bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CEST effect of dimethyl sulfoxide at negative offset frequency
Authors: Su Haoyun , Law Lok Hin , Liu Yang , Huang Jianpan , Chan Kannie W. Y. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has wide biomedical applications such as cryoprotectant and hydrophobic drug carrier. Here, we report for the first time that DMSO can generate a distinctive chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signal at around −2 ppm. Structural analogs of DMSO, including aprotic and protic solvents, also demonstrated CEST signals from −1.4 to −3.8 ppm. When CEST detectable barbituric acid (BA) was dissolved in DMSO solution and was co‐loaded to liposome, two obvious peaks at 5 and −2 ppm were observed, indicating that DMSO and related solvent system can be monitored in a label‐free manner via CEST, which can be further applied to imaging drug nanocarriers. With reference to previous studies, there could be molecular interactions or magnetization transfer pathways, such as the relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE), that lead to this detectable CEST contrast at negative offset frequencies of the Z‐spectrum. Our findings suggest that small molecules of organic solvents could be involved in magnetization transfer processes with water and readily detected by CEST magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), providing a new avenue for detecting solvent–water and solvent–drug interactions.
Public Health Financing and Population Health: What Role Do Institutions Play?
Authors: Alimi Olorunfemi Yasiru , Ogbekene Ifeanyi , Idowu Olumayowa Adeleke 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the multifaceted interactions among public health financing, institutions, and population health. It also sought to determine whether the efficacy of government health interventions to reduce child mortality and improve life expectancy in Africa's most populous country had been hampered by its institutional framework. The research analyzed the links among institutional, socioeconomic, and health variables using the autoregressive distributed lag estimator across a 37‐year period (1984–2020). The findings show that short‐term public health spending in Nigeria has a significant negative effect on health outcomes, whereas long‐term spending has a significant positive effect. Although public health financing significantly impacted long‐run life expectancy, its short‐run impact is statistically insignificant. Moreover, public health financing is positively linked with lower infant mortality in the long run but directly associated with higher rates in the short run. It further discovered that weak institutional framework is responsible for low life expectancy and high infant mortality. Institutions exert an unconditional significant negative impact on short‐ and long‐term health outcomes. Findings also show that both the short‐ and long‐term net effects of government health financing and institutions on the health outcomes are negative and statistically significant. So, institutions and public health financing are substitutes, with institutions unable to adequately improve their role in the public finance–health outcomes relations. Furthermore, the thresholds at which short‐ and long‐term institutional settings will modulate direct links between public finance and health outcomes are 5.01 and 2.62, respectively. Hence, the empirical findings validate the defective nature of the Nigerian institutional settings. Policy prescriptions for improving health outcomes are recommended based on the findings.
Coir fiber reinforced chemically functionalized ethylene butylene acrylate composites
Authors: Gupta Hariome Sharan , Palsule Sanjay 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCoir fiber (COIRF) reinforced glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized ethylene butyl acrylate (CF‐EBA) composites (COIRF/CF‐EBA) were processed by extrusion and injection molding. A good COIRF/CF‐EBA interfacial adhesion was indicated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM). Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FTIR) spectroscopy established this adhesion emerging from etherification and hydrogen bonding between the functional groups of CF‐EBA and of COIRF. The composites exhibited higher tensile properties than pristine CF‐EBA, and also exhibited increase in their tensile properties with increase in COIRF contents in them. The storage modulus and loss modulus of the composites also increased as the amount of COIRF in them increased, but the values of these properties decreased with increasing temperature. Thermal stability of the composites was observed to be intermediate between that of COIRF and CF‐EBA.Highlights
Coir Fiber/Chemically Functionalized Ethylene Butylene Acrylate Composites.
CF‐EBA/COIRF bonding by etherification and hydrogen bonding between them.
The COIRF/CF‐EBA composites show higher properties than their CF‐EBA matrix.
30/70 COIRF/CF‐EBA composite showed the highest tensile strength (10.93 MPa).
