.MethodsEighty‐three male tramadol‐dependent (TD) and 57 matched healthy controls participated in this study. Cognitive functions were assessed using: The Trail making test (TMT), Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (WMS‐R), and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Patients were assessed in the first week immediately after the end of the in‐patient treatment program (T1), and after six months of sustained abstinence (T2).ResultsAt T1, the TD group showed deficits on all tested cognitive parameters (visual attention, task switching, working memory, visual memory, verbal memory, verbal knowledge, Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full‐Scale IQ) in comparison to the control group. At T2, significant improvements had occurred in all the tested parameters except performance IQ. The cognitive performance of the abstinent individuals at T2 was comparable to the control group for the verbal subsets of WMS‐R, Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, and Full‐Scale IQ. Nevertheless, it was still worse than the control group in TMT, and all other WMS subsets.Conclusiontramadol dependence has negative effects on cognitive performance, which improves with extended abstinence.
Patient‐provider discussions of bariatric surgery and subsequent weight changes and receipt of bariatric surgery
Authors: Chang Lee‐Shing , Malmasi Shervin , Hosomura Naoshi , Zhang Huabing , Brown C. Justin , Lei Victor J. , Rubin Alexa , Ting Clara , Tong Kimhouy , Shubina Maria , Turchin Alexander 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether patients who discuss bariatric surgery with their providers are more likely to undergo the procedure and to lose weight.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adults with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 treated between 2000 and 2015 was conducted to analyze the relationship between a discussion of bariatric surgery in the first year after study entry and weight changes (primary outcome) and receipt of bariatric surgery (secondary outcome) over 2 years after study entry. Natural language processing was used to identify the documentation of bariatric surgery discussion in electronic provider notes.ResultsOut of 30,560 study patients, a total of 2,659 (8.7%) discussed bariatric surgery with their providers. The BMI of patients who discussed bariatric surgery decreased by 2.18 versus 0.21 for patients who did not (p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, patients who discussed bariatric surgery with their providers lost more weight (by 1.43 [change in BMI]; 95% CI: 1.29‐1.57) and had greater odds (10.2; 95% CI: 9.0‐11.6; p < 0.001) of undergoing bariatric surgery.ConclusionsClinicians rarely discussed bariatric surgery with their patients. Patients who did have this discussion were more likely to lose weight and to undergo bariatric surgery.
A Phase I, First-in-Human Study of GSK2849330, an Anti-HER3 Monoclonal Antibody, in HER3-Expressing Solid Tumors
Authors: Gan Hui K. , Millward Michael , Jalving Mathilde , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Lickliter Jason D. , Schellens Jan H.M. , Lolkema Martijn P. , Van Herpen Carla L.M. , Hug Bruce , Tang Lihua , O'Connor-Semmes Robin , Gagnon Robert , Ellis Catherine , Ganji Gopinath , Matheny Christopher , Drilon Alexander 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundGSK2849330, an anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody that blocks HER3/Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) signaling in cancer cells, is engineered for enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. This phase I, first-in-human, open-label study assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and preliminary activity of GSK2849330 in patients with HER3-expressing advanced solid tumors.Patients and MethodsPatients with various tumor types were prospectively selected for HER3 expression by immunohistochemistry; a subset was also screened for NRG1 mRNA expression. In the dose-escalation phase, patients received GSK2849330 1.4–30 mg/kg every 2 weeks, or 3 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg weekly, intravenously (IV). In the dose-expansion phase, patients received 30 mg/kg GSK2849330 IV weekly.ResultsTwenty-nine patients with HER3-expressing cancers, of whom two expressed NRG1, received GSK2849330 (dose escalation: n = 18, dose expansion: n = 11). GSK2849330 was well tolerated. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The highest dose, of 30 mg/kg weekly, expected to provide full target engagement, was selected for dose expansion. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were mostly grade 1 or 2. The most common AEs were diarrhea (66%), fatigue (62%), and decreased appetite (31%). Dose-proportional plasma exposures were achieved, with evidence of HER3 inhibition in paired tissue biopsies. Of 29 patients, only 1 confirmed partial response, lasting 19 months, was noted in a patient with CD74-NRG1-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).ConclusionGSK2849330 demonstrated a favorable safety profile, dose-proportional PK, and evidence of target engagement, but limited antitumor activity in HER3-expressing cancers. The exceptional response seen in a patient with CD74-NRG1-rearranged NSCLC suggests further exploration in NRG1-fusion–positive cancers.Implications for PracticeThis first-in-human study confirms that GSK2849330 is well tolerated. Importantly, across a variety of HER3-expressing advanced tumors, prospective selection by HER3/NRG1 expression alone was insufficient to identify patients who could benefit from treatment with this antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity– and complement-dependent cytotoxicity–enhanced anti-HER3 antibody. The only confirmed durable response achieved was in a patient with CD74-NRG1-rearranged lung cancer. This highlights the potential utility of screening for NRG1 fusions prospectively across tumor types to enrich potential responders to anti-HER3 agents in ongoing trials.
Participatory mapping reveals socioeconomic drivers of forest fires in protected areas of the post‐conflict Colombian Amazon
Authors: Tebbutt Charlie Arthur , Devisscher Tahia , Obando‐Cabrera Laura , Gutiérrez García Gustavo Adolfo , Meza Elizalde Maria Constanza , Armenteras Dolors , Oliveras Menor Imma 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Wildfires have increased in protected areas (PAs) of the Colombian Amazon following the 2016 peace agreement between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forced of Colombia (FARC—Spanish acronym). Recent study efforts to understand this issue suffer from data scarcity and limited consultation of local stakeholder perspectives on factors affecting wildfires.

