bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired scaffolds based on aligned polyurethane nanofibers mimic tendon and ligament fascicles
Authors: Bahrami Saeid , Mirzadeh Hamid , Solouk Atefeh , Duprez Delphine 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTopographical factors of scaffolds play an important role in regulating cell functions. Although the effects of alignment topography and three‐dimensional (3D) configuration of nanofibers as well as surface stiffness on cell behavior have been investigated, there are relatively few reports that attempt to understand the relationship between synergistic effects of these parameters and cell responses. Herein, the influence of biophysical and biomechanical cues of electrospun polyurethane (PU) scaffolds on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) activities was evaluated. To this aim, multiscale bundles were developed by rolling up the aligned electrospun mats mimicking the fascicles of tendons/ligaments and other similar tissues. Compared to mats, the 3D bundles not only maintained the desirable topographical features (i.e., fiber diameter, fiber orientation, and pore size), but also boosted tensile strength (∼40 MPa), tensile strain (∼260%), and surface stiffness (∼1.75 MPa). Alignment topography of nanofibers noticeably dictated cell elongation and a uniaxial orientation, resulting in tenogenic commitment of MSCs. MSCs seeded on the bundles expressed higher levels of tenogenic markers compared to mats. Moreover, the biomimetic bundle scaffolds improved synthesis of extracellular matrix components compared to mats. These results suggest that biophysical and biomechanical cues modulate cell‐scaffold interactions, providing new insights into hierarchical scaffold design for further studies.
Elucidation of Substituent‐Responsive Reactivities via Hierarchical and Asymmetric Assemblies in Crystalline p‐Quinodimethane Derivatives
Authors: Itoh Takahito , Kondo Fumiaki , Suzuki Takumi , Inayoshi Kohji , Uno Takahiro , Kubo Masataka , Tohnai Norimitsu , Miyata Mikiji 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe propose a mechanism for substituent‐responsive reactivities of p‐quinodimethane derivatives with four ester groups through their hierarchical and asymmetric assembly modes. Four asymmetric 7,8,8‐tris(methoxycarbonyl)‐p‐quinodimethanes with a 7‐positioned ethoxycarbonyl (2 a(H)), 2’‐fluoroethoxycarbonyl (2 b(F)), 2’‐chloroethoxycarbonyl (2 c(Cl)), or 2’‐bromoethoxycarbonyl (2 d(Br)) were synthesized and crystallized. 2 a(H), 2 b(F) and 2 d(Br) afforded only one shape crystal, while 2 c(Cl) did two polymorphic 2 c(Cl)‐α and 2 c(Cl)‐β. UV‐irradiation induced topochemical polymerization for 2 a(H), no reactions for 2 b(F) and 2 c(Cl)‐α, and [6+6] photocycloaddition dimerization for 2 c(Cl)‐β and 2 d(Br). Such substituent‐responsive reactivities and crystal structures were compared with those of the known symmetric 7,7,8,8‐tetrakis(alkoxycarbonyl)‐p‐quinodimethanes such as 7,7,8,8‐tetrakis(methoxycarbonyl)‐ (1 a(Me)‐α and 1 a(Me)‐β), 7,7,8,8‐tetrakis(ethoxycarbonyl)‐ (1 b(Et)), and 7,7,8,8‐tetrakis(bromoethoxycarbonyl)‐ (1 c(BrEt)). The comparative study clarified that the reactivities and crystal structures are classified into four types that link to each other. This linkage is understandable when we analyze the crystal structures through the following hierarchical and asymmetric assemblies; conformers, dimers, one dimensional (1D)‐columns, two dimensional (2D)‐sheets, and three dimensional (3D)‐stacked sheets (3D‐crystals). This supramolecular viewpoint is supported by intermolecular interaction energies among neighbored molecules with the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Such research enables us to elucidate the substituent‐responsive reactivities of the crystals, and reminds us of the selection of the right path in a so‐called “maze game”.
