bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Non-Uniform Particle Distributions on Damage Evolution in Pre-Cracked, Particulate Composite Specimens
Authors: Kwon Y.W. , Liu C.T. 
Published: March 2023

Particle distribution in a particulate composite, in general, cannot be controlled so that a composite specimen can have a non-uniform particle distribution. This study examines the effects of non-uniform particle distributions in particulate composite specimens made of hard particles embedded in a soft rubbery binder on the crack tip behaviour, using a numerical technique called a micro/macro-approach. This technique couples the micro-level and macro-level analyses. The micro-level analysis uses a three-dimensional unit-cell model and a continuum damage theory at the constituent material level (the particles and the binder) while the macro-level analysis utilizes the finite element method at the smeared composite specimen level. Both analyses are conducted in tandem as damage evolves in the specimens. The study investigates the damage evolution around the crack tip, the resulting stress variation near the crack tip, and the crack opening displacement for several specimens with different particle distributions. All the specimens have the same average particle volume fraction so that all of them have the same average effective elastic modulus. Every specimen has multiple zones, each of which has a uniform particle distribution. A crack is located in a single zone. The numerical results indicate a possible wide variation of crack tip behaviours, for example, with respect to fracture strength from specimen to specimen, depending on the state of particle volume distribution and the location of the crack.
Synthesis of Polyarylates with Allylic Side Groups. Part 4. Polyarylates Based on Chalcones
Authors: Zadrozna I. , Wyszomierska A. 
Published: March 2023

Several UV sensitive polyarylates based on chalcones with allylic groups side chains for potential use as photosensitive polymers were obtained by interfacial polycondensation. The structure of the UV-sensitive monomers and polymers obtained has been confirmed using IR, 1H NMR and UV spectroscopies. Their physical, chemical and mechanical properties have also been determined. The investigations show that some of the new polymers bearing allylic groups as photosensitive side chains conjugated with benzylideno-acetophenone groups exhibit different behaviour under UV light exposure from the polyarylates based only on bisbenzylideneketone bisphenols, presented in our previous work.
Novel Self-Expanding Interwoven Nitinol Stent for Treating Femoropopliteal Artery Disease: 12-Month Results of Single-Center First-in-Man Study
Authors: Yang Shuofei , Ni Qihong , Wang Weilun , Chen Jiaquan , Guo Xiangjiang , Ye Meng , Zhang Lan , Xue Guanhua 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Innospring® stent, a novel self-expanding interwoven nitinol stent, in treating femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions. Methods: A prospective, single-center, single-arm, first-in-human study enrolled 15 patients (mean age 73.1 years; 13 men) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Innospring® stent monitored by core laboratories. The inclusion criteria were claudication or ischemic rest pain, de novo lesions or nonstented restenosis, >70% stenosis, lesion length <20 cm, and a reference vessel diameter of 4–7 mm. The primary safety endpoint was 30-day major adverse events. The primary efficacy end point was stent patency at 12 months. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: The lesion length was 6.1 ± 3.5 mm. Fourteen (93.3%) patients had lesions of the superficial femoral artery and 3 (20.0%) patients had lesions of the popliteal artery. Nine (60.0%) patients had moderate-to-severe calcified lesion. Technical and procedural success was 100%. No patients experienced major adverse events in the first 30 days. The Rutherford category showed significant and sustained improvement at 6 and 12 months. The 12-month follow-up radiographs obtained in 13 patients confirmed the absence of stent fractures in 100% of examinations. The cumulative primary stent patency rate at 6 and 12 months were 93.3% and 84.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Stenting of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries using the Innospring® stent is safe and effective. This competing interwoven nitinol stent may provide superior stent integrity and fracture-resistance as well as serve areas under extreme mechanical stress. Clinical Impact Endovascular recanalization is a widely accepted and recommended treatment for symptomatic peripheral artery diseases. The Innospring® stent is a novel self-expanding interwoven stent containing eight nitinol wires with additional radial force, fracture-resistance, and visibility under fluoroscopy. This first-in-human study using the Innospring® stent in patients with femoropopliteal occlusive disease reported that stenting of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries using the Innospring® stent is safe and effective. This competing interwoven nitinol stent may provide an impressive stent integrity and fracture-resistance as well as serve areas under extreme mechanical stress.
The evolution of blood–brain barrier permeability changes after stroke and its implications on clinical outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bernardo-Castro Sara , Sousa João André , Martins Emanuel , Donato Helena , Nunes César , d’Almeida Otília C , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Abrunhosa Antero , Ferreira Lino , Sargento-Freitas João 
Published: March 2023

