bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unsaturation and polar compounds of vegetable oils affect the properties of sunflower wax‐oleogels
Authors: Hwang Hong‐Sik , Kim Sanghoon , Winkler‐Moser Jill K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough it is important to understand the factors affecting the physical properties of oleogels for their application in food products, the effects of the kind of oils and components in them are not well understood. Previous studies on the effects of unsaturation and polar compounds of oils on the properties of oleogels reported inconsistent results, presumably, due to different gelling agents, experimental conditions, and different amounts of minor components in oils. In this study, a systematic study was conducted with 12 vegetable oils with and without polar compounds to understand these effects on the properties of 3% and 7% sunflower wax (SW)‐oleogels. In general, oils with higher unsaturation produced oleogels with lower gel strength. Polar compounds in oil negatively affected the gel strength. Melting and crystallization temperatures increased with increasing unsaturation of oil. The platelet shape of SW crystals was almost identical, regardless of the kind of oil. Solid wax content values were similar across the oleogel samples with 12 different oils. This study enlightens several factors affecting the physical properties of SW‐oleogels.Practical Application: This study provides information about the effects of unsaturation of oil and polar compounds in oil on firmness and melting properties of sunflower wax (SW)‐based oleogels. It was found that the firmness of SW‐oleogel can be significantly different (up to 65%) depending on vegetable oils used, and it decreased with increasing unsaturation of oil. It was also found that the firmness of the oleogel can be increased by up to 36% by removing polar compounds in oil. Solid wax content (SWC) of oleogels did show meaningful correlations with the firmness of SW‐oleogels. All the oleogels examined in this study had very similar shapes and sizes of SW crystals. For practical application, the unsaturation of oil and the polar compound content have to be considered when designing oleogels with desired textural properties.
Experimental investigation of two solar air heaters, with and without employing PCM
Authors: Midhat Yousif Fateh , Aljubury Issam Mohammed Ali 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the present study, an experimental test was conducted to investigate the energetic performance of a novel designed solar air heaters (SAHs), with, and without phase change material (PCM). Two identical SAHs were fabricated and tested to compare their performance. The first heater is a jacket‐tube solar air heater (SAH 1), while the second heater is similar to the first but filled with PCM (SAH 2). Experimental results showed that increasing air flow rate increases the daily thermal efficiency. Thermal energy during day hours can be stored in the PCM and used after sunset. SAH 2 gave an additional operating time after sunset for 4 hours at 0.01 kg/s, 2.5 hours at 0.035 kg/s, and 1 hour at 0.06 kg/s. Maximum improvement in the daily thermal efficiency was 15% at SAH 2, more than SAH 1 at 0.01 kg/s air flow rate. Employing PCM, as so as increasing air flow rate can reduce the daily thermal losses.
The impact of dividend payout policies on real estate market diversification
Authors: Ilbasmıs Metin , Gronwald Marc , Zhao Yuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn asymmetric DCC – GJR – GARCH model is applied to the Turkish and US REIT markets in order to estimate the time‐varying correlations between the REIT and stock markets. Using these estimated correlations, we investigate the impact of dividend payouts on the diversification potential of REITs for stock market investors. Our choice of the Turkish REIT market is based on its unique REIT dividend policy, while US data provide a benchmark for comparison. This study has a number of motivations and contributions that make it a worthwhile undertaking. First, we document that REIT dividend policy is related to the correlation between REIT and stock markets. Dividend paying REITs have lower correlations with stock markets, which makes the REIT market a viable portfolio diversifier. Second, we confirm that REITs and stock prices cointegrated more closely due to the 2008 global financial crisis. We additionally document that a similar effect was also present in the correlation during the global Covid‐19 pandemic crisis. It appears that REIT and stock markets become more correlated during times of financial turmoil and diversification opportunities are diminished. Finally, we document that there is a long‐term trend in the time‐varying correlations between REIT and stock markets. Türkiye has been experiencing a negative trend in this regard, while the US has been experiencing a positive trend.
