bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neck management in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid metastasis
Authors: Fang Qigen , Yuan Junhui , Zhang Xu , Dai Liyuan , Luo Ruihua , Xu Chunmiao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveOur objective is to assess the oncologic outcomes of observation, elective neck dissection (END), and elective neck irradiation (ENI) in the neck management of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with parotid metastasis (P+) and to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients who received END or ENI.MethodsPatients with P+ HNcSCC were retrospectively enrolled. The impact of observation, END, and ENI on regional control (RC) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model with presentation via hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). QoL was evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.ResultsA total of 134 patients were included in our analysis. In the Cox model for RC, both END and ENI had decreased HRs of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.15–0.69) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18–0.86), respectively, in comparison with observation. In the Cox model for OS, both END (p = 0.001, HR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0.72) and ENI (p = 0.006, HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17–0.83) were superior to observation. In patients with three or more positive parotid lymph nodes, END resulted in significantly better RC (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.001) compared with ENI. The two groups were found to be comparable in all 12 domains of the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.ConclusionIn the neck management of P+ HNcSCC, observation is not recommended. END is the preferred option, but ENI is an alternative method without compromise to survival or QoL, except in cases with three or more metastatic parotid lymph nodes.
Benzylic C(sp3)−H Azidation: Copper vs Iron Catalysis
Authors: Rentería‐Gómez Angel , Torres‐Ochoa Rubén O. , Palamini Pierre , Simonet‐Davin Raphaël , Wang Qian , Waser Jérôme , Zhu Jieping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe generation of benzylic radicals through hydrogen atom abstraction (HAT) has been a recent research focus and various C(sp3)−H bond functionalization protocols have been developed relying on this elementary step. We report herein copper‐ and iron‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H benzylic azidation reactions using mCPBA and NFSI as oxidant, respectively, and TMSN3 as azide source. The reaction is thought to be initiated via intermolecular abstraction of benzylic hydrogen by the in situ generated heteroatom‐centered radicals. The Fe(OTf)3‐catalyzed azidation protocol displays good chemoselectivity as it takes place preferentially at the secondary and tertiary benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds over the primary benzylic and tertiary aliphatic carbons. Efforts on the development of catalytic enantioselective processes are also documented.
The nexus between bank efficiency and leverage
Authors: Baltas Konstantinos N. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we shed light on the impact of leverage on efficiency by introducing a new banking efficiency indicator that includes efficiency and stability conditions. This indicator relies on the leverage as a proxy of a bank's risk and stability. Banks' leverage played an important role in the last financial crash as well as in the Basel III regulatory rules. The results of the econometric investigation using a large sample of American commercial banks show that profit efficiency indicators including leverage are better predictors of future profits than current indicators, including other measures of bank risk. This is particularly evident for the period during the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Our findings have important policy implications, particularly in light of the recently implemented optimal leverage ratio.
Fertility decisions and the norm of intergenerational support to aging parents
Authors: Hsu Minchung , Le Thu Trang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of the social norm of intergenerational support to aging parents on fertility decisions in developing economies. The traditional expectation of receiving support from adult children in old age has historically been a significant factor in the decision to have children, especially in developing countries. The study develops a life cycle model that endogenizes fertility choices and incorporates the expectation of transfers from children based on the filial responsibility norm. We utilize household survey data from Indonesia to estimate earnings profiles and uncertainties over the life cycle, and to estimate the transfers from adult children to parents to indicate the current strength of the norm in 2000s. We conducted counterfactual experiments to explore the impact of the filial responsibility norm on fertility and found that a weakening of the norm could account for a significant proportion of the decline in the total fertility rate.
Accelerating the remodeling of collagen in cutaneous full‐thickness wound using FIR soldering technology with bio‐targeting nanocomposites hydrogel
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Chen Mengying , Wang Kehong , Huang Jun , Gupta HImadri S. , He Kexin , Rui Yunfeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA novel composite wound dressing hydrogel by incorporating single‐walled carbon nanotubes and indocyanine green into a dual‐crosslinked hydrogel through Schiff base reaction was developed. The objective was to prevent wound infection and enhance the thermal effect induced by laser energy. The hydrogel matrix was constructed using oxidized gelatin, pre‐crosslinked with calcium ions, along with carboxymethyl chitosan, crosslinked via Schiff base reaction. Optimization of the blank hydrogel's gelation time, swelling index, degradation rate, and mechanical properties was achieved by adding 0.1% SWCNT and 0.1% ICG. Among them, the SWCNT‐loaded hydrogel BCG‐SWCNT exhibited superior performance overall: a gelation time of 102 s; a swelling index above 30 after equilibrium swelling; a degradation rate of 100.5% on the seventh day; and a compressive modulus of 8.8 KPa. It displayed significant inhibition against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in wounds. When combined with laser energy usage, the composite hydrogel demonstrated excellent pro‐healing activity in rats.
