bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical excision methods for skin cancer involving the nail unit: A systematic review
Authors: Hardie Claire M. , Wade Ryckie G. , Wormald Justin C. R. , Stafford Brian , Elliott Faye , Newton‐Bishop Julia , Dewar Donald 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionSkin cancer affecting the nail unit is rare but is associated with morbidity, and melanoma has a high mortality rate. The principal treatment is surgical excision and methods can be classified into digit‐sparing surgery or amputation. Digit‐sparing surgery (wide excision or Mohs surgery) may be safe and effective for malignancies involving the nail unit in comparison to amputation if there is not bony invasion. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of different methods of surgical excision for skin cancer involving the nail unit.MethodsProspective comparative studies (randomized controlled studies, non‐randomized controlled studies and prospective observational studies) of surgical excision for skin cancer of the nail unit in all participants were eligible for inclusion. We searched electronic databases, trials registers and conference abstracts. We checked the reference lists of included studies and related systematic reviews for further references to relevant studies, and we contacted experts to enquire if they were aware of any additional relevant trials. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were overall survival, disease free survival and adverse events/outcomes at 30 days. The secondary outcomes were quality of life outcomes. We planned to use GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome.ResultsWe did not identify any studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review. We have been unable to assess our outcomes of overall survival, disease free survival, adverse events/effects and quality of life.ConclusionsAs we have not identified any studies for inclusion, we are unable to assess the efficacy and safety of different methods of surgical excision for skin cancer involving the nail unit. We suggest that comprehensive cancer registry analysis is required in this field to obtain meaningful data.
Crystal Growth by Unidirectional Method ‐ A Generalized View on the Crystalline Perfection of the Uni‐Indexed, Bi‐Indexed, and Tri‐Indexed Plane Single Crystals
Authors: Aswathppa Sivakumar , Sathiyadhas Sahaya Jude Dhas , Muthuvel V. , Dai Lidong , Sathiyadhas Amalapushpam Martin Britto Dhas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this article of generalized view, a comparison of the long‐range order crystalline perfection of crystals is made with respect to their planes grown by the unidirectional growth technique. Based on the obtained results, it is established that the uni‐indexed grown crystals yield a high degree of crystalline perfection and to a certain extent the bi‐indexed crystals, but tri‐indexed crystals grow with higher lattice disorders. Herein, uni‐indexed crystal means the crystal grown along a plane has only one integer out of the h, k, and l whereas the other values are zero [e.g., (100), (010), (001)]. Bi‐indexed crystal means the crystal grown along a plane has integers for any two of the h, k, and l but the remaining value is zero [e.g., (110), (011), (101)]. Tri‐indexed crystal means the crystal grown along the plane has integers for all the values of h, k, and l [e.g., (111)].
The origin of planar lamination in fine‐grained sediment deposited by subaqueous sediment gravity flows
Authors: Al‐Mufti Omar N. , Arnott R. William C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPlanar lamination is a ubiquitous component of modern and ancient fine‐grained sediments deposited by subaqueous sediment gravity flows. These sediments commonly exhibit alternating sub‐millimetre‐thick, sharply bounded silt‐rich and clay‐rich layers that change little in thickness or sediment texture over lateral distances that range up to at least several tens of metres. Silt‐rich layers are moderately to well‐sorted and a few tens to hundreds of microns to a single silt‐grain thick. In contrast, clay‐rich layers are more poorly sorted, and a few tens to hundreds of microns thick. The thickness and regular alternation of these texturally differentiated interlayers, in addition to the absence of features suggesting transport bypass or deposition by migrating rugged bed forms, suggest alternating physical processes and related modes of deposition in the near‐bed region immediately above the bed. Previous interpretations have focussed on clay flocculation, which is difficult to reconcile with the high fluid shear conditions in the near‐bed region. Here it is suggested that in the millimetre to sub‐millimetre‐thick viscous sublayer at the base of a hydraulically smooth turbulent flow, a combination of high fluid shear and sediment concentration initially leads to shear thinning and enhanced mobility in the lower part of the flow, and for silt to continue settling to the bed forming a well‐sorted silt lamina. As silt settles and clay‐size sediment increases in concentration, hydrodynamic lubrication forces strengthen and reduce mobility of the near‐bed part of the flow. This condition is then perturbed by a bedward‐directed outer flow disturbance that dramatically increases frictional stresses and effective fluid viscosity and ultimately shear jamming that causes gelling and deposition of a poorly sorted clay‐rich layer. This process is then repeated multiple times to build up a deposit composed of alternating silt‐rich and clay‐rich laminae overlain by structureless mud deposited directly from suspension.
