bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing of antibiotic prophylaxis in term prelabor rupture of membranes: A retrospective cohort study using propensity‐score matching
Authors: Dan Liu , Lin Wu , Hailong Li , Linan Zeng , Bin Wu , Lingli Zhang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether earlier administration of antibiotic prophylaxis after prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) at term would decrease the incidence of maternal and neonatal infections.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study comparing women with term PROM who were initiated antibiotic prophylaxis within or after 6 h, and within or after 12 h from PROM to delivery during January 2019 to December 2021. Women with term PROM receiving cephalosporin and without contraindications to vaginal delivery or confirmed or suspected infection were included in the study. The primary outcome was puerperal infection, which refers to the reproductive tract infection occurring within 42 days of delivery. The type of pharmacoeconomic evaluation was selected based on the results of compared effectiveness between the early group and the late group. Propensity‐score matching (PSM) was used to adjust confounding. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were used to verify the robustness of results.ResultsWe enrolled 5353 women with term PROM, including 4331 initiated with antibiotic within 6 h, 1022 after 6 h, 5077 within 12 h, and 276 after 12 h. After PSM, no significant difference was observed in the baseline characteristics of the groups. There was no statistical difference between antibiotic use within 6 h and after 6 h, or within 12 h and after 12 h, in puerperal infection (4.6% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.826; 2.9% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.471, respectively), total maternal infection, neonatal sepsis, and total neonatal infection. Cost‐minimization analysis showed there was no significant difference between antibiotic use within 6 h and after 6 h, or within 12 h and after 12 h, in direct medical costs.ConclusionThis study showed that there was no statistical difference in the efficacy and economy of antibiotic prophylaxis used within 6–12 h after rupture of membranes versus after 6–12 h in women with term PROM.
Analysis of particle size distribution of organic carbon for landfill leachate—implications for sustainable treatment
Authors: Doğruel Serdar , Kaya Beste , Soylu Dilşad , Çokgör Emine , Baran Aydın , Sözen Seval , Orhon Derin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDLandfill leachate has a complex composition requiring experimental support to formulate a sustainable treatment strategy. This study utilized the particle size distribution (PSD) of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) content to assess the profile of biodegradable and inert COD fractions; it also emphasized the functions and benefits of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration modules coupled to an activated sludge process. The evaluation profited from the field data of a landfill site in Istanbul, where the leachate was actually treated in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant.RESULTSCOD and total nitrogen levels fluctuated between 10 100–31 200 mg L−1 and 1150–2800 mg L−1, respectively. PSD analysis for COD, conducted at two extremes, displayed similar results, where the majority of the COD was observed to accumulate at the low extremity of the particle size, 70–72% below 2 nm. Therefore, direct membrane filtration of leachate yielded low COD removals that were limited to 9% with ultrafiltration and to 31–35% with nanofiltration. COD fractionation indicated a ratio of 5% for the inert COD in leachate. The permeate COD of ultrafiltration in the existing plant was 2000 mg L−1, much higher than the inert fraction ratio, which was further reduced to 266 mg L−1 by nanofiltration.CONCLUSIONPSD analysis was an integral complement of respirometry for establishing the size‐biodegradation relationships of different COD fractions. It located the majority of soluble COD fractions below 0.55 nm, thus implying the necessity of a biological process. PSD also identified the generation of soluble residual metabolic products, indicating that residual COD escaping treatment would be equally significant to the removal potential of the biodegradable substrate. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Critical considerations in determining the surface charge of small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Tamrin Sara Hassanpour , Phelps Jolene , Nezhad Amir Sanati , Sen Arindom 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSmall extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a focal point of EV research due to their significant role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes within living systems. However, uncertainties about the nature of these vesicles have added considerable complexity to the already difficult task of developing EV‐based diagnostics and therapeutics. Whereas small EVs have been shown to be negatively charged, their surface charge has not yet been properly quantified. This gap in knowledge has made it challenging to fully understand the nature of these particles and the way they interact with one another, and with other biological structures like cells. Most published studies have evaluated EV charge by focusing on zeta potential calculated using classical theoretical approaches. However, these approaches tend to underestimate zeta potential at the nanoscale. Moreover, zeta potential alone cannot provide a complete picture of the electrical properties of small EVs since it ignores the effect of ions that bind tightly to the surface of these particles. The absence of validated methods to accurately estimate the actual surface charge (electrical valence) and determine the zeta potential of EVs is a significant knowledge gap, as it limits the development of effective label‐free methods for EV isolation and detection. In this study, for the first time, we show how the electrical charge of small EVs can be more accurately determined by accounting for the impact of tightly bound ions. This was accomplished by measuring the electrophoretic mobility of EVs, and then analytically correlating the measured values to their charge in the form of zeta potential and electrical valence. In contrast to the currently used theoretical expressions, the employed analytical method in this study enabled a more accurate estimation of EV surface charge, which will facilitate the development of EV‐based diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Extracellular vesicle‐mediated protein delivery to the liver