Effects of aerosols from heated tobacco products with flavors on the discoloration of bovine tooth enamel
Authors: Kurachi Takeshi , Chuman Shinnosuke , Suzuki Takuya , Kubota Terushige , Ishikawa Shinkichi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis in vitro study assessed the potential of tooth discoloration by aerosols generated from three heated tobacco products (HTPs) with different specifications: in‐direct heating tobacco system platform 1.0a (IT1.0a), in‐direct heating tobacco system platform 2.0a (IT2.0a), and direct heating tobacco system platform 3.0a (DT3.0a). In addition, three flavor types (regular, menthol, and berry menthol) were selected for each HTP to characterize the effect of flavor types on tooth discoloration.Material and MethodsSix bovine tooth samples were exposed directly to aerosols generated from one pack of each HTP: 350 puffs for IT1.0a, 325 puffs for IT2.0a, and 220 puffs for DT3.0a. Six bovine tooth samples were also exposed to air (350 puffs) and smoke generated from one pack of cigarettes (160 puffs) as negative and positive controls, respectively. The color of each tooth sample was measured before and after exposure. The overall color changes were assessed using overall color differences (ΔE) calculated according to the Commission International de I'Eclairage color system. A one‐way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used to compare ΔE among bovine tooth samples exposed to air, cigarette smoke, and aerosols generated from each HTP.ResultsΔE values for tooth samples exposed to air and aerosols generated from the three HTPs (IT1.0a, IT2.0a, and DT3.0a) were significantly lower than ΔE value for tooth samples exposed to cigarette smoke. ΔE values obtained with DT3.0a were significantly higher than those obtained with air‐exposed control samples. However, ΔE values obtained with IT1.0a and IT2.0a were not significantly different from that obtained with air‐exposed control samples. No HTPs showed significant differences in ΔE values among the three flavor types.ConclusionsThis study showed that HTP aerosols reduce tooth discoloration potential compared with cigarette smoke, regardless of flavor types, and the tooth discoloration potential of the product may depend on product specifications.
Regional‐risk‐targeted seismic design: A novel approach for earthquake resistant design
Authors: Heresi Pablo , Miranda Eduardo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCurrent seismic design codes define safety levels based on the seismic risk of individual structures, such as specifying a maximum probability of collapse in 50 years. The design remains the same whether the structure is located within a sparsely populated area or within a densely populated area provided that both areas have the same seismic hazard. A novel seismic design approach, referred to as regional‐risk‐targeted seismic design is proposed in which the design level is based on a target seismic risk at the regional scale, as opposed to at the individual structure level. The proposed approach, which is aimed at new constructions, allows local governments to define acceptable levels of regional seismic risk and modify the seismic design criteria contained in national standards to satisfy them. As the possible consequences of a seismic event increase at the regional level, the design level becomes more stringent to control the regional seismic risk to acceptable limits. A series of simplifications are considered to facilitate its application. We illustrate the application of the proposed regional‐risk‐targeted seismic design with three examples in the city of San Francisco, California. In these examples, we iteratively compute the modifications to the maximum seismic risk on individual structures required to comply with specific target levels of regional seismic risk. In the proposed approach, the maximum tolerable seismic risk in individual structures depends not only on the seismic hazard at the site, but also on the number of structures and density in the region of interest. It is concluded that the proposed seismic design approach provides a more rational tool for local government officials to set and calibrate seismic design criteria to comply with their locally‐defined acceptable levels of regional seismic risks within a probabilistic risk management framework.
Microplastics in Malaysia's Aquatic Environment: Current Overview and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sulaiman Raja Norimie Raja , Bakar Aznizam Abu , Ngadi Norzita , Kahar Izzat Naim Shamsul , Nordin Abu Hassan , Ikram Muhammad , Nabgan Walid 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMicroplastic pollution has adversely affected the aquatic ecosystem, living creatures, and human health. Several studies in Malaysia have provided baseline information on the existence of microplastics in surface water, ingestion by marine life and sediment. Also, humans are exposed to microplastic due to consumption of contaminated abiotic and biotic products, such as processed seafood. Nonetheless, knowledge is still scarce among Malaysian on the potential remediation and pollution management of microplastics, which poses a significant challenge to preserve a good environmental status. Green technologies also other alternative to mitigate the contamination of microplastics for sustainable future. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of microplastic's occurrence, fate, and implications in Malaysia's aquatic environment. Detection of microplastics from the water surface, ingestion by aquatics, and sediment samples are highlighted. Available different treatment processes toward microplastic remediation are also discussed. Additionally, the potential challenges, current perspective for plastic management in Malaysia, as well as green strategies for reducing microplastic contamination are also put forward. The goal of this work is to improve the understanding of the seriousness of microplastic contamination in aquatic environments, thus encouraging key concerns that need to be investigated further.
