bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laryngeal Hyposensitivity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Callander Jacquelyn K. , Kandahari Nazineen , Strohl Madeleine P. , Cheung Steven W. , Chang Jolie L. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionImpaired laryngopharyngeal sensation has been implicated in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and may play an important pathophysiological role. We evaluated sensory function in OSA by examining the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) response rate and temporal profile to tactile stimulation.MethodsLaryngeal sensation testing was performed in awake adults with and without diagnosed OSA by stimulating the medial aryepiglottic fold or arytenoid using 30‐mm 5–0 and 4–0 nylon Cheung‐Bearelly monofilaments. Video analysis by two independent reviewers evaluated for the presence of the LAR in response to satisfactory stimuli and LAR latency to vocal fold adduction.ResultsTwenty‐six OSA and 12 control subjects were tested with 270 satisfactory stimuli. The mean full LAR response rate to 4–0 stimulation was 38.3% in OSA vs 86.9% in control subjects (p <0.001) and to 5–0 stimulation was 27% in OSA vs 63.9% in control subjects (p  <0.001). The mean LAR latency to vocal fold closure in OSA was 123.7 ms (SD 35.8) vs 156.4 ms (SD 44.3) in control (p = 0.04) subjects. OSA LAR latency was positively correlated with the apnea‐hypopnea index (r = 0.30; p = 0.008).ConclusionThe OSA group exhibited reduced LAR response rates and shortened LAR latency, where latency was correlated with disease severity. Laryngeal hyposensitivity was affirmed and changes to LAR sensorimotor temporal dynamics were revealed. These pathophysiological alterations to the LAR may be accounted for by decreased somatosensory receptor sensitivity, increased sympathetic tone, and reorganized brain stem function in OSA.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:3856–3861, 2024
Phase II Trial of the Impact 0.5% Povidone‐Iodine Nasal Spray (Nasodine®) on Shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Friedland Peter L. , Tucker Simon 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveA Phase II trial was conducted to determine if nasal disinfection with a commercial Good Manufacturing Practice‐manufactured 0.5% povidone‐iodine nasal spray (Nasodine®) may be a useful adjunct in the management of COVID‐19 by reducing viral shedding and prevention of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2. The aim was to confirm the results from a human single‐dose pilot study by assessing repeated and frequent doses on nasal shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 from adult subjects with confirmed COVID‐19.MethodsA multicenter, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled Phase II clinical trial involving adults with early COVID‐19 symptoms. Baseline nasal swabs were collected to quantify pretreatment SARS‐CoV‐2 nasal viral load, followed by Nasodine treatment eight times daily over 3 calendar days. Daily nasal swabs were collected post‐dose to assess the impact of treatment on nasal viral load, measured by log10 TCID50 in quantitative culture.ResultsNasodine subjects exhibited significantly improved reduction in viral load (log10 TCID50) on Days 2–4 compared to placebo recipients (p = 0.028), rate of nasal clearance of viable virus (p = 0.032), and complete (100%) nasal and throat clearance of the virus by Day 5. No difference was seen in antigen shedding as measured by time transition from Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) positivity to RAT negativity.ConclusionA total of 20 doses of Nasodine® nasal spray administered over 2.5 days significantly reduced the titers of viable SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in the nasal passages of COVID‐19 subjects. This is the first study demonstrating the efficacy of a tolerable intranasal formulation of povidone‐iodine on viral shedding in COVID‐19 subjects. Nasal disinfection may diminish viral transmission to others.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 134:3947–3952, 2024
Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Chronic Rhinosinusitis Management
Authors: Herrera Kevin , Parikh Miti , Vemula Sahiti , Hur Kevin 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) impacts health care resource utilization in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in older women.MethodsUsing the TriNetX US health record database, women 55 years or older with a diagnosis of CRS were included and followed for 3 years. The cohort was stratified into two groups: women who received HRT at the beginning of the study were compared to women who did not receive HRT. The groups were matched by age, race, ethnicity, history of asthma, and history of nasal polyps. Outcomes included whether the patient underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and frequency of antibiotic use. Measures of association, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and cohort descriptive statistics were calculated.ResultsOf the 65,400 women included, the mean age was 66.9 years. 27.0% and 3.6% of patients had a history of asthma or nasal polyps, respectively. Overall, 2.0% of CRS patients underwent ESS, with the HRT group less likely to undergo ESS [OR: 0.28; 95% CI: (0.25–0.32)] compared to patients who did not receive HRT. When stratified by polyp status, HRT patients with nasal polyps had a greater decrease in ESS rates compared to control than HRT patients without nasal polyps. The HRT group had a higher mean number of antibiotic prescriptions compared to the non‐HRT group.ConclusionHRT is associated with decreased utilization of ESS to treat CRS, with a greater effect size for ESS among CRSwNP patients. However, HRT was associated with higher antibiotic utilization.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:3921–3926, 2024