Biosensor‐based multiple cross displacement amplification platform for visual and rapid identification of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Chen Xu , Dong Shilei , Shi Yuanfang , Wu Zengguang , Wu Xue , Zeng Xiaoyan , Yang Xinggui , Zhao Qi , Xiao Zhenghua , Zhou Qingxue 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHepatitis C remains a global health problem, especially in poverty‐stricken areas. A rapid and sensitive point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic tool is critical for the early detection and timely treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here, for the first time, we reported a novel molecular diagnostic assay, termed reverse transcription multiple cross displacement amplification integrated with a gold‐nanoparticle‐based lateral flow biosensor (RT‐MCDA‐AuNPs‐LFB), which was developed for rapid, sensitive, specific, and visual identification of HCV. HCV‐RT‐MCDA induced rapid isothermal amplification through a specific primer set targeting the 5′untranslated region gene from the major HCV genotypes 1b, 2a, 3b, 6a, and 3a that are prevalent in China. The optimal reaction temperature and time for RT‐MCDA‐AuNPs‐LFB were 68°C and 25 min, respectively. The limit of detection of the assay was 10 copies per test, and the specificity was 100% for the experimental strains. The whole detection procedure, including crude nucleic acid isolation (~5 min), RT‐MCDA (68°C, 25 min), and visual AuNPs‐LFB result confirmation (less than 2 min), was performed within 35 min. The preliminary results indicated that the HCV‐RT‐MCDA‐AuNPs‐LFB assay could be a valuable tool for sensitive, specific, visual, cost‐saving, and rapid detection of HCV and has potential as a POC diagnostic platform for field screening and early clinical detection of HCV infection.
Using computed tomogram atrial myocardial thickness maps in high‐power short‐duration radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation: UTMOST AF
Authors: Hwang Taehyun , Kwon Oh‐Seok , Yu Hee Tae , Yang Song‐Yi , Kim Daehoon , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Uhm Jae‐Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon‐Hyoung , Hwang Chun , Pak Hui‐Nam ,   for UTMOST Investigators
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation creates wide, shallow lesions using radiofrequency (RF) heating. It is uncertain if adjusting RF energy based on atrial wall thickness provides extra benefits. We studied the safety and effectiveness of tailored HPSD energy based on left atrial (LA) wall thickness (LAWT) for circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).MethodsWe enrolled 212 patients (68.4% male, mean age: 59.5 ± 11.0 years) and randomly assigned them to two groups: LAWT‐guided CPVI (WT, n = 108) and conventional CPVI (control, n = 104). Both groups used an open irrigated‐tip deflectable catheter to apply 50 W for 10 s to the posterior LA, while controls used 60 W for 15 s on other LA regions. RF delivery time in WT was titrated (15 s at LAWT > 2.1 mm, 13 s at 1.4–2.1 mm, and 11 s at <1.4 mm) according to the computed tomogram‐myocardial thickness color map.ResultsAfter a mean follow‐up of 13.4 ± 7.0 months, the WT and control groups showed no significant difference regarding clinical recurrence rate (13.9% vs. 5.8%, respectively; p = .061) and major complication rate (4.6% vs. 3.8%, respectively; p > .999). The total procedure time, cardioversion rate, and post‐procedural AAD prescription rates did not significantly differ between the groups.ConclusionsThe LAWT‐guided energy titration strategy did not result in improved procedural safety and efficacy compared to the conventional 50–60 W‐HPSD CPVI in patients with PAF.
