bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of injectable hydrogel properties for slow co‐delivery of influenza subunit vaccine components enhance the potency of humoral immunity
Authors: Saouaf Olivia M. , Roth Gillie A. , Ou Ben S. , Smith Anton A. A. , Yu Anthony C. , Gale Emily C. , Grosskopf Abigail K. , Picece Vittoria C.T.M. , Appel Eric A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVaccines are critical for combating infectious diseases across the globe. Influenza, for example, kills roughly 500,000 people annually worldwide, despite annual vaccination campaigns. Efficacious vaccines must elicit a robust and durable antibody response, and poor efficacy often arises from inappropriate temporal control over antigen and adjuvant presentation to the immune system. In this work, we sought to exploit the immune system's natural response to extended pathogen exposure during infection by designing an easily administered slow‐delivery influenza vaccine platform. We utilized an injectable and self‐healing polymer‐nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogel platform to prolong the co‐delivery of vaccine components to the immune system. We demonstrated that these hydrogels exhibit unique dynamic physical characteristics whereby physicochemically distinct influenza hemagglutinin antigen and a toll‐like receptor 7/8 agonist adjuvant could be co‐delivered over prolonged timeframes that were tunable through simple alteration of the gel formulation. We show a relationship between hydrogel physical properties and the resulting immune response to immunization. When administered in mice, hydrogel‐based vaccines demonstrated enhancements in the magnitude and duration of humoral immune responses compared to alum, a widely used clinical adjuvant system. We found stiffer hydrogel formulations exhibited slower release and resulted in the greatest improvements to the antibody response while also enabling significant adjuvant dose sparing. In summary, this work introduces a simple and effective vaccine delivery platform that increases the potency and durability of influenza subunit vaccines.
Virtual screening of natural compounds for potential inhibitors of Sterol C‐24 methyltransferase of Leishmania donovani to overcome leishmaniasis
Authors: Rahman Fazlur , Tabrez Shams , Ali Rahat , Akand Sajjadul Kadir , Zahid Mariya , Alaidarous Mohammed A. , Alsaweed Mohammed , Alshehri Bader Mohammed , Banawas Saeed , Bin Dukhyil Abdul Aziz , Rub Abdur 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by trypanosomatid parasite belonging to the genera Leishmania. Leishmaniasis is transmitted from one human to other through the bite of sandflies. It is endemic in around 98 countries including tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Southern America, and the Mediterranean region. Sterol C‐24 methyltransferase (LdSMT) of Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) mediates the transfer of CH3‐group from S‐adenosyl methionine to C‐24 position of sterol side chain which makes the ergosterol different from cholesterol. Absence of ortholog in human made it potential druggable target. Here, we performed virtual screening of library of natural compounds against LdSMT to identify the potential inhibitor for it and to fight leishmaniasis. Gigantol, flavan‐3‐ol, and parthenolide showed the best binding affinity towards LdSMT. Further, based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and biological activity prediction, gigantol showed the best lead‐likeness and drug‐likeness properties. Therefore, we further elucidated its antileishmanial properties. We found that gigantol inhibited the growth and proliferation of promastigotes as well as intra‐macrophagic amastigotes. Gigantol exerted its antileishmanial action through the induction of reactive oxygen species in dose‐dependent manner. Our study, suggested the possible use of gigantol as antileishmanial drug after further validations to overcome leishmaniasis.
