bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Acuity Alcohol-Related Complications During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shuey Bryant , Halbisen Alyssa , Lakoma Matthew , Zhang Fang , Argetsinger Stephanie , Williams Emily C. , Druss Benjamin G. , Wen Hefei , Wharam J. Franklin 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceResearch has demonstrated an association between the COVID-19 pandemic and increased alcohol-related liver disease hospitalizations and deaths. However, trends in alcohol-related complications more broadly are unclear, especially among subgroups disproportionately affected by alcohol use.ObjectiveTo assess trends in people with high-acuity alcohol-related complications admitted to the emergency department, observation unit, or hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on demographic differences.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis longitudinal interrupted time series cohort study analyzed US national insurance claims data using Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart database from March 2017 to September 2021, before and after the March 2020 COVID-19 pandemic onset. A rolling cohort of people 15 years and older who had at least 6 months of continuous commercial or Medicare Advantage coverage were included. Subgroups of interest included males and females stratified by age group. Data were analyzed from April 2023 to January 2024.ExposureCOVID-19 pandemic environment from March 2020 to September 2021.Main Outcomes and MeasuresDifferences between monthly rates vs predicted rates of high-acuity alcohol-related complication episodes, determined using claims-based algorithms and alcohol-specific diagnosis codes. The secondary outcome was the subset of complication episodes due to alcohol-related liver disease.ResultsRates of high-acuity alcohol-related complications were statistically higher than expected in 4 of 18 pandemic months after March 2020 (range of absolute and relative increases: 0.4-0.8 episodes per 100 000 people and 8.3%-19.4%, respectively). Women aged 40 to 64 years experienced statistically significant increases in 10 of 18 pandemic months (range of absolute and relative increases: 1.3-2.1 episodes per 100 000 people and 33.3%-56.0%, respectively). In this same population, rates of complication episodes due to alcohol-related liver disease increased above expected in 16 of 18 pandemic months (range of absolute and relative increases: 0.8-2.1 episodes per 100 000 people and 34.1%-94.7%, respectively).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of a national, commercially insured population, high-acuity alcohol-related complication episodes increased beyond what was expected in 4 of 18 COVID-19 pandemic months. Women aged 40 to 64 years experienced 33.3% to 56.0% increases in complication episodes in 10 of 18 pandemic months, a pattern associated with large and sustained increases in high-acuity alcohol-related liver disease complications. Findings underscore the need for increased attention to alcohol use disorder risk factors, alcohol use patterns, alcohol-related health effects, and alcohol regulations and policies, especially among women aged 40 to 64 years.
Physician Coaching by Professionally Trained Peers for Burnout and Well-Being
Authors: Kiser Stephanie B. , Sterns J. David , Lai Po Ying , Horick Nora K. , Palamara Kerri 
Published: April 2024

ImportancePhysician burnout is problematic despite existing interventions. More evidence-based approaches are needed.ObjectiveTo explore the effect of individualized coaching by professionally trained peers on burnout and well-being in physicians.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis randomized clinical trial involved Mass General Physician Organization physicians who volunteered for coaching from August 5 through December 1, 2021. The data analysis was performed from February through October 2022.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to 6 coaching sessions facilitated by a peer coach over 3 months or a control condition using standard institutional resources for burnout and wellness.