bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outpatient superficial partial‐thickness burn care of an elderly patient successfully treated with Eppikajutsuto
Authors: Ishibashi Hiroki , Yoshinaga Ryo , Yamada Tetsuhisa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEppikajutsuto (EPTJ) is used to reduce redundant body fluids and suppress inflammation. We observed that EPTJ shortened the duration of treatment in an elderly patient with burn injuries. A 96‐year‐old man suffered superficial partial‐thickness burns on the dorsum of his right hand and left knee. The injuries showed early improvement with the use of EPTJ. This suggests that EPTJ could contribute to shortening the duration of healing for superficial partial‐thickness burns in elderly patients who may experience slow wound healing and have a high mortality rate. Eppikajutsuto needs to be considered as a treatment for burns in primary care.
Rethinking the consultation paradigm: Validity evidence for a new framework, a multimethods study
Authors: Patell Rushad , Cool Joséphine A. , Merchant Elise , Dodge Laura E. , Ricotta Daniel N. , Persaud Brian , Gomez Larissa K. , Yang Lauren , Trainor Alison , Carney Brian , William Jeffrey , Lecker Stewart , Theodore Miranda , Petri Camille , Horst Douglas , Stein Daniel , Forbath Natalia , Abdul Azim Ahmed , Hale Andrew J. , Freed Jason A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn‐hospital consultation is essential for patient care. We previously proposed a framework of seven specific consultation types to classify consult requests to improve communication, workflow, and provider satisfaction.MethodsThis multimethods study's aim was to evaluate the applicability of the consult classification framework to real internal medicine (IM) consults. We sought validity evidence using Kane's validity model with focus groups and classifying consult requests from five IM specialties. Participants attended five 1 h semi‐structured focus groups that were recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic saturation. For each specialty, three specialists and three hospitalists categorized 100 (total 500) random anonymized consult requests. The primary outcome was concordance in the classification of consult requests, defined as the sum of partial concordance and perfect concordance, where respectively 4–5/6 and 6/6 participants classified a consult in the same category. We used χ2 tests to compare concordance rates across specialties and between specialists and hospitalists.ResultsFive major themes were identified in the qualitative analysis of the focus groups: (1) consult question, (2) interpersonal interactions, (3) value, (4) miscommunication, (5) consult framework application, barriers, and iterative development. In the quantitative analysis, the overall concordance rate was 88.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7–91.4), and perfect concordance was 46.6% (95% CI: 42.2–51.1). Concordance differed significantly between hospitalists and specialists overall (p = .01), with a higher proportion of hospitalists having perfect concordance compared to specialists (67.2% vs. 57.8%, p = .002).ConclusionsThe consult classification framework was found to be applicable to consults from five different IM specialties, and could improve communication and education.
Zinc and silicon fertilizers in conventional and nano‐forms: Mitigating salinity effects in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Shoukat Abbas , Pitann Britta , Hossain Md. Sazzad , Saqib Zulfiqar Ahmad , Nawaz Allah , Mühling Karl Hermann 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundSalinity stress, an escalating concern in the realm of agriculture, significantly hampers crop productivity worldwide. In recent years, nano‐fertilizers have been identified as an innovative and promising avenue for improving nutrient use efficiency and mitigating salt stress in plants.AimsThis study delves into the comparative efficacy of nano‐fertilizers (Zn and Si) and their conventional sources in bolstering maize's resilience against salt stress.MethodsThe hydroponic experiment was conducted to test maize plants under salt stress along with Zn and Si nanoparticles (NPs) application. The analysis extends to their impacts on ionic homeostasis, specifically focusing on potassium and sodium concentrations, K/Na ratio, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and the osmotic potential (OP) within the shoots and roots of maize.ResultsNanoparticles relatively helped plants better under stress, compared to their respective bulk mode of applications. Nano‐Zn treatment considerably boosts the K+ concentration and enhanced K/Na ratio, as a key physiological trait in salt‐resistant species, while nano‐Si demonstrates a prominent role in modulating OP and limiting Na+ accumulation along with higher Zn and Si accumulation in plants. The salt tolerance index confirmed the contribution of these ionic and osmotic adjustments in helping maize plant against salt stress.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that the application of nutrients as nano‐fertilizers, particularly nano‐Zn, enhanced K/Na ratio and improved nutrient availability and uptake of the plant. Si nanoparticles are also attributed to better osmotic adjustment and facilitating water movement, thus highlighting the potential of nano‐fertilizers in improving overall agricultural productivity and related environmental issues.
