bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of regression and mitotic rate in head and neck cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Kim Elizabeth , Obermeyer Isaac , Rubin Nathan , Khariwala Samir S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractImportanceWhile regression is a commonly reported microscopic feature of melanoma, its prognostic significance is unclear.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of regression on sentinel node status and the likelihood of recurrence in primary cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.DesignRetrospective analysis of 191 adults who underwent surgical management for primary cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck between May 2002 and March 2019.SettingTertiary academic center.ParticipantsPatients appropriate for the study were identified by the Academic Health Center Information Exchange using a list of current procedural terminology codes. One hundred and ninety‐one cases of invasive melanoma of the head and neck were included from 830 patients identified. Clinical features assessed for each patient included age, sex, location of primary lesion, date of diagnosis, and current disease status (alive with or without disease). Histologic features assessed were histological melanoma subtype (nodular vs non‐nodular), Breslow thickness, Clark level, presence/absence of ulceration, mitotic rate per square millimeter, and regression. If applicable, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) status, date of recurrence, interval treatments, and date of death related to melanoma were recorded. Exclusion criteria included melanoma outside the anatomic parameters of head and neck, ocular or choroidal melanoma, mucosal melanoma, metastatic melanoma to the head or neck with no known primary tumor, melanoma of the head or neck with no surgical intervention, and non‐melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck.Intervention/ExposureSurgery for cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)The association between presence of regression and Breslow thickness, sentinel node status, and recurrence.ResultsOf the 191 patients identified, 30.9% were female and 69.1% were male with a mean age at diagnosis of 62.6 (range 20‐97) years. Mean Breslow thickness was 1.2 mm in those with regression and 2.0 mm in those without regression. In patients with regression, 17.6% had a positive sentinel node, and 13.0% experienced a recurrence. In patients without regression, 26.5% had a positive sentinel node, and 31.4% experienced a recurrence. When adjusted for other factors above, regression was not associated with positive sentinel node (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13‐2.00) or recurrence (OR = 0.33, CI = 0.07‐1.01). Mitotic rate >2 was associated with recurrence (OR = 2.71, CI = 1.11‐6.75, P = .03).Conclusions and RelevancePatients with presence of regression had thinner melanomas and trended toward decreased rates of sentinel node positivity and recurrence, suggesting regression may not be a negative prognostic indicator in patients with cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.
Synthesis of Poly(ether‐ester‐urethane) with a Controlled Molar Mass Based on Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and Poly(ethylene glycol) Segments
Authors: Staffa Lucas H. , Bettini Sílvia H. P. , Chinelatto Marcelo A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPoly(ether‐ester‐urethanes) (PEEUs) derived from poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL‐b‐PEG) have a high potential for use in biomedical applications or as compatibilizers of immiscible poly(acid lactic) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) blends. This study focused on the synthesis of PEEUs with same molar mass by one‐step bulk polycondensation of PCL and PEG macrodiols and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The copolymers, distinguished by the size of hydrophilic PEG and hydrophobic PCL segments and symmetry of the blocks, are characterized by SEC, FTIR, H1‐NMR, TGA, DSC, and water absorption testing. FTIR and H1‐NMR results demonstrated the formation of a hydroxy‐terminated multiblock copolymer with urethane bonds. Additionally, the PEG:PCL compositions measured by H1‐NMR are close to the theoretical compositions. Molar mass distribution curves revealed that copolymers with molar mass around 45 000 Da are synthesized by varying extents of ratio, given by NCO/OH molar ratio, between 0.9 and 1.0 depending on the initial macrodiols molar masses. The block size ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks is an important parameter in water absorption behavior, which can generate a water‐uptake of 50% or even 350% depending on the symmetry of the segments.