Predicting the habitat suitability of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) under future climate scenarios
Authors: Budhathoki Sagar , Gautam Jeetendra , Budhathoki Sanchita , Jaishi Padam Prakash 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to predict the habitat suitability of Asian elephants in Madhesh Province, Nepal, by using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling based on the occurrence data and environmental variables, including bioclimatic, topographic, vegetation‐related, and anthropogenic variables. The study was conducted under current and future climate scenarios for the year 2100. Among the districts of Madhesh Province, the largest suitable habitats for elephants are located in Rautahat district (30%) followed by Bara district (21%), with Dhanusha district having the smallest suitable area (1%). Elevation, slope, annual precipitation, precipitation of the driest quarter, and temperature seasonality were identified as the most important variables affecting habitat suitability. A total of 1037.3 km2 was identified as the current highly suitable habitat for elephants, primarily in grasslands and shrublands. The results of the study depict a slight increase in highly suitable areas under the emission scenarios shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP) 2–4.5 and SSP 5–8.5 but a severe decrease in suitable habitats and a drastic increase in unsuitable habitats. The research emphasizes the possible influence of human activities and land use on the living environment of elephants. The study, therefore, suggests that the authorities should prioritize future land use management to lessen the potential harm to the habitats of elephants and other endangered species in Nepal. It is also imperative to identify how elephants utilize their spatial habitat within their range to help park authorities devise efficient management strategies.
Oral Absorption of Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole in Patients with AIDS
Authors: Klepser Michael E. , Zhu Zhu , Nicolau David P. , Banevicius Mary Anné , Belliveau Paul P , Ross Jack W. , Broisman Larry , Quintiliani Richard , Nightingale Charles H. 
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To determine the bioavailability of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Design. Open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover trial.Setting. Outpatient clinical research center affiliated with a community‐based teaching hospital.Patients. Ten individuals diagnosed with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with CD4+ counts less than 200 cells/mm3, receiving TMP‐SMX one double‐strength tablet 3 times/week as prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), and without documented gastroenteropathy or diarrhea agreed to participate in the trial. One patient withdrew from the study secondary to development of symptomatic PCP. Data were available for analysis from the remaining nine subjects.Interventions. Participants received TMP 160 mg and SMX 800 mg orally or intravenously during two study periods. Following dose administration, blood samples were collected at predetermined time points over 36 hours.Measurements and Main Results. Analysis of TMP‐SMX pharmacokinetic parameters (half‐life, total body clearance, area under the serum concentration versus time curve, and peak concentration) failed to reveal any significant differences between intravenous and oral preparations. The calculated bioavailabilities of oral TMP and SMX (mean ± SD) were 102.7% ± 19.8% and 109.4% ± 19.4%, respectively.Conclusion. The absorption of TMP‐SMX is not adversely affected by HIV infection in the absence of HIV‐induced gastroenteropathy or diarrhea.
Elevated plasma leptin levels are associated with vascular access dysfunction in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Yu Teng‐Hung , Tang Wei‐Hua , Hung Wei‐Chin , Lee Thung‐Lip , Tsai I‐Ting , Hsuan Chin‐Feng , Chen Chia‐Chi , Chung Fu‐Mei , Lee Yau‐Jiunn , Wu Cheng‐Ching 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundInflammation has been associated with vascular access (VA) dysfunction. The adipocytokine leptin can directly induce pro‐inflammatory T helper 1 immune responses and the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. We explored the association between plasma leptin and VA dysfunction in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HEMO).MethodsA total of 344 consecutive patients who received anastomosis for VA at a single HEMO center between June 1, 2010 and December 31, 2021 were screened. Of these patients, 267 met the inclusion criteria and were included. ELISA was used to measure circulating levels of leptin.ResultsThe VA dysfunction group had a higher leptin level than the patent VA group. A higher concentration of leptin was independently and significantly associated with an elevated risk of VA dysfunction. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that leptin, female sex, and hypertension were independently associated with VA dysfunction, even after adjusting for known biomarkers. We then evaluated the ability of leptin, female sex, and hypertension to predict the risk of VA dysfunction, and the area under the curve (AUC) for leptin was 0.626 (p = 0.0001). When leptin, female sex, and hypertension were added to this multivariate model, the AUC increased to 0.679 (p = 0.001) for leptin and hypertension, and 0.690 for leptin, hypertension, and female sex (p = 0.004). In addition, plasma leptin levels were associated with sex, body mass index, and hemoglobin.ConclusionsIn addition to the association between leptin and VA dysfunction, hypertension and female sex independently predicted VA dysfunction in patients with HEMO.
