bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends of COVID-19 in the Central Africa Sub-region: Effective Health Care, Effect of Endogenous Parameters or a Matter of Time?
Authors: Arsene Mbarga M. J. , Mouafo Hippolyte T. , Podoprigora I. V. , Smolyakova L. A. , Yashina N. V. , Ermolaev A. V. , Mefyod K. M. , Zhygunova A. V. 
Published: August 2021

Background: After the worldwide spread of the coronavirus pandemic, several experts predicted a health catastrophe in Africa. However, the expected earthquake ultimately did not occur and the statistics of the number COVID-19 cases and deaths for other continents (Europe, America, Asia) were far higher than those of Africa. This study focused on Central Africa tried to explain this low incidence of COVID-19.
Methodology: A cross-sectional time series method was adopted and the data of COVID-19 cases and deaths for Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe between March and November 2020 were extracted from the World Health Organization COVID-19 database. The evolution of COVID-19 cases and deaths for each country were plotted and the accuracy measures such as Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Median Absolute Deviation and Mean Squared Displacement were calculated. Association between the countries and the prevalence of cases, deaths and recovered was visualized through principal component analysis.
Results: The results showed that the highest number of cases was observed in Cameroon (21,793) while Sao Tome and Principe scored the smallest one (962). However, based on the total population, the prevalence of COVID-19 cases was high in Sao Tome and Principe (0.436%) and Gabon (0.400%). The highest death percentages (≥2%) were observed in Chad (6.742%), RDC (2.708%) and Angola (2.592%) while the highest recovered percentages were in Gabon (99.10%), Equatorial Guinea (97.62%) and Cameroon (97.02%). Development of traditional medicines and modification of food behavior including consumption of plant extracts appear as the reasons for the highest recovered rates. The accuracy measurements showed that the trend curves were not correlated with the actual evolution of the pandemic, but the Spearman correlation test revealed that except Equatorial Guinea (r=0.042, p=0.817), the evolution of COVID-19 cases and deaths were strongly correlated.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 is low in the countries of the Central Africa sub-region despite the problems facing the health systems of these countries.
Topical Delivery of Fenugreek Seed Extract Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Based Hydrogels for Alopecia
Authors: Ananth P. , Koland Marina 
Published: August 2021

Background: Alopecia, a chronic dermatological inflammatory condition affecting the hair follicles. Conventional treatments are associated with the risk of serious side effects. The stratum corneum limits the percutaneous absorption of drugs. Hence, the development of novel herbal formulations for topical delivery has been the target, with the enhancement of their therapeutic efficacy and safety of use.
Aims: To formulate and characterize Fenugreek seed extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles carrier for the management of Alopecia to reduce the systemic side effects.
Methodology: Fenugreek seed extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were prepared by melt emulsification accompanied by probe sonication. The formulation was prepared using GMS, Tween 80, and Soya lecithin as Lipid, Surfactant, and Co-Surfactant. The SLN was incorporated into carbapol 934 dispersion to convert it into a gel. The SLN formulation was evaluated for size, Polydispersity Index, Zeta Potential, Entrapment efficiency, Transmission Electron Microscopy. After that, the SLN gel was examined for Spreadability, Extrudabilty, Viscosity, In vitro drug release, Ex vivo permeation, and Skin deposition studies.
Results: The formulated Fenugreek seed extract loaded showed a particle size of 223.36 nm with a narrow PDI of 0.313. Entrapment efficiency revealed that 74.56±0.12% of the drug was entrapped. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the spherical nature of the SLN. The extended-release pattern of the formulated SLN for 24h was observed in the in vitro release studies and followed Higuchi model(R2=0.9964). Ex vivo permeability showed a 72.05±0.15% deposition of Fenugreek seed extract loaded SLN. The formulation was stable for three months without significant changes.
Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract loaded NLC demonstrated enhanced permeation, improved skin retention, and extended release compared to conventional gel. The developed formulation would be further used for in vivo studies and by seeing above results it can be an alternative for Alopecia in the future.
