bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of single‐step gelatin extraction from pink perch (Nemipterus japonicus) skin and bone obtained from surimi industry using a green solvent
Authors: Khushboo  , Kaushik Nutan , Widell Kristina Norne , Slizyte Rasa , Kumari Asha 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSurimi industry produces a large quantity of byproducts that are currently being utilized to produce low‐value commodities. This study aims to extract gelatin from pink perch skin and bone obtained from the surimi industry using a green single‐step extraction method. In addition to using a green solvent, that is, acetic acid, the new method combines the multiple steps of pre‐treatment and hydrolysis into one single‐step extraction process. Response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction parameters (pH, temperature, and time) to maximize yield and l‐hydroxyproline (l‐hyp) content. The optimum condition for gelatin extraction was obtained at pH 3, 75°C, and 30 min. At optimum conditions, gelatin yield and l‐hyp content were observed to be 16.07% and 41.26 mg g−1, respectively. The gelatin obtained at optimized condition was further compared with commercial bovine gelatin (BG) in terms of chemical composition and textural, functional, and rheological properties. The results suggested that the optimized pink perch gelatin had higher protein content (92.06%), better gel strength (251.08 g), higher imino acid (18.01%), and improved textural and functional properties than the commercially available BG. The optimized single‐step gelatin extraction method from pink perch skin and bones is a promising, rapid, and efficient method for the production of good‐quality gelatin, which can be further used for the development of high‐value products such as food formulations.Practical ApplicationFish gelatin is widely used in food product development. Most of the existing methods of the development of high‐value product such as gelatin, use multi‐step process and harsh mineral acid, therefore, are time‐consuming and harmful to the environment. This study provides a green single‐step gelatin extraction method that provides an efficient, rapid, and convenient method of gelatin extraction and a sustainable solution for fish industry byproduct utilization. The data obtained with this laboratory‐scale study provides a strong basis for scale‐up studies.
Development of a novel cryostructured composite coating of xanthan–bovine collagen–oregano essential oil spraying applied for the preservation of commercial biscuits marketed in Mexico
Authors: Coria‐Hernández Jonathan , Méndez‐Albores Abraham , Vázquez‐Durán Alma , Arjona‐Román José Luis , Meléndez‐Pérez Rosalía 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCryostructured gels, better known as cryogels, are a very important emerging class of biomaterials that have diverse applications in food preservation. This work shows a novel alternative to prepare a cryostructured composite coating made from a blend of xanthan, bovine collagen, and oregano essential oil. The composite coating was suitably applied onto the surface of preservative‐free biscuits which were stored for 15 days at 25 ± 2°C and 52% ± 1% relative humidity. The evaluation focused mainly on the changes in the physicochemical, textural, and microbiological characteristics of the biscuits. It was found that the coated samples significantly (p < 0.05) decreased moisture absorption, water activity, and fungal growth. However, the composite coating minimally impacted the quality of biscuits in terms of color, texture profile, and surface microstructure. Overall, the cryostructured composite coating constitutes an advance in technological strategies aimed at the preservation of baked products. This will allow, in the future, the development of novel coatings on bakery products to generate new trends in the conservation of their properties and extension of shelf life. This could be achieved through the implementation of new technologies in the food industry, with the aim of making them more environmentally friendly and contributing to the generation of less plastic waste.Practical ApplicationThe study and application of cryogels, as innovative systems in the food industry, allow to expand and diversify the materials that can function as coatings to maintain some quality characteristics, in this case in bakery products, so it is important to analyze their effects and consider them to improve conservation processes.
