bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timely delivery of PORT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a county hospital
Authors: Rosas Herrera Ana Maria , Haskins Angela D. , Hanania Alexander N. , Jhaveri Pavan M. , Chapman Christina H. , Huang Quillan , Hernandez David J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the rate of post‐operative radiation therapy (PORT) initiation within 6 weeks for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated at a safety net, academic institutio between 2019 and 2021 versus those treated in 2022 after implementation of a new clinical pathway.MethodsA retrospective case–control study was performed at a single tertiary care, safety‐net, academic institution. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, dates of surgery, and other treatment dates were collected from the electronic medical record. The time from surgery to PORT was calculated. Patients who started radiation treatment within 42 days of surgery were regarded as having started PORT on time. The demographics, tumor characteristics, and rate of timely PORT for the two cohorts of patients were compared.ResultsFrom 2018 to 2021, our rate of PORT initiation within 6 weeks of surgery was 12% (n = 57). In 2022, our rate of timely PORT was 88% (n = 16), p < 0.5. Patient demographics and characteristics were similar with the exception of marital status and use of free‐flap reconstruction. The 2022 cohort was more likely to be single (p < 0.5), and all patients underwent free‐flap reconstruction in 2022 (p < 0.05).ConclusionEarly referrals, frequent communication, and use of a secure registry were the key to the success found by our group despite the socioeconomic challenges of our underserved, safety‐net hospital patient population. The changes made at our institution should serve as a template for other institutions seeking to improve the quality of care for their HNSCC patients.
Nanoparticles encapsulated carbon nanotubes dispersed lubricants for enhanced tribology through particle‐phase variation
Authors: Ranjan Nisha , Kamaraj Muthusamy , Ramaprabhu Sundara 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNanostructures as an inert additive to the lubricant act as a tiny friction reduction element by providing asperity filling, polishing, and film formation mechanism at the nanoscale dimension under the boundary layer regime. Here, we explore the synthesis and tribology application of iron‐carbon‐based nanoparticles encapsulated multiwall carbon nanotubes (Fe‐C‐CNTs). Three Fe‐C nanoparticles phase that is, Fe3C‐CNTs, Fe3C‐Fe‐CNTs, and Fe‐CNTs are synthesised. In particular, the emphasis here is on the effect of nanoparticle phase variation on the tribology property. The tribology property of the prepared nanomaterials is studied by dispersing it in commercially used Servo gearbox oil. The coefficient of friction and wear is found reduced in all dispersions compared to the base gearbox oil confirming the manifestation of nanoscale mechanisms at the tribo‐interface. It is revealed that the phase variation shows more impact on the alteration of friction coefficient compared to the dispersion concentration variation analysed using ANOVA two‐way technique. Further, the diameter and composition analysis of the wear scar is used to comprehend the underlying mechanism of the encapsulated particle phase variation. The findings suggest that the Fe‐CNTs dispersions are efficient in reducing friction to a larger extent but also promote the interface oxidation leading to enhanced wear and roughness whereas, Fe3C‐CNTs and Fe3C‐Fe‐CNTs are chemically stable providing smooth sliding and less wear.
