bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of starting BMI and degree of weight loss on changes in appetite‐regulating hormones during diet‐induced weight loss
Authors: Edwards Kira‐Ann L. , Prendergast Luke A. , Kalfas Stefanie , Sumithran Priya , Proietto Joseph 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether the hormone changes following weight loss are proportional to the degree of weight loss and to starting BMI.MethodsA very low‐energy diet was used to achieve 15% weight loss. Fasting and postprandial gut hormones and leptin were measured during a meal test at baseline and at 5% (1%), 10% (2%), and 15% (2.5%) weight loss. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to analyze hormone changes.ResultsFrom baseline to 5% weight loss, decreases were seen in fasting concentrations of leptin (−8.25 ng/mL; p < 0.001), amylin (−21.3 pg/mL; p < 0.001), and glucagon‐like peptide 1 (−59.55 pg/mL; p < 0.001). There was a small further reduction in leptin between 5% and 15% weight loss (−1.88 ng/mL; p = 0.019) but not in glucagon‐like peptide 1 and amylin. Fasting ghrelin showed a significant increase at 10% weight loss (41.64 pg/mL; p = 0.002), with a nonsignificant increase from 10% to 15% loss (26.03 pg/mL; p = 0.065). Postprandial changes in hormone levels were variable. There was no correlation between baseline weight and the degree of hormone changes.ConclusionsThe majority of changes in fasting gut hormones and leptin occurred in early weight loss, with minor further changes up to 15% weight loss. Starting weight did not affect the degree of hormone change.
Medical weight management protects against weight gain during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Barenbaum Sarah R. , Saunders Katherine H. , Chan Karina M. , Crowley William J. , Redmond Ilana P. , Casper Anthony J. , Hootman Katie C. , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Aronne Louis J. , Shukla Alpana P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAmerican adults have gained weight during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Little is known about how patients who are medically managed for overweight and obesity, including patients who are prescribed antiobesity pharmacotherapy, have fared.ObjectiveTo assess the COVID‐19 pandemic's effect on weight, food choices, and health behaviors in patients receiving medical treatment for overweight or obesity.MethodsAdult patients treated at an urban academic weight management center between 1 May 2019 and 1 May 2020 were electronically surveyed between 23 February and 23 March 2021. The survey assessed changes in weight, eating, behaviors, and the use of antiobesity medications (AOMs) following issuance of social distancing/stay‐at‐home policies in March 2020.ResultsIn 970 respondents, median percent weight change for those taking AOMs was −0.459% [interquartile range −5.46%–(+3.73%)] compared to +2.33% [IQR −1.92%–(+6.52%)] for those not taking AOMs (p < 0.001). More participants achieved ≥5% weight loss if they were taking AOMs compared to those who were not (26.7% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.004), and weight gain ≥5% was also lower in those taking AOMs (19.8% vs. 30.3%, p = 0.004). Patients with pre‐pandemic BMI ≥30 kg/m2 taking AOMs experienced the greatest weight reduction, and there was greater weight loss associated with increased physical activity.Conclusions and RelevanceMedical weight management protected against weight gain during this period of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Increased physical activity, decreased alcohol intake, and use of AOMs were factors that contributed to this protective effect.
Experimental investigation on physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of jute and hemp fibers reinforced hybrid polylactic acid composites
Authors: Felix Sahayaraj A. , Muthukrishnan M. , Ramesh M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNowadays researchers seeking attention on plant‐based natural fibers as reinforcement with the biodegradable matrix‐like polylactic acid (PLA) to solve the environmental issues. In this research work, jute and hemp fibers are reinforced with PLA matrix with the weight fraction of 50:50 and the composites are fabricated by using compression molding technique. The properties such as hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and inter‐laminar shear strength (ILSS), and water absorption characteristics are evaluated. The characterization of these composites are examined by using thermo‐gravimetry analysis, differential thermal analysis, differential thermo‐gravimetric, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Experimental results show that the jute/hemp/PLA hybrid composites exhibit better tensile strength (69 MPa), flexural strength (145.40 MPa), impact strength (6.37 J), and ILSS (2.98 MPa) than other combinations. From the thermal analysis it is found that the decomposition and weight loss occurring started around 250°C and ended by 350°C. From the experimental analysis it is concluded that the hybrid composites performed well, indicating that they have a lot of potential for use as a green substitute material for synthetic or single plant fiber reinforced composites.
