bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension: A cross‐sectional study in steel factories
Authors: Zhou Fan , Shrestha Ankita , Mai Shiqi , Tao Zhimin , Li Jiahui , Wang Zhi , Meng Xiaojing 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHazardous exposure to occupational noise may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. This study was performed to assess the relationship between noise exposure and hypertension prevalence in steelworkers.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey using self‐reported noise exposure and audiometrically measured hearing loss was performed. One thousand eight hundred and seventy‐four workers were interviewed. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for hypertension by noise exposure. Linear regression analysis was used to test associations between noise exposure and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).ResultsOccupational noise‐exposed subjects had significantly higher blood pressure levels than nonexposed subjects (SBP: 123.18 ± (standard deviation) 12.44 vs 119.80 ± 12.50 mm Hg; DBP: 77.86 ± 9.34 vs 75.49 ± 8.73 mmHg). The prevalence of hypertension was approximately 5% in the control group without noise exposure or hearing impairment and increased from 6% to 21% across the range of increasing degree of hearing loss and, separately, of cumulative exposure time. Noise exposure (any) was associated with an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio, 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15‐3.58). Noise‐induced hearing loss and cumulative noise exposure time were positively correlated with BP (hearing loss: SBP: β = .09, 95% CI: 0.04‐0.15 mm Hg, DBP: β = .11, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.17 mm Hg; cumulative exposure time: SBP: β = .10, 95% CI: 0.04‐0.15 mm Hg, DBP: β = .09, 95% CI: 0.04‐0.15 mm Hg).ConclusionsNoise exposure measured in two different ways was strongly associated with the prevalence of hypertension in steelworkers. Reducing noise in the steel factory could be a way of decreasing the risk of hypertension in this population.
Survival outcomes and prognostic factors of squamous cell carcinomas arising from sinonasal inverted papillomas: a retrospective analysis of 120 patients
Authors: Li Yunxia , Wang Chengshuo , Wang Ru , He Shizhi , Feng Ling , Ma Hongzhi , Lian Meng , Shi Qian , Zhong Qi , Chen Xiaohong , Fang Jugao , Zhang Luo 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originating from sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs), based on data from a single institution.MethodsThe data from 120 patients treated at the affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, for SCC originating from sinonasal IPs between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Data related to demographic features, tumor characteristics, treatment modality, and clinical outcomes were collected. Survival data were investigated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, Cox regression analysis, and the nomogram model predictive of survival probabilities.ResultsAmong 1034 patients with sinonasal IPs, 120 patients (11.6%) with malignancy were identified. The overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) rates at 5 years were 56.0% and 42.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that synchronous tumors and tumor stage were independent predictive factors for the risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.954; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.022‐3.737,p= 0.043; HR, 1.737, 95% CI, 1.095‐2.770,p= 0.020, respectively). The surgical margin was another important independent predictor, with patients with negative margins demonstrating a more than 2‐fold improved survival compared to those with positive margins (HR, 2.095; 95% CI, 1.031‐4.243;p= 0.041).ConclusionThe main factors affecting the prognosis and outcomes were synchronous tumors, advanced tumor stage, and positive surgical margins. These findings highlight the importance of tumor biology and early detection in patient outcomes. In addition, risk factors should be taken into consideration during treatment planning and subsequent tumor surveillance.
