bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pullulan-Tween 40 emulsified films containing geraniol: production and characterization as potential food packaging materials
Authors: Simões Alexandra , Ramos Ana , Domingues Fernanda , Luís Ângelo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPetroleum-based plastics have been widely used as packaging materials because of their low-cost availability and good mechanical properties. However, the use of plastics has become restricted as they are highly resistant to biodegradation, causing environmental problems. This work aimed to produce and characterize emulsified pullulan films incorporating geraniol for application as food packaging materials with potential to substitute the conventional plastics. When geraniol was incorporated in the films, they showed antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (inhibition zone diameter = 15.19 ± 0.66 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (inhibition zone diameter = 10.99 ± 1.82 mm). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy showed the inhibition of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 biofilms when they were directly formed on the emulsified pullulan films incorporating geraniol. The produced films also demonstrated high transparency (> 90%) and hydrophilic surfaces (water contact angle < 90°). This work demonstrated the viability of using geraniol to produce pullulan active films as new food packaging materials.
Walking (and talking) the plank: dual-task performance costs in a virtual balance-threatening environment
Authors: Raffegeau Tiphanie E. , Brinkerhoff Sarah A. , Clark Mindie , McBride Ashlee D. , Mark Williams A. , Fino Peter C. , Fawver Bradley 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe evaluated the effects of engaging in extemporaneous speech in healthy young adults while they walked in a virtual environment meant to elicit low or high levels of mobility-related anxiety. We expected that mobility-related anxiety imposed by a simulated balance threat (i.e., virtual elevation) would impair walking behavior and lead to greater dual-task costs. Altogether, 15 adults (age = 25.6 ± 4.7 yrs, 7 women) walked at their self-selected speed within a VR environment that simulated a low (ground) and high elevation (15 m) setting while speaking extemporaneously (dual-task) or not speaking (single-task). Likert-scale ratings of cognitive and somatic anxiety, confidence, and mental effort were evaluated and gait speed, step length, and step width, as well as the variability of each, was calculated for every trial. Silent speech pauses (> 150 ms) were determined from audio recordings to infer the cognitive costs of extemporaneous speech planning at low and high virtual elevation. Results indicated that the presence of a balance threat and the inclusion of a concurrent speech task both perturbed gait kinematics, but the virtual height illusion led to increased anxiety and mental effort and a decrease in confidence. The extemporaneous speech pauses were longer on average when walking, but no effects of virtual elevation were reported. Trends toward interaction effects arose in self-reported responses, with participants reporting more comfort walking at virtual heights if they engaged in extemporaneous speech. Walking at virtual elevation and while talking may have independent and significant effects on gait; both effects were robust and did not support an interaction when combined (i.e., walking and talking at virtual heights). The nature of extemporaneous speech may have distracted participants from the detrimental effects of walking in anxiety-inducing settings.
Imatinib pharmacokinetics and creatine kinase levels in chronic myeloid leukemia patients: implications for therapeutic response and monitoring
Authors: Omran Mervat M. , Ibrahim Amel B. , Abdelfattah Raafat , Shouman Samia A. , Hamza Marwa S. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Imatinib treatment for certain cancers can lead to elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels, potentially indicating muscle injury, and ongoing research aims to understand the correlation between imatinib levels and creatine kinase to assess its impact on treatment response.

Methods
This single-center observational study involved 76 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients receiving imatinib treatment, focusing on evaluating drug and metabolite levels using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) instrumentation. Serum CK and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels were assessed using Colorimetric kits.

Results
CK and CK-MB levels were measured, CK showed a median value of 211.5 IU/l and CK-MB showed a median value of 4.4 IU/l. Comparing low and high CK groups, significant differences were found in peak and trough plasma concentrations of imatinib and its metabolites. Correlations between CK levels and pharmacokinetic parameters were explored, with notable associations identified. Binary logistic regression revealed predictors influencing the therapeutic response to imatinib and categorized expected CK levels into high or low, with peak levels of imatinib emerging as a significant predictor for CK level categorization.

Conclusion
The study highlights the link between imatinib’s pharmacokinetics and elevated CK levels, indicating a possible correlation between specific metabolites and improved treatment response. Individualized monitoring of CK levels and imatinib pharmacokinetics could enhance care for CML patients.
High prevalence of associated injuries in anterior cruciate ligament tears: A detailed magnetic resonance imaging analysis of 254 patients
Authors: Cristiani Riccardo , van de Bunt Fabian , Kvist Joanna , Stålman Anders 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the type and prevalence of associated injuries by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.

