bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of initial phase composition on the phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Du Songmo , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Shijia , Zhao Shuo , Cui Wei , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSilicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics with initial β‐Si3N4 content from 3% to 88% were prepared by spark plasma sintering from 1450 to 1700°C. The effect of initial β‐Si3N4 content on the phase transition, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of the Si3N4 ceramics was studied. The existence of initial β‐Si3N4 accelerated the α–β phase transition. When the initial β‐Si3N4 content was 12% and 46%, the aspect ratio of the grains was increased. When the initial β‐Si3N4 content was 88%, the grains were mainly composed of short rod‐like grains. As the initial β‐Si3N4 content increased, the densification process was slowed down. The hardness and fracture toughness of samples reached about 18 GPa and 6 MPa·m1/2. It is proposed that the mechanical properties of samples are connected with the densification process and β‐Si3N4 content.
Enhanced shear strength of Cu/AlN/Cu gradient materials with continuous and quasi‐continuous interfacial structures
Authors: Chen Fei , Xiang Binhua , Jia Mingyong , Wu Yueqi , Huang Zhifeng , Shen Qiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn the electronic industry, the composite of copper (Cu) and aluminum nitride (AlN) is widely used, but obtaining Cu/AlN/Cu functionally gradient materials (Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs) in a single step using traditional laminated sintering processes has proven challenging due to significant differences in their physical properties. To address this issue, molybdenum (Mo), with a high melting point and low expansion, was involved in creating a continuous gradient structure with AlN and a quasi‐continuous interfacial structure with Cu. The continuous interfacial structure of Mo/AlN gradient materials was obtained by hot pressing at 1650°C. Subsequently, the quasi‐continuous interfacial structure of Cu/Mo heterogeneous metal joints with high shear strength was achieved by utilizing the diffusion welding method at 700–950°C. The results indicated that the optimum shear strength of Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs is around 90 MPa. However, Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs with different diffusion interlayers failed in different ways when shear occurred, which greatly depends on the phase compositions at the joint. The challenges are overcome by utilizing Mo to construct the continuous and quasi‐continuous interfaces, resulting in Cu/AlN/Cu FGMs with improved shear properties.
Evidences of the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases coexistence in the (Pb0.96La0.04)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.99O3 ceramic system by probing nanoscale analyses via piezoresponse force microscopy
Authors: Ferri Anthony , Da Costa Antonio , Bauwens Justine , Pérez‐Martín Yoniel , Peláiz‐Barranco Aimé , Guerra José de los Santos 
Published: December 2023

