bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Handling client financial insolvency in maternity services: An occurrence, experience and policy gap qualitative analysis among healthcare stakeholders in North‐Central Nigeria
Authors: Adeniran Abiodun S. , Fasiku Mojirola M. , Jimoh Maryam A. , Adesiyun Omotayo O. , Adetiloye Oniyire , Okoli Ugo , Chukwu Elizabeth , Ayoola Olusola S. , Oyeniyi Samuel , Orjingene Obinna , Akande Tanimola M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the occurrence of client financial insolvency, experiences of key healthcare stakeholders, and policy gaps on handling the situation during maternity services.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in North‐Central Nigeria. Participants were key healthcare stakeholders including healthcare workers from private, primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities, healthcare administrators/facility‐heads, program managers and policy makers at local and state government levels through In‐depth and Key Informant interviews. Identified themes were occurrence, experiences of stakeholders, and prevention of client financial insolvency. Data were analyzed with the Nvivo statistical package.ResultsParticipants confirmed the occurrence of client financial insolvency. Clients' inability to pay hospital bills was due to being indigent, awaiting support from relations, or clients who were uncommitted to the payment. Health facilities lack guiding policy documents; potential cases are referred from private to public or from primary to secondary/tertiary facilities. Methods of handling financial insolvency included healthcare worker‐related (staff scavenging for needed consumables, fund‐raising among facility staff), facility‐related (revolving fund, medical social welfare, welfare committee, discharge with re‐payment plan, fee‐waiver), community‐related (ward development committee, religious organizations/philanthropists) interventions, or hospital detention of insolvent clients. Although clients' bills did not increase during detention, many clients did not honor post‐discharge re‐payment agreements. Participants suggested a client‐friendly billing system, early initiation of birth preparedness, partner involvement, and a rapid scale‐up of health insurance for pregnant women to curb financial insolvency.ConclusionTackling client financial insolvency requires policy documents, support to private facilities, effective debt‐recovery mechanisms, and scale up of health insurance for pregnant women.
Adeno‐associated virus vectors for gene therapy—focusing on melanoma
Authors: Wang Xingyue , Wei Miao , Miao Rui , Hao Xiujing , Li Min , Wang Wenxin , He Zhonglei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAdeno‐Associated Virus (AAV) vectors have been found to have great potential in the field of gene therapy due to their unique properties. These nonpathogenic vectors exhibit high tissue specificity, low immunogenicity, and sustained gene expression, enhancing their efficacy for targeted delivery. This review explores the application of AAV vectors in gene therapy. It introduces the application and development of AAV in hemophilia and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The review also highlights the use of AAV vectors in melanoma gene therapy, focusing on four key areas: cancer growth intervention, targeting cancer cells, mediating immune responses, and modulating key signaling pathways. However, despite its many advantages, rAAV faces significant challenges, including host immune responses and biological barriers that limit its effectiveness. Such complexities need to be addressed; therefore, this review also discusses the application of several polymers, such as hydrogels, nanoparticles, and solid scaffolds, in the controlled delivery of AAV.
A novel artificial intelligence‐based antenna designing model for optimizing 5G mobile communication
Authors: B Vasudevan , V Vaithianathan , V Akshaya 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAntenna designing involves the creation of devices to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals for various applications. It encompasses optimizing parameters such as size, shape, and frequency response to achieve desired performance characteristics, including signal strength, bandwidth, and efficiency, across diverse communication systems and frequencies. In this research, we intend to establish a novel artificial intelligence (AI)‐based antenna designing model for optimizing 5th generation (5G) mobile communication. We proposed Multi‐Objective Zebra Optimization (MOZO) to enhance 5G antenna design, aiming to minimize return loss () and maximize gain (G) concurrently. MOZO efficiently explores design space, offering Pareto‐optimal solutions that balance objectives. This approach ensures optimal antenna performance across the desired frequency range, advancing 5G communication efficiency. Our model enhances the functionality of a small, rectangular patch antenna designed for the 5G band, specifically operating at 30 GHz. Additionally, we conducted a comparative analysis between the performance of our optimized rectangular 5G antenna and several recently employed 5G‐millimeter wave (mmWave) antennas. This comparison sheds light on the efficacy and competitiveness of our optimized design within the 5G‐mmWave antenna landscape.
