bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical application of 3D‐printed biodegradable lumbar interbody cage (polycaprolactone/β‐tricalcium phosphate) for posterior lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Liu Yichao , Wu Hao , Bao Shusen , Huang Hai , Tang Zhen , Dong Hui , Liu Jiaqi , Chen Shengxiu , Wang Ning , Wu Zhigang , Zhang Zhiyong , Shi Lei , Li Xiaokang , Guo Zheng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA novel 3D‐printed biodegradable cage composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) in a mass ratio of 50:50, with stable resorption patterns and mechanical strength has been developed for lumbar interbody fusion. This is a prospective cohort study to evaluate the short‐ and mid‐term safety and efficacy of this biodegradable cage in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. This was a prospective single‐arm pilot clinical trial in 22 patients with a follow‐up time of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) and Visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain and low back pain. Radiological examination included X‐ray, CT scan, and three‐dimensional reconstruction to evaluate surgical indications, intervertebral space height (ISH), intervertebral bone fusion and cage degradation. A total of 22 patients was included, with an average age of 53.5 years. Among 22 patients, one patient lost to follow‐up and one patient withdrew from the clinical trial because of cage retropulsion. The remaining 20 patients showed significant improvement in clinical and imaging outcomes compared to the preoperative period. The overall mean VAS for back decreased from 5.85 ± 0.99 preoperatively to 1.15 ± 0.86 at the 12‐month follow‐up (p < .001); the VAS for leg decreased from 5.75 ± 1.11 to 1.05 ± 0.76 (p < .001); the JOA score improved from 13.8 ± 2.64 to 26.45 ± 2.46 (p < .001). The mean intervertebral space height (ISH) increased from 11.01 ± 1.75 mm preoperatively to 12.67 ± 1.89 mm at the 12‐month follow‐up and the bone fusion reached 95.2% (20/21 disc segments). Partial resorption (inferior to 50% compared with the initial cage size) were found in all cages (21/21). The clinical and radiological assessments showed that the application of 3D‐printed biodegradable PCL/β‐TCP cages in PLIF yielded satisfactory results at the 12‐month follow‐up. In the future, long‐term clinical observations and controlled clinical trials are required to further validate the safety and efficacy of this novel cage.
Apoptotic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from nettle leaf
Authors: Dağlıoğlu Yeşim , Öztürk Betül Yılmaz , Khatami Mehrdad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHere, we reported the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract as green reducing and capping agents and investigate their anticancer and antibacterial, activity. The Nettle‐mediated biosynthesized AgNPs was characterized by UV–Vis a spectrophotometer. Their size, shape and elemental analysis were determined with the using of SEM and TEM. The crystal structure was determined by XRD and the biomolecules responsible for the reduction of Ag+ were determined using FTIR analysis. Nettle‐mediated biosynthesis AgNPs indicated strong antibacterial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Again, the antioxidant activity of AgNPs is quite high when compared to ascorbic acid. Anticancer effect of AgNPs, IC50 dose was determined by XTT analysis using MCF‐7 cell line and the IC50 value was found to be 0.243 ± 0.014 μg/mL (% w/v).
Palyno‐taxonomic approach through light and scanning electron microscopy for the identification of herbaceous Asteraceae species from Sikaram Mountain Pak‐Afghan border
Authors: Ali Shahab , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Shazia , Khan Amjad , Majeed Salman , Raza Jamil 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDue to the diverse and rich taxa, Asteraceae needs to explore from the untouched area. In this study, the pollen study was intended to assess the taxonomic value for Asteraceous taxa growing on the Sikaram Mountain Pak‐Afghan border. Both microscopic techniques (LM and SEM) play a significant role in the identification and classification of herbaceous species of Asteraceae for their taxonomic and systematic implication. Pollen was observed and measured for the 15 species of Asteraceae. For investigated taxa 15 pollen characters with size, shape, polar view, pollen type, aperture orientation, and exine sculpturing in the eurypalynous pollen. Consequently, the pollen grains are usually Tricolporate, triangular to circular in polar view, while, the shape of pollen varies from subulate, oblate, and prolate along with prolate to spheroidal whereas, sculpturing also varies from Scabrate to micro reticulate, echino‐perforate, Scabrate to echinate, echinate to granulate and echinate were observed. Similarly, among the quantitative data minimum values of polar and equatorial were 15.8 ± 0.74 μm in Filago pyramidata and 17.85 ± 0.39 μm in Heteropappus altaicus was measured respectively, while; the length of the spine with the least value of 2.45 ± 0.31 μm in Hertia intermedia and highest with 7.55 ± 0.31 μm was observed in Cirsium wallichii. The Exine thickness is a minimum of 1.70 ± 0.35 μm in Launaea nudicaulis and a maximum of 5.65 ± 3.59 μm in Cirssium vulgare. In addition, the highest pollen fertility (87%) in Centaurea iberica while the highest pollen sterility (32%) was recorded in Cirsium verutum. Furthermore, clustering via UPGMA, PCA, and PCoA analysis was performed for the separation of closely related taxa. It is concluded from this research work that palynological study has a crucial role in taxonomic, pure, and applied sciences. This study can be further authenticated and improved by a Phylogenetic study based on chloroplast DNA analysis & whole genome sequencing.Research Highlights
Pollen ultrastructure among 15 Asteraceous taxa.