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was burnout as measured by the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index. Secondary outcomes included professional fulfillment, effect of work on personal relationships, quality of life, work engagement, and self-valuation. Analysis was performed on a modified intention-to-treat basis.ResultsOf 138 physicians enrolled, 67 were randomly allocated to the coaching intervention and 71 to the control group. Most participants were aged 31 to 60 years (128 [93.0%]), women (109 [79.0%]), married (108 [78.3%]), and in their early to mid career (mean [SD], 12.0 [9.7] years in practice); 39 (28.3%) were Asian, 3 (&amp;lt;0.1%) were Black, 9 (&amp;lt;0.1%) were Hispanic, 93 were (67.4%) White, and 6 (&amp;lt;0.1%) were of other race or ethnicity. In the intervention group, 52 participants underwent coaching and were included in the analysis. Statistically significant improvements in burnout, interpersonal disengagement, professional fulfillment, and work engagement were observed after 3 months of coaching compared with no intervention. Mean scores for interpersonal disengagement decreased by 30.1% in the intervention group and increased by 4.1% in the control group (absolute difference, −0.94 poimys [95% CI, −1.48 to −0.41 points; P = .001), while mean scores for overall burnout decreased by 21.6% in the intervention group and increased by 2.5% in the control group (absolute difference, −0.79 points; 95% CI, −1.27 to −0.32 points; P = .001). Professional fulfillment increased by 10.7% in the intervention group compared with no change in the control group (absolute difference, 0.59 points; 95% CI, 0.01-1.16 points; P = .046). Work engagement increased by 6.3% in the intervention group and decreased by 2.2% in the control group (absolute difference, 0.33 points; 95% CI, 0.02-0.65 points; P = .04). Self-valuation increased in both groups, but not significantly.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this hospital-sponsored program show that individualized coaching by professionally trained peers is an effective strategy for reducing physician burnout and interpersonal disengagement while improving their professional fulfillment and work engagement.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05036993
Semaglutide vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Weight Loss
Authors: Haseeb Muhammad , Chhatwal Jagpreet , Xiao Jade , Jirapinyo Pichamol , Thompson Christopher C. 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceObesity is a disease with a large socioeconomic burden. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive endoscopic bariatric procedure with wide global adoption. More recently, new weight-loss medications, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (eg, semaglutide), have attracted increased attention due to their efficacy. However, their cost-effectiveness over an extended period compared with ESG is a critical gap that needs to be better explored for informed health care decision-making.ObjectiveTo assess the cost-effectiveness of semaglutide compared with ESG over 5 years for individuals with class II obesity.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis economic evaluation study, conducted from September 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, used a Markov cohort model to compare ESG and semaglutide, with a no-treatment baseline strategy. The study comprised adult patients in the US health care system with class II obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 35-39.9). The base case was a 45-year-old patient with class II obesity (BMI of 37). Patients undergoing ESG were subjected to risks of perioperative mortality and adverse events with resultant costs and decrement in quality of life.InterventionsStrategies included treatment with semaglutide and ESG.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCosts (2022 US dollars), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. A 5-year time horizon with a cycle length of 1 month with a 3% discount rate was used. Probabilities, costs, and quality-of-life estimates of the model were derived from published literature. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also performed.ResultsThe model found that ESG was more cost-effective than semaglutide over a 5-year time horizon, with an ICER of –$595 532/QALY. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty added 0.06 QALYs and reduced total cost by $33 583 relative to semaglutide. The results remained robust on 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty sustained greater weight loss over 5 years vs semaglutide (BMI of 31.7 vs 33.0). To achieve nondominance, the annual price of semaglutide, currently $13 618, would need to be $3591.Conclusions and RelevanceThis study suggests that ESG is cost saving compared with semaglutide in the treatment of class II obesity. On price threshold analyses, a 3-fold decrease in the price of semaglutide is needed to achieve nondominance.
