bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive imaging of oxygen concentration in a complex in vitro biofilm infection model using 19F MRI: Persistence of an oxygen sink despite prolonged antibiotic therapy
Authors: Simkins Jeffrey W. , Stewart Philip S. , Codd Sarah L. , Seymour Joseph D. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeOxygen availability is a critical determinant of microbial biofilm activity and antibiotic susceptibility. However, measuring oxygen gradients in these systems remains difficult, with the standard microelectrode approach being both invasive and limited to single‐point measurement. The goal of the study was to develop a 19F MRI approach for 2D oxygen mapping in biofilm systems and to visualize oxygen consumption behavior in real time during antibiotic therapy.MethodsOxygen‐sensing beads were created by encapsulating an emulsion of oxygen‐sensing fluorocarbon into alginate gel. Escherichia coli biofilms were grown in and on the alginate matrix, which was contained inside a packed bed column subjected to nutrient flow, mimicking the complex porous structure of human wound tissue, and subjected to antibiotic challenge.ResultsThe linear relationship between 19F spin‐lattice relaxation rate R1 and local oxygen concentration permitted noninvasive spatial mapping of oxygen distribution in real time over the course of biofilm growth and subsequent antibiotic challenge. This technique was used to visualize persistence of microbial oxygen respiration during continuous gentamicin administration, providing a time series of complete spatial maps detailing the continued bacterial utilization of oxygen during prolonged chemotherapy in an in vitro biofilm model with complex spatial structure.ConclusionsAntibiotic exposure temporarily causes oxygen consumption to enter a pseudosteady state wherein oxygen distribution becomes fixed; oxygen sink expansion resumes quickly after antibiotic clearance. This technique may provide valuable information for future investigations of biofilms by permitting the study of complex geometries (typical of in vivo biofilms) and facilitating noninvasive oxygen measurement.
Cerebral OEF quantification: A comparison study between quantitative susceptibility mapping and dual‐gas calibrated BOLD imaging
Authors: Ma Yuhan , Sun Hongfu , Cho Junghun , Mazerolle Erin L. , Wang Yi , Pike G. Bruce 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo compare regional oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (CMRO2) quantified from the microvascular quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) using a hypercapnic gas challenge with those measured by the dual‐gas calibrated BOLD imaging (DGC‐BOLD) in healthy subjects.MethodsTen healthy subjects were scanned using a 3T MR system. The QSM data were acquired with a multi‐echo gradient‐echo sequence at baseline and hypercapnia. Cerebral blood flow data were acquired using the pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling technique. Baseline OEF and CMRO2 were calculated using QSM and cerebral blood flow measurements. The DGC‐BOLD data were also collected under a hypercapnic and a hyperoxic condition to yield baseline OEF and CMRO2. The QSM‐OEF and CMRO2 maps were compared with DGC‐BOLD OEF and CMRO2 maps using region of interest (vascular territories) analysis and Bland‐Altman plots.ResultsHypercapnia is a robust stimulus for mapping OEF in combination with QSM. Average OEF in 16 vascular territory regions of interest across 10 subjects was 0.40 ± 0.04 by QSM‐OEF and 0.38 ± 0.09 by DGC‐BOLD. The average CMRO2 was 176 ± 35 and 167 ± 53 μmol O2/min/100g by QSM‐OEF and DGC‐BOLD, respectively. A Bland‐Altman plot of regional OEF and CMRO2 in regions of interest revealed a statistically significant but small difference (OEF difference = 0.02, CMRO2 difference = 9 μmol O2/min/100g, p < .05) between the 2 methods for the 10 healthy subjects.ConclusionHypercapnic challenge–assisted QSM‐OEF is a feasible approach to quantify regional brain OEF and CMRO2. Compared with DGC‐BOLD, hypercapnia QSM‐OEF results in smaller intersubject variability and requires only 1 gas challenge.
