bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Evolution and Outcomes of the “Maddern Procedure” for the Treatment of Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Lorenz Robert R. 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionA novel technique to treat subglottic stenosis, the “Maddern Procedure”, has been gaining acceptance in academic centers. This study describes the technique in detail, as well as its evolution over the first 28 patients performed at an academic center.MethodsA prospective case‐series, with descriptive technique modifications cataloged throughout the 6 years needed to accumulate the patient cohort with a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up (11/2015–11/2021). Main outcomes examined included changes to surgical indications, complications, and post‐operative outcomes as measured by validated measures of voice and breathing.ResultsComplete resection of subglottic scaring was performed, at first transcervically (2 pts), then transorally (26 pts). Successful performance of the procedure occurred in all patients without complications, with either successful decannulation of previously existing tracheotomies, or removal of perioperative tracheotomies. Buccal grafts (8/26) replaced skin graft as the graft of choice. Although high subglottic disease was first thought to be a contraindication, superior results became evident in cases of high stenosis rather than disease that included the upper trachea, with 4/26 patients requiring subsequent tracheal resection or tracheal dilation. Of the 22 remaining patients, 19/22 had successful arresting of restenosis, with 2/22 undergoing subsequent cricotracheal resection, and 1/22 pts requiring subglottic dilation. Overall, 19/26 Maddern pts (73%) had objectively favorable outcomes, with 24/26 (92%) reporting that they would have undergone the procedure again.ConclusionFull‐thickness mucosal resection and relining of the subglottis is a developing technique that is a safe, yet technically challenging procedure which addresses the recurrent nature of the disease.Level of EvidenceLevel 4 (Case‐series) Laryngoscope, 133:3100–3108, 2023
Facilely Control Grafting Density and Side Chain Composition of Bottlebrush Polymer
Authors: Xiao Longqiang , Gao Danni , Hou Linxi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractControl over polymer architecture and composition is essential for disclosing structure‐property relationships and developing high‐performance materials. Herein, a new method is successfully developed to synthesize bottlebrush polymer (BP) with controllable graft density and side chain composition by “grafting‐from” strategy using in situ halogen exchange and reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP). The main chain of the BP is first synthesized by the polymerization of methacrylates containing alkyl bromide as a side group. Then, the alkyl bromine is quantitatively converted to alkyl iodide with sodium iodide (NaI) via in situ halogen exchange to efficiently initiate the RTCP of methacrylates. By adjusting the input amount of NaI and monomers in sequence, BP named PBPEMA‐g‐PMMA/PBzMA/PPEGMEMA which contains three different kinds of polymer side chains including hydrophilic PPEGMEMA, hydrophobic PMMA, and PBzMA is synthesized with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.36). The grafting density and the chain length of each polymer side chain are well controlled by the addition of NaI in batches and following RTCP. Moreover, the obtained BP self‐assembled into spherical vesicles in aqueous with hydrophilic coronal structure, core region, and the hydrophobic wall between the former two, which enables to wrap hydrophobic pyrene and hydrophilic Rhodamine 6G separately or simultaneously.
The VEGA web service: multipurpose online tools for molecular modelling and docking analyses
Authors: Pedretti Alessandro , Vittorio Serena , Sabato Emanuela , Vistoli Giulio , Mazzolari Angelica 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe paper presents the VEGA Online web service, which includes a set of freely available tools deriving from the development of the VEGA suite of programs. In detail, the paper is focused on two tools: the VEGA Web Edition (WE) and the Score tool. The former is a versatile file format converter including relevant features for 2D/3D conversion, for surface mapping and for editing/preparing input files. The Score application allows rescoring docking poses and in particular includes the MLP Interactions Scores (MLPInS) for describing hydrophobic interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this web service is the only available resource by which one can calculate both the virtual log P of a given input molecule according to the MLP approach plus the corresponding MLP surface.
