Recent Advances in the Synthesis of MXene Quantum Dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) with ultrahigh surface-to-volume ratio, abundant edge active sites, forceful quantum confinement and other remarkable physio-chemical properties, have garnered considerable research interest. MXene QDs, as an emerging member of them, have also attracted wide attention in the last six years, and shown great achievements in many fields. This critical review systematically summarizes the various methods for synthesizing MXene QDs. The characteristics and corresponding applications of various MXene QDs are also presented. The advantages and disadvantages of various synthetic methods, and the limitations of corresponding MXene QDs are compared and highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of synthesizing MXene QDs are proposed. We hope this review will enlighten researchers to the fabrication of more advancing and promising MXene-based QDs with proprietary properties in diverse applications.

The efficacy of aerobic training on the pulmonary functions of hemophilic A patients: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the efficacy of a program of aerobic exercise on pulmonary functions in adult males with hemophilia A (HA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 patients with HA who met the eligibility criteria (40 HA; age range: 20-39 years) were invited to participate in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, 20 per each. Participants in the study group (A) underwent selected physical therapy program, along with aerobic training sessions on a cycle ergometer (50-60% heart rate reserve, moderate intensity), while the control group (B) underwent a selected physical therapy program only. The pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, PIF, and MVV) were measured before and after treatment program. RESULTS: There were noteworthy statistical differences between pre- and post-measurements in the study group in all measured variables (p < 0.05). There were also significant statistical differences between the study and control groups in all measured variables post treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that hemophilic A patients' pulmonary functions have improved significantly following aerobic exercise training. As a result, aerobic exercise can be used in addition to medical treatment for hemophilic A patients.

Normative reference values for the timed up-and-go test in Indian children aged four to 11 years old and their correlation with demographic characteristics: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The timed up-and-go test (TUGT) is a quick, reliable, and valid assessment tool for evaluating functional mobility or dynamic balance. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to establish the normative values for TUGT in children aged 4 to 11 years old in Surat, India. METHODS: A total of 420 children (210 boys and 210 girls) were included. Subjects were divided into seven age groups. In each age group, 60 (30 males and 30 females) subjects were included. Subjects were randomly recruited from primary schools and underwent three trials of the TUGT. Then, the mean of the three TUGT trials was calculated for each participant. RESULTS: We formulated normative reference values for each of the seven age groups. The mean and standard deviation of the TUGT score across the total population was 6.00 ± 1.15 seconds. TUGT scores were compared between age groups and genders. Between boys and girls, we found no significant differences. Among the age groups, however, we found significant differences, with a P value of less than 0.001. Thus, only age showed a moderate negative correlation with TUGT score. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative reference values for the TUGT among Indian children aged four to 11 years old. We found that no differences existed between the TUGT results according to genders. Conversely, age had a moderate negative correlation: a comparison of TUGT scores among the ages revealed significant differences between the age groups.

Normative reference values for functional, lateral, and oblique direction reach tests in Saudi children aged six to 15 years old and psychometric properties of the oblique direction reach test.

AIMS: To establish normative values for functional, lateral, and Oblique Direction Reach Tests (ODRT) and to assess the validity and reliability of the ODRT in Saudi children of age 6-15 years. METHODS: Three hundred Saudi children of age 6-15 years children were recruited by using snowball sampling. Children were measured for distance reached in forward, lateral, and oblique direction on a graph paper, which was mounted on a wall/cardboard. RESULTS: The Mean ± SD for forward, lateral and oblique direction reach was 25.63 ± 6.95, 18.91 ± 5.66, 22.08 ± 5.98 cm respectively. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values of intra and inter-rater reliability of ODRT shown to be 0.94 and 0.91, respectively. Concurrent validity of ODRT with forward and lateral reach test is 0.87 and 0.84, respectively. CONCLUSION: : We established the normal values for functional, lateral, and ODRT in 6-15 years of Saudi children. We found that ODRT is a valid and reliable for measuring limits of stability in oblique direction.

Effects of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc is one of the most prevalent causes of low back pain and traction is one of the most common physical therapy treatments offered to affected patients. Advancements in traction equipment are needed to ensure their effectiveness in clinical situations. AIMS: The objective of the study was to find out the effect of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in individuals with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Original article and Experimental design. Twenty-five participants (age range: 34-67 years) diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse were included in this study. Patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction was given as three sessions per week for the duration of one month. All participants completed a 10-cm visual analog pain scale and pain pressure threshold to assess pain and the Oswestry disability index to assess the functional disability. RESULTS: On pre to post interventions, a significant change in mean values were found for visual analog scale pain score, pain pressure threshold, and Oswestry disability index (P < 0.001). The pain intensity was reduced from 8.5 to 3.2, pain pressure threshold increased from 0.7 to 1.6 kg/cm2, and functional disability was reduced from 53.5% to 31.3%. CONCLUSION: Twelve sessions of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction promoted a reduction in pain and improvement in functional disability among subjects with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.