What Deters Earnings Management? A Benford's Law Comparison Between Publicized Detection Methods and Increased Regulations
Authors: Tran Arthur M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the impact of public awareness and regulatory changes on earnings management over time. Despite scrutiny from regulators, auditors, and investors, the deterrents of earnings management remain unclear. I explore whether public awareness, through the dissemination of research, can influence market behaviors and reduce earnings management activities due to increased detection and penalties. Alternatively, I investigate if stricter regulation plays a role in curbing earnings manipulation. Using Benford's Law, I apply Thomas’ (1989) approach and compare data from 1950 to 1985, 1990 to 2002, and 2003 to 2020. My findings indicate that while public awareness alone does not deter earnings management, heightened regulation, particularly post‐Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX), significantly reduces such practices. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the comparative impact of public awareness and regulatory changes on earnings management.
Association between nasogastric tube feeding and discharge outcomes in patients aged 80 and older with aspiration pneumonia: A propensity score‐matched retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kitamura Misa , Nishizawa Toshinori , Yanai Atsushi , Taguchi Masako , Matsumoto Noriko , Hayashi Kuniyoshi , Arioka Hiroko 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the association between nasogastric tube feeding (NGF) and discharge rate to previous residences with oral intake in patients aged 80+ with aspiration pneumonia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study included 256 hospitalized patients with aspiration pneumonia from 2012 to 2022, which could not start oral intake within 48 h due to dysphagia. Using 1:2 matched‐pair analysis, the association of interest was examined using logistic regression analysis.ResultsNGF was associated with a lower discharge rate (odds ratio: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05–0.46).ConclusionPatients with NGF had a lower discharge rate to previous residences with oral intake.
Exploring RNA therapeutics for urea cycle disorders
Authors: Richard Eva , Martínez‐Pizarro Ainhoa , Desviat Lourdes R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRNA has triggered a significant shift in modern medicine, providing a promising way to revolutionize disease treatment methods. Different therapeutic RNA modalities have shown promise to replace, supplement, correct, suppress, or eliminate the expression of a targeted gene. Currently, there are 22 RNA‐based drugs approved for clinical use, including the COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines, whose unprecedented worldwide success has meant a definitive boost in the RNA research field. Urea cycle disorders (UCD), liver diseases with high mortality and morbidity, may benefit from the progress achieved, as different genetic payloads have been successfully targeted to liver using viral vectors, N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) conjugations or lipid nanoparticles (LNP). This review explores the potential of RNA‐based medicines for UCD and the ongoing development of applications targeting specific gene defects, enzymes, or transporters taking part in the urea cycle. Notably, LNP‐formulated mRNA therapy has been assayed preclinically for citrullinemia type I (CTLN1), adolescent and adult citrin deficiency, argininosuccinic aciduria, arginase deficiency and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, in the latter case has progressed to the clinical trials phase.
Study on the relationship between surface tension and dilational visco‐elasticity with foam stability
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Zhang Xianzhong , Chen Yang , Jing Lishuai , Bao Zhiming 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe replacement of fluorine‐free foam is imminent, but to date, no fluorine‐free foam has reached comparable fire extinguishing performance to AFFF (aqueous film forming foam). The stability of firefighting foam significantly affects its extinguishing performance. In order to better understand the influence of foam formulation physical properties on foam stability, we correlate the foam stability with surface tension and dilational visco‐elasticity based on the AFFF formulation. The results show that, the foam stability rising steadily with the decrease of surface tension, which indicates that low surface tension favors the improvement of foam stability. However, when at the studied highest surface tension, the foam stability elevates slightly instead, demonstrating the surface tension is not the determinant of foam stability. By contrast, the dilational visco‐elasticity shows a closer correlation with foam stability for the consistent tendency. In the case of constantly changing disturbance frequency, the interface dilational elasticity shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the rise of disturbance frequency, whereas the interface dilational viscosity is completely opposite. Different relaxation processes show up for different samples. More attention can be paid to the regulation of dilational visco‐elasticity in the development of fluorine‐free foams, so as to improve their extinguishing ability.
