bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating trauma in mummified remains using finite element analysis
Authors: Jurda Mikoláš 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnthropologists evaluate injuries in skeletal remains by examining their macroscopic and microscopic features, utilizing empirical and theoretical knowledge about trauma formation and healing. Finite element analysis (FEA), which enables computational simulation of the structural stress on bone tissue and skeletal components based on their shape and defined physical properties, could be used to supplement such assessments. This study evaluates FEA's applicability for simulating injuries observed in historical skeletal materials by confronting the method with a lower limb trauma observed in nearly 300‐year‐old mummified remains. The simulations were computed using algorithms integrated into the Mechanical Finder software. Postmortem computed tomography (CT) data were acquired using a Phillips Brilliance CT 64 scanner with a slice thickness of 0.3 mm and a 1024 × 1024 matrix. The dynamic simulations focused on exploring the relationship between the direction and speed of the projectile and the formation and propagation of skeletal trauma. FEA provided insight into the mechanical limits of the affected bones across varying projectile velocities and impact directions. The observed fractures most closely matched the results of the simulation where the projectile struck from the lateral side. The obtained information supplemented the osteological diagnosis based on the visual assessment of the trauma. However, the informational value of the results was reduced because the software did not show the spread of finer fractures and was unable to simulate covering soft tissues. On a general level, Mechanical Finder facilitates the simulation of bone biomechanics primarily through its ability to create nonhomogeneous FEA models directly from CT scans. Nevertheless, its usage remains challenging for experts without a biomechanical background.
Correlation Between Near‐Infrared Autofluorescence Properties and Sestamibi Uptakes of Parathyroid Glands in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akgun Ege , Ibrahimli Arturan , Rahman Mobeen , Griffith Christopher , Berber Eren 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveNear‐infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) characteristics of parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) vary, with unclarity regarding the underlying mechanism. Similarly, 99mTc‐sestamibi uptake in diseased parathyroid glands is variable. There is a suggestion that oxyphilic cell content may influence both imaging modalities. This study aims to analyze the relationship between NIRAF imaging characteristics, 99mTc‐sestamibi uptake, and cellular composition in pHPT.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of an Institutional Review Board‐monitored prospective database.SettingSingle tertiary referral center.MethodsNIRAF characteristics of parathyroid glands of patients with pHPT between 2019 and 2024 were compared with 99mTc‐sestamibi scan findings from a prospective database. Using third‐party software, brightness intensity and heterogeneity index (HI) of the glands were calculated. A subgroup of parathyroid glands obtained from consecutive patients with pHPT in 2020 to 2021 underwent histological analysis.ResultsA total of 428 patients with 638 diseased parathyroid glands were analyzed. Forty‐seven percent of the glands showed an uptake on 99mTc‐sestamibi scans. The brightness intensity of the NIRAF signals from parathyroid glands that were seen versus not seen on sestamibi was 2.1 versus 2.3 (P = .002) and HI 0.18 versus 0.17 (P = .35), respectively. On multivariate analysis, low autofluorescence intensity, high gland volume, and single adenoma were associated with detectability on 99mTc‐sestamibi scan (P < .0001). Intraglandular adipose tissue content was lower in diseased glands that were detected on 99mTc‐sestamibi scans (0% vs 5%, P < .0001).ConclusionOur findings indicate an inverse relationship between autofluorescence intensity and detectability on 99mTc‐sestamibi scans and a lack of correlation between different cell types and autofluorescence properties.
Diffusion‐Weighted MRI for Recurrent/Persistent Head and Neck Squamous‐Cell Carcinoma After Radiotherapy: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Canali Luca , Costantino Andrea , Mari Giulia , Festa Bianca Maria , Russo Elena , Giannitto Caterina , Spriano Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI‐MRI) in diagnosing persistent/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) after primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT).Data SourcesScopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant publications until April 18, 2023.Review MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy statement. The search was conducted independently by 2 investigators. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies‐2 questionnaire. Extracted data were used to calculate the pooled DWI‐MRI sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive and negative likelihood ratio.ResultsA total of 618 patients from 10 studies were included for calculation of diagnostic accuracy parameters. At the level of the primary tumor, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89‐1.00) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.54‐0.98) in the case of qualitative analysis, and, respectively, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66‐0.89) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77‐0.96) for quantitative analysis. At the level of the neck, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75‐0.95) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74‐0.93) when images were analyzed qualitatively, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60‐0.94) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82‐0.97) when analyzed quantitatively.ConclusionDWI‐MRI showed high diagnostic accuracy and should be considered if persistent/recurrent HNSCCs is suspected after primary CRT. No significant differences were found between qualitative and quantitative imaging assessment.