A comparison of the effectiveness of lateral versus posterior approach to shoulder injection in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ogbeivor Collins , Bandaru Suresh , Milton Carl 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the lateral approach to subacromial injection, compared with the posterior approach, for the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome.MethodA pragmatic randomized controlled trial was carried out in an outpatient community musculoskeletal service. The sample comprised 80 adults, aged 18 years or over, with subacromial impingement syndrome. The intervention group received a single subacromial injection, using a 21‐gauge green needle, of 40 mg/ml triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) and 4 ml 1% lignocaine using a lateral approach. The control group received identical treatment, with the exception that the injection was given using a posterior approach. The outcome measures were pain measured using 0–10 numerical pain scale and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) scores at 8 and 12 weeks' follow‐up.ResultA moderate but statistically and clinically significant difference in improvement in daytime pain (mean change in score) occurred in favour of the lateral group (mean = 4.0) compared with the posterior group (mean = 2.0) between weeks 0 and 8 (1.4 points [95% confidence interval 0.3, 2.6; p = 0.018]). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in night‐time pain, shoulder function and SPADI scores. There was a statistically and clinically significant difference (p = 0.001) within the groups for all clinical outcomes between weeks 0 and 8, and between weeks 0 and 12.ConclusionThere were no significant differences in the treatments; however, both forms of treatment were associated with a significant improvement in shoulder pain, function and disability.
Reflecting a crisis reaction: Narratives from patients with oesophageal cancer about the first 6 months after diagnosis and surgery
Authors: Hellstadius Ylva , Malmström Marlene , Lagergren Pernilla , Sundbom Magnus , Wikman Anna 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to describe patients' experiences of emotional adaption following treatment for oesophageal cancer from diagnosis to 6 months after surgery.DesignA qualitative interview study using an inductive approach was carried out.MethodsParticipants were recruited from two university hospitals in Sweden. Ten patients who had been operated for oesophageal cancer with curative intent 6 months earlier and consented to participate in the study were included. Patients who had a disease recurrence were not eligible for inclusion. Participants were interviewed with a semi‐structured interview approach. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsOne overarching theme was identified; Experiencing a crisis reaction, which comprised three key categories; (a) From emotionally numb to feeling quite alright; (b) From a focus on cure to reflections about a whole new life; and (c) From a severe treatment to suffering an emaciated, non‐compliant body, derived from 14 distinct sub‐categories.ConclusionThis study highlights the process of emotional adaptation following oesophageal cancer surgery that patients describe when reflecting back on the first 6 months postoperatively pointing to a crisis reaction in this early postoperative period.
Functional amphiphilic block copolyethers as carriers of caffeic acid phenethyl ester
Authors: Valchanova Miroslava , Yordanov Yordan , Tzankova Virginia , Yoncheva Krassimira , Turmanova Sevdalina , Rangelov Stanislav 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAmphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of hydrophilic polyglycidol (PG) and hydrophobic poly(allylglycidyl ether) (PAGE) were prepared by sequential anionic ring‐opening polymerization of allylglycidyl ether and ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether followed by removal of the protective ethoxyethyl groups. The polymerization was initiated by partially deprotonated dodecanol and performed in solvent‐free conditions. The copolymers were composed of a hydrophobic dodecyl residue attached to a block of PAGE with a fixed degree of polymerization (dp = 44) and differing in length of the PG block (dp = 16 and 66, corresponding to PG contents of 25 and 60 mol%, respectively). The two copolymers were spontaneously soluble in water. Above a certain critical concentration, they formed well‐defined self‐assembled nanoparticles. Their characterization parameters were determined by static and dynamic light scattering. The aggregates of the more hydrophobic copolymer, C12‐PAGE‐PG25, were characterized by considerably larger dimensions and molar mass, reaching 78.6 nm and 253.0 × 106 g mol−1, respectively, than those of the more hydrophilic copolymer, C12‐PAGE‐PG60. The hydrophobic moieties were proved to create a favorable environment for solubilization of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) (the main active ingredient of propolis with cytotoxic and antioxidant activities), whereas the numerous hydroxyl groups from the PG moieties brought additional benefits related to the biocompatibility of the copolymers. Preliminary experiments with L929 fibroblast cells showed that the aggregates displayed no signs of toxicity in the applied in vitro test system, suggesting their appropriateness as a drug delivery platform. The CAPE‐loaded aggregates, however, showed dose‐dependent cytotoxic effects, indicating that CAPE retained its cytotoxic activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Green fabrication route of robust, biodegradable silk sericin and poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous scaffolds
