bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the safety of pretransplant corticosteroid therapy in patients with acute liver failure and late‐onset hepatic failure in Japan
Authors: Hisanaga Takuro , Hidaka Isao , Sakaida Isao , Nakayama Nobuaki , Ido Akio , Kato Naoya , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Inoue Kazuaki , Shimizu Masahito , Genda Takuya , Terai Shuji , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Takikawa Hajime , Mochida Satoshi , Intractable Hepato‐Biliary Disease Study Group of Japan  
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimIn Japan, corticosteroids have been commonly used as a part of multidisciplinary therapy for patients with acute liver failure and late‐onset hepatic failure. However, there is controversy regarding the development of infections and other complications. In this study, the influence of corticosteroids on patient outcomes after liver transplantation was investigated.MethodsThis study included 167 patients with acute liver failure and late‐onset hepatic failure who underwent liver transplantation between 2010 and 2015. The effects of pretransplant corticosteroid therapy on patient outcomes were evaluated using a database constructed by the subcommittee for fulminant hepatitis in the Intractable Hepato‐Biliary Diseases Study Group of Japan.ResultsThe subacute type and the median total bilirubin levels were higher in those receiving corticosteroids than in those not receiving corticosteroids. Although infections tended to be higher in patients receiving corticosteroids, pretransplant corticosteroid administration did not affect the survival rates. The duration from corticosteroid initiation to liver transplantation was longer in patients who developed infections. The survival rates, however, did not differ between patients with and without infections.ConclusionsCorticosteroids were administered to patients with poor prognoses. Otherwise, the overall outcome in those administered corticosteroids was not significantly different from that in those administered without corticosteroids. Although infectious complications tended to occur, they were generally controllable and nonfatal. Pretransplant corticosteroid therapy may be permissible, with regarding for infections and performed within the minimum duration.
Raman spectroscopy in the detection of adulterated essential oils: The case of nonvolatile adulterants
Authors: Vargas Jentzsch Paul , Sandoval Pauker Christian , Zárate Pozo Paola , Sinche Serra Marco , Jácome Camacho Gonzalo , Rueda‐Ayala Victor , Garrido Patricia , Ramos Guerrero Luis , Ciobotă Valerian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEssential oils are liquid mixtures of volatile compounds extracted from plants. Their quality is usually controlled via gas chromatography (GC), although with limitations when adulterants are nonvolatile substances. The essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth), and their adulterated versions were measured by GC coupled to flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) and Raman spectroscopy. Canola oil, a nonvolatile substance, was used as the adulterant. The adulterated essential oils contained 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (v/v) of canola oil. Chromatograms of the adulterated essential oils containing 20% (v/v) of canola oil showed decrements in peak areas of the essential oil components, compared with peaks of the pure essential oils. The highest decrements were observed for the adulterated essential oil of patchouli. In general, detection of adulterated essential oils by simple visual inspection of the Raman features was difficult, due to slight differences observed in the spectra. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) allowed achieving a good spectral discrimination between pure and adulterated essential oils. These results suggest that Raman spectroscopy can overcome limitations of GC‐based methods, thus becoming an interesting alternative and complementary technique for quality control of essential oils.
Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Testicular Elasticity and Vascularity in Pediatric Patients With Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Seher Nusret , Nayman Alaaddin , Koplay Mustafa , Çiftci İlhan 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTesticular complications after inguinal hernia (IH) operations can be overlooked because they are difficult to diagnose, but usually have a long‐term effect. This study evaluates the effects of IH on preoperative and postoperative testicular elasticity and vascularity in children with unilateral hernias, examined using the superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and shear wave elastography (SWE) modalities.MethodsForty‐four male children with unilateral indirect IHs were included. Quantitative SMI and SWE examinations of the testicles were performed on the herniated and intact sides, both preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The SMI and SWE values of the testicles were compared between the herniated and intact sides, as well as with the opposite testicle.ResultsPreoperative vascular index (VI) values were lower on the herniated side than on the intact side. Furthermore, preoperative kPa and m/s values were higher on the herniated side than on the intact side. In follow‐up examinations performed at 6 months postoperatively, there was no equalization of kPa or m/s values, although VI values were equalized on both sides.ConclusionsTesticular vascularization secondary to mechanical compression in testicles on the herniated side increased significantly in the postoperative period, and reached a level similar to that of the contralateral side. Mean SWE values decreased in testicles on the herniated side, but were not equal with those of contralateral testicles. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of testicles using SMI and SWE is important for detecting possible advanced testicular complications in children with IH.
