bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving anthropometric measurements in hospitalized children: A quality‐improvement project
Authors: Persaud Sabrina , Hron Bridget M. , Rudie Coral , Mantell Patricia , Kahlon Prerna S. , Ariagno Katelyn , Ozonoff Al , Trivedi Shrunjal , Yugar Carlos , Mehta Nilesh M. , Raymond Michelle , Duggan Christopher P. , Huh Susanna Y. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this quality‐improvement project was to increase documentation rates of anthropometrics (measured weight, length/height, and body mass index [BMI], which are critical to identify patients at malnutrition (undernutrition) risk) from <50% to 80% within 24 hours of hospital admission for pediatric patients.MethodsMultidisciplinary champion teams on surgical, cardiac, and intensive care (ICU) pilot units were established to identify and iteratively test interventions addressing barriers to documentation from May 2016 to June 2018. Percentage of patients with documented anthropometrics <24 h of admission was assessed monthly by statistical process control methodology. Percentage of patients at malnutrition (undernutrition) risk by anthropometrics was compared by χ2 for 4 months before and after intervention.ResultsAnthropometric documentation rates significantly increased (P < 0.001 for all): BMI, from 11% to 89% (surgical), 33% to 57% (cardiac), and 16% to 51% (ICU); measured weight, from 24% to 88% (surgical), 69% to 83% (cardiac), and 51% to 67% (ICU); and length/height, from 12% to 89% (surgical), 38% to 57% (cardiac), and 26% to 63% (ICU). Improvement hospital‐wide was observed (BMI, 42% to 70%, P < 0.001) with formal dissemination tactics. For pilot units, moderate/severe malnutrition (undernutrition) rates tripled (1.2% [24 of 2081] to 3.4% [81 of 2374], P < 0.001).ConclusionDocumentation of anthropometrics on admission substantially improved after establishing multidisciplinary champion teams. Goal rate (80%) was achieved within 26 months for all anthropometrics in the surgical unit and for weight in the cardiac unit. Improved documentation rates led to significant increase in identification of patients at malnutrition (undernutrition) risk.
A glimpse into the body shape and limb proportions of enslaved Africans from Lagos, Portugal (15th–17th centuries)
Authors: Ferreira Maria Teresa , Coelho Catarina , Wasterlain Sofia N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAt the beginning of the Portuguese maritime expansion (15th century), ships loaded with various goods, including sub‐Saharan enslaved individuals, began to arrive in Portugal. In 2009, osteoarchaeological remains of these individuals were recovered for the first time in Valle da Gafaria, Lagos. Attending to their African origin and given that several studies have shown that the human body generally conforms to Bergmann's and Allen's rules, in this study, the physique of 63 adult individuals from the Valle da Gafaria site is tested against ecogeographical predictions. For that purpose, body shape (assessed by the femoral head diameter to femoral length index) and intralimb proportions (brachial and crural indices) were compared with those of 200 identified Portuguese skeletons. Results showed that the Lagos females' body shape and intralimb proportions differed significantly from those of the Portuguese, being more ‘tropically adapted’ (i.e., more ‘linear’ body shape with elongated distal limb segments). For the Lagos' males, the reduced sample size advises caution in the interpretation of the results. Although the specific origin of the Lagos individuals is not yet known, and different individuals may have come from relatively different regions of sub‐Saharan Africa, with specific climatic adaptations, the results generally agree with the ecogeographical expectations. This study not only allows for the first glimpse into the body shape and limb proportions of enslaved Africans arriving in Portugal but also confirms that morphometric analyses of the long bones may be a valuable complement to investigate the latitude origin of an osteoarchaeological assemblage.
