bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainability assessment of lignocellulosic biorefineries based on sequential pretreatments
Authors: Poveda‐Giraldo Jhonny Alejandro , Cardona Alzate Carlos Ariel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDPretreatments are critical in biorefinery analysis, affecting further reactions and downstream processes. However, most pretreatments are studied and optimized as single‐step schemes, focusing on maximizing a side stream. Sequential pretreatments have been shown to improve the selective isolation of platforms for further valorization. However, pretreatment performance can consider not only technical but also economic, environmental, and social concerns. This work assessed the sustainability of sequential pretreatments in rice husk‐based biorefineries.RESULTSFour biorefinery scenarios were designed, simulated, and assessed considering dilute acid and wet air oxidation pretreatment technologies in sequential and single‐step schemes. Economic feasibility was demonstrated for sequential pretreatments when phenolic compounds are contemplated, generating gross incomes of 4.76 M‐USD yr−1. From an environmental perspective, the rice supply chain generated a carbon footprint of 2.17 kg CO2 eq kg−1 of rice husks, where the producer link is the largest contributor due to fertilizer use. Likewise, it was shown that supplying energy demands using black liquor as fuel relieves operating costs and reduces the carbon footprint. The social dimension showed that between 69 and 77 jobs could be generated annually along the value chain and the biorefinery schemes. However, biorefineries have a high risk due to the high volume of cooling water.CONCLUSIONSAll dimensions were weighted to calculate a sustainability index, where it was concluded that sequential pretreatment biorefineries improved sustainability against the single‐step schemes. However, the scenario of valorization of the three fractions (Sc1) is the best scheme to be implemented as it has always demonstrated economic feasibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The six‐domain well‐being framework in oral health sciences: A pathway from theory to practice
Authors: Maragha Tala , Garcia Arnaldo Perez , Shuler Charles , von Bergmann HsingChi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesWell‐being is a complex and multifaceted construct that has gained popularity in oral health sciences education. Maintaining students’ well‐being is essential for their academic performance and quality of life. While many definitions and frameworks of well‐being exist, their applicability to oral health sciences education remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Feeney and Collins's framework of well‐being to oral health sciences education by exploring students’ perceptions and experiences in the University of British ColumbiaMethodsAn Interpretive Description approach was used to conduct semi‐structured interviews with dental and dental hygiene students. Interviews were transcribed, and transcripts were coded and analyzed with guidance from Feeney and Collins's well‐being and thriving framework using content analysis. Domains were inductively developed within and beyond the organizing categories of the chosen framework.ResultsThirty‐one oral health sciences students participated in the study. Study data can largely be explained by the five well‐being domains suggested by Feeney and Collins: physical, psychological, eudaimonic, subjective, and social. Spirituality and gratitude emerged as an additional domain that contributes to students’ well‐being. Interdomain relationships were observed. The social domain seemed to contribute to all other well‐being domains; while the subjective domain seemed to be shaped by all other domainsConclusionsFeeney and Collins's framework seemed to be useful to understand and conceptualize well‐being in oral health sciences education but needed to be expanded to include spirituality and gratitude. Further evidence is needed to explore the applicability of this framework in other health professional education disciplines.
The JAK2V617F mutation and the role of therapeutic agents in alleviating myeloproliferative neoplasm symptom burden
Authors: Orbell Lai Yee , Abutheraa Nouf , Duncombe Andrew S , McMullin Mary Frances , Mesa Ruben , McShane Charlene M , James Glen , Anderson Lesley A 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlleviating symptom burden in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is imperative to achieving optimal management. Research remains to elucidate the relationship between the JAK2V617F (Janus kinase 2) mutation present in many MPN patients, and the symptomatology they experience. This retrospective study analysed data collected from MPN patients included in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: An In‐depth Case–Control (MOSAICC) pilot study. The MPN Symptom Assessment Form was administered, and median symptom scores were compared between JAK2V617F‐positive and JAK2V617F‐negative groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables. Overall, 106 MPN patients participated: 65.1% were JAK2V617F positive, 30.2% were JAK2V617F negative and 4.7% had an unknown status. Multivariate analysis revealed a low symptom burden for early satiety (p < 0.01), dizziness (p < 0.05), cough (p < 0.05) and bone pain (p < 0.01) in those receiving venesection alone. Interferon alpha was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with severe burden for 16 of the 27 symptoms. JAK2V617F‐positive females experienced a greater symptom burden than JAK2V617F‐positive males. There was no discernible relationship between the JAK2V617F mutation and symptom burden in MPN patients, unlike the therapeutic agents investigated. Larger studies are required to validate these results and identify mechanisms of symptom development and control in MPN patients.
