bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metal–organic frameworks for energy storage applications: Recent advances
Authors: Irshad Tasmia , Saeed Muhammad , Aiman Vaneeza , Ali Muntaha , Ahsan Hadia , Ameen Shahzad , Munir Mamoona 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundMetal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for next‐generation batteries due to their unique properties such as high surface area, tuneable pore size, and composition.ObjectiveThis review explored the comprehensive summary of MOF‐based electrode materials, their synthetic ways and applications for batteries.MethodsFor example, solvothermal synthesis is commonly used for generating large MOF crystals, while hydrothermal synthesis is often used for synthesizing highly porous MOFs for energy storage devices. Herein, the synthetic strategies and applications of MOFs and their composites in batteries and supercapacitors are introduced.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that MOFs have the potential to revolutionize the field of batteries and open new possibilities for designing next‐generation batteries with improved performance and safety.ConclusionHowever, further research is needed to overcome the challenges and fully realize the potential of MOFs in batteries and it will contribute to forward advancement of pristine MOFs with excellent electrochemical behavior.
The investigation of deposited organic carbon‐silicon films using cyclonic atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization
Authors: Wang Shu‐Mei , Huang Chun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe upgrading of atmospheric‐pressure plasma polymerization process, the detailed investigation of atmospheric‐pressure plasma polymerization deposited organic carbon‐silicon film features is essential to obtain the further understandings into the optimizing coating techniques.AimThis investigation demonstrates plasma cyclone deposited film features with adjusting argon gas flow rate and HMDSN monomer flow rate.MethodThis study utilized the plasma cyclone system to polymerize a carbon‐silicon film. In this study, Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) was employed as a diagnostic tool to indirectly inspect the chemical composition of the atmospheric‐pressure plasma polymerization's glow discharge by detecting the photo‐emitting species. The Contact Angle Goniometer, ATR‐FTIR, AFM, and XPS were used to measure the surface properties of the films deposited by plasma cyclone.ResultsThe static contact angle results show that most of the deposited films obtain the divergent contact angle values with adjusting argon gas flow rate and HMDSN monomer flow rate. ATR‐FTIR results show that argon gas flow rate and HMDSN monomer flow rate dominate the porosity of plasma cyclone deposited film surface. XPS and AFM analyses also detect the comparable trend of physicochemical characteristics of organic carbon‐silicon film with adjusting argon gas flow rate and HMDSN monomer flow rate. In summary, the organic carbon‐silicon films can be successfully polymerized by plasma cyclone.ConclusionsThe results refer that the organic carbon‐silicon film deposition on vanadium redox flow battery separator surface improved the electrolyte uptake of the cyclonic‐plasma‐coated separators was larger than that of a commercial separator.
Prevalence and metabolic determinants of abnormal alanine aminotransferase: A cross‐sectional study of Iranian adults, 2018–2022
Authors: Asgari Samaneh , Molavizadeh Danial , Tohidi Maryam , Momenan Amir Abbas , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme whose activity became the principal biomarker for liver disease. In the current study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal ALT, as a surrogate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its associated determinants using different criteria among Tehranian subjects between 2018 and 2022.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study on 5676 Tehranian individuals aged 20–70 years. The weighted prevalence of abnormal ALT was calculated using both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States (US‐NHANCE; ALT ≥30 U/L for females and ≥40 U/L for males) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guideline (ALT >25 U/L for females, and >33 U/L for males) thresholds. Moreover, uni/multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to find the determinants of abnormal ALT.ResultsThe weighted prevalence of abnormal ALT was 12.8% (7.6% females and 18% males) and 22.5% (17.7% females and 27.3% males) based on US‐NHANCE and ACG criteria, respectively. Our results showed every decade increase in age decreased the risk of abnormal ALT by 32%. We also found that generally male gender, being overweight/obese, central adiposity, TG ≥6.9 mmol/L, non‐HDL‐C ≥3.37 mmol/L, lipid‐lowering medications, pre‐diabetes/T2DM were associated with abnormal ALT using different cutoff points. Moreover, among men resting tachycardia (≥90 beats per min), hypertension, and females past‐smoker were also found as other determinants of abnormal ALT.ConclusionHigh prevalence of abnormal ALT among non‐elderly Iranian adults, especially among men, necessitates immediate multifaceted strategies by policymakers to prevent potential complications caused by NAFLD.
