bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digestive Biomarkers of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Preliminary Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , De Marrez Lisa G. , Hans Stephane , Muls Vinciane , Spinato Linda , Briganti Giovanni , Saussez Sven , De Vos Nathalie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the digestive enzymes and biomarkers in the saliva of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and asymptomatic individuals.Study DesignProspective controlled study.SettingMulticenter study.MethodsPatients with LPR at the hypopharyngeal‐esophageal impedance‐pH monitoring (HEMII‐pH) and asymptomatic individuals were consecutively recruited from January 2020 to April 2023 from 2 University Hospitals. The saliva of patients (off PPIs) and asymptomatic individuals was collected to measure pH, elastase, bile salts, cholesterol, gastric, and pancreatic lipases. Anxiety, symptoms, and findings were studied through perceived stress scale (PSS), reflux symptom score (RSS), and reflux sign assessment (RSA).ResultsSixty‐seven LPR patients and 57 asymptomatic individuals completed the evaluations. LPR patients reported higher PSS, RSS, and RSA than asymptomatic individuals. The mean saliva pH was more alkaline in LPR patients (7.23: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.08, 7.38) compared to controls (6.13; 95% CI: 5.95, 6.31; P = .001). The mean concentration of elastase was higher in patients (51.65 µg/mL; 95% CI: 44.47, 58.83 µg/mL) versus asymptomatic individuals (25.18 µg/mL; 95% CI: 21.64, 28.72 µg/mL; P = .001). The saliva cholesterol reported higher concentration in healthy individuals (3.43 mg/dL; 95% CI: 3.21, 3.65 mg/dL) compared to patients (1.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.27 mg/dL; P = .001). The saliva pH, and elastase concentration were significantly associated with the baseline RSS, while saliva cholesterol was negatively associated with the severity of RSS and RSA.ConclusionCholesterol, bile salts, and elastase are biomarkers of LPR and should be considered to develop future non‐invasive saliva device for the detection of LPR.
The Prevalence of Sentinel Central Events (SCent) During Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy
Authors: Rodin Julianna G. , Parekh Manan H. , Cai Yi , Keenan Brendan T. , Thuler Eric R. , Seay Everett , Atkins Joshua H. , Schwartz Alan R. , Dedhia Raj C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveWith the recent addition of airflow and respiratory effort channels, our group has observed central and mixed apnea events during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). We measured the frequency and timing of sentinel central and/or mixed events (SCents), as well as assessed for differences in velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis (VOTE) classification compared to obstructive events.Study DesignProspective single‐cohort study.SettingTertiary Care Academic Medical Center.MethodsPatients underwent DISE between June 2020 and November 2022. Nasal airflow, thoracoabdominal effort belt signals, and videoendoscopy were simultaneously captured. Demographics, sleep study, and DISE data were compared among patients with and without SCents using Student's T tests or χ2 tests.ResultsOn average, the cohort (n = 103) was middle‐aged (53.5 ± 12.1 years), overweight (body mass index of 29.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2), and had severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea‐hypopnea index of 30.7 ± 18.7 events/h). Forty‐seven patients (46%) were found to have at least 1 SCent. Among those with SCent, 45 (95.7%) transitioned to obstructive pathology after an average of 7.91 ± 2.74 minutes, with at least 95% of patients expected to do so within 12.57 minutes. Twenty‐nine out of 47 patients (61.2% [95% confidence interval: 46.4.9%, 75.5%]) with SCent had meaningful differences between central/mixed and obstructive VOTE scores.ConclusionCentral events were present in almost half of our cohort. At least 95% of patients were expected to transition to obstructive events within 12 to 13 minutes of propofol initiation. In addition, over half of patients demonstrate significantly different VOTE scores between central and obstructive events. These factors should raise awareness of central events and scoring passive apneas during DISE and consider delaying VOTE scoring.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of pyrrole on a quasi‐reversible silver nanodumbbell particle surface for supramolecular porphyrin production
Authors: Fakayode Olayemi Jola , Mohlala Reagan L. , Ratshiedana Rudzani , May Bambesiwe M. , Ebenso Eno E. , Feleni Usisipho , Nkambule Thabo T.I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhotoactive supramolecular porphyrin assemblies are attractive molecules for light‐harvesting applications. This is due to their relatively non‐toxicity, biological activities and charge and energy exchange characteristics. However, the extreme cost associated with their synthesis and requirements for toxic organic solvents during purification pose a challenge to the sustainability characteristics of their applications. This work presents the first report on the sustainable synthesis, spectroscopic and photophysical characterizations of a near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing Ca(II)‐meso‐tetrakis (4‐hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin using an electrolyzed pyrrole solution. The latter was obtained by cycling the pyrrole solution across the silver nanodumbbell particle surface at room temperature. The electrolyzed solution condensed readily with acidified p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, producing the targeted purple porphyrin. The non‐electrolyzed pyrrole solution formed a green substance with significantly different optical properties. Remarkable differences were observed in the voltammograms of the silver nanodumbbell particles and those of the conventional gold electrode during the pyrrole cycling, suggesting different routes of porphyrin formation. The rationale behind these formations and the associated mechanisms were extensively discussed. Metalation with aqueous Ca2+ ion caused a Stokes shift of 38.75 eV. The current study shows the advantage of the electrochemical method towards obtaining sustainable light‐harvesting porphyrin at room temperature without the need for high‐energy‐dependent conventional processes.
