bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the polymerization effectiveness and biocompatibility of bio‐sourced, visible light‐based photoinitiator systems
Authors: Wendland Rion J. , Conway Matthew T. , Worthington Kristan S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe use of photopolymerization is expanding across a multitude of biomedical applications, from drug delivery to bioprinting. Many of these current and emerging photopolymerization systems employ visible light, as motivated by safety and energy efficiency considerations. However, the “library” of visible light initiators is limited compared with the wealth of options available for UV polymerization. Furthermore, the synthesis of traditional photoinitiators relies on diminishing raw materials, and several traditional photoinitiators are considered emerging environmental contaminants. As such, there has been recent focus on identifying and characterizing biologically sourced, visible light‐based photoinitiator systems that can be effectively used in photopolymerization applications. In this regard, several bio‐sourced molecules have been shown to act as photoinitiators, primarily through Type II photoinitiation mechanisms. However, whether bio‐sourced molecules can also act as effective synergists in these reactions remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of bio‐sourced synergist candidates, with a focus on amino acids, due to their amine functional groups, in combination with two bio‐sourced photoinitiator molecules: riboflavin and curcumin. We tested the effectiveness of these photoinitiator systems under both violet (405 nm) and blue (460–475 nm) light using photo‐rheology. We found that several synergist candidates, namely lysine, arginine, and histidine, increased the polymerization effectiveness of riboflavin when used with both violet and blue light. With curcumin, we found that almost all tested synergist candidates slightly decreased the polymerization effectiveness compared with curcumin alone under both light sources. These results show that bio‐sourced molecules have the potential to be used as synergists with bio‐sourced photoinitiators in visible light photopolymerization. However, more work must be done to fully characterize these reactions and to investigate more synergist candidates. Ultimately, this information is expected to expand the range of available visible light‐based photoinitiator systems and increase their sustainability.
Conflict's impacts on food systems: Mapping available evidence of interactions
Authors: Dowd Caitriona , Polzin Samuel S. , Gleason Kelsey , Yang Rebecca , Narang Pranay , Patel Ronak 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis scoping study maps the conflict and food systems nexus to identify broad themes, specific components and remaining gaps in research. Applying systems thinking and network analysis, the analysis points to three trends. First, studies are heavily focused on production, with relatively less attention to aspects including transport, trade and household utilisation. Second, geographically, food systems within Africa and at country‐level are well‐represented in existing research, at the expense of other regions and scales. Third, specific modalities of violence are often omitted, and we observe a tendency to aggregate discrete forms of insecurity. The study has implications for scholars and practitioners seeking to better understand and respond to conflict's impacts on food systems and suggests avenues for further research.
Two‐ and 3‐year outcomes in convalescent individuals with COVID‐19: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Huqin , Guan Lujia , Yang Tingyu , Ma Haomiao , Liu Xuefeng , Li Xuyan , Li Jieqiong , Tong Zhaohui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs the long‐term consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have not been defined, it is necessary to explore persistent symptoms, long‐term respiratory impairment, and impact on quality of life over time in COVID‐19 survivors. In this prospective cohort study, convalescent individuals diagnosed with COVID‐19 were followed‐up 2 and 3 years after discharge from hospital. Participants completed an in‐person interview to assess persistent symptoms and underwent blood tests, pulmonary function tests, chest high‐resolution computed tomography, and the 6‐min walking test. There were 762 patients at the 2‐year follow‐up and 613 patients at the 3‐year follow‐up. The mean age was 60 years and 415 (54.5%) were men. At 3 years, 39.80% of the participants had at least one symptom; most frequently, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, joint pain, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and cough. The participants experienced different degrees of pulmonary function impairment, with decreased carbon monoxide diffusion capacity being the main feature; results remained relatively stable over the 2–3 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex and smoking were independently associated with impaired diffusion capacity. A subgroup analysis based on disease severity was performed, indicating that there was no difference in other parameters of lung function except forced vital capacity at 3‐year follow‐up. Persistent radiographic abnormalities, most commonly fibrotic‐like changes, were observed at both timepoints. At 3 years, patients had a significantly improved Mental Component Score compared with that at 2 years, with a lower percentage with anxiety. Our study indicated that symptoms and pulmonary abnormalities persisted in COVID‐19 survivors at 3 years. Further studies are warranted to explore the long‐term effects of COVID‐19 and develop appropriate rehabilitation strategies.