Processes behind the decrease in Congo Basin precipitation during the rainy seasons inferred from ERA‐5 reanalysis
Authors: Kenfack Kevin , Tamoffo Alain T. , Tchotchou Lucie A. Djiotang , Marra Francesco , Kaissassou Samuel , Nana Hermann N. , Vondou Derbetini A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe ongoing Congo Basin drying is linked to decreasing atmospheric water vapour. To comprehend the processes reducing precipitation, we analysed water and Moist Static Energy components, associated with heating sources using ERA5 reanalysis data over the period 1981–2022. The findings reveal that the precipitation deficit in the Congo Basin during March–April–May and September–October–November is primarily attributed to a decreasing trend in the vertical moisture advection anomaly induced by vertical velocity anomalies. Following this, a horizontal moisture advection anomaly induced by specific humidity anomalies plays a significant role. However, evaporation, horizontal moisture advection anomalies induced by wind anomalies, and vertical moisture advection anomalies induced by specific humidity anomalies do not appear to contribute significantly to the drying trend in the region. The horizontal propagation of MSE advection anomalies exhibits a similar pattern to that of moisture flux advection anomalies, both at different boundaries and within the basin itself. Conversely, the contribution of vertical advection of MSE anomalies remains weak. By integrating moisture and MSE budgets, we interpret the declining precipitation trend as a consequence of uplift driven by horizontal MSE advection. Furthermore, our analysis indicates a decreasing trend in the atmospheric heating source within the basin in association with reduced precipitation. This reduction could signify a decrease in moisture influx into the basin, thereby providing more explanations for the observed drying.
Update on pulse corticosteroid therapy for the management of alopecia areata
Authors: Bernhardt Jolina , Wenzel Joerg 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlopecia areata is a nonlife‐threatening autoimmune disorder and often requires systemic treatment to stop the disease from progressing. Pulse corticosteroid therapy (PCT) is a common way to treat severe alopecia areata although the exact benefit on this treatment remains unclear. The aim of this article is to update current knowledge of hair regrowth rates after PCT. Twenty studies with a total of 2144 patients were reviewed. Eight out of 20 studies allow statements on patients who did not respond at all on PCT. From 680 patients in those eight studies, 211 showed no response, which equals a rate of 31.02%. However, nine out of the 20 studies point out how many patients achieved hair regrowth >50% or a reduction in Severity of Alopecia Areata Tool Score by >50%: 131 patients out of 272 achieved a response with >50% hair regrowth, which corresponds to a rate of 48.16%. Complete regrowth of hair was observed and documented in nine studies: Out of the 1757 patients, 677 showed full regrowth leading to a complete response rate of 38.53%. At University Hospital Bonn, Department of Dermatology, Germany, PCT has been an established treatment for severe alopecia areata over the past decades. Nevertheless, many unwanted side effects were observed. A retrospective study on hair regrowth after PCT was performed in 2022 and is also part of this article. Nineteen studies from literature search through the PubMed database and the one own study led to a total of 20 studies being reviewed in this article.
The role of autologous bone grafting in matrix‐associated autologous chondrocyte implantation at the knee: Results from the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU)
Authors: Weishorn Johannes , Tischer Thomas , Niemeyer Philipp , Renkawitz Tobias , Bangert Yannic 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether concomitant autologous bone grafting adversely affects clinical outcome and graft survival after matrix‐associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (M‐ACI).MethodsThe present study examines registry data of patients who underwent M‐ACI with or without autologous bone grafting for large‐sized chondral or osteochondral defects. Propensity score matching was performed to exclude potential confounders. A total of 215 patients with similar baseline characteristics were identified. Clinical outcome was assessed at the time of surgery and at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 months using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). KOOS change, clinical response rate, KOOS subcomponents and failure rate were determined.ResultsPatients treated with M‐ACI and autologous bone grafting achieved comparable clinical outcomes compared with M‐ACI alone. At 24 months postoperatively, the patient‐reported outcome (PRO) of patients treated with M‐ACI and autologous bone grafting was even significantly better as measured by KOOS (74.9 ± 18.8 vs. 79.2 ± 15.4; p = 0.043). However, the