COIRF/CF‐EBA composite show thermal stability upto approx. 245°C.
Correlation between the electrical and thermal conductivity of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites with carbonaceous fillers with different dimensionality
Authors: Tubio Carmen R. , Merazzo Karla J. , Abad Maria‐Jose , Ares‐Penas Ana I. , Malet Ramón , Pérez Marc , Costa Pedro , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer has received considerable attention due to its high versatility for applications, including additive manufacturing. However, its electrical and thermal transport properties limit its application potential. One route to enhance electrical and thermal conductivities is the development of ABS‐based composites by using carbonaceous fillers, which have exceptional mechanical properties and remarkable functional properties. Here, we testing the presence of carbonaceous fillers with different dimensionalities on the electrical and thermal conductivity of ABS composites. In particular, one dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes (CNT), two dimensional (2D) reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and three dimensional (3D) carbon black (CB) have been used to develop ABS‐based composites with different filler contents. A similar trend exist for the electrical and thermal conductivity results, where the highest conductivity values (electrical conductivity 0.0305 S·cm−1 and thermal conductivity 0.56 W·mK−1) being achieved for ABS‐based composites with 2D rGO filler, highlighting the relevance of specific characteristics of the 2D type filler. In addition, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of the ABS‐based composites containing rGO was superior to other 1D and 3D fillers. The stated correlation between electrical and thermal properties and their dependence on carbonaceous filler dimensionality are essential to be taken into account for properly tailoring functional properties of ABS‐based composites.Highlights
Carbonaceous fillers are used to tailor several properties of ABS composites
Significant differences are established between filler type or content
Electrical percolation threshold strongly depends on the dimensionally
2D rGO more effective to improve electrical/thermal conductivities
1D CNT and 2D rGO fillers exhibit best EMI shielding properties
Preparation and mechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy resin composites modified by silicon polymer
Authors: Pan Ya‐Jie , Shi Yi‐Cheng , Bai Yan‐Kun , Yu Li‐Chao , Xu Huan , Dang Rui‐Qiong , Guan Ji‐Peng , Wang Hong‐Quan , Lu Fan , Shen Xiao‐Jun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this work, silicone polymer (PSOL)/glass fiber (GF)/epoxy (EP) composites were prepared by employing PSOL as interfacial modifier into GF/EP composites. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were investigated to determine the optimal PSOL content. The effect of PSOL on the wettability of EP on GF was investigated. The micromorphology of the GF/EP composites was also examined by scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrate that the interfacial bonding between GF and epoxy resin was improved significantly by the addition of PSOL. Specifically, the interlaminar shear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, and blending strength of the PSOL/GF/EP composites increased by 9.28%, 13.61%, 12.66%, and 19.22%, respectively. Moreover, the original thermal stability of the composites was improved by the incorporation of PSOL. This study highlights the effectiveness of PSOL as an interfacial modifier, enhancing the overall performance of GF/EP composites while improving their thermal stability.Highlights
Silicone polymer (PSOL)/glass fiber (GF)/epoxy (EP) composite material is made of glass fiber and epoxy resin by hand paste molding.
Silicon polymers as interface modifiers can improve the interface between glass fiber and epoxy resin.
PSOL/GF/EP composites have good mechanical properties.
The glass transition temperature of GF/EP composites was increased by silicon polymer.
