bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melt electrowriting of a biocompatible photo‐crosslinkable poly(D,L‐lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based material with tunable mechanical and functionalization properties
Authors: Darroch Conor , Asaro Giuseppe A. , Gréant Coralie , Suku Meenakshi , Pien Nele , van Vlierberghe Sandra , Monaghan Michael G. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe use of polymeric biomaterials to create tissue scaffolds using additive manufacturing techniques is a well‐established practice, owing to the incredible rapidity and complexity in design that modern 3D printing methods can provide. One frontier approach is melt electrowriting (MEW), a technique that takes advantage of electrohydrodynamic phenomena to produce fibers on the scale of 10's of microns with designs capable of high resolution and accuracy. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) is a material that is commonly used in MEW due to its favorable thermal properties, high stability, and biocompatibility. However, one of the drawbacks of this material is that it lacks the necessary chemical groups which allow covalent crosslinking of additional elements onto its structure. Attempts to functionalise PCL structures therefore often rely on the functional units to be applied externally via coatings or integrally mixed elements. Both can be extremely useful depending on their applications, but can add extra difficulties into the use of the resulting structures. Coatings require careful design and application to prevent rapid degradation, while elements mixed into the polymer melt must deal with the possibilities of phase separation and changes to MEW properties of the unadulterated polymer. With this in mind, this study sought to imbibe functionality to MEW‐printed scaffolds using the approach of adding functional units directly, via covalent bonding of functional groups to the polymer itself. To this end, this study employs a recently developed class of polymers called acrylate‐endcapped urethane‐based polymers (AUPs). The polymer backbone of the specific AUP used consists of a poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA)/PCL copolymer chain, which is functionalized with 6 acrylate groups, 3 at either end. Through blending of the AUP with PCL, various concentrations of this mixture were used with MEW to produce scaffolds that possessed acrylate groups on their surface. Using UV crosslinking, these groups were tagged with Fluorescein‐o‐Acrylate to verify that PDLLA/PCL AUP/PCL blends facilitate the direct covalent bonding of external agents directly onto the MEW material. Blending of the AUP with PCL increases the scaffold's stiffness and ultimate strength. Finally, blends were proven to be highly biocompatible, with cells attaching and proliferating readily at day 3 and 7 post seeding. Through this work, PDLLA/PCL AUP/PCL blends clearly demonstrated as a biocompatible material that can be processed using MEW to create functionalised tissue scaffolds.
Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surface chemistry and modulus differentially modulate neutrophils and lens epithelial cells—possible implications in cellular responses to intraocular lenses
Authors: Pernari J. , Wells L. A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDuring cataract surgery, diseased lenses in the eye are surgically removed and replaced with polymeric artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs). Patients can experience a complication called posterior capsular opacification (PCO) that is corrected through the removal of part of the posterior capsule using a neodymium: yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd‐YAG) laser to restore the optical path. These interventions have increased costs and can damage the retina and the IOL. PCO develops when lens epithelial cells (LECs) proliferate, migrate, and undergo epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Neutrophils involved in the immune response triggered during implantation impact LEC behavior and produce damaging neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In this research, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) ‐based disks were synthesized with varying amounts of comonomer (HEMA with 0, 2, and 12 mol% MMA) and functionalized with carboxyl and amine groups, yielding nine different hydrogels. Material and chemical properties of the disks were characterized, and neutrophil‐like HL60 cells and B3 LECs were incubated with the disks. HL60 cell behavior was more strongly influenced by chemical functionalization than by mechanical properties with increases in adherence and NET accumulation. Conversely, the behavior and viability of B3 LECs were more strongly influenced by mechanical properties with increases in cell adhesion and α‐SMA expression with increasing compressive moduli. Interestingly, B3 LECs had decreased viability and increased α‐SMA expression when cultured on PHEMA2 disks pretreated with isolated NETs. Critical to the understanding of PCO and its prevention are both surface chemistry and mechanics as well as the inflammatory response.
Catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol using synthesized and characterized CoS@MorphcdtH/CoS@4‐MPipzcdtH nanoparticles
Authors: Chauhan Gunjan , Chauhan Suvarcha , Soni Surbhi , Kumar Anand , Negi Devendra Singh , Bahadur Indra 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCoS@MorphcdtH NPs and CoS@4‐MPipzcdtH NPs were synthesized by precipitation method involving three mechanisms: inclusion, occlusion, and adsorption. The synthesized NPs were characterized with the help of UV‐Vis spectroscopy, FESEM‐EDAX, powder x‐ray diffraction, TEM, ESIMS, TG/DSC analysis. The morphology of the CoS@MorphcdtH NPs and CoS@4‐MPipzcdtH NPs were hexagonal and rectangular, and the particles were in the range 7–12 nm. UV–visible spectral measurements showed surface plasmon resonance at 320 nm–340 nm with band gap of 3.65 eV–3.86 eV. The catalytically active CoSNPs called were investigated for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) via hydrogenation using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. Both the CoS NPs successfully reduced 4‐NP to 4‐ aminophenol (4‐AP) in a short time, catalytic performances are almost unchanged for the first five cycles. Herein, we report the preparation and characterizations of efficient active CoS NPs consisting carbodithioic acid framework as a support/capping material, along with catalytic property.
Willingness to use and preferences for long‐acting injectable PrEP among sexual and gender minority populations in the southern United States, 2021–2022: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Schoenberg Paige , Edwards O. Winslow , Merrill Leland , Martinez Cristian Acero , Stephenson Rob , Sullivan Patrick S. , Jones Jeb 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionLong‐acting injectable (LAI) pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2021. LAI PrEP is more effective than oral PrEP. However, it is not clear whether the groups most at risk of HIV in the United States will use LAI PrEP. Willingness to use LAI PrEP and preference for LAI versus oral PrEP has not been reported for sexual and gender minority (SGM) people in the southern United States, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated. Our goal was to assess willingness to use LAI PrEP and preference for oral versus LAI PrEP among SGM people in the southern United States and to assess differences in willingness by demographics and sexual behaviour.MethodsWe conducted an online, cross‐sectional survey of SGM people aged 15–34 years in the southern United States (n = 583). Participants reported willingness to use LAI PrEP and preferences for LAI PrEP versus daily oral PrEP. We assessed bivariate associations and adjusted prevalence ratios for the LAI‐PrEP‐related outcomes and key demographic and behavioural characteristics.ResultsOverall, 68% of all participants (n = 393) reported being willing to use LAI PrEP that provides protection against HIV for 3 months. Of those, most (n = 320, 81%) indicated a preference for using LAI PrEP, compared to a daily oral pill or no preference. Willingness to use LAI PrEP was more common among transgender and non‐binary participants and participants who engaged in condomless anal intercourse in the last 6 months. Hispanic participants were more likely and non‐Hispanic Black participants were less likely to report willingness to use LAI PrEP compared to non‐Hispanic White participants.ConclusionsWillingness to use LAI PrEP was high among SGM people in the southern United States, although there were some important differences in willingness based on demographic characteristics. Decreased willingness to use LAI PrEP among groups who are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, such as non‐Hispanic Black SGM people, could exacerbate existing disparities in HIV incidence. LAI PrEP is an acceptable option among SGM populations in the southern United States, but strategies will be needed to ensure equitable implementation.
Mining revenues and quality of public goods in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Bertinelli Luisito , Bourgain Arnaud 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the impact of public mining revenues on perception indicators of public goods quality in five mining countries that have recently experienced a boom in their government revenues: Burkina Faso, Ghana, D.R. Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. The effect of the tax revenue boom is identified using a difference‐in‐differences estimation. Our estimations indicate that people living in mining regions have a sense of structural disadvantage in terms of the provision of public goods; however, this perception is pro‐cyclical in the presence of revenue booms/busts. Our results hold even after taking into account the possible endogeneity of our measure of resource revenue.
