bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for prediabetes in community‐dwelling adults: A generalized estimating equation logistic regression approach with natural language processing insights
Authors: Kim Aeri , Jeon Eunjoo , Lee Hana , Heo Hyunsook , Woo Kyungmi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe global prevalence of prediabetes is expected to reach 8.3% (587 million people) by 2045, with 70% of people with prediabetes developing diabetes during their lifetimes. We aimed to classify community‐dwelling adults with a high risk for prediabetes based on prediabetes‐related symptoms and to identify their characteristics, which might be factors associated with prediabetes. We analyzed homecare nursing records (n = 26,840) of 1628 patients aged over 20 years. Using a natural language processing algorithm, we classified each nursing episode as either low‐risk or high‐risk for prediabetes based on the detected number and category of prediabetes‐symptom words. To identify differences between the risk groups, we employed t‐tests, chi‐square tests, and data visualization. Risk factors for prediabetes were identified using multiple logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations. A total of 3270 episodes (12.18%) were classified as potentially high‐risk for prediabetes. There were significant differences in the personal, social, and clinical factors between groups. Results revealed that female sex, age, cancer coverage as part of homecare insurance coverage, and family caregivers were significantly associated with an increased risk of prediabetes. Although prediabetes is not a life‐threatening disease, uncontrolled blood glucose can cause unfavorable outcomes for other major diseases. Thus, medical professionals should consider the associated symptoms and risk factors of prediabetes. Moreover, the proposed algorithm may support the detection of individuals at a high risk for prediabetes. Implementing this approach could facilitate proactive monitoring and early intervention, leading to reduced healthcare expenses and better health outcomes for community‐dwelling adults.
Transoral Ultrasound‐Guided Core Biopsy for Minimally Invasive Sampling of Hard‐to‐Access Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Chen Chun‐Nan , Chou Hsuan‐Yu , Yang Tsung‐Lin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPathological diagnosis plays a pivotal role in risk classification and personalized treatment planning for patients with oropharyngeal cancers. However, challenges arise in cases involving trismus and tumors with submucosal spread, hindering traditional endoscopic biopsies and open incisional biopsies. In this study, we examined the clinical and pathological data of patients with trismus who underwent transoral ultrasound‐guided core biopsy (USCB) for their oropharyngeal tumors, comparing this method with existing diagnostic approaches. Seventeen patients presenting with oropharyngeal tumors and trismus underwent transoral USCB for diagnosis. Of these, 14 patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, while the remaining 3 were diagnosed with lymphoma. The procedure resulted in minimal wound size and effective bleeding control through compression, without encountering any complications. In conclusion, transoral USCB emerges as a precise diagnostic tool for patients with oropharyngeal tumors and trismus, offering a valuable adjunct to conventional open and endoscopic biopsies.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Topical Prophylaxis Against Tympanostomy Tube Otorrhea: An Economic Decision Analysis
Authors: Conner Grant , Yoshiyasu Yuki , Rossi Nicholas , McKinnon Brian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of various topical prophylaxis strategies against posttympanostomy otorrhea using a break‐even analysis.Study DesignAn economic decision analysis of data collected from purchasing records and the literature.SettingAn academic center.MethodsCosts of various strategies were calculated by querying our institution's pharmacy as well as GoodRX.com drug prices. Posttympanostomy otorrhea rates were acquired from a review of the literature. Costs for treatment of otorrhea were based upon our institution's self‐pay patient charges. A break‐even analysis was performed to determine the required absolute risk reduction () in otorrhea rate to make prophylactic treatment cost‐effective.ResultsThe most expensive strategy ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone otic ($626.83) was not cost‐effective unless the rate of postoperative otorrhea was greater than 92% or if the cost of otorrhea treatment exceeded $4477.36. The cheapest antibiotic/steroid combination, ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic ($72.25) was cost‐effective ( 10%). Using a conservative initial otorrhea rate (14%) and weighted cost of treatment ($683.39), the most expensive cost‐effective prophylactic intervention possible was $95.67.ConclusionProphylaxis against posttympanostomy otorrhea can be cost‐effective. Physicians should consider the cost of prophylaxis at their institution as well as the patient's postoperative risk of otorrhea when making treatment decisions.
