bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Adhesion on Commercially Pure Titanium and Anatase‐Coated Titanium Healing Screws: An In Vivo Human Study
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Piattelli Adriano , Polimeni Antonella , Di Iorio Donato , Carinci Francesco 
Published: June 2010

Background: Little is known about the mechanisms of bacterial interaction with implant materials in the oral cavity. Other surface characteristics, in addition to surface roughness, seem to be extremely important in relation to plaque formation. Different adhesion affinities of bacteria were reported for different materials. Anatase is a nanoparticle that can be applied to titanium surfaces as a coating. The anatase coating gives special characteristics to the implant surface, including some genetic effects on osteoblasts. In this study, the antibacterial effect of anatase is investigated. The aim of this study is to characterize the percentages of surfaces covered by bacteria on commercially pure (cp) titanium and anatase‐coated healing screws.Methods: Ten patients participated in this study. The protocol of the study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Chieti‐Pescara. A total of 20 healing screws (10 test and 10 control screws) were used in the study. The control screws were made of cp titanium, whereas the test screws were coated with anatase. Cleaning procedures and agents for chemical plaque control were not applied to the healing screws for the complete duration of the test period. After 7 days, all healing screws were removed, substituted, and processed under scanning electron microscopy for evaluation of the portions of the surfaces covered by bacteria.Results: The supracrestal screw surfaces covered by bacteria on test specimens were not significantly lower than those of control screws (P = 0.174). The subcrestal screw surfaces and threads covered by bacteria on test specimens were significantly lower than those of control screws, and P values were 0.001 and 0.000, respectively.Conclusion: Results show that anatase could be a suitable material for coating implant abutments, with a low colonization potential.
Severe Periodontitis in a Patient With Hyperoxaluria and Oxalosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Panis Vassilios , Tosios Konstantinos I. , Gagari Eleni , Griffin Terrence J. , Damoulis Petros D. 
Published: June 2010

Background: Hyperoxaluria is a metabolic disease with excessive urinary oxalate excretion that can be primary or secondary. Hyperoxaluria can result in chronic renal disease and renal failure. Calcium oxalate crystals can be deposited in oral tissues, and the disease can be associated with severe periodontitis and tooth loss.Methods: The periodontal condition of a 38‐year‐old patient with a diagnosis of hyperoxaluria and end‐stage renal disease is presented. The patient's periodontal status was monitored over a period of several weeks, and extracted teeth were submitted for histopathologic evaluation.Results: The patient was diagnosed with generalized severe periodontitis and external root resorption. Initial periodontal treatment consisting of oral‐hygiene instructions and scaling and root planing was performed. However, despite an initial decrease of soft tissue inflammation, the patient's periodontal condition deteriorated, and eventually, all teeth had to be extracted. The deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the periodontal tissues was confirmed histologically.Conclusions: Long‐standing hyperoxaluria can be associated with severe periodontitis and external root resorption resulting in tooth loss. The pathogenetic mechanisms of hard tissue destruction are still unclear.
Müller Cell-Derived VEGF Is Essential for Diabetes-Induced Retinal Inflammation and Vascular Leakage
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Xu Xueliang , Elliott Michael H. , Zhu Meili , Le Yun-Zheng 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A or VEGF) is a major pathogenic factor and therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy (DR). Since VEGF has been proposed as a survival factor for retinal neurons, defining the cellular origin of pathogenic VEGF is necessary for the effectiveness and safety of long-term anti-VEGF therapies for DR. To determine the significance of Müller cell-derived VEGF in DR, we disrupted VEGF in Müller cells with an inducible Cre/lox system and examined diabetes-induced retinal inflammation and vascular leakage in these conditional VEGF knockout (KO) mice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Leukostasis was determined by counting the number of fluorescently labeled leukocytes inside retinal vasculature. Expression of biomarkers for retinal inflammation was assessed by immunoblotting of TNF-α, ICAM-1, and NF-κB. Vascular leakage was measured by immunoblotting of retinal albumin and fluorescent microscopic analysis of extravascular albumin. Diabetes-induced vascular alterations were examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry for tight junctions, and by trypsin digestion assays for acellular capillaries. Retinal integrity was analyzed with morphologic and morphometric analyses.

