bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of acute terminal ileitis in children before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Koyuncu Hilal , Bükülmez Ayşegül , Güngör Ayşe , Sarıkaya Yasin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the clinical features of acute terminal ileitis in children and evaluate its rate before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsThis retrospective study was performed in our pediatric emergency department between 2018 and 2022. The records of 5363 patients who required abdominal imaging due to acute abdomen were analyzed, and 143 patients with terminal ileitis were included. The rate and etiological causes were compared during and before the COVID‐19 pandemic.ResultsThe rate of acute terminal ileitis has increased over the years. The fastest increase was in 2021, when the COVID‐19 pandemic was experienced. While 59 (41.2%) patients showed acute nonspecific ileitis, the most common etiologic cause that could be identified was acute gastroenteritis. It was determined that multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children was among the causes of ileitis after the COVID‐19 pandemic and was one of the top three causes.ConclusionsAcute terminal ileitis, which has many etiologies, is one of the rare radiological findings in acute abdominal pain. Examination and laboratory findings are not specific. Guidelines are needed for the investigation of the underlying etiology of acute terminal ileitis in children. The incidence of acute terminal ileitis is increasing, and the increase has been found to be faster after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Factors associated with D‐lactic acidosis in pediatric intestinal failure: A case‐control study
Authors: Nes Emily , Knell Jamie , Keefe Gregory , Culbreath Katherine , Han Sam M. , McGivney Megan , Staffa Steven J. , Modi Biren P. , Carey Alexandra N. , Jaksic Tom , Duggan Christopher P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundD‐lactic acidosis (DLA) is a serious complication of short bowel syndrome (SBS) in children with intestinal failure (IF). Malabsorbed carbohydrates are metabolized by bacteria in the intestine to D‐lactate which can lead to metabolic acidosis and neurologic symptoms.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed in children ≤18 years old with SBS who had one of the following criteria: unexplained metabolic acidosis, neurologic signs or symptoms, history of antibiotic therapy for small bowel bacterial overgrowth, or high clinical suspicion of DLA. Cases had serum D‐lactate concentration >0.25 mmol/L; controls with concentrations ≤0.25 mmol/L.ResultsOf forty‐six children, median age was 3.16 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.98, 5.82) years, and median residual bowel length was 40 (IQR: 25, 59) cm. There were 23 cases and 23 controls. Univariate analysis showed that cases had significantly lower median bicarbonate (19 vs. 24 mEq/L, p = 0.001), higher anion gap (17 vs. 14 mEq/L, p < 0.001) and were less likely to be receiving parenteral nutrition, compared with children without DLA. Multivariable analysis identified midgut volvulus, history of intestinal lengthening procedure, and anion gap as significant independent risk factors. Midgut volvulus was the strongest independent factor associated with DLA (adjusted odds ratio = 17.1, 95% CI: 2.21, 133, p = 0.007).ConclusionDLA is an important complication of pediatric IF due to SBS. Patients with IF, particularly those with history of midgut volvulus, having undergone intestinal lengthening, or with anion gap acidosis, should be closely monitored for DLA.