Association between the number of individuals injured in a traumatic event and posttraumatic stress disorder among hospitalized trauma patients
Authors: Talmy Tomer , Bulis Shir , Radomislensky Irina , Bushinsky Shir , Tsur Nir , Gelman Daniel , Paulman Omer ,   Israel Trauma Group, Gendler Sami , Tsur Avishai M. , Almog Ofer , Benov Avi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often occurs following mass casualty events, yet the connection between the number of individuals injured in an event and PTSD risk in smaller‐scale events (i.e., involving one or several injured persons) remains unclear. We conducted a registries‐based study cross‐referencing three databases across the continuum of care for military trauma patients hospitalized for traumatic injuries. The study population was categorized into three groups based on the number of injured individuals involved (i.e., single injured person, two to four [2–4] injured people, and five or more [≥ 5] injured people), and PTSD prevalence was assessed using long‐term disability claim diagnoses. Overall, 4,030 military personnel were included (age at injury: Mdn = 20 years), and 18.3% were subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, with the highest prevalence in events involving ≥ 5 injured individuals (35.8%). Regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders revealed that being injured in an event with 2–4 injured persons, OR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.31, 2.15], or ≥ 5 injured persons, OR = 2.36, 95% CI [1.79, 3.13], was associated with increased odds of developing PTSD compared to being the sole injured person. The findings suggest a direct association between the number of injured individuals in an event and PTSD prevalence among traumatic injury survivors. The results underscore the importance of early diagnosis and interventions to prevent PTSD in individuals injured in multicasualty and mass casualty events.
Update on the treatment of BRAFmut metastatic melanoma and future perspectives
Authors: Mohr Peter , Nakouri Inès , Pfersch Sylvie , Denjean François , Lebbé Celeste 
Published: October 2024

Abstractv‐Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) mutations were first identified in melanoma in 2002, leading to increased cell division and proliferation, and resultant tumour growth. The identification and characterisation of BRAF mutations (BRAFmut) led to the development of several highly specific, BRAF‐, then mitogen‐activated kinase enzyme (MEK)‐targeted therapies that have enabled rapid tumour responses and improved treatment outcomes in most patients with metastatic BRAFmut melanoma. The combination of these two drug classes (BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors) has demonstrated improved response rates, progression‐free survival, and overall survival (OS), along with a more tolerable safety profile, compared with BRAF inhibition alone. In parallel, improved knowledge of the immune system has enabled the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), although immune‐related adverse events with ICIs may prove to be problematic in some patients and require careful management. While targeted therapy appears to provide rapid disease control in a relatively high proportion of patients, the development of secondary resistance may limit the overall duration of responses. Acquired resistance, along with primary resistance, has also been reported for ICIs, with a lower overall response rate to that with targeted therapy, although durable responses have been reported in some responding patients. A combination strategy of targeted therapy with ICIs has demonstrated modest increases in efficacy compared with targeted therapy combinations, although data significance varies across studies, there is increased risk of toxicity, and triple combination therapy has not yet received clinical approval in Europe. Thus, there is an ongoing need to establish optimal sequencing of these treatments in patients with advanced BRAFmut melanoma, and this has become the focus of current research. The aim of this narrative review was to provide an update on the treatment of BRAFmut metastatic melanoma, current guideline recommendations, and future clinical perspectives.
