bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pudendal syndrome: A photo essay of nerve compression damage visualized at neurolysis in patients with chronic neuropathic pelvic pain
Authors: Antolak Stanley J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAims(1) To use intraoperative photographs to visualize and explain pudendal nerve compressions and anatomical variations of compression sites in patients with chronic pelvic pain. (2) To emphasize the diagnostic importance of sensory examination with a safety pin at the six pudendal nerve branches in all patients with chronic pelvic pain; the dorsal nerves (penis or clitoris; the perineal nerves; and the inferior rectal nerves).MethodsBetween 2003 and 2014, “definite” pudendal neuropathy was diagnosed by examination and with two neurophysiologic tests. Neurolysis, via a transgluteal approach, was recommended only after 14 weeks of conservative care failed to adequately improve symptoms and validated symptom scores. Photographs of surgical findings were culled for their educational impact. An illustration of each photo clarifies the surgical anatomy.ResultsThe transgluteal incision permits access to pudendal anatomy and compression sites from the subpiriformis area through the interligamentary space and the pudendal canal (Alcock canal). Compressions were acquired or congenital and severity varied significantly. Pinprick sensory testing diagnoses pudendal neuropathy in 92% of both genders. Mid‐nerve compression occurred commonly between the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments less frequently in the Alcock canal, but also at aberrant pathways, for example, between layers of the sacrotuberous ligament; a separate inferior rectal nerve passing through the sacrospinous ligament; at an anomalous lateral pathway posterior to the ischial spine. The results of international surgeons are discussed.ConclusionsDecompression surgery was recommended in approximately 35% of patients in this practice, when pudendal neuropathy (pudendal syndrome), did not respond to two conservative levels of treatment: (1) nerve protection and medications and, (2) a series of three pudendal nerve perineural injections given at 4‐week intervals. Significant nerve compression is consistently observed. Pathophysiology includes axonopathy from ischemia and demyelination. Neuropathy is readily diagnosed using a pinprick sensory examination of six pudendal nerve branches. Monitoring with the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index records cures >13 years.
Influential factors associated with core competencies of diabetes specialist nurses and correlation with self‐directed learning ability: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhou Min , Liu Yan Yan , Ma Jun Yang , Tian Pei Shan , Qin Man Fen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAims and ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the current status of the core competencies and self‐directed learning ability of diabetes specialist nurses and to explore the relationship between these core competencies and their self‐directed learning ability.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design was used.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted via a web‐based questionnaire platform in China from January 14 to April 24, 2023. The survey included a general information questionnaire, a diabetes specialist nurses' core competencies self‐assessment scale, and a nursing staff's self‐directed learning ability evaluation scale. The data was collected online. Descriptive, correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0 software.Results118 diabetes specialist nurses from 11 cities participated in this study. A positive correlation was observed between the core competencies of diabetes specialist nurses and their self‐directed learning ability. The characteristics affecting the core competencies of diabetes specialist nurses included age, participation in external learning and communication and self‐directed learning.ConclusionsThe training of diabetes specialist nurses can focus on core competencies, and the ability to self‐direct learning can be used as an entry point to customize feasible theoretical and practical courses. The training system can further improve diabetes specialist nurses' core competencies and self‐directed learning abilities.Relevance to Clinical PracticeA reference can be established that nursing managers and nursing educators can use to develop training programs for specialist nurses by validating the link between their core competencies and self‐directed learning skills.Patient or Public ContributionParticipants were involved solely in the data collection process. No participant contributions were required for the study's design, outcome measurement or implementation.
The technology and current applications of continuous fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Li Jing , Huang Qing , Yin Yajun , Xu Jigang , Jiang Yimin , Du Wenjie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBecause of its inherent properties, the use of thermoplastic composites is expanding in a number of industries, including aerospace, rail transportation, and wind power generation. However, the development of 2D and 3D reinforced thermoplastic composite structures is hampered by the high viscosity and poor wetting of thermoplastic matrices, resulting in their application being mainly limited to nonload‐bearing components. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the technology and current applications of thermoplastic composites, covering materials, preform structures, manufacturing methods, process parameters, performance, and applications. It also provides an outlook on their future development.Highlights
Thermoplastic composite has economic and environmental benefits.
Summarized the current technology and application of thermoplastic composites.
The manufacturing difficulty is the thermoplastic polymers wet fibers.
One promising approach to the issue is prepreg technology.
Prepreg technology make 3D thermoplastic composites become possible.