Roles of reactive oxygen species in inflammation and cancer
Authors: Yu Yunfei , Liu Shengzhuo , Yang Luchen , Song Pan , Liu Zhenghuan , Liu Xiaoyang , Yan Xin , Dong Qiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) constitute a spectrum of oxygenic metabolites crucial in modulating pathological organism functions. Disruptions in ROS equilibrium span various diseases, and current insights suggest a dual role for ROS in tumorigenesis and the immune response within cancer. This review rigorously examines ROS production and its role in normal cells, elucidating the subsequent regulatory network in inflammation and cancer. Comprehensive synthesis details the documented impacts of ROS on diverse immune cells. Exploring the intricate relationship between ROS and cancer immunity, we highlight its influence on existing immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blockade, chimeric antigen receptors, and cancer vaccines. Additionally, we underscore the promising prospects of utilizing ROS and targeting ROS modulators as novel immunotherapeutic interventions for cancer. This review discusses the complex interplay between ROS, inflammation, and tumorigenesis, emphasizing the multifaceted functions of ROS in both physiological and pathological conditions. It also underscores the potential implications of ROS in cancer immunotherapy and suggests future research directions, including the development of targeted therapies and precision oncology approaches. In summary, this review emphasizes the significance of understanding ROS‐mediated mechanisms for advancing cancer therapy and developing personalized treatments.
Role of durotomy on function outcome, tissue sparing, inflammation, and tissue stiffness after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Jin Chen , Wang Kaiwei , Ren Yilong , Li Yi , Wang Zhanwei , Cheng Liming , Xie Ning 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCurrently, there is a lack of effective treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI), a debilitating medical condition associated with enduring paralysis and irreversible neuronal damage. Extradural decompression of osseous as well as soft tissue components has historically been the principal objective of surgical procedures. Nevertheless, this particular surgical procedure fails to tackle the intradural compressive alterations that contribute to secondary SCI. Here, we propose an early intrathecal decompression strategy and evaluate its role on function outcome, tissue sparing, inflammation, and tissue stiffness after SCI. Durotomy surgery significantly promoted recovery of hindlimb locomotor function in an open‐field test. Radiological analysis suggested that lesion size and tissue edema were significantly reduced in animals that received durotomy. Relative to the group with laminectomy alone, the animals treated with a durotomy had decreased cavitation, scar formation, and inflammatory responses at 4 weeks after SCI. An examination of the mechanical properties revealed that durotomy facilitated an expeditious restoration of the injured tissue's elastic rigidity. In general, early decompressive durotomy could serve as a significant strategy to mitigate the impairments caused by secondary injury and establish a more conducive microenvironment for prospective cellular or biomaterial transplantation.
THz active modulation device by electric field turned modulation characteristics of titanium sulfide nanofilm device
Authors: Gao Feilong , Hou Shaodong , Li Guoru , Zhang Bingyuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAn effective approach to manipulate terahertz (THz) waves involves the utilization of a device structure. In this particular investigation, we have successfully fabricated a SnS2 nanofilm device using femtosecond laser direct ablation. The passive and active polarization‐sensitive characteristics of the SnS2 nanofilm device were examined within the THz frequency range, employing different line spaces of 500, 600, and 700 μm. The combination of the device effect and SnS2 absorption led to an enhanced passive polarization modulation. Moreover, when an external electric field was applied to the SnS2 nanofilm device along the device line, persistent switching and linear modulation of THz wave transmission were observed. These findings indicate that the integration of material properties and device structure in this SnS2 device renders it highly suitable for applications in ultrafast THz switches, filters, and modulation devices.
Waterscapes meet socio‐ecological models: A relational framework to examine water insecurity and human health and well‐being
Authors: Tallman Paula Skye , Piland Natalia C. , Villarmarzo Melanie , Victoria‐Lacy Lulu , Valdés‐Velásquez Armando 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Water insecurity, the inability to benefit from affordable, adequate, reliable and safe water, is one of the greatest contemporary threats facing humans. While ‘water insecurity’, as a concept, is globally recognized and serves an essential function in policymaking, it does not capture the multiple, relational connections between Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) and water systems. We contend that studies of water insecurity and health among IPLCs can be improved by applying a systematic approach to the concept of waterscapes. The term waterscape describes the socio‐natural relations between humans and water.

To make examining waterscapes more systematic and to draw attention to the importance of health within waterscapes, we use a four‐tiered socio–ecological approach to describe the multi‐level interactions between IPLCs and local water systems in the Amazonian watershed. We then apply this four‐tiered model to the case of the Belo Monte dam in the Brazilian Amazon to identify the specific health impacts of disrupting the Xingu River waterscape.

Applying the four‐tiered socio‐ecological approach to the Belo Monte case study showed that this dam led to flooding and compromised water quality that local people associated with an increased risk for chronic health conditions, such as kidney and renal diseases, and vector‐borne diseases, such as dengue. Displacement due to the dam threatened food security, economic security, community cohesion and the cultural survival of multiple IPLCs along the Xingu river. Our approach uncovers not only the direct consequences of the dam on water insecurity but also the broader implications for community well‐being and cultural integrity, addressing the diverse challenges arising from human‐water interactions.