Specialized nutrition improves muscle function and physical activity without affecting chemotherapy efficacy in C26 tumour‐bearing mice
Authors: Wijler Liza A. , Raats Danielle A.E. , Elias Sjoerd G. , Dijk Francina J. , Quirindongo Hanil , May Anne M. , Furber Matthew J.W. , Dorresteijn Bram , van Dijk Miriam , Kranenburg Onno 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle wasting and fatigue are commonly observed in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and associated with reduced treatment outcome and quality of life. Nutritional support may mitigate these side effects, but potential interference with chemotherapy efficacy could be of concern. Here, we investigated the effects of an ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), leucine‐enriched, high‐protein (100% whey), additional vitamin D, and prebiotic fibres ‘specific nutritional composition’ (SNC) and chemotherapy on state‐of‐the‐art tumour organoids and muscle cells and studied muscle function, physical activity, systemic inflammation, and chemotherapy efficacy in a mouse model of aggressive colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsTumour‐bearing mice received a diet with or without SNC. Chemotherapy treatment consisted of oxaliplatin and 5‐fluorouracil. Tumour formation was monitored by calliper measurements. Physical activity was continuously monitored by infrared imaging. Ex vivo muscle performance was determined by myography, muscle fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, and plasma cytokine levels by Luminex xMAP technology. Patient‐derived CRC organoids and C2C12 myotubes were used to determine whether SNC affects chemotherapy sensitivity in vitro.ResultsSpecific nutritional composition increased muscle contraction capacity of chemotherapy‐treated tumour‐bearing mice (P < 0.05) and enriched ω‐3 fatty acid composition in muscle without affecting treatment efficacy (P < 0.0001). Mice receiving SNC maintained physical activity after chemotherapy and showed decreased systemic inflammation. Therapeutic response of CRC organoids was unaffected by SNC nutrients, while cell viability and protein synthesis of muscle cells significantly improved.ConclusionsThe results show that specialized nutritional support can be used to maintain muscle function and physical activity levels during chemotherapy without increasing tumour viability. Therefore, nutritional strategies have potential value in promoting cancer and chemotherapy tolerance.
Effect of sprayingl‐menthol on peristalsis resumption during endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric tumors
Authors: Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Namikawa Ken , Tokai Yoshitaka , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Horiuchi Yusuke , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Itoh Fumio , Fujisaki Junko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and Aiml‐Menthol has smooth muscle‐relaxing and antiperistaltic effects. We examined its effectiveness against peristalsis resumption during endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of gastric tumors.MethodsWe retrospectively examined clinical data of 485 patients (501 lesions) who underwent ESD for upper gastrointestinal tumors in 2017. We included 119 patients (127 lesions) in whom peristaltic movement resumed during ESD andl‐menthol was applied; 366 patients (374 lesions) withoutl‐menthol application were used as controls. Video recordings were reviewed to determine whetherl‐menthol suppressed peristalsis resumption.ResultsIn cases withl‐menthol application, 2 (2.9%), 36 (14.3%), and 89 (71.2%) lesions were found in the upper (U), middle (M), and lower (L) regions, respectively. In the control group, the corresponding values were 66 (17.6%), 215 (57.5%), and 93 (24.9%), respectively.l‐Menthol efficacy was observed in 116 of the 127 treated lesions (91.3%), over 90% of which were in the posterior wall of the U region, anterior wall and greater curvature of the M region, and anterior wall and lesser curvature of the L region. The most and least effective areas forl‐menthol application were the anterior wall of gastric antrum and posterior wall of the M region, respectively. The mean time from application to peristalsis inhibition was 8.7 s. No adverse effects were observed; perforation and secondary hemorrhage were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionDirectl‐menthol application to the submucosal layer during mucosal resection affects smooth muscles and rapidly inhibits peristalsis resumption. Clinically,l‐Menthol can be used to suppress peristalsis recurrence during ESD, without adverse effects.
Personal social capital and voluntary participation in the Village Development Programme in rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Hulugalla Niranjala , Yamada Kyohei , Kakinaka Makoto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study examines whether voluntary participation in the Village Development Programme in rural Sri Lanka promotes personal social capital. We use an original survey of 595 households in six rural villages in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka, and apply matching methods. The analysis finds a positive effect of voluntary participation on personal social capital. However, once we consider the degree of participation by classifying participants into nominal and active participants, status changes from nonparticipants to nominal participants nurture personal social capital, but status changes from nominal to active participants fail to enhance personal social capital. Our findings suggest that increasing the level of participation does not necessarily contribute to social capital development in a linear way because active participation may bring about not just positive features—such as frequent interactions with others or experiences of successful collaboration—but also conflict among community members.
