bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Uptake of Mass Drug Administration for Schistosomiasis Control in Butiaba Sub-county, Uganda
Authors: Gloria Kakoba Ayebazibwe , Omara Denis , Wananda Yusuf , Nambatya Juliet , Charles Okiria John , Edielu Andrew 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination in Uganda by 2025 through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using praziquantel. To achieve this, WHO estimates indicate that MDA coverage and uptake of 75% is required. However, coverage remains suboptimal with insufficient knowledge and inadequate drug supply often cited as key reasons. There is a need to add to the body of knowledge in various settings to enable more robust mitigation measures. This study aimed to assess the uptake of praziquantel for MDA and associated factors in Butiaba sub-county along the shores of Lake Albert in Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected villages within Butiaba sub-county between July and September 2021 using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 450 adults, with additional two Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant interviews held with implementation structures from the village to district level.
Results: Self-reported uptake of praziquantel within twelve months of the most recent MDA exercise was 71.56% (95% CI: 67.14 – 75.68). Of all the participants, 5.78% reported have never swallowed praziquantel in their lifetime, and 75% (96/128) of participants who didn’t swallow praziquantel in the last twelve months reported having at least swallowed the drug in the last ten years. Respondents were less likely to have swallowed praziquantel if they had no knowledge about schistosomiasis signs (AOR= 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08–0.39) and more likely if they were between the ages 30-39years (AOR= 2.31, 95% CI: 1.35–3.95) or 40 years and above (AOR= 2.86, 95% CI: 1.45 – 4.95). Operational challenges such as the inadequate supply of praziquantel and financial constraints also influence the uptake of praziquantel during MDA in Butiaba sub-county.
Conclusion: The uptake of praziquantel during MDA in Butiaba sub-county was high but still below the WHO target of 75%. People with limited knowledge of schistosomiasis symptoms and those aged 18 – 29 years were less likely to take Praziquantel. Irregular drug supply was also a key challenge.
Recommendation: Rigorous health education and ensuring a continuous supply of Praziquantel are key to improving MDA uptake.
Relationship between Abnormal Cervical Findings and Abnormal Results at Hysterosalpingography in Infertile Women
Authors: Kiridi Enefia Kelvin , Oriji Peter Chibuzor , Makinde Olakunle Ifeoluwa , Chibundu Obiora , Ugwoegbu Johnpatrick Uchenna , Bosrotsi Panebi Yao , Amadi Simeon Chijioke , Addah Abednigo Ojanerohan , Adesina Adedotun Daniel 
Published: February 2023

Background: Hysterosalpingography is an investigative modality used in the evaluation of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and adjacent peritoneal cavity following the injection of contrast material through the cervical canal.
Objective: To determine the relationship between abnormal cervical findings and abnormal results at hysterosalpingography in infertile women.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Radiology Departments of four health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between June and December, 2022. Hysterosalpingography was done for 332 infertile women, after obtaining written informed consent. Data were entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.
Results: Cervical finding was normal in only 49.7% (n=165) of the participants undergoing HSG. The abnormal cervical findings include deformed (27.7%), hyperaemic (5.7%), dull (5.7%), hard (5.7%) and short (5.4%) cervix. There was a statistically significant relationship between abnormal cervical findings during HSG and tubal blockade (ꭓ2 = 196.7; p – 0.001), presence of salpingitis (ꭓ2 = 41.1; p – 0.001), peritubal adhesion (ꭓ2 = 19.9; p – 0.001) and intrauterine adhesion (ꭓ2 = 35.62; p – 0.001).
Conclusion: Intrauterine adhesion, salpingitis, tubal blockade and peritubal adhesion on HSG are associated with some abnormal cervical findings in about half of infertile women in this study. The same pathological processes responsible for injury to the upper genital tract and tubal infertility may have caused injury to the cervix in the group of women.
Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention on Pain and Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Venipuncture
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Choi Kai Chow 
Published: February 2023

ImportanceVenipuncture is one of the most painful and distressing procedures experienced by pediatric patients. Emerging evidence suggests that providing procedural information and distraction using immersive virtual reality (IVR) may reduce pain and anxiety among children undergoing needle-related procedures.ObjectivesTo examine the effects of IVR on reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress experienced by pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis 2-group randomized clinical trial recruited pediatric patients aged 4 to 12 years undergoing venipuncture from a public hospital in Hong Kong between January 2019 and January 2020. Data were analyzed from March to May 2022.InterventionsParticipants were randomly allocated to an intervention (an age-appropriate IVR intervention offering distraction and procedural information) or a control (standard care only) group.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was child-reported pain. Secondary outcomes included child-reported anxiety, heart rate, salivary cortisol, length of procedure, and satisfaction of health care professionals with the procedure (rated on a 40 point scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction). Outcomes were assessed 10 minutes before, during, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the procedure.ResultsA total of 149 pediatric patients were recruited, with 86 female patients (57.7%) and 66 patients (44.3%) diagnosed with fever. Compared with the 74 participants in the control group (mean [SD] age, 7.21 [2.49] years), the 75 participants in the IVR group (mean [SD] age, 7.21 [2.43] years) reported significantly less pain (β = −0.78; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.35; P &amp;lt; .001) and anxiety (β = −0.41; 95% CI, −0.76 to −0.05; P = .03) immediately after the intervention. Health care professional satisfaction in the IVR group (mean [SD] score, 34.5 [4.5]) was significantly higher than that in the control group (mean [SD] score, 32.9 [4.0]; P = .03). Moreover, the length of venipuncture procedure in the IVR group (mean [SD] duration, 4.43 [3.47] minutes) was significantly shorter than that in the control group (mean [SD] duration, 6.56 [7.39] minutes; P = .03).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this randomized clinical trial, integrating procedural information and distraction in an IVR intervention for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture significantly improved pain and anxiety in the IVR group compared with the control group. The results shed light on the global trends of research on IVR and its clinical development as an intervention for other painful and stressful medical procedures.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR1800018817
Association of a Mediterranean Diet With Outcomes for Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Bolte Laura A. , Lee Karla A. , Björk Johannes R. , Leeming Emily R. , Campmans-Kuijpers Marjo J. E. , de Haan Jacco J. , Vila Arnau Vich , Maltez-Thomas Andrew , Segata Nicola , Board Ruth , Harries Mark , Lorigan Paul , de Vries Elisabeth G. E. , Nathan Paul , Fehrmann Rudolf , Bataille Véronique , Spector Tim D. , Hospers Geke A. P. , Weersma Rinse K. 
Published: February 2023

ImportanceImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has improved the survival of patients with advanced melanoma. Durable responses are observed for 40% to 60% of patients, depending on treatment regimens. However, there is still large variability in the response to treatment with ICB, and patients experience a range of immune-related adverse events of differing severity. Nutrition, through its association with the immune system and gut microbiome, is a poorly explored but appealing target with potential to improve the efficacy and tolerability of ICB.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between habitual diet and response to treatment with ICB.