bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saved by step sections: an unusual presentation of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Werner Betina , Mulinari-Brenner Fabiane 
Published: November 2011

Background: Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in sun exposed areas of older male individuals.
Objectives: To emphasize the importance of histological step sections in the pursuit of the correct diagnosis when microscopic findings do not correspond to clinical hypothesis.
Patient: 21-year-old female with a superficial basal cell carcinoma in pubic region diagnosed after histological step sections and treated with topical imiquimod.
Conclusions: Although very rare, basal cell carcinomas do occur in young patients and, at times, on areas of the body where they are not conventionally seen. Step sections are an important tool that dermatopathologists should use on a regular basis to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Growth rate of melanoma in vivo and correlation with dermatoscopic and dermatopathologic findings
Authors: Beer Jürgen , Xu Lina , Tschandl Philipp , Kittler Harald 
Published: November 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to calculate the horizontal growth rate of melanoma in vivo and to correlate it with morphologic findings.
Patients and Methods: We searched our database for melanomas for which sequential dermatoscopic images and histopathologic slides were available. The final sample consisted of 50 melanomas of 48 patients (mean age: 50 ± 15 years, 62% females). We calculated the horizontal growth rate in mm2 per year by morphometric analysis of digital dermatoscopic images. Dermatoscopic and dermatopathologic findings were assessed according to predefined criteria and correlated with the horizontal growth rate.
Results: The median time interval between baseline and follow-up image was 12 months (range: 2-100 months). The majority of melanomas were in situ (n=28, 56%). The mean horizontal growth rate of all melanomas was 5.3 mm2/year (SD: ± 5.8 mm2/year). The histopathologic findings of numerous and large epidermal nests were associated with rapid growth. This histopathologic pattern corresponded to a pattern of clods (“globules”) dermatoscopically. From a dermatoscopic point of view, melanomas with a main pattern of clods grew significantly faster (mean horizontal growth rate: 10.4 mm2/year, 95% CI: 6.4-14.4 mm2/year) than melanomas with mainly a reticular pattern (4.8 mm2/year, 95% CI: 2.7-7.0 mm2/year) or with other patterns (2.6 mm2/year, 95% CI: -0.5-5.6 mm2/year, p=0.01).
Conclusion: Morphologic characteristics of melanoma are associated with biologic behavior. Large and numerous epidermal nests (corresponding to a pattern of clods dermatoscopically) indicate more rapid growth.
Actuator multiplicative and additive simultaneous faults estimation using a qLPV proportional integral unknown input observer
Authors: Gasga P. , Bernal M. , Gómez‐Peñate S. , López‐Estrada F.R. , Valencia‐Palomo G. , Santos‐Ruiz I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces a technique for simultaneous estimation of additive and multiplicative faults in the actuators of nonlinear systems represented by quasi‐linear parameter varying (qLPV) models based on a proportional‐integral unknown input observer. The qLPV model, structured with a tensor product, allows for optimized flexibility of the observer gain. A distinguishing aspect of our method is the novel approach to nonlinearity, which is not only recast as a convex sum but also in the input vector. The study comprehensively analyses the robustness and convergence conditions through Lyapunov stability evaluation. A robust performance criterion is incorporated to minimize the influence of measurement noise and disturbances. As a result, a set of linear matrix inequalities are obtained. Two examples are examined to demonstrate the practical applicability and efficacy of the proposed method, highlighting the observer's performance under the actuator faults.
A Biodegradable Fiber Calcium Ion Sensor by Covalently Bonding Ionophores on Bioinert Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Sihui , Tang Chengqiang , Yu Sijia , Li Wenjun , Wang Jiajia , Liu Ziwei , Yan Xinheng , Wang Liyuan , Yang Yiqing , Feng Jianyou , Wu Jiaqi , Zhang Kailin , Guan Hang , Liu Yue , Zhang Songlin , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractImplantable sensors, especially ion sensors, facilitate the progress of scientific research and personalized healthcare. However, the permanent retention of implants induces health risks after sensors fulfill their mission of chronic sensing. Biodegradation is highly anticipated; while; biodegradable chemical sensors are rare due to concerns about the leakage of harmful active molecules after degradation, such as ionophores. Here, a novel biodegradable fiber calcium ion sensor is introduced, wherein ionophores are covalently bonded with bioinert nanoparticles to replace the classical ion‐selective membrane. The fiber sensor demonstrates comparable sensing performance to classical ion sensors and good flexibility. It can monitor the fluctuations of Ca2+ in a 4‐day lifespan in vivo and biodegrade in 4 weeks. Benefiting from the stable bonding between ionophores and nanoparticles, the biodegradable sensor exhibits a good biocompatibility after degradation. Moreover, this approach of bonding active molecules on bioinert nanoparticles can serve as an effective methodology for minimizing health concerns about biodegradable chemical sensors.
