bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The challenge of integrating a diagnosis of malnutrition in the practical application of nutrition care in the intensive care unit
Authors: McClave Stephen A. , Omer Endashaw M. , Lowen Cynthia C. , Martindale Robert G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEvidence of poor nutrition status in a patient present on admission to the intensive care unit is associated with worse clinical outcomes than that for a well‐nourished patient who becomes critically ill. Diagnosing malnutrition in this setting is fraught with difficulty, though, because elements of nutrition history are hard to obtain, the interpretation of anthropometric parameters is influenced by the disease process and interventions of critical care and the subjectivity of traditional assessment tools lacks precision. Determining the severity of disease drives the initial management and sets priorities in the derivation of the nutrition plan, focusing on strategies that promote survival. Its design should provide safe and effective nutrition support, avoiding aggressive feeding to make up for deficits in the acute phase of critical illness. In time, with resuscitation and stabilization, addressing pre‐existing or developing malnutrition will change management and alter the design of the nutrition therapy.
Long‐term enteral nutrition with a nasogastric tube can be safe and effective: A case report
Authors: Duerksen James M. , Ramjiawan Bram , Duerksen Donald R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHome enteral nutrition (HEN) is a vital feeding practice for those who have chronic disorders that prevent them from eating normally. Although short‐term feeding is predominantly done via nasogastric (NG) tubes and long‐term feeding is done via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, we present a case that demonstrates that the long‐term use of NG tubes may be possible. Our case involves an adult woman who has been fed via an NG tube for >3 years with no complications. She has had three replacement tubes inserted over these 3 years and has not required any healthcare visits related to tube dysfunction or complications. She continues to do well. A literature search determined that there are no reports of long‐term use (greater than a year) of NG feeding tubes in outpatient adults, and thus the true rate of complications related to NG tubes is unknown. We review the reported complications associated with long‐term PEG tubes. Although PEGs are typically regarded as safer in long‐term feeding situations, this case demonstrates that NG tubes could prove effective under certain circumstances in which the insertion of a PEG may not be possible.
Development of Hybrid Polyvinylidene Fluoride‐Barium Titanate/Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Hydroxyapatite Co‐Electrospun Piezoelectric Scaffold as a Stimulator for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Askarzadeh Neda , Sherafat Zahra , Sani Mahsa , Azarpira Negar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNowadays, piezoelectric composites have attracted greatly significant interest in the field of bone tissue engineering. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) exhibits the highest piezoelectric properties among polymers and enables the fabrication of biocompatible, biodegradable, and hydrophilic scaffolds that reveal satisfactory mechanical, biological, and piezoelectric characteristics. The present study developed PVDF‐barium titanate (BT)/polyvinyl alcohol‐hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds with differing PVDF/PVA ratios through co‐electrospinning techniques. Comprehensive analyses of their physical, mechanical, and biological properties were conducted. The resulting scaffolds displayed a uniform, bead‐free morphology, comprising PVDF and PVA fibers containing BT and HA, respectively. Wettability, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties were estimated using a contact angle goniometer, tensile test, and piezometer. The addition of BT and HA improved the hydrophilicity of the final scaffolds. On the other hand, the addition of PVA slightly reduced the overall mechanical strength; however, this reduction was not statistically significant. Additionally, BT and HA enhanced the piezoelectric performance, while PVA contributed to a decrease in these properties. Among the fabricated composites, the PBT4‐PH20 (60‐40) exhibited superior wettability and piezoelectric characteristics alongside acceptable mechanical strength. In vitro evaluations indicated that this composite demonstrated enhanced biodegradability and bioactivity compared to the others, effectively supporting cell attachment, proliferation, and promoting calcium mineralization. Given these promising results, the PBT4‐PH20 (60‐40) composite has strong potential as a scaffold for bone regeneration applications.
A machine learning based prediction model for the impact mechanical response of composite laminates considering microstructure sensitive transverse properties
Authors: Yiben Zhang , Guangshuo Feng , Bo Liu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe accurate and efficient prediction of impact mechanical response is crucial for safety design of composite structures. In this work, high‐fidelity representative volume elements (RVEs) with fiber, matrix and fiber/matrix interface are established, in which random fiber distributions are considered. A failure envelope under transverse loads is proposed based on computational micromechanical RVEs, and it is implemented by ABAQUS VUMAT subroutines to predict the mechanical response of composite laminates under impact loads. Based on a dataset from computational macromechanical finite element simulations, an artificial neural network model is established and trained. It is found that the random fiber distribution introduced a more obvious fluctuation to tension/compression strength than shear strength. The proposed failure criteria showed a better performance than Hashin and Tsai‐Wu criteria especially in combined compression and shear loads. An ANN model with 8 hidden layers can achieve the prediction with an acceptable coefficient of determination (R2) 0.98 and loss functions of mean absolute error (MAE) 71. For certain impact loading conditions, the well trained machine learning model predicted impact contact force history within 30 min, while the FEA costs about more than 75 min on the same computer. The prediction speed is increased by over 60% for certain impact loading conditions. It is hence shown that this method provides a potential alternative for evaluation of the impact resistance of composite structures.Highlights
High‐fidelity computational micromechanics analysis based on representative volume elements are performed to uncover the complex relationship between microstructure and transverse strengths of composite laminates.
