bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun Polylactic Acid (PLA) Fiber Loaded with Birch Bark Triterpene Extract for Wound Dressing
Authors: Fan Tianyuan , Daniels Rolf 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDrug-loaded electrospun fibers have attracted increasing attention as a promising wound dressing material due to their capability of preventing from infections and inflammation and maintaining an appropriate environment for wound healing. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA), which is widely used in wound management, was chosen as electrospinnable polymer. A triterpene extract (TE) from the outer bark of birch known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and wound healing effects was chosen to produce TE-loaded PLA electrospun fibers for wound dressing. A binary solvent system of dichloromethane (DCM) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was employed, and the ratio of the solvents was optimized for preparing smooth and uniform fibers. The morphology of TE-loaded PLA electrospun fibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The entrapment of TE in PLA fibers was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the solid state of TE in PLA fibers. The release behavior of TE was assayed by a shaking flask method for a period of 96 h. The results revealed that TE-loaded electrospun PLA microfibers could be reliably prepared and are promising future candidates in wound therapy.
Effects of hyperlipidemia on trabecular and cortical structures of the mandible
Authors: Günaçar Dilara Nil , Yemenoğlu Hatice , Ustaoğlu Gülbahar , Arıöz Özkan 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the mandibular bone structure of patients with hyperlipidemia by fractal dimension (FD) analysis and panoramic radiomorphometric indices including mandibular cortical thickness measurement, panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical index (MCI) and to compare with the healthy group. Methods: In total, 60 panoramic radiographs were included, including panoramic radiographs of 30 individuals with hyperlipidemia and 30 individuals with systemically healthy. FD analysis in the mandibular condyle, angle of the mandible, the distal side of the second premolar and anterior to mental foramen, PMI, MCI, and mandibular cortical thickness measurements were evaluated on radiographs. Independent samples t-test was used for differences between healthy and hyperlipidemia groups with regard to age and PMI. Repeated measurement of variance with one within and one between factors in the comparison of four regions and two groups in terms of FD and cortical thickness measurements. Following this analysis, significant differences were detected by post-hoc Sidak test. Fisher-Freeman-Halton analysis was applied to determine the relationship between categorical variables. Results: FD values of the hyperlipidemic patients were found to be lower than the healthy group. Between the hyperlipidemic and healthy groups, there was a difference in the angle of the mandible FD values (p = 0.020). There were no differences in the cortical thickness measurements and PMI between the groups (p > 0.05). There was a difference in MCI values between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The trabecular structure of the angle of the mandible and the cortical bone structure of the mandible were found to be negatively affected by hyperlipidemia.
Interpreting airborne pandemics spreading using fractal kinetics’ principles
Authors: Macheras Panos , Tsekouras Athanasios A. , Chryssafidis Pavlos 
Published: July 2021

Introduction The reaction between susceptible and infected subjects has been studied under the well-mixed hypothesis for almost a century. Here, we present a consistent analysis for a not well-mixed system using fractal kinetics’ principles. Methods We analyzed COVID-19 data to get insights on the disease spreading in absence/presence of preventive measures. We derived a three-parameter model and show that the “fractal” exponent h of time larger than unity can capture the impact of preventive measures affecting population mobility. Results The h=1 case, which is a power of time model, accurately describes the situation without such measures in line with a herd immunity policy. The pandemic spread in four model countries (France, Greece, Italy and Spain) for the first 10 months has gone through four stages: stages 1 and 3 with limited to no measures, stages 2 and 4 with varying lockdown conditions. For each stage and country two or three model parameters have been determined using appropriate fitting procedures. The fractal kinetics model was found to be more akin to real life. Conclusion Model predictions and their implications lead to the conclusion that the fractal kinetics model can be used as a prototype for the analysis of all contagious airborne pandemics.
Examining the causal association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and caries in children and adults: a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach
Authors: Dodhia Serena A. , West Nicola X. , Thomas Steven J. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Johansson Ingegerd , Lif Holgerson Pernilla , Dudding Tom , Haworth Simon 
Published: July 2021