Unlocking Transplant Tolerance with Biomaterials
Authors: Pham John‐Paul A. , Coronel María M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFor patients suffering from organ failure due to injury or autoimmune disease, allogeneic organ transplantation with chronic immunosuppression is considered the god standard in terms of clinical treatment. However, the true “holy grail” of transplant immunology is operational tolerance, in which the recipient exhibits a sustained lack of alloreactivity toward unencountered antigen presented by the donor graft. This outcome is resultant from critical changes to the phenotype and genotype of the immune repertoire predicated by the activation of specific signaling pathways responsive to soluble and mechanosensitive cues. Biomaterials have emerged as a medium for interfacing with and reprogramming these endogenous pathways toward tolerance in precise, minimally invasive, and spatiotemporally defined manners. By viewing seminal and contemporary breakthroughs in transplant tolerance induction through the lens of biomaterials‐mediated immunomodulation strategies—which include intrinsic material immunogenicity, the depot effect, graft coatings, induction and delivery of tolerogenic immune cells, biomimicry of tolerogenic immune cells, and in situ reprogramming—this review emphasizes the stunning diversity of approaches in the field and spotlights exciting future directions for research to come.
Plasma Coupled Electrolyte Additive Strategy for Construction of High‐Performance Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Li Metal Anodes
Authors: Liu Ping , Shen Shenghui , Qiu Zhong , Yang Tianqi , Liu Yaning , Su Han , Zhang Yongqi , Li Jingru , Cao Feng , Zhong Yu , Liang Xinqi , Chen Minghua , He Xinping , Xia Yang , Wang Chen , Wan Wangjun , Tu Jiangping , Zhang Wenkui , Xia Xinhui 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh‐performance lithium metal anodes are crucial for the development of advanced Li metal batteries. Herein, this work reports a novel plasma coupled electrolyte additive strategy to prepare high‐quality composite solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metal to achieve enhanced performance and stability. With the guidance of calculations, this work selects diethyl dibromomalonate (DB) as an additive to optimize the solvation structure of electrolytes to modify the SEI. Meanwhile, this work groundbreakingly develops DB plasma technology coupled with DB electrolyte additive to construct a combinatorial SEI: inner plasma‐induced SEI layer composed of LiBr and Li2CO3 plus additive‐reduced SEI containing LiBr/Li2CO3/organic lithium compounds as an outer compatible layer. The optimized hybrid SEI has strong affinity toward Li+ and good mechanical properties, thereby inducing horizontal dispersion and uniform deposition of Li+ and keep structure stable. Accordingly, the symmetrical cells exhibit enhanced cycling stability for 1200 h at an overpotential of 23.8 mV with average coulombic efficiency (99.51%). Additionally, the full cells with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode deliver a capacity retention of 81.7% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C, and the pouch cell achieves a volumetric specific energy of ≈664 Wh L‒1. This work provides new enlightenment on plasma technology for fabrication of advanced metal anodes for energy storage.
