bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linear and Branched Lactide Polymers for Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Gomzyak V. I. , Sedush N. G. , Puchkov A. A. , Polyakov D. K. , Chvalun S. N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe review presents modern advances in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers based on lactide of various topologies and also analyzes the main methods for preparation of nanoparticles that show promise for the creation of targeted drug delivery systems.
Protocol for the Project SAVE randomised controlled trial examining CBT for insomnia among veterans in treatment for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Miller Mary Beth , Metrik Jane , McGeary John E , Borsari Brian , McCrae Christina S , Maddoux John , Arnedt J Todd , Merrill Jennifer E , Carey Kate B 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionAs many as 74% of veterans with alcohol use disorders (AUDS) report symptoms of insomnia. Insomnia represents a barrier to alcohol treatment because insomnia symptoms (1) may lead to relapse among those who use alcohol to help them sleep and may negatively impact (2) executive functions and (3) emotion regulation skills. Cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an efficacious first-line treatment for insomnia; however, no research has examined the impact of CBT-I on individuals’ response to alcohol treatment. In the Sleep and Alcohol for Veterans (Project SAVE) randomised controlled trial, we hypothesise that CBT-I will enhance the efficacy of alcohol treatment among Veterans with insomnia by enhancing their abilities to attend to treatment, regulate emotions and initiate sleep without alcohol.Methods and analysisEighty Veterans enrolled in alcohol treatment at the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT-I or single-session sleep hygiene (SH) education. Individuals will be eligible to participate if they meetDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for moderate to severe AUD and Insomnia Disorder of at least 1-month duration. Participants will complete assessments at baseline, post-treatment and 6-week follow-up. Preliminary process outcomes include retention/recruitment rates and treatment satisfaction (feasibility and acceptability, respectively). Primary outcomes are insomnia severity, percentage of heavy-drinking days and alcohol-related problems. We will assess a variety of secondary clinical and mechanistic outcomes (eg, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, attention and working memory).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained in October 2018. Data collection began in July 2019 and is planned for completion by July 2021. Trial results will be disseminated at local and national conferences, in peer-reviewed publications and through media outlets, as available. Results will also be shared with interested participants and clinical collaborators at the end of the trial.Trial registration numberclinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT03806491(pre-results).
Incidence of collagenous colitis in NHS Lothian: a population-based study
Authors: Grant Rebecca K , Brindle William M , Robertson Andrew J , Robertson Alexander R , Jones Gareth-Rhys , Kirkwood Kathryn J , Fineron Paul W , Arnott Ian D R 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveIncreases in incidence of collagenous colitis (CC) have been documented across Europe; however, previous data from NHS Lothian (1998–2003) demonstrated this to be a low-prevalence area. We aimed to assess incidence of CC in NHS Lothian over time by comparing a more recent cohort (2013–2018) with our existing cohort.MethodsAll histologically confirmed diagnoses of CC between 2013 and 2018 were obtained from the NHS Lothian colorectal pathology department (Western General Hospital, Edinburgh). Case record review was performed to obtain relevant demographic and clinical data. Data were also collected regarding the availability of colonoscopy in NHS Lothian.Results224 cases of CC were diagnosed between 2013 and 2018, compared with 25 between 1998 and 2003. Mean annual incidence rose from 0.5/100 000 population to 4.3/100 000 population. Incidence in females ≥60 years old rose from 2.3/100 000 population to 22.4/100 000 population (p<0.001). The total number of colonoscopies performed increased by 179.1% from 15 262 (1998–2003) to 42 600 (2013–2018), with the number of CC cases per 1000 colonoscopies performed rising from 1.7 to 5.3 (p<0.001).ConclusionWe describe the increasing incidence of CC in Southeast Scotland, with temporal trends comparable to other European countries. The increase is particularly marked in older females and parallels increasing numbers of colonoscopies being performed.