Pyrene‐Based “Turn‐On” Fluorescent Polymeric Probe with Thioacetal Units in the Main Chain for Mercury(II) Detection in Aqueous Solutions and Living Cells
Authors: Gu Yu , Li Siyong , Yu Yue , Zhu Jianjian , Yuan Xingyu , Feng Xinxin , Lu Yanbing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA water‐soluble polymeric pyrene‐based polythioacetal (PTA‐Py) with thioacetal units in the main chain is simply synthesized by direct polycondensation of 3, 6‐dioxa‐1, 8‐octanedithiol, 1‐pyrene formaldehyde, and mPEG2k‐SH. The probe PTA‐Py shows a good fluorescence response to Hg2+ ions due to the Hg2+‐promoted deprotection reaction of thioacetal groups to regenerate the original 1‐pyrene formaldehyde compound. After adding Hg2+ to the PTA‐Py solution, the fluorescence intensity (FI) gradually increases with increasing concentrations of Hg2+. Compared with other metal ions, the probe exhibits high sensitivity, good selectivity, and rapid response to Hg2+. The low detection limits are 12.3 nm in ethanol‐PBS buffer and 13.3 nm in water, respectively. The results imply that the simply synthesized water‐soluble polymeric probe had potential applications in the rapid detection of Hg2+ ions in aqueous solutions. Moreover, the polymeric PTA‐Py shows high sensitivity for CH3Hg+ with detection limits of 26.5 nm in ethanol/PBS buffer. In addition, PTA‐Py can efficiently detect Hg2+ ions in HeLa cells. The results demonstrate that a valuable method is developed for biocompatible polymeric sensors for Hg2+ ions in biological and environmental samples.
Double‐Network Organohydrogels Toughened by Solvent Exchange
Authors: Li Jianan , Cheng Xue , He Bingbing , Li Longhui , Zhang Huan , Ju Jie , Yao Xi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDouble‐network hydrogels based on calcium alginate are extensively exploited. Unfortunately, their low strength and unstable constitution to open environments limit their application potential. Herein, a new type of double‐network organohydrogel (OHG) is proposed. By solvent exchange, a stable physical network is established based on dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)‐alginate in the presence of a polyacrylamide network. The DMSO content endows tunable mechanical properties, with a maximum tensile strength of ≈1.7 MPa. Importantly, the OHG shows much better environmental stability compared to the conventional double‐network hydrogels. Due to the reversible association of hydrogen bonds, the OHG possesses some unique properties, including free‐shapeability, shape‐memory, and self‐adhesion, that offers several promising ways to utilize alginate‐based gels for wide applications.
Dietary Intake of Fructooligosaccharides Protects against Metabolic Derangements Evoked by Chronic Exposure to Fructose or Galactose in Rats
Authors: Almasri Fidèle , Collotta Debora , Aimaretti Eleonora , Sus Nadine , Aragno Manuela , Dal Bello Federica , Eva Carola , Mastrocola Raffaella , Landberg Rikard , Frank Jan , Collino Massimo 
Published: December 2023

ScopeDiets rich in fat and sugars evoke chronic low‐grade inflammation, leading to metabolic derangements. This study investigates the impact of fructose and galactose, two commonly consumed simple sugars, on exacerbation of the harmful effects caused by high fat intake. Additionally, the potential efficacy of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a fermentable dietary fiber, in counteracting these effects is examined.Methods and resultsMale Sprague‐Dawley rats (six/group) are fed 8 weeks as follows: control 5% fat diet (CNT), 20% fat diet (FAT), FAT+10% FOS diet (FAT+FOS), FAT+25% galactose diet (FAT+GAL), FAT+GAL+10% FOS diet (FAT+GAL+FOS), FAT+25% fructose diet (FAT+FRU), FAT+FRU+10% FOS diet (FAT+FRU+FOS). The dietary manipulations tested do not affect body weight gain, blood glucose, or markers of systemic inflammation whereas significant increases in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerols, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotrasferase are detected in both FAT+FRU and FAT+GAL compared to CNT. In the liver and skeletal muscle, both sugars induce significant accumulation of lipids and advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs). FOS supplementation prevents these impairments.ConclusionThis study extends the understanding of the deleterious effects of a chronic intake of simple sugars and demonstrates the beneficial role of the prebiotic FOS in dampening the sugar‐induced metabolic impairments by prevention of lipid and AGEs accumulation.
