bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Transfer‐Assisted Color Conversion of Persistent Mechanoluminescence in RhB@SiO2/SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy System for Multilevel Information Encryption
Authors: Deng Yuan , Peng Danni , Shen Cheng‐Long , Sun Junlu , Zheng Guangsong , Chang Shulong , Liang Yachuan , He Jun , Shan Chong‐Xin , Dong Lin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPersistent mechanoluminescence (PML) is highly desirable for its ability to overcome transient‐emitting behavior, but its applications are hindered by the limited emission wavelengths. Herein, a universal chemical interlinkage‐assisted efficient energy transfer (ET) strategy is introduced to achieve color conversion from green to red in traditional PML materials. A straightforward chemical route to create the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system is established via covalent chemical interlinkage by depositing mesoporous silica‐encapsulated Rhodamine B (RhB) nanoparticles (RhB@SiO2) onto SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy (SAOED) particles. The resulting system exhibits a high ET efficiency of 53.5%. The multicolor PML of the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system remains visible to the naked eye for exceeding 28 s after mechanical stimulation. With this unique PML behavior, the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system demonstrates the potential applications ranging from visualized reading activities to multi‐mode anticounterfeiting. This universal PML color‐conversion strategy provides a new approach to high‐performance mechanical light energy‐conversion systems and may further inspire more diverse functional applications of classical PML materials.
Operational risk management – Measurement and evaluation of friction coefficients for geotextile sandbags for flood protection
Authors: Thomisch M. , Lock L. , Eckstein T. , Forderer B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present work focuses on the friction coefficient for various geotextile sandbag structures especially dikes under different conditions. Based on the review of existing investigations there are several gaps to close. Former investigations do not include the whole scope of needed surfaces and conditions. Especially the friction coefficients for polypropylene and even for jute as material mainly used for small geotextile sandbags are not fully available. Additionally, the influence of the surface moisture is not consequently investigated, particularly for jute. Due to this, eleven test series (three with sandbag on sandbag configuration and eight with sandbag on ground surface) with 780 single readings are finalized. In comparison to former studies there are results for surface combinations of good harmonization and those with differences. A comparison of the earlier studies already shows different results Summarized it can be stated that the presented results are representative friction coefficients for calculation of realistic sandbag structures e. g., sandbag dikes or spring cascades.
Measurement of T1ρ dispersion with compressed sensing and magnetization prepared radial balanced steady‐state free precession in spontaneous human osteoarthritis
Authors: Pala S. , Paajanen A. , Ristaniemi A. , Nippolainen E. , Afara I. O. , Nykänen O. , Nissi M. J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess the potential for accelerating continuous‐wave (CW) T1ρ dispersion measurement with compressed sensing approach via studying the effect that the data reduction has on the ability to detect differences between intact and degenerated articular cartilage with different spin‐lock amplitudes and to assess quantitative bias due to acceleration.MethodsOsteochondral plugs (n = 27, 4 mm diameter) from femur (n = 14) and tibia (n = 13) regions from human cadaver knee joints were obtained from commercial biobank (Science Care, USA) under Ethical permission 134/2015. MRI of specimens was performed at 9.4T with magnetization prepared radial balanced SSFP (bSSFP) readout sequence, and the CWT1ρ relaxation time maps were computed from the measured data. The relaxation time maps were evaluated in the cartilage zones for different acceleration factors. For reference, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) grading and biomechanical measurements were performed and correlated with the MRI findings.ResultsFour‐fold acceleration of CWT1ρ dispersion measurement by compressed sensing approach was feasible without meaningful loss in the sensitivity to osteoarthritic (OA) changes within the articular cartilage. Differences were significant between intact and OA groups in the superficial and transitional zones, and CWT1ρ correlated moderately with the reference measurements (0.3 < r < 0.7).ConclusionCWT1ρ was able to differentiate between intact and OA cartilage even with four‐fold acceleration. This indicates that acceleration of CWT1ρ dispersion measurement by compressed sensing approach is feasible with negligible loss in the sensitivity to osteoarthritic changes in articular cartilage.
Rasch analysis of the modified Fatigue Severity Scale in neuromuscular disorders and comparison between sex, age and diagnoses
Authors: Fulton Joshua P. J. , Holt James K. L. , Mills Roger J. , Young Carolyn A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsFatigue is a common and debilitating symptom encountered in the neuromuscular clinic. The 7‐item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS‐7) is a Rasch‐modified assessment validated in inflammatory neuropathies but not across a typical neuromuscular patient population. The aim of this study was to validate this measure in neuromuscular disorders and to compare between patient sex, age and diagnoses.MethodsThe modified FSS‐7 was mailed to patients recruited from a specialist neuromuscular clinic at the Walton Centre. Responses were subjected to Rasch analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on the Rasch converted data.ResultsThe mFSS‐7 met the Rasch model expectations with an overall Chi‐square probability of 0.4918, a strict unidimensional scale free from differential item functioning (DIF) that satisfied the model with substantial test–retest reliability using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.77). A 15.7% ceiling effect was observed in this patient cohort. Post hoc analysis did not show any significant difference in fatigue between sex, age or neuromuscular diagnoses.DiscussionThe self‐completed Rasch mFSS‐7 showed acceptable test–retest reliability across patients with varied disorders under follow‐up in a specialist neuromuscular clinic. The ceiling effect constrains its use for those with the most severe fatigue. Future considerations could include assessment of the benefits of clinical interventions, particularly multidisciplinary team input or dedicated fatigue clinics.
