bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the feasibility of the reuse of polyamide 11 rejected in the manufacturing process of thermoplastic hoses of umbilicals
Authors: Menezes Karine C M , Knieling Bianca M , d’Almeida José Roberto M 
Published: March 2022

Thermoplastic hoses are composed of thermoplastic liner, synthetic fiber reinforcement, and thermoplastic sheath. Pilot liner batches, generally polyamide 11 (PA 11), are produced for checking the extruder calibration. Pilot batches out of specification are discarded and considered production waste. The objective of this work was to study the possibility of reusing this rejected material, in the sheath manufactured of PA 11 with carbon black (PA 11 Black). Initially, a comparative analysis was performed using FT-IR (infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformed), TGA (thermogravimetry analysis) and DSC (differential exploratory calorimetry) characterization techniques between the rejected material and PA 11 in pellets, in order to verify possible degradation during the extrusion process and the similarity of materials. The characterization showed that the rejected PA 11 is similar to pellet. Thus, specimens with different percentages of PA 11 and PA 11 Black were manufactured to analyze the effects that the decrease in carbon black concentration would cause on materials when subjected to ultra violet (UV) aging. PA 11, PA 11 Black, and their blends were aged by UV for 720 h and then thermal, spectroscopic, and mechanical tensile tests were performed. All the mixtures showed similar thermal behavior of PA 11 Black. The FT-IR analysis showed a tendency for the appearance of bonds representative of degradation in the blends with higher percentage of PA 11. The tensile test showed that PA 11 Black as well as all blends became more brittle after aging by UV due to the appearance of unsaturation along the chain. There is no evidence that the insertion of PA 11 impacted the mechanical properties.
Clinicopathological Findings Associated With Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Shi Yimeng , Yang Zheyu , Heng Yu , Ju Huijun , Pan Yu , Zhang Yifan 
Published: March 2022

Objective The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased sharply during the past decades. Yet, whether or not nodal dissection should be performed remains controversial. This article aims to assess the high-risk factors associated with cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with PTMC, which may potentially guide clinical management decision-making. Methods Medical records of 449 PTMC patients who underwent thyroidectomy in our hospital from August 2016 to July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and pathological factors of the patients were anonymously extracted from the charts and analyzed. Result The patients were classified into two subgroups according to maximum tumor size measured through post-surgical pathology: smaller PTMC group (≤5 mm) and larger PTMC group (>5 mm). Larger tumor size was found to be associated with a higher rate of LNM ( P = .001), particularly central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) ( P = .001). Tumor size was also associated with extrathyroidal tumor extension (ETE) ( P < .001), bilateral lesions ( P = .015), and BRAFv600e mutation ( P = .004). LNM was found to be more common in older patients (>55 y) ( P = .030), and those with multifocal cancer ( P < .001). In PTMC patients with unilateral lesions without ETE, tumor size was not significantly associated with LNM ( P = .121). Conclusions For the PTMC population, tumor size was an independent risk factor for LNM, particularly for patients of old age (>55 y), and multifocality. However, in PTMC patients with unilateral lesions without extrathyroidal extension, tumor size was not related to the risk of LNM. These findings may potentially guide clinical decision-making in terms of cervical nodal dissection.
Impact of Congenital Heart Defects on the Developing Brain
Authors: Xavier Navarri , Mubina Jovanovic , Marie-Ange Delrue , Nicolas Van Doesburg , Dorothée Dal Soglio , Catherine Fallet-Bianco 
Published: March 2022

Objectives Congenital heart defects (CHD) are responsible for neurodevelopmental delays that were initially attributed to brain injury resulting from cardiac surgery. However, prenatal imaging have shown that brain anomalies are present at birth. The aim of this study was to assess in utero brain injuries before birth in fetuses/neonates with congenital cardiopathies. Methods A complete autopsy evaluation with detailed study of the cardiopathy and neuropathological study was performed in 40 fetuses/neonates. Syndromic congenital cardiopathies were excluded because of the potential other causes of brain injury. The patients were classified into two groups according to their term at death. Results Statistical analyses indicated the mean brain weight was not significantly different between subjects with different morphological types of congenital cardiopathies. However, the brain weight was at or below the fifth percentile in most third-trimester subjects compared to normal brain weight in second-trimester subjects. Low brain weight in third-trimester subjects was also associated with frequent lesions similar to those described in preterm infants, with a particular involvement of white matter and its components. Conclusions These observations allowed us to establish the timing and impact of prenatal neuropathological lesions on brain development, and to correlate them with imaging data reported in the literature.
Olfactory threshold predicts treatment response in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Altmann Patrick , Auer Michael , Di Pauli Franziska , Haider Lukas , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus , Walchhofer Lisa-Maria , Wurth Sebastian , Zinganell Anne , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas 
Published: March 2022

