bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytosolic DNA sensor activation inhibits HIV infection of macrophages
Authors: Zhang Biao , Liu Jin‐Biao , Zhou Lina , Wang Xu , Khan Shazheb , Hu Wen‐Hui , Ho Wen‐Zhe 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCytosolic recognition of microbial DNA in macrophages results in the activation of the interferon (IFN)‐dependent antiviral innate immunity. Here, we examined whether activating DNA sensors in peripheral blood monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) can inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We observed that the stimulation of MDMs with poly(dA:dT) or poly(dG:dC) (synthetic ligands for the DNA sensors) inhibited HIV infection and replication. MDMs treated with poly(dA:dT) or poly(dG:dC) expressed higher levels of both type I and type III IFNs than untreated cells. Activation of the DNA sensors in MDMs also induced the expression of the multiple intracellular anti‐HIV factors, including IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs: ISG15, ISG56, Viperin, OAS2, GBP5, MxB, and Tetherin) and the HIV restriction microRNAs (miR‐29c, miR‐138, miR‐146a, miR‐155, miR‐198, and miR‐223). In addition, the DNA sensor activation of MDM upregulated the expression of the CC chemokines (RANTES, MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β), the ligands for HIV entry coreceptor CCR5. These observations indicate that the cytosolic DNA sensors have a protective role in the macrophage intracellular immunity against HIV and that targeting the DNA sensors has therapeutic potential for immune activation‐based anti‐HIV treatment.
A survey of the implementation rate of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart disease undergoing device implantation in Japan
Authors: Kuhara Satoshi , Matsugaki Ryutaro , Imamura Hanaka , Itoh Hideaki , Oginosawa Yasushi , Araki Masaru , Fushimi Kiyohide , Matsuda Shinya , Saeki Satoru 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on patients undergoing device implantation (DI) for arrhythmias has been reported; however, the implementation status of these patients has not been clarified. This study aimed to verify the implementation status of CR for patients with heart disease who have undergone DI using real‐world data.MethodsThis was an observational study using a nationwide administrative database associated with the diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) system in Japan (2014–2018). Subjects were patients with heart disease (70 667 cases) who underwent DI during the above scheduled hospitalization period. The overall rate of CR and the background factors of the subjects were verified.ResultsThe CR rate for patients with heart disease who underwent DI during hospitalization was 23%, and the CR rate for patients with comorbid heart failure who underwent DI was only 32%. It was confirmed that progressing age was associated with a higher CR implementation rate. The lower the Barthel index score at the time of admission, the higher the CR implementation rate.ConclusionsCR was performed for only one‐quarter of all the patients during admission for DI and just one‐third of the patients for DI with heart failure. Most of these patients were elderly and had a decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. The DPC data are subject to various limitations, and further research is necessary.
Ambulatory colectomy for cancer: Results from a prospective bicentric study of 177 patients
Authors: Seux Héloïse , Gignoux Benoît , Blanchet Marie‐Cécile , Frering Vincent , Fara Régis , Malbec Antoine , Darnis Benjamin , Camerlo Antoine 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme after colectomy reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens the length of hospital stay.ObjectiveTo evaluate the short and midterm outcomes of ambulatory colectomy for cancer.MethodsThis was a two‐centre, observational study of a database maintained prospectively between 2013 and 2021. Short‐term outcome measures were complications, admissions, unplanned consultations and readmission rates. Midterm outcome measures were the delay between surgery and initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, length of disease‐free survival and 2‐year disease‐free survival rate.ResultsA total of 177 patients were included. The overall morbidity rate was 15% and the mortality rate was 0%. The admission rate was 13% and 11% patients left hospital within 24 h of surgery. The readmission rate was 9% and all readmissions occurred before postoperative Day 4. Eight patients underwent repeat surgery because of anastomotic fistula (n = 7) or anastomotic ileocolic bleeding (n = 1). These patients had an uneventful recovery. Sixty‐one patients required adjuvant chemotherapy with a median delay between surgery and chemotherapy initiation of 35 days.ConclusionsAmbulatory colectomy for cancer is feasible and safe. Adjuvant chemotherapy could be initiated before 6 weeks postsurgery. The ambulatory approach may be a step forward to further improve morbidity and oncologic prognosis.