Background: Blood–brain barrier permeability (BBBp) is a key process involved in ischemic stroke pathophysiology. However, there is a lack of consensus on how BBBp evolves after the ischemia injury, and its clinical relevance at different timepoints post stroke. Aims: The main objective of this study is to assess BBBp evolution through stroke phases and its implications on patient outcomes. Methods: We screened PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 31 December 2021. We included research quantitatively using neuroimaging to assess BBBp in stroke patients. BBBp in the different phases was evaluated by a random-effect model based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the brain. We performed a subgroup analysis on clinical outcome, reperfusion treatment, haemorrhagic transformation, and imaging method. Results: We identified 3761 studies, of which 22 (1592 patients and 1787 evaluations) were included in our study. Overall, 17 studies reported BBBp for the hyperacute phase, 8 for the acute, 5 for the subacute, and 2 for the chronic phase. All phases were associated with increased BBBp: 0.74 (0.48–0.99), 1.68 (0.94–2.42), 1.98 (0.96–3.00), and 1.00 (0.45–1.55), respectively. An increase in BBBp was associated with hemorrhagic transformation in the hyperacute phase and with improved functional outcomes in the late subacute phase. Conclusion: BBBp is persistently increased after stroke, peaking in the acute and subacute phases. The degree of BBBp influences patient outcomes depending on stroke phase. Our findings support the clinical relevance of BBBp dynamics in stroke care.
Re-examining the nomenclature of congenital failure of formation in the upper limb: a historical perspective
Authors: Chan Claudia C. H. , McGee Pauline , Hooper Geoffrey , Lam Wee Leon 
Published: March 2023

In this study, we studied historical case notes to examine nomenclature of congenital upper limb anomalies and explore the changes in terminologies over time. Original diagnoses were reclassified according to previously published classifications and the most recent Oberg, Manske and Tonkin system. Two hundred and thirty-eight case notes were obtained from the period 1961–1991. Hand plate malformations where the diagnosis was obvious or traumatic defects, were excluded. Eighty-six cases (106 extremities) were finally included where an ambiguous diagnosis, such as ‘congenital absence’ was initially given. None of the re-classifications matched the original diagnoses except for cleft hand and radial dysplasia ( n = 31). Eighteen phocomelia-type limbs were re-classifiable when seen as a continuum of longitudinal deficiency, but not as an intercalary deficit. This study provided further insights into the evolving nature of nomenclature in congenital upper limb anomalies, especially for the condition of phocomelia. Level of evidence: IV
The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu , Kuo Sufang , Lin Lichen , Yang Yalun 
Published: March 2023

Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may reduce acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through an antioxidant effect. Due to the heterogeneity in studies, the currently available data do not confirm the efficacy of oral NAC therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. We hypothesize that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients receiving regular oral NAC therapy do not achieve improved clinical outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of long-term oral NAC therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Data sources and methods: The literature search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify all included clinical studies. Studies were eligible for inclusion only if they directly compared the outcomes of NAC versus placebo in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between 1 January 2000 and 30 May 2022. All studies were included if they reported one or more of the following outcomes: number of patients with no acute exacerbations, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score, glutathione level, and adverse events. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. There were 1061 patients in the NAC group and 1076 patients in the placebo group. The current meta-analysis provides evidence that the number of patients with no acute exacerbations (965 patients receiving NAC therapy, 979 control group patients), change in FEV1 (433 patients receiving NAC therapy, 447 control group patients), change in FVC (177 patients receiving NAC therapy, 180 control group patients), change in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score (128 patients receiving NAC therapy, 131 control group patients), change in glutathione levels (38 patients receiving NAC therapy, 40 control group patients), and adverse events (832 patients receiving NAC therapy, 846 control group patients) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: NAC did not reduce the risk of acute exacerbation or ameliorate the decline in lung volume in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Comparison of clinical efficiency between intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Lili , Jin Shirong , Yao Yunheng , He Sixian , He Jinshen 
Published: March 2023