Electroactive additives into polyurethanes for high corrosion resistance coatings for mild steel
Authors: P Ermiya Prasad , Borah Kashmiri , Palanisamy Aruna , Rao Chepuri R. K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThere is a demand for innovative coatings such as polyurethane (PU) in industrial and commercial sectors to effectively combat corrosion on mild steel substrates. In this work, novel redox‐active polyurea (PUr) additives such as PUr‐diamine capped trimer (DCTA) and PUr‐diamine‐capped tetraaniline (DCTAni), derived from DCTA and DCTAni, were synthesized to enhance the anticorrosion properties of PU coatings. These are characterized using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry technical methods. These additives (2, 5, and 10 wt%) were dispersed in a polyurethane‐urea (PUU) matrix, which was synthesized from PTMG‐2000, and IPDI with dihydrazide adipate as a chain extender. The electroactivity of the coatings were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Furthermore, anticorrosion performance was assessed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The optimal corrosion protection was achieved with increasing weight percent (wt%) of additive in PUU, showing a trend of 10% > 5% > 2%. Coatings reported maximum polarization resistance (Rp) of 122.15 MΩ, with corrosion rates (CR) as low as 2.38 × 10−6 mm/year. Accelerated salt spray testing over 600 h in a 5 wt% NaCl salt fog confirmed the coatings' durability. The microstructures of PUr particles were determined through FESEM characterization. Additive‐blended PUUs exhibited moderate tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the reference PUU matrix. The hydrophobicity of both the reference sample (PUU) and the additive‐blended coatings was measured, with the highest recorded value being at 93.1 ± 0.048 for 10 wt%. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrated polymer degradation with a maximum of T5% observed at 304.1°C.
Enhancing conductivity in polymers: The role of metal ions in conducting polymer systems
Authors: Sarangi Ashish K. , Tripathy Lizaranee , Ansari Azaj , Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Bhoi Sushil Kumar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs metal ion inclusion has a substantial effect on conducting polymer's mechanical, optical, and electrical properties, it has attracted a lot of attention. This article delves into the complex role of metal ions in conducting polymers, explaining how they affect functionality, structural stability, and conductivity enhancement. The review starts with a synopsis of conducting polymers and doping processes before diving into the particular ways that metal ions interact with polymer matrices to alter their electronic structure and charge transport characteristics. The importance of characterization techniques in comprehending the structure–property correlations is highlighted in the discussion of metal‐ion doped conducting polymer studies. In addition, the paper looks at the uses of conducting polymers doped with metal ions in numerous sectors, including energy storage, electronics, and sensors. The difficulties in attaining accurate control over doping concentrations and guaranteeing stability over an extended period are discussed, as well as potential avenues for future development in this area. This review offers important insights into the development and optimization of functional materials for a variety of applications by thoroughly investigating the function of metal ions in conducting polymers.
Incorporation of patient‐reported outcomes in early‐phase clinical trials for childhood and adolescent cancer
Authors: Vilaplana Andrea , Morell Mariona , Valero‐Arrese Lorena , Marshall Lynley V. , Saló Anna , Crowe Tracey , Romero Laura , de Rojas Teresa , Carceller Fernando , Moreno Lucas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe assessment of quality of life (QoL) should be one of the main objectives in paediatric clinical trials. Even though researchers, regulators and advocates support the use of patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), this has not been fully implemented. The aim of this study is to assess the measurement of QoL and the usage of PROs, palatability assessments and medication diaries in early‐phase clinical trials for childhood and adolescent cancer.MethodsEarly‐phase clinical trials for children and adolescents with cancer opened between 2005 and 2022 at the Royal Marsden Hospital (London, UK) and Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) were interrogated for trial characteristics and the use of QoL questionnaires, PROs, palatability assessments and medication diaries.ResultsOverall, 72 clinical trials were analysed: 12 (16.7%) evaluated QoL and eight (11.1%) evaluated PROs. Palatability was tested in 21/40 (52.5%) trials of oral drugs and 23/72 (31.9%) incorporated medication diaries. No studies mentioned patient involvement in the trial protocol. Use of PROs increased from one of 36 (2.8%) to seven of 36 (19.4%) between the first period (2005–2016) and the second period (2017–2022) (p = .02). Implementation of medication diaries increased from seven of 36 (19.4%) to 16/36 (44.4%) in each period, respectively (p = .02).ConclusionOnly a minor proportion of the international/multicentric early‐phase trials evaluated included QoL/PROs and medication diaries or palatability questionnaires to help assess these, although this trend seems to be increasing over recent years. Greater implementation of QoL/PROs has the potential to improve the patient's wellbeing and facilitate symptom control, to enhance patient/parent involvement in future trial designs and to provide information for drug prioritisation.
Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with spinal cord compression: A population‐based analysis of the NHL‐BFM study group
Authors: Riquelme Amambay , Werner Jana , Zimmermann Martin , von Mersi Hannah , Kabíčková Edita , Ceppi Francesco , Foerster Jan , Finger Jasmin , Müller Stephanie , Attarbaschi Andishe , Burkhardt Birgit , Woessmann Wilhelm 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord compression is a rare presentation of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children. We aimed to describe the prevalence, histological subtypes, clinical presentation, therapy, and outcome of those children in a population‐based cohort. The chemotherapy regimen remained comparable over time.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all children and adolescents with paresis as initial manifestations of the NHL between January 1990 and December 2020 from the NHL‐BFM database. Characteristics, therapy, and outcome data were gathered from the database and patient files.ResultsFifty‐seven of 4779 children (1.2%) presented with initial paresis due to spinal cord compression. The median age was 10.3 years (range, 3.1‐18.0 years), and 33% were female. Initial symptoms were paresis/weakness (n = 50, 88%), back pain (n = 33, 58%), paresthesia (n = 23, 40%), and bladder dysfunction and/or constipation (n = 22, 39%), persisting for a median of 14 days before diagnosis. Subtype distribution was mature B‐NHL (n = 41, 72%), precursor B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) (n = 12, 21%), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) (n = 3, 5%), and T‐LBL (n = 1, 2%). Initial emergency therapy included surgery (70%) and/or chemotherapy/steroids (63%). Five‐year event‐free survival and overall survival (80% ± 5% and 82% ± 5%, respectively) were comparable with all other NHL patients. Neurological symptoms persisted in approximately one‐third of surviving patients at the last follow‐up.Conclusion1.2% of pediatric NHL patients presented with paresis from spinal cord compression mainly due to B‐cell lymphomas. Neurological sequelae were observed in one‐third of surviving patients.
Polypyrrole wrapped‐carbon nanotube composites with self‐assembled core‐shell structure for high‐performance flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Jia Qian , Li Wenqing , Wang Kai , An Ping , Li Wei , Yang Jing , Li Tingxi , Han Yongqin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe polypyrrole wrapped‐carbon nanotube composites with the core‐shell design are prepared via two‐step self‐assembly originated from the multi‐interactions of dopant, zeolitic imidazolate framework, carbon nanotube and pyrrole. The core composed of carbon nanotube effectively improves the conductivity of the composite and provides stable double‐layer capacitance. The shell composed of polypyrrole and tightly wrapped on carbon nanotubes effectively prevents the volume expansion of polypyrrole while undergoing the process of doping/de‐doping as well as endows supercapacitors with high pseudocapacitance. The polypyrrole‐coated carbon nanotube displays a remarkable specific capacitance of 510 F g−1 when operating at a current density of 1 A g−1. Surprisingly, the assembled polypyrrole wrapped‐carbon nanotube//activated carbon asymmetric supercapacitor not only possesses a high capacitance preservation of 88.5% after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles at 5 A g−1, but also shows superior flexibility and stable electrochemical behaviors when subjected to various bending angles. Furthermore, the flexible polypyrrole wrapped‐carbon nanotube//activated carbon supercapacitor achieves the superb energy density of 86.3 Wh kg−1 and the power density of 800 W kg−1 when operating at 1 A g−1. These results highlight the significant potential of this new generation of flexible supercapacitor devices.Highlights
Polypyrrole is wrapped on carbon nanotube to form a core‐shell structure
CNTs improve the conductivity and provides double‐layer capacitance
The core‐shell design prevents the volume expansion of polypyrrole
The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor shows superior flexibility
Thermal curing of epoxy resins at lower temperature using 4‐(methylamino)pyridine derivatives as novel thermal latent curing agents
Authors: Aoki Daisuke , Dogoshi Shigemasa , Ito Yukai , Arimitsu Koji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo expand the application fields of epoxy resins, there has been a growing demand for thermal latent curing agents that combine a lower curing temperature with a long storage lifetime for a one‐component epoxy formulation. Herein, we present the use of novel thermal latent curing agents for epoxy resins that are effective at lower curing temperatures compared to epoxy resins containing imidazoles as curing agents—they are based on 4‐(methylamino)pyridine (4MAPy), with reactivity suppressed by different amide protecting groups. We revealed reaction mechanism of epoxy polymerization by the thermal latent 4MAPy, using Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and 1H NMR analyses of the model polymerization of phenyl glycidyl ether. The amide protecting groups decomposed to form the highly reactive 4MAPy by nucleophilic acyl substitution with the propagating alkoxide. Furthermore, FT‐IR data and pencil hardness tests revealed that thermal latent 4MAPy derivatives, particularly those with electron‐rich pyridine rings, can cure epoxy resins at lower curing temperatures, notably 90°C. The thermal latent 4MAPy derivatives with epoxy resin exhibited a storage lifetime of at least 6 days at 3°C, in contrast to 4MAPy with epoxy resin that cured within a day after mixing.
