bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The unfavorable effects of COVID‐19 on Dutch advanced melanoma care
Authors: van Not Olivier J. , van Breeschoten Jesper , van den Eertwegh Alfonsus J. M. , Hilarius Doranne L. , De Meza Melissa M. , Haanen John B. , Blank Christian U. , Aarts Maureen J. B. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Hospers Geke A. P. , Ismail Rawa K. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , Stevense‐den Boer Marion A. M. , van der Veldt Astrid A. M. , Vreugdenhil Gerard , Boers‐Sonderen Marye J. , Blokx Willeke A. M. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Wouters Michel W. J. M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a severe impact on medical care. Our study aims to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on advanced melanoma care in the Netherlands. We selected patients diagnosed with irresectable stage IIIc and IV melanoma during the first and second COVID‐19 wave and compared them with patients diagnosed within the same time frame in 2018 and 2019. Patients were divided into three geographical regions. We investigated baseline characteristics, time from diagnosis until start of systemic therapy and postponement of anti‐PD‐1 courses. During both waves, fewer patients were diagnosed compared to the control groups. During the first wave, time between diagnosis and start of treatment was significantly longer in the southern region compared to other regions (33 vs 9 and 15 days, P‐value <.05). Anti‐PD‐1 courses were postponed in 20.0% vs 3.0% of patients in the first wave compared to the control period. Significantly more patients had courses postponed in the south during the first wave compared to other regions (34.8% vs 11.5% vs 22.3%, P‐value <.001). Significantly more patients diagnosed during the second wave had brain metastases and worse performance status compared to the control period. In conclusion, advanced melanoma care in the Netherlands was severely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In the south, the start of systemic treatment for advanced melanoma was more often delayed, and treatment courses were more frequently postponed. During the second wave, patients were diagnosed with poorer patient and tumor characteristics. Longer follow‐up is needed to establish the impact on patient outcomes.
Trends and projections in the incidence of oesophageal cancer in the Netherlands: An age‐period‐cohort analysis from 1989 to 2041
Authors: de Vegt Femmie , Gommers Jessie J. J. , Groenewoud Hans , Siersema Peter D. , Verbeek André L. M. , Peters Yonne , Broeders Mireille J. M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn Western populations, the incidence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been declining, whereas the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) has been increasing. Our study examines temporal trends in the incidence of oesophageal cancer in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2016, in addition to predicting future trends through 2041. Data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and Statistics Netherlands were collected to obtain incidence trends of OSCC and OAC for the period 1989 to 2016. Age‐period‐cohort (APC) modelling was used to estimate the contribution of age, calendar period and birth cohort on the observed incidence trends. To predict the future numbers of new cases of both OSCC and OAC from 2017 to 2041, log‐linear APC models were fitted to the trends of 1989 to 2016. The age‐standardised incidence rates of OSCC have decreased slightly for men and increased slightly for women. In contrast, a marked increase in the incidence of OAC was observed, ranging from 2.8 per 100 000 persons in 1989 to 10.1 in 2016. This increase in OAC incidence was more prominent in men, and it will result in an increased risk of OAC for successive generations. Future projections indicate that the incidence of OAC will further increase to 13.1 per 100 000 persons in 2037 to 2041, meaning that there will be 13 259 cases of OAC in 2037 to 2041, as compared to 9386 diagnoses in 2017 to 2021. The changing epidemiologic trends in oesophageal cancer in the Netherlands should be reflected in the development of prevention, early detection and treatment strategies.
Preoperative ureteral stenting in women with deep posterior endometriosis and ureteral involvement: Is it useful?
