bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment rates and healthcare costs of patients with fragility fracture by site of care: a real-world data analysis
Authors: Singer A. , McClung M. R. , Tran O. , Morrow C. D. , Goldstein S. , Kagan R. , McDermott M. , Yehoshua A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Summary

In a characterization of treatment rates and healthcare costs among patients with an osteoporotic-related fragility fracture overall and by site of care, costs were high and treatment rates were low.

Purpose
Osteoporotic fractures can be debilitating, even fatal, among older adults. The cost of osteoporosis and related fractures is projected to increase to more than $25 billion by 2025. The objective of this analysis is to characterize disease-related treatment rates and healthcare costs of patients with an osteoporotic fragility fracture overall and by site of fracture diagnosis.

Methods
In this retrospective analysis, individuals with fragility fractures were identified in the Merative MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Databases among women 50 years of age or older and diagnosed with fragility fracture between 1/1/2013 and 6/30/2018 (earliest fracture diagnosis = index). Cohorts were categorized by clinical site of care where the diagnosis of fragility fracture was made and were continuously followed for 12 months prior to and following index. Sites of care were inpatient admission, outpatient office, outpatient hospital, emergency room hospital, and urgent care.

Results
Of the 108,965 eligible patients with fragility fracture (mean age 68.8), most were diagnosed during an inpatient admission or outpatient office visit (42.7%, 31.9%). The mean annual healthcare costs among patients with fragility fracture were $44,311 (± $67,427) and were highest for those diagnosed in an inpatient setting ($71,561 ± $84,072). Compared with other sites of care at fracture diagnosis, patients diagnosed during an inpatient admission also had highest proportion of subsequent fractures (33.2%), osteoporosis diagnosis (27.7%), and osteoporosis therapy (17.2%) during follow-up.

Conclusion
The site of care for diagnosis of fragility fracture affects treatment rates and healthcare costs. Further studies are needed to determine how attitude or knowledge about osteoporosis treatment or healthcare experiences differ at various clinical sites of care in the medical management of osteoporosis.
Fabrication, Characterization, and Corrosion Protection of Siloxane Coating on an Oxygen Plasma Pre-treated Silver-Copper Alloy
Authors: El-Moaz Yasmin A. , Mohamed Wafaa A. , Rifai Mai M. , Morgan Nasser N. , Metwally Khaled H. , Abdel Ghany Nabil A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, siloxane has been used for the protection of metal artifacts from corrosion in the form of transparent barrier coating films because of their good adhesion to the metal substrate. The effect of oxygen plasma pre-treatment on the adhesion properties of the siloxane thin film on the silver-copper alloy substrate was investigated. Radiofrequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) was used for the deposition process. Surface identification and characterization of the deposited films were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Surface topography and roughness were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The hydrophobic characteristic was measured by water contact angle measurement (WCA). The film thickness was evaluated using a spectroscopic ellipsometer (SE). Colorimetric measurement (CM) was used to evaluate changes in the appearance of the surface following the PECVD deposition of the SiO2 protective layer. The corrosion protection ability of siloxane films for metal substrates as a function of RF power and gas feed composition was examined by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. It was found that the deposited film improved the protective efficiency for samples from 55.29 to 92.93%. Besides, after the oxygen plasma pretreatment step, the film showed better corrosion resistance of the tested samples.
Optimization of nickel catalyst loading in Ni/γAl2O3 for producing carbon nanotubes through natural gas decomposition
Authors: Abdel-Fatah Mona A. , Bazedi Gh. Al , Amin Ashraf 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCarbon nanotubes can be produced at high quality through hydrocarbon catalytic decomposition. In addition, hydrogen can be produced as a valuable byproduct at a competitive price. In this article, the loading of the active phase in the decomposition catalyst is optimized using natural gas as a widely available hydrocarbon. Natural gas decomposition was investigated using different nickel loadings. Natural gas decomposition, as a widely available hydrocarbon, is investigated by manipulating nickel loading to optimize the loading of the active phase in the decomposition catalyst.Optimizing the catalyst loading can achieve higher quality and yield of carbon nanotube. In addition, a higher carbon nanotube yield will maximize hydrogen production. Increasing the quality of produced carbon and the amount of hydrogen will improve the overall process economics. Nickel is a highly active catalyst for natural gas decomposition and has a higher carbon affinity compared to other metallic catalysts. Different nickel loadings were tested for natural gas decomposition. Optimization was used to calculate the optimum nickel loading based on the experimental results. The optimum nickel loading over alumina was 12.5%. The economic analysis of the process indicated that the optimum nickel loading is 30%.