Effect of Ambient Air Pollutants on the Medical Costs of Allergic Rhinitis in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Kim Jin Youp , Park Yujin , Kim Su Hwan , Kim Seong Pyo , Park Seok‐Won , Yoon Hyung‐Jin 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAmbient air pollutants are considered significant factors that influence allergic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ambient air pollution on the medical costs of allergic rhinitis (AR) through a time‐series analysis.MethodsWe used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database from January 2016 to December 2019. The total cost for medical management and outpatient prescriptions for AR, estimated by the National Health Insurance Service for 25 districts, was summed as the total medical costs. The monthly concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, O3, and SO2 were calculated, and time‐series analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of ambient air pollutants on the medical cost of AR using the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model.ResultsTime‐series analysis revealed that the concentrations of PM10, NO2, and CO were significantly associated with an increased medical cost of AR when adjusting for monthly differences and seasonality (p = 0.048, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001 respectively). The increase in medical costs of AR was 6.22% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0%–12.37%), 11.27% (95% CI: 6.03%–16.50%), and 11.05% (95% CI: 7.09%–15.01%) per one standard deviation increase in PM10, NO2, and CO respectively.ConclusionsThe monthly concentrations of PM10, NO2, and CO were significantly associated with the increased medical costs of AR when adjusting for monthly differences and seasonality. This analysis provides a better understanding of the health and economic effects of ambient air pollutants on AR.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 133:1828–1833, 2023
Relationship between cleft palate width and otitis media
Authors: Yoshitomi Ai , Baba Shintaro , Tamada Ikkei , Nakaya Muneo , Itokawa Masanari 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between cleft width and otitis media (OM) and to determine whether a wide cleft palate (CP) is a risk factor of the incidence, type, amount of middle ear effusion, and prolonged morbidity in OM.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsChildren with CP who underwent palatoplasty between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Cleft width was measured at palatoplasty. The incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME) and acute otitis media (AOM), the type and amount of middle ear effusion, and OME duration and age at resolution were assessed in relation to cleft width.ResultsOne hundred eighteen children were included. The CP types were Veau I in 16, II in 35, III in 48, and IV in 19 patients. The incidence of OME and AOM before palatoplasty was 83.1% and 49.2%, respectively. Cleft width did not differ significantly between patients with or without OME but was significantly greater in those with, than in those without, AOM (p < .001), in those with mucoid, than in those with serous, effusion (p = .012), and in those with complete, than in those with partial, effusion (p = .01). Regardless of cleft width or type, OME persisted for a median duration of 50 months.ConclusionsCleft width was significantly associated with the incidence of AOM and the type and amount of middle ear effusion before palatoplasty. However, it was not significantly related to the incidence, age at resolution, or duration of OME. Regardless of cleft width or type, OM in children with CP requires long‐term follow‐up.Level of Evidence: 2b.
Preparation of All Amorphous PMMA Resins Based on the Graft Architecture with a Flexible Main Chain for Simultaneous Enhancement of Thermal and Mechanical Toughness
Authors: Yamawake Kanta , Hayashi Mikihiro , Nobukawa Shogo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study shows the design of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based glassy polymers with simultaneous improvement of thermal resistance and mechanical toughness, based on the graft architecture with a low glass transition (Tg) flexible main chain. The microphase‐separated structure of the flexible main chain and the glassy graft chains in this design may be key to these improved properties. Notably, the graft copolymer depicts the ductile fracture, and the microscopy observation for the fractured sample exhibits the presence of abundant void formation with relatively homogenous size and interval throughout the sample. The void formation could originate from the preferential fracture of aggregated flexible components distributed throughout the sample, indicating the effective role of the flexible main chain on the suppression of the internal stress. The novelty of the present study is on the use of simple graft architecture for enhancing the toughness of glassy resins. This idea is indeed distinct from the conventional approach to improve toughness by adding plasticizer or rubber particles, therefore opening a new method for the creation of high‐functional glassy polymers.