Midodrine reduces new‐onset acute kidney injury and hyponatremia in children with cirrhosis and ascites awaiting liver transplantation: Results from an open‐label RCT
Authors: Ashritha A. , Lal Bikrant B. , Khanna Rajeev , Sood Vikrant , Sood Arun K. , Alam Seema 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesMidodrine, an oral α‐1‐adrenergic receptor agonist, counters arterial hypovolemia and reduces complications in adult patients with cirrhosis. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of midodrine in preventing complications and improving survival in children with cirrhosis and ascites who are awaiting liver transplantation (LT).MethodsThis open‐label RCT conducted from January 2022 to May 2023 included children under 18 years with cirrhosis and ascites. Patients were randomized to receive either midodrine plus standard medical therapies (SMTs) or SMT alone. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of cirrhosis‐related complications within 6 months.ResultsThirty‐five subjects were enrolled and randomized. Patients in the midodrine arm had a lower incidence of new‐onset acute kidney injury (AKI) compared with the SMT arm (11.1% vs. 41.2%). Patients in the midodrine arm showed a decline in serum creatinine and improvement in glomerular filtration rate, whereas no changes were observed in the SMT arm. There was a lower incidence of new‐onset hyponatremia in the midodrine arm (20% vs. 56%). Midodrine led to reduction in plasma rennin activity (PRA) and improvement in systemic hemodynamics. There was no difference in the rate of resolution of ascites, recurrence of ascites, requirement of therapeutic paracentesis, cumulative albumin infusion requirement, episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatic encephalopathy between the two arms.ConclusionMidodrine, when added to SMT, was effective in reducing the incidence of new‐onset AKI and hyponatremia in pediatric cirrhotics awaiting LT. It also improved systemic hemodynamics and showed a trend towards reducing PRA.
Genotypes predisposing for celiac disease and autoimmune diabetes and risk of infections in early childhood
Authors: Størdal Ketil , Tapia German , Lund‐Blix Nicolai A. , Stene Lars C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesInfections in early childhood have been associated with risk of celiac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). We investigated whether this is driven by susceptibility genes for autoimmune disease by comparing infection frequency by genetic susceptibility variants for CD or T1D.MethodsWe genotyped 373 controls and 384 children who developed CD or T1D in the population‐based Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort study (MoBa) study for human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ, FUT2, SH2B3, and PTPN22, and calculated a weighted non‐HLA genetic risk score (GRS) for CD and T1D based on over 40 SNPs. Parents reported infections in questionnaires when children were 6 and 18 months old. We used negative binomial regression to estimate incidence rate ratio (IRR) for infections by genotype.ResultsHLA genotypes for CD and T1D or non‐HLA GRS for T1D were not associated with infections. The non‐HLA GRS for CD was associated with a nonsignificantly lower frequency of infections (aIRR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87−1.03 per weighted allele score), and significantly so when restricting to healthy controls (aIRR: 0.89, 0.81−0.99). Participants homozygous for rs601338(A;A) at FUT2, often referred to as nonsecretors, had a nonsignificantly lower risk of infections (aIRR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83−1.01). SH2B3 and PTPN22 genotypes were not associated with infections. The association between infections and risk of CD (OR: 1.15 per five infections) was strengthened after adjustment for HLA genotype and non‐HLA GRS (OR: 1.24).ConclusionsHLA variants and non‐HLA GRS conferring susceptibility for CD were not associated with increased risk of infections in early childhood and is unlikely to drive the observed association between infections and risk of CD or T1D in many studies.
Rheology of novel photosensitive viscoelastic trimeric cationic surfactant/trans‐ortho‐methoxycinnamic acid micellar solutions
Authors: He Jinlan , Han Xiaoyang , Fang Bo , Wu Huinan , Xu Wenting , Xin Hui , Yu Luyao , Li Kejing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhotosensitive micellar solutions of mixed surfactants and photosensitive additives have gained much interest. However, there are no reports on photosensitive micellar solutions containing trimeric cationic surfactant. In the study, novel photosensitive viscoelastic micellar solutions consisting of trimeric cationic surfactant (TEC) and trans‐ortho‐methoxycinnamic acid (trans‐OMCA) were investigated. This study utilized rheology, UV–vis spectroscopy, and cryo‐TEM to investigate the photo‐responsive behavior and mechanism of the TEC/trans‐OMCA micellar solutions. Rheological studies revealed that the concentration of TEC and trans‐OMCA, as well as temperature, significantly affected the viscoelastic properties of the micellar solutions. Furthermore, the Carreau and Maxwell models might be used to characterize the flow curves and viscoelasticity of the micellar solutions, respectively. Notably, TEC/trans‐OMCA micellar solutions exhibited excellent light‐induced thinning characteristic, with the optimal performance at a mass ratio of φ = 0.5. After UV irradiation, the zero‐shear viscosity of TEC/trans‐OMCA (0.6/0.3 wt%) micellar solution was reduced by 352 times, while the viscoelasticity and the area of hysteresis loops were significantly reduced. This drastic change in the rheological characteristics of the micellar solutions could be attributed to the photoisomerization of trans‐OMCA and the resulting changes in the internal microstructure of the solutions. Moreover, the viscosity of the micellar solutions diminished as the temperature increased, with the remaining viscosity of the TEC/trans‐OMCA (1.0/0.5 wt%) micellar solution at 36.4 mPa s at 95°C. This study expands on the potential utilization of oligomeric surfactants in the construction of photorheological viscoelastic fluids.