Statin use and the risk of progression to vision threatening diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Meer Elana , Bavinger J. Clay , Yu Yinxi , Hua Peiying , McGeehan Brendan , VanderBeek Brian L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to assess the effect of statins on progression from nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) to vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsTwo cohort studies using a U.S. medical claims database from 2002 to 2019 including NPDR patients 18 years or older. A risk factor analysis performed a time‐updating cox regression model assessing statin usage. A second new‐user active comparator design analysis replicating a previously published study. Main outcomes included a new diagnosis of VTDR (composite of either PDR or DME) or DME and PDR individually for the risk factor study and included additional outcomes of new DR, NPDR, vitreous hemorrhage (VH) and tractional retinal detachment (TRD) for the new user study.ResultsRisk factor analysis included 66 617 statin users with NPDR at baseline and 83 365 nonstatin users. Of these, 27 325 (18.2%) progressed to VTDR, 4086 (2.71%) progressed to PDR, and 22 750 (15.1%) progressed to DME. After multivariable analysis, no protective effect of statin use was found for progression to VTDR, PDR, or DME (HR = 1.01–3, p >0.33 for all comparisons). Replicated new user design analysis also showed no protective effect for statins on risk of development of DR (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99–1.07, p = 0.13), PDR (HR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79–1.02, p = 0.09), DME (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86–1.03, p = 0.21), VH (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.86–1.16, p = 0.99), and TRD (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.89–1.38, p = 0.36).ConclusionStatin use was found not to be protective for progression of DR regardless of study methodology. These results suggest that the specifics of the population studied rather than differing study methodology are important in assessing the effect of statins on DR progression.
Challenging the southern boundary of active rock glaciers in West Greenland
Authors: Abermann Jakob , Langley Kirsty 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRock glaciers (RGs) are landscape features impacting the composition and magnitude of runoff and, given their ice content, they are used as indicators for past and present climate conditions. While our knowledge of RG coverage has improved over recent years in many mountainous regions, there is very little information available for RGs in Greenland. Here, we provide evidence for an active RG in West Greenland, about 230 km south of what previously has been identified as the southern limit of active RGs. We present field evidence such as bottom temperature of the snow pack and surface displacements and indicate how these results could be utilized in further studies to better assess RG distribution or their ice content.
Mucosal Delivery of HIV‐1 Glycoprotein Vaccine Candidate Enabled by Short Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Xu Yang , Jiang Xunqing , Zhou Ziyou , Ferguson Tammy , Obliosca Judy , Luo Christina C. , Chan Kun‐Wei , Kong Xiang‐Peng , Tison Christopher K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1) envelope glycoprotein spike is targeted by antibodies and therefore represents the main viral antigen for antibody‐based vaccine design. One of the challenges in HIV‐1 vaccine development is inducing efficient immune system recognition and response to the virus without establishing an infection. Since HIV‐1 enters the body at mucosal surfaces, induction of immune response at these sites is a preferred preventive approach. Nasal administration is an effective route for mucosal immunization since it can stimulate immune responses both locally and distantly. In this paper, Luna Labs develops a short carbon nanotube‐based delivery platform known as “CNTVac.” The size of carbon nanotubes is controlled to possess HIV‐1 particle‐like morphology capable of efficient intranasal delivery of a broad range of antigens. A polyethylene glycol‐lipid chain is localized between V1V2 antigens and serves to protect antigen conformation and enhance mucosal penetration. This is demonstrated to cause enhanced local immunoglobulin A and systemic antibody immunoglobulin G responses in mice and rabbits. CNTVac not only serves as an efficient delivery system but also reduces the amount of lipid required for vaccine dosing in order to eliminate potential adverse effects. These data suggest a promising platform technology for vaccine delivery.