Abstract(Pb0.96La0.04)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.99O3 ceramics were successfully elaborated by the solid‐sate reaction method. The pure perovskite phase was obtained, comprising both rhombohedral (R3c) and orthorhombic (Pbam) crystallographic structures, as determined by x‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses. The rhombohedral and orthorhombic structures were carefully attributed to the ferroelectric (FE) and antiferroelectric (AFE) phases, respectively. The room temperature electromechanical performances of the samples were particularly investigated at the nanoscale level by using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The measurement of PFM domain patterns evidenced spontaneous piezoelectric and ferroelectric activities as well as regions with no piezoresponse, in agreement with the coexistence of FE and AFE phases. By means of the spectroscopic mode of the PFM used in on‐ and off‐field methods, very specific piezoloops were recorded. Square‐shaped hysteresis loops for phase signal and butterfly‐like shape loops for amplitude activity were obtained under and at zero bias when probing ferroelectric regions, while on‐field piezoloops displaying double hysteresis for phase signal were detected and assigned to the stable antiferroelectric phase. Finally, the signature of metastable antiferroelectric phase was also identified through in‐field and remnant loops measurements. These results further provided the phases coexistence, concurrently unveiling intricate nanoscale electrical characteristics (both stable and metastable AFE behaviors) at room temperature. Furthermore, these data suggest that PFM proves to be a robust technique for investigating local antiferroelectricity in such complex ceramic oxides.
Keratolytics can replace curettage in daylight photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis on the face/scalp: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Caccavale Stefano , Boccellino Maria Pia , Brancaccio Gabriella , Alfano Roberto , Argenziano Giuseppe 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMethyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is commonly used for field treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). In standard natural daylight PDT (n‐DL‐PDT) the first step, after the application of chemical solar filter, is removal of crusts and scales by curettage, followed by the application of MAL cream. Some patients experience intense pain during curettage and stinging after application of the photosensitizer to just curettaged skin.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether n‐DL‐PDT without curettage, but preceded by application of keratolytics, would maintain a similar efficacy, based on clinical, dermoscopic, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) assessments, safety and patient satisfaction as standard n‐DL‐PDT with curettage.MethodsForty patients with multiple AKs on the face and/or scalp were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups of treatment as follows: (i) MAL n‐DL‐PDT without previous curettage, preceded by skin preparation at home with keratolytics (30% urea cream, twice a day for 7 days; −Cur group) and (ii) MAL n‐DL‐PDT preceded by skin preparation at the hospital with curettage (+Cur group).ResultsThirty‐nine participants completed the study. Four hundred and twenty‐one AKs in −Cur group and 337 AKs in +Cur group were treated. The mean reduction in the number of AK lesions 3 months after the treatment was 10.7 (−54.7%) in the −Cur and 10.4 (−58.7%) in the +Cur group. We found that the differences in terms of efficacy and patient satisfaction comparing the two treatment regimens were not statistically significant. The pain score reported during and after daylight exposure was similar and low in both groups. Moreover, no unexpected adverse events occurred during the trial period.ConclusionsAccording to our results, curettage is not necessary to obtain the full treatment effect of n‐DL‐PDT. We experienced in a real‐life setting that n‐DL‐PDT protocol could be changed by replacing curettage with keratolytics.
Sexual quality of life in patients with pemphigus: A case–control study
Authors: Maione V. , Bettolini L. , Cozzi C. , Bighetti S. , Tomasi C. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, significantly impairs the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals. While there are a variety of QoL measurement tools available for assessing this disease, there is a lack of studies that specifically evaluate the sexual QoL of patients with pemphigus.ObjectivesThis case–control study aims to investigate the impact of the disease on sexual activity as well as its overall effect on QoL.Materials and MethodsFifty pemphigus patients, who were referred to the Dermatology Department at the University Hospital of Brescia in the period March 2019–September 2021, completed several QoL surveys, including the 36‐item Short Form Health survey (SF‐36), the 12‐Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), the Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (ABQOL) and either the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) or the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The severity of the disease was assessed using the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI). Differences in QoL surveys between the case and control groups were analysed using either the t‐test or the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test. The correlation between QoL surveys in pemphigus patients and disease severity were analysed using Spearman's coefficient (r).ResultsThe results revealed a marked impairment in overall QoL among patients with pemphigus compared to the healthy control subjects. Significant differences were observed in various domains of QoL, including physical health, mental well‐being, social functioning and, notably, sexual health.Furthermore, disease severity as evaluated by the PDAI showed correlations with specific aspects of health status, and disease‐specific QoL demonstrated associations with nearly all domains of health status. No significant correlations were found between sexual activity, mucosal involvement or steroid therapy and PDAI scores or disease‐specific QoL measures.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the significant impact of pemphigus on patients' well‐being, with particular attention to the impaired sexual activity.
A simple drug‐delivery microneedling technique modality successfully improves linear atrophic scars
