bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Frailty Grade Combined with Cachexia Index and Osteopenia in Esophagectomy
Authors: Takahashi Keita , Masuda Takahiro , Ishikawa Yoshitaka , Tanishima Yuichiro , Kurogochi Takanori , Yuda Masami , Tanaka Yujiro , Matsumoto Akira , Yano Fumiaki , Eto Ken 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundsThe optimal method for evaluating frailty grade in patients with cancer has not been established in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. This study aimed to clarify the impact of cachexia index (CXI) and osteopenia on survival in esophagectomized patients for esophageal cancer to develop frailty grade for risk stratification of the prognosis.MethodsA total of 239 patients who underwent esophagectomy were analyzed. CXI was calculated as follows: skeletal muscle index × serum albumin/neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. Meanwhile, osteopenia was defined as below the cutoff value of bone mineral density (BMD) calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. We evaluated the average Hounsfield unit within a circle in the lower midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra on preoperative computed tomography as BMD.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that low CXI (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–3.04) and osteopenia (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.19–2.93) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Meanwhile, low CXI (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.06–2.34) and osteopenia (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05–2.36) were also significant prognostic factors for relapse‐free survival. A frailty grade combined with CXI and osteopenia stratified into four groups by their prognosis.ConclusionsLow CXI and osteopenia predict poor survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Furthermore, a novel frailty grade combined with CXI and osteopenia stratified the patients into four groups according to their prognosis.
Mesh Infection After Hernia Repair and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A Systematic Review
Authors: Bueno‐Lledó Jose , Martinez‐Hoed Jesús , Bonafe‐Diana Santiago , Pous‐Serrano Salvador 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundSurgical mesh infection (SMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) is a challenging and highly debated clinical problem with no current consensus. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature about the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of the conservative treatment of SMI and report results about infected mesh salvage.MethodsA systematic review of EMBASE and PUBMED was performed describing the use of NPWT in patients with SMI following AWHR. Reviewed articles evaluating data about the association between clinical, demographic, analytic and surgical characteristics about SMI after AWHR were analyzed. The high heterogeneity of these studies did not allow a meta‐analysis of outcomes.ResultsThe search strategy yielded 33 studies from PubMed, and 16 studies from EMBASE. NPWT was performed in 230 patients across 9 studies being achieved the mesh salvage in 196 (85.2%). Of these 230 cases, 46% were polypropylene (PPL), 9.9% polyester (PE), 16.8% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 4% biologic and 10.2% composite mesh (PPL and PTFE). Infected mesh location was onlay (43%), retromuscular (22%), preperitoneal (19%), intraperitoneal (10%) and between the oblique muscles (5%). The better option on salvageability with the use of NPWT was the combination of macroporous PPL mesh in an extraperitoneal position (19.2% onlay, 23.3% preperitoneal, 48.8% retromuscular).ConclusionNPWT is a sufficient approach to treat SMI following AWHR. In most cases, infected prostheses can be salvaged with this management. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our analysis results.
Extensor carpi ulnaris tendon pathology and ulnar styloid bone marrow edema as diagnostic markers of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears on wrist MRI: a case–control study
Authors: Nevalainen Mika T. , Zoga Adam C. , Rivlin Michael , Morrison William B. , Roedl Johannes B. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon pathology and ulnar styloid process bone marrow edema (BME) as diagnostic MRI markers for peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.

Methods
One hundred thirty-three patients (age range 21–75, 68 females) with wrist 1.5-T MRI and arthroscopy were included in this retrospective case–control study. The presence of TFCC tears (no tear, central perforation, or peripheral tear), ECU pathology (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, tear or subluxation), and BME at the ulnar styloid process were determined on MRI and correlated with arthroscopy. Cross-tabulation with chi-square tests, binary logistic regression with odds ratios (OR), and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were used to describe diagnostic efficacy.

Results
On arthroscopy, 46 cases with no TFCC tear, 34 cases with central perforations, and 53 cases with peripheral TFCC tears were identified. ECU pathology was seen in 19.6% (9/46) of patients with no TFCC tears, in 11.8% (4/34) with central perforations and in 84.9% (45/53) with peripheral TFCC tears (p < 0.001); the respective numbers for BME were 21.7% (10/46), 23.5% (8/34), and 88.7% (47/53) (p < 0.001). Binary regression analysis showed additional value from ECU pathology and BME in predicting peripheral TFCC tears. The combined approach with direct MRI evaluation and both ECU pathology and BME yielded a 100% positive predictive value for peripheral TFCC tear as compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone.

Conclusions
ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to diagnose tears.