Miniaturized circularly polarized metasurface antenna based on characteristic mode analysis
Authors: Pang Hui , Zhao Jianping , Xu Juan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA miniaturized circularly polarized (CP) metasurface (MTS) antenna is investigated based on characteristic mode theory (CMT). The 4 × 4 square patch structure was used as the initial structure for characteristic mode analysis (CMA) and improvement using CMT to guide the evolution of antenna structures. The square ring is bent and the capacitive strips are introduced to obtain the final miniaturized MTS. Comparing the proposed MTS with traditional MTS, the proposed antenna size is significantly reduced. To give the proposed antenna a CP, a feeding structure with a 90° phase difference is designed to excite a pair of orthogonal target patterns. The final antenna structure has a reduced overall size and has circular polarization characteristics. For verification, the proposed CP MTS antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results show an impedance bandwidth of 2.9–3.65 GHz and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 3.1–3.57 GHz, and a stable gain in the operating frequency band.
Pulmonary circulatory system characteristics are associated with future lung cancer risk
Authors: Pu Jiantao , Bandos Andriy , Yu Tong , Wang Renwei , Yuan Jian‐min , Herman James , Wilson David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMost of the subjects eligible for annual low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening will not develop lung cancer for their life. It is important to identify novel biomarkers that can help identify those at risk of developing lung cancer and improve the efficiency of LDCT screening programs.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the association between the morphology of the pulmonary circulatory system (PCS) and lung cancer development using LDCT scans acquired in the screening setting.MethodsWe analyzed the PLuSS cohort of 3635 lung screening patients from 2002 to 2016. Circulatory structures were segmented and quantified from LDCT scans. The time from the baseline CT scan to lung cancer diagnosis, accounting for death, was used to evaluate the prognostic ability (i.e., hazard ratio (HR)) of these structures independently and with demographic factors. Five‐fold cross‐validation was used to evaluate prognostic scores.ResultsIntrapulmonary vein volume had the strongest association with future lung cancer (HR = 0.63, p < 0.001). The joint model of intrapulmonary vein volume, age, smoking status, and clinical emphysema provided the strongest prognostic ability (HR = 2.20, AUC = 0.74). The addition of circulatory structures improved risk stratification, identifying the top 10% with 28% risk of lung cancer within 15 years.ConclusionPCS characteristics, particularly intrapulmonary vein volume, are important predictors of lung cancer development. These factors significantly improve prognostication based on demographic factors and noncirculatory patient characteristics, particularly in the long term. Approximately 10% of the population can be identified with risk several times greater than average.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes: Shaping the next era of stroke treatment
Authors: Waseem Arshi , Saudamini  , Haque Rizwanul , Janowski Miroslaw , Raza Syed S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExosome‐based treatments are gaining traction as a viable approach to addressing the various issues faced by an ischemic stroke. These extracellular vesicles, mainly produced by mesenchymal stem cells, exhibit many properties with substantial therapeutic potential. Exosomes are particularly appealing for stroke therapy because of their low immunogenicity, effective cargo transport, and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. Their diverse effects include neuroprotection, angiogenesis stimulation, inflammatory response modulation, and cell death pathway attenuation, synergistically promoting neuronal survival, tissue regeneration, and functional recovery. Exosomes also show potential as diagnostic indicators for early stroke identification and customized treatment options. Despite these promising qualities, current exosome‐based therapeutics have some limitations. The heterogeneity of exosome release among cell types, difficulty in standardization and isolation techniques, and complications linked to dosage and targeted administration necessitates extensive investigation. It is critical to thoroughly understand exosomal processes and their complicated interactions within the cellular milieu. To improve the practicality and efficacy of exosome‐based medicines, research efforts must focus on improving production processes, developing robust evaluation criteria, and developing large‐scale isolation techniques. Altogether, exosomes’ multifunctional properties offer a new route for transforming stroke treatment and significantly improving patient outcomes.
