bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractional 1064 nm Picosecond Laser in Treatment of Melasma and Skin Rejuvenation in Asians, A Prospective Study
Authors: Wong Christina S. M , Chan Mandy W. M , Shek Samantha Y. N , Yeung Chi Keung , Chan Henry H. L 
Published: February 2021

Background and ObjectivesFacial melasma is a disfiguring pigmentation and occurs frequently with aging skin. Topical treatment alone was often suboptimal. A recent study showed that fractional picosecond laser has promising result in benign pigmentary lesions. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of 1064 nm picosecond laser in treatment of facial melasma and skin rejuvenation in Asian skin.Study Design/Materials and MethodsPatients of Asian descent seeking treatment for facial melasma and skin rejuvenation were screened and recruited. Each patient received up to nine laser treatments at 4–6 weeks intervals with a fractionated nonablative 1064 nm picosecond laser. Baseline and posttreatment modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (IGAS) were assessed by blinded investigators based on the clinical photographs. Subject overall satisfaction was assessed by the questionnaires after treatment. All adverse events were documented.ResultsTwenty patients were recruited with a median age of 52.7 ± 8.2 years. Three subjects had Fitzpatrick skin type III and 17 had skin type IV. All subjects received nine laser sessions. Over 70% of patients were satisfied with the treatment outcomes. There was a statistically significant improvement in mMASI which reduced from 10.8 at baseline to 2.7 and 3.6 at 6 and 12 weeks post‐treatment, respectively (both P < 0.01). For skin rejuvenation, 70% reported at least a moderate improvement at 6 weeks of post‐treatment. No major side‐effect was reported. Erythema was the most frequent transient response, while some reported edema (1.1%). Both resolved spontaneously. None reported hypo‐ or hyperpigmentation after treatment. The overall mean pain scare (VAS) was 1.92.ConclusionFractionated non‐ablative 1064 nm picosecond laser was effective in treatment of melasma and skin rejuvenation. It was also safe and well tolerated. Importantly, there was no hypo or hyperpigmentation reported. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:00–00, 2021. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Study of corrosion inhibition properties of Schinus molle essential oil on carbon steel in HCl
Authors: Mellak Nadjat , Ghali Noureddine , Messaoudi Nadia , Benhelima Abdelkader , Ferhat Mahmoud , Addou Ahmed 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe inhibitory action of Schinus molle L. essential oil was investigated for the corrosion of carbon steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid solution using weight loss, polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The inhibition efficiency has increased with the increase of the inhibitor concentration, reaching a value of up to 70% at 2 g/L.
Recent Advances on Fabrication of Polymeric Composites Based on Multicomponent Reactions for Bioimaging and Environmental Pollutant Removal
Authors: Yang Guang , Liang Jie , Hu Xin , Liu Meiying , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs the core of polymer chemistry, manufacture of functional polymers is one of research hotspots over the past several decades. Various polymers are developed for diverse applications due to their tunable structures and unique properties. However, traditional step‐by‐step preparation strategies inevitably involve some problems, such as separation, purification, and time‐consuming. The multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are emerging as environmentally benign synthetic strategies to construct multifunctional polymers or composites with pendant groups and designed structures because of their features, such as efficient, fast, green, and atom economy. This mini review summarizes the latest advances about fabrication of multifunctional fluorescent polymers or adsorptive polymeric composites through different MCRs, including Kabachnik–Fields reaction, Biginelli reaction, mercaptoacetic acid locking imine reaction, Debus–Radziszewski reaction, and Mannich reaction. The potential applications of these polymeric composites in biomedical and environmental remediation are also highlighted. It is expected that this mini‐review will promote the development preparation and applications of functional polymers through MCRs.
