bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Postchemoradiotherapy Watch‐and‐Wait Strategy in Patients With Rectal Cancer: A 20‐Year, Single‐Center Study
Authors: Chen Shuo‐Fu , Yang Shung‐Haur , Jiang Jeng‐Kai , Wang Ling‐Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesThe watch‐and‐wait (WW) strategy is a nonsurgical alternative for patients with rectal cancer exhibiting an excellent response to chemoradiotherapy. Studies on the WW strategy have primarily investigated 5‐year oncological outcomes; few have focused on longer‐term outcomes or the optimal patient selection approach for this therapeutic strategy.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma who had achieved complete response after chemoradiotherapy. Patients who achieved pathological complete response were categorized into a control group (n = 95) and those who achieved clinical complete response and were managed using the WW strategy were categorized into a case group (n = 33). Kaplan–Meier estimates were calculated for the between‐group comparison of survival.ResultsThe median follow‐up duration was 89 months. Compared with the control group, the case group exhibited improved long‐term sphincter preservation, particularly for low‐lying tumors (p = 0.032), and inferior nonlocal‐regrowth disease‐free survival (p = 0.007). Within the case group, patients achieving a complete response by positron emission tomography exhibited 5‐year survival rates similar to those achieving a complete endoscopic response.ConclusionThe WW strategy is associated with improved sphincter preservation but worse nonlocal‐regrowth disease‐free survival. The potential of PET in patient selection for this strategy deserves further investigation.
Changes in the Properties of Two Typical Plant Species and Their Rhizosphere Bacteria in Eco‐Restoration of Engineered Slopes on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Qi , Wu Xinzhi , Mou Pengwei , Kang Yaxin , He Yangqiutong , Shen Yifan , Lei Ningfei , Zhang Weibiao , Liu Shenghui , Sun Huazhang , Zhang Xiaochao , Pei Xiangjun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSlopes that are created by extensive engineering construction projects accelerate the degradation of the ecologically fragile Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. This adverse impact can be mitigated by implementing ecologically sound restoration programs in these degraded sites. This study investigated the changes in the physiology of two typical plant species and their rhizosphere bacteria on four different engineered slopes subjected to eco‐restoration on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The findings showed that the shear strength, nutrition, and enzymatic activity of the plant rhizosphere improved significantly, and these were positively associated with the restoration effect on vegetation. The growth and development of plants in the frame beam group and the shotcrete group were optimized. The microbial diversity in the plant rhizosphere soil in the restoration areas exhibited a comparable degree of change to the control soil, characterized by a decrease in the relative abundance of microbial phyla and alterations in the indicator species at the order level. However, the community stability in the restoration areas was notably higher than that in the control group. This study offers significant implications and practical value for the eco‐restoration of engineered slopes in alpine regions, which provides a sustainable development framework for protecting fragile ecosystems.
Integrated Carbon Nanotube and Ketoenamine‐Linked Covalent Organic Framework with Positive Charge Structure as High‐Performance Capacitive Materials
Authors: Yao Chan , Zhao Haoyu , Liu Qiushi , Xu Yanhong , Ding Xuesong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA series of composite materials, ETB@CNT (ETB@CNT10, ETB@CNT20, ETB@CNT30, ETB@CNT40, ETB@CNT50) with different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) contents are successfully prepared by using one‐pot method. Compared with the pure ET‐B‐COF, which is a ketoenamine‐linked covalent organic framework (COF) with a positive charge structure, CNTs can effectively improve the electrochemical performance of ET‐B‐COF, and the specific capacitance increased with the increase of the mass of carbon nanotubes added during the preparation process. Among them, ETB@CNT40 exhibits the best electrochemical performance (37.6 F g−1) at a current density of 1 A g−1. This study indicates that the simultaneous introduction of CNTs into COFs can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of ketoenamine‐linked COFs materials.