Multi‐Parametric Evaluation of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Neonatal Piglets Using Non‐Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Jiang Dengrong , Tekes Aylin , Kulikowicz Ewa , Martin Lee J. , Lee Jennifer K. , Liu Peiying , Qin Qin 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDisruption of brain oxygen delivery and consumption after hypoxic–ischemic injury contributes to neonatal mortality and neurological impairment. Measuring cerebral hemodynamic parameters, including cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), is clinically important.PurposePhase‐contrast (PC), velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL), and T2‐relaxation‐under‐phase‐contrast (TRUPC) are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that have shown promising results in assessing cerebral hemodynamics in humans. We aimed to test their feasibility in quantifying CBF, OEF, and CMRO2 in piglets.Study TypeProspective.Animal ModelTen neonatal piglets subacutely recovered from global hypoxia‐ischemia (N = 2), excitotoxic brain injury (N = 6), or sham procedure (N = 2).Field Strength/SequenceVSASL, TRUPC, and PC MRI acquired at 3.0 T.AssessmentRegional CBF was measured by VSASL. Global CBF was quantified by both PC and VSASL. TRUPC assessed OEF at the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and internal cerebral veins (ICVs). CMRO2 was calculated from global CBF and SSS‐derived OEF. End‐tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) levels of the piglets were also measured. Brain damage was assessed in tissue sections postmortem by counting damaged neurons.Statistical TestsSpearman correlations were performed to evaluate associations among CBF (by PC or VSASL), OEF, CMRO2, EtCO2, and the pathological neuron counts. Paired t‐test was used to compare OEF at SSS with OEF at ICV.ResultsGlobal CBF was 32.1 ± 14.9 mL/100 g/minute and 30.9 ± 8.3 mL/100 g/minute for PC and VSASL, respectively, showing a significant correlation (r = 0.82, P < 0.05). OEF was 54.9 ± 8.8% at SSS and 46.1 ± 5.6% at ICV, showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). Global CMRO2 was 79.1 ± 26.2 μmol/100 g/minute and 77.2 ± 12.2 μmol/100 g/minute using PC and VSASL‐derived CBF, respectively. EtCO2 correlated positively with PC‐based CBF (r = 0.81, P < 0.05) but negatively with OEF at SSS (r = −0.84, P < 0.05). Relative CBF of subcortical brain regions and OEF at ICV did not significantly correlate, respectively, with the ratios of degenerating‐to‐total neurons (P = 0.30, P = 0.10).Data ConclusionNon‐contrast MRI can quantify cerebral hemodynamic parameters in normal and brain‐injured neonatal piglets.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage2
Real‐time echocardiographic guidance for confirming septal placement of right ventricular leads: A pilot study
Authors: Yan Manshu , Contractor Tahmeed , Guran Elyse , McCabe Melissa , Kim Uoo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionAccuracy of fluoroscopy in predicting septal placement of the right ventricular (RV) leads is poor. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and impact of real‐time transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during RV lead placement.MethodConsecutive patients undergoing transvenous RV lead placement and had a point of care ultrasound team available for TTE guidance were included in the study. TTE was performed to confirm or refute the septal position of RV lead initially positioned using fluoroscopy; leads were repositioned until a septal position was confirmed on TTE. The primary outcome measured was whether the use of TTE resulted in lead repositioning.ResultAmong the 26 patients included in the study, real‐time TTE during RV lead placement resulted in reposition of the lead to a septal position in 38.5% of patients.ConclusionUse of real‐time TTE guidance during fluoroscopic RV lead placement is feasible and can aid in confirming a septal position.
