bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular evaluation of aminoglycosides resistance and biofilm formation inKlebsiella pneumoniaeclinical isolates: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khoshnood Saeed , Akrami Sousan , Saki Morteza , Motahar Moloudsadat , Masihzadeh Sara , Daneshfar Sara , Meghdadi Hossein , Abbasi Montazeri Effat , Abdi Marjan , Farshadzadeh Zahra 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsResistance to antibiotics and the capability to develop biofilm as two main virulent determinants ofKlebsiella pneumoniaehave important role in infection persistence. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance and virulence genes and biofilm formation capacity inK. pneumoniaestrains isolated from hospitalized patients in South‐West of Iran.MethodsA total of 114 non‐duplicate clinical isolates ofK. pneumoniaecollected from Ahvaz teaching hospitals. Identification of species was performed by biochemical tests and then confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ofrpoBgene. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by Kirby−Bauer disk diffusion method. Biofilm formation was assessed by microtiter plate method. Finally, PCR was conducted to detect virulence gene determinants including fimbrial genes, aminoglycoside modifying enzymes‐ and 16S rRNA methylase (RMTase) genes.ResultsTotally, all collected strains were carbapenem resistant and showed multidrug‐ and extensively drug‐resistance phenotype (75% and 25%, respectively). Seventy‐one percent (n = 81) of isolates were non‐susceptible to aminoglycosides. Among aminoglycoside antibiotics,K. pneumoniaeisolates showed the highest and lowest resistance rates to tobramycin (71%) and the amikacin (25%), respectively. All biofilm producer strains were positive for the presence virulence determinants includingecpA, fimA, mrkD, andmrkA. Of 81 aminoglycosides non‐susceptible isolates 33% were positive for the presenceant (2″)‐Iaas the most prevalent gene followed byaac (3′)‐IIaandarmA(27%),aac (6′)‐Ib(18%), andaph (3′)‐Ia(15%).ConclusionK. pneumoniaeisolates showed the highest and the lowest aminoglycoside resistance rates to tobramycin and amikacin, respectively. Majority of isolates were biofilm producers and there was significant association between antibiotic resistance pattern and the strength of biofilm production. Theant(2″)‐Ia, aac (3′)‐IIa, andarmAgenes in aminoglycoside‐resistant isolates.
Augmentation of heat transfer through passive techniques
Authors: Nitturi Lalitha Krishna , Kapu Venkata Kusuma Soumya , Gugulothu Ravi , Kaleru Aparna , Vuyyuri Vinay , Farid Ahmed 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe thermal performance of energy preservation systems is greatly improved by increasing miniaturization and boosting. These are imaginative (or Promethean) techniques to enhance heat transfer. Enhancement methods of heat transfer draw great attention in front of the industrial sector because of their ability to provide energy savings and raise the economic efficiency of thermal systems. Three techniques these methods are categorized; those are active, passive, and compound. Different types of components are used in passive methods because of the transfer/working fluid flow path to the enhancement of the heat transfer rate. In this article, the subject of the review was the passive heat transfer enhancement methods including inserts (conical strips, winglets, twisted tapes, baffles), porous materials, coil/helical/spiral tubes, rough surfaces (corrugated/ribbed surfaces), extended surfaces (fins) and nanofluids (mono and hybrid nanofluid). Recent passive heat transfer enhancement techniques are studied in this article as they are cost‐effective and reliable, and also comparably passive methods do not need any extra power to promote the energy conversion systems' thermal efficiency than active methods. In the passive approaches, various components are applied to the heat transfer/working fluid flow path to improve the heat transfer rate. The passive heat transfer enhancement methods studied in this article include inserts (twisted tapes, conical strips, baffles, winglets), extended surfaces (fins), porous materials, coil/helical/spiral tubes, rough surfaces (corrugated/ribbed surfaces), and nanofluids (mono and hybrid nanofluid). From the pioneers' research work, it is clear that a lower twist ratio and lower pitch, lesser winglet angles can provide more heat transfer rate and a little bit more friction factor. In the case of nanofluids, a little bit of pumping power is enhanced. Finally, heat transfer enhancement is compared with the thermal performance factor, which is more than unity.
