bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sealing of Hydrogen: An Overview of Published Data
Authors: Bond Stephen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Hydrogen is well positioned to be a key element in any upcoming energy transition. It has a role as both a fuel and as an energy storage vehicle. There is a great deal of research and industrial interest in the use and storage of hydrogen, and this seems set to continue for the foreseeable future. This is particularly the case for “green” hydrogen, where hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water where the electrical energy is from a renewable source (e.g. wind or solar).
There has been concern raised, due to its inherent properties, about the potential for leakage of hydrogen, which brings into focus bolted flange connections among other joints. The most common leakage tests for bolted flange connections use media such as helium (EN13555), methane (ASME B16.20) or nitrogen (DIN 3535), but not hydrogen. There are good reasons for choosing these gases, particularly helium, which is safe and a small molecule. However, it has been shown from earlier papers that molecule size is not the only factor in leakage, and the conversion of leakage rate from one gas to another is not universally understood. Therefore, the testing of different gasket materials and designs with hydrogen gas as the test media is typically required.
This paper reviews recent public domain data on sealing tests using hydrogen, especially compared to helium for multiple types of gaskets and includes some work commissioned at a third party on spiral wound gaskets with different filler materials.
Private sector engagement for immunisation programmes: a pragmatic scoping review of 25 years of evidence on good practice in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Morgan Christopher , Wanyoike Sarah , Kenyon Stephanie , Sheel Meru , Jain Manish , Boggs Malia , Olayinka Folake 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionMany National Immunisation Programmes attempt to leverage the private sector ; however, there is limited consolidated and synthesised documentation on good practices, gaps and lessons learnt. A 2017 WHO guidance document recommended best practices for private sector engagement (PSE) in immunisation. We conducted a pragmatic scoping review to identify gaps, update and consolidate evidence on promising practices in PSE for vaccination.MethodsBuilding on two previous reviews published in 2011 and 2017, we conducted a pragmatic scoping review of peer-reviewed publications from low-income and middle-income countries since September 2016 in PubMed that pertained to PSE and immunisation service delivery. We extracted and analysed findings using a new analytical framework covering motivations, enablers and barriers, risks and challenges, and engagement mechanisms.ResultsWe collated over 80 well-documented analyses of PSE for vaccination, derived from 54 peer-reviewed publications from 1998 to 2016 included in prior reviews, 21 new publications from 24 countries published since 2016 and 1 new systematic review. The level of PSE was mixed, ranging from 3%–4% to >60% of all childhood vaccinations. Promising practices for PSE included using governance and policy to leverage private providers’ motivations and including them in programme efforts. Planning and monitoring efforts were effective when linked with regulatory requirements based on national standards for services, reporting and performance monitoring. Information systems were effective when they included private sector services in vaccine monitoring and surveillance. Challenges identified included ensuring compliance with national schedules and standards and minimising financial exclusion. Few studies documented successful public–private partnership models or other innovative financing models.ConclusionThe published evidence captures numerous strategies to facilitate stronger immunisation programme engagement with the private sector. Stronger PSE can potentially reach zero-dose and underimmunised populations in low-resource settings and build resilient systems. Untapped opportunities exist for more structured testing of approaches to inform global guidance.
Using a policy learning lens to understand health financing policy outcomes: the case of translating strategic health purchasing into policy and practice in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kiendrébéogo Joël Arthur , De Allegri Manuela , Van Damme Wim , Meessen Bruno 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAchieving universal health coverage (UHC) through an effective health financing system is a challenge for many low-income countries. Learning is key to success due to many uncertainties and unknowns. Using the case of translating strategic health purchasing into policy and practice in Burkina Faso, our study seeks to understand how policy learning can shape policy processes and outcomes.MethodsWe used a qualitative case study design and Dunlop and Radaelli’s conceptualisation of policy learning to identify which modes of learning did or did not occur, what helped or hindered them and the resulting policy outcomes. Dunlop and Radaelli frame policy learning as epistemic, reflexive, negotiative or hierarchical. We collected data through documentary review and in-depth individual interviews with 21 key informants. We analysed the data manually using pattern-matching techniques.ResultsThe introduction of strategic health purchasing in Burkina Faso was initially seen as an opportunity to reduce the fragmentation of the health financing system by coupling a performance-based financing scheme and a user fee exemption policy. However, this has faltered, and our findings suggest that an inability to harness all modes of learning has led to blockages. Indeed, while reflective learning was present, epistemic, hierarchical and learning through bargaining were absent, preventing national policy actors from defending their own policy or scheme from reaching compromises. But thanks to facilitating processes led by a well-resourced organisation and contextual elements that encouraged the emergence of more pluralistic modes of learning, some progress was achieved in operationalising strategic health purchasing.ConclusionsSome modes of learning seem to be overlooked in countries’ efforts to achieve UHC. Facilitation techniques and initiatives that encourage the use of all modes of learning, while supporting countries to take full ownership and responsibility for consolidating their own learning health systems, should be promoted.
