bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of non-linearity and thixotropy in linear amplitude sweep testing for the evaluation of self-healing of bituminous binders
Authors: Baglieri Orazio , Miglietta Fabrizio , Tsantilis Lucia , Santagata Ezio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLinear amplitude sweep tests have been demonstrated to have good potential in being used for the evaluation of self-healing properties of neat and polymer-modified bituminous binders. Past research works, however, have neglected the effects of material non-linearity and thixotropy. This implies that the whole material integrity loss is attributed to damage and all restoration to self-healing, thus resulting in the possible overestimate of both damage and self-healing when evaluating the fatigue performance of materials. In the study described in this paper, specific experimental and analytical methods were adopted with the purpose of separating non-linearity and thixotropy in LAS healing tests. Non-linearity was assessed by means of multiple strain sweep tests carried out to determine the material non-linear viscoelastic moduli at specific testing temperatures. Thixotropy was considered by coupling self-healing LAS testing with a purposely defined test in which loading was applied to the undamaged material after a rest period equal to that applied in self-healing tests. Obtained results were processed by means of an analytical approach based on the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model. Quantification of self-healing included the determination of material integrity and damage parameters recovered after the rest period. Such parameters, calculated by excluding time-dependent and non-linear biasing effects, can be used as straightforward indicators of the self-healing potential of neat and polymer-modified bituminous binders. Moreover, obtained results substantiate the concept that time–temperature superposition is still applicable when non-linearity is incorporated into the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model.
Classification Features of Severe Stages of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (Clinical Cases)
Authors: Golovin A. S. , Ovechkin I. G. , Teshev A. F. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: analysis of clinical cases illustrating the classification features of severe stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Patient and methods. Three clinical cases of PDR are presented, in which ophthalmoscopic signs (according to the classification of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, 1991) corresponded to severe PDR (high risk 1, high risk 2) and advanced PDR. The ophthalmological status was assessed using standard methods based on measuring the best corrected distance visual acuity, performing ultrasound (Opticon 2000, Italy), photographic recording of the condition of the fundus (Carl Zeiss Visucam 500, Germany) and optical coherence tomography of the macular region (on an RTVue-100 tomograph, OptoVue, USA).Results and conclusion. The presented clinical examples will provide the ophthalmologist with a more complete understanding of the clinical picture of pathological changes in the retina in diabetes mellitus, which will ultimately increase the level of diagnosis and tactics of surgical intervention both during the initial (preoperative) examination and after vitrectomy.
Investigation of Differences in the Techniques of Experimental Vitreo-retinal Operations on Laboratory Animals
Authors: Alekseev I. B. , Belkin V. E. , Abramova O. I. 
Published: April 2024

The continuous development of vitreoretinal surgery makes it possible to provide high-tech care to patients with retinal detachment while minimizing intraand postoperative complications. However, their percentage still remains significantly high. This pushes modern ophthalmological science to new research and search for solutions to existing problems. In this task, laboratory animals, on which the latest advances in medicine have been tested for more than 100 years, help like no one else. Unfortunately, the high cost of experiments often repels and/or pushes them back indefinitely. Given the clinical significance of experimental studies of surgical treatment of retinal detachment, as part of the study of the new hydrogel preparation Vitreolon, an analysis was made of methods for removing the vitreous body and their effect on the result of surgical intervention.Purpose: analysis of differences in vitreous removal techniques in laboratory rabbits.Material and methods. The experiment involved 6 rabbits (12 eyes) with induced retinal detachment. In 6 eyes, vitrectomy was performed using a vitreotome, in the others, using a syringe (21G). Subsequently, tamponade of the vitreal cavity was performed with the new hydrogel preparation “Vitreolon”. Ophthalmological examinations were performed on the 1st day, 1st and 2nd week, 1st and 3rd months after surgery. After that, the eyes were enucleated to conduct a morphological study of macropreparations and histological sections of the eyes.Results. According to the results of ophthalmological and laboratory studies, there was no statistically significant difference between the techniques for removing the vitreous body. One rabbit had hypertension and cataracts, which indicates its individual response to surgery. There were no complications that could lead to early termination of the experiment.
A Curricular Model for Simulation Within Orthopaedic Residency Training
Authors: Schreiner Bryan , Unger Robert , Herzka Andrea S. , Friess Darin M. , Nazir Omar F. , Brady Jacqueline M. 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery/American Council on GraduateMedical Education Residency Review Committee training requirements have necessitated the need for the adoption of simulation education into existing programmatic requirements. Current guidelines focus only on interns at a potentially significant cost to programs; both in total dollar amount and time.