Calcium phosphate incorporated in silk fibroin/methylcellulose based injectable hydrogel: Preparation, characterization, and in vitro biological evaluation for bone defect treatment
Authors: Phewchan Premchirakorn , Laoruengthana Artit , Tiyaboonchai Waree 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBone defect is still a challenging problem in orthopedic practice. Injectable bone substitutes that can fill different geometry of bone defect and improve biological environment for bone regeneration are attracting attention. Herein, silk fibroin (SF) is noticeable polymer regarding its biocompatible and biodegradable properties. Thus, the calcium phosphate particles incorporated in silk fibroin/methylcellulose (CAPs‐SF/MC) and only methylcellulose (CAPs‐MC) hydrogels are developed and compared their physicochemical properties. Both CAPs‐hydrogels solutions can be administered with a low injectability force of ~6 N, and they require ~40‐min to change to hydrogel at physiological temperature (37°C). The CAPs are evenly distributed throughout the hydrogel matrix and are capable transformed to bioactive hydroxyapatite at pH 7.4. The CAPs in CAPs‐SF/MC have a smaller size than those in CAPs‐MC. Moreover, CAPs‐SF/MC exhibit gradual degradation, as prediction of the degradation mechanism by the Peppas‐Sahlin model and show a greater ability to sustain CAPs release. CAPs‐SF/MC has good biocompatibility with less cytotoxicity in a dose‐dependent manner on mouse preosteoblast cell line (MC3T3‐E1) when compared to CAPs‐MC. CAPs‐SF/MC hydrogels also have better possibility for promoting cell proliferation and differentiation. In conclusion SF incorporated into composite injectable hydrogel potentially improve biological characteristics and may provide clinical advantages.
The capture of extracellular vesicles endogenously released by xenotransplanted tumours induces an inflammatory reaction in the premetastatic niche
Authors: Blavier Laurence , Nakata Rie , Neviani Paolo , Sharma Khounish , Shimada Hiroyuki , Benedicto Aitor , Matei Irina , Lyden David , DeClerck Yves A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe capture of tumour‐derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) by cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) contributes to metastasis and notably to the formation of the pre‐metastatic niche (PMN). However, due to the challenges associated with modelling release of small EVs in vivo, the kinetics of PMN formation in response to endogenously released TEVs have not been examined. Here, we have studied the endogenous release of TEVs in mice orthotopically implanted with metastatic human melanoma (MEL) and neuroblastoma (NB) cells releasing GFP‐tagged EVs (GFTEVs) and their capture by host cells to demonstrate the active contribution of TEVs to metastasis. Human GFTEVs captured by mouse macrophages in vitro resulted in transfer of GFP vesicles and the human exosomal miR‐1246. Mice orthotopically implanted with MEL or NB cells showed the presence of TEVs in the blood between 5 and 28 days after implantation. Moreover, kinetic analysis of TEV capture by resident cells relative to the arrival and outgrowth of TEV‐producing tumour cells in metastatic organs demonstrated that the capture of TEVs by lung and liver cells precedes the homing of metastatic tumour cells, consistent with the critical roles of TEVs in PMN formation. Importantly, TEV capture at future sites of metastasis was associated with the transfer of miR‐1246 to lung macrophages, liver macrophages, and stellate cells. This is the first demonstration that the capture of endogenously released TEVs is organotropic as demonstrated by the presence of TEV‐capturing cells only in metastatic organs and their absence in non‐metastatic organs. The capture of TEVs in the PMN induced dynamic changes in inflammatory gene expression which evolved to a pro‐tumorigenic reaction as the niche progressed to the metastatic state. Thus, our work describes a novel approach to TEV tracking in vivo that provides additional insights into their role in the earliest stages of metastatic progression.