Seasonal Shifts in Nocturnal Habitat Use by Coastal Bat Species
Authors: Shute Kyle E. , Loeb Susan C. , Jachowski David S. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTSensitivity of bats to land use change depends on their foraging ecology, which varies among species based on ecomorphological traits. Additionally, because prey availability, vegetative clutter, and temperature change throughout the year, some species may display seasonal shifts in their nocturnal habitat use. In the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, USA, the northern long‐eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius), tri‐colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), and northern yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius) are species of conservation concern that are threatened by habitat loss. Our objective was to identify characteristics of habitat used by these species during their nightly active period and compare use between summer and winter. We conducted acoustic surveys at 125 sites during May–August and at 121 of the same 125 sites December–March 2018 and 2019 in upland forests, bottomland forests, fields, ponds, and salt marsh and used occupancy models to assess habitat use. The northern long‐eared bat and southeastern myotis (i.e., myotis bats) used sites that were closer to hardwood stands, pine stands, and fresh water year‐round. We did not identify any strong predictors of tri‐colored bat habitat use in summer, but during winter they used bottomland forests, fields, and ponds more than salt marsh and upland forests. During summer and winter, northern yellow bats used sites close to fresh water and salt marsh. Additionally, during summer they used fields, ponds, and salt marsh more than upland and bottomland forests, but in winter they used bottomland forests, fields, and ponds more than upland forest and salt marsh. Our results highlight important land cover types for bats in this area (e.g., bottomland forests, ponds, and salt marsh), and that habitat use changes between seasons. Accounting for and understanding how habitat use changes throughout the year will inform managers about how critical habitat features may vary in their importance to bats throughout the year. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Intubation‐Related Laryngeal Deficiency and Vocal Fold Immobility in Pediatric Premature Patients
Authors: Zur Karen B. , Douglas Jennifer , Carroll Linda M. 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisWe report a posterior laryngeal rating system and measures of voice disability in pediatric patients undergoing phonosurgery for vocal fold paralysis. Posterior glottic deficiency may account for persistent voice disability.Study DesignRetrospective Study.MethodsRetrospective analyses of 66 subjects with primary unilateral vocal fold paralysis were reviewed for the status of posterior glottis and voice disability (Pediatric Voice Handicap Index [pVHI]). Gestation age (GA), weight, and medical/surgical history were reviewed. The width, length, and depth of the larynx were analyzed to create a reproducible rating scale.ResultsMean GA was 29 weeks, with an intubation history for all subjects, with 90% having a left vocal fold immobility. Cardiac surgery was performed in 92% of subjects. A progressive rating (type 0–3) Benjamin Defect Severity Scale (BDSS) was developed to rate the absence or presence of a posterior abnormality. BDSS‐2 and BDSS‐3 subjects were more likely to have low birth weight. Extremely preterm GA was more likely to be associated with BDSS‐1 (mild) or BDSS‐2. History of multiple and prolonged intubations were seen more frequently in BDSS‐2 or BDSS‐3. Post‐op pVHI reduced an average of 15 points for BDSS‐0 to BDSS‐2, but only 3 points for BDSS‐3. Post‐op pVHI matched normal values for preintervention dysphonic children.ConclusionsThe presence of a persistent breathy voice after intervention for unilateral vocal fold immobility is potentially associated with posterior glottic defects. Low birth weight with multiple/prolonged intubation is more likely to be present with higher‐grade BDs, whereas low GA is more likely to be associated with BDSS‐1 to BDSS‐2.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2550–2557, 2021
Impact of face masks in public spaces during COVID‐19 pandemic on daily life communication of cochlear implant users
Authors: Homans Nienke C. , Vroegop Jantien L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjective/HypothesisInvestigate potential problems in the daily life communication of cochlear implant (CI) patients due to the widespread use of face masks in public places during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Study designProspective survey study.MethodsThis study used an online questionnaire about the effects of face masks on daily life communication of adult CI users. The questionnaire consists of three parts: (a) A face mask questionnaire, (b) loneliness question (c) three subdomains of the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire to assess quality of life. The questionnaires were send out on October 20, 2020. Four hundred and seven adult CI users were invited to participate in the study. The survey inclusion was closed on November 5, 2020. The study setting was the Rotterdam Cochlear Implant Center, Erasmus MC, a tertiary referral center in The Netherlands. The loneliness question and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire were analyzed for possible differences between the current situation with masks and the situation before, when masks were not commonly used.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty one adult CI users (54% female, mean age 62 years) participated in the study. The face mask questionnaire showed that face masks cause considerable problems in daily life communication of 80% of the participants. Also, CI users tend to feel more lonely and all used subdomains of the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire worsened due to the use of face masks.ConclusionThe widespread use of face masks greatly complicates the daily life communication of CI users and reduces quality of life.Level of Evidence3.