Development of an MRI‐Based Comprehensive Model Fusing Clinical, Radiomics and Deep Learning Models for Preoperative Histological Stratification in Intracranial Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Liang Xiaohong , Tang Kaiqiang , Ke Xiaoai , Jiang Jian , Li Shenglin , Xue Caiqiang , Deng Juan , Liu Xianwang , Yan Cheng , Gao Mingzi , Zhou Junlin , Zhao Liqin 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundAccurate preoperative histological stratification (HS) of intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (ISFTs) can help predict patient outcomes and develop personalized treatment plans. However, the role of a comprehensive model based on clinical, radiomics and deep learning (CRDL) features in preoperative HS of ISFT remains unclear.PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of a CRDL model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative HS in ISFT.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationThree hundred and ninety‐eight patients from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University (primary training cohort) and 49 patients from Lanzhou University Second Hospital (external validation cohort) with ISFT based on histopathological findings (237 World Health Organization [WHO] tumor grade 1 or 2, and 210 WHO tumor grade 3).Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/T1‐weighted imaging (T1) by using spin echo sequence, T2‐weighted imaging (T2) by using fast spin echo sequence, and T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced imaging (T1C) by using two‐dimensional fast spin echo sequence.AssessmentArea under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of the CRDL model and a clinical model (CM) in preoperative HS in the external validation cohort. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical net benefit provided by the CRDL model.Statistical TestsCohen's kappa, intra‐/inter‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs), Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t‐test, AUC, DCA, calibration curves, DeLong test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe CRDL model had significantly better discrimination ability than the CM (AUC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.895 [0.807–0.912] vs. 0.810 [0.745–0.874], respectively) in the external validation cohort. The CRDL model can provide a clinical net benefit for preoperative HS at a threshold probability >20%.Data ConclusionThe proposed CRDL model holds promise for preoperative HS in ISFT, which is important for predicting patient outcomes and developing personalized treatment plans.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Data sharing decisions: Perceptions and intentions in healthcare
Authors: Kharlamov A. , Hohmann R. , Parry G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article aimed to capture and understand individual's intentions to share data, focusing on data individuals perceive as most sensitive: healthcare data. The study reviews literature related to the decision‐making process with regard to sharing personal data. The context is the UK National Health Service, and measures from literature are used to analyze individual's intention to share healthcare data. A scale is developed and applied to evaluate the decision to share healthcare data. Measurement constructs include intention to disclose, perceived protection, benefits, risk, subjective norms, and perception of use. Analysis draws on data from 129 survey respondents. Though numerous measurements are reported in literature and used in this study, two predictors dominate intention to disclose healthcare data: perceived information risk (PIR) and perceived societal benefit (PSB), and both are significant. PIR contributes negatively, whereas PSB contributes positively to predict intention. For personal healthcare, the privacy paradox applies as though risk may outweigh benefit people rarely opt out of data sharing. Individuals consciously or unconsciously consider their perception of the risk and broader benefits of data sharing. Both risk and benefit are both significant and important; perceived risk carries more weight than perceived benefits. Organizations need to develop campaigns to very clearly explain risks and benefits of personal data sharing to ensure that individuals can make truly informed decisions.
Eustachian Tube Function Symptoms in Palatal Surgeries for OSA: 3‐Month Postoperative Analysis
Authors: Gul Fatih , Kocak Ozgenur , Babademez Mehmet A. 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of different soft palate surgeries for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on eustachian tube function symptoms, considering various potential factors.MethodsA prospective, cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent isolated palatal surgeries for OSA at a single academic medical center between 2017 and 2022. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ‐7) were assessed at baseline, 1‐month, 2‐month, and 3‐month time points. Patients with retropalatal obstruction underwent tailored surgeries: anterior palatoplasty (AP), expansion sphincter palatoplasty (ESP), or barbed palatoplasty (BP). Baseline OSA severity between baseline and follow‐up time points were also examined.ResultsIn this study, 96 patients with OSA were enrolled and allocated to three surgical groups: AP (n = 30), ESP (n = 32), and BP (n = 34). The mean age was 44.3 ± 10.2 years, with 86% male participants. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, sex, and BMI. A two‐way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time on ETDQ‐7 scores (p < 0.001), but no significant main effect of groups (p = 0.109) or interaction between time and groups (p = 0.082). Subgroup analysis showed a significant interaction for the 3‐month change in ETDQ‐7 scores by OSA severity (p = 0.046). In post hoc analysis, the BP group exhibited a higher mean ETDQ‐7 score compared with the AP group at the 3‐month follow‐up.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of considering individual patient factors, such as OSA severity and eustachian tube function symptoms, when selecting the most appropriate surgical treatment to optimize outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:2471–2477, 2024
Adherence to Sulfur Microbial Diet and Ovarian Cancer Survival: Evidence from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cui Qi , Gong Ting‐Ting , Liu Fang‐Hua , Xu He‐Li , Zheng Gang , Yan Shi , Gao Song , Tan Xiao‐Ling , Wu Qi‐Jun 
Published: October 2023

ScopeThe study aims to investigate the role of the sulfur microbial diet in the survival of ovarian cancer (OC).Methods and resultsA prospective cohort study is conducted with 703 patients diagnosed with OC between 2015 and 2020. Diet information is collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Deaths are ascertained up to March 31, 2021, via the death registry linkage. During the follow‐up period (median: 37.2 months, interquartile range: 24.7–50.2 months), 130 deaths are observed. A higher sulfur microbial diet score is significantly associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality among OC patients (tertile 3 vs tertile 1: HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.11–3.35). Each 1‐standard deviation increment in the sulfur microbial diet score increases the all‐cause mortality risk by 33% (95% CI = 1.04–1.71). Stratified analysis shows that significant associations are found in OC patients diagnosed over 50 years of age, with body mass index ≥24  kg m−2, who changed their diet after diagnosis, or without residual lesions.ConclusionsAdherence to the sulfur microbial diet, characterized by high intakes of red meats and processed meats, and low intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is associated with poor survival in OC patients.
