bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Sciatica From Herniated Disk
Authors: Tu Jian-Feng , Shi Guang-Xia , Yan Shi-Yan , Ni Guang-Xia , Yu Fang-Ting , Cai Guo-Wei , Liu Zhi-Shun , Ma Chao-Yang , Wang Li-Qiong , Yang Jing-Wen , Zhou Xiao-Qing , Meng Xiu-Li , Fu Hai-Yang , Li Jing , Wan Wen-Jun , Sun Tian-Heng , Wang Xue-Zhou , Liu Cun-Zhi 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceSciatica is commonly caused by herniated lumbar disc and contributes to severe pain and prolonged disability. Although acupuncture is widely used by patients with chronic sciatica, the evidence of its efficacy is scarce.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture in patients with chronic sciatica from herniated disk.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsThis was a multicenter 2-arm randomized clinical trial conducted in 6 tertiary-level hospitals in China of patients with chronic sciatica from herniated disk. Participants were recruited from March 25, 2021, to September 23, 2021, with a final follow-up through September 22, 2022. Data analyses were performed from December 2022 to March 2023.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of acupuncture (n = 110) or sham acupuncture (n = 110) over 4 weeks. Participants, outcome assessors, and statisticians were blinded.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe 2 coprimary outcomes were changes in visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) from baseline to week 4. Secondary outcomes were adverse events.ResultsA total of 216 patients (mean [SD] age, 51.3 [15.2] years; 147 females [68.1%] and 69 males [31.9%]) were included in the analyses. The VAS for leg pain decreased 30.8 mm in the acupuncture group and 14.9 mm in the sham acupuncture group at week 4 (mean difference, −16.0; 95% CI, −21.3 to −10.6; P &amp;lt; .001). The ODI decreased 13.0 points in the acupuncture group and 4.9 points in the sham acupuncture group at week 4 (mean difference, −8.1; 95% CI, −11.1 to −5.1; P &amp;lt; .001). For both VAS and ODI, the between-group difference became apparent starting in week 2 (mean difference, −7.8; 95% CI, −13.0 to −2.5; P = .004 and −5.3; 95% CI, −8.4 to −2.3; P = .001, respectively) and persisted through week 52 (mean difference, −10.8; [95% CI, −16.3 to −5.2; P &amp;lt; .001; and −4.8; 95% CI, −7.8 to −1.7; P = .003, respectively). No serious adverse events occurred.Conclusions and RelevanceThis randomized clinical trial found that in patients with chronic sciatica from herniated disk, acupuncture resulted in less pain and better function compared with sham acupuncture at week 4, and these benefits persisted through week 52. Acupuncture should be considered as a potential treatment option for patients with chronic sciatica from a herniated disk.Trial RegistrationChictr.org Identifier: ChiCTR2100044585
Layperson-Administered Naloxone Trends Reported in Emergency Medical Service Activations, 2020-2022
Authors: Gage Christopher B. , Powell Jonathan R. , Ulintz Alexander , Cash Rebecca E. , Lyons Michael S. , Wang Henry , Panchal Ashish R. 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceLayperson-administered naloxone (LAN) is a powerful but incompletely characterized intervention to prevent opioid-related overdose mortality. LAN trends are relevant to policy and strategic planning in naloxone distribution initiatives.ObjectiveTo assess the 2-year LAN trend for persons in the United States receiving naloxone during emergency medical services (EMS) activations.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the United States from June 2020 to June 2022 among 65 621 195 EMS activations from 911 responses, EMS standbys, or when EMS crews functioned in an ambulance intercept role or during mutual aid to another ambulance response. Activations within health care settings and interfacility or medical transports were excluded. Data are from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS), the national EMS patient care record database. From June 2020 to June 2022, NEMSIS included more than 96 million EMS activations from nearly 14 000 agencies across 54 states and territories.ExposuresEMS clinician–reported LAN.Main Outcome and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the trend of receiving LAN, measured by EMS clinician documentation.ResultsFrom June 2020 to June 2022, EMS reported 744 078 patients receiving naloxone, with 24 990 (3.4%) involving LAN. Patients were predominantly male (17 331 [69.4%]) and had a median (IQR) age of 42 (31-56) years, with the majority treated in urban homes or residences (21 692 [86.8%] urban; 13 223 [52.9%] in-home or residence). Of the total naloxone recipients, 243 985 patients (32.8%) had suspected drug overdose documentation as either the primary or secondary impression. Overall, the percentage change in naloxone administration rates decreased 6.1% over the study period (from 1140.1 [95% CI, 1135.1-1145.1] per 100 000 EMS activations to 1070.1 [95% CI, 1064.9-1075.3] per 100 000 EMS activations), while the percentage change of persons receiving LAN increased 43.5% (from 30.0 [95% CI, 29.2-30.8] per 100 000 EMS activations to 43.1 [95% CI, 42.0-44.1] per 100 000 EMS activations).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional study, the LAN rate increased from June 2020 to June 2022 as reported in the national EMS database. These findings help inform policies and practices aimed at mitigating the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic and saving lives. Novel public health strategies are needed to measure the effects of this intervention nationally, evaluate approaches to expand naloxone distribution, and address naloxone usage barriers.