The prevalence of skin diseases in Greece, impact on quality of life and stigmatization: A population‐based survey study
Authors: Stratigos Alexander J. , Richard Marie A. , Dessinioti Clio , Paul Carle , Nijsten Tamar , Gisondi Paolo , Salavastru Carmen , Taieb Charles , Trakatelli Myrto , Puig Luis , Tzellos Thrasyvoulos , Ioannides Dimitrios ,   for the EADV burden of skin diseases project team
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is no population‐based evidence on the prevalence and impact of skin diseases in Greece.ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of 12 main skin diseases and their impact on quality of life (QoL) and feelings of stigmatization in the Greek population.MethodsA population‐based survey in an adult Greek representative sample was carried out as part of the multinational ‘EADV burden of skin diseases study’. Quality of life (QOL) was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from the EuroQol‐5D (EQ. 5D) questionnaires.ResultsIn 1010 participants, 47.8% (n = 483) declared at least one skin disease or condition or skin‐related unpleasant sensation in the last 12 months. Fungal skin infection was reported with the higher prevalence (7.5%), followed by alopecia (5.7%), atopic dermatitis (5%), acne (3.6%), sexually transmitted diseases (2.7%), psoriasis (2.2%) chronic urticaria (1.5%), rosacea (1.3%), nonmelanoma skin cancer (1.5%), vitiligo (0.6%), cutaneous melanoma (0.6%) and hidradenitis suppurativa (0.3%). Mean VAS‐EQ. 5D and DLQI scores were 77.8 and 2.2, respectively. Among those reporting at least one skin problem, 68.1% reported an impact of the skin condition on their personal life and 51% reported an impact on time to take care of themselves. Regarding the impact on work‐life decisions, 22.2% reoriented their professional activity, 13% were refused a professional offer, 22.2% did not get the job they hoped to and 16.7% chose their work with their skin problem in mind. Regarding feelings of stigmatization, 12% felt left out/rejected by others, 6.6% were refused access to leisure facilities and 9.8% reported the impression to be looked at with disgust.ConclusionsOur population‐based study provides new information on the prevalence of skin diseases in the Southern European country of Greece and highlights the impact of prevalent skin disease on life‐altering decisions and stigmatization.
Vertically Aligned Perovskite Laser Arrays for High‐Capacity Anticounterfeiting Labels
Authors: Liu Liang , Mao Wangqi , Gao Xinyu , He Chenglin , Tang Zilan , Chang Hao , Zhang Long , Wang Xiaoxia , Dong Hongxing , Pan Anlian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhysically unclonable functions (PUFs) have emerged as the most effective method against counterfeiting, leveraging the intrinsic randomness of objects to avoid data replication. However, despite their efficacy, the complexity and high cost of most PUF‐based counterfeiting labels hinder their practical application. Here, a high‐capacity PUF label based on vertically aligned perovskite nanowire (NW) arrays is demonstrated. The NW arrays are conveniently constructed using a low‐cost solution process using an anodized aluminum oxide template. Each pixel within the label is composed of closely packed CsPbBr3NW arrays of different lengths, resulting in varied lasing signals. The collected signal of each pixel emerged from the lasing output of the NW arrays, generating high‐density and nonuniform multiple‐mode lasing to facilitate information encoding. A quaternary encoding mechanism is used to encode the number of laser modes per pixel. Impressively, it exhibits a mapping resolution of 1600 pixels within 400 µm2, achieving an impressive encoding capacity (1.97 × 10963) and a pixel density (4 bits µm−2) in this compact area. This work shows a promising approach for anticounterfeiting applications because of its simplicity, low cost, and high encoding capacity.