Developing a recovery process for bioactives from discarded by‐products of winemaking industry based on multivariate optimization method: Deep eutectic solvents as eco‐friendly extraction media
Authors: Kavas Sena , Erbaşar Alara , Kurtulbaş Ebru , Fiorito Serena , Şahin Selin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe recovery process for bioactives from discarded by‐products of the winemaking industry is of great value considering both environmental and economic aspects.ObjectiveThe goal of this study is to investigate the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds by means of carboxylic acid‐based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in order to propose an environmentally friendly method based on a multivariate optimization approach.Material and MethodsCarboxylic acid‐based DESs were designed with several molar ratios (1/1, 1/2, and 2/1). Two polyols (glycerol and ethylene glycol) were used as hydrogen bond donors, while formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid were selected as hydrogen bond acceptors. The process parameters (water content, extraction time, and solid mass) were analyzed to optimize the process through Box–Behnken design with response surface method, after determination of the best combination for the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity yields.ResultsThe maximum TPC yield (153.17 ± 0.003 mg‐GAE/g‐GS) and antioxidant activity yield (82.26 ± 0.004 mg‐GAE/g‐GS) were achieved by 50% water addition into the DES (ethylene glycol/acetic acid, 1/1), 85 sec extraction time, and 0.1 g grape seed.
Pain Medication and Pain Intensity Following Hip Fractures—Analyses Based on the ProFem Cohort Study
Authors: Jobski Kathrin , Ritschel Michaela , Pöggel‐Krämer Katja , Anheier Daniela , Haastert Burkhard , Gontscharuk Veronika , Arend Werner , Baltes Marion , Stephan Astrid , Meyer Gabriele , Klüppelholz Birgit , Windolf Joachim , Thelen Simon , Jaekel Carina , Andrich Silke , Icks Andrea , Hoffmann Falk 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPurposePain is a common symptom following proximal femoral fractures (PFF), however, information on its treatment in terms of agents and type of use (scheduled vs. pro re nata [PRN]) is scarce. The main objective of this study was to examine pain medication regimens according to pain intensity following PFF. Furthermore, we explored the utilization of medication plans.MethodsThe “ProFem”‐study on healthcare provision, functional ability, and quality of life after PFF is a German population‐based prospective cohort study based on statutory health insurance data and individually linked survey data from different time points including information on the currently used medication. This present analysis refers to the participants' baseline interviews (about 3 months following PFF) conducted from 2018 to 2019 in the participants' private surroundings.ResultsThe study population comprised 444 participants (mean age: 81.2 years, 71.0% female). Half of them reported high intensity pain, and the mean value for the EuroQol visual analogue scale was 50.8. Most commonly used analgesics were metamizole and tilidine/naloxone. Among participants with high intensity pain, 21.9% received only PRN pain medication and 17.2% no pain medication at all. Overall, 61.5% of participants presented any (printed) medication plan and only 25.2% a “federal standardized medication plan” (BMP).ConclusionAs a substantial number of patients reports high intensity pain about 3 months following a PFF, the large proportion of those receiving no or only PRN pain medication raises questions regarding the appropriateness of the therapy. The overall low utilization of the BMP indicates potential for improvement.
Trends in the Completeness and Validity of Sources of Death Data Against the National Death Index From 2010 to 2018
Authors: Sponholtz Todd , Jamal‐Allial Aziza , Vojjala Shiva K. , Papazian Anahit , Eshete Biruk , Paullin Mark , Mahmoudpour Seyed Hamidreza , Verpillat Patrice , Beachler Daniel C. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeWe investigated time trends in validation performance characteristics for six sources of death data available within the Healthcare Integrated Research Database (HIRD) over 8 years.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a cohort of advanced cancer patients with linked National Death Index (NDI) data identified in the HIRD between 2010 and 2018. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for six sources of death status data and an algorithm combining data from available sources using NDI data as the reference standard. Measures were calculated for each year of the study including all members in the cohort for at least 1 day in that year.ResultsWe identified 27 396 deaths from any source among 40 692 cohort members. Between 2010 and 2018, the sensitivity of the Death Master File (DMF) decreased from 0.77 (95% CI = 0.76, 0.79) to 0.12 (95% CI = 0.11, 0.14). In contrast, the sensitivity of online obituary data increased from 0.43 (95% CI = 0.41, 0.45) in 2012 to 0.71 (95% CI = 0.68, 0.73) in 2018. The sensitivity of the composite algorithm remained above 0.83 throughout the study period. PPV was observed to be high from 2010 to 2016 and decrease thereafter for all sources. Specificity and NPV remained at high levels throughout the study.ConclusionsWe observed that the sensitivity of mortality data sources compared with the NDI could change substantially between 2010 and 2018. Other validation characteristics were less variable. Combining multiple sources of mortality data may be necessary to achieve adequate performance particularly for multiyear studies.