Thermal Conductivity of PNIPAm Hydrogels and Heat Management as Smart Windows
Authors: Zhang Zechuan , Tan Shuai , Bao Zewei , Wu Yong , Wang Caihong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThough thermoresponsive lower critical solution temperature (LCST) hydrogels have attracted intense attention to be applied in smart windows, less efforts are paid on the LCST effect on the heat transfer process. Herein, the research mainly focuses on heat transfer process of thermoresponsive PNIPAm hydrogels. It is the first time reported that LCST behaviors can decrease thermal conductivity upon heating process. To be utilized as a smart window, thermal conduction flux is investigated yet the thermal conduction energy occupies little to manage the thermal transfer process in a model house. It is found that radiation thermal transfer predominates the heat transfer process for PNIPAm‐based smart windows. These results are meaningful to provide basic data for energy transfer in using thermoresponsive hydrogels.
Structural‐Functional Properties of Asymmetric Fluoro‐Alkoxy Substituted Benzothiadiazole Homopolymers with Flanked Chalcogen‐Based Heterocycles
Authors: Comí Marc , Moncho Salvador , Attar Salahuddin , Barłóg Maciej , Brothers Edward , Bazzi Hassan S. , Al‐Hashimi Mohammed 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of asymmetric alkoxy‐ are reported, fluoro‐benzothiadiazole (BT) acceptor core derivatized with a series of six different heterocycles (selenophene, thiophene, furan, 5‐thiazole, 2‐thiazole and 2‐oxazole). The effect of the flanked‐heterocycles containing different chalcogen atoms of the six homopolymers (HPX) is studied using optical, thermal, electrochemical, and computational analysis. Computational calculations indicate a strong relationship between the most stable conformation for each homopolymer and their bearing heterocycle, thus homopolymers HPSe’, HPTp’, HPFu’, and HPTzC5, adopted the syn‐syn and syn‐anti conformations due to their noncovalent interactions with shorter distances, while HPTzC2’ and HPOx’ demonstrate preference for the anti‐anti conformation. Optical property studies of the homopolymers reveal a strong red‐shift in solution and film upon exchanging the chalcogen atom from Oxygen < Sulfur < Selenium in HPFu, HPTp, and HPSe, respectively. In addition, deeper highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels are observed when the donor‐acceptor moieties (HPSe, HPTp, and HPFu) are substituted for the acceptor‐acceptor systems such as HPTzC5, HPTzC2, and HPOx. Improved packing and morphology are exhibited for the donor‐acceptor homopolymers. Thus, having a flanked heterocycle containing different chalcogen‐atoms in polymeric systems is one way of tuning the physicochemical properties of conjugated materials for optoelectronic applications
Brucella ceti and Brucella pinnipedialis genome characterization unveils genetic features that highlight their zoonotic potential
Authors: Orsini Massimiliano , Ianni Andrea , Zinzula Luca 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Gram‐negative bacteria Brucella ceti and Brucella pinnipedialis circulate in marine environments primarily infecting marine mammals, where they cause an often‐fatal disease named brucellosis. The increase of brucellosis among several species of cetaceans and pinnipeds, together with the report of sporadic human infections, raises concerns about the zoonotic potential of these pathogens on a large scale and may pose a threat to coastal communities worldwide. Therefore, the characterization of the B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis genetic features is a priority to better understand the pathological factors that may impact global health. Moreover, an in‐depth functional analysis of the B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis genome in the context of virulence and pathogenesis was not undertaken so far. Within this picture, here we present the comparative whole‐genome characterization of all B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis genomes available in public resources, uncovering a collection of genetic tools possessed by these aquatic bacterial species compared to their zoonotic terrestrial relatives. We show that B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis genomes display a wide host‐range infection capability and a polyphyletic phylogeny within the genus, showing a genomic structure that fits the canonical definition of closeness. Functional genome annotation led to identifying genes related to several pathways involved in mechanisms of infection, others conferring pan‐susceptibility to antimicrobials and a set of virulence genes that highlight the similarity of B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis genotypes to those of Brucella spp. displaying human‐infecting phenotypes.
