bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tuscany Normothermic Regional Perfusion Mobile Teams for Controlled Donation After Circulatory Death
Authors: Lazzeri Chiara , Manuela Bonizzoli , Bagatti Sara , Antonelli Stefano , Pane Paolo Lo , Ghinolfi Davide , Peris Adriano 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionTo facilitate the implementation of controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) programs even in hospitals not equipped with a local extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team, some countries have launched a local cDCD network with an ECMO mobile team for normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). In the Tuscany region, in 2021, the Regional Transplant Authority launched a cDCD program to make the cDCD pathway feasible even in peripheral hospitals with NRP mobile teams, which were “converted” existing ECMO mobile teams, composed of highly skilled and experienced personnel.MethodsWe describe the Tuscany cDCD program, (2021–2023), for cDCD from peripheral hospitals with NRP mobile teams.ResultsTwenty‐six cDCDs (26/40, 65%) came from peripheral hospitals. Following the launch of the cDCD program, cDCDs from peripheral hospitals increased, from 33% (2021) to 75% (2022 and 2023) of the overall cDCDs. The mean age was 63 years, with older donors (>75 years) in half the cases. The median warm ischemia time was 45 min (20 min are required by the Italian law for death certification), ranging from 35 to 59 min. Among the 20 livers retrieved and 18 kidneys retrieved, 16 livers, and 11 kidneys (single kidney transplantation) were transplanted, after ex vivo reperfusion, respectively.ConclusionsThe use of NRP mobile teams proved to be feasible and safe in the management of cDCD in peripheral hospitals. No complications were reported with NRP despite the advanced age of most cDCDs.
A comparison of the safety and effectiveness of insulin aspart with other bolus insulins in women with pre‐existing Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy: A post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Alibegovic Amra Ciric , Anil Gayathri , Dunne Fidelma , Halasa Tariq , Ivanišević Marina , McCance David R. , Nordsborg Rikke Baastrup , Damm Peter ,   the EVOLVE study group
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsThe safety and efficacy of insulin analogue insulin aspart (IAsp) have been demonstrated in a randomised clinical trial in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and IAsp is widely used during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess glycaemic control and safety of IAsp versus other bolus insulins in Type 1 diabetic pregnancy in a real‐world setting.MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study of 1840 pregnant women with T1D, treated with IAsp (n = 1434) or other bolus insulins (n = 406) in the Diabetes Pregnancy Registry. The primary (composite) outcome was the proportion of pregnancies resulting in major congenital malformations or perinatal or neonatal death. Secondary outcomes included all HbA1c values measured immediately before and during pregnancy and major hypoglycaemia, as well as abortion, pre‐eclampsia, pre‐term delivery, large for gestational age at birth, stillbirth and fetal malformations.ResultsThere were no significant differences found in any of the pregnancy outcomes between treatment with IAsp and other bolus insulins in either the crude or propensity score‐adjusted analyses. However, maternal HbA1c was lower in the IAsp group at the end of the third trimester (adjusted difference, −0.16% point [95% CI −0.28;−0.05]; −1.8 mmol/mol [95% CI −3.1;−0.6]; p = 0.0046).ConclusionsNo significant differences in safety or pregnancy outcomes were demonstrated when comparing treatment with IAsp versus other bolus insulins in women with T1D during pregnancy. The observed improvement in HbA1c with IAsp in late pregnancy should be confirmed in other studies.
Recurrent venous thromboembolism and vaginal estradiol in women with prior venous thromboembolism: A nested case–control study
Authors: Eckert‐Lind Camilla , Meaidi Amani , Claggett Brian , Johansen Niklas Dyrby , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Fralick Michael , Pareek Manan , Jensen Jens Ulrik Stæhr , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Modin Daniel 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesWhether vaginal estradiol use is associated with an increased risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women with prior VTE is unknown. We sought to evaluate the association between vaginal estradiol use and recurrent VTE in women with prior VTE.MethodsWe performed a nationwide nested case–control study among 44 024 women aged ≥45 years who developed a first VTE without a history of vaginal estrogen use prior to VTE diagnosis. Cases with recurrent VTE were matched 1:2 on birth year with controls using incidence density sampling. Exposure to vaginal estradiol tablets was categorized into current use (0–2 months before index), prior use (2–24 months before index) and past use (more than 24 months prior to index).ResultsWe identified 5066 cases and 10 127 age‐matched controls. In fully adjusted analysis vaginal estrogen was not associated with recurrent VTE with a hazard ratio of 0.75, p = .07 for current use, 0.83, p = .13 for prior use, and 1.24, p = .06 for past use.ConclusionUse of vaginal estradiol tablets in women with prior VTE was not associated with an increased rate of recurrent VTE. Our study indicates that vaginal estradiol therapy is unlikely to increase risk of recurrent VTE in women with prior VTE.
