bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of endoscopic evaluation prior to diagnostic transesophageal echocardiography: Is it necessary?
Authors: Sandhu Sunny , Alhankawi Dhuha , Roytman Marina , Jain Ratnali , Prajapati Devang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and AimEsophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is often performed prior to transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to evaluate for esophageal pathologies. Although TEE is a safe procedure, some contraindications exist, such as esophageal varices. The incidence of bleeding with TEE is <0.01%, which questions the need for this routine invasive procedure prior to TEE. We sought to characterize patients in whom pre‐TEE endoscopy was requested to determine its clinical utility and identify those that would most benefit.MethodsWe retrospectively studied patients who underwent EGD for TEE clearance between January 2014 and October 2019. We assessed how often EGD changed management and complications after TEE in those with EGD abnormalities.ResultsEighty‐three patients were included. Twenty‐three percent had prior GI bleed, 63% had cirrhosis, 18% had known varices, and 7% had prior variceal bleed. The most common EGD findings were varices (33%). Eighty‐one percent proceeded with TEE. Reasons for TEE deferral included varices (12.5%), high‐risk bleeding lesion (12.5%), and mechanical abnormality (12.5%). In the majority (37.5%), TEE was deemed no longer indicated. No patient undergoing TEE had significant hemoglobin drop or overt bleeding. The most common reason for not performing TEE was unrelated to EGD findings: lack of ongoing indication for TEE.ConclusionBased on our study, EGD is likely not needed for TEE clearance in patients with varices or prior GI bleed. Given that data are limited in patients with abnormalities such as strictures, EGD may still be warranted for these patients. Further studies to identify which patients will benefit from pre‐TEE endoscopy are warranted.
Targeting TRPV1 activity via high‐dose capsaicin in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Glaros Alexander K. , Callaghan Michael U. , Smith Wally R. , Zaidi Ahmar U. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEvidence suggests neuropathic pain (NP) develops over time in sickle cell disease (SCD), contributing to a complex, difficult‐to‐treat phenotype, with management based on scant evidence. One characteristic of NP found is hyperalgesia caused by nervous system sensitization, but risk factors for this have not been identified within the SCD population, as exact mechanisms leading to its development are not well defined. The SPICE (Sickle cell Pain: Intervention with Capsaicin Exposure) trial was a pilot safety and feasibility trial of high‐dose (8%) topical capsaicin for patients with SCD and recurrent/chronic pain with neuropathic features, aimed at exploring capsaicin's utility as a mechanistic probe and adjunctive pain treatment for this population. Ten participants identifying “target” sites of pain with NP‐type qualities consented to treatment. The primary endpoint was safety/tolerability. The novel Localized Peripheral Hypersensitivity Relief score (LPHR) was developed to determine improvement in sensitivity attributable to TRPV1 neutralization. There were no severe treatment‐related adverse events. Higher baseline pain sensitivity at a given body site was associated with self‐reported history of more frequent localized vaso‐occlusive pain episodes at that site. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean LPHR, evidencing TRPV1's importance to the development of hypersensitivity and a potential therapeutic benefit of capsaicin for SCD.
The impact of Chinese aid on political trust
Authors: Atitianti Philip Akrofi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper examines whether Chinese aid impacts citizens' trust in government by matching geocoded data on Chinese aid projects located in sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA) between 2000 and 2014 to respondents from rounds 3 to 6 of Afrobarometer survey. Implementing an instrumental variable (IV) estimation to control for the potential endogeneity of aid, this paper finds robust evidence that Chinese aid reduces trust in government. The decline in trust seems to be because the aid projects stimulate poor assessments of government performance and perceptions that government officials are involved in corrupt activities. Replication analysis reveals that World Bank projects are no different and also reduce trust in government. Consequently, these findings reignite concerns about the unintended consequences of aid and the need to adopt implementation approaches that mitigate unintended adverse outcomes.
