bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilization of chemoradiation therapy provides strongest protective effect for avoidance of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A NSQIP analysis
Authors: Mangieri Christopher W. , Strode Matthew A. , Moaven Omeed , Clark Clancy J. , Shen Perry 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe utilization of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) before performing pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy has been well established as a protective factor for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). However, there is a paucity of published data evaluating the specific NAT regimen that is the most protective against POPF development. We evaluated the differences between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with regard to the effect on POPF rates.MethodsThe main and targeted pancreatectomy American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registries for 2014–2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 10,665 pancreaticoduodenectomy cases were present. The primary outcome was POPF development. The factors that have previously been shown to be associated with or suspected to be associated with POPF were evaluated. The factors included NAT, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, smoking, steroid therapy, preoperative weight loss, preoperative albumin level, perioperative blood transfusions, wound classification, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, duct size (<3 mm, 3–6 mm, and >6 mm), gland texture (soft, intermediate, and hard), and anastomotic technique. The factors identified to be statistically significant were then used for propensity score matching to compare POPF development between the cases utilizing CT versus CRT.ResultsA total of 10,117 cases met the inclusion criteria. The development of POPF was significantly associated, on multivariate analysis, with a lack of NAT, male sex, higher BMI, nondiabetic status, nonsmoker status, decreased weight loss, preoperative albumin level, decreased duct size, and soft gland texture. NAT, duct size, and gland texture had the strongest associations with the development of POPF (p < .0001). The overall 1765 cases (17.45%) received NAT and the POPF rate for cases with NAT was 10.20% versus 20.10% for cases without NAT (p < .0001). A total of 1031 cases underwent CT and 734 cases underwent CRT, respectively. A total of 708 paired cases were selected for analysis based on propensity score matching. The POPF rates were 11.20% versus 3.50% for CT and CRT, respectively (p < .0001). There was no difference in the frequencies of specific POPF grades. The decreased POPF rate with CRT correlated with firmer gland texture rates.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the largest analysis of specific NAT regimens with regard to the development of POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy. CRT provided the strongest protective effect. That protective effect is most likely due to increased fibrosis in the pancreatic parenchyma from radiation therapy. These findings provide additional support to consider CRT over CT alone in the treatment of pancreatic cancer when NAT will be utilized.
Evaluation of Arterial Erectile Dysfunction Using Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Zhou Wang , Zhang Yuyang , Li Liang , Gao Jingjing , Zheng Hui , Huang Meng , Zhao Sheng , Xie Xinxin , Zhang Chaoxue , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo explore the feasibility of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of arterial erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsFrom November 2018 to November 2019, 26 patients with arterial ED and 30 patients with non‐vascular ED were prospectively included. SWE values of corpus cavernosum penis (CCP) and the flow velocity of cavernous artery for all patients in both before intracavernous injection (ICI) (flaccid state) and after ICI (erectile state) were measured. Performance of SWE value in assessing arterial ED was studied. Correlation between SWE value of CCP and the age of patients was also investigated.ResultsICI significantly reduced SWE values in both arterial and non‐vascular group (from 19.57 ± 6.33 KPa to 12.17 ± 3.64 KPa in the first, and from 19.91 ± 6.69 KPa to 8.04 ± 3.13 KPa in the former, both P < .001). SWE values of CCP after ICI in arterial ED were significantly larger than that in non‐vascular ED (P < .001). SWE values of CCP before ICI negatively correlated with age of patients in arterial ED (r = − 0.601, P < .001). With a cutoff value of 7.75 KPa, the area under curve, specificity, sensitivity, PPV, and NPV of SWE values of CCP after ICI in distinguishing arterial ED from non‐vascular ED were 0.810, 63.3%, 96.2%, 96.2%, and 70%, respectively.ConclusionsSWE was expected to be a potential technique for the noninvasive, simply operated, repeatable and quantitative evaluation of arterial ED.
Kinetics of esterification of the levulinic acid with n‐hexanol, n‐octanol, and 2‐ethylhexanol in the presence of methanesulfonic acid as a catalyst under nonisothermal conditions
Authors: Hamryszak Łukasz , Grzesik Miroslaw 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe levulinic acid was esterified with alcohol at an alcohol to acid molar ratio of 3:1, 5:1, and 10:1 in the presence of a 0.1 wt% methanesulfonic acid catalyst. During esterification, the temperature was changed linearly from 373 to 428 K and its average change was 4.5 K/min. The authors stated that reactions were of second order and that the activation energy (E) decreased from 61 to 46 kJ/mol in the following alcohol sequence: n‐hexanol > n‐octanol > 2‐ethylhexanol. The fitting errors varied between 3.8% and 6.4%. The time of experiment carried out under nonisothermal condition is five to 15 times shorter than that conducted under isothermal conditions. A smaller number of experimental series also determines a significantly lower cost of such research. The results of such study are the precise form of the kinetic equation, which is indispensable in design and optimization of industrial‐scale chemical reactors.