RESULTS
Diabetic conditional VEGF KO mice exhibited significantly reduced leukostasis, expression of inflammatory biomarkers, depletion of tight junction proteins, numbers of acellular capillaries, and vascular leakage compared to diabetic control mice.

CONCLUSIONS
Müller cell-derived VEGF plays an essential and causative role in retinal inflammation, vascular lesions, and vascular leakage in DR. Therefore, Müller cells are a primary cellular target for proinflammatory signals that mediates retinal inflammation and vascular leakage in DR.
A Marker of Endotoxemia Is Associated With Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders in Apparently Healthy Chinese
Authors: Sun Liang , Yu Zhijie , Ye Xingwang , Zou Shurong , Li Huaixing , Yu Danxia , Wu Hongyu , Chen Yan , Dore Joel , Clément Karine , Hu Frank B. , Lin Xu 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE
Elevated lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), a marker of subclinical endotoxemia, may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic risk. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma LBP and metabolic disorders in apparently healthy Chinese.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A population-based study including 559 overweight/obese (BMI ≥24.0 kg/m2) and 500 normal-weight (18.0 ≤ BMI &lt;24.0 kg/m2) subjects aged 35–54 years was conducted in Shanghai, China. Fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, LBP, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin, leptin, hepatic enzymes, and body composition were measured. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criterion for Asian Americans.

RESULTS
LBP levels were significantly higher in overweight/obese individuals than in normal-weight individuals (geometric mean 27.6 [95% CI 25.2–30.3] vs. 10.0 [9.1–11.1] μg/ml; P &lt; 0.001). After multiple adjustments including BMI, the odds ratios were 3.54 (95% CI 2.05–6.09) and 5.53 (95% CI 2.64–11.59) for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, respectively, comparing the highest with the lowest LBP quartile. Further adjustments for inflammatory markers almost abolished the significant association of LBP with metabolic syndrome but not that with type 2 diabetes, and controlling for adipokines and hepatic enzymes did not substantially alter the results.

CONCLUSIONS
Elevated circulating LBP was associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes in apparently healthy Chinese. These findings suggested a role of lipopolysaccharide via initiation of innate immune mechanism(s) in metabolic disorders. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Outcomes of Sinus Surgery in Ambulatory Patients with Immune Dysfunction
Authors: Khalid Ayesha N. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: June 2010

Background Previous outcomes studies of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have mostly excluded subjects with immunodeficiency or autoimmune disease. Although expert opinion suggests these patients are often refractory to therapy, outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are not well delineated. We evaluated improvement in objective and quality of life (QoL) measures after ESS in adult patients treated in the ambulatory setting with immune dysfunction including immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. Methods Patients with CRS associated with immune dysfunction (n = 22) were evaluated and matched 1:1 with control subjects from a prospective cohort in a nested case-control design. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and pre-/postoperative endoscopic findings were recorded. Disease-specific QoL instruments (the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI] and Chronic Sinusitis Survey [CSS]) were administered pre- and postoperatively. Results Mean postoperative follow-up was similar for both cases (18.6 ± 6.6 months) and controls (18.4 ± 8.7 months). Preoperative CT and endoscopy scores (i.e., disease severity) were similar in both cases and controls. Postoperative endoscopy scores were significantly improved for both cases (p < 0.001) and controls (p = 0.012). Both groups had similar preoperative and postoperative scores on the CSS; however, control subjects reported significantly worse RSDI baseline scores. Immunodeficiency and autoimmune cases and CRS controls experienced significant improvement in QoL after surgery (p ≤ 0.041). Conclusion Immunodeficiency and autoimmune cases, in the ambulatory setting, present with similar severity of disease when compared with controls with CRS. We found similar improvements in both objective and QoL outcomes for case subjects and control subjects, suggesting that patients with immune dysfunction may experience similar benefit from ESS.