Combination of a Viscoelastic and a Tribological Analysis of a Low‐Density Polyethylene with a High Degree of Cross‐linking
Authors: Schneck Franziska , Kruse Philana O. , Hesse‐Hornich Daniel , Dias N. Filipe Lopes , Tillmann Wolfgang , Jerusalem Robert , Maricanov Michail , Katzenberg Frank , Tiller Jörg C. , Handge Ulrich A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCross‐linking of polymers is an efficient method to tailor the end‐use properties of polymer materials. Cross‐linking using a chemical agent, e.g., dicumyl peroxide (DCP), allows for a spatially uniform network formation in the melt state. In addition, it is also associated with side reactions which influence the final properties of the plastic part. This work investigates the influence of DCP concentration on the tribological properties of a cross‐linked low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) grade. In particular, high DCP concentrations up to 20 phr are chosen in order to explore the effect of a high degree of cross‐linking. The viscoelastic properties below and above the melting temperature are studied in detail to support the interpretation of the tribological results. Rheological investigations allow one to monitor the cross‐linking of the long‐chain branched LDPE. The data and the subsequent optical analysis show that wear already is significantly reduced at a low DCP concentration of 1 phr because of the covalent bonds caused by cross‐linking. A high DCP concentration of 20 phr yields an increase of coefficient of friction which can be explained by the low stiffness and the resulting high contact area in the case of highly cross‐linked LDPE.
Pawsitively powerful: Why and when pet influencers boost social media effectiveness
Authors: Di Cioccio Martina , Pozharliev Rumen , De Angelis Matteo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for brands to create connections with their target audiences. Naturally, many companies have leaned on human influencers, but the increasing popularity of pet influencers (e.g., dogs and cats) represents a new avenue for brand promotion. This research asks the question: Why and when are pet influencers preferrable to their human counterparts in terms of boosting engagement and purchase intention? Across six experimental studies (N = 1166), we demonstrate that pet influencers lead to higher engagement with the promoted content and willingness to buy the advertised product (Study 1) because they are seen as more credible than human influencers (Study 2). Pet influencers are perceived as cuter, which in turn positively affects their credibility (Study 3). Specifically, whimsicality is the cuteness dimension that explains their greater credibility (Study 4). These effects are stronger when the promoted product is pet‐related (Study 5) and apply regardless of whether people own a pet (Studies 3–5). Finally, a clear cuteness manipulation supports the causal relationship between cuteness and credibility (Study 6). These findings affirm that pet influencers shape individuals' responses to promotional social media posts, enhance the field's understanding of the mechanisms that underlie influencer marketing effectiveness, and clarify how to implement more influential social media campaigns.
The power of flattery: Enhancing prosocial behavior through virtual influencers
Authors: Quach Sara , Cheah Isaac , Thaichon Park 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile prior work suggests the significant role virtual influencers (VIs) can play in addressing social and welfare issues, it remains unclear how they can increase social media users' engagement in prosocial behaviors. The current study examines the role of influencer flattery in driving the prosocial behavior of social media users. Specifically, the research investigates how flattery and humanlike appearance influence the perceived authenticity of VIs and the subsequent prosocial behavior of social media users (Studies 1 and 2). Furthermore, the research substantiates these effects by exploring how flattery and anthropomorphism via humanlike traits impact perceived authenticity and prosocial behavior when social media users witness the influencer praising others (Study 3). Beyond intention to donate (Study 1), the study also investigated its impact on related prosocial behaviors, such as click‐through behavior (Study 2) and the willingness to pay for fundraising merchandise (Study 3). The findings of this research offer concrete implications for nonprofit organizations by demonstrating the persuasive impact of flattery, perceived authenticity, and anthropomorphism in mobilizing public support, donations, and merchandise purchases for social causes.
