bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Phyllosphere Microflora of Maize
Authors: Swathi Chindam , N. Bhat Bharati , Uma Devi G. , Sridevi G.
Published: April 2022

Maize is renowned as the "Queen of Cereals" and is one of the world's most significant cereal crops. Several foliar and stalk rot diseases affect maize crops. The illness affected the majority of the cultivars that were issued. The influence of overuse of chemical fungicides on the environment and food safety has become a serious problem with the rise of ecological agriculture. Epiphytes are phyllosphere residents who can include a wide range of bacteria and filamentous fungi. Microbial interactions in the phyllosphere repress and promote plant pathogen colonisation and infection of tissues, increasing disease resistance and agricultural crop productivity, implying that phyllosphere microorganisms can play a key role in growth promotion and disease suppression. Bacteria from individual colonies were studied. Individual colony bacteria was examined for shape, size, colour, Gram staining, endospore staining, elevation and texture for morphological studies. Different biochemical tests viz., Catalase, Oxidase, Voges Prausker’s, Indole, Methyl red, Gelatin liquefaction were done for phyllosphere bacteria.
Very Early-Onset Schizophrenia in a 7-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Akinjola O. , Agbir T. M. , Edeh A. N. , Omidiji O. O.
Published: April 2022

Schizophrenia most commonly starts during early adulthood but it can emerge during childhood. Pediatric schizophrenia is used to describe schizophrenia occurring before 18 years of age. It can further be categorized into early onset type which occurs prior to 18 years and the very early onset type occurring prior to 13 years.

Miss AD, a 7-year-old female presented to our facility about 1 year ago with a 3-months history of illness. Initially, she stopped communicating with anyone; there was associated social withdrawal, sluggishness and decline in her academics. A few weeks later, she started talking and laughing to herself and 2 weeks prior to presentation, she started seeing strange things in clear consciousness and claiming her classmates were ganging up against her. Her teachers and parents were ignorant of the nature of her illness at the onset and as such, she was maltreated.

At presentation, a diagnosis of very early onset schizophrenia was made and she was commenced on treatment with oral Risperidone which was gradually increased over a period of 1 year of her ongoing treatment to 2mg total daily dosage. Additionally, oral chlorpromazine and Benzhexol were added; she is currently on 50mg nocte and 0.125mg daily respectively. During the course of her treatment, she showed significant improvement but no complete remission, residual symptoms such as starring on-end with occasional talking and laughing to herself persisted.
A Theoretical Model for Predicting the Ultimate Strength of Superalloys in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: He Yi , Li Weiguo , Yang Mengqing , Zhao Ziyuan , Dong Pan , Ma Yanli
Published: April 2022

Nickel‐based superalloys are often serviced as high‐temperature‐resistant materials. Strength prediction at elevated temperatures is the fundamental issue of equipment performance evaluation in service environment. Herein, the quantitative effect of temperature on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of nickel‐based superalloys is investigated. A theoretical model for predicting the temperature‐dependent UTS of nickel‐based superalloys is developed from an energy equivalence perspective. A quantitative relationship is established between UTS and temperature. The model can predict the UTS at different temperatures only using the tensile test data at room temperature and the melting point temperature of the material. Theoretical predictions agree well with nine nickel‐based superalloys experimental data over a wide temperature range. In addition, iron‐based and cobalt‐based superalloys are verified using the proposed model. The significance and applicability scope of the model is also discussed. Research results provide a new alternative approach for predicting the temperature‐dependent UTS of superalloys under service conditions.
The Role of Strain and Dynamic Recrystallization During Hot Deformation of a Fe–Ni–Cr‐Based Alloy
Authors: Wu Yunsheng , Wang Changshuai , Qin Xuezhi , Zhou Lanzhang
Published: April 2022

The hot deformation behavior of a Fe–Ni–Cr‐based superalloy is investigated by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and processing map. The results show that the strain has an obvious effect on hot deformation. The flow instability domain at low temperature decreases with increasing strain. However, it expands with the increasing strain at high temperature. The optimized hot working domain at high temperature moves from low strain rate to high strain rate with the increase in strain. The hot deformation behavior of the alloy is correlated with dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The low fraction of DRX and local flow are responsible for the flow instability at low temperature. The DRX fraction rises with the increase in strain, which results in the reduction of flow instability domain at low temperature. The DRX grains grow rapidly at high temperature and low strain rate with increasing strain. The poor deformation compatibility between the large grains at high strain hinders the multiround DRX, which expands the flow instability at low strain rate and high temperature. The optimized hot working domain transforms from low strain rate to 2.0–10 s−1 at 1050–1170 °C with the true strain of 1.2 due to the appropriate DRX process.
Recent Advances in Designing Electroconductive Biomaterials for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ghovvati Mahsa , Kharaziha Mahshid , Ardehali Reza , Annabi Nasim
Published: April 2022