A duality‐based approach for linear parabolic optimal control problems
Authors: Wang Hailing , Wu Di , Yu Changjun , Teo Kok Lay 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThis paper is concerned with the optimal control problem governed by linear parabolic equation with box constraints on control variables. We employ the Fenchel duality scheme to derive an unconstrained dual problem. Compared with the primal problem, the objective functional of the dual problem includes a projection onto the box constraints. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the dual problem and derive the first‐order optimality conditions. Furthermore, we investigate the saddle point property between the solutions of the primal problem and the solutions of the dual problem. To solve the dual problem, we design two implementable methods: the conjugate gradient method and the semi‐smooth Newton method. The solutions of the primal problem can be easily obtained through the solutions of the dual problem. We demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed methods by solving three example problems.
Comparison between whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging and whole‐body metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in the evaluation of primary tumor and metastases in neuroblastoma
Authors: Rodrigues Monica Matos Correia , Lederman Henrique Manoel , Grossman Iona , Castiglioni Mario Luiz V. , Marchetti Renata , Grass Daphne Centola , Luisi Flavio Augusto Vercillo , Caran Eliana Maria Monteiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhole‐body metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I‐MIBG) scintigraphy is the gold standard method to detect neuroblastoma; however, it depends on radioactive material and is expensive. In contrast, whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WB‐MRI) is affordable in developing countries and has been shown to be effective in the evaluation of solid tumors. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of WB‐MRI with MIBG in the detection of primary tumors and neuroblastoma metastases.ProcedureThis retrospective study enrolled patients with neuroblastoma between 2013 and 2020. All patients underwent WB‐MRI and MIBG at intervals of up to 15 days. The results were marked in a table that discriminated anatomical regions for each patient. Two experts evaluated, independently and in anonymity, the WB‐MRI images, and two others evaluated MIBG. The results were compared in terms of sensitivity and specificity, for each patient, considering MIBG as the gold standard. This study was approved by the UNIFESP Ethics Committee.ResultsThirty patients with neuroblastoma were enrolled in this study. The age ranged from 1 to 15 years, with a mean of 5.7 years. The interval between exams (WB‐MRI and MIBG) ranged from 1 to 13 days, with an average of 6.67 days. Compared to MIBG, WB‐MRI presented a sensitivity and specificity greater than or equal to 90% for the detection of primary neuroblastoma in bones and lymph nodes. When we consider the patient without individualizing the anatomical regions, WB‐MRI presented sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 73.33%.ConclusionIn conclusion, WB‐MRI is a sensitive and specific method to detect neuroblastoma in bone and lymph nodes and highly sensible to primary tumor diagnosis, suggesting that this test is a viable alternative in places where MIBG is difficult to access. Studies with a larger number of cases are necessary for definitive conclusions.
Developing a photothermal anti/deicing fluor‐free composite coating with high wear resistance and liquid impalement resistance based on a new biobased benzoxazine resin and polydopamine‐coated aluminum nitride
Authors: Zhang Xiaojian , Yuan Li , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDeveloping photothermal anti/deicing fluor‐free composite coatings with high wear resistance and liquid puncture resistance is an interesting challenge. Herein, a new biomass benzoxazine monomer (C‐d) was synthesized, which was then sprayed on a glass slide, followed by spraying hyperbranched polysiloxane (HSi), polydopamine‐coated micro AlN (P@mAlN), and polydopamine‐coated nano AlN (P@nAlN), successively, to develop a new type of photothermal anti/deicing four‐layer fluor‐free composite coatings with high wear resistance and liquid puncture resistance (C‐d/yHSi/0.4P@2bAlN, y is the mass ratio of HSi to C‐d). Three‐layer composite coatings (C‐d/0.4P@zbAlN, z is the mass ratio of P@mAlN to P@nAlN) and two‐layer composite coatings (C‐d/xP@mAlN, x is the mass ratio of P@mAlN to C‐d) were also prepared to study the influence of compositions on comprehensive properties of coatings. The results show that C‐d/0.4P@zbAlN has significantly longer icing delay time (IDT) than C‐d and C‐d/xP@mAlN coatings but still shows poor wear resistance and liquid puncture resistance. Interestingly, C‐d/yHSi/0.4P@2bAlN coatings have good superhydrophobicity; as y increases, both IDT and wear resistance increase significantly. When y = 0.5, the obtained C‐d/0.5HSi/0.4P@2bAlN coating has the best integrated performance, including high anti‐deicing property (IDT = 627 s), high wear resistance, and liquid puncture resistance as well as good photothermal deicing performance, the ice melts in 343 s under the irradiation with 808 nm infrared light, overcoming the bottleneck of poor wear resistance and liquid puncture resistance of photothermal anti/deicing coatings. Besides, C‐d/0.5HSi/0.4P@2bAlN coating can effectively prevent the adhesion of pollutants and remain superhydrophobicity after soaked in different solutions (pH = 1–10).Highlights
A new biomass benzoxazine with good flexibility was synthesized.