What monarch butterfly waystation names and characteristics can reveal about program participants
Authors: Geest Emily A. , Taylor Orley R. , Baum Kristen A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMonarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) have undergone large scale population declines leading to multiple conservation organizations encouraging the creation of monarch butterfly habitat. Monarch Watch encourages volunteers to create and register monarch habitat as Monarch Waystations.During registration waystations can be named. Names reflect personal meanings, community attachments, and cultural insights and waystation names in particular can provide insights into what ideas and concepts volunteers associate with a habitat creation program.A total of 37,916 registered waystation names were examined to determine most commonly used names, words and word themes. The most common types of waystations were medium‐sized suburban gardens in the United States.The most common waystation names referenced yard placement withMy Backyardthe most frequently used. Place‐themed words were the most used followed by animal‐themed words. Within animal‐themed words, insect words were the most used followed by mammals and birds.Theological/mortality themed words were present with memorial the most common word, implying a permanence of waystations.The most common familial terms includedmomandgrandmasuggesting inter‐generational gardening is occurring, which is known to strengthen communities and build well‐being.The frequency of positive emotion/feeling words implies that participating in habitat creation programs is a positive experience and participation may reduce conservation apathy.Further research into habitat creation programs and the longevity of habitat created as well as the motivations and demographics of participants can help tailor habitat volunteer programs to desired audiences and increase overall participation.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Enhanced dielectric properties and energy storage performances by selectively distributed BaTiO3 in polyvinylidene fluoride/low‐density polyethylene blends
Authors: Bo Ruitian , Han Zhidong , Wang Yongliang , He Peigang , Wang Chunfeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe distribution structure of dielectric fillers is attracting more attention in designing composites with excellent dielectric properties and energy storage performances. Barium titanate (BT) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were introduced to low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) to build the dielectric structure by modulating the phase structure of PVDF/LDPE and the distribution behavior of BT. The results showed that BT particles can be selectively distributed in the phase structure of PVDF/LDPE by controlling the surface modification of BT, which contributed much to the enhancement of dielectric properties and energy storage performances. The dielectric constant and discharge energy density of the composites with the selective distribution of core‐shell structured BT@PE in the LDPE phase of PVDF/LDPE blend were increased by 51% and 95% in comparison with PVDF/LDPE blend, respectively. By simulating with finite element analysis (FEA), the increased internal polarization and the decreased electric field distortion of PVDF/LDPE/BT@PE due to BT@PE distributed in the LDPE phase and the small dielectric constant difference between the LDPE/BT@PE phase and PVDF phase were the factors to enhance the dielectric constant and breakdown strength, which consequently enhance the energy storage performances of the composites.Highlights
Phase structure constructed with BT and BT@PE selectively distributed in PVDF/LDPE.
Co‐enhanced dielectric constant and breakdown strength of PVDF/LDPE/BT@PE.
Modulated polarization and electric field due to BT@PE in the LDPE phase of composites.
