bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the 2014 Medicaid expansion on the health, health care access, and financial well‐being of low‐income young adults
Authors: Hamilton Christal 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPrior to the 2014 Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion, 37% of young adults ages 19–25 in the United States were low‐income and a third lacked health insurance coverage—both the highest rates for any age group in the population. The ACA's Medicaid eligibility expansion, therefore, would have been significantly beneficial to low‐income young adults. This study evaluates the effect of the ACA Medicaid expansion on the health, health care access and utilization, and financial well‐being of low‐income young adults ages 19–25. Using 2010–2017 National Health Interview Survey data, I estimate policy effects by applying a difference‐in‐differences design leveraging the variation in state implementation of the expansion policy. I show that Medicaid expansion improved health insurance coverage, health care access, and financial well‐being for low‐income young adults in expansion states, but had no effect on their health status and health care utilization. I also find that the policy was associated with larger gains in health coverage for racial minorities relative to their Non‐Hispanic White counterparts. With the continued health policy reform debates at the state and federal levels, the empirical evidence from this study can help inform policy decisions that aim to improve health care access and utilization among disadvantaged groups.
Longitudinal associations of plasma kynurenines and ratios with fatigue and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors up to 12 months post‐treatment
Authors: Holthuijsen Daniëlle D. B. , van Roekel Eline H. , Bours Martijn J. L. , Ueland Per M. , Breukink Stéphanie O. , Janssen‐Heijnen Maryska L. G. , Keulen Eric T. P. , Brezina Stefanie , Gigic Biljana , Peoples Anita R. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Ulvik Arve , Weijenberg Matty P. , Eussen Simone J. P. M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFatigue is prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, impacting their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Inflammation‐induced activation of the kynurenine pathway may play a role in cancer‐related fatigue and HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of plasma tryptophan, kynurenines, and ratios with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post‐treatment. Repeated measurements at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post‐treatment were performed in 249 stage I‐III CRC survivors. Plasma tryptophan and eight kynurenines were analyzed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS–MS). Fatigue and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Confounder‐adjusted linear mixed models were conducted to analyze longitudinal associations, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Higher tryptophan (Trp), kynurenic acid (KA), and xanthurenic acid (XA) concentrations, as well as a higher kynurenic acid‐to‐quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA), were associated with less fatigue and better functioning, while a higher kynurenine‐to‐tryptophan ratio (KTR) and 3‐hydroxykynurenine ratio (HKr) were associated with more fatigue and worse functioning. Finally, higher KA and XA concentrations and a higher KA/QA ratio were associated with a higher overall HRQoL summary score, while a higher HKr was associated with a lower overall HRQoL summary score. In conclusion, we observed that tryptophan and several kynurenines were longitudinally associated with fatigue and HRQoL in CRC survivors up to 12 months post‐treatment. Future research is needed to validate our findings and explore the potential of the kynurenine pathway as intervention target for reducing fatigue and enhancing HRQoL after CRC treatment.
Deciphering the folate puzzle: Unraveling the impact of genetic variations and metabolites on cancer risk
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Chen‐An , Wei Ya‐Ping , Song Meng‐Meng , Zhang Qi , Song Yun , Chen Ping , Liu Li‐Shun , Wang Bin‐Yan , Shi Han‐Ping 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene and its role in folate metabolism, impacting serum folate metabolites like THF and 5‐MTHF, is a critical but underexplored area in cancer research. This nested case–control study utilized data from CHHRS, involving 87,492 hypertensive adults without prior cancer. During a median of 2.02 years, we identified 1332 cancer cases and matched controls based on age, sex, and residency. Serum levels of folate, THF, and 5‐MTHF were measured, and the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism was considered. Statistical analyses included restricted cubic spline regression and conditional logistic regression models. Serum THF levels were inversely associated with overall cancer risk (ORper SD = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.82–0.99), while 5‐MTHF levels showed a negative association in the general cohort (ORQ3 vs. Q1 = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.96; ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58–0.98) and in individuals with MTHFR C677T (CC + CT) polymorphism (ORper SD = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77–0.99; ORQ4 VS. Q1 = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.61–0.98), but a positive association in the MTHFR C677T (TT) subgroup (ORper SD = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.02–3.72; ORQ4 VS. Q1 = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.06–8.21). The impact of folate, THF, and 5‐MTHF on cancer risk varied significantly across different cancer types and MTHFR C677T genotypes. This study provides novel insights into the variable effects of folate and its metabolites on cancer risk, influenced by genetic factors like the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and cancer type.