XRAInet: AI‐based decision support for pneumothorax and pleural effusion management
Authors: Akay Mustafa Alper , Tatar Ozan Can , Tatar Elif , Tağman Beyza Nur , Metin Semih , Varlıklı Onursal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to develop and assess the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven decision support system, XRAInet, in accurately identifying pediatric patients with pleural effusion or pneumothorax and determining whether tube thoracostomy intervention is warranted.MethodsIn this diagnostic accuracy study, we retrospectively analyzed a data set containing 510 X‐ray images from 170 pediatric patients admitted between 2005 and 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups: Tube (requiring tube thoracostomy) and Conservative (managed conservatively). XRAInet, a deep learning‐based algorithm, was trained using this data set. We evaluated its performance using various metrics, including mean Average Precision (mAP), recall, precision, and F1 score.ResultsXRAInet, achieved a mAP score of 0.918. This result underscores its ability to accurately identify and localize regions necessitating tube thoracostomy for pediatric patients with pneumothorax and pleural effusion. In an independent testing data set, the model exhibited a sensitivity of 64.00% and specificity of 96.15%.ConclusionIn conclusion, XRAInet presents a promising solution for improving the detection and decision‐making process for cases of pneumothorax and pleural effusion in pediatric patients using X‐ray images. These findings contribute to the expanding field of AI‐driven medical imaging, with potential applications for enhancing patient outcomes. Future research endeavors should explore hybrid models, enhance interpretability, address data quality issues, and align with regulatory requirements to ensure the safe and effective deployment of XRAInet in healthcare settings.
Estrogen deprivation and estrogen receptor α antagonism decrease DSS colitis in female mice
Authors: Hjelt Anja , Anttila Santeri , Wiklund Anu , Rokka Anne , Al‐Ramahi Darin , Toivola Diana M. , Polari Lauri , Määttä Jorma 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe association of hormonal contraception with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) observed in females suggests involvement of ovarian hormones, such as estradiol, and the estrogen receptors in the progression of intestinal inflammation. Here, we investigated the effects of prophylactic SERM2 and estradiol supplementation in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis using mice with intact ovaries and ovariectomized (OVX) female mice. We found that graded colitis score was threefold reduced in the OVX mice, compared to mice with intact ovaries. Estradiol supplementation, however, aggravated the colitis in OVX mice, increasing the colitis score to a similar level than what was observed in the intact mice. Further, we observed that immune infiltration and gene expression of inflammatory interleukins Il1b, Il6, and Il17a were up to 200‐fold increased in estradiol supplemented OVX colitis mice, while a mild but consistent decrease was observed by SERM2 treatment in intact animals. Additionally, cyclo‐oxygenase 2 induction was increased in the colon of colitis mice, in correlation with increased serum estradiol levels. Measured antagonist properties of SERM2, together with the other results presented here, indicates an exaggerating role of ERα signaling in colitis. Our results contribute to the knowledge of ovarian hormone effects in colitis and encourage further research on the potential use of ER antagonists in the colon, in order to alleviate inflammation.
A rational finance explanation of the stock predictability puzzle
Authors: Shirvani Abootaleb , Rachev Svetlozar T. , Fabozzi Frank J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe address the stock predictability puzzle, a challenge in the stock market often discussed in behavioral finance. Our approach formulates a statistical model within rational finance, avoiding reliance on behavioral finance assumptions, and integrates stock return predictability into the Black–Scholes option pricing framework. Empirical analysis focuses on the predictability of stock prices by option and spot traders, introducing a forward‐looking measure we term “implied excess predictability.” Results show that option traders' predictability of stock returns positively correlates with moneyness, whereas for spot traders, this relationship is inverse. These findings suggest a potential asymmetry in stock price predictability between spot and option traders. Additionally, we demonstrate the importance of incorporating stock return predictability into option pricing formulas, particularly for options with strike prices significantly different from the stock price. Conversely, when moneyness is close to unity, predictability is not integrated into option pricing, indicating equal information among spot and option traders. Comparison of volatility measures reveals the difference between implied and realized variances or variance risk premia as potential predictors of stock returns.
Adaptive finite‐time tracking control of nonlinear systems subject to input hysteresis and multiple objective constraints
Authors: Zhao Wei , Han Yu‐Qun , Zhou Ya‐Feng , Zhu Shan‐Liang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this article, the problem of adaptive finite‐time tracking control for a class of nonlinear systems subject to backlash‐like input hysteresis and multiple objective constraints is investigated. For the purpose of realizing multiple objective constraints, a new time‐varying barrier function (TVBF) is introduced to ensure that all objective constraint functions are always within the defined range. Meanwhile, based on the combination of the command filter approach and adaptive backstepping control, an error compensation system (ECS) is supplied to reduce the impact of filter error on control performance. Additionally, the problem of “singularity” caused by hysteresis is avoided by linearizing the backlash‐like hysteresis model, and Nussbaum‐type function is also applied to reduce the influence of hysteresis on the stability of the system. Then, by combining multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN) technology and command filter backstepping approach, an adaptive finite‐time control strategy is designed. The proposed control strategy ensures that all the signals in the closed‐loop system realize finite‐time semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB), and the output signal of the system can track the reference signal greatly while adhering to multiple objective constraints. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by a practical simulation example.