Exploring COVID‐19 from the perspectives of healthcare personnel in Malawi
Authors: Odenigbo Chúk , Crighton Eric 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID‐19) brought many healthcare systems around the world to the point of collapse all the while putting the lives of healthcare workers at risk. This study forgoes an institutional look at healthcare to center individual healthcare personnel in Malawi to better understand (1) how the worldviews of healthcare workers impact their work in the context of COVID‐19, (2) how COVID‐19 impacted healthcare workers, and (3) the unique conditions faced by being a healthcare worker in a low‐income nation.MethodsThis research uses a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to qualitative methodology involving in‐depth interviews (n = 15) with healthcare workers, traditional healers, and hospital leadership. The data collected were inductively coded and analyzed using the framework method, producing rich descriptions on how COVID‐19 impacted the lifeworlds of healthcare workers in Malawi.ResultsThe findings reveal many of the struggles healthcare workers faced due to misaligned government policy and perceived proximity to COVID‐19; outline their needs such as wanting better resources, funds, wages, and public health communication; and, exemplify the significant role that personal biases, worldviews, and sense of fear played in how healthcare workers perceived and interacted with COVID‐19.ConclusionMuch of what was said echoes beyond borders, reflecting common global sentiments felt by healthcare personnel, and offers directions to explore building policies, strategies, and plans in preparation for any future disease outbreaks.
The course of patients with hairy cell leukemia during the omicron surge of the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tadmor Tamar , Melamed Guy , Patalon Tal , Alapi Hilel , Rokach Lior 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, we aim to explore the outcomes of Covid‐19 infection in patients with Hairy cell leukemia (HCL). The cohort is based on data obtained from electronic medical records. It includes 218 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCL between 16 June 1998, and 20 September 2022, out of which the coronavirus has infected 85 patients during the Omicron surge. Out of 85 patients with HCL who were infected by Covid‐19; 7 patients (8.2%) have been hospitalized, and the mortality rate was 2.3% (two patients). Thirteen of the 85 patients had been infected by Covid‐19 in previous waves, including 9/13 after vaccination, and none of them developed a severe disease. Humoral immune response after three doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination regimen was evaluated in 40 patients and was attained in 67.5%. Based on multivariate analysis: unfavorable outcome was significantly more common in patients with HCL above 65 years old, who had at least one cytopenia, and with comorbidity of cardiovascular disease or asplenia. Our results indicates that the course of COVID‐19 in patients with HCL during the Omicron wave has been improved relatively favorable.
Conceptualizations of “good death” and their relationship to technology: A scoping review and discourse analysis
Authors: Coret Michal , Martimianakis Maria Athina (Tina) 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsBy the 1960s, medicine experienced technological revolutions that enabled it to control and medicalize death in many circumstances. The modern conceptualization of “good death” emerged in the late 1960s with the beginning of the hospice movement, and palliative care became an official medical specialty in 1987. This project aims to elucidate how the idea of “good death” has been discussed and perceived since then, as well as the impact of medical technologies on death.MethodsThe terms “good death,” “technology,” and “palliative care” were searched. One hundred ninety English sources that discussed “good death” explicitly or implicitly, published between 1987 and 2020, were included in the final analysis. Texts were analyzed for discursive themes related to “good death” and technology and demographic data related to authors, geographies, types of text, and date of publication.ResultsThe discourse of a “good death” with the patient being in control dominated the archive. Other discourses include a good death being peaceful and comfortable, one where the patient is not alone, and one that is not prolonged. Medical technology discourses are largely negative in the setting of death.ConclusionFindings indicate a strong critique of the medicalization of death in the literature. This also complements the dominance of discourses on patient autonomy. Medical discourses of “good death” and technology permeate discussion outside of the healthcare context, and there is an absence of spirituality and neutrality in “good death” discourses. The results of this study are relevant for ethics and communication in geriatric and palliative care.