A comparison of four common mathematical models to assess baroreflex sensitivity
Authors: Filogonio Renato , Leite Cléo A. C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDifferent methods have been used to assess baroreflex gain in experiments where changes in the carotid sinus pressure or the arterial blood pressure using different techniques provoke a baroreflex response, usually a rapid variation of heart rate. Four mathematical models are most used in the literature: the linear regression, the piecewise regression, and two different four‐parameter logistic equations: equation 1, Y = (A1–D1)/[1 + eB1(X – C1)] + D1; equation 2, Y = (A2–D2)/[1 + (X/C2)B2] + D2. We compared the four models regarding the best fit to previously published data in all vertebrate classes. The linear regression had the worst fit in all cases. The piecewise regression generally exhibited a better fit than the linear regression, though it returned a similar fit when no breakpoints were found. The logistic equations showed the best fit among the tested models and were similar to each other. We demonstrate that equation 2 is asymmetric and the level of asymmetry is accentuated according to B2. This means that the baroreflex gain calculated when X = C2 is different from the actual maximum gain. Alternatively, the symmetric equation 1 returns the maximum gain when X = C1. Furthermore, the calculation of baroreflex gain using equation 2 disregards that baroreceptors may reset when individuals experience different mean arterial pressures. Finally, the asymmetry from equation 2 is a mathematical artifact inherently skewed to the left of C2, thus bearing no biological meaning. Therefore, we suggest that equation 1 should be used instead of equation 2.
Knockdown of AK142426 suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation in peritoneal fibrosis via binding to c‐Jun
Authors: Shao Qiuyuan , Jiang Chunming , Zhang Qingyan , Liu Jing , Jin Bo , Zhao Min , Xia Yangyang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundPeritoneal fibrosis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis, which may lead to ultrafiltration failure and ultimately treatment discontinuation. LncRNAs participate in many biological processes during tumorigenesis. We investigated the role of AK142426 in peritoneal fibrosis.MethodsThe AK142426 level in peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid was detected by quantitative real‐time‐PCR assay. The M2 macrophage distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The inflammatory cytokines of TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 were measured by ELISA assay. The direct interaction between AK142426 and c‐Jun was evaluated by RNA pull‐down assay. In addition, the c‐Jun and fibrosis related proteins were assessed by western blot analysis.ResultsThe PD‐induced peritoneal fibrosis mouse model was successfully established. More importantly, PD treatment induced M2 macrophage polarization and the inflammation in PD fluid, which might be associated with exosome transmission. Fortunately, AK142426 was observed to be upregulated in PD fluid. Mechanically, knockdown of AK142426 suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation. Furthermore, AK142426 could upregulate c‐Jun through binding c‐Jun protein. In rescue experiments, overexpression of c‐Jun could partially abolish the inhibitory effect of sh‐AK142426 on the activation of M2 macrophages and inflammation. Consistently, knockdown of AK142426 alleviated peritoneal fibrosis in vivo.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that knockdown of AK142426 suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation in peritoneal fibrosis via binding to c‐Jun, suggesting that AK142426 might be a promising therapeutic target for patients of peritoneal fibrosis.
Factorization‐splitting algorithm based on system incorporated method for periodic nonuniform domains in open regions
Authors: Wu Shihong , Wang Ping , Qiao Yuxin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe original Factorization‐Splitting (FS) algorithm solves large number of coefficients and components in each iteration cycle which significantly affects the computational resources and calculation efficiency. Meanwhile, it can merely solve problems in uniform domains due to the limitation of discretized mesh sizes. In order alleviate these drawbacks, system incorporated factorization‐splitting algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve problems in nonuniform domains. The finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) domain is terminated by the higher order perfectly matched layer (PML) formulation which shows advantages in improving the absorbing performance. As the employment of the original domain decomposition method results in the algorithm unstable, an alternative domain decomposition method is proposed which can split the entire nonuniform domain into several sub‐regions. Metamaterial structure is introduced to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms. Through results, the proposed algorithm can decrease memory consumption and simulation duration due to the calculation prevention of repeated components and coefficients. The absorption can be further improved especially in the low‐frequency band due to the enhanced absorption of propagation waves. In addition, the alternative domain decomposition method shows considerable advantages in the simulation of nonuniform domains.
