bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multifunctional polymer for optimization of the cement spacers: oil-based drilling fluids removal, rheology regulation
Authors: Meng Renzhou , Xia Xiujian , Yu Yongjin , Qi Fengzhong , Zhang Chi , Sun Jinsheng , Wang Chengwen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

A multifunctional polymer (HAMP) for performance optimization of the spacers is presented based on 2-Acrylamido-2-Methyl Propane Sulfonic Acid (AMPS), Maleic Anhydride (MA), Acrylic Acid (AA) and surfactant monomer. Specifically, HAMP was endowed with amphiphilic properties and thermo-associate behavior by introducing surfactant monomer and hydrophobic groups, respectively. Thus, HAMP has the potential for synergies with surfactant due to their amphiphilic properties, and exhibits thermo-thickening behavior due to the thermo-associate behavior. These two properties are applied to the removal of oil-based drilling fluids and to increase the stability of spacers. Tests shows that: HAMP can synergize with ionic/non-ionic surfactant to increase the interface activity of surfactant/HAMP mixture; HAMP solution exhibits continuous thermo-thickening behavior at temperature above 70°C when its concentration is higher than 0.3%, which can mitigate the consistency reduction of spacers at high temperature; The surfactant/HAMP mixture has higher removal efficiency and better temperature and salt resistance than the single surfactant solution; Rheological property changes little in the range from 25℃ to 90℃, and 0.3% HAMP can prevent the sedimentation of weighted spacer. Series of mechanism experiments indicate that: more association forms a denser micro network at higher temperature, which leads to the thermo-thickening behavior of HAMP; The groups with different charges and hydrophobic groups in HAMP can make it better adsorbed on the surface and the components the oil-based filter cake, resulting in wetting modification of the surface and stabilizing oil-base components, which are conducive to the removal of the oil-based drilling fluid. It is hoped that the multifunctional polymer proposed in this paper can be applied in various fields.
Perceptions and experiences related to use of breast milk from another mother in central Nepal: a qualitative study
Authors: Shrestha Akina , Gulrajani Natalie , Ginsburg Amy Sarah , Laleau Victoria , Gade Soujanya , Flaherman Valerie , Puri Mahesh C. , Dongol Srijana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
When maternal breast milk is unavailable in sufficient quantity for infant needs, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of human donor breast milk if safe, affordable, and available. However, in Nepal and most other low- and middle-income countries, there are significant barriers to accessing safe and affordable donor breast milk, including a paucity of milk banks. An in-depth understanding of perceptions and experiences in Nepal related to use of donor breast milk could inform the development of interventions to address identified barriers.
Methods
From December 2019 to January 2020, we conducted a qualitative study, including focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents and community health workers, and key informant interviews with public health stakeholders in Dhulikhel Municipality, Kavrepalanchowk District, Nepal. In total, 44 individuals participated in five FGDs, including two with mothers, one with fathers, and two with community health workers. Nine key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders. Thematic analyses of translated transcripts were undertaken to explore perceptions and experiences of participants related to use of human donor breast milk.
Results
Several participants in this study reported that informal breast milk sharing between relatives and neighbors is common when a mother’s breast milk is unavailable or insufficient; such sharing can occur via direct breastfeeding or milk expression. Numerous potential benefits with breast milk sharing were described, including overcoming initial difficulties with milk supply in the postpartum period, convenience when mothers are unavailable, and reduced risk of infant infection and gastrointestinal distress. Hesitancies to breast milk sharing included the risk of disease transmission from donor to infant and the possibility of decreased bonding between mother and infant. Some participants expressed that animal milk is preferable to breast milk sharing when mother’s own milk is not available.
Conclusion
Participants were aware of the potential benefits of donor breast milk but identified numerous barriers to widespread adoption, including concerns about infectious diseases and mother-infant bonding, and preference for animal milks over another mother’s milk. Addressing these concerns may help increase the acceptance and practice of donating and using human donor breast milk among mothers in Nepal.
Acceptability, engagement, outcomes, and dose-response associations of a mindfulness-based meditation app in individuals waiting for psychological services
Authors: Daros Alexander R. , Patel Alina , Otevwe Oghenetega , Sotelo Santiago , Saab Bechara J. , Quilty Lena C. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
While mindfulness apps have received growing clinical attention, their integration within health systems has received limited empirical investigation. In this study, we evaluated a mindfulness app as a low-intensity treatment option for adults waiting for psychological services. A non-randomized clinical trial was conducted with a 4-week acute intervention period with an 8-week follow-up. Adults (N = 193) with moderate depression and anxiety symptoms, completed a baseline session and received access to AmDTx, a mobile mindfulness training app. Additional assessments were completed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics of attrition, adoption, acceptability, and engagement were computed. Linear mixed models estimated treatment outcomes for functional disability (primary endpoint), depression, anxiety, stress, rumination, and mindful awareness/acceptance. We also evaluated the dose-response association between app use and functional disability.