In‐Water Bridge Construction Effects on Manatees with Implications for Marine Megafauna Species
Authors: Hieb Elizabeth E. , Eniang Edem A. , Keith‐Diagne Lucy W. , Carmichael Ruth H. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTGlobally, increasing coastal development requires construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure that affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Construction of bridges as part of transportation networks introduces a series of risks to aquatic species near construction zones. We reviewed relevant literature and obtained exemplary case studies to synthesize potential effects of bridge construction on the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), a nearshore megafauna species vulnerable to human activities. Stages of bridge construction including dredging, pile driving, and installation and assembly of bridge components each involve potential direct and indirect effects on manatees. Direct effects such as vessel interactions, entanglement or ingestion, and entrainment may result in acute physical injury or mortality. Indirect effects from construction such as habitat obstruction or degradation and increased noise from construction activities can alter behavior and intraspecies communication and reduce access to essential resources. Some effects of construction may be immediately difficult to quantify, but cumulative effects through time can result in major habitat and species loss. To prevent large‐scale negative effects of construction on manatees and other aquatic species, use and evaluation of mitigation strategies should be implemented pre‐, during, and post‐construction. As the global human population increasingly occupies coastal zones, effective planning of coastal development, including bridge and other in‐water construction, will be essential to support conservation and recovery efforts for manatees and other species at risk in these areas. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Electrochemical Therapy of In Vivo Rabbit Cutaneous Tissue
Authors: Hong Ellen M. , Pham Tiffany T. , Seo Soohong , Moy Wesley J. , Borden Pamela , Hansen Kyle , Kim Sehwan , Mo Ji‐Hun , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo examine the acid‐base and histological changes in in vivo rabbit cutaneous tissue after electrochemical therapy.Study DesignIn vivo rabbit tissue study.MethodsThe shaved skin on the backs of female Oryctolagus cuniculi were assigned to treatments with or without tumescence with normal saline. Two platinum‐needle electrodes were inserted into each treatment area and connected to a direct current (DC) power supply. Voltage (3–5 V) was varied and applied for 5 minutes. The wound‐healing process was monitored via digital photography and ultrasonography until euthanasia at day 29. Treatment areas were biopsied, and specimens were sectioned through a sagittal midline across both electrode insertion sites. Samples were then evaluated utilizing light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and Picrosirius red).ResultsTreatment sites developed mild inflammation that dissipated at lower voltages or became scabs at higher voltages. Ultrasonography demonstrated acoustic shadowing with spatial spread that increased with increasing voltage application. The 4‐ and 5‐V sites treated with saline had localized areas of increased tissue density at day 29. Although specimens treated with 3 V did not look significantly different from control tissue, 4‐ and 5‐V samples with and without saline tumescence had finer, less‐organized collagen fibers and increased presence of fibrocytes and inflammatory infiltrates.ConclusionsElectrochemical therapy caused localized injury to in vivo rabbit cutaneous tissue, prompting regenerative wound repair. With future development, this technology may offer precise, low‐cost rejuvenation to restore the functionality and appearance of dermal scars and keloids.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E2196–E2203, 2021
Humanized Anti‐DNABII Fab Fragments Plus Ofloxacin Eradicated Biofilms in Experimental Otitis Media
Authors: Novotny Laura A. , Chiang Tendy , Goodman Steven D. , Elmaraghy Charles A. , Bakaletz Lauren O. 