Implantable cardiac patches and injectable hydrogels are among the most promising therapies for cardiac tissue regeneration following myocardial infarction. Incorporating electrical conductivity into these patches and hydrogels is found to be an efficient method to improve cardiac tissue function. Conductive nanomaterials such as carbon nanotube, graphene oxide, gold nanorod, as well as conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate are appealing because they possess the electroconductive properties of semiconductors with ease of processing and have potential to restore electrical signaling propagation through the infarct area. Numerous studies have utilized these materials for regeneration of biological tissues that possess electrical activities, such as cardiac tissue. In this review, recent studies on the use of electroconductive materials for cardiac tissue engineering and their fabrication methods are summarized. Moreover, recent advances in developing electroconductive materials for delivering therapeutic agents as one of emerging approaches for treating heart diseases and regenerating damaged cardiac tissues are highlighted.
How epistemic reflexivity enables teacher educators’ teachingfordiversity: Exploring a pedagogical framework for critical thinking
Authors: Lunn Brownlee Jo , Bourke Terri , Rowan Leonie , Ryan Mary , Churchward Peter , Walker Sue , L’Estrange Lyra , Berge Anita , Johansson Eva
Published: April 2022

Recent research points to the importance of teacher educators teachingfordiversity in initial teacher education programmes. Teachingfordiversity is an approach to teacher education in which an understanding of specialist literature and a focus on critical thinking supports a social justice agenda as opposed to merely using different tips and tricks to prepare future teachers for teaching diverse learners in the classroom. In this study, we explored how Australian and New Zealand teacher educators negotiated a social justice agenda in teacher education programmes, using a new transdisciplinary framework of epistemic reflexivity. TheEpistemic Reflexivity for Teacher Education(ER‐TED) framework draws on epistemic cognition (Clark Chinn’sAims,Ideals,Reliable epistemic processes – AIR – framework) and Margaret Archer’s reflexivity to explore knowledge claims in teacher educators’ pedagogical decision‐making. The findings identified how teacher educators in our study discerned and deliberated with respect to epistemic aims for justification, which involve transformative critical thinking and critical thinking for self. They reported good knowledge (ideals) as being scholarly in nature, and reliable epistemic processes based on higher‐order thinking (analysis and evaluating competing ideas) or engaging with multiple perspectives. The teacher educators in our study are clear examples of how strong overall evaluative epistemic stances enable teaching for social justice. We argue that the ER‐TED framework can help us as a profession to address teachingfordiversity in teacher education programmes based on the belief that the pursuit of social justice requires an evaluativist epistemic stance.
Does study abroad affect student academic achievement?
Authors: Nwosu Chiamaka
Published: April 2022

The numbers of UK students choosing to study abroad for a period has increased steadily over the years, with many students citing academic, professional, linguistic and cultural reasons as their key motivations. However, while there is an abundance of literature on the advantage of study abroad (SA) for linguistic learning, there is less known about the academic impact of studying abroad. In addition, because SA is largely a process of self‐selection, this makes it difficult to derive unbiased estimates of its impact on academic achievement. Using data on students from a London‐based Russell Group university, and categorising SA students as those who participated in credit‐seeking SA programmes through Erasmus or bilateral/multilateral agreements with partner universities, this paper uses individual fixed effects to compare the post‐SA grades for students who sojourned with their expected grades had they not sojourned, as well as with their non‐SA counterparts. The results are quite robust across subgroups and indicate that grades in year 3 are less than expected for the SA group, given their pre‐sojourn grades. To tackle the problem of self‐selection, outcomes for SA students were compared to the group who applied but did not eventually study abroad, and to the outcomes for students who did not apply.
A critical exploration of inclusion policies of elite UK universities
Authors: Koutsouris George , Stentiford Lauren , Norwich Brahm
Published: April 2022