The impact of recurrence timing and tumor burden score on overall survival among patients undergoing repeat hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Endo Yutaka , Rueda Belisario Ortiz , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Munir Muhammad Musaab , Lima Henrique A. , Katayama Erryk S. , Shaikh Chanza F. , Guglielmi Alfredo , Ruzzenente Andrea , Aldrighetti Luca , Alexandrescu Sorin , Kitago Minoru , Poultsides George , Sasaki Kazunari , Aucejo Federico , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionApproximately 15% of patients experience a resectable intrahepatic recurrence after an index curative‐intent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). We sought to investigate the impact of recurrence timing and tumor burden score (TBS) at the time of recurrence on overall survival among patients undergoing repeat hepatectomy.MethodsPatients with CRLM who experienced recurrent intrahepatic disease after initial hepatectomy between 2000 and 2020 were identified from an international multi‐institutional database. The impact of time–TBS, defined as TBS divided by the time interval of recurrence, was assessed relative to overall survival.ResultsAmong 220 patients, the median age was 60.9 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 53.0–69.0), and 144 (65.5%) patients were male. Most patients experienced multiple recurrences (n = 120, 54.5%) within 12 months after the initial hepatectomy (n = 139, 63.2%). The median tumor size of the recurrent CRLM was 2.2 cm (IQR: 1.5–3.0 cm) with a median TBS of 3.5 (2.3–4.9) at the time of recurrence. Overall, 121 (55.0%) patients underwent repeat hepatectomy, whereas 99 (45.0%) individuals were treated with systemic chemotherapy or other nonsurgical treatments; repeat hepatectomy was associated with better postrecurrence survival (PRS) (p < 0.001). Three‐year PRS incrementally worsened (low time–TBS: 71.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 57.9‐88.8 vs. medium: 63.6%, 95% CI, 47.7–84.8 vs. high: 49.2%, 95% CI, 31.1–77.7, p = 0.02) as time–TBS values increased. Each unit increase in time–TBS score was independently associated with a 41% higher possibility of death (hazard ratio: 1.41; 95% CI, 1.04–1.90, p = 0.03).ConclusionsTime–TBS was associated with long‐term outcomes after repeat hepatectomy for recurrent CRLM. Time–TBS may be an easy tool to help select patients who may benefit the most from repeat hepatic resection of recurrent CRLM.
Assessing the Association Between Time to Surgery and Survival in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Julia , Patel Rushi , Eloy Jean Anderson , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionTo assess the association between time to surgery (TTS) and survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma patients (SSCC).MethodsWe queried the 2004–2016 National Cancer Database for all cases of adult SSCC undergoing primary surgical treatment. Patients with missing TTS information were excluded. We conducted a multivariate analysis of patient demographic and clinicopathological characteristics' effect on overall survival (OS) using a Cox proportional hazards model enhanced with cubic spline non‐linear approximation. Bootstrapping methods were utilized to detect the aggregate risk of TTS delay on patient OS.ResultsA total of 2,881 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male (63.5%), White (86.3%), and over the age of 60 (58.4%). Parametric cubic spline approximation Cox hazard model detected a non‐linear association between patient OS and TTS below 30 days with the lowest risk occurring at 18 days and steadily increasing subsequently. To analyze the aggregate risk and identify the optimal TTS cut‐off after 30 days of surgical delay, the cohort sample was bootstrapped and dichotomized. The largest increase in aggregated risk was identified at 59 days (Hazards Ratio [HR] = 1.006 [0.839–1.084], p = 0.003). 60 days were used as the optimal TTS cut‐off for analyzing the survival rate using the Cox proportional hazard model. Undergoing surgery within 60 days translated to a 14.6% decreased chance of death (HR: 0.854 [0.83–0.96]).ConclusionsIncreasing TTS is associated with worse overall survival in patients with SSCC. Our study suggests that surgery should be done within 60 days to achieve optimal survival results.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:3389–3395, 2023
Pediatric Custom Tracheostomies: A Ten‐Year Experience