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis (OA), but the comparison of their efficiency is still inconclusive. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacy of PRP and HA in the treatment of OA by meta-analysis and to explore the effects of different injection times and leukocyte concentration on the efficacy of PRP. Design: Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted. The data were analyzed by Review Manager v5.4.1. Data sources and methods: Articles were retrieved and screened from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. The outcome included the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the visual analog scale (VAS), adverse events (AEs), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and the satisfaction rate. Results: A total of 30 articles involving 2733 patients were included. The total WOMAC score and IKDC score of the PRP group were better than those of the HA group at the last follow-up time, while there was no significant difference in AEs, satisfaction rate, and VAS between the two groups. In our subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference between single-injection PRP and triple-injection PRP. Leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) was better than leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) in IKDC, but there was no significant difference between them in the other scores. Conclusions: In the treatment of OA, compared with HA, PRP performed better in the improvement of the patient’s function. There was no significant difference in VAS and AEs between the two groups, and the safety was comparable. LP-PRP looked to be superior to LR-PRP in functional recovery, but there appeared to be no significant difference in pain relief between them. There was no significant difference between single PRP and triple PRP in the subgroup analysis.
Knowledge of Jordanian women of reproductive age who underwent bariatric surgery and its effect on birth outcomes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Assaf Zainah , Taha Hana , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad , Obeidat Firas , Badran Eman F , Al-Nabelsi Mazen , Al Qutob Raeda 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: This study aims at exploring the knowledge of women of reproductive age who underwent bariatric surgery in Jordan regarding its effect on birth outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 183 women (aged 15–49) who had undergone bariatric surgery at the Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan, between 2016 and 2019, using telephone interviews with conveniently selected participants’ samples. The survey tool obtained data on women’s knowledge and other sociodemographic, obstetric health, and bariatric surgery information. Unfavorable birth outcomes include preterm delivery, small for gestational age, congenital abnormalities, low birth weight, and admission to the neonatal critical care unit. Results: More than half of the participants did not know about the possible unfavorable birth outcomes after bariatric surgery and related practice guidelines. This is shown in their median score of 3 (interquartile range: 2–4) out of a maximum possible score of 8. Women who had a good score (>4) had received counseling about unfavorable bariatric surgery outcomes from their surgeon ( p < 0.013); those who had educational qualifications higher than secondary school ( p < 0.001) as well as those who were employed ( p < 0.008) and believed that the surgery would affect the newborn ( p < 0.001). The median score was also unfavorably associated with the parity of the participants ( p < 0.003). Conclusion: The extent of knowledge regarding the unfavorable birth outcome of bariatric surgery is low among women who underwent bariatric surgery at Jordan University Hospital in Jordan. Improving health literacy and information on bariatric surgery implications on pregnancy and birth outcomes amongst women of reproductive age is a recommendation from this study.
Research Letter: Is the 129S1/SvImJ Mouse Strain More Suitable to Study Anticoagulant-Related Nephropathy Than the C57BL/6 Strain?
Authors: Medipally Ajay , Xiao Min , Satoskar Anjali A , Biederman Laura , Ivanov Iouri , Mikhalina Galina , Brodsky Sergey 
Published: March 2023

Background: We have previously demonstrated that excessive anticoagulation with warfarin or dabigatran may result in acute kidney injury with red blood cell (RBC) tubular casts in some patients with chronic kidney disease, and this condition was named anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN). 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6NE) rats treated with warfarin or dabigatran reproduce the main pathologic features of human ARN. We had reported that 5/6NE C57BL/6 mice only partially develop ARN with increased serum creatinine and hematuria but no RBC tubular casts in the kidney. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether ARN can develop in 5/6NE 129S1/SvImJ mice. Methods: 5/6NE was performed in 129S1/SvImJ mice. Three weeks after 5/6NE, mice were treated with warfarin (1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 7 days. Serum creatinine, hematuria, and prothrombin time (PT) were monitored daily. Renal morphology was evaluated at the end of the studies. Results: Treatment with warfarin resulted in PT elevation 2 to 3 folds from baseline (1.0 mg/kg/day warfarin) and 4 to 5 folds from baseline (1.5 mg/kg/day warfarin) by day 7. Serum creatinine and hematuria elevated by day 7 in a dose-dependent manner. Histologically, 2 of 8 (25%) 5/6NE mice had RBCs in the tubules, and there was acute tubular epithelial cell injury in all warfarin-treated 5/6NE 129S1/SvImJ mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that 129S1/SvImJ mouse strain is a more suitable murine model to study ARN than C57BL/6 mouse strain.
Prevalence and Pattern of Congenital Heart Diseases in School Children in Dongguan, China
Authors: Kang GuanYang , Xiao JianMin , Wang Jieying , Zhang HuiQing 
Published: March 2023