The barriers and facilitators family caregivers experience when participating in resource-limited hospital care: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Determeijer Jim J , van Waard Julia D , Leopold Stije J , Spijker René , Agyemang Charles , Vugt Michele van 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundIn many resource-limited settings, understaffed hospitals rely on patients’ families to provide care during admission. These care tasks are often performed informally, untrained and unsupported. The WHO has called for innovative approaches to tackle health worker shortages globally. Family participation interventions could be such an innovation, but current family participation should be understood before implementation. This review explored the barriers and facilitators family caregivers experience participating in resource-limited adult hospital care.MethodsFor this qualitative systematic review, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Global Health Library were searched from inception to 17 February 2023. Studies were included if they described experiences of family caregivers participating in hospital-like environments, were performed in a low- or middle-income country and included qualitative data. Open coding was performed, followed by thematic analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument.Results3099 studies were screened, and 16 were included, involving 466 participants. All studies were published between 2009 and 2023. Three studies were performed in Africa, three in South America and 10 in Asia. 13 main themes were identified, seven for barriers and six for facilitators, including 50 subthemes. The main barriers identified were caregiver burden, a discouraging hospital environment, economic burden, ineffective collaboration with health workers, lack of support, sacrificing personal life to care and unpreparedness for caregiving. The main facilitators identified were a caregiving mindset, competence for caregiving, effective collaboration with health workers, encouraging hospital environment, sufficient financial means and supportive caregiving systems.DiscussionThis review presents the first overview of barriers and facilitators experienced by family caregivers participating in resource-limited hospital care. Research in more contexts and among other stakeholders is necessary to comprehend family participation holistically. To improve family participation, this review suggests prioritising educational interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023384414.
Prolonged intracranial catheter dwell time exacerbates penumbral stress and worsens stroke thrombectomy outcomes
Authors: Alawieh Ali M , Elawady Sameh Samir , Zohdy Youssef M , Chalhoub Reda M , Cunningham Conor , Howard Brian M , Cawley C Michael , Barrow Daniel , Akbik Feras , Pabaney Aqueel , Tong Frank C , Al Kasab Sami , Jabbour Pascal , Goyal Nitin , Arthur Adam S , Siddiqui Fazeel , Yoshimura Shinichi , Park Min S , Brinjikji Waleed , Matouk Charles , Romano Daniele G , Altschul David , Williamson Richard , Moss Mark , De Leacy Reade Andrew , Ezzeldin Mohamad , Kan Peter , Levitt Michael R , Grandhi Ramesh , Mascitelli Justin R , Grossberg Jonathan A , Spiotta Alejandro M 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe duration of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a negative predictor of outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), yet the precise mechanisms are unclear. We investigated whether the placement of large-bore catheters intracranially reduces blood flow to the ischemic penumbra and diminishes the efficacy of MT.MethodsWe investigated the impact of different catheter sizes on flow through the intracranial circulation using an in vitro model. Data from a multicenter international registry of AIS patients undergoing MT between January 2016 and December 2023 were reviewed. Intracranial procedure time (icPT) from catheter placement to thrombectomy completion was analyzed using propensity score (PS) matched analysis of patients with successful recanalization achieved in <30 min versus ≥30 min (n=1006/group). Primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days (mRS 0–2 favorable). Secondary outcomes included mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and need for craniectomy.ResultsUsing our flow model, we demonstrated a significant reduction in middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery blood flow with the use of larger caliber catheters in the internal carotid artery. Controlling for covariates in 3318 patients, longer icPT predicted lower odds of 90-day favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.87, P<0.01), increased mortality (aOR 1.03, P<0.01), higher decompressive craniectomy rates (aOR 1.07, P<0.01), and increased sICH (aOR 1.07, P<0.01). Each additional 10 mins of icPT correlated with a 13% decrease in recanalization success. The impact of icPT on outcomes was consistent regardless of recanalization success, though catheter size influenced effects. Reduced intraprocedural blood pressure worsened icPT’s effects.ConclusionsThis study is the first to demonstrate the risks associated with the duration of catheter use during MT and to propose strategies to mitigate these risks in AIS.