Micromorphological attributes measured via LM and SEM.
Exine sculpture elements patterns provide accurate identification.
Taxonomic keys were developed for its systematics implications.
Improving Hands‐Free Speech Rehabilitation in Laryngectomized Patients with a Moldable Adhesive
Authors: Leemans Maartje , Longobardi Ylenia , Dirven Richard , Honings Jimmie , D'Alatri Lucia , Galli Jacopo , van den Brekel Michiel , Parrilla Claudio , van Sluis Klaske E. 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the product performance of a new moldable peristomal adhesive with corresponding heating pad designed to facilitate and improve automatic speaking valve (ASV) fixation for hands‐free speech in laryngectomized patients.MethodsTwenty laryngectomized patients, all regular adhesive users with prior ASV experience, were included. Study‐specific questionnaires were used for data collection at baseline and after two weeks of moldable adhesive use. The primary outcome parameters were adhesive lifetime during hands‐free speech, use and duration of hands‐free speech, and patient preference. Additional outcome parameters were satisfaction, comfort, fit, and usability.ResultsThe moldable adhesive enabled ASV fixation adequate for hands‐free speech in the majority of participants. Overall, the moldable adhesive significantly increased adhesive lifetime and duration of hands‐free speech compared to participants' baseline adhesives (p < 0.05), regardless of stoma depth, skin irritation, or regular use of hands‐free speech at baseline.The participants who preferred the moldable adhesive (55% of participants) experienced a significant increase in the adhesive lifetime (median of 24 h, range 8–144 h) and improved comfort, fit, and ease of speech.ConclusionThe moldable adhesive's lifetime and functional aspects, including the ease of use and custom fit, are encouraging outcomes and enable more laryngectomized patients to use hands‐free speech more regularly.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:2965–2970, 2023
Performance assessment of serial dilutions for the determination of backscattering properties in highly turbid waters
Authors: Kerrisk Gemma , Drayson Nathan , Ford Phillip , Botha Hannelie , Anstee Janet 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe ECO BB9, an instrument designed for characterizing the particulate backscattering coefficient (bbp) of waters in situ, saturates frequently in water with high concentrations of particles. These water types are of increasing interest in water optics research due to the complexity of their contents and gaps in the knowledge of their interactions with the light field. Through serial dilutions, the concentrations of particles can be brought into the instrument range and linear extrapolation can be used to yield a prediction of bbp for the original undiluted solution. The efficacy of this simple approach is explored here using natural and synthetic waters in a controlled laboratory setting. bbp is a key inherent optical property used in validating and calibrating water quality parameters commonly estimated by remote sensing inversion algorithms. For this reason, the synthetic waters were constructed to test the method across water types characteristic of colored dissolved organic matter, non‐algal particulates, and phytoplankton. The dilution method was evaluated by assessment of dilution series accuracy, precision, and constancy of the backscattering spectral slope. It was found to be effective with all water types in this paper.
Optical, flow, and thermal analysis of a phototherapy extracorporeal membrane oxygenator for treating carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Goulopoulos Anastasia , Etim Edidiong , Korupolu Sandeep , Farinelli William , Sierra Heidy , Anderson R Rox , Fischbach Anna , Franco Walfre 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO) are currently utilized to mechanically ventilate blood when lung or lung and heart function are impaired, like in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS can be caused by severe cases of carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation, which is the leading cause of poison‐related deaths in the United States. ECMOs can be further optimized for severe CO inhalation using visible light to photo‐dissociate CO from hemoglobin (Hb). In previous studies, we combined phototherapy with an ECMO to design a photo‐ECMO device, which significantly increased CO elimination and improved survival in CO‐poisoned animal models using light at 460, 523, and 620 nm wavelengths. Light at 620 nm was the most effective in removing CO.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to analyze the light propagation at 460, 523, and 620 nm wavelengths and the 3D blood flow and heating distribution within the photo‐ECMO device that increased CO elimination in CO‐poisoned animal models.MethodsLight propagation, blood flow dynamics, and heat diffusion were modeled using the Monte Carlo method and the laminar Navier‐Stokes and heat diffusion equations, respectively.ResultsLight at 620 nm propagated through the device blood compartment (4 mm), while light at 460 and 523 nm only penetrated 48% to 50% (~2 mm). The blood flow velocity in the blood compartment varied with regions of high (5 mm/s) and low (1 mm/s) velocity, including stagnant flow. The blood temperatures at the device outlet for 460, 523, and 620 nm wavelengths were approximately 26.7°C, 27.4°C, and 20°C, respectively. However, the maximum temperatures within the blood treatment compartment rose to approximately 71°C, 77°C, and 21°C, respectively.ConclusionsAs the extent of light propagation correlates with efficiency in photodissociation, the light at 620 nm is the optimal wavelength for removing CO from Hb while maintaining blood temperatures below thermal damage. Measuring the inlet and outlet blood temperatures is not enough to avoid unintentional thermal damage by light irradiation. Computational models can help eliminate risks of excessive heating and improve device development by analyzing design modifications that improve blood flow, like suppressing stagnant flow, further increasing the rate of CO elimination.
