bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Versatile Preparation of Imidazo[1,5‐a]quinolines and Characterization of Their Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: Kulhanek Niclas , Martin Niklas , Göttlich Richard 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this work, we describe a simple and robust synthetic approach for the formation of 1,3‐substituted imidazo[1,5‐a]quinolines. This was achieved by developing a mild and selective bromination with N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) in 3‐position of the imidazole ring. This was followed by a Negishi coupling, which we performed with various coupling partners, resulting in a wide range of different combinations, usually unattainable by other approaches and similar coupling reactions. Fluorescence measurements identified beneficial substitution patterns for the future use of imidazo[1,5‐a]quinolines in optical applications, such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Hybrid primary puncture in stapler‐assisted total laryngectomy
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Perna Luca , Rossi Giorgia , Corina Luigi , Parrilla Claudio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn Video S1, a new surgical technique for hybrid primary tracheoesophageal (TE) puncture in stapler‐assisted total laryngectomy is shown. The video describes the surgical steps of the procedure and illustrates some tips and tricks. The procedure incorporates an upper mini‐pharyngotomy to enable retrograde placement of the voice prosthesis (VP), eliminating the need for rigid esophagoscopy. This has made it possible to exploit, without additional risks, the potential of the stapler combined with primary TE puncture and VP placement. In our experience, this hybrid procedure in stapler‐assisted total laryngectomy is not related to adverse events such as pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), hypertonicity, and functional complications. Therefore, it can be considered a valid technique that allows for easy insertion of a primary voice prosthesis also in case of mechanical sutures.
The effect of hemodialysis with cool dialysate on nausea in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Arghide Yasem , Faraji Azam , Raygani Ali Akbar Vaisi , Salari Nader , Omrani Hamidreza , Mohammadi Mohammad Mehdi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsExperiencing nausea leads to decreased self‐esteem and social isolation in hemodialysis patients and affects all aspects of their quality of life. Nausea and vomiting make hemodialysis unpleasant for patients leading to premature termination of hemodialysis. Therefore, based on this necessity, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of hemodialysis with cool dialysate on nausea in hemodialysis patients.MethodsIn this clinical trial, 60 eligible patients receiving hemodialysis were randomly assigned to the control (30 participants) and intervention (30 participants) groups. In the control group, the patients received standard hemodialysis (37°C) for three sessions. Simultaneously, patients in the intervention group received hemodialysis with a cold solution (of 36°C) for three sessions. The patients' nausea and shivering rates were measured using the visual analog scale and the shivering standard assessment scale, respectively. Both groups were evaluated before and after 1 week of intervention. The study did not include blinding. The trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the number IRCT20200530047597N1. The present study was financially supported by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran (no. 990220). Data were analyzed using SPSS‐25 software.FindingsThe independentttest showed no statistically significant difference between the two control and experimental groups regarding the nausea rate in the three evaluation times (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, nausea severity decreased significantly after the intervention in the two groups. However, the rate of nausea in the intervention group with cold solution decreased more compared to the control group. Moreover, no patient in the intervention group experienced shivering during hemodialysis with a cool dialysate.ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, it can be stated that the use of cold hemodialysis to control nausea in patients undergoing hemodialysis requires further studies and can be recommended as a nonpharmacological treatment to manage the treatment costs in case of efficiency.
Factors associated with poor sleep quality among construction workers in Arba Minch town, Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wendimu Debisa E. , Meshesha Solomon G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsSleep is critical for human physical and cognitive health. Even though poor sleep quality had a major negative impact on workers' health and safety, there is a scarcity of study that attempts to demonstrate its magnitude and causative factors in labor‐intensive environments.MethodsA cross‐sectional study design was employed. A total of 423 individuals were selected using a simple random sampling technique, starting from April 1, 2020 to May 1, 2020. Interviews were administered using the validated and pretested Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) tool. EpiData version 4.4.3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS version 25 for analysis. To associate factors with poor sleep quality binary logistic regression model was fitted at 95% confidence interval (CI). A p < 0.25 and p < 0.05 were used to declare association in bivariable and multivariable analysis, respectively.ResultsA total of 415 building construction workers take part in this study, with a response rate of 98.1%. A PSQI global score showed 66.3% (95% CI: [0.63, 0.71]) of construction workers suffering from poor sleep quality. Working hours, work experience, previous injury status, managerial support on occupational safety and health, cigarette smoking, and job satisfaction were the factors that were associated with poor sleep quality significantly.ConclusionsTwo‐thirds of construction workers suffer from poor sleep quality. Risk factors include shorter working years, longer working hours, prior injury, lack of managerial support, cigarette smoking, and low job satisfaction. Efficient health education and promotion through taking the identified associated factors into account could help reduce poor sleep quality.