Authors: Kumkun Pongsathorn , Tuancharoensri Nantaprapa , Ross Gareth , Mahasaranon Sararat , Jongjitwimol Jirapas , Topham Paul D , Ross Sukunya 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSilk sericin (SS) has been extensively used to fabricate scaffolds for tissue engineering. However, due to its inferior mechanical properties, it has been found to be a poor choice of material when being electrospun into nanofibrous scaffolds. Here, SS has been combined with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and electrospun to create scaffolds with enhanced physical properties. Crucially, these SS/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds were created using only distilled water as a solvent with no added crosslinker in an environmentally friendly process. Temperature has been shown to have a marked effect on the formation of the SS sol–gel transition and thus influence the final formation of fibers. Heating the spinning solutions to 70 °C delivered nanofibers with enhanced morphology, water stability and mechanical properties. This is due to the transition of SS fromβ‐sheets into random coils that enables enhanced molecular interactions between SS and PVA. The most applicable SS/PVA weight ratios for the formation of nanofibers with the desired properties were found to be 7.5/1.5 and 10.0/1.5. The fibers had diameters ranging from 60 to 500 nm, where higher PVA and SS concentrations promoted larger diameters. The crystallinity within the fibers could be controlled by manipulation of the balance between PVA and SS loadings.In vitrodegradation (in phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.4 at 37 °C) was 30–50% within 42 days and fibers were shown to be nontoxic to skin fibroblast cells. This work demonstrates a new green route for incorporating SS into nanofibrous fabrics, with potential use in biomedical applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitration of Acyl Derivatives of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐Hexaazaisowurtzitane
Authors: Kalashnikov Alexander I. , Sysolyatin Sergey V. , Surmachev Vladimir N. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we studied the nitration of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane acyl derivatives with mixed H2SO4/HNO3 and HNO3/NH4NO3. The substitution of the nitro group for acyl residues of weaker acids took place most easily. The nitration of such amides in the mixed acid proceeded fairly good. In the case of using amides of formic and other stronger acids, the best results were achieved with HNO3/NH4NO3.
Climate and rivers
Authors: McGregor Glenn R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOver the last few decades as hydrologists have slowly raised their line of sight above the watershed boundary, it has become increasingly recognised that what happens in the atmosphere, as a major source of moisture for the terrestrial branch of the hydrological cycle, can strongly influence river dynamics at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Notwithstanding this, there is still a tendency for some in the river research community to restrict their gaze to the river channel or floodplain. However, Geoff Petts, the person to which this special issue is dedicated, understood well and widely encouraged a holistic view of river catchment processes. This included an acknowledgment of the role of climate, in its broadest sense, in shaping what happens within and without the river channel. The purpose of this paper therefore is to offer a broad overview of the role of some aspects of climate science in advancing knowledge in river research. Topics to be addressed include the role of climate in influencing river flow regimes, a consideration of the large‐scale climate mechanisms that drive hydrological variability within river basins at interannual to decadal timescales and atmospheric rivers and their link to surface hydrology. In reviewing these topics, a number of key knowledge gaps have emerged including attributing the causes of river flow regime changes to any one particular cause, the nonstationary and asymmetric forcing of river regimes by modes of climate variability and establishing links between atmospheric rivers, and terrestrial river channel processes, fluvial habitats, and ecological change.