Influence of Gamma Radiation on the Properties of Biodegradable PBAT – Poly (butylene Adipate co‐terephthalate) Active Films with Orange Essential Oil
Authors: de Andrade Michelle Félix , Filho Luiz Emílio Pessoa Timeni de Moraes , Silva Ivo Diego de Lima , Lima Jéssica Camilla da Costa , de Carvalho Laura Hecker , de Almeida Yeda Medeiros Bastos , Vinhas Glória Maria 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDifferent methods of sterilization are used in food packaging for the packaging of raw or processed foods. The use of gamma radiation as a sterilizing source of packaging does not alter several fundamental aspects of food, besides increasing the shelf life and freshness of food. The application doses are in the range between 10 and 50 kGy, with the dose of 25 kGy being the most used. Thus, this work aims to analyze the influence of the dose of 25 kGy on the properties of the film of PBAT – poly (butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) additivated with orange essential oil. In the results, it is identified, by FTIR and PCA, that the irradiation alters PBAT's vibrational modes. Films additivated with 10% oil show minor changes in the mechanical properties of tensile strength. But, in general, from the results obtained, all films are still fit for application as active packaging.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyester Derived from Renewable Source and its Application as Tackifiers Resins in Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (HMPSA)
Authors: Velloso Isadora , Bastos João Bruno Valetim , Luz Rinaldo , Candido Luiz Fernando , Mello Bernardo , Cazumbá Anderson 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlycerol esters are synthesized from rosin of Elliottii type by different methodologies and characterized in relation to the most relevant properties that define their quality for use in adhesive formulations. The produced esters have different properties due to the different synthesis recipes, mainly in relation to the percentage of glycerol and the type of additive used in the esterification. However, all cases showed great potential to be used as tackifiers resins in hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives (HMPSA).
Characterization of Properties of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) Using Instrumented Microindentation Test
Authors: dos Santos Bianca B. , Pita Victor J. R. R. , da Costa Marysilvia F. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe microhardness evaluation of materials allows a quick prediction of their mechanical properties and the identification of morphological changes, making it an excellent tool for the characterization of parts with microstructural variations over time or that have geometric variations. In this work, instrumented microindentation test is performed on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) specimens with different degrees of crystallinity and crystalline structures. The microstructural differences are generated by changing the cooling temperature and the annealing duration. α‐phase and β‐phase are detected by FTIR analysis in all samples, which presented the same spectra. The mathematical relation between the microhardness and the crystallinity degree of PVDF is found, and the theoretical microhardness values of the crystalline and amorphous phases are determined. Microhardness is also related to the melting temperature of the polymer, which varies as a function of crystals perfection. This relationship is expressed through a linear equation.
Effects of Different Stabilizers on Miniemulsion Methyl Methacrylate Polymerizations
Authors: Alves Jéssica Bentes , Mangia Lys Hamond Regua , Sousa‐Batista Ariane de Jesus , Ferraz Helen Conceição , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe present work evaluated the effects of different ionic and nonionic stabilizers and respective concentrations on methyl methacrylate (MMA) miniemulsion polymerizations. The stabilities of the prepared miniemulsions are characterized through sedimentation and phase separation analyses and afterwards polymerizations are performed at the most stable conditions for each analyzed stabilizer. Monomer conversion profiles and final product properties are determined for comparative purposes. Obtained results indicated that the performances of the stabilizers during the polymerizations are not necessarily related to the stabilizing performances observed during preparation of the miniemulsions and that polymer latexes produced with the nonionic surfactant Tween80 presented the most suitable properties for applications in the biomedical field, as this stabilizer presented good stabilizing performances both during miniemulsion preparation and miniemulsion polymerization.
Survival Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary Tumor Board for Breast Cancer in Mozambique, Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Brandão Mariana , Guisseve Assucena , Bata Genoveva , Firmino-Machado João , Alberto Matos , Ferro Josefo , Garcia Carlos , Zaqueu Clésio , Jamisse Astrilde , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Piccart-Gebhart Martine , Leitão Dina , Come Jotamo , Soares Otília , Gudo-Morais Alberto , Schmitt Fernando , Tulsidás Satish , Carrilho Carla , Lunet Nuno 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Despite the international endorsement of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) for breast cancer care, implementation is suboptimal worldwide, and evidence regarding their effectiveness in developing countries is lacking. We assessed the impact on survival and the cost-effectiveness of implementing an MTB in Mozambique, sub-Saharan Africa.

