bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermoplastic starch nanocomposites derived directly from cornmeal
Authors: Chen Yanlin , Ma Qian , Wang Ke , Cho Mingyu , Jiang Long 
Published: February 2024

A high content of water is needed in traditional thermoplastic starch (TPS) processing to plasticize the starch and facilitate the processing, which leads to relatively low strength and modulus of the products and causes the issue of product aging partially due to the gradual water loss over time. In this work, based on the results from our previous study on lignin and cellulose nanofibril-reinforced TPS composites, a low content of citric acid (<0.5 wt%) was used to replace all the added water in the prior study (∼20 wt%). Citric acid demonstrated a much stronger viscosity-reducing effect than water and enabled composite processing at a very low acid content. The resultant nanocomposites exhibited much higher strength and modulus than those containing 20 wt% water as the processing aid. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) results showed strong interactions between the polar groups of starch and other ingredients. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos indicated the disappearance of the two-phase “sea-island” morphology, suggesting the strong compatibilization effect of the acid. To lower the cost of the nanocomposites, we further replaced the starch and zein (an expensive biopolymer) components in the original composites with low-cost cornmeal. The new nanocomposites with cornmeal as the major ingredient exhibited similar processability and mechanical properties. With its low cost and high properties, this new type of agricultural byproduct-based nanocomposites is expected to be a promising material to replace synthetic polymers in many applications.
A Scoping Review to Find Reliable Smile Analysis Method
Authors: Husain Akhter , Neeraj  , Bhat H. Hari Kishore , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie 
Published: February 2024

Background The smile is one of the most fundamental facial expressions, used to convey friendship, agreement, and admiration. There are various smile analysis method available. Objective The aim of this scoping review to find most reliable smile analysis method. Which smile analysis method is most reliable and accurate while assessing the smile of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment? Design An electronic search was executed on PUBMED, Cochrane, SCOPUS, hand search was made on google scholar and references of the articles selected. Keyword used while searching the databases as “((smile analysis) AND methods) AND comparison.” Results A preliminary search of databases and grey literature yielded 525 articles. Following the application of the eligibility criteria, 16 articles were included. Conclusion With the use of latest technologies and knowledge in literature, a clinician can correctly identify the problem, assess the treatment need and give a satisfactory outcome to the patient.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Has Better Results for Long-term Functional Improvement and Pain Relief for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xu Yang , Li Tao , Wang Li , Yao Lei , Li Jian , Tang Xin 
Published: February 2024

Background: Corticosteroids (CS) have shown good short-term performance in terms of pain relief and functional improvement. However, the safety and long-term efficacy of this treatment remains controversial. Several studies have reported good results of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of tendinopathies. However, whether its use in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (LE) is superior to that of CS remains controversial. Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of original studies to determine whether the prognosis of LE patients treated with PRP is better than that of CS. Study Design: Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched online databases from January 2000 to July 2022 according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to evaluate prospective studies of PRP versus CS injection for LE. A third author addressed any discrepancies. Evidence quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Risk ratios for dichotomous variables and mean differences (MDs) for continuous variables were used to compare clinical outcomes. P values <.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials with 730 patients were included in this review. PRP provided a significantly worse short-term (<2 months) improvement in the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score (MD, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.42 to 1.44]; I2 = 85%; P = .0003) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (MD, 10.23 [95% CI, 9.08 to 11.39]; I2 = 67%; P < .0001) but better long-term (≥6 months) improvement in the VAS score (MD, –2.18 [95% CI, –3.13 to −1.22]; I2 = 89%; P < .0001), DASH score (MD, –8.13 [95% CI, –9.87 to −6.39]; I2 = 25%; P < .0001), and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MD, 16.53 [95% CI, 1.52 to 31.53]; I2 = 98%; P = .03) than CS. The medium-term (2-6 months) reduction in the VAS score was not significantly different between the 2 groups. After sensitivity analysis, none of the results changed except for the short-term VAS scores (MD, 0.53 [95% CI, –0.13 to 1.19]; I2 = 78%; P = .12). Conclusion: Both PRP and CS injections are effective treatments for patients with LE. CS provides better short-term (<2 months) functional improvement and may be more advantageous in terms of short-term pain relief, while PRP provides better long-term (≥6 months) functional improvement and better performance regarding long-term pain relief.
Impact of topography and added TiN-coating on adult human dermal fibroblasts after seeding on titanium surface in-vitro
Authors: Hauschild G. , Hardes J. , Dudda M. , Streitbürger A. , Wahrenburg M. 
Published: February 2024