Improving In Vitro Detection of Sensitization to Lipid Transfer Proteins: A New Molecular Multiplex IgE Assay
Authors: Sara Balsells‐Vives , Ulrike Flügge , Bettina Brix , Yvonne Weimann , Teresa Peralta , Clara San Bartolomé , Giovanna Araujo‐Sánchez , Rocío Casas‐Saucedo , María Torradeflot , Rocío Lara , Rosa Munoz‐Cano , Joan Bartra , Waltraud Suer , Mariona Pascal 
Published: May 2023

ScopeLTP‐syndrome is characterized by sensitization (IgE) to multiple non‐specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) with a variable clinical outcome. The treatment is primarily based on offending food avoidance. However, the determination of Pru p 3‐specific IgE is currently the main diagnostic tool to assess sensitization to nsLTPs. Herein, the study evaluates improvement of LTP‐syndrome diagnosis and clinical management using a new IgE multiplex‐immunoblot assay with a high diversity of food nsLTPs.Methods and resultsAn EUROLINE‐LTP strip with 28 recombinant nsLTPs from 18 allergenic sources is designed. In total the study investigates 38 patients with LTP‐syndrome and compares results from the nsLTPs (LTP‐strip) with the respective food extracts of Prick‐by‐prick (PbP) testing. The agreement exceeds 70% for most nsLTPs, e.g., Pru p 3 (100%), Mal d 3 (97%), Pru av 3 (89%), Pha v 3 isoforms (87%/84%), Ara h 9 (82%), Cor a 8 (82%), and Jug r 3 (82%). The functionality and allergenic relevance of nine recombinant nsLTPs are proven by Basophil activation testing (BAT).ConclusionsThe new IgE multiplex‐immunoblot nsLTP assay shows a good diagnostic performance allowing culprit food assessment. Negative results from LTP‐strip may indicate potentially tolerable foods, improving diet intervention and patients’ quality of life.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of the Postbiotic Supplement Urolithin A Predicts its Bioavailability Is Orders of Magnitude Lower than Concentrations that Induce Toxicity, but also Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Aichinger Georg , Stevanoska Maja , Beekmann Karsten , Sturla Shana J. 
Published: May 2023

ScopeA range of health benefits are attributed to consuming urolithin A (UA), such as improved muscle health, anti‐aging activity, and neuroprotection, whereas few studies raise possible adverse effects at high doses, including genotoxicity and estrogenic effects. Therefore, understanding UA bioactivity and safety depends on its pharmacokinetics. However, there is no physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model available for UA, thus limiting reliable assessment of effects observed from in vitro experimentation.Methods and resultsWe characterizes glucuronidation rates of UA by human S9 fractions. Partitioning and other physicochemical parameters are predicted using quantitative structure–activity relationship tools. Solubility and dissolution kinetics are determined experimentally. These parameters are used to construct a PBPK model, and results are compared with data from human intervention studies. We evaluates how different supplementation scenarios may influence UA plasma and tissue concentrations. Concentrations at which either toxic or beneficial effects are previously observed in vitro appear unlikely to be achieved in vivo.ConclusionA first PBPK model for UA is established. It enables prediction of systemic UA concentrations and is critical for extrapolating in vitro results to in vivo uses. Results support the safety of UA, but also challenge the potential for readily achieving beneficial effects by postbiotic supplementation.
A novel MIMO antenna with switchable UWB/5G modes for vehicular terminals
Authors: Kaliaperumal Kayalvizhi , Subramaniam Ramesh 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper demonstrates the design and development of a dual‐operating mode multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna. The MIMO antenna comprises a novel ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with selectively chosen feedlines to obtain bandwidth reconfiguration. The novel UWB monopole evolved from a rectangular monopole whose radiating portion and the ground plane are shaped to obtain broadband impedance matching from 2.3 to 10.7 GHz (Mode 1). The antenna is excited using a 50‐Ω microstrip line. An additional feed path is created and deployed to achieve bandwidth selectivity with a tuning fork bandpass filter (BPF) operating between 2.8 and 4 GHz. Bandwidth selection is performed using a pair of positive–intrinsic–negative diodes. Thus, in the reconfigured state, the monopole is connected to the excitation source through the BPF, restricting the operational bandwidth to 2.8–4.0 GHz (Mode 2). A vertically polarized four‐element MIMO antenna with pattern diversity characteristics is constructed, and the performance parameters are studied. The proposed multiantenna is fabricated and tested in the laboratory. The proposed MIMO antenna offers a measured gain of over 3.51 dBi and total efficiency above 78%. The proposed multielement antenna is suitable for UWB communications, including ISM, LTE2700, and sub‐6 GHz 5G communications at 3.5 GHz in the vehicular environment.
Distress related to psychotic experiences: Enhancing the world health organization composite international diagnostic interview psychosis screen
Authors: Oh Hans , Karcher Nicole R. , Soffer‐Dudek Nirit , Koyanagi Ai , Besecker Megan , DeVylder Jordan E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe abbreviated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) psychosis screen tends to yield high prevalence in online samples. Psychotic Experiences (PE) may not necessarily indicate current or imminent psychopathology; however, distressing PE appear to be more clinically informative.MethodsWe analyzed data collected from an online survey administered to a Qualtrics panel (N = 2522 adults). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the association between PE (with and without associated distress) and several mental health outcomes, adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity.ResultsIndividuals with distressing PE had greater odds of most mental health outcomes when compared with individuals with non‐distressing PE. This was true for being in mental health treatment, loneliness, probable mental illness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education level. The only exception was for hazardous alcohol use, for which there was no significant association with distressing PE.ConclusionAs screening for PE gains traction in public health and preventive medicine, using an abbreviated version of the WHO CIDI psychosis screen may be clinically informative, especially when eliciting the distressful nature of PE.