Background To determine the prevalence and pattern of congenital heart disease (CHD) among elementary school children in Dongguan, China. Methods Between November 2011 and November 2012, 540,574 school children from 449 elementary schools were screened for CHD by trained doctors in Dongguan. The school children who were suspected to have CHD were referred to a pediatric cardiologist and/or an echocardiographer for a complete evaluation. Results The total prevalence of CHD was 2.14 per 1,000 school children (1,157/540,574). The most common form of CHD was isolated ventricular septal defect (37.77%; 437/1,157), followed by isolated atrial septal defect (20.22%; 234/1,157) and patent ductus arteriosus (9.94%; 115/1,157). With respect to sex, CHD was equally distributed between males and females. Conclusion Our data show that the prevalence of CHD in Dongguan is not as high as expected and that isolated ventricular septal defect is the predominant pathology. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of CHD.
Superabsorbent Polymer Sponge for Saliva Absorption Pad
Authors: Sankar Paila Ravi , Lathikumari Sreejith Sasidharan , Saraswathy Manju 
Published: March 2023

Aim:Saliva is a significant hindrance to most dental procedures (e.g., root canal treatment) as the flow of saliva increases in patients undergoing dental treatment due to anxiety. Saliva absorption pads based on superabsorbent polymers can provide a dry oral environment to ease the dental treatment procedure and reduce the swallowing reflexes common during cotton use. This study focused on developing an indigenous saliva absorption pad using biodegradable superabsorbent polymer (BSAP) sponges.Materials and Methods:BSAP sponges were synthesized using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the base matrix. Different crosslinking mechanisms were implemented to prepare BSAP sponges, such as ionic crosslinking using aluminum ammonium sulfate (AlAS) and chemical crosslinking using methylene bisacrylamide. Three different BSAP sponges (Sap-2, SAP-PAA-1, and SAP-PAA-2) were characterized for their free swell capacity and thermal degradation kinetics along with other characterization techniques to optimize the composition for saliva absorption pad. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical evaluation.Results:SAP-2, synthesized using 10 wt.% AlAS showed the highest free swell capacity in water and saline (83.21 ± 3.8 g/g and 40.7 ± 3.4 g/g, respectively). However, the moisture content of the particular BSAP sponge was higher (~13%) compared to the standard limit (ISO 17190-4:2001(E)). It was observed that as the crosslinking density increases free swell capacity increases to a threshold point and decreases thereafter. As reported earlier, percentage swelling was controlled by multiple factors including crosslinking that opposes swelling and polymer/water interaction and Donnan pressure that promotes swelling.Conclusion:BSAP sponge based on crosslinked CMC matrix is highly advantageous in developing saliva absorption pad. Hydrophobic surface modification is recommended to reduce the moisture content to improve the storage stability of BSAP sponges.
Psoriasis Involving Special Areas is Associated with Worse Quality of Life, Depression, and Limitations in the Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities
Authors: Blauvelt Andrew , Gondo George C. , Bell Stacie , Echeverría Cristina , Schmitt-Egenolf Marcus , Skov Lone , van de Kerkhof Peter , McCormick Howard Leah , Strober Bruce 
Published: March 2023

Background Psoriasis severity has traditionally been categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. Commonly, cut-offs for severe disease require a body surface area (BSA) involvement of ≥10% or a Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) > 10. However, clinical experience challenges these traditional measures and requirements, as patients with less extensive psoriasis may have disease that severely impacts quality of life. Objective The objective of the present study was to further explore the extent of patient burden when psoriasis affects special locations. Methods A total of 69,190 individuals living in the U.S were invited to participate in a patient advocacy survey by telephone and or web interviews over the course of 3 years (2019-2021). The survey instrument consisted of validated patient-reported outcome measures, measuring disease-specific quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index, DLQI), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 and (PHQ)-9), and the ability to participate in social roles and activities (PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities (SF-4a). Chi-square tests were performed to explore association between psoriasis involvement on special locations and patient outcomes and multivariate logistic regression models were then constructed, to assess impact of having psoriasis on special locations patient outcomes, controlling for potential confounding factors. Results A total of 4129 individuals completed the survey. 3594 (84.4%) of patients surveyed reported psoriasis involving special areas of the bodysuch as the scalp, face, hands, feet, or genitalia. Involvement of special areas is associated with worse quality of life and depression. 35-71% of patients with 10% or less total BSA involvement experienced a moderate-to-extremely large effect on these life function domains. When adjusting for age, sex, and body surface area, psoriasis involvement of a special location was associated with poorer patient reported outcomes, including a 46% less likelihood of reporting their skin disease as having “no or only a small effect on QoL,” a 30% less likelihood of having a “normal l ability to participate in social roles and activities,” and a 126% higher likelihood of f having depression. Conclusion Real-world data presented here demonstrate that psoriasis involving special areas is associated with adverse life consequences, including poor quality of life and depression.