Fast interfacial electrocatalytic desolvation enabling low‐temperature and long‐cycle‐life aqueous Zn batteries
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Hongfei , Jia Lujie , Zhang Jing , Zhuang Quan , Li Linge , Zhang Yongzheng , Wang Dong , Guan Qinghua , Hu Huimin , Liu Meinan , Zhan Liang , Adenusi Henry , Passerini Stefano , Lin Hongzhen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLow‐temperature zinc batteries (LT‐ZIBs) based on aqueous electrolytes show great promise for practical applications owing to their natural resource abundance and low cost. However, they suffer from sluggish kinetics with elevated energy barriers due to the dissociation of bulky Zn(H2O)62+ solvation structure and free Zn2+ diffusion, resulting in unsatisfactory lifespan and performance. Herein, dissimilar to solvation shell tuning or layer spacing enlargement engineering, delocalized electrons in cathode through constructing intrinsic defect engineering is proposed to achieve a rapid electrocatalytic desolvation to obtain free Zn2+ for insertion/extraction. As revealed by density functional theory calculations and interfacial spectroscopic characterizations, the intrinsic delocalized electron distribution propels the Zn(H2O)62+ dissociation, forming a reversible interphase and facilitating Zn2+ diffusion across the electrolyte/cathode interface. The as‐fabricated oxygen defect‐rich V2O5 on hierarchical porous carbon (ODVO@HPC) electrode exhibits high capacity robustness from 25 to −20°C. Operating at −20°C, the ODVO@HPC delivers 191 mAh g−1 at 50 A g−1 and lasts for 50 000 cycles at 10 A g−1, significantly enhancing the power density and lifespan under low‐temperature environments in comparison to previous reports. Even with areal mass loading of ~13 mg cm−2, both coin cells and pouch batteries maintain excellent stability and areal capacities, realizing practical high‐performance LT‐ZIBs.
Extracellular vesicles: A new frontier in the theranostics of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Fu Enze , Li Zongjin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny vesicles released by various cells that contain a variety of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which can have a wide range of effects on other cells. The dynamic composition and contents of EVs can serve as sensitive biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In addition to their diagnostic potential, EVs are therapeutic agents capable of precise modulation and amelioration of CVDs, because of their innate ability to encapsulate and deliver bioactive molecules. This growing field reveals the intricate interplay between EVs and cardiovascular pathophysiology, showing that EVs can act as messengers of intercellular communication for CVD regenerative therapy. Extracellular vesicles serve as dual agents in the field of theranostics, both as diagnostic biomarkers able to decode nuanced molecular signatures of CVDs and as potent vehicles for targeted therapeutic interventions. This review delves into the evolving landscape of EVs, uncovering their diagnostic and therapeutic prospects and emphasizing their growing importance in shaping the future of cardiovascular theranostics.
