bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Pd/MWCNTs Catalyst in Ultrasound‐Assisted Catalytic Transfer of Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
Authors: Yu Dianyu , Guo Yanfei , Li Xun , Ji Xiaorui , Luo Shunian , Pan Mingzhe , Shi Yongge 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTo provide a new, safe, and efficient way to produce hydrogenated oils, a loaded Pd/MWCNTs catalyst is studied and applied to the catalytic transfer of soybean oil under ultrasound conditions. Pd is loaded onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by impregnation, and the Pd loading is ≈0.8%. Through X‐ray diffraction analysis, it is found that the characteristic emission peaks of Pd appear at the 2θ = 40.3°, 46.7°, and 68.2° locations. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy reveals that the catalyst is uniformly dispersed and less agglomerated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra show that Pd is successfully loaded onto MWCNTs. Pd/MWCNTs catalyst is then applied to the catalytic transfer of hydrogenated soybean oil. The results show that when ultrasonic power is 100 W, catalyst concentration is 2.0% w/w, hydrogenation temperature is 80 °C, donor concentration is 0.32 mol/50 mL H2O, the maximum hydrogenation conversion is 31.97%, and the content of trans‐fatty acid is only 1.52%. Pd/MWCNTs catalyst can be recycled for four times in catalytic hydrogenation of soybean oil, and the activity of the catalyst decreases to 78.5% at the fourth time.Practical Application (PA): In this study, Pd is well loaded on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by means of ultrasound. The ultrasonic assisted Pd/MWCNTs catalyst catalyzes the transfer hydrogenation of soybean oil. The hydrogenation conversion rate of soybean oil is significantly improved by this method, and the content of trans fatty acid in hydrogenated soybean oil is low. The Pd/MWCNTs can be recycled for four times as a catalyst.
The effects of supported housing for individuals with mental disorders
Authors: Lopes Francisca Vargas , Bakx Pieter , Harper Sam , Ravesteijn Bastian , Van Ourti Tom 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSocieties face the challenge of providing appropriate arrangements for individuals who need living support due to their mental disorders. We estimate the effects of eligibility to the Dutch supported housing program (Beschermd Wonen), which offers a structured living environment in the community as an intermediate alternative to independent housing and inpatient care. For this, we use exogenous variation in eligibility based on conditionally random assignment of applications to assessors, and the universe of applications to supported housing in the Netherlands, linked to rich administrative data. Supported housing eligibility increases the probability of moving into supported housing and decreases the use of home care, resulting in higher total care expenditures. This increase is primarily due to the costs of supported housing, but potentially also higher consumption of curative mental health care. Supported housing eligibility reduces the total personal income and income from work. Findings do also suggest lower participation in the labor market by the individuals granted eligibility, but the labor participation of their parents increases in the long‐run. Our study highlights the trade‐offs of access to supported housing for those at the margin of eligibility, informing the design of long‐term mental health care systems around the world.
Nonselective beta blockers, hepatic decompensation, and mortality in cirrhosis: A national cohort study
Authors: Serper Marina , Kaplan David E. , Taddei Tamar H. , Tapper Elliot B. , Cohen Jordana B. , Mahmud Nadim 
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:
Little is known about the effectiveness of nonselective beta blockers (NSBBs) in preventing hepatic decompensation in routine clinical settings. We investigated whether NSBBs are associated with hepatic decompensation or liver‐related mortality in a national cohort of veterans with Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) A cirrhosis with no prior decompensations.

Approach and Results:
In an active comparator, new user (ACNU) design, we created a cohort of new users of carvedilol (n = 123) versus new users of selective beta blockers (SBBs) (n = 561) and followed patients for up to 3 years. An inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) approach balanced demographic and clinical confounders. The primary analysis simulated intention‐to‐treat (“pseudo‐ITT”) with IPTW‐adjusted Cox models; secondary analyses were pseudo‐as‐treated, and both were adjusted for baseline and time‐updating drug confounders. Subgroup analyses evaluated NSBB effects by HCV viremia status, CTP class, platelet count, alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) etiology, and age. In pseudo‐ITT analyses of carvedilol versus SBBs, carvedilol was associated with a lower hazard of any hepatic decompensation (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42–0.83) and the composite outcome of hepatic decompensation/liver‐related mortality (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.41–0.76). Results were similar in pseudo‐as‐treated analyses (hepatic decompensation: HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.94; composite outcome: HR 0.62, 95% 0.38–1.01). In subgroup analyses, carvedilol was associated with lower hazard of primary outcomes in the absence of HCV viremia, higher CTP class and platelet count, younger age, and ALD etiology.

Conclusions:
There is an ongoing need to noninvasively identify patients who may benefit from NSBBs for the prevention of hepatic decompensation.