Only‐train‐once MR fingerprinting for B0 and B1 inhomogeneity correction in quantitative magnetization‐transfer contrast
Authors: Kang Beomgu , Singh Munendra , Park HyunWook , Heo Hye‐Young 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo develop a fast, deep‐learning approach for quantitative magnetization‐transfer contrast (MTC)–MR fingerprinting (MRF) that simultaneously estimates multiple tissue parameters and corrects the effects of B0 and B1 variations.MethodsAn only‐train‐once recurrent neural network was designed to perform the fast tissue‐parameter quantification for a large range of different MRF acquisition schedules. It enabled a dynamic scan‐wise linear calibration of the scan parameters using the measured B0 and B1 maps, which allowed accurate, multiple‐tissue parameter mapping. MRF images were acquired from 8 healthy volunteers at 3 T. Estimated parameter maps from the MRF images were used to synthesize the MTC reference signal (Zref) through Bloch equations at multiple saturation power levels.ResultsThe B0 and B1 errors in MR fingerprints, if not corrected, would impair the tissue quantification and subsequently corrupt the synthesized MTC reference images. Bloch equation–based numerical phantom studies and synthetic MRI analysis demonstrated that the proposed approach could correctly estimate water and semisolid macromolecule parameters, even with severe B0 and B1 inhomogeneities.ConclusionThe only‐train‐once deep‐learning framework can improve the reconstruction accuracy of brain‐tissue parameter maps and be further combined with any conventional MRF or CEST‐MRF method.
Hidden Otolaryngology Malpractice Claims: An Internal Review From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Fadel Mark A. , McCoy Jennifer L. , Kidwell Richard , Voinchet Robert , Johnson Jonas T. , Simons Jeffrey P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo report key characteristics and patterns of captive insurance claims not publicly reported in otolaryngology across a large tertiary‐level academic health system over the previous 2 decades.Study DesignCase series.SettingThe tertiary care health system.MethodsThe internal captive insurance database at a tertiary level healthcare system was queried to identify otolaryngology‐related malpractice claims regardless of final disposition (settled or dismissed) filed from 2000 to 2020. The date of the incident, date of claim, error type, patient outcome, provider subspecialty, total expenses, disposition, and final reward amount were recorded.ResultsTwenty‐eight claims were identified. There were 11 (39.3%) claims from 2000 to 2010 and 17 (60.7%) claims from 2011 to 2020. Head and neck surgery was the most frequently implicated subspecialty (n = 9, 32.1% of all cases), followed by general otolaryngology (n = 7, 25.0%), pediatrics (n = 5, 17.9%), skull base/rhinology (n = 4, 14.3%), and laryngology (n = 1, 3.6%). Improper surgical performance was cited in 35.7% of cases (n = 10), followed by failure to diagnose (n = 8, 28.6%), to treat (n = 4, 14.3%), and to obtain informed consent (n = 3, 10.7%). While 2 cases are ongoing, a total of 17/26 (65.4%) cases were settled and 20/26 (76.9%) dismissed some or all parties. Dismissed claims had significantly higher expenses (p = .022) and duration from incident to disposition (p = .013) compared to settled claims.ConclusionThis study expands the malpractice landscape in otolaryngology by including data not readily available through public sources and compares it to national trends. These findings encourage otolaryngologists to better gauge current quality and safety measures that best protect patients from harm.