The escape of alien species from botanical gardens: a new example from Ukraine
Authors: Konaikova Valeriia , Peregrym Mykyta 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe spontaneous appearance of the annual plant, Veronica cardiocarpa Walp. (Plantaginaceae), from Central and Minor Asia was recorded in the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 1983 as a result of unintentional introduction. It was the first documented occurrence outside of its natural range. V. cardiocarpa has been widespread within the Botanical Garden since 2007, and the first location outside the Botanical Garden was discovered in 2010. Later, the presence of V. cardiocarpa was noted in Chernihiv, as well as new locations in Kyiv. This species has become a new invasive plant of the flora of Ukraine, because it occupies new areas and shows high seed productivity. Additionally, V. cardiocarpa has high seed germination under certain conditions that were established during our experiment, consisting of four variants and a control. The conditions of the second variant—cold stratification with low positive temperatures for two months and germination of seeds at + 18–20 °C—were the most favourable—49 ± 4.36% germinated seeds began to appear on the third day after completion of stratification. Moreover, some indirect facts show that V. cardiocarpais is already deeply integrated in local urban ecosystems. Therefore, the main stages of the adaptation and spreading of V. cardiocarpa have been studied and described in Ukraine in this research. Information about a new location of this species in the Russian Federation significantly changed the understanding of V. cardiocarpa distribution in Eastern Europe. Finally, in this article, we discuss the important matter of dealing with the V. cardiocarpa invasion, and some approaches to prevent similar cases of the new alien species penetration through collections of botanical gardens and arboreta.
Supporting mathematics and science teachers in implementing intercultural learning
Authors: Sorge Stefan , Doorman Michiel , Maass Katja , Straser Oliver , Hesse Alice , Jonker Vincent , Wijers Monica 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOur current multicultural societies require that education addresses diversity and promotes cultural awareness and intercultural learning. Mathematics and science education can also contribute to this aspect of citizenship education and create a culture of belonging for all students. Professional development that integrates intercultural learning with educational practices is still uncommon in the field of science and mathematics teacher preparation and support. This study explores the possibilities to support science and mathematics teachers in implementing intercultural learning through a professional development course. The course was developed in a European setting, based on a theoretical analysis, and tried out with 319 teachers from six participating countries. The impact of the course on teachers’ take up of intercultural learning was measured with a pre-post questionnaire. We found that the course strengthened teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and extended their teaching practices with opportunities created by cultural diversity among their students or in their subjects. In addition to that, teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and the perceived cultural diversity in class appeared to be influencing factors for teachers’ practices. Based on our findings we recommend that the combination of intercultural learning with educational practices of mathematics and science might be a suitable gateway to provide new intercultural learning opportunities for students.
A new efficiency calibration methodology for different atmospheric filter geometries by using coaxial Ge detectors
Authors: Barba-Lobo A. , Bolívar J. P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe study of the different pollutants present in atmospheric aerosols such as trace elements and radionuclides is essential to assess the air quality. To analyze the particulate matter (PM), atmospheric filters with different dimensions and geometries (rectangular, circular, slotted, and square filters) are usually employed. Regarding the pollutants existing in atmospheric aerosols, radionuclides are usually analyzed due to their multiple applications such as either in the environmental radiological control or as tracers of atmospheric processes. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new and general methodology to calibrate in efficiency coaxial Ge detectors to properly determine radionuclides present in the PM by gamma-ray spectrometry for several filter types. For this, granular certified reference materials (CRM) containing only natural radionuclides (238U-series, 232Th-series, and 40 K) were selected. Several granular solid CRMs were chosen allowing us to reproduce the same PM deposition geometry and to assure the homogeneity of the added CRMs. These are the main advantages in relation to the typical methods that use liquid CRMs. Furthermore, for filters whose surfaces are relatively large, they were cut in several pieces and placed one on top of the other, achieving the same geometry than the PM deposited onto the filter. Then, the experimental full-energy peak efficiencies (FEPEs) were obtained for each energy of interest (Eγ) and they were fitted versus Eγ, finding a general FEPE function for each filter type. Finally, this methodology was validated for both natural and artificial radionuclides (from 46 to 1332 keV) by using different filter types employed in proficiency test exercises, obtaining |zscore|< 2 for all cases.