Elective Surgery Planning in Mobile Operating Theaters Under Uncertain Demand of Emergency Patients
Authors: Li Yongzhen , Li Zhaohui , Shu Jia , Zhang Minghui , Zhu Zhicheng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMobile operating theaters (MOTs) emerged as a solution to cope with the serious shortage of medical resources in various European countries. In this paper, we study the multi‐MOT elective surgery planning problem. Each MOT consists of an operating room (OR) and a recovery room, that is, a post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU), with two beds, which can be used to perform surgeries and recovery care for both elective and emergency patients. The daily assignment of elective surgeries to MOTs is made in advance (e.g., a week ahead) in the face of uncertain demand of emergency patients. The problem is to determine the assignment of elective patients under uncertain surgery and recovery durations within a finite planning horizon, aiming to minimize total daily costs, which include the cost of assigning elective patients, the OR and PACU utilization cost, and the postponement cost of deferring any elective surgery to the next planning horizon. Due to the possible idle time between surgeries (recoveries, resp.) in the OR (PACU, resp.) and the possible OR blocking due to a limited PACU capacity, the daily OR and PACU utilization cost cannot be expressed in an analytical functional form directly in contrast to the existing literature on OR planning. In this paper, we simulate the surgery and recovery process in ORs and PACUs based on associated distributions, which are empirically verified by the literature, and fit the OR and PACU utilization costs as piece‐wise linear convex functions of the total surgery and recovery durations of the elective patients, respectively. We model the MOT planning problem as a set‐partitioning problem and solve it by column generation. We show that the pricing problem that arises from column generation is NP‐hard. By effectively characterizing the structural properties of the optimal solution to the continuous relaxation of the pricing problem, an efficient implementation of the branch‐and‐bound procedure can be applied to obtain the optimal integral solution to the pricing problem. This solution approach also extends to the case with general OR and PACU utilization cost functions. Computational experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach can solve moderate‐sized instances efficiently. Numerical results also show that, compared with the traditional OR planning model that (i) does not consider the daily PACU utilization cost and thereby ignores the possible blocking times between surgeries in ORs and (ii) neglects the possible idle times between surgeries in ORs caused by the random arrivals of emergency patients, our model results in a cost reduction of around 15.80% on average.
A Riemannian Rank‐Adaptive Method for Higher‐Order Tensor Completion in the Tensor‐Train Format
Authors: Vermeylen Charlotte , Van Barel Marc 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA new Riemannian rank adaptive method (RRAM) is proposed for the low‐rank tensor completion problem (LRTCP). This problem is formulated as a least‐squares optimization problem on the algebraic variety of tensors of bounded tensor‐train (TT) rank. The RRAM iteratively optimizes over fixed‐rank smooth manifolds using a Riemannian conjugate gradient algorithm from Steinlechner. In between, the rank is increased by computing a descent direction selected in the tangent cone to the variety. A numerical method to estimate the rank increase is proposed. This numerical method is based on a new theoretical result for the low‐rank tensor approximation problem and a definition of an estimated TT‐rank. When the iterate comes close to a lower‐rank set, the RRAM decreases the rank based on the TT‐rounding algorithm from Oseledets and a definition of a numerical rank. It is shown that the TT‐rounding algorithm can be considered an approximate projection onto the lower‐rank set, which satisfies a certain angle condition to ensure that the image is sufficiently close to that of an exact projection. Several numerical experiments illustrate the use of the RRAM and its subroutines in Matlab. In all experiments, the proposed RRAM significantly outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art RRAM for tensor completion in the TT format from Steinlechner in terms of computation time.
