bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexor tendon repair using a reinforced tubular, medicated electrospun construct
Authors: Peeters Ian , Pien Nele , Mignon Arn , Van Damme Lana , Dubruel Peter , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Mantovani Diego , Vermeulen Valérie , Creytens David , Van Tongel Alexander , Schauvliege Stijn , Hermans Katleen , De Wilde Lieven , Martens Ann 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA reinforced tubular, medicated electrospun construct was developed for deep flexor tendon repair. This construct combines mechanical strength with the release of anti‐inflammatory and anti‐adhesion drugs. In this study, the reinforced construct was evaluated using a rabbit model. It was compared to its components (a tubular, medicated electrospun polymer without reinforcement and a tubular braid as such) on the one hand to a modified Kessler suture as a control group. Forty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. Surgery was performed in the second and fourth deep flexor tendons of one hind paw of the rabbits in the two groups using four repair techniques. Biomechanical tensile testing and macroscopic and histological evaluations were performed at 3 and 8 weeks postoperatively. A two‐way analysis of variance with pairwise comparisons revealed that the three experimental surgical techniques (a reinforced tubular medicated electrospun construct, tubular‐medicated construct, and tubular braid as such) showed similar strength as that of a modified Kessler suture repair, which was characterized by a mean load at ultimate failure of 19.85 N (standard deviation [SD] 5.29 N) at 3 weeks and 18.15 N (SD 8.01 N) at 8 weeks. Macroscopically, a significantly different adhesion pattern was observed at the suture knots, either centrally or peripherally, depending on the technique. Histologically, a qualitative assessment showed good to excellent repair at the tendon repair site, irrespective of the applied technique. This study demonstrates that mechanical and biological repair strategies for flexor tendon repair can be successfully combined.
Processing and characterization of thermoplastic corn starch‐based film/paper composites containing microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Chen Jie , Long Zhu , Dou Chang , Wang Xia , Meng Yahui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDDifferent thermoplastic starch (TPS) films were prepared with or without the addition of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtained via the melt‐extrusion method, and then the hot‐press method was used to produce environmentally friendly TPS‐based film/paper composites to replace petroleum‐based materials.RESULTSThe paper–plastic composites exhibited good interfacial adhesion from the scannign elctron microscopy images. It was seen that 5 wt.% MCC was added to reinforce the mechanical properties of TPS films, such that it also improved the barrier properties of MCC@TPS/paper composites and extended the path of water vapor through TPS films, which decreased the water vapor transmission rate of MCC@TPS/paper composites. TPS/paper composites and MCC@TPS/paper composites have better physical properties (i.e. smoothness, flexibility and folding resistance) than only paper. In particular, it was found that the water contact angle of MCC@TPS/paper composites and TPS/paper composites were higher than single‐layer paper. Furthermore, MCC reinforced paper–plastic composites demonstrated good barrier properties which can meet the requirement of the need for lower water sensitive materials in the food packaging industry.CONCLUSIONThermoplastic corn starch‐based film/paper composites have good application properties as a potential source of bioplastic materials. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Observation of low‐temperature chemistry products in laminar premixed low‐pressure flames by molecular‐beam mass spectrometry
Authors: Bierkandt Thomas , Oßwald Patrick , Gaiser Nina , Krüger Dominik , Köhler Markus , Hoener Martin , Shaqiri Shkelqim , Kaczmarek Dennis , Karakaya Yasin , Hemberger Patrick , Kasper Tina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe formation of typical low‐temperature oxidation products is observed in laminar premixed low‐pressure flames investigated by photoionization molecular‐beam mass spectrometry at the Swiss Light Source. The C1–C4 alkyl hydroperoxides can be identified in n‐butane‐ and 2‐butene‐doped hydrogen flames by their photoionization efficiency spectra at m/z 48, 62, 76, and 90. C1–C3 alkyl hydroperoxides are also observed in a propane‐doped hydrogen flame and in a neat propane flame. In addition, threshold photoelectron spectra reveal the presence of the alkyl hydroperoxides. In the 2‐butene/H2 flame, the photoionization spectrum at m/z 88 also enables the identification of butenyl hydroperoxides by comparison with calculated ionization