bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly porous double network hydrogel having fast responding time and high mechanical strength via emulsion template polymerization
Authors: Kuruwita Mudiyanselage Thilini , Weerasinghe Nimesha , Karunaratna Madara , Withanage Niroshan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPorous polymer hydrogels with high mechanical properties and response time is such a unique coalition that may open up many new application avenues especially in biomaterials, nevertheless which is a challenging task to achieve. This work highlighted a novel yet simple approach on developing highly porous, fast swelling hydrogels having high mechanical performance by slightly twisting the traditional double network concept following emulsion template polymerization. The fabricated acrylamide hydrogel structure entails 40–70 micrometer size pores while having ultimate compressive strength of 5–7 MPa. Further, it exhibited approximately 400 wt% water absorptivity compared to the dry weight of the sample in 15 s at 30°C. Such enhanced swelling properties of the developed hydrogel are due to the surface roughness of interconnected capillary channels.
Organic–inorganic hybrid strategy toward halogen‐free flame retardant, high transparent and reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Xie Wang , Liu Yuan , Yu Mingming , He Ren , Wang Qi 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with flame retardant monomer is considered to be the most promising method for the preparation of transparent flame retardant poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). However, the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the obtained flame retardant copolymers aren't satisfactory. In this work, the organic–inorganic hybrid PMMA copolymer is designed and synthesized by the ternary copolymerization of MMA, octavinyl silsesquioxane (V‐POSS) and phosphorus‐containing flame retardant monomer (DEP). V‐POSS hardly affects the transparency and flame retardancy of the copolymer, but can significantly improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties. When 0.4 mol% V‐POSS is copolymerized, the hybrid copolymer shows limiting oxygen index, heat release rate and visible light transmittance equivalent to the copolymer containing only DEP unit, and the initial decomposition temperature, storage modulus, flexural strength and impact strength are increased by 13°C, 21%, 11% and 23% respectively because of the cross‐linking structure and the enhancement of inorganic nanoparticles. This study illustrates the reinforcing and flame retardant effects of hybrid copolymers, and provides a novel strategy for the preparation of high‐performance flame retardant plexiglass.
Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio as Biomarkers in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Observational Studies From the Program to Understand the Longterm Outcomes in Spondyloarthritis Registry
Authors: Sen Rouhin , Kim Emmeline , Napier Ruth J. , Cheng Elizabeth , Fernandez Andrea , Manning Evan S. , Anderson Eric R. , Maier Kyle D. , Hashim Mena , Kerr Gail S. , Fang Meika A. , Hou Jason K. , Chang Elizabeth , Walsh Jessica A. , Raychadhuri Siba P. , Reimold Andreas , Caplan Liron 
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the utility of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting radiographic sacroiliitis and active disease in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to explore the association between use of a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and these laboratory values compared with traditional inflammatory markers.MethodsObservational data from the Program to Understand the Longterm Outcomes in Spondyloarthritis (PULSAR) registry were analyzed. We generated receiver operating characteristic curves to calculate laboratory cutoff values; we used these values in multivariable logistic regression models to identify associations with radiographically confirmed sacroiliitis and active disease. We also used logistic regression to determine the likelihood of elevated laboratory values after initiation of TNFi.ResultsMost study participants (n = 354) were White, male, and HLA–B27 positive. NLR (odds ratio [OR] 1.459, P = 0.034), PLR (OR 4.842, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 4.397, P < 0.001), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level (OR 2.911, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of radiographic sacroiliitis. Models that included PLR with traditional biomarkers performed better than those with traditional biomarkers alone. NLR (OR 6.931, P = 0.002) and CRP (OR 2.678, P = 0.004) were predictors of active disease, but the model that included both NLR and CRP performed better than CRP alone. TNFi use reduced the odds of elevated NLR (OR 0.172, P < 0.001), PLR (OR 0.073, P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 0.319, P < 0.001), and CRP (OR 0.407, P < 0.001), but models that included NLR or PLR and traditional biomarkers performed best.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate an association between NLR and PLR and sacroiliitis and disease activity, with NLR and PLR showing response after TNFi treatment and adding useful clinical information to established biomarkers, thus perhaps assisting in management of axial SpA.