Inclusion is seen as an ethical obligation, grounded in notions of equity and social justice for all groups and at all stages of education, with higher education (HE) representing a distinctive space where the inclusion agenda is becoming more influential. However, inclusion is also increasingly recognised as an ambiguous concept that might have lost its critical edge and is in many cases reduced to ‘chatter’. To explore inclusion in this context, we analysed 48 policy documents from the websites of the 24 Russell Group Universities (the ‘elite’, research‐intensive, UK universities) using a critical discourse analysis approach. We found that inclusion was rarely defined clearly, and that tensions, complexity and pedagogical implications of inclusion were not discussed. Inclusion was also related to excellence and ideas about a ‘global university’ that are central to a university’s reputation and ability to attract international students and staff. We see three ways in which these findings are significant: the way inclusion was approached in the policy documents could largely be described as managerial/legalistic, seen as the responsibility of human resources; inclusion was perceived as an act of legal compliance that was also expected to influence everyday relationships – but without an explanation of how this could happen; and inclusion was discussed together with broader debates within HE, e.g. meritocracy, but without a critical reflection on what this means. We, thus, argue that universities should resist treating inclusion as a quality and performance index and recognise that inclusion is linked to the very purposes of HE.
Characterization and traceability of two generations of standard reference material for the measurement of vitamin K1(phylloquinone) at endogenous concentrations in human plasma and serum
Authors: Card David , Freke Ella , Harrington Dominic
Published: April 2022

Vitamin K is an essential micronutrient required for blood coagulation, regulation of vascular calcification and bone mineralization. Plasma and serum measurements of vitamin K1(phylloquinone, K1) made using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, or tandem mass spectrometry are used clinically and in population studies to assess vitamin K status. Standard reference materials provide a validation tool for laboratories, helping assure clinical diagnosis and the comparability of data from different populations. We manufactured two K1 standard reference materials, in 2009 (KEQAS SRM‐001) and in 2019 (KEQAS SRM‐002). The target concentrations of K1 were assigned to each SRM using the All Laboratory Trimmed Mean of results reported by selected laboratories enrolled in the Vitamin K External Quality Assurance Scheme (KEQAS). The assigned concentrations of K1 for KEQAS SRM‐001 and SRM‐002 were 0.25 and 0.36 μg/L respectively. In 2019 KEQAS SRM‐001 was re‐analysed simultaneously with KEQAS SRM‐002 to provide traceability between the two standards, therefore aiding comparability of analysis performed using these materials. Both standards were stored as aliquots at −80°C in the dark; annual re‐analysis of the materials indicated that K1 is stable for at least 12 years in these conditions.
Anatomy and ultrasound imaging of the tibial collateral ligament: A narrative review
Authors: Ricci Vincenzo , Mezian Kamal , Cocco Giulio , Donati Danilo , Naňka Ondřej , Farì Giacomo , Özçakar Levent
Published: April 2022

Medial knee pain is commonplace in clinical practice and ultrasound assessment of the tibial collateral ligament‐medial meniscus complex is increasingly becoming a valuable examination tool in the outpatient setting. In the pertinent literature, basic sonographic protocols have been proposed to evaluate the medial compartment of the knee joint. Using high‐frequency ultrasound probes and high‐level ultrasound machines; we matched the histo‐anatomical features of the tibial collateral ligament‐medial meniscus complex and its different sonographic patterns in physiological/pathological conditions to define a standardized (layer‐by‐layer) sonographic approach. Moreover, high‐sensitive power Doppler assessments have also been performed to evaluate the nearby microcirculation. Modern ultrasound equipment appears to provide optimal “sonographic dissection” of the tibial collateral ligament‐medial meniscus complex for its various physiological/pathological patterns. Likewise, high‐sensitive power Doppler allows clear visualization of the microcirculation as regards the local ligamentous and capsular structures. In clinical practice, using adequate technological equipment, a detailed sonographic assessment of the tibial collateral ligament‐medial meniscus complex can be performed. High‐frequency B‐mode ultrasound imaging and high‐sensitive power Doppler perfusion patterns can be matched/integrated with the clinical findings to optimize the management of patients with medial knee pain.
Anatomy in dentistry: From the beginnings to contemporary reality
Authors: Bernardi Sara , Angelone Anna Maria , Macchiarelli Guido
Published: April 2022