Numerical modeling and optimization of perforated twisted tape insert based on hybrid ANSYS‐RSM approach
Authors: Kadbhane Snehal Vasant , Pangavhane Dilip R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHeat exchangers have a wider scope in numerous applications, such as space heating, chemical industries, power stations, and so on. Due to heat loss and the thermal properties of the materials involved, the overall performance of a heat exchanger is questionable. Therefore, studies related to heat transfer techniques are appreciated in the research community. Thus, the present study numerically investigates the heat transfer performance of a horizontal heat pipe equipped with hexagonal perforated twisted tape inserts. Further, the numerical solutions of Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), and thermal performance factor (TPF) are optimized with the help of response surface methodology (RSM). The parameters investigated in this study are Reynolds number (Re), which varies between 500 and 1500, input heat supply (Q) between 100 and 1000 W, and pitch ratio (3.2, 4, and 5.2). ANSYS fluid flow fluent was used to perform flow simulations for three different twisted tape inserts: horizontal, vertical, and alternate hexagon perforations. Optimum solutions are obtained at 1000 W heat supply, 1500 Re, and p/di = 4 from alternatively perforated twisted tape inserts. The optimum Nu, f, and TPF achieved are 119.545, 0.437, and 1.82, respectively. Also, the proposed RSM optimization method is evidenced with a maximum of 2.673% error during the confirmatory test.
A retrospective study to investigate the efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ito Ayumi , Murasugi Shun , Yonezawa Maria , Omori Teppei , Nakamura Shinichi , Tokushige Katsutoshi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis has a poor prognosis and can be accompanied by ulcerative colitis. Infection control is essential, so immunosuppressive drugs should ideally be preferably. Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis does not suppress the immune system and is used to treat ulcerative colitis. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated data from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with ulcerative colitis who visited our hospital from April 2000 to December 2022 and underwent granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (n = 10, number of treatment cycles = 15). Study endpoints were remission induction rate and safety, assessed as changes in liver functions and adverse events.ResultsSeven of the 10 patients were male. The median (min‐max) age was 23 (18‐77) years. The most common disease type was right‐dominant pancolitis. Remission occurred after 86.6% of cycles (13/15). Serum alkaline phosphatase and Aspartate transaminase were significantly lower after treatment (P = .0124, P = .002), and no negative effects on liver function were seen. The only adverse events were headache (n = 1) and decreased blood pressure (n = 1).ConclusionsGranulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis has high efficacy for intestinal lesions and improves alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase levels (high levels are a poor prognosis factor). It appears to be a treatment option in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with ulcerative colitis.
Cell‐free DNA extraction from urine of lung cancer patients and healthy individuals: Evaluation of a simple method using sample volume up‐scaling
Authors: Ruppert Tilman , Roth Andreas , Kollmeier Jens , Mairinger Thomas , Frost Nikolaj 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundUrine holds promise as a source for cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) analysis of cancer genetics due to its nature as a self‐collectable biospecimen available in large quantities. However, pre‐analytical variables such as preservation of cfDNA or efficiency of up‐scaling specimen volume need to be better explored to increase analysis sensitivity.Patients and MethodsInitially effects of pH levels on cfDNA stability of urine preserved with EDTA were investigated in three healthy probands. Furthermore, the efficiency of urine volume up‐scaling was examined using a simple DNA extraction method and cfDNA in urine of 32 individuals. Quantification was performed by PCR detection of three relevant targets used for EGFR and KRAS gene mutational analysis.ResultsOnly samples preserved with EDTA at alkaline pH levels showed cfDNA stability of up to 10 days at room temperature. Moreover, it was found that increasing the volume up to 100 mL was highly efficient. A similar amount of copies was detected in three different gene sites in all specimens indicating both a good availability and a non‐random distribution pattern across genes. Since the median cfDNA copy number was 1642 copies/mL, abundance of cfDNA in this type of liquid biopsy is low.ConclusionPredictable sensitivities with different urine volumes on the ground of detectable cfDNA in our study population revealed that up‐scaling (>5 mL) is mandatory if the mutation allele frequency is less than 1%.