Complications of transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthetic systems (TOPS) focus on the metal-cutaneous interface at the stoma. Besides pain due to scare tissue as well as undefined neuropathic disorders, there is high evidence that the stoma presents the main risk causing hypergranulation and ascending infection. To restore the cutaneous barrier function in this functional area, soft-tissue on- or in-growth providing a vital and mechanically stable bio-artificial conjunction is considered a promising approach. In this study we assessed viability and proliferation of adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) on modifications of a standard prosthetic titanium surface. Un-coated (TiAl6V4) as well as a titanium-nitrite (TiN) coated additive manufactured porous three-dimensional surface structures (EPORE®) were seeded with HDFa and compared to plain TiAl6V4 and polystyrene surfaces as control. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed at 24 h and 7 days after seeding with a fluorescence-based live-dead assay. Adhesion and cell morphology were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy at the respective measurements. Both EPORE® surface specifications revealed a homogenous cell distribution with flat and spread cell morphology forming filopodia at both measurements. Proliferation and trend to confluence was seen on un-coated EPORE® surfaces with ongoing incubation but appeared substantially lower on the TiN-coated EPORE® specification. While cell viability on both EPORE® specifications was comparable to plain TiAL6V4 and polystyrene controls, cell proliferation and confluence were less pronounced when compared to controls. The EPORE® topography allows for fibroblast adhesion and viability in both standard TiAl6V4 and – to a minor degree - TiN-coated specifications as a proof of principle.
Cognition and Wealth Changes in Mid-to-later Life: A Latent Class Trajectories Approach Using the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Westrick Ashly C. , Esiaka Darlingtina K. , Meier Helen C.S. , Rooks Ronica N. , Manning Mark , Tarraf Wassim 
Published: February 2024

Objectives To assess how cognitive trajectories from mid-to-later life relate to wealth change, overall and by mid-life income. Methods: Data were from participants (51–64 years) in the 2000–2018 U.S. Health and Retirement Study who were cognitively healthy at baseline (year 2000; unweighted n = 3821). Longitudinal latent class analyses generated cognitive and wealth trajectories, independently, and multinomial logistic regressions estimated the association between cognitive trajectories and wealth profiles, overall and by median income. Results: We identified three cognitive: cognitively healthy (CH), increasing cognitive impairment (ICI), and increasing dementia (ID) and four wealth profiles: stable wealth loss (SWL), delayed gradual wealth loss (DGWL), stable wealth gain (SWG), and gradual wealth gain (GWG). The ID group had higher probability of being in the SWL group and lower probability of SWG, which was more pronounced in respondents with greater median income. Discussion: Individuals with ID may be vulnerable to wealth loss, particularly for middle-class households.
Evaluation of second-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Lu Jessie , Do Bryan , Primeaux Brian 
Published: February 2024

Introduction Second-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, are preferred agents for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) over first-generation BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib. The comparative safety and efficacy of these two agents have not been studied. Currently, the decision between using one second-generation BTK inhibitor over the other is largely dependent on provider preference, cost, organ dysfunction, presence of drug–drug interactions, adherence considerations, and theorized differences in safety outcomes due to the lack of head-to-head trials in MCL. Methods This retrospective, observational study seeks to provide real-world data on the safety and efficacy of second-generation BTK inhibitors in the setting of relapsed and/or refractory MCL. Results Thirty-eight patients treated with a second-generation BTK inhibitor were evaluated. Ten percent of patients experienced a select adverse drug event (ADE) in the acalabrutinib group that included hypertension and major hemorrhage with no patients experiencing a select ADE in the zanubrutinib group. Conclusions Results support historical data that acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib have a more favorable safety profile compared to ibrutinib in MCL.
Feline radial and ulnar diaphyseal fractures: a retrospective study of 49 cases comparing single bone fixation and dual bone fixation
Authors: Makar Jason G , Lai Jane YK , Simcock James O , Jerram Richard M , Lai Alen , Levien Andrew S , Hoon QiCai J , Hall Evelyn JS , Basa Rachel M 
Published: February 2024