Propelling Minimally Invasive Tissue Regeneration With Next‐Era Injectable Pre‐Formed Scaffolds
Authors: Liao Junhan , Timoshenko Anastasia B. , Cordova Domenic J. , Astudillo Potes Maria D. , Gaihre Bipin , Liu Xifeng , Elder Benjamin D. , Lu Lichun , Tilton Maryam 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe growing aging population, with its associated chronic diseases, underscores the urgency for effective tissue regeneration strategies. Biomaterials play a pivotal role in the realm of tissue reconstruction and regeneration, with a distinct shift toward minimally invasive (MI) treatments. This transition, fueled by engineered biomaterials, steers away from invasive surgical procedures to embrace approaches offering reduced trauma, accelerated recovery, and cost‐effectiveness. In the realm of MI tissue repair and cargo delivery, various techniques are explored. While in situ polymerization is prominent, it is not without its challenges. This narrative review explores diverse biomaterials, fabrication methods, and biofunctionalization for injectable pre‐formed scaffolds, focusing on their unique advantages. The injectable pre‐formed scaffolds, exhibiting compressibility, controlled injection, and maintained mechanical integrity, emerge as promising alternative solutions to in situ polymerization challenges. The conclusion of this review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary design facilitated by synergizing fields of materials science, advanced 3D biomanufacturing, mechanobiological studies, and innovative approaches for effective MI tissue regeneration.
Unbounding the Future: Designing NiAl‐Based Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Zhang Wenzheng , Zhao Huahua , Song Huanling , Chou Lingjun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDry reforming of methane (DRM), the catalytic conversion of CH4 and CO2 into syngas (H2+CO), is an important process closely correlated to the environment and chemical industry. NiAl‐based catalysts have been reported to exhibit excellent activity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. At the same time, the rapid deactivation caused by carbon deposition, Ni sintering, and phase transformation exerts great challenges for its large‐scale applications. This review summarizes the recent advances in NiAl‐based catalysts for DRM, particularly focusing on the strategies to construct efficient and stable NiAl‐based catalysts. Firstly, the thermodynamics and elementary steps of DRM, including the activation of reactants and coke formation and elimination, are summarized. The roles of Al2O3 and its mixed oxides as the support, and the influences of the promoters employed in NiAl‐based catalysts over the DRM performance, are then illustrated. Finally, the design of anti‐coking and anti‐sintering NiAl‐based catalysts for DRM is suggested as feasible and promising by tailoring the structure and states of Ni and the modification of Al‐based supports including small Ni size, high Ni dispersion, proper basicity, strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI), active oxygen species as well as high phase stability.
British education research and its quality: An analysis of Research Excellence Framework submissions
Authors: Inglis Matthew , Foster Colin , Lortie‐Forgues Hugues , Stokoe Elizabeth 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe analysed the full text of all journal articles returned to the education subpanel of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). Using a latent Dirichlet allocation topic model, we identified 35 topics that collectively summarise the journal articles that research units, typically schools of education, selected for submission. We found that the topics which units wrote about in their submitted articles collectively explained a large proportion (84.1%) of the variance in the quality assessments they received from the REF's expert peer review process. Further, with the important caveat that we cannot attribute causality, we found that there were strong associations between what the subpanel perceived to be excellent research and the adoption of particular methods or approaches. Most notably, units that returned more interview‐based work typically received lower scores, and those which returned more analyses of large‐scale data and meta‐analyses typically received higher scores. Finally, we applied our 2021 model to articles submitted to the previous exercise, REF2014. We found that education research seems to have become less qualitative and more quantitative over time, and that our 2021 model could successfully predict the scores assigned by the REF2014 subpanel, suggesting a reasonable degree of between‐exercise consistency.
Enhancing doctor‐patient communication in surgical explanations: Designing effective facial expressions and gestures for animated physician characters
Authors: Kim Hwang Youn , Ali Ghazanfar , Hwang Jae‐In 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPaying close attention to facial expressions, gestures, and communication techniques is essential when creating animated physician characters that are realistic and captivating when describing surgical procedures. This paper emphasizes the integration of appropriate emotions, co‐speech gestures when medical experts explain the medical procedure, and designing animated characters. We can achieve healthy doctor‐patient relationships and improvement of patients' understanding by depicting these components truthfully. We suggest two critical approaches to developing virtual medical experts by incorporating these elements. First, doctors can generate the contents of the surgical procedure with a virtual doctor. Second, patients can listen to the surgical procedure described by the virtual doctor and ask if they have any questions. Our system helps patients by considering their psychology and adding medical professionals' opinions. These improvements ensure the animated virtual agent is comforting, reassuring, and emotionally supportive. Through a user study, we evaluated our hypothesis and gained insight into improvements.