Pseudo‐ductility behavior of carbon/glass hybrid composites with unidirectionally arrayed chopped strands: Experimental and numerical research
Authors: Hu Junfeng , Ma Jingxuan , Jin Kefan , Huang Yinyuan , Zhang Xutong , Zheng Xikun , Lu Wenlong , Zhao Jianping , Chen Dingding 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough lightweight fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used in various engineering fields due to their high specific strength and modulus, the mutual exclusion of strength and toughness is one of the bottlenecks in the field of FRP design because of the inherent brittleness of fiber themselves. In this research, discontinuous fiber structures with vertical and bi‐angled slits are introduced into the thin‐ply carbon fiber prepreg. The fracture energy and delamination degree of the center carbon fiber layer could be controlled by adjusting the structural parameters to design the pseudo‐ductility of carbon/glass (C/G) hybrid laminates and obtain the higher pseudo‐yield stress. The hybrid specimens with 20 mm slits exhibit obvious pseudo‐ductility, and the pseudo‐ductility strain increases as the C/G ratio increases, while the plateau stress decreases. The larger slit distance provides sufficient propagation space for the delamination damage, which dissipates tensile energy and results in a smoother plateau area of the stress–strain curve. The stress–strain curve of the specimen with a smaller slit exhibits a noticeable rapid load decrease caused by the transient propagation of delamination damage. The peak stress of hybrid laminate with bi‐angled slits shows the highest pseudo‐yield stress. The present finite element model successfully analyzed the pseudo‐ductile damage propagation of C/G hybrid laminates with vertical slits, and the results are in good agreement with the experiments.Highlights
Revealed the pseudo‐ductility behavior of carbon/glass hybrid composites.
The pseudo‐ductility of carbon/glass hybrid composites is controllable.
The pseudo‐ductility strain increases with the increase of C/G ratio.
Lignin‐based polyurethane composites enhanced with hydroxyapatite for controlled drug delivery and potential cellular scaffold applications
Authors: Nugroho Roshid Adi , Saputra Ozi Adi , Pradita Agung Lucky , Fajar Al Bukhori Nur , Wibowo Fajar Rakhman 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolymer technology has rapidly advanced across diverse domains, particularly in biomedical applications. Among various polymers, polyurethane (PU) hold great potential in developing biomaterials such as biomedical scaffold and drug delivery. In this study, we have innovatively engineered eco‐friendly polyurethane using lignin, a sustainable bio‐polyol derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches. To enhance the physicochemical properties of the PU, we have incorporated hydroxyapatite (HA) into the composites. The inclusion of HA has led to notable improvements in crucial properties such as density, porosity, and water absorption, making these composites ideal candidates for tissue regeneration scaffolds. Furthermore, to assess their biomedical applicability in drug delivery and cell scaffolding, we have employed the quercetin drug model. The results revealed a sustained kinetic release behavior within the polyurethane/hydroxyapatite (PU/HA) composites, showcasing their potential for controlled drug delivery applications. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays conducted using neuro‐2a cell models demonstrated the non‐cytotoxic nature of both PU and PU/HA composites. This finding holds significant implications for biomedical applications, indicating that these composites offer biocompatible platforms for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine endeavors. The ability of these composites to support cell viability underscores their potential for a wide range of biomedical applications, including neural tissue engineering and drug delivery systems targeting brain diseases. These findings pave the way for the development of innovative and sustainable biomaterials with diverse biomedical applications.Highlights
An eco‐friendly polyurethane has been engineered by harnessing liginin‐derived oil palm empty fruit bunches.
Incorporation of hydroxyapaptite enhance the physical properties of polyurethane.
Controlled kinetic drug release is one of polyurethane/hydroxyapatite (PU/HA) composites features.
The PU/HA composites has low cytotoxicity against neuro‐2a cells.
Hereditary Amyloidosis: Insights Into a Fibrinogen A Variant Protein
Authors: Cattaneo Elizabeth R. , Gisonno Romina A. , Abba Martín C. , Santana Marianela , Rosú Silvana A. , Nucifora Elsa , Aguirre María A. , Giordani María C. , Tricerri M. Alejandra , Ramella Nahuel A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTAmyloidosis are a group of diseases in which soluble proteins aggregate and deposit in fibrillar conformation extracellularly in tissues. The effectiveness of therapeutic strategies depends on the specific protein involved, being crucial to accurately determine its nature. Moreover, following the diagnosis, the search for the mutation within relatives allows the clinical advice. Here we report the precise diagnosis and explored the possible reasons of the structural pathogenicity for a renal amyloidosis related to a fibrinogen Aα‐chain variant. Whole‐exome sequencing and GATK calling pipeline were leveraged to characterize the protein variant present in a patient with kidney failure. Bioinformatics strategies were applied to suggest potential explanations of the variants aggregation. Our pipeline allowed the identification of a single‐point variant of fibrinogen Aα‐chain, which opened the possibility of curative transplantation. In silico structural analysis suggested that the pathogenicity of the variant may be attributed to a heightened susceptibility to yield a peptide prone to deposit as an oligomer with a β‐sheet structure. Exploiting the comprehensive coverage of whole‐genome sequencing, we managed to fill a vacant stage in the diagnosis of hereditary amyloidosis and to stimulate the advancement in biomedicine.
