bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Al‐doped and Fe–doped ZnO nanoparticles as UV filters in sunscreens
Authors: Le Nhu Quyen Huynh , Ngoc Tram Anh Nguyen , Nguyen Ngoc Quynh Hoa , Nguyen Ngoc Bich , Le Tien Khoa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this work, Al‐doped ZnO and Fe‐doped ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized through the coprecipitation‐annealing method to create new and safer UV filters for sunscreen. The effects of metal doping on phase composition, crystal structure, surface morphology, specific surface area, and elemental composition were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field emission electron scanning microscopy, nitrogen adsorption‐desorption experiments and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, respectively. The optical properties and photocatalytic activity of prepared powders were studied through UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV radiation. According to the experimental results, Al or Fe‐doped ZnO nanoparticles showed better UV absorption but significantly lower photocatalytic activity than the undoped ZnO sample, which enables the metal doped ZnO samples to become more effective and safer UV filter in sunscreen. The decline of photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the bulk defects caused by the insertion of Al3+ or Fe3+ ions in ZnO lattice. In particular, the sunscreen formulations using the metal doped ZnO nanoparticles display high SPF values and diverse colors changing from ivory to yellow‐brown, preventing leaving white cast on the skin, which is very suitable as sunscreen for people of color.
Extraction of microcrystalline cellulose from cotton fiber, and application to block natural rubber as reinforcing agent
Authors: An Nguyen Ngoc , Le Chi Pham Thi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCrosslinked natural rubber (NR)/microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composite was prepared by dry mixing of NR with MCC extracted from cotton fiber. MCC was first extracted from cotton fiber by acid hydrolysis processing, then applied to block natural rubber as a reinforcement. MCC grafted maleic anhydride (MA) was also synthesized and applied to the composites to improve the compatibility between natural rubber and cellulose. Obtained cellulose samples were subjected to infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the purity of cellulose structure and the presence of MA grafted on MCC chains. X‐ray spectroscopy (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were investigated as well to see if there was any important change after modification. NR containing microcrystalline cellulose was formulated with vulcanizing agents and microcrystalline cellulose grafted MA for characterization. Micro‐scale dispersion of microcrystalline cellulose was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MCC showed positive contributions to tensile strength and thermal properties of composites as well. Mechanical properties of vulcanized rubber containing microcrystalline cellulose grafted MA gave a slightly better value compared to the reference sample without adding of the compatible agent. The presence of reinforcements helped NR composites to reduce solvent uptake, however there was no change in tensile strength after aging test.
Patient‐reported outcomes in inguinal hernia surgery—Results from the GENESIS study: A multinational multicenter study
Authors: Baig Sarfaraz , Sheth Harsh , Viswanath Nakul Gokhare , Madhok Brijesh ,   GENESIS Collaborative Group
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic groin pain following inguinal hernia repair can be troublesome. The current literature is limited, especially from Asia and Africa. We aimed to evaluate patient‐reported outcomes using the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) following inguinal hernia repair at an international level, especially to include patients from Asia and Africa.MethodsAn international cohort of surgeons was invited to collaborate and collect data of consecutive adult patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair. The data were collected to allow at least 2 years of follow‐up. A total score for CCS was calculated and compared for the following groups—patient age <30 years versus (vs.) > 30 years; open versus laparoscopic repair, emergency versus elective surgery, and unilateral versus bilateral hernia repair. The CCS scores between Asia, Africa, and Europe were also compared.ResultsThe mean total CCS score of patients operated in Asia (n = 891), Europe (n = 853), and Africa (n = 157) were 7.32, 14.6, and 19.79, respectively. The total CCS score was significantly higher following open repair, emergency repair, and unilateral repair, with surgical site infections (SSI) and recurrence. In the subgroup analysis, the patients who underwent elective open repair in Europe had higher CCS scores than those in Asia.ConclusionAbout 15% of patients had a CCS score of more than 25 after a minimum follow‐up of 2 years. The factors that influence CCS scores are indication, approach, complications, and geographic location.