Voice‐Related Quality of Life in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Effect of Serial Intralesional Steroid Injections
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Puka Elefteria , Choksawad Kanittha , Franco Ramon A. 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesSerial intralesional steroid injection (SILSI) is an emerging treatment for idiopathic subglottic stenosis (ISGS), providing improvement in both subjective symptoms and objective airflow parameters. Little is known about how this airway remodeling affects the voice. This project analyzes subjective voice changes after SILSI and correlates these with airflow parameters.MethodsAn ISGS database containing voice‐related quality of life (V‐RQOL) and spirometry (peak expiratory flow percentage [%PEF]) was retrospectively queried. Included were ISGS patients from 2009 to 2019 who had at least one SILSI treatment. Encounters without complete data were excluded. Differences between preprocedure and postprocedure metrics were calculated. Correlations and nonparametric bivariate analysis were performed.ResultsSix hundred and seventeen steroid injections were performed in 55 patients, with an average of 3.5 years of follow‐up. The average V‐RQOL for all patient encounters, both pre‐ and postprocedure, showed little subjective dysphonia (83.5 of 100, 95% confidence interval [CI] 81.6 to 85.4). Considering SILSI‐only treatments, there were 143 encounters with full data; of these, V‐RQOL improved in 70 (49.0%), did not change in 40 (28.0%), and worsened in 33 (23.0%). Average V‐RQOL improvement for the entire cohort was 1.9 points (95% CI: 0.7 to 3.2), which was small but significant (P = .0003). Across all data, there was a weak but significant correlation between PEF% and V‐RQOL (ρ = 0.22, P = .0043).ConclusionSILSI was associated with improvement in subjective voice ratings in about half of patients, and the improvement correlated with improved airflow measurements. This research adds to the growing body of data regarding SILSI and suggests that further work on functional changes to the larynx with airway remodeling is imperative.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:366–369, 2021
Blunt Versus Penetrating Neck Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Forner David , Noel Christopher W. , Guttman Matthew P. , Haas Barbara , Enepekides Danny , Rigby Matthew H. , Nathens Avery B. , Eskander Antoine 
Published: September 2020

Objectives/HypothesisDespite being common, neck injuries have received relatively little attention for important quality of care metrics. This study sought to determine the association between blunt and penetrating neck injuries on mortality and length of stay, and to identify additional patient and hospital‐level characteristics that impact these outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study utilizing the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database.MethodsAdult patients (≥18) who sustained traumatic injuries involving the soft tissues of the neck between 2012 and 2016 were eligible. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Logistic regression and negative binomial models were used to analyze 1) in‐hospital mortality and 2) length of stay respectively while adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for clustering at the hospital level.ResultsIn a cohort of 20,285 patients, the crude mortality rate was lower in those sustaining blunt neck injuries compared to penetrating injuries (4.9% vs. 6.0%, P < .01), while length of hospital stay was similar (median 9.9 vs. 10.2, P = 0.06). In adjusted analysis, blunt neck injuries were associated with a reduced odds of mortality during hospital admission (odds ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence intervals [0.564, 0.788]), as well as significant reductions in length of stay (rate ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence intervals [0.880, 0.954]).ConclusionsBlunt neck injuries are associated with lower mortality and length of stay compared to penetrating injuries. Areas of future study have been identified, including elucidation of processes of care in specific organs of injury.Level of Evidence: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1109–E1116, 2021
Associations between obesity and ocular health in Spanish adults
Authors: Jacob Louis , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Pardhan Shahina , Allen Peter , Yang Lin , Grabovac Igor , Shin Jae Il , Tully Mark A. , López‐Sánchez Guillermo F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionObesity has been associated with poor vascular health, but not in a Spanish population. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate associations between obesity and cataract, wearing glasses or contact lenses, and trouble seeing in a large representative sample of the Spanish adult population.MethodsCross‐sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Ocular health included three dichotomous variables (presence vs absence): self‐reported cataract, wearing glasses or contact lenses, and trouble seeing. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations between obesity (independent variable) and ocular health outcomes (dependent variables). Covariates included in the analysis were sex, age, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol, and diabetes.ResultsA total of 23 089 participants were included (54.1% female; mean [SD] age = 53.4 [18.9] years). After adjusting for sex, age, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol, diabetes, and wearing glasses or contact lenses (for the trouble seeing analysis only), obesity was found to be a risk factor for cataract (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09‐1.37) and trouble seeing (OR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09‐1.32) but not for wearing glasses or contact lenses (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.91‐1.08). These findings were corroborated in participants ≥64 years.ConclusionsIn this large representative sample of Spanish adults, we found that obesity was a risk factor for cataract and trouble seeing. Lifestyle interventions aiming at the reduction of obesity in this population may indirectly improve ocular health. Such lifestyle interventions are important to implement considering the rising trend of obesity in Spain.