Simultaneously enhanced friction and wear resistances of epoxy nanocomposites modified by nickel phyllosilicate nanoflowers under wet sliding conditions
Authors: Yang Jinian , Feng Xuesong , Nie Shibin , Dong Jie , Jiang Liu , Xu Yuxuan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHigh‐quality friction and wear resistances are very important for epoxy resin (EP) when serving as construction and coating materials. Herein, in this study, a series of nickel phyllosilicate (NiPS) nanoflowers filled EP were fabricated, and then their mechanical responses, hydrophilicity and tribological properties under wet sliding were examined thoroughly. Results showed that the compressive strength of as‐prepared nanocomposites increased first and then decreased, achieving a maximum value of 280.05 MPa at 5% filler, while the elastic modulus, hardness and hydrophilicity were all improved monotonously with elevated filler content. The presence of NiPS nanoflowers enhanced the wet‐lubricated tribological properties considerably. Both the average friction coefficient and wear rate presented similar anti‐parabolic change trends with the lowest values of 0.166 and 0.82 × 10−6 mm3/Nm obtained at 5% and 3%, which were 25.6% and 20.9% lower than pure EP, respectively. Further investigations confirmed that a relatively high applied load and sliding speed also promoted improved water‐lubricated tribological properties, suggesting a giant potential for the resulting EP nanocomposites to work safely as instrumental components under harsh conditions.
Low‐velocity impact response and damage tolerance of hybrid biaxial/triaxial braided composite laminates
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Wang Kang , Shi Lin , Cheng Xiaoying , Yuan Yanhong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe structural properties of braided composite laminates are significantly affected by the low‐velocity impact (LVI). In this paper, the impact resistance and damage tolerance of triaxial braid structure laminates at different positions were mainly studied. Three hybrid biaxial (B)/triaxial (T) braided composite structures of BBTT, BTTB, and TTBB were designed, and LVI test and post‐impact compression tests were carried out. The results show that the triaxial braided fabric with quasi‐isotropic on the impact side caused more significant matrix cracks along the axis yarn direction, and the matrix damage area and delamination area were larger. For triaxial braided ply with high curl levels, severe fiber fracture and relatively concentrated damage occurred first on the non‐impact side. Interestingly, triaxial braided fabrics exhibited better impact resistance in terms of mechanical response when distributed across the specimen surface. However, a global damage pattern appears at high energy levels, which seriously reduced the residual strength of the structure and showed the worst damage tolerance. The damage quantification analysis of cracks, dent depths, delamination and residual compressive strength caused by the LVI of hybrid shaft number braided laminates was carried out in this work, which provided a valuable reference for engineering failure analysis and rational structure optimization of composite laminates.
Investigation of the effect of zeolite, bentonite, and basalt fiber as natural reinforcing materials on the material properties of PPS and CF‐reinforced PPS
Authors: Kizil Aytunc , Dincer Ugur , Yilmaz Sinan , Gul Okan , Karsli N. Gamze , Yilmaz Taner 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study was performed to expand the usage area of phenylene sulfide (PSS) by reducing its cost without deteriorating the material properties. For this purpose, mechanical, thermo‐mechanical and abrasion tests were conducted to composite materials obtained by adding carbon fiber (CF), basalt fiber (BF), zeolite, and bentonite into PPS, and the effects of additive type and ratio were examined. For the test samples, fabricated by the melt blending, the fiber content was 10 wt.%, while zeolite, and bentonite ratios were 1, 5, and 10 wt.%. According to tensile and abrasion test results, zeolite, and bentonite improved the properties of fiber‐reinforced PPS by showing a synergistic effect. It has been demonstrated in this research that the cost of fiber‐reinforced PPS matrix composites, which are widely used in advanced engineering applications, can be reduced by using natural minerals zeolite and bentonite without sacrificing material properties. Findings obtained from mechanical and wear tests, revealed that the composition containing 10, 10, and 80 wt.%, zeolite, CF, and PPS, respectively, exhibited optimum material properties. BF for PPS has been shown to be an alternative reinforcement to CF, as it exhibits the lowest wear rate and better interacts with particles in the matrix.
Phonemic awareness of schoolers test assessment (PASTA): A pseudoword blending task for Italian pupils
Authors: Cardis Anna , Fastame Maria Chiara 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPhonemic awareness refers to the ability to reflect on and process the sounds of spoken language and to conduct mental operations on the units that represent them, that is, phonemes. This study intended to examine the descriptive and psychometric properties of the phonemic awareness of schoolers test assessment (PASTA), a new tool that assesses one dimension of phonological awareness, namely the ability to blend pseudowords. A sample of 627 Italian 3rd–5th graders, 314 females and 313 males (Mage = 9.3 years, SD = 10.2 months, age range = 7.8–11.4 years) took part in the study. Participants completed a battery of tests assessing verbal intelligence and working memory, reading, writing, word, and pseudoword‐blending skills. A satisfactory internal consistency of PASTA (Kudar–Richardson 20 = 0.81) was documented. Moreover, a series of Pearson's correlations revealed adequate concurrent validity of the new test. In addition, an ANOVA showed the positive main effect of education in the PASTA condition (F[2,621) = 11.083, p < .0001, η²p = .03). As expected, 3rd‐grade pupils were outperformed by children attending the 4th‐ and 5th grades. In conclusion, the PASTA is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of phonological processing in Italian 3rd to 5th graders of primary school.