Two cases of skeletal fluorosis from the historic cemetery at Zhangwan, Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhou Yawei , Liu Kailu , Yan Fei , Berger Elizabeth 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSkeletal fluorosis is a systemic chronic disease caused by long‐term intake of excessive fluoride, which accumulates in bone tissue and causes changes to the bone and periosteal tissue. Skeletal fluorosis is rarely considered in paleopathological analyses, but in areas with relatively high fluoride in the environment, it may be an important cause of bone hyperplasia. In this study, we observed pathological lesions consistent with fluorosis on two human skeletons from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) excavated from a cemetery in western Henan Province. By using an electron microprobe to measure the fluoride content in the teeth, and by considering the living conditions in the area during the Ming Dynasty, we conclude that the remains show evidence of skeletal fluorosis. We also consider the content of fluoride in the local groundwater, the local way of life, and other factors, to identify potential causes of skeletal fluorosis in this population and demonstrate that environmental factors were the main cause. This offers insight into the relationship between humans and their environments in China, especially western Henan Province, in the historical past. It also demonstrates the unique contributions bioarchaeology can make to environmental health studies and studies of the history of health.
Optimization of polydopamine coating process for poly lactic acid‐based 3D printed bone plates using machine learning approaches
Authors: Sharma Shrutika , Gupta Vishal , Mudgal Deepa , Srivastava Vishal 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe three‐dimensional (3D) printed poly lactic acid (PLA) bone plates lack mechanical strength, resulting in premature failure. Coating these plates with polydopamine (PDM) forms covalent bonds with the PLA molecular structure, enhancing their mechanical properties. The mechanical strength of the coated bone plates is influenced by infill density, submersion time, shaker speed, and coating solution concentration. However, conducting experiments for each parameter value to achieve maximum biomechanical tensile strength (BTS) and biomechanical flexural strength (BFS) is time‐consuming and costly. Overall, the combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and machine learning (ML) enables determination of the best printing parameters, leading to reduced material waste, personalized bone plates tailored to individual anatomy, improved implant fit, and functionality. Moreover, this approach has the potential to reduce the need for additional surgeries and overall costs. To optimize coating parameters, this study employs RSM and ML techniques, including genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), random search optimization (RSO), and differential evolution (DE). Experimental validation of the optimized process parameters and their corresponding fitness values is carried out using both RSM and ML approaches. The results demonstrate that GA has the closest relationship between experimental and fitness values, followed by DE, RSM, PSO, and RSO.Highlights
Direct immersion coating of polydopamine on 3D printed PLA bone plates.
Evaluating mechanical strength for bone plates coated at varying parameters.
Statistical modeling and optimization of mechanical strength using RSM.
Mechanical strength optimization and convergence properties for ML models.
Experimental validation of RSM and ML‐based optimization algorithms.