Materials and Methods
This prospective cohort study included 205 patients with breast cancer diagnosed between January 2015 and August 2017 (98 before and 107 after MTB implementation), followed to November 2019. Pre- and post-MTB implementation subcohorts were compared for clinical characteristics, treatments, and overall survival. We used hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI), computed by Cox proportional hazards regression. The impact of MTB implementation on the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was estimated from the provider perspective.

Results
We found no significant differences between pre- and post-MTB subcohorts regarding clinical characteristics or treatments received. Among patients with early breast cancer (stage 0–III; n = 163), the 3-year overall survival was 48.0% (95% CI, 35.9–59.1) in the pre-MTB and 73.0% (95% CI, 61.3–81.6) in the post-MTB subcohort; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.47 (95% CI, 0.27–0.81). The absolute 3-year mean cost increase was $119.83 per patient, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $802.96 per QALY, corresponding to 1.6 times the gross domestic product of Mozambique.

Conclusion
The implementation of a MTB in Mozambique led to a 53% mortality decrease among patients with early breast cancer, and it was cost-effective. These findings highlight the feasibility of implementing this strategy and the need for scaling-up MTBs in developing countries, as a way to improve patient outcomes.

Implications for Practice
Currently, more than half of the deaths from breast cancer in the world occur in developing countries. Strategies that optimize care and that are adjusted for available resources are needed to improve the outcomes of patients with breast cancer in these regions. The discussion of cases at multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) may improve survival outcomes, but implementation is suboptimal worldwide, and evidence regarding their effectiveness in developing countries is lacking. This study evaluated the impact of implementing an MTB on the care and survival of patients with breast cancer in Mozambique, sub-Saharan Africa and its cost-effectiveness in this low-income setting.
Volatility of molten salts [Ph4P][NTf2] and Cs[NTf2]
Authors: Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Gantman Mikhail , Schulz Peter , Wasserscheid Peter , Verevkin Sergey P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe two ionic compounds [Ph4P][NTf2] and Cs[NTf2] were qualified to be suitable liquid materials for different high temperature applications. Development and optimization of these application techniques require knowledge of the thermodynamic properties of vaporization. Vapor pressures and vaporization enthalpies have been measured by using quartz‐crystal microbalance. Solubility parameters and miscibility of ionic liquids in practically relevant solvents were assessed.
Poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)‐tosylate—Its synthesis, properties and various applications
Authors: Maity Shilpa , Datta Salini , Mishra Megha , Banerjee Shiladitya , Das Sukhen , Chatterjee Krishanu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe discovery of conducting polymers (CPs) opens up a new path for the researchers to design them accordingly to some specific applications. Poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene)‐tosylate (PEDOT‐Tos) being one of the bicyclic polythiophene derivatives has been drawing much attention in the recent years. PEDOT is a well‐known CP with high electrical conductivity and balanced with small counter ion Tos seems to be a material capable in various applications. The improved structural order with the semi‐metallic character as supported by the electronic band structure activates the scientific community to employ PEDOT‐Tos in various applications. Reports show that for the last decade categorically PEDOT‐Tos has been synthesized, which finds applications not only in thermoelectrics, different type of sensors including mechanical and optical, as electrodes in organic electronics but also in biomedical applications specifically in tissue culture. The present work aims at implementing a comprehensive update on the synthesis of PEDOT‐Tos with the structure and properties and also a state‐of‐art review as a promising material in various applications with anticipation that the present work motivate the researchers to bring out PEDOT‐Tos as a multifunctional material.
