Showing papers by "University of Miami published in 2022"

Achieving Efficient NIR‐II Type‐I Photosensitizers for Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy upon Regulating Chalcogen Elements

Abstract: Second near-infrared (NIR-II) window type-I photosensitizers have intrinsic advantages in photodynamic/photothermal therapy (PDT/PTT) of some malignant tumors with deep infiltration, large size, complicated location, and low possibility of surgery/radiotherapy. Herein, three chalcogen-element-based donor-acceptor-type semiconducting polymers (poly[2,2″-((E)-4,4″-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-[6,6″-bithieno[3,2-b]pyrrolylidene]-5,5″(4H,4″H)-dione)-alt-2,5-(thiophene)] (PTS), poly[2,2″-((E)-4,4″-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-[6,6″-bithieno[3,2-b]pyrrolylidene]-5,5″(4H,4″H)-dione)-alt-2,5-(selenophene)] (PTSe), and poly[2,2″-((E)-4,4″-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-[6,6″-bithieno[3,2-b]pyrrolylidene]-5,5″(4H,4'H)-dione)-alt-2,5-(tellurophene)] (PTTe)) are synthesized and fully characterized, demonstrating strong absorption in the NIR-II region. Upon adjusting the chalcogen elements, the intramolecular charge-transfer characteristics and the heavy-atom effect are tuned to enhance the intersystem crossing rate, improving the photodynamic effect. Moreover, the energy levels and Gibbs free energies are tuned to facilitate the type-I photodynamic process. As a result, PTTe nanoparticles (NPs) produce superoxide anion radicals (O2•- ) more efficiently and demonstrate higher photothermal conversion efficiency than PTS and PTSe NPs upon NIR-II (1064 nm) laser irradiation, exhibiting unprecedented NIR-II type-I PDT/PTT performance in vitro and in vivo. This work provides ideas for achieving high-performance NIR-II type-I PDT/PTT semiconducting polymers for hypoxic oncotherapy.

Cellular senescence: a key therapeutic target in aging and diseases

Abstract: Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging defined by stable exit from the cell cycle in response to cellular damage and stress. Senescent cells (SnCs) can develop a characteristic pathogenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that drives secondary senescence and disrupts tissue homeostasis, resulting in loss of tissue repair and regeneration. The use of transgenic mouse models in which SnCs can be genetically ablated has established a key role for SnCs in driving aging and age-related disease. Importantly, senotherapeutics have been developed to pharmacologically eliminate SnCs, termed senolytics, or suppress the SASP and other markers of senescence, termed senomorphics. Based on extensive preclinical studies as well as small clinical trials demonstrating the benefits of senotherapeutics, multiple clinical trials are under way. This Review discusses the role of SnCs in aging and age-related diseases, strategies to target SnCs, approaches to discover and develop senotherapeutics, and preclinical and clinical advances of senolytics.

Dynamics of Symmetrical Communication Within Organizations: The Impacts of Channel Usage of CEO, Managers, and Peers:

Abstract: Focusing on channels used by members of the organization in different positions, this study aims to examine the antecedents of two-way symmetrical communication in an organization. Using two-way sy...

Intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection of high-grade glioma leads to greater extent of resection with better outcomes: a systematic review

Abstract: High-grade gliomas (HGG) are the most aggressive and common malignant brain tumors in adults. They have a dismally fatal prognosis. Even if gross total resection of the enhancing tumor is achieved, inevitably, invading tumor cells that are indistinguishable to the un-aided eye are left behind, which eventually leads to tumor recurrence. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an increasingly utilized intraoperative fluorescent imaging agent for patients with HGG. It enhances visualization of HGG tissue. Despite early promising randomized clinical trial data suggesting a survival benefit for 5-ALA-guided surgery, the growing body of literature must be analyzed to confirm efficacy on patient outcomes.To perform a systematic review of the literature to evaluate whether there is a beneficial effect upon survival and extent of resection due to the utilization of 5-ALA in HGG surgery.Literature regarding 5-ALA usage in HGG surgery was reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Two databases, PubMed and SCOPUS, were searched for assorted combinations of the keywords "5-ALA," "high-grade glioma," "5-aminolevulinic acid," and "resection" in July 2020 for case reports and retrospective, prospective, and randomized clinical trials assessing and analyzing 5-ALA intraoperative use in patients with HGG. Entailed studies on PubMed and SCOPUS were found for screening using a snowball search technique upon the initially searched papers. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded from our PRISMA table.3756 previously published studies were screened, 536 of which were further evaluated, and ultimately 45 were included in our systematic review. There were no date restrictions on the screened publications. Our literature search was finalized on July 16, 2020. We found an observed increase in the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the 5-ALA group compared to the white light group, as well as an observed increase in the OS and PFS of complete resections compared to incomplete resections. Of the studies that directly compared the use of 5-ALA to white light (13 of the total analyzed 45, or 28.9%), 5-ALA lead to a better PFS and OS in 88.4 and 67.5% of patients, respectively. When the studies that reported postoperative neurologic outcomes of surgeries using 5-ALA vs. white light were analyzed, 42.2% of subjects demonstrated 5-ALA use was associated with less post-op neurological deficits, whereas 34.5% demonstrated no difference between 5-ALA and without. 23.3% of studies showed that intraoperative 5-ALA guided surgeries lead to more post-op neurological deficits.Utilization of 5-ALA was found to be associated with a greater extent of resection in HGG surgeries, as well as longer OS and PFS. Postop neurologic deficit rates were mixed and inconclusive when comparing 5-ALA groups to white light groups. 5-ALA is a useful surgical adjunct for resection of HGG when patient safety is preserved.