Soybean dose–response to 2,4‐D and dicamba at vegetative and reproductive growth stages
Authors: Sperry Benjamin P , Scholtes Alanna B , Golus Jeffrey A , Vieira Bruno C , Reynolds Daniel B , Kruger Greg R , Irby Jon Trenton , Eubank Thomas W , Barber L Thomas , Dodds Darrin M 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundField experiments were conducted across multiple sites in 2012 and 2013 to describe sensitivity of soybean to 2,4‐D (six doses) and dicamba (seven doses) at V3 and R1 growth stages. Further experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions in 2017 and 2018 to compare soybean response to several dicamba herbicides across a broader range of doses than those tested in the field.ResultsSoybean yield loss was 6.1‐fold greater from 2,4‐D exposure at V3 compared to R1 and 1.4 times greater from dicamba exposure at R1 than at V3. In V3 exposures, soybean was 15.4 times more sensitive to dicamba than 2,4‐D and 134.4‐fold more sensitive to dicamba when exposed at R1. Plant injury and height correlations to grain yield resulted in coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.91. In greenhouse experiments, five dicamba products were tested at up to 19 doses and as low as 0.002 g ae ha−1 (3.6 × 10−6% of maximum single use‐rate); however, no differences were observed among formulations used in dicamba‐resistant crops versus traditional formulations. A no observable effects dose was not identified due to responses observed even at the lowest doses tested, although hormesis effects were observed in plant height.ConclusionThese data suggest that the sensitivity of soybean to dicamba is much greater than what has previously been reported. However, as has been indicated by previous work, that injury does not always result in yield loss. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A needle deflection model with operating condition optimization for corrective force‐based needle guidance during transrectal prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Dai Xuesong , Zhang Yongde , Jiang Jingang , Zhang Shu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTransrectal prostate brachytherapy (BT) involves the permanent implantation of radioactive seeds through a needle, which must be inserted along a straight path to satisfy dose distribution requirements. However, this process is complicated by bevelled needle tips that can cause deflection during penetration. In clinical practice, physicians typically rotate the bevelled tip intermittently or apply manual correction forces near the insertion point, to reduce needle deflection. While assisted rotational insertion robots have made substantial progress in the past 20 years, tissue sticking can be caused by rotation of the bevelled tip and there are currently few studies on the use of corrective forces. As such, an auxiliary needle insertion guide for transrectal prostate BT, based on corrective forces, is investigated in this study for the first time.MethodsThe proposed BT guide is designed to reduce needle deflection and was experimentally verified by in vitro experiments. An energy‐based deflection model was developed to predict needle motion as corrective forces were applied during insertion. An experimental platform was constructed to perform corrective force‐assisted punctures, using the magnitude of the corrective force (A), the position of corrective force application (B) and the puncture speed (C) as test factors, with needle deflection as a test indicator. Design‐Expert 8.0.5b software was used for simulation, and a high‐definition camera acquired pictures of the needle tip as it pierced the tissue. A regression equation was also established for the test factors and test indicators, using Design‐Expert software. Optimal parameter combinations (A, B and C) were determined through optimization.ResultsCalculated needle deflection values were then compared with the measured position of the needle insertion point, producing an average error of 0.39 ± 0.28 mm. Deflection was as low as 0.8 mm using optimal puncture parametersConclusionsA needle‐tissue interaction model, considering tissue nonlinearity, which experimental results demonstrated to be highly accurate. Optimal puncture parameters effectively improved puncture accuracy.