Structural changes in the nociceptive system induced by long-term conventional spinal cord stimulation in experimental painful diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Geus Thomas de , Franken Glenn , Zuidema Xander , van Zundert Jan , Joosten Elbert A J 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundClinical studies suggest that long-term conventional spinal cord stimulation (LT-SCS) for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) is initially effective but may decline in efficacy over time. Preclinical studies indicate that LT-SCS alleviates mechanical hypersensitivity and enhances hind paw blood flow in PDPN rats, suggesting nociceptive system plasticity. This study hypothesized that LT-SCS induces peripheral hind paw small-fiber sprouting and reduces central protein expression of glial and P2X4 brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway markers.MethodsDiabetes was induced via Streptozotocin injection in 32 rats, with 16 developing PDPN and receiving a quadrupolar lead implant. LT-SCS was applied for 4 weeks, 12 hours per day. Pain behavior was assessed using the Von Frey test for mechanical hypersensitivity and the mechanical conflict avoidance system for motivational aspects of pain. Fiber sprouting was assessed via immunohistochemical analysis of nerve fibers in the hind paw skin. Protein expression in the spinal cord was assessed using western blotting.ResultsLT-SCS increased the baseline threshold of mechanical hypersensitivity in PDPN animals, consistent with previous findings, but showed no effects on motivational aspects of pain. Hind paw tissue analysis revealed significantly increased intraepidermal nerve fiber density of PGP9.5 fibers in LT-SCS animals compared with Sham-SCS animals. Protein analysis showed significantly decreased pro-BDNF expression in LT-SCS animals compared with Sham-SCS animals.ConclusionLT-SCS induces structural changes in both peripheral and central components of the nociceptive system in PDPN animals. These changes may contribute to observed behavioral modifications, elucidating mechanisms underlying LT-SCS efficacy in PDPN management.
The impact of projected Canadian regional climate model data on flexible pavement performance
Authors: Maadani Omran , Shafiee Mohammad , Hiedra-Cobo Juan 
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the impact of projected climatic loading parameters, utilizing Environment and Climate Change Canada data, on flexible pavement performance and design. Despite the expectation that flexible roads should endure various structural and environmental conditions throughout their design life, premature damage often occurs within the initial 3–5 years of service. Therefore, understanding the impact of climate change on flexible pavements in the historical, short, intermediate, and long terms becomes crucial. The pavement mechanistic empirical design (PMED) was employed to assess climatic loading effects on pavement design and performance. PMED-predicted rutting performance showed sensitivity when comparing historical and projected climatic loading parameters up to 2093. Preliminary results based on a 25-year design life for City of Windsor revealed a 72% higher rutting impact compared to historical data, shortening the pavement's design life by 28%, 56%, and 68% for short, intermediate, and long terms, respectively.
AAC Planet field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , Miller Michelle , Mollison Brett , Naeem Hamid 
Published: November 2024

AAC Planet is a semi-leafless and powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe pisi Syd.) resistant field pea ( Pisum sativum L.) variety developed at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. It has high yielding potential, late maturity, tall plant height with good lodging resistance, medium seed size, round seed shape, and low seed coat breakage. It has maturity of 100 days, and thousand-seed weight of 221 g with seed protein content of 24.6%. AAC Planet has a lodging score of 3.2 on the scale of 1–9. It is moderately susceptible to mycosphaerella blight (caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes) and fusarium root rot (caused by Fusarium avenaceum and F. solani).
Clinical Practice and Safety of Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for Crohn’s Disease–Related Strictures: A Nationwide Claim Database Analysis in Japan
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Tarasawa Kunio , Nagai Hiroshi , Shimoyama Yusuke , Naito Takeo , Shiga Hisashi , Hamada Shin , Kakuta Yoichi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujimori Kenji , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Although endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is a common therapeutic approach for managing strictures associated with Crohn’s disease (CD), the clinical application and complication rates of EBD remain unclear.Methods: We collected admission data for patients who underwent EBD using a nationwide database. We compared EBD outcomes between ileal and colonic strictures, CD and ulcerative colitis, and CD and anastomotic strictures arising from cancer‐related surgery. Subsequently, propensity score matching was employed to facilitate comparisons between each group.Results: The median duration of hospital stay was 4 days. Endoscopic hemostasis and urgent surgery rates after EBD for CD‐related strictures were considerably low (0.035% and 0.11%, respectively). Most patients with CD underwent only one EBD procedure during a single admission. Although no significant differences in patient backgrounds and severe complications were observed between ileal and colonic stricture in CD, multiple EBD procedures were more commonly performed for ileal strictures than for colonic stricture. Moreover, EBD for ileal stricture was more frequently conducted in high‐volume centers than in low‐volume centers. Regarding severe complications after EBD, no significant differences were observed between CD‐related strictures and ulcerative colitis or anastomotic strictures related to cancer surgery.Conclusion: Our findings support the safe and effective use of EBD for both ileal and colonic strictures associated with CD. The clinical practice and safety outcomes of EBD for CD‐related strictures were comparable to those for strictures stemming from other etiologies.