The role of plateletcrit in Takayasu arteritis: A potential biomarker for disease activity and 6‐month treatment response
Authors: Sun Ying , Cui Xiaomeng , Kong Xiufang , Chen Huiyong , Wu Sifan , Ma Lili , Ding Zhenqi , Jiang Lindi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the role of plateletcrit as a potential biomarker for disease activity and treatment response in Takayasu arteritis (TAK).MethodsTotally, 215 newly diagnosed TAK patients were consecutively enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examinations, and treatment strategy were recorded at baseline and at each visit during the 6‐month treatment period. Normal plateletcrit (0.1%–0.4%) and hyper‐plateletcrit (>0.4%) observed at baseline were used as group criteria.ResultsAt baseline, the overall plateletcrit was 0.32 (0.24–0.38)%, with a normal and high level observed in 172 (80.00%) and 43 (20.00%) patients, respectively. Baseline plateletcrit was significantly higher in patients with active disease and associated with inflammatory biomarkers, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)‐6 (all p < .01). At 6 months, complete remission was achieved in 171 (79.53%) patients, and a significant decrease in plateletcrit was observed in these cases (p < .01). Patients with a normal baseline plateletcrit were more likely to achieve complete remission compared to those with a high baseline plateletcrit (HR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.38–19.08, p < .01). In addition, ESR (p = .01) and IL‐6 (p = .02) levels were still higher in patients with a high baseline plateletcrit at 6 months. Progression of vascular lesions was indicated in 18 (8.37%) patients at 6 months, and these patients also had significantly higher baseline plateletcrit (p = .03).ConclusionPlateletcrit levels were positively related to disease activity and inflammatory index in TAK. Importantly, patients with high baseline plateletcrit levels may show a worse treatment response at 6 months.
Outcome prediction in comatose cardiac arrest patients with initial shockable and non‐shockable rhythms
Authors: Wimmer Henning , Stensønes Stine Håheim , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Lundqvist Christofer , Andersen Geir Ø. , Drægni Tomas , Sunde Kjetil , Nakstad Espen Rostrup 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrognosis after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is presumed poorer in patients with non‐shockable than shockable rhythms, frequently leading to treatment withdrawal. Multimodal outcome prediction is recommended 72 h post‐arrest in still comatose patients, not considering initial rhythms. We investigated accuracy of outcome predictors in all comatose OHCA survivors, with a particular focus on shockable vs. non‐shockable rhythms.MethodsIn this observational NORCAST sub‐study, patients still comatose 72 h post‐arrest were stratified by shockable vs. non‐shockable rhythms for outcome prediction analyzes. Good outcome was defined as cerebral performance category 1–2 within 6 months. False positive rate (FPR) was used for poor and sensitivity for good outcome prediction accuracy.ResultsOverall, 72/128 (56%) patients with shockable and 12/50 (24%) with non‐shockable rhythms had good outcome (p < .001). For poor outcome prediction, absent pupillary light reflexes (PLR) and corneal reflexes (clinical predictors) 72 h after sedation withdrawal, PLR 96 h post‐arrest, and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), all had FPR <0.1% in both groups. Unreactive EEG and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) >60 μg/L 24–72 h post‐arrest had better precision in shockable patients. For good outcome, the clinical predictors, SSEP and CT, had 86%–100% sensitivity in both groups. For NSE, sensitivity varied from 22% to 69% 24–72 h post‐arrest. The outcome predictors indicated severe brain injury proportionally more often in patients with non‐shockable than with shockable rhythms. For all patients, clinical predictors, CT, and SSEP, predicted poor and good outcome with high accuracy.ConclusionOutcome prediction accuracy was comparable for shockable and non‐shockable rhythms. PLR and corneal reflexes had best precision 72 h after sedation withdrawal and 96 h post‐arrest.