State Social Expenditures and Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in the US
Authors: Chang Lawrence , Puls Henry T. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Colvin Jeffrey D. , Chung Paul J. , Lee Lois K. 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceAdverse birth outcomes in the US, including preterm birth and low birth weight, are strongly tied to socioeconomic disadvantage and disproportionately impact infants of Black mothers. Increasing investments in social programs represents a potential policy approach to addressing disparities in birth outcomes.ObjectiveTo examine state-level associations of government expenditures on social programs with rates of preterm birth and low birth weight both overall and by race.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional, ecological study was conducted among liveborn infants in the 50 US states between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2019. Data analysis was performed from May 2022 to May 2024.ExposuresYearly state and local government expenditures per low-income person on social programs in the following categories: state refundable Earned Income Tax Credit; cash assistance; childcare assistance; housing and community development; and public health.Main Outcomes and MeasuresYearly state-level rates of preterm birth (gestational age &amp;lt;37 weeks) and low birth weight (&amp;lt;2500 g).ResultsFrom January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2019, there were 35.1 million live births in the US, of which 3.4 million (9.8%) were preterm and 2.8 million (8.1%) were low birth weight. Median (IQR) state social expenditures per low-income person were $1546 ($1074-$2323). Greater total state social expenditures were associated with lower overall rates of preterm birth (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] for every increase of $1000 per low-income person, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-0.999) but not with overall rates of low birth weight. In secondary analyses, greater state social expenditures were associated with lower preterm birth rates for infants of Black mothers (aPR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.999). Greater state expenditures specifically on cash assistance (aPR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.94) and housing and community development (aPR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98) were associated with lower preterm birth rates for infants of Black mothers.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional, ecological study, greater state-level expenditures on social programs were associated with reduced rates of preterm birth, particularly for infants of Black mothers. State and local governments may consider bolstering investments in cash assistance and housing and community development to address maternal and infant health disparities.
Autophagy Blockage Enhancing Photothermal and Chemodynamic Synergistic Therapy Based on HCQ/CuS Nanoplatform
Authors: Wei Ziye , Si Weili , Huang Mingjing , Lu Man , Wang Wenjun , Liang Chen , Dong Xiaochen , Cai Yu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAs an intracellular protective mechanism, autophagy has the potential to significantly impair the therapeutic effects of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), which helps cancer cells survive under harsh conditions, such as high temperature and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, an autophagy blockage enhanced PTT and CDT synergistic therapy nanoplatform is constructed by loading hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with autophagy inhibitory effect into hollow copper sulfide (HCuS). Specifically, HCuS produces toxic ROS through Fenton‐like reaction in the tumor microenvironment (TME). At the same time, PTT‐mediated temperature elevation of the tumor region accelerates the Fenton‐like reaction and ROS production, enhancing the therapeutic effect of CDT. Furthermore, the internal autophagy inhibitor HCQ significantly blocks the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes by deacidifying lysosomes, cutting off the self‐protection mechanism of cancer cells, and amplifying the combined treatment of PTT and CDT. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the combination of photothermal‐enhanced chemodynamic therapy with inhibition of autophagy provides new insights into designing multifunctional therapeutic nanoagents.