Grape pomace's potential on semi‐arid soil health enhances performance of maize, wheat, and grape crops
Authors: Mpanga Isaac K. , Neumann Günter , Brown Judith K. , Blankinship Joseph , Tronstad Russell , Idowu Omololu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundGrape pomace (GP) is a by‐product of wineries after filtering the grape juice for wine production. GP contains seeds, pulp, skin, and stalks with acidic properties, and it is normally composted before using as a soil amendment. However, composting GP requires more time, labor, and equipment; furthermore, composting loses some of the desirable organic acids for arid soils. The acidic properties of these organic acids and the plant nutrients in GP make it a desirable amendment for arid soils in both non‐composted and composted forms.AimThis study investigates the potential of directly applying GP as a soil amendment and its impact on arid soil health and plant performance.MethodsTo test the potential of non‐composted GP as a soil amendment, greenhouse and field studies were conducted by combining GP with existing management practices (manure application for soil used in the greenhouse study and fertigation for the field study) to assess the effects of GP on soil health and crop (maize, wheat, and grape) performance.ResultsAdding 5% GP to an alkaline soil significantly increased maize and wheat growth and shoot nutrient concentrations in the greenhouse and grapes in the field (48% yield increase). The significance of GP on maize, wheat, and grapes was associated with soil nutrient enhancements (i.e., nutrients supplied, increase in organic matter and microbial biomass increase, reduction in pH, and better nutrient mobilization).ConclusionGP has the potential for direct use as a soil amendment for soil and crop health improvement, especially in arid soils with high pH and limited soil organic matter.
Airway Resistance and Respiratory Distress in Laryngeal Cancer: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Hudson Thomas J. , Ait Oubahou Rayane , Mongeau Luc , Kost Karen 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundObstructive upper airway pathologies are a great clinical challenge for the airway surgeon. Protection against acute obstruction is critical, but avoidance of unnecessary tracheostomy must also be considered. Decision‐making regarding airway, although supported by some objective findings, is largely guided by subjective experience and training. This investigation aims to study the relationship between clinical respiratory distress and objective measures of airway resistance in laryngeal cancer as determined by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and morphometric analysis.MethodsRetrospective CT and clinical data were obtained for series of 20 cases, defined as newly diagnosed laryngeal cancer patients who required admission or urgent airway surgery, and 20 controls. Cases and controls were matched based on T‐staging. Image segmentation and morphometric analysis were first performed. Computational models based on the lattice Boltzmann method were then created and used to quantify the continuous mass flow, rigid wall, and constant static pressure inlet boundary conditions.ResultsThe analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between airway resistance and acute obstruction (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.001–1.045). Morphometric analysis similarly demonstrated a significant relationship when relating measurements based on the minimum cross‐section, but not on length of stenosis. Morphometric measurements also showed significance in predicting CFD results, and their relationship demonstrated that airway pressures increase exponentially below 2.5 mm. Tumor subsite did not show a significant difference, although the glottic subgroup tended to have higher resistances.ConclusionAirway resistance analysis from CFD computation correlated with presence of acute distress requiring emergent management. Morphometric analysis showed a similar correlation, demonstrating a radiologic airway assessment technique on which future risk estimation could be performed.Level of Evidence4 (case–control study) Laryngoscope, 133:2734–2741, 2023
Residency Selection in Otolaryngology: Past, Present, & Future