Key Points
• ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to confirm the presence of TFCC tears.
• If there is a peripheral TFCC tear on direct MRI evaluation and in addition both ECU pathology and BME on MRI, the positive predictive value is 100% that there will be a tear on arthroscopy compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone.
• If there is no peripheral TFCC tear on direct evaluation and neither ECU pathology nor BME on MRI, the negative predictive value is 98% that there will be no tear on arthroscopy compared to 94% with direct evaluation alone.
Droplet size from Venturi air induction spray nozzles
Authors: Sijs R. , Kooij S. , Bonn D. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSprays are of great importance for many applications, with drop size being a crucial parameter. Especially in agriculture applications, simple flat fan spray nozzles are often supplemented by a Venturi component to achieve larger drop sizes and hence, prevent unwanted spray drift of the smallest droplets. The general believe is that these larger drops are usually attributed to the fact that the liquid sheet produced by the nozzle breaks up more easily due to the pre-existing ’holes’ formed by the induced air bubbles. Here, we extend descriptions of how nozzle and fluid parameters determine droplet size distributions from Venturi nozzles. We show that the mean droplet size is determined by the nozzle’s orifice area as is the case for ordinary flat fan nozzles, but that the additional pressure drop over the Venturi chamber needs to be taken into account. Using this parameter, relations that were derived for flat fan nozzles can be re-used. This allows to show that the increase in droplet size compared to conventional nozzles is due to the additional pressure drop in the Venturi chamber, and not to a change in breakup mechanism due to the presence of air bubbles in the liquid sheet.
Volumetric measurements of wake impulse and kinetic energy for evaluating swimming performance
Authors: Li Derek J. , Mendelson Leah 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Volumetric flow measurements are a valuable tool for studies of aquatic locomotion. In addition to visualizing complex propulsive behaviors (e.g., highly three-dimensional kinematics or multi-propulsor interactions), volumetric wake measurements can enable direct calculation of metrics for locomotive performance including the hydrodynamic impulse and wake kinetic energy. These metrics are commonly used in PIV and PTV studies of swimming organisms, but derivations from planar data often rely on simplifying assumptions about the wake (e.g., geometry, orientation, or interactions). This study characterizes errors in deriving wake impulse and kinetic energy directly from volumetric data in relation to experimental parameters including the level of noise, the flow feature resolution, processing parameters, and the calculation domain. We consider three vortex ring-like test cases: a synthetic spherical vortex with exact solutions for its impulse and energy, volumetric PIV measurements of a turbulent vortex ring, and volumetric PIV measurements of a turning fish. We find that direct calculations of hydrodynamic impulse are robust when derived from a volumetric experiment. We also show that kinetic energy estimates are feasible at experiment resolutions, but are more sensitive to experiment design and processing parameters, which may limit efficiency estimates or comparisons between studies or organisms.

Graphical abstract
Neurons sensitive to non-celestial polarized light in the brain of the desert locust
Authors: Beck Marius , Althaus Vanessa , Pegel Uta , Homberg Uwe 
Published: February 2023