Electrically large aperture horn array antenna with low side lobe level for Ku‐band frequency
Authors: Ördek Sezgin , Kizilay Ahmet 
Published: October 2022

AbstractUsing electrically large antennas for array applications may cause grating lobes and this can change the array pattern. To achieve a low side lobe level for boresight pattern for linear or planar array antennas, in the literature it is seen that the common method is the use of feeding each antenna with some amplitude distribution and keeping the distance between the antennas less than a wavelength. However, in this study the distance between the antennas is chosen to be greater than a wavelength. Therefore, the common methods cannot be used. To achieve a low side lob level in the radiation pattern for an array of antennas composed of antennas with a distance greater than one wavelength. The aperture length of each antenna is chosen to be variable and an analytical solution method is used to calculate the amplitude of each aperture field of the horn antennas. Thus, the determination of unit horns' optimal aperture lengths Li can be considered a multivariable optimization problem. This challenging problem was achieved using a novel meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm called the differential evolutionary algorithm (DEA), where the aperture lengths of each array element are taken as inputs to find the optimal side lobe level (SLL). Based on the obtained solutions, a 4 × 1 horn array antenna design alongside its feed network was designed for Ku‐band applications. The design of the array is simulated in CST simulation software, and the obtained simulated results had been compared with experimental results and counterpart designs in the literature.
Magnetic resonance imaging of hypoxia in acute stroke compared with fluorine‐18 fluoromisonidazole‐positron emission tomography: A cross‐validation study?
Authors: Valable Samuel , Toutain Jérôme , Divoux Didier , Chazalviel Laurent , Corroyer‐Dulmont Aurélien , Chakhoyan Ararat , Guillouet Stéphane , Bernaudin Myriam , Barbier Emmanuel L. , Touzani Omar 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAcute ischemic stroke results in an ischemic core surrounded by a tissue at risk, named the penumbra, which is potentially salvageable. One way to differentiate the tissues is to measure the hypoxia status. The purpose of the current study is to correlate the abnormal brain tissue volume derived from magnetic resonance‐based imaging of brain oxygen saturation (StO2‐MRI) to the fluorine‐18 fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET) volume for hypoxia imaging validation, and to analyze the ability of StO2‐MRI to depict the different hypoxic tissue types in the acute phase of stroke. In a pertinent model of stroke in the rat, the volume of tissue with decreased StO2‐MRI signal and that with increased uptake of [18F]FMISO were equivalent and correlated (r = 0.706; p = 0.015). The values of StO2 in the tissue at risk were significantly greater than those quantified in the core of the lesion, and were less than those for healthy tissue (52.3% ± 2.0%; 43.3% ± 1.9%, and 67.9 ± 1.4%, respectively). A threshold value for StO2 of ≈60% as the cut‐off for the identification of the tissue at risk was calculated. Tissue volumes with reduced StO2‐MRI correlated with the final lesion (r = 0.964, p < 0.0001). The findings show that the StO2‐MRI approach is sensitive for the detection of hypoxia and for the prediction of the final lesion after stroke. Once validated in acute clinical settings, this approach might be used to enhance the stratification of patients for potential therapeutic interventions.