Pyrones Isolated from Annona Acutiflora Exhibit Promising Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Folly Diogo , Candido da Silva Samille , Dinis Gabriela , Ouverney Gabriel , Freimann Wermelinger Guilherme , Silva Abreu Lucas , Kaufmann Robbs Bruno , Rocha Leandro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis work discusses the ongoing challenge of cancer, focusing on therapy issues such as chemotherapy resistance and adverse drug effects. It emphasizes the need for new anticancer agents with improved efficacy and fewer side effects, exploring natural products from plant sources. The Annonaceae family, specifically the Annona genus, is highlighted for its medicinal properties, including anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects. The study focuses on the isolation and elucidation of the substances present in Annona acutiflora leaves. The methodology involves chromatographic and spectroscopy techniques. The isolated compounds, (6S)‐5′‐oxohepten‐1′E,3′E‐dienyl)‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (1), (6R)‐5′‐oxohepten‐1′Z,3′E‐dienyl)‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (2) and (6R)‐5′‐oxohepten‐1′Z,3′E‐dienyl)‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (3) were investigated for cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines and normal cells. Results show promising cytotoxic activity, particularly with compound 3, demonstrating potential activity against oral cancer (43.18 μM), hepatocarcinoma (17.24 μM), melanoma (5.39 μM), and colon cancer (59.03 μM). The compound outperforms carboplatin in selectivity against oral cancer (S. I. 2.15) and melanoma (S. I. 17.22). The study concludes by suggesting the potential of these α‐pyrones as effective and less toxic alternatives for cancer therapy.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with SeaLA device in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Zulu , Chu Huimin , Chen Xinjing , Tao Ling , Yuan Yiqiang , Ru Leisheng , Wang Jianan , Fan Youqi , Hu Hongde , Wang Changqian , Chen Minglong , Huang Weijian , Zhou Daxin , Liu Xingpeng , Liang Ming , Liu Jing , Han Yaling 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe clinical efficacy and safety of a novel left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder of the SeaLA closure system in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were reported.BackgroundPatients with NVAF are at a higher risk of stroke compared to healthy individuals. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has emerged as a prominent strategy for reducing the risk of thrombosis in individuals with NVAF.MethodsA prospective, multicenter study was conducted in NVAF patients with a high risk of stroke.ResultsThe LAAC was successfully performed in 163 patients. The mean age was 66.93 ± 7.92 years, with a mean preoperative CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 4.17 ± 1.48. One patient with residual flow >3 mm was observed at the 6‐month follow‐up, confirmed by TEE. During the follow‐up, 2 severe pericardiac effusions were noted, and 2 ischemic strokes were observed. Four device‐related thromboses were resolved after anticoagulation treatment. There was no device embolism.ConclusionsThe LAAC with the SeaLA device demonstrates encouraging feasibility, safety, and efficacy outcomes.
Advancing Nitrile‐Aminothiol Strategy for Dual and Sequential Bioconjugation
Authors: Thombare Varsha J. , Wu Yimin , Pamulapati Kavya , Han Meiling , Tailhades Julien , Cryle Max J. , Roberts Kade D. , Velkov Tony , Li Jian , Patil Nitin A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNitrile‐aminothiol conjugation (NATC) stands out as a promising biocompatible ligation technique due to its high chemo‐selectivity. Herein we investigated the reactivity and substrate scope of NAT conjugation chemistry, thus developing a novel pH dependent orthogonal NATC as a valuable tool for chemical biology. The study of reaction kinetics elucidated that the combination of heteroaromatic nitrile and aminothiol groups led to the formation of an optimal bioorthogonal pairing, which is pH dependent. This pairing system was effectively utilized for sequential and dual conjugation. Subsequently, these rapid (≈1 h) and high yield (>90 %) conjugation strategies were successfully applied to a broad range of complex biomolecules, including oligonucleotides, chelates, small molecules and peptides. The effectiveness of this conjugation chemistry was demonstrated by synthesizing a fluorescently labelled antimicrobial peptide‐oligonucleotide complex as a dual conjugate to imaging in live cells. This first‐of‐its‐kind sequential NATC approach unveils unprecedented opportunities in modern chemical biology, showcasing exceptional adaptability in rapidly creating structurally complex bioconjugates. Furthermore, the results highlight its potential for versatile applications across fundamental and translational biomedical research.