Clinical audits and regulatory inspections – double efforts and expenses for radiation protection?
Authors: Hirvonen-Kari Mirja , Järvinen Hannu , Kivisaari Leena 
Published: June 2010

Background: Clinical audit as a systematic examination of medical procedures improves the quality and outcome of patient care. The purpose of a regulatory inspection is to check and verify that the operation and facilities are in full conformance with all legal requirements. Purpose: To examine the content of the clinical audits and regulatory inspections of radiological procedures and whether these overlap, and to evaluate the costs to radiological units. Material and Methods: Clinical audits were carried out at each imaging unit of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) Medical Imaging Center in Finland in 2004 and 2005. The regulatory inspections were carried out after the clinical audits from 2005 to late 2007. The contents of the clinical audit and inspection reports were analyzed statistically and by content analysis. The results of the audits and the inspections were compared to analyze the overlaps, differences, and costs. Results: The validity and conditions of the safety license, lines of authority, and responsibilities for the use of radiation and patient doses caused by different examinations were evaluated in both audits and inspections. The coverage and frequency of quality control procedures were monitored in every audit and inspection, but inspectors, in addition, checked radiation output. The costs of clinical audit and inspection were under 20 cents per radiological procedure. The auditors gave 98 recommendations, while inspectors gave 62 recommendations and 25 requirements. In clinical audits most of the recommendations concerned guidelines for examining a patient. In the inspections most recommendations were in the category of quality assurance activities. Conclusion: The clinical audits and regulatory inspections were cheap and had few overlapping topics, but several differences were apparent: in clinical audits, a broader and deeper view of the clinical procedures was taken by comparison with good practices, while regulatory inspections have mainly verified conformance to basic regulatory requirements.
The Impact of U.S. Non-price Export Promotion Program on Export Demand for U.S. Peanuts in North America
Authors: Boonsaeng Tullaya , Fletcher Stanley M. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the U.S. federal non-price export promotion programs on U.S. export demand in North America. A single-equation framework was specified for estimation of the peanut export demand model. Results indicate that the own-price of the importing country had a negative relationship with U.S. peanut exports, while the price of Chinese peanut exports and real income (GDP) of the importing country were positively related to U.S. peanuts exports. Export promotion programs had a positive effect on the export demand for U.S. peanut to Mexico while these programs seemed to have no effect in Canada.
T‐antigen as a biomarker of progression‐free survival in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Guan Liao , Wang Wenwen , Ji Xuefei , Cheng Hongwei , Du Weidong , Ye Lei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveGlioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive brain tumors and often leads to poor outcomes. Studies have indicated that glycan levels are significantly correlated with the pathogenesis and development of cancers. However, whether glycan levels can serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in GBM remains unclear.MethodsWe obtained glycomic profiles in tissue and serum samples from 55 individuals with GBM using a well‐established lectin biochip platform probing with 11 specific lectins.ResultsOur univariate analysis showed that 5 out of the 11 lectin‐probed glycans (LPGs) were significantly higher in GBM tissues than in peri‐tumoral tissues. After logistic regression analyses, only the Jacalin‐probed T‐antigen difference between the two groups remained significant (p = 0.037). Moreover, survival‐related analyses showed that the level of Jacalin‐probed T‐antigen was significantly associated with the progression‐free survival (p = 0.038) of patients. However, none of the LPG levels were correlated with the overall survival or the chemosensitivity to temozolomide therapy. The correlation coefficient analysis showed a moderate‐to‐strong correlation in the Jacalin‐probed T‐antigen levels between GBM tissues and serum samples, indicating its potential usefulness as a non‐invasive GBM progression biomarker.InterpretationGlycomics analyses can be helpful in the prediction of GBM recurrences and may provide information useful for GBM glycan‐based target therapies or vaccine development.