Background: Olfactory threshold (OT) is associated with short-term inflammatory activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Objective: We aimed to investigate OT for prediction of treatment response in RMS. Methods: In this 5-year prospective study on 123 RMS patients, OT was measured at disease-modifying treatment (DMT) initiation (M0), after 3 months (M3), and 12 months (M12) by Sniffin’ Sticks test. Primary endpoint was defined as an absence of relapse during the observation period, with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity being the secondary endpoints. Optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic analyses and their predictive value assessed by multivariable Cox regression models. Results: Higher OT scores at M0, M3, and M12 were independently associated with decreased relapse probability with the strongest risk reduction at M3 (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.44, p < 0.001). Improvement of OT scores from M0 to M3 (ΔOTM3) was also associated with reduced relapse risk (HR = 0.12, p < 0.001). OT score > 6.5 at M3 was the strongest predictor of relapse freedom (HR = 0.10, p < 0.001) with high diagnostic accuracy (positive predictive value (PPV) = 87%), closely followed by ΔOTM3 ⩾ 0.5 (HR = 0.12, p < 0.001, PPV = 86%). Conclusions: OT is an independent predictor of freedom of disease activity upon DMT initiation within 5 years and may be a useful biomarker of treatment response.
Study on sound absorption performance of resonance structure for aluminum–polyurethane foam composite and plexiglass
Authors: Yuan Binxia , Fang Xinyi , Liu Jianben , Zhu Rui , Cao Lan 
Published: March 2022

Low-frequency noise control in substations (converter stations) has received extensive attention. The sound absorption performance of a single material is limited. In the paper, aluminum–polyurethane (Al–PU) foam composite materials were prepared by impregnating method. The microstructure and composition of PU and Al–PU composite foam were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that aluminum particles can be well adhered to the skeleton of PU foams, and the sound absorption coefficient of Al–PU foams at 50 Hz–315 Hz was greatly improved. Meanwhile, the resonance structures of Al–PU foams and plexiglass were further constructed. The sound absorption coefficient of different resonance structures was different, and the performance of the resonance structure with 10 mm back cavity and front hole was the best.
Afghan women perceptions of gender roles, possibilities and barriers to change after settlement in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Afrouz Rojan , Crisp Beth R , Taket Ann 
Published: March 2022

Gender roles and gender stereotypes are culturally and socially constructed. Previous studies suggested that the Afghan community is a male-dominated and conservative society, where men are more visible in social activities, and women remain responsible mainly for household tasks. This research aimed to show Afghan women’ perceptions of gender roles and the possibilities for and barriers in Australian society to change those roles after their settlement in Australia. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 21 Afghan women who had been living in Australia between 6 months and 10 years. The interviews were conducted face to face or by telephone, in either Farsi (Persian) or English. An inductive thematic analysis was used to explore the data and build themes. Afghan women were aware of gender roles, patriarchy, and gender inequality, and they hoped to address those issues now as they live in a society that offers more freedom to women. Moving to Australia had enhanced women’s possibilities, self-confidence and skills and inspired many to go beyond traditional stereotypes and seek out options previously denied to them on the basis of their gender. However, their attempts at realising gender equality often met with the disapproval of their family or the wider Afghan community.
Restrictive Practices and the ‘Need’ for Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): A Critical Discourse Examination of Disability Policy Beliefs
Authors: Hayward Brent A. , McKay-Brown Lisa , Poed Shiralee 
Published: March 2022

Background Few studies have considered policies which underpin the promotion of positive behaviour support (PBS). The present study examined policy beliefs about PBS and their relationship to restrictive practices. Methods Discourse network analysis (a combination of critical discourse analysis and social network analysis) was used. Results A total of 11 policies were examined from which 38 belief statements were coded. One cluster was identified which promoted 13 dominant beliefs. Dominant discourses related to law, safety and the environment were evident. A conceptual representation of the shared PBS beliefs demonstrated contradictions in PBS policy. Conclusions There is evidence that PBS policies have become informal rules for using restrictive practices, not reducing them. They are also acting as surrogates to debate conflicts between political, personal and bureaucratic interests. Three recommendations for improved PBS policy are provided.
Neuro-axonal injury in COVID-19: the role of systemic inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 specific immune response
Authors: Hirzel Cédric , Grandgirard Denis , Surial Bernard , Wider Manon F. , Leppert David , Kuhle Jens , Walti Laura N. , Schefold Joerg C. , Spinetti Thibaud , Suter-Riniker Franziska , Dijkman Ronald , Leib Stephen L. 
Published: March 2022

