bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐Resolution Ultrasound Imaging of Axillary Nerve and Relevant Injury
Authors: Fu Shuai , Xue Guoyan , Jiang Ling , Xue Heng , Cui Ligang 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of axillary nerve (AN) visualization in healthy volunteers and the diagnostic value of AN injury via high‐resolution ultrasonography (HRUS).MethodsAN was examined by HRUS on both sides of 48 healthy volunteers and oriented the transducer according to three anatomical landmarks: quadrilateral space, anterior to subscapular muscle, and posterior to axillary artery. The maximum short‐axis diameter (SD) and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of AN were measured at different levels, and AN visibility was graded by using a five‐point scale. The patients suspected of having AN injury were assessed by HRUS, and the HRUS features of AN injury were observed.ResultsAN can be visualized on both sides in all volunteers. There was no significant difference in SD and CSA of AN at the three levels between the left and right sides or in SD between males and females. However, the CSA of males at different levels was slightly larger than those of females (P < .05). In most volunteers, AN visibility at different levels was excellent or good, and AN was best displayed anterior to subscapular muscle. Rank correlation analysis revealed that the degree of AN visibility had correlation with height, weight, and BMI. A total of 15 patients diagnosed with AN injury, 12 patients showed diffuse swelling or focal thickening in AN, and 3 patients showed AN discontinuity.ConclusionHRUS is able to reliably visualize AN, and it could be considered as the first choice for diagnosing AN injury.
Deep Radiomics Features of Median Nerves for Automated Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Ultrasound Images: A Multi‐Center Study
Authors: Mohammadi Afshin , Torres‐Cuenca Thomas , Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Faeghi Fariborz , Acharya U. Rajendra , Abbasian Ardakani Ali 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesUltrasound is widely used in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the limitations of ultrasound in CTS detection are the lack of objective measures in the detection of nerve abnormality and the operator‐dependent nature of ultrasound imaging. Therefore, in this study, we developed and proposed externally validated artificial intelligence (AI) models based on deep‐radiomics features.MethodsWe have used 416 median nerves from 2 countries (Iran and Colombia) for the development (112 entrapped and 112 normal nerves from Iran) and validation (26 entrapped and 26 normal nerves from Iran, and 70 entrapped and 70 normal nerves from Columbia) of our models. Ultrasound images were fed to the SqueezNet architecture to extract deep‐radiomics features. Then a ReliefF method was used to select the clinically significant features. The selected deep‐radiomics features were fed to 9 common machine‐learning algorithms to choose the best‐performing classifier. The 2 best‐performing AI models were then externally validated.ResultsOur developed model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.910 (88.46% sensitivity, 88.46% specificity) and 0.908 (84.62% sensitivity, 88.46% specificity) with support vector machine and stochastic gradient descent (SGD), respectively using the internal validation dataset. Furthermore, both models consistently performed well in the external validation dataset, and achieved an AUC of 0.890 (85.71% sensitivity, 82.86% specificity) and 0.890 (84.29% sensitivity and 82.86% specificity), with SVM and SGD models, respectively.ConclusionOur proposed AI models fed with deep‐radiomics features performed consistently with internal and external datasets. This justifies that our proposed system can be employed for clinical use in hospitals and polyclinics.
IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis mediates the imiquimod‐induced psoriatic inflammation by activating ACT1/TRAF6/TAK1/NF‐κB pathway in macrophages and keratinocytes
Authors: Chen Wen‐Cheng , Wen Chang‐Hui , Wang Meng , Xiao Zi‐Dan , Zhang Zhong‐Zhao , Wu Chun‐Lan , Wu Ran 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe interleukin‐23 (IL‐23)/IL‐17 immune axis has been linked to the pathology of psoriasis, but how this axis contributes to skin inflammation in this disease remains unclear. We measured inflammatory cytokines associated with the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis in the serum of patients with psoriasis using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Psoriasis was induced in male C57BL/6J mice using imiquimod (IMQ) cream, and animals received intraperitoneal injections of recombinant mouse anti‐IL‐23A or anti‐IL‐17A antibodies for 7 days. The potential effects of the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis on skin inflammation were assessed based on pathology scoring, hematoxylin–eosin staining of skin samples, and quantitation of inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting was used to evaluate levels of the following factors in skin: ACT1, TRAF6, TAK1, NF‐κB, and pNF‐κB. The serum of psoriasis patients showed elevated levels of several cytokines involved in the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis: IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐12, IL‐17, IL‐22, IL‐23, and interferon‐γ. Levels of IL‐23p19 and IL‐17 were increased in serum and skin of IMQ‐treated mice, while ACT1, TRAF6, TAK1, NF‐κB, and pNF‐κB were upregulated in the skin. A large proportion of NF‐κB p65 localized in nucleus of involucrin+ cells in the epidermis and in F4/80+ cells of the dermis of psoriatic lesional skin. Treating these animals with anti‐IL‐23 or anti‐IL‐17 antibodies improved pathological score and immune imbalance, mitigated skin inflammation and downregulated ACT1, TRAF6, TAK1, NF‐κB, and pNF‐κB in skin. Our results suggest that skin inflammation mediated by the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis in psoriasis involves activation of the ACT1/TRAF6/TAK1/NF‐κB pathway in keratinocytes and macrophage.