Prioritisation of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic: outcomes of a novel triage pathway
Authors: Archer Thomas , Aziz Imran , Kurien Matthew , Knott Victoria , Ball Alex 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe 2-week-wait (2ww) referral pathway is used in England to fast-track patients with suspected colorectal cancer (CRC). A two-stage triage pathway was used to prioritise lower gastrointestinal (LGI) endoscopy for suspected CRC during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodAll patients referred for an LGI endoscopy via a 2ww referral pathway between March 2020 and July 2020 were assessed. The first stage triaged patients to high, standard or low risk of CRC based on symptoms and faecal immunochemical test (FIT), and offered CT scans to those at high risk. The second stage, endoscopy prioritisation (EP), incorporated the CT results, FIT and symptoms to triage into four groups, EP1–EP4; with EP1 being the most urgent and EP4 the least. The primary outcome measure was CRC detection.Results514 patients were included. The risk of CRC was triaged as high in 190/514 patients (37%), standard in 274/514 patients (53%) and low in 50/514 (10%) patients. 422/514 patients (82%) underwent endoscopy with triage to EP1 in 52/422 (12%), EP2 in 105/422 (25%), EP3 in 210/422 (50%) and EP4 in 55/422 (13%). CRC was detected in 23 patients (5.4%). CRC was significantly more frequent in the EP1 group (23.1%, relative risk (RR)=16.2) and EP2 group (6.7%, RR=4.7) compared with EP3 group (1.4%). All CRC lesions were identified by CT imaging when performed prior to LGI endoscopy.ConclusionThis triage pathway designated 83% of patients with CRC to either EP1 or EP2. During a period of limited endoscopy provision, this pathway effectively prioritises endoscopy for those at greatest risk of CRC.
Crystal and surface structures of Y2O3 nanoparticles at room temperature
Authors: Rzayev R. F. 
Published: June 2021

In this work, the crystal and surface structures of Y2O3 nanoparticles were explored. The exploration of crystal structure was carried out by X-ray diffraction method at room temperature and under normal conditions. It was found that the crystal structure of the Y2O3 compound has a cubic symmetry with an Ia-3 space group. The lattice parameters have the values: [Formula: see text] Å. The surface structure was studied at room temperature and under normal conditions on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) microscope. It was found that the nanoparticles of the Y2O3 compound being in the range 20–40 nm are of [Formula: see text] nm size.
Characteristics of the chalk groundwater along the Picardy coast and its relationship with wetlands
Authors: Bault Violaine , Gourcy Laurence , Cary Lise , Winckel Anne , Bourgine Bernard 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Water resource management is a major concern in Marquenterre, a maritime plain located in the western part of the Somme department. Water management is particularly indispensable for protecting wetlands in Marquenterre, regulating water usage and avoiding saline intrusion into aquifers. Various approaches including geological modelling and hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical studies were used to prepare a conceptual model of the Marquenterre hydrosystem and to provide better water management in this sector. The conceptual model shows that the chalk aquifer and the various Quaternary deposit aquifers are in hydrogeological continuity. No seawater intrusion has been discovered in groundwater. Salinization discovered at depth is a result of the most recent marine transgressions. Finally, wetlands are primarily supplied by the chalk groundwater or by rainfall. The study results are used to direct policies for surface and subsurface water resource management. The proposed conceptual model may be useful for other coastal aquifers along the English Channel in order to address challenges of managing the chalk groundwater and backshore swamps.
Early Address Prediction
Authors: Alves Ricardo , Kaxiras Stefanos , Black-Schaffer David 
Published: June 2021

Achieving low load-to-use latency with low energy and storage overheads is critical for performance. Existing techniques either prefetch into the pipeline (via address prediction and validation) or provide data reuse in the pipeline (via register sharing or L0 caches). These techniques provide a range of tradeoffs between latency, reuse, and overhead.
In this work, we present a pipeline prefetching technique that achieves state-of-the-art performance and data reuse without additional data storage, data movement, or validation overheads by adding address tags to the register file. Our addition of register file tags allows us to forward (reuse) load data from the register file with no additional data movement, keep the data alive in the register file beyond the instruction’s lifetime to increase temporal reuse, and coalesce prefetch requests to achieve spatial reuse. Further, we show that we can use the existing memory order violation detection hardware to validate prefetches and data forwards without additional overhead.