Seasonal variation of viral infections between the eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) and the western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Chen Gongwen , Wu Yuqi , Deng Jie , Wen Zhengsheng , Wang Shuai , Chen Yanping , Hu Fuliang , Zheng Huoqing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIt is a widespread practice in China to keep colonies of both the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, and the eastern honey bee, Apis cerana, in close proximity. However, this practice increases opportunities for spillover of parasites and pathogens between the two host bee species, impacting spatial and temporal patterns in the occurrence and prevalence of the viruses that adversely affect bee health. We conducted a 1‐year large‐scale survey to assess the current status of viral infection in both A. mellifera and A. cerana in China. Our study focused on multiple aspects of viral infections in honey bees, including infection rate, viral load, seasonal variation, regional variation, and phylogenetic relationships of the viruses within the same species found in this study and other parts of the world. The survey showed that the black queen cell virus (BQCV), deformed wing virus (DWV), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), and sacbrood virus (SBV) were common in both A. mellifera and A. cerana, and infection dynamics of BQCV, DWV, and SBV between bee species or seasons were significantly different. DWV was the most common virus in A. mellifera, and its infection rate and load in A. mellifera were higher than those in A. cerana, which reflects the high susceptibility of A. mellifera to Varroa destructor infestation. The infection rate and viral load of SBV were higher in A. cerana than in A. mellifera, indicating that SBV poses a greater threat to A. cerana than to A. mellifera. Our results also suggested that there was no geographical variation in viral dynamics in A. mellifera and A. cerana. Phylogenetic analyses of BQCV, DWV, IAPV, and SBV suggested the cross‐regional and cross‐species spread of these viruses. This study provides important insights into the complex relationships between viruses and their hosts in different seasons and regions, which will be important for developing effective disease management strategies to improve bee health.
IL‐6 and IL‐8, secreted by myofibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment, activate HES1 to expand the cancer stem cell population in early colorectal tumor
Authors: Kim Bun , Seo Yoojeong , Kwon Ji‐Hee , Shin Youmi , Kim Suhyun , Park Soo Jung , Park Jae Jun , Cheon Jae Hee , Kim Won Ho , Il Kim Tae 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInteraction between a tumor and its microenvironment is important for tumor initiation and progression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor interact with a microenvironmental niche that controls their maintenance and differentiation. We investigated the CSC‐promoting effect of factors released from myofibroblasts into the microenvironment of early colorectal cancer tumors and its molecular mechanism. By messenger RNA microarray analysis, expression of HES1, a Notch signaling target, significantly increased in Caco‐2 cells cocultured with 18Co cells (pericryptal myofibroblasts), compared to its expression in Caco‐2 cells cultured alone. Caco‐2 cells cultured in 18Co‐conditioned media (CM) showed a significant increase in CD133+CD44+ cells and HES1 expression compared to that in Caco‐2 cells cultured in regular media. Significant amounts of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 were detected in 18Co‐CM compared to levels in regular media. The 18Co‐CM‐induced increase in CD133+CD44+ cells was attenuated by IL‐6‐ and IL‐8‐neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, these neutralizing antibodies and inhibitors of STAT3 and gamma‐secretase reduced the expression of HES1 induced in Caco‐2 cells cultured in 18Co‐CM. Immunohistochemical analysis of human tissues revealed that IL‐6, IL‐8, and HES1 expression increased from normal to adenoma, and from adenoma to cancer tissues. In addition, IL‐6 and HES1 expression was positively correlated in early colorectal cancer tissues. In conclusion, the increase of CSCs by myofibroblasts could be mediated by IL‐6/IL‐8‐induced HES1 activation in the tumor microenvironment. Based on these data, the IL‐6/IL‐8‐mediated Notch/HES1 and STAT3 pathway, through which CSCs interact with their microenvironment, might be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of colorectal tumors.