Shear‐wave elastography for monitoring Fontan‐associated liver disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bolia Rishi , Alremawi Sara , Noble Charlton , Justo Robert , Ward Cameron , Lewindon Peter J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe spectrum of Fontan‐associated liver disease (FALD) varies from abnormal liver function tests to fibrosis and even cirrhosis. In this prospective study, we evaluated the role of shear‐wave elastography (SWE) in predicting the presence of advanced FALD. Forty‐eight patients (30 males, 13.9 [6–21] years) with a Fontan circulation were evaluated at 8.3 (2.1–18.7) years since the Fontan surgery. The median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) value was higher than values in normal children at 15.4 (9.5–38.7) kPa. The LSMs had a weak but significant correlation with age at the time of LSM (r = 0.25, p = 0.01) and duration post‐Fontan surgery (r = 0.31, p = 0.02). It had a poor correlation with the concomitant aspartate transaminase‐to‐platelet ratio index (r = 0.1, p = 0.39). No difference in the elastography values between children with and without ultrasound evidence of advanced liver disease (17.7 [interquartile range, IQR: 4] vs. 16.1 [IQR: 6], p = 0.62] was observed. Further studies are required to determine the precise role of SWE as a noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis in FALD.
Concurrent cecal lipoma and Crohn's disease in a pediatric patient: A conservative approach
Authors: Shargo Ryan A. , Ekblad Morgan , Baran Jessica V. , Brown Jerry M. , Chamizo Wilfredo , Karjoo Sara , Wilsey Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe report the case of a 14‐year‐old patient with a known history of Crohn's disease who was incidentally diagnosed with an asymptomatic cecal lipoma. A routine surveillance colonoscopy as part of the management of the patient's Crohn's Disease revealed a well‐defined, submucosal, yellowish mass in the patient's cecum. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed submucosal adipose tissue, consistent with the endoscopic images showing the characteristic appearance of the lipoma. A computed tomography examination further confirmed the diagnosis. While colonic lipomas are infrequent and typically manifest later in life, few cases report the coexistence of a cecal lipoma with Crohn's disease, particularly in the pediatric population. In this case, managing this dual condition posed a notable challenge. Here, we present the conservative approach to managing a pediatric patient with cecal lipoma and Crohn's disease. The decision to leave the lipoma in situ was based on the absence of symptoms and potential risks associated with surgical removal.
Electrospun PCL‐Based Materials for Health‐Care Applications: An Overview
Authors: Mokhena Teboho Clement , Chabalala Mandla Brian , Mapukata Sivuyisiwe , Mtibe Asanda , Hlekelele Lerato , Cele Zamani , Mochane Mokgaotsa Jonas , Ntsendwana Bulelwa , Nhlapo Toitoi Amos , Mokoena Teboho Patrick , Bambo Mokae Fanuel , Matabola Kgabo Phillemon , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Shingange Katekani 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPolycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the durable polymers with potential in a plethora of healthcare applications. Its biological properties, degradability, chemical properties, and mechanical properties can further be modified to manufacture desired products for modern biomedical applications. Electrospinning of PCL offers the opportunity to design treatment materials that resemble human tissues and facilitate regeneration at the target site. The resultant materials can also be modified by loading other active functional materials to broaden their applications. Herein, the recent advances in the preparation and modification of PCL‐based materials for healthcare applications are elucidated. The challenges and future trends for its application in modern biomedical applications are also outlined.