Determining baseline anatomy knowledge among professional allied health students
Authors: Fagalde Megan C. , McNulty Margaret A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHealth professional students often struggle with anatomy coursework despite undergraduate coursework in anatomy. Educators must identify early on whether students may struggle in order to target remediation. The purpose of the study was to elucidate whether an assessment tool administered before the start of a professional anatomy course correlated with allied health students' course performance. Students over four years were given a quiz covering anatomy knowledge they were expected to know upon matriculation to their professional program. A supplemental data form was administered at the course's conclusion to identify prior anatomy experience and topics in which students felt deficient. Pre‐quiz scores significantly correlated with examination performance throughout the course. Students reported feeling most deficient in neurobiology (54.9%) and anatomy terminology (39.1%). Videos were created to target these deficient knowledge areas; students who watched the videos did better in course assessments than those who did not. Most respondents (98.0%) recommended students take an undergraduate anatomy course prior to starting a health professional program. These results indicate that a quiz assessing anatomy knowledge among matriculating students may identify students with the potential to struggle in a professional anatomy course early on. Responses outlined areas in which students felt deficient, which allows educators to target topics early with intervention tools such as the review videos in this study. Finally, most respondents strongly recommended undergraduate coursework in anatomy prior to starting a professional health program, which outlines students' recognition that a solid foundation in anatomical knowledge is important to success in professional programs.
Maximizing mRNA vaccine production with Bayesian optimization
Authors: Rosa Sara Sousa , Nunes Davide , Antunes Luis , Prazeres Duarte M. F. , Marques Marco P. C. , Azevedo Ana M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMessenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are a new alternative to conventional vaccines with a prominent role in infectious disease control. These vaccines are produced in in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions, catalyzed by RNA polymerase in cascade reactions. To ensure an efficient and cost‐effective manufacturing process, essential for a large‐scale production and effective vaccine supply chain, the IVT reaction needs to be optimized. IVT is a complex reaction that contains a large number of variables that can affect its outcome. Traditional optimization methods rely on classic Design of Experiments methods, which are time‐consuming and can present human bias or based on simplified assumptions. In this contribution, we propose the use of Machine Learning approaches to perform a data‐driven optimization of an mRNA IVT reaction. A Bayesian optimization method and model interpretability techniques were used to automate experiment design, providing a feedback loop. IVT reaction conditions were found under 60 optimization runs that produced 12 g · L−1 in solely 2 h. The results obtained outperform published industry standards and data reported in literature in terms of both achievable reaction yield and reduction of production time. Furthermore, this shows the potential of Bayesian optimization as a cost‐effective optimization tool within (bio)chemical applications.
Integrated pharmacokinetics of Huangqi Jianzhong Tang in normal and chronic atrophic gastritis rats
Authors: Jia Lu , Qin Xuemei , Liu Yuetao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHuangqi Jianzhong Tang (HQJZ) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in China. In this study, an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) was used to study the pharmacokinetics of 12 prototypical components and one metabolite in HQJZ in normal and chronic atrophic gastritis rats. The results showed that the area under the concentration–time curve and peak concentration of most flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides were decreased, and the half‐life and mean residence time were significantly increased, which indicated that the absorption of drugs in disease was decreased less and for longer in vivo. Then, an integrated pharmacokinetic study was carried out using the pharmacokinetic parameter model integration of each component. The results showed that the absorption of drugs in vivo with disease was reduced, and the absorption speed of flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides was accelerated. This study will provide the basis for the clinical medication safety of HQJZ.
Subcutaneous rituximab in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma: Final results of the non‐interventional study MabSCale
Authors: Dürig Jan , Uhlig Jens , Gerhardt Anke , Ritter Markus , Hapke Gunnar , Heßling Jörg , Staib Peter , Wolff Frieder , Krumm Katja , von Weikersthal Ludwig Fischer 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundRituximab has become a standard treatment for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab in combination with standard chemotherapies in the treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. This non‐interventional study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous (SC) rituximab in routine clinical practice.MethodsAdult patients with previously untreated CD20 positive DLBCL or FL who received rituximab SC and chemotherapy as first‐line treatment were observed between 07/2014 and 07/2019 at 99 institutions in Germany. Primary endpoint was the (unconfirmed) complete remission (CR/CRu) rate. Primary outcome was analyzed inferentially; other variables were evaluated descriptively.ResultsOverall 583 patients (247 FL; 336 DLBCL) were evaluated. CR/CRu rates were 51.4% (95% CI: 45.2; 57.6) in the FL set and 48.5% (95% CI: 43.2; 53.8) in the DLBCL set. Regarding progression‐free survival in the FL group, the probability of being event‐free was 94.2% in the first year and 86.2% in the second year. An overall response was achieved in 85.8% (FL) and 85.4% patients (DLBCL). Patient satisfaction at the end of study with the time saving simplification of the SC vs. intravenous route was 98% for FL and 97% for DLBCL. 45.3% of FL and 47.0% of DLBCL patients experienced an adverse event of grade ≥3. Serious adverse events of grade ≥3 occurred in 27.9% FL and 32.4% DLBCL patients, with the highest incidences for leucopenia, anemia, nausea, and fatigue. No new safety signals were detected.ConclusionsThe results confirmed the effectiveness and safety of rituximab SC in both the FL and the DLBCL group. Satisfaction of patients and nurses with SC administration was high.