Protein Nanoparticles for Targeted SARS‐CoV‐2 Trapping and Neutralization
Authors: Fornt‐Suñé Marc , Puertas Maria C. , Martinez‐Picado Javier , García‐Pardo Javier , Ventura Salvador 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), continues to challenge global health despite widespread vaccination efforts, underscoring the need for innovative strategies to combat emerging infectious diseases effectively. Herein, LCB1‐NPs and LCB3‐NPs are engineered as a novel class of protein‐only nanoparticles formed through coiled coil‐driven self‐assembly and tailored to interact specifically with the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein. The multivalency of LCB1‐NPs and LCB3‐NPs offers a strategy for efficiently targeting and neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 both in solution and when immobilized on surfaces. It is demonstrated that LCB1‐NPs and LCB3‐NPs bind to the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein's receptor‐binding domain (RBD) with high affinity, effectively blocking the entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus‐like particles into angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)‐coated human cells. The cost‐effectiveness, scalability, and straightforward production process of these protein nanoparticles make them suitable for developing novel anti‐viral materials. Accordingly, it is shown how these nanostructures can be packed into columns to build up economic and highly potent trapping devices for SARS‐CoV‐2 adsorption.
Empowering the Sustainable Development of High‐End Alloys via Interpretive Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Fu Huadong , Li Weidong , Jiang Lei , Yong Wei , Sun Jingtai , Chen Long‐Qing , Xie Jianxin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe extensive use of scarce, expensive, and toxic elements in high‐performance metal alloys restricts their sustainable development. Here we propose a novel alternative alloying‐element design strategy that combines physicochemical‐factor screening, a “black‐box” interpretative method based on SHapley Additive exPlanation analysis, and sensitivity analyses of elemental influence. A “white‐box” model of alloy compositions and properties is therefore established that enables the rational selection of abundant elements and the efficient designs of alloys with substitution for scarce alloying elements. The success of this design strategy is demonstrated by reducing the Co content in the C70350 alloy series (e.g., Cu‐1.3Ni‐1.4Co‐0.56Si‐0.03Mg (wt.%)). Indeed, Cu‐1.95Ni‐0.5Co‐0.6Si‐0.2Mg‐0.1Cr (wt.%) is obtained as an ultra‐low‐Co‐containing alloy by substituting only a trace amount of Cr for Co in the Cu‐Ni‐Co‐Si‐Mg system, followed by compositional optimization. Although the Co content is reduced by 64% (i.e., from 1.4 to 0.5 wt.%), the properties of the alloy (ultimate tensile strength and electrical conductivity of 850 MPa and 47.2%IACS, respectively) are comparable to those of the C70350 alloy. This study contributes to the sustainable and green development of metallic materials by providing a new avenue for substituting abundant elements for scarce and undesired elements in metal alloys.
Laser‐Induced Self‐Limiting Welding of Ag Nanowires with High Mechanical and Electrical Performance
Authors: Ren Xiaoying , Mei Xuesong , Zhou Jingzhuo , Wang Xuewen , Wei Fengqi , Mei Huanhuan , Zhao Shijun , Lu Yang , Cui Jianlei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe high‐efficiency and high‐precision welding technology of Ag nanowires is of great engineering significance for the integration of new‐generation micro‐ and nanodevices, and the mechanical behavior of its interconnect joints is also essential for their reliable application, especially for some flexible device. In this paper, based on the nano‐focusing and localized plasma enhancement properties of Ag nanowires under laser irradiation, Ag nanowire self‐limiting joints with mechanical and electrical properties comparable to those of the base material are obtained. At the same time, the local plasma enhancement characteristics of Ag nanowire joints are scanned and analyzed with nanoscale resolution by using cathodoluminescence technology, and the local multi‐physical field coupling regulation mechanism of Ag nanowire joints induced by different laser parameters is systematically investigated by combining theoretical simulations. Meanwhile, based on the in situ laser welding and nanomechanical tensile experiments, the mechanical properties of single Ag nanowires and their welded joints are systematically analyzed, and the characteristics of the interfacial atomic behaviors and the evolution process during the welding and tensile processes are investigated.