Study on Haemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Intubation using McCOY and Macintosh Laryngoscopes: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Barish M. 
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are known to cause increase in arterial blood pressure, heart rate and may be associated with various dysarythmias. This study is done to compare the hemodynamic changes with McCOY laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope in 120 patients who were divided into 2 groups.
Methods: A positive correlation has been demonstrated between force exerted at laryngoscopy and patient's height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and presence of maxillary incisors but it was seen that effect of these factors on force exerted with the McCOY blade is not as important as with Macintosh blade. So this study was done to compare the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation using McCOY and Macintosh laryngoscope in stress attenuation.
Results: Maximum increase in heart rate from the baseline after laryngoscopy in group 2 and a least rise in heart rate from base line in group 1.Group 1 has 9 % increase in heart rate from basal value. Group 2 has 22 % increases in heart rate from basal value. Group 1 has 6 % increase in Systolic BP from basal value Group 2 has 27 % increase in Systolic BP from basal value. Rise in Plasma adrenaline after laryngoscopy was not observed in Laryngoscopy with McCOY blade.
Conclusion: McCOY laryngoscope produces significantly less in Hemodynamic parameters when compared with Macintosh blade.So this non­pharmacological intervention of McCOY blade can be utilized as a tool for obtunding hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation
Comparison of Midazolam with Bupivacaine and Fentanyl with Bupivacaine in Caudal Epidural Analgesia for Efficacy and Duration of Post­ Operative Analgesia in Children Undergoing Infra Umblical Surgeries
Authors: Sangeetha B. 
Published: August 2021

Caudal anaesthesia is a useful adjunct to general anaesthesia for infra umbilical surgeries in children as it provides post-operative analgesia and reduces pen­ operative narcotic requirements There is prolongation o. f duration of analgesia by mean duration of 318.20±24.49 minutes with addition Fentanyl to Bupivacaine. When comparing the efficacy of two differential drugs fentanyl I µg/kg and midazolam 5 0µg/kg in combination with Bupivacaine 0.2 5%, lml/kg. Duration of analgesia was found significantly more in group using Fentanyl with mean duration of 318.20 ± 24.49 minutes compared to Midazolam with mean duration of 247.25 ±12.19 minutes.
US Tobacco 21 Policies and Potential Mortality Reductions by State
Authors: Tam Jamie , Crippen Alyssa , Friedman Abigail , Jeon Jihyoun , Colston David C. , Fleischer Nancy L. , Vander Woude Catherine A. , Boelter Megan A. , Holford Theodore R. , Levy David T. , Meza Rafael 
Published: December 2024

ImportanceResearch shows that Tobacco 21 (T21) policies with a minimum legal access age for tobacco products of 21 years reduce smoking, yet their impact varies across US states due to differences in smoking behaviors, mortality rates, and policy coverage.ObjectiveTo quantify potential reductions in smoking-attributable mortality associated with Tobacco 21 policies for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe Cancer Intervention Surveillance and Modeling Network (CISNET) Tobacco Control Policy Model of smoking was used with detailed state-specific data on smoking initiation, smoking cessation and mortality rates as they vary by age, gender, and birth cohort for 50 US states and the District of Columbia. This was integrated with comprehensive data on T21 policy coverage at the local and state levels from 2005 to 2024, and then T21 policy effects from quasi-experimental studies were applied to simulate each state’s experience of T21 policies, quantifying potential mortality reductions from 2005 to 2100.ExposuresCigarette smoking.Main Outcomes and MeasuresEstimated smoking-attributable deaths averted and life-years gained compared with a baseline scenario.ResultsEarly statewide T21 adoption in California, combined with its large population, was associated with more than 27 000 premature deaths averted through 2100, whereas statewide implementation in Kentucky was associated with 15 000 averted premature deaths. In Massachusetts, T21 policies were associated with 8000 averted premature deaths, largely attributed to municipal T21 policies covering most residents. Wisconsin—lacking state or local policies—requires enforcement of federal T21 to prevent up to 10 000 premature deaths. Across the country, comprehensive enforcement of federal, state, and local T21 laws were associated with up to 526 000 premature deaths averted and 13.3 million life-years gained by 2100. Enforcement of only state and local policies was associated with 442 000 premature deaths averted.Conclusions and RelevanceThis study found that early adoption and implementation of T21 policies maximizes potential premature mortality reductions. However, the strength of T21 policies and enforcement varies widely across states. Enforcement of the federal T21 law is critical in the 8 states without state-level T21 cigarette policies of their own.