City connectivity via global intra‐firm linkages: An analysis of Indian cities
Authors: Das Swayam Prava 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper analyses the global connectivity of Indian cities to understand the varying pace of city growth in the context of Indian Urban Development. Using Globalisation and World City (GaWC) network's 2016 data, this paper examines each city's connectivity via their intra‐firm–office transactions. First, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore were identified as the top‐most group strongly linked with the advanced economies in North America and Europe. Second, India's second category cities—Chennai, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad—had dominant connectedness with South Asian cities growing at a moderate pace. Third, the lowest‐tier cities—Allahabad, Nagpur and Nashik—were fast catching up with their global service activities, demonstrating India's emerging South–South multilateral cooperation. Confirming to the global urban literature, the above pattern reflects those greater intra‐firm linkages that contributed to higher connectivity between cities, being leveraged through the ICT infrastructure growing beyond the primary (X) citiesto engage smart (Y) cities. This finding provides evidence against postcolonial critiques that argued for place‐specific history of colonial cities explaining emerging geographies.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation preserves muscle strength early after total knee arthroplasty: Effects on muscle fiber size
Authors: Cheuy Victor A. , Dayton Michael R. , Hogan Craig A. , Graber Jeremy , Anair Bradley M. , Voigt Thomas B. , Nelms Nathaniel J. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E. , Toth Michael J. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLoss of quadriceps strength after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is most pronounced acutely but persists long‐term, negatively impacting physical function in daily activities. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) early after surgery is an effective adjuvant to standard of care rehabilitation (SOC) for attenuating strength loss following TKA, but the mechanisms whereby NMES maintains strength are unclear. This work aimed to determine the effects of early NMES on quadriceps strength and skeletal muscle fiber size 2 weeks after TKA compared to SOC. Patients scheduled for primary, unilateral TKA were enrolled and randomized into SOC (n = 9) or NMES plus SOC (n = 10) groups. NMES was started within 48 h of TKA, with 45‐min sessions twice a day for 2 weeks. Isometric quadriceps strength was assessed preoperatively and 2 weeks following TKA. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies of the involved leg were performed at the same time points and immunohistochemistry conducted to assess muscle fiber cross‐sectional area and distinguish fiber types. Groups did not differ in age, body mass index, sex distribution, or preoperative strength. Both groups got weaker postoperatively, but the NMES group had higher normalized strength. After 2 weeks, the group receiving NMES and SOC had significantly greater MHC IIA and MHC IIA/IIX fiber size compared to SOC alone, with no group differences in MHC I fiber size. These results suggest that NMES mitigates early muscle weakness following TKA, in part, via effects on fast‐twitch, type II muscle fiber size. This investigation advances our understanding of how adjuvant, early postoperative NMES aids muscle strength recovery.
Exploiting the anaerobic fermentation of alfalfa as a renewable source of squalene
Authors: Zong Cheng , Wu Qifeng , Shao Tao , Dong Zhihao , Liu Qinhua 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of alfalfa is a promising response to the increasing demand for squalene. Ensiling could enhance the squalene content of fresh alfalfa and silage. To investigate and exploit the anaerobic fermentation of forage as a new squalene source, alfalfa was ensiled without (CON) or with molasses (ML) and sunflower seed oil (SSL) for 10, 40, and 70 days.RESULTSNaturally ensiled alfalfa was of poor quality but had up to 1.93 times higher squalene content (P < 0.001) than fresh alfalfa. The squalene‐producing bacteria were found to be cocci lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Adding ML and SSL decreased squalene content (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001) by 6.89% and 11.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression models and correlation analysis indicated that squalene synthase was the key enzyme for squalene synthesis. The addition of ML and SSL altered the structure of LAB communities, mainly decreasing the relative abundance of cocci LAB, which was responsible for squalene synthesis, and changing the fermentation products (lactic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia‐N) influencing the squalene‐related enzymes, thereby decreasing squalene production. Compared with squalene production from the reference bacteria (Pediococcus acidilactici Ch‐2, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Bacillus subtilis, engineered Escherichia coli), alfalfa silage had the potential to be a new squalene source.CONCLUSIONNatural ensiled alfalfa was a promising source for squalene, and ensiling was a potential pathway to obtain novel high‐yield squalene bacteria. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk factors associated with 30‐day complications following lower extremity sarcoma surgery: A national surgical quality improvement project analysis