Photoresist Development for 3D Printing of Conductive Microstructures via Two‐Photon Polymerization
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liu Xiaojiang , Gu Zhongze 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe advancement of electronic devices necessitates the development of three‐dimensional (3D) high‐precision conductive microstructures, which have extensive applications in bio‐electronic interfaces, soft robots, and electronic skins. Two‐photon polymerization (TPP) based 3D printing is a critical technique that offers unparalleled fabrication resolution in 3D space for intricate conductive structures. While substantial progress has been made in this field, this review summarizes recent advances in the 3D printing of conductive microstructures via TPP, mainly focusing on the essential criteria of photoresist resins suitable for TPP. Further preparation strategies of these photoresists and methods for constructing 3D conductive microstructures via TPP are discussed. The application prospects of 3D conductive microstructures in various fields are discussed, highlighting the imperative to advance their additive manufacturing technology. Finally, strategic recommendations are offered to enhance the construction of 3D conductive microstructures using TPP, addressing prevailing challenges and fostering significant advancements in manufacturing technology.
Achieving High Doping Density in pH‐neutral Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Toward Effective Hole‐Transporting Materials for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jiayu , Wang He , Tong Yao , Li Zhe , Wei Zhengrong , Cheng Yuan , An Cunbin , Xu Bowei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe lack of effective and non‐corrosive hole‐transporting layer (HTL) materials has remained a long‐standing issue that severely restricts the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Most pH‐neutral conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) exhibit inferior performance to the acid‐doped HTL materials due to their low doping density. In this study, a series of pH‐neutral CPEs is designed and synthesized with high doping density as HTL materials. Through an elaborate synthetic route, two sulfonate‐terminating alkoxyl side chains can be introduced into thiophene, by which the electron‐rich, highly soluble, and chemically stable thiophene monomer is synthesized to enable the subsequent polymerization. The CPE PTT‐F exhibit a remarkable self‐doping property with an enhanced doping density from 2.01 × 1017 to 7.02 × 1018 cm−3. The high work function and the increased doping density of PTT‐F‐based HTL decrease the depletion region width from 38.4 to 8.1 nm at the anode interface, which minimized the energy loss in hole transport. Consequently, a binary OSC modified by PTT‐F‐based HTL achieve a high PCE of 18.8%. To the best of the knowledge, this is the highest PCE for OSC employing CPE‐based HTL. The results from this work demonstrate an encouraging achievement of realizing exceptional hole collection ability in pH‐neutral CPEs.
Internal Capsulation Via Self‐Cross‐linking and π‐Effects Achieves Highly Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Zongzhi , Zhang Yuling , Wu Guangzheng , Li Shuang , He Zhangwei , Ou Miaoning , Yuan Haoyu , Li Shuai , Zhu Han , Yu Runnan , Tan Zhan'ao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPursuing high stability becomes the core challenge in realizing the widespread application of perovskite solar cells (PerSCs). Here, a practical internal‐capsulation strategy is proposed by introducing cross‐linkable methacrylate analogs upon the perovskite layer, hindering ion migration and preventing lead leakage to achieve stable PerSCs. Butyl methacrylate (UMA) and benzyl methacrylate (BMA) can chemically interact with the perovskite layer, especially for the BMA dimer with significant π‐interactions among the hanging benzene rings. Such configuration facilitated more compact coordination, thereby restoring the Fermi level of perovskite to a defect‐free state and reducing carrier recombination losses. Moreover, by integrating the self‐cross‐linking and intermolecular π‐effect, the application of BMA upgraded the internal capsulation from linear protection to a compact mesh‐like scale. Consequently, the application of BMA not only boosted the efficiency to 25.31% but also greatly enhanced the stability of the perovskite layer, especially for water resistance and preventing lead linkage. The internal capsulation strategy upgrading from linear to mesh‐like marked an innovative direction in protecting the perovskite layer, paving the way for more sustainable PerSCs in further application.