Optimisation of enzyme‐assisted extraction of camptothecin from Nothapodytes nimmoniana and its characterisation
Authors: Patil Dhiraj M. , Hunasagi Basavaraj S. , Raghu Anjanapura V. , Kulkarni Raghavendra V. , Akamanchi Krishnacharya G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionEfficient extraction of camptothecin (CPT), an anticancer agent from the commercial source Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb in India, is of paramount importance. CPT is present in the highest concentration in the stem portion, and the stem can be readily harvested without uprooting the plant. The fluorescence microscopy mapping of the bark matrix for CPT revealed its presence in a free form within both the outer (epidermal and cortical tissues) and inner (xylem and phloem tissues) sections. The bark matrix primarily consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, rendering it woody, rigid, and resistant to efficient solvent penetration for CPT extraction. We proposed a hypothesis that subjecting it to disruption through treatment with hydrolytic enzymes like cellulase and xylanase could enhance solvent diffusion, thereby enabling a swift and effective extraction of CPT.ObjectiveThe present study was aimed at enzyme‐assisted extraction, using cellulase and xylanase for hydrolytic disruption of the cells to readily access CPT from the stem of the plant N. nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb.MethodologyThe hydrolytic cell disruption of ground powder from the stem bark was studied using cellulase and xylanase enzymes. The enzymatically pretreated stem bark powder was subsequently recovered by filtration, dried, and subjected to extraction with methanol to isolate CPT. This process was optimised through a Box–Behnken design, employing a one‐factor‐at‐a‐time approach to assess parameters such as enzyme concentration (2–10% w/w), pH (3–7), incubation time (6–24 h), and solid‐to‐solvent ratio (1:30–1:70 g/mL). CPT was characterised using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for quantification.ResultsThe cellulase and xylanase treatment resulted in the highest yields of 0.285% w/w and 0.343% w/w, with efficiencies of 67% and 81%, respectively, achieved in a significantly shorter time compared to the untreated material, which yielded 0.18% with an efficiency of only 42%. Extraction by utilising the predicted optimised process parameters, a nearly two‐fold increase in the yield, was observed for xylanase, with incubation and solvent extraction times set at 16 and 2 h, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the spent material indicated perforations attributed to enzymatic action, suggesting that this could be a primary factor contributing to the enhanced extraction.ConclusionEnzyme‐mediated hydrolytic cell disruption could be a potential approach for efficient and rapid isolation of CPT from the bark of N. nimmoniana.
Impact of filler and gelling catalyst/agent on properties of flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Jaiswal Harshi , Narayanangopalasamudram Mahesh , Maitra Jaya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, the physiomechanical properties of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (Na‐CMC salt) filler‐loaded foam and its impact on the wicking capacity of the foam were investigated in juxtaposition with the increasing tin concentration. According to the study's findings, standard unfilled foam demonstrated no wicking at all, while flexible PU foam filled with Na‐CMC salt, even with low porosity and subpar mechanical traits, displayed wicking heights of 4 mm, 3.4 mm, and 2.8 mm in test specimens of thicknesses of 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm. Moreover, filled foam with a higher porosity level exhibited significantly better wicking heights of 11.4 mm, 10.8 mm, and 8.2 mm. The inclusion of CMC filler in the PU foam matrix is the reason for enhanced wicking property in foam. The sample thickness and wicking height trends are consistent among all foams; as foam sample thickness increases, wicking height progressively falls. The correlation between the foam's porosity value and the number of closed cell windows is confirmed by stereomicroscopy and the porosity values. According to this study, the infused filler's characteristics have a greater influence on the foam's wicking capacity than the foam's porosity. This study contributes significant insights into ongoing initiatives to enhance user experience, well‐being, and hygiene through innovative and meticulously designed new developed mattress foam using Na‐CMC as a filler.Highlights
Co‐relation between concentration of tin and infused filler on wicking property.
Standard unfilled foam demonstrated no wicking at all.
Na‐CMC salt filled foam displayed wicking heights.
After 15% increase in tin level, mechanical properties of foam degrade.
Wicking depends on nature of infused filler and the foam's porosity.
Towards a recyclability index for photovoltaic modules: Methodology, challenges and policy implications
Authors: Polverini Davide , Alfieri Felice , Spiliotopoulos Christoforos , Arcipowska Aleksandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolicies related to the circular economy are currently being implemented intensively within the European Union, with a central role attributed to the Ecodesign Directive. Within this framework, this paper devises a general methodology to be applied for the formulation of recyclability indexes for products, with particular regard to the specific case of PV modules. Recyclability indexes can be intended as an aggregated manner to assess and present information about the product aspects related to recyclability, with the view to convey this multi‐layered information to various audiences. The key elements, as well as the related design features, for the definition of such type of index have been identified. An assessment on the environmental benefits stemming from the availability of a recyclability index is also presented. Finally, the policy approaches for the application of a recyclability index in regulatory terms are discussed, by means, in particular, of requirements in the legal framework of the EU Ecodesign Directive.
