bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (qMRI) of the Small Bowel in Crohn's Disease: State‐of‐the‐Art and Future Directions
Authors: Sakai Naomi S. , Bray Timothy J.P. , Taylor Stuart A. 
Published: July 2024

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract in which repeated episodes of acute inflammation may lead to long‐term bowel damage. Cross‐sectional imaging is used in conjunction with endoscopy to diagnose and monitor disease and detect complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrable utility in evaluating inflammatory activity. However, subjective interpretation of conventional MR sequences is limited in its ability to fully phenotype the underlying histopathological processes in chronic disease. In particular, conventional MRI can be confounded by the presence of mural fibrosis and muscle hypertrophy, which can mask or sometimes mimic inflammation. Quantitative MRI (qMRI) methods provide a means to better differentiate mural inflammation from fibrosis and improve quantification of these processes. qMRI may also provide more objective measures of disease activity and enable better tailoring of treatment. Here, we review quantitative MRI methods for imaging the small bowel in CD and consider the path to their clinical translation.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
The Three‐Way Interaction of Autonomy, Openness to Experience, and Techno‐Invasion in Predicting Employee Creativity
Authors: Samimi Dehkordi Saleh , Radević Ivan , Černe Matej , Božič Katerina , Lamovšek Amadeja 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTDespite the increasing need for creativity in rapidly evolving markets and work environments, not all employees are able to engage in this crucial behavior at work. The interactionist perspective suggests that creativity in organizations can be predicted by the interplay of individual and situational elements. With this theoretical framework, the study aimed to generate and develop insights into the job autonomy–employee creativity relationship by proposing and testing the joint moderating role of an individual (i.e., openness to experience) and contextual factor (i.e., techno‐invasion). The sample (n = 435) drew from three sources (focal employees, their family members, supervisors) concerning the creativity of working professionals and what predicts it in a variety of industries. The findings reveal a curvilinear relationship between autonomy and creative behavior and the moderating effect of openness to experience in this relationship. Support is also found for the three‐way interaction of autonomy, openness to experience, and techno‐invasion in fostering creative behavior. Important theoretical and practical implications thus arise for establishing the work context of potentially creative individuals given different levels of technology demands and job conditions.
Use of miltefosine in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in French Guiana
Authors: Oliveira Charlene , Arrivé Kevin , Andro Yannick , Michaud Celine , Drak Alsibai Kinan , Couppie Pierre , Demar Magalie , Blaizot Romain 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundNearly half of the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases in French Guiana occur in remote rainforest areas. The treatment of pentamidine‐resistant strains currently requires hospitalisation for intravenous amphotericin, involving significant indirect costs. Miltefosine is currently the only oral drug available but is only used in French Guiana as a third‐ or fourth‐line treatment under a temporary use authorisation.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of miltefosine in French Guiana. Secondary objectives were to evaluate its safety and acceptability, and patient satisfaction.MethodsThe study was carried out at the Cayenne Hospital and remote health centres in French Guiana. All patients with proven CL and treated with miltefosine between 1 January 2017 and 1 April 2022 were included. Cure was defined as complete re‐epithelisation with no new lesions at 90 days. Adherence (all doses taken) and side effects were routinely evaluated at the end of treatment. Patients were retrospectively called back to evaluate the impact of CL on their life quality before treatment and their satisfaction with miltefosine.ResultsFifteen patients were included. The main species was Leishmania guyanensis (n = 9; 60%), followed by L. braziliensis (n = 4; 26.7%). Eight patients (53.3%) were cured. Eleven patients (73.3%) presented adverse effects (mainly digestive), with seven of these (46.7%) requiring therapeutic adaptations. Eight patients demonstrated complete adherence; of these, six (75%) were cured, including six cases of L. guyanensis, one case of L. braziliensis and one Leishmania spp. Most patients (88.9%) were satisfied with the treatment and said they preferred oral administration to the parenteral route.ConclusionsMiltefosine is a valuable treatment option for CL in French Guiana. The side effects can diminish patient adherence, but its oral administration is associated with high patient satisfaction. A regular marketing authorisation would facilitate its prescription and allow for the creation of larger cohorts.