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis multicenter cohort study (the PRIMM study) was conducted in cancer centers in the Netherlands and UK and included 91 ICB-naive patients with advanced melanoma who were receiving ICB between 2018 and 2021.ExposuresPatients were treated with anti–programmed cell death 1 and anti–cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 monotherapy or combination therapy. Dietary intake was assessed through food frequency questionnaires before treatment.Main Outcomes and MeasuresClinical end points were defined as overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival at 12 months (PFS-12), and immune-related adverse events that were grade 2 or higher.ResultsThere were a total of 44 Dutch participants (mean [SD] age, 59.43 [12.74] years; 22 women [50%]) and 47 British participants (mean [SD] age, 66.21 [16.63] years; 15 women [32%]). Dietary and clinical data were prospectively collected from 91 patients receiving ICB between 2018 and 2021 for advanced melanoma in the UK and the Netherlands. Logistic generalized additive models revealed positive linear associations between a Mediterranean dietary pattern that was high in whole grains, fish, nuts, fruit, and vegetables and the probability of ORR and PFS-12 (probability of 0.77 for ORR; P = .02; false discovery rate, 0.032; effective degrees of freedom, 0.83; probability of 0.74 for PFS-12; P = .01; false discovery rate, 0.021; effective degrees of freedom, 1.54).Conclusions and RelevanceThis cohort study found a positive association between a Mediterranean diet, a widely recommended model of healthy eating, and response to treatment with ICB. Large prospective studies from different geographies are needed to confirm the findings and further elucidate the role of diet in the context of ICB.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Amsler Grid Test for Detecting Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Bjerager Jakob , Schneider Miklos , Potapenko Ivan , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Faber Carsten , Grauslund Jakob , Pfau Kristina , Huemer Josef , Muttuvelu Danson V. , Rasmussen Marie L. R. , Sabaner M. Cem , Subhi Yousif 
Published: February 2023

ImportancePatients with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are encouraged to use the Amsler grid test for self-assessment to facilitate early diagnosis. The test is widely recommended, suggesting a belief that it signals worsening AMD, warranting its use in home monitoring.ObjectiveTo systematically review studies of the diagnostic test accuracy of the Amsler grid in the diagnosis of neovascular AMD and to perform diagnostic test accuracy meta-analyses.Data SourcesA systematic literature search was conducted in 12 databases for relevant titles from database inception until May 7, 2022.Study SelectionStudies included those with groups defined as having (1) neovascular AMD and (2) either healthy eyes or eyes with nonneovascular AMD. The index test was the Amsler grid. The reference standard was ophthalmic examination. After removal of obviously irrelevant reports, 2 authors (J.B. and M.S.) independently screened the remaining references in full text for potential eligibility. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.).Data Extraction and SynthesisTwo authors (J.B. and I.P.) independently extracted all data and evaluated quality and applicability of eligible studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.).Main Outcomes and MeasuresSensitivity and specificity of the Amsler grid for detecting neovascular AMD with comparators being either healthy control participants or patients with nonneovascular AMD.ResultsOf 523 records screened, 10 studies were included with a total of 1890 eyes (mean participant age ranging from 62 to 83 years). Sensitivity and specificity to diagnose neovascular AMD were 67% (95% CI, 51%-79%) and 99% (95% CI, 85%-100%), respectively, when comparators were healthy control participants and 71% (95% CI, 60%-80%) and 63% (95% CI, 49%-51%), respectively, when control participants were patients with nonneovascular AMD. Overall, potential sources of bias were low across studies.Conclusions and RelevanceAlthough the Amsler grid is easy and inexpensive to use for detection of metamorphopsia, its sensitivity may be at levels typically not recommended for monitoring. Coupling this lower sensitivity with only moderate specificity to identify neovascular AMD in a population at risk, these findings suggest that such patients typically should be encouraged to undergo ophthalmic examination regularly, regardless of any results of Amsler grid self-assessment.