Methods:
The authors aim to provide a model that can maximize utility for all resident levels, manage cost by maximizing the use of cadaveric material, and allow integration of varied industry support.

Results:
The Oregon Health & Science University Orthopaedic education program has developed a high-fidelity training curriculum that (1) is applicable to both junior and senior residents (2) has minimized the cost per resident with the reuse of cadaveric specimens and (3) has nurtured partnerships with industry stakeholders to reduce bias in training by collaborating with most major industry representatives.

Conclusion:
The simulation curriculum outlined in this manuscript may serve as a reference for other programs and institutions to develop their own residency educational curriculum models.
American Orthopaedic Association's (AOA) Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) 2022 Summer Conference: Top Abstracts
Authors: Mulcahey Mary K. , Balach Tessa ,   On behalf of the CORD/Academics Committee
Published: April 2024

In a continuing collaboration between the American Orthopaedic Association's (AOA) Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) and JBJS, the following 10 abstracts highlight the scientific research presented at AOA's annual national meeting held in June 2022. These abstracts embody CORD's purpose and mission:“The American Orthopaedic Association's Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) program strives to recognize best practices in orthopaedic residency education and fellowship education based on ACGME [Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education]-defined essential knowledge and skills in each of the residency education competency areas. CORD provides a forum for academic orthopaedic leaders to exchange ideas, discuss solutions to challenges, and find ways to teach residents in orthopaedic programs effectively.”

We hope this education-related research will inspire further inquiry to advance the development of future orthopaedic surgeons.
Increasing lateral transport of soil and carbon on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: xin zhongbao , Huang Yanzhang , Gao Guangyao , Lu Xixi , Ran Lishan , Wang Yafeng , Zhang Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Soil erosion by water and loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) are two major contributors to global land degradation. However, the impact of soil erosion and its effect on SOC in the fragile, sensitive alpine ecosystem of the Tibetan Plateau, where climate change is amplified, is not well understood. We used the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) ensemble model to analyse soil erosion, SOC loss, and their dynamics over the past 40 years (1981-2018) on the Tibetan Plateau. The mean soil erosion and SOC erosion rates were 5.91±2.29 t ha-1 yr-1 and 0.374±0.113 t C ha-1 yr-1, respectively, with significant increasing trends because of increased rainfall. The SOC erosion rates increased from 0.34±0.03 t C ha-1 yr-1 in the 1980s by 19.0% to 0.40±0.02 t C ha-1 yr-1 in the 2010s. The increasing erosion rates after 1999 were weakened because of the slow increase in rainfall and rapid vegetation greening. We also determined the spatial distribution of areas prone to soil and SOC erosion across the entire plateau. Our findings highlight the extreme vulnerability of soil erosion and SOC loss on the Tibetan Plateau to climate change, which were helpful for sustainable land resource management in an ecologically fragile environment.
Automotive motor rotor design synthesis using cWGAN-gp with distortion penalty
Authors: Kato Nobuhito , Suzuki Keisuke , Kondo Yoshihisa , Suzuki Katsuyuki , Yonekura Kazuo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study proposes a motor-rotor-shape generation method based on a conditional Wasserstein generative adversarial networks (GAN) with gradient penalty (cWGAN-gp) to perform the initial design of the automotive motor efficiently. We introduced a distortion degree as a regularization in the training process to generate smooth, intuitively understandable, and easy to manufacture shapes. Rotor shapes generated by cWGAN-gp exhibited characteristics similar to a combination of multiple training data with performances close to that of the input label data. Furthermore, smooth shapes were generated by appropriately setting the influence of the distortion degree. The motor shapes could be generated accurately when a sufficient amount of training data existed. These results suggest that training the model with accumulated motor data allows for the rapid generation of new shapes based on input performance criteria in a short period of time.
Efficacy and Safety of Ciprofol for General Anesthesia in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: ni tingting , ni tingting , wu shuguang , lv tao , Yao Yuan-yuan , Luo Ge , Gao Qi , Wang Ting-ting , Yan Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Patients who have gone through transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and have experienced a decrease in physical and physiological capabilities are more likely to experience unfavorable cardiovascular reactions, including hypotension during induction of anesthesia. Due to the impaired cardiac function of these patients, maintaining hemodynamic stability during anesthesia induction can be challenging. Ciprofol, a novel anesthetic and a version of propofol, brings about a speedy onset, a brief recovery time, reduced injection pain, and consistent cardiorespiratory functioning. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ciprofol in induction and maintaining general anesthesia in patients undergoing TAVR to establish its potential use in clinical practice.