Microfluidic Impedance‐Deformability Cytometry for Label‐Free Single Neutrophil Mechanophenotyping
Authors: Petchakup Chayakorn , Yang Haoning , Gong Lingyan , He Linwei , Tay Hui Min , Dalan Rinkoo , Chung Aram J. , Li King Ho Holden , Hou Han Wei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe intrinsic biophysical states of neutrophils are associated with immune dysfunctions in diseases. While advanced image‐based biophysical flow cytometers can probe cell deformability at high throughput, it is nontrivial to couple different sensing modalities (e.g., electrical) to measure other critical cell attributes including cell viability and membrane integrity. Herein, an “optics‐free” impedance‐deformability cytometer for multiparametric single cell mechanophenotyping is reported. The microfluidic platform integrates hydrodynamic cell pinching, and multifrequency impedance quantification of cell size, deformability, and membrane impedance (indicative of cell viability and activation). A newly‐defined “electrical deformability index” is validated by numerical simulations, and shows strong correlations with the optical cell deformability index of HL‐60 experimentally. Human neutrophils treated with various biochemical stimul are further profiled, and distinct differences in multimodal impedance signatures and UMAP analysis are observed. Overall, the integrated cytometer enables label‐free cell profiling at throughput of >1000 cells min−1 without any antibodies labeling to facilitate clinical diagnostics.
A Unique Nanoflake‐Shape Bimetallic Ti–Nb Oxide of Superior Catalytic Effect for Hydrogen Storage of MgH2
Authors: Xian Kaicheng , Wu Meihong , Gao Mingxia , Wang Shun , Li Zhenglong , Gao Panyu , Yao Zhihao , Liu Yongfeng , Sun Wenping , Pan Hongge 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMgH2 is one of the most promising solid hydrogen storage materials due to its high capacity, excellent reversibility, and low cost. However, its operation temperature needs to be greatly reduced to realize its practical applications, especially in the highly desired fuel cell fields. This work synthesizes a 2D nanoflake‐shape bimetallic Ti–Nb oxide of TiNb2O7, which has high surface area and shows superior catalytic effect for the hydrogen storage of MgH2. Incorporated with the TiNb2O7 nanoflakes as low as 3 wt%, MgH2 shows a low onset dehydrogenation temperature of 178 °C, which is lowered by 100 °C compared with the pristine one. A dehydrogenation capacity as high as 7.0 wt% H2 is achieved upon heating to 300 °C. The capacity retention is as high as 96% after 30 cycles. The mechanism of the improved hydrogen storage properties is analyzed by density functional theory (DFT) calculation and the microstructural evolution during dehydrogenation and hydrogenation. This work provides an MgH2 system with high available capacity and low operation temperature by a unique structural design of the catalyst. The high surface area feature of the TiNb2O7 nanoflakes and the synthesis method hopefully can develop the application of TiNb2O7.
Interfacial Reviving of the Degraded LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode by LiPO3 Repair Strategy
Authors: Feng Ze , Zhang Shan , Huang Xiaobing , Ren Yurong , Sun Dan , Tang Yougen , Yan Qunxuan , Wang Haiyan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNickel‐rich cathode materials, owing to their high energy density and low cost, are considered to be one of the cathodes with the most potential in next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. Unfortunately, this kind of cathode with highly active surface is easy to react with H2O and CO2 when exposed to ambient air, resulting in the formation of lithium impurities and interfacial phase transition as well as deterioration of the electrochemical properties. In this work, the evolution mechanism of the structure and interface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 during air‐exposure is systematically investigated. Furthermore, a facile reviving strategy is proposed to restore the degraded LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 by using LiPO3 as the repair agent. The lithium impurities on the surface of the degraded sample can transform into the repair/coating layer, and part of the rock salt phase on the subsurface can revive to layered phase after repair heat treatment. As a result, the optimized cathode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 198.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and a capacity retention of 85.5% after 50 cycles. Although slightly lower than the bare sample (201 mAh g−1 and 88%), they are obviously higher than the exposed samples (166.5 mAh g−1 and 40.4%). The regenerated electrochemical properties should be attributed to the multifunctional repair layer that can efficiently reduce the surface lithium impurities, prevent the corrosion of electrolyte, and improve the interfacial Li+ diffusion kinetics. This work can effectively reduce the waste of the degraded Ni‐rich ternary materials and realize the transformation of “waste” into wealth.
