bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditional Minimal Detectable Change for the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-35 Profile Associated With Improved Functional Abilities 12 Months After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: McRackan Theodore R. , Seamon Bryant A. , Shannon Christian M. , Hand Brittany N. , Velozo Craig A. , Dubno Judy R. ,   The Cochlear Implant Quality of Life Development Consortium
Published: June 2023

ImportanceIt is essential to measure an individual patient’s baseline and follow-up abilities to demonstrate changes in clinical outcomes over time. Inherent in this strategy is interpreting whether the measured change is clinically significant and beyond measurement error. Conditional minimal detectable change (cMDC) values are widely used in many disciplines but have rarely been established for outcome measures in otolaryngology or hearing research, and never in cochlear implantation.ObjectiveTo determine cMDC values for the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-35 (CIQOL-35) Profile instrument to enhance our understanding of the initial and ongoing changes in functional abilities from cochlear implants (CIs).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsItem response theory analyses of responses from a multi-institutional cohort of 705 CI users at a tertiary CI center were used to derive standard error (SE) values for each possible CIQOL-35 domain score. Using an iterative approach, these SE values were used to calculate cMDC values for every possible pre-CI and post-CI domain score combination. We then compared pre-CI to 12-month post-CI CIQOL-35 domains scores in an independent cohort of 65 adult CI users to determine whether the measured change exceeded error to be clinically significant. The analysis took place on December 14, 2022.InterventionsThe CIQOL-35 Profile instrument and cochlear implantation.ResultsThe cMDC values were smaller for the communication domain, and global measure and cMDC values for all domains were larger at the extremes of the measurement scale. Overall, 60 CI users (92.3%) demonstrated improvement beyond cMDC at 12 months post-CI for at least 1 CIQOL-35 domain, and no patients’ scores declined beyond cMDC for any domain. The percentage of CI users demonstrating improvement beyond cMDC varied by domain, with communication (53 [81.5%]) showing the largest number of CI users improving, followed by global (42 [64.6%]) and entertainment (40 [60.9%]). In general, CI users who demonstrated improvement in CIQOL-35 domains had greater improvement in speech recognition scores than patients who did not, but the strength and significance of these associations greatly varied by domain and speech material.Conclusions and RelevanceThis multistep cohort study found that cMDC values for the CIQOL-35 Profile provided personalized thresholds for detecting real changes in patient self-reported functional abilities over time across multiple domains, which may inform clinical decision-making. Moreover, these longitudinal results reveal the domains with more or less improvement, which may aid in patient counseling.
Interfacial Reaction Enhanced Liquid‐Phase Sintering of Metal/Oxide Soft Magnetic Composite
Authors: Bai Guohua , Liu Junhong , Bandaru Sateesh , Li Zhong , Sun Jiayi , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Xiaolian , Li Hongxia , Chen Junfu , Zhang Xuefeng 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSoft magnetic composites (SMCs) are ungently demanded in high‐frequency power electronics for their large magnetization and high electrical resistivity. However, traditional cold‐pressed SMCs are faced with low mechanical strength and insulation instability, which severely restricts their applications. In this study, liquid‐phase sintering techniques to prepare FeSiAl/MoO3 SMCs are orginally employed, where consolidation and insulation of metallic magnetic particles are achieved in one step. The redox reaction between FeSiAl and MoO3 melt greatly reduces the interfacial energy, facilitates fully wetting of FeSiAl particles by MoO3 melt, and promotes the densification process during sintering. In the final FeSiAl/MoO3 SMC, FeSiAl particles are bonded covalently and insulated electrically/magnetically by the resultant Al2O3 transition layer, endowing the SMC with high crushing strength of 250 MPa, cut‐off frequency of 110 MHz, permeability of 35 (@1 MHz), and low power loss of 962 kW m−3 (5 MHz, 5 mT). This study provides alternative concept for designing new SMCs, and broadens the connotation and extension of liquid‐phase sintering.