Immunosuppression considerations in simultaneous organ transplant
Authors: Kovac Danielle , Choe Jason , Liu Esther , Scheffert Jenna , Hedvat Jessica , Anamisis Anastasia , Salerno David , Lange Nicholas , Jennings Douglas L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSolid organ transplantation is a life‐saving procedure for patients in the end stage of heart, lung, kidney, and liver failure. For patients with more than one failing organ, simultaneous organ transplantation has emerged as a viable treatment option. Immunosuppression strategies and outcomes for simultaneous organ transplant recipients have been reported, but often involve limited populations. Transplanting dual organs poses challenges in terms of balancing immunosuppression with immunologic risk and allograft damage from surgical complications. Furthermore, transplanting certain organs can impose considerations on the management of immunosuppression. For example, liver allografts may confer immunologic privilege and lower rates of rejection of other allografts. This review article evaluates immunosuppression strategies for simultaneous kidney‐pancreas, liver‐kidney, heart‐kidney, heart‐liver, heart‐lung, lung‐liver, and lung‐kidney transplants. To date, no comprehensive review exists to address immunosuppressive strategies in simultaneous organ transplant populations. Our review summarizes the available literature and provides evidence‐based recommendations regarding immunosuppression strategies in simultaneous organ transplant recipients.
Large‐scale dynamic, heat and moisture structures of monsoon‐influenced precipitation in the East Asian monsoon rainy area
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Wang Donghai , Pang Zihao , Zhang Yu , Jiang Xiaoling , Zeng Zhilin , Wu Zhenzhen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study investigated large‐scale dynamic structures along with heat and moisture budgets associated with monsoon‐influenced precipitation over a typical rainy domain in the East Asian monsoon region. Large‐scale dynamically and thermodynamically consistent forcing data based on multiple measurements were produced by a one‐dimensional constrained variational analysis method. Using the forcing data, distinct characteristics of large‐scale states were documented for cases of notable pre‐monsoon rainfall before the South China Sea monsoon onset (SCSMO), extreme rainfall during SCSMO, and persistent strong rainfall after SCSMO. The pre‐monsoon period mainly resulted from weak and discrete cloud regimes. The extreme‐rain period was associated with a severe deep convective system moving from the west, and the persistent‐rain period was related to moderate convective cells separated from the strong convective system over the northern South China Sea. Large‐scale features including vertical velocity, wind convergence, and diabatic heating and drying were the strongest (weakest) during the extreme‐rain (pre‐monsoon) period. For the pre‐monsoon and persistent‐rain periods, the period‐averaged profiles of vertical velocity and diabatic heating and drying showed a one‐peak structure. However, during the extreme‐rain period, a leap‐forward mutation was seen in the vertical structure and magnitude of these large‐scale states. The multiple peaks shown in the vertical profiles of vertical velocity and diabatic heating during the extreme‐rain period may indicate various convective cloud systems co‐existed. The diabatic heating profiles of extreme rainfall indicated that the first rainfall peak was related to the successive occurrence of stratiform anvils and convective clouds, while the second rainfall peak, which was most intense, was associated with shallow convective clouds, severe deep convective clouds, and detraining stratiform anvils.