Vaccination Timeliness Among US Children Aged 0-19 Months, National Immunization Survey–Child 2011-2021
Authors: Newcomer Sophia R. , Michels Sarah Y. , Albers Alexandria N. , Freeman Rain E. , Graham Jon M. , Clarke Christina L. , Glanz Jason M. , Daley Matthew F. 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceDelays in receiving vaccinations lead to greater vaccine-preventable disease risk. Timeliness of receipt of recommended vaccinations is not routinely tracked in the US, either overall or for populations that have known barriers to accessing routine health care, including lower-income families and children.ObjectiveTo measure vaccination timeliness among US children aged 0 to 19 months, overall and by socioeconomic indicators.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis serial, cross-sectional study analyzed nationally representative data from the 2011 to 2021 National Immunization Survey–Child (NIS-Child), an annual survey of parents, with immunization histories collected from clinicians administering vaccines. The 2020 and 2021 surveys largely reflected vaccinations in the US before the COVID-19 pandemic. Study participants included US children surveyed at ages 19 to 35 months. Data were analyzed from January to August 2023.ExposureSurvey year.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcomes were average days undervaccinated (ADU) and percentage of children who received all vaccine doses on time (ie, 0 days undervaccinated) for the combined 7-vaccine series up to age 19 months. The mean adjusted annual change in on-time vaccination by socioeconomic indicators was calculated by use of multivariable log-linked binomial regression models.ResultsThe surveys included 179 154 children (92 248 boys [51.2%]); 74 479 (31.4%, weighted) lived above the federal poverty level with more than $75 000 in annual family income, 58 961 (32.4%) lived at or above the poverty level with $75 000 or less in annual family income, and 39 564 (30.2%) lived below the poverty level. Overall, the median (IQR) ADU for the combined 7-vaccine series in the US decreased from 22.3 (0.4-71.5) days in the 2011 survey to 11.9 (0.0-55.5) days in the 2021 survey. The prevalence of on-time receipt of the combined 7-vaccine series increased from 22.5% (95% CI, 21.4%-23.6%) to 35.6% (95% CI, 34.2%-37.0%). Although children with more than $75 000 in annual family income had a 4.6% (95% CI, 4.0%-5.2%) mean annual increase in on-time vaccination, the mean annual increase was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.0%-3.6%) for children living at or above the poverty level with $75 000 or less in annual family income and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.0%-3.0%) for children living below the poverty level.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cross-sectional study of NIS-Child data, improvements in vaccination timeliness were observed from the 2011 to the 2021 survey. However, widening disparities by socioeconomic indicators signal that increased efforts to facilitate timely vaccination among children in lower-income families are needed.
Preserving Fresh Eggs via Egg‐Derived Bionanocomposite Coating
Authors: Zinke Aasha , Pottackal Neethu , Zahin Farhan , Nur Mohammed Intishar , Ahmed Faravi , Ji Yue , Mohammed Zaheeruddin , Meyer Matthew D. , Miller Corwin , Bennett Matthew R. , Rangari Vijaya , Meredith J. Carson , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Rahman Muhammad M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEgg waste is a major contributor to global food waste, accounting for 15% of discarded food in the United States. Typically, eggs have a shorter shelf life at room temperature and are preserved in refrigeration from production to consumption. However, maintaining constant refrigeration is energy‐intensive and expensive. Here, a bionanocomposite coating has been developed that incorporates each element of eggs – egg white, yolk, and eggshell – to increase the shelf life of fresh eggs without requiring further refrigeration. The quality of eggs has been successfully preserved for up to three weeks at room temperature. The coated eggs maintain the highest grade (AA) and exhibit improved Haugh Unit (HU), Yolk Index (YI), and pH compared to uncoated eggs. The coating reduces weight loss by ≈37% with an increase in HU (≈12.5%) and YI (≈13.9%). Morphological analysis reveals strong adhesion of the coating to the eggshell surface, showcasing promising barrier properties. The coating demonstrates an optimal combination of oxygen permeability (≈12.2 cm3 µm m−2 d−1 kPa−1) and water vapor transmission (≈31.5 g mm m−2 per day) with excellent antimicrobial properties. Overall, this approach of repurposing eggs into a high‐performance coating shows a promising viable alternative to refrigeration and a solution to combat egg waste.