The microstructure dependent transverse strength criterion shows high accuracy in combined compression and shear loads compared with Hashin and Tsai‐Wu criteria.
A multi‐layer artificial neural network model is established and trained for the rapid prediction of impact force history for composite laminates.
The rapid prediction method is achieved with a coefficient of determination of 0.98, and the prediction speed is increased by more than 60% for certain impact loading conditions.
Theoretical modeling of the interfacial shear and contact stresses of 2D braided composite cylinders
Authors: Mojarrad Maryam Zeynivand , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar , Dabiryan Hadi , Rezadoust Amir Masoud 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis research aims to develop an analytical model to predict the interfacial shear stress distribution and contact stress of 2D braided composite cylinders. For this purpose, a tubular structure including a helix braid on a cylindrical mandrel is considered. The interfacial shear stress and axial tensile stress in the composite structure was estimated by applying shear lag assumptions. The contact normal stress and adhesion energy were estimated by applying the assumptions of Johnson‐Kendall‐Robert (JKR) and the Hertzian contact stress theory. The results show that the geometry of the braid and different braid yarn paths have a significant influence on the interfacial shear stress, normal stress in the contact zone, and adhesion energy of composite cylinders. As a novel approach, the proposed model considers the effect of surface roughness in the composite. The results of a parametric study indicated that the composite cylinders with larger braiding angles have lower debonding initiation force. The results also showed that the yarn diameter affected the pullout force in composite cylinders by a large extent.Highlights
Normal contact stress and adhesion energy of composite cylinders are affected by the braid yarn path.
The 30° composite presented the largest adhesion energy and normal contact stress.
Normal tensile stress and interfacial shear stress are influenced by the reinforcement path in the composite.
Normal tensile stress and interfacial shear stress in composite cylinders decreased with increased braid angle.
Impact of salt and fillers on the rheological properties of polymer composites
Authors: Teymoory Parya , Driscoll Stephen Burke , Zhao Jingzhou , Shen Caiwei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPolymer composites with salts or conductive fillers are promising for various solid‐state energy storage applications, where processability is often determined by their rheological properties. This study investigates the effect of lithium salts and conductive fillers on the rheological behavior of polylactic acid (PLA)‐based composites. We specifically examine how these additives influence complex viscosity and the interactions between the salt, fillers, and polymer. Our findings reveal that adding salt to the polymer reduces its viscosity, whereas adding conductive fillers imparts a shear‐thinning property, which is advantageous for thermal processing methods like thermal drawing, injection molding, or 3D printing. The combination of salt and conductive fillers results in multifunctional electrode‐electrolyte composites with enhanced shear‐thinning behavior and improved storage modulus. Characterizations through x‐ray diffraction, electrical measurements, and transmission electron microscopy link the electrical properties and morphology with rheological behavior. The formation of a robust filler network in these composites ensures stable viscoelastic behavior across a range of temperatures and frequencies, indicating their suitability for efficient manufacturing of polymer‐based solid‐state electrode‐electrolyte composites via thermal processing.Highlights
Shear‐thinning behavior enhanced by conductive fillers.
Viscosity increased with CB and CNT fillers, forming robust networks.
Salt reduced viscosity but filler networks dominated flow behavior.
Filler combinations led to stable viscoelastic properties across temperatures.
Polymer electrolyte–electrode composites improved processability and storage modulus.
Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of a Novel Fetal Vesicoamniotic Shunt—The Vortex Shunt
Authors: Schlacter Jamie A. , Danzer Enrico , Packer Claire H. , Johnson Eric , Caughey Aaron B. , Blumenfeld Yair J. , Sheth Kunj R. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe estimated the potential outcomes, costs, and cost‐effectiveness of the Vortex shunt, a novel fetal vesicoamniotic shunt (VAS), compared to standard shunts for treating fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO).MethodWe designed a decision‐analytic model comparing the Vortex shunt to current shunts using a theoretical cohort of 1000 pregnancies equivalent to the annual U.S. LUTO cases. Current literature indicates a 50% dislodgement risk and a 36% end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) probability for current shunts versus the Vortex shunt's expected 10% dislodgement risk and 18% ESRD rate from pre‐clinical studies. Outcomes included preterm delivery, preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM), ESRD, neurodevelopmental delay (NDD), neonatal death, costs, and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). We derived model inputs from the literature and conducted sensitivity analyses.ResultsOf 1000 theoretical LUTO pregnancies, the Vortex shunt resulted in 70 fewer cases of ESRD, 110 fewer preterm deliveries, 50 fewer episodes of PPROM, and 10 fewer children with NDD. The Vortex shunt was the dominant strategy with higher QALYs and estimated lifetime savings of $168,520 for each fetus undergoing VAS. The Vortex shunt was cost‐effective 98% of the time.ConclusionOur theoretical model suggests that the Vortex shunt is cost‐effective compared to current shunts.