Efficacy of Minor Salivary Glands as Indicators of Depth of Resection for Superficial Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Sakagami Tomofumi , Noda Yuri , Nakamura Naohiro , Suzuki Kensuke , Fujisawa Takuo , Yagi Masao , Kawasaki Hiroto , Egawa Hiromasa , Sumita Wataru , Tsuta Koji , Iwai Hiroshi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the utility of minor salivary glands in the hypopharynx as novel indicators for safe resection of superficial hypopharyngeal carcinomas with fewer complications.Study DesignCadaveric study.SettingCadavers were stored in the pathology laboratory at Kansai Medical University.MethodsTwenty‐three cadaveric specimens were examined for minor salivary glands in the pyriform sinus, posterior wall, and postcricoid regions of the hypopharynx. Their count, size, and depth were assessed. Resected specimens from 5 consecutive patients with superficial hypopharyngeal carcinomas were pathologically analyzed to determine the positional relationship between cancer and minor salivary glands.ResultsMinor salivary glands were present in more than 70% of patients in each region during autopsy, with the postcricoid region having a larger count and size. The glands were universally present, regardless of sex, height, or body mass index. Minor salivary glands in the pyriform sinus and postcricoid region were present at a depth of 30% from the bottom of the submucosal layer, whereas those in the posterior wall were present in the shallow muscularis. During surgery, endoscopic findings revealed minor salivary glands as small white nodules in the submucosal layer. Pathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed that the white nodule was a minor salivary gland. In addition, tumor position in relation to minor salivary glands provided an adequate margin for resection.ConclusionMinor salivary glands may serve as reliable indicators for determining adequate deep safety margins during surgery for superficial hypopharyngeal carcinoma.
Examining the content validity of the Comprehensive Assessment of Functioning for Mental Illness‐Subjective Version (CAMI‐S) with reference to the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
Authors: Amagasa Takashi , Inagaki Akiko , Suzuki Wataru , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Nagai Kuniyoshi , Sawada Kingo , Inadomi Hiroyuki , Mukaiyachi Ikuyoshi , Anzai Nobuo , Ikebuchi Emi , Niwa Shinichi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo support the achievement of life goals and social participation of persons with mental illness, based on the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), we generated items, identified domains, and examined the content validity of the Comprehensive Assessment of Functioning for Mental Illness‐Subjective Version (CAMI‐S). The purpose was to assess patients' strengths and weaknesses by incorporating the patient and public involvement perspective.MethodsFocus group interviews on the items to be included were conducted with Group A. A draft scale was constructed by extracting articles mentioning factors for social participation and recovery for each ICF component from PubMed. Group B participants rated themselves using the draft and highlighted items they considered inappropriate. Experts then rated the importance of the items through the Delphi method. Lastly, Group C participants evaluated whether the draft scale would help in understanding their strengths and weaknesses.ResultsThe interviews revealed subjective experience items. The draft scale had 81 items (physical and mental functions, 10; activities, 23; participation, 24; environment, 12; individuals, six; and subjective experience, six). Through the Delphi method, the number of items was reduced to 34 in six domains. Most participants (N = 50) indicated that it helped them ascertain patients' strengths and weaknesses (mean = 2.11 ± .714). Completion time for the scale was 56 min, including the 60‐item face sheet (20–110 min).ConclusionThe CAMI‐S helped participants ascertain patients' strengths and weaknesses. Its reliability and validity will be verified through a large‐scale survey in the future.
Lack of Evidence for Vaccine‐Associated Enhanced Disease From COVID‐19 Vaccines Among Adults in the Vaccine Safety Datalink
Authors: Boyce Thomas G. , McClure David L. , Hanson Kayla E. , Daley Matthew F. , DeSilva Malini B. , Irving Stephanie A. , Jackson Lisa A. , Klein Nicola P. , Lewin Bruno , Williams Joshua T. B. , Duffy Jonathan , McNeil Michael M. , Weintraub Eric S. , Belongia Edward A. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeVaccine‐associated enhanced disease (VAED) is a theoretical concern with new vaccines, although trials of authorized vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 have not identified markers for VAED. The purpose of this study was to detect any signals for VAED among adults vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we assessed COVID‐19 severity as a proxy for VAED among 400 adults hospitalized for COVID‐19 from March through October 2021 at eight US healthcare systems. Primary outcomes were admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and severe illness (score ≥6 on the World Health Organization [WHO] Clinical Progression Scale). We compared the risk of outcomes among those who had completed a COVID‐19 vaccine primary series versus those who were unvaccinated. We incorporated inverse propensity weights for vaccination status in a doubly robust regression model to estimate the causal average treatment effect.ResultsThe causal risk ratio in vaccinated versus unvaccinated was 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.94) for ICU admission and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.25–0.76) for severe illness.ConclusionAmong hospitalized patients, reduced disease severity in those vaccinated against COVID‐19 supports the absence of VAED.