Methods
Data from the Natural Corollaries and Recovery after ACL injury multicenter longitudinal cohort study were analyzed. Between May 2016 and October 2018, patients aged between 15 and 40 years, who had experienced an ACL tear within the last 6 weeks and sought medical attention at one of seven healthcare clinics in Sweden, were invited to participate. The mean time from injury to MRI was 19.6 ± 15.2 days. An orthopedic knee surgeon and a musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed all the MRI scans. The following structures were assessed: posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) complex, lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon, medial meniscus (MM), lateral meniscus (LM), and cartilage. In addition, the presence of bone bruising, impaction fractures in the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) or posterolateral tibia (PLT), and Segond fractures were also assessed.

Results
A total of 254 patients (48.4% males) with a mean age of 25.4 ± 7.1 years were included. The prevalence of associated injuries was as follows: PCL (0.4%), MCL {41.3% [superficial MCL and deep MCL (dMCL) 16.5%; isolated dMCL 24.8%]}, LCL (2.4%), MM (57.4%), LM (25.2%), cartilage (15.0%), bone bruising (92.9%), impaction fracture in the LFC (45.7%) and PLT (4.7%), and Segond fracture (7.5%).

Conclusions
The prevalence of associated injuries in patients with ACL tears was high. The findings reported in this study may serve as a reference tool for orthopedic surgeons and radiologists in the diagnosis of associated injuries using MRI in patients with ACL tears.
Laser-induced emission from iron oxide nanoparticles in spray-flame synthesis: in situ high-speed microscopy
Authors: Jüngst Niklas , Suedholt Benjamin A. , Smallwood Gregory J. , Schulz Christof , Kaiser Sebastian A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSpray-flame synthesis uses low-cost precursors dissolved in organic solvents to produce functional metaloxide nanoparticles. In the spray flame, the precursor-laden droplets show frequent and intense thermally-induced disruption, so-called puffing and micro-explosion. This process is often correlated with high uniformity of particle sizes. Whether puffing and micro-explosion are also directly associated with the formation or release of iron oxide nanoparticles is not clear. Also, the spatiotemporal evolution of nanoparticles in the turbulent flow field of the flame is largely unknown from experiments. We performed simultaneous high-speed microscopic imaging of droplet shadowgraphs at 360 kHz as well as elastic light scattering (ELS) and laser-induced emission (LIE) of nanoparticles at 40 kHz. Comparing ELS and LIE images allows distinguishing signals from droplets, flame, and nanoparticles, as only the nanoparticles will appear in images from both methods. ELS and LIE show nanoparticles as thin narrow filaments, presumably following the local flow. Nanoparticle filaments are found at a height of 50 mm and more above the burner in the spray flame. The filaments show increasing LIE signal and higher confinement with increasing height above the burner. The appearance of LIE and thus nanoparticles does not directly correlate with the presence of droplets or their disruption.
Links of atmospheric circulation to cold days in simulations of EURO-CORDEX climate models for central Europe
Authors: Plavcová Eva , Stryhal Jan , Lhotka Ondřej 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDespite ongoing climate change and warming, extreme cold events still negatively affect human society. Since cold air incursions are related to specific circulation patterns, the main aims of this study are (1) to validate how well current EURO-CORDEX regional climate models (RCMs) reproduce these synoptic links and (2) to assess possible future changes in atmospheric circulation conducive to cold events. Using anomalies of daily minimum temperature, we define cold days (CDs) in central Europe and analyse their characteristics over the historical (1979−2020) and future (2070−2099) periods. We classify wintertime atmospheric circulation by applying a novel technique based on Sammon mapping to the state-of-the-art ERA5 reanalysis output. We discover that circulation types (CT) conducive to CDs are characterised by easterly advection and/or clear-sky anticyclonic conditions. While the RCM ensemble generally reproduces these synoptic links relatively well, we observe biases in the occurrence of CDs in individual simulations. These biases can be attributed to inadequately reproduced frequencies of CTs conducive to CDs (primarily propagating from driving data), as well as to deviations in the conduciveness within these CTs (primarily originating in the RCMs). Interestingly, two competing trends are identified for the end of the twenty-first century: (1) most RCMs project an increased frequency of CTs conducive to CDs, suggesting more frequent CDs, while (2) the same CTs are projected to warm faster compared to their counterparts, suggesting weaker CDs. The interplay between these opposing trends contributes to the overall uncertainty surrounding the recurrence and severity of future winter extremes in central Europe.
Impact of the Gulf Stream front on atmospheric rivers and Rossby wave train in the North Atlantic
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Jia Yinglai , Han Ziqing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Gulf Stream (GS) ocean front exhibits intense ocean–atmosphere interaction in winter, which has a significant impact on the genesis and development of extratropical cyclones in the North Atlantic. The atmospheric rivers (ARs), closely related with the cyclones, transport substantial moisture from the North Atlantic towards the Western European coast. While the influence of the GS front on extratropical cyclones has been extensively studied, its effect on ARs remains unclear. In this study, two sets of ensemble experiments are conducted using a high-resolution global Community Atmosphere Model forced with or without the GS sea surface temperature front. Our findings reveal that the inclusion of the GS front leads to approximately 25% enhancement of water vapor transport and precipitation associated with ARs in the GS region, attributed to changes in both AR frequency and intensity. Furthermore, this leads to a more pronounced downstream response in Western Europe, characterized by up to 60% (40%) precipitation increases (reductions) around Spain (Norway) for the most extreme events (exceeding 90 mm/day). The influence of the GS front on ARs is mediated by both thermodynamic and dynamic factors. The thermodynamic aspect involves an overall increase of water vapor in both the GS region and Western Europe, promoting AR genesis. The dynamic aspect encompasses changes in storm tracks and Rossby wave train, contributing to downstream AR shift. Importantly, we find the co-occurrence of ARs and the GS front is crucial for inducing deep ascending motion and heating above the GS front, which perturbs the deep troposphere and triggers upper-level Rossby wave response. These findings provide a further understanding of the complex interaction between the oceanic front in the western boundary current regions and extratropical weather systems and the associated dynamics behind them.
A multicentre survey on the perception of palliative care among health professionals working in haematology
Authors: Di Lorenzo Sara , Mozzi Lisa , Salmaso Flavia , Silvagni Claudia , Soffientini Silvia , Valenti Vanessa , Zagonel Vittorina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with haematologic malignancies have less access to palliative care and are referred later than patients with solid tumours. We developed a survey to investigate this phenomenon, with the intention of analysing palliative care perceptions among health professionals who treat haematology patients and identifying barriers and facilitators to referrals to palliative care services.