difference did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). In patients with M‐ACI and autologous bone grafting, a greater change in KOOS relative to baseline was observed at 6 (9.3 ± 14.7 vs. 15.0 ± 14.7; p = 0.004) and 12 months (12.6 ± 17.2 vs. 17.7 ± 14.6; p = 0.035). Overall, a high clinical response rate was observed in both groups at 24 months (75.8% vs. 82.0%; p = n.s.). The estimated survival at the endpoint of reoperation for any reason was 82.1% (SD 2.8) at 8.4 years for isolated M‐ACI and 88.7% (SD 2.4) at 8.2 years for M‐ACI with autologous bone grafting (p = 0.039).ConclusionsEven in the challenging cohort of large osteochondral defects, the additional treatment with autologous bone grafting leads to remarkably good clinical outcomes in patients treated with M‐ACI. In fact, they tend to benefit more from surgery, have lower revision rates and achieve clinical response rates earlier. Subchondral bone management is critical to the success of M‐ACI and should be addressed in the treatment of borderline defects.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Efficacy of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on reducing surgical disparities related to overweight/obesity in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Bae Juyoung , Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Alohaideb Nawaf , Mun Goo‐Hyun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhen choosing a method of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction, concerns regarding the potentially detrimental effects of obesity on postoperative recovery remain. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is known to facilitate rapid postoperative recovery. This study aimed to examine the effect of the ERAS protocol on the disparity between normal/underweight and overweight/obese patients after DIEP flap breast reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between January 2015 and November 2022 was conducted. The patients were categorized into two groups: pre‐ERAS and post‐ERAS. In each group, associations between overweight/obese patients (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and postoperative course were evaluated.ResultsIn total, 217 patients in the pre‐ERAS group (including 71 overweight/obese) and 165 in the post‐ERAS group (including 58 overweight/obese) were analyzed. The post‐ERAS group had shorter length of stay (LOS) (8.0 versus 7.0 days, p‐value <.001) and lower postoperative pain scores (5.0 versus 3.0 at postoperative day (POD) 1, p‐value <.001) than the pre‐ERAS group. The complication profiles did not differ according to ERAS adoption. In the pre‐ERAS group, overweight/obese patients showed a significantly longer LOS (8.0 versus 9.0 days, p‐value = .017) and a higher postoperative pain score (3.0 versus 4.0 at POD 2, p‐value = .018) than normal/underweight patients; however, these differences disappeared in the post‐ERAS group, showing similar LOS, pain scores, and analgesic consumption.ConclusionsImplementation of the ERAS protocol in DIEP free‐flap breast reconstruction may reduce overweight/obesity‐related disparities in postoperative recovery.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with pelvic muscle training in women: Randomized, controlled, double‐blind, and clinical trial
Authors: Corrêa Fernanda Ishida , Ledur Ângela Cristina , Uehara Laura , de Andrade Michele Lacerda , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Fregni Felipe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is widely used for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) weakness in women; however, it has no prolonged effects.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) associated with PFMT on PFM contraction, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in healthy women.Study Design32 nulliparous women, aged 22.7 ± 0.42 years, were randomized into two groups: G1 (active tDCS combined with PFMT) and G2 (sham tDCS combined with PFMT). The treatment was performed three times a week for 4 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. PFM function was assessed using the PERFECT scheme (P = power, E = endurance, R = repetitions, F = rapid contractions, ECT = each timed contraction) and the perineometer (cmH2O). Sexual function was assessed by The Female Sexual Function Index, and QoL by the SF‐36 questionnaire. These assessments were performed before and after the 12nd treatment session and after 30‐day follow‐up.ResultsThere was a significant increase (p = 0.037) in the power of G2 compared to G1; repetitions and fast contraction increased in the G1 group, and the resistance increased in both groups, however, without statistical difference between the groups. ECT increased in the G1 group (p = 0.0).ConclusionActive tDCS combined with PFMT did not potentiate the effect of the PFMT to increase the PFM function, QoL, and sexual function in healthy women. However, adjunctive tDCS to PFMT improved the time of contractions, maintaining it during follow‐up.