Background: Prior observational studies have reported that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with decreased caries risk in children. However, these studies are prone to bias and confounding so do not provide causal inference. Genetic variants associated with a risk factor of interest can be used as proxies, in a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, to test for causal association with an outcome. The objective was to estimate the causal association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (the commonly measured vitamin D metabolite in blood) and dental caries using a two-sample MR approach which estimates the causal effect of an exposure on an outcome. Methods: A total of 79 genetic variants reliably associated with 25(OH)D were identified from genome-wide association studies and used as a proxy measure of 25(OH)D. The association of this proxy measure with three outcome measures was tested; specifically: caries in primary teeth (n=17,035, aged 3-12 years), caries in permanent teeth in childhood and adolescence (n=13,386, aged 6-18 years), and caries severity in adulthood proxied by decayed, missing and filled tooth surfaces (DMFS) counts (n=26,792, aged 18-93 years). Results: The estimated causal effect of a one standard deviation increase in natural log-transformed 25(OH)D could be summarized as an odds ratio of 1.06 (95%CI: 0.81, 1.31; P=0.66) for caries in primary teeth and 1.00 (95%CI: 0.76, 1.23; P=0.97) for caries in permanent teeth in childhood and adolescence. In adults, the estimated casual effect of a one standard deviation increase in natural log-transformed 25(OH)D was 0.31 fewer affected tooth surfaces (95%CI: from 1.81 fewer DMFS to 1.19 more DMFS; P=0.68) Conclusions: The MR-derived effect estimates for these three measures are small in magnitude with wide confidence intervals and do not provide evidence for a causal relationship between 25(OH)D and dental caries.
Decontamination of Victims in the Event of a Radiation Accident at the Stages of Provision Medical Care
Authors: Frolov G. , Salenko Yu. , Grachev M. , Galstyan I. , Klochkov V. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To summarize and analyze the results of research and practical recommendations on the decontamination of victims in the event of radiation accidents, including taking into account the authors’ experience gained in the initial period of the Chernobyl accident (April – August 1986) and in other local radiation accidents (incidents), as well as during emergency exercises.
Results: The indications for carrying out decontamination and the technique of its implementation were considered, a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of skin decontamination agents was presented. Recommendations were formulated for determining the priority (urgency) of carrying out decontamination, depending on the level of external radioactive contamination of the victims. Criteria, rules and methods for carrying out decontamination were proposed for use in relation to the practice of medical and hygienic measures at the stages of medical evacuation (accident site, enterprise health center, enterprise sanitary inspection department, triage site, hospital admission department). The features of decontamination of victims with combined radiation injuries and contaminated wounds (burns) were considered, issues of ensuring the radiation safety of medical personnel who provide assistance to victims are touched upon.
Conclusion: Timely and correctly performed decontamination reduces the exposure of the skin, prevents the entry of radioactive substances into the body and the transfer (spread) of radioactive substances to the subsequent stages of medical evacuation. The main criteria for the urgency (priority) of carrying out decontamination are the levels of radioactive contamination of the skin, contamination nature (radionuclide composition, physicochemical form, etc.) and the presence of victim’s skin lesions (wounds, burns). Decontamination of victims with high levels of radioactive contamination should be considered as a part of the first and subsequent emergency health care and should be carried out as prescribed or with the direct participation of a healthcare professional. At the stages of medical evacuation, decontamination can be carried out if the victim’s condition is stabilized. In the case of a serious condition of the victim, the priority is evacuation to a hospital, while in the prehospital period, as a rule, only partial decontamination of skin areas with high levels of contamination can be carried out. The procedure and rules for decontamination, including the use of skin decontaminating agents, should be reflected in the action plans of the personnel of radiation hazardous enterprises and the plans for medical support of medical units of the FMBA of Russia.
Radiation Diagnostics in Treatment of Displacement of a Joint Disk of a Temp-Jaw Joint and Myofascial Disorders
Authors: Ilyin A. , Fazylova T. , Dergilev A. , Sudarkina A. , Olesov E. , Olesova V. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Determination of the volume and sequence of radiation studies in the treatment of patients with displacement of the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)and myofascial pain disorders.