Authors: Borghese Giulia , Raimondo Diego , Esposti Eugenia Degli , Aru Anna Chiara , Raffone Antonio , Orsini Benedetta , Ambrosio Marco , Iodice Raffaella , Lenzi Jacopo , Del Forno Simona , Casadio Paolo , Seracchioli Renato 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveSystematic placement of a ureteral stent before surgery for posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) was previously recommended, but it could increase perioperative complications. We evaluate the role of preoperative ureteral stent in women requiring surgery for ureteral involvement (UI) with large posterior DIE nodules and/or grade I–II hydronephrosis.MethodsWomen undergoing minimally invasive surgery for DIE with UI having posterior nodules >3 cm and/or grade I–II hydronephrosis from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively included. We progressively changed our strategy from a systematic pre‐operative stent insertion (S‐PS, up to 2016) to a non‐systematic one (NS‐PS, from 2016).ResultsEighty‐eight women in the S‐PS group and 96 in the NS‐PS were included. Low urinary tract infections (UTI) were higher in the S‐PS group (13.6% vs 2.1%, P = 0.003). Hospital stay was longer in women with S‐PS (9.8 ± 5.3 days vs 6.7 ± 2.5 days, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed a significant association between NS‐PS and low UTI (adjusted OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.81, P = 0.024).ConclusionSystematic placement of a ureteral stent before surgery in women requiring surgery does not reduce overall perioperative complication rate, but it is associated with a longer duration of hospitalization and a higher low UTI rate.
“Suction Tube Uterine Tamponade” for treatment of refractory postpartum hemorrhage: Internal feasibility and acceptability pilot of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cebekhulu Sylvia N. , Abdul Hazmath , Batting Joanne , Chauke Lawrence , Dlakavu Fuziwe , Fawcus Sue , Govender Logie , Majeke Busiwe , Mbongozi Xolani , Singata‐Madliki Mandisa , Middleton Katrin , Mlandu Philiswa , Naidoo Poovangela , Ndaba Sanele , Soma‐Pillay Priya , Spence Trevi , Ntambua Symphorien C. , Hofmeyr Justus 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess feasibility and acceptability of a novel, low‐cost “Suction Tube Uterine Tamponade” (STUT) treatment for refractory postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).MethodsWe allocated patients with refractory PPH by randomly ordered envelopes to STUT or routine uterine balloon tamponade (UBT, Ellavi free‐flow system) in 10 hospitals in South Africa. In the STUT group, a 24FG Levin stomach tube was inserted into the uterine cavity and vacuum created with a vacuum pump or manual vacuum aspiration syringe.ResultsFor this internal pilot study, 12 participants were allocated to STUT and 12 to UBT. Insertion failed in one of each group and was recorded as difficult in 3/10 STUT and 4/9 UBT insertions respectively (five missing data). There were two laparotomies and one intensive care unit admission in the UBT group. Pain during STUT insertion was graded as none/mild in 9/10 and severe in 1/10. The experience of the STUT procedure was graded as fine in 4/11 and “uncomfortable but acceptable” in 7/11.ConclusionSTUT is feasible and acceptable, justifying continuation of our trial. These data will also inform a large World Health Organization trial to test effectiveness of uterine tamponade methods. The numbers are too small to support any clinical recommendation.
Optimization of sonication parameters to obtain food emulsions stabilized by zein: formation of zein–diutan gum/zein–guar gum complexes
Authors: Santos Jenifer , Trujillo‐Cayado Luis A , Carrello Henrique , Cidade Maria T , Alfaro Maria‐Carmen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDZein as a sole material is not suitable for technological applications since it is not flexible. A possible solution to extend the applications of zein is the formation of zein–polysaccharide complexes. As a first step, sonication parameters were optimized to obtain finer emulsions formulated with zein, rosemary essential oil as food preservative, and sunflower oil, by means of response surface methodology. After the formation of these guar– or diutan–zein complexes the rheological properties of these food emulsions were evaluated.RESULTSAn increase in sonication power, sonication time and cycles provoked a decrease in mean droplet size and a lack of recoalescence. The optimized emulsion was the starting point to form two different complexes: zein with diutan gum and zein with guar gum at different concentrations. Rheological properties as well as the microstructure observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were analyzed. Interestingly, zein–guar gum complexes did not form a rheological gel; as a consequence, emulsions containing them seem to undergo a destabilization process with aging time. In contrast, emulsions formulated with zein–diutan gum presented a 3D network, observed by FESEM technique and proved by rheological measurements.CONCLUSIONWhile emulsions containing zein–guar gum complexes did not form networks to stabilize oil droplets, zein–diutan gum complexes did. This work brings to light the importance of the selection of polysaccharide used in food emulsions formulated with zein. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Soil recovery of alluvial gold mine spoils in the Peruvian Amazon using Stylosanthes guianensis, a promising cover crop
Authors: Velásquez Ramírez Manuel Gabriel , del Castillo Torres Dennis , Guerrero Barrantes Juan Antonio , Vásquez Bardales Joel , Thomas Evert , Cusi Auca Edgar , Chinen Gushiken Midori , Muñoz Diaz Betzy , Russo Ricardo , Corvera Gomringer Ronald 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Amazon is an important reservoir of biodiversity and carbon but it is under pressure by multiple threats such as artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM). In Peru ASGM has degraded 90,000 ha of old‐growth forest since the eighties, leaving vast areas as wastelands. As most ASGM in the region is illegal, efforts to recover degraded areas have been scant. Here we assessed the potential of Stylosanthes guianensis to recover soil health as a first step in the restoration of gold mine spoils in a Native community and a mining concession in Madre de Dios, Peru. We evaluated plant growth and analyzed changes in physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters. After 470 days from sowing, the average plant height was 46.7 cm with a survival rate >50% and yields of 23.9 t ha−1 and 450 kg ha−1 of dry biomass and nitrogen, respectively. Multiple soil parameters increased significantly, including cationic exchange capacity (3.3 to 4.0 cmol [+] kg−1), soil organic matter (0.03% to 0.39%), soil respiration (0.02 to 0.06 mg CO2 g−1 d−1) and biomass (0.03 to 0.15 mg C g−1). Soil macrofauna increased from 2 to 11 taxonomic groups, including ants, considered as soil engineers. Furthermore, S. guianensis increased soil carbon sequestration of impacted areas from 0.004 t C ha−1 by more than 1650%, up to 0.07 t C ha−1. These promising findings clearly illustrate S. guianensis potential to kick‐start natural succession of Amazonian forests after degradation by ASGM and hence help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Eco‐physiological responses of Calamagrostis epigejos L (Roth) and Solidago gigantea Aition to complex environmental stresses in coal‐mine spoil heaps
Authors: Kompała‐Bąba Agnieszka , Sierka Edyta , Bierza Wojciech , Bąba Wojciech , Błońska Agnieszka , Woźniak Gabriela 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe present a study of short and long‐term responses of photosynthetic apparatus and anti‐oxidant capacity to complex abiotic stresses of Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago gigantea commonly occurring in seminatural habitats and novel ecosystems of coal‐mine spoil heaps. Drought/salinity and elevated temperature were dominant abiotic stressors triggering both species‐ and habitat‐specific responses, confirmed by ChlF induction curves analysis. Although in both species a decrease in net photosynthetic rate (A) and transpiration rate (E) in spoil heap were observed, Ce showed higher (A) on both habitats in comparison to Sg. Moreover, we found higher H2O2 concentration in Sg leaves as compared to Ce leaves, large differences in catalase (CAT) activity and the reverse pattern of lipid peroxidation in Sg and Ce populations, suggesting species‐specific differences in antioxidative mechanisms. The Sg individuals developed structural and functional adaptations to protect PSA against drought/salinity stresses (lower leaf chlorophyll, higher flavonoids content, ChlF parameters: Vi, Vj, dVG/dto). The Ce populations have higher values of JIP parameters related to the electron transfer site within PSI. Mechanisms of plant species adaptation to industrial areas are crucial for species selection and planning effective reclamation of them. In novel ecosystems of spoil heaps both species responded differently to complex abiotic stresses in comparison to seminatural ones that enable them to gain success on both sites. They can spontaneously colonize such areas, create permanent plant cover, and produce large amounts of biomass. Further research on plant traits response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses on industrial habitats are needed.