Photo‐thermal anti/deicing coatings with micro/nanostructured surfaces are built.
The fluor‐free coatings have excellent wear resistance and chemical resistance.
The mechanism behind was elucidated.
Prenatal characterization of novel neurosonographic findings in a fetus with SOTOS syndrome
Authors: Bornstein Eran , Reiss Sarah , Malinger Gustavo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSotos syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in less than 1 in 10,000 births. It is characterized by rapid growth during childhood (tall stature and unusually large head), typical facial dysmorphic features, neurodevelopmental delays of both mental and movement abilities, and learning disabilities. Prenatal diagnosis of Sotos syndrome is infrequent and sonographic findings are not well characterized as the condition is generally detected during childhood. We present a case in which routine third trimester ultrasound detected intracranial findings including ventriculomegaly, periventricular pseudocysts, and increased periventricular echogenicity. Although initially suspected to be the result of fetal infection with CMV, amniocentesis excluded fetal infection and microarray analysis detected a de novo 2.13 MB interstitial deletion of 5q35.2–35.3 involving several genes including the NSD1 gene, thus confirming the diagnosis of Sotos syndrome. This case provides novel characterization of the sonographic phenotype in a fetus with Sotos syndrome and discusses the differential diagnosis.
The effects of Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Amini Mohammad Reza , Rasaei Niloufar , Jalalzadeh Moharam , Akhgarjand Camellia , Hashemian Maryam , Jalali Parisa , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGarcinia cambogia (GC) has antioxidant, anticancer, antihistamine, and antimicrobial properties. To determine the effect of GC on lipid profiles, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was carried out. Up to February 9, 2023, six electronic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched at any time without limitations. Trials examining the impact of GC on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in adults were included. The total effect was shown as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random‐effects meta‐analysis approach. This systematic review and meta‐analysis included 14 trials involving 623 subjects. Plasma levels of TC (WMD: −6.76 mg/dL; CI: −12.39 to −0.59, p‐value = 0.032), and TG (WMD: −24.21 mg/dL; CI: −37.84 to −10.58, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after GC use, and plasma HDL‐C (WMD: 2.95 mg/dL; CI: 2.01 to 3.89, p < 0.001) levels increased. low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (WMD: −1.15 mg/dL; CI: −16.08 to 13.78, p‐value = 0.880) were not significantly affected. The effects of lowering TC and TG were more pronounced for periods longer than 8 weeks. Consuming GC has a positive impact on TC, TG, and HDL‐C concentrations. The limitations of this study include the short duration of analyzed interventions and significant heterogeneity. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct well‐structured, and high‐quality long‐term trials to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness of GC on lipid profile, and validate these findings.
Binary observation‐based FIR system identification under sequence denial of service attacks
Authors: Wei Jingliang , Jia Ruizhe , Song Yong , Jing Fengwei , Guo Jin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDue to the close interaction between computing, sensing, communication, and driving of the cyber‐physical system (CPS), which makes it highly vulnerable to cyber attacks, the security of CPS has attracted wide attention. In the article, we discuss the system identification problem of the finite impulse response system under sequence denial of service attacks. The identification algorithm of the unknown parameter is designed under binary observations, and its convergence performance is analyzed. The optimal attack strategy problem is modeled as a optimized problem with constraints based on the covariance matrix of estimation error, the solution method and implementation algorithm are given. From the perspective of the defender, an encryption‐type defense algorithm is designed, and then the optimal defense strategy is presented. The numerical simulation is used to verify the validity of the proposed method.
