bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyogenic liver abscess in non‐liver cancer patients and liver cancer patients treated with TACE: Etiological characteristics, treatment, and outcome analysis
Authors: Liu Yi‐Ming , Ren Yan‐Qiao , Song Song‐Lin , Zheng Chuan‐Sheng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractClinical, laboratory, and microbiological features, clinical outcomes, and pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) prognosis evaluation in non‐liver cancer (Non‐LC) and liver cancer patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, LC‐TACE). Clinical data of 48 consecutive PLA patients from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Mortality between two PLA patient groups were compared, and mortality risk factors were evaluated. A total of 48 PLA patients (31 males and 17 females) from January 2016 to December 2020 met the study's inclusion criteria. There were 32 and 16 patients in the Non‐LC and LC‐TACE groups, respectively. Positive pus culture rate in the Non‐LC group was 87.5% and positive pus culture rate in LC‐TACE group was 81.3%. In the Non‐LC group, 28 patients improved after treatment, 1 patient did not improve, and 3 patients died during hospitalization, with a 9.4% mortality rate. In the LC‐TACE group, nine patients improved after treatment, three patients did not improve, and four patients died during hospitalization, with a 25% mortality rate. The Non‐LC group cure time was 37.4 ± 23.1 days, while the LC‐TACE group was 91.5 ± 49.7 days. PLA of the Non‐LC group and the LC‐TACE group were different in terms of pathogenic bacteria and cure time, and so on. A more comprehensive treatment should be considered for PLA after TACE.
Determining Optimum Size at Release for Hatchery-Origin Tucannon River Spring Chinook Salmon Using PIT Tags
Authors: Gallinat Michael P. , Bence James R. , Miller Larabee S. , Ross Lance A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The Tucannon River spring Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha hatchery program has consistently failed to reach the program target adult (age 4 and older) smolt-to-adult return (SAR) rate of 0.87%. This has resulted in the hatchery program falling short of meeting its hatchery adult return goal of 1,152 fish. To determine whether hatchery fish released at a larger size would increase the number of returning adults, we released 95,256 PIT-tagged, hatchery-origin spring Chinook Salmon with known FLs (range = 73–212 mm) categorized into five length-classes (&lt;120, 120–139, 140–159, 160–179, and ≥180 mm FL) over eight brood years (2006–2013) to examine how size at release affected the smolt-to-adult survival (SAS) rate to the Columbia–Snake River system and the SAR rate to the Tucannon River. We used this information to determine an optimum size range at release to maximize adult returns to the Tucannon River and determine whether the program target SAR of 0.87% was achieved by any of the length-classes. Return of hatchery adults (age 4 and older) for both SAS and SAR peaked for the 140–159-mm length-class. Smaller size at release resulted in lower survival, whereas fish larger than this size range matured prematurely either as minijacks or jacks and the majority never made it back to the Tucannon River. Based on this study, to maximize adult returns, hatchery smolts from the Tucannon River spring Chinook Salmon hatchery program should be released in the 140–159-mm range. None of the length-classes came close to reaching the adult SAR target of 0.87% (SAR for fish that were 140–159 mm at release was 0.15%). The expectation that changes to smolt size will lead to reaching the 0.87% SAR target is unrealistic for this population under current hatchery rearing and environmental conditions.
Application of the 2011 international consensus cancer cachexia classification in routine oncology dietetic practice: An observational study
Authors: Aktas Aynur , Lorton Cliona M. , Griffin Oonagh , Higgins Keira , Roulston Fiona , Stewart Gillian , Corkery Niamh , Barnes Elizabeth , Walsh Declan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundCancer cachexia (CC) is highly prevalent and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet underrecognized. In 2011, an international cachexia consensus (ICC) proposed a definition, assessment framework, and stages for classification: cancer precachexia, cachexia, and refractory cachexia. The authors anticipated that a “more practical classification approach for clinical practice” would be required, which we interpreted as a bedside assessment based on clinical data. We investigated whether the ICC classification could be employed in routine dietetic practice without access to objective muscle mass measures.MethodsData from 200 consecutive patients with solid tumors were collected as part of clinical practice by oncology dietitians in five tertiary referral hospitals. Dietitians used information gathered during their routine assessment and applied the ICC framework to assign a stage. When the dietitian was unable to assign a stage, the reason was noted.ResultsBased on available data, classification was possible in 177 (88%); 23 (12%) could not be staged. The reasons cited were as follows: unknown C‐reactive protein (n = 14), complex clinical situation (n = 5), unknown weight loss (n = 2), and acute illness (n = 2). Thirty (17%) of the 177 participants were judged to be noncachectic. One hundred twelve (83%) met the criteria for 1 of the 3 ICC stages: 92 (52%) were cachectic; 35 (20%) precachectic, and 20 (11%) refractory.ConclusionsCC staging based on the ICC classification was feasible and practical in routine dietetic practice even without access to objective muscle mass measures. Once validated and operationalized, expert clinical assessment by a dietitian could be a cost‐effective means to identify and stage CC, with more resource‐intensive means used when there is clinical doubt.