Material and methods: The study included 48 patients with displacement of the articular disc of the TMJ and myofascial pain disorders. Clinical criteria for articular displacement were confirmed by MRI and CBCT. Studies of the function of the masticatory muscles were carried out at the Synapsis electromyograph. All patients underwent complex treatment, including relaxation of the masticatory muscles and relief of pain using injections of botulinum toxin in the actual masticatory, temporal and lateral pterygoid muscles (LPM), followed by repositioning split therapy. For the introduction of muscle relaxant in LPM, we have developed and applied external periarticular injection access to LPM. The method is based on reaching the zone of joint attachment of the upper and lower heads of the LPM with MRI navigation. Surveillance continued for up to 12 months with MRI monitoring of the position of the articular disc.
Results: The stages of treatment of SJS of the TMJ with control use of MRI and CT, as well as a method for the administration of botulinum toxin under MRI navigation, have been developed. The first stage included CT and MRI of the temporomandibular joint, the second stage – injections of botulinum toxin into the masticatory muscles using the developed periarticular access to the LPM with MRI navigation, as well as CBCT with a splint to control the new (established) position of the lower jaw; the third and fourth stages included continuation of the reduction splint therapy, correction of the splint, observation for 3-6 months with control CBCT after 6 months to assess the position of the mandible without splint. Achieved an increase in the posterior and upper temporomandibular joint distances and the correct position of the lower jaw.
Conclusion: Performing radiation studies on time at certain stages of treatment, differing in their content and volume, provided a complete diagnosis, planning treatment measures and monitoring the results.
Curricular Philosophies Reflected in Individualized Education Program Goals for Students With Complex Support Needs
Authors: Kurth Jennifer A. , Lockman-Turner Elissa , Burke Kathryn , Ruppar Andrea L. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Individualized education program (IEP) goals are meant to be personalized to address the unique needs of students with disabilities, while also reflecting the student's grade-aligned general education curriculum. IEP goals describe what, how, and where students with disabilities are taught, and reflect the curriculum used to provide instruction. In this study, we analyzed how IEP goals align with the different curricular philosophies for students with severe disabilities. Using a sample of 88 IEPs for students with complex support needs (i.e., severe disabilities) in Grades K-12, we found most goals (57%) reflect curricular philosophies of the 1970s–1990s (i.e., developmental, functional, and social inclusion) eras, with only 26% of IEP goals representative of modern curricular philosophies (i.e., grade-aligned academic content). We also found secondary-aged students were less likely to have grade-aligned academic goals compared to elementary-aged students. We offer implications for ensuring individualization and goals reflecting skills needed for the 21st century.
Value-Based Payments: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Quality Indicators Associated With Billing Expenditures
Authors: Friedman Carli , Rizzolo Mary C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlthough managed care is expanding into the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) service system, there is little agreement about measurable and meaningful outcomes for people with IDD, including for use in value-based payments (VBP). In this study, we examined potential VBP metrics for people with IDD—relationships between quality and costs. We analyzed Basic Assurances data and long-term services and supports billing data from 68 human service organizations that supported 6,608 people with IDD. Our final hierarchical regression model predicted 66.40% of the variance of annual long-term services and supports (LTSS) billing per person. Our findings suggest quality assurance indicators can account for a significant portion of cost variance—quality metrics represent a potential for cost savings and efficient service delivery.
Stable hybrid plasmonic directional coupler based on an embedded silver nanostructure waveguide
Authors: Nayak Jeeban Kumar , Roy Chaudhuri Partha , Sahoo Pankaj K. 
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a stable hybrid plasmonic optical directional coupler based on an embedded silver nanostructure that can offer a power transfer up to 95% is presented. This optimum power transfer is obtained at an outer edge-to-edge separation of 0.58 µm between the two waveguides. The obtained propagation loss is as low as 0.0863 dB/µm. The electric field distributions of the symmetric and antisymmetric modes of the coupler are compared, and the transmission characteristics are studied in detail using the finite element method. The performances of the directional coupler have been further characterized in terms of excess loss, coupling degree, and directionality. The shortest coupling length at which the maximum power coupling occurs is obtained as 2.488 µm. The proposed compact directional coupler features good field confinement and low propagation loss, which opens the door for many device applications in photonic-integrated circuits and optoelectronic industries.
Optofluidic modulator based on thermoplasmonically controlled liquid–liquid interface
Authors: Chalikkara Farzeena , Varanakkottu Subramanyan Namboodiri 
Published: July 2021