energies of the alkenyl hydroperoxides and a literature spectrum. The low‐temperature species are formed close to the burner surface with maximum mole fractions at 0.25–0.75 mm above the burner. At 0.5 mm, even the methylperoxy radical (CH3OO) is measured for the first time in a laminar premixed flame. The rate of production analyses show that consumption of the hydroperoxyalkyl radicals results in the formation of cyclic ethers. In the n‐butane/H2 flame, ethylene oxide, oxetane, and methyloxirane are identified. Besides expected small oxygenated species, for example, formaldehyde or acetaldehyde, the larger C4 oxygenates butanone (C2H5COCH3) and 2,3‐butanedione (C4H6O2) are formed in the two C4 hydrocarbon‐doped hydrogen flames. Quantification of alkyl hydroperoxides with estimated photoionization cross sections based on the corresponding alcohols, which have similar photoelectron structures to the alkyl hydroperoxides, shows that mole fractions are on the order of 10−5–10−6 in the n‐butane/H2 flame. Measurements are corroborated by simulations, which also predict the presence of some peroxides in detectable concentrations, that is, mole fractions larger than 10−7, under the investigated conditions. The observation of peroxide species and cyclic ethers in the investigated laminar premixed flames give new insights into the contribution of low‐temperature combustion chemistry in a flame.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Inferior Meatus Augmentation Procedure to Treat Empty Nose Syndrome
Authors: Dholakia Sachi S. , Yang Angela , Kim Dayoung , Borchard Nicole A. , Chang Michael T. , Khanwalkar Ashoke , Lechner Matt , Nayak Jayakar V. 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisWe sought to report the long‐term, symptom‐focused, prospective outcomes in empty nose syndrome (ENS) patients after undergoing inferior meatus augmentation procedure (IMAP) through use of four validated questionnaires: Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐Item Scale (GAD‐7), and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9).Study DesignProspective case series.MethodsA single‐center prospective case series was performed for patients diagnosed with ENS who underwent IMAP between July 2017 and February 2020. Diagnosis of ENS was based on the following criteria: 1) reported discomfort with nasal breathing and/or paradoxical nasal obstruction after inferior turbinate reduction, 2) a positive ENS6Q score of at least 11, and 3) a positive cotton test. Questionnaire responses were recorded prior to surgery as well as 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsSeventeen eligible patients were included. Mean ENS6Q scores were significantly reduced at all postoperative time points (p < .0001, p < .0001, p < .0001, p = .0003). Of the six ENS6Q subdomains, five (suffocation, dryness, sense of diminished airflow, nasal crusting, and nasal burning) were significantly reduced 1‐year postoperatively (p < .0001, p = .0004, p = .0136, p = .0114, p = .0080, respectively). SNOT‐22 scores were significantly reduced at all time points (p = .0021, p = .0227, p = .0004, and p = .0025). Of the SNOT‐22 subdomains, the sleep subdomain was significantly reduced 1‐year postoperatively (p = .0432). Low baseline GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 scores were recorded at 7 and 9.4, respectively, and although scores at all postoperative time points were reduced, there was no statistical significance.ConclusionIMAP via implant of cadaveric rib cartilage provides significant, long‐term improvements in ENS‐specific and general sinonasal symptoms.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2736–E2741, 2021
Photobiomodulation Response From 660 nm is Different and More Durable Than That From 980 nm
Authors: Fuchs Christiane , Schenk Merle Sophie , Pham Linh , Cui Lian , Anderson Richard Rox , Tam Joshua 
Published: May 2021

Background and ObjectivesPhotobiomodulation (PBM) therapy uses light at various wavelengths to stimulate wound healing, grow hair, relieve pain, and more—but there is no consensus about optimal wavelengths or dosimetry. PBM therapy works through putative, wavelength‐dependent mechanisms including direct stimulation of mitochondrial respiration, and/or activation of transmembrane signaling channels by changes in water activity. A common wavelength used in the visible red spectrum is ~660 nm, whereas recently ~980 nm is being explored and both have been proposed to work via different mechanisms. We aimed to gain more insight into identifying treatment parameters and the putative mechanisms involved.Study Design/Materials and MethodsFluence‐response curves were measured in cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts exposed to 660 or 980 nm from LED sources. Metabolic activity was assessed using the MTT assay for reductases. ATP production, a major event triggered by PBM therapy, was assessed using