Characterization of a chronic cough in cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome
Authors: Tatineni Swetha , Jarrouj George , Gomez Christopher M. , Baird Brandon J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesCerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a common cause of late‐onset ataxia that often presents with chronic cough. This study is the first to characterize the CANVAS cough both objectively and subjectively.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 13 patients was conducted. Medical records and available esophagram, modified barium swallow study, esophageal manometry, and video laryngostroboscopy data were reviewed. Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) and Eating Assessment Tool‐10 were administered to evaluate quality of life (QoL) impairments and dysphagia symptoms, respectively. CANVAS history questionnaire was developed to characterize the clinical course.Results92% of patients endorsed chronic cough that preceded gait instability by a median of 16 years. Cough was dry (67%), disturbed sleep (75%), triggered by various factors, including talking, eating, and dry/spicy foods, did not respond to standard reflux therapy, and inconsistently responded to neuromodulators and superior laryngeal nerve injections. Despite perceived cough severity worsening or remaining constant in most patients, no correlation was found between cough duration and total LCQ scores. Patients reported significantly more negative social QoL impacts compared to physical QoL impacts. Ataxia duration and years of cough before ataxia symptoms were directly and inversely correlated with total LCQ scores, respectively. Imaging data revealed esophageal dysmotility (71%), vestibular penetration (57%), vestibular aspiration (14%), supraglottic compression (63%), vocal fold lesions/atrophy (50%), and arytenoid erythema (38%).ConclusionChronic cough is a hallmark presenting symptom in CANVAS with predominantly psychosocial QoL effects and unrecognized laryngeal alterations. In cases of idiopathic, refractory chronic cough, genetic testing for CANVAS should be considered, especially in association with sensory, cerebellar, and/or vestibular involvement.Level of evidenceVI.
MacroSheds: A synthesis of long‐term biogeochemical, hydroclimatic, and geospatial data from small watershed ecosystem studies
Authors: Vlah Michael J. , Rhea Spencer , Bernhardt Emily S. , Slaughter Weston , Gubbins Nick , DelVecchia Amanda G. , Thellman Audrey , Ross Matthew R. V. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe US Federal Government supports hundreds of watershed monitoring efforts from which solute fluxes can be calculated. Although instrumentation and methods vary between studies, the data collected and their motivating questions are remarkably similar. Nevertheless, little effort toward their compilation has previously been made. The MacroSheds project has developed a future‐friendly system for harmonizing daily time series of streamflow, precipitation, and solute chemistry from 169+ watersheds, and supplementing each with watershed attributes. Here, we describe the breadth of MacroSheds data, and detail the steps involved in rendering each data product. We provide recommendations for usage and discuss when other datasets might be more suitable. The MacroSheds dataset is an unprecedented resource for watershed science, and for hydrology, as a small‐watershed supplement to existing collections of streamflow predictors, like CAMELS and GAGES‐II. The MacroSheds platform includes a web dashboard for visualization and an R package for data access and analysis.
Economical study for hydrogen production from seawater using renewable energy in Egypt
Authors: Sheta W. , Abdeltawab N. M. , Shash A. Y. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study looks into the possibilities of hydrogen production in the north coast and red‐sea Zone, Egypt, to conver renewable energy to hydrogen (power to gas). The main purpose is to estimate the power needed for each kg of hydrogen production from seawater using renewable energy and then the quantity of desalinated seawater needed to cover this cost. We will discuss different scenarios; the main two scenarios are photovoltaic (PV) solar with reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and concentrating solar power (CSP) with multi‐effect desalination (MED).
Investigation the effect of cellulose on the structure and properties of polypropylene fibres
Authors: Krmelová V. , Krmela J. , Dubec A. , Skalková P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe modification of polypropylene fibre during their production is usually performed with the aim to improve some end‐use properties of final polypropylene textiles. The most common procedure for the modification of polypropylene fibres involves adding additives in the form of masterbaches, which are incorporated into polymer by physical means during fibre formation. The presented work is focused on the investigation the effect of natural organic additive cellulose on the preparation, morphology and the thermal properties of polypropylene fibres. The series of modified pre‐oriented and drawn polypropylene fibres with different content of cellulose from 0 wt. % to 3 wt. % were prepared via the classical discontinuous process of melt spinning and drawing. The non‐isothermal crystallization and melting behaviour of pre‐oriented and drawn polypropylene fibres were analysed by differential scanning calorimetry tests under nitrogen atmosphere. The surface morphology of polypropylene fibres and cross‐sectional shapes were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained experimental results were compared with reference polypropylene fibres prepared under the same technological conditions.