An experimental mystery and a model experiment on ocean acidification – implemented in the KOALa student lab
Authors: Schäfer Xenia , Habig Sebastian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractKlimaauswirkungen auf Ozean und Atmosphäre im Labor untersuchen: Der Arbeitstitel hinter dem Akronym KOALa ist Programm. Das Schülerlabor strebt an, das Bewusstsein für die Problematik der Ozeanversauerung sowie einen verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Ressourcen zu schärfen und bietet zugleich fundierte Einblicke in naturwissenschaftliche Arbeitsweisen. Mithilfe einer experimentbasierten Adaption der Mystery‐Methode werden Schüler:innen an forschendes Lernen herangeführt und durch ein Modellexperiment zu den Auswirkungen der Verbrennung fossiler Brennstoffe auf die Meereschemie sensibilisiert. Dies soll zudem Analogiebildung und Transferfähigkeit stärken. Im Artikel werden Einblicke in die methodischen Besonderheiten, das Konzept und den Ablauf des Programms gegeben sowie erste Ergebnisse aus der wissenschaftlichen Begleitforschung zu Interessensquellen während der Ausübung naturwissenschaftlicher Tätigkeiten vorgestellt.
Interfacial regulation engineering in anode‐free rechargeable batteries
Authors: Hao Zhendong , Yan Liang , Li Wenjie , Zeng Yuhan , Dai Yuming , Cong Yuan , Ju Jia , Zhang Baosen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAnode‐free rechargeable batteries (AFRBs), equipped with bare collectors at the anode, are potential electrochemical energy storage technology attributed to their simplified cell configuration, high energy density, and cost reduction. Nevertheless, issues including insufficient Coulombic efficiency as well as the formation of the dendrites restrict their practical implementation. In recent years, various strategies have been proposed to overcome the critical issues of AFRBs. Among which, interfacial properties play key roles for achieving high stable AFRBs. In this review, an overview of AFRBs is discussed in the first part. Then, the main strategies based on interfacial regulation engineering toward high‐performance AFRBs are summarized including designing of current collectors, introducing of surface coating layers, modification of electrolytes, separators engineering, cathode materials regulation, and so forth. In addition, some future perspectives for developing AFRBs are proposed. This review will create new avenues on constructing stable AFRBs for advanced energy storage devices.
Clinical usefulness and acceptability of small‐bowel capsule endoscopy with panoramic imaging compared with axial imaging in Japanese patients
Authors: Hirata Issei , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Matsubara Yuka , Sumioka Akihiko , Takasago Takeshi , Tanaka Hidenori , Yamashita Ken , Takigawa Hidehiko , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the usefulness and acceptability of CapsoCam Plus (CapsoCam) in Japanese patients.MethodsThis retrospective single‐center study enrolled 930 patients with suspected small‐bowel bleeding (SSBB) who underwent capsule endoscopy. Thirty‐three patients using CapsoCam and PillCam SB3 (SB3) were matched using propensity score matching. The diagnostic yield and the acceptability of CapsoCam were evaluated.ResultsThere was no SSBB case where capsule endoscopy was performed within 48 h of bleeding. CapsoCam had a significantly higher observation rate of the entire small bowel (97% vs. 73%, p = 0.006) and Vater's papilla (82% vs. 15%, p < 0.001) than SB3. The reading time of CapsoCam was significantly longer than that of SB3 (30 vs. 25 min, p < 0.001), and CapsoCam's time from the capsule endoscopy swallowing to read completion was longer than that of SB3 (37 vs. 12 h, p < 0.001). The two groups showed no difference in the capsule endoscopy findings according to the P classification. Notably, 85% of the patients using CapsoCam reported examination distress as “not at all” or “almost not,” and 94% reported swallowing difficulty as “very easy” or “easy.”ConclusionsCapsoCam took time to read; however, it is a well‐tolerated examination with a high observation rate of Vater's papilla and entire small‐bowel mucosa. Detectability of bleeding sources was comparable in both modalities for cases of occult SSBB and overt SSBB more than 48 h after bleeding. CapsoCam is a useful modality for patients with SSBB.