bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of population‐level colon cancer pathway concordance measures and association with survival
Authors: Ieraci Luciano , Eberg Maria , Forster Katharina , Murray Paula M. , Borg Emmett , Habbous Steven , Esensoy Ali Vahit , Kennedy Erin , Holloway Claire M. B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractClinical cancer pathways help standardize healthcare delivery to optimize patient outcomes and health system costs. However, population‐level measurement of concordance between standardized pathways and actual care received is lacking. Two measures of pathway concordance were developed for a simplified colon cancer pathway map for Stage II‐III colon cancer patients in Ontario, Canada: a cumulative count of concordant events (CCCE) and the Levenshtein algorithm. Associations of concordance with patient survival were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for patient characteristics and time‐dependent cancer‐related activities. Models were compared and the impact of including concordance scores was quantified using the likelihood ratio chi‐squared test. The ability of the measures to discriminate between survivors and decedents was compared using the C‐index. Normalized concordance scores were significantly associated with patient survival in models for cancer stage—a 10% increase in concordance for Stage II patients resulted in a CCCE score adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of death of 0.93, 95% CI 0.88‐0.98 and a Levenshtein score aHR of 0.64, 95% CI 0.60‐0.67. A similar relationship was found for Stage III patients—a 10% increase in concordance resulted in a CCCE aHR of 0.85, 95% CI 0.81‐0.88 and a Levenshtein aHR of 0.78, 95% CI, 0.74‐0.81. Pathway concordance can be used as a tool for health systems to monitor deviations from established clinical pathways. The Levenshtein score better characterized differences between actual care and clinical pathways in a population, was more strongly associated with survival and demonstrated better patient discrimination.
Cover Image
Authors: Ren Zhihao , Dong Bowei , Qiao Qifeng , Liu Xinmiao , Liu Jinyuan , Zhou Guangya , Lee Chengkuo 
Published: February 2022

Bigradient all‐dielectric metamaterials provide subwavelength‐scale on‐chip metalenses solution for dense photonic integrated circuits by structural engineering. (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12264)
image
Thermodynamic basis for comparative photobiomodulation dosing with multiple wavelengths to direct odontoblast differentiation
Authors: Young Nicholas C. , Maximiano Vinicius , Arany Praveen R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMultiple wavelength devices are now available for photobiomodulation (PBM) treatments, but their dosimetry for individual or combinatorial use remains unclear. The present work investigated the effects of 447, 532, 658, 810, 980 and 1064 nm wavelengths on odontoblast differentiation at 10 mW/cm2 using either equal treatment time for conventional fluence (300 seconds for 3 J/cm2) or varying times to adjust for individual wavelength photon fluence (4.6 p.J/cm2). Both 447 and 810 nm significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, while 1064 nm showed reduced ALP activity at 3 J/cm2. However, ALP induction was significantly improved when equivalent photon fluence dosing was used. Other wavelengths did not show significant changes compared to untreated controls. The data suggest that accounting for wavelength‐specific photon energy transfer during PBM dosing could improve clinical safety and efficacy.
A fast, fully validated GC‐MS method using a simplified pretreatment for the quantification of short and branched chain fatty acids in human stool
Authors: Gray Justin , Guo Baochuan , Bearden Rebecca , Manka Julie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe study of short (SCFAs) and branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs) in human stool related to gastrointestinal diseases, gut microbiota, metabolism, and diet has dramatically increased. As a result, a fast, reliable method with minimal pretreatment is needed for quantification of these metabolites (acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, valeric, and caproic acid) in stool. Therefore, a GC‐MS method meeting this criterion was developed. A bias sampling study showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in analyte means when comparing 100 mg subsamples of homogenized to non‐homogenized samples (n = 6, p values 0.153–0.910). Stool samples were homogenized, diluted with 80:20 water:methanol (v/v), and adjusted to a pH of 1.5–2.5. Samples were vortexed, centrifuged, and directly injected into the GC‐MS using pulsed splitless injection offering twofold‐to‐threefold signal enhancement over a 10:1 split injection. DB‐FATWAX Ultra Inert Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Column showed no peak tailing, reduced responses, or retention time shifts after 1,476 stool injections, while other columns failed before 361 injections. Intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy for stool supernatant samples ranged from −10.21% to 8.88% and −13.25% to 9.91%, while intra‐ and inter‐day precision ranged from 0.21% to 1.21% and 0.89% to 2.84% coefficient of variation (CV), respectively. This method demonstrates excellent linearity (0.9999–1.0000) and low limits of quantification (1.50–8.01 μM). Stool samples proved stable stored at −20°C up to 28 days, and recoveries ranged from 85.04% to 106.59%. Matrix effects in stool are non‐significant determined by comparing standard and stool supernatant calibration curve slopes (p > 0.05).