Calcifications in the descending thoracic aorta predict postoperative anastomotic leakages after esophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Tiainen Emma , Wirta Erkki‐Ville , Tyrväinen Tuula , Kuorilehto Tommi , Toikkanen Vesa , Laukkarinen Johanna , Ukkonen Mika 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications of esophagectomy. Previous studies have suggested a potential link between aortic calcifications detected on routine preoperative CT scans and increased risk of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. This study aims to investigate whether clinicians' assessment of aortic calcifications can predict the occurrence of anastomotic leaks in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer.MethodsA long‐term follow‐up was conducted on consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent elective open esophagectomy at a Finnish tertiary hospital. Aortic calcifications were evaluated based on CT scans and categorized on a 0–3 scale reflecting the number of calcifications in the affected segment of the aorta. Reviewers assessing the calcifications were blinded to clinical details and postoperative outcomes.ResultsThe study included 97 patients (median age: 64 years and range: 43–78; 20% female), with a median follow‐up time of 1307 (2–1540) days. Among them, 22 patients (23%) had postoperative anastomotic leak. We observed a significant association between calcifications in the descending aorta and a higher risk of anastomotic leak (p = 0.007), as well as an earlier occurrence of leak postoperatively (p = 0.013). However, there was no association between aortic calcifications and increased mortality.ConclusionsPresence of calcifications in the descending aorta is independently associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy for cancer. Identifying patients at higher risk for this complication could facilitate appropriate pre‐ and postoperative interventions, as well as enable earlier diagnosis and treatment to mitigate the severity of the complication.
Electromagnetic entrapment in gravity
Authors: Heidmann Pierre , Mehta Madhur 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We derive specific properties of electromagnetism when gravitational effects are not negligible and analyze their impact on new physics at the horizons of black holes. We show that a neutral configuration of charges in a region of high redshift, characterized by a large gtt, produces a highly localized electromagnetic field that vanishes just beyond that region. This phenomenon implies the existence of extensive families of spacetime structures generated by electromagnetic degrees of freedom that are as compact as black holes. We construct neutral bound states of extremal black holes in four dimensions and in five dimensions, where one direction is compact. These geometries are indistinguishable from a neutral black hole, referred to as distorted Schwarzschild, except in an infinitesimal region near its horizon where the entrapped electromagnetic structures start to manifest. The five-dimensional solutions satisfy various criteria for describing black hole microstructure: they increase in size with the Newton constant, are as compact as the Schwarzschild black hole, and have an entropy that scales like M2.
Tierschutz first? Wie wichtig sind unterschiedliche Nachhaltigkeitsaspekte in der Nutztierhaltung: Ein systematischer Vergleich
Authors: Schütz Aurelia , Faletar Ivica , Sonntag Winnie Isabel , Christoph-Schulz Inken , Spiller Achim 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDie landwirtschaftliche Nutztierhaltung steht seit Jahren in der öffentlichen Kritik. Insbesondere die vorherrschenden intensiven Haltungsbedingungen werden von weiten Teilen der Gesellschaft kritisiert und sind auch aus tierwissenschaftlicher Sicht stark verbesserungsbedürftig. Mittlerweile ist aber auch hinreichend bekannt, dass die landwirtschaftliche Nutztierhaltung nicht nur negative Auswirkungen auf das Tierwohl, sondern auch auf Umwelt, Klima oder die menschliche Gesundheit hat. Vor diesem Hintergrund ergeben sich unterschiedliche Zielkonflikte, die eine nachhaltige und zukunftsorientierte Transformation des Sektors erschweren. Gerade die Verbesserung des Tierwohls stellt eine komplexe Aufgabe dar, bei der mögliche Zielkonflikte auch aus gesellschaftlicher Sicht identifiziert und bewertet werden müssen, um dem zunehmenden Akzeptanzverlust entgegenzuwirken. Daher hat die vorliegende Studie in einer Online-Befragung mit Hilfe der Methoden des Best-Worst Scaling (BWS) und Rankings untersucht, wie wichtig den Menschen in Deutschland verschiedene relevante Aspekte in der Nutztierhaltung im Konfliktfall sind. Dabei wurde nicht nur die Bewertung von Aspekten verschiedener Zielkategorien wie Tier-, Umwelt- und Klimaschutz oder menschliche Gesundheit betrachtet, sondern auch einzelne Teilaspekte innerhalb des Tierschutzes bzw. Tierwohls für Mastschweine, Milchkühe, Masthähnchen und Legehennen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Befragten unabhängig von der Tierart oder der verwendeten Methode dem Tierschutz und der menschlichen Gesundheit eine höhere Priorität einräumen als anderen Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten und insbesondere Produkteigenschaften. Hinsichtlich des Tierwohls wurden bei allen Tierarten die Aspekte gute Haltungsbedingungen, gute Versorgung mit Futter und Wasser und gute Tiergesundheit am höchsten gewichtet. Die Ergebnisse leisten einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Entwicklung politischer Rahmenbedingungen, die auf eine nachhaltige und gesellschaftlich akzeptierte Transformation der derzeitigen landwirtschaftlichen Nutztierhaltung abzielen.