A Dynamic Prognostic Model for Identifying Vulnerable COVID‐19 Patients at High Risk of Rapid Deterioration
Authors: Anand Priyanka , D'Andrea Elvira , Feldman William , Wang Shirley V. , Liu Jun , Brill Gregory , DiCesare Elyse , Lin Kueiyu Joshua 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeWe aimed to validate and, if performance was unsatisfactory, update the previously published prognostic model to predict clinical deterioration in patients hospitalized for COVID‐19, using data following vaccine availability.MethodsUsing electronic health records of patients ≥18 years, with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19, from a large care‐delivery network in Massachusetts, USA, from March 2020 to November 2021, we tested the performance of the previously developed prediction model and updated the prediction model by incorporating data after availability of COVID‐19 vaccines. We randomly divided data into development (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. We built a model predicting worsening in a published severity scale in 24 h by LASSO regression and evaluated performance by c‐statistic and Brier score.ResultsOur study cohort consisted of 8185 patients (Development: 5730 patients [mean age: 62; 44% female] and Validation: 2455 patients [mean age: 62; 45% female]). The previously published model had suboptimal performance using data after November 2020 (N = 4973, c‐statistic = 0.60. Brier score = 0.11). After retraining with the new data, the updated model included 38 predictors including 18 changing biomarkers. Patients hospitalized after Jun 1st, 2021 (when COVID‐19 vaccines became widely available in Massachusetts) were younger and had fewer comorbidities than those hospitalized before. The c‐statistic and Brier score were 0.77 and 0.13 in the development cohort, and 0.73 and 0.14 in the validation cohort.ConclusionThe characteristics of patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 differed substantially over time. We developed a new dynamic model for rapid progression with satisfactory performance in the validation set.
Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes of Statins Discontinuation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ageeb Shahd A. , Abdelmoghith Alaa , ElGeed Hager , Awaisu Ahmed , ElMansor Abdulmoniem , Owusu Yaw B. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeStatins are widely prescribed for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevention; however, a significant proportion of users discontinue the medication for various reasons. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of statin therapy discontinuation, its associated factors, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes within the first year of discontinuation.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from their inception to December 2022. Manual searches were also conducted on the bibliographies of relevant articles. Studies were included for qualitative data synthesis and assessed for methodological quality.ResultsFifty‐two studies, predominantly cohort studies (n = 38), involving 4 277 061 participants were included. The prevalence of statin discontinuation within the first year of statin initiation ranged from 0.8% to 70.5%, which was higher for primary prevention indications. Factors frequently associated with an increased likelihood of statin discontinuation included male sex, nonWhite ethnicity, smoking status, and being uninsured. Conversely, discontinuation was less likely in patients with CVD who received secondary prevention statin therapy and in patients with polypharmacy. Furthermore, age showed diverse and inconsistent relationships with statin discontinuation among various age categories. Five studies that reported the cardiovascular risk of statin discontinuation within the first year of initiation showed significantly increased risk of discontinuation, including all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.36–3.65).ConclusionOur findings indicate a high prevalence of statin discontinuation and an increased likelihood of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within the first year of discontinuation, despite wide variability across published studies. This review highlights the importance of addressing the modifiable risk factors associated with statin discontinuation, such as smoking and lack of insurance coverage.