The four‐tiered approach for assessing waterscapes offers a framework that enables a comprehensive examination of the intricate relations between water and humans. While there are overlaps among the levels, this framework is applicable to other situations where mining, oil extraction and the construction of hydrovías are substantially altering local waterscapes. Tools such as this one can promote more meaningful engagement between researchers, policymakers, and IPLCs in defining the range of outcomes to be considered in social and environmental impact assessments.

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Effect of graphene oxide/layered double hydroxide modified by 7‐octenyltrimethoxysilane on the mechanical and gas barrier properties of fluoroelastomers
Authors: Cong Chuanbo , Peng Daigang , Yuang Mingyang , Liu Mingchao , Umer Rehan , Zhou Qiong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLayered double hydroxide/graphene oxide (GLDH) composites (SGLDH) modified by 7‐octenyltrimethoxysilane (7‐OTOS) were prepared by co‐precipitation method. The structure and morphology of SGLDH were characterized using x‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. According to the obtained results, 7‐OTOS was successfully grafted onto graphene oxide (GO) and layered double hydroxide (LDH) surfaces. 7‐OTOS was grafted on both GO and LDH surfaces, which is why the amount of LDH loaded on the SGLDH surface was significantly increased compared with that on the GLDH composite. The filler‐matrix interfacial interactions of the SGLDH‐filled fluoroelastomer composites were characterized using contact angle analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, RPA analysis, FTIR, SEM, and cross‐linking density tests. It was indicated that the interfacial interactions between the SGLDH and matrix were significantly improved, and the SGLDH was well dispersed in the fluoroelastomer composites. In addition, the gas barrier properties and mechanical properties of the fluoroelastomer composites were tested. The carbon dioxide permeability coefficients of the fluoroelastomer composites filled with 10‐phr SGLDH increased by about 32.1% and 20.3%, and the tensile strengths increased by about 47.6% and 27.7%, respectively, compared with those of the fluoroelastomer composites filled with 10‐phr LDH and GLDH.Highlights
SLDH nanocomposites are based on silyl ether linkages to increase LDH loading.
Elastomer nanocomposites exhibited interfacial cross‐linking mechanism.
Interfacial interactions were exhibited between FKM and SGLDH.
FKM/SGLDH exhibited enhanced gas barrier properties (+32%) compared to FKM.
FKM/SGLDH exhibited enhanced mechanical properties (+47%) compared to FKM.
Effects of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol on functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition in individuals with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gomes dos Santos Ewerton Graziane , Vieira da Costa Karina , Cordeiro de Souza Iara Tainá , Victor dos Santos Felix João , Furtado Brandão Celso Brendo , Michelle de Souza Fernandes Vanessa , Lugon Favero Andressa Bomfim , Lucrécia de Aquino Gouveia Maria , Tavares de Lima Dyego , Heriston de Morais Lima José , Pedrosa Rafaela , Alves de Oliveira Valéria Mayaly , da Cruz Santos Amilton , Gama Tatiana Onofre , Guedes de Brito Geraldo Eduardo , Tenório de França Eduardo Eriko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveReduced functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and changes in body composition are common in patients with post‐COVID‐19 syndrome (PCS), and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation may improve these parameters. Thus, the present study verified the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (respiratory, aerobic, and resistance muscle training) on submaximal exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition.MethodsThis controlled and randomized clinical trial applied a six‐week outpatient intervention protocol in individuals over 18 years old (n = 33) with a diagnosis of COVID‐19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. These individuals were allocated to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (n = 17) or control groups (i.e., educational lectures; n = 16). The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group performed respiratory, aerobic, and resistance muscle training. Submaximal exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, and body composition were assessed before and after the protocol.ResultsAfter 6 weeks, the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group increased the tolerance to submaximal exercise, with a difference of 100.46 m (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.40–193 m) in the distance walked on the six‐minute walk test, reduced dyspnea (−1.45, 95% CI: −1.98–−0.92) in the modified Medical Research Council, and increased 0.63 kg (95% CI: 0.09–1.18 kg) of muscle mass in the upper limbs compared with the control group.ConclusionThe six‐week cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol improved functional capacity, reduced dyspnea, and increased muscle mass in the upper limbs in individuals with PCS. Thus, these results supported the protocol use in this population and encourage further studies to assess its effectiveness in a large sample.