Aspergillus otitis externa: A retrospective study of predisposing factors, treatment, and complications
Authors: Viljanen Milla , Saarinen Riitta , Hafrén Lena 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo study the predisposing factors, treatment, and complications of Aspergillus otitis externa.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Aspergillus otitis externa at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Helsinki University Hospital, between January 2010 and December 2018 was performed.ResultsOf the 269 Aspergillus otitis externa (OE) patients, 96 developed otitis media (OM) and 7 developed mastoiditis. Antibiotic and steroid treatment and otological history were risk factors for Aspergillus OE. Systemic diseases and immunocompromising states were more common in mastoiditis patients. Repetitive ear cleaning and topical drugs are primary treatments, but systemic drugs and surgery were needed in resistant and invasive cases. Forty‐five novel tympanic membrane (TM) perforations were reported. A strong association between Aspergillus species and final infection types was found; A. niger was the dominant species in OM and in novel TM perforations, whereas A. flavus and A. fumigatus caused mastoiditis. Some of the TM perforations persisted despite treatment. Permanent hearing impairment was associated with OM and mastoiditis.ConclusionAs Aspergillus OE has the potential to cause acute and chronic complications, fungal OE should be suspected early on if the infection persists after conventional treatment. The identification of Aspergillus species could aid in spotting patients at risk for more severe disease and complications. Intensive local treatment is sufficient in most cases of OE and OM but effective topical antifungals are limited. Patients with Aspergillus OM and mastoiditis should be followed up for hearing impairment and permanent TM perforations after the infection resolves.Level of evidenceLevel 4 (The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence).
Exploring Morphological and Molecular Properties of Different Adipose Cell Models: Monolayer, Spheroids, Gellan Gum‐Based Hydrogels, and Explants
Authors: Albrecht Franziska B. , Schick Ann‐Kathrin , Klatt Annemarie , Schmidt Freia F. , Nellinger Svenja , Kluger Petra J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhite adipose tissue (WAT) plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis and secretes numerous adipokines with far‐reaching effects. WAT is linked to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. There is a high demand for suitable in vitro models to study diseases and tissue metabolism. Most of these models are covered by 2D‐monolayer cultures. This study aims to evaluate the performance of different WAT models to better derive potential applications. The stability of adipocyte characteristics in spheroids and two 3D gellan gum hydrogels with ex situ lobules and 2D‐monolayer culture is analyzed. First, the differentiation to achieve adipocyte‐like characteristics is determined. Second, to evaluate the maintenance of differentiated ASC‐based models, an adipocyte‐based model, and explants over 3 weeks, viability, intracellular lipid content, perilipin A expression, adipokine, and gene expression are analyzed. Several advantages are supported using each of the models. Including, but not limited to, the strong differentiation in 2D‐monolayers, the self‐assembling within spheroids, the long‐term stability of the stem cell‐containing hydrogels, and the mature phenotype within adipocyte‐containing hydrogels and the lobules. This study highlights the advantages of 3D models due to their more in vivo‐like behavior and provides an overview of the different adipose cell models.
Study on the effect of fiber‐matrix interface on mechanical response of carbon fiber fabrics reinforced polyether ether ketone composites
Authors: Wang Yan , Lin Ziyu , Li Ming , Zhang Hongbo , Yang Ting , Zhang Yunhe , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Jinling , Pang Jinhui , Jiang Zhenhua 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCarbon fiber fabrics reinforced polyether ether ketone (CFF/PEEK) composites show extraordinary mechanical properties which deeply relay on their interfacial properties. Herein, two simple desizing method of acetone and high‐temperature were used to remove sizing agent of CFF. The fiber surface roughness and surface activity increased after desizing, which enhances interfacial wettability between fiber and resin. The interface shear strength (IFSS) measured by micro‐bond test was used to evaluated the interfacial properties. After desizing, the IFSS enhanced from 41.7 to 51.2 MPa, which may be owing to enhanced of interfacial adhesion and mechanical locking between CFF and PEEK. CFF/PEEK laminates were fabricated by a simple film stacking method using hot‐pressing process of CFF and PEEK film. Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tested by short‐beam method increased from 62.5 to 71.3 MPa, and flexural strength increased from 754.4 to 805.5 MPa, which indicated the fiber‐matrix interface enhanced. Furthermore, forming quality and microscopic failure modes of CFF/PEEK verified fiber‐matrix interface enhanced after removing sizing agent. The interfacial and mechanical properties of CFF/PEEK composites significantly enhanced by using simple and effective desizing method. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into optimizing fiber surface treatments for enhancing durability and reliability of advanced composite materials.Highlights
Acetone and high‐temperature desizing were used to remove sizing agent of CFF.
