bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive experimental study on mechanical properties of a structural concrete lightened by olive pomace aggregates mixed with olive mill wastewater
Authors: El Boukhari Mohamed , Merroun Ossama , Maalouf Chadi , Bogard Fabien , Kissi Benaissa 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to experimentally determine whether mechanical properties of concrete can be improved by using olive pomace aggregates (OPA) as a substitute for natural sand. Two types of OPA were tested by replacing an equivalent amount of natural sand. The first type was OPA mixed with olive mill wastewater (OMW), and the second type was OPA not mixed with OMW. For each type, two series of concrete were produced using OPA in both dry and saturated states. The percentage of partial substitution of natural sand by OPA varied from 0% to 15%.

Design/methodology/approach
The addition of OPA leads to a reduction in the dry density of hardened concrete, causing a 5.69% decrease in density when compared to the reference concrete. After 28 days, ultrasonic pulse velocity tests indicated that the resulting material is of good quality, with a velocity of 4.45 km/s. To understand the mechanism of resistance development, microstructural analysis was conducted to observe the arrangement of OPA and calcium silicate hydrates within the cementitious matrix. The analysis revealed that there is a low level of adhesion between the cement matrix and OPA at interfacial transition zone level, which was subsequently validated by further microstructural analysis.

Findings
The laboratory mechanical tests indicated that the OPCD_OPW (5) sample, containing 5% of OPA, in a dry state and mixed with OMW, demonstrated the best mechanical performance compared to the reference concrete. After 28 days of curing, this sample exhibited a compressive strength (Rc) of 25 MPa. Furthermore, it demonstrated a tensile strength of 4.61 MPa and a dynamic modulus of elasticity of 44.39 GPa, with rebound values of 27 MPa. The slump of the specimens ranged from 5 cm to 9 cm, falling within the acceptable range of consistency (Class S2). Based on these findings, the OPCD_OPW (5) formulation is considered optimal for use in concrete production.

Originality/value
This research paper provides a valuable contribution to the management of OPA and OMW (OPA_OMW) generated from the olive processing industry, which is known to have significant negative environmental impacts. The paper presents an intriguing approach to recycling these materials for use in civil engineering applications.
Acquired cutis laxa secondary to acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: A case report and mini‐review of literature
Authors: Yamashita Aya , Fukui Tomohisa , Akasaka Eijiro , Nakajima Koji , Nakano Hajime , Sawamura Daisuke , Hamaya Tomoko 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCutis laxa presents as loose redundant skin folds and loss of dermal elastic tissue. Acquired cutis laxa (ACL) is characterized by later onset. It has been reported in association with various kinds of neutrophilic dermatoses, drugs, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune disorders. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is usually classified as a severe cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by T cell–mediated neutrophilic inflammation. We previously reported a mild case of AGEP caused by gemcitabine in a 76‐year‐old man. Here, we report a case of ACL secondary to AGEP in this patient. He developed AGEP 8 days after gemcitabine administration. Four weeks after beginning chemotherapy, his skin had become atrophic, loose, and darkly pigmented in areas previously affected by AGEP. Histopathological examination revealed edema and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration but no neutrophilic infiltration in the upper dermis. Elastica van Gieson staining showed that the elastic fibers in all layers of the dermis were sparse and shortened. Electron microscopy showed elevated numbers of fibroblasts and altered elastic fibers with irregular surfaces. Finally, he was diagnosed with ACL secondary to AGEP. He was treated with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Skin atrophy decreased over 3 months. We summarize 36 cases (including our case) with ACL secondary to neutrophilic dermatosis. We discuss these clinical manifestations, causative neutrophilic disorders, treatments, and outcomes. The mean age of patients was 3.5 years. Five patients had an aortic lesion as systemic involvement. The most common causative neutrophilic disorders were Sweet syndrome (24 cases), followed by urticaria‐like neutrophilic dermatosis (11 cases). There were no cases of AGEP except for our case. Although treatment for ACL secondary to neutrophilic dermatosis, such as dapsone, oral prednisolone, adalimumab, and plastic surgery were reported, ACL is generally refractory and irreversible. Our patient was considered reversibly cured due to the absence of continuous neutrophil‐mediated elastolysis.
Quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after primary debulking surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Results from the randomised SCORPION trial (NCT01461850)
Authors: Marchetti Claudia , Giannarelli Diana , Vizzielli Giuseppe , Ferrandina GabriellaM. , Tortorella Lucia , Fanfani Francesco , Costantini Barbara , Pasciuto Tina , Scambia Giovanni , Fagotti Anna 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS), versus primary debulking surgery (PDS), on quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).DesignRandomised trial conducted in a single institution.SettingDivision of Gynaecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.SamplePatients with stage‐IIIC/IV EOC and high tumour load.MethodsPatients were randomised (1:1) to undergo either PDS (PDS group) or NACT followed by IDS (NACT/IDS group).Main outcome measuresQuality‐of‐life (QoL) data, assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core QoL questionnaire (QLQ‐C30) and ovarian cancer module (OV28); co‐primary outcomes were the QLQ‐C30 global health score at 12 months (cross‐sectional analysis) and the difference in mean QLQ‐C30 global health score over time between treatment groups (longitudinal analysis).ResultsFrom October 2011 to May 2016, 171 patients were enrolled (PDS = 84; NACT/IDS = 87). We observed no clinical or statistically significant difference between treatment groups in any of the QoL functioning scales at 12 months, including QLQ‐C30 global health score (NACT/IDS group vs PDS group, mean difference 4.7, 95% CI −4.99 to 14.4, p = 0.340). Over time, we found lower global health scores for those undergoing PDS than for those receiving NACT (difference in mean score 6.27, 95% CI 0.440–12.11, p = 0.035), albeit this was not clinically relevant.ConclusionsWe found no difference in global QoL related to treatment approach at 12 months, even though patients in the NACT/IDS group reported better global health scores across the 12‐month period compared with the PDS group; these findings further confirm that NACT/IDS might be a feasible option for patients unsuitable for PDS.
Use of a Fitbit‐like device in rats: Sex differences, relation to EEG sleep, and use to measure the long‐term effects of adolescent ethanol exposure
Authors: Ehlers Cindy L. , Wills Derek , Benedict Jessica , Amodeo Leslie R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundSleep difficulties and rhythm disturbances are some of the problems associated with adolescent binge drinking. Recently, animal models of alcohol‐induced insomnia have been developed. However, studies in human subjects have recently focused not only on nighttime EEG findings but also on daytime sleepiness and disrupted activity levels as typically measured by activity tracking devices such as the “Fitbit.” We sought to develop and test a Fitbit‐like device (the “FitBite”) in rats and use it to track rest‐activity cycles following adolescent alcohol exposure.MethodsThe effects of 5 weeks of adolescent ethanol vapor or control conditions were evaluated in 48 male and female Wistar rats using FitBite activity while intoxicated, and during acute (24 h post‐vapor exposure) and chronic withdrawal (4 weeks post‐vapor exposure). Data were analyzed using activity count and cosinor analyses. Fourteen rats were subsequently implanted with cortical electrodes, and data from the FitBite were compared with EEG data to determine how well the FitBite could identify sleep and activity cycles.ResultsFemale rats were generally more active than males, with higher circadian rhythm amplitudes and mesors (rhythm‐adjusted means) across a 24‐h period. There were significant correlations between EEG‐estimated sleep and activity counts using the FitBite. When the rats were tested during intoxication after 4 weeks of ethanol vapor exposure, they had significantly less overall activity. Disruptions in circadian rhythm were also found with significant decreases in the circadian amplitude, mesor, and a later shift in the acrophase. At 24 h of ethanol withdrawal, rats had more episodes of activity with shorter durations during the daytime, when rats are expected to spend more of their time sleeping. This effect remained at 4 weeks following withdrawal, but circadian rhythm disruptions were no longer present.ConclusionsA Fitbit‐like device can be successfully used in rats to assess rest‐activity cycles. Adolescent alcohol exposure produced circadian rhythm disturbances that were not observed after withdrawal. Fragmentation of ultradian rest‐activity cycles during the light period was found at 24 h and 4 weeks after withdrawal and support data demonstrating the presence of sleep disturbance long after alcohol withdrawal.