Double Yielding in Deformation of Semicrystalline Polymers
Authors: Razavi Masoud , Wang Shi‐Qing 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDifferent semicrystalline polymers including poly(l‐lactic acid), poly(ethylene terephthalate), syndiotactic polystyrene, and polyamide 12 are studied in terms of their mechanical response to uniaxial compression deformation. Apparent decoupling of yielding of amorphous and crystalline phases is identified as separate peaks in the stress–strain curve in the vicinity of the glass transition temperature. The same feature is also observed for the uniaxial extension of predrawn semicrystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate). It is indicated that in absence of a strong amorphous phase a semicrystalline polymer is unable to yield and undergo plastic deformation and it fails in a brittle manner in the uniaxial compression. Treating a semicrystalline polymer as a composite of amorphous and crystalline phases, putting emphasis on the crucial role of amorphous phase in acting as connectors between crystalline domains and indicating that the yielding of amorphous phase is a prerequisite for yielding of crystalline phase, work toward a better understanding of the mechanical properties of semicrystalline polymers at the molecular level is done.
Thermally Reversible Diels–Alder Bond‐Containing Acrylate Networks Showing Improved Lifetime
Authors: Maassen Eveline E. L. , Anastasio Rosaria , van Breemen Lambèrt C. A. , Sijbesma Rint P. , Heuts Johan P. A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPhotopolymerization of (meth)acrylates into highly crosslinked networks is in general accompanied by volumetric shrinkage, often leading to premature material failure. In this work, thermoreversible Diels–Alder groups are investigated to explore their effect on material lifetime. A difunctional acrylic monomer containing Diels–Alder moieties is synthesized and successfully incorporated in a polymer network by photopolymerization. It is demonstrated that upon heating above 150 °C, the Diels–Alder bonds open, yielding topological rearrangements of the network. The mechanical properties of the material after opening of the Diels–Alder moieties are investigated by tensile testing, showing a high strain‐rate dependence of the yield stress which is indicative of a longer lifetime at the higher strain rates that are prevalent in load‐bearing applications.
Preparation of Diameter‐Controlled Cellulose Aerogel Spheres via Atomization Method and Their Load Performance
Authors: Bian Hongli , Shao Ziqiang , Li Lei , Liu Jianxin , Chen Ken , Zhang Xuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCellulose aerogel spheres (CASs) are potential carriers due to their low‐cost and large‐scale features. In this paper, uniform CASs with precisely controlled diameters are prepared and their performance is characterized. The results show that the optimum conditions for the preparation of CASs are as follows: coagulation bath composition: Vtrichloromethane: Vethyl acetate: Vacetic acid = 10:10:3, cellulose solution concentration: 2%, and stirring rate: 500 r min−1. The CASs prepared under optimum conditions have smooth spherical surfaces with 3D inner network structures. The diameter of the CASs gradually decreases with increasing air pump pressure and can be controlled between 30 and 1500 µm. Moreover, the loading performance of the CASs with different diameter is investigated. The results show that the load capacity of the CASs for the energetic material cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) decreases as the diameter decreases. The diameter of CASs directly determines the balance between energy density, safety performance, and energy output of energetic materials. These CASs with controllable diameters, as well as facile production method give them a series of potential applications in high energy material loading.
Hollow fibre membrane bioreactor functionalized with GO‐cryogel 3D matrix promotes liver cell anchoring and their functional maintenance
Authors: Verma Surendra Kumar , Modi Akshay , Bellare Jayesh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe liver support system (bioartificial liver, BAL) is a potentially efficient treatment during reversible acute liver disease or while waiting for a liver transplant. The main challenge in implementing BAL is a bioreactor, which can fulfil the needs of hepatocyte culture, mass transfer and immunobarriers. In the present study, polymer nanocomposite hollow fibre membranes (HFMs) were fabricated using polyethersulphone (P) as a base polymer, vitamin E TPGS (T) as an additive and carboxylated carbon nanotubes (C) as a filler. These PTC HFMs were functionalized with cryogel (Cr), with or without carboxylated graphene oxide (G), known as PTC‐Cr or PTC‐CrG HFMs, respectively. These HFM substrates were characterized and evaluated for hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity and cellular functionality. Among all the HFM substrates, PTC‐CrG HFMs showed superior hemocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a liver cell bioreactor was developed and studied using PTC‐CrG HFMs. The goat primary liver cells were seeded in a bioreactor and cultured in continuous mode. The cell functionality was better maintained in the continuous mode as compared to that in the batch culture. The three‐dimensional PTC‐CrG HFMs‐based bioreactor can be used for liver cell bioreactor, bioartificial liver system, drug testing/toxicology metabolic study and mass cell culture.