Flexible bronchoscopic intubation through a supraglottic airway device: An evaluation of consultant anaesthetist performance
Authors: Svendsen Christine N. , Glargaard Gine L. , Lundstrøm Lars H. , Rosenstock Charlotte V. , Haug Anne C. , Afshari Arash , Hesselfeldt Rasmus , Strøm Camilla 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundFew clinical studies investigate technical skill performance in experienced clinicians.MethodsWe undertook a prospective observational study evaluating procedural skill competence in consultant anaesthetists who performed flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FBI) under continuous ventilation through a second‐generation supraglottic airway device (SAD). Airway management was recorded on video and performance evaluated independently by three external assessors. We included 100 adult patients undergoing airway management by 25 anaesthetist specialists, each performing four intubations.We used an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills‐inspired global rating scale as primary outcome. Further, we assessed the overall pass rate (proportion of cases where the average of assessors' evaluation for every domain scored ≥3); the progression in the global rating scale score; time to intubation; self‐reported procedural confidence; and pass rate from the first to the fourth airway procedure.ResultsOverall median global rating scale score was 29.7 (interquartile range 26.0–32.7 [range 16.7–37.7]. At least one global rating scale domain was deemed ‘not competent’ (one or more domains in the evaluation was scored <3) in 30% of cases of airway management, thus the pass rate was 70% (95% CI 60%–78%). After adjusting for multiple testing, we found a statistically significant difference between the first and fourth case of airway management regarding time to intubation (p = .006), but no difference in global rating scale score (p = .018); self‐reported confidence before the procedure (p = .014); or pass rate (p = .109).ConclusionConsultant anaesthetists had a median global rating scale score of 29.7 when using a SAD as conduit for FBI. However, despite reporting high procedural confidence, at least one global rating scale domain was deemed ‘not competent’ in 30% of cases, which indicates a clear potential for improvement of skill competence among professionals.
Incidence of occult appendiceal neoplasm in patients over 40 years with acute appendicitis: A single‐institution review
Authors: Jolly Samantha , McCullough Timothy , Gunning Thomas , Maddern Guy , Wichmann Matthias 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of occult appendiceal neoplasm in patients aged 40 years and over who underwent appendicectomy for appendicitis.MethodsThe clinical coding electronic database was used to identify patients aged 40 years and over who were diagnosed with appendicitis from September 2010 to September 2022. Patients were included if they were managed operatively.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingModified Monash category 3 (large rural town).ParticipantsPatients aged 40 years and over undergoing appendicectomy for appendicitis.Main Outcome MeasuresIncidence of appendiceal neoplasm within appendicectomy specimen.ResultsA total of 279 patients aged 40 years and over underwent appendicectomy, with a median age of 53 years (range 40–95). Nineteen patients (7%) were found to have a primary neoplastic lesion within the appendix: seven neuroendocrine neoplasms (37%), six sessile serrated lesions (32%), two colonic‐type adenocarcinoma (11%), two goblet cell adenocarcinoma (11%) and two appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (11%). Additionally, one patient had a metastatic adenocarcinoma of pancreaticobiliary aetiology.ConclusionsOccult appendiceal neoplasm was higher than reported in the literature in our cohort. This would support appendicectomy as the treatment of choice for patients aged 40 years and over with acute appendicitis and caution against nonoperative management in this demographic.
Leaving traces: Fairy houses, kindness stones, and constructed heritage
Authors: Turner Michelle I. , Turner Derek D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe National Park Service and many other federal, state, and local land managers in the US enjoin visitors to “leave no trace” when visiting parks and wilderness areas. At the same time, practices that involve leaving traces—painted rocks, rock cairns, and fairy houses—have become well established on some public lands. Public discussions reveal deep divides in how people view these traces in a time of increased pressures on public lands. This article develops an anthropological analysis of the practice of leaving traces at Mesa Verde National Park, in Colorado, and Machimoodus State Park, in Connecticut. Taking an approach that aligns with recent work on archaeologies of the contemporary, we interrogate the meaning of these material traces and consider how these practices of constructing cultural heritage in spaces perceived as “natural” provide a quasi‐archaeological experience and reenact colonialist processes.