Assessment of implementation of the caries management by risk assessment philosophy in a dental school
Authors: DiLuigi Maria , Hagel Natalie , Finkelman Matthew D. , Irusa Karina , White Robyn , Zandona Andrea Ferreira 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis cross‐sectional study assessed the implementation of documenting a baseline caries risk assessment (CRA) of patients seen by predoctoral dental students and its association with the presence of caries risk management (CRM) treatment.MethodsA convenience sample of 10,000 electronic axiUm patient records at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine was retrospectively assessed for the presence or absence of a completed CRA and CRM after IRB approval following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The CRM variables (nutrition counseling, sealant, fluoride) were identified by procedure codes that were completed by the student. Associations were assessed via the chi‐square test, Kruskal–Wallis test (with Dunn's test and the Bonferroni correction used in post‐hoc tests) and Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsMost patients (70.5%) had a CRA completed. However, only 24.9% (out of the 7045 patients with a completed CRA) received CRM, while 22.9% of the 2,955 patients without a CRA received CRM. The difference between the groups with and without a completed CRA in terms of the percentage receiving CRM was not clinically significant. Significant associations were found between a completed CRA and in‐house fluoride treatment (p = .034) and between a completed CRA and sealant treatment (p = .001). Patients with higher baseline CRA levels (i.e., greater risk) were more likely to have CRM (16.9% of the 785 patients at low risk, 21.1% of the 1282 patients at moderate risk, 26.3% of the 4347 patients at high risk, and 32.6% of the 631 patients at extreme risk). The association between these two variables was significant (p < .001).ConclusionThere is evidence that students were mostly compliant with completing a CRA for most patients; however, there is a deficiency in implementation of CRM approach to help support dental caries management, and there is still much room for improvement.
Barriers and facilitators to genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer amongst Black African women in Luton (UK)
Authors: Kabeya Valencia , Puthussery Shuby , Furmanski Anna 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEvidence suggests that although Black African women have the lowest incidence of breast and ovarian cancer, they have the highest mortality rate and low rates of uptake for cancer screening services for these conditions in the United Kingdom (UK). This study aimed to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer amongst Black African women in Luton (UK). We conducted a qualitative study that included one face‐to‐face and five telephone focus group discussions. Consistent with the health belief model, a focus group discussion guide was developed. A total of 24 participants, aged 23–57 who self‐identified as Black African women and who were English speakers residing in Luton, took part in the focus group discussions. Purposive and snowballing sampling were used to recruit the participants for this study. The focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed per verbatim, coded and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, and the findings were classified. Nine themes emerged from the narratives obtained including six barriers and three facilitators. Barriers to genetic testing included (1) Cost and affordability, (2) Lack of knowledge, awareness, and family health history knowledge, (3) Language barrier, immigration, and distrust in western healthcare services, (4) Fear, (5) Cultural, religious, and intergenerational views and perceptions, and (6) Eligibility for genetic testing for the BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants and a lack of referral to specialist genetic clinics. Facilitators to genetic testing included (7) Availability of tests cost‐free under the National Health Service (NHS) (8) Family members' health and (9) Awareness and education on genetic testing. The barriers and facilitators identified could enable policy makers and healthcare services alike to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing Black African women's decision‐making process toward genetic testing. Ultimately, this work can inform interventions aiming to increase the uptake of genetic testing among this group.