Urodynamic analysis of the effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on the bladder after spinal cord injury
Authors: Lu Junyan , Cheng Bo , Lin Le 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveGuanyuan (CV4), Zhongji (CV3) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) are the most frequently used acupoints for treating neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there has been no investigation to clarify the differences in effects of these acupoints in different types of neurogenic bladder.MethodsThe study was structured with a randomized, two‐phase cross over design with a washout period. A routine urodynamic examination was performed first, then, in the order of grouping, electroacupuncture was performed on CV4, CV3, and SP6, respectively，and urodynamic examination was performed to observe the changes of urodynamic indexes in real time.ResultsWhen undergoing electroacupuncture at CV4, CV3, and SP6 in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO), the bladder volume at the first occurrence of DO and maximum cystometric capacity increased (p < 0.05), but maximum detrusor pressure (Pdetmax) at DO decreased (p < 0.05), and the changes using CV4 and CV3 was more significantly than using SP6 (p < 0.05). And in patients with in neurogenic detrusor underactivity, there were no significant changes in maximum urinary flow rate and Pdetmax during urination (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe immediate relief effect of electroacupuncture at CV4, CV3 on DO was greater than at SP6.
Impact of Reduced Acidic Earwax pH and Earwax‐Determinant Genotypes in Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Kusunoki Takeshi , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Kamiya Kazusaku , Toyoda Yu , Takata Yusuke , Anzai Takashi , Furukawa Masayuki , Okada Hiroko , Nakayama Takumi , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Matsumoto Fumihiko 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe development of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism, 538G>A, in the human adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter C11 (ABCC11) gene, which is a determinant of the earwax morphotype, such as wet‐ and dry‐type earwax; however, the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. We focused on the earwax pH and aimed to elucidate the mechanism between ABCC11 genotypes and acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.Study DesignProspective observational study.SettingSingle‐center, academic hospital.MethodsWe recruited 40 patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma who underwent surgery and 115 controls with no history of middle ear cholesteatoma. We assessed the earwax pH and ABCC11 genotypes in all participants. Clinical information was collected from the patients with cholesteatoma.ResultsThe earwax pH was significantly less acidic in patients with cholesteatoma and those carrying wet earwax genotypes (ABCC11 538G/G or 538G/A) than in the controls and those carrying the dry earwax genotype (ABCC11 538A/A), respectively. Furthermore, earwax pH was significantly positively correlated with high preoperative cholesteatoma stages in the patients with cholesteatoma.ConclusionOur results show that the less acidic earwax pH was significantly related to the development and progression of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. The less acidic earwax pH may play an important role in the mechanism underlying the association between acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and the ABCC11 gene at site 538.
The impact of comparative genomic hybridization/single‐nucleotide polymorphism microarray in risk stratification of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gourmel Antoine , Perrault Héloïse , Colaiacovo Marie‐Laure , Laramée Louise , Rozendaal Marieke , Bittencourt Henrique , Laverdière Caroline , Champagne Josette , Cellot Sonia , Silverman Lewis B. , Lemyre Emmanuelle , Maftei Catalina , Mathonnet Géraldine , Tihy Frédérique , Pelland‐Marcotte Marie‐Claude , Léveillé France , Tran Thai Hoa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study is to assess the concordance and added value of combined comparative genomic hybridization plus single‐nucleotide polymorphism microarray (CGH/SNP) analyses in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk stratification compared to conventional cytogenetic methods.ProcedureThis is a retrospective study that included patients aged 1–18 years diagnosed with de novo ALL at Sainte‐Justine Hospital between 2016 and 2021. Results from conventional cytogenetic and molecular analyses were collected and compared to those of CGH/SNP.ResultsA total of 135 ALL patients were included. Sample failures or non‐diagnostic analyses occurred in 17.8% cases with G‐banding karyotypes versus 1.5% cases with CGH/SNP. The mean turnaround time for results was significantly faster for CGH/SNP than karyotype with 5.8 versus 10.7 days, respectively. The comparison of ploidy assessment by CGH/SNP and G‐banding karyotype showed strong concordance (r = .82, p < .001, r2 = .68). Furthermore, G‐banding karyotype did not detect additional clinically relevant aberrations that were missed by the combined analysis of CGH/SNP and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The most common gene alterations detected by CGH/SNP were deletions involving CDKN2A (35.8%), ETV6 (31.3%), CDKN2B (28.4%), PAX5 (20.1%), IKZF1 (12.7%), and copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN‐LOH) of 9p (9.0%). Among these, only ETV6 deletion was found to have a significant prognostic impact with superior event‐free survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted hazard ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.50, p = .02).ConclusionCGH/SNP provided faster, reliable, and highly concordant results than those obtained by conventional cytogenetics. CGH/SNP identified recurrent gene deletions in pediatric ALL, of which ETV6 deletion conferred a favorable prognosis.