Mechanically suitable and osteoinductive 3D‐printed composite scaffolds with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles having diverse morphologies for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Wojasiński Michał , Podgórski Rafał , Kowalczyk Piotr , Latocha Joanna , Prystupiuk Kornel , Janowska Oliwia , Gierlotka Stanisław , Staniszewska Monika , Ciach Tomasz , Sobieszuk Paweł 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe challenge of integrating hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHAp) with polymers is hindered by the conflict between the hydrophilic and hygroscopic properties of nHAp and the hydrophobic properties of polymers. This conflict particularly affects the materials when calcium phosphates, including nHAp, are used as a filler in composites in thermal processing applications such as 3D printing with fused filament fabrication (FFF). To overcome this, we propose a one‐step surface modification of nHAp with calcium stearate monolayer. Moreover, to build the scaffold with suitable mechanical strength, we tested the addition of nHAp with diverse morphology—spherical, plate‐ and rod‐like nanoparticles. Our analysis showed that the composite of polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced with nHAp with rod and plate morphologies modified with calcium stearate monolayer exhibited a significant increase in compressive strength. However, composites with spherical nHAp added to PCL showed a significant reduction in compressive modulus and compressive strength, but both parameters were within the applicability range of hard tissue scaffolds. None of the tested composite scaffolds showed cytotoxicity in L929 murine fibroblasts or MG‐63 human osteoblast‐like cells, supporting the proliferation of the latter. Additionally, PCL/nHAp scaffolds reinforced with spherical nHAp caused osteoactivation of bone marrow human mesenchymal stem cells, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase activity and COL1, RUNX2, and BGLAP expression. These results suggest that the calcium stearate monolayer on the surface of the nHAp particles allows the production of polymer/nHAp composites suitable for hard tissue engineering and personalized implant production in 3D printing using the FFF technique.
Transfer of embryos with positive PGT‐M results: Genetic Counselors' perspectives and ethical considerations
Authors: Gunderson Silvia , Gabriel Jazmine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIncreasing numbers of fertility patients use preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic conditions (PGT‐M) during in vitro fertilization (IVF). While PGT‐M is primarily used to avoid implanting embryos with a monogenic condition, patients can request to transfer an embryo with the monogenic condition (positive embryo transfer), especially in cases where an IVF cycle results in no unaffected embryos. Transferring embryos with known disease‐causing variants raises ethical concerns. There is limited understanding about how stakeholders in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field approach these issues. In this study, genetic counselors were sent a survey to gather insight into their views about transferring embryos with different monogenic conditions. N = 99 genetic counselors completed the survey, 22 of whom had experience with patients requesting or deciding to transfer an embryo with a monogenic condition (positive embryo transfer experience). Most participants, including those with positive embryo transfer experience, were supportive of positive embryo transfer, regardless of the genetic condition. While participating genetic counselors were largely supportive of all patient decisions, they reported increased moral uneasiness around transferring embryos with life‐limiting monogenic conditions, such as Huntington's disease. Further investigation into the experiences of genetic counselors who have experienced positive embryo transfer requests in practice can help delineate the ethical questions that ART providers face in this context and clarify how genetic counselors can contribute to establishing guidelines in the ART field.
A synthetic strategy for the preparation of alkoxy‐functionalized bis‐1,2,4‐triazinyl‐2,6‐pyridines
Authors: Tedder Mariah L. , Carrick Jesse D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHeteroaryl‐1,2,4‐triazine complexants are commonly utilized in separation science for the selective chelation of minor An from Ln in simulated high‐level waste. To facilitate access to relevant chemical entities for hypothesis‐driven inquiry toward improved separations performance, a synthetic method to construct various alkoxy‐complexant derivatives was required. In this work, a convergent synthetic strategy for the production of 3,3′‐ and 4,4′‐tetraalkoxy‐bis‐1,2,4‐triazinyl‐2,6‐pyridines from readily available starting materials via a dealkylation/alkylation/condensation approach is described. Synthetic method development, substrate scope, preliminary solubility, and hydrolytic stability data in various process‐relevant diluents are reported herein.
The charade of discreetness: Exploring the paradoxical lifestyles of romance fraudsters
Authors: Barnor Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study examined mechanisms that influence romance fraud perpetrators' public display of affluence, an aspect of romance fraud research that has received little attention in the literature. The study collected data through semi‐structured interviews with eight offenders from two Ghanaian cybercrime hotbeds and three law enforcement officials, using a qualitative research approach based on the critical realist paradigm. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis, which revealed that the social environment, peer influence, links with high‐net‐worth individuals (upper structure clientelism), the involvement of social media and collaboration with some corrupt state officials all had a substantial influence on cybercriminals' public display of wealth. Furthermore, upper structure clientelism shows systemic flaws in financial institutions that must be addressed in order to reduce online romance fraud. The significance of social media in fostering public displays of wealth emphasises the importance of education and awareness initiatives as preventative measures. To effectively prevent online romance fraud, law enforcement should prioritise interagency cooperation and transparency among governmental institutions.