Biglycan has a major role in maintenance of mature tendon mechanics
Authors: Beach Zakary M. , Bonilla Kelsey A. , Dekhne Mihir S. , Sun Mei , Adams Thomas H. , Adams Sheila M. , Weiss Stephanie N. , Rodriguez Ashley B. , Shetye Snehal S. , Birk David E. , Soslowsky Louis J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDecorin and biglycan are two small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) that regulate collagen fibrillogenesis and extracellular matrix assembly in tendon. The objective of this study was to determine the individual roles of these molecules in maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of tendon during homeostasis in mature mice. We hypothesized that knockdown of decorin in mature tendons would result in detrimental changes to tendon structure and mechanics while knockdown of biglycan would have a minor effect on these parameters. To achieve this objective, we created tamoxifen‐inducible mouse knockdown models targeting decorin or biglycan inactivation. This enables the evaluation of the roles of these SLRPs in mature tendon without the abnormal tendon development caused by conventional knockout models. Contrary to our hypothesis, knockdown of decorin resulted in minor alterations to tendon structure and no changes to mechanics while knockdown of biglycan resulted in broad changes to tendon structure and mechanics. Specifically, knockdown of biglycan resulted in reduced insertion modulus, maximum stress, dynamic modulus, stress relaxation, and increased collagen fiber realignment during loading. Knockdown of decorin and biglycan produced similar changes to tendon microstructure by increasing the collagen fibril diameter relative to wild‐type controls. Biglycan knockdown also decreased the cell nuclear aspect ratio, indicating a more spindle‐like nuclear shape. Overall, the extensive changes to tendon structure and mechanics after knockdown of biglycan, but not decorin, provides evidence that biglycan plays a major role in the maintenance of tendon structure and mechanics in mature mice during homeostasis.
Non‐submerged reconstructive approach for peri‐implantitis osseous defect with removal of implant crowns: One‐year outcomes of a prospective case series study
Authors: Wen Shih‐Cheng , Barootchi Shayan , Wang Hom‐Lay , Huang Wen‐Xia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to test a non‐submerged reconstructive approach for peri‐implantitis osseous defects, by removing the prosthetic components, augmenting of the infraosseous bony compartment, and flap readaptation around the replaced healing abutments, without obtaining a primary wound closure.MethodsTwenty‐nine implants in 24 patients were treated. Implant suprastructures were removed at the time of the intervention, to aid with the debridement process which included curettage, implantoplasty, air‐power driven devices, and locally delivered antibiotics. The infraosseous part of peri‐implant defects were augmented using a composite bone graft and an absorbable membrane to be secured around the replaced healing abutments without attempting to submerge the implants. After 8 months, direct peri‐implant defect measurements were obtained to serve as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included of radiographic bone changes, and probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) changes at 12 months.ResultsAt the time of the surgical re‐entry (8 months), a statistically significant clinical and radiographic defect fill was observed (average of 2.33 and 1.63 mm, respectively). Approximately 3 months after crown replacement, 12 months from the surgical intervention, a significant PD (1.51 mm) and BOP (65%) reduction were also noted.ConclusionsConsidering its limitations, the use of a non‐submerged approach (with removal of implant crowns) led to significant improvements in clinical (defect fill, PD, BOP) and radiographic outcomes.
A novel observation upon the near‐resonant Raman excitation of zinc oxide nanoparticles: Widening of the E2(high) band
Authors: Nekvapil Fran , Stefan Maria , Marica Ioana , Falamaș Alexandra 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDespite the fact that resonance Raman signal of ZnO nanostructures is well documented in the literature, new observations are still being reported upon variation of experimental conditions. We synthesized a series of ZnO nanoparticles of different mean size using simple, cost‐effective chemical synthesis methods. UV–Vis absorption spectra show that the 532 nm laser line employed here is nonresonant, while the 442 nm line is near‐resonant and falls at the onset of absorption increase. The novel observation here is the unusual fourfold to sixfold broadening of the O sublattice related band in the 439–448 cm−1 spectral range. The explanation is not straightforward; however, the origin of the phenomenon is most likely related to wavelength‐dependent effects, rather than a resonance excitation consequence. Considering the origin of the respective band, the O sublattice presumably plays a major role in the band broadening. The reported findings extend our collective understanding of spectroscopy of ZnO nanomaterials and can serve in the development of ZnO opto‐electronic nanostructures.