Does maternal empowerment improve dietary diversity of children? Evidence from Pakistan demographic and health survey 2017–18
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Asif Atta Muhammad , Hussain Fazil 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe role of maternal empowerment (ME) to improve child nutrition in patriarchal societies of developing countries remains ambiguous. This study provides empirical evidence about the impact of ME and some other factors selected under United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund theoretical framework, on dietary diversity of children (under 5 years age) in Pakistan. Partial proportional odds model is estimated to obtain varying estimates of the parameters by using data of Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18. Significant positive role of empowered mothers to improve child dietary diversity (CDD) is explored (OR = 1.135; Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.001–1.288). Moreover, positive association of maternal higher education on CDD (OR = 1.329; 95% CI = 1.085–1.628) supports the productive and allocative efficiency hypotheses of health economics. Maternal agricultural employment, paternal education, and paternal employment were not significantly associated with CDD. This requires further exploration. Positive association of household socioeconomic status with CDD (OR = 1.768; 95% CI = 1.314–2.380) and significance of some demographic variables call for social welfare programs. Positive association of mother's age and CDD demands for amendment in Child Marriage Restraint Act. The observed adverse association of family size with CDD induces effective family planning to control high birth rate in Pakistan. It may be concluded that ME and creation of awareness about nutrition security through maternal education are the important factors to overcome child malnutrition in Pakistan. Since, socioeconomic and cultural environment in South Asian countries is homogeneous, the analysis in this study might be relevant to the South Asian region. Moreover, the study provides evidence informing the debate on the role of ME to improve child nutrition in patriarchal societies.
Healthcare clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria: A qualitative exploration of the opportunities and risks they present for healthcare regulatory systems
Authors: Wafula Francis , Onoka Chima , Musiega Anita , Okpani Arnold , Ogira Dosila , Ejughemre Ufuoma , Miller Rosalind , Goodman Catherine , Hanson Kara 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundRegulating fragmented healthcare markets is a major challenge in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Although a recent transformation towards consolidation could improve regulatory efficiency, there are concerns over risks to client safety and market functioning. We investigated market consolidation through the emergence of clinic and pharmacy chains in Kenya and Nigeria and explored resultant regulatory opportunities and risks.MethodsThe study was conducted in Nairobi Kenya and Abuja Nigeria. Data were collected through document reviews and 26 interviews with chain operators, professional associations and regulators between September and December 2018. A thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsWe characterised two broad types of chains: organic chains that started as single business locations and expanded gradually, and investor‐driven chains that expanded rapidly following external capital injection. In both countries, chains and independents were regulated similarly, with regulators failing to both capitalize on opportunities and guard against risks. For instance, chains' brand visibility and centralised management systems made them easier to regulate and more suitable for self‐regulation. On the other hand, chains were perceived to pose the risks of market dominance, commercialisation of healthcare, and regulatory capture.ConclusionAs healthcare chains expand, regulators should build on opportunities presented and guard against emerging risks.
Impact of thermal conductivity on a horizontal absorbent isothermal wall in a porous medium with heat source and thermophoretic forces: Application of suction/blowing
Authors: Hazarika Silpi , Ahmed Sahin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe implanted porous media plays a key role in the performance of the fluid flow. To study the novelty of porous media in a two‐dimensional fluid motion associated with thermophoretic forces, viscous dissipative heat, and variable thermal conductivity over a permeable horizontal surface, we have adopted appropriate similarity transformation to convert the prominent partial differential equations to nonlinear ordinary differential equations in nondimensional form. MATLAB Bvp4c code is employed for the conservation of equations with the appropriate converted boundary conditions and this finite difference scheme is found stable. Furthermore, we have performed a comparison test for validity and accuracy test and established a satisfactory agreement with former literature. The effect of porosity and thermal conductivity in presence of suction/blowing over the fluid velocity and temperature are significant. In this study, the fluid velocity is enhanced for heat generation and thermal conductivity in presence of blowing. The importance of porous media and such study can be experienced in various branches like petroleum engineering, hydrogeology, biophysics, material science, and so forth.