Effects of dopamine and melatonin treatment on the expression of the genes associated with artificially induced sexual maturation in Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica
Authors: Byun Jun‐Hwan , Hyeon Ji‐Yeon , Hettiarachchi Sachithra Amarin , Udagawa Shingo , Mahardini Angka , Kim Jong‐Myoung , Hur Sung‐Pyo , Takemura Akihiro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractJapanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is a commercially important fish species in Asia. Understanding factors like photoperiod, temperature, and lunar cycles is crucial for successful aquaculture and managing its reproduction. Melatonin and dopamine (DA) are essential for regulating reproduction in vertebrates, including fish. This study investigated the effects of melatonin and DA on the reproductive system of mature male Japanese eels to better understand reproductive regulation in fish. To clarify the effects of these hormones on sexual maturation in eels, a critical stage in the reproductive process, sexual maturation was induced by injecting human chorionic gonadotropin, which stimulates the production of sex hormones. To check the effect of melatonin and DA on sexual maturation, DA, melatonin, and DA + domperidone were intraperitoneally injected into fish from each group (six per treatment) at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight. The fish were then examined using quantitative RT‐PCR by comparing the messenger RNA level of reproduction‐related genes (gonadotropin releasing hormone 1; gnrh1, gonadotropin releasing hormone 2; gnrh2, follicle stimulating hormone; fshβ, luteinizing hormone; lhβ and DA receptor 2b; d2b), involved in the gonadotropic axis in eels, to those that received a control injection. The results indicate significant differences in the expression levels of gnrh1, gnrh2 and d2b in the brain and d2b, fshβ, lhβ in the pituitary at different stages of sexual maturation. Melatonin appears to enhance the production of sex gonadotropins, whereas DA inhibits them. These findings suggest an interaction between melatonin and DA in regulating reproduction in Japanese eels.
Body weight and blood pressure changes on dolutegravir‐, efavirenz‐ or atazanavir‐based antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe: a longitudinal study
Authors: Shamu Tinei , Egger Matthias , Mudzviti Tinashe , Chimbetete Cleophas , Manasa Justen , Anderegg Nanina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionDolutegravir (DTG) is widely used for antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared weight and blood pressure trends and examined the association between high blood pressure and weight gain among people living with HIV (PLHIV) switching to or starting DTG‐based, efavirenz (EFV)‐based and ritonavir‐boosted atazanavir (ATV/r)‐based ART in Zimbabwe.MethodsPLHIV aged 18 years or older who started or switched to DTG, EFV or ATV/r‐based ART between January 2004 and June 2022 at Newlands Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, were eligible. Weight was measured at all visits (Seca floor scales); blood pressure only at clinician‐led visits (Omron M2 sphygmomanometer). We used Bayesian additive models to estimate trends in weight gain and the proportion with high blood pressure (systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg) in the first 2 years after starting or switching the regimen. Finally, we examined whether trends in the proportion with high blood pressure were related to weight change.ResultsWe analysed 99,969 weight and 35,449 blood pressure records from 9487 adults (DTG: 4593; EFV: 3599; ATV/r: 1295). At 24 months after starting or switching to DTG, estimated median weight gains were 4.54 kg (90% credibility interval 3.88−5.28 kg) in women and 3.71 kg (3.07−4.45 kg) in men, around twice that observed for ATV/r and over four‐times the gain observed for EFV. Prevalence of high blood pressure among PLHIV receiving DTG‐based ART increased from around 5% at baseline to over 20% at 24 months, with no change in PLHIV receiving EFV‐ or ATV/r‐based ART. High blood pressure in PLHIV switching to DTG was associated with weight gain, with stronger increases in the proportion with high blood pressure for larger weight gains.ConclusionsAmong PLHIV starting ART or switching to a new regimen, DTG‐based ART was associated with larger weight gains and a substantial increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure. Routine weight and blood pressure measurement and interventions to lower blood pressure could benefit PLHIV on DTG‐based ART. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms and reversibility of these changes after discontinuation of DTG.