Background: In coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients, there is increasing evidence of neuronal injury by the means of elevated serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels. However, the role of systemic inflammation and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–specific immune response with regard to neuronal injury has not yet been investigated. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, we recruited patients with mild–moderate ( n = 39) and severe ( n = 14) COVID-19 and measured sNfL levels, cytokine concentrations, SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies including neutralizing antibody titers, and cell-mediated immune responses at enrollment and at 28(±7) days. We explored the association of neuro-axonal injury as by the means of sNfL measurements with disease severity, cytokine levels, and virus-specific immune responses. Results: sNfL levels, as an indicator for neuronal injury, were higher at enrollment and increased during follow-up in severely ill patients, whereas during mild–moderate COVID-19, sNfL levels remained unchanged. Severe COVID-19 was associated with increased concentrations of cytokines assessed [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], higher anti-spike IgG and anti-nucleocapsid IgG concentrations, and increased neutralizing antibody titers compared with mild–moderate disease. Patients with more severe disease had higher counts of defined SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Increases in sNfL concentrations from baseline to day 28(±7) positively correlated with anti-spike protein IgG antibody levels and with titers of neutralizing antibodies. Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 is associated with increased serum concentration of cytokines and subsequent neuronal injury as reflected by increased levels of sNfL. Patients with more severe disease developed higher neutralizing antibody titers and higher counts of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells during the course of COVID-19 disease. Mounting a pronounced virus-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune response upon SARS-CoV-2 infection did not protect from neuro-axonal damage as by the means of sNfL levels.
Rituximab Use for the Treatment of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome by Canadian Pediatric Nephrologists: A National Survey
Authors: Meeuwisse Cory , Morgan Catherine J. , Samuel Susan , Alexander R Todd , Rodriguez-Lopez Sara 
Published: March 2022

Background: There is known practice variation in the treatment of frequently relapsing, steroid-dependent, and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children. Rituximab is an emerging therapy for difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome; however, there are no clear treatment guidelines. We therefore hypothesized that a wide variety of approaches to this therapy exist. Objective: To evaluate when and how rituximab is used for the treatment of childhood nephrotic syndrome in Canada. Design and setting: An online survey was used. Participants: Canadian pediatric nephrologists. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed across Canada through the Canadian Association of Pediatric Nephrologists (CAPN) to evaluate rituximab treatment practices. Results: Of a total of 20 responses, 19 (95%) use rituximab in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, usually as a third or fourth agent. For the number of rituximab doses, the majority (68%) uses 2 doses each time they use it. Eighteen respondents (90%) measure B cells when using this medication, mostly monthly (50%) or every 3 months (39%). Respondents administered additional doses of rituximab prophylactically (74%) or at first relapse (47%). Long-term drug safety and drug funding were identified as the main barriers to rituximab use. Limitations: This survey represents the practice styles of physicians in a single country, and there is a nonresponse bias of 63%. Also, associations were not calculated. Conclusions: Among Canadian pediatric nephrologists, rituximab use for nephrotic syndrome appears to be increasing, but significant practice variations remain, including approaches to B-cell monitoring. It is reserved mostly for second-line and third-line use due to cost, funding issues, and residual uncertainty regarding long-term safety. Understanding these critical areas of practice uncertainty is a first step to optimize treatment of nephrotic syndrome in children.
To Cross the Cervicothoracic Junction? Terminating Posterior Cervical Fusion Constructs Proximal to the Cervicothoracic Junction Does Not Impart Increased Risk of Reoperation in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Couch Brandon K. , Patel Stuti S. , Talentino Spencer E. , Buldo-Licciardi Michael , Evashwick-Rogler Thomas W. , Oyekan Anthony A. , Gannon Emmett J. , Shaw Jeremy D. , Donaldson William F. , Lee Joon Y. 
Published: March 2022

Study Design Retrospective cohort study Objectives To evaluate the effect of caudal instrumentation level on revision rates following posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Minimum follow-up was one year. Patients were divided into two groups based on the caudal level of their index fusion construct (Group 1-cervical and Group 2- thoracic). Reoperation rates were compared between the two groups, and preoperative demographics and radiographic parameters were compared between patients who required revision and those who did not. Multivariate binomial regression analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors for revision surgery. Results One hundred thirty-seven (137/204) patients received fusion constructs that terminated at C7 (Group 1), while 67 (67/204) received fusion constructs that terminated at T1 or T2 (Group 2). The revision rate was 8.33% in the combined cohort, 7.3% in Group 1, and 10.4% in Group 2. There was no significant difference in revision rates between the 2 groups ( P = .43). Multivariate regression analysis did not identify any independent risk factors for revision surgery. Conclusion This study shows no evidence of increased risk of revision in patients with fusion constructs terminating in the cervical spine when compared to patients with constructs crossing the cervicothoracic junction. These findings support terminating the fusion construct proximal to the cervicothoracic junction when indicated. Level of Evidence III
Influence of resin removal treatments on the surface topography and strength of de-bonded lithium disilicate ceramic
Authors: Al Jeaidi Zaid A. 
Published: March 2022