Maternal and perinatal health among pregnant patients in the context of a migratory crisis
Authors: Miranda Jezid , Sanabria María F. , Annicchiarico Walter , Alfieri Nikita , Cortes Magdalena Sanz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo compare maternal and perinatal outcomes of migrant Venezuelan women with local pregnant patients in a Colombian institution in the context of a migratory crisis.Study DesignThis cross‐sectional study included 11 304 deliveries from the Clínica de Maternidad Rafael Calvo in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, a tertiary referral center on the north coast of Colombia. Data on maternal demographics and perinatal outcomes were obtained by chart review.ResultsIn total, 595 patients were identified as Venezuelan migrants, and their perinatal outcomes were compared against those of 10 709 local pregnant patients. Despite similar baseline maternal conditions in both groups, poorer prenatal follow‐up care (3 [1–5] vs. 5 [4–7] visits;P < 0.001) and severe complications were more common in Venezuelan migrant pregnant patients and their children. In addition, maternal hypertension was significantly more common in migrants (11.4% [68/595] vs. 8.3% [887/10709];P = 0.009). Furthermore, in the group of pregnant migrant patients, the rates of severe maternal morbidity (13.4% [80/575] vs. 9.45%, [1013/10709];P = 0.002), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (22/595 [3.7%] vs. 237/10709 [2.23%];P = 0.03), and perinatal mortality (11/586 [1.88%] vs. 67/10651 [0.63%];P = 0.003) were significantly higher than in the local pregnant population.ConclusionForced migration during pregnancy may be associated with poorer prenatal care, which may predispose women and their newborns to more frequent adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Insights into clinical pharmacy practice in Latin America
Authors: Zavaleta‐Monestel Esteban , Serrano‐Arias Bruno , Milano‐Gil Antonella , Sanchez‐Solis Cesar , Arroyo‐Monterrosa Dadier Antonio , Muñoz‐Pichuante Daniel , Morales‐Vallespin Jorge , Diaz‐Madriz Jose Pablo , Viñas‐Veliz Mario , Dalmaso‐Neto Silvestre , Teixeira‐Ferreira Vania , Rojas‐Barrantes Zoe , Chaverri‐Fernandez Jose Miguel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn Latin America, clinical pharmacy has undergone significant changes in recent decades, with more pharmacists seeking advanced training. Clinical pharmacists are now recognized for their crucial role in patient care, particularly in medication management, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration. However, the region's progress in this field has been influenced by diverse economic, social, and cultural factors, leading to different levels of advancement across different countries.AimsTo describe the practice and training of professionals in clinical pharmacy, as a distinct field within the pharmaceutical profession, across eight Latin American countries.Materials & MethodsArgentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay were chosen for this review. Data on clinical pharmacy practices in these countries was collected through a survey comprising five sections with 21 targeted questions. Following the survey's completion, an extensive literature review was conducted across multiple databases.ResultsBrazil has the most responsive education system to meet the demands of the population for the pharmacy career, with a University to Pharmacy (UP) index of 0.31, the lowest among all the countries included. Brazil also offers the highest number of postgraduate programs in the area of clinical pharmacy. Furthermore, diverse basic and advanced clinical pharmacy practices were identified in the included regions. These practices range from pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of patients to interdisciplinary collaboration in managing critically ill hospitalized patients. Each country exhibits a varying degree of acceptance towards clinical pharmacy.ConclusionThe evolution of clinical pharmacy in Latin America offers a promising opportunity to optimize drug therapy and improve patient safety and care quality. However, challenges remain, such as the need for more clinical sub‐specializations and better recognition of pharmacists' roles within healthcare teams. To address these challenges, continued professional development and advocacy are essential to enhance clinical pharmacy practice in the region.