MicroRNA‐Responsive DNA Dendrimer Acts as a Smart STING Signal Amplifier
Authors: Wu Rong , Xue Yi , Zhan Jiayin , Feng Zhiyuan , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Zhang Jingjing 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe cGAS‐STING (cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes) pathway is emerging as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. However, developing specific and effective strategies for activating the cGAS‐STING pathway in tumors is still challenging. Here, a microRNA‐21 (miR‐21)‐responsive nucleic acid system, as a STING signal amplifier, is designed based on the branched catalytic hairpin assembly (bCHA). The effects of three types of dsDNA structures (linear dsDNA, Y scaffold dsDNA, and dsDNA dendrimer) on cGAS‐STING activation are systematically studied. This study demonstrates that dsDNA dendrimer can induce the most effective liquid–liquid phase separation in a miR‐21‐dependent manner, allowing the controllable activation of cGAS‐STING in both cancer cells and dendritic cells. Given the programmable nature of nucleic acid structure, this study will enable a readily accessible platform for integrating with immunotherapeutic strategies while opening new avenues for controllable, tumor‐specific activation of STING agonists.
P‐type Semiconducting Polymers as Photocathodes: A Comparative Study for Optobioelectronics
Authors: Bondi Luca , Marzuoli Camilla , Gutiérrez‐Fernández Edgar , Tullii Gabriele , Martín Jaime , Fraboni Beatrice , Mecerreyes David , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Cramer Tobias 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRecent studies have shown that p‐type polymeric semiconductors enable a new type of wireless, optically triggered interface with cells and tissues. Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) has already been used to create such optobioelectronic interfaces, producing reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide that act as messengers in biological systems to impact cell signaling and proliferation. However, the use of P3HT in biomedical in‐vivo applications is limited as its optical absorption does not match the tissue transparency window. This paper compares the performance of P3HT with two low band‐gap polymers commonly employed in high‐performance organic solar cells, namely Poly[[4,8‐bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2‐thienyl]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl]‐2,5‐thiophenediyl[5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4,8‐dioxo‐4H,8H‐benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐1,3‐diyl]] (PBDB‐T) and Poly({4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl}{3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b] thiophenediyl}) (PTB7). Their photogeneration capabilities are quantified in physiological‐like conditions through photocurrent analysis and a hydrogen peroxide assay, finding a superior photocurrent generation and a better H2O2 photogeneration yield in PTB7 as compared to the other two polymers. Spectroscopic and structural investigations are used to compare such differences by comparing their energy levels at the electrochemical interface and their morphologies. Finally, biocompatibility is tested both in dark and illuminated conditions and effective in‐vitro intracellular ROS production is demonstrated. These findings provide insight into the physico‐chemical properties crucial for the development of novel, less invasive, optically operated bioelectronic interfaces.
Exploring collaboration models between geneticists and intensivists for implementing rapid genome sequencing in critical care settings
Authors: Fishler Kristen P. , Steber Hannah S. , Brunelli Luca , Shope Ronald J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe availability of rapid genome sequencing (rGS) for children in a critical‐care setting is increasing. This study explored the perspectives of geneticists and intensivists on optimal collaboration and division of roles when implementing rGS in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs). We conducted an explanatory mixed methods study involving a survey embedded within an interview with 13 genetics and intensive care providers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Geneticists endorsed higher confidence in performing a physical exam and interpreting/communicating positive results. Intensivists endorsed highest confidence in determining whether genetic testing was appropriate, communicating negative results, and consenting. Major qualitative themes that emerged were: (1) concerns with both “genetics‐led” and “intensivist‐led” models with workflows and sustainability (2) shift the role of determining rGS eligibility to ICU medical professionals, (3) continued role of geneticists to assess phenotype, and (4) include genetic counselors (GCs) and neonatal nurse practitioners to enhance workflow and care. All geneticists supported shifting decisions regarding eligibility for rGS to the ICU team to minimize time cost for the genetics workforce. Exploring models of geneticist‐led phenotyping, intensivist‐led phenotyping for some indications, and/or inclusion of a dedicated inpatient GC may help offset the time burden of consenting and other tasks associated with rGS.