Assessment of bronchodilator response in preschoolers: A systematic review
Authors: Wong Matthew D. , Condon Kathleena , Robinson Paul D. , Suresh Sadasivam , Zahir Syeda Farah , Sly Peter D. , Blake Tamara L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeveral techniques can be used to assess bronchodilator response (BDR) in preschool‐aged children, including spirometry, respiratory oscillometry, the interrupter technique, and specific airway resistance. However, there has not been a systematic comparison of BDR thresholds across studies yet.MethodsA systematic review was performed on all studies up to May 2023 measuring a bronchodilator effect in children 2–6 years old using one of these techniques (PROSPERO CRD42021264659). Studies were identified using MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science databases, and reference lists of relevant manuscripts.ResultsOf 1224 screened studies, 43 were included. Over 85% were from predominantly European ancestry populations, and only 22 studies (51.2%) calculated a BDR cutoff based on a healthy control group. Five studies included triplicate testing with a placebo to account for the within‐subject intrasession repeatability. A relative BDR was most consistently reported by the included studies (95%) but varied widely across all techniques. Various statistical methods were used to define a BDR, with six studies using receiver operating characteristic analyses to measure the discriminative power to distinguish healthy from wheezy and asthmatic children.ConclusionA BDR in 2‐ to 6‐year‐olds cannot be universally defined based on the reviewed literature due to inconsistent methodology and cutoff calculations. Further studies incorporating robust methods using either distribution‐based or clinical anchor‐based approaches to define BDR are required.
Consumer Financial Protection Versus Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure in Zambia
Authors: Fombang MccPowell , Wanzala Richard Wamalwa 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundOut‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenses for healthcare are regarded as catastrophic, especially if they account for a substantial amount of a poor household's effective income. This study looks at the frequency and severity of catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE) to evaluate the level of monetary safeguarding provided by the present healthcare system in Zambia.MethodsThe study relied on the 2014 Zambia Household Health Expenditure and Utilization Survey, which was carried out in 10 different provinces. The investigated population is divided into quintiles, which divide family units into five groups, each of which represents 20% of the population. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and pairwise comparisons among the quintiles.ResultsAt 5% level of significance, pairwise analyses of the average of OOP healthcare expenditures as a proportion of non‐food spending reveal that the quintiles have statistically different means. If 10% limit is employed, the concentration index was −0.41, whereas was −0.67. At a 10% limit, the adjusted headcount () is 0.37, and the adjusted overshoot () is 0.15%.ConclusionThe frequency and severity of CHE were negligible during the study period. However, the less fortunate are more susceptible compared to the wealthy to be subjected to the occurrence and severity of CHE. Therefore, policy changes ought to emphasize the protection of the poor and vulnerable to accomplish the goal of universal healthcare (UHC). Finally, research is suggested to include equity and quality in the use of healthcare services.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Workers and Caregivers Towards Retinopathy of Prematurity in Uganda: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Lusobya Rebecca Claire , Atukunda Immaculate , Semulimi Andrew Weil , Nalukenge Carol , Kalinaki Abubaker , Denis Erima , Nyanzi Mary , Batte Charles , Mukunya David , Mukisa John , Otiti‐Sengeri Juliet , Wabulembo Geoffrey 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant global issue and a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness. Early screening and timely management of preterm babies at risk are crucial. To effectively implement this strategy, it is essential that caregivers and health workers are well‐informed about ROP. This study plays a vital role in assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers and healthcare workers towards ROP in Uganda, providing valuable insights into the current understanding and approach towards this condition.MethodWe conducted a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods study, involving 214 participants. This group included 12 paediatricians, 56 neonatal nurses and 146 caregivers, all of whom play crucial roles in the healthcare system. The study was conducted at two tertiary hospital neonatal clinics in Uganda. A researcher‐administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on the participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices. Descriptive statistics were used to describe variables, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsWe recruited 146 caregivers with a mean age of 29.4 (±standard deviation 6.5) years, 12 paediatricians with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 36–41) and 56 nurses with a median age of 35 years (30–42). The median working duration of health workers at the neonatal unit was 3 (IQR: 1.8–4.2) years. Thirty‐two (21.92%) caregivers and 28 (49.12%) health workers had good knowledge about ROP, whereas 9 nurses and 2 paediatricians did not know about ROP. Barriers to ROP screening included limited resources (equipment, time and skilled personnel) and limited parental involvement. Enhancing collaboration among medical care teams has the potential to improve ROP screening.ConclusionInsufficient knowledge about ROP among caregivers calls for increased efforts to educate and sensitise them about ROP and its risk factors.