Authors: Hudson Todd , Burke Connor , Mullner Donna , Herrera Fernando A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundOur study aims to identify risk factors associated with complications in lower extremity (LE) sarcoma surgery, as well as the prevalence and complications associated with concurrent plastic surgery procedures (CPSP).MethodsACS‐NSQIP database was accessed to identify patients treated for LE sarcoma (2010−2019). Patient demographics, preoperative lab, comorbidities, tumor type, location, principle procedure, and presence/characteristics of CPSPs were recorded. Thirty‐day soft tissue complications were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed on IBM SPSS.™ResultsNine hundred eighteen patients were included (483 males and 435 females), average age and body mass index (BMI) of 57 and 27.4 kg/m,2 respectively. Comorbidities included smoking (13.9%, 128), hypertension (37.3%, 342), and insulin‐dependent diabetes (3.7%, 34). Preoperative lab values included albumin <3.5 (6.8%, 63), hematocrit <30% (8.2%, 75), and platelet count <150 000 (5.9%, 54). Thirty‐day soft tissue complication rate was 5.7% (52 of 918). On multivariate logistic regression, increased age (p = 0.039), higher BMI (p = 0.017), and longer operative times (p = 0.002) were significant risk factors independently associated with soft tissue complications.ConclusionsSoft tissue complications within 30 days occur in 6% of patients. Graft procedures carry a 20% risk of complications. Risk factors independently associated with complications include increased age, increased BMI, and longer operative times.
Long‐term experience with intraoperative electron radiation therapy boost in extremity sarcoma
Authors: Laughlin Brady S. , Golafshar Michael A. , Lin Keldon , Goulding Krista , Roesler Kimberly , Vern‐Gross Tamara , Seetharam Mahesh , Zaniletti Isabella , Ashman Jonathan B. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS), we describe outcomes of preoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), limb‐sparing surgery (LSS), and intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT).MethodsOne hundred and eighteen patients with eSTS treated between October 17, 2002 and July 28, 2021 were identified. EBRT was delivered preoperatively followed by LSS and IOERT.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 24.9 months. The presentation was primary in 102 (94%) patients and recurrent in 6 (6%) patients. Tumor location was lower extremity in 82 (76%) patients and upper extremity in 26 (24%) patients. Stage distribution was as follows: 3 (3%) IA, 24 (22%) IB, 31 (29%) II, 24 (22%) IIIA, and 25 (23%) IIIB. Final surgical margins were negative in 96 (89%) patients. The 5‐year local control, failure‐free survival, and overall survival were 94%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified age >50, lower extremity, and higher grade as significant negative prognostic factors for overall survival. Grade 3 fracture or osteoradionecrosis requiring surgical fixation, neuropathy, and lymphedema occurred in 7 (6%), 1 (1%), and 0 patients, respectively.ConclusionsThis study represents one of the largest series using preoperative EBRT, LSS, and IOERT for eSTS, with high local control and a low rate of late severe toxicity.
Highly Reliable Sensitive Capacitive Tactile Sensor with Spontaneous Micron‐Pyramid Structures for Electronic Skins
Authors: Zhao Le , Yu Shihui , Li Junjun , Song Zichen , Wang Xiuyu 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn recent years, it is still challenging to develop a capacitive tactile sensor with low cost, high sensitivity, and controllable morphology. Herein, the flexible capacitive pressure sensor (FCPS) with high sensitivity is fabricated via a one‐step template method to produce spontaneous micron‐pyramid structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by releasing a four‐way stretched PDMS film treated with ultraviolet ozone exposure. The capacitive sensor is composed of two silver nanowire electrodes coated on polyimide substrate and a patterned PDMS dielectric layer sandwiching in the middle, exhibits an ultrahigh sensitivity of 15.66 kPa−1, an ultralow limit of detection of 0.2 Pa, a fast response time of 42.4 ms, and excellent cycling stability. The finite‐elemental analysis suggests that the uniform micro‐pyramid structures are vital to obtain ultrahigh sensitivity, low detection limit, and fast response. In particular, the FCPS can keep the tactile performance unchanged after 4000 repeated tests, reflecting the high robustness. In conclusion, the significant advantages of the sensor enable it to be well applied in the fields of sign language detection, spatial pressure distribution, and physiological signal monitoring, indicating that FCPS has a potential application prospect in the fields of flexible wearable electronic devices and electronic skins.
Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Based Ultra‐Stretchable, Anti‐Freezing, and Ambient‐Stable Supramolecular Ionogel for Wearable Sensor
Authors: Yang Jia , Fan Jianghuan , Liu Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Bin , Qin Gang , Liu Shuzheng , Shi Xinlei , Zhu Lin , Sun Gengzhi , Chen Qiang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHydrogels are widely used in electronic devices due to their excellent properties. However, traditional hydrogels have problems such as freezing at low temperature and loss of water. Herein, a super‐stretchable, tough, self‐healing, and transparent supramolecular ionogel is fabricated by polymerizing N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide in deep eutectic solvent (DES) without chemical cross‐linkers. The ionogel shows good self‐recovery and excellent fatigue resistance. Due to the use of DES without water, the prepared ionogel has low‐temperature resistance and environmental stability. Furthermore, the ionogel can be used as a strain sensor to monitor human movement, even at low temperatures. Therefore, this work provides a simple and promising strategy for designing DES‐based ionogels with freeze resistance and environmental stability.
Enhanced Barrier Property for Polyethylene Terephthalate–Polyethylene Naphthalate Copolymer by In Situ Polymerization with Graphene Oxide Nanosheets
Authors: Quan Li‐Jun , Liu Zhen‐Guo , Zhang Qiu‐Yu , Li Zhong‐Ming , Chen Yan‐Hui 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this paper, a series of polyethylene terephthalate‐polyethylene naphthalate copolymer (PETN) composites with high oxygen barrier properties are prepared by introducing trace of graphene oxide (GO) during the in situ polymerization. The single‐layer GO nanosheets with large lateral size (≈1.8 µm) and abundant functional groups are prepared by a combination of chemical exfoliation and solvent exchange. During the in situ polymerization process, some surface region of GO is grafted by PETN molecular chains with the grafting rate being 80%, which enhanced the interfacial interaction between GO and PETN matrix. Furthermore, the ungrafting surface region of GO is thermally reduced to the complete graphene. Due to the in‐plane stacking of grafted GO and reduced GO, and the increased crystallinity of PETN matrix, the oxygen transport path of the PETN film is greatly prolonged, which endowed the PETN nanocomposite films with highly improved oxygen barrier performance. When the GO content is only 0.1 wt%, the oxygen permeability coefficient of the nanocomposite films is as low as 38.9 cc mil m−2 d−1 0.1 MPa−1, which is ≈4.5 times lower than that of the pure PETN film. This work provides a new idea for the preparation of polyester materials with high oxygen barrier performance.
Influence of Block Copolymer Concentration and Resin Crosslink Density on the Properties of UV‐Curable Methacrylate Resin Systems
Authors: Demleitner Martin , Schönl Florian , Angermann Jörg , Fässler Pascal , Lamparth Iris , Rist Kai , Schnur Thomas , Catel Yohann , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Retsch Markus , Ruckdäschel Holger , Altstädt Volker 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAdditive manufacturing is on the verge of replacing established processes in dentistry, as it offers the possibility of manufacturing individual parts simply and cost‐effectively. Due to its suitability for a wide variety of materials and, above all, its high precision, the focus is currently on stereolithographic processes. Intrinsic brittleness of the used multifunctional acrylic monomers remains however one of the major challenges. One promising concept is the use of block copolymers (BCPs) guaranteeing minor effects on 3D‐printing processing and UV‐curing due to initially at least partial solubility, and hence low viscosity impact. A polycaprolactone‐polysiloxane (PCL‐PDMS‐PCL) triblock copolymer is synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactone and used in radical UV‐cured methacrylic resin systems. Small angle X‐ray scattering measurements reveal the self‐assembly of the BCPs to objects of around 20 nm prior to curing. Subsequently, thermo‐mechanical characterization is carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis, flexural testing, and fracture toughness measurements (KIC). Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy micrographs show a homogenous distribution of the BCPs and effective toughening via cavitation and shear yielding. The influence of the crosslink density on the toughness and the high effectiveness of block copolymers for improving fracture toughness is clearly shown.