High-Risk Opioid Prescribing and Nurse Practitioner Independence
Authors: Cusimano Lucas D. , Maestas Nicole 
Published: December 2024

ImportanceConcerns around excessive opioid prescribing have been used to argue against the expansion of the scope of practice of nurse practitioners (NPs), but the association of NP practice independence with high-risk opioid prescribing is not well understood.ObjectiveTo assess whether the rates of high-risk opioid prescribing changed in association with NP independence legislation.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis difference-in-differences analysis compared rates of high-risk opioid prescribing in 6 states over 2 years following the adoption of NP independence compared with 10 neighboring nonadopting states from January 2012 to December 2021. Prescription insurance claims for 2 874 213 continuously enrolled individuals (members) aged 18 to 64 years from Blue Cross Blue Shield Axis were analyzed. Data analysis was carried out from 2021 to 2024.ExposureTiming of the legislative effective date of NP independence in a state.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the rate of opioid prescriptions that overlapped with a prescription for a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Secondary outcomes included the number of days of opioid-CNS depressant overlap, as well as the dosage and days supplied of opioids among all members and among opioid-naive members.ResultsSix states that adopted NP independence legislation and 10 nonadopting neighboring states were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and had comparable pretrends in prescribing. The estimated change in the rate of opioid prescriptions that overlapped with a CNS depressant was −0.03 per 100 members per month (95% CI, −0.11 to 0.05). Changes in the number of days of opioid-CNS depressant overlap and in the dosage and days supplied of opioids among all members and among opioid-naive members were also small and statistically insignificant.Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this difference-in-differences analysis suggest that there was no relative increase in rates of high-risk opioid prescribing during the 2 years following the adoption of independence for NPs.
Enteroendocrine Cells Sense Sucrose and Alter Enteric Neuron Excitability via Insulin Signaling
Authors: Snyder Jessica R , Ahmed Minhal , Bhave Sukhada , Hotta Ryo , Koppes Ryan A. , Goldstein Allan M. , Koppes Abigail N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNeurosensory circuits of the gastrointestinal tract sense microbial and nutrient changes in the gut; however, studying these circuits in vivo is hindered by invasive techniques and ethical concerns. Here, an in vitro model of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and calcium reporting enteric neurons (ENs) is established and validated for functional signaling. Both mechanical and sucrose stimulation of co‐cultures increased the percentage of neurons undergoing a calcium flux, indicating an action potential. Neuronal activation is blocked with either a piezo or insulin receptor blocker. At baseline, a flow only stimulus elicited 51.9% of neurons to activate in co‐culture, which is decreased to 15.1% with a piezo blocker. Piezo blocked and sucrose stimulated EECs increased neuronal activation to 43.9%, and an insulin blocker reduced response to 12.4%. Since a cell line is used to model the EEC in the previous experiments, primary rat duodenal epithelium enriched for EECs are also stimulated and found to produced measurable insulin. This work shows the ability of EECs to produce insulin and for ENs to sense insulin. These results inspire further work on how insulin production outside the pancreas effects diabetes, insulin as a neurotransmitter, and exploration of additional nutritional and microbiotic stimuli on enteroendocrine‐to‐neuronal signaling.