AbstractOwing to alignment of rhodopsin in microvillar photoreceptors, insects are sensitive to the oscillation plane of polarized light. This property is used by many species to navigate with respect to the polarization pattern of light from the blue sky. In addition, the polarization angle of light reflected from shiny surfaces such as bodies of water, animal skin, leaves, or other objects can enhance contrast and visibility. Whereas photoreceptors and central mechanisms involved in celestial polarization vision have been investigated in great detail, little is known about peripheral and central mechanisms of sensing the polarization angle of light reflected from objects and surfaces. Desert locusts, like other insects, use a polarization-dependent sky compass for navigation but are also sensitive to polarization angles from horizontal directions. In order to further analyze the processing of polarized light reflected from objects or water surfaces, we tested the sensitivity of brain interneurons to the angle of polarized blue light presented from ventral direction in locusts that had their dorsal eye regions painted black. Neurons encountered interconnect the optic lobes, invade the central body, or send descending axons to the ventral nerve cord but are not part of the polarization vision pathway involved in sky-compass coding.
Early- and late-winter ENSO teleconnections to the Euro-Atlantic region in state-of-the-art seasonal forecasting systems
Authors: Molteni Franco , Brookshaw Anca 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA number of recent studies have highlighted the differences in the northern extratropical response to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the early and late part of the boreal cold season, particularly over the North Atlantic/European (NAE) region. Diagnostic analyses of multi-decadal GCM simulations performed as a part of CMIP5 and CMIP6 projects have shown that early winter tropical teleconnections are usually simulated with lower fidelity than their late-winter equivalents. Although some results from individual seasonal forecasting systems have been published on this topic, it is still unclear to what extent the problems detected in multi-decadal simulations also affect initialised seasonal forecasts from state-of-the art models. In this study, we diagnose ENSO teleconnections from the re-forecast ensembles of nine models contributing (during winter 2021/22) to the multi-model seasonal forecasting system of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The re-forecasts cover winters from 1993/94 to 2016/17, and are archived in the C3S Climate Data Store. Regression and composite patterns of 500-hPa height are computed separately for El Niño and La Niña winters, based on 2-month averages in November–December (ND) and January–February (JF). Model results are compared with the corresponding patterns derived from the ERA5 re-analysis. Signal-to-noise ratios are computed from time series of projections of individual winter anomalies onto the ENSO regression patterns. The results of this study indicate that initialised seasonal forecasts exhibit similar deficiencies to those already diagnosed in multi-decadal simulations, with a significant underestimation of the amplitude of early-winter teleconnections between ENSO and the NAE circulation, and of the signal-to-noise ratio in the early-winter response to El Niño. Further diagnostics highlight the impact of mis-representing the constructive interference of teleconnections from the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the early-winter ENSO response over the North Atlantic.
Fractional carbon dioxide laser alone and as an assisted drug delivery for treatment of alopecia areata: a clinical, dermoscopic and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Meguid Azza Mahfouz Abdel , Ghazally Alaa , Ahmed Asmaa M. , Bakr Radwa M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is a common cause of hair loss with no available universally successful treatment. Thus, new innovative treatments are urgently needed. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) alone or combined with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) solution, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or vitamin D3 solution in treating AA. Sixty-four AA patients with 185 lesions were recruited and divided into four treatment groups. All patients received FCL either alone (group A, n = 19) or followed by topical TA (group B, n = 16) or PRP (group C, n = 15), or vitamin D3 solution (group D, n = 14). The response was assessed using Alopecia Areata Severity Index (AASI), MacDonald Hull and Norris grading, and trichoscopy. Histopathological features and immunohistochemical decorin expression were studied. All groups showed significant improvement in AASI compared to the baseline, with insignificant differences between them. Post-treatment, trichoscopic features of disease activity significantly decreased in all groups. Compared to control biopsies, both anagen follicles and decorin expression were significantly decreased in all pretreatment specimens. After treatment, all groups showed significantly increased anagen follicles and decorin expression compared to the baseline. Accordingly, FCL is an effective treatment for AA alone or combined with TA, PRP, or vitamin D3 solution. In AA, Decorin expression was downregulated, while enhanced expression following successful treatment occurred. This suggests the role of decorin in AA pathogenesis. However, further research is still recommended to clarify the exact role of decorin in AA pathogenesis and to investigate the therapeutic benefits of decorin-based therapy.
What do you focus on? An investigation of goal focus from childhood to old age
Authors: Moersdorf Lea , Freund Alexandra M. , Daum Moritz M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGoals constitute an important construct in developmental psychology. They represent a central way in which individuals shape their development. Here, we present two studies on age-related differences in one important goal dimension, goal focus, that is, the relative salience of the means and ends of goal pursuit. Extant studies on age-related differences in adults suggest a shift from focusing on the ends to focusing on the means across adulthood. The current studies aimed to expand this research to encompass the entire lifespan including childhood. The first cross-sectional study included participants spanning from early childhood into old age (N = 312, age range: 3–83 years) and used a multimethodological approach comprising eye tracking, behavioral, and verbal measures of goal focus. The second study investigated the verbal measures of the first study in more detail in an adult sample (N = 1550, age range: 17–88 years). Overall, the results do not show a clear pattern, making them difficult to interpret. There was little convergence of the measures, pointing to the difficulties in assessing a construct such as goal focus across a large range of age groups differing in social-cognitive and verbal skills.
ePRO symptom follow-up of colorectal cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy is feasible and enhances the quality of patient care: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Iivanainen Sanna , Ravichandra Ravi , Jekunen Antti , Arokoski Reetta , Mentu Santeri , Lang Laura , Ekström Jussi , Virtanen Henri , Kataja Vesa , Koivunen Jussi P. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Electronic (e) patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been shown to improve the quality of life and survival in chemotherapy treated advanced cancer patients. We hypothesized that multidimensional ePRO centered approach could improve symptom management, streamline patient flow, and optimize the use of healthcare resources.

Methods
In this multicenter trial (NCT04081558), colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy as adjuvant or in the first- or second-line setting in advanced disease were included in the prospective ePRO cohort, while a comparative retrospective cohort was collected from the same institutes. The investigated tool consisted of a weekly e-symptom questionnaire integrated to an urgency algorithm and laboratory value interface, which generated semi-automated decision support for chemotherapy cycle prescription and individualized symptom management.