Diverse phenotypes and endotypes of fungus balls caused by mixed bacterial colonization in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Kim Dong‐Kyu , Wi Young Chan , Shin Su‐Jin , Kim Kyung Rae , Kim Dae Woo , Cho Seok Hyun 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundThe pathogenic roles of fungus and bacteria in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remain unclear. Recently, we described the bacterial ball, which is distinct from the fungus ball, as an unusual phenotype of bacterial infection. In this study, we investigated the clinical, histopathologic, and immunologic characteristics of sinonasal microorganic materials, including fungus ball and bacterial ball.MethodsIn this study, we enrolled 80 CRS patients with sinonasal microorganic materials and 10 control subjects who underwent skull base surgery or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and had no signs or symptoms of nasal inflammation. All specimens were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin, Gomori‐methenamine‐silver, and Gram stain to identify fungal organisms and Gram‐positive/negative bacterial colonies. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α; interleukin (IL)‐1β; S100A7; S100A8/A9; and short, palate, lung, and nasal epithelial clone 1 (SPLUNC1) were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using sinus lavage fluid.ResultsWe histologically classified sinonasal microorganic materials into the following 4 groups: fungus ball (n = 45); bacterial ball (n = 6); mixed ball (formed by a mixture of fungus and bacteria, n = 27); and double ball (formed by separate fungal and bacterial balls, n = 2). Compared with the fungus ball, the mixed ball was more frequently detected in immunocompromised patients (p < 0.0001). In addition, TNF‐α expression was significantly higher in fungus and mixed balls than in control, whereas the mixed ball showed higher expression of IL‐1β compared with the fungus ball. Moreover, the expression of S100A7 and S100A8/A9 protein in the mixed ball was significantly decreased when compared with the fungus ball, whereas there was no significant difference in SPLUNC1 expression between fungus and mixed balls.ConclusionOur findings suggest that fungal and bacterial interactions are diverse in CRS. Specifically, the mixed ball is prevalent in CRS with an immunocompromised state and it may decrease epithelial barrier function.
Process intensification in catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol via coupling gas‐liquid microdispersion with trickle bed reactors
Authors: Tan Jing , Nie Miaomiao , Li Zhikang , Ji Yani , Chen Shijie , Deng Wensheng , Chen Lai , Lu Yun , Su Yuefeng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntensified trickle bed reactors were developed for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol, by generating microbubbles before gas/liquid fluid flows along catalyst packed‐beds. By coupling gas‐liquid microdispersion module, phenol disappearance rate significantly increases under the same operating conditions and phenol conversion reaches 92% in 22 seconds at 160°C and 1000 kPa. Effects of operating conditions were studied systematically and results demonstrated characteristics of high‐interaction regime at low Reynolds number. Comparison of effects among mass transfer and reaction steps shows CWAO reaction is controlled by resistance to liquid‐solid mass transfer of phenol in most cases, while gas‐liquid mass‐transfer‐resistance is ignorable. A dimensionless correlation, Sh = 2.29φ−0.91(ReL + ReG)0.04, was established, by considering influences of liquid film thickness and fluid flow situations on liquid‐solid mass transfer coefficient in microbubble‐in‐liquid/catalyst‐particle system. The study would provide an effective method for intensifying CWAO and other liquid‐solid‐mass‐transfer‐resistance‐controlled gas/liquid/solid catalytic reactions and help understand mass transfer mechanism in new gas/liquid/solid system.
Development of castor oil–based polymers: A review
Authors: Nekhavhambe Edza , Mukaya Hembe E. , Nkazi Diakanua B. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractVegetable oils are a vital commodity in the industry because of the persisting challenges encountered with the utilization of fossil fuels, specifically petroleum. Petroleum‐based polymers are a part of our day to day life, thus it is of importance to find sustainable ways to produce such indispensable commodities. Although various vegetable oils have been utilized to produce polymers, castor oil surpasses other vegetable oils, as it does not compete with the food industry as it is nonedible and as it is a natural polyol and has been used for polyurethane synthesis. Because of the versatility of castor oil chemistry, polymers such as epoxies, polyamides, and polyesters can be synthesized. The review focuses on the importance of castor oil toward the synthesis of various polymers and their versatile applications.
In Situ Self‐Assembled Nanofibers Precisely Target Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts for Improved Tumor Imaging
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Xiao , Li Li‐Li , Zhao Ying , An Hong‐Wei , Cai Qian , Lang Jia‐Yan , Han Xue‐Xiang , Peng Bo , Fei Yue , Liu Hao , Qin Hao , Nie Guangjun , Wang Hao 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTumor complexity makes the development of highly sensitive tumor imaging probes an arduous task. Here, we construct a peptide‐based near‐infrared probe that is responsive to fibroblast activation protein‐α (FAP‐α), and specifically forms nanofibers on the surface of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in situ. The assembly/aggregation‐induced retention (AIR) effect results in enhanced accumulation and retention of the probe around the tumor, resulting in a 5.5‐fold signal enhancement in the tumor 48 h after administration compared to that of a control molecule that does not aggregate. The probe provides a prolonged detectable window of 48 h for tumor diagnosis. The selective assembly of the probe results in a signal intensity over four‐ and fivefold higher in tumor than in the liver and kidney, respectively. With enhanced tumor imaging capability, this probe can visualize small tumors around 2 mm in diameter.