Construction of a tropical cyclone size dataset using reanalysis data
Authors: Thompson Derek T. , Keim Barry D. , Brown Vincent M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper details the creation of a tropical cyclone (TC) size dataset using the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis I dataset for landfalling TCs along the United States coastline from 1948 to 2022. The radius of the outermost closed isobar (ROCI) is used as the size parameter. The dataset comprises landfall ROCI for 220 TCs. Storms are split into three zones (Texas–Alabama, Florida and Georgia–Maine) to determine if TC size varies geographically. Results showed a significant difference in landfall size, with Florida storms larger on average than the Texas–Alabama storms. Additionally, TC size increased with increasing intensity from tropical storm to Category 3, and storms tended to be larger later in the hurricane season, but there was no significant trend in landfall size over the 75‐year period. ROCI exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with longitude and wind speed and a negative correlation with the outermost closed isobar's pressure. The dataset's creation is an example of how reanalysis datasets can be used to develop a TC size climatology.
Outcomes of Radial Forearm Free Flap Closure With Split‐Thickness Skin Graft Versus Primary Closure
Authors: Mousa‐Doust Dorsa , Dinur Anat Bahat , Turkdogan Sena , Durham J. Scott , Anderson Donald , Prisman Eitan 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThis study compares patient‐reported functional and aesthetic outcomes of split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) versus hatchet flap closure of radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor site.MethodsPatients with RFFF (2015–2020) were retrospectively identified. Those willing to participate in patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) filled out Patient‐Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHOQ).Results198 patients met our inclusion criteria and 81 participated in PRO. There was a higher rate of tendon exposure in STSG versus hatchet flap (11 vs. 1, p = 0.0019), but a lower rate of skin necrosis (5 vs. 16, p = 0.0190) and epidermolysis (1 vs. 12, p = 0.0028). Scar quality in STSG was superior to hatchet flap in all domains of POSAS. MHOQ scores were similar between both groups with no statistical difference in overall scores (p = 0.2165).ConclusionsSTSG appeared to have less compromise in activities of daily living, better satisfaction and improved scar quality than hatchet flap, but a higher rate of tendon exposure.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:4266–4273, 2024
Unveiling the aluminum tolerance by Tithonia diversifolia grown in acid soil: Insights from morphological, anatomical, and nutritional analysis
Authors: Ovani Vagner , Pérez‐Márquez Simón , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Martinelli Adriana Pinheiro , Lavres José , Louvandini Helder , Abdalla Adibe Luiz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAcidic soils cover two‐thirds of Brazil's land, significantly reducing pasture productivity and resilience. Tithonia diversifolia has emerged as a promising forage alternative for such soils. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different soil acidity levels, determined by base‐cation saturation (BCS) levels, on the anatomical, and morphological analyses of the roots, the nutritional status of the plants, as well as the root and shoot biomass production. A 107‐days greenhouse experiment was carried out, employing a randomized block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The factors included two propagation methods (seeds and stem cuttings) and four BCS levels (19%, 39%, 52%, and 63%). There was no observed interaction between propagation methods and BCS levels regarding root and shoot biomass production. This indicates that T. diversifolia's tolerance to acidic soils is not affected by the propagation method. However, stem‐propagated plants exhibited significantly greater root (31% increase) and shoot (26% increase) biomass production compared to seed‐propagated plants. Regardless of the propagation method, T. diversifolia plants grown in soil with a 19% BCS level showed a substantial reduction in root (45% decrease) and shoot (31% decrease) biomass compared to the 63% BCS level treatment. The root anatomy and morphology of T. diversifolia are affected when cultivated in acidic soils with a 19% BCS level. Nevertheless, the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) test detected some mucilage in T. diversifolia roots, suggesting a potential defense mechanism for Al3+. The shoot biomass of T. diversifolia plants cultivated in soil with a 19% BCS level exhibited greater nutritional values compared to the 63% BCS level. In conclusion, propagation methods have a limited impact on the tolerance of T. diversifolia to acidic soils. Despite the negative effects on root and shoot biomass production, T. diversifolia effectively maintains nutrient uptake even under acidic soil conditions with Al3+ availability of 5 mmolc dm−3.