The Global Experience of Laryngeal Transplantation: Series of Eleven Patients in Three Continents
Authors: Candelo Estephania , Belafsky Peter C. , Corrales Mauricio , Farwell D. Gregory , Gonzales Luis F. , Grajek Maciej , Walczak Dominik A. , Strome Marshall , Lorenz Robert R. , Tintinago Luis F. , Velez Maria A. , Victoria William , Birchall Martin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe loss of laryngeal function affects breathing, swallowing, and voice, thus severely compromises quality of life. Laryngeal transplantation has long been suggested as a solution for selected highly affected patients with complete laryngeal function loss.ObjectiveTo obtain insights regarding the advantages, weaknesses, and limitations of this procedure and facilitate future advances, we collected uniform data from all known laryngeal transplants reported internationally.MethodologyA case series. Patients were enrolled retrospectively by each institutional hospital or clinic. Eleven patients with complete loss of laryngeal function undergoing total laryngeal transplantation between 1998 and 2018 were recruited.ResultsAfter a minimum of 24 months follow‐up, three patients had died (27%), and there were two graft explants in survivors, one total and one partial, due to chronic rejection. In the remaining cases, voice was functional in 62.5% and 50% achieved decannulation. Swallowing was initially restricted, but only one patient was gastrostomy‐dependent by 6 months and all had normal or near‐normal swallowing by the end of year two after transplantation. Median follow‐up was 73 months. Functional (voice, swallowing, airway) recovery peaked between 12 and 24 months.ConclusionsLaryngeal transplantation is a complex procedure with significant morbidity. Significant improvements in quality of life are possible for highly selected individuals with end‐stage laryngeal disorders, including laryngeal neoplasia, but further technical and pharmacological developments are required if the technique is to be more widely applicable. An international registry should be created to provide better quality pooled data for analysis of outcomes of any future laryngeal transplants.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:4313–4320, 2024
Dynamics of alongshore current in the Taiwan Strait: A perspective on the southward Kuroshio branch in winter
Authors: Zong Xiaolong , Sheng Zhong , Zhang Shuwen , Wang Aijun , Deng Fangjing , Wang Qiang , Chen Zhaoyun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn winter, the Kuroshio Current intrudes onto the continental shelf in the East China Sea with a cyclonic branch occasionally veering northeast of the Taiwan Strait. The dynamic process and mechanism by which the southward Kuroshio branch enters the Taiwan Strait is investigated using a numerical model. Decomposition of the flow field and sea surface height (SSH) using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) isolates the first mode of the southward flow and the east‐westward SSH slope, showing that the time series is closely related to wind strength. The southward Kuroshio branch is mainly controlled by geostrophic and Ekman effects. When northeasterly winds are weak, the elevated SSH on the eastern side, caused by the Kuroshio, generates a northward geostrophic current. This northward current overwhelms the Ekman current and triggers the Taiwan Warm Current. Conversely, when northeasterly winds are strong, an elevated SSH on the western side generates a southward geostrophic current. A theoretical equation is devised, which accounts for Ekman layer depth related to wind strength and geostrophic adjustments by the Ekman effect. This equation explains why the Kuroshio branch flows into the northern Taiwan Strait and why there is a counter‐wind current (i.e., Taiwan Warm Current) during winter. Furthermore, we propose a novel perspective that suggests the alongshore current and cross‐shore sea level in the Taiwan Strait are determined by the wind‐driven current and geostrophic adjustment, which are generated by the competition or cooperation between the wind and the alongshore pressure gradient caused by the Kuroshio.