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/mesoporous silica thermosensitive composite hydrogels for drug loading and release
Authors: Zhang Zhaofu , Wang Shuo , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Zhang Qihai , Li Lifang 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTTemperature‐sensitive hydrogels are attracting increasing attention for controlled drug delivery. However, achieving high drug loadings and sustained drug release remains challenging. Herein, we describe the successful synthesis of a series of novel temperature‐sensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA)/mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) hydrogels by physical crosslinking of NIPA with MSN. The external and internal structures, temperature sensitivity, drug‐loading capacity, and blood compatibility of the PNIPA/MSN composite hydrogels are studied. Results show that MSN addition improved the network structure and adjusted the size of the hole, MSN could also act as drug carrier, thereby enhancing the drug loading capacity. The composite hydrogels underwent a phase transition at 33.7 °C (at the lower critical solution temperature). The hemolysis rate of the composite hydrogels was less than 1%, thus they can be classified as a nonhemolytic materials with good biocompatibility. The composite hydrogels reported here thus have great potential in drug transport and temperature‐activated drug release. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48391.
Compositional effect on the deformation behavior of polyurethane pressure‐sensitive adhesive thin films
Authors: Akram Nadia , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Saeed Muhammad , Khosa Muhammad Kaleem , Khan Waheed Gul , Arain Muhammad Amir 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTThe careful selection of composition for thin films is a critical issue to deal with. A mere change in stoichiometry deforms the thin adhesive films brusquely. In this work, a series of thin films of polyurethane‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives have been synthesized and the factors responsible for collapsing of the adhesive films have been investigated. The pressure‐sensitive adhesives have been prepared by the use of polypropylene glycol and hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene macrodiols along with isophorone diisocyanate. The 40 wt % of solid contents have been maintained with hard segment contents of 28–64 wt %. Thin films of 70–100 μm have been utilized for probe‐tack analysis. The high storage modulus up to 1.83 MPa has been observed from dynamic mechanical analysis of PSA films. The adhesion properties evaluated by consideration of the ratio of the loss tangent to the storage modulus (tanδ/E′) for comparison resulted in the values from 0.03 to 0.45 MPa−1. The glass‐transition temperature is also appeared to be a decisive factor with variation from original values. The high‐molecular weight of macrodiols resulted in the loss of adhesiveness. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48395.
Electrochemically Generated γ‐LixV2O5 as Insertion Host for High‐Energy Li‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Divya M. L. , Aravindan Vanchiappan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, we explored the feasibility of using electrochemically generated γ‐LixV2O5 as an insertion‐type anode in the lithium‐ion capacitor (LIC) with activated carbon (AC) as a cathode. Along with the native form of V2O5, their carbon composites are also used as the electrode material which is prepared by high‐energy ball milling. The electrochemical pre‐lithiation strategy is used to generate the desired γ‐phase of V2O5 (γ‐LixV2O5). Under the optimized mass loading conditions, the LICs are assembled with γ‐LixV2O5 as anode and AC as a cathode in the organic medium. Among the different LICs fabricated, AC/γ‐LixV2O5‐BM50 configuration delivered an energy density of 33.91 Wh kg−1 @ 0.22 kW kg−1 with excellent capacity retention characteristics. However, a dramatic increase in energy density (43.98 Wh kg−1@0.28 kW kg−1) is noted after the electrolyte modification with fluoroethylene carbonate. The high temperature performance of the assembled LIC is also studied and found that γ‐LixV2O5 phase can be used as a potential battery‐type component to construct high‐performance hybrid charge storage devices.