Prognostic value of the combination of primary tumor location and RAS mutational status on patients with colorectal liver metastasis undergoing hepatectomy
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Luan , Wang Kun , Bao Quan , Wang Hong‐Wei , Jin Ke‐Min , Su Yu‐Ming , Xing Bao‐Cai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess prognostic influences of RAS mutational status and primary tumor site on cases with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) who underwent hepatectomy.MethodsClinicopathological data of 762 patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy between January 2000 and November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The left‐sided tumors (LST) included tumors located in the splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum; while right‐sided tumors (RST) included those located in the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon. RAS mutational status was determined using Sanger sequencing or next‐generation sequencing, including KRAS (Codons 12, 13, and 61) and NRAS (Codons 12, 13, and 61), which were defined as wild‐type (RASwt) and mutant‐type (RASmut), respectively. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier plotter and compared by the log rank test. The clinicopathological data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe 5‐year overall survival (OS) in the LST group was longer than that in the RST group (OS: 47.1% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.000, respectively), and the OS in the RASwt group was longer compared with that in the RASmut group (OS: 53.6% vs. 24.0%, p = 0.000). Besides, overall survival of the patients after hepatectomy was alternative, which was stratified by primary tumor site, with the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates of 93.1%, 62.1%, and 47.1% for patients with LST, and 91.1%, 42.8%, and 31.0% for patients with RST, respectively. OS and disease‐free survival (DFS) were significantly different stratified by RAS mutational status, with the 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year rates of 96.9%, 67.9%, and 53.6% for patients with RASwt tumors, and 85.7%, 41.5%, and 24.0% for patients with RASmut tumors, respectively. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year DFS rates were 51.9%, 30.0%, and 26.7% for patients with RASwt tumors, and 35.8%, 18.2%, and 14.9% for patients with RASmut tumors, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis showed that RAS mutational status and primary tumor site were both independent influencing factors of OS.ConclusionRAS mutational status and primary tumor site affect OS independently in CRLM patients undergoing hepatectomy. The worse prognosis of RST cannot be simply attributed to the imbalance of RAS mutational status in different primary tumor sites.
Stability of p‐parabolicity under quasi‐isometries
Authors: Granados Ana , Pestana Domingo , Portilla Ana , Rodríguez José M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractKanai proved the stability under quasi‐isometries of numerous global properties (including existence of Green's function, i.e., non‐parabolicity) between Riemannian manifolds of bounded geometry. Unfortunately, Kanai's hypotheses are not usually satisfied in the context of Riemann surfaces endowed with the Poincaré metric. In this work we prove the stability of p‐parabolicity (with ) by quasi‐isometries, under hypotheses that many Riemann surfaces satisfy. Consequences for the stability of the Liouville property are obtained. In order to get our results, it is shown that each Riemannian surface with pinched negative curvature is bilipschitz equivalent to a surface with constant negative curvature.
Generation of Tfap2c‐T2A‐tdTomato knock‐in reporter rats via adeno‐associated virus‐mediated efficient gene targeting
Authors: Oikawa Mami , Nagae Mayuko , Mizuno Naoaki , Iwatsuki Kenyu , Yoshida Fumika , Inoue Naoko , Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tsukamura Hiroko , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Hirabayashi Masumi , Kobayashi Toshihiro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGene editing in mammalian zygotes enables us to generate genetically modified animals rapidly and efficiently. In this study, we compare multiple gene targeting strategies in rat zygotes by generating a novel knock‐in reporter rat line to visualize the expression pattern of transcription factor AP‐2 gamma (Tfap2c). The targeting vector is designed to replace the stop codon of Tfap2c with T2A‐tdTomato sequence. We show that the combination of electroporation‐mediated transduction of CRISPR/Cas9 components with adeno‐associated virus‐mediated transduction of the targeting vector is the most efficient in generating the targeted rat line. The Tfap2c‐T2A‐tdTomato fluorescence reflects the endogenous expression pattern of Tfap2c in preimplantation embryo, germline, placenta, and forebrain during rat embryo development. The reporter line generated here will be a reliable resource for identifying and purifying Tfap2c expressing cells in rats, and the gene targeting strategy we used can be widely applied for generating desired animals.
Influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes reinforced honeycomb core on vibration and damping responses of carbon fiber composite sandwich shell structures
Authors: Maneengam Apichit , Siddique Mohammed Javeed , Selvaraj Rajeshkumar , Kakaravada Ismail , Arumugam Ananda Babu , Singh Lavish Kumar , Kumar Nitesh 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn the present study, vibration and damping characteristics of the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced honeycomb embedded sandwich composite shell structures have been investigated numerically using finite element (FE) method. The efficacy of the FE method by deriving the governing equations using higher order theory is verified by comparing the natural frequencies assessed using ABAQUS 3D FE model. The influence of MWCNT reinforcement, support condition, and radius of curvature on the dynamic performance of honeycomb sandwich shell with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite face sheets are explored. In addition, the optimal ply orientations of the various configurations of CFRP sandwich shells with MWCNT/GFRP honeycomb are identified using the developed FE model coupled with genetic algorithm (GA) to enrich the natural frequencies and loss factors. Further, it can be observed that the reinforcement of MWCNTs in honeycomb core, geometry of shell structure, and optimal ply orientations significantly influences the natural frequencies and loss factors of the sandwich composite shell structures.