Weight and Lipid Levels in People Living With HIV and Initiating a Dolutegravir‐Based Regimen in a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Chakanetsa Rudo , Chikwati Raylton P. , Chitungo Itai , Musarurwa Cuthbert , Tanyanyiwa Donald M. , Manasa Justen , Kouamou Vinie 
Published: November 2024

Background: Following the 2018 World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on HIV treatment and management, the Zimbabwean government has embraced dolutegravir (DTG)‐based regimens as the preferred first‐line treatment for people living with HIV (PLWH). Despite this implementation, there remains a paucity of knowledge on the potential associations between DTG‐based regimens, body weight and blood lipid levels among PLWH in Zimbabwe. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate variances in body weight and blood lipid levels at two distinct timepoints—baseline and 6‐month post‐DTG initiation.Methods: We conducted this study between November 2021 and April 2023 among ART‐naïve individuals initiating a DTG‐based regimen. Participants were recruited from a tertiary clinic in Zimbabwe. Body weight, standing height and blood lipid levels were measured at baseline and 6‐month post‐DTG. Changes in weight, body mass index (BMI) and lipids levels were assessed using the paired Student’s t‐test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis was used to assess risk factors associated with changes in weight, BMI and lipid levels.Results: A cohort comprising 130 study participants, characterised by a mean (±SD) age of 40.0 (±11.0) years at baseline, was subjected to a 6‐month regimen of DTG‐based therapy. The outcomes revealed statistically significant alterations in various physiological parameters. Specifically, post the DTG‐based intervention, there were substantial increases observed in body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.003), total cholesterol (TC) levels (p = 0.002) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels (p < 0.001) in comparison to their baseline values. Intriguingly, the corresponding triglyceride (TG) levels exhibited a noteworthy decrease (p < 0.001). Notably, individuals aged 40 years or older exhibited a positive association (p = 0.022) with increased TC levels and concurrent weight gain. Furthermore, current employment emerged as another factor positively linked to increased TC levels and weight gain.Conclusions: Upon the initiation of DTG, discernible elevations were observed in body weight, BMI and lipid levels. This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of lipid profiles and weight gain among this population in Zimbabwe, filling a critical gap in the existing literature. These findings, while indicative of short‐term effects, underscore the imperative for further investigative efforts aimed at elucidating the prolonged consequences associated with DTG‐induced weight gain and increased lipid levels and its underlying mechanisms.
The Cancer Incidence Pattern in Isfahan Province: An Industrial Region in the Central Part of Iran
Authors: Lotfi Fereshte , Ravankhah Zahra , Rashidian Hamideh , Teimouri Fotooheh , Maracy Mohammad Reza , Javanmard Shaghyegh Haghjooy , Nahvijou Azin , Motlagh Ali Ghanbari , Roshandel Gholamreza , Zendehdel Kazem 
Published: November 2024

Background: We aimed to study age‐standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of different cancer sites in Isfahan province, an industrialized city in the central part of Iran.Method: We obtained cancer incidence data from 2014 to 2018 in the Isfahan population‐based cancer registry (PBCR). We studied quality indicators of PBCR and the validity of residential places for cancer patients. ASRs per 100,000 of common cancers were reported overall and at subprovincial levels.Results: Overall, 42,994 new cancer cases were registered in Isfahan PBCR in 2014–2018, and 51.4% were male. A high percentage of microscopic verification (MV%) (78.1%) and a low percentage of death certificate‐only (DCO%) cases (7%) indicate the acceptable validity and completeness of this registry. The ASRs per 100,000 for all cancers combined were 173.7 in men and 171.1 in women. The most common cancers were prostate (ASR = 26.1), bladder (ASR = 19.9), and colorectum (ASR = 19.6) cancers in men and breast (ASR = 49.9), thyroid (ASR = 11.5), and colorectal (ASR = 15.6) cancers in women. Compared to the national reports in Iran, Isfahan province had a higher ASR of leukemia (13.6 in men and 8.9 in women), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (14 in men and 9 in women), and bladder (19.9 in men and 3.4 in women) cancer. The ASR of childhood cancers was 182.7. Notably, the most frequent cancer was leukemia (ASR = 73.4). We observed a wide geographic heterogeneity of cancer incidence in different counties for some cancers like breast, prostate, leukemia, and colorectal cancers.Conclusion: High incidence rates of hematological malignancies and bladder cancers in Isfahan province suggest further research to study the association between occupational and environmental exposures due to industrial pollution.