A Functionally Graded Cathode Architecture for Extending the Cycle‐Life of Potassium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Gilmore Paul , Sundaresan Vishnu Baba 
Published: August 2019

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Vishnu Baba Sundaresan. The cover picture shows a functionally‐graded cathode for potassium‐oxygen batteries, regulating K+‐ion and oxygen transport at the trilayer electrolyte‐cathode‐air interface. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/batt.201900025
An optimal Bayesian predictive probability design for phase II clinical trials with simple and complicated endpoints
Authors: Guo Beibei , Liu Suyu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMost existing phase II clinical trial designs focus on conventional chemotherapy with binary tumor response as the endpoint. The advent of novel therapies, such as molecularly targeted agents and immunotherapy, has made the endpoint of phase II trials more complicated, often involving ordinal, nested, and coprimary endpoints. We propose a simple and flexible Bayesian optimal phase II predictive probability (OPP) design that handles binary and complex endpoints in a unified way. The Dirichlet‐multinomial model is employed to accommodate different types of endpoints. At each interim, given the observed interim data, we calculate the Bayesian predictive probability of success, should the trial continue to the maximum planned sample size, and use it to make the go/no‐go decision. The OPP design controls the type I error rate, maximizes power or minimizes the expected sample size, and is easy to implement, because the go/no‐go decision boundaries can be enumerated and included in the protocol before the onset of the trial. Simulation studies show that the OPP design has satisfactory operating characteristics.
O2 sensitivity and H2 production activity of hydrogenases—A review
Authors: Lu Yuan , Koo Jamin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHydrogenases are metalloproteins capable of catalyzing the interconversion between molecular hydrogen and protons and electrons. The iron–sulfur clusters within the enzyme enable rapid relay of electrons which are either consumed or generated at the active site. Their unparalleled catalytic efficiency has attracted attention, especially for potential use in H2 production and/or fuel cell technologies. However, there are limitations to using hydrogenases, especially due to their high O2 sensitivity. The subclass, called [FeFe] hydrogenases, are particularly more vulnerable to O2 but proficient in H2 production. In this review, we provide an overview of mechanistic and protein engineering studies focused on understanding and enhancing O2 tolerance of the enzyme. The emphasis is on ongoing studies that attempt to overcome O2 sensitivity of the enzyme while it catalyzes H2 production in an aerobic environment. We also discuss pioneering attempts to utilize the enzyme in biological H2 production and other industrial processes, as well as our own perspective on future applications.
The influence of lignin migration and relocation during steam pretreatment on the enzymatic hydrolysis of softwood and corn stover biomass substrates
Authors: Takada Masatsugu , Chandra Richard P. , Saddler John N. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo be effective, steam pretreatment is typically carried out at temperatures/pressures above the glass transition point (Tg) of biomass lignin so that it can partly fluidize and relocate. The relocation of Douglas‐fir and corn stover derived lignin was compared with the expectation that, with the corn stover lignin's lower hydrophobicity and molecular weight, it would be more readily fluidized. It was apparent that the Tg of lignin decreased as the moisture increased, with the easier access of steam to the corn stover lignin promoting its plasticization. Although the softwood lignin was more recalcitrant, when it was incorporated onto filter paper, it too could be plasticized, with its relocation enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis. When lignin recondensation was minimized, the increased hydrophobicity suppressed lignin relocation. It was apparent that differences in the accessibility of the lignin present in Douglas‐fir and corn stover to steam significantly impacted lignin fluidization, relocation, and subsequent cellulose hydrolysis.
Consequences of trace metal variability and supplementation on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture performance: A review of key mechanisms and considerations
Authors: Graham Ryan J. , Bhatia Hemlata , Yoon Seongkyu 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTrace metals are supplied to chemically‐defined media (CDM) for optimal Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture performance during the production of monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic proteins. However, lot‐to‐lot and vendor‐to‐vendor variability in raw materials consequently leads to an imbalance of trace metals that are supplied to CDM. This imbalance can yield detrimental effects rooted in several primary mechanisms and pathways including oxidative stress, apoptosis, lactate accumulation, and unfavorable glycan synthesis. Recent research endeavors involve supplying zinc, copper, and manganese to CDM in excess to further maximize culture productivity and product quality. These treatments significantly impact critical quality attributes and furthermore highlight the degree to which trace metal availability can affect CHO cell culture performance. This review highlights the role of trace metal variability, supplementation, and interplay on key cellular mechanisms responsible for overall culture performance and the production and quality of therapeutic proteins.