Methods
This was a multicentre exploratory descriptive web-based survey. A questionnaire was administered to 320 medical and nursing staff members from five Italian haematological units and San Marino’s hospital to investigate their perception of palliative care. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results
A total of 142/320 healthcare professionals completed the survey, achieving a 44% response rate. Most of the respondents supported the integration of haematology and palliative care and were aware of the role of palliative care. Despite this, only half had an in-hospital palliative care team, and only a few had previously attended a specific training course. The majority agreed with palliative care referral when the prognosis was less than 3 months or when the symptoms were incoercible and with blood transfusions even in the last stages of the disease. Many considered the presence of an in-hospital palliative care team or a case manager, as well as structured palliative care training, as fundamental facilitators of palliative care referrals.

Conclusion
These results showed that healthcare professionals in haematology generally hold a favourable attitude and a high interest in integrating palliative care into their patients’ care. The low referral rate could depend on clinical, cultural, and organisational issues.
The Toarcian Posidonia Shale at Salem (North Alpine Foreland Basin; South Germany): hydrocarbon potential and paleogeography
Authors: Ajuaba Stephen , Sachsenhofer Reinhard F. , Galasso Francesca , Garlichs Thorsten U. , Gross Doris , Schneebeli-Hermann Elke , Misch David , Oriabure Jonathan E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Posidonia Shale in the basement of the North Alpine Foreland Basin of southwestern Germany represents an important archive for environmental changes during the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event and the associated carbon isotope excursion (T-CIE). It is also an important hydrocarbon source rock. In the Salem borehole, the Posidonia Shale is ~ 10 m thick. The lower 7.5 m (1763.5–1756.0 m) of the Posidonian Shale and the uppermost part of the underlying Amaltheenton Formation were cored and studied using a total of 62 samples. Rock–Eval, palynological, maceral, biomarker and carbon isotope data were collected to assess variations in environmental conditions and to quantify the source rock potential. In contrast to most other Toarcian sections in southwest Germany, TOC contents are high in sediments deposited during the T-CIE, but reach a peak in post-CIE sediments. Biomarker ratios suggest that this reflects strong oxygen-depletion during the T-CIE (elegantulum to lower elegans subzones), but also during the falciferum Subzone, which is also reflected by a prolonged dinoflagellate cyst blackout. While sediments of the tenuicostatum Zone to the elegans Subzone are thinner than in neighbouring sections (e.g., Dotternhausen), sediments of the falciferum Subzone are unusually thick, suggesting that increased subsidence might have contributed to anoxia. The T-CIE interval is very thin (0.75 m). δ13C values of n-alkanes show that the maximum negative isotope shift predates the strongest basin restriction during the T-CIE and that the carbon isotope shift is recorded earlier for aquatic than for terrigenous organisms. In Salem, the Posidonia Shale is thermally mature and highly oil-prone. The residual source petroleum potential is about 0.8 tHC/m2.
Graphical Abstract
Three-year follow-up analysis of the short-stitch versus long-stitch technique for elective midline abdominal closure randomized-controlled (ESTOIH) trial
Authors: Fortelny R. H. , Hofmann A. , Baumann P. , Riedl S. , Kewer J. L. , Hoelderle J. , Shamiyeh A. , Klugsberger B. , Maier T. D. , Schumacher G. , Köckerling F. , Pession Ursula , Schirren M. , Albertsmeier M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Clinical trials have shown reduced incisional hernia rates 1 year after elective median laparotomy closure using a short-stitch technique. With hernia development continuing beyond the first postoperative year, we aimed to compare incisional hernias 3 years after midline closure using short or long stitches in patients from the ESTOIH trial.