Frontal polymerization for UV‐ and thermally initiated EPON 826 resin
Authors: Esposito Gabrielle , Tandon Gyaneshwar , Abbott Andrew , Butcher Dennis , Koerner Hilmar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFrontal polymerization has great potential in complementing additive manufacturing processes such as direct ink writing as a continuous cure synchronized to the printing speed can overcome issues such as sagging. To study the incorporation of frontal polymerization into a potential printing process, a frontally polymerizable DGEBA epoxy resin has been developed for both UV and thermal initiation. Through frontal polymerization alone, full conversion is observed with a starting glass transition of 150°C for both initiation methods. Resulting thermal behavior is shown to have little dependence on either initiation irradiance or temperature utilized and much greater dependence on initiator concentration in the resin. Mechanical behavior is maximized by varying initiator concentration and cure conditions achieving tensile stress of 75 MPa and K1C of 1.2 MPa‐m1/2. Shelf stability of the resin proves promising with no viscosity change after 12 weeks of room temperature storage. Future studies will concern adapting the resin for both direct ink writing and continuous fiber additive manufacturing applications.Highlights
Frontal polymerization of EPON 826 using RICFP
Utilized a tetrakis borate containing diaryliodonium cationic initiator
Stable and polymerizable after 12 weeks
Resin printed and frontally cured using UV initiation
Ultra‐thin benzalkonium chloride‐doped poly(lactic acid) electrospun mat
Authors: Özdil Şener Sena , Samatya Yilmaz Sema , Doganci Merve Dandan , Uzuner Hüseyin , Doganci Erdinc 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and benzalkonium chloride with different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9%wt.) (PLA/PEG/BCL) composite electrospun mats were produced. PLA is a non‐toxic polymer with high biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, it may be fragile due to its structure. Therefore, in this study, PEG was used as a plasticizer to improve the structural properties of PLA and it was aimed at providing antibacterial properties by adding BCL salt. Its use as an antibacterial composite nanomaterial effective against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial cultures and as a dermal wound dressing material has been examined in two different areas. The addition of BCL salt reduced the bead formation in PLA/PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion. 9% BCL‐doped composite nanofiber was obtained as the smoothest and most homogeneous surface. This mat was reported to have the highest ductility. The low Tm of pure BCL salt enabled the Tg temperature of PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers to be observed. It was observed that as the BCL salt ratio increased, the T5 and T10 temperatures of the nanofibers decreased and then increased. BCL‐doped mats exhibited liquid absorption behavior in the range of 497%–708%. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers showed high toxicity to the L929 fibroblast cell line. So, it has been reported that it cannot be used as a dermal wound dressing. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanomaterials were reported to have 99.99% antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. It was suggested that it could be used in antibacterial coating applications by taking into account modern nanocoating technology.Highlights
Poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and benzalkonium chloride (PLA/PEG/BCL) composite electrospun mats were produced.
The addition of BCL salt reduced the bead formation in PLA/PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion.
9% BCL‐doped composite nanofiber was obtained as the smoothest and most homogeneous surface.
PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers showed high toxicity to the L929 fibroblast cell line.
PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanomaterials were reported to have 99.99% antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
High‐temperature energy storage performance of polyetherimide all‐organic composites enhanced by hindering charge hopping and molecular motion
Authors: Lin Songjia , Min Daomin , Wang Shihang , Hao Yutao , Song Xiaofan , Ji Minzun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDielectric capacitors are widely used in aerospace, power systems, and other fields. Working environments with ever‐increasing temperatures pose a new challenge to energy storage performance. Polyetherimide (PEI) has gained extensive research for its good high‐temperature properties. In order to further improve its energy storage performance at high temperatures, many researchers have worked on PEI all‐organic composites doping with molecular semiconductors. Previous studies generally only considered the effect of introduced deep traps on macroscopic properties such as electrical conductivity, electrical breakdown, and energy storage performance. It has been shown that only qualitative analyses can be performed from the perspective of charge trapping, and it is difficult to obtain quantitative results. Therefore, this work proposes to study the macroscopic properties of polymer dielectrics by combining charge trapping with molecular displacement. A comprehensive conduction‐breakdown‐energy storage model was established to explain the influence mechanism of molecular semiconductors on the improved energy storage performance of PEI composites at high temperatures. The molecular semiconductor fillers increase the coefficient of friction between molecular chains, which restricts the movement of molecular chains and also limits charge hopping. Therefore, the dielectrics have higher breakdown strengths and smaller conduction losses, which synergistically enhance the energy storage performance.