What are Brazilian orthopaedists' views on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain? A qualitative investigation
Authors: Murray Fabiana Silveira , Costa Nathalia , Jesus‐Moraleida Fabianna , Meziat‐Filho Ney 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundOrthopaedists are often the first point of contact for patients who present with low back pain (LBP) and chronic LBP in Brazil.AimTo explore the views of orthopaedists on therapeutic approaches for chronic non‐specific low back pain (CNLBP) with a view to gain insights into aspects of clinical practice considered important to them.MethodsA qualitative design underpinned by interpretivism was employed. Participants were (n = 13) orthopaedists with experience in treating patients with CNLBP. Following the pilot interviews, semi‐structured interviews were conducted, audio‐recorded, transcribed and de‐identified. Interview data were thematically analysed.ResultsFour themes were identified. (1) Biophysical aspects are important and predominate, but sometimes their relevance can be unclear; (2) Psychosocial aspects and lifestyle factors influence the therapeutic approach; (3) Treatment of CNLBP ‐ including medication, physical activity, surgery and other invasive procedures and other therapeutic modalities; and (4) Nuances of clinical practice – “it goes beyond medicine”.ConclusionBrazilian orthopaedists value identifying the biophysical cause(s) of chronic low back pain. Psychological factors were often discussed secondary to biophysical aspects, whereas social aspects were rarely mentioned. Orthopaedists highlighted their difficulties in navigating patients' emotions and reassuring patients without referrals to imaging tests. Orthopaedists may benefit from training that targets communication and other relational aspects of care in order to work with people who present with CNLBP.
Dirichlet‐type absorbing boundary conditions for peridynamic scalar waves in two‐dimensional viscous media
Authors: Hermann Alexander , Shojaei Arman , Seleson Pablo , Cyron Christian J. , Silling Stewart A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractConstruction of absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) for nonlocal models is generally challenging, primarily due to the fact that nonlocal operators are commonly associated with volume constrained boundary conditions. Moreover, application of Fourier and Laplace transforms, which are essential for the majority of available methods for ABCs, to nonlocal models is complicated. In this paper, we propose a simple method to construct accurate ABCs for peridynamic scalar wave‐type problems in viscous media. The proposed ABCs are constructed in the time and space domains and are of Dirichlet type. Consequently, their implementation is relatively simple, since no derivatives of the wave field are required. The proposed ABCs are derived at the continuum level, from a semi‐analytical solution of the exterior domain using harmonic exponential basis functions in space and time (plane‐wave modes). The numerical implementation is done using a meshfree collocation approach employed within a boundary layer adjacent to the interior domain boundary. The modes satisfy the peridynamic numerical dispersion relation, resulting in a compatible solution of the interior region (near‐field) with that of the exterior region (far‐field). The accuracy and stability of the proposed ABCs are demonstrated with several numerical examples in two‐dimensional unbounded domains.
A single site study to investigate the current prevalence of anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody among substance use disorder patients in Hiroshima—Insufficient testing and diagnosis
Authors: Kagaya Ariyuki , Nagaoki Yuko , Shimura Satomi , Kawana Katsuyoshi , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug users presents an important public health problem; however, little recognition and few approaches to address this issue in Japan. This study was conducted to investigate the current disease status by assessing anti‐HCV antibody (Ab) seroprevalence among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and people who use drugs (PWUDs) in Hiroshima, Japan.MethodsThis study was a psychiatric single‐site chart review in patients with drug abuse problems in the Hiroshima region. The primary outcome was anti‐HCV Ab prevalence among PWIDs who underwent anti‐HCV Ab testing. The secondary outcomes included the prevalence of anti‐HCV Ab among PWUDs who underwent anti‐HCV Ab testing and the proportion of patients who underwent anti‐HCV Ab examination.ResultsA total of 222 PWUD patients were enrolled. Among these, 16 patients (7.2%) had records of injection drug use (PWIDs). Eleven (68.8%) of the 16 PWIDs received anti‐HCV Ab tests, and 4 (36.4%, 4/11) were anti‐HCV Ab‐positive. Among 222 PWUDs, 126 (56.8%) patients received anti‐HCV Ab tests, and 57 of these patients (45.2%, 57/126) were anti‐HCV Ab‐positive.ConclusionThe prevalence of anti‐HCV Ab among PWIDs and PWUDs who visited the study site was higher than the general population, which was 2.2% among hospitalized patients between May 2018 and November 2019. Considering the World Health Organization's (WHO) elimination goal and recent advances in HCV treatment, patients with drug abuse experience should be encouraged to take HCV tests and consult hepatologists for further investigations and treatment if they are positive for anti‐HCV Ab.