Exploring the High-redshift PBH-ΛCDM Universe: Early Black Hole Seeding, the First Stars and Cosmic Radiation Backgrounds

Abstract: Abstract We explore the observational implications of a model in which primordial black holes (PBHs) with a broad birth mass function ranging in mass from a fraction of a solar mass to ∼10 6 M ⊙ , consistent with current observational limits, constitute the dark matter (DM) component in the universe. The formation and evolution of dark matter and baryonic matter in this PBH-Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) universe are presented. In this picture, PBH-DM mini-halos collapse earlier than in standard ΛCDM, baryons cool to form stars at z ∼ 15–20, and growing PBHs at these early epochs start to accrete through Bondi capture. The volume emissivity of these sources peaks at z ∼ 20 and rapidly fades at lower redshifts. As a consequence, PBH DM could also provide a channel to make early black hole seeds and naturally account for the origin of an underlying DM halo–host galaxy and central black hole connection that manifests as the M bh – σ correlation. To estimate the luminosity function and contribution to integrated emission power spectrum from these high-redshift PBH-DM halos, we develop a halo occupation distribution model. In addition to tracing the star formation and reionization history, it permits us to evaluate the cosmic infrared and X-ray backgrounds. We find that accretion onto PBHs/active galactic nuclei successfully accounts for the detected backgrounds and their cross-correlation, with the inclusion of an additional IR stellar emission component. Detection of the deep IR source count distribution by the James Webb Space Telescope could reveal the existence of this population of high-redshift star-forming and accreting PBH DM.

Effects of unconventional fly ashes on cementitious paste properties

Abstract: The availability of fly ash for concrete has decreased due to the shutdowns of coal-fired power plants. Alternatives to conventional fly ash are needed to ensure sustainable and durable concrete. In this study, the impacts of numerous unconventional fly ashes – reclaimed, beneficiated off-spec, and marginal fly ashes on early and later-age properties of cementitious paste were assessed. Heat release characteristics, bulk resistivity, compressive strength, calcium hydroxide content and bound water content were studied. “Unconventional” fly ash performance was compared to conventional fly ashes, inert materials and a cement control. Substantial differences between Class C and Class F fly ashes were observed, even for unconventional fly ashes. The fly ash CaO content is positively correlated with several early-age paste properties, however, certain other properties did not show significant early-age differences based on fly ash type. Class F fly ashes showed significantly higher bulk resistivity at 91-days, while Class C fly ashes showed higher bound water contents. All tested unconventional fly ashes were reactive, contributed to strength development, and did not negatively affect cement hydration. Some fly ashes resulted in properties that varied significantly from those expected for conventional fly ashes, but there did not appear to be a simple correlation between a fly ash being either off-spec, marginal, reclaimed, or beneficiated and its performance being different from what is expected from similar class fly ashes. The results suggest that fly ash specifications need to be broadened to include unconventional fly ashes.

Dealing with loss in the face of disasters and crises: Integrating interpersonal theories of couple adaptation and functioning.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant and varied losses that couples can experience during times of global and regional disasters and crises. What factors determine how couples navigate their close relationships during times of loss? In this paper, we elaborate and extend on one of the most influential frameworks in relationship science-the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model (VSAM, Karney and Bradbury, 1995)-to enhance the model's power to explain relationships during loss-themed disasters/crises. We do so by elaborating on attachment theory and integrating interdependence theory (emphasizing partner similarities and differences). Our elaboration and extension to the VSAM provides a comprehensive framework to guide future research and inform practice and policy in supporting relationships during and beyond loss-themed disasters/crises.

Megnn: Meta-path extracted graph neural network for heterogeneous graph representation learning

Abstract: Heterogeneous graphs with multiple types of nodes and edges are ubiquitous in the real world and possess immense value in many graph-based downstream applications. However, the heterogeneity within nodes and edges in heterogeneous graphs has brought pressing challenges for practical node representation learning. Existing works manually define multiple meta-paths to model the semantic relationships in heterogeneous graphs. Such strategies heavily rely on the quality of domain knowledge and require extensive hand-crafted works. In this paper, we propose a novel Meta-path Extracted heterogeneous Graph Neural Network ( Megnn ) that is capable of extracting meaningful meta-paths in heterogeneous graphs, providing insights about data and explainable conclusions to the model’s effectiveness. Concretely, Megnn leverages heterogeneous convolution to combine different bipartite sub-graphs corresponding to edge types into a new trainable graph structure. By adopting the message passing paradigm of GNNs through trainable convolved graphs, Megnn can optimize and extract effective meta-paths for heterogeneous graph representation learning. To enhance the robustness of Megnn , we leverage multiple channels to yield various graph structures and devise a channel consistency regularizer to enforce the node embeddings learned from different channels to be similar. Extensive experimental results on three datasets not only show the effectiveness of Megnn compared with the state-of-the-art methods, but also demonstrate the favorable interpretability of the extracted meta-paths.