Acute exposure to pollen and airway inflammation in adolescents
Authors: Nassikas Nicholas J. , Luttmann‐Gibson Heike , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Oken Emily , Gold Diane R. , Rice Mary B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionPollen exposure is known to exacerbate allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms, yet few studies have investigated if exposure to pollen affects lung function or airway inflammation in healthy children.MethodsWe evaluated the extent to which higher pollen exposure was associated with differences in airway inflammation and lung function among 490 early adolescent participants (mean age of 12.9 years) in Project Viva, a prebirth cohort based in Massachusetts. We obtained regional daily total pollen counts, including tree, grass, and weed pollen, from a Rotorod pollen counter. We evaluated associations of 3‐ and 7‐day moving averages of pollen with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and lung function using linear regression models and evaluated the linearity of associations with penalized splines. We tested if associations of pollen with FeNO and lung function were modified by current asthma diagnosis, history of allergic rhinitis, aeroallergen sensitivity, temperature, precipitation, and air pollution.ResultsThree‐ and 7‐day median pollen concentrations were 19.0 grains/m3 (IQR: 73.4) and 20.9 grains/m3 (IQR: 89.7). In main models, higher concentrations of total pollen over the preceding 3 and 7 days were associated with a 4.6% (95% CI: 0.1,9.2) and 7.4% (95% CI: 0.9,14.3) higher FeNO per IQR of pollen, respectively. We did not find associations of pollen with lung function in main models. Asthma, allergic rhinitis, precipitation, and air pollution (nitrogen dioxide and ozone) modified associations of pollen with lung function (Pinteraction < 0.1), while temperature, sex, and aeroallergen sensitization did not.ConclusionShort‐term exposure to pollen was associated with higher FeNO in early adolescents, even in the absence of allergic sensitization and asthma.
Incidence and risk factors for long COVID in children with COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Wongwathanavikrom Na‐bhadhra , Tovichien Prakarn , Udomittipong Kanokporn , Palamit Apinya , Tiamduangtawan Pinyapach , Mahoran Khunphon , Charoensittisup Pawinee 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThere are only a few reports of long COVID including pulmonary function in children after COVID‐19 pneumonia. We determined the incidence of long COVID and abnormal pulmonary function in those children and identify risk factors.MethodsThis cohort study enrolled children admitted with COVID‐19 pneumonia during 2021–2022. We gathered clinical characteristics during admission and at follow‐up 3 months after.ResultsWe determined the incidence of long COVID at 39.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.7%–49.1%). All severe pneumonia cases consistently reported persistent symptoms. Exercise intolerance, cough, and fatigue were the three most common persistent symptoms in 26 (22.4%), 21 (18.1%), and 18 (15.5%) of the patients, respectively. At the follow‐up, 21 cases (18.1%) demonstrated persistent abnormal chest radiographs. Three cases (6.9%) demonstrated restrictive ventilatory defects. Among those, one case (2.3%) demonstrated concomitant diffusion defect. Three cases (6.0%) demonstrated exercise‐induced hypoxemia after the 6‐minute walk test. Comparing spirometry variables between children with long COVID and without revealed significant difference of FEF25‐75 (z score) between two groups. Age [adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.13 (1.05–1.22), p value 0.002], allergic diseases [adjusted OR (95% CI): 4.05 (1.36–12.06), p value 0.012], and living in polluted areas [adjusted OR (95% CI): 2.73 (1.18–6.33), p value 0.019] were significantly associated with long COVID.ConclusionA significant percentage of children developed long COVID after COVID‐19 pneumonia. We should give additional attention to those who have exercise intolerance, chronic cough, or fatigue, especially older children, severe cases, children with allergic diseases, and those living in polluted areas.
Flame propagation and explosion characteristics of food‐based dust as a function of dust concentration
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Mohd Mokhtar Khairiah , Wan Sulaiman Wan Zaiton , Semawi Nur Hikmah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA comprehensive grasp of the mechanisms and characteristics of dust explosions holds significant importance in guiding safe operations and risk mitigation measures. This research examined the impact of dust concentration on the flame propagation and explosion characteristics of rice flour and tea dust. The explosion test was carried out in a 20‐L spherical chamber and demonstrated that elevating the dust concentration led to increased explosion pressure and flame velocity. Simultaneously, it decreased both the rise initiation time and the peak time. This observation can be attributed to more particles ignited by heat radiation per unit volume and a greater frequency of effective collisions between reactant molecules. These factors enhance mass and heat transfer in preheating and reaction zones, producing more violent pyrolysis. However, tea dust exhibited a slower flame propagation with weaker turbulent flame intensity due to its higher moisture content and larger particle size than rice flour.
Introduction to qualification and validation of an immunoassay
Authors: Janssen Sarah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImmunoassays play an important role in drug development of products targeting the immune system. Consistent quality of the results from an immunoassay is essential to make unbiased and accurate claims about the drug product during preclinical and clinical development stages. Assay qualification and validation shed light on the performance of the assay. It is the first evaluation and the verification, respectively, of the assay's performance. This tutorial explains and illustrates the calculation methodology for important assay qualification parameters including precision, relative accuracy, linearity, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), the upper limit of quantification (ULOQ), the assay range and dilutability. This tutorial focuses on assays used for (pre‐) clinical purposes, characterized by a lognormal distribution of the measurements on its original untransformed scale and by the lack of well characterized reference material. Statistical calculations are illustrated with qualification data from an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) vaccine immunoassay.