Strain‐Tolerant Nanocomposite Conductors with Engineered Bicontinuous Phase System by Additive Liquid/Solid Assembly
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Shao Pengpeng , Hua Chenxi , Xu Shixuan , Qu Daopeng , Liu Yanjun , Yu Jiangyun , Song Xinyu , Jiang Jing , Liu Yu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntrinsically stretchable conductors are vital components in next‐generation flexible electronics. However, solid conductive networks are generally vulnerable to external deformations due to their incompatible mechanical properties with the highly elastic substrates or matrixes. It is still challenging to achieve precisely controlled conductive structure with stable electromechanical performances. Herein, a nanocomposite conductor with 3D engineered bicontinuous phase system is developed, which is constructed by alternately arranged robust solid‐phase and conductive liquid‐phase via additive liquid/solid assembly. The proper rheological properties and extraordinary structural compatibility of the liquid‐phase prompt the formation of bridged structure within the 3D periodic solid‐phase main skeleton, giving rise to stable and even strain‐enhanced electrical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties under external deformation. A negative resistance change of −37% along with unabated EMI shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties are obtained at 100% strain, showing negligible performance degradation even after 10,000 cycles of rigorous stretching and releasing. A strain‐tolerant pressure‐sensing device is further demonstrated using the liquid/solid nanocomposite structure, delivering a unique function of precisely recognizing the local pressure at large tensile loading interference. This work provides a new paradigm for the manufacturing of nanocomposites with desired functionalities using the adequate nanofiller reserve toward practical strain‐tolerant applications.
Bond Structure Engineering Induced the Mn Redox Stabilization Toward High‐Energy Mn‐Based Phosphate Cathode
Authors: He Liang , Ge Xiaochen , Wang Xu , Fang Jing , Lai Yanqing , Zhang Zhian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractManganese (Mn) ‐based phosphate is poised for commercial applications driven by its cost‐effectiveness, robust NASICON framework, and multi‐dimensional Na+ pathways. However, it encounters insufficient redox reactions and rapid structural collapse with severe lattice distortion as the culprit. Herein, one meticulously engineered substitutional solid solution cathode (integrating Na4MnCr(PO4)3 and Na3MnTi(PO4)3, denoted NMCTP) is proposed to regulate the local crystal structure of Mn─O bond to stabilize and promote the Mn redox reaction for optimizing the electrochemical performance. It is uncovered that the bulk framework with structural stability is constructed by strongly symmetric Mn─O bond lengths of MnO6 octahedrons and strengthened Mn─O covalency. In addition, the sufficient utilization of Mn redox is tightly correlated with redistributed Na2 occupancy and enhanced diffusion kinetics with accelerated electron transportation. By virtue of the above merits, The NMCTP performs ultra‐high capacity (150.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C) and appealing cycling stability (84.7% retention over 1000 cycles). Sodium storage mechanisms and potential factors at high potentials are unveiled in NMCTP materials. This work sheds light on fire‐new solid solution strengthening in view of the Mn─O bond structure for high‐performance Mn‐based phosphate cathodes.
Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogels for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Hao Zhe , Li Xiyan , Zhang Ruizhong , Zhang Libing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for biomedical applications, especially in the field of antibacterial therapeutics, due to their unique structural properties, highly tunable physicochemical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. The integration of stimuli‐responsive functions into antibacterial hydrogels holds the potential to enhance their antibacterial properties and therapeutic efficacy, dynamically responding to different external or internal stimuli, such as pH, temperature, enzymes, and light. Therefore, this review describes the applications of hydrogel dressings responsive to different stimuli in antibacterial therapy. The collaborative interaction between stimuli‐responsive hydrogels and antibacterial materials is discussed. This synergistic approach, in contrast to conventional antibacterial materials, not only amplifies the antibacterial effect but also alleviates adverse side effects and diminishes the incidence of multiple infections and drug resistance. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and outlines future research directions for stimuli‐responsive antibacterial hydrogels. It underscores the imperative for ongoing interdisciplinary research aimed at unraveling the mechanisms of wound healing. This understanding is crucial for optimizing the design and implementation of stimuli‐responsive antibacterial hydrogels. Ultimately, this review aims to offer scientific guidance for the development and practical clinical application of stimuli‐responsive antibacterial hydrogel dressings.