Extracorporeal photopheresis induces NETosis in neutrophils derived from patients with chronic graft‐vs‐host disease
Authors: Goldberg Idan , Granot Galit , Telerman Alona , Partouche Shirly , Shochat Tzippy , Halperin Erez , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Shargian Liat , Yeshurun Moshe , Raanani Pia , Wolach Ofir , Yahalom Vered 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is considered an effective treatment for patients with chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD) and demonstrates efficacy in ameliorating GVHD. The mechanism by which ECP acts against cGVHD is not fully understood. Preliminary observations have hinted at the potential involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in the pathogenesis of cGVHD. We aimed to assess the influence of ECP on the formation of NETs in patients with cGVHD as a potential mechanism in this setting.MethodsPatients treated with ECP for cGVHD at the Rabin Medical Center were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained at three different time points: before starting an ECP cycle, at the end of the first day of treatment, and 24 h following the initiation of the ECP treatment cycle. Neutrophils were harvested from all blood samples. NET formation was assessed by measurement of NET‐bound specific neutrophil elastase activity and by immunofluorescence staining.ResultsSix patients (two females and four males) with cGVHD were included in the study. We observed a significant increase in NET formation among all six patients following ECP. Net‐bound specific neutrophil elastase activity was elevated from a median value of 2.23 mU/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 2.06‐2.47 mU/mL) at baseline to a median value of 13.06 mU/mL (IQR 10.27‐15.97 mU/mL) immediately after the treatment and to a peak median value of 14.73 mU/mL (IQR 9.6‐22.38 mU/mL) 24 h following the initiation of the ECP cycle. A qualitative assessment of NET formation using immunofluorescence staining has demonstrated markedly increased expression of citrullinated histone H3, a marker of NET formation, following ECP treatment.ConclusionsOur preliminary data indicate that ECP induces NET formation among patients with cGVHD. The contribution of increased NET formation to the therapeutic effect of cGVHD should be further investigated.
Enumerating Steiner triple systems
Authors: Heinlein Daniel , Östergård Patric R. J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSteiner triple systems (STSs) have been classified up to order 19. Earlier estimations of the number of isomorphism classes of STSs of order 21, the smallest open case, are discouraging as for classification, so it is natural to focus on the easier problem of merely counting the isomorphism classes. Computational approaches for counting STSs are here considered and lead to an algorithm that is used to obtain the number of isomorphism classes for order 21: 14,796,207,517,873,771.
A scoping review of engineering education systematic reviews
Authors: Phillips Margaret , Reed Jason B. , Zwicky Dave , Van Epps Amy S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundSystematic review or systematic literature review (SLR) methodologies are a powerful tool for evidence‐based decision making. The method originated in the medical sciences but has since been adopted by other disciplines, including engineering education (EE).PurposeWe aimed to answer two research questions: (i) To what extent is the SLR research method being applied in EE? (ii) How closely are SLRs published in EE following established reporting guidelines for the methodology?Scope/MethodWe searched Inspec, Compendex, and ERIC for engineering‐related SLRs and meta‐analyses (MAs). We included English language papers that contained an explicit SLR search, or where it appeared the methodology was intended by the author(s). We completed a data extraction process for 21 descriptive and quality‐related items, including engineering discipline, which allowed us to identify the EE studies analyzed in this article.ResultsThis sub‐analysis presents the results of 276 EE‐related reviews. We found the use of SLR/MA methods is growing in EE, with 93% of papers published during 2015–2022. However, we found that authors are not generally following established guidelines for reporting their methods and findings.ConclusionsNot following the best practices for conducting and reporting SLRs can result in the presentation of incorrect summaries and analyses due to missed evidence. Including search experts (e.g., librarians) trained in conducting SLRs can improve review quality. There is also an opportunity for EE‐related publishers to recruit experts trained in conducting SLRs as peer reviewers to participate in evaluating submitted reviews.