We report a thermoplasmonically actuated optical modulator based on a liquid–liquid interface decorated with self-assembled Au nanoparticles (Au NPs). The system comprises heptane (top layer) and water (bottom layer), and an Au NPs array at their interfaces. Focused excitation with the plasmonic wavelength (532 nm) generates a localized temperature rise at the interface (

Δ

T

=

3.2

±

0.7

∘

C

), resulting in a thermocapillary flow. We optimized the temperature gradient and the heptane layer thickness so that the resulting thermocapillary flow leads to the formation of a “self-healing hole” at the irradiating zone, which we exploited as an all-optical modulator. A signal beam (655 nm) positioned through the top layer, parallel to the interface, gives a maximum output when the layer is intact (no-hole situation, ON state) and a minimum output when the hole is present (OFF state). Nearly 100% optical modulation is achieved in a reversible manner, highlighting the potential of responsive and reconfigurable fluid–fluid interfaces for optical applications.
Design and characteristics of tunable in-plane optofluidic lens actuated by viscous force
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Zhang Ziling , Song Xiaomin , Zhao Ruoxin , Zhang Ziying , Jia Dagong , Liu Tiegen 
Published: July 2021

In this Letter, we report a tunable in-plane optofluidic lens based on a new regulation method. The viscous force (VF) adjusts a 68# white mineral oil–air interface and focal length (

f

). Two glass plates bonded by ultraviolet adhesive strips form a lens chamber. Liquid enters the chamber by capillary action and forms a convex interface due to VF. As the liquid filling amount increases, VF is enhanced, and the interface deforms. Because of the uneven VF, interface is aspheric, which can reduce the lens aberration. Bendings on both sides of the interface caused by edge effect lead to an even polynomial profile of the entire interface, and they can be used for aberration correction of an in-plane spherical reflector. Experiments demonstrate the continuous tuning of

f

from 17.7 to 45.1 mm. The positive longitudinal spherical aberration (LSA) is effectively suppressed below 0.078 when

f
<

35.5

m
m

. Interface with a large negative LSA is used for spherical reflector aberration correction. Simulation results proved that the light spot improvement rate is

>

90

%

, and the maximum reached 99%.
#getintouch! Eine vergleichende Analyse der digitalen Points of Contact in Zürcher Gemeinden
Authors: Fischer Damaris , Mertes Alexander , Hänni Selina 
Published: July 2021

ZusammenfassungDie digitale Transformation der Verwaltung in der Schweiz schreitet voran. Ein zentraler Aspekt der digitalen Verwaltung ist der Zugang zu Dienstleistungen über das Internet. Im Zentrum stehen dabei oftmals die Behördenwebseiten, da verschiedene Anspruchsgruppen darüber Informationen und Dienstleistungen beziehen. Demzufolge lösen die Webseiten in einer digitalen Verwaltung den Schalter als primären Point of Contact ab. Während die Privatwirtschaft den Mehrwert digitaler Points of Contact bereits erkannt hat, ist der Umsetzungsstand in der Verwaltung heute nicht bekannt. Dieser Beitrag erhebt das Angebot digitaler Kontaktmöglichkeiten in allen Zürcher Gemeinden. Es zeigt sich, dass klassische digitale Points of Contact wie eine E‑Mail-Adresse oder ein Online-Schalter von der Mehrheit der Gemeinden angeboten wird, während innovativere Formate wie ein Stadtmelder oder ein Chatbot seltener anzutreffen sind. Die Grösse der Gemeinde scheint zudem einen positiven Einfluss auf die Vielfalt des Angebotes von digitalen Points of Contact zu haben. Der Beitrag stellt eine erstmalige Übersicht zum Stand digitaler Kontaktmöglichkeiten in den Zürcher Gemeinden dar.
Staging liver fibrosis after severe yellow fever with ultrasound elastography in Brazil: A six-month follow-up study
Authors: Neves Yuri Costa Sarno , Castro-Lima Victor Augusto Camarinha de , Solla Davi Jorge Fontoura , Ogata Vivian Simone de Medeiros , Pereira Fernando Linhares , Araujo Jordana Machado , Nastri Ana Catharina Seixas , Ho Yeh-Li , Chammas Maria Cristina 
Published: July 2021