Longitudinal associations of plasma metabolites with persistent fatigue among colorectal cancer survivors up to 2 years after treatment
Authors: van Roekel Eline H. , Bours Martijn J. L. , Breukink Stéphanie O. , Aquarius Michèl , Keulen Eric T. P. , Gicquiau Audrey , Rinaldi Sabina , Vineis Paolo , Arts Ilja C. W. , Gunter Marc J. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Scalbert Augustin , Weijenberg Matty P. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe underlying biological mechanisms causing persistent fatigue complaints after colorectal cancer treatment need further investigation. We investigated longitudinal associations of circulating concentrations of 138 metabolites with total fatigue and subdomains of fatigue between 6 weeks and 2 years after colorectal cancer treatment. Among stage I‐III colorectal cancer survivors (n = 252), blood samples were obtained at 6 weeks, and 6, 12 and 24 months posttreatment. Total fatigue and fatigue subdomains were measured using a validated questionnaire. Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to measure metabolite concentrations (BIOCRATES AbsoluteIDQp180 kit). Confounder‐adjusted longitudinal associations were analyzed using linear mixed models, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. We assessed interindividual (between‐participant differences) and intraindividual longitudinal associations (within‐participant changes over time). In the overall longitudinal analysis, statistically significant associations were observed for 12, 32, 17 and three metabolites with total fatigue and the subscales “fatigue severity,” “reduced motivation” and “reduced activity,” respectively. Specifically, higher concentrations of several amino acids, lysophosphatidylcholines, diacylphosphatidylcholines, acyl‐alkylphosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins were associated with less fatigue, while higher concentrations of acylcarnitines were associated with more fatigue. For “fatigue severity,” associations appeared mainly driven by intraindividual associations, while for “reduced motivation” stronger interindividual associations were found. We observed longitudinal associations of several metabolites with total fatigue and fatigue subscales, and that intraindividual changes in metabolites over time were associated with fatigue severity. These findings point toward inflammation and an impaired energy metabolism due to mitochondrial dysfunction as underlying mechanisms. Mechanistic studies are necessary to determine whether these metabolites could be targets for intervention.
Myrrhone inhibits the progression of hepatic fibrosis by regulating the abnormal activation of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Sun Zhangchi , Zhan Xiaolan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe focus on exploring the antihepatic fibrosis effect of Myrrhone (Myr), a compound extracted from myrrh, and its effective target. Mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cultured in vitro and activated by transforming growth factor‐β induction. After Myr intervention, cell viability was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The α‐smooth muscle actin(α‐SMA) and Collagen I levels were measured by immunofluorescence, and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the p‐Smad3 protein level in HSCs was determined by Western Blot. Small molecule–protein docking and pull‐down experiments were conducted to validate the binding capacity between Nard and Smad3. In animal experiments, a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis was established with carbon tetrachloride. Myr was administered by gavage daily to determine the serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels. The severity of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by Masson staining, the α‐SMA and Collagen I expressions were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the histopathological changes were examined by Sirius red and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Myr suppressed the abnormal activation of HSCs, inhibited the cell viability, downregulated the α‐SMA and Collagen I, and inhibited the p‐Smad3 expression. After silencing Smad3, the effect of Myr was inhibited. Molecular docking and pull‐down experiments revealed the presence of a targeted binding relationship between Myr and Smad3. In mouse experiments, Myr could inhibit hepatic fibrosis. This study discovers that Myr can affect the phosphorylation of Smad3, and inhibit the activation of HSCs and the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide among cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ma Zikun , Mao Yize , Wang Yuanyuan , Duan Zhizhou , Qu Diyang , Li Chaofeng , Chen Runsen , Liu Zhuowei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to understand the suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts among cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The data were collected from patients diagnosed with cancer while attending the largest cancer center in the south of China. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate patients' demographic data, suicidal behavior, and factors related to COVID‐19. Mental health conditions were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Comorbidities and medical conditions of cancer patients were extracted from the electronic healthcare records. Among the 5670 cancer patients, 755 (13.3%) reported suicidal ideation, and 266 (4.7%) reported suicidal attempts during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The age group with the highest risk of suicidal ideation was 20–24 years (23.9%). Lifetime history of suffering from mental disorders, longer time since cancer diagnosis, regional and distant tumor stage, depression, anxiety, hostility, having a higher frequency of worrying about cancer management due to COVID‐19, higher frequency feeling of overwhelming psychological pressure due to COVID‐19, having a higher level of barriers to manage cancer due to COVID‐19, and higher barriers to continue treatment of cancer due to inconveniences caused by COVID‐19, were all significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation. We also identified the risk factors of suicide attempts. This is the first study investigating the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts in Chinese cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that it is essential to monitor the mental health conditions of this vulnerable population, especially for cancer patients who have comorbidity with a history of mental disorders. Also, government policymakers should take action to protect cancer patients to avoid any interruption of their continued treatment. Further efforts are urgently required to develop specific psychological interventions to reduce the risk factors among cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Assessment of the cobas® HBV RNA investigational assay in the setting of nucleoside analog therapy cessation
Authors: Jackson Kathy , Bonanzinga Sara , Edwards Ros , Visvanathan Kumar , Li Xin , Hall Samuel , Kuchta Alison , Canchola Jesse A. , Thompson Alex J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHBV RNA is used as a marker of cccDNA transcription and is applicable in the setting of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment, which suppresses HBV DNA. Traditional assays for quantification of HBV RNA rely on labor‐intensive 3′RACE assays targeting the polyA tail. In this study, the high‐throughput Roche cobas®HBV RNA investigational assay was assessed on the Roche cobas® 6800 automated platform. Of 969 samples collected for a NA treatment cessation trial, and tested on the cobas assay, 249 were analyzed for sensitivity, reproducibility, sample type applicability, and results were compared to a RACE‐based assay. Results of 97 paired serum and plasma samples demonstrated an excellent correlation of 0.98. However, 14.5% of plasma samples yielded detectable (below the limit of quantification) results, when the paired serum was undetectable, and plasma was shown to yield a statistically significant (p < 0.001) greater mean 0.119 log10copies/ml. Quantification of 152 samples showed good correlation (0.91) between the cobas and RACE assays. The cobas assay demonstrated superior lower limit of quantification, 10 copies/ml, which resulted in detection of 13.2% more samples than the RACE assay. Reproducibility and linear range of the automated assay were also confirmed. The Roche cobas assay for HBV RNA is sensitive and highly recommended.