Accessible and Effective Nanomedicines: Self‐Assembly Products From Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs)
Authors: Wang Ya‐Lei , Mu Yan , Zhang Ya‐Li , Luo Xuanzhi , Peng Tiantian , Tan Yan , Wang Xu , Feng Lei , Chen Jianxin , Hua Qian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe emergence of nanotechnology has significantly promoted the development of the medical field, and the development of nanomedicines has broadened the application potential of existing drugs. However, at present, many new types of nanomedicines suffer from poor stability, uncertain safety, complex preparation processes, and high costs. The development of nano‐ Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) has provided new ideas for the application of nanomedicines. Nano‐CHMs are simple to prepare, easily accessible, and possess stable and reliable safety. This review highlighted nanoparticles with pharmacological activities are the important material basis for CHM formula decoctions. Given the complex composition of CHM formulas, the article further presented the nanoaggregates and exosome‐like vesicle nanostructures in single herbs, and self‐assembly effect of natural compounds. For the first time, this article systematically introduced the composition and characteristics of nanoparticles from CHM formulas to single herbs and then to natural compounds, from nano‐aggregates with unclear components to exosome‐like vesicle structures and then to self‐assembled structures of supramolecular materials. It also summarized the problems to be solved in the research of CHMs nanoparticles and the potential for further applications, aiming to provide guidance for the modernization of CHMs ‐related nanoparticles.
A Synergistic Hybrid of Sr3B2O6‐SryTi0.6Fe0.4O3‐δ (y < 1) as a Cathode for High‐Performance Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis via Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Wang Kaihui , Zan Wenyan , Li Yawei , Li Si‐Dian , Shao Zongping , Chen Huili 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (e‐NRR) presents a promising approach for environmentally friendly ammonia synthesis. However, the efficiency of ammonia synthesis can be hindered by competitive hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). Therefore, the development of a catalyst capable of suppressing HER is essential. In this study, a synergistic hybrid catalyst Sr(Ti0.6Fe0.4)0.8B0.2O3‐δ [S(TF)B0.2], composed of Sr3B2O6 (SB) and SryTi0.6Fe0.4O3‐δ (SyTF, y<1) is synthesized and used as an electrocatalyst for electrochemical ammonia synthesis via protonic ceramic electrolysis cells, in which SB is utilized as a proton acceptor, thereby inhibiting HER and promoting proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) for the ammonia synthesis. The formation of SB results in a deficiency of A‐site cations in SyTF, leading to an increased number of oxygen vacancies in S(TF)B0.2. DFT calculation indicates that oxygen vacancies facilitate ammonia generation and desorption, adhering to the enzymatic pathway for NH3 synthesis. Additionally, the grain boundary (GB) between SyTF and SB introduces further defects, which contribute to the enhancement of the eNRR. Research indicates that utilizing S(TF)B0.2 as a catalyst enhances both the ammonia synthesis rate and Faradaic efficiency. This study presents a straightforward and efficient approach for the fabrication of eNRR catalysts.
Ultralight Polymer‐Based Current Collectors With Enhanced Transverse Conductivity via 3D Conductive Interlayers for Safe and High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Nuo , Zhao Jie , Zhang Yue , Song Ruifeng , Zhang Nan , Cui Yanming , Lin Jiu , Xu Henghui , Huang Yunhui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCompared to commercial current collectors (CCs), polymer‐based current collectors (PBCCs) significantly enhance the energy and safety of lithium‐ion batteries. However, the inherent transverse non‐conductivity of traditional PBCCs necessitates the use of complex welding processes during cell assembly thus sacrificing the energy density, stemming from the insulating nature of the intermediate polymer layer in PBCCs. Here, newly designed PI‐CNTs‐Al and PI‐CNTs‐Cu PBCCs are developed by integrating highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into the polymer interlayer, which is coated with two metal layers to facilitate longitudinal conductivity. The incorporation of CNTs forms a 3D conductive network within the interlayer, substantially improving the transverse conductivity of PI‐CNTs‐Al and PI‐CNTs‐Cu from 2.19×10−9 and 1.89×10−9 S m−1 to 1.02 and 1.15 S m−1. Furthermore, the addition of CNTs enhances the bonding strength at the metal‐polymer interface, effectively mitigating separation defects commonly observed in traditional PI‐Al and PI‐Cu CCs. The engineered PBCCs can be utilized directly as CCs for cell assembly without complex conductive components. Importantly, the fully charged 1.5 Ah cell, achieving an energy density of 235.8 Wh kg−1 with a 9.0% improvement, successfully endures rigorous needling tests, which can be attributed to the enhanced tensile strength and reduced fracture strain ratio of the PBCCs.