Study of the influence of Chitosan on selected properties of elastomeric blends
Authors: Labaj I. , Skalková P. , Kopal I. , Vršková J. , Harničárová M. , Valíček J. , Boško P. , Dobrovská J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe current trend of greening production is increasingly bringing to the fore alternative types of fillers, such as biofillers, which are obtained from renewable sources or waste [1, 2]. Unfortunately, biofillers cannot be used as majority fillers due to their incompatibility with elastomer matrices and high biodegradability susceptibility [3, 4]. Therefore, the way to their efficient industrial use leads through supplementary fillers to the commonly used inorganic fillers and the partial replacement of these fillers in the blend. The influence of Chitosan as the majority filler has been investigated and its combination with carbon black filler on the elastomeric matrix of natural rubber was investigated in the presented work. The results were compared with natural rubber blends filled exclusively with carbon black. Natural rubber blends with different content of Chitosan and carbon black and their various combinations were subjected to the determination of vulcanization parameters, mechanical properties before and after thermo‐oxidative aging, and scanning electron microscopy. Although the scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the expected negative impact of Chitosan as the majority filler on the tensile properties of the vulcanizate, its significant impact on the main vulcanization parameters such as scorch time and optimal vulcanization time was also demonstrated. In the case of blends with a combination of carbon black and Chitosan, it has been shown that Chitosan, in addition to the filler function, also acts as an antioxidant agent through its functional groups, limiting the process of degradation of mechanical properties of natural rubber blends due to their thermo‐oxidative aging. It can be concluded that precisely because of its antioxidant and anti‐degradation effects, Chitosan can be, in addition to carbon black filler, an excellent additional filler for elastomeric blends.
Rheological properties and curing features of polymer materials filled with biowaste
Authors: Božeková S. , Mičicová Z. , Ondrušová D. , Skalková P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBesides mechanical properties, the dynamic mechanical properties in a sensible range of temperature and rheological properties have to be taken into account for engineering applications. The rising concern towards the reduction in the use of petroleum‐based non‐renewable resources has led to increasing interests in natural polymer composites filled with natural organic fillers, i. e. they are from renewable and biodegradable sources. This work is focused on the use of biowaste, specifically wood flour as a plasticizer replacement in a rubber compound. Plasticizers (also called softener, extender or process oils) are common additives for polymers with a low molecular weight. An increasing content of a plasticizer usually leads to a decrease in the viscosity of the rubber mixture, and therefore, its processability can be improved. Based on the given fact, the experiment is aimed at the studies of the rheological properties. The scanning electron microscopy results can confirm the compatibility or incompatibility of the biowaste, specifically wood flour with rubber matrix. In the case of a successful replacement for plasticizer with wood flour, we expect a significant reduction in the cost of the mixtures production as well as a reduction in the environmental impact, compared with the petroleum products.
Improving delivery efficiency using spots and energy layers reduction algorithms based on a large momentum acceptance beamline
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Xu , Yang Zhiyong , Liao Yicheng , Li Peilun , Zhao Runxiao , Qin Bin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is a well‐known delivery method of proton therapy. Besides higher plan quality, reducing the delivery time is also essential to IMPT plans. It can enhance patient comfort, reduce treatment costs, and improve delivery efficiency. From the perspective of treatment efficacy, it contributes to mitigating the intra‐fractional motions and improving the accuracy of radiotherapy, especially for moving tumors.PurposeHowever, there is a tradeoff problem between the plan quality and delivery time. We consider the potential of a large momentum acceptance (LMA) beamline and apply the spots and energy layers reduction method to reduce the delivery time.MethodsThe delivery time for each field consists of the energy layer switching time, spot traveling time, and dose delivery time. The larger momentum spread and higher intensity beam offered by the LMA beamline contribute to reducing the total delivery time compared to the conventional beamline. In addition to the dose fidelity term, an L1 and logarithm items were added to the objective function to increase the sparsity of the low‐weighted spots and energy layers. After that, the low‐weighted spots and layers were iteratively excluded in the reduced plan, which reduced the energy layer switching time and spot traveling time. We used the standard, reduced, and LMA‐reduced plans to validate the proposed method and tested it on prostate and nasopharyngeal cases. Then, we compared and evaluated the plan quality, treatment time, and plan robustness against delivery uncertainty.ResultsCompared with the standard plans, the number of spots in the LMA‐reduced plans was on average reduced by 13 400 (95.6%) for prostate cases and by 48 300 (80.7%) for nasopharyngeal cases and the number of energy layers was on average reduced by 49 (61.3%) for prostate cases and by 97 (50.5%) for nasopharyngeal cases. And, the delivery time of the LMA‐reduced plans was shortened from 34.5 to 8.6 s for prostate cases and from 163.8 to 53.6 s for nasopharyngeal cases. The LMA‐reduced plans had comparable robustness to the spot monitor unit (MU) error compared with the standard plans, but the LMA‐reduced plans became more sensitive to spot position uncertainty.ConclusionThe delivery efficiency can be significantly improved using the LMA beamline and spots and energy layers reduction strategies. The method is promising to improve the efficiency of motion mitigation strategies for treating moving tumors.
