Role of Solubility Parameters in Understanding the Steric Stabilization of Exfoliated Two-Dimensional Nanosheets by Adsorbed Polymers

In this paper we show that graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and molybdenum disulfide can all be exfoliated and stabilized against aggregation in solvents that cannot alone exfoliate these materials, provided that dissolved polymers are present. In each case we demonstrate this steric stabilization for a range of polymers. To understand this, we have derived an expression for the free energy of adsorption of polymer chains onto the surface of nanosheets in a solvent environment. Critically, we express all energetic interactions in terms of the Hildebrand solubility parameters of solvent, polymer, and nanosheet. This allows us to predict the dispersed nanosheet concentration to display a Gaussian peak when plotted against polymer Hildebrand parameter. This is borne out by experimental data. The model correctly (within ∼2 MPa^1/2) predicts the peak to occur when polymer and solvent solubility parameters match. In addition, the model describes both the peak width and the dependence of nanosheet concentration on polymer molecular weight. Because of the wide availability of solubility parameters for solvents, polymers, and many nanomaterials, this work is of practical importance for the production of polymer–nanosheet composite dispersions. However, more importantly it extends our understanding of the conditions required for steric stabilization and provides simple rules which define the required combination of solvent and polymer to best stabilize a given type of nanomaterial or colloid

Facilitators and barriers to stakeholder engagement in advance care planning for older adults in community settings: a hybrid systematic review protocol [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: Poor stakeholder engagement in advance care planning (ACP) poses national and international challenges, preventing maximisation of its potential benefits. Conceptualisation of advance care planning as a health behaviour highlights the need to design innovative, evidence-based strategies that will facilitate meaningful end-of-life care decision-making. Aim: To review systematically and synthesise quantitative and qualitative evidence on barriers and facilitators to stakeholders` engagement in ACP for older adults (≥ 50 years old) in a community setting. Methods: A hybrid systematic review will be conducted, identifying studies for consideration in two phases. First, databases will be searched from inception to identify relevant prior systematic reviews, and assess all studies included in those reviews against eligibility criteria (Phase 1). Second, databases will be searched systematically for individual studies falling outside the timeframe of those reviews (Phase 2). A modified SPIDER framework informed eligibility criteria. A study will be considered if it (a) included relevant adult stakeholders; (b) explored engagement in ACP among older adults (≥50 years old); (c) employed any type of design; (d) identified enablers and/or barriers to events specified in the Organising Framework of ACP Outcomes; (e) used either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods methodology; and (f) evaluated phenomena of interest in a community setting (e.g., primary care or community healthcare centres). Screening, selection, bias assessment, and data extraction will be completed independently by two reviewers. Integrated methodologies will be employed and quantitative and qualitative data will be combined into a single mixed method synthesis. The Behaviour Change Wheel will be used as an overarching analytical framework and to facilitate interpretation of findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers` Manual and PRISMA-P guidelines have been used to inform this protocol development. Registration: This protocol has been submitted for registration on PROSPERO and is awaiting review.</p

Facilitators and barriers to stakeholder engagement in advance care planning for older adults in community settings: a hybrid systematic review protocol [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: Poor stakeholder engagement in advance care planning (ACP) poses national and international challenges, preventing maximisation of its potential benefits. Conceptualisation of advance care planning as a health behaviour highlights the need to design innovative, evidence-based strategies that will facilitate meaningful end-of-life care decision-making. Aim: To review systematically and synthesise quantitative and qualitative evidence on barriers and facilitators to stakeholders` engagement in ACP for older adults (≥ 50 years old) in a community setting. Methods: A hybrid systematic review will be conducted, identifying studies for consideration in two phases. First, databases will be searched from inception to identify relevant prior systematic reviews, and assess all studies included in those reviews against eligibility criteria (Phase 1). Second, databases will be searched systematically for individual studies falling outside the timeframe of those reviews (Phase 2). A modified SPIDER framework informed eligibility criteria. A study will be considered if it (a) included relevant adult stakeholders; (b) explored engagement in ACP among older adults (≥50 years old); (c) employed any type of design; (d) identified enablers and/or barriers to events specified in the Organising Framework of ACP Outcomes; (e) used either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods methodology; and (f) evaluated phenomena of interest in a community setting (e.g., primary care or community healthcare centres). Screening, selection, bias assessment, and data extraction will be completed independently by two reviewers. Integrated methodologies will be employed and quantitative and qualitative data will be combined into a single mixed method synthesis. The Behaviour Change Wheel will be used as an overarching analytical framework and to facilitate interpretation of findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers` Manual and PRISMA-P guidelines have been used to inform this protocol development. Registration: This protocol has been submitted for registration on PROSPERO, registration number CRD42020189568 and is awaiting review.</p

Additional file 1 of Primary data on symptom burden and quality of life among elderly patients at risk of dying during unplanned admissions to an NHS hospital: a cohort study using EuroQoL and the integrated palliative care outcome scale

Supplementary Material

Outcome data in the analytic sample (<i>n</i> = 525).

Outcome data in the analytic sample (n = 525).</p

Multivariable regression results for potentially questionable medications.

Multivariable regression results for potentially questionable medications.</p

Overprescribing among older people near end of life in Ireland: evidence of prevalence and determinants from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

International evidence shows that people approaching end of life (EOL) have high prevalence of polypharmacy, including overprescribing. Overprescribing may have adverse side effects for mental and physical health and represents wasteful spending. Little is known about prescribing near EOL in Ireland. We aimed to describe the prevalence of two undesirable outcomes, and to identify factors associated with these outcomes: potentially questionable prescribing, and potentially inadequate prescribing, in the last year of life (LYOL). We used The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, a biennial nationally representative dataset on people aged 50+ in Ireland. We analysed a sub-sample of participants with high mortality risk and categorised their self-reported medication use as potentially questionable or potentially inadequate based on previous research. We identified mortality through the national death registry (died in </p

S1 File -

(DOCX)</p

Multivariable regression results for potentially inadequate medications.

Multivariable regression results for potentially inadequate medications.</p

Descriptive data of total sample (<i>n</i> = 525).

Descriptive data of total sample (n = 525).</p