DNA Logic Circuits for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Chen Jing , Fu Shengnan , Zhang Chunyi , Liu Huiyu , Su Xin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCancer diagnosis and therapeutics (theranostics) based on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and biomarkers has been an emerging approach for precision medicine. DNA nanotechnology dynamically controls the self‐assembly of DNA molecules at the nanometer scale to construct intelligent DNA chemical reaction systems. The DNA logic circuit is a particularly emerging approach for computing within the DNA chemical systems. DNA logic circuits can sensitively respond to tumor‐specific markers and the TME through logic operations and signal amplification, to generate detectable signals or to release anti‐cancer agents. In this review, the fundamental concepts of DNA logic circuits are clarified, the basic modules in the circuit are summarized, and how this advanced nano‐assembly circuit responds to tumor‐related molecules, how to perform logic operations, to realize signal amplification, and selectively release drugs through discussing over 30 application examples, are demonstrated. This review shows that DNA logic circuits have powerful logic judgment and signal amplification functions in improving the specificity and sensitivity of cancer diagnosis and making cancer treatment controllable. In the future, researchers are expected to overcome the existing shortcomings of DNA logic circuits and design smarter DNA devices with better biocompatibility and stability, which will further promote the development of cancer theranostics.
Evolution of and Disparity among Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Gecko, Petal, and Lotus Effect
Authors: Weng Wei , Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Hu Wei Hsun , Naito Masanobu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIt is desirable to turn one kind of superhydrophobic (SHPO) surfaces into another by changing surface topography alone and attaining solid surfaces with tunable properties. Herein, gecko‐, petal‐, and lotus‐like SHPO surfaces, composed of ZnO tetrapods and polydimethylsiloxane, are realized by adjusting the roughness factor and length scale of roughness, while keeping the surface chemistry the same. Afterward, water droplet sliding and impacting are investigated. The surfaces behave similarly in spreading but deviate from each other in sliding, receding, jetting, and rebounding due to their different adhesive properties. Moreover, the disparity between surfaces with petal and lotus effects is well explained by Furmidge's and Young–Dupre equations. On the other hand, these formulas fail to elucidate the surface with gecko effect because of its inside sealed air that produces negative pressure upon droplet motion. This paper provides a facile topography evolution path and a manifest correlation between topography and performance in water droplet dynamics for SHPO surfaces with gecko, petal, and lotus effects.
Covalent Networking of a Conjugated‐Polymer Photocatalyst to Promote Exciton Diffusion in the Aqueous Phase for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: An Sanghyeok , Hassan Syed Zahid , Jung Jin‐Woo , Cha Hyojung , Cho Chang‐Hee , Chung Dae Sung 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA conjugated polymer particle in an aqueous phase is covalently networked in 3D by crosslinking with azide groups, leading to significantly enhanced activity—a high photocatalytic H2 evolution rate (11 024 µmol g−1 h−1 (λ > 420 nm)) and a high apparent quantum yield (up to 0.8%). The reaction between the photoactive azide and the alkyl chains of the conjugated polymer provides more intact intermolecular polymeric interactions in the colloidal state, thus preventing physical swelling and inhibiting the recombination of photoproduced carriers. The covalent network efficiently promotes exciton diffusion, which greatly facilitates charge separation and transfer. The azide photo‐crosslinking also leads to more compact and better‐packed nanoparticles in the aqueous phase and efficient transfer of excitons to the outer surface of the nanoparticles, where photocatalytic reactions occur. These results show that photo‐crosslinking can suppress the adverse effects of alkyl chains which inhibit photocatalytic performance. Therefore, covalent crosslinking is a promising strategy for the development of solar and hydrogen energy.