Ausgewählte Sichtweisen von Landwirtinnen und Landwirten auf die Nutztierhaltung in Deutschland
Authors: Schmitz Laura , Kemnade Miriam , Mergenthaler Marcus 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Wahrnehmung der Nutztierhaltung von landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben wird, basierend auf verschiedene Studien, durch unterschiedliche Faktoren beeinflusst. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wurden die Sichtweisen der Tierhaltenden auf die landwirtschaftliche Tierhaltung und das Tierwohl anhand von Befragungsdaten untersucht. Es zeigte sich, dass sich die Tierhaltenden selbst in der größten Verantwortung sehen, für das Tierwohl zu sorgen, wofür sie sich stabile politische Rahmenbedingungen und die Unterstützung der Gesellschaft wünschen. Ferner wurde die ökologische Tierhaltung (außer bei Milchvieh- und Mutterkuhhaltung) besser bewertet als unter konventionelle Bedingungen. Die als am wichtigsten empfundenen Aspekte für das Tierwohl variieren tierart- und managementspezifisch. Das verwendete Befragungsdesign kann als Ansatz für ein langfristiges Monitoring-Tool zur Erfassung der Situation in der tierhaltenden Landwirtschaft dienen.
Vascular ATGL-dependent lipolysis and the activation of cPLA2–PGI2 pathway protect against postprandial endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Sternak M. , Stojak M. , Banasik T. , Kij A. , Bar A. , Pacia M. Z. , Wojnar-Lason K. , Chorazy N. , Mohaissen T. , Marczyk B. , Czyzynska-Cichon I. , Berkimbayeva Z. , Mika A. , Chlopicki S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is involved in lipolysis and displays a detrimental pathophysiological role in cardio-metabolic diseases. However, the organo-protective effects of ATGL-induced lipolysis were also suggested. The aim of this work was to characterize the function of lipid droplets (LDs) and ATGL-induced lipolysis in the regulation of endothelial function. ATGL-dependent LDs hydrolysis and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)-derived eicosanoids production were studied in the aorta, endothelial and smooth muscle cells exposed to exogenous oleic acid (OA) or arachidonic acid (AA). Functional effects of ATGL-dependent lipolysis and subsequent activation of cPLA2/PGI2 pathway were also studied in vivo in relation to postprandial endothelial dysfunction.The formation of LDs was invariably associated with elevated production of endogenous AA-derived prostacyclin (PGI2). In the presence of the inhibitor of ATGL or the inhibitor of cytosolic phospholipase A2, the production of eicosanoids was reduced, with a concomitant increase in the number of LDs. OA administration impaired endothelial barrier integrity in vitro that was further impaired if OA was given together with ATGL inhibitor. Importantly, in vivo, olive oil induced postprandial endothelial dysfunction that was significantly deteriorated by ATGL inhibition, cPLA2 inhibition or by prostacyclin (IP) receptor blockade.In summary, vascular LDs formation induced by exogenous AA or OA was associated with ATGL- and cPLA2-dependent PGI2 production from endogenous AA. The inhibition of ATGL resulted in an impairment of endothelial barrier function in vitro. The inhibition of ATGL-cPLA2-PGI2 dependent pathway resulted in the deterioration of endothelial function upon exposure to olive oil in vivo. In conclusion, vascular ATGL-cPLA2-PGI2 dependent pathway activated by lipid overload and linked to LDs formation in endothelium and smooth muscle cells has a vasoprotective role by counterbalancing detrimental effects of lipid overload on endothelial function.