Determination of site‐specific nitrogen cycle reaction kinetics allows accurate simulation of in situ nitrogen transformation rates in a large North American estuary
Authors: Tang Weiyi , Fortin Samantha G. , Intrator Naomi , Lee Jenna A. , Kunes Moriah A. , Jayakumar Amal , Ward Bess B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNitrogen (N) bioavailability affects phytoplankton growth and primary production in the aquatic environment. N bioavailability is partly determined by biological N cycling processes that either transform N species or remove fixed N. Reliable estimates of their kinetic parameters can help understand the distribution of N cycling processes. However, available estimates of kinetic parameters are often derived from microbial isolates and may not be representative of the natural environment. Observations are particularly lacking in estuarine and coastal waters. We conducted isotope tracer addition incubations to evaluate substrate affinities of nitrification, denitrification and anammox in the Chesapeake Bay water column. The half‐saturation constant for ammonia oxidation ranged from 0.38 to 0.75 μM ammonium, substantially higher than observed in the open oceans. Half‐saturation constants for denitrification—0.92–1.86 μM nitrite or 1.15 μM nitrate—were within the lower end or less than those reported for other aquatic environments and for denitrifier isolates. Interestingly, water column denitrification potential was comparable to that of sedimentary denitrification, highlighting the contribution of the water column to N removal during anoxia. Mostly undetectable anammox rates prevented us from deriving the half‐saturation constants, suggesting a low affinity of anammox. Using these substrate kinetics, we were able to predict in situ N cycling rates and explain the vertical distribution of N nutrient concentrations. Our newly derived substrate kinetics parameters can be useful for improving model representation of N nutrient dynamics in estuarine and coastal waters, which is critical for assessing the ecosystem productivity and function.
Revisiting the Freshwater Imperative: Harnessing Team Science to Face Emerging Challenges to Freshwaters
Authors: Sadro Steven , Hotchkiss Erin R , Cottingham Kathryn L , Vanni Michael J , Speir Shannon L , O'Reilly Catherine M 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems face ever increasing environmental and ecological challenges. Recognition of those challenges is not new—over 30 years ago, a series of workshops convened to develop a research agenda (The Freshwater Imperative) to address those challenges. It was recognized that a critical component of solving the problems that freshwater ecosystems face would require greater interdisciplinary collaboration. Here, we discuss the context for the “Revisiting the Freshwater Imperative” workshop and describe how a small‐workshop model can be used effectively to seed longer term collaborative partnerships in support of meeting the challenges freshwater ecosystems face. Some key recommendations include: (1) engage with participants prior to the workshop to maximize efficient use of time and prime divergence‐convergence thinking; (2) promote a bottom‐up participant driven structure; (2) develop an agenda with enough flexibility to accommodate participant driven changes (i.e., a “live” agenda); (3) utilize best practices for facilitating team science; and (4) provide coordinating structure for post‐workshop working group activities.
Comparison of instep and non‐instep flap in the reconstruction of the weight‐bearing portion of the forefoot and heel
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Ku Ki Hyeok , Kim Jin Hyung , Baek Jong Hun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundInstep flaps are commonly used for the reconstruction of weight‐bearing areas of the foot. However, in cases of large defects or damage to the instep area, non‐instep flaps such as reverse sural flaps (RSF) or free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTF) can be employed. Previous studies have primarily focused on heel reconstruction when comparing different flaps, without considering the forefoot. This study aims to verify the clinical outcomes of these flaps and determine the appropriate donor site for weight‐bearing areas of the foot including forefoot reconstruction.MethodsIn a retrospective study, 39 patients who had undergone flap reconstruction of weight‐bearing area defects in the foot with a follow‐up period of ≥1 year were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: Group A (n = 19) using instep flaps, and Group B (n = 20) using non‐instep flap including RSFs and ALTFs. Surgical outcomes were assessed based on the success of the flap, the presence of partial necrosis, the number of additional surgeries, and complications related to the donor site. Clinical evaluation included visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the occurrence of ulcers.ResultsAll flaps were successful, while partial necrosis occurred in one case in Group B. There were three reclosures after flap border debridement in both groups and one donor site debridement in Group A. The VAS scores during weight‐bearing were 2.0 ± 1.1 and 2.2 ± 1.5 for Groups A and B, respectively (p = .716). The AOFAS scores were 52.8 ± 6.8 and 50.2 ± 12.7 for Groups A and B, respectively (p = .435). The occurrence of ulcers was 0.4 ± 0.9 times for Group A and 0.3 ± 0.7 times for Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups (p = .453).ConclusionThere was no difference in clinical outcomes between the types of flaps after reconstruction of the forefoot and hindfoot. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the appropriate flap based on factors such as the size of the defect, its location, and vascular status rather than the type of flap.