Authors: de Souza Luciana Gasques , Gold Michael H. , Steiner Denise , Silva Marcio Roberto , Viana de Oliveira Gisele 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAtrophic scars are white, dermal depressions, caused by the destruction of collagen fibers and decrease in epidermal cells, following inflammation after different types of trauma. They lead to significant physical, aesthetic and psychological barriers and their treatment remain a therapeutic challenge for dermatologists. Microneedling has been shown to improve scars by stimulating angiogenesis and neocolagenesis and the combination of anti‐fibrotic drugs could potentialize the results.MethodsWe present 8 cases of patients with linear scars, successfully treated with two sessions of a new Microneedling technique, using a tattoo machine, associated with drug delivery of 5‐FU.ResultsA marked improvement in scar pigmentation and texture were noted by patients and doctors, 6 months following the sessions of MMP and drug delivery with 5‐FU, in different body sites. We also showed that the assessment scores of at least one of the professionals with those of the patient had significant correlations with each other, which shows consistency between the qualitative assessment instruments. We also showed that the cause of the injury can influence joint assessment scores (physicians plus patient) or those exclusive to professionals trained for the assessments, generating evidence that the cause of the injury can influence the treatment outcome itself.ConclusionsWe present an inexpensive and promising approach that can be easily done as an in‐office procedure. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate this technique among the first line therapies for acne scar treatment.
Burden, coping and resilience among caregivers for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An integrative review
Authors: Zhang Nan , Tian Zheng , Liu Xinyi , Yu Xi , Wang Lan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThis study aims to synthesise quantitative and qualitative evidence to comprehensively examine the burden of family caregivers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and to understand their coping strategies and related resilience factors.BackgroundLong‐term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care causes heavy psychological and physical burden to caregivers, which is related to the coping strategies used. Resilience is a protective factor originating within the individual and has become a concept related to illness, health and care.DesignAn integrative review.MethodsRelevant literature was comprehensively searched from China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Ovid databases from the establishment of the database till January 2023, and the quality of the selected articles was evaluated. Reporting was done according to a PRISMA checklist.FindingsThe burden of family caregivers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes poor health, worry and fear, anticipatory loss and uncertainty, relationship tensions and disagreements, loss of identity and social isolation, lack of supportive knowledge and financial burden. Family caregivers used problem‐centred coping, emotion‐centred coping, avoidance coping, social support and dyadic coping with their patients to manage their burdens. The factors chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with a caregiver's resilience included a higher level of knowledge, social and familial support, a close relationship with patients, a caregiver's sense of responsibility, the patient's high self‐efficacy, etc.ConclusionsThe findings show that caregivers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients face multiple burdens, adapt through different coping styles and have different psychological consequences, while coping style and mental health status also affect the magnitude of burden.Implications for the Profession and Patient CareThe findings informed health professionals about personalised chronic obstructive pulmonary disease home care interventions to reduce caregiver burden, effectively manage illness and maintain family intimacy.No Patient or Public ContributionNo patients, families, service providers or members of the public were involved in this study.
Can admission Braden skin score predict delirium in older adults in the intensive care unit? Results from a multicenter study
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Huang Xiaxuan , Yuan Shiqi , Song Simeng , Tang Yonglan , Ling Yitong , Tan Shanyuan , Wang Zichen , Zhou Fuling , Lyu Jun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo investigate whether a low Braden Skin Score (BSS), reflecting an increased risk of pressure injury, could predict the risk of delirium in older patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).BackgroundDelirium, a common acute encephalopathy syndrome in older ICU patients, is associated with prolonged hospital stay, long‐term cognitive impairment and increased mortality. However, few studies have explored the relationship between BSS and delirium.DesignMulticenter cohort study.MethodsThe study included 24,123 older adults from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC‐IV) database and 1090 older adults from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU‐CRD), all of whom had a record of BSS on admission to the ICU. We used structured query language to extract relevant data from the electronic health records. Delirium, the primary outcome, was primarily diagnosed by the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU or the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Logistic regression models were used to validate the association between BSS and outcome. A STROBE checklist was the reporting guide for this study.ResultsThe median age within the MIMIC‐IV and eICU‐CRD databases was approximately 77 and 75 years, respectively, with 11,195 (46.4%) and 524 (48.1%) being female. The median BSS at enrollment in both databases was 15 (interquartile range: 13, 17). Multivariate logistic regression showed a negative association between BSS on ICU admission and the prevalence of delirium. Similar patterns were found in the eICU‐CRD database.ConclusionsThis study found a significant negative relationship between ICU admission BSS and the prevalence of delirium in older patients.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe BSS, which is simple and accessible, may reflect the health and frailty of older patients. It is recommended that BSS assessment be included as an essential component of delirium management strategies for older patients in the ICU.No Patient or Public ContributionThis is a retrospective cohort study, and no patients or the public were involved in the design and conduct of the study.
A systematic global review of mammalian carnivore responses to production forests
Authors: Jones Evie M. , Koch Amelia J. , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Jones Menna E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Unmodified forests are increasingly rare worldwide, with forestry a major contributor to habitat modification. Extending conservation practices beyond protected areas is important to conserve forest ecosystems.