The utility of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS‐TBMC) for the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphoma
Authors: Huan Nai‐Chien , Lee Wei Lun , Ramarmuty Hema Yamini , Nyanti Larry Ellee , Tsen Melody Shu Ling , Yunus Dahziela 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEndobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is a revolutionary tool for the diagnosis and staging of mediastinal disorders. Nevertheless, its diagnostic capability is reduced in certain disorders such as lymphoproliferative diseases. EBUS‐guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS‐TBMC) is a novel technique that can provide larger samples with preserved tissue architecture, with an acceptable safety profile. In this case report, we present a middle‐aged gentleman with a huge anterior mediastinal mass and bilateral mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. He underwent EBUS‐TBNA with rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) followed by EBUS‐TBMC, all under general anaesthesia. Histopathological analysis showed discordance between EBUS‐TBNA and EBUS‐TBMC in which only TBMC samples provided adequate tissue to attain a diagnosis of primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma. This case report reinforced the diagnostic role of EBUS‐TBMC in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative diseases.
Sharing three‐dimensional occupancy grid maps to support multi‐UAVs cooperative navigation systems
Authors: Basso Maik , da Silva Antonio S. , Stocchero Diego Alvim , de Freitas Edison P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDue to recent advances in mobile robotics, applications involving multiple robots have become the focus of research in this area. Communication and data exchange among robots are essential features of these systems. In this context, this work presents the conception and the implementation of an application used to share local three‐dimensional occupancy grid maps in a network composed of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This system is based on compression, serialization, packaging, and data transmission whenever the maps receive updates. The simulations demonstrate that the application can significantly reduce the map data size and efficiently share it among all members of the cooperative system. Moreover, a scalability test demonstrates that the system is scalable with a growing number of UAVs.
How renal toxins respond to renal function deterioration and oral toxic adsorbent in pH‐controlled releasing capsule
Authors: Liu Wen‐Sheng , Liang Shih‐Shin , Cheng Mei‐Mei , Wu Ming‐Tsan , Li Szu‐Yuan , Cheng Tien‐Tien , Liu Tsung‐Yun , Tsai Ching‐Yao , Lai Yen‐Ting , Lin Chien‐Hung , Wang Hsiang‐Tsui , Tsou Han‐Hsing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. Oral toxin adsorbents may provide some value. Several uremic toxins, including indoxyl sulfate (IS), p‐cresol (PCS), acrolein, per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and inflammation markers (interleukin 6 [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐alpha) have been shown to be related to CKD progression. A total of 81 patients taking oral activated charcoal toxin adsorbents (AC‐134), which were embedded in capsules that dissolved in the terminal ileum, three times a day for 1 month, were recruited. The renal function, hemoglobulin (Hb), inflammation markers, three PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA), and acrolein were quantified. Compared with the baseline, an improved glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and significantly lower acrolein were noted. Furthermore, the CKD stage 4 and 5 group had significantly higher concentrations of IS, PCS, IL‐6, and TNF but lower levels of Hb and PFAS compared with the CKD Stage 3 group at baseline and after the intervention. Hb was increased only in the CKD Stage 3 group after the trial (p = .032). Acrolein did not differ between the different CKD stage groups. Patients with improved GFR (responders) (about 77%) and nonresponders had similar baseline GFR. Responders had higher acrolein and PFOA levels throughout the study and a more significant reduction in acrolein, indicating a better digestion function. Both the higher PFOA and lower acrolein may be related to improved eGFR (and possibly to improvements in proteinuria, which we did not measure. Proteinuria is associated with PFAS loss in the urine), AC‐134 showed the potential to improve the GFR and decrease acrolein, which might better indicate renal function change. Future studies are needed with longer follow‐ups.
The role of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune inflammation index in predicting the necessity for surgery and therapeutic surgery in patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds
Authors: Demirpolat Muhammed Taha , İslam Mehmet Muzaffer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn this diagnostic accuracy study, we examined the effectiveness of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) in predicting the need for surgical intervention in patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASW) who exhibit unclear findings on physical examination yet remain hemodynamically stable.MethodsOver a 7‐year period, patients with AASW were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups as surgical (SG) and nonsurgical group (nSG). The SG were also divided into two groups as therapeutic surgery (TS) group and the non‐therapeutic surgery (nTS) group. The groups were compared in terms of NLR, PLR values and SII scores.ResultsIn a retrospective analysis of 199 patients with AASW, NLR, PLR and SII obtained during clinical follow‐up of patients with AASW in whom the necessity for immediate surgery was unclear significantly predicted therapeutic surgery (p < 0.001 for all). These parameters did not show a significant difference in predicting the need for surgery at the admission. NLR showed an AUC of 0.971 and performed significantly better than PLR and SII (AUC = 0.874 and 0.902, respectively) in predicting TS. The optimal cut‐off value for NLR was 3.33, with a sensitivity of 98.2%, a specificity of 90%, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.02. Time from admission to surgery was significantly shorter in the TS group (p = 0.001).ConclusionNLR, PLR and SII values may be useful in predicting therapeutic surgery during clinical follow‐up in AASW patients with unclear physical examination findings and in whom immediate surgical decisions cannot be made.