This study uses a social–ecological systems framework to investigate local perceptions of factors driving and/or preventing wildfires in the Los Picachos, La Macarena and Tinigua PAs, which are shared by two Amazonian departments experiencing wildfire increase. Four stakeholder categories were selected to represent varied and possibly conflicting interests: cattle ranchers, the national park service, local authorities and cross‐sectional stakeholders. We combined a participative mapping approach with interviews to illustrate stakeholder perceptions of interactions between key variables in graphical causal models. Network analyses were used to determine areas of agreement on key variables, and to compare local priorities with those of key informants at the national level.

Local stakeholders and key informants widely agreed on the roles of extensive cattle ranching and land grabbing as key drivers of wildfires. The analysis identified areas for further research into wildfire occurrence within PAs. These include lack of governance and untitled land, as well as the effects of poor access to basic public services on unsustainable ranching methods.

This study revealed contested opinions between ranchers and other stakeholders over interactions between ranching, roads and illicit crops, and consequently their effects on wildfire occurrence. This indicates the need for cautious implementation of the National Development Plan, prioritising road maintenance over expansion, integrating arable alternatives to cattle ranching and considering multiple stakeholders in regional decision‐making around wildfire reduction. The strengths and limitations of the participative mapping approach employed here are discussed with a view to aiding decision‐making in post‐conflict regions of the Global South.
Targeted mutation of transcription factor genes alters metaxylem vessel size and number in rice roots
Authors: Reeger Jenna E. , Wheatley Matthew , Yang Yinong , Brown Kathleen M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRoot metaxylem vessels are responsible for axial water transport and contribute to hydraulic architecture. Variation in metaxylem vessel size and number can impact drought tolerance in crop plants, including rice, a crop that is particularly sensitive to drought. Identifying and validating candidate genes for metaxylem development would aid breeding efforts for improved varieties for drought tolerance. We identified three transcription factor candidate genes that potentially regulate metaxylem vessel size and number in rice based on orthologous annotations, published expression data, and available root and drought‐related QTL data. Single gene knockout mutants were generated for each candidate using CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing. Root metaxylem vessel area and number were analyzed in 6‐week‐old knockout mutants and wild‐type plants under well‐watered and drought conditions in the greenhouse. Compared with wild type, LONESOME HIGHWAY (OsLHW) mutants had fewer, smaller metaxylem vessels in shallow roots and more, larger vessels in deep roots in drought conditions, indicating that OsLHW may be a repressor of drought‐induced metaxylem plasticity. The AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 15 mutants showed fewer but larger metaxylem vessel area in well‐watered conditions, but phenotypes were inconsistent under drought treatment. ORYZA SATIVA HOMEBOX 6 (OSH6) mutants had fewer, smaller metaxylem vessels in well‐watered conditions with greater effects on xylem number than size. OSH6 mutants had larger shoots and more, deeper roots than the wild type in well‐watered conditions, but there were no differences in performance under drought between mutants and wild type. Though these candidate gene mutants did not exhibit large phenotypic effects, the identification and investigation of candidate genes related to metaxylem traits in rice deepen our understanding of metaxylem development and are needed to facilitate incorporation of favorable alleles into breeding populations to improve drought stress tolerance.