Methods
The ESTOIH trial was a prospective, multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized-controlled study of primary elective midline closure. Patients were randomized to fascia closure using a short- or long-stitch technique with a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate-based suture. A predefined 3-year follow-up analysis was performed with the radiological imaging-verified incisional hernia rate as the primary endpoint.

Results
The 3-year intention-to-treat follow-up cohort consisted of 414 patients (210 short-stitch and 204 long-stitch technique) for analysis. Compared with 1 year postoperatively, incisional hernias increased from 4.83% (20/414 patients) to 9.02% (36/399 patients, p = 0.0183). The difference between the treatment groups at 3 years (short vs. long stitches, 15/198 patients (7.58%) vs. 21/201 (10.45%)) was not significant (OR, 1.4233; 95% CI [0.7112–2.8485]; p = 0.31).

Conclusion
Hernia rates increased significantly between one and 3 years postoperatively. The short-stitch technique using a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate-based suture is safe in the long term, while no significant advantage was found at 3 years postoperatively compared with the standard long-stitch technique.

Trial registry
NCT01965249, registered on 18 October 2013.
A four-cohort study testing the relative impact of take-home and in-class examination on students’ academic performance and wellbeing
Authors: Spiegel Tali , Nivette Amy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe current study examines the relative impact of take home (open book) examinations (THE) and in class (closed book) examinations (ICE) on student academic performance and wellbeing outcomes. Specifically, this study contributes to our understanding about students’ long-term knowledge retention, measured four to six months after completing the course. A unique longitudinal dataset consisting of four cohorts of a social science bachelor and master course that implemented either a THE or ICE in successive years was used. Survey data included wellbeing and academic performance measures as well as a 10-item knowledge retention quiz. Within the master course, the ICE cohort had higher examination grades and higher knowledge retention scores than the cohorts that completed a THE. In the bachelor course, there were no differences in knowledge retention across cohorts. Examination score was associated with higher knowledge retention scores across both courses. One bachelor cohort reported lower wellbeing compared to others (cohort 2021–2022); however, we found no further differences in academic or wellbeing outcomes based on examination form. The findings suggest a slight advantage of ICEs over THEs with regard to academic performance.
Health-related resources and social support as enablers of digital device use among older Finns
Authors: Eronen Johanna , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aim
Older adults show considerable diversity in their use of digital devices, e.g., computers, tablets, and smart phones: some are non-users, some are learning to use them, and some use them fluently. The factors contributing to older adults’ digital device use are likely to differ between learners and fluent users. This paper examines whether different socioeconomic and health-related factors are associated with different levels of digital device use among older Finnish men and women.

Subject and methods
Data from 750 community-dwelling men and women were collected with face-to-face interviews and postal questionnaires and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results
Younger age, presence of social support, and being partnered were associated with being a learner in digital device use, and higher education, a higher occupational status in working age, and higher health literacy were associated with being a fluent digital device user. Poor self-rated health was negatively associated with being a fluent user.

Conclusions
Fluent digital device users have personal resources, such as higher education, good health, and high health literacy, that contribute to their digital skills. Social resources are important enablers for those learning to use digital devices.
Reduced disclosure and default risk: analysis of smaller reporting companies
Authors: Yin Shiyan , Yao Kai , Chevapatrakul Thanaset , Huang Rong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe examine the causal effect of reduced disclosure levels on the risk of default. Employing regression discontinuity (RD) design as our main identification strategy and the smaller reporting company rule (SRC rule) as the exogenous source of variation, we show that smaller reporting companies (SRCs), which are permitted to provide scaled disclosures in their 10-Ks, experience significantly and economically higher default risk. We demonstrate that, while there is no effect of information loss if a smaller reporting company voluntarily maintains its disclosure level by continuing to report its financial performance in full, there is an increase in its default risk due to the loss of commitment to mandatory disclosure. We also find that, compared to previously qualified SRCs, newly qualified smaller reporting companies face steeper increases in bankruptcy risk during their first year of eligibility. Our analysis indicates that strong external oversight mechanisms, better corporate governance, and credible audit quality attenuate the negative impact of reduced disclosure levels on the risk of default. Our results are robust to alternative model specifications, RD design assumptions, and measures of default risk.