The Ginkgo—Covid connection
Authors: Del Tredici Peter 
Published: August 2024

Social Impact StatementGingko biloba is an iconic tree with a surprising connection to the SARS and Covid viruses that have impacted human health since 2003. Natural history studies on the ecology of Gingko seed dispersal by Carnivoran scavengers in Asia over the past 30 plus years have elucidated the deep evolutionary history that not only makes these animals effective at spreading seeds but also predisposes them to become intermediate hosts for spreading diseases to humans. Understanding the behavioral traits that underlie these kinds of plant–animal interactions has the potential to help people limit the spread of future spillover diseases.SummaryRaccoon dogs and masked palm civets are Carnivoran scavengers native to Eastern Asia that have been documented feeding on the malodorous sarcotesta of Ginkgo biloba seeds and effectively dispersing the hard nuts they contain. Research has shown that their immune systems are genetically enhanced to protect them from the disease‐causing organisms they might pick up from their omnivorous diets that include live and dead animals. Both species are farmed for fur and meat across China and, up until recently, were commonly sold in “wet” markets. Research has determined that the palm civet played a role in spreading the SARS virus to humans in 2003 and that the raccoon dog may have played a similar role in spreading Covid in Wuhan in 2019, although this has not been proven. In areas where Ginkgo is cultivated, there are numerous internet reports of Carnivorans feeding on its seeds indicating that its dispersal strategy of attracting scavengers by mimicking the smell of carrion is adaptive and effective.
Modern predictors and management of incidental prostate cancer at holmium enucleation of prostate
Authors: Li Eric V. , Lee Matthew S. , Guo Jenny , Dean Nicholas , Kumar Sai , Mi Xinlei , Zhou Ruoji , Neill Clayton , Yang Ximing , Ross Ashley E. , Krambeck Amy E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate contemporary preoperative risk factors and subsequent postoperative management of incidental prostate cancer (iPCa) and incidental clinically significant prostate cancer (icsPCa, Grade Group [GG] ≥ 2 PCa).MethodsA retrospective cohort of 811 men undergoing Holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) (January 2021–July 2022) were identified. Advanced preoperative testing was defined as prostate health index (PHI), prostate MRI, and/or negative preoperative biopsy. Descriptive statistics (Whitney‐Mann U test, Chi‐squared test) and multivariable logistic regression were performed.ResultsiPCa and icsPCa detection rates were 12.8% (104/811) and 4.4% (36/811), respectively. Advanced preoperative testing (406/811, 50%) was associated with younger age and higher (prostate specific antigen) PSA, prostate volume, and PSA density. On multivariable analysis, PHI ≥ 55 was associated with iPCa (OR 6.91, 95% CI 1.85‐26.3, p = 0.004), and % free PSA (%fPSA) was associated with icsPCa (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.67, 0.94, p = 0.01). GG1 disease comprised the majority of iPCa (65%, 68/104) with median 1% involvement. iPCa patients were followed with active surveillance (median follow up 9.3 months), with higher risk patients receiving prostate MRI and confirmatory biopsy. Three patients proceeded to radical prostatectomy or radiation.ConclusionsIn the era of MRI and advanced biomarkers, the majority of iPCa following HoLEP is low volume GG1 suitable for active surveillance. A tentative follow‐up strategy is proposed. Patients with PHI ≥ 55 or low %fPSA, even with negative prostate MRI, can consider preoperative prostate biopsy before HoLEP.
Impact of selexipag maintenance dose on persistence, adherence, and hospitalization in US patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Burger Charles D. , Tang Wenze , Tsang Yuen , Panjabi Sumeet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSelexipag is an oral selective agonist of the prostacyclin receptor approved to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Selexipag is initiated at a dose of 200 μg twice daily (bid) and usually titrated up by 200 μg bid weekly (per label) or more slowly (e.g., every other week in real‐world clinical practice) to the highest tolerated individualized dose (ID) ranging from 200 to 1600 µg bid. In the Phase 3 GRIPHON trial, selexipag delayed disease progression and reduced risk of PAH‐related hospitalization compared with placebo; the effect was consistent across three prespecified ID groups: low (200–400 µg bid), medium (600–1000 µg bid), and high (1200–1600 µg bid). This study evaluated patient outcomes across selexipag dose ranges in real‐world practice. Data were analyzed from 1186 US adult patients with PAH on selexipag from the Komodo closed‐claims database (2015‒2022). Of these, 634 (53.5%) patients completed titration and reached their selexipag ID (43.8% high ID, 29.8% medium ID, 26.3% low ID). Subsequently, 72.4% of patients in the low ID group had dose adjustments compared with 61.9% (medium ID) and 34.5% (high ID; standardized mean difference 0.63). There were no significant differences in patient outcomes, i,e, persistence (time to discontinuation) and risk of all‐cause and PAH‐related hospitalization across ID groups. The findings in this diverse, real‐world population of patients with PAH reinforced an individualized approach to the dosing scheme to maximize benefit‐risk and achieve the highest tolerated dose with selexipag similar to findings from the GRIPHON trial and other studies.