Free‐access intravenous alcohol self‐administration in social drinkers and individuals with alcohol use disorder: Evaluation of relationships with phosphatidylethanol and self‐reported alcohol consumption
Authors: Olsson Yasmin , Hodzic Kenan , Wass Caroline , Lidö Helga , Stangl Bethany L. , O'Connor Sean , Plawecki Martin H. , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Söderpalm Bo , Jerlhag Elisabet 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe free‐access (FA) intravenous alcohol self‐administration (IV‐ASA) paradigm is an experimental approach that can identify modulators of alcohol consumption in humans. Moreover, the outcome measures of IV‐ASA paradigms are associated with self‐reported alcohol intake using the timeline follow‐back method (TLFB). To evaluate how FA IV‐ASA reflects drinking in real life, we examined the relationship between an objective marker of recent alcohol intake, phosphatidylethanol in blood (B‐PEth), and TLFB and measures obtained during IV‐ASA in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and social drinkers (SD). We also explored the associations between these measures and gut‐brain peptides involved in AUD pathophysiology.MethodsThirty‐eight participants completed a laboratory session in which they self‐administered alcohol intravenously. The safety limit was 200 mg%, and main outcomes were mean and peak breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC). Blood samples were drawn prior to IV‐ASA and subjective alcohol effects were rated during the experiment.ResultsThe study sample comprised 24 SD and 14 participants with DSM‐5 mild AUD. Although BrACs were not associated with B‐PEth or TLFB in the full sample or AUD subgroup, there was an association with TLFB in SD. In both subgroups, BrACs were associated with alcohol craving but with differential timing. Total ghrelin levels were higher in AUD participants than in SD.ConclusionsNo associations between B‐PEth levels and achieved BrACs were observed in the mild AUD group, the SD group, or the full sample. The ability for FA IV‐ASA to reflect recent drinking was confirmed only for TLFB in SD, whereas there were no associations within the smaller subsample of participants with mild AUD or in the full sample. Further studies that include a larger AUD sample are warranted. The association of BrACs with craving for alcohol suggests that the IV‐ASA method may be useful for assessing interventions that target craving. This could be explored by using the FA IV‐ASA model to evaluate the effects on craving of approved pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Tomodensitometric and histological age‐related changes in the normal feline middle and inner ear
Authors: Montel Charles , Arribarat Germain , Cartiaux Benjamin , Gaide Nicolas , Mogicato Giovanni 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDeafness in cats may be due to acquired causes such as aging. Similar age‐related morphological changes in the cochlea have been noted in several animal species. However, little is known about the effects of age on the morphology of the middle and inner ear in cats. The aim of the present study was to compare these structures in middle‐aged and geriatric cats using computed tomography and histological morphometric analysis. Data were obtained from 28 cats, aged 3–18 years, with no hearing or neurological disorders. Computed tomography showed an increase in tympanic bulla (middle ear) volume with aging. Histological morphometric analysis revealed thickening of the basilar membrane and atrophy of the stria vascularis (inner ear) in older cats, similar to what has been observed in older humans and dogs. Nevertheless, histological procedures could be improved to provide more data for comparison with different forms of presbycusis in humans.
The impact of top management teams' faultlines on organizational transparency―Evidence from CSR initiatives
Authors: Sun Yuefan , Zhang Jidong , Han Jing , Zhang Qi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure is becoming increasingly important in practice, yet knowledge about the antecedents of such CSR initiatives is limited. Drawing on faultline theories, we expect that the compositional attributes of top management teams, such as the level of heterogeneity, influence their decisions about CSR disclosure and reporting. Data and a sample from Chinese publicly traded companies are used to examine our hypotheses. Our results demonstrate that a top management team's faultline strength is negatively related to CSR disclosure decisions and CSR report quality. We contribute to the literature about CSR disclosure by offering specific insights, through a micro‐level analysis, about how to compose and structure top management teams to advance CSR in emerging economies such as China. Practical implications for managers and policymakers are also discussed.
Cigarette smoking is linked to an increased risk of delirium following arthroplasty in patients suffering from osteoarthritic pain
Authors: Chen Jie‐ru , Chen Jia‐qi , Hu Ji‐cheng , Huang Run‐sheng , Shen Liang , Gu Hai , Chai Xiao‐qing , Wang Di 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsPostoperative delirium (POD) is a common postoperative complication, and the potential relationship between cigarette smoking and POD is still unclear. The current study evaluated the relationship between preoperative smoking status in patients suffering from osteoarthritic pain and POD after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA total of 254 patients who had undergone unilateral TKA were enrolled between November 2021 and December 2022, with no gender limitation. Preoperatively, patients' visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and during movement, hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scores, pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) scores and smoking status were collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of POD, which was evaluated by the confusion assessment method (CAM).ResultsA total of 188 patients had complete datasets for final analysis. POD was diagnosed in 41 of 188 patients (21.8%) who had complete data for analysis. The incidence of smoking was significantly higher in Group POD than in Group Non‐POD (22 of 41 patients [54%] vs. 47 of 147 patients [32%], p < 0.05). The postoperative hospital stays were also longer than those of Group Non‐POD (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative smoking (OR: 4.018, 95% CI: 1.158–13.947, p = 0.028) was a risk factor for the occurrence of POD in patients with TKA. The length of hospital stay was correlated with the occurrence of POD.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that patients who smoked preoperatively were at increased risk of developing POD following TKA.