Background
Yellow fever (YF) is a hemorrhagic disease caused by an arbovirus endemic in South America, with recent outbreaks in the last years. Severe cases exhibit fulminant hepatitis, but there are no studies regarding its late-term effects on liver parenchyma. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency and grade of liver fibrosis in patients who recovered from severe YF and to point out potential predictors of this outcome.

Methodology/Principal findings
We followed-up 18 patients who survived severe YF during a recent outbreak (January-April 2018) in Brazil using ultrasound (US) with shear-wave elastography (SWE) at 6 months after symptoms onset. No patient had previous history of liver disease.
Median liver stiffness (LS) was 5.3 (4.6–6.4) kPa. 2 (11.1%) patients were classified as Metavir F2, 1 (8.3%) as F3 and 1 (8.3%) as F4; these two last patients had features of cardiogenic liver congestion on Doppler analysis. Age and cardiac failure were associated with increased LS (p = 0.036 and p = 0.024, respectively). SAPS-3 at ICU admission showed a tendency of association with significant fibrosis (≥ F2; p = 0.053). 7 patients used sofosbuvir in a research protocol, of which none showed liver fibrosis (p = 0.119).

Conclusions/Significance
We found a low frequency of liver fibrosis in severe YF survivors. US with SWE may have a role in the follow up of patients of age and / or with comorbidities after hospital discharge in severe YF, a rare but reemergent disease.
A breakthrough series collaborative to increase patient participation with hemodialysis tasks: A stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fotheringham James , Barnes Tania , Dunn Louese , Lee Sonia , Ariss Steven , Young Tracey , Walters Stephen J. , Laboi Paul , Henwood Andy , Gair Rachel , Wilkie Martin 
Published: July 2021

Background
Compared to in-centre, home hemodialysis is associated with superior outcomes. The impact on patient experience and clinical outcomes of consistently providing the choice and training to undertake hemodialysis-related treatment tasks in the in-centre setting is unknown.

Methods
A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial in 12 UK renal centres recruited prevalent in-centre hemodialysis patients with sites randomised into early and late participation in a 12-month breakthrough series collaborative that included data collection, learning events, Plan-Study-Do-Act cycles, and teleconferences repeated every 6 weeks, underpinned by a faculty, co-production, materials and a nursing course. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients undertaking five or more hemodialysis-related tasks or home hemodialysis. Secondary outcomes included independent hemodialysis, quality of life, symptoms, patient activation and hospitalisation. ISRCTN Registration Number 93999549.

Results
586 hemodialysis patients were recruited. The proportion performing 5 or more tasks or home hemodialysis increased from 45.6% to 52.3% (205 to 244/449, difference 6.2%, 95% CI 1.4 to 11%), however after analysis by step the adjusted odds ratio for the intervention was 1.63 (95% CI 0.94 to 2.81, P = 0.08). 28.3% of patients doing less than 5 tasks at baseline performed 5 or more at the end of the study (69/244, 95% CI 22.2–34.3%, adjusted odds ratio 3.71, 95% CI 1.66–8.31). Independent or home hemodialysis increased from 7.5% to 11.6% (32 to 49/423, difference 4.0%, 95% CI 1.0–7.0), but the remaining secondary endpoints were unaffected.

Conclusions
Our intervention did not increase dialysis related tasks being performed by a prevalent population of centre based patients, but there was an increase in home hemodialysis as well as an increase in tasks among patients who were doing fewer than 5 at baseline. Further studies are required that examine interventions to engage people who dialyse at centres in their own care.