Diketoenamine‐Based Vitrimers via Thiol‐ene Photopolymerization
Authors: Dugas Logan D. , Walker William D. , Shankar Rahul , Hoppmeyer Keely S. , Thornell Travis L. , Morgan Sarah E. , Storey Robson F. , Patton Derek L. , Simon Yoan C. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLikened to both thermosets and thermoplastics, vitrimers are a unique class of materials that combine remarkable stability, healability, and reprocessability. Herein, this work describes a photopolymerized thiol‐ene‐based vitrimer that undergoes dynamic covalent exchanges through uncatalyzed transamination of enamines derived from cyclic β‐triketones, whereby the low energy barrier for exchange facilitates reprocessing and enables rapid depolymerization. Accordingly, an alkene‐functionalized β‐triketone, 5,5‐dimethyl‐2‐(pent‐4‐enoyl)cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione, is devised which is then reacted with 1,6‐diaminohexane in a stoichiometrically imbalanced fashion (≈1:0.85 primary amine:triketone). The resulting networks exhibit subambient glass transition temperature (Tg = 5.66 °C) by differential scanning calorimetry. Using a Maxwell stress‐relaxation fit, the topology‐freezing temperature (Tv) is calculated to be −32 °C. Small‐amplitude oscillatory shear rheological analysis enables to identify a practical critical temperature above which the vitrimer can be successfully reprocessed (Tv,eff). Via the introduction of excess primary amines, this work can readily degrade the networks into monomeric precursors, which are in turn reacted with diamines to regenerate reprocessable networks. Photopolymerization provides unique spatiotemporal control over the network topology, thereby opening the path for further investigation of vitrimer properties. As such, this work expands the toolbox of chemical upcycling of networks and enables their wider implementation.
Precursor Customized Assembly of Wafer‐Scale Polymerized Aniline Thin Films for Ultrasensitive NH3 Detection
Authors: Yang Dongzi , Sheng Guan , Lu Jie , Tong Xiaoling , Li Shuo , Jiang Xingyu , Zhang Liang , Luo Jinrong , Shao Yanyan , Xia Zhou , Huang Lizhen , Chi Lifeng , Shao Yuanlong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract2D conducting polymer thin film recently has garnered numerous interests as a means of combining the molecular aggregate ordering and promoting in‐plane charge transport for large‐scale/flexible organic electronics. However, it remains far from satisfactory for conducting polymer chains to achieve desirable surface topography and crystallinity due to lack of control over the precursor‐involved interfacial assembly. Herein, wafer‐size polyaniline (PANI) and tetra‐aniline thin films are developed via a controlled interfacial synthesis with customized surface morphology and crystallinity through two typical aniline precursors selective polymerization. Two crucial competing assembly mechanisms, a) direct interfacial polymerization, b) solution polymerization and subsequent interfacial assembly, are investigated to play a vital role in determining elemental chain length and aggregate architecture. The optimal PANI thin film manifests ultraflat surface topography and unambiguous crystalline domains, which also enabling fascinating ammonia sensing capability with 31.4% ppm−1 sensitivity, fast response time (88 s) with astonishing selectivity, repeatability, and recovery capability. The thus‐demonstrated strategy with wafer‐scale processing potential and flexible microdevice offers a promising route for large‐scale manufacturing thin‐film organic electronics.
Psychological support and demand for death education among Chinese college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The mediating role of neutral death attitude
Authors: Jiang Qi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimThis study aimed to explore the mediating role of neutral death attitude between psychological support and demand for death education among college students during COVID‐19.DesignA cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 1800 college students selected by convenience and snowball sampling from 20 provinces and municipalities.MethodsA questionnaire survey (The Psychological Support Scale, Demand for Death Education Scale and Neutral Death Attitude Scale) was distributed to 1800 college students.ResultsPsychological support had a significant positive predictive effect on demand for death education and neutral death attitude, with neutral death attitude partially regulating the demand for death education of college students after receiving psychological support.