The history of dentistry and medicine has a deep and ancient bond with the history of anatomy. From the ancient times to the present, the study of the human body represents the basis for research and clinical therapy. The historical contribution of anatomists to the development of dental medicine also helped in its characterization as an integrated but special and independent branch of medicine. From Galen's studies on animals to the discoveries of dental hard tissues characteristics using a microscope, this paper provides a brief literature review of how anatomy broadly contributed to the development of the dental sciences and how it still allows us to direct critical and fundamental anatomical‐clinical paths for modern patient care. The history of the anatomy of teeth, description of skull bones, maxillary sinus characterization, the salivary glands, the tongue and labial musculature, and the microscopic anatomy of dental hard tissues will be examined. Historical research on the understanding of and progress in the oral field is of utmost importance in current clinical practice, thus inducing a future orientation in research. Most of the research especially that connected to the more distant historical periods has seen as main characters great personalities of morphological sciences, which contributes constituted fundamental basis for dental clinical aspects. Through a punctual and continuous historical assay, the ancient insights are reconnected to more recent knowledge and distinct research, thus permitting a detailed reconstruction of the historical‐anatomical course in the progress of knowledge regarding the oral cavity and related anatomical structures.
Transition Metal Catalyzed Enantioselective Migratory Functionalization Reactions of Alkenes through Chain‐Walking
Authors: Zhang Min , Ji Yuqi , Zhang Chun
Published: April 2022

Comprehensive Summary

“Chain‐walking” reactions could realize to modify a molecule at the position far away from the active site. It has been a hot topic in the research field of organic synthesis. As a number of achievements have been made by researchers, the products of transition metal‐catalyzed chain‐walking reactions could be obtained with good enantioselectivity. This review summarized the researches on the asymmetric chain‐walking reactions catalyzed by transition metal in the past decade. These works are classified according to the species of metal catalysts.
Informal caregivers' perceptions of oral care and their association with the use of oral health services: A cross‐sectional study among informal caregivers and their care recipients
Authors: Holmavuo Karoliina , Suominen Anna Liisa , Lammintakanen Johanna , Nykänen Irma , Välimäki Tarja , Koponen Sohvi , Savela Roosa‐Maria , Schwab Ursula
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to describe informal caregivers' perceptions of the importance of oral care and investigate the association between these perceptions and the use of oral health services during the past year.

Background

There is limited research on informal caregivers' perceptions of oral care. These perceptions presumably influence oral self‐care along with caregivers' and care recipients' use of oral health services.

Materials and Methods

Baseline data from the multidisciplinary Lifestyle, Nutrition, and Oral health in caregivers (LENTO) intervention study were analyzed. Informal caregivers (n = 125) and care recipients (n = 120) 65 years of age and living in Eastern Finland participated in the study. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews.

Results

A majority (81%) of the informal caregivers considered oral care very important. Informal caregivers who considered oral care very important had 10 or more years of education, and considered service fees reasonable were more likely to have visited oral health services during the past year than other caregivers. No association between informal caregivers' perceptions of oral care and care recipients' use of oral health services during the past year was observed.

Conclusions

The study provides insight into informal caregivers' perceptions of oral care, with most informal caregivers considering oral care to be very important. Our findings support what has been reported in previous studies in that favorable perceptions of oral care are associated with oral health service visits. This association, however, did not hold true for care recipients' use of services.
Evaluating the performance of temporal and spatial early warning statistics of algal blooms
Authors: Buelo C. D. , Pace M. L. , Carpenter S. R. , Stanley E. H. , Ortiz D. A. , Ha D. T.
Published: April 2022

Regime shifts have large consequences for ecosystems and the services they provide. However, understanding the potential for, causes of, proximity to, and thresholds for regime shifts in nearly all settings is difficult. Generic statistical indicators of resilience have been proposed and studied in a wide range of ecosystems as a method to detect when regime shifts are becoming more likely without direct knowledge of underlying system dynamics or thresholds. These early warning statistics (EWS) have been studied separately but there have been few examples that directly compare temporal and spatial EWS in ecosystem‐scale empirical data. To test these methods, we collected high‐frequency time series and high‐resolution spatial data during a whole‐lake fertilization experiment while also monitoring an adjacent reference lake. We calculated two common EWS, standard deviation and autocorrelation, in both time series and spatial data to evaluate their performance prior to the resulting algal bloom. We also applied the quickest detection method to generate binary alarms of resilience change from temporal EWS. One temporal EWS, rolling window standard deviation, provided advanced warning in most variables prior to the bloom, showing trends and between‐lake patterns consistent with theory. In contrast, temporal autocorrelation and both measures of spatial EWS (spatial SD, Moran's  I) provided little or no warning. By compiling time series data from this and past experiments with and without nutrient additions, we were able to evaluate temporal EWS performance for both constant and changing resilience conditions. True positive alarm rates were 2.5–8.3 times higher for rolling window standard deviation when a lake was being pushed towards a bloom than the rate of false positives when it was not. For rolling window autocorrelation, alarm rates were much lower and no variable had a higher true positive than false positive alarm rate. Our findings suggest temporal EWS provide advanced warning of algal blooms and that this approach could help managers prepare for and/or minimize negative bloom impacts.
Mechanistic support for increased primary production around artificial reefs
Authors: Esquivel Kenzo E. , Hesselbarth Maximilian H. K. , Allgeier Jacob E.
Published: April 2022