Through hole-cutting conic posture optimization for a redundant 3D laser cutting machine
Authors: Ding Zhipeng , Soccio Pietro , Indri Marina , Rizzo Alessandro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractProductively reducing the time required to cut numerous through holes in automotive workpieces is crucial for enhancing parts manufacturing in the 3D laser cutting process. However, the conventional cutting strategy, in which the laser beam maintains a stationary posture along the hole path, lacks flexibility and fails to effectively leverage processing tolerances. In this study, we conduct a thorough analysis of the kinematics of a six-axis redundant laser cutting machine and resolve through a decoupling method with singularity management. We propose an innovative conic posture cutting strategy for 3D laser hole-cutting with thin materials. This approach adopts the geometry of a cone as the posture while cutting the hole path. In order to obtain the optimal vertex of the cone while minimizing the taper error generated by the conic posture and kinetic energy consumption of the actuators during motion, we formulate a multi-objective optimization problem and solve it using a genetic algorithm. Furthermore, we enhance the optimization by adopting a time minimization approach. Through the implementation of a B-pillar workpiece cutting experiment, we have successfully validated the credibility of our proposed cutting strategy, thereby demonstrating an enhancement of time on 26 hole-cutting paths.
Identifying key factors for predicting O6-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase status in adult patients with diffuse glioma: a multimodal analysis of demographics, radiomics, and MRI by variable Vision Transformer
Authors: Usuzaki Takuma , Takahashi Kengo , Inamori Ryusei , Morishita Yohei , Shizukuishi Takashi , Takagi Hidenobu , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku , Takase Kei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to perform multimodal analysis by vision transformer (vViT) in predicting O6-methylguanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) promoter status among adult patients with diffuse glioma using demographics (sex and age), radiomic features, and MRI.

Methods
The training and test datasets contained 122 patients with 1,570 images and 30 patients with 484 images, respectively. The radiomic features were extracted from enhancing tumors (ET), necrotic tumor cores (NCR), and the peritumoral edematous/infiltrated tissues (ED) using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (CE-T1WI) and T2-weighted images (T2WI). The vViT had 9 sectors; 1 demographic sector, 6 radiomic sectors (CE-T1WI ET, CE-T1WI NCR, CE-T1WI ED, T2WI ET, T2WI NCR, and T2WI ED), 2 image sectors (CE-T1WI, and T2WI). Accuracy and area under the curve of receiver-operating characteristics (AUC-ROC) were calculated for the test dataset. The performance of vViT was compared with AlexNet, GoogleNet, VGG16, and ResNet by McNemar and Delong test. Permutation importance (PI) analysis with the Mann–Whitney U test was performed.

Results
The accuracy was 0.833 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.714–0.877) and the area under the curve of receiver-operating characteristics was 0.840 (0.650–0.995) in the patient-based analysis. The vViT had higher accuracy than VGG16 and ResNet, and had higher AUC-ROC than GoogleNet (p<0.05). The ED radiomic features extracted from the T2-weighted image demonstrated the highest importance (PI=0.239, 95%CI: 0.237–0.240) among all other sectors (p<0.0001).

Conclusion
The vViT is a competent deep learning model in predicting MGMT status. The ED radiomic features of the T2-weighted image demonstrated the most dominant contribution.