Factors affecting timing of loop ileostomy closure: a regional centre's experience with 106 patients
Authors: Chau Tedman Cheuk‐Yiu , Nguyen Hung , Robertson Iain K. , Harvey Xavier , Tan Brendan , Tan Mitchell , Yang Caroline M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe burden of defunctioning ileostomy is significant with up to two thirds of patients reporting stoma‐related morbidity. While timely reversal is safe and cost‐effective, the time to reversal in regional Australian hospitals is not well described in professional publications. We aim to assess the current timeliness of ileostomy closure and identify possible reasons for delaying closure.MethodsA retrospective analysis of loop ileostomies created and reversed in Launceston General Hospital for both rectal cancer surgery and other benign indications was undertaken. Patients with loop ileostomy created between 2010 and 2020 were included. Clinical data of timing of events, complications, readmission and stoma follow‐up were recorded; and analysed using multivariate regression analyses to identify clinically relevant risk factors for delayed closure.ResultsA total of 123 patients underwent loop‐ileostomy formation during the study period, of which 106 patients (86.2%) were reversed. Median time to closure was 8.5 months (IQR 5.2–12.4) for patients with rectal cancers, compared to 5.2 months (IQR 3.6–9.3) for patients who did not have rectal cancer, with a difference of 3.4 months (95% CI 0.9, 5.9; P = 0.008). Adjuvant chemotherapy and unexpected readmission to hospital were associated with delayed reversal (P = 0.0081 and P = 0.0005, respectively).ConclusionStoma reversal is often scheduled 3–6 months after creation. More than two‐thirds of patients experienced delays due to changing clinical concerns and non‐clinical factors, such as unexpected delays at each stage of surgical planning. Early placement on the waiting list and better‐coordinated follow‐ups may expedite reversal surgery and reduce associated morbidities.
Fantasies of Flows and Containment: The Technopolitics of Security Infrastructures in the Americas
Authors: Jenss Alke 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis contribution combines literature on logistics with literature on the articulation between racism and the securitisation of migration. Studying security infrastructures in Mexico in conjunction with the Mesoamerican Project, a massive transnational infrastructure plan, I show how security and trade infrastructures become intertwined in what governments have called a “secure trade corridor” between Colombia and the United States. In this securitised project of accelerating trade across the Americas, the promise of infrastructure itself is one of enabling flows and controlling the mobility of racialised others. The article describes how security infrastructures redirect and potentially revictimise migrants, contain contestation, and, ultimately, enable capital flows for corporations that provide technology at Mexico's northern and southern borders. Fantasies of containment materialise in wires, border posts, military posts, and even graves. Trade infrastructures also serve as “filters” for migration. Joining logistics and security studies allows us to observe how these different infrastructures simultaneously perform multiple functions.
Design of a hybrid left ventricular assist device with a new wireless charging system
Authors: Horie Hideyuki , Isoyama Takashi , Ishiyama Kazushi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to design a new wireless left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that can be charged without using a conventional transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS).MethodsOur new wireless LVAD was a hybrid pump operating in two different modes: magnetic and electric modes. The pump was driven wirelessly by extracorporeal rotating magnets in magnetic mode, whereas it was driven by electricity provided by an intracorporeal battery in electric mode. A magnetic torque transmission system was introduced to wirelessly transmit torque to the pump impeller. The intracorporeal battery was charged in magnetic mode making use of electromagnetic coils as a generator, whereas the coils were used as a motor in electric mode. To demonstrate the feasibility of our system, we conducted a bench‐top durability test for 1 week.ResultsOur hybrid pump had shown sufficient pump performance as a LVAD, with a head pressure of approximately 80 mm Hg and a flow volume of 5.0 L/min, for 1 week. The intracorporeal battery was wirelessly charged enough to power electric mode for 2.5 h a day throughout the 1‐week durability test.ConclusionsOur hybrid wireless LVAD system demonstrated the possibility of a wireless LVAD and has the potential to reduce medical complications of LVAD therapy.