Objectives The objectives of this study were to report the complications in radial and ulnar diaphyseal fractures in cats and to compare the differences in outcome between single and dual bone internal fixation. Methods Medical records between 2004 and 2022 were searched retrospectively for cats with antebrachial diaphyseal fractures treated with internal bone-plate fixation. In total, 49 cases were included from six referral hospitals, including one teaching hospital. Patient information was collated, including fracture configuration, location, repair method and clinical outcome as assessed by veterinary physical examination, radiography and owner questionnaire. Results A total of 47 cats (mean age 4.2 years) were included. Fractures were located distally (24/49, 49%), proximally (13/49, 26.5%) and mid-diaphyseally (12/49, 24.5%). Dual bone fixation was used in 13/49 (26.5%) cases, with only 1/13 (7.7%) having major complications. By comparison, 4/36 (11.1%) of single plated fractures had major complications. Single bone fixation was 14.25 times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07–97.99) to have a successful outcome (veterinarian-assigned score of 0) compared with dual bone fixation ( P = 0.007). When evaluating owner-assessed outcomes, single bone fixation was 9.4 times more likely (95% CI 1.4–61.96) to have a successful outcome (owner score of 0) compared with dual bone fixation ( P = 0.019). Conclusions and relevance Fractures that were repaired with single bone fixation had a greater chance of a better outcome. Although the difference was not significant, there was a higher major complication rate and a lower minor complication rate for cases treated with single bone fixation compared with dual bone fixation. The majority of fractures were located in the distal diaphysis. Comminution of the fracture and concurrent orthopaedic issues did not significantly affect the outcome. Further prospective studies with standardised follow-up, radiographic assessment, surgeon and implants are required to truly assess the difference between dual and single bone fixation.
Cancer and multiple sclerosis: 2023 recommendations from the French Multiple Sclerosis Society
Authors: Collongues Nicolas , Durand-Dubief Françoise , Lebrun-Frenay Christine , Audoin Bertrand , Ayrignac Xavier , Bensa Caroline , Bigaut Kévin , Bourre Bertrand , Carra-Dallière Clarisse , Ciron Jonathan , Defer Gilles , Kwiatkowski Arnaud , Leray Emmanuelle , Maillart Elisabeth , Marignier Romain , Mathey Guillaume , Morel Nathalie , Thouvenot Eric , Zéphir Hélène , Boucher Julie , Boutière Clémence , Branger Pierre , Da Silva Angélique , Demortière Sarah , Guillaume Maxime , Hebant Benjamin , Januel Edouard , Kerbrat Anne , Manchon Eric , Moisset Xavier , Montcuquet Alexis , Pierret Chloé , Pique Julie , Poupart Julien , Prunis Chloé , Roux Thomas , Schmitt Perrine , Androdias Géraldine , Cohen Mikael 
Published: February 2024

Background: Epidemiological data reveal that 45% of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in France are more than 50 years. This population more than 50 is more susceptible to cancer, and this risk may be increased by frequent use of immunosuppressive drugs. Consequently, concerns have arisen about the potential increased risk of cancer in PwMS and how patients should be screened and managed in terms of cancer risk. Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations to manage the coexistence of cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The French Group for Recommendations in MS collected articles from PubMed and university databases covering the period January 1975 through June 2022. The RAND/UCLA method was employed to achieve formal consensus. MS experts comprehensively reviewed the full-text articles and developed the initial recommendations. A group of multidisciplinary health care specialists then validated the final proposal. Results: Five key questions were addressed, encompassing various topics such as cancer screening before or after initiating a disease-modifying therapy (DMT), appropriate management of MS in the context of cancer, recommended follow-up for cancer in patients receiving a DMT, and the potential reintroduction of a DMT after initial cancer treatment. A strong consensus was reached for all 31 recommendations. Conclusion: These recommendations propose a strategic approach to managing cancer risk in PwMS.
Effect of Adding Shoulder Stabilization Exercises to the Rehabilitation of Postoperative Hand Injuries in Young Adult Patients
Authors: Abdallah Ehab A. , Eldesoky Mohamed T. , Saweres Joseph W. , Abdelhaleem Mahmoud D. 
Published: February 2024

Background: Hand injuries are common and could have an impact on all upper limb functions. Engaging shoulder muscle training during the rehabilitation protocol postoperatively could have a significant impact on regaining all upper limb function. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adding shoulder stabilization exercise to hand rehabilitation postoperatively. Methods: Forty patients were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups. Group A received a standard physical therapy program plus shoulder exercise protocol and group B received only a standard physical therapy protocol for hand rehabilitation. Outcome measures were pain intensity; grip strength; Arabic modified Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire; and range of motion (ROM). All outcome measures were assessed before and after treatment. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that both groups, the experimental and control, showed significant improvement in all outcome measures, but experimental group A showed significant improvement than the control group B posttreatment for hand grip strength, ROM, and QuickDASH questioners ( P < .001). Conclusion: Adding shoulder stabilizer muscle training to the hand rehabilitation protocol postoperatively has a significant impact on hand function outcomes.
Determining design criteria for indoor positioning system projects in hospitals: A design science approach
Authors: Wichmann Johannes , Paetow Thomas , Leyer Michael , Aweno Bisrat , Sandkuhl Kurt 
Published: February 2024