Two years clinical outcomes with the state‐of‐the‐art PCI for the treatment of bifurcation lesions: A sub‐analysis of the SYNTAX II study
Authors: Modolo Rodrigo , Kogame Norihiro , Komiyama Hidenori , Chichareon Ply , de Vries Ton , Tomaniak Mariusz , Chang Chun Chin , Takahashi Kuniaki , Walsh Simon , Lesiak Maciej , Moreno Raul , Farrooq Vasim , Escaned Javier , Banning Adrian , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundBifurcation PCI is associated with a lower rate of procedural success, especially in multivessel disease patients. We aimed to determine the impact of bifurcation treatment on 2‐years clinical outcomes when a state‐of‐the‐art PCI strategy (heart team decision‐making using the SYNTAX score II, physiology guided coronary stenosis assessment, thin strut bioresorbable polymer drug‐eluting stent, and intravascular ultrasound guidance) is followed.MethodsThree‐vessel disease patients enrolled in the SYNTAX II trial (n = 454) were categorized in patients with (a) ≥1 treated bifurcation (n = 126), and (b) without bifurcation (n = 281). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardio and cerebrovascular events (MACCE—a composite of all‐cause death, stroke, any myocardial infarction, or any revascularization) at 2 years. Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of target lesion failure (TLF) defined as cardiac death, target‐vessel myocardial infarction and ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization, and the individual components of the composite primary endpoint, as well as stent thrombosis.ResultsA total of 145 bifurcation were treated in 126 patients. At 2 years, MACCE occurred in 75/407 patients (20.7% for bifurcation versus 17.5% for nonbifurcation, hazard ratio [HR] of 1.28, CI95% 0.78–2.08, p = .32). TLF presented a trend toward higher occurrence in bifurcation (16.8% vs. 10.8%, HR 1.75, CI95% 0.99–3.09, p = .053). Definite stent thrombosis did not differ at 2‐year between groups (0.8% for the bifurcation vs. 0.7% for the nonbifurcation, p = .92).ConclusionBifurcation treatment in patients with three‐vessel disease undergoing state‐of‐the‐art PCI had similar event rate of MACCE but was associated with a trend toward higher incidence of TLF compared with nonbifurcation lesions.
One‐Pot Three‐Step Consecutive Transformation of L‐α‐Amino Acids to (R)‐ and (S)‐Vicinal 1,2‐Diols via Combined Chemical and Biocatalytic Process
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Dong , Zhao Jian‐Wei , Gao Li‐Li , Zhao Jing , Chang Hong‐Hong , Wei Wen‐Long 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOptically pure vicinal 1,2‐diols are versatile chiral building blocks in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. L‐α‐amino acid is a good feedstock source for high value‐added product production since it is inexpensive and renewable. However, conversion of L‐α‐amino acids to enantioenriched vicinal 1,2‐diols remains a significant challenge. In this study, combining a simple chemical process and a three‐enzyme cascade biocatalysis system, we have successfully implemented a one‐pot sequential process for the transformation of L‐α‐amino acids into enantiopure vicinal 1,2‐diols in aqueous medium. Firstly, the NaBH4‐H2SO4 system converted L‐α‐amino acids to (S)‐amino alcohols via amino acid carboxyl reduction. Secondly, the three‐enzyme (transaminase, carbonyl reductase and glucose dehydrogenase) cascade biocatalysis system converted amino alcohols to enantiopure vicinal 1,2‐diols via amino alcohol deamination, α‐hydroxy ketone asymmetric reduction and cofactor regeneration. Taking advantage of the two different reaction systems, chiral vicinal 1,2‐diols could be obtained from L‐α‐amino acids with high yields (69–90 %) and excellent ee values (91–>99 % ee).