Our design achieves the performance of existing pipeline prefetching while also forwarding 32% of the loads from the register file (compared to 15% in state-of-the-art register sharing), delivering a 16% reduction in L1 dynamic energy (1.6% total processor energy), with an area overhead of less than 0.5%.
Viral Molecular Mimicry Influences the Antitumor Immune Response in Murine and Human Melanoma
Authors: Chiaro Jacopo , Kasanen Henna H.E. , Whalley Thomas , Capasso Cristian , Grönholm Mikaela , Feola Sara , Peltonen Karita , Hamdan Firas , Hernberg Micaela , Mäkelä Siru , Karhapää Hanna , Brown Paul E. , Martins Beatriz , Fusciello Manlio , Ylösmäki Erkko O. , Greco Dario , Kreutzman Anna S. , Mustjoki Satu , Szomolay Barbara , Cerullo Vincenzo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMolecular mimicry is one of the leading mechanisms by which infectious agents can induce autoimmunity. Whether a similar mechanism triggers an antitumor immune response is unexplored, and the role of antiviral T cells infiltrating the tumor has remained anecdotal. To address these questions, we first developed a bioinformatic tool to identify tumor peptides with high similarity to viral epitopes. Using peptides identified by this tool, we demonstrated that, in mice, preexisting immunity toward specific viral epitopes enhanced the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy via molecular mimicry in different settings. To understand whether this mechanism could partly explain immunotherapy responsiveness in humans, we analyzed a cohort of patients with melanoma undergoing anti-PD1 treatment who had a high IgG titer for cytomegalovirus (CMV). In this cohort of patients, we showed that high levels of CMV-specific antibodies were associated with prolonged progression-free survival and found that, in some cases, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) could cross-react with both melanoma and CMV homologous peptides. Finally, T-cell receptor sequencing revealed expansion of the same CD8+ T-cell clones when PBMCs were expanded with tumor or homologous viral peptides. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that preexisting immunity and molecular mimicry could influence the response to immunotherapies. In addition, we have developed a free online tool that can identify tumor antigens and neoantigens highly similar to pathogen antigens to exploit molecular mimicry and cross-reactive T cells in cancer vaccine development.
The Role of the Mindoro-Sibutu Pathway on the South China Sea Multi–layer Circulation
Authors: LI MINGTING , XUE HUIJIE , WEI JUN , LIANG LINLIN , GORDON ARNOLD L. , YANG SONG 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe role of the Mindoro Strait-Sibutu passage pathway in influencing the Luzon Strait inflow to the South China Sea (SCS) and the SCS multi-layer circulation is investigated with a high-resolution (0.1° × 0.1°) regional ocean model. Significant changes are evident in the SCS upper layer circulation (250-900 m) by closing the Mindoro-Sibutu pathway in sensitivity experiments, as Luzon Strait transport is reduced by 75%, from −4.4 Sv to −1.2 Sv. Because of the vertical coupling between the upper and middle layers, closing the Mindoro-Sibutu pathway also weakens clockwise circulation in the middle layer (900–2150 m), but there is no significant change in the deep layer (below 2150 m). The Mindoro-Sibutu pathway is an important branch of the SCS throughflow into the Indonesian Seas. It is also the gateway for oceanic waves propagating clockwise around the Philippines Archipelago from the western Pacific Ocean into the eastern SCS, projecting El Niño-Southern Oscillation sea level signals to the SCS, impacting its interannual variations and multi-layer circulation. The results provide insights into the dynamics of how upstream and downstream passage throughflows are coupled to affect the general circulation in marginal seas.