Ecogeography‐related humerus morphological variation within southern Patagonia hunter‐gatherers
Authors: D'Angelo del Campo Manuel Domingo , Romero Alejandro , Salega Soledad , Guichón Ricardo Aníbal 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesSouthern Patagonian (SP) hunter‐gatherers were adapted to diverse environments and subsistence strategies. However, ecological factors affecting variation in upper‐limb proportions have not been thoroughly examined. This study analyses whether size‐related humerus morphology differs among hunter‐gatherers from SP according to specific subsistence economy and physical environment.Materials and MethodsThirty‐nine left humeri of adult individuals were selected from well‐documented SP archeological sites. Individuals were grouped into terrestrial or maritime hunter‐gatherers based on diet‐related archeological and stable isotope records. Five humeral head and diaphyseal metrics were taken and statistically compared among subsistence strategy groups across four ecogeographic subregions.ResultsTerrestrial hunter‐gatherers exhibit greater humeral dimensions compared to maritime hunter‐gatherers. An ecogeographic pattern of humerus size variation was also found, showing significant size reduction in individuals from southern regions.ConclusionThe previously determined low genetic variability within hunter‐gatherers from SP suggests that the physical environment played an important role in humeral adaptive plasticity. These findings also highlight morphological upper‐limb responses to bioclimate factors derived from SP subregions.
Early increase in eosinophil count may predict long‐term hypereosinophilia during dupilumab treatment: a 2‐year observational study
Authors: Rampi Andrea , Tanzini Umberto , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Danè Giulia , Moroni Luca , Yacoub Mona‐Rita , Trimarchi Matteo 
Published: June 2023

Key points
In a limited subset of patients, dupilumab‐induced hypereosinophilia is persistent.
Two‐month follow‐up eosinophil count may predict long‐lasting hypereosinophilia.
CircPMS1 promotes proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and pericytes under hypoxia
Authors: Hu Xiaoyi , Wang Shang , Zhao Hui , Wei Yaqin , Duan Ruowang , Jiang Rong , Wu Wenhui , Zhao Qinhua , Gong Sugang , Wang Lan , Liu Jinming , Yuan Ping 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recognized as significant regulators of pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, the differential expression and function of circRNAs in different vascular cells under hypoxia remain unknown. Here, we identified co‐differentially expressed circRNAs and determined their putative roles in the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMECs), and pericytes (PCs) under hypoxia.MethodsWhole transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the differential expression of circRNAs in three different vascular cell types. Bioinformatic analysis was used to predict their putative biological function. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Cell Counting Kit‐8, and EdU Cell Proliferation assays were carried out to determine the role of circular postmeiotic segregation 1 (circPMS1) as well as its potential sponge mechanism in PASMCs, PMECs, and PCs.ResultsPASMCs, PMECs, and PCs exhibited 16, 99, and 31 differentially expressed circRNAs under hypoxia, respectively. CircPMS1 was upregulated in PASMCs, PMECs, and PCs under hypoxia and enhanced the proliferation of vascular cells. CircPMS1 may upregulate DEP domain containing 1 (DEPDC1) and RNA polymerase II subunit D expression by targeting microRNA‐432‐5p (miR‐432‐5p) in PASMCs, upregulate MAX interactor 1 (MXI1) expression by targeting miR‐433‐3p in PMECs, and upregulate zinc finger AN1‐type containing 5 (ZFAND5) expression by targeting miR‐3613‐5p in PCs.ConclusionsOur results suggest that circPMS1 promotes cell proliferation through the miR‐432‐5p/DEPDC1 or miR‐432‐5p/POL2D axis in PASMCs, through the miR‐433‐3p/MXI1 axis in PMECs, and through the miR‐3613‐5p/ZFAND5 axis in PCs, which provides putative targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of PH.