A framework for plasticity‐based topology optimization of continuum structures
Authors: Zhang Xue , Li Xifan , Zhang Yujia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, a framework is proposed for topology optimization of continuum structures considering plasticity. The method merges the rigid‐plastic analysis and the density‐based topology optimization. To obtain a clean black‐and‐white design, the density in the objective function is penalized using an exponential function. The solution of the final plasticity‐based topology optimization problem exhibits as a sequence of second‐order cone programming (SOCP) problems that can be resolved efficiently using the advanced primal‐dual interior point method. Compared to the conventional stress‐constrained topology optimization techniques, the developed method accounts for plasticity and the finite element analysis of structures does not need to be carried out separately. Furthermore, the proposed method requires no relaxation techniques for imposing local stress‐constrain and possesses good computational efficiency for large‐scale problems.
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards cervical cancer screening among women living with human immunodeficiency virus: Implication for prevention strategy uptake
Authors: Mukosha Moses , Muyunda Daniel , Mudenda Steward , Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Kumwenda Andrew , Mwangu Luwi Mercy , Kaonga Patrick 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimTo explore the knowledge, attitude and practices of cervical cancer screening among HIV‐infected women in public health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsThe study was conducted from 1st January 2020 to 28th February 2020. We used a structured questionnaire for data collection. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse relationships among latent variables (knowledge, attitude and practice).ResultsThe overall knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV were 6.86/11 (62.4%), 6.41/7 (91.6%) and 2.92/8 (36.5%), respectively. Overall, knowledge was positively and significantly associated with attitude (r = .53, p < .001) and practice (r = .38, p < 0.001). Additionally, attitude and practice were significantly associated (r = 0.29, p < .001). Our findings support the reinforcement of current public health interventional programmes to improve the knowledge about cervical cancer and screening uptake.
Synergistic effect of star‐shaped architecture and poly(ethylene glycol) moieties on poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex crystallization behaviors
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Griffin Anthony , Qiang Zhe , Ren Jie 
Published: November 2022

AbstractStereocomplex (sc) crystal formation represents an important strategy to improve the physical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), including enhanced thermal resistance, anti‐hydrolysis and mechanical performance. Therefore, understanding and controlling the sc crystallization behaviors is an important and widely studied research topic. Herein, we investigate the cooperative effect of star‐shaped PLA chain topology and poly(ethylene glycol) incorporation on sc formation. We synthesize a series of poly(lactides), including poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(d‐lactic acid), star‐shaped PLLA and poly(d‐lactic acid)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(d‐lactic acid) (DED) triblock copolymer, via ring‐opening polymerization of lactide, followed by solution blending to form PLA stereocomplexes (scPLAs). The chemical structure of the prepared scPLAs is characterized by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance, whereas the crystallization behavior and spherulite morphology are investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, DSC and polarized optical microscopy. Linear PLLA/star‐shaped poly(d‐lactic acid) presents rapid crystallization behaviors and high crystallinity due to the excellent nucleation ability of star‐shaped chain topology. For isothermal crystallization, star‐shaped PLLA/DED exhibits the fastest crystallization kinetics, the highest crystallinity and the lowest crystallization half‐time of all samples. It is found that addition of poly(ethylene glycol) segments can increase chain mobility and backbone flexibility, further facilitating the crystallization of scPLA containing star‐shaped chain architecture. These results demonstrate an effective approach to cooperatively promote scPLA formation, with potential use for practical applications. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Emerging public health challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Malawi: A review
Authors: Chiumia Isabel Kazanga , Mosiwa Benjamin Azariah , Nkhonjera Joe , Kazanga Betty , Mukondiwa Alistair Shingirai , Twalibu Aisha , Phuka John , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has posed new and has aggravated already existing public health challenges in Malawi and worldwide. Having a better understanding of these challenges can help facilitate the identification of solutions and designing further public health interventions and policies for effective management of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This article presents an overview of the situation of COVID‐19 in Malawi and identifies emerging public health challenges that the country is facing amidst this pandemic. It is based on a review of relevant key policy documents, reports, and publications. Some of the key emerging challenges identified in Malawi are worsening population health and socio‐economic status; health system challenges like inadequate financing and human resources, disruption of essential health services; a rise in mental health conditions and suicide rates; teenage pregnancies and early marriages; and changes in some health policies. The findings point to the need to invest more in strategies for health promotion, health system strengthening and avoiding disruptions and recovery of services. These should include COVID‐19 vaccination promotion campaigns, improvement of the public health surveillance system, strengthening the health workforce, implementation of health financing strategies, procurement of adequate essential medicines and supplies, and strengthening of youth‐friendly reproductive health services, community health services and community engagement. These will ensure that the health system in Malawi is well‐equipped to deliver resilient, sustainable and quality health services amidst and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic thereby promoting progress toward the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malawi.