The association between ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation and receipt of hospital-based palliative care for people with Covid-19: A dual centre service evaluation
Authors: Bajwah Sabrina , Edmonds Polly , Yorganci Emel , Chester Rosemary , Russell Kirsty , Lovell Natasha , Marsh Lynne , Sleeman Katherine E 
Published: June 2021

Background: People from ethnic minority groups and deprived socioeconomic backgrounds have worse outcomes from COVID-19. Aim: To examine associations between ethnicity and deprivation with timing of palliative care referral for inpatients with COVID-19. Design: Service evaluation of consecutive patients with COVID-19 referred to palliative care. Sociodemographic (including age, sex, Index of Multiple Deprivation, ethnicity coded as White/non-White) and clinical variables were described. The primary outcome was timing of referral to palliative care. Associations between ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation with the primary outcome were explored using multivariable regression. Setting/participants: Patients with COVID-19 referred to a hospital palliative care service across two London hospitals February–May 2020. Results: A total of 334 patients were included. 119 (36%) were from a non-White ethnic group; most commonly Black British (77, 23%) and Asian British (26, 8%). A longer time between admission and palliative care referral was associated with male gender (IRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.14–1.34) and lower levels of socioeconomic deprivation (IRR 1.61, 95% CI 1.36–1.90) but not ethnicity (IRR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.87–1.06). Conclusions: This large service evaluation showed no evidence that patients from ethnic minority or more deprived socioeconomic groups had longer time to palliative care referral. Ongoing data monitoring is essential for equitable service delivery.
The role of lymph node dissection and a new N-staging system for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a study from the SEER database
Authors: Hu Hanjie , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang 
Published: June 2021

Background Although the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend routine lymph node dissection (LND) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), the role of LND remains controversial, and the node (N) stage is oversimplified. Methods Patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results research data 18 (SEER 18). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias, and Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare overall survival (OS). The best cutoff values were found using X-tile software. Results Of 2037 patients included in SEER 18, 1147 underwent LND (56.3%); 389 (34.3%) had pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis (LNM), and 316 (27.6%) had at least 6 LNDs. The median OS was worse for LND patients (34 months vs. 40 months, respectively), and this result remained after PSM. Male sex, age ≥60 years, tumor size > 5 cm, and LNM were independent prognostic risk factors for ICC. LNM ≥3 was associated with worse OS. Conclusions Only a few LNDs met the requirements per the guidelines. LND does not improve OS in ICC, and the best approach to LND and a better N staging method should be explored further.
MiR-223 or miR-126 predicts resistance to dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Yao Qi , Cui Hanbin , Yang Jun , Wu Nan , Liu Yahui , Zhou Ying , Zhang Yinwei , Su Jia , Xia Yezi , Chen Xiaomin 
Published: June 2021

Objective To explore the role of miR-223 and miR-126 in predicting treatment responses to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods Plasma miR-223 and miR-126 levels were measured before treatment. Treatment responses and 2-year survival were determined. In vitro experiments were performed to explore the mechanism of action. Results Patients with resistance to DAPT had a lower level of miR-223 and miR-126. Cardiac-event-free survival was shorter in patients with lower miR-223 or miR-126 levels. MiR-223 and miR-126 independently predicted DAPT resistance. Modulating miR-223 or miR-126 in platelets in vitro significantly changed the response to clopidogrel by regulating platelet aggregation. Conclusion MiR-223 and miR-126 play a role in DAPT resistance and may provide potential biomarkers in patients with STEMI.
Changes in Health Behaviors Associated With Weight Gain by Weight Classification During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rupp Kristie , Friel Ciarán P. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To determine whether perceived changes (i.e. perception of engagement during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic) in specific health behaviors differ by weight status (i.e. healthy weight, overweight, obese). Design: Cross-sectional. Recruitment took place between June-August 2020, via social media posts and Qualtrics online panels. Setting: Participants completed the survey online through the Qualtrics platform. Sample: Analyses included N = 502 participants (≥18 years); 45.2% healthy weight (n = 227), 28.5% overweight (n = 143), and 26.3% obese (n = 132). Measures: Study-specific survey items included questions about demographics and perceived changes in health behaviors. Analysis: Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, and COVID-19 diagnosis, assessed the odds of perceiving changes in health behaviors considered a risk for weight gain. Results: Participants with obesity, but not overweight, were significantly more likely to report deleterious changes to health behaviors compared to healthy weight peers, including: (1) decreased fruit/vegetable consumption [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.13, 3.26)]; (2) increased processed food consumption [AOR = 1.85; 95%CI: (1.15, 3.00)]; (3) increased caloric intake [AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: (1.06, 2.61)]; (4) decreased physical activity [AOR = 2.07; 95%CI: (1.31, 3.28)]; and (5) deterioration in sleep quality [AOR = 2.07; 95%CI: (1.32, 3.25)]. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adults with obesity may be at greater risk for unhealthy behaviors during a period of prolonged social distancing, potentially exacerbating the obesity epidemic.