Longitudinal assessment of lung function in Swiss childhood cancer survivors—A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kasteler Rahel , Otth Maria , Halbeisen Florian S. , Mader Luzius , Singer Florian , Rössler Jochen , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Ansari Marc , Kuehni Claudia E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveChildhood cancer survivors are at risk for pulmonary morbidity due to exposure to lung‐toxic treatments, including specific chemotherapeutics, radiotherapy, and surgery. Longitudinal data on lung function and its change over time are scarce. We investigated lung function trajectories in survivors over time and the association with lung‐toxic treatments.MethodsThis retrospective, multicenter cohort study included Swiss survivors diagnosed between 1990 and 2013 and exposed to lung‐toxic chemotherapeutics or thoracic radiotherapy. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including forced expiration volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, total lung capacity, and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, were obtained from hospital charts. We calculated z‐scores and percentage predicted, described lung function over time, and determined risk factors for change in FEV1 and FVC using multivariable linear regression.ResultsWe included 790 PFTs from 183 survivors, with a median age of 12 years at diagnosis and 5.5 years of follow‐up. Most common diagnosis was lymphoma (55%). Half (49%) of survivors had at least one abnormal pulmonary function parameter, mainly restrictive (22%). Trajectories of FEV1 and FVC started at z‐scores of −1.5 at diagnosis and remained low throughout follow‐up. Survivors treated with thoracic surgery started particularly low, with an FEV1 of −1.08 z‐scores (−2.02 to −0.15) and an FVC of −1.42 z‐scores (−2.27 to −0.57) compared to those without surgery.ConclusionReduced pulmonary function was frequent but mainly of mild to moderate severity. Nevertheless, more research and long‐term surveillance of this vulnerable population is needed.
Do variations in anomalous mortality in Europe in fall and winter of 2019–2020 tell us anything on the timing of SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak?
Authors: Śleszyński Przemysław , Kurek Sławomir , Krzysztofik Robert , Owsiński Jan W. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe present study makes a part of the already ample discussion on the subject of identification of the beginnings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) coronavirus pandemics in the world and considers the following question: do the anomalies in death rates in the earlier periods bring any new knowledge of the subject? With the ultimate purpose of answering this question, spatial differences are analysed of excess mortality for the first time at such a detailed spatial scale in Europe. As it is known, according to current knowledge, a strong increase in coronavirus disease‐2019 mortality occurred in Lombardy, Italy, from about mid‐March (Week 11–12 of 2020), followed by Spain and Belgium. It was decided, in the context of the present study, to see if similarly strong mortality anomalies, not assigned to this factor, were not present earlier. This could constitute circumstantial evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus was present in Europe on a much larger scale earlier than it is commonly believed. The study, therefore, looks at whether there were local outbreaks of elevated deaths between November 2019 and March 2020. The analysis used available Eurostat data for 34 European countries according to the NUTS1, NUTS2 and NUTS3 divisions based on 918 units with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The number of deaths was analysed over consecutive 24 weeks of autumn–winter (7 October 2019–22 March 2020, i.e., W41‐2019 to W12‐2020) and were compared with the respective data for the 3‐year reference period 2016–2018. The method used identifies geographically concentrated areas with excess deaths over short periods relative to the reference period. It was shown that 44 regions between W41‐2019 and W08‐2020 (i.e., before February 23) had elevated mortality (115% or more relative to the reference period). In the 44 NUTS3 regions mentioned, excess deaths during the autumn–winter period amounted to 96,000–126,000 when compared with the 2016–2018 baseline period (mainly in Spain, France, Italy, United Kingdom). It cannot be excluded that to some extent this could have been due to SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus infections. To confirm or deny this more clearly, detailed studies of the recorded causes of death in the indicated 44 regions are needed.
Impact of the 2023 armed conflict on Sudan's healthcare system
Authors: Khogali Alhadi , Homeida Anmar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe armed conflict in Sudan erupted in mid‐April 2023, resulting in many casualties, internal displacement, and refugees. Sudan's health system was severely affected by multiple attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, closure of hospitals, and occupation of medical facilities by armed groups. Critical services such as immunization, nutrition, and emergency care have been suspended, disrupting health services in conflict states and increasing strain on neighboring states' healthcare facilities. The conflict also caused shortages of essential medical supplies, looting of healthcare facilities and humanitarian supplies, and destruction of infrastructure, affecting the supply chain and availability of healthcare resources. The deployment and distribution of the health workforce have become challenging and may lead to a further brain drain of healthcare professionals. The financial challenges in healthcare financing are expected to worsen due to the conflict's economic impact on fiscal space and fiscal capacity. The health system's governance has been affected by a leadership vacuum, and decision‐making may shift to the state level. The conflict has also exacerbated the burden of diseases, including communicable diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues, with potential outbreaks of dengue fever, measles, and spikes of gender‐based violence reported. In response to the conflict, the restoration and maintenance the health system is pivotal via coordinating efforts between the Sudanese Ministry of Health and international partners. The safety of healthcare workers and the delivery of essential supplies need to be restored via strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, pooling of funds, and services at primary care level. This commentary discusses the impact of the 2023 conflict on Sudan's health and health system, particularly on different building blocks of Sudan's health system as well as the burden of disease and humanitarian response priorities.