Agarose biodegradation by deep‐sea bacterium Vibrio natriegens WPAGA4 with the agarases through horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Zhang Mengyuan , Tong Xiufang , Wang Wenxin , Wang Jianxin , Qu Wu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to reveal the importance of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) for the agarose‐degrading ability and the related degradation pathway of a deep‐sea bacterium Vibrio natriegens WPAGA4, which was rarely reported in former works. A total of four agarases belonged to the GH50 family, including Aga3418, Aga3419, Aga3420, and Aga3472, were annotated and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The agarose degradation products of Aga3418, Aga3420, and Aga3472 were neoagarobiose, while those of Aga3419 were neoagarobiose and neoagarotetraose. The RT‐qPCR analysis showed that the expression level ratio of Aga3418, Aga3419, Aga3420, and Aga3472 was stable at about 1:1:1.5:2.5 during the degradation, which indicated the optimal expression level ratio of the agarases for agarose degradation by V. natriegens WPAGA4. Based on the genomic information, three of four agarases and other agarose‐degrading related genes were in a genome island with a G + C content that was obviously lower than that of the whole genome of V. natriegens WPAGA4, indicating that these agarose‐degrading genes were required through HGT. Our results demonstrated that the expression level ratio instead of the expression level itself of agarase genes was crucial for agarose degradation by V. natriegens WPAGA4, and HGT occurred in the deep‐sea environment, thereby promoting the deep‐sea carbon cycle and providing a reference for studying the evolution and transfer pathways of agar‐related genes.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of pathologic complete response rates for patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated on liver transplant protocols
Authors: Wu Trudy C. , Smith Clayton P. , Li Joshua S. , Burton Jason , Jackson Nicholas J. , Tao Randa , Ludmir Ethan B. , Raldow Ann C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMany heterogenous orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) protocols exist for patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. Little is known about the incidence, predictors for, and the significance of achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR).MethodsWe performed a systematic review through September 2022 of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was conducted to pool data across studies with reported pCR rates. Heterogeneity between treatment protocols was assessed via subgroup analysis. The pCR and 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were extracted as outcomes of interest.ResultsA total of 15 studies reported pCR rates and were grouped by use of the Mayo protocol (4/15), stereotactic body radiation therapy (2/15), and an Other category (9/15). The pooled pCR rate among all studies was 32%. Both radiation technique and duration of CHT showed no significant association with pCR (p = 0.05 and 0.13, respectively). Pooled 1‐year RFS and OS after any neoadjuvant therapy and OLT was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.91), and 91% (95% CI, 0.87–0.94), respectively. There was no 1‐year OS difference detected among the three groups. pCR was not associated with OS in the meta‐regression. Pooled 3‐ and 5‐year OS among all studies was 72% and 61%, respectively.ConclusionsThe pooled incidence of pCR was 32%. Differences in radiation technique did not appear to influence pCR rates and upon meta‐regression, pCR was not a surrogate marker for survival.
Comparison of optical coherence tomography and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy with dermoscopy for the diagnosis and management of nonmelanoma skin cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hobelsberger Sarah , Steininger Julian , Laske Jörg , Berndt Katja , Meier Friedegund , Beissert Stefan , Gellrich Frank Friedrich 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundOptical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) can yield improved diagnostic accuracy of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in comparison with dermoscopy alone.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of OCT and RCM together and individually with that of dermoscopy.MethodsPatients with lesions suspicious for NMSC were randomized into two groups in a prospective, single‐centre study. In the intervention group (IG), every lesion was examined with dermoscopy, OCT and RCM, while in the control group (CG), every lesion was examined with dermoscopy alone.ResultsA total of 365 lesions of 250 patients (105 female, 145 male) were included in the study. A total of 208 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 65 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 31 SCCs in situ were examined histologically. The IG involved significantly fewer biopsies than the CG (14 vs. 27, p = 0.029) and required fewer additional inpatient stays due to positive biopsy results (2 vs. 12, p = 0.001). For the diagnosis of BCC, diagnostic accuracy was 81% with dermoscopy, 84% with OCT, 83% with RCM and 85% with the combination of OCT and RCM (OCT/RCM). The diagnostic accuracy of OCT for BCC subtypes was as follows: superficial, 89%; nodular, 79%; sclerodermiform, 82%; and nodular‐cystic BCC, 75%. For the diagnosis of SCC, diagnostic accuracy was 85% with dermoscopy, 87% with OCT, 89% with RCM and 87% with OCT/RCM. For the diagnosis of in situ SCC, diagnostic accuracy was 87% with dermoscopy, 89% with OCT, 89% with RCM and 91% with OCT/RCM.ConclusionsDiagnostic accuracy increased with OCT and RCM and was even higher when both methods were used together. OCT and RCM could facilitate optimization of lesion management by reducing the number of punch biopsies and reducing additional inpatient stays due to positive biopsy results.