Macrofauna as a major driver of bentho‐pelagic exchange in the southern North Sea
Authors: Neumann Andreas , van Beusekom Justus E. E. , Eisele Annika , Emeis Kay‐Christian , Friedrich Jana , Kröncke Ingrid , Logemann Ella Lu , Meyer Julia , Naderipour Céline , Schückel Ulrike , Wrede Alexa , Zettler Michael L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe contribution of sediments to nutrient cycling of the coastal North Sea is strongly controlled by the intensity of fluxes across the sediment water interface. Pore‐water advection is one major exchange mechanism that is well described by models, as it is determined by physical parameters. In contrast, biotransport (i.e., bioirrigation, bioturbation) as the other major transport mechanism is much more complex. Observational data reflecting biotransport, from the German Bight for example, is scarce. We sampled the major sediment provinces of the German Bight repeatedly over the years from 2013 to 2019. By employing ex situ whole core incubations, we established the seasonal and spatial variability of macrofauna‐sustained benthic fluxes of oxygen and nutrients. A multivariate, partial least squares analysis identified faunal activity, in specifically bioturbation and bioirrigation, alongside temperature, as the most important drivers of oxygen and nutrient fluxes. Their combined effect explained 63% of the observed variability in oxygen fluxes, and 36–48% of variability in nutrient fluxes. Additional 10% of the observed variability of fluxes were explained by sediment type and the availability of plankton biomass. Based on our extrapolation by sediment provinces, we conclude that pore‐water advection and macrofaunal activity contributed equally to the total benthic oxygen uptake in the German Bight.
Isotopic approaches to estimating the contribution of heterotrophic sources to Hawaiian corals
Authors: Price James T. , McLachlan Rowan H. , Jury Christopher P. , Toonen Robert J. , Grottoli Andréa G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCorals obtain nutrition from the photosynthetic products of their algal endosymbionts and the ingestion of organic material and zooplankton from the water column. Here, we use stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes to assess the proportionate contribution of photoautotrophic and heterotrophic sources to seven Hawaiian coral species collected from six locations around the island of O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi. We analyzed the δ13C and δ15N of coral tissues and their algal endosymbionts, as well as that of dissolved inorganic matter, particulate organic matter, and zooplankton from each site. Estimates of heterotrophic contribution varied among coral species and sites. Bayesian mixing models revealed that heterotrophic sources (particulate organic material and zooplankton) contributed the most to Pocillopora acuta and Montipora patula coral tissues at 49.3% and 48.0%, respectively, and the least to Porites lobata at 28.7%, on average. Estimates of heterotrophic contribution based on the difference between δ13C of the host and algal endosymbiont (δ13Ch–e) and isotopic niche overlap often differed, while estimates based on δ15Nh–e were slightly more aligned with the estimates produced using Bayesian mixing models. These findings suggest that the utility of each approach may vary with coral health status, regions, and coral species. Overall, we find that the mean heterotrophic contribution to Hawaiian coral tissues ranges from 20% to 50%, suggesting a variety of trophic strategies. However, these findings did not always match past direct measurements of heterotrophic feeding, indicating that heterotrophically acquired nutrition does not necessarily get incorporated into tissues but can be respired or exuded in mucus.