Socioeconomic Influences on Outcomes Following Congenital Heart Disease Surgery
Authors: Schneider Kristin , de Loizaga Sarah , Beck Andrew F. , Morales David L. S. , Seo JangDong , Divanovic Allison 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAssociations between social determinants of health (SDOH) and adverse outcomes for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are starting to be recognized; however, such links remain understudied. We examined the relationship between community-level material deprivation on mortality, readmission, and length of stay (LOS) for children undergoing surgery for CHD. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution from 2015 to 2018. A community-level deprivation index (DI), a marker of community material deprivation, was generated to contextualize the lived experience of children with CHD. Generalized mixed-effects models were used to assess links between the DI and outcomes of mortality, readmission, and LOS following cardiac surgery. The DI and components were scaled to provide mean differences for a one standard deviation (SD) increase in deprivation. We identified 1,187 unique patients with surgical admissions. The median LOS was 11 days, with an overall mortality rate of 4.6% and readmission rate of 7.6%. The DI ranged from 0.08 to 0.85 with a mean of 0.37 (SD 0.12). The DI was associated with increased LOS for patients with more complex heart disease (STAT 3, 4, and 5), which persisted after adjusting for factors that could prolong LOS (all p < 0.05). The DI approached but did not meet a significant association with mortality (p = 0.0528); it was not associated with readmission (p = 0.36). Community-level deprivation is associated with increased LOS for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Future work to identify the specific health-related social needs contributing to LOS and identify targets for intervention is needed.
Effectiveness of manual thoracic therapy in treating impingement syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Tedeschi Roberto , Platano Daniela , Melotto Gianluca , Danilo Donati 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Impingement syndrome, a common cause of shoulder pain, often leads to functional limitations. Manual thoracic therapy is frequently employed as a non-surgical intervention, but its efficacy remains debated. This review assesses the impact of manual thoracic therapy on pain reduction and functional improvement in impingement syndrome.

Methods
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was conducted, focusing on studies that applied manual thoracic therapy to patients with impingement syndrome. The primary outcomes were pain reduction and functional improvement. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the PEDro scale, with scores ≥ 6 indicating high quality.

Results
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies demonstrated high methodological quality (PEDro score ≥ 6). Pain reduction was consistent across studies, with an NPRS score reduction of 0.6 to 1.5 points immediately after treatment and up to 3.2 points at follow-up. Functionality improvements were statistically significant in some studies. However, the results showed limited homogeneity, and the majority of studies did not report substantial differences between intervention and placebo groups.

Conclusion
This review suggests that manual thoracic therapy may lead to pain reduction in impingement syndrome, with some evidence of functional improvement. However, the variability in manual therapy techniques and the limitations in research methodologies indicate a need for further controlled studies. These findings underscore the potential of manual therapy as a supplementary treatment but also highlight the necessity for more robust clinical trials to fully ascertain its effectiveness in clinical practice.

Graphic abstract
Borderline personality disorder vs. schizophrenia spectrum disorders in young people recruited within an “Early Intervention in Psychosis” service: clinical and outcome comparisons
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Azzali Silvia , Paulillo Giuseppina , Pupo Simona , Pellegrini Pietro , Gammino Lorenzo , Biancalani Arianna , Menchetti Marco 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is under-recognized in First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) and its psychotic manifestations are difficult to differentiate from Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). The aim of this investigation was to compare clinical, sociodemographic, and outcome characteristics between FEP patients with BPD vs. FEP subjects with SSD both at baseline and across a 2-year follow-up period. Participants completed the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale both at entry and every 12 months during the follow-up. A mixed-design ANOVA model was conducted to investigate the temporal stability of clinical scores within and between the two subgroups. Among 356 FEP participants, 49 had a BPD diagnosis. Compared to FEP/SSD (n = 307), FEP/BPD patients showed higher prevalence of employment, current substance use, and past attempted suicide. They had a lower equivalent dose of antipsychotic medication at entry and lower levels of negative symptoms. Finally, they had a higher 2-year drop-out rate and a significant improvement in psychopathological scores limited to the first year of treatment. BPD as categorical entity represents a FEP subgroup with specific clinical challenges. Appropriate treatment guidelines for this FEP subgroup are thus needed.