The IFSS of treatment CFF increased over 25% compared with untreated ones.
The ILSS and flexural strength of desizing‐CFF/PEEK enhanced notably.
The fiber‐matrix interface between desizing‐CFF and PEEK resin enhanced.
Feasibility of Hybrid Polyaniline/Pullulan Composites for Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Mohamed Isa Eleen Dayana , Che Jusoh Nurfatehah Wahyuny , Omar Nurizan , Rasit Ali Roshafima , Shameli Kamyar 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEnergy and water are essential resources currently facing high demand due to the depletion of fossil fuels and increasing water pollution. Conducting polymers like polyaniline (PANI) have gained attention for addressing these challenges. In this study, polyaniline/pullulan composites (PANI/Pul Cps) are synthesized via oxidative polymerization. The influence of the aniline‐to‐pullulan mass ratio on the composite properties is evaluated using various techniques. XRD analysis showed enhanced crystallinity with the addition of pullulan, while TEM results revealed that the composites exhibited a rod‐like shape, with dimensions of 51–55 nm in width and 131–152 nm in length. The photocatalytic potential of the composites is assessed by testing their ability to degrade Crystal Violet dye, with the highest degradation rate observed at 0.0086 min⁻¹. The electrochemical performance of the PANI/Pul Cps is also evaluated, with specific capacitance values ranging from 92 to 123 F/g. These results suggest that PANI/Pul Cps have potential for both wastewater treatment and energy storage applications.
High‐flow nasal cannulas versus standard oxygen therapy for moderate bronchiolitis: a quasi‐experimental analysis
Authors: Antilici Livia , Vittucci Anna C. , Cristaldi Sebastian , Musolino Anna M. C. , Pisani Mara , Rotondi Aufiero Lelia , Di Maio Chiara V. , Scutari Rossana , Cutrera Renato , Dotta Andrea , Perno Carlo F. , Villani Alberto 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn the last decades none of the medical therapies investigated have shown clear efficacy in the treatment of bronchiolitis, and literature agrees on a general de‐implementation of pharmacological therapies, recognizing an effective role only to nutritional support and oxygen therapy. High‐flow nasal cannulas (HFNC) has become increasingly popular in the last decade, despite its lack of clear efficacy. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing standard oxygen therapy (SOT) and HFNC did not demonstrate significant benefit of HFNC. To acquire more clinical data on HFNC efficacy we performed a retrospective, quasi‐experimental analysis of patients admitted for bronchiolitis in the epidemic seasons 2021–2022 and 2022–2023.MethodsTo assess the efficacy of SOT and HFNC we used a pragmatic approach, a fuzzy regression discontinuity design, which is a quasi‐experimental test. Unlike RCTs, this process is not a true randomization, but may be interpreted as quasi‐randomization in an observational setting.ResultsHFNC did not reduce length of oxygen therapy (LOO) nor length of hospitalization (LOS) (respectively, p: 0.383 and p: 0.454). Treatment failure was not significantly different in the treatment groups (p: 0.354).ConclusionsIt is crucial to perform additional RCTs with uniform protocols to determine the efficacy of HFNC more accurately in the treatment of bronchiolitis. HFNC does not reduce LOO, suggesting that early use of HFNC does not change the course of disease in moderate bronchiolitis. In view of the greater complexity and higher cost, HFNC should not be routinely used as first‐line treatment in children with moderate respiratory distress and mild hypoxemia.