Preparation and properties of toughened/flame‐retardant PA6/glass‐fiber composites reinforced by linear polyphosphazene elastomers
Authors: Zou Wenqi , Luo Kaiqiang , Xu Jun , Qiu Munan , Tian Jing , Wu Zhanpeng , Guo Baohua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, the challenges of brittleness and flammability in Polyamide 6/glass fiber (PA6/GF) composites, which are crucial for heat‐resistant and stress‐bearing structural parts, are addressed. Polyphosphazene (PZ) elastomers, known for their exceptional flame‐retardant properties, are introduced to enhance the robustness and safety of these composites. Specifically, poly(diaryloxy)phosphazene (PDAP) and poly(difluoroalkoxy)phosphazene (PDFP) are utilized, both contributing to the improved toughness and flame resistance of the PA6/GF composites. Experimental results show that PDAP mainly played the role of solid‐phase flame retardant, while PDFP mainly acted the role of gas‐phase flame retardant. For PA/PZs composites without adding GF, PDFP plays a more efficient flame retardant effect than PDAP. By introducing 15 Vol% of PDFP, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composite reached 26.1%, while the notched impact strength increased by 297%. For PA/PZs/GF composites, PDAP plays a better flame retardant role than PDFP. Under the action of 30 vol% GF and 15 vol% PDAP, the LOI of PA6/PDAP/GF composite reached 26.8%, and the notch impact strength improved to 18.7 kJ/m2, which is 165% higher than that of PA6/GF, and the UL‐94 test reaches V‐0 level. The findings of the study highlight the potential of PDAP and PDFP to act as dual‐function modifiers. These modifiers can considerably ameliorate both the impact resistance and flame retardancy of PA6 and PA6/GF composites. Such dual enhancement surpasses the typical trade‐offs seen in conventional composites, indicating a constructive direction for future material innovation.Highlights
Polyphosphazenes simultaneously enhance PA6's toughness & flame resistance.
Distinct flame retardant mechanisms found in PDAP and PDFP.
GF presence alters PDAP and PDFP's flame retardant efficacy.
PDAP shows superior flame resistance in GF‐reinforced PA6 composites.
Without GF, PDFP outperforms PDAP in enhancing flame retardancy.
Trypsin‐encoding gene function of efficient star polycation nanomaterial‐mediated dsRNA feeding delivery system of Grapholita molesta
Authors: Lv Dongbiao , Kassen Kuanysh , Men Chunxiao , Yang Xiaoyan , Pan Dandan , Wang Xuecheng , Wang Nan , Wang Ping , Yuan Xiangqun , Li Yiping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDGrapholita molesta is an important and harmful fruit pest worldwide, with widespread feeding hosts. Trypsin, an indispensable hydrolytic digestive protease in the insect gut, is crucial in digestion, growth and development. We analyzed the characteristics of the trypsin‐encoding genes, screened for the optimal dose of RNAi mediated by nanocarriers, and investigated various indices of larval growth and development of G. molesta.RESULTSGut content (GC) and RNase A degraded double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), with a faster degradation rate at higher concentrations. Star polycation (SPc) nanomaterials protected dsGFP from degradation by anion–cation binding and did not migrate through agarose gel. The key conserved motifs of the trypsin‐encoding genes were similar, exhibiting high homology with those in other lepidopteran insects. An interference efficiency of ≈70% was achieved with SPc nanomaterial‐mediated RNA interference with 0.05 μg dsRNA. The efficiency of continuous interference was stable. Trypsin activity, body weight of 8‐day‐old larvae, pupal weight and emergence rate were significantly reduced, and the larval stage was significantly prolonged.CONCLUSIONThe investigated trypsin gene is a key target gene in the growth and development of G. molesta. We investigated the efficiency and convenience of feeding SPc nanomaterials in a functional study of insects. Our results provide valuable data for the development of efficient trypsin‐targeting pesticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development and Optimization of the Extrusion of Potato Peel–Based Biocomposite Films