a luminescence assay. To measure the role of mitochondria, we used an ELISA to measure COX‐1 and SDH‐A protein levels. The respective contributions of cytochrome c oxidase and ATP synthase to the PBM effects were gauged using specific inhibitors.ResultsKeratinocytes and fibroblasts responded differently to exposures at 660 nm (red) and 980 nm (NIR). Although 980 nm required much lower fluence for cell stimulation, the resulting increase in ATP levels was short‐term, whereas 660 nm stimulation elevated ATP levels for at least 24 hours. COX‐1 protein levels were increased following 660 nm treatment but were unaffected by 980 nm. In fibroblasts, SDH‐A levels were affected by both wavelengths, whereas in keratinocytes only 660 nm light impacted SDH‐A levels. Inhibition of ATP synthase nearly completely abolished the effects of both wavelengths on ATP synthesis. Interestingly, inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase did not prevent the rise in ATP levels in response to PBM treatment.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of differing kinetics in response to PBM therapy at red versus NIR wavelength. We also found cell‐type‐specific differences in PBM therapy response to the two wavelengths studied. These findings confirm that different response pathways are involved after 660 and 980 nm exposures and suggest that 660 nm causes a more durable response. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Spider Silk Inspired Robust and Photoluminescent Soybean‐Protein‐Based Materials
Authors: Zhou Ying , Dong Youming , Li Xiaona , Li Jiongjiong , Shi Sheldon Q. , Li Jianzhang , Luo Jing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDevelopment of mechanical robust and functional biomass‐based materials still remains challenging. Here, a design strategy inspired by spider silk structure is proposed to prepare strong, robust, and photoluminescent soybean protein isolate (SPI)‐based materials, by integrating epoxy soybean oil (ESO) and SPI as soft phase matrices and graphene oxide quantum dots (GQDs) as hard phase. The results show that the soft–hard coordination network can form a close covalent/hydrogen bond network. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness of the SPI/ESO/GQD film are 13.22 MPa, 209%, and 22.54 MJ m−3, respectively. In addition, SPI/ESO/GQD has strong photoluminescence intensity due to the ring‐opening polymerization of amino structure with epoxy resin. The prepared SPI‐based materials are promising candidates for optical coatings and provide new ideas for the intelligent research of other protein‐based materials.
Size Changes within a Southeastern United States Coastal Shark Assemblage: 1975–2018
Authors: Benavides Martin T. , Fodrie F. Joel , Fegley Stephen R. , Bargione Giada 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Harvest may have myriad effects on target species, including a change in population size structure. To assess whether size shifts have occurred among managed coastal species of shark (superorder Selachimorpha), we examined the population size structure of 12 species caught during a nearly five-decade-long fishery-independent survey conducted in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, using standardized longline gear. We evaluated trends in mean fork length (FL), median FL, and index of maximum FL (L90%) for each species separately across time using linear regression models. We also examined trends in size-classes (200-mm bins) and catch per unit effort for each species over time. For 10 of the 12 species (excluding sample-size-constrained Tiger Shark Galeocerdo cuvier and Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas), size structure metrics indicated decreasing sizes over time, although statistical confidence for these patterns varied across species and metrics. Strongest statistical support for declining sizes was observed for Blacknose Shark Carcharhinus acronotus (mean FL, median FL, L90%), Dusky Shark Carcharhinus obscurus (L90%), Smooth Dogfish Mustelus canis (L90%), and Atlantic Sharpnose Shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (L90%). Magnitude of decreases in L90% among these 10 species during the survey ranged from roughly 9% (Silky Shark Carcharhinus falciformis; 83-mm decrease) to 35% (Sandbar Shark Carcharhinus plumbeus; 541-mm decrease). Our findings indicate a potential for fishing pressure to exert directional selection on these coastal shark species, although further research is needed regarding the nature of size-dependent catchability and species-specific vital rates to adequately evaluate these dynamics. Furthermore, in addition to the removal of “great sharks,” decreasing sizes of small coastal sharks, such as Blacknose Shark, Smooth Dogfish, and Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (i.e., “mesopredators”), suggest that harvest may have pervasive effects on species throughout this assemblage.