Sounds and speech: Individual differences in unfamiliar voice recognition
Authors: Sunilkumar Dolly , Kelly Steve W. , Stevenage Sarah V. , Rankine Dillon , Robertson David J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn several applied contexts (e.g., earwitness testimony), the accurate recognition of unfamiliar voices can be a critical part of the person identification process. However, recognising unfamiliar voices is prone to error. While such errors could be reduced by testing the proficiency of listeners, the established tests of unfamiliar voice matching (BVMT) and memory (GVMT) may be limited by their choice of stimuli (i.e., vowel‐sounds) and their design (i.e., using identical sounds at learning and test; GVMT). Here, we examine whether these sound‐based tests are predictive of performance on more naturalistic speech‐based tasks, and whether performance is consistent across task‐domain (matching/memory) and task‐modality (voices/faces). The findings show that while the BVMT was a robust predictor of speech‐based voice matching, this was not the case for the GVMT and speech‐based voice memory. In addition, we provide evidence for a potential common person recognition factor ‘p’. The theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
Adaptive guaranteed‐performance consensus for high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with switching topologies
Authors: Yan Ke‐Xing , Han Tao , Xiao Bo , Yang Qingsheng , Yan Huaicheng 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article investigates the adaptive guaranteed‐performance consensus problem for high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) with switching topologies, and briefly analyzes the special leader‐following situation. To further handle the problem of adaptive guaranteed‐performance consensus for higher‐order nonlinear MASs with switching topologies, two novel distributed control protocols are introduced, which are applied to the leaderless and leader tracking cases, respectively. In addition, the methods based on the linear matrix inequality (LMI) and Riccati inequality provide the judgment basis for the stability of Lyapunov function theorem. Eventually, the theoretical results are efficiently and successfully validated by numerical simulations.
Giant Exchange‐Bias‐Like Effect at Low Cooling Fields Induced by Pinned Magnetic Domains in Y2NiIrO6 Double Perovskite
Authors: Deng Zheng , Wang Xiao , Wang Mengqin , Shen Feiran , Zhang Jine , Chen Yuansha , Feng Hai L. , Xu Jiawang , Peng Yi , Li Wenmin , Zhao Jianfa , Wang Xiancheng , Valvidares Manuel , Francoual Sonia , Leupold Olaf , Hu Zhiwei , Tjeng Liu Hao , Li Man‐Rong , Croft Mark , Zhang Ying , Liu Enke , He Lunhua , Hu Fengxia , Sun Jirong , Greenblatt Martha , Jin Changqing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractExchange bias (EB) is highly desirable for widespread technologies. Generally, conventional exchange‐bias heterojunctions require excessively large cooling fields for sufficient bias fields, which are generated by pinned spins at the interface of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic layers. It is crucial for applicability to obtain considerable exchange‐bias fields with minimum cooling fields. Here, an exchange‐bias‐like effect is reported in a double perovskite, Y2NiIrO6, which shows long‐range ferrimagnetic ordering below 192 K. It displays a giant bias‐like field of 1.1 T with a cooling field of only 15 Oe at 5 K. This robust phenomenon appears below 170 K. This fascinating bias‐like effect is the secondary effect of the vertical shifts of the magnetic loops, which is attributed to the pinned magnetic domains due to the combination of strong spin–orbit coupling on Ir, and antiferromagnetically coupled Ni‐ and Ir‐sublattices. The pinned moments in Y2NiIrO6 are present throughout the full volume, not just at the interface as in conventional bilayer systems.
Multifunction of Biomimetic Liquid Infused Systems Derived from SLIPS Theory: A Review
Authors: Xia Liye , Zhang Siyu , Guo Zhiguang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSlippery liquid infused porous surface (SLIPS) inspired by the microstructure of carnivorous Nepenthes has the potential to be used in a wide range of fields, including nautical, industrial, medical, etc. Due to their excellent optical transparency, self‐healing after mechanical injury and controllable wetting properties, SLIPS has attracted extensive research interest. With appropriate lubricants, sufficient performance will be armed to the surface so as to adapt for further requirements. In this review, the first part focuses on the basic theory of the different wettable models explaining the physical phenomena of these surfaces and their wettability. Then various representative fabrication methods are listed such as lithography, layer‐by‐layer assembly, and electrochemical anodic oxidation. There are three steps including in the process of SLIPS preparation:fabrication of rough substrate, chemical modification of rough substrate and infusion of low surface energy lubricating oil. Furthermore, recent applications and researches of SLIPS are introduced, mainly about drag reduction, anticorrosion, anti‐icing, medical treatment, and droplet manipulation. Finally, make a prospection to the limitations of practical application and future development direction of the technology.