Attack‐parameter‐dependent state feedback controller design for stochastic systems with denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Hu Songlin , Li Jianrui , Hu Chunyang , Xie Xiangpeng , Zhang Jing 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the attack‐parameter‐dependent controller synthesis problem for a class of stochastic control system under aperiodic denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. Different from the classic DoS attack models, which are characterized by DoS frequency and DoS duration, a new type of time‐constrained DoS attack model that only restricts the upper and lower bounds of the sleeping and active periods of the DoS attacker is introduced. Considering the effect of such DoS attacks, a switching‐like stochastic system model is built. Then based on the attack‐parameter‐dependent time‐varying stochastic Lyapunov function method, a new mean square exponential stability criterion of the resulting stochastic system under the DoS attacks is formulated in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Also, the attack‐resilient controller is designed. Finally, taking an aircraft system as an example, the validity of the obtained theoretical results is verified.
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Based on a Silicon Photomultiplier for Multicolor In Vivo Imaging in Near‐Infrared Regions I and II
Authors: Yan Tianyu , Wang Xinyu , Liu Siting , Fan Dawei , Xu Xinyi , Zeng Qi , Xie Hui , Yang Xiaoli , Zhu Shouping , Ma Xiaopeng , Yuan Zhen , Chen Xueli 
Published: November 2022

AbstractConfocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is expected to exhibit a better imaging performance in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) windows with weak tissue scattering and autofluorescence. However, the indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) detectors currently used for imaging in the NIR‐II region are prohibitively expensive, hampering its extensive biomedical applications. In this study, a novel NIR‐II CLSM system is developed by using the inexpensive silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) that can perform the multicolor biological imaging in vivo. Using IR‐780 iodide as the contrast agent, the NIR‐II imaging capability of constructed CLSM is inspected, demonstrating a spatial resolution of 1.68 µm (close to the diffraction limit) and a fluorophore detection sensitivity as low as 100 nm. In particular, it is discovered that the multicolor imaging performance in both NIR‐I and NIR‐II windows is comparable to those from multialkali and InGaAs photomultiplier tubes. In addition, 3D NIR‐II CLSM is also conducted for in vivo imaging of the vascular structure in mouse ear and subcutaneous tumors. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that a low‐cost detector based on a SiPM has been used for microscopic imaging of trailing fluorescence signals in the NIR‐II region of an NIR fluorescent probe.
Investigation of the seismic resilience of reinforced concrete special moment frames with infills
Authors: Hejazi Malihe , Jalaeefar Ali 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, the role of infills in seismic resilience of reinforced concrete moment frames with special ductility is investigated. For this purpose, frames of 4, 8, and 12 stories are simulated in OpenSees software in three cases, namely, bare frame, frame with infills, and frame with infills having openings. Using incremental dynamic analysis, their capacity and demands are evaluated and fragility curves are plotted via statistical methods. Finally, resilience index is calculated by quantifying seismic damages under a selection of 15 earthquake records. Based on the results, infills decrease structural losses and increase resilience in different hazard levels. The effect of infills on resilience index grows in higher hazard levels and this is much more impressive in low rise frames. In the other hand, infill openings, less decrease the resilience index in tall buildings than shorter ones.
Nonlinear analysis of flat slab‐column connections to optimize the use of HPFRC under monotonic vertical loading
Authors: Díaz Rafael Sanabria , Isufi Brisid , Trautwein Leandro Mouta , Ramos António Pinho 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNumerous studies have shown that incorporating fibers in concrete can improve its mechanical properties, including tensile strength and toughness. Due to these outstanding properties, the use of fiber‐reinforced concrete (FRC) composites has been investigated for applications in structural members subjected to shear, in which brittle failure mode may occur. An example of this type of application is the use of high/ultrahigh‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (HPFRC/UHPFRC) in flat slab‐column connections as an alternative to shear reinforcement. The experimental results revealed that the use of advanced concrete materials led to an increase in the punching shear and deformation capacities. Despite these advantages, the use of HPFRC/UHPFRC in practical design is somehow limited by the lack of guidelines in codes for this type of new material. Furthermore, the study of constitutive models for nonlinear finite element analysis is also necessary. In this regard, this article addresses the simulation of two‐way slabs with HPFRC, subjected to concentrated monotonic vertical loading, tested in a previous experimental study, where the HPFRC was used only in a limited slab region around the column, and the rest of the slab was cast with normal strength concrete. The numerical models were developed in the commercial finite element software DIANA. The concrete nonlinear behavior was modeled by a total strain‐based constitutive model, in which the HPFRC softening is represented by a tensile stress‐crack width (σ − w) relationship. The validity of the numerical model is checked by the comparison with the experimental results and a punching shear mechanical model, leading to the formulation of a closed‐form equation. Finally, a parametric study was conducted to extrapolate the results obtained in the experimental campaign and to optimize the use of HPFRC to obtain a more economical and sustainable solution.