Atomically Dispersed Ni on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Substrate Enhances Basic HER Performance of Ru Clusters**
Authors: Jiao Penggang , Chen Shuang , Wu Wenliu , Li Zhiwei , Xu Peng , Gomaa Hassanien , An Cuihua , Qin Chunling , Deng Qibo , Hu Ning 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHydrogen production through water electrolysis is a viable method to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. Nonetheless, water electrolysis necessitates using effective electrocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of converting electrical energy into chemical energy. Compared with the high cost of platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru)‐based materials show significant promise as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, a Ru cluster supported on a nitrogen‐doped carbon substrate containing an atomically dispersed nickel electrocatalyst is synthesized (NiRu‐NC). In NiRu‐NC electrocatalyst, Ru clusters act as primary active sites, while atomically dispersed Ni atoms act as auxiliary sites. The HER activity of Ru clusters is enhanced by modifying the electronic structure of Ru sites. This unique structure enhances the interaction between the Ru cluster and the substrate, showing excellent HER performance in an alkaline environment. The overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 is only 25 mV, and the Tafel slope is 29 mV dec−1. In continuous operation for 24 h, the overpotential value hardly rose, indicating exemplary stability behavior of the applied NiRu‐NC electrocatalyst.
Electrochemical Investigation of ZnS/NiO Nanocomposite based Symmetric Supercapattery
Authors: Saleem Shumaila , Khalid Sadia , Nazir Aalia , Khan Yaqoob , Farooq Khizir 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSupercapattery is an ideal energy storage device combining the features of supercapacitors and batteries, offers a high‐energy density as well as high‐power density with extended operational lifespan. In this work, zinc sulfide (ZnS) and zinc sulfide/nickel oxide (ZnS/NiO) nanocomposite was synthesized via chemical coprecipitation method and characterized using state‐of‐the‐art analytical tools. The ZnS/NiO electrode exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance as an electrode material than pure ZnS. The ZnS/NiO nanocomposite exhibited high crystallinity, and spherical nanoparticles with an average grain size of 20–40 nm having a homogeneous dispersion. The ZnS/NiO electrode exhibited an ultrahigh specific capacity of 1803.87 Cg−1 at a relatively low scan rate of 10 mVs−1 in a 1 M KOH solution from cyclic voltammetry and 393 Cg−1 at 16 Ag−1 from charge discharge measurements, and it showed exceptional cycling stability (98 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles). Furthermore, the ZnS/NiO symmetric supercapattery device exhibited 44.43 Fg−1 specific capacitance, 5.52 Wh kg−1 energy density, and 1600 Wkg−1 power density at current density of 0.8 Ag−1 in 1 M KOH solution from galvanostatic charge discharge. After 3000 cycles, the ZnS/NiO nanomaterial demonstrated promising cyclic stability of 95 %. The ZnS/NiO supercapattery nanocomposite might be considered as a potential hybrid electrode material for the future development of electrochemical energy storage devices.
Advances in pH Sensing: From Traditional Approaches to Next‐Generation Sensors in Biological Contexts
Authors: Hassan Akhtar Mahmood , Azhar Hayat Nawaz Muhammad , Abbas Manzar , Liu Ning , Han Wenzhao , Lv Yan , Yu Cong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractpH has been considered one of the paramount factors in bodily functions because most cellular tasks exclusively rely on precise pH values. In this context, the current techniques for pH sensing provide us with the futuristic insight to further design therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Thus, pH‐sensing (electrochemically and optically) is rapidly evolving toward exciting new applications and expanding researchers’ interests in many chemical contexts, especially in biomedical applications. The adaptation of cutting‐edge technology is subsequently producing the modest form of these biosensors as wearable devices, which are providing us the opportunity to target the real‐time collection of vital parameters, including pH for improved healthcare systems. The motif of this review is to provide insight into trending tech‐based systems employed in real‐time or in‐vivo pH‐responsive monitoring. Herein, we briefly go through the pH regulation in the human body to help the beginners and scientific community with quick background knowledge, recent advances in the field, and pH detection in real‐time biological applications. In the end, we summarize our review by providing an outlook; challenges that need to be addressed, and prospective integration of various pH in vivo platforms with modern electronics that can open new avenues of cutting‐edge techniques for disease diagnostics and prevention.