Liquid biopsy technologies for hematological diseases
Authors: Fu Yatian , Zhang Yiyuan , Khoo Bee Luan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSince the discovery of circulating tumor cells in 1869, technological advances in studying circulating biomarkers from patients' blood have made the diagnosis of nonhematologic cancers less invasive. Technological advances in the detection and analysis of biomarkers provide new opportunities for the characterization of other disease types. When compared with traditional biopsies, liquid biopsy markers, such as exfoliated bladder cancer cells, circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), and extracellular vesicles (EV), are considered more convenient than conventional biopsies. Liquid biopsy markers undoubtedly have the potential to influence disease management and treatment dynamics. Our main focuses of this review will be the cell‐based, gene‐based, and protein‐based key liquid biopsy markers (including EV and cfDNA) in disease detection, and discuss the research progress of these biomarkers used in conjunction with liquid biopsy. First, we highlighted the key technologies that have been broadly adopted used in hematological diseases. Second, we introduced the latest technological developments for the specific detection of cardiovascular disease, leukemia, and coronavirus disease. Finally, we concluded with perspectives on these research areas, focusing on the role of microfluidic technology and artificial intelligence in point‐of‐care medical applications. We believe that the noninvasive capabilities of these technologies have great potential in the development of diagnostics and can influence treatment options, thereby advancing precision disease management.
Health service experiences among adults with hereditary spastic paraparesis or neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Fjermestad Krister W. , Kanavin Øivind , Nyhus Livø , Hoxmark Lise B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPersons with rare disorders may experience poorer health services due to limited knowledge about rare disorders among health professionals. Knowledge about how persons with rare disorders perceive health services can help inform service providers to enhance their practices.MethodsWe conducted a self‐report survey among adults with the rare disorders hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP; n = 108; mean age 57.7 years; 54.2% females) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1, n = 142; mean age = 50.3 years; 62.0% females). Their responses concerning perceived health experiences were compared to healthy controls from the population study HUNT‐3 (n = 7,312).ResultsBoth rare disorder groups reported lower satisfaction, trust, and participation in meetings with their general practitioner and specialist health services. More reported health problems were overall associated with poorer health service experiences.ConclusionThere is a need to identify predictors of health service experiences at the patient and health service provider levels with the aim to tighten the gap between the health experiences of patients with and without rare disorders.
Quality of life and pain in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan
Authors: Imai Koubun , Sone Hanae , Otomo Ken , Nakano Yuki , Hinoshita Fumihiko 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess psychological/psychiatric problems and quality of life (QOL) in patients with thalidomide embryopathy (TE), with a specific focus on pain, including pain severity and the effects of coping strategies for pain.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the severity of pain experienced by patients with TE, pain management strategies, time perspective, mental health status, and QOL. Of 67 patients with TE who underwent a health checkup, 51 respondents who gave valid responses were included in analysis.ResultsGHQ‐28 suggested that 41.2% of respondents appeared to potentially have psychiatric disorders. The mean scores of QOL were still within a normal range. There is no significant differences were found between limb disability group and hearing impairment group in QOL or mental health status. About 82.4% of respondents reported that they experience physical pain, and the use of the cognitive coping strategy “catastrophizing” to cope with pain was significantly associated with mental health status and QOL.ConclusionThis study demonstrate that although some patients with TE have some form of mental health problem, they still maintain a normal range QOL despite their disabilities. In addition, pain was not as strongly associated with mental health problems and QOL as would be expected, and variables such as “catastrophizing” to cope with pain appear to potentially be associated with reduced mental health and QOL.
Enhanced efficiency of C‐band sheet beam driven backward wave oscillator guided by periodic magnetic field
Authors: Banerjee Tusharika S. , Hadap Arti , Saxena Ayush , Reddy K. T. V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article we present the effect of periodic magnetic field on the efficiency of a sheet beam driven C‐band backward wave oscillator (operational in Megawatt power regime) through MAGIC3D PIC simulation. At 90 kV beam energy, 200 A beam current, and 0.6 T average magnetic field, our results depict an efficiency of nearly 70% due to improved electron beam confinement and electron bunching. A qualitative comparison is shown for efficiency through the same slow wave structure, guided by a uniform axial magnetic and the proposed periodic magnetic field. Efficiency enhancement of nearly 20% is observed in case of periodic magnetic field.