Intervention‐Related Changes in Coping Ability Drives Improvements in Mood and Quality of Life for Patients Taking Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Walsh Leah E. , Dunderdale Laura , Horick Nora , Temel Jennifer S. , Greer Joseph A. , Jacobs Jamie M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveA recent randomized trial of a group psychosocial telehealth intervention (STRIDE) improved anxiety, depression, quality of life (QOL), symptom distress, coping, and self‐efficacy to manage symptoms related to taking adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) in women with non‐metastatic hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer. This study examined whether changes in coping and self‐efficacy mediated intervention effects on anxiety, depression, QOL, and symptom distress.MethodWomen (N = 100) were recruited between 10/2019‐06/2021 from Massachusetts General Hospital and were randomized to STRIDE or to the medication monitoring control group. Participants completed self‐report measures of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast Cancer scale), symptom distress (Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Scale), coping (Measure of Current Status–Part A), and self‐efficacy (Self Efficacy for Managing AET Symptoms) at baseline and 24‐week follow‐up. Mediated regression models tested whether changes in coping ability and self‐efficacy mediated the intervention effects on anxiety, depression, QOL, and symptom distress, controlling for key variables.ResultsImprovements in coping across the 24‐week study period mediated the effect of STRIDE on anxiety symptoms (indirect effect, B = −0.61, SE = 0.28, 95% CI: −1.28, −0.17), depressive symptoms (indirect effect, B = −0.50, SE = 0.21, 95% CI: −0.97, −0.15), and QOL (indirect effect, B = 3.80, SE = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.54, 6.49), but not symptom distress. Changes in self‐efficacy did not mediate improvements in any of the proposed outcomes.ConclusionCoping is an essential component of a brief group psychosocial intervention that drives improvements in mood and QOL for women with non‐metastatic hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer taking AET.Clinical trial registrationNCT03837496.
Are We Estimating the Mean and Variance Correctly in the Presence of Observations Outside of Measurable Range?
Authors: Janošová Markéta , Katina Stanislav , Hanes Jozef 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTLaboratory measurements used for safety assessments in clinical trials are subject to the limits of the used laboratory equipment. These limits determine the range of values which the equipment can accurately measure. When observations fall outside the measurable range, this creates a problem in estimating parameters of the normal distribution. It may be tempting to use methods of estimation that are easy to implement, however selecting an incorrect method may lead to biased estimates (under‐ or overestimation) and change the research outcomes, for example, incorrect result of two‐sample test about means when comparing two populations or biased estimation of regression line. In this article, we consider the use of four methods: ignoring unmeasured observations, replacing unmeasured observations with a multiple of the limit, using a truncated normal distribution, and using a normal distribution with censored observations. To compare these methods we designed a simulation study and measured their accuracy in several different situations using relative error , ratio , and mean square errors of both parameters. Based on the results of this simulation study, if the amount of observations outside of measurable range is below 40%, we recommend using a normal distribution with censored observations in practice. These recommendations should be incorporated into guidelines for good statistical practice. If the amount of observations outside of measurable range exceeds 40%, we advise not to use the data for any statistical analysis. To illustrate how the choice of method can affect the estimates, we applied the methods to real‐life laboratory data.
Norleucine Substitution Enhances Self‐Assembly of a Lanthanide‐Binding Polypeptide Coiled Coil
Authors: Sarte Diego B. , Villaraza Aaron Joseph L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA de novo lanthanide‐binding coiled‐coil polypeptide (MB1–2) was previously reported to self‐assemble into a trimeric complex upon addition of Tb3+ with a micromolar range dissociation constant. This study examines the effect of substitution of hydrophobic residues in heptad repeats of MB1–2 on the thermodynamic stability of the resulting Tb‐peptide complex. Substitution of isoleucine to norleucine in each heptad repeat was assessed considering the greater accessible surface area of the latter and predicted increased hydrophobic interaction. Job's method of continuous variation using circular dichroism spectroscopy suggests a trimeric structure for the analog complex equivalent to that formed by MB1–2. The dissociation constant and CD spectra suggest that complex formation in the analog is more favorable as a result of ligand preorganization. In addition, thermal denaturation suggests greater stability of the Tb‐MB1–2 Nle complex in comparison to the parent Tb‐MB1–2. These results indicate improved stability of the complex class can be achieved through heptad repeat amino acid substitutions that increase peptide interchain interaction.