Authors: Miescher Susanna , Hülsmann Lina , Yildirim Selçuk 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTSide streams from the agricultural and food industries are considered an interesting alternative source for the production of packaging materials due to their composition. However, their use often involves complex and energy‐intensive extraction of individual components. Therefore, this study investigated the application of entire potato peels, without prior extraction, to produce extruded films. Potato peels (PP) and biobased polybutylene succinate adipate (BioPBS) at 1:0, 3:2, 1:1 and 2:3 ratios were used to produce pellets and films in a two‐stage extrusion process. The influence of PP concentration, the addition of maleic anhydride and tartaric acid as compatibilizers and the addition of carnauba wax on the film properties were characterized in terms of morphological, mechanical, physicochemical and thermal properties. Films with a high PP content (50%–100%) showed weak mechanical properties. However, increasing the BioPBS content to PP/PBS 2:3 resulted in a significant increase in tensile strength and elongation at break to 6.20 MPa and 38.09%, respectively, and significantly reduced the water vapour permeability of the film to 5.5 × 10−6 gm/m2 d Pa. The use of 1% maleic anhydride had no significant effect on tensile strength (6.23 MPa), but further increased the elasticity to 65.48%, with no additional effect on barrier properties. The addition of 0.5% tartaric acid showed a similar elongation at break (56.23%) while significantly increasing the tensile strength to 6.56 MPa. The incorporation of 5% carnauba wax increased the surface hydrophobicity of the films from 69.5° to 99.7°, but at the expense of a decrease in mechanical properties.
Unravelling the Influence of Perforation Sizes on Physicochemical, Sensory and Microbial Attributes of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Refrigerated Chicken Patties
Authors: Ayesha Kaneez , Khalid Samran , Chaudhary Kashmala , Ansar Sadia , Zahid Muqaddas , Hassan Syed Ali , Bashir Nadia , Naeem Muhammad , Ashraf Jahan Zaib , Onyeaka Helen 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe changes in lifestyle patterns and the adoption of a busy life have led to the widespread acceptance of ready‐to‐cook (RTC) products, particularly meat products. Chicken patties, being a preprocessed RTC product, are consumed worldwide. This study investigates the impact of perforated modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the physicochemical, sensory and microbial attributes of chicken patties stored at 4 °C for 14 days. The focus is on assessing the consequences of package damage occurring at any stage of the supply chain. Perforations measuring 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm were introduced into polypropylene packaging boxes, wherein chicken patties were subsequently packaged under five distinct gas concentrations of CO2 (ranging from 0% to 50%) and O2 (ranging from 0% to 50%), alongside a constant level of 50% N2. A control group containing normal air along with perforations was included for comparison with other groups containing modified atmospheres. The results indicated that the package (PPCON9) with the highest concentration of CO2 (50%) and the lowest O2 (0%) with 0.2 mm perforations was the most effective in preserving the quality attributes of chicken patties during storage by reducing moisture loss (3%), protein denaturation (0.38%), lipid oxidation (0.54%), cooking loss (0.72%), shrinkage (0.18%), water holding capacity (5.67%), sensory losses and microbial spoilage. The highest losses occurred in the package with 0.4 mm perforations containing normal air (PPA2). The study highlights that even if a package containing a modified atmosphere is damaged, it still efficiently preserves the chicken patties compared to a damaged package containing normal air. However, leakage significantly impacts the efficiency of MAP, necessitating effective solutions to prevent losses that occur from this issue.