Authors: Bowe Sarah N. , Bly Randall A. , Whipple Mark E. , Gray Stacey T. 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesTo examine the otolaryngology residency selection process, including past experiences based on the medical literature and survey analysis of our present practices to generate recommendations for future selection system design.MethodsA mixed‐methods study, including a scoping review and a cross‐sectional survey, was completed. Four databases were assessed for articles on otolaryngology residency selection published from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020. A 36‐question survey was developed and distributed to 114 otolaryngology program directors. Descriptive and thematic analysis was performed.ResultsUltimately, 67 of 168 articles underwent data abstraction and assessment. Three themes surfaced during the analysis: effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. Regarding the survey, there were 62 participants (54.4% response rate). The three most important goals for the selection process were: (1) to fit the program culture, (2) to make good colleagues, and (3) to contribute to the program's diversity. The three biggest ‘pain points’ were as follows: (1) Large volume of applications, (2) Lack of reliable information about personal characteristics, and (3) Lack of reliable information about a genuine interest in the program.ConclusionsWithin this study, the depth and breadth of the literature on otolaryngology residency selection have been synthesized. Additionally, baseline data on selection practices within our specialty has been captured. With an informed understanding of our past and present, we can look to the future. Built upon the principles of person‐environment fit theory, our proposed framework can guide research and policy discussions regarding the design of selection systems in otolaryngology, as we work to achieve more effective, efficient, and equitable outcomes.Level of evidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 133:2929–2941, 2023
Optical Orbital Angular Momentum Processors with Electrically Tailored Working Bands
Authors: Xu Chun‐Ting , Zhang De‐Wei , Yuan Rui , Chen Quan‐Ming , Liang Xiao , Hu Wei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNovel options for multiplexing, such as orbital angular momentum (OAM), are sought to satisfy the explosive growth of information capacity. Consequently, spatial phase modulation with on‐demand tailoring of working bands is increasingly investigated. In this study, a polymer‐stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal is used to address this requirement. A varying DC voltage is applied, and the working band is increased over eightfold owing to the electric‐induced gradient pitch of the polymer network. Thus, the working band of an OAM processor is reversibly switched between narrowband and broadband states. An OAM‐multiplexing hologram is designed for parallel OAM encoding and decoding, enabling a wavelength‐division‐multiplexing compatible approach for in situ and non‐destructive OAM processing. The proposed design offers a promising solution for the on‐demand tailoring of working bands in liquid crystal planar optics and can promote advancements in massive information transmission and large‐capacity data processing.
pH Responsive Poly(Amino Acid) Nanoparticles as Potent Carrier Adjuvants for Enhancing Cellular Immunity
Authors: Zhang Jiarui , Liu Yian , Bai Lintao , Gao Gan , Li Yuxuan , Shen Heyun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAdjuvants are widely used in vaccine to improve the protection or treatment efficacy. However, so far they inevitably produce side effects and are hard to induce cellular immunity in practical application. Herein, two kinds of amphiphilic poly(glutamic acid) nanoparticles (α‐PGA‐F and γ‐PGA‐F NPs) as nanocarrier adjuvants are fabricated to induce an effective cellular immune response. Amphiphilic PGA are synthesized by grafting phenylalanine ethyl ester to form biodegradable self‐assembly nanoadjuvants in a water solution. The model antigen, chicken ovalbumin (OVA), can be loaded into PGA‐F NPs (OVA@PGA‐F NPs) with the high loading ratio >12%. Moreover, compared with γ‐PGA‐F NPs, the acidic environment can induce the α‐helical secondary structure of α‐PGA NPs, promoting membrane fusion and more fast antigen lysosomal escape. Hence, the antigen presenting cells treated with OVA@α‐PGA‐F NPs show higher secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and higher expression of major biological histocompatibility complex class I and CD80 than those of OVA@γ‐PGA‐F NPs. Overall, this work indicates that pH responsive α‐PGA‐F NPs as a carrier adjuvant can effectively improve the ability of cellular immune responses, leading to it being a potent candidate for vaccine applications.