Total astragalus saponins attenuate primary sclerosing cholangitis in mice by upregulation of TGR5
Authors: Zhou Qun , Gao Siqi , Yu Xiaohan , Zhang Linzhang , Zhang Zheng , Fu Yadong , Liu Wei , Mu Yongping , Zhang Hua , Liu Ping , Chen Jiamei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTotal astragalus saponins (TAS) are the main active components of astragali radix, and have potent anti‐hepatic fibrosis effect. However, the therapeutic efficacy of TAS and their potential mechanisms in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remain unclear. In this study, two mouse models of PSC, including 3,5‐Diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐Dihydro‐2,4,6‐Collidine (DDC)‐induced PSC and Mdr2−/− spontaneous PSC, and the Tgr5−/− mice were used to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of TAS. Treatment with TAS, particularly with a dose of 56 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated the PSC‐related liver injury, cholestasis, collagen deposition, ductular reaction (DR), and fibrosis in the DDC‐induced and Mdr2−/−spontaneous PSC mice. Furthermore, treatment with TAS significantly mitigated the PSC‐related inflammatory responses in vivo and HIBEpiC cells by inhibiting the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β. Mechanistically, treatment with TAS rescued the PSC‐decreased hepatic TGR5 expression to attenuate the NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation. Notably, the therapeutic efficacy of TAS on PSC in DDC‐induced mice was abrogated in Tgr5−/− mice, suggesting the anti‐PSC effect of TAS may depend on enhancing TGR5 expression. In conclusion, TAS ameliorated DR, inflammation and liver fibrosis in both models of PSC mice by rescuing TGR5 expression. Our findings may aid in the design of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PSC.
A Novel Gelatin Binder with Helical Crosslinked Network for High‐Performance Si Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zeng Xuejian , Dai Shiyuan , Huang Fei , Chen Chao , Liu LiChun , Hong Soon Hyung 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSilicon (Si) is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, but its large volume expansion during cycling poses a challenge for the binder design. In this study, a novel gelatin binder is designed and prepared with a helical crosslinked network structure. This gelatin binder is prepared by enzymatic crosslinking and immersion in Hofmeister salt solution, which induces the formation of network and helical secondary structures. The helical crosslinked network structure can be analogous to a spring group system to effectively dissipate the stress and strain caused by the Si expansion. The gelatin binder is further partially carbonized by low‐temperature pyrolysis, which improves its conductivity and stability. The Si anode with the optimized gelatin binder exhibits high initial coulombic efficiency, excellent rate performance, and long‐term cycling stability. This study provides an innovative approach for the preparation of high‐performance Si anodes, namely by controlling the molecular configuration of the binder to significantly improve the cycle stability, which can also be applied to other high‐capacity anode materials that suffer from large volume changes during cycling.
International Dimension of the Polish Hydrogen Strategy. Conditions and Potential for Future Development
Authors: Smoleń Michał , Żelisko Wojciech 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPoland is the third-largest producer of hydrogen in the EU, with around 1 million tonnes generated every year. This grey hydrogen is made almost exclusively from steam methane reforming, based on fossil gas as a feedstock, and utilised primarily by the chemical and petrochemical sectors for ammonia production and for various processes in refineries, respectively. In 2021, the Polish Hydrogen Strategy (PHS) was published as the first official government strategy for low-carbon hydrogen economy development. The document presents an optimistic and ambitious approach, with a focus on domestic production and use of hydrogen in multiple sectors. However, the cost-effective generation of low-carbon hydrogen in Poland can face significant challenges, such as the relatively low availability of clean electricity, reliance on natural gas imports and limited experience with carbon capture technologies. The aspects regarding the emerging global hydrogen market are largely omitted in the PHS. This chapter analyses the possible background of this fact and the factors influencing the future Polish position in this market. Even though Poland is not likely to be a frontrunner in these developments, it is believed to become a pragmatic participant. In fact, several Polish companies, including those state-owned, have already launched some cooperative initiatives at the European level.