Spent Coffee Grounds as Property Enhancing Filler in a Wholly Bio‐Based Epoxy Resin
Authors: Tellers Jonathan , Willems Philippe , Tjeerdsma Bôke , Sbirrazzuoli Nicolas , Guigo Nathanaël 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCoffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world but generates copious amounts of waste that is usually discarded. This discarded waste, the so‐called spent coffee grounds (SCGs), can become a valuable resource if compelling use cases are found. Following a circular economy approach, one such use case can be employing SCGs as filler in polymer matrices, complementing conventional inorganic fillers such as kaolin clay. This work studies the effect of SCGs as filler in wholly natural thermosets, investigating changes in curing kinetics and final material properties. Different SCG content, for example, 25 to 35 wt% and various curing time and temperature is employed. SCGs are found to have a moderate catalytic effect on the curing reaction. Furthermore, SCGs are found to heavily increase stiffness of the final material, especially when oils present in SCGs are previously extracted, raising the rubber plateau modulus from around 5 MPa to 14 MPa. Extracted SCGs are most efficient during curing at room temperature, where they significantly improved the tensile strength, toughness, and hardness of the filled material compared to the pristine resin.
Research ability and research motivation of postgraduate nursing students in traditional Chinese medicine colleges
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Hui , Pang Shu‐Qin , Ge Li , Wang Guan‐Ming , Luo Zong‐Ting , Hong Xue‐Pei , Li Xin‐yu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship between research ability and research motivation of postgraduate nursing students in traditional Chinese medicine colleges and identify other factors that may have an impact on the research ability of postgraduate nursing students.DesignA cross‐sectional electronic survey was used to collect data from 191 postgraduate nursing students.MethodsA total of 191 postgraduate nursing students from seven traditional Chinese medicine colleges were investigated from October to November 2020 using self‐rated scales for research ability and research motivation. The relationship between the variables affecting the research ability of postgraduate nursing students in traditional Chinese medicine colleges was determined.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between the score of self‐rated research ability and research motivation among 191 postgraduate nursing students in traditional Chinese medicine colleges. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that grade, research motivation, age and active participation in class discussions were the main factors affecting the self‐rated research ability.ConclusionThe self‐rated research ability of postgraduate nursing students in traditional Chinese medicine colleges is positively correlated with research motivation. According to the research motivation orientation, adopting targeted training methods and establishing correct professional understanding may improve the research ability of postgraduate nursing students.
From the clinic to the community: Can health system data accurately estimate population obesity prevalence?
Authors: Mooney Stephen J. , Song Lin , Drewnowski Adam , Buskiewicz James , Mooney Sean D. , Saelens Brian E. , Arterburn David E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveHealth system data were assessed for how well they can estimate obesity prevalence in census tracts.MethodsClinical visit data were available from two large health systems (Kaiser Permanente Washington and University of Washington Medicine) in King County, Washington, as were census tract–level obesity prevalence estimates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The health system data were geocoded to identify each patient’s tract of residence, and the cross‐sectional concordance between census tract–level obesity prevalence estimates computed from the two health systems in 2005 to 2006 and the concordance between University of Washington Medicine and BRFSS from 2012 to 2016 were assessed.ResultsThe spatial distribution of obesity was similar between the health systems (Spearman r = 0.63). The University of Washington Medicine estimates of rank order correlated well with BRFSS estimates (Spearman r = 0.85), though prevalence estimates from BRFSS were lower (mean obesity prevalence = 26% for University of Washington Medicine versus 20% for BRFSS, Wilcoxon rank sum test p < 0.001). Across all data sources, obesity was more prevalent in tracts with less educational attainment.ConclusionsHealth system clinical weight data can reliably replicate census tract–level spatial patterns in the ranking of obesity prevalence. Health system data may be an efficient resource for geographic obesity surveillance.
Localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals in an emerging nation
Authors: Jain Ameeta , Courvisanos Jerry , Subramaniam Nava 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed to by all member countries of the United Nations, require urgent action on the world's most pressing problems. Success requires bottom‐up participation of local stakeholders. This case study of Timor‐Leste—a fledgling, fossil fuel‐supported economy—maps the awareness and commitment of grassroots stakeholders to the SDGs and the roadblocks to localisation. Guiding this paper is Habermas’ view of societal evolution and communicative action, which aids analysing the socio‐political and structural dynamics affecting SDGs localisation in a developing nation. This study reveals stakeholder inability to articulate a clear vision for the SDGs, lack of human capital and funds, a weak public‐administrative system, strong socio‐political nuances, and poor governance infrastructure to support multi‐stakeholder relationships. This paper provides insights for developing a more nuanced and robust public intervention to support local stakeholders that will enable knowledge, cultural and communication transformations required for successful SDGs localisation.