Adhesion Improvement of Bio‐Based Epoxy in Environmentally Friendly and High‐Performance Natural Fiber‐Reinforced Composites
Authors: Kumar Bijender , Adil Samia , Kim Jaehwan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDeveloping robust bio‐based epoxy against petroleum‐derived epoxy is necessary for environmentally friendly and high‐performance natural fiber‐reinforced composites. A bio‐based vanillin epoxy (VE) is synthesized from the lignin‐derived vanillin, and a thermoset resin is prepared after mixing it with a 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) hardener. Further, it is infused in high‐cellulose‐containing alkali‐treated jute fiber (TJF) mats through a simple approach to enhance the adhesion between the VE‐DDM and TJF. Bio‐based VE‐DDM resin shows better compatibility with TJF than petroleum‐derived bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) epoxy. The bio‐based VE‐DDM/TJF composite demonstrates the Tgis ≈165 °C, tensile strength is ≈83.12 ± 3.80 MPa, and Young's modulus is ≈2.86 ± 0.10 GPa with excellent flexural strength (138.72 ± 3.81 MPa) and flexural modulus (8.01 ± 0.11 GPa). It also shows merits regarding hydrophobicity, reduced water absorption ability, durability, and chemical resistance in an acidic medium. The natural fiber‐reinforced VE composites pave the way to produce environmentally friendly and high‐performance composites for structural applications.
Bile Acid Derivatives Effectively Prevented High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Colonic Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Ma Yafang , Shan Kai , Huang Zixin , Zhao Di , Zhang Miao , Ke Weixin , Li Chunbao 
Published: March 2023

ScopeBile acids (BAs) have recently emerged as important regulators of many physiological and pathological processes. However, the change of colonic BAs induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) and their effects on colonic barrier function remain to be further elucidated.Methods and resultsC57BL/6 mice are divided into two groups and feed 12 weeks with diets differing for fat content. Higher levels of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, endotoxin (ET), and d‐lactate (d‐LA) are observed in HFD‐fed mice, indicating an increase in intestinal permeability. Real‐time quantitative PCR and western blot analyses demonstrate that HFD downregulates tight junction proteins (TJs, including zonula‐occludens 1 [ZO‐1], Occludin, and Claudin1) and Muc2 expression in the colon. The colonic BA profiles are analyzed by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). HFD induces an increase in primary BAs but a decrease in secondary BAs. In human colonic cell line Caco‐2, secondary BAs (deoxycholic acid [DCA], lithocholic acid [LCA], their 3‐oxo‐ and iso‐ derivates) upregulate the expression of TJs and counteract DSS‐induced increase in intestinal permeability at physiological concentrations. IsoDCA and isoLCA are the most effective ones. Moreover, supplementation of isoDCA or isoLCA also effectively prevents HFD‐induced colonic barrier dysfunction in mice.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that secondary BAs (especially isomerized derivatives) may be important protectors for the colonic barrier function.
Modeling and optimization of the protocol of complex chromatography separation of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors from Ganoderma lucidum spore
Authors: Li Sainan , Hou Wanchao , Li Yanjie , Liu Zhen , Yun Haocheng , Liu Qiang , Niu Huazhou , Liu Chunming , Zhang Yuchi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe spores of the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum possess hepatoprotective properties. The main components, triterpenes, are particularly beneficial, making the screening and preparation of active triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum significant.ObjectivesWe aimed to screen and verify cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors from G. lucidum spores, establish a rapid online hyphenated technique for the preparation of active ingredients, and analyze the structures of the active ingredients.MethodsUltrafiltration LC combined with an enzyme inhibition assay and molecular docking was employed to screen and evaluate cyclooxygenase‐2 ligands, which were prepared by pressurized liquid extraction coupled online with countercurrent chromatography and semi‐preparative LC. The structures of the compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsSix cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors, namely, ganoderic acids I, C2, G, B, and A and ganoderenic acid A, were screened and evaluated. They were prepared using the online hyphenated technique, following which their structures were identified.ConclusionThis study provides opportunities for the discovery and development of new therapeutic drugs from other natural resources, as the present instrumental setup achieved efficient and systematic extraction and isolation of natural products compared with reference separation methods, thus exhibiting significant potential for industrial applications.