A Supramolecular–Quantum Dot System for Broad‐Spectrum Detection of Fentanyl Analogs
Authors: Gao Yanjing , Shirinichi Farbod , Hansrisuk Audrey , Zhu Runyao , Xian Sijie , Lieberman Marya , Webber Matthew J. , Wang Yichun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSynthetic opioids, especially fentanyl and its analogs, have created an epidemic of abuse and significantly increased overdose deaths in the United States. Current detection methods have drawbacks in their sensitivity, scalability, and portability that limit field‐based application to promote public health and safety. The need to detect trace amounts of fentanyl in complex mixtures with other drugs or interferents, and the continued emergence of new fentanyl analogs, further complicates detection. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop convenient, rapid, and reliable sensors for fentanyl detection. In this study, a sensor is prepared based on competitive displacement of a fluorescent dye from the cavity of a supramolecular macrocycle, with subsequent fluorescence quenching from graphene quantum dots. This approach can detect and quantify small quantities of fentanyl along with 58 fentanyl analogs, including highly potent variants like carfentanil that are of increasing concern. Detection of these agents is possible even at 0.01 mol% in the presence of common interferents. This simple, rapid, reliable, sensitive, and cost‐effective approach couples supramolecular capture with graphene quantum dot nanomaterial quenchers to create a tool with the potential to advance public health and safety in the context of field‐based detection of drugs in the fentanyl class.
Activatable Molecular Probes With Clinical Promise for NIR‐II Fluorescent Imaging
Authors: Chen Zikang , Zhou Yongjie , Li Li , Ma Wen , Li Yuzhen , Yang Zhen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) fluorescence imaging has been widely adopted in basic scientific research and preclinical applications due to its exceptional spatiotemporal resolution and deep tissue penetration. Among the various fluorescent agents, organic small‐molecule fluorophores are considered the most promising candidates for clinical translation, owing to their well‐defined chemical structures, tunable optical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. However, many currently available NIR‐II fluorophores exhibit an “always‐on” fluorescence signal, which leads to background noise and compromises diagnostic accuracy during disease detection. Developing NIR‐II activatable organic small‐molecule fluorescent probes (AOSFPs) for accurately reporting pathological changes is key to advancing NIR‐II fluorescence imaging toward clinical application. This review summarizes the rational design strategies for NIR‐II AOSFPs based on four core structures (cyanine, hemicyanine, xanthene, and BODIPY). These NIR‐II AOSFPs hold substantial potential for clinical translation. Furthermore, the recent advances in NIR‐II AOSFPs for NIR‐II bioimaging are comprehensively reviewed, offering clear guidance and direction for their further development. Finally, the prospective efforts to advance NIR‐II AOSFPs for clinical applications are outlined.
Comparative Study of Extraction Methods and Screening of Cassava Genotypes for High Stem Starch Yield: A Potential Industrial Source
Authors: K. K. Hasmi Sulain , Saravanan Raju , Makasana Jayanti , Thulasimani Krishnakumar , Safia Shanavas 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCassava stem starch offers a promising alternative for meeting the growing demand for industrial starch applications. This study evaluated 15 high‐yielding cassava genotypes for starch recovery and analyzed the performance of four extraction methods, viz., water, alkaline (0.2% NaOH and 0.5% Na₂S₂O₅), microwave‐assisted, and ultrasound‐assisted. Water extraction using the microwave‐assisted method proved to be the most efficient to achieve the highest starch yields, while ultrasound‐assisted extraction also showed strong potential for specific applications. The starch yield showed significant variation among the evaluated genotypes. The assessed cassava genotypes, such as Black Thailand, Quintal, and Sree Athulya, revealed the maximum total starch content, while Sree Visakham and Sree Jaya recorded the lowest total starch yields. Kunkumrose and Black Thailand exhibited the highest peak viscosity, indicating suitability for food processing and adhesive applications. Sree Athulya had the highest setback viscosity, making it ideal for products requiring strong gel formation. Genotype M4 demonstrated the highest in vitro digestibility, suggesting its potential for biofuel or pharmaceutical uses. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting cassava genotypes based on their starch characteristics, which are crucial for optimizing industrial applications in food, biofuels, bioplastics, and adhesives. The study underscores the need for careful genotype selection and process optimization to maximize cassava starch utilization.