Temperature effects on tensile and bending properties of carbon/Kevlar hybrid fiber sandwich composites
Authors: Chen Miao , Gao Xiaoping , Chen Jiawei , You Geyi , Liu Ce , Zhao Ke 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the mechanical properties of carbon/Kevlar hybrid fiber‐reinforced resin composites at different temperatures were studied. The hybrid composites were prepared by Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI). The sandwich structure of reinforcement consists of Kevlar plain weave fiber as a surface layer and carbon fiber plain weave fabric as a core layer, while the matrix consists of a curing agent and epoxy resin. The bending and tensile properties of the composite specimens were tested at different temperatures using the in situ testing method, separately. The fracture morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the damage mechanism of the material properties at the micro‐scales. The results show that the sandwich composite material shows a positive hybrid effect. The carbon fibers increases effectively the strength and rigidity of the sample, while Kevlar fiber improves the toughness and brittle damage mode. The mechanical properties of hybrid composite laminates are strongly dependent on temperature. The tensile and bending properties of carbon/Kevlar hybrid composites decreased when the temperature increased from −30°C to 40°C. The effect of temperature on the bending properties was more pronounced for the carbon/Kevlar hybrid composites. This study consists of damage analysis and variation analysis of the mechanical behavior of carbon/Kevlar composite specimens, which will lay the foundation to provide basic data for the application of carbon/Kevlar hybrid composites.Highlights
Advantages of carbon/Kevlar hybrid sandwiched structure on tensile and bending properties.
Comprehensive mechanical property testing in multiple composite environments.
Based on the hybrid effect and temperature effect, the damage mechanism of the sample was analyzed.
Comparative study on flexural performances of carbon fiber reinforced polymers with micro‐, micro‐/nano‐, and nano‐sized aramid fiber interlayers
Authors: Hu Yunsen , Gao Yuxuan , Tan Bo , Hu Xiaozhi , Zhang Jian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDelamination restricts the out‐of‐plane loading capacity of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), posing a challenge in their structural applications. While interlaminar reinforcement using aramid fibers has emerged as a promising method to alleviate delamination issues, the effects of aramid fiber size and areal density on the flexural properties of reinforced CFRPs remain underexplored. This study investigated the reinforcing potential of different aramid fiber forms, including short aramid fibers, aramid pulp, and aramid nanofibers, through a three‐point bending test on CFRPs. The results revealed that short aramid fibers and aramid pulp provided better reinforcing effects than aramid nanofibers as their fiber lengths were optimal for the bridging mechanism. Specimens reinforced with 0.16 g/m2 short aramid fibers attained the highest flexural strength, with a 20.9% improvement compared to unmodified specimens. Increasing the areal reinforcement density led to thicker interlayers, which negatively impacted flexural strength. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the use of aramid fibers in the industrial manufacturing of CFRPs, considering both reinforcing effects and process efficiency.Highlights
Different‐sized aramid fibers were used for interlaminar reinforcement of CFRPs.
Influence of interlayer thickness on flexural properties was investigated.
Up to 20.9% improvement in flexural strength was achieved.
Potential applications of different‐sized aramid fibers were discussed.
Comparative antidepressant effects and safety of intravenous racemic ketamine, psilocybin and theta burst stimulation for major depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Terao Itsuki , Kodama Wakako 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe individual efficacy and safety of intravenous racemic (IV) ketamine, psilocybin, and theta burst stimulation (TBS) for major depressive disorder have been demonstrated through meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but the comparative usefulness of these novel treatments has not yet been fully examined. We systematically searched the CENTRAL, Medline, CINHAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for randomized controlled trials up to July 4, 2024. Random‐effects network meta‐analyses were conducted to compare the Comparative antidepressant effects and safety of intravenous racemic ketamine, psilocybin and theta burst stimulation for major depressive disorderantidepressant efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of IV ketamine, psilocybin, and TBS. Twenty‐eight RCTs were included. All treatments were superior to placebo, with IV ketamine and psilocybin showing significantly greater antidepressant efficacy than TBS. No significant differences were detected between all treatments and placebo in tolerability and acceptability. In a subgroup analysis focusing on short periods of 1 week or less, only IV ketamine was significantly more effective than placebo. In another subgroup analysis focusing on periods of 4 weeks or longer, IV ketamine and psilocybin showed significantly better antidepressant effects than placebo. The confidence in the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Specifically, there is a scarcity of studies on psilocybin and a lack of direct comparison trials. The findings suggest that IV ketamine and psilocybin may be more effective treatments compared to TBS. Additionally, IV ketamine may have an advantage in terms of rapid onset of action. The number of included studies is limited, especially for psilocybin, and therefore the current findings are preliminary, necessitating further accumulation of direct‐comparison RCTs.