Female showed favorable left ventricle hypertrophy regression during post‐TAVR follow‐up
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐An , Chen Pin‐Rong , Li Yu‐Ju , Hsieh Chong‐Chao , Yu Hui‐Chen , Chiu Chaw‐Chi , Huang Jiann‐Woei , Chu Chun‐Yuan , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Lee Hsiang‐Chun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well‐established procedure using a catheter‐introduced valve prosthesis for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). This retrospective study investigated sex‐related differences in pre‐ and post‐TAVR clinical and hemodynamic outcomes and analyzed data of the first 100 cases at Kaohsiung Medical University Chung‐Ho Memorial Hospital (KMUH) between December 2013 and December 2021. Baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, mortality rates, and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed and compared between sexes. Among the 100 patients, male (46%) and female (54%) were of similar age (mean age, male 86.0 years vs. female 84.5 years) and of the same severity of AS (mean pressure gradient, male 47.5 mmHg vs. female 45.7 mmHg) at the time receiving the TAVR procedure. Women had smaller aortic valve areas calculated by continuity equation (0.8 ± 0.3 cm2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2, p < 0.001). In addition, women had better left ventricle ejection fraction (59.6 ± 14.0% vs. men 54.7 ± 17.2%, p < 0.01). In the post‐TAVR follow‐up, regression of left ventricle mass and dimension was better in women than in men. None of the patient died within 30 days after the procedure, and women tended to have a more favorable survival than men (2‐year mortality and overall mortality rate in 8.3 year, women 9.1% and 22.2% vs. men 22.2% and 34.8%; p = 0.6385 and 0.1277, respectively). In conclusion, the sex‐based difference in post‐TAVR regression of LV remodeling suggests a need for sex‐based evaluation for patients with severe AS and their post TAVR follow‐up.
Validated Symptom Outcomes Following Septal Perforation Repair: Application of the NOSE‐Perf Scale
Authors: Taylor Cullen M. , Bansberg Stephen F. , Marino Michael J. 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE)‐Perf scale was developed and validated to measure symptoms associated with nasal septal perforations. This study reports the application of the NOSE‐Perf scale to evaluate symptom change following septal perforation repair.MethodsPatients with NOSE‐Perf evaluations ≥6 months following attempted perforation closure from July 2018 to December 2021 utilizing bilateral nasal mucosal flaps with an interposition graft were eligible for study inclusion. Change in NOSE‐Perf scores were noted. Patient demographics, perforation size, and concurrent functional procedures were analyzed for impact on symptom outcomes.ResultsOne‐hundred and seventeen patients met the study criteria. Seventy‐nine (67.5%) of the patients were female and the mean (range) age at surgery was 47.3 (14–78) years. Repair failure was noted in 7 (6.0%) patients. Mean (SD) preoperative NOSE‐Perf score was 25.3 (95% CI, 23.5–27.1) and postoperative score was 7.9 (95% CI, 6.5–9.3). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was estimated and greater than 91% of patients had improvement above this threshold. Patient age, perforation size, or concurrent functional procedures did not impact outcomes. Postoperative scores at short (2–4 months), intermediate (5–8 months), and long‐term (≥9 months) time periods showed significant improvement (all p < 0.001) compared to preoperative NOSE‐Perf scores.ConclusionSignificant reduction in nasal symptoms as measured by the NOSE‐Perf scale is noted following bilateral mucosal flap repair. Although the nose does not completely normalize following repair, clinically important improvement was noted in at least 91% of patients. The NOSE‐Perf scale is positioned to play a role in the standardization of septal perforation evaluation and outcomes assessment.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:3067–3072, 2024
Multi‐modal deep learning for joint prediction of otitis media and diagnostic difficulty
Authors: Sundgaard Josefine Vilsbøll , Hannemose Morten Rieger , Laugesen Søren , Bray Peter , Harte James , Kamide Yosuke , Tanaka Chiemi , Paulsen Rasmus R. , Christensen Anders Nymark 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, we propose a diagnostic model for automatic detection of otitis media based on combined input of otoscopy images and wideband tympanometry measurements.MethodsWe present a neural network‐based model for the joint prediction of otitis media and diagnostic difficulty. We use the subclassifications acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. The proposed approach is based on deep metric learning, and we compare this with the performance of a standard multi‐task network.ResultsThe proposed deep metric approach shows good performance on both tasks, and we show that the multi‐modal input increases the performance for both classification and difficulty estimation compared to the models trained on the modalities separately. An accuracy of 86.5% is achieved for the classification task, and a Kendall rank correlation coefficient of 0.45 is achieved for difficulty estimation, corresponding to a correct ranking of 72.6% of the cases.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the strengths of a multi‐modal diagnostic tool using both otoscopy images and wideband tympanometry measurements for the diagnosis of otitis media. Furthermore, we show that deep metric learning improves the performance of the models.
Mn2+/Er3+‐Codoped Cs2AgInCl6 Double Perovskites with Dual Emission and Photochromism Properties for Anti‐Counterfeiting Application
Authors: Zeng Zixun , Zhang Guodong , Wang Yingsheng , Zhang Min , Cheng Ziyong , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHighly transparent inorganic photochromic materials have several promising applications, especially for anti‐counterfeiting application. Enriching and enhancing the luminescent properties of perovskite by doping transition metals and rare earth elements into the host is a feasible and attractive route. Codoping of Mn2+ and Er3+ can realize novel anti‐counterfeiting properties with upconversion emission and photochromic ability within a double perovskite structure of Cs2AgInCl6.The Cs2AgInCl6: Mn2+, Er3+ single crystal can be observed in a reversible color variation from yellow to dark violet by implementing under 365, 520 nm illumination or thermal treatment. In addition, the crystal emits red and green light under the excitation of 365 nm ultraviolet and 980 nm laser, respectively. The introduction of Mn2+ endowed Cs2AgInCl6 with photochromic ability, and Mn2+ acted as a bridge for energy transfer from host excitons to Er3+, facilitating emission in the visible region. Er3+ achieve upconversion luminescence in the material through its abundant energy levels and acting synergistically with Mn2+. Herein, the Cs2AgInCl6:Mn2+, Er3+ combines various optical properties and has applications for specific anti‐counterfeiting demands.