Design and optimization of a new integrated hip and knee prosthesis structure
Authors: Luo Shengli , Shu Xiaolong , Zhu Hexiang , Yu Hongliu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundConventional hip disarticulation prostheses (HDPs) are passive devices with separate joint structures, limiting amputees' ability to control and resulting in abnormal gait patterns. This study introduces a new HDP integrating the hip and knee joints for amputees' natural gait.MethodsThe new HDP restores the physiological rotation center of the hip with a remote center of motion (RCM) structure, and simulates the knee motion with a four‐bar structure. Nonlinear programming was employed to optimize the hip‐knee joint structure. A hybrid multi‐objective drive structure with a series–parallel connection was also designed to ensure motion synergy between the hip and knee joints. Finally, a prototype of the prosthesis was tested using the HDP test system.ResultsThe optimization results demonstrate that the new HDP accurately restores the rotation center of the femur in amputees, with the knee's instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) trajectory closely resembling that of the human knee (Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.999). The study shows that the new HDP achieves a motion reproduction accuracy of over 95% for the human hip joint at walking speeds above 1.5 km/h, 38% higher than conventional prosthesis. Similarly, at the same walking speed, the new HDP replicates the motion of the human knee at 82.89%, surpassing conventional prosthesis by 57.85%.ConclusionsThe new HDP restores symmetry and replicates synergistic movement in amputees' lower limbs, exhibiting superior movement characteristics compared to conventional prostheses. This innovative HDP has the potential to enhance the quality of life for amputees.
Examining the effectiveness and duration of adjuvanted vs. non‐adjuvanted influenza vaccines in protecting older adults against symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Domnich Alexander , Marconi Ettore , Rossi Alessandro , Grattagliano Ignazio , Cricelli Claudio 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAnnual influenza vaccination is one of the main public health measures able to drastically reduce the burden of this infectious disease. Some evidence suggests ‘trained immunity’ triggered by influenza vaccine might reduce the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Adjuvanted influenza vaccines are known to induce a broader cross‐reactive immunity. No studies investigated the effect of adjuvanted vs. non‐adjuvanted influenza vaccines on the risk of symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A case–control analysis nested in a cohort of subjects aged ≥65 years and immunized with adjuvanted or non‐adjuvanted influenza vaccines was conducted. Although no statistically significant (OR = 0.87; P = .082) difference between the two vaccine types was observed for the 9‐month follow‐up period, a 17% (OR = 0.83; P = .042) reduction in the odds of COVID‐19 was observed for adjuvanted vaccines with a 6‐month follow‐up. Further evidence is needed, but these results might have implications given the complexity of the upcoming winter seasons, in which the co‐occurrence of influenza, SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory infections (e.g., syncytial virus) might be unpredictable.
Facilitating positive birth experience when preferences are not met: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Lawal Tiwadeye , Dodge Laura E. , Toffey David , Zera Chloe , Wu Melissa , Larson Elysia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionHigh‐quality health systems rely on care that centers on patient preferences. Realization of patient preferences can improve the birth experience. However, in the dynamic setting of birth, birth preferences can diverge from what is medically indicated. Through studying women and birthing peoples' experiences of unplanned labor procedures, we aimed to identify ways in which practitioners can support women and birthing people through unexpected or unwanted aspects of their delivery. Specifically, we focused on labor induction.MethodsIn one large US academic center, women and birthing people participated in prenatal and postpartum surveys regarding their desires, expectations, and experiences of labor induction. From April to November 2021, participants were eligible if they showed discordance between having labor induction and whether it was initially wanted or expected. Interviews focused on attitudes toward birth preferences and outcomes, with attention to discordances. We analyzed interviews through a modified grounded theory approach.ResultsOf 22 participants, our sample was predominantly white (91%). Participants in this sample reported discordance between wanting and experiencing (73%) and/or expecting and experiencing (54%) an induction. We identified two themes: “Discordance without mitigation is perceived as a negative experience” and “Practitioner interaction can buffer against negative experience” which includes three ways in which participants prefer support in instances of discordance: preparation, communication, and care and comfort. These methods of support foster patient autonomy and can lead to positive patient experiences.ConclusionsWhile medical systems should work to support patient preferences, our results suggest that patients can still have positive birth experiences, even when preferences are not fulfilled. Early practitioner preparation, positive communication, and responsive care and comfort may help to improve patient birth experience when challenges arise.