Catalyst‐free oxidative [3+2]‐annulation of (2‐nitroethene‐1,1‐diyl)bis(methylsulfane) and pyridinium ylides: Efficient synthesis of (methylsulfanyl)indolizines heterocycles
Authors: Chen Yuce , Liu Yuxin , Yang Hongchen , Li Zhong , Xu Xiaoyong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA facile and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of (methylsulfanyl)indolizine derivatives via oxidative [3+2]‐annulation of bis(methylthio)‐2‐nitroethylen(BMTNE) and pyridinium ylides under K2CO3. The target products could be obtained in moderate to good yields.
Combination HIV prevention during pregnancy and the post‐partum period in Malawi and Zambia: a mathematical modelling analysis
Authors: Powers Kimberly A. , Mutale Wilbroad , Rosenberg Nora E. , Graybill Lauren A. , Mollan Katie R. , Freeborn Kellie , Saidi Friday , Maman Suzanne , Mulenga Priscilla L. , Jahn Andreas , Nyirenda Rose K. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Vermund Sten H. , Chi Benjamin H. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionDespite widespread success in reducing vertical HIV transmission, most antenatal care (ANC) programmes in eastern and southern Africa have not emphasized primary prevention of maternal HIV acquisition during pregnancy and lactation/breastfeeding. We hypothesized that combination HIV prevention interventions initiated alongside ANC could substantially reduce maternal HIV incidence.MethodsWe constructed a multi‐state model describing male‐to‐female HIV transmission in steady heterosexual partnerships during pregnancy and lactation/breastfeeding, with initial conditions based on population distribution estimates for Malawi and Zambia in 2020. We modelled individual and joint increases in three HIV prevention strategies at or soon after ANC initiation: (1) HIV testing of male partners, resulting in HIV diagnosis and less condomless sex among those with previously undiagnosed HIV; (2) initiation (or re‐initiation) of suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) for male partners with diagnosed but unsuppressed HIV; and (3) adherent pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV‐negative female ANC patients with HIV‐diagnosed or unknown‐status male partners. We estimated the percentage of within‐couple, male‐to‐female HIV transmissions that could be averted during pregnancy and lactation/breastfeeding with these strategies, relative to base‐case conditions in which 45% of undiagnosed male partners become newly HIV diagnosed via testing, 75% of male partners with diagnosed but unsuppressed HIV initiate/re‐initiate ART and 0% of female ANC patients start PrEP.ResultsIncreasing uptake of any single strategy by 20 percentage points above base‐case levels averted 10%−11% of maternal HIV acquisitions during pregnancy and lactation/breastfeeding in the model. Joint uptake increases of 20 percentage points in two interventions averted an estimated 19%−23% of transmissions, and with a 20‐percentage‐point increase in uptake of all three interventions, 29% were averted. Strategies achieving 95% male testing, 90% male ART initiation/re‐initiation and 40% female PrEP use reduced incident infections by 45%.ConclusionsCombination HIV prevention strategies provided alongside ANC and sustained through the post‐partum period could substantially reduce maternal HIV incidence during pregnancy and lactation/breastfeeding in eastern and southern Africa.
Genomic newborn screening: Are we entering a new era of screening?
Authors: Spiekerkoetter Ute , Bick David , Scott Richard , Hopkins Henrietta , Krones Tanja , Gross Edith Sky , Bonham James R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPopulation newborn screening (NBS) for phenylketonuria began in the United States in 1963. In the 1990s electrospray ionization mass spectrometry permitted an array of pathognomonic metabolites to be identified simultaneously, enabling up to 60 disorders to be recognized with a single test. In response, differing approaches to the assessment of the harms and benefits of screening have resulted in variable screening panels worldwide. Thirty years on and another screening revolution has emerged with the potential for first line genomic testing extending the range of screening conditions recognized after birth to many hundreds. At the annual SSIEM conference in 2022 in Freiburg, Germany, an interactive plenary discussion on genomic screening strategies and their challenges and opportunities was conducted. The Genomics England Research project proposes the use of Whole Genome Sequencing to offer extended NBS to 100 000 babies for defined conditions with a clear benefit for the child. The European Organization for Rare Diseases seeks to include “actionable” conditions considering also other types of benefits. Hopkins Van Mil, a private UK research institute, determined the views of citizens and revealed as a precondition that families are provided with adequate information, qualified support, and that autonomy and data are protected. From an ethical standpoint, the benefits ascribed to screening and early treatment need to be considered in relation to asymptomatic, phenotypically mild or late‐onset presentations, where presymptomatic treatment may not be required. The different perspectives and arguments demonstrate the unique burden of responsibility on those proposing new and far‐reaching developments in NBS programs and the need to carefully consider both harms and benefits.