The COVID‐19 pandemic has impeded cytopathology practices and hindered cancer screening and management
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Yi , Chen Chien‐Chin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a global impact on the environment and economy and has affected hospital administration and patient behaviour. Since human‐to‐human coronavirus transmission occurs via droplets and physical contact, health care professionals are particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID‐19. Many cytopathology laboratories updated their workflow, established new standard biosafety protocols, and built digital pathology or telescope platforms to mitigate these risks and deal with the shortage of health care personnel. The COVID‐19 pandemic also disrupted medical education—all indoor training events, including conferences, multidisciplinary tumour boards, seminars, and microscope inspections were postponed. As a result, many laboratories now use new web‐based applications and platforms to maintain educational programs and multidisciplinary tumour boards. To comply with government directives, health care facilities postponed non‐emergency surgeries, reduced the number of routine medical examinations, restricted visitor numbers, and scaled back cancer screening activities, resulting in a sharp decline in cytopathology diagnoses, cancer screening specimens, and molecular testing for cancer. Subsequent misses or delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer were not uncommon. This review aims to provide comprehensive summaries of the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic for cytopathology, particularly in terms of cancer diagnosis, workload, human resources, and molecular testing.
Improving heart failure outcomes with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in different patient groups
Authors: Jhund Pardeep S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) were originally developed for the treatment of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes. Because of regulatory requirements to show the safety of this new class of drugs, a large randomized cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial was completed but this showed that instead of having a neutral effect on heart failure (HF) outcomes, that these drugs could reduce HF outcomes in this population. Subsequent trials with SGLT‐2is have shown that HF hospitalizations are reduced by 30% and CV death or HF hospitalization by 21% in patients with type 2 diabetes. These findings have extended to patients with HF with reduced and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction in whom further HF hospitalizations are reduced by 28% and CV death or HF hospitalizations reduced by 23%, and that it is becoming a central therapy for the treatment of HF. Moreover, the benefit in patients with HF is observed regardless of the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes. Similarly, in patients with chronic kidney disease and albuminuria, with and without type 2 diabetes, the benefit of SGLT‐2is is clearly seen with a 44% reduction in HF hospitalization and 25% reduction in CV death or HF hospitalization. These trials support the use of SGLT‐2is in improving HF outcomes in a broad range of patients, from those with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and those with pre‐existing HF regardless of ejection fraction.
Increased sea ice melt as a driver of enhanced Arctic phytoplankton blooming
Authors: Castagno Andrew P. , Wagner Till J. W. , Cape Mattias R. , Lester Conner W. , Bailey Elizabeth , Alves‐de‐Souza Catharina , York Robert A. , Fleming Alyson H. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPhytoplankton primary production in the Arctic Ocean has been increasing over the last two decades. In 2019, a record spring bloom occurred in Fram Strait, characterized by a peak in chlorophyll that was reached weeks earlier than in other years and was larger than any previously recorded May bloom. Here, we consider the conditions that led to this event and examine drivers of spring phytoplankton blooms in Fram Strait using in situ, remote sensing, and data assimilation methods. From samples collected during the May 2019 bloom, we observe a direct relationship between sea ice meltwater in the upper water column and chlorophyll a pigment concentrations. We place the 2019 spring dynamics in context of the past 20 years, a period marked by rapid change in climatic conditions. Our findings suggest that increased advection of sea ice into the region and warmer surface temperatures led to a rise in meltwater input and stronger near‐surface stratification. Over this time period, we identify large‐scale spatial correlations in Fram Strait between increased chlorophyll a concentrations and increased freshwater flux from sea ice melt.
Management of cirrhotic ascites: Seven‐step treatment protocol based on the Japanese evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis 2020
Authors: Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLiver cirrhosis is a severe illness, associated with multiple complications, which can lead to liver failure. One of the major complications of cirrhosis is ascites. This review describes a stepped treatment approach for the management of ascites in Japanese patients with cirrhosis. It is broadly based on the 2020 update of the Japanese clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis, which is briefly compared with guidelines from Europe and the United States. Step 1 is sodium restriction at a level suitable for Japanese individuals (5–7 g/day), Step 2 is albumin treatment to counteract underlying hypoalbuminemia, Step 3 is initiation of diuretic treatment with spironolactone, followed by add‐on loop diuretic treatment at Step 4. Patients that are refractory to sodium restriction and sodium diuretics can be treated with tolvaptan (Step 5) – a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist that is available in Japan. Patients at Steps 6 and 7 have refractory ascites and are treated with large volume paracentesis in combination with an albumin infusion. High‐dose albumin infusion (6–8 g/L) at the time of large volume paracentesis has recently become possible in Japan. Cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy is also an option at Step 6. Two of the treatment options at Step 7 are limited in Japan (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are not approved, and access to liver donors is very limited), but patients can undergo a peritoneovenous shunt if no other options are available. While challenges remain in the treatment of ascites, adopting this stepwise treatment approach may improve patient outcomes.