A Chronic Non-Healing Ulcer Plantar
Authors: Unterluggauer Luisa , Okamoto Ichiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Acral melanoma is challenging in two ways: it is in some cases difficult to diagnose and, once metastases have occurred, the prognosis is poor as therapy is less effective compared to melanoma from other parts of the skin. Here we report a case, were the correct diagnosis was made after melanoma has spread already to distant sites. Instead of surgery, we decided to start with immunotherapy consisting of Ipilimumab and Nivolumab. A complete response could be achieved without surgery of any tumors, including the primary melanoma.
Engineering of Multivalent Membrane‐Anchored DNA Frameworks for Precise Profiling of Variable Membrane Permeability During Reversible Electroporation
Authors: Liu Yixin , Fan Zihui , Xiang Xiao‐Wei , Tao Xiaonan , Xia Xinwei , Shi Qian , Lu Yanwei , Lu Jiayin , Gu Hongzhou , Liu Yan‐Jun , Liu Baohong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractElectroporation techniques have emerged as attractive tools for intracellular delivery, rendering promising prospects towards clinical therapies. Transient disruption of membrane permeability is the critical process for efficient electroporation‐based cargo delivery. However, smart nanotools for precise characterization of transient membrane changes induced by strong electric pulses are extremely limited. Herein, multivalent membrane‐anchored fluorescent nanoprobes (MMFNPs) that take advantages of flexible functionalization and spatial arrangement of DNA frameworks are developed for in situ evaluation of electric field‐induced membrane permeability during reversible electroporation . Single‐molecule fluorescence imaging techniques are adopted to precisely verify the excellent analytical performance of the engineered MMFNPs. Benefited from tight membrane anchoring and sensitive adenosine triphosphate (ATP) profiling, varying degrees of membrane disturbances are visually exhibited under different intensities of the microsecond pulse electric field (µsPEF). Significantly, the dynamic process of membrane repair during reversible electroporation is well demonstrated via ATP fluctuations monitored by the designed MMFNPs. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed for accurate verification of electroporation‐driven dynamic cargo entry via membrane nanopores. This work provides an avenue for effectively capturing transient fluctuations of membrane permeability under external stimuli, offering valuable guidance for developing efficient and safe electroporation‐driven delivery strategies for clinical diagnosis and therapeutics.
Blood RNA‐sequencing analysis in acrylamide‐induced neurotoxicity and depressive symptoms in rats
Authors: Chen Yng‐Tay , Lin Tzu‐Jung , Hung Chia‐Yu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAcrylamide (ACR) is a by‐product of the Maillard reaction, which occurs when food reacts at high temperatures. Occupational exposure is a risk factor for chronic ACR toxicity. ACR may cause neurotoxicity and depressive symptoms with high concentration in the blood; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We showed the rats developed neurotoxic symptoms after being fed with ACR for 28 days, such as reduced activity and hind limb muscle weakness. We investigated whether ACR exposure causes gene expression differences by blood RNA sequencing and analyzed the differential expression of depressive symptoms‐associated genes. The result indicated that IFN‐γ the key regulator of neurotoxicity and depressive symptoms was induced by ACR. ACR induced the ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis pathway and JAK/STAT pathways gene expression. ACR upregulated the expression of IFN‐γ, inducing neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. ACR also upregulated the expression of JAK2, STAT1, PI3K, AKT, IκBα, UBE2D4, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and iNOS in rat brain tissues and Neuro‐2a cells. Thus, IFN‐γ induction by ACR may induce depressive symptoms, and the ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis pathway and JAK/STAT pathways may involve in ACR neurotoxicity and depressive symptoms.