Preparation of Short Collagen Nanofibers for Injectable Hydrogels: Comparative Assessment of Fragmentation Methods, Physicomechanical Properties, and Biocompatibility
Authors: Karimizade Ayoob , Mellati Amir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCollagen nanofibers can be employed in hydrogels to create injectable nanocomposite hydrogels, mimicking the fibrous architecture of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). As long continuous electrospun collagen nanofibers are not applicable, fragmentation is inevitable to obtain injectable hydrogels with a fine viscosity. Here, four methods: hand grinding (HG), homogenizer (HM), mixer milling (MM), and ultrasonication (UH) are used to disintegrate and shorten collagen nanofiber mats before incorporation into an injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel as a matrix. The Length‐to‐diameter (L/d) ratio and morphology of fragmented collagen are compared by SEM. The injection force, mechanical properties, and cell viability of the selected collagen‐incorporated hydrogels are also evaluated. UH emerges as the most effective method, yielding the highest L/d ratio of 46 and a notable compressive modulus of 8.7 ± 0.92 kPa. Assessment of the in vitro cell viability of the encapsulated chondrocytes in the collagen‐incorporated hydrogels demonstrates good biocompatibility, and hydrogels containing UH short nanofiber, in particular, show an increase in cell proliferation. This work indicates how collagen mats can be effectively broken down and combined with injectable hydrogels to enhance both their mechanical behavior and biocompatibility.
Quasi‐Chromophores Segregated by Single‐Chain Nanoparticles of Fluorinated Zwitterionic Random Copolymers Showing Remarkably Enhanced Fluorescence Emission Capable of Fluorescent Cell Imaging
Authors: Zeng Yongming , Xu Tianchi , Chen Weizhi , Fang Jianglin , Chen Dongzhong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOrganic and polymer fluorescent nanomaterials are a frontier research focus. Here in this work, a series of fluorinated zwitterionic random copolymers end‐attached with a quasi‐chromophoric group of pyrene or tetraphenylethylene (TPE) are well synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization with activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET ATRP). Those random copolymers with total degree of polymerization 100 or 200 are able to produce fluorescent single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) through intra‐chain self‐folding assembly with quite uniform diameters in the range of 10–20 nm as characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. By virtue of the segregation or confinement effect, both SCNPs functionalized with pyrene or TPE group are capable of emitting fluorescence, with pyrene tethered SCNPs exhibiting stronger fluorescence emission reaching the highest quantum yield ≈20%. Moreover, such kind of fluorescent SCNPs manifest low cytotoxicity and good cell imaging performance for Hela cells. The creation of fluorescent SCNPs through covalently attached one quasi‐chromophore to the end of one fluorinated zwitterionic random copolymer provides an alternative strategy for preparing polymeric luminescence nanomaterials, promisingly serving as a new type of fluorescent nanoprobes for biological imaging applications.
Advancing systemic disease diagnosis through ophthalmic image‐based artificial intelligence
Authors: Miao Hanpei , Zou Zixing , Xu Jie , Gao Yuanxu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe eye serves as a unique window into systemic health, offering clinicians a valuable opportunity for early detection and targeted treatment. Against this backdrop, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and ophthalmic imaging are converging to pave the way for more precise and predictive diagnostics. This review aims to elucidate the transformative role of AI in utilizing ophthalmic imaging for the detection and prediction of systemic diseases. We begin by introducing the advantages of the eye as a valuable tool for detecting systemic diseases. We also provide an overview of various ophthalmic imaging techniques that have proven useful in predicting systemic ailments. Then, we summarize two research patterns for analyzing ocular data, followed by the introduction of current AI applications using ophthalmic images that significantly increase diagnostic precision. Despite the promise, challenges such as data heterogeneity and model interpretability persist, which are also covered in this review. We conclude by discussing future directions and the immense potential these AI‐enabled approaches hold for revolutionizing healthcare. As AI technologies advance, their potential integration with ophthalmic imaging offers promising avenues for improving the diagnosis, prediction, and management of various systemic diseases, thereby contributing to the evolving landscape of integrated healthcare.