Authors: Ilahibaks Nazma F. , Roefs Marieke T. , Brans Maike A. D. , Blok Christian Snijders , de Jager Saskia C. A. , Schiffelers Raymond M. , Vader Pieter , Lei Zhiyong , Sluijter Joost P. G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale particles that facilitate intercellular communication. They are regarded as a promising natural drug delivery system for transporting and delivering bioactive macromolecules to target cells. Recently, researchers have engineered EVs with FKBP12/FRB heterodimerization domains that interact with rapamycin to load and deliver exogenous proteins for both in vitro and in vivo applications. In this study, we examined the tissue distribution of EVs using near‐infrared fluorescent imaging. We evaluated the effectiveness of EV‐mediated delivery of Cre recombinase specifically to hepatocytes in the livers of Ai9 Cre‐loxP reporter mice. Intravenous injection resulted in more efficient Cre protein delivery to the liver than intraperitoneal injections. Depleting liver‐resident macrophages with clodronate‐encapsulated liposome pre‐treatment did not enhance EV‐mediated Cre delivery to hepatocytes. Moreover, we demonstrated that multiple intravenous injections of Cre‐EVs facilitated functional Cre delivery to hepatocytes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to simultaneously investigate the tissue distribution of FKBP12/FRB‐engineered EVs and their subsequent intracellular protein delivery in Ai9 Cre‐loxP reporter mice. These insights can inform preclinical research and contribute to developing next‐generation EV‐based platforms for delivering therapeutic proteins or genome editing technologies targeting the liver.
Does the amount of family history matter? Perspectives of adult adoptees
Authors: Williams Alyssa , Blake Alise K. , Williamson Dean Lori , Lepard Tassin Tiffany 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFamily history is considered the gold standard for risk assessment of inherited conditions and is often used to inform preventative care. There are currently no provider guidelines that address caring for patients with a lack of family history, and adoptees report inconsistent care because of this. Through this qualitative study, we explored (1) how the amount of family history impacts adoptees' perceptions of healthcare and (2) adoptees' suggestions for improvement of their healthcare. Fourteen adult adoptees participated in semi‐structured interviews via telephone or Zoom audio. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpretive phenomenology. Results revealed five themes: adoptees should have access to their family health history; several factors influence the importance of family history (reproduction, identity formation, age, and health concerns); many adoptees use direct‐to‐consumer testing to gain information about health risks or to find family members; completing history forms or being asked about family health history invokes negative emotions in adoptees; experiences with healthcare providers are variable for adoptees. These results show that unknown family health history can contribute to a negative perception of healthcare. Adoptees perceive family health history as important to know, and not having this information brings up complex emotions in the healthcare setting. To help mitigate the disparities and the negative emotions that adoptees feel, genetic counselors should consider acknowledging the complex emotions, reassuring adoptees with available preventative care, and revising preclinical paperwork, such as family health history questionnaires, to be more inclusive of those who lack this information. These changes have the potential to significantly improve healthcare experiences for adoptees. Healthcare providers, especially genetic counselors, need to continue to learn about and advocate for this population.
Breast cancer metastasis to the stomach mimicking early gastric cancer
Authors: Tanaka Kosuke , Yabuuchi Yohei , Yamashita Daisuke , Inokuma Tetsuro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA 79‐year‐old woman with a history of invasive lobular breast cancer presented with a lesion that was endoscopically and histopathologically consistent with poorly differentiated early gastric adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed, and histopathological examination using additional immunohistochemistry determined that the lesion was metastatic breast cancer. Even if a lesion suspicious of gastric cancer is found on endoscopy in a patient with a history of breast cancer, the possibility of metastasis should be considered and clinicians should inform the pathologists of the possibility.
Salinisation of soils in semi‐arid endorheic zone: Case of Chott El Beida (Algeria)
Authors: Laoufi Hadjer , Ait Mechedal Mouloud , Daoud Youcef 
Published: August 2023

AbstractChott El Beida, North of Algeria (Setif, 585 km2), is an endorheic zone located in a semi‐arid climate. It is among the first chotts listed under the Ramsar Convention on the Wetlands of International Importance. Numerous studies on wetlands in the Setif region have focused on hydrogeology, avifauna, and vegetation. However, only one study has been devoted to soil studies. This study focused on the pedological and geochemical aspects of salinity in this area. This study was conducted on a toposequence of 200 m comprising eight soil profiles. A set of 24 samples were collected from the top to a depth (0–200 cm) and were subjected to a series of physical and chemical analyses. The concentrations of the major elements were used to determine the chemical facies and calculate the saturation indices for each mineral and residual alkalinity using geochemical modelling with PHREEQC. This study shows that the salinity in Chott El Beida is very variable, varying from less saline to extremely saline, moving from the outside to the centre of the chott, with two types of saline profiles: the descending type towards the outside of the chott and the ascending type in the highly saline depression. Geochemical investigations demonstrated that the dominant facies is (Na‐Cl) which is in accordance with the neutral saline pathway. The phenomenon of salinisation in Chott El Beida is controlled mainly by the precipitation of minerals, namely, calcite, aragonite, dolomite, gypsum, and anhydrite, and the dissolution of evaporite minerals. The study of calcite residual alkalinity and generalised residual alkalinity showed that salinisation evolves in the neutral saline path without the risk of alkalinization.