Secondary production of macroinvertebrates as indicators of success in stream rehabilitation
Authors: Al‐Zankana Ahmed Faraj Ali , Matheson Tom , Harper David Malcolm 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHydromorphological rehabilitation is increasingly being used to reverse degradation of stream and river ecosystems. River rehabilitation projects have nevertheless been criticised for not meeting their goals or for not being monitored sufficiently well to assess whether their goals were met. There is therefore an urgent need to develop robust approaches to assessing treatment efficacy and to thus guide the increasing investment in rehabilitation. A headwater tributary of the River Welland in Leicestershire, UK was rehabilitated in summer 2014. Rehabilitation included removal of weirs and the creation of a distinct and meandered low‐flow channel with pool‐riffle sequences. Macroinvertebrates were collected in random sampling protocols stratified at in‐stream biotope level. The rehabilitated reach was compared with a semi‐natural upstream reach as a reference, and a similarly degraded reach as a control. This study demonstrated that rehabilitation of the River Welland had clear beneficial effects on ecological processes. It demonstrated that active re‐creation of lost biotope heterogeneity improved macroinvertebrate biodiversity and secondary production, which is the formation of heterotrophic biomass through time. The rehabilitated reach yielded higher production estimates for Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Malacostraca, Odonata, Arachnida and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera, and a lower estimate for Chironomidae relative to the control reach. The rehabilitated reach also had higher estimates of production for Shredder, Scraper, Filter‐feeder and Predator feeding groups relative to the control reach. Rehabilitation works transformed the reach from a condition more akin to the degraded reach to being more similar to the semi‐natural reach. These outcomes demonstrate recovery of the reach's entire macroinvertebrate community structure and function after rehabilitation. The results provide a clear message to river rehabilitation practitioners: rehabilitation of the function of a physically degraded river ecosystem is possible if the rehabilitation is planned to actively restore the lost in‐stream biotope diversity.
Materials Engineering in Perovskite for Optimized Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Condition
Authors: Dong Feifei , Li Lu , Kong Ziqi , Xu Xiaomin , Zhang Yaping , Gao Zhenghui , Dongyang Biaokui , Ni Meng , Liu Quanbing , Lin Zhan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDeveloping robust and highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for renewable, secure, and emission‐free energy technologies. Perovskite Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (BSCF) has emerged as a promising OER electrocatalyst with desirable intrinsic activity. Inspired by the factor that substituting in transition‐metal sublattice of the perovskite can further optimize the OER activity, herein, nickel‐substituted BSCF is adopted, that is, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8‐xFe0.2NixO3‐δ (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, denoted as BSCFNx, x = 5, 10, 20, respectively), as efficient and stable OER catalysts in alkaline solution. The phase structure, microchemistry, oxygen vacancy, and electrochemical activity of such samples are well‐investigated. Endowed with an overpotential of only 278 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of merely 47.98 mV dec−1, BSCFN20 exhibits the optimum OER activity. When constructing a two‐electrode cell with BSCFN20 as anode and Pt/C as cathode (BSCFN20||Pt/C) for water splitting, it only requires a voltage of 1.63 V to achieve 50 mA cm−2, and the BSCFN20||Pt/C remains stable within 80 h at 10 mA cm−2, superior to the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2||Pt/C counterpart. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing stable and highly active perovskite electrocatalysts for future energy storage and conversion.
Sustainable and healthy diets: Synergies and trade‐offs in Switzerland
Authors: Kopainsky Birgit , Frehner Anita , Müller Adrian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFood systems have increasingly strong impacts on the environment, and they influence our human well‐being. In Switzerland, food consumption accounts for one‐third of the environmental impact caused by total final consumption. At the same time, non‐communicable diseases have been linked to a number of dietary aspects. In Switzerland, all non‐communicable diseases together are responsible for 80% of total public health care costs annually. Current assessments that link environmental sustainability and human health‐oriented diets for Switzerland lack a transparent representation of the dynamic effects caused by large‐scale conversions of the food system. In this study, therefore, a system dynamics model is employed to investigate intended and unintended changes on the food system structure and on environmental impacts. Several human health‐oriented scenarios are implemented and tested with different production‐ and consumption‐side intervention strategies. Because all scenarios assuming an increase in the consumption of plant‐based products also involve higher consumption of dairy products, consequences for bovine meat need to be considered. The biological link between milk and bovine meat production leads to an unintended increase in bovine meat production as milk production increases. Intervention strategies at the consumption level thus need to be accompanied by intervention strategies at the agricultural production level. Similarly, intervention strategies that aim at improving health outcomes at the production level need to be accompanied by strategies that affect diets and thus consumption preferences. Avoiding instances of policy resistance requires integrated policy design and implementation across agriculture, the environment and human health. This integration is a challenge for farmers, the food industry and consumers alike.