A comprehensive lung CT landmark pair dataset for evaluating deformable image registration algorithms
Authors: Criscuolo Edward R. , Fu Yabo , Hao Yao , Zhang Zhendong , Yang Deshan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeDeformable image registration (DIR) is a key enabling technology in many diagnostic and therapeutic tasks, but often does not meet the required robustness and accuracy for supporting clinical tasks. This is in large part due to a lack of high‐quality benchmark datasets by which new DIR algorithms can be evaluated. Our team was supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering to develop DIR benchmark dataset libraries for multiple anatomical sites, comprising of large numbers of highly accurate landmark pairs on matching blood vessel bifurcations. Here we introduce our lung CT DIR benchmark dataset library, which was developed to improve upon the number and distribution of landmark pairs in current public lung CT benchmark datasets.Acquisition and Validation MethodsThirty CT image pairs were acquired from several publicly available repositories as well as authors’ institution with IRB approval. The data processing workflow included multiple steps: (1) The images were denoised. (2) Lungs, airways, and blood vessels were automatically segmented. (3) Bifurcations were directly detected on the skeleton of the segmented vessel tree. (4) Falsely identified bifurcations were filtered out using manually defined rules. (5) A DIR was used to project landmarks detected on the first image onto the second image of the image pair to form landmark pairs. (6) Landmark pairs were manually verified. This workflow resulted in an average of 1262 landmark pairs per image pair. Estimates of the landmark pair target registration error (TRE) using digital phantoms were 0.4 mm ± 0.3 mm.Data Format and Usage NotesThe data is published in Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8200423. Instructions for use can be found at https://github.com/deshanyang/Lung‐DIR‐QA.Potential ApplicationsThe dataset library generated in this work is the largest of its kind to date and will provide researchers with a new and improved set of ground truth benchmarks for quantitatively validating DIR algorithms within the lung.
Phase‐field model for ductile fracture in the stress resultant geometrically exact shell
Authors: Ma Ran , Sun WaiChing , Guo Tong 
Published: March 2024

SummaryWe present a phase‐field fracture model for a stress resultant geometrically exact shell in finite deformation regime where the configuration manifold evolves according to deformation and fracture. The Reissner–Mindlin shell problem is first solved via the finite element method, where the independent unknown fields are the displacement and director. The phase‐field ductile fracture model is then coupled with the verified geometrically exact shell by enriching the three‐field elasto‐plastic free energy with a regularized crack surface energy. To capture the geometrical nonlinearity due to the large plastic deformation exhibited in the processing zone, the corresponding finite‐strain stress resultant elasto‐plasticity model is coupled with the phase field model. This coupling between the stress resultant elasto‐plasticity model and the phase‐field fracture model enables us to predict the different amounts of energy dissipation attributed to plastic deformation and fracture and hence simulate the crack propagation in the ductile regime properly. We introduce a mixed finite element model with displacement, director, and phase‐field order parameters as the nodal degree of freedoms formulated on the mid‐surface. An energy‐based arc‐length method is generalized to track the equilibrium path and mitigate instabilities arising from material nonlinearity. Four numerical examples are presented to validate the implementation of the model and demonstrate its capability to simulate ductile fracture in shell structures. These examples include a plane‐stress tension/shear fracture model, the Muscat‐Fenech and Atkins plate, axial tension of a notched cylindrical shell, and ductile fracture of a simply supported plate under uniform pressure.