The effects of COVID‐19 outbreak on pediatric emergency department admissions for acute wheezing
Authors: Di Sarno Lorenzo , Curatola Antonietta , Conti Giorgio , Covino Marcello , Bertolaso Chiara , Chiaretti Antonio , Gatto Antonio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionAcute wheezing is a common clinical presentation of viral respiratory infections in children, which can also be caused by exposure to allergens and, rarely, by foreign body inhalation. Since the beginning of the COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak, several public health interventions have been adopted to reduce viral spread. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown measures on Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) admission for acute wheezing.Materials and MethodsWe compared demographics and clinical data of patients admitted to the ED for acute wheezing during the COVID‐19 outbreak and in the 5 previous years through a retrospective cross‐sectional study.ResultsDuring the COVID‐19 outbreak we observed an average drop of 83% in pediatric ED admission for acute wheezing, compared to the 5 previous years. In this period, 121 (80.7%) children presented with wheezing and 29 (19.3%) with bronchiolitis. The mean age of the sample was higher compared to the 5 previous years. We also noted an increased number of children presenting with higher acuity color codes during the COVID‐19 period, while no differences emerged as for the hospitalizations. During the pandemic we recorded a decrease in the number of viral infections detected. Only two cases of wheezing associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 were identified.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 outbreak and the national lockdown led to a drop of the number of admission to the ED for wheezing in children. This could be due to a reduction in the circulation of common respiratory viruses and partially to a reduced exposure to aeroallergens during the COVID‐19 period. Future epidemiological surveillance studies will be needed to support these prelimianry findings.
Utility and safety of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated children in pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Sachdev Anil , Gupta Neeraj , Khatri Anuj , Jha Ganpat , Menon Geetha R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo study the utility, safety, and effects of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) on oxygenation status, ventilation parameters, and hemodynamics in mechanically ventilated children.DesignRetrospective study.PatientsChildren aged >1 month to 18 years suffering from critical medical and surgical diseases.ResultsFirst bronchoscopy data of 131 patients were analyzed. Indication, FFB findings, the microbiological yield from bronchoalveolar lavage, and medical and surgical interventions based on FFB results were recorded. Hemodynamic and ventilation parameters before, during, and 3 h after FFB were also captured. The majority of bronchoscopies were done for diagnostic purposes with a positivity rate of 90.8%. Retained mucopurulent secretion in the airways was the commonest finding in 60 patients. A cause for weaning or extubation failure could be identified in 83.3%. Post‐FFB radiological resolution of atelectasis was seen in 34/59 (57.6%; p‐value: 0.001) chest radiographs. Forty‐seven medical and 25 surgical interventions were done depending on FFB and BAL findings. There was a significant drop in oxygenation parameters and a rise in heart rate during FFB (p‐value: <0.0001). The peak inspiratory pressure, positive end‐expiratory pressure, and mean airway pressure increased significantly during bronchoscopy (p value: <.0001) while patients were on pressure‐regulated volume‐controlled ventilation. All these changes reversed to pre‐FFB levels. There were minor procedure‐related complications.ConclusionFFB was an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for mechanically ventilated children and the results helped plan interventions. It was a safe procedure with transient reversible cardiopulmonary alterations.
Deciphering gp120 sequence variation and structural dynamics in HIV neutralization phenotype by molecular dynamics simulations and graph machine learning
Authors: Li Yi , Guo Yu‐Chen , Cheng Hong‐Han , Zeng Xin , Zhang Xiao‐Ling , Sang Peng , Chen Ben‐Hui , Yang Li‐Quan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exploits the sequence variation and structural dynamics of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 to evade the immune attack of neutralization antibodies, contributing to various HIV neutralization phenotypes. Although the HIV neutralization phenotype has been experimentally characterized, the roles of rapid sequence variability and significant structural dynamics of gp120 are not well understood. Here, 45 prefusion gp120 from different HIV strains belong to three tiers of sensitive, moderate, and resistant neutralization phenotype are structurally modeled by homology modeling and then investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and graph machine learning (ML). Our results show that the structural deviations, population distribution, and conformational flexibility of gp120 are related to the HIV neutralization phenotype. Per‐residue dynamics indicate the local regions especially in the second structural elements with high‐flexibility, may be responsible for the HIV neutralization phenotype. Moreover, a graph ML model with the attention mechanism was trained to explore inherent representation related to the classification of the HIV neutralization phenotype, further distinguishing the strong related gp120 sequence variation together with structural dynamics in the HIV neutralization phenotype. Our study not only deciphers gp120 sequence variation and structural dynamics in the HIV neutralization phenotype but also explores complex relationships between the sequence, structure, and dynamics of protein by combining MD simulations and ML.