I will survive: Teachers reflect on motivations to remain in education amidst a global pandemic
Authors: Wright Diane S. , Weinberg Andrea E. , Sample McMeeking Laura B. , Lin Hunter Danielle E. , Balgopal Meena M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAs the pandemic began to disrupt school systems in March 2020, teachers were expected to quickly modify their instructional approaches. We recruited science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers who were recipients of National Science Foundation scholarships based on their high‐quality academic record and commitment to working in high‐needs school districts to participate in a longitudinal survey study. Participants (n = 153) graduated from universities or colleges in the Mountain West or western region of the Midwest. Through a series of three surveys administered throughout 2020 to all participants and follow‐up focus group interviews with a subset (n = 42) in early 2021, we examined participants' perceptions and beliefs about the educational system's response to COVID‐19. Participants perceived that the continuation of instructional delivery was the highest priority and that their professional needs were the lowest priority. Most participants believed the actions taken by school districts and schools to be negative or neutral. Participants were categorized by years of experience (preservice 0, novice 1–3, early career 4–5, and master 6+) to compare their perceptions of success and intentions to continue teaching. Participants perceived that their level of success increased with years of professional experience prior to the pandemic, but all participants reported feeling less successful during the pandemic. Despite participants' negative beliefs about the school response and perceived low levels of success, they intended to remain in the classroom short‐term but not necessarily long term. We recommend that teacher educators and administrators (1) help teachers develop their personal knowledge and skills for use in the classroom, especially considering the national shortage of science (and STEM, broadly) teachers in high‐needs districts and (2) develop proactive plans for responding to unexpected crises on large scales, as well as those limited to a particular region.
WormWatch: Park soil surveillance reveals extensive Toxocara contamination across the UK and Ireland
Authors: Airs Paul M. , Brown Claire , Gardiner Erica , Maciag Liz , Adams Jamie P. , Morgan Eric R. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundToxocarosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease, but sources of infection are not well documented over large geographical scales. To determine levels of environmental contamination, soil from 142 parks and recreational areas across the UK and Ireland was assessed for the presence of Toxocara.MethodsToxocara ova (eggs) were isolated from soil samples by sieving and flotation and then enumerated. Individual eggs were isolated and imaged, and a subset was characterised by species‐specific PCR and Sanger sequencing.ResultsCharacteristic Toxocara‐type eggs were found in 86.6% of parks, with an average of 2.1 eggs per 50 g of topsoil. Representative eggs were confirmed as Toxocara canis by Sanger sequencing, with many eggs containing developed larvae, hence being viable and potentially infective. Positive samples were more common, and egg density was higher, in parks with greater perceived levels of dog fouling.LimitationsSamples were collected at a single timepoint and with limited spatial mapping within parks. Further study is needed to discern spatiotemporal differences within parks and recreational areas.ConclusionToxocara is widespread in soil in public parks, indicating a need for further efforts to reduce egg shedding from pet dogs. Standardised methods and large‐scale surveys are required to evaluate risk factors for egg presence and the impact of interventions.
An analysis of policies to control tobacco use and alcohol consumption as risk factors of noncommunicable diseases: A case study of Iran
Authors: Maleki Mohammadreza , Alidoost Saeide , Pourasghari Hamid 
Published: November 2022

AbstractControl of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) requires the management of behavioral risk factors such as tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption and tobacco use are the main risk factors of NCDs and account for about 1% and 13% of total deaths in Iran, respectively. This study aimed to analyze policies regarding tobacco use and alcohol consumption and understand their content, context, process, and actors in Iran. We conducted a case study design guided by the Walt and Gilson Policy Analysis Framework. This study was conducted in two phases: A review of policy documents on tobacco and alcohol, and scoping review of studies related to the policies identified in the first phase. The contents of tobacco and alcohol control policies are mostly in line with international recommendations including, the MPOWER policy package for tobacco and recommended target areas proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) for alcohol. Political commitment to health promotion, social and religious values, joining international treaties, and the high prevalence of NCDs have been significant factors in the agenda‐setting of alcohol and tobacco policies in Iran. Although the health governance structure and the primary health care system have provided opportunities for implementation of policies, weak cross‐sectoral collaboration and the lack of some stakeholders' support, including the tobacco industry, pose challenges to the successful implementation of tobacco and alcohol policies. Thus, a multi‐sectoral approach is essential to control NCDs in Iran.