Role of Myofibroblasts in the Repair of Iatrogenic Preterm Membranes Subjected to Mechanical Stimulation
Authors: Costa E. , Thrasivoulou C. , Becker D. L. , Deprest J. , David A. L. , Chowdhury T. T. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe examined the role of myofibroblasts in regulating Cx43 and collagen structure in iatrogenic preterm amniotic membrane (AM) defects subjected to mechanical stimulation.MethodPreterm AM specimens were collected from women undergoing planned preterm caesarean section after in utero intervention for correction of spina bifida by open fetal surgery (n = 4 patients; preterm delivery at 34 + 0 weeks to 35 + 0 weeks). Control specimens taken 5 cm away from the open fetal surgery defect site were compared with wound edge AM. In separate experiments, the effects of mechanical stimulation and co‐treatment with Cx43 antisense on matrix and repair proteins were examined. Specimens were immunostained to detect αSMA and Cx43 in myofibroblasts and counterstained with DAPI to quantify nuclei shape. The direction of collagen fibrils in the wound edge region was examined by SHG imaging. Markers for matrix (collagen, elastin, GAG), inflammation (PGE2) and repair (TGFβ1) were examined by RT‐qPCR and biochemical assays.ResultsIn iatrogenic preterm AM specimens, the diameter of the open fetal surgery defect ranged between 3.5 and 7.5 cm. At the wound edge of the open fetal surgery defect, αSMA positive myofibroblasts had deformed nuclei and showed abundant Cx43 localized in the cell bodies or formed plaques. In the fibroblast layer, collagen had degenerated in some regions or had polarity near the wound edge. In preterm AM defects, mechanical stimulation and Cx43 antisense increased the levels of collagen and elastin but not GAG or PGE2 release. Mechanical stimulation increased Cx43 and TGFβ1 gene expression.ConclusionIn open fetal surgery defects, myofibroblasts were elongated with collagen fibrils that either degenerated or had polarity. Whilst cells produced substantially higher Cx43 in the fibroblast than in the epithelial layer, they formed plaques, which may prevent migration and delay healing. Mechanical stimulation of preterm AM enhanced matrix repair proteins and the mechanotransduction should be explored to understand how Cx43 contributes to membrane integrity.
Preparation, characterization and pork preservation of antibacterial chitosan composite film based on ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate isolated from Kaempferia galanga L.