Static and dynamic mechanical behavior of intra‐hybrid jute/sisal‐reinforced polypropylene composites: Effect of stacking sequence
Authors: Gairola Sandeep , Chaitanya Saurabh , Kaushik Deepak , Sinha Shishir , Singh Inderdeep 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the current research investigation, jute and sisal intra‐hybrid woven fabric were specifically tailored to maintain jute and sisal in weft and warp directions, respectively. Jute sisal intra‐hybrid composites were prepared with four layers of intra‐hybrid woven fibers using a compression molding technique. Physical, mechanical (static and dynamic), and thermal stability behavior were investigated, and their structure–property relationship has been established. The obtained results showed that jute‐sisal cross‐interplay‐based hybrid composites recorded maximum tensile and flexural modulus values with minimum anisotropy. It can be concluded from the current experimental investigation that weft/warp orientation and stacking sequence play a significant role in defining the mechanical performance and anisotropic nature of woven fiber‐reinforced laminated composites. Also, the anisotropic properties can be minimized by investigating the effect of fiber orientation and hybridization of natural fibers‐based laminated composites.Highlights
Woven mats were tailored to orient different fibers in warp and weft directions.
The influence of the fiber's orientation and stacking sequence was analyzed.
Fiber orientation and hybridization have influenced mechanical performance.
The alternative stacking sequence has shown the highest mechanical properties.
Captains on call: A qualitative investigation of an intervention to support children with retinoblastoma undergoing regular eye examinations
Authors: Rich Vanessa , Plummer Karin , Padhy Sofia , Barratt Tamsin , Tran Johnson , Treadgold Claire , Robertson Eden G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundRetinoblastoma is a rare childhood ophthalmic cancer that requires frequent eye examinations under anaesthesia and painful or distressing procedures. This can cause significant anxiety for children and their families.ObjectiveWe evaluated a Starlight Children's Foundation programme, ‘Captains on Call’, at the Queensland Children's Hospital, which aims to provide positive distraction and reduce stress, anxiety and pain during the perioperative journey for children in the retinoblastoma treatment pathway. This study examined the impact of the programme on the perioperative experience of the children and their families, using a qualitative design.MethodsThis study was conducted in a paediatric operating suite at a tertiary‐level children's hospital in Australia. We interviewed a parent from 20 families (from a cohort of 40 families, including 44 children), whose children received treatment or screening for retinoblastoma, focusing on the programme's impact on the child and family at various stages during the perioperative journey. We undertook a thematic analysis of transcribed interviews.ResultsWe identified two themes, each with two sub‐themes: (1) the programme positively contributed to the overall treatment journey, by addressing different needs at different times, and helping to reframe a traumatic medical experience, and (2), the programme supported the whole family unit by empowering children through play, and adopting a family systems approach which recognised the impact of cancer treatment on the whole family.ConclusionThis study highlights the value of the Captains on Call programme in supporting children with retinoblastoma and their families during perioperative visits. The Captains, particularly as non‐medicalised professionals in a healthcare setting, built trust and rapport with the children through play over repeated episodes of care. The interprofessional collaborative approach with a reflective cycle of practice extended it beyond a programme providing simple distraction. Other retinoblastoma services may benefit from implementing a similar approach.
Ethnoracial differences in income and safety net patterns among low‐income postpartum families before and during the Great Recession
Authors: Bellisle Dylan J. F. , Ybarra Marci 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the absence of paid family leave, postpartum low‐income unmarried women often rely on a patchwork of resources from wage earnings, public safety‐net programs, and informal familial support. The Great Recession (2007–2009) caused massive unemployment, with Black and Latine families disproportionately impacted by the economic fallout. Public safety‐net provisions attenuated economic hardship, yet it's unclear if postpartum low‐income women patched together comparable resources during the recession and if there were racially disparities in women's access to resources. Using a sample of low‐income unmarried women who gave birth between 2004 and 2011 from the Survey of Income and Public Program, we examine whether safety‐net provisions and familial support attenuated the fallout of the Great Recession by examining income patterns and safety‐net use (SNAP, WIC, and TANF) among postpartum low‐income unmarried women by ethnoracial group before and during the recession. Our findings suggest the Great Recession had a disparate negative impact on the economic well‐being of postpartum Black women, particularly through lower wage earnings. Increased SNAP income may have attenuated some, but not all, of the deleterious impact of the recession on Black women, and increased WIC participation may also have provided crucial support for addressing food insecurity among Black women. Implications for maternal and infant health and policy are discussed.