Direct neurotization of free nipple grafts with cadaveric nerve grafts following mastectomy for gender affirming surgery
Authors: Loughran Atlee M. , Hopkins Jennifer M. , Kidney‐Hilt Elizabeth , Doshi Kathryn , Keith Jonathan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundFree nipple grafting makes sensory recovery challenging. Permanent decreased sensation to touch and temperature in skin‐grafted skin is common. Direct neurotization of the nipple‐areolar complex (NAC) graft has been described. However, quantitative data regarding degree of nipple reinnervation possible is unknown. This study aims to quantify and qualify sensation recovery following nerve coaptation to reinnervate the NAC.MethodsPatients undergoing mastectomy for gender dysphoria from 2020 to 2022 were offered nerve allograft to restore nipple sensation. A lateral intercostal nerve was selected and coapted to allograft which was embedded beneath the nipple graft. Semmes Weinstein testing was used to assess nipple sensation. Assessments were made at visits <1 year and >1 year from surgery. Filaments used represented normal sensation, minor diminished sensation, diminished sensation, loss of protective sensation, and deep pressure sensation only.ResultsA total of 115 patients elected for direct neurotization. Semmes Weinstein testing was limited to 46 patients representing 46 encounters and 92 nipples in the <1 year group and 24 encounters and 48 nipples in the >1 year group. Of the 92 nipples in the <1 year group, 17 (18.5%) noted return of normal sensation and 37 (40.2%) noted minor diminished or diminished sensation, indicating nerve reinnervation. There were 38 (41%) nipples with loss of protective sensation or deep sensation only. There were 48 nipples included in the >1 year group. Of the 48 nipples, 4 (8.3%) noted normal sensation and 30 (62.5%) noted minor diminished or diminished sensation, indicating nerve reinnervation. For the remaining 14 nipples, 14 (29%) noted loss of protective sensation or deep sensation only.ConclusionSensory outcomes in NAC grafts used for reconstruction in patients undergoing double incision mastectomy remain poor. Sensation restoration beyond that expected from full thickness skin grafts can be achieved in the majority of patients with nerve allograft via direct neurotization.
Early‐onset indicators of a hypercoagulable state and clinical complications in a cohort of children with sickle cell trait
Authors: Reggiani Giulia , Boaro Maria Paola , Menzato Federica , De Bon Emiliano , Bertomoro Antonella , Casonato Alessandra , Lucente Fabrizio , Fortino Cecilia , Sartori MariaTeresa , Steffan Agostino , Martella Maddalena , D'Agnolo Mirco , Sainati Laura , Colombatti Raffaella 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdults with sickle cell trait (SCT) have a procoagulant state with increased risk of thromboembolism, but limited data are available for children. We compared the coagulation profile of children with SCT, different sickle cell disease (SCD) genotypes, and healthy controls. Compared to controls and similarly to HbSC patients, 41 SCT children (mean age 6.85 years; 20 males; 88% Africans) had a characteristic procoagulant profile: higher levels of factor VIII, von Willebrand factor (VWF) Ag and CBA, D‐dimer; lower levels of ADAMTS 13 activity, ADAMTS13 activity: VWFAg, plasminogen activator inhibitor, tissue plasminogen activator. Moreover, 13/41 had clinical complications of SCD, five requiring hospitalization.
Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of 3D printed short carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone composites
Authors: Lv Xiancheng , Yang Shuyan , Pei Xianqiang , Zhang Yaoming , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMaterial extrusion additive manufacturing provides an effective solution for fabrication of highly customized polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composite parts with any complex shape. Nevertheless, compared with conventional methods, the mechanical strength of 3D printed carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (CF/PEEK) composites is unsatisfactory due to the weak interface bonding strength and high voids content induced by the temperature difference. To overcome this challenge, a temperature‐control 3D printer was used to investigate the effects of ambient temperature and annealing temperature on the microstructure, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of 3D printed parts. Moreover, the tribological properties of parts printed at different ambient temperature were also studied under various contact pressure. Experimental results showed that the ambient temperature and annealing treatment directly affected the interfacial bonding (fiber/matrix, filament/filament, layer/layer), crystallinity of printed samples, thus affecting their mechanical and tribological properties. The CF/PEEK parts printed at high ambient temperature of 200°C exhibited outstanding mechanical and tribological properties. This study has positive significance for promoting the application of 3D printed PEEK composites in the field of structural load‐bearing and friction materials.Highlights
Structure–property relationships for 3D printed CF/PEEK composites.
The ambient temperature strongly affects the thermal and microstructural properties
Interaction between crystallization and molecular interface diffusion.
Interfacial bonding and crystallinity determine the mechanical properties.
Tribological properties are highly dependent on applied pressures.
Investigation of microstructural and mechanical properties of weld lines in injection‐molded short glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6
Authors: Mokarizadehhaghighishirazi Majid , Buffel Bart , Lomov Stepan V. , Desplentere Frederik 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research investigates the impact of weld lines on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of injection‐molded unfilled and glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6). The study aims to predict the weld line strength by analyzing the composite's microstructure at the weld line and investigating the influence of injection molding parameters. While weld lines had minimal effects in unfilled PA6 thanks to the matrix's high healing capability, composite samples showed reduced mechanical properties due to unfavorable fiber orientation at the weld line. Fracture surfaces revealed a bell‐shaped structure linked to the ‘underflow’ process caused by flow imbalances during injection molding. This phenomenon impacts fiber orientation at the weld line, affecting mechanical properties. The ‘underflow’ is simulated using Autodesk Moldflow®, predicting enhanced fiber alignment along the flow direction. Regarding processing parameters, both melt and mold temperatures showed negligible impacts, while enhanced mechanical properties were observed at elevated packing pressures. The analysis of fracture surfaces showed intensified “underflow” with increased packing pressure. A relationship is established between weld line strength and fiber orientation at the weld line, potentially serving as a predictive tool for estimating weld line strength.Highlights
Weld lines in unfilled PA6:Negligible impact on the mechanical properties.
In the PA6 composite: significant drop due to unfavorable fiber orientation.
Fracture behavior of the composite: Bell‐shaped weld line linked to “underflow.”
Melt and mold temperature: minor effect; packing pressure enhances properties.
Correlation established between the weld line strength and fiber orientation.
Integrative leaf anatomy structure, physiology, and metabolome analyses revealed the response to drought stress in sainfoin at the seedling stage
Authors: Yao Yuheng , Nan Lili , Wang Kun , Xia Jing , Ma Biao , Cheng Jiao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionSainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia) is a vital legume forage, and drought is the primary element impeding sainfoin growth.ObjectiveThe anatomical structure, physiological indexes, and metabolites of the leaves of sainfoin seedlings with a drought‐resistant line of P1 (DRL) and a drought‐sensitive material of 2049 (DSM) were analyzed under drought (−1.0 MPa) with polyethylene glycol‐6000 (PEG‐6000).MethodsThe leaf anatomy was studied by the paraffin section method. The related physiological indexes were measured by the hydroxylamine oxidation method, titanium sulfate colorimetric method, thiobarbituric acid method, acidic ninhydrin colorimetric method, and Coomassie brilliant blue method. The metabolomics analysis was composed of liquid chromatography tandem high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).ResultsThe results revealed that the thickness of the epidermis, palisade tissue, and sponge tissue of DRL were significantly greater than those of DSM. The leaves of DRL exhibited lower levels of superoxide anion (O2•−) production rate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared with DSM, while proline (Pro) content and soluble protein (SP) content were significantly higher than those of DSM. A total of 391 differential metabolites were identified in two samples. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment showed that the primary differential metabolites were concentrated into the tyrosine metabolism; isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis; ubiquinone and other terpenoid quinone biosynthesis; neomycin, kanamycin, and gentamicin biosynthesis; and anthocyanin biosynthesis metabolic pathways.ConclusionCompared with DSM, DRL had more complete anatomical structure, lower active oxygen content, and higher antioxidant level. The results improved our insights into the drought‐resistant mechanisms in sainfoin.