Understanding the Role of Hydrogen and Oxygen in Electronic Phase Changes of Nickelates
Authors: Guasco Laura , Pons Rebecca , Cortie David , Bannenberg Lars J. , Wochner Peter , Goering Eberhard , Nagel Peter , Schuppler Stefan , Hayashida Shohei , Merkle Rotraut , Keimer Bernhard , Keller Thomas , Benckiser Eva 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMany electronic and electrochemical devices rely on the exchange of light elements such as hydrogen and oxygen with the environment. Understanding and tailoring the device functionality requires accurate information about the concentration and chemical bonding of such species inside a solid, which is particularly difficult if several species are exchanged. In LaNiO3 thin films in situ transport experiments reveal a re‐entrant metal–insulator transition upon hydrogen exposure. The origin of this unusual behavior can be understood by combining information about the stoichiometry and chemical bonding of hydrogen and oxygen as determined by neutron reflectometry and x‐ray absorption spectroscopy, respectively. In addition to the metallic parent phase, an insulating phase with composition LaNiO2.65 and a re‐entrant metallic phase with composition LaNiO2.15(OH)0.5 are identified. They can be inter‐converted by redox reactions in different external environments. The methodology employed offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying the influence of hydrogen in functional devices.
Single‐Site Mn‐Doped Ru/RuO2 Heterostructure for Acidic Overall Water‐Splitting
Authors: Dong Shuting , Wang Peisan , Li Zhiqiang , Wei Lingzhi , Liu Shoujie , Yang Yang , Zheng Fangcai 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcidic overall water‐splitting driven by consistent electricity is an efficient and economical method for producing green hydrogen. However, developing highly active and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) in acidic conditions remains a challenge. Here, single‐atom Mn sites are introduced into Ru/RuO₂ heterostructures (Mn(SAs)‐Ru/RuO2) as bifunctional electrocatalysts, achieving low overpotentials of 39 and 158 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, respectively, while maintaining long‐term durability for overall water‐splitting over 500 h at 1.47 V in 0.5 m H2SO4. It outperforms most previously reported bifunctional electrocatalysts. Theoretical calculations show that the charge redistribution caused by single‐site Mn dopants optimizes the adsorption of OOH* and H* at Ru sites, significantly boosting electrochemical kinetics for both OER and HER. This work presents an effective single‐site metal doping strategy to optimize the charge distribution of bifunctional electrocatalysts for acidic overall water‐splitting.
From Elementary to Advanced Design of Functional Metal–Organic Frameworks: A User Guide to Deciphering the Reticular Chemistry Toolbox
Authors: Guillerm Vincent , Jiang Hao , Alezi Dalal , Alsadun Norah , Eddaoudi Mohamed 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHere, the fundamental requirements are described for understanding and using topology tools in the design of porous materials, emphasizing the relationships between nets, metal–organic framework (MOF) structures, nodes, and building blocks. Common design approaches are discussed, highlighting prerequisites for the rational design of MOFs, such as those with simple pcu topology through the molecular building block approach, or axial‐to‐axial pillaring. The importance of highly connected nets and building units is emphasized for achieving structural predictability. The geometrical requirements are detailed for designing highly connected MOFs using more elaborate strategies: MOFs with rht topology through the supermolecular building block approach, tbo topology through the supermolecular building layer approach, and sph topology through a merged net approach The potential for innovation through deviations from default nets, such as introducing a geometry mismatch is addressed, which can lead to novel materials with unique zeolitic structures. Examples include MOFs with sodalite (sod) topology, developed through cantellation or mixed‐ligand approaches inspired by ancestral architectural methods, utilizing centring structure‐directing agents. Key insights for researchers are provided to facilitate the application and expansion of design strategies to new chemical systems. The only limit is imagination, along with some chemical, physical, and thermodynamical principles, of course.