Enhanced DOX loading in star‐like benzyl functionalized polycaprolactone micelles
Authors: Karmegam Vasanthy , Kuruppu Sandun S. , Udamulle Gedara Chinthaka M. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe self‐assembly of functionalized polycaprolactone amphiphilic diblock copolymers is explored for carrier‐mediated doxorubicin delivery for cancer treatment. In this report, functionalized polycaprolactone‐based amphiphilic block copolymers with controlled branching architecture are investigated. Star‐like copolymers, namely 4‐arm and 6‐arm poly(γ‐benzyloxy‐ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly{γ‐2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy‐ε‐caprolactone} (PBCL‐b‐PMEEECL) were synthesized by living ring‐opening block copolymerization (ROP) of γ‐(2‐benzyloxy)‐ε‐caprolactone and γ‐2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy‐ε‐caprolactone using multifunctional initiators. A systematic investigation of the effect of branching points on polymer properties and micellar carrier properties was carried out. The star‐like PBCL‐b‐PMEEECL micelles displayed better thermodynamic stability, size reduction, and enhanced doxorubicin encapsulation than the linear PBCL‐b‐PMEEECL. Furthermore, the π–π stacking between the benzyl group of the hydrophobic PBCL core and the doxorubicin, the anti‐cancer drug, also increases the stability and loading capacity of the micelles. The star‐polymers display tunable thermoresponsivity in the range of 40–42°C. When the DOX‐loaded micelles are accumulated in the tumor, the shell of the polymeric micelles dehydrates upon heating (at a temperature above its LCST), causing disassembling of the micelles and releasing of DOX. Compared with DOX‐loaded linear and 4‐arm micelles, DOX‐loaded 6‐arm micelles exhibited higher in vitro anti‐tumor activity. Thus, the 6‐arm benzyl substituted polycaprolactone‐based micellar systems are promising candidates for drug delivery applications.
Spatial variation of elderly population and its dynamics in Turkey
Authors: Senbil Metin , Yetiskul Emine 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs the world population is getting older, care for elderly and procurement to their special needs gains importance for both national and local governments. Therefore, distribution of elderly population and their (residential) mobility behaviours gains importance to improve policies coupled in this respect. However, although demographic processes can easily be monitored and projected over time for a country, estimating distribution of certain population cohorts over space (elderly population in our case) entails difficulties. Indeed, elderly population does not show a uniform distribution in space. This study investigates spatial variation and dynamics of elderly population in Turkey, where elderly population is percolating unevenly in space. We devise two complementary ANCOVA models and a structural equations model, which suggest a disproportionate and growing share of elderly in small, inner and coastal areas, especially sun‐belt coastal districts. We conclude the study with prospective policies for elderly for central and local governments. Our findings suggest inclusive and attentive policies geared to spatial reflections of demographic processes. In particular, we favour policies focused on improved services for the elderly and spatial planning considering special populations groups, one of which is elderly population.
More accuracy with less precision
Authors: Lang Simon T. K. , Dawson Andrew , Diamantakis Michail , Dueben Peter , Hatfield Samuel , Leutbecher Martin , Palmer Tim , Prates Fernando , Roberts Christopher D. , Sandu Irina , Wedi Nils 
Published: October 2021

AbstractReducing the numerical precision of the forecast model of the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) from double to single precision results in significant computational savings without negatively affecting forecast accuracy. The computational savings allow to increase the vertical resolution of the operational ensemble forecasts from 91 to 137 levels earlier than anticipated and before the next upgrade of ECMWF's high‐performance computing facility. This upgrade to 137 levels harmonises the vertical resolution of the medium‐range deterministic forecasts and the medium‐range and extended‐range ensemble forecasts. Increasing the vertical resolution of the ensemble forecasts substantially improves forecast skill for all lead times as well as the mean of the model climate. ECMWF's ensemble and deterministic forecasts will run operationally at single precision from IFS model cycle 47R2 onwards.