Routine Prophylactic Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Head and Neck Cancers with Bilateral Neck Irradiation: A Regional Cancer Experience in New Zealand
Authors: Fong Su Chen , Pandey Ramesh , Rajaretnam Michelle , Delaibatiki Miriama , Peel David N.Y. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionPatients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are particularly susceptible to dysphagia and malnutrition. Prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is a method used to manage these issues, but practices vary among institutions. At Midcentral District Health Board, patients receiving radiotherapy to the primary and bilateral neck regions routinely undergo prophylactic PEG placement. This study aimed to review the nutritional and PEG‐related outcomes of these patients.MethodsRecords of 49 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Their demographics, tumour and treatment characteristics were recorded. We evaluated patient weight loss, non‐elective hospitalisation, treatment interruption rates, PEG‐related complications, usage, dependency rates and late dysphagia rates.ResultsOropharyngeal cancers were the most common primary site (61.2%), and 83.7% of patients received primary chemoradiotherapy. Mean weight loss at treatment completion was 5.6% ± 4.3 (4.6 kg ± 3.9). The rate of non‐elective hospitalisations was 26.5%, and only 2% of patients had treatment interruptions. Peristomal infection was the most frequent PEG complication (20.4%). No PEG‐related mortality was reported. Median duration of PEG dependency was 97 days (14–388 days). Two patients remained permanently dependent at 3 years due to grade 3 dysphagia, and six patients experienced grade ≥2 late dysphagia.ConclusionOur study showed that prophylactic PEG tube placement was relatively safe, with a high utilisation rate and low long‐term dependence on PEG tubes after treatment completion. However, complications related to their use should be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach, with careful assessment by clinicians. The weight loss and hospitalisation rates observed were consistent with earlier studies that utilised prophylactic PEG tubes.
Biological features of human influenza A(H3N8) viruses in China
Authors: Zhu Wenfei , Chen Qi , Xu Xiaohao , Wei Hejiang , Tan Min , Yang Lei , Zou Shumei , Li Zi , Lin Shuxia , Wang Dayan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInfluenza A(H3N8) viruses first emerged in humans in 2022, but their public health risk has not been evaluated. Here, we systematically investigated the biological features of avian and human isolated H3N8 viruses. The human‐origin H3N8 viruses exhibited dual receptor binding profiles but avian‐origin H3N8 viruses bound to avian type (sialic acid α2, 3) receptors only. All H3N8 viruses were sensitive to the antiviral drug oseltamivir. Although H3N8 viruses showed lower virulence than the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (09pdmH1N1) viruses, they induced comparable infectivity in mice. More importantly, the human population is naïve to H3N8 virus infection and current seasonal vaccination is not protective. Therefore, the threat of influenza A(H3N8) viruses should not be underestimated. Any variations should be monitored closely and their effect should be studied in time for the pandemic potential preparedness purpose.