Decellularized Bone Matrix/45S5 Bioactive Glass Biocomposite Hydrogel‐Based Constructs with Angiogenic and Osteogenic Properties: Ex Ovo and Ex Vivo Evaluations
Authors: Aytekin Ekin , Vurat Murat Taner , Elçin Ayşe Eser , Elçin Yaşar Murat 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDecellularized extracellular matrix is often used to create an in vivo‐like environment that supports cell growth and proliferation, as it reflects the micro/macrostructure and molecular composition of tissues. On the other hand, bioactive glasses (BG) are surface‐reactive glass‐ceramics that can convert to hydroxyapatite in vivo and promote new bone formation. This study is designed to evaluate the key properties of a novel angiogenic and osteogenic biocomposite graft made of bovine decellularized bone matrix (DBM) hydrogel and 45S5 BG microparticles (10 and 20 wt%) to combine the existing superior properties of both biomaterial classes. Morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal characterizations of DBM and DBM/BG composite hydrogels are performed. Their in vitro biocompatibility is confirmed by cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility analyses. Ex vivo chick embryo aortic arch and ex ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays reveal that the present pro‐angiogenic property of DBM hydrogels is enhanced by the incorporation of BG. Histochemical stainings (Alcian blue and Alizarin red) and digital image analysis of ossification on hind limbs of embryos used in the CAM model reveal the osteogenic potential of biomaterials. The findings support the notion that the developed DBM/BG composite hydrogel constructs have the potential to be a suitable graft for bone repair.
Self‐Degrading Multifunctional PEG‐Based Hydrogels—Tailormade Substrates for Cell Culture
Authors: Kowalczuk Kathrin , Dasgupta Anindita , Páez Larios Francisco , Ulrich Hans F. , Wegner Valentin , Brendel Johannes C. , Eggeling Christian , Mosig Alexander S. , Schacher Felix H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe use of PEG‐based hydrogels as cell culture matrix to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has been realized using a range of well‐defined, tunable, and dynamic scaffolds, although they require cell adhesion ligands such as RGDS‐peptide (Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser) to promote cell adhesion. Herein the synthesis of ionic and degradable hydrogels is demonstrated for cell culture by crosslinking [PEG‐SH]4 with the zwitterionic crosslinker N,N‐bis(acryloxyethyl)‐N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium betaine (BMSAB) and the cationic crosslinker N,N‐bis(acryloxyethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyl‐1‐ammonium iodide (BDMAI). Depending on the amount of ionic crosslinker used in gel formation, the hydrogels show tunable gelation time and stiffness. At the same time, the ionic groups act as catalysts for hydrolytic degradation, thereby allowing to define a stability window. The latter could be tailored in a straightforward manner by introducing the non‐degradable crosslinker tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether. In addition, both ionic crosslinkers favor cell attachment in comparison to the pristine PEG hydrogels. The degradation is examined by swelling behavior, rheology, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy indicating degradation kinetics depending on diffusion of incorporated fluorescent molecules.