The abnormally long and weak methylidyne C–H bond
Authors: Vermeeren Pascal , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe C–H bond of the methylidyne radical, CH•, is abnormally long and weak, even longer and weaker than that of methane, CH4. This is remarkable given the fact that the C–H bond has been shown to contract as the number of substituents around the pertinent carbon atom decreases (e.g., from ethane to ethene to ethyne) because of the accompanying reduction in steric congestion. To elucidate the origin of this anomaly, we have analyzed the C–H bonding mechanism of quartet CH•••and doublet CH•and compared this with the sterically more encumbered triplet CH2••, doublet CH3•, and singlet CH4, using quantitative (Kohn‐Sham) molecular orbital theory. Our analyses reveal that, depending on the effective electronic configuration of the methylidyne radical, its relatively long and weak C–H bond originates from: (i) the position at which the maximum electron‐pair bonding overlap is achieved (quartet CH•••); and (ii) the destabilizing steric Pauli repulsion between the valence orbitals on the interacting fragments (doublet CH•).Key pointsThe C–H bond of the methylidyne radical is remarkably longer and weaker than that of the sterically more encumbered methane molecule.The position of maximum electron‐pair bonding overlap determines the long C–H bond of the methylidyne quartet CH•••.The C–H bond of the methylidyne doublet CH•expands even further, due to its effective 2s22p2electronic configuration, yielding a significant destabilizing Pauli repulsion between the valence orbitals on the interacting fragments.
The Global Polarity of Alcoholic Solvents and Water – Importance of the Collectively Acting Factors Density, Refractive Index and Hydrogen Bonding Forces
Authors: Spange Stefan , Weiß Nadine , Mayerhöfer Thomas G. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTheDHBDquantity represents the hydroxyl group density of alcoholic solvents or water.DHBDis purely physically defined by the product of molar concentration of the solvent (N) and the factor Σn=n×fwhich reflects the number n and position (f‐factor) of the alcoholic OH groups per molecule. Whether the hydroxyl group is either primary, secondary or tertiary is taken into account byf. Σn is clearly linearly correlated with the physical density or the refractive index of the alcohol derivative. Relationships of solvent‐dependent UV/Vis absorption energies asET(30) values,129Xe NMR shifts and kinetic data of 2‐chloro‐2‐methylpropane solvolysis withDHBDare demonstrated. It can be shown that theET(30) solvent parameter reflects the global polarity of the hydrogen bond network rather than specific H‐bond acidity. Significant correlations of the logk1rate constants of the solvolysis reaction of 2‐chloro‐2‐methylpropane withDHBDshow the physical reasoning of the approach.
Improving dielectric properties, electrical conductivity, and thermal properties of biodegradable polymer composites prepared with lanthanum
Authors: Torgut Gulben , Ayhan Nagihan Karaaslan , Acikses Aslisah 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe precipitation method was adapted to synthesize the poly(ε‐caprolactone‐copolymer‐ ethylene oxide) (ε‐CL‐co‐EO) composite with the salt of lanthanum (La), a rare earth element. This salt was incorporated into the polymer of different weight percentages to study how it affects the thermal and dielectric properties of the polymer. The resulting products were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis. XRD and SEM data show that the polymer mixes homogeneously with the metal salt. Thermal degradation data show that the thermal stability of composites synthesized with La is lower than that of pure polymer. The dielectric properties and A.C conductivity measurements of the composites were investigated by using impedance analyzer in the frequency range (100 Hz to 20 kHz) at room temperature. The electrical property results of (ε‐CL‐co‐EO)/La composites displayed that dielectric constant (έ), dielectric loss (ε"), tan delta (tan δ) and A.C electrical conductivity (σac) increase with increasing La content. The largest conductivity of (ε‐CL‐co‐EO)/La composite filled with 20 wt% La was 8.80 × 10−8 S/cm, which was 162% times pure (ε‐CL‐co‐EO). In addition, impedance (IZI) of composites was evaluated from the dielectric data. This procedure is eco‐friendly and easy to handle, which provides a promising route to polymer composites in the application of the conductivity field.