Ultra‐stable Zinc Metal Anodes at −20 °C through Eutectic Solvation Sheath in Chlorine‐functionalized Eutectic Electrolytes with 1,3‐Dioxolane
Authors: Lu Xuejun , Liu Zhenhua , Amardeep Amardeep , Wu Zhenrui , Tao Li , Qu Keqi , Sun Hao , Liu Yulong , Liu Jian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe brain‐storm of designing low‐cost and commercialized eutectic electrolytes for zinc (Zn)‐based electrochemical energy storage (ZEES) remains unresolved and attractive, especially when implementing it at low temperatures. Here, we report an appealing layout of advancing chlorine‐functionalized eutectic (Cl‐FE) electrolytes via exploiting Cl anion‐induced eutectic interaction with Zn acetate solutions. This novel eutectic liquid shows high affinity to collaborate with 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) and is prone to constitute Cl‐FE/DOL‐based electrolytes with a unique inner/outer eutectic solvation sheath for the better regulation of Zn‐solvating neighboring and reconstruction of H‐bonding. The side reactions are effectively restricted on Zn anodes and a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.5 % can be achieved over 1000 cycles at −20 °C with Zn//Cu setups. By prototyping scale‐up Zn‐ion pouch cells using the optimal eutectic liquid of 3ZnOAc1.2Cl1.8‐DOL, we obtain improved electrochemical properties at −20 °C with a high capacitance of 203.9 F g−1 at 0.02 A g−1 in a range of 0.20–1.90 V and long‐term cycling ability with 95.3 % capacitance retention at 0.2 A g−1 over 3,000 cycles. Overall, the proposal of ideal Cl‐FE/DOL‐based electrolytes guides the design of sub‐zero and endurable aqueous ZEES devices and beyond.
Long‐Term Stable Hydrogen Production from Water and Lactic Acid via Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalysis in a Porous Microreactor
Authors: Meng Xin‐Yu , Li Jin‐Jin , Liu Peng , Duan Mingyu , Wang Jing , Zhou Yin‐Ning , Xie Yongbing , Luo Zheng‐Hong , Pan Yun‐Xiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPhotocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production is significant to overcome challenges like fossil fuel depletion and carbon dioxide emission, but its efficiency is still far below that which is needed for commercialization. Herein, we achieve long‐term stable H2 bubbling production from water (H2O) and lactic acid via visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis in a porous microreactor (PP12); the catalytic system benefits from photocatalyst dispersion, charge separation, mass transfer, and dissociation of O−H bonds associated with H2O. With the widely used platinum/cadmium‐sulfide (Pt/CdS) photocatalyst, PP12 leads to a H2 bubbling production rate of 602.5 mmol h−1 m−2, which is 1000 times higher than that in a traditional reactor. Even when amplifying PP12 into a flat‐plate reactor with an area as large as 1 m2 and extending the reaction time to 100 h, the H2 bubbling production rate still remains at around 600.0 mmol h−1 m−2, offering great potential for commercialization.
Utilization of biodiesel and glycerol for the synthesis of epoxidized acyl glycerides and its application as a plasticizer
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Cai Jinjin , Liu Zhonghui , Liang Xiaojiang , Yu Shangzhi , Nie Yong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn many regions, even if waste vegetable oil is used as raw material, the profits of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester, FAME) enterprises still remain restricted, and they are facing environmental problems caused by the by‐product glycerol. Hence, value‐added utilization of FAME and glycerol is a promising alternative to improve the competitiveness of biodiesel enterprises in the economy and environmental protection. In this paper, FAME and glycerol were utilized to prepare epoxidized acyl glycerides by transesterification and epoxidation. In the transesterification, acyl glycerides were prepared by reacting FAME and glycerol catalyzed by K2CO3. The contents of monoacyl glyceride, diacyl glyceride, and triacyl glyceride in the acyl glycerides were about 50%, 40%, and 10%, and the optimal conditions were a temperature of 200°C and the molar ratio of FAME to glycerol of 1:1. In the epoxidation, selectivity of epoxides was significantly affected by monoacyl glyceride content, and a treatment method was developed to control the monoacyl glyceride content <5%. In addition, the plasticity of epoxidized acyl glycerides to partially substitute dioctyl phthalate in polyvinyl chloride was studied, the overall mechanical properties, thermal stability, and extraction resistance were improved. In this work, FAME and glycerol were utilized to prepare epoxidized acyl glycerides with higher value‐added, which provide a potential solution for improving the market competitiveness of biodiesel enterprises.