Development and validation of knowledge of caring for COVID‐19 tool
Authors: Albarwani Saada , Almaskari Mohammed A. , Alalawi Salwa Saleh , Almaskari Turkiya Saleh , Alshidi Amal Said 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimWe aimed to examine the validity and reliability of a newly developed tool that measures nursing and allied health students’ knowledge of caring for patients with COVID‐19.MethodWe developed in five phases (literature review, item development, expert evaluation using content validity index, revisions based on a pilot test, and exploratory factor and reliability analyses on the data from the main study). We administered online surveys (the pilot test & the main study using a cross‐sectional design) to students in a governmental health sciences college in Oman.ResultsThe pilot test had 43 participants, and the main study had 507. The item content validity index scores ranged from 0.81–1.00, and the scale content validity index for 20 items was 0.95. The factor analysis revealed a three‐factor solution. The overall Cronbach’s alpha for the final (19‐item) version of the tool after item deletion was 0.76. The reliabilities for Subscales 1, 2, and 3 were 0.83, 0.67, and 0.51, respectively.
The risk of venous thromboembolism associated with midline catheters compared with peripherally inserted central catheters: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Huapeng , Yang Qinling , Yang Lili , Qu Kai , Tian Boyan , Xiao Qigui , Xin Xia , Lv Yi , Zheng Xuemei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundBoth midline catheters (MCs) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) can cause venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the prevalence associated with each is controversial.ObjectiveTo compare the risk of VTE between MCs and PICCs with a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsThe Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ProQuest were searched from inception to January 2020. All studies comparing the risk of VTE between MCs and PICCs were included. Selected studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist. Two authors independently assessed the literature and extracted the data. Any different opinion was resolved through third‐party consensus. Meta‐analyses were conducted to generate estimates of VTE risk in patients with MCs versus PICCs, and publication bias was evaluated with RevMan 5.3.ResultsA total of 86 studies were identified. Twelve studies were recruited, involving 40,871 patients. The prevalence of VTE with MCs and PICCs was 3.97% (310/7806) and 2.29% (758/33065), respectively. Meta‐analysis showed that the prevalence of VTE with MCs was higher than that with PICCs (RR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.33–1.76, p < .00001). Subgroup analyses by age showed that the prevalence of VTE with MCs was higher than that with PICCs in the adult group (RR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.38–2.22, p < .00001), and higher than that with PICCs in the other subgroups (RR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.19–1.69, p = .0001). Subgroup analyses by nation showed that the prevalence of VTE with MCs was higher than that with PICCs (RR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.30–1.73, p < .00001) in US subgroup and higher than that with PICCs (RR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.24–6.65, p = .01) in the other nations. The sensitivity analysis shows that the results from this meta‐analysis are robust and all studies have no significant publication bias.ConclusionsThis study provides the first systematic assessment of the risk of VTE between MCs and PICCs. MCs are associated with a higher risk of VTE than PICCs in all patients and adults. The findings of this study have several important implications for future practice. However, the risk of VTE between MCs and PICCs in children is unclear.
Nurses’ burnout and quality of life: A systematic review and critical analysis of measures used
Authors: Khatatbeh Haitham , Pakai Annamária , Al‐Dwaikat Tariq , Onchonga David , Amer Faten , Prémusz Viktória , Oláh András 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundNurses’ burnout might affect their quality of life, productivity and nursing care services.AimThe aim of this systematic review was to systemically review the relationship between nurses’ burnout and quality of life and to introduce practical recommendations to reduce nurses’ BO and improve their QOL.MethodsIn April 2021, MeSH terms (("Nurses"[Mesh]) AND "Burnout, Professional"[Mesh]) AND "Quality of Life"[Majr] were used to search five electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and Google Scholar.ResultsThe search produced 21 studies exploring nurses’ burnout and their quality of life within the last ten years (2009–2021). Most of these studies found significant relationships between the burnout dimension(s) and quality of life dimension(s) among the nurses.ConclusionNurses have moderate to high levels of burnout and were negatively associated with poor quality of life. Interventional programs are needed to decrease nurses’ burnout and improve their quality of life.