Comparative Study of Cinnamon and Paprika Oleoresins Encapsulated by Spray Chilling and Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions Techniques: Evaluation of Physical Characteristics and Oleoresins Release in Food Simulated Media
Authors: Procopio Fernanda Ramalho , Klettenhammer Stefan , Ferrentino Giovanna , Scampicchio Matteo , do Amaral Sobral Paulo José , Hubinger Miriam Dupas 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, cinnamon and paprika oleoresins were encapsulated by two technologies, respectively, spray chilling and particles from gas saturated solutions. Both technologies used palm oil as wall materials. The physical characteristics of the microparticles were compared as well as the oleoresins release behavior in high- and low-fat simulated food media. The spray chilling microparticles had an average diameter of 143.7 ± 1.5 µm, spherical shape, smooth surface, and passable flow property. In contrast, microparticles obtained by particles from gas saturated solutions (PGSS) showed an average diameter of 105.7 ± 0.6 µm, irregular shape, porous surface, poor flow property but higher encapsulation efficiency. In evaluating the compounds released in a simulated food medium, the spray chilling particles delivered 30.7%, while PGSS reached 23.1% after 1 h. Both microparticles well fitted the Kosmeyer-Peppas (R2 = 0.98 and 0.96 for spray chilling and PGSS) and Peppas-Sahlin models (R2 = 0.98 and 0.97 for spray chilling and PGSS). However, spray chilling microparticles showed a diffusion mechanism, while for PGSS ones erosion was the main mechanism. Despite the different physical characteristics, both microparticles proved to be possible facilitators in delivering oleoresins in food products.
Inorganic and Organic Selenium Speciation of Seleno-Yeasts Used as Feed Additives: New Insights from Elemental Selenium Determination
Authors: Hachemi Mohammed A. , Cardoso Denise , De Marco Michele , Geraert Pierre-André , Briens Mickael 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeleno-Yeasts
(SY) used as feed additives are known to contain different Selenium (Se) species. Seleno-Yeasts has been shown, on previous analytical methods, to contain selenomethionine (SeMet), selenocysteine (SeCys), selenate (SeIV) and selenite (SeVI), and various other organic and inorganic Se forms identified but rarely quantified. A new advanced method has allowed elemental Se (Se0), an inorganic Se species, to be quantified, thereby obtaining better insight into the proportion of inorganic Se in SY products. The study aimed to quantify the Se0 in SY products and assess the proportion of inorganic Se in SY. The Se speciation of 13 fresh commercials SY from different suppliers and batches, was assayed for the total Se, inorganic Se species (SeIV, SeVI and Se0), and organic Se species (SeMet and SeCys). Results on total Se were in line with the expected Se concentrations for all evaluated samples. The proportion of Se present as Se0 ranged from 3.6% to 51.8%. The quantity of Se0 in the SY products, added to SeIV and SeVI, indicated an average proportion of inorganic Se of 14.2% for the 13 analyzed SY products. The proportion of Se as SeMet ranged from 19.0% to 71.8%, (average of 55.8%), and a large variability in the SeMet content was observed. The SeCys content was also variable, with an average of 3.8%, relative to the total Se. In conclusion, advances in the analytical characterization have revealed that SY products can have a significantly high proportion of inorganic Se, which could affect the bioavailability of Se from SY supplements and explain their variable and lower bio-efficacy than pure SeMet supplements, such as hydroxy-selenomethionine.
Penetration performance of protective materials from crossbow attack: a preliminary study
Authors: Read James , Hazael Rachael , Critchley Richard 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCrossbow-related injuries resulting in serious and mortal consequences have increased in recent years, and although significant research exists for both injury and fatality on the human body, limited data exists on the lethality of the bolt and the failure modes of protective materials. This paper concerns itself with the experimental validation of four differing crossbow bolt geometries, their effects on material failure and potentially lethality. During this study, four different types of crossbow bolt geometries were tested against two protection mechanisms that differed in mechanical properties, geometry, mass and size. The results show that at 67 ms−1, ogive, field and combo tips do not provide lethal effect at 10-m range, whilst a broadhead tip will perforate both the para-aramid and a reinforced area of polycarbonate material consisting of two 3-mm plates at 63–66 ms−1. Although perforation was apparent with a more honed tip geometry, the chain mail layering within the para-aramid protection and friction caused by polycarbonate petalling on the arrow body reduced the velocity enough to demonstrate the materials under test are effective at withstanding crossbow attack. Subsequent calculation of the maximum velocity that arrows could achieve if fired from the crossbow within this study shows results close to the overmatch value of each material and therefore a requirement to advance the knowledge in this field to influence the development of more effective armour protection mechanisms.