Comparison of Antinociceptive Effect of Octreotide With Morphine in a Rat Model of Acute Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Singh Perminder , Ray Subrata Basu 
Published: June 2021

Background: Opioids such as morphine are used for treating moderate to severe pain. However, they also produce adverse effects such as nausea, constipation, addiction, and respiratory depression. Thus, other suitable analgesics need to be identified. Somatostatin is an inhibitory neuropeptide that modulates the transmission of pain. However, the half-life of somatostatin is short. In the present study, the antinociceptive effect of octreotide (a stable long-acting analog of somatostatin) was evaluated in rats with acute inflammatory pain. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats ( n = 42) were divided into control ( n = 6) and carrageenan injected groups ( n = 36). The carrageena group was divided into three equal subgroups and treated with saline, morphine (10 mg/kg), and octreotide (3 µg). Rats belonging to each subgroup ( n = 12) were again randomly divided into two equal sets. They were subjected to (a) behavioral evaluation of pain (allodynia) and estimation of paw edema, followed by immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of somatostatin type 2 receptor (sst2r) in the spinal cord and (b) estimation of open-field activity. Allodynia and paw edema were measured by von Frey filaments and plethysmometer, respectively, at 3 and 4 h after carrageenan injection. Expression of sst2r was examined after 24 hours, whereas open-field activity was evaluated after 3 hours. Results: In comparison to the saline-treated group, allodynia was partially attenuated by octreotide, though this was almost completely reversed by morphine. Paw edema was unaffected by octreotide, though it was marginally increased by morphine. This was not related to increased activity of rats, following relief from pain. Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant increase in the expression of sst2r in saline-treated rats, but a decrease in other groups. Conclusion: Octreotide has an antinociceptive effect, which was less than morphine. Increased edema following morphine could result from venodilation. Variations in the sst2r expression suggest its involvement in pain modulation at the spinal level. This information may have clinical relevance.
ALX-Related Frontonasal Dysplasias: Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Management
Authors: Vargel Ibrahim , Canter Halil Ibrahim , Kucukguven Arda , Aydin Asim , Ozgur Figen 
Published: June 2021

Aim: The term frontonasal dysplasia (FND) represents a spectrum of anomalies and its genetics have not been well defined. Recently, the critical role of the aristaless-like homeobox ( ALX) gene family on the craniofacial development has been discovered. In the present study, we aimed to propose a systematic surgical treatment plan for the ALX-related FNDs according to the genotypic classification as well as demonstrating their clinical characteristics to help surgeons diagnose the underlying pathology accurately. Design: Single-institution retrospective. Setting: Tertiary health care. Patients and Methods: Eighty-nine FND cases were evaluated. Eight of them had ALX1-related FND3, 3 had ALX3-related FND1, and 2 had ALX4-related FND2. Phenotype characteristics of ALX-related FNDs were evaluated, and relevant surgical interventions were assessed. Results: The ALX1-related FND3 phenotype is striking due to the involvement of the eyes in addition to the presence of hypertelorism, facial clefts, and nasal deformities. A widened philtrum and prominent philtral columns are remarkable features of the ALX3-related FND1, whereas the ALX4-related FND2 has more severe deformities: severe hypertelorism, brachycephaly, large parietal bone defects, broad nasal dorsum, and alopecia. Facial bipartition, box osteotomies, eyelid coloboma repair, cleft lip and palate repair, nasal reconstruction, and fronto-orbital advancement can be performed in ALX-related FNDs based on the characteristics of each subtype. Conclusions: This genetic classification system will help surgeon diagnose patients with FND with unique features and draw a roadmap for their treatment with a better surgical perspective.