Systematic review and metanalysis of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Wanying , Li Xiaofeng , Lv Li , Sun Xiance , Xue Juan , Yang Ping , Tang Jinhai , Lv Xiupeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundHematological parameters have been associated with prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The present meta‐analysis investigated the utility of neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis of patients with NPC.MethodsMultiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science, were systematically searched for studies assessing the association between NLR and NPC from 2011 to 2021. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to estimate effect size. Use of a fixed effect or random effect model was based on heterogeneity stability was tested by sensitivity analysis, and the risk of bias was assessed by funnel plots. Random effects models were used based on the actual results. Because the NLR grouping criteria for the included studies differed, subgroup analyses were performed.ResultsA search of the electronic databases identified 14 studies, encompassing 6693 patients, that met the selection criteria. NLR higher than the cutoff value was significantly associated with poorer OS [HR 1.760, 95% CI 1.470–2.120, p <0.00001] and PFS [HR 1.850, 95% CI 1.430–2.390, p = .006]. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of the meta‐analysis were relatively stable, and funnel plots were used to exclude the risk of bias.ConclusionsElevated pretreatment NLR in peripheral blood is predictive of poorer OS and PFS in patients with NPC. NLR is an easily measured and important prognostic factor in patients with NPC.
Manufacturing Ulvan Biopolymer for Wound Dressings
Authors: Foroughi Javad , Ruhparwar Arjang , Aloko Sinmisola , Wang Chun H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough recent advancements in wound healing strategies have led to successful treatment for numerous wounds, the incidence of wound infections remain elevated, and is anticipated to rise as the effectiveness of antibiotics wanes. Biofabrication is a promising technique for producing innovative tissue structures that mimic the natural placement of biologically important substances, biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and repeatability. In this report, a novel method for generating three‐dimensional (3D) biomaterials for wound healing applications, utilizing an ulvan hydrogel is presented. Wet‐spun ulvan fibers and 3D printed hydrogel structure are fabricated through wet‐spinning and an additive manufacturing process. The results show that the viscosity of the ulvan solution is 110 Pa·s on day one and over 180 Pa·s on day four (gelation) which is critical for fiber spinning and additive manufacturing. The mechanical properties of ulvan fiber shows a 211% increase in elongation at break and a 350% increase in Young's modulus compared to wet‐spun alginate fibers. The biocompatibility evaluation demonstrates slightly superior cell viability levels for ulvan fibers when compared to commonly used biomaterials like alginate and chitosan for wound dressing applications. These results underscore the potential of ulvan fibers as a promising solution for wound healing, owing to their inherent biocompatibility.
Solvent Content Controlling Strategy for Cocrystallizable Polyesters Enables a Stress‐Free Two‐Way Shape Memory Effect with Wider Service Temperatures
Authors: Guo Qi , Zhang Yaoming , Ruan Hongwei , Sun Huiting , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua , Wang Chao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIt is challenging to enhance the stress‐free two‐way shape memory (stress‐free TWSM) effect to obtain a wide range of response temperatures. Herein, a polycaprolactone (PCL)/poly(ω‐pentadecalactone) (PPDL) is photocured under UV light irradiation in the solvent of 1,1,2‐trichloroethane (TCA), to obtain a series of cross‐linked polyesters (CPES). Controlling solvent content (SC) which is removed after the polymerization allows the yielded CPES to perform a regulatable thermodynamic and stress‐free TWSM properties. High SC is beneficial to reduce the degree of chain overlap (C/C*) of PPDL chain segments in the PCL‐based CPES network, then causes the cocrystallization of PCL and PPDL and yielding an additional melting‐transitions (Tm). An enhanced stress‐free TWSM is obtained in high SC samples (CPES‐15‐90), reflected in the attainment of a wide range of response temperature, which means a wider service temperature. The enhancement is reflected in higher reversible strain of high SC samples compared with the samples prepared with low SC when varying high trigger temperature (Thigh). Even at high Thigh, the high SC sample still has reversible strain. Therefore, controlling SC strategy for photocuring copolyester not only provides a new preparation approach for high‐performance shape memory (SM) polymers, but also offers new condensed polymer structure to explore.
Analysis of Vehicle Energy Absorption Compared to Non‐Standard Tests
Authors: Felaco Amelia , Caputo Francesco , Lamanna Giuseppe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOccupant safety is one of the fundamental aspects to be considered in structural design, which is why the computer aided engineering (CAE) methodology has become essential when studying a vehicle. For the past 10 years, therefore, when designing a vehicle, it is necessary to simulate both standard crash tests, required for marketing, and evaluation tests, carried out by independent consumer bodies. Thanks to the strong European (also national) drive to improve road safety, economic and technological investments have increased. In addition to this, the analysis criteria, and protocols for carrying out crash tests have also evolved to properly verify the crashworthiness of vehicles. Standard crash tests (e.g., EuroNCAP tests) are not exhaustive of all possible crash conditions that can occur in real life. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the structural behavior of a European B‐segment vehicle by performing non‐standard crash tests, i.e., not dictated by any regulation, analyzing different initial conditions. In particular, a frontal impact against a rigid barrier and a side impact against a deformable moving barrier (MDB) are analyzed using standardized test protocols and are then compared with non‐standard tests, analyzed using finite element models that evaluate the amount of energy absorption.Chiefly, in the non‐standard tests rotated the angle of the barrier to 10°, 20°, and 30° for the frontal impact. For the side impact, only the position of the barrier (front and rear) is varied.