Levodopa Causes Striatal Cholinergic Interneuron Burst‐Pause Activity in Parkinsonian Mice
Authors: Paz Rodrigo Manuel , Tubert Cecilia , Stahl Agostina Monica , Amarillo Yimy , Rela Lorena , Murer Mario Gustavo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnhanced striatal cholinergic interneuron activity contributes to the striatal hypercholinergic state in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to levodopa‐induced dyskinesia. In severe PD, dyskinesia and motor fluctuations become seriously debilitating, and the therapeutic strategies become scarce. Given that the systemic administration of anticholinergics can exacerbate extrastriatal‐related symptoms, targeting cholinergic interneurons is a promising therapeutic alternative. Therefore, unraveling the mechanisms causing pathological cholinergic interneuron activity in severe PD with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia may provide new molecular therapeutic targets.MethodsWe used ex vivo electrophysiological recordings combined with pharmacological and morphological studies to investigate the intrinsic alterations of cholinergic interneurons in the 6‐hydroxydopamine mouse model of PD treated with levodopa.ResultsCholinergic interneurons exhibit pathological burst‐pause activity in the parkinsonian “off levodopa” state. This is mediated by a persistent ligand‐independent activity of dopamine D1/D5 receptor signaling, involving a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway. Dysregulation of membrane ion channels that results in increased inward‐rectifier potassium type 2 (Kir2) and decreased leak currents causes the burst pause activity, which can be dampened by pharmacological inhibition of intracellular cAMP. A single challenge with a dyskinetogenic dose of levodopa is sufficient to induce persistent cholinergic interneuron burst‐pause firing.ConclusionOur data unravel a mechanism causing aberrant cholinergic interneuron burst‐pause activity in parkinsonian mice treated with levodopa. Targeting D5‐cAMP signaling and the regulation of Kir2 and leak channels may alleviate parkinsonism and dyskinesia by restoring normal cholinergic interneuron function. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Review on polarimetric terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Gong Yandong , Zhang Zhuo , Li Ke , Ren Wenxu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnique features of terahertz (THz) wave have made THz spectroscopy a potential and ideal tool for spectroscopy analysis. When a conventional THz spectroscopy system is used to measure a sample with birefringence, sometimes it is highly possible to misinterpret a polarization filter effect as normal spectral absorption, thus leads to a wrong identification and conclusion. Polarimetric terahertz spectroscopy (PTS) is one kind of newly emerged technology upgraded from conventional terahertz spectroscopy, in addition to all the traditional functions, it is able to automatically measure additional state of polarization of THz wave, as well as additional polarization information of samples. Here in this article we will comprehensively review the principle and progress of such PTS technology.
Identification of aluminum alloy by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with machine algorithm
Authors: Dai Yujia , Zhao Shangyong , Song Chao , Gao Xun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDiscarded aluminum alloys are a form of recyclable metal materials, and their classification and identification are highly important. In this work, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and least‐squares support‐vector machine (LSSVM) algorithm were used to classify and identify five types of aluminum alloys. Exploratory analysis of five types of aluminum alloys by PCA was performed to achieve better segregation. The identification accuracy of the support‐vector machine (SVM) and LSSVM for aluminum alloy were 98.33% and 100%, respectively. The higher identification success rate was obtained using the LSSVM algorithm. Therefore, the LIBS technique combined with the PCA and LSSVM algorithms represents an efficient approach to identifying aluminum alloys.
Technical Note: An alternative approach to verify 6FFF beam dosimetry for Ethos and MR Linac without using a 3D water tank
Authors: Hao Yao , Cai Bin , Green Olga , Knutson Nels , Yaddanapudi Sridhar , Zhao Tianyu , Rodriguez Vivian , Schmidt Matthew , Mutic Sasa , Sun Baozhou 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe current approach to Linac beam dosimetry verification is typically performed utilizing a three‐dimensional (3D) water tank system. The 3D beam scanning process is cumbersome, labor intensive, error‐prone, and costly. This is especially challenging for the new Ethos system and MR Linacs with a ring gantry. This work proposes an alternative approach to verify 6FFF beam dosimetry for Ethos, ViewRay MRIdian® Linac, and other Linacs with 6FFF beam quality using two‐dimensional (2D) ion chamber arrays.MethodsPercentage depth dose (PDD) and profiles of an Ethos, an MRIdian® Linac, and several Linacs with 6FFF beams were measured at the nominal beam current. The beam energy was detuned by changing the bending magnet current on one TrueBeam. PDDs and profiles were measured for detuned beam energies. The peak shape of the 