Methods:
124 elderly patients aged 65–80 undergoing elective TAVR with general anesthesia will be randomly assigned to two parallel groups in this single-center trial. Patients will be randomly allocated to receive either ciprofol or propofol for induction. The primary outcome is the area under the baseline of the mean arterial pressure (MAP) over the first 15 minutes after induction. Hypotension will be identified as a decrease in MAP below 65 mmHg or more than 20% from the initial value during induction. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of adverse events, such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, stroke, covert central nervous system injury, myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury, as well as the cumulative doses of vasoactive drugs, the occurrence and intensity of injection pain, and ScO2 values less than 55% of the area under the curve (AUC).
Discussion: This study will provide valuable information on the effectiveness and safety of ciprofol as a general anesthetic for patients undergoing TAVR.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05881291).
Brain injury and ketamine study (BIKe): a prospective, randomized controlled double blind clinical trial to study the effects of ketamine on Therapy Intensity Level and intracranial pressure in severe traumatic injury patients.
Authors: De Sloovere Veerle Tineke , Mebis Liese , Wouters Pieter , Grandas Fabian Guïza , Boonen Eva , Bourgeois Marc , Dubois Jasperina , Ledoux Didier , Lormans Piet , Maréchal Hugues , Hauwaert Emmanuel Van der , Depreitere Bart , Meyfroidt Geert 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: In severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), sedatives are often used to control intracranial pressure (ICP), to reduce brain metabolism, to allow for other treatments such as mechanical ventilation or targeted temperature management, or to control paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity. Prolonged sedation is often necessary. The most commonly used sedatives in TBI are propofol and midazolam, often in combination, but both have significant side effects when used at high doses for several days. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, provides sedation and analgesia with minimal respiratory depression or haemodynamic instability. However, ketamine carries a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) precaution regarding its use in patients with pre-anesthetic elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which discourages its use in TBI patients. Several observational studies and two large meta-analyses do not suggest that the use of ketamine as an induction agent or sedative in sedated and mechanically ventilated TBI patients would increase the ICP. Off-label use of ketamine for this indication is increasing worldwide. To date, no prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT) has demonstrated the safety of ketamine in TBI patients.
Methods: The Brain Injury and Ketamine (BIKe) study is a prospective multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled RCT, to evaluate the safety, and effect on therapeutic intensity to reduce ICP, of ketamine as an adjunct to a standard sedation regimen in patients with severe TBI. Adult TBI patients, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), requiring sedation and ICP monitoring within 72 hours of admission, will be randomized to ketamine or placebo. The study drug will be started within 6 hours of randomization. The dose of the investigational medicinal product (IMP) is 1 mg/kg/hour, by continuous infusion. The IMP will be stopped when the last ICP control sedative is discontinued. Data collection will stop when the patient is discharged from the ICU. All patients will be followed for 6 months post-trauma. The study is powered for the safety endpoint of detecting a clinically relevant increase of two episodes in the median number of episodes of high intracranial pressure episodes per ICU stay. A total of 100 patients are required to meet these objectives. We hypothesize a clinically relevant reduction in the therapeutic intensity level (TIL) score of at least 3 points.
Discussion: This study is the first prospective RCT to investigate the safety of ketamine as an adjunct to a standard sedation regimen in TBI patients.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05097261.
Wilson's Disease Masquerading as Acute Encephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Kalwar Asifa , Rid Quratulain , Ahsan Sadia , Ochani Sidhant 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and cornea, resulting from mutations in the ATP7B gene.
Case Presentation:
This case report presents a unique manifestation of WD, as a 14-year-old female from rural Pakistan presented with acute encephalitis and the ‘Face of the Giant Panda Sign’. Encephalitis is an uncommon initial presentation of WD, and this case highlights the diagnostic challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. The patient exhibited sudden-onset fever, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and altered mental status. Initially misattributed to possession by the parents, the patient underwent empirical treatment for encephalitis in the hospital without improvement. Further evaluation revealed abnormal liver function, positive HepBsAg, and characteristic brain MRI findings indicative of WD. Confirmation was made through low ceruloplasmin, Kayser-Fleischer rings, and modified Leipzig criteria. Treatment with penicillamine and vitamin B6 resulted in clinical improvement.
Conclusion
This case emphasizes the importance of considering WD in cases of encephalitis, even in the absence of typical hepatic symptoms. The delay in diagnosis and initial misinterpretation underscore the need for increased awareness and education, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. Early recognition and intervention can prevent the progression of WD, improving patient outcomes. The report also underscores the significance of familial screening and long-term follow-up to manage the chronic nature of the disease. Further studies and reporting of atypical presentations contribute to the understanding and management of this rare and clinically heterogeneous disorder.