Tetrahydrofuran Processable Organic Solar Cells with 19.45% Efficiency Realized by Introducing High Molecular Dipole Unit Into the Terpolymer
Authors: Liao Chentong , Xu Xiaopeng , Yang Tongyan , Qiu Wuke , Duan Yuwei , Li Ruipeng , Yu Liyang , Peng Qiang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDeveloping organic solar cells (OSCs) processable with halogen‐free, non‐aromatic solvents is crucial for practical applications, yet challenging due to the limited solubility of most photoactive materials. This study introduces high‐performance terpolymers processable in tetrahydrofuran (THF) by incorporating dithienophthalimide (DPI) into the PM6 backbone. DPI extends the absorption band, lowers HOMO levels, and improves THF solubility and film crystallinity through its large dipole moment effect. Optimal PBD‐10:L8‐BO devices processed with THF achieved a competitive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.79%, approaching chloroform‐processed devices (19.04%). By introducing PBTz‐F as a second donor, ternary OSCs reached an impressive 19.45% PCE when processed with THF. This improvement stems from enhanced photon generation, improved morphology, better charge transport, longer exciton lifetimes, efficient charge dissociation and collection, and suppressed recombination. These PCEs of 18.79% and 19.45% for binary and ternary blend OSCs, respectively, represent the highest reported efficiencies for OSCs processed with halogen‐free, non‐aromatic solvents. This work demonstrates significant progress in eco‐friendly OSC fabrication, paving the way for more sustainable and commercially viable organic photovoltaic technologies.
Making Sticky‐Slippery Switchable Fluorogels Through Self‐Adaptive Bicontinuous Phase Separation
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Wu Baohu , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDeveloping gel materials with tunable frictional properties is crucial for applications in soft robotics, anti‐fouling, and joint protection. However, achieving reversible switching between extreme sticky and slippery states remains a formidable challenge due to the opposing requirements for energy dissipation on gel surfaces. Herein, a self‐adaptive bicontinuous fluorogel is introduced that decouples lubrication and adhesion at varying temperatures. The phase‐separated fluorogel comprises a soft fluorinated lubricating phase and a stiff yet thermal‐responsive load‐bearing phase. At ambient temperature, the fluorogel exhibits a highly slippery surface owing to a low‐energy‐dissipating lubricating layer, demonstrating an ultralow friction coefficient of 0.004. Upon heating, the fluorogel transitions into a highly dissipating state via hydrogen bond dissociation, concurrently releasing adhesive dangling chains to make the surface highly sticky with an adhesion strength of ≈362 kPa. This approach provides a promising foundation for creating advanced adaptive materials with on‐demand self‐adhesive and self‐lubricating capabilities.
Elaborated Bio‐Heterojunction With Robust Sterilization Effect for Infected Tissue Regeneration via Activating Competent Cell‐Like Antibacterial Tactic
Authors: Huang Yixuan , Li Jialun , Yu Zhaohan , Li Jiyao , Liang Kunneng , Deng Yi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPhototherapy, such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been a powerful strategy to combat bacterial infection. However, the compact cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria, especially drug‐resistant bacteria, significantly diminish the efficiency of heat conduction and impede the entrance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) into cells, resulting in unsatisfactory sterilization. Enlightened by the membrane feature of competent bacteria, herein a MXene/CaO2 bio‐heterojunction (MC bio‐HJ) is elaborated to achieve rapid disinfection and promote infected tissue regeneration through activating competent cell‐like antibacterial tactics. The bio‐HJ first compels pathogenic bacteria to become a competent cell‐like stage through the coordination of Ca2+ and membrane phospholipid, and potentiates the membrane permeability. Assisted by near infrared (NIR) irradiation, the heat and ROS generated from PTT and PDT of bio‐HJ easily pass through bacterial membrane and drastically perturb bacterial metabolism, leading to rapid disinfection. More importantly, employing two in vivo infected model of mice, it have corroborated that the MC bio‐HJs not only effectively accelerate MRSA‐infected cutaneous regeneration, but also considerably boost osseointegration in an infected bone defect after coating on orthopedic implants. As envisaged, this work demonstrates a novel therapeutic tactic with robust antibacterial effect to remedy infected tissue regeneration through activating competent cell‐like stage.