Establishment and validation of a high‐throughput micro‐neutralization assay for respiratory syncytial virus (subtypes A and B)
Authors: Bonifazi Carolina , Trombetta Claudia Maria , Barneschi Irene , Latanza Simona , Leopoldi Sara , Benincasa Linda , Leonardi Margherita , Semplici Claudia , Piu Pietro , Marchi Serena , Montomoli Emanuele , Manenti Alessandro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe validation of a bioanalytical method allows us to determine its validity for a designated purpose and to guarantee the reliability of its analytical results. The virus neutralization assay has proved to be suitable for the detection and quantification of specific serum‐neutralizing antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus subtypes A and B. Respiratory syncytial virus is a negative‐sense RNA virus and is responsible for the majority of acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and older adults worldwide. Owing to its widespread infection, the WHO considers it a target for the development of preventive vaccines. Despite the high impact of its infections, however, only one vaccine has been recently approved. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed validation process for the microneutralization assay and to demonstrate that this method can effectively support the efficacy assessment of candidate vaccines and the definition of correlates of protection.
Design and characterization of dual‐pronged liposome‐embedded gel for enhanced dermal delivery
Authors: Saxena Sumedha , Kushwaha Poonam , Shukla Babita , Ahmad Mohammad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe present study aims to develop a combination of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSO) and virgin coconut oil (VCO)‐loaded liposomal gel as a topical drug delivery system for vitiligo. A 3 × 3 factorial design approach was adopted to study the effect of variables on liposome characteristics and performance. A total of nine batches were formed. The cholesterol: phospholipid (wt/wt) and drug (NSO:VCO) ratios (vol/vol) were marked as two independent variables, X1 and X2. The dependent variables selected were entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and polydispersity index. Liposomes were fabricated by thin‐film hydration technology. A carbopol gel matrix was used to embed the optimized liposome vesicles, which were then tested for pH, viscosity, ability to spread, and stability. Better stability for topical drug delivery systems was demonstrated by the incorporation of liposomes in gel prepared from cross‐linked polyacrylate. In vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation and drug retention were compared between liposomal and conventional preparations. Skin permeation and skin retention studies demonstrated that the prepared liposomal gel significantly extended the penetration of drugs into the skin and retained more drugs in the skin when compared to liposomal dispersion and conventional gel formulations. The stability of the developed liposomal gel was assured at 5 ± 3°C and 25 ± 2°C. From the studies described above, it is concluded that liposomal gel is the best‐suited formulation among all the preparations examined. The enhanced epidermal localization and accumulation of therapeutic moiety on the disease site could improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Interrelations of α‐ and β‐amylase activity with starch, sugars, and culinary and nutritional quality attributes in sweetpotato storage roots
Authors: Amankwaah Victor A. , Williamson Sharon , Olukolu Bode A. , Truong Van‐Den , Carey Edward , Ssali Reuben , Yencho George Craig 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDLittle information is available on α‐ and β‐amylase activity and their associations with starch, sugars and other culinary qualities in sweetpotato. The present study aimed to assess sweetpotato storage root α‐ and β‐amylase activity in relation to starch, sugars, β‐carotene content and storage root flesh color.RESULTSα‐ and β‐amylase activity (α‐AA and β‐AA) were assayed from a Tanzania (T) × Beauregard (B) genetic mapping population in their uncured (raw), cured and stored (approximately 11 weeks) forms during 2016 and 2017. Ceralpha and Betamyl methods, with modifications to suit a high‐throughput microplate assay format, were used to quantify α‐AA and β‐AA, respectively. Storage root dry matter, starch, glucose, fructose, sucrose and β‐carotene content were predicted using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. There was little relationship (r2 = 0.02–0.08, P ≤ 0.05 in 2016 and r2 = 0.05–0.11, P ≤ 0.05 in 2017) between α‐AA and β‐AA. We observed negative linear associations between α‐AA and dry matter content and generally no correlations between β‐AA and dry matter content. β‐AA and sugars were weakly positively correlated. β‐AA and β‐carotene content were positively correlated (r = 0.3–0.4 in 2016 and 0.3–0.5 in 2017).CONCLUSIONGenerally, the correlation coefficient for amylase enzyme activity and sugar components of storage roots at harvest increased after curing and during post‐harvest storage. The present study is a major step forward in sweetpotato breeding in terms of providing a better understanding of how α‐ and β‐amylase activity are inter‐associated with several culinary quality attributes. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.