Aim: This study aims to assess the influence of resin removal treatment regimes on the surface topography and compressive strength of de-bonded ceramic surfaces. Material and methods: Sixty-five lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC) discs were prepared, cleaned, and polished with carbide paper. All samples were etched using 9.6% hydrofluoric acid (HFA). Fifteen samples were taken as positive controls; the remaining 50 samples were subjected to the process of silanization. Resin build-up using dual-cure cement was performed incrementally and light cured. Based on different methods of resin cleaning from de-bonded LDC, the samples were divided into five groups, n=10 each: group 1 (no treatment), group 2 (slow-speed diamond bur), group 3 (1 min heat treatment), Group 4 (6 min heat treatment), and group 5 (sandblasting with Al2O3). Following resin removal, LDC samples were tested under compressive failure load in a universal testing machine. Five disc specimens from each group were sputter coated with gold for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test was used for descriptive statistics. Level of significance was established at p<0.05. Results: The highest compressive strength with significant difference among all experimental groups was found in group 5 (321.54 ± 13.25 MPa) ( p<0.05). The lowest compressive strength values, presenting significant difference compared with all other groups, were displayed in group 1 (158.57 ± 5.22 MPa) ( p<0.05). Compressive strength among group 2 (231.54 ± 15.55 MPa), group 3 (237.81 ± 10.81 MPa), and group 4 (255.53 ± 8.95 MPa) specimens was statistically comparable ( p>0.05). On SEM, heat-treated specimens confirmed coarser granules, with mild porosities and roughening, whereas sandblasted specimens exhibited consistent evenness with moderate porosity and loss of glazed surface. Conclusion: De-bonded LDC surface, treated with heat treatment and sandblasting procedures, exhibited removal of residual resin and significantly high compressive strength compared with non-cleansed ceramic surface.
Flexural vibration properties of particle board using acrylic emulsion adhesives with differential glass transition temperature
Authors: Fujishiro Kaoru , Ito Takuya , Sato Hiroko , Masunari Ryosuke , Yamada Masaaki 
Published: March 2022

AbstractVibration characteristics of wood-based materials are essential parameters in considering the indoor environment of a building. This study investigates the effect of the physical properties of water-based adhesives on vibration characteristics of wood-based materials. Adhesive films and particle boards (PB) were prepared from acrylic emulsion adhesives (AE) with differential glass transition (Tg), and loss tangent of dynamic viscoelasticity (tanδD) and flexural vibration property (tanδF) were compared. The tanδDmaster curve and tanδFshowed a similar tendency regarding frequency dependence. The apparent activation energy (ΔH) calculated from the shift factor of the master curve tends to be different depending on theTgof AE and was especially high for AE withTg = 13 °C along with blended AE. The dynamic Young’s modulus (EF) calculated from the flexural vibration tests showed higher values for AE atTg = 13 °C, 41 °C, and 90 °C than that of urea–formaldehyde adhesive (UF).
ALKBH5 promotes lung fibroblast activation and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through miR-320a-3p and FOXM1
Authors: Sun Wenqing , Li Yan , Ma Dongyu , Liu Yi , Xu Qi , Cheng Demin , Li Guanru , Ni Chunhui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant internal modification of RNA. Its critical functions in multiple physiological and pathological processes have been reported. However, the role of m6A in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), a well-known m6A demethylase, is upregulated in the silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. Here, we sought to investigate the function of ALKBH5 in pulmonary fibrosis triggered by silica inhalation.

Methods
We performed studies with fibroblast cell lines and silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis models. The expression of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assays (MeRIP), western bolt, immunofluorescence assays, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) fluorescence staining were performed to explore the roles of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and FOXM1 in fibroblast activation.

Results
ALKBH5 expression was increased in silica-inhaled mouse lung tissues and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated fibroblasts. Moreover, ALKBH5 knockdown exerted antifibrotic effects in vitro. Simultaneously, downregulation of ALKBH5 elevated miR-320a-3p but decreased pri-miR-320a-3p. Mechanically, ALKBH5 demethylated pri-miR-320a-3p, thus blocking the microprocessor protein DGCR8 from interacting with pri-miR-320a-3p and leading to mature process blockage of pri-miR-320a-3p. We further demonstrated that miR-320a-3p could regulate fibrosis by targeting FOXM1 messenger RNA (mRNA) 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Notably, our study also verified that ALKBH5 could also directly regulate FOXM1 in an m6A-dependent manner.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that ALKBH5 promotes silica-induced lung fibrosis via the miR-320a-3p/FOXM1 axis or targeting FOXM1 directly. Approaches aimed at ALKBH5 may be efficacious in treating lung fibrosis.