Optimization and performance evaluation of a fluorescent sensor for residual sulfonamide antibiotics in honey samples
Authors: Cao Lingling , Ying Haiqin , Zhang Baolin , Cao Yang , Li Sumin , Huang Weihong , Yang Wenming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the quest to address the mounting concerns over sulfonamide antibiotic residues in food, which pose significant threats to public health and food safety, this study introduces a cutting‐edge detection method. Surface molecular imprinting on silicon nanoparticles is harnessed to fabricate a novel fluorescent sensor that exploits the luminescent properties of cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots. This innovative approach aims to detect residual sulfonamide antibiotics with high specificity and sensitivity. At the heart of this research is the development of a core‐shell nanostructure, where silicon dioxide serves as the core, and a molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) layer, tailored to recognize sulfamethazine (SM2), forms the shell. The pivotal advancement in this sensor design is the integration of highly fluorescent CdTe quantum dots within the MIPs layer, which significantly enhances the signal response, enabling the detection of SM2 with remarkable precision. The synthesis of this sensor employs a novel strategy, utilizing 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane as the functional monomer, while tetraethyl orthosilicate and ammonium hydroxide act as catalysts to facilitate the polymerization reaction. This meticulous process yields a stable core‐shell structure with active fluorescent properties. Experimental results reveal that under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibits a robust linear response to SM2 concentrations ranging from 10 to 60 μmol L−1, with a detection limit as low as 0.78 μmol L−1. Furthermore, when applied to real food samples, such as honey, the sensor not only demonstrates high recovery rates of 92.3%–98.1%, but also maintains a low relative standard deviation of less than 2.5%. The implications of this study are far‐reaching, offering a promising avenue for the rapid and reliable monitoring of antibiotic residues in the food supply chain, thereby safeguarding consumer health and upholding food safety standards.
Effects of carbon‐based nanoparticles on the properties of poly(lactic acid) hybrid composites containing basalt fibers and carbon‐based nanoparticles processed by injection molding
Authors: Juhász Zsolt , Pinke Balázs , Gonda Bence , Mészáros László 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we developed composites with a poly(lactic acid) matrix and reinforced with basalt fiber, carbon‐based nanoparticles (carbon nanotube [CNT] and expanded graphene [GNP]), and both basalt fiber and nanoparticles (hybrid composites). The composites were produced by extrusion, and then tensile specimens were injection molded from the composites. The hybrid composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The reinforcing materials increased crystallinity; this was more pronounced for hybrid composites. We experienced significant increase in the glass transition temperature, which proves the better interaction between the reinforcing and the matrix phases. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed that the nanoparticles increased the storage modulus both alone and in combination with basalt fibers. Furthermore, the basalt fiber‐reinforced composites and hybrids exhibited significant modulus above the glass transition temperature. Based on scanning electron microscopy images of the fracture surfaces, we concluded that adding basalt fibers during compounding resulted in better dispersion of the nanoparticles.Highlights
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) reinforced with basalt fiber has good strength properties.
Graphene hybrid exhibits notable tensile modulus improvement in hybrids.
Graphene and carbon nanotubes are crystalline nucleating agents for PLA.
Enhanced nanoparticle distribution was discovered for hybrid composites.
The glass transition temperature of PLA increases with reinforcement.
Light quality‐dependent roles of REVEILLE proteins in the circadian system
Authors: Hughes Cassandra L. , An Yuyan , Maloof Julin N. , Harmer Stacey L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSeveral closely related Myb‐like activator proteins are known to have partially redundant functions within the plant circadian clock, but their specific roles are not well understood. To clarify the function of the REVEILLE 4, REVEILLE 6, and REVEILLE 8 transcriptional activators, we characterized the growth and clock phenotypes of CRISPR‐Cas9‐generated single, double, and triple rve mutants. We found that these genes act synergistically to regulate flowering time, redundantly to regulate leaf growth, and antagonistically to regulate hypocotyl elongation. We previously reported that increasing intensities of monochromatic blue and red light have opposite effects on the period of triple rve468 mutants. Here, we further examined light quality‐specific phenotypes of rve mutants and report that rve468 mutants lack the blue light‐specific increase in expression of some circadian clock genes observed in wild type. To investigate the basis of these blue light‐specific circadian phenotypes, we examined RVE protein abundances and degradation rates in blue and red light and found no significant differences between these conditions. We next examined genetic interactions between RVE genes and ZEITLUPE and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5, two factors with blue light‐specific functions in the clock. We found that the RVEs interact additively with both ZEITLUPE and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 to regulate circadian period, which suggests that neither of these factors are required for the blue light‐specific differences that we observed. Overall, our results suggest that the RVEs have separable functions in plant growth and circadian regulation and that they are involved in blue light‐specific circadian signaling via a novel mechanism.