Actinomycosis of the middle turbinate
Authors: Mnejja Malek , Achour Imen , Abbes Asma , Regaieg Marwa , Bouayed Walid , Jlidi Rachid , Hammami Bouthaïna , Charfeddine Ilhem 
Published: August 2022

AbstractActinomycosis is an uncommon bacterial disease caused by actinomyces. Cervicofacial infection accounts for more than 60% of all cases. However, nasal and paranasal sinus involvement has rarely been described. We report herein a case of a patient presenting with middle turbinate actinomycosis.
Dynamin‐2 regulates microtubule stability via an endocytosis‐independent mechanism
Authors: Guo Runzhao , Fujito Ryuji , Nagasaki Akira , Okumura Misako , Chihara Takahiro , Hamao Kozue 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMicrotubule stability and dynamics regulations are essential for vital cellular processes, such as microtubule‐dependent axonal transport. Dynamin is involved in many membrane fission events, such as clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. The ubiquitously expressed dynamin‐2 has been reported to regulate microtubule stability. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of intrinsic properties of dynamin‐2 on microtubule regulation by rescue experiments. A heterozygous DNM2 mutation in HeLa cells was generated, and an increase in the level of stabilized microtubules in these heterozygous cells was observed. The expression of wild‐type dynamin‐2 in heterozygous cells reduced stabilized microtubules. Conversely, the expression of self‐assembly‐defective mutants of dynamin‐2 in the heterozygous cells failed to decrease stabilized microtubules. This indicated that the self‐assembling ability of dynamin‐2 is necessary for regulating microtubule stability. Moreover, the heterozygous cells expressing the GTPase‐defective dynamin‐2 mutant, K44A, reduced microtubule stabilization, similar to the cells expressing wild‐type dynamin‐2, suggesting that GTPase activity of dynamin‐2 is not essential for regulating microtubule stability. These results showed that the mechanism of microtubule regulation by dynamin‐2 is diverse from that of endocytosis.
Fluorene‐Chloroquine Hybrids: Synthesis, in vitro Antiplasmodial Activity, and Inhibition of Heme Detoxification Machinery of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Parth  , Kaur Navpreet , Korkor Constance , Mobin Shaikh M. , Chibale Kelly , Singh Kamaljit 
Published: August 2022

AbstractFluorene‐chloroquine hybrids have been identified as a new promising class of antiplasmodial agents. The most active compound 9 d exhibited good in vitro antiplasmodial activity against a chloroquine‐sensitive NF54 strain of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 value of 139 nM. UV‐visible absorption, FTIR spectral and 1H NMR titration data corroborated the binding of 9 d to monomeric and μ‐oxodimeric heme as well as inhibition of β‐hematin formation, which collectively supported the inhibition of heme detoxification machinery in P. falciparum. In silico docking studies revealed the binding interactions of the hybrids in the active site of the wild type as well as quadruple mutant of Pf‐DHFR‐TS dihydrofolate enzyme. Further, the ADMET parameters were predicted and were in good agreement with the expected values, suggesting the drug likeness of the synthesized hybrid molecules.
Genetic Modification of Primary Human Myeloid Cells to Study Cell Migration, Activation, and Organelle Dynamics
Authors: Greiner Daniel , Scott Tiana M. , Olson Gregory S. , Aderem Alan , Roh‐Johnson Minna , Johnson Jarrod S. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMyeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes with key roles in the immune system. As antigen‐presenting cells, they link innate detection of microbes with programming adaptive immune responses. Myeloid DCs and macrophages also play critical roles in development, promote tissue homeostasis, and direct repair in response to injury and inflammation. As cellular migration and organelle dynamics are intimately connected with these processes, it is necessary to develop tools to track myeloid cell behavior and function. Here, we build on previously established protocols to isolate primary human myeloid cells from peripheral blood and report an optimized method for their genetic modification with lentiviral vectors to study processes related to cell migration, activation, and organelle dynamics. Specifically, we provide a protocol for delivering genetically encoded fluorescent markers into primary monocyte‐derived DCs (MDDCs) and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) to label mitochondria, peroxisomes, and whole cells. We describe the isolation of primary CD14+ monocytes from peripheral blood using positive selection with magnetic beads and, alternatively, isolation based on plastic adherence. Isolated CD14+ cells can be transduced with lentiviral vectors and subsequently cultured in the presence of cytokines to derive MDDCs or MDMs. This protocol is highly adaptable for cotransduction with vectors to knock down or overexpress genes of interest. These tools enable mechanistic studies of genetically modified myeloid cells through flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and other downstream assays. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol: Transduction of MDDCs and MDMs with lentiviral vectors encoding fluorescent markersAlternate Protocol 1: Isolation of monocytes by plastic adhesionAlternate Protocol 2: Transduction of MDDCs and MDMs with lentiviral vectors to knock down or overexpress genes of interestSupport Protocol 1: Production and purification of lentiviral vectors for transduction into primary human myeloid cellsSupport Protocol 2: Flow cytometry of MDDCs and MDMsSupport Protocol 3: Fixed and live‐cell imaging of fluorescent markers in MDMs and MDDCs