Results
Using intent-to-treat analyses, there was a 75% adoption of the app and a 30% attrition rate in the first 4 weeks. In addition, 1.09 hours of meditation time and 9.16 exercises were recorded on average within the first 4 weeks. Participants reported positive credibility, acceptability, and usability ratings on established measures. Treatment effects were observed in the expected direction for all outcomes but one (mindful awareness). Dose-response relationships indicated that increases in app engagement correlated with decreases in functional disability.
Conclusions
The findings reinforce the potential for AmDTx, and mindfulness apps more broadly, to serve as low-intensity tools to alleviate unmet service needs and impart clinically meaningful benefit for a significant subset of those waiting for psychological services.
Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05211960, Registered 2022-01-26.
The influence of cryostimulation on reducing inflammation and improving motor skills in football players
Authors: Różycka Izabela , Latour Ewa , Kasperska Anna , Ostapiuk-Karolczuk Joanna , Latour Emilia , Skarpańska-Stejnborn Anna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Cryostimulation is one of the methods used for enchancing post-exercise recovery, involving short-term (3 min) exposure of the body to extremely low temperatures, oscillating between -100°C and -190°C. The purpose of this intervention is to reduce inflammation and alleviate physical as well as mental fatigue, which helps prepare the body for further exercise in the course of the training process.
Methods:
The study was conducted to determine the effect of five days of Partial-Body Criostimulation on inflammation and motor skills in soccer players. A group of 24 football players was randomly divided into a test group subject to cryostimulation (-140°C ± 20°C, 3 min, 5 days) and a control group. Before the cryostimulation session, both groups underwent visual-motor ability tests, which were repeated on the last day of the study. Blood samples were collected at four time points (P0 - 1st day, P1 - 3rd day, P2 - 5th day, P3 - 2 days after the test). Levels of creatine kinase, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, testosterone and cortisol were determined in the samples.
Results:
Analysis of the results revealed a significant improvement in motor function (reaction time, RT) in the experimental group by 2.43 seconds (p=0.001) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between control and experimental groups regarding parameters determined in blood samples.
Conclusions:
The applied five-day cryostimulation regimen did not significantly affect the profile of inflammatory markers in soccer players. However, a reduction in visuo-motor reaction time (RT) was registered in cryostimulation-treated soccer players, suggesting the potential benefits of this method in improving motor skills.
Trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06549933, retrospectively registered on 10.08.2024 .
Understanding Parental Awareness of Child Developmental Milestones in West Bank-Palestine: A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: AWAD MOHAMMAD YASER HASAN , WARASNA HAYA JEBREEN MOHAMMED , SHAHIN FARAH BILAL YOUSEF , AWAD BASHAR YASER HASAN , Jobran Afnan W.M. , Abdulrazzak Mohammed , Owais Tarek A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective: Parental knowledge of children's developmental milestones is associated with more effective childcare practices and improved overall outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess parents' knowledge levels regarding their children's developmental milestones and the information sources they use in the West Bank of Palestine.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that had already been verified. Multivariable logistic regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The study included parents aged 18 years or older who reside in the West Bank, Palestine and had at least one child under the age of 14. Participants were selected from ten West Bank cities. The data were collected between January and March 2024.
Results: This study included 619 parents aged 18 years or older residing in the West Bank of Palestine. Most respondents (76.0%) demonstrated a “poor” level of knowledge in all four domains. There was a statistically significant association between gender and knowledge level (p ≤ 0.05), females demonstrated a higher proportion of acceptable knowledge (26.5%) than males (13.3%). Among the four domains of child development, parents had the highest level of knowledge of physical development (57.22%). This was followed by cognitive development (27.30%), emotional development (24.81%), and social development (18.83%). Only a few parents (9.2%) claimed that they always relied on health care professionals for information.
Conclusion: There is a significant gap in parents' understanding of developmental milestones, raising serious concerns about children's health in West Bank, Palestine. Currently, healthcare institutions and pediatricians play limited roles in health education. Implementing effective health education programs and strategies is essential to enhance child development outcomes in the community.