Authors: Xiang Zhaobao , Ping Xueli , Chen Pengfei , You Linfeng , Zhou Bin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractChitosan (CS)‐based films incorporated with ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate (EPMC) isolated from Kaempferia galanga L. were fabricated to prolong the shelf life of refrigerated pork. Addition of EPMC into CS‐based films significantly improved the physical properties, such as opacity (6.42 to 46.33), moisture content (44.01% to 33.29%) and water vapor permeation (0.21 to 0.13 g mm kPa−1 h−1 m−2). These changes were verified via multiple spectral techniques, indicating that the improvement in the characteristics of the composite films probably resulted from the intermolecular interaction between CS and EPMC. The diameter of the inhibition zone against Escherichia coli of the composite film with a high content (0.4%) of EPMC increased from 1.42 cm in the control CS group to 1.93 cm. The pH values, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, total volatile base nitrogen and total viable count of bacteria of fresh pork stored at 4 °C for 8 days coated in composite film with a high content (0.4%) of EPMC were 5.8, 0.66 mg kg−1, 20 mg (100 g)−1 and 106 CFU g−1, respectively. This indicates that shelf life of fresh pork coated in the composite film was prolonged up to 8 days at 4 °C. The results demonstrated the considerable potential for the utilization of the composite film in pork preservation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Clinical Outcomes Through Two Years for Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Tracheomalacia
Authors: Zak Sara M. , Onge Ina St , Higano Nara S. , Bates Alister J. , Gandhi Deep , Fleck Robert J. , Kingma Paul S. , Woods Jason C. , Hysinger Erik B. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTracheomalacia (TM) is common in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and associated with respiratory morbidity. Assessment of TM was historically via bronchoscopy, but recent studies demonstrate that ultrashort echo‐time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately assess TM in neonates.Research QuestionDo neonates with MRI‐identified TM and BPD have increased respiratory morbidity through age 2 years?MethodsWe performed an observational cohort study of 54 subjects with BPD and assessed TM using UTE MRI at term‐equivalent age. TM was defined as an airway minor/major axis ratio (rd,min) of < 0.7. Outcomes through 2 years of life were evaluated via electronic medical record review.ResultsThere were 23 subjects (43%) with TM. Modified Ochiai MRI scores were similar between the subjects with and without TM (7.3 ± 4.1 vs. 7.4 ± 4.1). Subjects with TM were more likely to require respiratory support at age 2 years (62% vs. 30%, p = 0.04) and be prescribed systemic corticosteroids (71% vs. 27%, p = 0.004). Most patients with TM were prescribed bronchodilators (90% vs. 60%, p = 0.04). A 10% increase in tracheal collapse correlated with a 28‐day increased hospital length of stay (p = 0.047), increased likelihood of pneumonia (p = 0.05), and treatment with antibiotics (p = 0.04) and systemic steroids (p = 0.008).ConclusionsTM in the neonatal period was associated with increased respiratory morbidity through age 2 years, demonstrated by increased respiratory support and more frequent usage of systemic corticosteroids and bronchodilators, independent of the severity of BPD. These results highlight the significance of central airway disease in neonates with BPD.
Comparison of Maitland Passive Joint Mobilization and Self‐Rehabilitation on Function, Activity, and Quality of Life in Beninese Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial
Authors: Assogba Todègnon Franck , Zounon Diane‐Aurore , Niama Natta Ditouah Didier , Sogbossi Emmanuel Segnon , Lawson Teefany , Kpadonou Toussaint , Mahaudens Philippe , Detrembleur Christine 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundOrthopedic manual therapy is currently considered as an alternative approach for treating hip osteoarthritis. However, studies assessing its efficacy in low‐income countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa are scarce.ObjectivesInvestigating the effectiveness of Maitland passive joint mobilization (Maitland PJM) compared to self‐rehabilitation in patients with hip osteoarthritis in Benin, a low‐income country, in Sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsThis was a pragmatic, single‐blind, two‐arm randomized trial involving 66 participants randomly assigned into two groups (Maitland PJM group, n = 33, and self‐rehabilitation group, n = 33). Both interventions took 5 weeks. The primary outcome (pain) was evaluated using numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes (passive hip range of motion, muscles strength, walking, and quality of life) were assessed using goniometry, medical research council, 10 m walk test, and short‐form 36. Participants were assessed at baseline, after interventions and 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsForty‐nine patients (Maitland PJM group, n = 22, self‐rehabilitation, n = 27) completed the sessions. Within‐group analyses showed a significant improvement in body function, walking speed, and quality of life (p < 0.05) after interventions and at 3‐month follow‐up within both groups. No significant differences in any outcomes were observed between the Maitland PJM and self‐rehabilitation groups, after interventions and at the 3‐month follow‐up (p > 0.05).ConclusionMaitland passive joint mobilization and self‐rehabilitation similarly improved function, walking speed, and quality of life in Beninese patients with hip osteoarthritis.Trial RegistrationPACTR201911553990405