Establishing new cutoffs for Cohen's d: An application using known effect sizes from trials for improving sleep quality on composite mental health
Authors: Panjeh Sareh , Nordahl‐Hansen Anders , Cogo‐Moreira Hugo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveCohen's d conventional effect size cutoffs [small (0.2), medium (0.5), and large (0.8)] might not be representative of the reported distribution of effect sizes across the different areas of health. Effect size cutoffs might vary not only depending on the area of research, but also on the type of intervention and population. That is, they are context dependent. Therefore, we present strategies to redefine small, medium, and large effect size based on 25, 50, and 75th percentile, respectively.MethodsWe illustrate these techniques applying them to 72 effect sizes, derived from 65 randomized controlled trials described in a recent meta‐analysis (10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556) of improving sleep quality on composite mental health. Such percentiles are equally distanced from the average effect size as suggested by Jacob Cohen and checked for potential attenuation effects (via weight selection model) and outliers (via OutRules).Resultsnew cutoffs for effect size distribution of −0.177, −0.329, and −0.557, for small, medium, and large effect size were found, respectively. applying Cohen's effect size thresholds (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) for trials of improving sleep quality on composite mental health might over‐estimate effect sizes compared to the real‐world context, especially around medium and large effect sizes.
Physical activity levels among people with fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Van Damme Tine , McGrath Ryan L. , Machado Vanessa Albanio , Schuch Felipe 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionIt is unclear how much physical activity (PA) people with fibromyalgia (PwF) engage in. We conducted a meta‐analysis to examine PA levels in PwF and compared levels with age‐ and gender‐matched controls and between objective and subjective assessments.MethodsEmbase, PubMed and CINAHL Plus were searched by two independent reviewers from inception till 3 January 2023 using the keywords: ‘fibromyalgia’ OR ‘fibrositis’ AND ‘physical activity’ OR ‘exercise’ OR ‘sports’. A random effects meta‐analysis adjusting for publication bias was conducted.ResultsAcross 22 studies, there were 5997 (5956 women) PwF (median age = 44 years). After trim and fill adjustment, PwF spent a mean of 4.0 (95% CI = 2.3–5.8) min/day in vigorous PA, 67.5 (95% CI = 35.4–99.6) min/day in moderate intensity PA and 270.5 (95% CI = 99.6–441.4) min/day in light PA. Only 37.7% (95% CI = 18.7–61.5) of PwF achieved the public PA recommendation of 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week. PwF walked 5663.7 (95% CI = 4493.5–6833.9) steps per day, which is below the 6000 steps per day recommendation. PwF spent 39.0 min/day (95% CI = 22.8–55.1, p < 0.001) less in PA than healthy controls, while MET‐minutes per week is 1324.7 (95 % CI = 237.6–2411.7, p = 0.017) lower. There were no significant differences between subjective and objective PA assessments (p = 0.69).ConclusionOur data demonstrate that the majority of PwF are still insufficiently physically active to obtain significant health benefits. Future clinical PA interventions specifically targeting the prevention of physical inactivity in PwF and engaging physically inactive PwF to become physically active are warranted.
Professional caregivers' participation in the International Caregiver Development Programme: A qualitative study of psychosocial care in nursing homes
Authors: Holmsen Line Constance , Tveit Bodil , Skar Ane‐Marthe Solheim , Hem Marit Helene 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimThis paper aims to explore professional caregivers' experiences of psychosocial care for older persons living in nursing homes following the professional caregivers' participation in the International Caregiver Development Programme (ICDP).DesignA qualitative study.MethodsAbout 15 focus group interviews and 25 participatory observations of five ICDP group courses were conducted with 31 employees in nursing homes, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nursing aids. The findings emerged through hermeneutic analysis.ResultsMain findings: (i) Adjusting the communication to the residents' psychosocial needs, (ii) Seeing the residents as individuals and (iii) Adjusting to individual interaction with the residents. The professional caregivers experienced that the residents participated more in communication, interaction and activities, in addition to be more satisfied, calm, happy and thankful in interaction with the caregivers. Furthermore, they described that the environment in the units became calmer and that they were considering psychosocial care before medication. Work‐related stress seems to impact ICDP participation and may be a barrier to implementation.