A Peptide‐Polyphenol Coated Polypyrrole Nanoparticle for Synergetic Attenuation of Aggregation and Cytotoxicity of Amyloid‐β Fibrils
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Lv Mingchen , Liu Yaping , Qin Jinlong , Fan Zhen , Du Jianzhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAmyloid‐β (Aβ) pathway is positioned as the center for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Viable drugs targeting Aβ pathway are developed with promising outcomes. Meanwhile, most current approaches are focused on the inhibition of Aβ fibrillization or elimination of Aβ plaques by immunotherapeutic strategies. Here, near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal polypyrrole nanoparticles coated with peptide‐polyphenol are developed to both inhibit the Aβ fibrillization and disaggregate Aβ fibrils synergistically. Aβ fibrillization is obviously inhibited after being treated with the photothermal polypyrrole nanoparticles. Besides inhibition of Aβ fibrillization, the amount of Aβ fibrils is gradually reduced with time by 38.0% when co‐incubated with polypyrrole nanoparticles, indicating desired disaggregation capability against Aβ fibrils. In addition, faster and more disaggregation of Aβ fibrils is observed when irradiation by NIR light. Meanwhile, cellular studies also verified that this nanoparticle is able to effectively reduce the cytotoxicity of Aβ fibrils toward PC12 cells through disaggregating toxic Aβ aggregates and maintaining integral membrane structure. Hence, this peptide‐polyphenol‐coated NIR photothermal polypyrrole nanoparticle provides a new perspective for the inhibition of Aβ fibrillization and disaggregation of Aβ fibrils, which can serve as a promising approach for anti‐amyloidosis.
Hybrid Bioactive Hydrogel Promotes Liver Regeneration through the Activation of Kupffer Cells and ECM Remodeling After Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Pan Yixiao , Zheng Zhigang , Zhang Xueliang , Liu Shupeng , Zhuansun Shiya , Gong Shiming , Li Shilun , Wang Hongye , Chen Yiwen , Yang Taihua , Wu Huimin , Xue Feng , Xia Qiang , He Kang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPartial hepatectomy is an essential surgical technique used to treat advanced liver diseases such as liver tumors, as well as for performing liver transplants from living donors. However, postoperative complications such as bleeding, abdominal adhesions, wound infections, and inadequate liver regeneration pose significant challenges and increase morbidity and mortality rates. A self‐repairing mixed hydrogel (O5H2/Cu2+/SCCK), containing stem cell derived cytokine (SCCK) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) treated with the traditional Chinese remedy Tanshinone IIA (TSA), is developed. This SCCK, in conjunction with O5H2, demonstrates remarkable effects on Kupffer cell activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This leads to the secretion of critical growth factors promoting enhanced proliferation of hepatocytes and endothelial cells, thereby facilitating liver regeneration and repair after partial hepatectomy. Furthermore, the hydrogel, featuring macrophage‐regulating properties, effectively mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress damage in the incision area, creating an optimal environment for postoperative liver regeneration. The injectability and strong adhesion of the hydrogel enables rapid hemostasis at the incision site, while its physical barrier function prevents postoperative abdominal adhesions. Furthermore, the hydrogel's incorporation of Cu2+ provides comprehensive antibacterial effects, protecting against a wide range of bacteria types and reducing the chances of infections after surgery.
Nanofiber Peptides for Bacterial Trapping: A Novel Approach to Antibiotic Alternatives in Wound Infections
Authors: Yang Hao , Wang Jiufeng , Wang Xue , Wang Siyu , Xu Jieru , Shan Qiang , Wang Jingyi , Ma Xi , Zhu Yaohong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe pervasive employment of antibiotics has engendered the advent of drug‐resistant bacteria, imperiling the well‐being and health of both humans and animals. Infections precipitated by such multi‐resistant bacteria, especially those induced by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pervade hospital settings, constituting a grave menace to patient vitality. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have garnered considerable attention as a potent countermeasure against multidrug resistant bacteria. In preceding research endeavors, an insect‐derived antimicrobial peptide is identified that, while possessing antimicrobial attributes, manifested suboptimal efficacy against drug‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria. To ameliorate this issue, this work enhances the antimicrobial capabilities of the initial β‐hairpin AMPs by substituting the structural sequence of the original AMPs with variant lengths of hydrophobic amino acid‐hydrophilic amino acid repeat units. Throughout this endeavor, this work has identified a number of peptides that possess highly effective antibacterial characteristics against a wide range of bacteria. Additionally, some of these peptides have the ability to self‐assemble into nanofibers, which then build networks in a distinctive manner to capture bacteria. Consequently, they represent prospective antibiotic alternatives for addressing wound infections engendered by drug‐resistant bacteria.