Efficient Fluorescence Utilization and Photon Density of States‐Driven Design of Liquid Crystal Lasers
Authors: Qu Guangyin , Hu Lei , Li Siqi , Kuai Yan , Cao Zhigang , Liu Yu , Xie Kang , Yu Benli , Hu Zhijia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLiquid‐crystal random lasers (LCRLs) represent a burgeoning field in soft‐matter photonics, holding promise for ushering in an era of ultrathin, versatile laser sources. Such lasers encompass a multitude of remarkable features, including wide‐band tunability, large coherence area and, in some cases, multidirectional emission. In this paper, an LCRL is developed by doping a laser dye, pyrromethene 597 (PM597), into cholesteric LC, but achieving a wide‐range wavelength‐controllable (560–720 nm) bandgap lasing through voltage control. Bandgap lasing intriguingly occurs in media with extremely low dye gain, which is mainly contributed by the extremely high photon density of states (DOS) at the edge of the LC bandgap. In addition, the utilization rate of the fluorescence spectrum (550–750 nm) of laser dye PM597 is as high as 80%. The multivariate linear regression model is used to characterize the inherent relationship between the lasing intensity emitted by LC and the photon DOS, fluorescence quantum yield, and internal scattering under specific pumping energy. This model shows the potential to predict the critical conditions of laser emission accurately and provides the capability to design and fabricate large‐scale multifunctional responsive photonic crystals using a simple fabrication procedure.
Histological evaluation of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency microneedling treatment in a porcine model
Authors: Wang Hao , Hamblin Michael R. , Zhang Yi , Xu Yidan , Wen Xiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveFractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) is widely used as an option for skin rejuvenation, however there is a lack of histological evidence for the various energy delivery systems available. The objective was to assess thermal denaturation of tissue and the wound healing response in monopolar mode versus bipolar mode. Histological analysis was performed to demonstrate the efficacy of automatic impedance feedback system in monopolar mode.Study Design and MethodsIn this study, the acute thermal effects caused by monopolar FRM treatment to the dorsal skin of pigs were assessed histologically by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. Then, one session of either monopolar or bipolar FRM was used to treat one or the other side of the pig using varying power levels and pulse widths. The acute and chronic tissue reactions were assessed using H&E, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis at 0, 14, 30, and 90 days after treatment. The efficacy of the impedance feedback system was also monitored histologically.ResultsHigh‐energy FRM treatment produced tissue loss and necrosis. The power level and pulse duration significantly affected the coagulation amount. Histopathology at 0, 14, 30, and 90 days showed that the skin tissue reaction was more pronounced for bipolar compared to monopolar FRM. Immunofluorescence showed the expression of TGF‐β, Ki67, MMP3, and elastin increased dramatically with both modes, but were higher in the bipolar FRM treated side. The automatic impedance feedback system could effectively adjust the output energy.ConclusionsWe found that bipolar FRM produced greater thermal effects, more collagen coagulation, and more pronounced molecular changes compared with monopolar mode in a porcine animal model.
Preconditioned discontinuous Galerkin method and convection‐diffusion‐reaction problems with guaranteed bounds to resulting spectra
Authors: Gaynutdinova Liya , Ladecký Martin , Pultarová Ivana , Vlasák Miloslav , Zeman Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper focuses on the design, analysis and implementation of a new preconditioning concept for linear second order partial differential equations, including the convection‐diffusion‐reaction problems discretized by Galerkin or discontinuous Galerkin methods. We expand on the approach introduced by Gergelits et al. and adapt it to the more general settings, assuming that both the original and preconditioning matrices are composed of sparse matrices of very low ranks, representing local contributions to the global matrices. When applied to a symmetric problem, the method provides bounds to all individual eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrix. We show that this preconditioning strategy works not only for Galerkin discretization, but also for the discontinuous Galerkin discretization, where local contributions are associated with individual edges of the triangulation. In the case of nonsymmetric problems, the method yields guaranteed bounds to real and imaginary parts of the resulting eigenvalues. We include some numerical experiments illustrating the method and its implementation, showcasing its effectiveness for the two variants of discretized (convection‐)diffusion‐reaction problems.