Diagnoses of muscular dystrophy in a veterans health system
Authors: Zingariello Carla D. , Mohamed Yara , Jorand‐Fletcher Magali , Wymer James , Kang Peter B. , Rasmussen Sonja A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsEarly diagnosis of a chronic neuromuscular disease such as muscular dystrophy (MD) generally excludes an individual from active‐duty military service. However, it is not known whether veterans are sometimes diagnosed with milder forms of MD at a later timepoint. We aimed to determine the prevalence of MD in a veterans health system.MethodsWe abstracted clinical and genetic test data on patients who received care for a diagnosis of MD at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System between 2008 and 2021. We then determined which of these individuals would meet criteria for a definite diagnosis of MD, based on electrodiagnostic testing, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing of the individual or an affected first degree relative.ResultsWe identified 12 patients with definite MD and 36 with possible or probable MD. The definite cases included myotonic dystrophy type 1 (4), myotonic dystrophy type 2 (3), oculopharyngeal MD (2), Becker MD (1), distal MD (1), and facioscapulohumeral MD (1). At least five of the cases classified as definite developed symptoms after discharge from active duty.DiscussionClinicians who care for veterans should be knowledgeable about, and have access to, diagnostic testing and treatment options for MD. When conducting MD surveillance, it is important to include veterans health systems as a data source. Mild cases of MD and those of later onset appear to be compatible in some cases with successful completion of military service.
A birdcage transmit, 24‐channel conformal receive array coil for sensitive 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of the human brain at 7 T
Authors: Hovagimian Johnny Der , Yazdanbakhsh Pedram , Halilibrahimoglu Hande , Couch Marcus J. , Hoge Richard , Rudko David A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPhosphorus (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) can serve as a critical tool for more direct quantification of brain energy metabolism, tissue pH, and cell membrane turnover. However, the low concentration of 31P metabolites in biological tissue may result in low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in 31P MRS images. In this work, we present an innovative design and construction of a 31P radiofrequency coil for whole‐brain MRSI at 7 T. Our coil builds on current literature in ultra‐high field 31P coil design and offers complete coverage of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem. The coil consists of an actively detunable volume transmit (Tx) resonator and a custom 24‐channel receive (Rx) array. The volume Tx resonator is a 16‐rung high‐pass birdcage coil. The Rx coil consists of a 24‐element phased array composed of catered loop shapes and sizes built onto a custom, close‐fitting, head‐shaped housing. The Rx array was designed to provide complete coverage of the head, while minimizing mutual coupling. The Rx configuration had a mean
reflection coefficient better than −20 decibels (dB) when the coil was loaded with a human head. The mean mutual coupling (
) among Rx elements, when loaded with a human head, was −16 dB. In phantom imaging, the phased array produced a central SNR that was 4.4‐fold higher than the corresponding central SNR when operating the 31P birdcage as a transceiver. The peripheral SNR was 12‐fold higher when applying the optimized phased array. In vivo 3D 31P MRSI experiments produced high‐quality spectra in the cerebrum gray and white matter, as well as in the cerebellum. Characteristic phosphorus metabolites related to adenosine triphosphate metabolism and cell membrane turnover were distinguishable across all brain regions. In summary, our results demonstrate the potential of our novel coil for accurate, whole‐brain 31P metabolite quantification.