Recent Advances in Potassium‐Ion Batteries: From Material Design to Electrolyte Engineering
Authors: Zheng Jing , Hu Chi , Nie Luanjie , Chen Hang , Zang Shenluo , Ma Mengtao , Lai Qingxue 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCompared with extensively applied lithium‐ion batteries, potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) exhibit similar working principles, comparable energy densities but low costs and thus great potential in grid‐scale energy storage applications. However, the K‐storage performance of PIBs is significantly limited by the serious structure stress in electrode materials due to the large radius of K+ as well as poor electrolyte design principles to match the novel energy storage system. This review summarizes recent advances in material design of cathode and anode electrodes as well as electrolyte engineering for the novel electrochemical K‐storage system. Especially the rational manipulation of the solid electrolyte interphase by electrolyte design to achieve satisfactory K‐storage performance is emphasized. Furthermore, the guidelines and improved strategies are proposed for developing advanced PIBs for next‐generation energy storage technologies.
Face‐to‐Face Steric Modulation to Achieve High Performance Multiple‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters with Quenching Resistant Effect
Authors: Luo Xu‐Feng , Ni Hua‐Xiu , Liang Xiao , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Zheng You‐Xuan , Zuo Jing‐Lin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMultiple‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters with highly planar and rigid skeleton tend toward self‐quenching and spectral broadening caused by strong inter‐chromophore interactions at high doping ratios. Herein, by introducing the sterically hindered unit (N‐phenylcarbazole) at the para‐ and meta‐positions of boron/nitrogen (B/N) framework (p−1‐PCzBN and m−1‐PCzBN), the face‐to‐face steric modulation between the non‐conjugated benzene ring and B/N skeleton is achieved to separate adjacent MR‐TADF skeletons and to suppress self‐quenching and spectral broadening. Consequently, the p−1‐PCzBN and m−1‐PCzBN emitters based organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) show the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) values of up to 33.6% and 32.6% with full width at half maximum (FWHM) bands of 26 and 30 nm for electroluminescence (EL), respectively. Remarkably, the doped concentration has little effect on the device efficiency and FWHM of the EL, and this phenomenon is seldom reported for OLEDs based on MR‐TADF materials. Even at doping ratio of 30 wt%, the EQEs are still retained to be 28.5% and 25.6% with nearly unchanged electroluminescence spectra. These results manifest an effective strategy for constructing efficient doping concentration independent OLEDs through face‐to‐face steric modulation.
Doping Mn2+ in a New Layered Halide Double Perovskite PPA4NaInCl8 (PPA+ = C6H5(CH2)3NH3+): Dimensional Reduction Accelerating Mn2+ Dissolution and Separation for Efficient Light Emission
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Li Bin , Liu Wuqi , Yan Dong , Tang Qiang , Fang Zhen , Xie Rong‐Jun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMn2+‐activated halide double perovskites (HDPs) are found to show promising luminescent behavior and have great potential for optoelectronic applications. However, such interesting materials hitherto are only limited to compounds with a monotonous three‐dimensional structure and show a low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, an Mn2+‐doped two‐dimensional (2D) layered HDP PPA4NaInCl8 (PPA+ = C6H5(CH2)3NH3+) showing promising photoluminescence properties is reported. The large separation between the adjacent inorganic sheets and the good dissolution of Mn2+ in the layered structure endow PPA4NaInCl8:Mn2+ with efficient red emission and a record PLQY of 69.90%. The spectroscopic analyses and density functional theory calculations indicate that the inherent absorption and luminescence stem from the inserted organic cations PPA+ in PPA4NaInCl8. An energy transfer process occurs between the singlet excitons from PPA+ and Mn2+, resulting in tunable emission accompanied by the variation of Mn2+ concentration. These results provide several new fundamental insights on doping and doped 2D layered HDPs, which enhances the understanding of structure−property relations in this important family.