Energy management in the water sector: A policy statement review
Authors: Sowby Robert B. , Hopkins Easton G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWater and wastewater utilities consume significant energy. While they are regulated on water quality and other environmental issues, energy management is largely optional. In between enforceable public policy and voluntary internal action, professional associations can influence their industries to act. In this perspective article, we discuss 10 policy statements from three professional associations in the water sector and discuss how they support energy management. While few of the statements directly address energy management, we conclude that they justify it in terms of ethics, sustainability, affordability, and asset management. Still, their disparate nature exposes a policy gap. We recommend that the associations develop definitive policy statements on the subject to clarify their positions and set expectations.Practitioner Points
Water/wastewater utilities use energy but are not regulated for energy management.
In the absence of public policy, professional associations can influence action.
We discuss 10 policy statements from ASCE, AWWA, and WEF in the water industry.
The statements support energy management indirectly but leave a policy gap.
We recommend developing policy statements specifically on this topic.
Comparison of scoring systems for predicting clinical outcomes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Prasitvarakul Kamales , Attanath Nawawich , Chang Arunchai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine the performance of the Oakland, Glasgow‐Blatchford, and AIMS65 scores in predicting the clinical outcomes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted from July 2020 to July 2021. Patients admitted with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled. The Oakland, Glasgow‐Blatchford, and AIMS65 scores were calculated. The primary outcome was validating the performance of the scores in predicting severe LGIB; secondary outcomes were comparing the performance of the scores in predicting the need for blood transfusion, hemostatic interventions, in‐hospital rebleeding, and mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for all outcomes. The associations between all three scores and the primary outcomes were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsPatients with acute LGIB (n = 150) were enrolled (88 [58.7%] men and mean age: 63.6 ± 17.3 years). The rates of severe LGIB, need for blood transfusion, hemostatic intervention, in‐hospital rebleeding, and in‐hospital mortality were 54.7%, 79.3%, 10.7%, and 3.3%, respectively. The Oakland and Glasgow‐Blatchford scores had comparable performance in predicting severe LGIB, need for blood transfusion, and mortality, outperforming the AIMS65 score. All scores were suboptimal for predicting hemostatic interventions and rebleeding.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the predictive performances of the Oakland score and the GBS are excellent and comparable for severe LGIB, the need for blood transfusion, and in‐hospital mortality in patients with acute LGIB. Thus, GBS could be considered as an alternative predictive score for stratification of the patients with acute LGIB.
Introduction
Authors: Heywood Emma 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRadio plays an empowering role through the content it broadcasts, the manner in which it broadcasts (formats and platforms), and the choice of who is involved in the broadcasting, such as producers, editors, presenters, or guests. If women are portrayed in non-stereotypical ways and are included in the production and output of broadcasts, radio can influence how women perceive topics, how they perceive themselves and, importantly, how society perceives them. This chapter explains how radio plays this role and its various attributes and functions as one of the main and most trusted sources of information in West Africa. It also details perceptions and understandings of empowerment, providing context to environments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the three countries on which the book focuses. It introduces the various concepts used in the book, including enabling environments and enabling factors for radio’s contribution to promoting women’s empowerment.
Radio, Women, and Inheritance
Authors: Heywood Emma 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe chapter examines how the issue of inheritance and the extent to which the allocation of that inheritance affects women, families, and communities, both rural and urban. It discusses how this is represented by a radio studio in Mali on one hand, and by its audiences on the other, and the extent to which, and how, the broadcasts raise awareness and promote women’s human rights and empowerment, not only among the women who are only too aware of the difficulties they face but also among men and extended family members who hold the power over the women. It further questions whether the broadcasts are in alignment with ‘imposed’ international development discourse while remaining culturally relevant and whether the radio broadcasts present women as individuals or within their societal web of relations.