Design of an efficient solar energy harvesting system for wireless power communication
Authors: Pay Eong Yeon , Tiang Jun Jiat , Muhammad Surajo , Chuah Teong Chee 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis paper proposes the design of an efficient ambient solar energy harvesting (SEH) system with enhanced protection for low‐power devices. The proposed SEH system is designed and fabricated on a 1.6 mm Flame Retardant 4 (FR4) substrate using EasyEDA software. The harvester consists of a 3 W monocrystalline solar panel, a solar charger module with maximum power point tracking, a lithium‐ion rechargeable battery and a battery protection integrated circuit, and a DC–DC converter. Each of the SEH system component modules is optimized for better performance. The proposed energy harvester achieves a peak power conversion efficiency of 81.22% with a total output power of 2.35 W by using a CN3791 battery charger module. This approach is cost‐effective, highly sustainable, and virtually maintenance‐free. It can be deployed in various low‐powered devices such as wireless sensor network nodes and Internet of Things microcontrollers to extend their battery lifetimes, thereby achieving environmental‐friendly and sustainable energy harvesting.
Realizing supply chain agility under time pressure: Ad hoc supply chains during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Müller Jasmina , Hoberg Kai , Fransoo Jan C. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWhen the COVID‐19 pandemic began in 2020, the medical product industry faced an unusual demand shock for personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, face shields, disinfectants, and gowns. Companies from various industries responded to the urgent need for these potentially life‐saving products by adopting ad hoc supply chains in an exceptionally short time: They found new suppliers, developed the products, ramped‐up production, and distributed to new customers within weeks or even days. We define these supply chains as ad hoc supply chains that are built for a specific need, an immediate need, and a time‐limited need. By leveraging a unique sampling, we examined how companies realize supply chain agility when building ad hoc supply chains. We develop an emergent theoretical model that proposes dynamic capabilities to enable companies building ad hoc supply chains in response to a specific need, moderated by an entrepreneurial orientation allowing firms to leverage dynamic capabilities at short notice and a temporary orientation that increases a company's focus on exploiting the short‐term opportunity of ad hoc supply chains.
Impact of the affordable care act's medicaid expansion on presentation stage and perioperative outcomes of colorectal cancer
Authors: Sharon Cimarron E. , Song Yun , Straker Richard J. , Kelly Nicholas , Shannon Adrienne B. , Kelz Rachel R. , Mahmoud Najjia N. , Saur Nicole M. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMedicaid expansion has improved healthcare coverage and preventive health service use. To what extent this has resulted in earlier stage colorectal cancer diagnoses and impacted perioperative outcomes is unclear.MethodsThis was a retrospective difference‐in‐difference study using the National Cancer Database on adults (40–64) with Medicaid or no insurance, diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinomas before (2010–2013) and after (2015–2018) expansion. The primary outcome was early‐stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage 0–1) diagnosis. The secondary outcomes were rate of local excision, emergency surgery, postoperative length of stay, rates of minimally invasive surgery, postoperative mortality, and overall survival (OS).ResultsMedicaid expansion was associated with an increase in early‐stage diagnoses for patients with colorectal cancers (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–1.43), an increase in local excision (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13–1.69), and a decreased rate of emergent surgery (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.97) and 90‐day mortality (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.97). Additionally, patients in expansion states postexpansion had an improved 5‐year OS (hazard ratio: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83–0.94).ConclusionsInsurance coverage expansion may be particularly important for optimizing stage of diagnosis, subsequent survival, and perioperative outcomes for socioeconomically vulnerable patients.