Objectives Indoor navigation systems (indoor positioning systems) can improve orientation for patients in hospitals and help employees to track assets. Many hospitals would like to implement indoor positioning systems but do not know how. To support them in doing this, and to gain knowledge about the requirements for indoor positioning system implementation, our research identifies the design criteria relevant to indoor positioning system implementation projects. Methods A design science research process is built to design and evaluate an artifact. For this, five indoor positioning system developers and five hospital IT management representatives from various hospitals and companies in Germany are interviewed. Further, controlled experiments are conducted in Germany, using an ultrasound-based indoor positioning system. Results We determined and tested indoor positioning system functions, evaluated indoor positioning system performance criteria, and identified the operating conditions in hospitals. Our results show that indoor positioning system functions should provide a benefit to a hospital's daily operations, that some performance criteria are more important than others, and that operating conditions are important, e.g., radiation. Conclusion As a theoretical contribution, we show how design science research can be applied to the context of indoor positioning systems in hospitals. In addition, we make a practical contribution in that our propositions can be used for future indoor positioning system developments.
Patients with floaters: Answers from virtual assistants and large language models
Authors: Wu Gloria , Zhao Weichen , Wong Adrial , Lee David A 
Published: February 2024

Objectives “Floaters,” a common complaint among patients of all ages, was used as a query term because it affects 30% of all people searching for eye care. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website's “floaters” section was used as a source for questions and answers ( www.aao.org ). Floaters is a visual obstruction that moves with the movement of the eye. They can be associated with retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss. With the advent of large language model (LLM) chatbots ChatGPT, Bard versus virtual assistants (VA), Google Assistant, and Alexa, we analyzed their responses to “floaters.” Methods Using AAO.org, “Public & Patients,” and its related subsection, “EyeHealth A-Z”: Floaters and Flashes link, we asked four questions: (1) What are floaters? (2) What are flashes? (3) Flashes and Migraines? (4) Floaters and Flashes Treatment? to ChatGPT, Bard, Google Assistant, and Alexa. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) keywords were identified if they were highlighted. The “Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level” formula approved by the U.S. Department of Education, was used to evaluate the reading comprehension level for the responses. Results Of the chatbots and virtual assistants, Google Assistant is the only one that uses the term “ophthalmologist.” There is no mention of the urgency or emergency nature of floaters. AAO.org shows a lower reading level vs the LLMs and VA ( p = .11). The reading comprehension levels of ChatGPT, Bard, Google Assistant, and Alexa are higher (12.3, 9.7, 13.1, 8.1 grade) vs the AAO.org (7.3 grade). There is a higher word count for LLMs vs VA ( p < .0286). Conclusion Currently, ChatGPT, Bard, Google Assistant, and Alexa are similar. Factual information is present but all miss the urgency of the diagnosis of a retinal detachment. Translational relevance: Both the LLM and virtual assistants are free and our patients will use them to obtain “floaters” information. There may be errors of omission with ChatGPT and a lack of urgency to seek a physician's care.
Digital therapeutics in the hospital for suicide crisis – content and design recommendations from young people and hospital staff
Authors: Rheinberger Demee , Baffsky Rachel , McGillivray Lauren , Z Q Gan Daniel , Larsen Mark , Torok Michelle 
Published: February 2024

Objective Hospital emergency departments lack the resources to adequately support young people who present for suicidal crisis. Digital therapeutics could fill this service gap by providing psychological support without creating additional burden on hospital staff. However, existing research on what is needed for successful integration of digital therapeutics in hospital settings is scant. Thus, this study sought to identify key considerations for implementing digital therapeutics to manage acute suicidal distress in hospitals. Method Participants were 17 young people who recently presented at the hospital for suicide-related crisis, and 12 hospital staff who regularly interacted with young people experiencing mental ill-health in their day-to-day work. Interviews were conducted via videoconference. Framework analysis and reflexive thematic analysis were used to interpret the data obtained. Results Qualitative insights were centred around three major themes: hospital-specific content, therapeutic content, and usability. Digital therapeutics were seen as a useful means for facilitating hospital-based assessment and treatment planning, and for conducting post-discharge check-ins. Therapeutic content should be focused on helping young people self-manage suicide-related distress while they wait for in-person services. Features to promote usability, such as the availability of customisable features and the use of inclusive design or language, should be considered in the design of digital therapeutics. Conclusions Digital therapeutics in hospital settings need to benefit both patients and staff. Given the unique context of the hospital setting and acute nature of suicidal distress, creating specialty digital therapeutics may be more viable than integrating existing ones.