Case report of fetus with Lowe syndrome: Expanding the prenatal phenotype
Authors: Burrill Natalie , Khalek Nahla , Oliver Edward R. , Linn Rebecca , Victoria Teresa , Yates Carin , Moldenhauer Julie S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOculocerebrorenal syndrome (Lowe syndrome) is a rare X‐linked disorder affecting 1/500,000 males that most frequently affects the eyes, central nervous system, and kidneys. Phenotypic presentation includes congenital cataracts, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and Fanconi‐type renal dysfunction. Lowe Syndrome is caused by hemizygous loss of function variants in the OCRL gene. While individuals may live into the third and fourth decade of life, some will die in the first few years of either renal failure or infection. While early diagnosis is important, few cases have documented the prenatal phenotype of this condition, which has included bilateral cataracts and variable neurological abnormalities. We report a case of a family with an extensive history of congenital cataracts, immune compromise, and neonatal death in male members. The fetus was found to have a unilateral cataract, mild ventriculomegaly, vertebral anomalies, and an underlying diagnosis of Lowe Syndrome with a mutation in OCRL at c.2582‐1G>C (IVS23‐1G>C).
Molecular dynamics simulation study of oil slippage on polymer grafted surface: The role of grafting density
Authors: Wang Yong‐Peng , Liu Shule 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe polymer grafted materials are frequently used in antifouling and oil–water separation, while the microscopic mechanism of liquid slippage on this surface remains unclear. This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the structure and transport of oil (n‐hexadecane) on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grafted surface as a function of grafting density. Simulation results indicate that PDMS chain structure undergoes a transition from liquid‐like to solid‐like structure when the grafting density increases. As a result, the entanglement between the PDMS and n‐hexadecane is also weakened. The direct consequence of this structural change is that the slip length of n‐hexadecane shows a non‐monotonic dependence on the grafting density, and a maximum slip length appears at intermediate grafting density. Further analysis indicate that the slip length also increases as the applied shear rate increases, which facilitates the transport of fluid at the grafted surface. These simulation results illustrate the subtle interplay between polymer–alkane interface structure and the transport property of the fluids, which are consistent with recent experimental studies, and will be helpful for rational design of polymer grafted materials in separation technologies.
Zwitterionic ring expansion polymerization of tert‐butyl glycidyl ether with B(C6F5)3 towards the generation of cyclic chains
Authors: Pagnacco Carlo Andrea , Gastearena Xuban , González de San Román Estibaliz , Matxain Jon M. , Barroso‐Bujans Fabienne 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of cyclic polymers via zwitterionic ring expansion polymerization is limited to a few number of monomer and catalyst pairs. Herein we report the synthesis of cyclic poly(tert‐butyl glycidyl ether) through the polymerization of tert‐butyl glycidyl ether (tBGE) with B(C6F5)3 in different reaction conditions that include different solvents, monomer to initiator ratio, monomer concentration and temperature. We found that bimodal molecular weight distribution is formed in almost all reaction conditions caused by cyclization of short chains. Subsequent chain elongation leads to the formation of cycles of higher molecular weight, particularly in cyclohexane and under bulk conditions. The formation of non‐cyclic byproducts is common in all the systems investigated. Low molecular weight cyclic chains (Mn = 0.7 kDa, Ð = 1.1) of high topological purity were successfully isolated by preparative gel permeation chromatography. By using a click scavenging protocol, the non‐cyclic byproducts were eliminated from the high molecular weight fraction (Mn = 3 kDa, Ð = 1.3) generating pure cyclic chains. Mechanistic investigation using density functional theory calculations was performed on the formation of zwitterionic intermediates and the transfer reaction to the monomer, which notably affects chain growth by the attack of the glycidyl oxygen of the monomer on the growing chain.