Assessing drivers of estuarine pH: A comparative analysis of the continental U.S.A.'s two largest estuaries
Authors: Hall Nathan , Testa Jeremy , Li Ming , Paerl Hans 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn estuaries, local processes such as changing material loads from the watershed and complex circulation create dynamic environments with respect to ecosystem metabolism and carbonate chemistry that can strongly modulate impacts of global atmospheric CO2 increases on estuarine pH. Long‐term (> 20 yr) surface water pH records from the USA's two largest estuaries, Chesapeake Bay (CB) and Neuse River Estuary‐Pamlico Sound (NRE‐PS) were examined to understand the relative importance of atmospheric forcing vs. local processes in controlling pH. At the estuaries’ heads, pH increases in CB and decreases in NRE‐PS were driven primarily by changing ratios of river alkalinity to dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. In upper reaches of CB and middle reaches of the NRE‐PS, pH increases were associated with increases in phytoplankton biomass. There was no significant pH change in the lower NRE‐PS and only the polyhaline CB showed a pH decline consistent with ocean acidification. In both estuaries, interannual pH variability showed robust, positive correlations with chlorophyll a (Chl a) during the spring in mid to lower estuarine regions indicative of strong control by net phytoplankton production. During summer and fall, Chl a and pH negatively correlated in lower regions of both estuaries, given a shift toward heterotrophy driven by changes in phytoplankton community structure and increases in the load ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to organic carbon. Tropical cyclones episodically depressed pH due to vertical mixing of CO2 rich bottom waters and post‐storm terrestrial organic matter loading. Local processes we highlight represent a significant challenge for predicting future estuarine pH.
Two‐Step Polyelectrolyte Complex Coating for Flame Retardant Flax
Authors: Rodriguez‐Melendez Danixa , Smith Dallin L. , Fisher Sarah G. , Sonnier Rodolphe , Vahabi Henri , Grunlan Jaime C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFlax fabric textile is of great interest as bio‐fiber reinforcement in composites, which has gained popularity due to the high demand for sustainable materials. Despite its sustainability, flax is inherently flammable. This study demonstrates a two‐step polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) coating that renders flax fabric self‐extinguishing. The PEC coating consists of polyethylenimine (PEI) and sodium hexametaphosphate (PSP), cured with a citric acid buffer. Sonication employed during the curing process improves the infiltration of the coating into the flax fibers and maintains the fabric's hand. When comparing non‐sonicated and sonicated flax samples, the latter achieves self‐extinguishing behavior and passes the vertical flame test. Pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimetry reveals that this PEI/PSP coating (with sonication) reduces the peak heat release rate and total heat release by 40% and 67%, respectively. The intumescent mechanism is predominantly observed in the condensed phase, as suggested by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the two‐step PEC treatment with sonication effectively reduces the flammability of flax fabric, making it a promising option for the development of functional fibers, particularly for bio‐composite reinforcement.
Molecular Structure and Properties of Sulfur‐Containing High Refractive Index Polymer Optical Materials
Authors: Zhou Yutong , Zhu Zhicheng , Zhang Kai , Yang Bai 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHigh refractive index polymers (HRIPs) are widely used in lenses, waveguide, antireflective layer and encapsulators, especially the advanced fields of augmented/virtual reality (AR / VR) holographic technology and photoresist for chip manufacturing. In order to meet the needs of different applications, the development of HRIPs focuses not only on the increase in refractive index but also on the balance of other properties. Sulfur‐containing high refractive index polymers have received extensive attention from researchers due to their excellent properties. In recent years, not only ultrahigh refractive index sulfur‐containing polymers have been continuously developed, but also low dispersion, low birefringence, high transparency, good mechanical properties, and machinability have been studied. The design of HRIPs is generally based on formulas and existing experience. In fact, molecular structure and properties are closely related. Mastering the structure–property relationship helps researchers to develop high refractive index polymer materials with balanced properties. This review briefly introduces the preparation methods of sulfur‐containing high refractive index polymers, and summarizes the structure–property relationship between the sulfur‐containing molecular structure and optical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, etc. Finally, the important role of synergistic effect in the synthesis of HRIPs and the prospect of future research on HRIPs are proposed.