The market of infidelity: The Effect of Party Switching on Lawmaking Productivity. Evidence from Italy
Authors: Nizza Umberto 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of party switching in the Italian parliament, wherein elected politicians frequently shift allegiance from one party to another, often at the expense of voter representation. Analyzing data on parliamentarians spanning 2008 to 2013 and utilizing an instrumental variable approach, the study reaffirms existing literature highlighting the influence of historical institutions on cultural beliefs and norms. These enduring legacies, passed down across generations, significantly impact the establishment, framework, and operation of current institutions. The manuscript specifically reveals that politicians elected in regions historically linked to enduring feudal values from pre-unitary kingdoms are more prone to defection and changing political affiliations. This tendency to switch parties reflects specific social norms and institutional influences deeply rooted in established clientelist practices. Ultimately, the evidence presented underscores how parliamentarians' defection diminishes legislative productivity, substituting particular interests for the nation's welfare. In summary, these findings demonstrate the persistent impact of informal cultural values originating from centuries-old institutions, shaping incentives and behaviors in contemporary politics despite the absence of formal institutional changes.
JEL Codes: D72; K16
E-Health Literacy Level and Its Predictors among Primary School Teachers in Sabzevar City in 2021
Authors: Nowrozian Zahra , Khankolabi Mehdi , Shahrabadi Reza , Gharib Mitra , Saadati Hassan , Nowrouzian Saeed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and aim:
The present study aims to investigate E-health literacy and its related factors among primary school teachers in Sabzevar city.
Method
The current cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was conducted on 252 primary school teachers in Sabzevar city in 2021. The data collection tool included a three-part questionnaire. The first part included 21 demographic questions, the second part of the questionnaire included 8 questions regarding E-health literacy, and the third part consisted of 10 questions created by the researcher to complete the standard questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and the statistical significance level was P ≤ 0.05.
Results
The mean scores of E-health literacy of the teachers according to the standard and complete questionnaires were 25.44 ± 5.90 and 60.17 ± 10.17, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the E-health literacy levels of the subjects according to the evaluation of the level of general health, regular physical activity, general knowledge in the field of health, the amount of using the Internet, the use of information related to health through social networks based on both questionnaires (standard/complete). For the standard and complete questionnaires, the multiple correlation coefficient values were 0.48 and 0.52, respectively. The adjustment coefficient value for both questionnaires (R2Adjusted = 0.20).
Conclusion
The e-health literacy of the teachers in this study was not appropriate. The mastery of cyberspace, the level of education, having traditional health literacy were among the most important factors affecting the improvement of teachers' electronic health literacy.
Global, regional, and national burden of atrial fibrillation and flutter and associated heart failure from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2050: insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Xie Bin , Huang Xiaojun , Li Weiwen , Lin Ying , Xu Xinwu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are growing global health concerns. The increasing burden of these conditions highlights the need for comprehensive insights into their global impact and epidemiological trends. This study assesses the global burden and trends of AF/AFL, as well as AF/AFL-associated heart failure over time: 1990 to 2021, with forecasts to 2050.
Methods
We leveraged data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021 to examine the burden and trends of AF/AFL and associated heart failure across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. The incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), years lived with disability (YLD), and average annual percentage changes were computed. A Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model was applied to forecast the trends of AF/AFL from 2022 to 2050.
Results
The number of incidence, prevalence, DALY, and YLD for AF/AFL, as well as the burden of AF/AFL-related heart failure, significantly increased from 1990 to 2021. However, age-standardized rates for these metrics showed only minor fluctuations. The burden was highest among the elderly and varied by sociodemographic index (SDI), with the greatest increase observed in the middle SDI region. Global increases in AF/AFL burden were primarily driven by population growth and aging. Projections indicate that the AF/AFL burden will continue rising through 2050.
Conclusion
The global burden of AF/AFL and associated heart failure has steadily increased. Public health strategies targeting high-burden regions and the elderly are required to mitigate its impact on global public health.
Molecular simulations of enzymatic phosphorylation of disordered proteins and their condensates
Authors: Stelzl Lukas , Zippo Emanuele , Dormann Dorothee , Speck Thomas 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Understanding the condensation and aggregation of intrinsically disordered proteins in a non-equilibrium environment is crucial for unraveling many biological processes. Active enzymes catalyse many processes by consuming chemical fuels such as ATP.
Enzymes called kinases phosphorylate disordered regions of proteins and thus profoundly affect their properties and interactions. Protein phosphorylation is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and may modulate pathogenesis.