Authors: Harris Jacob C. , Patel Rosemary C. , Ruiz Ryan L. 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesTo describe the use of customized and custom tracheostomies at our institution, and to identify trends in patient presentation and tracheostomy design.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted for patients at our institution for whom a customized or custom tracheostomy tube was ordered between January 2011 and July 2021. Customized tracheostomy tubes allow for a small selection of alterations to trach design, such as cuff length and flange type. Custom tracheostomies have a unique design created by tracheostomy tube engineers in collaboration with the clinical provider, and are built specifically for a single patient.ResultsA total of 235 patients were included, of whom 220 (93%) received customized tracheostomies and 15 custom (7%). The most common indications for customized tracheostomy were tracheal or stomal breakdown on a standard tracheostomy (n = 73, 33%) and ventilation difficulties (n = 61, 27%). The most frequent customization was shaft length (n = 126, 57%). The most common indication for custom tracheostomies was a persistent air leak on a standard or customized trach (n = 9) and the most frequent designs were custom cuffs (n = 8), flanges (n = 4), and anteriorly curved shafts (n = 4). Patients treated with a customized tracheostomy had a 5‐year overall survival of 75.3%, compared to 51.4% for custom.ConclusionThese are the first cohorts of pediatric patients with customized and custom tracheostomies to be described. Modifications to tracheostomies, in particular shaft length and cuff design, can address common complications of extended tracheostomy, and may help improve ventilation in the most challenging cases.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:452–458, 2024
LAI‐based reduction in growth of semiarid grasslands and its responses to climate change on China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Niu Xiaotao , Fan Jun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the response of vegetation growth to climate change can provide key information for predicting future ecosystem dynamics. Over the past 6 years, the semiarid regions of the Loess Plateau in China have experienced a transition from wet to dry years, but little is known about the response of grass growth to this change. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and evaluate the effect of climate change on grass growth. Using observed climate data and leaf area index (LAI) data obtained with hemispherical photography from 2016 to 2021, we investigated changes in trends of five climatic factors, including precipitation (P), temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and solar radiation (Rs), and their impact on the growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Stipa bungeana plantations in the semiarid area of the Loess Plateau. The results showed a tendency to become colder in spring and drier in summer and autumn. In response, LAI tended to decrease in alfalfa and S. bungeana plots with interannual variation rates of 0.21 year−1 and 0.12 year−1, respectively. Additionally, linear regression methods showed that P had the greatest effect on LAI of two grasslands during the growing season (R2 > 0.84, p < 0.01), followed by RH and T (0.30 < R2 < 0.50, p < 0.01), a negative effect of WS (R2 = 0.36, p < 0.01), and no significant effect of Rs on LAI were found. Conversely, the path analysis indicated that Rs and P were the largest decision coefficients affecting the monthly LAI of alfalfa and S. bungeana, respectively, due to the different time‐to‐peak LAI and root growth depth of these two grass species. This study can provide theoretical support for ecological restoration and system management of semiarid grasslands.
A review of intelligent models for mapping city development and urban flooding
Authors: Senthilkumar Pavithraa , Arthur Menaka Pushpa 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWith urbanization is on the rise, it wreaks havoc on the hydrological processes within a catchment, resulting in a deteriorating water environment. Floods can greatly raise the cost of mitigation efforts due to their damaging consequences. The natural water balance is disrupted by an increase in impermeable areas. As runoff rises, so do flood peaks and volumes even in short, low‐intensity showers. Urban flooding is a significant impact of urbanization that has drawn the attention of experts. Currently, there are techniques based on distributed hydrologic modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used to assess the influence of land use for urbanization on the environment. Deep learning techniques with their immense performance in Computer Vision and Image Processing fields have been extended to the problem of urban floods by integrating them with a GIS‐based methodology. This study outlines multiple techniques that have been used to address urban floods.