COVID-19 vaccine-associated myositis: a comprehensive review of the literature driven by a case report
Authors: Syrmou Vasiliki , Liaskos Christos , Ntavari Niki , Mitsimponas Konstantinos , Simopoulou Theodora , Alexiou Ioannis , Vlychou Marianna , Katsiari Christina G. , Bogdanos Dimitrios P. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeveral cases of vaccine-associated manifestations have been published including cases of inflammatory myositis. Herein, we comprehensively review the literature on the occasion of case of a woman with inflammatory myositis following COVID-19 vaccination. A 67-year-old woman presented with left arm edema, rash, and weakness after the 2nd dose of the BTN162b2 vaccine. Raised muscle enzymes and inflammatory markers with muscle edema on MRI and myositis findings on the electromyogram established the diagnosis. She was successfully treated with methylprednisolone pulses, intravenous immunoglobulin, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine. Cases of inflammatory myositis, dermatomyositis, or interstitial lung disease with myositis-specific autoantibodies or myositis-associated autoantibodies within 12 weeks from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were included. Cases with malignancy, prior or subsequent COVID-19 infection, preexisting myositis/interstitial lung disease (ILD)/dermatomyositis (DM), or other connective tissue diseases were excluded. From our search, 49 cases were identified (mean age: 56.55 + 17.17 years), 59% were women, while 12 patients received the ChAdOx1 vaccine, 27 the BNT162b2, 8 the mRNA-1273, 1 the DB15806, and 1 the Ad26.COV2.S (overall, 70% received mRNA vaccines). Muscle involvement was the most common manifestation (79.5%), followed by skin involvement (53%) and ILD (34.6%), which were more common in the m-RNA vaccinees. Muscle biopsy, MRI findings, and autoantibody profile varied significantly, while successful immunosuppressive treatment was applied in most cases. Inflammatory myositis after COVID-19 vaccination has been well documented worldwide. Current evidence in support of a pathogenic link is challenging due to significant variation in clinical manifestations, radiological, histopathological, and immunological features.
mir-98-5p regulates gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis by targeting PPP1R15B in hepatocytes
Authors: Khan Rukshar , Verma Amit Kumar , Datta Malabika 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeveral reports suggest that circulatory miRNAs are deregulated in diverse diseases and used as markers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Here we show that miR-98-5p, that is down-regulated in the circulation during diabetes, regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis by targeting PPP1R15B. miR-98-5p overexpression significantly decreased the transcript and protein levels of PPP1R15B in hepatic HepG2 cells and increased p-eIF2α expression and these were prevented in the presence of its inhibitor. Two major hepatic hallmarks during diabetes i.e. hepatic lipid accumulation and glucose output were explored towards physiological relevance. As compared to scramble, overexpression of miR-98-5p decreased the transcript levels of both gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes together with a significant reduction in hepatic glucose production and fat accumulation in HepG2 cells. Using PASTAA to detect common transcription factors regulating these altered genes, CREB emerged as the most significantly enriched transcription factor. While miR-98-5p overexpression did not change the transcript levels of CREB, there was a significant change in its protein levels. While similar effects on gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression were detected using the PPP1R15B siRNA, the opposite was observed in the presence of miR-98-5p inhibitor alone. All these suggest that by targeting PPP1R15B, miR-98-5p regulates hepatic steatosis and glucose output; deregulation of which are characteristic hepatic features during diabetes. Therapeutic intervention of the miR-98/PPP1R15B axis might offer a potential strategy to target aberrant hepatic metabolism during diabetes.
Graphical Abstract
City Streets and Disco Beats: Recentring the Urban in Queer and Trans Migration Studies
Authors: Marnell John 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe last decade has seen significant scholarly interest in the cross-border movements of LGBTQ Africans. This work has helped spotlight the unique protection challenges facing these individuals, as well as the failure of governments, humanitarian bodies and UN agencies to provide adequate and appropriate support. However, by focusing so pointedly on the macro level, this scholarship overlooks key social and spatial dynamics. In this commentary, I reflect on what is lost when the urban is reduced to a narrative feature rather than a unit of analysis and show how (re)centring the urban can open up new avenues for theorising queer and trans displacement. Despite occupying tenuous social and legal positions, LGBTQ refugees continue to navigate and transform various urban locations. These everyday spatial negotiations deserve greater attention as they reveal much about how social exclusion operates, and is potentially resisted, in different moments and places.
Moving Beyond the Gay Metropolises: Lessons Learned from Stellenbosch
Authors: Visser Gustav 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAfter roughly 20 years since the emergence of urban scholarship in same-sex sexualities in South Africa, it is worthwhile considering how some of the concerns that originally animated that scholarship have evolved and also how such concerns are today reflected differently away from primary cities (where much earlier research was conducted). In this commentary, I explore the unique history of Stellenbosch, a university town/secondary city 50 km away from Cape Town. Stellenbosch’s own unique history of—and recent developments with regard to—public (male) same-sex expression help set into relief earlier scholarship and also points towards some future research questions that may also be applicable elsewhere on the African continent. While, as made clear, Stellenbosch is in some key instances unique in terms of its sexualized and raced history both in South Africa and the wider continent, its position as what we might increasingly want to frame as a secondary city, its particular racial composition, and also its changing spaces of socio-sexual interaction since the COVID-19 pandemic gesture towards key areas of potentially generative wider research interest.