Lessons learnt from a nationally funded training and mentoring programme for early‐mid career musculoskeletal researchers in Australia
Authors: Lawford Belinda J. , Hinman Rana S. , Bennell Kim L. , Hunter David J. , Hodges Paul W. , Setchell Jenny , Eyles Jillian , Allison Kim , Campbell Penny , Mellor Rebecca ,   MUSQ:Impact Steering Committee, Vicenzino B. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionQuality training and mentoring are crucial components of successful career development for early mid career researchers (EMCRs). This paper describes the overarching framework of novel ongoing national Training and Mentoring Programme Melbourne University Sydney Queensland:Impact (MUSQ:Impact) for musculoskeletal researchers, including a description of how it was set up and established, and lessons learned from its implementation.ResultsThe MUSQ:Impact programme spans four multidisciplinary musculoskeletal research teams across three universities in Australia, comprising 40–60 EMCR members. It was established to provide EMCRs with a unique learning environment and opportunities to gain exposure to, and network with, other national musculoskeletal research teams. Specific goals are to focus on core research competencies (e.g. writing skills, managing grant budgets, public speaking and media engagement, research translation), provide career mentoring, fund development activities (e.g. conference attendance, laboratory visits, skill development courses), and share training resources (e.g. data dictionaries, project summaries). A Steering Committee of 10–12 EMCR members, co‐chaired by a senior researcher and one EMCR, is responsible for overseeing MUSQ:Impact and organising regular activities, including a monthly webinar series, a mentor/mentee scheme, annual group research retreats, annual infographic competition, and funding awards. An evaluation survey found that most participants perceived each activity to be beneficial and of value to their research career and development.ConclusionThis paper presents the structure of national training and mentoring programme that serves as a potential template for other research teams to adapt within their own contexts.
Fat‐soluble vitamin deficiency and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency among adults with chronic pancreatitis: Is routine monitoring necessary for all patients?
Authors: Estes‐Doetsch Holly , Roberts Kristen , Newkirk Melanie , Parker Anna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractChronic pancreatitis (CP) is often associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which may increase risk for fat‐soluble vitamin depletion. Although vitamin D deficiency is widespread among the general population, vitamins A, E, and K deficiencies may more uniquely present in patients with CP. Yet, it is unclear whether fat‐soluble vitamin status should be routinely monitored in all patients with CP or limited to those with EPI. The purpose of this review is to describe the laboratory status of vitamins A, E, and K in adult patients with CP and their association with exocrine pancreatic function. Five primary, observational studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Biochemical deficiencies in fat‐soluble vitamins were observed across trials but results varied with respect to whether EPI increased risk. Challenges related to the diagnosis and treatment of EPI along with potential confounders may contribute to the heterogeneity among study results. Although more studies are needed to determine the influence of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy on fat‐soluble vitamin status as well as effective vitamin repletion strategies, clinicians should consider periodically screening for deficiencies in all patients with CP regardless of EPI to avoid associated health effects of vitamin depletion.
Energetics of reactions in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet with argon carrier gas and hexamethyldisiloxane reagent
Authors: Laghi Giulia , Watson Sean , Reuter Stephan , Gherardi Matteo , Wertheimer Michael R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report on a methodology for measuring the energy dissipated per AC high voltage cycle in a cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (CAPJet). This method is adapted from research by Nisol et al. on plasma polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) organosilicon vapor in a large area planar dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. Here too, we measured ΔEg, the energy difference with and without small HMDSO vapor concentrations in the argon carrier gas flow. From ΔEg we then derived Em, the energy per molecule, and compared values with those of Nisol. Good agreements were found, including in film structures determined from attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thus suggesting that realistic Em values can be successfully obtained also for the CAPJet case.
Distributed adaptive consensus protocol for heterogeneous nonlinear uncertain multi‐agent system with disturbance
Authors: Wen Hao , Liang Zixuan , Zhou Hexiong , Yao Baoheng , Mao Zhihua , Lian Lian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study presents a distributed adaptive sliding mode consensus protocol (DASMCP) to solve the consensus problem of the high‐order heterogeneous closed‐loop nonlinear uncertainty multi‐agent system without prior knowledge. The proposed adaptive gains adjustment mechanism can decrease the states and input chattering. In addition, the DASMCP is independent of prior knowledge of communication topology and error dynamics, and its finite time convergence bound can be preset. Moreover, two simulation examples are shown to verify the performance and the engineering application scenario.