Production, properties and applications of proteases from pongamia oil seed cakes
Authors: Seshagiri Swetha , Parthiban Bharat , Reddy Narendra 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDe‐oiled cakes (meal) containing proteins and carbohydrates are inevitably produced during extraction of oil from seeds. These cakes are inexpensive, sustainable and renewable sources but have limited applications. In this present study, de‐oiled pongamia seed cake was used as substrate to produce protease byBacillus licheniformis,Acinetobacter pittii, andAspergillus nigerunder different culture conditions such as pH and temperature. Furthermore, the influence of diverse carbon and nitrogen sources on enzyme production was studied. Under the optimized conditions but without any additional inducers, the activity of protease produced byAspergillus nigerwas 27.5 UmL−1, which is 34% higher than the activity obtained usingB. licheniformisand about 6.7 times higher compared to that obtained usingA. pittii. Addition of nitrogen or carbon source leads to an increase in enzyme activity of up to 240% with urea byAspergillus nigerand 163% with fructose byAcinetobacter pittii. Proteases obtained had optimum production at pH 8 and temperature of 30 and 40°C. The enzyme produced was effective in hydrolysing the gelatin layer from used x‐ray films, enabling the film to be recycled and was also able to coagulate milk, suggesting that it may be suitable for food applications.
Sticky, Adaptable, and Many‐sided: SAM protein versatility in normal and pathological hematopoietic states
Authors: Ray Suhita , Hewitt Kyle 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWith decades of research seeking to generalize sterile alpha motif (SAM) biology, many outstanding questions remain regarding this multi‐tool protein module. Recent data from structural and molecular/cell biology has begun to reveal new SAM modes of action in cell signaling cascades and biomolecular condensation. SAM‐dependent mechanisms underlie blood‐related (hematologic) diseases, including myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias, prompting our focus on hematopoiesis for this review. With the increasing coverage of SAM‐dependent interactomes, a hypothesis emerges that SAM interaction partners and binding affinities work to fine tune cell signaling cascades in developmental and disease contexts, including hematopoiesis and hematologic disease. This review discusses what is known and remains unknown about the standard mechanisms and neoplastic properties of SAM domains and what the future might hold for developing SAM‐targeted therapies.
Optimized operation of a controlled stirred tank reactor system for the production of mesenchymal stromal cells and their extracellular vesicles
Authors: Fernandes‐Platzgummer Ana , Cunha Raquel , Morini Sara , Carvalho Marta , Moreno‐Cid Juan , García Carmen , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , da Silva Cláudia L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been attributed mostly to their paracrine activity, exerted through small‐secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) rather than their engraftment into injured tissues. Currently, the production of MSC‐derived EVs (MSC‐EVs) is performed in laborious static culture systems with limited manufacturing capacity using serum‐containing media. In this work, a serum‐/xenogeneic‐free microcarrier‐based culture system was successfully established for bone marrow‐derived MSC cultivation and MSC‐EV production using a 2
l‐scale controlled stirred tank reactor (STR) operated under fed‐batch (FB) or fed‐batch combined with continuous perfusion (FB/CP). Overall, maximal cell numbers of (3.0 ± 0.12) × 108 and (5.3 ± 0.32) × 108 were attained at Days 8 and 12 for FB and FB/CP cultures, respectively, and MSC(M) expanded under both conditions retained their immunophenotype. MSC‐EVs were identified in the conditioned medium collected from all STR cultures by transmission electron microscopy, and EV protein markers were successfully identified by Western blot analysis. Overall, no significant differences were observed between EVs isolated from MSC expanded in STR operated under the two feeding approaches. EV mean sizes of 163 ± 5.27 nm and 162 ± 4.44 nm (p > 0.05) and concentrations of (2.4 ± 0.35) × 1011 EVs/mL and (3.0 ± 0.48) × 1011 EVs/mL (p > 0.05) were estimated by nanoparticle tracking analysis for FB and FB/CP cultures, respectively. The STR‐based platform optimized herein represents a major contribution toward the development of human MSC‐ and MSC‐EV‐based products as promising therapeutic agents for Regenerative Medicine settings.