Published: March 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the ability of humanized monoclonal antibody fragments directed against a bacterial DNABII protein plus ofloxacin delivered directly into the chinchilla middle ear via tympanostomy tube (TT) to enhance the ability of ofloxacin to eradicate biofilms formed by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI).Study DesignA blinded pre‐clinical study of comparative efficacy of single versus combinatorial treatment strategies.MethodsNTHI was allowed to form biofilms in the middle ears of chinchillas prior to TT placement. Ofloxacin, humanized Fab fragments against a bacterial DNABII protein that disrupts biofilms or Fab fragments plus ofloxacin were instilled into the middle ear via TT. For two consecutive days, ofloxacin was delivered twice‐a‐day, Fab fragments were delivered once‐a‐day, or these treatments were combined. Relative biofilm resolution (as determined via two outcome measures) and eradication of viable NTHI were assessed 1‐day later.ResultsWhereas ofloxacin alone did not resolve biofilms or eradicate NTHI from the middle ear, delivery of Fab fragments significantly reduced both biofilms and NTHI burden over this short course of treatment. Notably, co‐delivery of ofloxacin plus humanized Fab fragments eradicated both NTHI and biofilms from the middle ear, an enhanced outcome compared to receipt of either treatment alone.ConclusionThis study demonstrated a powerful combinatorial approach to release bacteria from their protective biofilms and rapidly render them vulnerable to killing by a previously ineffective antibiotic. An approach to combine ofloxacin with humanized Fab fragments that disrupt biofilms has tremendous potential to quickly resolve chronic otorrhea suffered by children with chronic suppurative otitis media or chronic post‐tympanostomy tube otorrhea and thereby improve their quality of life.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:E2698–E2704, 2021
Prospective motion detection and re‐acquisition in diffusion MRI using a phase image–based method—Application to brain and tongue imaging
Authors: Liang Xiao , Su Pan , Patil Sunil G. , Elsaid Nahla M. H. , Roys Steven , Stone Maureen , Gullapalli Rao P. , Prince Jerry L. , Zhuo Jiachen 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo develop an image‐based motion‐robust diffusion MRI (dMRI) acquisition framework that is able to minimize motion artifacts caused by rigid and nonrigid motion, applicable to both brain and tongue dMRI.MethodsWe developed a novel prospective motion‐correction technique in dMRI using a phase image–based real‐time motion‐detection method (PITA‐MDD) with re‐acquisition of motion‐corrupted images. The prospective PITA‐MDD acquisition technique was tested in the brains and tongues of volunteers. The subjects were instructed to move their heads or swallow, to induce motion. Motion‐detection efficacy was validated against visual inspection as the gold standard. The effect of the PITA‐MDD technique on diffusion‐parameter estimates was evaluated by comparing reconstructed fiber tracts using tractography with and without re‐acquisition.ResultsThe prospective PITA‐MDD technique was able to effectively and accurately detect motion‐corrupted data as compared with visual inspection. Tractography results demonstrated that PITA‐MDD motion detection followed by re‐acquisition helps in recovering lost and misshaped fiber tracts in the brain and tongue that would otherwise be corrupted by motion and yield erroneous estimates of the diffusion tensor.ConclusionA prospective PITA‐MDD technique was developed for dMRI acquisition, providing improved dMRI image quality and motion‐robust diffusion estimation of the brain and tongue.
Effects of exercise on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Raposo Filipe , Ramos Marta , Lúcia Cruz Ana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundKnee osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease and a major cause of functional limitation and pain in adults. The aim of this literature review is to review the existing evidence regarding the impact of exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis concerning physical and functional outcomes. The secondary aim is to provide both healthcare professionals and patients with updated and high‐quality recommendations for the management of this condition.MethodsA systematic search was performed at Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, limiting the studies to English, French and Portuguese language, from 2010 to May 2020. Eligible studies were randomized control trials or clinical control trials that compared an intervention consisting of an exercise programme in adult participants with knee osteoarthritis against no intervention.ResultsA total of 4499 studies were retrieved and 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. Beneficial effects of exercise were found on pain and strength. Regarding function, functional performance and quality of life, evidence is controversial. Both strengthening and aerobic exercise showed positive effects and both aquatic and land‐based programmes presented improvement of pain, physical function and quality of life. Relatively to stretching, plyometric and proprioception training, no concrete conclusions can be taken.ConclusionExercise programmes appear to be safe and effective in knee osteoarthritis patients, mainly regarding pain and strength improvement. Pilates, aerobic and strengthening exercise programmes performed for 8–12 weeks, 3–5 sessions per week; each session lasting 1 h appear to be effective. Both aquatic and land‐based programmes show comparable and positive effects.