Ventricular remodeling in ischemic heart failure stratifies responders to stem cell therapy
Authors: Yamada Satsuki , Arrell D. Kent , Rosenow Christian S. , Bartunek Jozef , Behfar Atta , Terzic Andre 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Response to stem cell therapy in heart failure is heterogeneous, warranting a better understanding of outcome predictors. This study assessed left ventricular volume, a surrogate of disease severity, on cell therapy benefit. Small to large infarctions were induced in murine hearts to model moderate, advanced, and end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy. At 1 month postinfarction, cardiomyopathic cohorts with comparable left ventricular enlargement and dysfunction were randomized 1:1 to those that either received sham treatment or epicardial delivery of cardiopoietic stem cells (CP). Progressive dilation and pump failure consistently developed in sham. In comparison, CP treatment produced significant benefit at 1 month post-therapy, albeit with an efficacy impacted by cardiomyopathic stage. Advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy was the most responsive to CP-mediated salvage, exhibiting both structural and functional restitution, with proteome deconvolution substantiating that cell therapy reversed infarction-induced remodeling of functional pathways. Moderate cardiomyopathy was less responsive to CP therapy, improving contractility but without reversing preexistent heart enlargement. In end-stage disease, CP therapy showed the least benefit. This proof-of-concept study thus demonstrates an optimal window, or “Goldilocks principle,” of left ventricular enlargement for maximized stem cell-based cardiac repair. Disease severity grading, prior to cell therapy, should be considered to inform regenerative medicine interventions.

Significance statement This article documents that cardiac chamber enlargement postinfarction is a predictor of cardiopoietic stem cell therapy response. Left ventricular size pretherapy could thus serve to guide the selection of ischemic heart failure candidates most suitable to receive a regenerative intervention.
Flexible Smart Noncontact Control Systems with Ultrasensitive Humidity Sensors
Authors: Yang Juehan , Shi Ruilong , Lou Zheng , Chai Ruiqing , Jiang Kai , Shen Guozhen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe development of noncontact humidity sensors with high sensitivity, rapid response, and a facile fabrication process is urgently desired for advanced noncontact human–machine interaction (HMI) applications. Here, a flexible and transparent humidity sensor based on MoO3 nanosheets is developed with a low‐cost and easily manufactured process. The designed humidity sensor exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity, fast response, great stability, and high selectivity, exceeding the state‐of‐the‐art humidity sensors. Furthermore, a wearable moisture analysis system is assembled for real‐time monitoring of ambient humidity and human breathing states. Benefiting from the sensitive and rapid response to fingertip humidity, the sensors are successfully applied to both a smart noncontact multistage switch and a novel flexible transparent noncontact screen for smart mobile devices, demonstrating the potential of the MoO3 nanosheets‐based humidity sensors in future HMI systems.
Chemobrionic Fabrication of Hierarchical Self‐Assembling Nanostructures of Copper Oxide and Hydroxide
Authors: Escamilla‐Roa Elizabeth , Cartwright Julyan H. E. , Sainz‐Díaz C. Ignacio 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCopper oxide nanostructures have great potential use in a plethora of nanotechnology applications including nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, sensors, electrochemistry, and pharmacology. In the present work we show how hierarchically nano‐structured copper oxide and hydroxide may be prepared through self‐assembly from CuSO4 salt and silicate solutions using the chemobrionic growth process of a chemical garden. Procedures were explored using the cupric salt in either solid (pellet and seed growth methods) or liquid phase (fluid injection techniques). Self‐assembling nanostructures were characterized by means of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis, micro‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Our results show the formation of crystalline aggregates of copper oxide and hydroxide in complex hierarchical nanostructured forms including fans, flowers, petals, skeins, lentils, and sheaves. Analytical methods corroborate that these nanostructures may be selected in shape and chemical composition with the reaction conditions.