Expression of c-erb-B2 oncoprotein as a neoantigen strategy to repurpose anti-neu antibody therapy in a model of melanoma
Authors: Gabriel Emmanuel M. , Necela Brian , Bahr Deborah , Vivekanandhan Sneha , Shreeder Barath , Bagaria Sanjay , Knutson Keith L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we tested a novel approach of “repurposing” a biomarker typically associated with breast cancer for use in melanoma. HER2/neu is a well characterized biomarker in breast cancer for which effective anti-HER2/neu therapies are readily available. We constructed a lentivirus encoding c-erb-B2 (the animal homolog to HER2/neu). This was used to transfect B16 melanoma in vitro for use in an orthotopic preclinical mouse model, which resulted in expression of c-erb-B2 as a neoantigen target for anti-c-erb-B2 monoclonal antibody (7.16.4). The c-erb-B2-expressing melanoma was designated B16/neu. 7.16.4 produced statistically significant in vivo anti-tumor responses against B16/neu. This effect was mediated by NK-cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. To further model human melanoma (which expresses <5% HER2/neu), our c-erb-B2 encoding lentivirus was used to inoculate naïve (wild-type) B16 tumors in vivo, resulting in successful c-erb-B2 expression. When combined with 7.16.4, anti-tumor responses were again demonstrated where approximately 40% of mice treated with c-erb-B2 lentivirus and 7.16.4 achieved complete clinical response and long-term survival. For the first time, we demonstrated a novel strategy to repurpose c-erb-B2 as a neoantigen target for melanoma. Our findings are particularly significant in the contemporary setting where newer anti-HER2/neu antibody-drug candidates have shown increased efficacy.
Effect of activator dosage and mass ratio of GGBFS to FA on 3D printing performance of kenaf geopolymer
Authors: Kong Xiao , Dai Li , Chen Shicai , Guo Yuan , Zhang Zehuan , Wang Shaojie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Kenaf geopolymer for 3D printing is a promising representative for comprehensive and intelligent utilization of industrial and agricultural wastes. Aiming at exploring the effect of raw materials’ proportion on printing performances, alkali activator dosage (10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%) and mass ratio of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) to fly ash (FA) (15:85, 20:80, 25:75) were adopted as main variables in this paper. Results have shown that increasing the activator dosage and decreasing the mass ratio of GGBFS to FA can improve the flowability, and adjusting these two parameters can tailor the fluidity to a suitable range. Moreover, dry density of kenaf geopolymer was more significantly affected by alkali activator dosage compared with mineral powder ratio, and lightweight characteristic due to kenaf participation effectively improved shape retention ability of printed specimens. Besides, microstructure analysis further confirmed that with appropriate alkali activator dosage and mineral powder ratio, high level of geopolymerization reaction can be achieved to produce enough gel product for a satisfactory internal structure, which externally manifested as excellent printability and mechanical strength. Finally, formula with alkali activator dosage of 15 wt.% and GGBFS to FA mass ratio of 25:75 was recommended for satisfactory printing performance and mechanical properties.
Epidemiology, Outcomes and Prognosis of Infective Endocarditis in Northern Morocco
Authors: Boussaadani Badre El , Soussan Ilias , Bendoudouch Houssam , Hara Loubna , Ech-chenbouli Amine , Raissouni Zainab 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:Infective endocarditis is a rare but potentially severe disease, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to describe the epidemiology and management aspects of endocarditis in northern Morocco and compare it with international management guidelines.
Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective study involving all patients hospitalized in the cardiology department of the University Hospital of Tangier for infective endocarditis over a period of 4 years and 7 months, from May 2019 to February 2024.
Results: 80 patients were hospitalized for IE during the study period. The average age of the patients was 46 years, with an even sex ratio. IE concerned native valves in 77% of cases, mechanical prostheses in 19% of cases, and on bio prostheses in 4%. The average diagnostic delay was 25 days. Blood cultures were negative in 59% of cases. The predominant infective microorganism was the bacteria Staphylococcus (65.6%).
Imaging results showed vegetations in 76.3% of cases, predominantly on the mitral valve (39.3%), followed by the aortic valve (21.3%). The main complications included heart failure (51.2%), peripheral arterial embolisms (22.5%) and splenic infarction (17.5%)
Management wise, the most commonly used antibiotic therapy was a combination of ceftriaxone and gentamicin. Clinical and biological improvement was observed in 70% of cases, with a mortality rate of 12.5%. Twelve patients underwent urgent surgery (41.7%).
Conclusion: Our study highlights the challenges in managing infective endocarditis in northern Morocco. The prognosis of infective endocarditis can be improved through multidisciplinary management within the implementation of an Endocarditis Team.