On matchings, T‐joins, and arc routing in road networks
Authors: Boyacı Burak , Dang Thu Huong , Letchford Adam N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMatchings and T‐joins are fundamental and much‐studied concepts in graph theory and combinatorial optimization. One important application of matchings and T‐joins is in the computation of strong lower bounds for arc routing problems (ARPs). An ARP is a special kind of vehicle routing problem, in which the demands are located along edges or arcs, rather than at nodes. We point out that the literature on applying matchings and T‐joins to ARPs does not fully exploit the structure of real‐life road networks. We propose some ways to exploit this structure. Computational results show significant running time improvements, without deteriorating the quality of the lower bounds.
Fully screen‐printed silicon solar cells with local Al‐p+ and n‐type POLO interdigitated back contacts with a VOC of 716 mV and an efficiency of 23%
Authors: Haase Felix , Min Byungsul , Hollemann Christina , Krügener Jan , Brendel Rolf , Peibst Robby 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe demonstrate the fabrication of a fully screen‐printed p‐type silicon solar cell with local hole‐collecting Al‐alloyed (Al‐p+) contacts with a record open circuit voltage of 716 mV. The solar cell is fabricated by using almost the same process equipment as PERC cells. One of the dominant recombination losses in PERC cells is the recombination in the passivated and in the contacted emitter regions that so far limit the open circuit voltage to values below 700 mV. We eliminate these loss channels by substituting the P‐diffused emitter by a passivating n‐type poly‐Silicon on Oxide (nPOLO) contact. We place this contact on the rear side because of its otherwise strong parasitic absorption. The Al‐p+ contacts are also located at the rear side to avoid front‐side shading. This results in a POLO‐IBC cell structure. The efficiency of the best cell so far is 23.0% with a designated area of 4 cm2 fabricated on a M2‐sized wafer. Scanning electron microscopy reveals an Al‐p+ thickness of less than 3.3 μm and only a few 100 nm at the contact ends, which is less than the 5 μm typically for optimized Al‐p+ contacts. A comparison of measured and simulated current‐voltage curves over a variation of the contact fraction extracts a high saturation current density of the Al‐p+ contact of J0‐Al ‐p+ = 2,250 fA cm−2 for the current screen‐print conditions and Al‐paste causing an absolute efficiency loss of 0.5%abs. The recombination at the AlOx/SiNy surface and the shunt resistance limits the cell by 0.6%abs each.
Morphology, microstructure, and doping behaviour: A comparison between different deposition methods for poly‐Si/SiOx passivating contacts
Authors: Truong Thien N. , Yan Di , Nguyen Cam‐Phu T. , Kho Teng , Guthrey Harvey , Seidel Jan , Al‐Jassim Mowafak , Cuevas Andres , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCrystallographic structures, optoelectronic properties, and nanoscale surface morphologies of ex situ phosphorus‐doped polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si)/SiOx passivating contacts, formed by different deposition methods (sputtering, plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition [PECVD], and low‐pressure chemical vapour deposition [LPCVD]), are investigated and compared. Across all these deposition technologies, we noted the same trend: higher diffusion temperatures yield films that are more crystalline but that have rougher surface morphologies due to bigger surface crystal grains. Also, the recrystallization process of the as‐deposited Si films starts from the SiOx interface, rather than from the film surface and bulk. However, there are some distinct differences among these technologies. First, the LPCVD method yields the lowest deposition rate, roughest surfaces, and smallest degree of crystallinity on finished poly‐Si films. In contrast, the PECVD method has the highest deposition rate and smoothest surfaces for both as‐deposited Si and annealed poly‐Si films. Second, as‐deposited sputtered and PECVD Si films contain only an amorphous phase, whereas as‐deposited LPCVD films already has some crystalline phase. Third, the LPCVD phosphorus in‐diffusion into the substrate depends strongly on the initial film thickness, whereas for the other two methods, it is weakly dependent on thickness. Finally, the passivation quality of every poly‐Si film type has different responses to the film thickness and diffusion temperature, suggesting that the ex situ doping optimization should be performed independently.