Results
Recruitment to the ePRO cohort occurred 1/2019–1/2021 (n = 43). The comparator group (n = 194) consisted of patients treated in the same institutes 1–7/2017. The analysis was limited to adjuvant treated (n = 36 and n = 35). The feasibility of the ePRO follow-up was good with 98% reporting easy usage and 86% improved care, while health care personnel valued the easy use and logical workflow. In the ePRO cohort, 42% needed a phone call before planned chemotherapy cycles, while this was 100% in the retrospective cohort (p = 1.4e−8). Peripheral sensory neuropathy was detected significantly earlier with ePRO followed (p = 1e−5) but did not translate to earlier dose reduction, delays, or unplanned therapy termination compared to the retrospective cohort.

Conclusion
The results suggest that the investigated approach is feasible and streamlines workflow. Earlier symptom detection may improve the quality in cancer care.
Are Ecosystem Engineering Traits Fixed or Flexible: A Study on Clonal Expansion Strategies in Co-occurring Dune Grasses
Authors: Lammers Carlijn , van de Ven Clea N. , van der Heide Tjisse , Reijers Valérie C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMany vegetated coastal ecosystems are formed through ecosystem engineering by clonal vegetation. Recent work highlights that the spatial shoot organization of the vegetation determines local sediment accretion and subsequently emerging landscape morphology. While this key engineering trait has been found to differ between species and prevailing environmental conditions, it remains unknown how the interplay of both factors drive shoot organization and therefore landscape morphology. Here, we compared the spatial shoot organization of young, clonally expanding plants of the two dominant European dune grass species: sand couch (Elytrigia juncea) and marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) across a range of coastal dune environments (from Denmark to France). Our results reveal that, on average, sand couch deployed a more dispersed shoot organization than marram grass, which has a patchy (Lévy-like) organization. Whereas sand couch exhibited the same expansion strategy independent of environmental conditions, marram grass demonstrated a large intraspecific variation which correlated to soil organic matter, temperature and grain size. Shoot patterns ranged from a clumped organization correlating to relatively high soil organic matter contents, temperature and small grain sizes, to a patchy configuration with intermediate conditions, and a dispersed organization with low soil organic matter, temperature and large grain size. We conclude that marram grass is flexible in adjusting its engineering capacity in response to environmental conditions, while sand couch instead follows a fixed expansion strategy, illustrating that shoot organization results from the interaction of both species-specific and environmental-specific trait expression.
Alkaline hydrolysis of photovoltaic backsheet containing PET and PVDF for the recycling of PVDF
Authors: Morita Yoshinori , Saito Yuko , Kumagai Shogo , Kameda Tomohito , Shiratori Toshikazu , Yoshioka Toshiaki 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRecovering fluorine from end-of-life products is crucial for the sustainable production and consumption of fluorine-containing compounds because fluorspar, an important natural resource for fluorine, is currently at a supply risk. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of chemically recycling a fluorine-containing photovoltaic (PV) backsheet for fluoropolymer recycling. Herein, a PV backsheet consisting of laminated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to hydrolyze the PET layer to water-soluble sodium terephthalate (Na2TP) and to separate pure PVDF layer as a solid material. Optimized alkaline conditions (up to 10 M NaOH at 100 °C for 2 h) were determined, under which 87% of the PET layer could be decomposed without any significant deterioration of the PVDF layer. The hydrolysis kinetics of PET layer in NaOH could be explained by the modified shrinking-core model. Considering that the mass of end-of-life PV panels in Japan is estimated to increase to approximately 280,000 tons per year by 2036, PV backsheets are attractive candidates for fluoropolymer recycling, which can be effectively achieved using chemical recycling approach demonstrated in this study.
Soil-building resonance effect in the urban area of Villa d’Agri (Southern Italy)
Authors: Gangone G. , Gallipoli M. R. , Tragni N. , Vignola L. , Caputo R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the possible occurrence during seismic shaking of interaction effects between the shallow subsoil and the overlying buildings of the Villa d’Agri town (Southern Italy). From the geological and building heritage points of view, the investigated area represents a typical town along the Apennines chain and therefore the obtained results could be easily exported to similar urban areas. A total of 239 single-station seismic ambient noise measurements were thus performed, 154 on the urban soils and 85 within buildings. Both subsets of measurements were planned to cover the main outcropping lithologies and building typologies. By means of the Horizontal-to-Vertical Noise Spectral Ratio technique, isofrequency and isoamplitude maps have been reconstructed for the whole area. The results evaluated on the 65 tested buildings allowed to infer the empirical relationship between the first vibrational period,T(s), and their height,H(m). Using this relationship and available information on the height of each building, the first vibrational frequency was estimated for 659 buildings belonging to the urban area of Villa d'Agri. Finally, in order to assess the possible occurrence of the double resonance phenomenon, we compared the main frequency of each building with that interpolated for the underlying foundation soil. The results show that the probability of being affected by the double resonance effect is very high only for a couple of buildings, high for about 16% of the buildings, moderate for the 23% and practically null for most buildings (60%).