We investigate the response of native mammalian carnivores (both Order Carnivora and Family Dasyuridae) to production forests globally, including harvested native forest and timber plantations. We examine how carnivores recorded in production forests use these forests versus other land uses, particularly native and/or unharvested forest; how habitat use relates to threatened status, body size, diet and harvesting method; carnivore responses to habitat features within production forests; and carnivore denning, breeding and predation behaviour in production forests.

We review 294 studies recording 132 carnivore species in production forests. Carnivores generally show higher use of unharvested native forests and lower use of agricultural land than production forests. Threatened species and large carnivores respond more negatively to production forests than non‐threatened species and small carnivores respectively. Hypercarnivores respond more negatively than omnivores to plantations compared to native forest, with no difference in the use of harvested and unharvested native forest between these dietary groups.

Notably, a high proportion of carnivore species use clearfelled more than unharvested native forest. In forest with partial harvesting or reduced‐impact logging, most species show no difference in use between harvested and unharvested forest.

Carnivores generally respond positively to habitat features such as riparian areas and coarse woody debris. Several carnivores were recorded denning and breeding in production forests. Production forests often influence the prey availability, hunting success and diet of carnivores.

We show that many carnivores use production forests, and how they respond to production forestry varies with species traits and conservation status. We recommend that production forests are managed as valuable carnivore habitat, and highlight strategies to enhance the use of these forests by carnivores.
Review of the global research on Hyaenidae and implications for conservation and management
Authors: Wilkinson Christine E. , Dheer Arjun , Zett Theresa , Torrents‐Ticó Miquel , Yarnell Richard W. , Bar Ziv Einat , Bhandari Shivish , Jacobson Andrew , Dloniak Stephanie M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Despite the ecological importance of the four extant species of Hyaenidae, and the threats they face globally, there has been no review of the nearly 100 years of published research on hyaenas, nor has there been a synthesis of management‐related literature regarding these species.

We reviewed 907 studies on Hyaenidae, summarized broad temporal, geographic and topical trends, and evaluated findings from management‐related research to determine ways forward for hyaena conservation management. Since the first known study in 1939, most have focused on spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta; 75% of all studies), yet overall publications for Hyaenidae have increased by 372% in recent decades.

Only 44 of the 67 hyaena range states were represented across publications, with nearly half of all studies conducted in Kenya (18%), South Africa (16%) and Tanzania (13%). Twenty‐eight countries had fewer than five studies. Ecology and diet were the most‐studied topic areas. The least‐studied topics were disease and physiology.

Studies on human–hyaena interactions were highly variable in topic, with infrastructure impacts and Hyaenidae benefits to people covered the least. All species were reported to have consumed anthropogenic diet items. Mortality data were included within 11% of publications, with 79% of recorded hyaena mortality constituting anthropogenic causes, although there were few targeted studies on the subject. Lastly, 12% of publications involved community engagement in their methods.

There is a significant bias among species, topics and range states across Hyaenidae studies, and little data explicitly related to human–hyaena coexistence. Our management‐focused synthesis suggests that research on Hyaenidae could better reflect large carnivore conservation and management inquiry by increasing studies focused on human interactions with Hyaenidae. To address research gaps and inform Hyaenidae management, we recommend increasing applied research outside of protected areas and using interdisciplinary, community‐involved methods to increase foundational knowledge on understudied hyaena species, habitats and locations.
A bibliometric literature review in beaver management: when does the beaver become a resource?
Authors: Treves Anna , Comino Elena 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse habitats, but they are among the most endangered due to human activities. In this context, beavers represent a nature‐based solutions to preserve and repair freshwater ecosystem, given their important role as ecosystem engineers. However, in an environment modified by humans, beaver activities frequently create conflicts masking the positive effects of this rodent. Therefore, the management of beaver populations and human–beaver conflicts is needed.

This article investigates the literature about beaver management through a bibliometric analysis to understand past, current, and future response. Moreover, it quantifies the number of studies that consider beavers as a resource, and it identifies the emerging themes in the field.

The bibliometric analysis was performed considering a total of 415 documents with the software VOSviewer and the R web interface for bibliometrix Biblioshiny.

The analysis presented here provides a complete view of past, present, and future management approaches and responses at the base of beaver management strategies. Three main results emerged. Firstly, a rising tendency in the number of publications about beavers that are directly linked to the populations development and spread has detected. Secondly, only 4.3% of scientific literature has referred to beaver‐related restoration. Thirdly, the ‘human perceptions’ has resulted in the emerging field investigated.

Findings suggest that there is a lot of research interest about beaver management. The beaver is still poorly managed as a tool for freshwater ecosystem restoration. The management is shifting from studies focused more so on beaver ecology to others mainly focused on the beaver effects and the human dimension.

This review provides a starting point for future research on beavers and suggests the development of socio‐ecological management models that consider benefits and impacts of beavers. This will help the decision‐making process of conservation and restoration initiatives.