Chondroitin/dermatan sulphate proteoglycan, desmosealin, showing affinity to desmosomes
Authors: Laperdrix Céline , Duhieu Stéphane , Haftek Marek 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveDesmosomes are the most prominent interkeratinocyte junctions. The correct barrier function of stratified epithelia such as epidermis depends on their expression. During epidermal differentiation, the molecular composition of desmosomes evolves and so do their physical and chemical properties. Desquamation of corneocytes at the surface of the stratum corneum depends on an orderly degradation of desmosomes by endogenous enzymes. This process may be regulated by glycosylated molecules. We focused on the detection and characterization of potentially implicated players bearing ‘sugar’ characteristics.MethodsUsing an original monoclonal antibody and biochemical methods, we partially characterized a proteoglycan of the exclusively chondroitin/dermatan sulphate type, secreted into the interkeratinocyte spaces, that is incorporated into the extracellular parts of desmosomes in quantities proportional to the degree of cell differentiation, as visualized with immuno‐electron microscopy.ResultsThis antigen, that we named desmosealin, displays biochemical and immunocytochemical characteristics that clearly differentiate it from known desmosomal elements. Unlike so far described epidermal proteoglycans, which belong to the heparan sulphate family, desmosealin displays chondroitin/dermatan sulphate glycosaminoglycan chains. It can be detected within the extracellular ‘cores’ of desmosomes in the upper viable epidermal layers and in corneodesmosomes from the lowermost part of the stratum corneum.ConclusionExtensive integration of proteoglycans into the extracellular parts of desmosomes at the late stages of keratinocyte maturation is likely of functional importance. Given its biochemical profile, its pattern of expression in the epidermis and its desmosomal localization, desmosealin may emerge as a key element in the regulation of desmosome processing, epidermal cohesion and formation of a functional epidermal barrier.
Impact of multilamellar formulations on stratum corneum lipid organization and epidermal lipid barrier enhancement (Part II)
Authors: Fluhr Joachim W. , Darlenski Razvigor , Daehnhardt‐Pfeiffer Stephan , Albrecht Martin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe integrity of the stratum corneum (SC) is crucial for the skin's barrier function, protecting against environmental stressors and minimizing transepidermal water loss. Advances in skincare formulations have introduced multilamellar systems designed to emulate the SC's lipid composition and organization. This study hypothesizes that the application of a multilamellar cream will significantly impact the SC's lipid content and lamellar structure, thereby enhancing the epidermal barrier.MethodsA saturated phosphatidylcholine‐based multilamellar cream was applied to a cohort of adult subjects with very dry skin. Electron microscopy was utilized to analyse the micro‐morphology of the cream and its integration into the lipid‐depleted SC. Lipid analysis was conducted to quantify changes in the intercellular lipid matrix.ResultsTransmission‐electron microscopy (TEM) imaging demonstrated that the multilamellar cream possesses a structured arrangement comparable to the natural SC architecture. Short‐term application revealed a time‐dependent restoration of lipid bilayers, while a 14‐day regimen showed a marked increase in lipid lamellae density and length within the SC. Lipid analysis indicated a significant increase in total lipid content, with notable enhancements in ceramide and free fatty acid levels, without altering cholesterol levels. Lipid ratio analysis further confirmed the rebalancing of the SC's lipid composition.DiscussionThe multilamellar cream selectively increased specific lipids critical for barrier function, suggesting an action mechanism that aligns with the skin's natural regulatory processes. This selective augmentation indicates the potential of the formulation to not only restore but also enhance the epidermal barrier, with the maintenance of physiological lipid ratios suggesting compatibility with intrinsic repair mechanisms.ConclusionThe study confirms that a multilamellar cream can significantly improve the SC's lipid composition and structural integrity, indicating enhanced barrier function. They are pivotal for skincare professionals, dermatologists, and product developers, enriching the understanding of multilamellar creams' benefits and applications in improving epidermal barrier function.
The role of ceramides in skin barrier function and the importance of their correct formulation for skincare applications
Authors: Schild Jennifer , Kalvodová Aneta , Zbytovská Jarmila , Farwick Mike , Pyko Cornelia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCeramides are a family of lipids constituted by a sphingoid base and a fatty acid. In the skin, they are mainly present in the stratum corneum where, with cholesterol and free fatty acids, they constitute the inter‐corneocyte lipids. With the other lipid groups, they play a key role in the formation of dense lamellar structures between adjacent corneocytes, collectively ensuring the vital efficient barrier to water evaporation and protection from foreign agents´ penetration. Changes in ceramide level and relative composition, with potential impairment of lipid arrangement, have been evidenced in different skin conditions and skin diseases. Therefore, use of suitably formulated ceramides has been proposed for topical treatment to help re‐structure damaged lipid arrangement and repair impaired skin barrier function. Nonetheless, the formulation of ceramides in products necessitates specific processes such as heating to high temperature before their introduction in the final formula. In this review on the structure, the role and the potential of ceramides for skincare, we point out the necessity of rigorous process when formulating ceramides into the final product. We demonstrate the counterproductive effects of undissolved ceramides on skin barrier repair capacity of the formulas, when assessed in different in vitro models of disrupted skin barrier.