The Breakdown of Blood‐Labyrinth Barrier Makes it Easier for Drugs to Enter the Inner Ear
Authors: Ke Yujie , Ma Xin , Jing Yuanyuan , Diao Tongxiang , Yu Lisheng 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate dynamic change of permeability of blood‐labyrinth barrier (BLB) after noise exposure and its effect on the drug delivery efficiency of systemic administration.MethodsGadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA) and dexamethasone (DEX) were used as tracers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunofluorescence were used to observe the change of the BLB after strong noise exposure in guinea pigs. High‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to observe the effect of the breakdown of BLB after noise exposure on the drug delivery efficiency of intravenous DEX. The guinea pigs were divided into 6 groups: normal group (N), 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 days after noise exposure groups (P1, P3, P5, P8, P12), with 5 animals in each group.ResultsThe BLB changes dynamically after noise exposure. Increased permeability of the blood‐endolymph barrier, the endolymph‐perilymph barrier, and the blood‐nerve barrier was observed at days 1–3, 1–5, and 1–8, respectively, after noise exposure in guinea pigs. Higher drug concentration in the cochlear tissue was obtained by intravenous administration of DEX in guinea pigs during the time window of increased permeability of the BLB.ConclusionAfter noise exposure, the increased BLB permeability makes it easier for drugs to enter the inner ear from blood. In guinea pigs, 1–8 days after strong noise exposure, the drug delivery efficiency of systemic administration increased. After 8 days, the efficiency gradually returned to normal level. 1–8 days after noise exposure may be the best intervention time for systemic administration.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:2377–2386, 2024
Validation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the Arabic version of the self‐reported mini olfactory questionnaire (Self‐MOQ)
Authors: Alfallaj Rayan , Almousa Hisham , Alsubaie Nawaf , Akkielah Yara , Mesallam Tamer A. , Sumaily Ibrahim , Alsaleh Saad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundA simple self‐assessment screening questionnaire for olfactory dysfunction is direly needed in Rhinology practice, and this questionnaire should be accessible to affected individuals. The self‐reported mini olfactory questionnaire (Self‐MOQ), constructed to fill this gap, could be an important tool, especially in the era of telemedicine.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the self‐reported mini olfactory questionnaire (Self‐MOQ) in patients with olfactory dysfunction.MethodologyThis cross‐sectional study included all adult patients who visited a rhinology clinic between January and June 2023 with a complaint of olfactory dysfunction and a control group. The participants completed a questionnaire that included items on demographics, risk factors of olfactory dysfunction, the olfaction VAS, SNOT‐22, and Arabic Self‐MOQ. The Self‐MOQ was forward‐ and back‐translated by qualified professional translators familiar with American English and Arabic.The reliability of the Arabic Self‐MOQ was evaluated using Cronbach's α. The test–retest reliability was assessed by estimating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total Arabic Self‐MOQ score and the individual items. The discriminative ability was examined by comparing the scores of the case and control groups. The construct validity was assessed by comparing the Arabic Self‐MOQ to the olfaction VAS.ResultsThe study sample included 307 respondents (196 cases and 111 controls; 34 undertook the retest). The Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.92 (total Self‐MOQ) and considered excellent. The ICC for the total Self‐MOQ score was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.757, 0.933; p < .001), which indicated good test–retest reliability. Strong correlations were observed between the Self‐MOQ items and VAS scores (r = 0.732, p < .001), (r = 0.689, p < .001).ConclusionThe current investigation showed the Arabic version of the Self‐MOQ to be a reliable tool for olfactory dysfunction screening.
Proposal of Pseudo‐Capping Effects by Polymer–Polymer Interaction through Preparation of Stereocomplex Pseudo‐Polyrotaxane with Cyclodextrin and PEG‐PLA Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Choi Jaeyeong , Ajiro Hiroharu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractABA types triblock copolymers, specifically poly(L‐lactide)‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐co‐poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA‐PEG‐PLLA) and poly(D‐lactide)‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐co‐poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA‐PEG‐PDLA), are employed for stereocomplexes (SCs) formation. These SCs are subsequently utilized as axles, in conjunction with various cyclodextrins (CDs) as ring moieties to create pseudo‐polyrotaxane (PPRX). The authors referred to this new construct as “SC PPRX”, to distinguish it from the earlier study, denoted as “PPRX SC”, which primarily focuses on SC within the PPRX. When attempting to form PPRXs in aqueous solutions, the authors encountered challenges related to the inclusion of CDs due to the robust presence of the SC structure. However, by using mixed solvents, such as water/acetone (10/1, v/v), a partial relaxation of the SC structure is observed. This allows for the successful inclusion of CDs, thereby facilitating the PPRX formation. These observations highlight the significance of axle–axle interaction, which, in this case, prevailed over axle–ring interactions in determining the outcome of the formation process. The authors propose the term, ‘SC pseudo‐capping effect’ to describe this unique phenomenon, underscoring the role of interactions among polymer chains, including polymer–polymer and axle–axle interactions, in shaping the architecture of rotaxanes. This study thus unveils a novel dimension of polymer‐polymer interactions within the realm of rotaxane.