6FFF profile was defined by a “slope” parameter and unflatness. Correlations between peak slope and unflatness metrics vs PDDs were used to evaluate the sensitivity of beam energy to beam profile changes at different field sizes and depths.ResultsStrong correlations were found between peak slope and PDDs for all Linacs with 6FFF beam. The R‐squared values in the linear regression fitting between PDD and peak slope and unflatness were 0.99 and 0.84, respectively. Both profile slope and unflatness were proportional to PDD at the 10 cm depth and the peak slope was 4.3 times more sensitive than PDD. We have identified that measurements with a shallow depth are preferred to quantify the beam energy consistency.ConclusionsOur work shows the feasibility of verifying 6FFF beam quality of Ethos, MR Linac, and other Linacs by defining a profile slope measured from 2D ionization chambers array devices. This new approach provides a simplified method for performing a routine beam quality check without using a 3D water tank system while maximizing cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Self‐sealing thermoplastic fluoroelastomer enables rapid fabrication of modular microreactors
Authors: McMillan Alexander H. , Mora‐Macías Juan , Teyssandier Joan , Thür Raymond , Roy Emmanuel , Ochoa Ignacio , De Feyter Steven , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Lesher‐Pérez Sasha Cai 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA novel fluorinated soft thermoplastic elastomer (sTPE) for microfluidics is presented. It allows the rapid fabrication of microfluidic devices through a 30‐second hot embossing cycle at 220°C followed by self‐sealing through simple conformal contact at room temperature, or with baking. The material shows high chemical resistance, particularly in comparison to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), to many common organic solvents and can be rapidly micropatterned with high fidelity using a variety of microfluidic master molds thanks to its low mechanical stiffness. Self‐sealing of the material is reversible and withstands pressures of up to 2.8 bar with room temperature sealing and four bar with baking at 185°C for 2 hours. The elastomeric, transparent sTPE exhibits material characteristics that make it suited for use as a microreactor, such as low absorption, surface roughness and oxygen permeability, while also allowing a facile and scalable fabrication process. Modular microfluidic devices, leveraging the fast and reversible room temperature self‐sealing, are demonstrated for the generation of water droplets in a toluene continuous phase using T‐junctions of variable size. The sTPE offers an alternative to common microfluidic materials, overcoming some of their key drawbacks, and giving scope for low‐cost and high‐throughput devices for flow chemistry applications.
Optoelectronic properties improvement of double perovskites Cs2Sn(Pb)I6 by the hydrothermal method
Authors: Wu Junsheng , Zhao Zhuo , Li Tong , Zhang Kaice , Fang Fang , Zhou Yanwen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHerein, we report on the synthesis of perovskite Cs2Sn(Pb)I6 powder via a modified hydrothermal method, in which Pb2+ ions are introduced to Cs2SnI6 to optimize the semiconductor properties of double perovskite. Results indicate that the introduction of 2 at% Pb2+ into the Cs2SnI6 not only facilitates fine thermal stability, smoother surface with small grain size, expanding the scope of absorption. Thence the photovoltaic properties of Cs2SnI6 are improved where obtained a higher photocurrent density (∼ 70 µA cm−2). Combined with changes in photoelectric properties, perhaps a small amount of Pb doping plays a role in reducing the formation energy and surface energy of the compounds. On the contrary, excessive Pb doping destroys the synthesis of Cs2SnI6 and reduces the purity of the compound; thus, affecting its application. This study provides useful insights into the development of double perovskites with high stability and efficiency.
In situ investigation of formation kinetics of microporous structure in PVDF thin films prepared via thermally‐induced phase separation (TIPS): Effects of film thickness and polymer concentration
Authors: Yang Bin , Yu Yang‐nan , Pan Yang , Wang Shu‐qing , Xu Xiang , Wang Ying‐ying , Qian Jia‐sheng , Xia Ru , Zhang Peng , Shi You , Tu You‐lei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this research, series of PVDF microporous films with various polymer concentrations and thickness were prepared through thermally‐induced phase separation in air condition with diphenyl carbonate as the diluent. Effects of polymer concentration and film thickness on the formation kinetics of microporous structure of PVDF thin films were in situ investigated via TII technique. The instantaneous heat conduction inside the films during film formation was also evaluated. Two types of parameter models were adopted in order to disclose the time and location dependence of TIPS film solidification kinetics, respectively. Hierarchical microstructures, crystallization behavior and thermal properties of the TIPS films were also characterized by SEM, DSC, and TGA, respectively. The current study could supply an insight into the fabrication of PVDF microporous films with target microstructure and desirable performance.
Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Testing and Actionable Findings in Patients with Advanced and Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Botrus Gehan , Kosirorek Heidi , Sonbol Mohamad Bassam , Kusne Yael , Uson Pedro Luiz Serrano , Borad Mitesh J. , Ahn Daniel H. , Kasi Pashtoon M. , Drusbosky Leylah M. , Dada Hiba , Surapaneni Phani Keerthi , Starr Jason , Ritter Ashton , McMillan Jessica , Wylie Natasha , Mody Kabir , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Purpose
Recent advances in molecular diagnostic technologies allow for the evaluation of solid tumor malignancies through noninvasive blood sampling, including circulating tumor DNA profiling (ctDNA). Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis, often because of late presentation of disease. Diagnosis is often made using endoscopic ultrasound or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, which often does not yield enough tissue for next-generation sequencing. With this study, we sought to characterize the ctDNA genomic alteration landscape in patients with advanced PDAC with a focus on actionable findings.

Materials and Methods
From December 2014 through October 2019, 357 samples collected from 282 patients with PDAC at Mayo Clinic underwent ctDNA testing using a clinically available assay. The majority of samples were tested using the 73-gene panel which includes somatic genomic targets, including complete or critical exon coverage in 30 and 40 genes, respectively, and in some, amplifications, fusions, and indels. Clinical data and outcome variables were available for 165 patients; with 104 patients at initial presentation.

Results
All patients included in this study had locally advanced or metastatic PDAC. Samples having at least one alteration, when variants of unknown significance (VUS) were excluded, numbered 266 (75%). After excluding VUS, therapeutically relevant alterations were observed in 170 (48%) of the total 357 cohort, including KRAS (G12C), EGFR, ATM, MYC, BRCA, PIK3CA, and BRAF mutations. KRAS, SMAD, CCND2, or TP53 alterations were seen in higher frequency in patients with advanced disease.

Conclusion
Our study is the largest cohort to date that demonstrates the feasibility of ctDNA testing in PDAC. We provide a benchmark landscape upon which the field can continue to grow. Future applications may include use of ctDNA to guide treatment and serial monitoring of ctDNA during disease course to identify novel therapeutic targets for improved prognosis.

Implications for Practice
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis often due to late presentation of disease. Biopsy tissue sampling is invasive and samples are often inadequate, requiring repeated invasive procedures and delays in treatment. Noninvasive methods to identify PDAC early in its course may improve prognosis in PDAC. Using ctDNA, targetable genes can be identified and used for treatment.
Functional modification of silicone rubber through nano‐hydroxylapatite embedding
Authors: Bindu Mavila , Ananthapadmanabhan Unnikrishnan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSilicone rubber (SR) has extensively been used for different industrial and biomedical applications, in view of its good elasticity, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility. However, cure inhibition features, poor mechanical properties, and hydrophobicity, often, limit the possible expansion of its spectrum of applications. The present work has been designed to address these issues by embedding a potential biocompatible filler, nano‐hydroxylapatite (n‐HA), within the SR matrix, through compression molding. The n‐HA particles were initially synthesized by a wet chemical method, and were subsequently introduced into SR quantitatively. The rheological features, compressive properties, simulated body fluid (SBF) uptake, bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption, blood compatibility, and cytocompatibility of n‐HA modified SR systems have been investigated. The change in rheological characteristics after n‐HA embedding within SR clearly indicated the favorable interactions between them, and a compatible functional existence under external stresses. The compressive strength, which is critical for the different applications of SR, has been found to be increased with an increase in n‐HA loading. In‐vitro mineralization studies using SBF showed the formation of apatite crystals on the surface of SR/n‐HA system indicating its biocompatibility. This has been confirmed by SEM and FTIR examinations. It has further been observed that the addition of n‐HA particles into SR matrix enhances the protein adsorption characteristics. The n‐HA embedded system exhibited excellent blood compatibility, which has been complemented through hemolysis (%) studies and thrombogenicity assay. The results indicate that the strategy of n‐HA embedding would do significant value addition to SR, and widen its scope in the industrial and biomedical sectors.