Superhydrophobic Solar‐to‐Thermal Materials Toward Cutting‐Edge Applications
Authors: Li Shan , Xiao Peng , Chen Tao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSolar‐to‐thermal conversion is a direct and effective way to absorb sunlight for heat via the rational design and control of photothermal materials. However, when exposed to water‐existed conditions, the conventional solar‐to‐thermal performance may experience severe degradation owing to the high specific heat capacity of water. To tackle with the challenge, the water‐repellent function is introduced to construct superhydrophobic solar‐to‐thermal materials (SSTMs) for achieving stable heating, and even, for creating new application possibilities under water droplets, sweat, seawater, and ice environments. An in‐depth review of cutting‐edge research of SSTMs is given, focusing on synergetic functions, typical construction methods, and cutting‐edge potentials based on water medium. Moreover, the current challenges and future prospects based on SSTMs are also carefully discussed.
“Cloth‐to‐Clothes‐Like” Fabrication of Soft Actuators
Authors: Liang Huan , Zhang Yubai , He Enjian , Yang Yang , Liu Yawen , Xu Hongtu , Yang Zhijun , Wang Yixuan , Wei Yen , Ji Yan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInspired by adaptive natural organisms and living matter, soft actuators appeal to a variety of innovative applications such as soft grippers, artificial muscles, wearable electronics, and biomedical devices. However, their fabrication is typically limited in laboratories or a few enterprises since specific instruments, strong stimuli, or specialized operation skills are inevitably involved. Here a straightforward “cloth‐to‐clothes‐like” method to prepare soft actuators with a low threshold by combining the hysteretic behavior of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with the exchange reaction of dynamic covalent bonds, is proposed. Due to the hysteretic behavior, the LCEs (resemble “cloth”) effectively retain predefined shapes after stretching and releasing for extended periods. Subsequently, the samples naturally become soft actuators (resemble “clothes”) via the exchange reaction at ambient temperatures. As a post‐synthesis method, this strategy effectively separates the production of LCEs and soft actuators. LCEs can be mass‐produced in bulk by factories or producers and stored as prepared, much like rolls of cloth. When required, these LCEs can be customized into soft actuators as needed. This strategy provides a robust, flexible, and scalable solution to engineer soft actuators, holding great promise for mass production and universal applications.
Hydroxide‐Derived Nanostructures: Scalable Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, and Potential Applications
Authors: Badr Hussein O. , Barsoum Michel W. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMetal oxide nanostructures have received an increasing attention owing to their unique chemical and physical properties along with their widespread applications in various fields. This article provides an overview of the recent discovery – christened Hydroxides‐Derived Nanostructures, or HDNs – in which hydroxide aqueous solutions (mostly tetramethylammonium hydroxide, TMAH) are reacted at temperatures < 100 °C and under atmospheric pressure with various metal‐containing precursors to scalably prepare novel metal oxide nanostructures. In one case, a dozen commercial and earth abundant Ti‐containing powders such as binary carbides, nitrides, borides, among others, are converted into new, 1D TiO2‐based lepidocrocite (1DL) nanofilaments (NFs). Application‐wise, the 1DLs show outstanding performance in a number of energy, environmental, and biomedical fields such as photo‐ and electrocatalysis, water splitting, lithium–sulfur and lithium‐ion batteries, water purification, dye degradation, cancer therapy, and polymer composites. In addition to 1DL, the HDNs family encompasses other metal oxides nanostructures including magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and MnO2 birnessite‐based crystalline 2D flakes. The latter showed promise in electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications. The developed recipe provides a new vista in the molecular self‐assembly synthesis of nanomaterials that can advance the field with a library of novel nanostructures with substantial implications in a multitude of fields.