Dramatic toughness improvement of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) by supercritical carbon dioxide–assisted annealing
Authors: Chen Lina , Mao Rongshui , Zhang Li , Xu Jinke , Li Delong , Bao Jinbiao , Wang Zongbao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSupercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2)–assisted annealing process has demonstrated promising prospects in the toughness enhancement of polymers. Herein, this effective method was adopted to toughen a biodegradable polymer, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Significantly, the greatly improved tensile toughness and impact toughness of PHBV were achieved. It is noted that the 26 times enhancement in tensile toughness and 2.4 times improvement in impact toughness were obtained for the sample treated at annealing temperature of 90°C and saturation pressure of 10 MPa. More importantly, the toughness mechanism was further explored via various characterizations. It is indicated that the increment in the toughness of PHBV after scCO2‐assisted annealing was closely related to the perfection of microstructure sample and the appearance of micro‐voids.
Complex behavioral interventions targeting physical activity and dietary behaviors in pediatric oncology: A scoping review
Authors: Demers Catherine , Brochu Annie , Higgins Johanne , Gélinas Isabelle 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs cancer and its treatment negatively impacts the long‐term health and quality of life of survivors, there is a need to explore new avenues to prevent or minimize the impact of adverse effects in children with cancer and cancer survivors. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to report on the state of the evidence on the use and effects of complex behavioral interventions (CBI) targeting physical activity and/or dietary behaviors in pediatric oncology. Fourteen quantitative studies were included, evaluating interventions that used a combination of two or three different treatment modalities. Overall, studies demonstrated that it is feasible to implement CBI and that they can potentially improve physical activity and dietary behaviors as well as patient outcomes such as physical and psychological health. Unfortunately, due to a paucity of studies and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, no conclusive evidence favoring specific interventions were identified.
Cancer stem cell marker DCLK1 reprograms small extracellular vesicles toward migratory phenotype in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Carli Annalisa L. E. , Afshar‐Sterle Shoukat , Rai Alin , Fang Haoyun , O'Keefe Ryan , Tse Janson , Ferguson Fleur M. , Gray Nathanael S. , Ernst Matthias , Greening David W. , Buchert Michael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDoublecortin‐like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a putative cancer stem cell marker, a promising diagnostic and prognostic maker for malignant tumors and a proposed driver gene for gastric cancer (GC). DCLK1 overexpression in a majority of solid cancers correlates with lymph node metastases, advanced disease and overall poor‐prognosis. In cancer cells, DCLK1 expression has been shown to promote epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), driving disruption of cell‐cell adhesion, cell migration and invasion. Here, we report that DCLK1 influences small extracellular vesicle (sEV/exosome) biogenesis in a kinase‐dependent manner. sEVs isolated from DCLK1 overexpressing human GC cell line MKN1 (MKN1OE‐sEVs), promote the migration of parental (non‐transfected) MKN1 cells (MKN1PAR). Quantitative proteome analysis of MKN1OE‐sEVs revealed enrichment in migratory and adhesion regulators (STRAP, CORO1B, BCAM, COL3A, CCN1) in comparison to MKN1PAR‐sEVs. Moreover, using DCLK1‐IN‐1, a specific small molecule inhibitor of DCLK1, we reversed the increase in sEV size and concentration in contrast to other EV subtypes, as well as kinase‐dependent cargo selection of proteins involved in EV biogenesis (KTN1, CHMP1A, MYO1G) and migration and adhesion processes (STRAP, CCN1). Our findings highlight a specific role of DCLK1‐kinase dependent cargo selection for sEVs and shed new light on its role as a regulator of signaling in gastric tumorigenesis.