The Soft Nanodots as Fluorescent Probes for Cell Imaging: Analysis of Cell and Spheroid Penetration Behavior of Single Chain Polymer Dots
Authors: Yucel Muge , Onbas Rabia , Arslan Yildiz Ahu , Yildiz Umit Hakan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study describes the formation, size control, and penetration behavior of polymer nanodots (Pdots) consisting of single or few chain polythiophene‐based conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) via nanophase separation between good solvent and poor solvent of CPE. Though the chain singularity may be associated with dilution nanophase separation suggests that molecules of a good solvent create a thermodynamically driven solvation layer surrounding the CPEs and thereby separating the single chains even in their poor solvents. This statement is therefore corroborated with emission intensity/lifetime, particle size, and scattering intensity of polyelectrolyte in good and poor solvents. Regarding the augmented features, Pdots are implemented into cell imaging studies to understand the nuclear penetration and to differentiate the invasive characteristics of breast cancer cells. The python based red, green, blue (RGB) color analysis depicts that Pdots have more nuclear penetration ability in triple negative breast cancer cells due to the different nuclear morphology in shape and composition and Pdots have penetrated cell membrane as well as extracellular matrix in spheroid models. The current Pdot protocol and its utilization in cancer cell imaging are holding great promise for gene/drug delivery to target cancer cells by explicitly achieving the very first priority of nuclear intake.
Effect of Surface Properties of Nanoparticles on the Crystallization Behavior of Polypropylene/Polypropylene‐g‐Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Ju Weilong , Li Shaofan , Su Yunlan , Wang Dujin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn order to investigate the effect of surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) on the crystallization behavior of nanocomposite, three kinds of silica (SiO2) NPs are dispersed in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) matrix by solution blending method. Specifically, the poor compatibility between inorganic bare SiO2 NPs and organic PP matrix triggers the formation of aggregates and induces the fractionated crystallization with two crystallization peaks at higher particle loading (Φ), i.e., main crystallization peak (MCP) and low temperature crystallization peak (LCP, always located at 124.0 °C). Once short PP chains (0.9 × 104 g mol−1) are grafted onto the surface of SiO2 NPs, the nanocomposites with all Φ only exhibit a single MCP which is attributed to the strong interfacial interaction. With the increase of grafting chain length (9 × 104 g mol−1), the more stretched conformation of grafting chains can provide numerous heterogeneous nucleation sites and significantly accelerate the crystallization rate of PP chains near the surface of SiO2 NPs, which lead to the formation of an extra high temperature crystallization peak (HCP, almost kept constant at 133.0 °C). The occurrence of various crystallization peaks implies that the surface properties of nanoparticles play a vital role in the nucleation ability of nanoparticles.
H‐Bonded Amorphous Polymer Glass Nanofibers with Simultaneously Large Enhancement in Strength, Toughness, Ductility, and Thermal Stability
Authors: Gaikwad Adwait , Kolluru Pavan V. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the direct effects of hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) on the mechanical response of glassy state polymers remains a challenge, largely owing to the use of semicrystalline polymers in such studies, wherein, separating the contributions due to the changes in degree of crystallinity and direct H‐bonding effects on the observed mechanical properties is extremely difficult. This limitation is overcome by studying the mechanical behavior of amorphous, glassy polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), H‐bonded with tannic acid (TA). Uniaxial tension experiments on individual submicron scale PVP fibers (0.6–1.0 µm diameters) with different TA concentrations are conducted to capture their elasto‐plastic deformation characteristics. Amorphous PVP‐TA complexes exhibited some distinctive trends in elasto‐plastic properties with increasing H‐bond density, which are not observed earlier. These distinctive trends are discussed in terms of the competing effects of H‐bond driven crosslinking and TA‐induced reduction in entanglement density, and their differing roles during elastic and plastic deformation. The improvements in elasto‐plastic properties (particularly ductility and toughness) are simultaneously accompanied by uniquely significant thermal stability (i.e., glass transition temperature, Tg) improvements, that can help improve the practical applicability, operational life, and performance of these materials.
Heterogeneous hybrid governance mechanisms of information technology and contract in supply chain quality management
Authors: Cheng Zhaolin , Zeng Mengjia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study scrutinizes the heterogeneous hybrid governance mechanisms of information technology and contact in supply chain quality management. Drawing on governance theory and features of information technology, a conceptual model is proposed. Based on the survey data obtained from 154 manufacturing firms' managers, we use the structural equation modeling method to test our conceptual model. The method of partial least squares is used to analyze the structural equation model. We find that Information transparency and contract completeness are substitutes, and information traceability and contract completeness are complements.