Optimal Management of Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis in 2021: The Jury is Still Out. An International, Multispecialty, Expert Review and Position Statement

Abstract: Objectives The recommendations of international guidelines for the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) often vary considerably and extend from a conservative approach with risk factor modification and best medical treatment (BMT) alone, to a more aggressive approach with a carotid intervention plus BMT. The aim of the current multispecialty position statement is to reconcile the conflicting views on the topic. Materials and methods A literature review was performed with a focus on data from recent studies. Results Several clinical and imaging high-risk features have been identified that are associated with an increased long-term ipsilateral ischemic stroke risk in patients with ACS. Such high-risk clinical/imaging features include intraplaque hemorrhage, impaired cerebrovascular reserve, carotid plaque echolucency/ulceration/ neovascularization, a lipid-rich necrotic core, a thin or ruptured fibrous cap, silent brain infarction, a contralateral transient ischemic attack/stroke episode, male patients Conclusions Although aggressive risk factor control and BMT should be implemented in all ACS patients, several high-risk features that may increase the risk of a future cerebrovascular event are now documented. Consequently, some guidelines recommend a prophylactic carotid intervention in high-risk patients to prevent future cerebrovascular events. Until the results of the much-anticipated randomized controlled trials emerge, the jury is still out regarding the optimal management of ACS patients.

Megnn: Meta-path extracted graph neural network for heterogeneous graph representation learning

Abstract: Heterogeneous graphs with multiple types of nodes and edges are ubiquitous in the real world and possess immense value in many graph-based downstream applications. However, the heterogeneity within nodes and edges in heterogeneous graphs has brought pressing challenges for practical node representation learning. Existing works manually define multiple meta-paths to model the semantic relationships in heterogeneous graphs. Such strategies heavily rely on the quality of domain knowledge and require extensive hand-crafted works. In this paper, we propose a novel Meta-path Extracted heterogeneous Graph Neural Network (Megnn) that is capable of extracting meaningful meta-paths in heterogeneous graphs, providing insights about data and explainable conclusions to the model’s effectiveness. Concretely, Megnn leverages heterogeneous convolution to combine different bipartite sub-graphs corresponding to edge types into a new trainable graph structure. By adopting the message passing paradigm of GNNs through trainable convolved graphs, Megnn can optimize and extract effective meta-paths for heterogeneous graph representation learning. To enhance the robustness of Megnn, we leverage multiple channels to yield various graph structures and devise a channel consistency regularizer to enforce the node embeddings learned from different channels to be similar. Extensive experimental results on three datasets not only show the effectiveness of Megnn compared with the state-of-the-art methods, but also demonstrate the favorable interpretability of the extracted meta-paths.

Fermentative and physicochemical properties of fermented milk supplemented with sea buckthorn (Hippophae eleagnaceae L.)

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sea buckthorn on the fermentative properties of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and physicochemical characteristics of fermented milk. Fermented milk was supplemented with 0% (v/v), 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% sea buckthorn and fermented using 8 different LAB strains that isolated from 5 different fermented foods. Results showed that addition of sea buckthorn in fermented milk could significantly increase the total phenolics contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and total antioxidant activity, also made fermented milk showed more redness and yellowness. In addition, the addition of 5% sea buckthorn could shorten the coagulation time of fermented milk (from >9 h to 4–5 h), improve the texture of fermented milk and increase the viable LAB counts in fermented milk. Furthermore, the water holding capacity (WHC) was kept stable by adding 5% of sea buckthorn during a 30-day storage period at 4 °C. The study demonstrated that sea buckthorn may be used as a functional food ingredient for improving fermentative properties and extending shelf-life of fermented milk.

Are Specific Body Sites Prone for Wound Infection After Skin Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Identifying risk factors for wound infection may guide clinical practice for optimal use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery.To summarize the current evidence whether specific body sites have higher risks for surgical site infections (SSI).The systematic literature search included MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and trial registers. Only observational studies qualified for inclusion and meta-analysis. We assessed the risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Eighteen studies with 33,086 surgical wounds were eligible. Eight studies were of good, 4 of fair, and 6 of poor quality. The mean infection rate was 4.08%. Meta-analysis showed that the lips had significantly higher infection rates. The lower extremity and ears had or tended toward a higher risk for infection, but studies were clinically heterogeneous. A large prospective trial found that surgical wounds on the hands were at higher risk for infection. The trunk showed the lowest infection rate. The risk for SSI in other body locations was not different or remained uncertain because of substantial heterogeneity among studies.Lips, lower extremities, and probably ears and hands may have a higher risk for wound infection after skin surgery. The trunk showed the lowest infection rate.