Message exchange dynamics in wireless biological nanonetworks
Authors: Kantelis Konstantinos , Nicopolitidis Petros 
Published: August 2022

SummaryDiffusive biological nanonetworks have been established as a communication physical layer option and are envisaged to govern the development of future nanonetwork communications. Being the major communication paradigm in biological environments, it allows biological nanomachines to communicate through exchanging pulses of molecules in an aqueous medium being endogenous to these dimensions and following the requirements for biocompatibility and interoperability. The peculiarities of this nanoscale level, related mostly to the channel and the message carriers, hinder the performance of communication protocols. Therefore, in this work, parameters that affect the communication at the lowest level are being analyzed bringing new insights in the sector. Analyzing the major components that take part in the reception process, the dynamics of message transfer between nanonodes are revealed by a plethora of simulation scenarios. By entering into the equation the dynamics of chemotaxis, the behavior of such a system is scrutinized pertaining to the communication performance and stability. The proposed analysis revealed that unlike electromagnetic nanonetworks and due to the nature of the medium, there are factors that should be foreseen in the design of biological communication protocols. These significant deductions are supplementary to the established work, by shedding light on the special characteristics of biological communication entities and the way they affect the information exchange.
The role of nocturnal fishes on coral reefs: A quantitative functional evaluation
Authors: Collins William P. , Bellwood David R. , Morais Renato A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe ecological functions of nocturnal coral reef fishes are poorly known. Yet, nocturnal resources for coral reef consumers are theoretically as abundant and productive, if not more so, than their diurnal counterparts. In this study, we quantify and contrast the energetic dynamics of nocturnal and diurnal fishes in a model coral reef ecosystem, evaluating whether they attain similar levels of biomass production. We integrated a detailed dataset of coral reef fish counts, comprising diurnal and nocturnal species, in sites sheltered and exposed to wave action. We combined somatic growth and mortality models to estimate rates of consumer biomass production, a key ecosystem function. We found that diurnal fish assemblages have a higher biomass than nocturnal fishes: 104% more in sheltered sites and 271% more in exposed sites. Differences in productivity were even more pronounced, with diurnal fishes contributing 163% more productivity in sheltered locations, and 558% more in exposed locations. Apogonidae dominated biomass production within the nocturnal fish assemblage, comprising 54% of total nocturnal fish productivity, which is proportionally more than any diurnal fish family. The substantially lower contributions of nocturnal fishes to biomass and biomass production likely indicate constraints on resource accessibility. Taxa that overcome these constraints may thrive, as evidenced by apogonids. This study highlights the importance of nocturnal fishes in underpinning the flow of energy and nutrients from nocturnal resources to reef communities; a process driven mainly by small, cryptic fishes.
Canopy arthropod responses to repeated canopy opening in a wet tropical forest
Authors: Pandey Manoj , Schowalter Timothy D. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWith predictions of increased frequency of intense hurricanes, it is increasingly crucial to understand how biotic and abiotic components of forests will be affected. This study describes canopy arthropod responses to repeated experimental and natural canopy opening at the Luquillo Experimental Forest Long‐term Ecological Research Site (LTER) in Puerto Rico. The canopy trimming experiment (CTE1) treatments were started in 2004, and a second trimming (CTE2) was conducted in 2014, to study effects of increased hurricane frequency at the site. Paired disturbed plots with canopy trimmed (trim) and undisturbed plots with no trimming (no trim) were replicated in three experimental blocks. Arthropods were sampled by bagging branches on seven representative early and late successional overstory and understory tree species annually from 2004 to 2009 for CTE1 and 2015 to 2019 for CTE2. In addition to the experimental manipulation, the CTE site was disturbed by Hurricane Maria (Category 4) in September 2017, providing an additional natural canopy opening to the experiment. We evaluated the effect of the second experimental trimming, compared canopy arthropod responses to the three canopy‐opening events, and compared the effects of experimental trimming and natural canopy opening by Hurricane Maria. The second experimental canopy trimming produced canopy arthropod responses consistent with hurricane disturbances, with sap‐sucking herbivores increasing in abundance on the trimmed plots, whereas other functional groups generally declined in abundance in disturbed plots. Responses to the first and second trimmings were generally similar. However, Hurricane Maria exacerbated the responses, indicating the likely effect of increased hurricane frequency and intensity.