Italian Hydrogen Policy: Drivers, Constraints and Recent Developments
Authors: Prontera Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractItaly presents, potentially, some important comparative advantages in the emerging clean hydrogen economy. However, unlike other large EU countries, Italy has not yet issued a comprehensive strategy on hydrogen nor has it developed a coherent hydrogen diplomacy. It was only with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, launched in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, that Italy upgraded its measures for promoting green hydrogen and related activities. The main players in the Italian hydrogen landscape are national industrial actors, especially state-owned energy companies. This leading role can be an important asset to overcome the problems related to an industrial system otherwise composed of small and medium companies, which can suffer competition from hydrogen frontrunners. Externally, Italy has supported all the European and multilateral initiatives on hydrogen. The main focus of the Italian international approach, however, is linked to the hydrogen hub concept, which targets the MENA region and is also supported by its national energy companies. This concept has received a further push after the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Yet, its practical realization is very problematic because of domestic and external challenges.
Reconsidering Cross-Border Interactions: Balancing the Scales
Authors: Tomka Béla 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter considers four major aspects of globalization in state socialist East Central Europe, which also serve as a basis for assessing the soundness of new and older mainstream interpretations: trade, capital movements, information flows, and the movement of people. The East Central European state socialist countries achieved a relatively low level of globalization between World War II and the period of regime changes, which is evident in all the aspects surveyed. At the same time, there is no empirical evidence to support the claim that globalization in the region decreased in the two decades leading up to the regime changes. On the contrary, during the latter period, globalization advanced slowly but steadily in the East Central European countries. The gradual increase in openness was facilitated by the growing complexity of their economies, growing consumer demands, and the ongoing globalization of the world at large, as well as by rapid technological change, such as the spread of new information and communication technologies. From the 1970s onwards, the region also experienced internal divergence: the international openness of Poland and Hungary increased more significantly than that of Czechoslovakia.
The Role of 1989: Dedramatization at Its Extreme?
Authors: Tomka Béla 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the role of the year 1989 in the globalization of East Central Europe, a pivotal theme in related debates. Contrary to claims in recent literature that refer to 1989 as a ‘de-globalizing moment’, this study provides evidence that regime changes played a crucial role in fostering globalization in the region. Globalization in East Central Europe progressed slowly after Stalinism, but 1989 marked a breakthrough in this respect, affecting most social, economic, and cultural spheres significantly. Following this watershed moment, both foreign direct investment and the activities of transnational corporations increased dramatically. The same clear pattern can be demonstrated regarding the region's integration into the global telecommunications network. Moreover, the regime changes catalysed a substantial surge in international travel to and from the region, including intercontinental journeys. East Central Europe emerged as an important hub and destination within the international migration network, even though in terms of migration, globalization in the region after the regime changes was significantly less dynamic, especially when compared to other aspects of globalization in the region, and the trajectory observed in Western European countries.
Conclusions: Limitations of the Old and New Mainstream Narratives
Authors: Tomka Béla 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWhile earlier historical interpretations emphasized the relative isolation of European state socialist countries after World War II, a significant body of recent research challenges this view, suggesting instead that these countries were much more global than previously assumed. This line of research claims that their extensive relations with the Global South largely compensated for their muted ties with the West. Revisionist studies also question the impact of regime changes on globalization in the region, emphasizing the continuities between the pre-1989 and the post-communist periods. In this context, the book explores how East Central European state socialist countries fit into the general trend of globalization after World War II, focusing on foreign trade, capital and information flows, and the movement of people. Conceptual problems are also addressed, such as the value of recently introduced terms like ‘alternative globalization’ and ‘socialist protoglobalization’ for understanding state socialist globalization. In doing so, the study strikes a balance between traditional and new mainstream interpretations. It acknowledges that East Central European societies experienced significant globalization during the state socialist era. However, based on empirical evidence, this study proposes other notions, including fragmentation, selectivity, and unevenness to conceptualize this process, rather than ‘alternative’ or ‘proto-’ globalization.
A new pairwise boost quantum number from celestial states
Authors: Alessio Francesco , Arzano Michele 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Infrared effects in the scattering of particles in gravity and electrodynamics entail an exchange of relativistic angular momentum between pairs of particles and the gauge field. Due to this exchange particles can carry an asymptotically non-vanishing “pairwise” boost-like angular momentum proportional to the product of their couplings to the field. At the quantum level this asymptotic angular momentum suggests the existence of a new quantum number carried by multi-particle states. We argue that such quantum number is related to a modification of the action of the generators of Lorentz transformations on multi-particle states. We derive such a modification using a group-theoretic argument based on the little group of the conformal primary basis for asymptotic states. The corresponding representation is an extension of the ordinary multi-particle Fock representation of the Poincaré group. The new multi-particle states belonging to such representation no longer factorize into tensor products of one-particle states. Viewed from a gravitational point of view, our results provide evidence for a universal breakdown of the description of multi-particle sates in terms of tensor products of one-particle states due to infrared back-reaction.