Assessing porosity limit in freeze‐cast sintered lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) materials
Authors: Parai Rohan , Ghosh Dipankar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study aims to assess the lower limit of porosity that can be achieved in freeze‐cast sintered lithium titanate (LTO) materials while maintaining the characteristic pore directionality. LTO materials were fabricated with solid loading varying in the range of 30–37 vol.%. Sucrose and cationic dispersant were used to vary viscosity and total solute concentration in the aqueous LTO suspensions. Two series of suspension compositions were selected for freeze‐casting. In one series, aqueous suspensions were prepared by mixing deionized (DI) water, sucrose, and LTO powder, while in the other series, aqueous suspensions were prepared by mixing DI water, sucrose, cationic dispersant (1‐hexadecyl)trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and LTO powder. With increasing solid loading from 30 to 37 vol.%, porosity in the sintered materials decreased from about 50 to 36 vol.%. LTO materials fabricated from suspensions containing sucrose exhibited well‐developed characteristic freeze‐cast microstructure. Unexpectedly, LTO materials fabricated from suspensions containing sucrose and dispersant exhibited cellular pore morphology irrespective of the solid loading. Sample height had an impact on microstructure evolution in the transition zone and zone length. With the increasing solid loading from 30 to 37 vol.%, the compressive strength of sintered LTO materials having the characteristic freeze‐cast microstructure increased from about 110 to 240 MPa.
How does background knowledge affect second language reading? An eye movement study
Authors: An Na , Wright Clare , Wang Jun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThere is broad consensus that a reader's background knowledge on a reading topic affects both their reading processes and comprehension in their first language and also in a second language. However, it is unclear whether a reader's background knowledge specifically affects reading comprehension accuracy and reading rate. The extent to which background knowledge facilitates second language reading when compared to a reader's L2 linguistic knowledge is also unclear. Moreover, the mental process accounting for the interaction between general background knowledge, type of linguistic knowledge such as vocabulary or writing system, and L2 reading abilities also need to be identified. Using texts in Mandarin Chinese, this paper investigates these problems with an eye‐movement study administered to 40 L2 Chinese learners with Indo‐European L1s. Results illustrate that an L2 reader's background knowledge about the text can positively impact both their reading comprehension and reading rate; however, the influence on the latter could be topic‐dependent. In more challenging topics, the contribution of background knowledge to reading comprehension could outweigh any single type of linguistic knowledge, even if the target language uses a more cognitively demanding writing system. The connectionist account proposed by the construction–integration theory is suggested to be currently the best theoretical explanation for the mental process behind developing second‐language reading abilities. Pedagogical implications are also considered based on these findings.
New Scheme of Empirical Likelihood Method for Ranked Set Sampling: Applications to Two One‐Sample Problems
Authors: Ahn Soohyun , Wang Xinlei , Moon Chul , Lim Johan 
Published: August 2024

SummaryWe propose a novel empirical likelihood (EL) approach for ranked set sampling (RSS) that leverages the ranking structure and information of the RSS. Our new proposal suggests constraining the sum of the within‐stratum probabilities of each rank stratum to , where is the number of rank strata. The use of the additional constraints eliminates the need of subjective weight selection in unbalanced RSS and facilitates a seamless extension of the method for balanced RSS to unbalanced RSS. We apply our new proposal to testing one sample population mean and evaluate its performance through a numerical study and two real‐world data sets, examining obesity from body fat data and symmetry of dental size from human tooth size data. We further consider the extension of the proposed EL method to jackknife EL.
Information technology and outbound tourism: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Nguyen Canh Phuc , Schinckus Christophe , Chong Felicia Hui Ling , Nguyen Binh Quang , Tran Duyen Thuy Le 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article provides a comprehensive investigation of the global tourism industry, combining two critical streams from the academic literature: the economic determinants of the tourism industry and the influence of technology on this industry. More precisely, this study examines the influences of technology advancement (Internet and mobile usage) on the outbound tourism (OT) in a global sample. We found interesting and consistent results by applying various panel data estimations for a sample of 126 economies composed by 3 subsamples, including (49 Low and Lower‐Middle Income Economies [LMEs], 29 Upper‐Middle Income Economies [UMEs] and 48 High‐Income Economies [HIEs]) between 2000 and 2017. Internet use has a significant positive impact on all the three aspects of OT, including total OT expenditures, international tourism expenditures for travel items and the number of international tourism departures. The effects of Internet usage are stronger than the one observed for mobile usage. Finally, the positive influences of Internet and mobile usage are found with strong consistency across the three income groups (with a stronger marginal impact in HIEs and UMEs, and lastly in LMEs). Our study invites policy‐makers to integrate digital information within the tourism sector to boost the industry and economic growth.