Status and influencing factors of knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice regarding hospice care among nurses in Hainan, China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tu Wen , Fan Huiying , Liu Wenling , Zhao Xiaoting , Li Mingdong , Gao Xing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThis study is to investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice in hospice care among nurses in Hainan, China, and then to analyse its influencing factors and mediating effects. This provides a basis for formulating scientific and standardized hospice care training programmes for nurses.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study investigated knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice in hospice care among 1819 nurses in Hainan, China. Convenience sampling was used to select participants from 45 hospitals and nursing homes in 14 cities and counties from October to December 2021. A scale of knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice of healthcare providers in hospice care (Chinese version) was administered to collect data during the study period. Statistical analyses, including t‐tests, one‐way ANOVA, post‐hoc analysis and multiple linear regression, assessed the status of knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice of hospice care in nurses and identified influencing factors. The PROCESS macro program model 4.0 was employed to explore the mediating effect of attitude on knowledge and self‐reported practice in hospice care.ResultsNurses in Hainan displayed low knowledge (mean = 7.68, SD = 3.53), moderate attitudes (mean = 88.13, SD = 12.10) and self‐reported practice (mean = 51.81, SD = 9.82) in hospice care. Current employment and willingness to engage in hospice care were significant factors influencing knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice in hospice care. Attitude partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and self‐reported practice.Patient or Public ContributionThis study focuses on nurses' knowledge, attitude and self‐reported practice in hospice care and does not directly involve patients or the public. However, the findings enhance hospice care provided to patients and the broader community by improving nurses' knowledge and skills. This study informs evidence‐based training programmes and interventions, benefiting those in need of hospice care services.
Complete constitutive model of CFRP including continuous damage in low strain rate compression and temperature generation in high strain rate impact
Authors: Zhao Changfang , Zhong Jianlin , Wang Hongxu , Chen Changqing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper reports a method to construct the complete constitutive model of carbon fiber‐reinforced plastic (CFRP) by distinguishing the strain rate state and modifying the material stiffness. In quasistatic (low strain rate) compression, the initial nonlinear effect caused by the material defects was described by introducing an nonlinear increasing factor. In dynamic (high strain rate) impact, the nonlinear strengthening effect was described by introducing the dynamic amplification factors of stress and strain based on the reference state. Considering the instantaneous temperature rise obtained from the impact work–temperature generation equation and the influence of temperature on modulus and strength, the coupled thermomechanical constitutive models combining the strain rate effect and the temperature effect were established. The user‐defined material subroutines (VUMAT) were developed, and then these constitutive models were verified by finite element analysis (FEA). Finally, the developed material subroutine was applied to predict the impact penetration of CFRP laminates, and the results show that the opening holes, damage and energy dissipation are in good agreement with the reference experiment. This work comprehensively analyzed the construction method of CFRP constitutive models, which would provide a guidance for the coupled thermomechanical behavior under dynamic impact.Highlights
An anisotropic continuum mechanical constitutive behavior considering strain rate effect and damage evolution behavior was established.
A macroscopic anisotropic constitutive model including the coupled impact temperature generation‐mechanical behavior was established.
Combined with the incremental finite element method, the three‐dimensional user‐defined material subroutines (VUMAT) were developed and verified.
The thermomechanical impact penetration behaviors of CFRP laminates was predicted, and the stress field, temperature field and failure characteristics were visualized.
Fracture behavior of high‐performance carbon fiber composites toughened by reactive polyetherimide
Authors: Chen Hengxi , Bajaj Devendra , Patil Dadasaheb , Zhu Zewen , Verghese Nikhil , Sue Hung‐Jue 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCarbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (CFECs) continue to grow in demand for aerospace, mass transportation, electric vehicle, and energy efficient architecture due to their lightweight, high strength, and high modulus. However, CFECs are susceptible to delamination upon impact which can lead to premature structural failure. This paper investigates the interlaminar fracture toughness of unidirectional CFECs based on reactive polyetherimide (rPEI) modified multifunctional epoxy matrix system. The matrices were cured formulations of tetraglycidyl diamino diphenyl methane, triglycidyl para‐amino phenol, rPEI having different molecular weights (MW) and diaminodiphenyl sulfone. Multi‐phase morphologies were observed from the resin castings and CFECs containing different MW rPEI modifiers. Results show that the mode I fracture toughness (GIC) of the rPEI‐toughened CFECs can be increased by as much as 150% over the unmodified CFECs based on the MW and type of phase morphology that promotes crack‐bridging mechanism. In addition, rPEI‐modified CFECs exhibit better property retention (~80% of GIC) after prolonged solvent exposure.Highlights
A processing‐structure–property relationship based on CFECs is established.