A planar switched‐beam antenna with compact size
Authors: Lin Yu‐Jie , Row Jeen‐Sheen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA planar pattern reconfigurable patch antenna is proposed. The proposed antenna is a circular array composed of three radiating elements, and each element can generate a horizontally polarized main beam with a half‐power beamwidth of about 135°. To switch the beam direction, a single‐pole three‐through circuit is designed on the same printed circuit board as the radiating elements, and the total area of the integrated planar antenna is a circular shape of diameter 0.37λ0. A prototype operated at 2.45 GHz is constructed, and the measured results demonstrate that the pattern reconfigurable antenna can give three steerable beams in the E plane, and the gain and the front‐to‐back ratio of each beam are 3.2 dBi and 15 dB, respectively; moreover, an operation bandwidth of more than 10% is also achieved. Simulated analyses are also performed to explain the antenna performances mentioned above, and they have good agreements with the experimental data.
Serial electrodiagnostic studies in acute partial conduction block from cyclist's palsy
Authors: Barkhaus Paul E. , Gutierrez Erie Gonzalez , Nandedkar Sanjeev D. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsTo date, there is minimal literature in following resolution of partial conduction block (PCB) in compression neuropathy. We investigated a case of cyclist's palsy with PCB from compression using serial nerve conduction studies to monitor recovery.MethodsClinical recovery was monitored concomitant with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes that were recorded from 3 ulnar‐innervated muscles (first dorsal interosseous [FDI] 6 days post‐onset, palmar interosseus [PI] 16 days post‐onset, and abductor digiti minimi [ADM]) in both limbs. Sensory nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography were also performed.ResultsPCB was demonstrated in the FDI and PI with recordings done proximal and distal to the site of injury. Recovery in the FDI and PI occurred between week 2 and 3 post‐onset but continued to improve until about 14 wk post‐onset when the CMAP values on the affected side approximated the contralateral side. Sensory conduction studies were normal and symmetric. Needle EMG at 21 days post‐injury showed no active denervation and a reduced number of normal‐appearing motor unit potentials firing >16 Hz that reverted to a normal pattern on final study at 99 days post‐onset.DiscussionThis study shows how rapidly PCB may initially resolve although full recovery takes longer. Criteria for defining PCB may be misleading when doing nerve conductions and comparing only the evoked responses below and above the block. To fully characterize PCB, it is important to optimize the position of the active recording electrode (E1) as well as compare results with the unaffected side.
Identifying barriers and facilitators to seeking care for symptoms of bacterial sepsis: A qualitative study
Authors: Ruffin Felicia , Van Horn Elizabeth , Kennedy‐Malone Laurie , Letvak Susan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimResearch suggests that early access to quality care is essential to improving bacteraemia outcomes and reducing the risk of developing sepsis because it allows for early intervention. Currently, there are limited data regarding the facilitators and barriers that alter the trajectory of arrival at the hospital when patients in the United States experience symptoms of bacteraemia and sepsis. This study sought to explore and describe the facilitators and barriers to seeking care for suspected bacteraemia and sepsis symptoms.DesignA qualitative descriptive study.MethodsTen men and women were recruited using convenience sampling. The study used audio‐recorded semi‐structured interviews and the collection of socio‐demographic data as the data collection techniques. Thematic analysis was used, including inductive and deductive approaches, to analyse the data.ResultsDuring data analysis, the codes related to barriers and facilitators were collapsed into three themes—symptom recognition, psychosocial support and healthcare planning and coordination.Patient ContributionThe patients' participation in the study has contributed to our understanding of patients' perspectives and experiences in the pre‐hospital phase and provides important insights into what barriers and facilitators are encountered. Study findings highlight the need to develop interventions to improve patient decision time, patient–provider interactions and knowledge of bacteraemia and sepsis through patient and provider education.
Guaranteed lower bounds to effective stiffness
Authors: Gaynutdinova Liya , Ladecký Martin , Pultarová Ivana , Zeman Jan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe present a numerical scheme for obtaining guaranteed (reliable) and arbitrarily close two sided bounds to effective (homogenized) parameters of the linear elasticity problem. For the upper bounds, we use standard finite element (FE) discretization of the so‐called primal problem with preconditioning based on the fast discrete Fourier transformation (FFT). For the lower bounds, we use the dual formulation and some smoother FE approximation spaces. Moreover, instead of solving the discretized dual problem, we can only compute an L2‐orthogonal projection of an auxiliary field built from the primal solution. The projection can be computed easily by FFT and provides a lower bound of almost the same quality as that obtained as the exact solution of the discretized dual problem. In addition, a simple low‐dimensional optimization improves the projected solution. Numerical examples are presented to support the theoretical developments.