Longer Times to Delivery of Otolaryngology Care for Patients With Limited English Proficiency
Authors: Lopez Betzamel , Gottlieb Barbara R. , Naples James G. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveLimited English proficiency (LEP) is known to contribute to poorer health outcomes and delays in management. However, to our knowledge, no other studies have explored the impact of LEP on delays to care within otolaryngology. This study aims to investigate the relationship between LEP and the time to delivery of otolaryngology care.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 1125 electronic referrals to an otolaryngologist from primary care providers at 2 health centers in the greater Boston area, between January 2015 and December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine if patient LEP status (preferred language non‐English and language interpreter use) has an impact on total time to appointment (TTTA).ResultsPatients with non‐English preferred languages were 2.6 times more likely to experience extended TTTA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.99‐3.42, p < .001) relative to English‐speaking patients. Patients who required interpreter use were 2.4 times more likely to experience extended TTTA (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.84‐3.18, p < .001) relative to patients who did not require an interpreter. There was no difference in age, sex, insurance type, education level, or marital status. TTTA did not vary by diagnosis category (p = .09).DiscussionLEP is an important factor that influences the time to appointment in our cohort. Notably, the impact of LEP on appointment wait times was independent of diagnosis.Implications for PracticeClinicians should recognize LEP as a factor that can impact the overall delivery of care in otolaryngology. Specifically, mechanisms to streamline care for LEP patients should be considered.
Fertility preservation in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Close Allison , Burns Karen , Bjornard Kari , Webb Martine , Chavez Josuah , Chow Eric J. , Meacham Lillian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCertain chemotherapy agents, radiation, and surgery can all negatively impact future fertility. Consults regarding treatment‐related risk for infertility and gonadal late effects of these agents should occur at the time of diagnosis as well as during survivorship. Counseling on fertility risk has traditionally varied significantly across providers and institutions. We aim to provide a guide to standardize the assignment of gonadotoxic risk, which can be used in counseling patients both at the time of diagnosis and in survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 26 frontline Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III protocols for leukemia/lymphoma, in use from 2000–2022. A stratification system based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status was used to assign treatments into minimal, significant, and high level of increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Risk levels were assigned to protocols and different treatment arms to aid oncologists and survivor care providers in counseling patients regarding treatment‐related gonadotoxicity. Males were most commonly at high risk, with at least one high‐risk arm in 14/26 protocols (54%), followed by pubertal females (23% of protocols) and prepubertal females (15% of protocols). All patients who received direct gonadal radiation or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) were considered at high risk. Partnering with patients and their oncology/survivorship team is imperative for effective fertility counseling both prior to and post treatment, and this comprehensive guide can be used as a tool to standardize and improve reproductive health counseling in patients undergoing COG‐based leukemia/lymphoma care.
High‐fidelity random fiber distribution algorithm based on fiber spreading process
Authors: Xiao Jing , Li Mengze , Li Shuran , Song Xiaowen , Ke Yinglin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe performance of fiber‐reinforced composites is not only determined by their constituents, but also by the spatial distribution of inclusions. The traditional random distribution algorithm only considers the randomness of its relative position, and every newly generated fiber has to be checked with all the existing fibers, which requires a large amount of calculation. In this paper, inspired by the spreading process that the fibers are not arranged randomly, but the forces acting on the upper and lower rows of fibers. A random fiber distribution algorithm based on partition randomness is proposed, and a microscopic model of in‐plane fibers with random distribution is established. The maximum volume fraction of fibers generated by the algorithm is 75%, and the generation time is less than 20s. Statistical characterization and finite element analysis of the structure generated by the algorithm are compared with the experimental data to verify the randomness and effectiveness of fibers. The algorithm overcomes the jamming limit of the traditional hard‐core method, and can efficiently generate random microstructure models with different volume fractions, which can be a promising alternative for modeling and analysis of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites.
Linking beliefs in reading with lifelong learning tendencies among undergraduates: The mediating role of enthusiasm for reading
Authors: Buyukgoze Hilal 
Published: May 2023

AbstractToday, learning no longer takes place on a definite place or time; rather, it has an ongoing and interactive nature, lasting throughout one's life. Relatedly, reading is usually considered to enhance learning, communication and the exchange of ideas. Given the importance of becoming a lifelong learner, this study focuses on the influence of reading habits on lifelong learning tendencies of university students as mediated by their enthusiasm for reading. A predictive correlational research model was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. A total of 376 undergraduates with diverse backgrounds were surveyed in a central city of Turkey. The mediated‐path analysis demonstrated that belief in the impact of reading is a prominent predictor of university students' lifelong learning tendencies. Further, enthusiasm for reading was explored to mediate the link between beliefs in the impact of reading and lifelong learning tendencies. This study contributes to the debate and research on lifelong learning by using a national case which is relatively understudied and underrepresented international higher education research. It also adds to the theme by revealing direct and indirect paths between university students' beliefs in reading and lifelong learning tendencies as mediated by their enthusiasm for reading.