However, how protein sequence and molecular recognition of a disordered protein by kinases determine phosphorylation patterns is not understood. In principle, molecular dynamics simulations hold the promise to resolve how phosphorylation affects disordered proteins and their assemblies. In practice, chemically-detailed simulations of enzymatic reactions and the dynamics of enzymes are highly challenging, in particular it is difficult to verify whether implementations of driven simulations are thermodynamically consistent.
We can now address this problem with residue-level coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, integrating Metropolis Monte Carlo steps to model chemical reactions.
Importantly, we show how to verify by Markov-state modeling that the realization of a non-equilibrium steady state satisfies local-detailed balance.
We investigate TDP-43 phosphorylation by the kinase CK1δ in simulations, examining patterns of phosphorylation and assessing its preventive role in chain aggregation, which may be a cytoprotective mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.
We find that the degree of residue phosphorylation is determined by sequence preference and charges, rather than by the position in the chain.
The phosphorylation frequency is also affected by the phosphorylation patterns, since the interactions between CK1δ and TDP-43 actively change after each reaction.
For TDP-43, our simulations show condensates dissolution through phosphorylation with kinases binding to the condensates and phosphorylating TDP-43 in the condensates.
The Magnitude of Secondary Infertility and Associated Factors among Married Women Attending Outpatient Clinics, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abtew Kumlachew Mergiaw 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Infertility is the inability to attain a pregnancy in a woman (15–49 years) with regular unprotected sexual intercourse for one year. Globally, 10% − 15% of couples suffer from infertility. Infertility is a current threat to the social, economic, and psychological well-being of couples in most countries including Ethiopia. This research article aimed to assess the magnitude of secondary infertility and its associated factors among infertile women in two hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess factors affecting fertility. The study enrolled 355 cases aged 15 to 49 years in two teaching hospitals.
Results
Secondary infertility accounts for 33.2% of cases in the study area. Low educational status (primary to secondary school level) (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: (1.15, 6.22), history of abortion (AOR = 4.56; 95% CI: (1.54, 13.5), previous contraceptive utilization (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: (1.37, 6.03), history of pelvic inflammatory disease (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI: (1.22, 10.2) and previous pelvic surgery (AOR = 9.3; 95% CI: (2.89, 30.14) were significantly associated with secondary infertility among the study participants.
Conclusion
Women who have low education, previous history of abortion, use of contraception, and pelvic inflammatory disease had increased risks of developing infertility.
R, the reproduction number, in COVID-19 epidemic decision-making
Authors: Stein-Zamir Chen , Gdalevich Michael 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic flooded the public discourse and media with a multitude of epidemiological terms. Among them, the Reproduction number (R) was in overabundance. Our aim was to assess the impact of daily R data on the epidemiological analysis of the outbreak in Israel and subsequent decisions.
Methods
The period between September 2020 and January 2022 was included in the study. That corresponded with mass usage of PCR tests, prior to Omicron upsurge and the increasing introduction of antigen tests, with lower sensitivity and specificity. The analysis of COVID-19 incidence involved employing graphical representations of daily R values. These computations, derived from the data encompassing the summation of the preceding 10 days, were compared with the daily case number curve during the study period.
Results
Between September 2020 and January 2022 there were three major waves of COVID-19 morbidity. Study of the incidence and R values presents discrepancies, that are inherent in the process of data collection on the one hand and the computation of R on the other.
Conclusions
Applying R in policymaking is challenging, due to gaps regarding timeliness and actual incident case numbers. Albeit an important biological and epidemiological parameter, R is less suited to support on-going decision-making process, and may have been over-used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Alternatively, an in-depth analysis of incidence and trends may provide better approach to public health decision-making.
The behavior evolution and case simulation of water rights trading in water transfer projects
Authors: Lu Yali , Jiao Cong , Si Baojiang , Qin Menghan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Due to the difference in the economic and social development level of each area of the water transfer project, there will be a lack of water resources in some areas, while water resources in some other areas have a surplus, resulting in the imbalance of water resources. However, the transaction willingness of both parties is not strong, and the seller has the psychology of “reluctant to sell”. The buyer hopes to make free water allocation through the government. The paper analyzes the feasibility and influence of solving the imbalance of water resources in water transfer projects through the market mechanism by the evolutionary game approach. The water right transaction between Zhengzhou and Nanyang in the middle route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project is taken as a case for simulation. The study shows t: the lower the marginal return of the water resources in the water-rich area is, the higher the water-scarce area is, the easier to promote water rights trading; the higher the environmental and social benefits for both parties are, the easier the water rights trading; the lower the transaction cost of both parties is, the easier the water rights trading.