Heterojunction‐Mediated Co‐Adjustment of Band Structure and Valence State for Achieving Selective Regulation of Semiconductor Nanozymes
Authors: Huang Jiahao , Jia Xiaodan , Wang Yue , Qiao Yue , Jiang Xiue 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImproving reaction selectivity is the next target for nanozymes to mimic natural enzymes. Currently, the majority of strategies in this field are exclusively applicable to metal‐organic‐based or organic‐based nanozymes, while limited in regulating metal oxide‐based semiconductor nanozymes. Herein, taking semiconductor Co3O4 as an example, a heterojunction strategy to precisely regulate nanozyme selectivity by simultaneously regulating three vital factors including band structure, metal valence state, and oxygen vacancy content is proposed. After introducing MnO2 to form Z‐scheme heterojunctions with Co3O4 nanoparticles, the catalase (CAT)‐like and peroxidase (POD)‐like activities of Co3O4 can be precisely regulated since the introduction of MnO2 affects the position of the conduction bands, preserves Co in a higher oxidation state (Co3+), and increases oxygen vacancy content, enabling Co3O4‐MnO2 exhibit improved CAT‐like activity and reduced POD‐like activity. This study proposes a strategy for improving reaction selectivity of Co3O4, which contributes to the development of metal oxide‐based semiconductor nanozymes.
Alternative Concepts for Extruded Power Cable Insulation: from Thermosets to Thermoplastics
Authors: Pourrahimi Amir Masoud , Mauri Massimiliano , D'Auria Silvia , Pinalli Roberta , Müller Christian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe most common type of insulation of extruded high‐voltage power cables is composed of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), which must be crosslinked to adjust its thermomechanical properties. A major drawback is the need for hazardous curing agents and the release of harmful curing byproducts during cable production, while the thermoset nature complicates reprocessing of the insulation material. This perspective explores recent progress in the development of alternative concepts that allow to avoid byproducts through either click chemistry type curing of polyethylene‐based copolymers or the use of polyolefin blends or copolymers, which entirely removes the need for crosslinking. Moreover, polypropylene‐based thermoplastic formulations enable the design of insulation materials that can withstand higher cable operating temperatures and facilitate reprocessing by remelting once the cable reaches the end of its lifetime. Finally, polyethylene‐based covalent and non‐covalent adaptable networks are explored, which may allow to combine the advantages of thermoset and thermoplastic insulation materials in terms of thermomechanical properties and reprocessability.
“One‐Click Restart” Recycling of Metal‐Free Perovskite X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Li Haojin , Li Telun , Ma Chuang , Liu Xinmei , Lang Lei , Yang Tinghuan , Song Xin , Cui Qingyue , Yang Zhou , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Zhao Kui 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHalide perovskites have shown great potential in X‐ray detection due to outstanding optoelectronic properties. However, finding a cost‐effective and environmentally sustainable method for handling end‐of‐life devices has remained challenging. Here, a “One‐Click Restart” eco‐friendly recycling strategy is introduced for end‐of‐life perovskite X‐ray detectors. This method, utilizing water, allows for the recapture and reuse of both perovskite and conductor materials. The process is straightforward and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment, purification, additional additives or catalysts, and complex equipment. A sustainable device cycle is developed by reconstructing flexible perovskite membranes for wearable electronics from recycled materials. Large‐scale, flexible membranes made from metal‐free perovskite DABCO‐N2H5‐I3 (DABCO = N‐N′‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium) achieve remarkably impressive average sensitivity of 6204 ± 268 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 and a low detection limit of 102.3 nGyair s−1, which makes highly effective for X‐ray imaging. The sensitivity of recycled flexible devices not only matches that of single‐crystal devices made with fresh materials but also ranks as the highest among all metal‐free perovskite X‐ray detectors. “One‐Click Restart” applies to scalable flexible devices derived from aged single‐crystal counterparts, offering significant cost, time, and energy savings compared to their single‐crystal equivalents. Such advantages significantly boost future market competitiveness.