Sensitivity of QBO teleconnection to model circulation biases
Authors: Karpechko Alexey Yu. , Tyrrell Nicholas L. , Rast Sebastian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) in the equatorial stratospheric winds is known to modulate the extratropical atmospheric circulation so that an easterly QBO phase is associated with a weaker Arctic stratospheric vortex and a negative North Atlantic Oscillation in winter. The link can potentially be used to improve seasonal forecasts and is usually captured by climate models but with a smaller magnitude than that in observations. Here, the sensitivity of the QBO teleconnection to biases in model circulation is explored in an atmosphere‐only model ECHAM6 with an internally generated QBO, by contrasting simulations by an original, biased model, and a model version in which biases are artificially reduced. We find that the strength of the winter mean Arctic stratospheric vortex response is better reproduced by the bias‐corrected model. On the other hand, the response is delayed by 1 month and there is no improvement in the tropospheric response. Stronger response of the polar vortex in the bias‐corrected model is likely associated with larger magnitude of QBO winds and better‐represented stratospheric mean climate and planetary wave fluxes, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The results of this study have implications for seasonal forecast model development.
Chirurgische Aufklärung: Klar geregelt durch das Patientenrechtegesetz – deutliche Unsicherheit bei Medizinstudierenden
Authors: Seemann R. J. , Melcher P. , Eder C. , Deckena J. , Kasch R. , Fröhlich S. , März M. ,   AG Lehre DGOU, Ghanem M. 
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Das chirurgische Aufklärungsgespräch stellt eine komplexe Herausforderung dar und ist als Lernziel im Nationalen Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog Medizin verankert. Die wenigen bestehenden Lehrformate sind uneinheitlich und aufwändig; insbesondere juristische Implikationen nehmen im Studium wenig Raum ein, obwohl sie mit Inkrafttreten des Patientenrechtegesetzes vermehrt in den Fokus gerückt sind und u. a. bei Regressverfahren eine wichtige Rolle spielen.

Ziel der Arbeit
Ziel war eine Ermittlung des Wissensstandes von Medizinstudierenden zu den rechtlichen Aspekten des chirurgischen Aufklärungsgespräches auf Basis einer juristischen Analyse des Patientenrechtegesetzes. Dieses wurde auf Implikationen für die Lehre im Medizinstudium überprüft.

Material und Methoden
Nach Analyse von Gesetz und Rechtsprechung wurden Multiple-Choice-Fragen zu den rechtlichen Aspekten des chirurgischen Aufklärungsgespräches erstellt und im Sinne einer Querschnittsanalyse im Progress Test Medizin platziert. Es erfolgte die deskriptive statistische Auswertung der Ergebnisse bei Berliner Medizinstudierenden.

Ergebnisse
Es wurden die Antworten von 2625 (Wintersemester 2018/19) und 2409 (Sommersemester 2019) Berliner Studierenden ausgewertet. Bei den Fragen zur Art aufzuklärender Prozeduren sowie der Bedenkzeit nahm die Anzahl Studierender, die die Frage korrekt beantwortete, über die Zeit zu, erreichte jedoch nicht den Vergleichswert aller Fragen des Progress Test Medizin. Bei den Fragen zu den notwendigen Inhalten wählten, unabhängig vom Ausbildungsstand, zwischen 30 und 60 % die korrekte Antwort, eine Zunahme korrekter Antworten über die Zeit war nicht zu sehen.

Diskussion
In der vorliegenden Arbeit konnte gezeigt werden, dass bei Medizinstudierenden über alle Semester hinweg Unsicherheiten bezüglich der juristischen Aspekte des Aufklärungsgespräches bestehen. Der gesetzliche Rahmen lässt allerdings Raum für neue Lehrformate wie der hier erstmals vorgestellten „Co-Aktion“: der Studierende führt die Aufklärung eines Patienten selbstständig, unter Aufsicht und Verantwortung des behandelnden Arztes, durch.