The amine‐terminated rPEI facilitates the formation of a strong bonding.
The molecular weight effect of rPEI on the phase morphology was investigated.
The rPEI enhances the interlaminar fracture toughness of the composites.
The rPEI particle bridging is found to be responsible for the toughening effect.
Trust in prenatal exome sequencing for expectant families facing unexplained fetal anomalies
Authors: Rothschild Harriet T. , Lianoglou Billie R. , Sahin Hodoglugil Nuriye N. , Tick Katie , Brown Julia E. H. , Sparks Teresa N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveDespite exome sequencing (ES) becoming increasingly incorporated into the prenatal setting, few studies have elucidated motivations for and trust in ES and genomic research among a diverse cohort of patients and their partners.MethodsThis is a qualitative study that involved semi‐structured interviews with pregnant or recently pregnant individuals and their partners, interviewed separately, in the setting of ES performed through research for a fetal structural anomaly. All interview transcripts were coded thematically and developed by a multidisciplinary team.ResultsThirty‐five individuals participated, the majority of whom (66%) self‐identified as a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in genomic research. Many patients and their partners expressed trust in the healthcare system and research process and appreciated the extensive testing for information and closure. There were nonetheless concerns about data privacy and protection for individuals, including those underrepresented, who participated in genomic testing and studies.ConclusionOur findings illustrate important elements of motivation, trust and concern related to prenatal ES performed in the research setting, taking into account the perspectives not only of diverse and underrepresented study participants but also partners of pregnant individuals.
Successful antenatal treatment of MAGED2‐related Bartter syndrome and review of treatment options and efficacy
Authors: Walsh Caroline J. , Micke Kestutis , Elfman Hannah , Bock Margret , Harper Teresa , Zaretsky Michael , Galan Henry L. , Behrendt Nicholas , Putra Manesha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA new form of transient antenatal Bartter syndrome (aBS) was recently identified that is associated with the X‐linked MAGED2 variant. Case reports demonstrate that this variant leads to severe polyhydramnios that may result in preterm birth or pregnancy loss. There is limited but promising evidence that amnioreductions may improve fetal outcomes in this rare condition. We report a woman with two affected pregnancies. In the first pregnancy, the patient was diagnosed with mild‐to‐moderate polyhydramnios in the second trimester that ultimately resulted in preterm labor and delivery at 25 weeks with fetal demise. Whole exome sequencing of the amniotic fluid sample resulted after the pregnancy loss and revealed a c.1337G>A MAGED2 variant that was considered diagnostically. The subsequent pregnancy was confirmed by chorionic villi sampling to also be affected by this variant. The pregnancy was managed with frequent ultrasounds and three amnioreductions that resulted in spontaneous vaginal delivery at 37 weeks and 6 days of a viable newborn with no evidence of overt electrolyte abnormalities suggesting complete resolution. A detailed review of the published cases of MAGED2‐related transient aBS is provided. Our review focuses on individuals who received antenatal treatment. A total of 31 unique cases of MAGED2‐related transient aBS were compiled. Amnioreduction was performed in 23 cases and in 18 cases no amnioreduction was performed. The average gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in cases without serial amnioreduction (28.7 vs. 30.71 weeks, p = 0.03). Neonatal mortality was seen in 5/18 cases without serial amnioreduction, and no mortality was observed in the cases with serial amnioreduction. In cases of second trimester severe polyhydramnios without identifiable cause, whole exome sequencing should be considered. Intensive ultrasound surveillance and serial amnioreduction is recommended for the management of MAGED2‐related transient aBS.