Seismic performance of steel braced frames with self‐centering buckling‐restrained brace utilizing superelastic shape memory alloys
Authors: Nazarimofrad Ebrahim , Shokrgozar Ali 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBuckling‐restrained braced frame (BRB) is one of the newest seismic force‐resisting systems used in buildings. However, one of the requirements for designing a structure is to provide a ductility behavior of structures to dissipate earthquake energy and to avoid residual drifts. These days, self‐centering seismic lateral force‐resisting systems have drawn attention due to their potentials to solve the above mentioned issues. On the other hand, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are characterized by unique superelastic behavior, which enables the material to recover its original shape after experiencing large deformations. The goal of this study is to assess BRBs whose ductility are improved by utilizing SMA. Nonlinear time history and incremental dynamic analysis techniques are applied to investigate the behavior of the two frames with different stories (four and eight stories) under different ground motion records. The results showed that utilizing BRB made of hybrid steel and SMA resulted in increasing ductility of the structure and decreasing residual displacements of the structures.
Unfinished Business: A Systematic Review of Stump Appendicitis
Authors: Manatakis Dimitrios K. , Aheimastos Vasileios , Antonopoulou Maria‐Ioanna , Agalianos Christos , Tsiaoussis John , Xynos Evanghelos 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundStump appendicitis is defined as interval inflammation of any residual appendicular tissue, after an appendicectomy. We present a systematic review of case series and case reports on stump appendicitis, emphasising on risk factors, diagnosis and surgical management.MethodsThe English literature (1945–2018) was reviewed, using PubMed, Embase and GoogleScholar, combining the terms “appendix”, “appendicitis”, “stump”, “residual”, “recurrent” and “retained”. In total, 127 studies were included, describing 164 patients (males 59%, mean age 36 ± 17 years).ResultsIndex surgery was open in 59% and laparoscopic in 38%. It was described as “difficult” or “complicated” in 31%. 20% of patients reported episodes of recurrent abdominal pain during the time interval between index and stump appendicitis (range 2 weeks to 60 years, median 2 years). Right lower quadrant pain was the most frequent complain (88%), leukocytosis was found in 56%, whereas 92% of patients underwent imaging testing, which was diagnostic or highly suspicious in 67.5%. Mean delay between beginning of symptoms and surgery was 2.4 ± 2.3 days. The operative approach was open in 61% and laparoscopic in 35% of cases. The operation was characterised as “difficult” or “complicated” in 45%. In the majority (88%), a completion stump appendicectomy was performed, with 11% requiring more extensive procedures. Mean length of resected stump was 3.1 ± 1.6 cm (range 0.5–10 cm).ConclusionsStump appendicitis may occur following both open and laparoscopic approach, when the residual stump is > 0.5 cm. Its clinical significance lies in the delayed diagnosis, leading to higher incidence of complications and the need for more extensive surgery.
Understanding traditional Chinese medicine via statistical learning of expert‐specific Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Qi , Liu Zhaoyang , Ye Fang , Deng Ke 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been attracting lots of attentions from various disciplines recently. However, TCM is still mysterious because of its unique philosophy and theoretical thinking. Due to the lack of high quality data, understanding TCM thoroughly faces critical challenges. In this study, we introduce the Zhou Archive, a large‐scale database of expert‐specific Electronic Medical Records containing information about 73,000+ visits to one TCM doctor for over 35 years. Covering the full spectrum of diagnosis‐treatment model behind TCM practice, the archive provides an opportunity to understand TCM from the data‐driven perspective.MethodsProcessing the text data in the archive via a series of data processing steps, we transformed the semi‐structured EMRs in the archive to a well‐structured feature table. Based on the structured feature table obtained, a series of statistical analyses are implemented to learn principles of TCM clinical practice from the archive, including correlation analysis, enrichment analysis, embedding analysis and association pattern discovery.ResultsA structured feature table of 14,000+ features is generated at the end of the proposed data processing procedure, with a feature codebook, a term dictionary and a term‐feature map as byproducts. Statistical analysis of the feature table reveals underlying principles about the diagnosis‐treatment model of TCM, helping us better understand the TDM practice from a data‐driven perspective.ConclusionExpert‐specific EMRs provide opportunities to understand TCM from the data‐driven perspective. Taking advantage of recent progresses on NLP for Chinese, we can process a large number of TCM EMRs efficiently to gain insights via statistical analysis.