Prevalence of Polypharmacy in Elderly Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Liu Tangyi , Su Qiaoyu , Luo Hui , Lou Lijun , Zhao Lina , Kang Xiaoyu , Pan Yanglin , Nie Yongzhan 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPolypharmacy (PP) is common in elderly population and associated with some adverse clinical outcomes and increases healthcare burdens. We performed this systemic review and meta‐analysis to estimate worldwide prevalence of PP and explore associated factors in the elderly.MethodsThe PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid EMBASE databases were searched for studies published until May 30, 2022. We included observational studies representative of general patients aged ≥60 in which PP was defined as multiple drugs ≥5. Studies were excluded if only a particular group of the elderly population (e.g., with diabetes) were included. The primary outcome was the prevalence of PP. Random‐effect models were employed to estimate the overall or variable‐specific pooled estimates of PP. Secondary outcomes were hyperpolypharmacy (HPP, defined as multiple drugs ≥10) and PP prevalence based on different study years, genders, locations, populations, and so forth.ResultsWe included 122 original observational studies with an overall population of 57 328 043 individuals in the meta‐analysis. The overall prevalence of PP and HPP in the elderly population worldwide was 39.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.5%–42.7%) and 13.3% (95% CI, 10.4%–16.5%), respectively. The prevalence of PP in Europe, Oceania, North America, Asia, and South America was 45.8% (95% CI, 41.5%–50.2%), 45.5% (95% CI, 26.7%–64.3%), 40.8% (95% CI, 29.8%–51.6%), 29.0% (95% CI, 20.0%–38.0%), and 28.4% (95% CI, 24.0%–32.8%), respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate meta‐regressions showed geographical regions of Europe or North America, age ≥70, and residence from nursing homes were independently associated with higher PP prevalence.ConclusionsNearly 40% of the elderly population is exposed to PP. The prevalence of PP is significantly higher in elderly individuals aged 70 or older, in developed regions and in nursing homes. It is important to focus on avoiding inappropriate PP in this population to address the growing burden of PP.
Effect of solution‐processed cesium carbonate on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Khatri Ishwor , LaGrow Alec P. , Bondarchuk Oleksandr , Nicoara Nicoleta , Sadewasser Sascha 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHeavy alkali‐metal treatments have been the most recent breakthrough in improving the efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells. Alkali halides are generally evaporated onto the surface of the CIGS thin film by a vacuum process. Here, we report an alternative, low‐cost solution process for the surface treatment of CIGS thin films using cesium carbonate (CsCO3) as a new route to incorporate cesium (Cs) for improving solar cell performance. CIGS thin films were fabricated using pulsed hybrid reactive magnetron sputtering and the surface treatment was performed by spin‐coating CsCO3 solution on the surface of CIGS at room temperature, followed by vacuum annealing at 400°C. The surface chemistry of the CIGS thin film changed after the treatment and the efficiency of respective solar cells improved by more than 30%, mostly driven by an enhancement in open‐circuit voltage. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the depletion of copper and the presence of Cs on the surface of the CIGS thin film. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy showed the lowering of the valence band maximum by around 0.25 eV after the treatment, which plays a positive role in reducing interfacial recombination. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy indicates the presence of Cs and depletion of Cu at the grain boundaries of the CIGS thin film. These findings open a low‐cost route for improving the performance of CIGS solar cells by surface modification using a solution process.
Place recommendations and migration
Authors: Niedomysl Thomas , Strömblad Per 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe influence of personal recommendations on decision‐making is well‐established. To date, however, most research appears to have focussed on decisions of less importance. This study explores how place recommendations may have an impact on internal migration. Drawing on extraordinarily voluminous survey data, based on approximately half a million responses in Swedish municipalities between 2010 and 2018, the analyses of this paper are focused on the extent to which people would recommend friends and acquaintances to move to their respective municipalities, on the locational features influencing such recommendations, and on the relationship between recommendations and net‐migration. Contributing to research on the role of social networks in migration research, the results reveal both a widespread tendency among inhabitants to give positive place recommendations and a very strong positive association between place satisfaction and place recommendations. In addition, a tentative analysis suggests that highly recommended municipalities benefit in terms of net‐migration and, hence, population growth.