Size‐selective harvesting drives genomic shifts in a harvested population
Authors: Sadler Daniel E. , Sävilammi Tiina , van Dijk Stephan N. , Watts Phillip C. , Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOverfishing not only drastically reduces the number of fish in an exploited population but is also often selective for body size by removing the largest individuals from a population. Here, we study experimentally the evolutionary effects of size‐selective harvesting using whole‐genome sequencing on a model organism, the zebrafish (Danio rerio). We demonstrate genomic shifts in the populations exposed to size‐selective harvesting for five generations and show reduced genetic diversity in all harvested lines, including the control line (non‐size‐selected). We also determine differences in groups of genes related to certain gene ontology annotations between size‐selectively harvested lines, with enrichment in nervous system related genes in the large‐selected lines. Our results illuminate the biological processes underlying fisheries‐induced genetic changes and hence contribute toward the understanding of the changes potentially associated with the vulnerability of an exploited population to future stressors.
Research on seeds compression‐structural damage and castor oil extraction mechanism with in situ observation
Authors: Yang Liu , Cui Bo , Chen Huan , Wu Junfeng , Xu Zilong , Xiao Xuan , Wang Zhicheng , Song Shaoyun , Zhang Yonglin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCastor oil has attracted large attention for wide applications, including lubrication oil and bioenergy resources. Castor seeds mechanical pressing is widely used for oil extraction. To better research castor seeds mechanical‐structural damage behavior and oil extraction mechanism during extrusion, a self‐developed mechanical pressing test setup combined with in situ observation is built for oil output behavior. Influencing factors of working pressure, speed, temperature and creep time on oil outflow were investigated. The results indicate that seeds squeezing extraction can be divided into three stages, preloading, oil discharging, compressing consolidation stage, matching with pressing cake structural evolution. As working pressure increases, oil yield shows an upper parabola relation with pressure. When pressure exceeding 25 MPa, castor oil yield increasing tends to stabilize, reaching 38%. Speed effect showed down parabola relation on oil yield, opposite to stress factor. Creep time promoted oil output with upper parabola within 720 s. When temperature below 120°C, a linear increasing relation on oil yield presents. Oil yield decreases when above 120°C. This research provides in‐depth theoretical guidance for industrial castor oil extraction.Practical ApplicationsCastor seeds are rich in oil content. Extracted castor oil has been widely used for industrial applications such as biodiesel, lubricants, medicine. Mechanical extraction working parameters optimization can improve oil yield of castor seeds. The research provides a basic working optimization for castor seeds oil extraction. Castor oil has unique properties and has been proved to be a high promising renewable and independent energy sources. Compared with solvent oil extraction, mechanical oil pressing extraction method has higher oil quality and safety. The mechanical extracted oil is pure without organic solvent. In the research, castor seeds compression‐structural damage property and oil extraction mechanism were studied. Besides, the influence factors including compression pressure, speed, temperature and creep time are analyzed, working optimization for castor seeds oil extraction. The research provides important reference value for the mechanical pressing process and mechanical design of castor seeds in the practical applications.
Analysis of the Ag M4,5 EELS edge to study silver nanoparticle corrosion
Authors: Brennan JC , MacLaren DA 
Published: August 2024

AbstractElectron energy loss spectra collected from fresh and corroded silver nanoparticles are compared with those from a number of reference materials, focusing on the M4,5 edge. Chemical shifts and changes in the energy loss near edge structure (ELNES) are described and found to be sufficient to distinguish metallic silver from chemically oxidised silver. The measurements, in conjunction with electron energy loss spectrum imaging, are used to assess the mechanisms for atmospheric corrosion of silver nanoparticles. We unambiguously assign the corrosion product under atmospheric conditions to be silver sulphide, but show the reaction process to be distinctly inhomogeneous, producing a variety of types of corroded particles.LAY DESCRIPTION: >Here, we use analytical electron microscopy to track the corrosion of silver nanoparticles and present chemical maps of the corrosion products. We show clear spectroscopic differences between metallic and corroded silver using the M4,5 electron energy loss spectral feature, which is not commonly studied. Our study shows that corrosion is due to interactions with sulphur in the atmosphere; and the corrosion is not uniform, but appears to develop from specific points on the surface of the nanoparticles.