Understanding factors controlling primary production is fundamental for the protection, management, and restoration of ecosystems. Tropical seagrass ecosystems are among the most productive ecosystems worldwide, yielding tremendous services for society. Yet they are also among the most impaired from anthropogenic stressors, prompting calls for ecosystem‐based restoration approaches. Artificial reefs (ARs) are commonly applied in coastal marine ecosystems to rebuild failing fisheries and have recently gained attention for their potential to promote carbon sequestration. Nutrient hotspots formed via excretion from aggregating fishes have been empirically shown to enhance local primary production around ARs in seagrass systems. Yet, if and how increased local production affects primary production at ecosystem scale remains unclear, and empirical tests are challenging. We used a spatially explicit individual‐based simulation model that combined a data‐rich single‐nutrient primary production model for seagrass and bioenergetics models for fish to test how aggregating fish on ARs affect seagrass primary production at patch and ecosystem scales. Specifically, we tested how the aggregation of fish alters (i) ecosystem seagrass primary production at varying fish densities and levels of ambient nutrient availability and (ii) the spatial distribution of seagrass primary production. Comparing model ecosystems with equivalent nutrient levels, we found that when fish aggregate around ARs, ecosystem‐scale primary production is enhanced synergistically. This synergistic increase in production was caused by nonlinear dynamics associated with nutrient uptake and biomass allocation that enhances aboveground primary production more than belowground production. Seagrass production increased near the AR and decreased in areas away from the AR, despite marginal reductions in seagrass biomass at the ecosystem level. Our simulation's findings that ARs can increase ecosystem production provide novel support for ARs in seagrass ecosystems as an effective means to promote (i) fishery restoration (increased primary production can increase energy input to the food web) and (ii) carbon sequestration, via higher rates of primary production. Although our model represents a simplified, closed seagrass system without complex trophic interactions, it nonetheless provides an important first step in quantifying ecosystem‐level implications of ARs as a tool for ecological restoration.
Filter Cake Removal during the Cementing and Completion Stages in CO2 Storage Wells: Current Developments, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Li Jin , Huang Sheng , Li Zao-Yuan , Liu Jian , Wu Xu-Ning , Su Dong-Hua , Song Wei-Tao
Published: April 2022

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has become one of the most cost‐effective and promising ways to achieve global climate change mitigation goals. The CO2 storage capacity in depleted oil and gas reservoirs is currently the safest and most economical option. The long‐term sealing of the cement–formation interface in CO2 storage wells (CSW) is essential to avoid CO2 leakage. The filter cake easily affects the interfacial sealing ability, which is a thin impermeable layer formed by drilling fluid residue or solid particles remaining on the borehole wall due to permeable formation. Filter cake removal is essential for favorable cementation and production efficiency. This study highlights the current developments and the main challenges for oil‐ and water‐based mud filter cake removal during the cementing and completion process. Moreover, research ideas and recommendations for various types of filter cake removal are proposed to provide a reference for future work. This information helps deepen understanding with respect to the different filter cake removal options available in the CCS industry and provides a knowledge base that can facilitate the improvement of the cementing quality and production efficiency of existing systems to combat battle CSW safety and production efficiency problems.
The effect of temperament and character on body dissatisfaction in women with bulimia nervosa: The role of low self‐esteem and depression
Authors: Jones Hannah , McIntosh Virginia V.W. , Britt Eileen , Carter Janet D. , Jordan Jennifer , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Although personality traits have been found to be associated with body dissatisfaction for women in the general population, little research has explored these associations for people with eating disorders. Furthermore, it is unknown whether these associations are direct or are mediated by other factors. In this cross‐sectional study, secondary analyses of data from two clinical trials were conducted to determine which personality dimensions contributed to body dissatisfaction in women with bulimia nervosa, and whether low self‐esteem and depression mediate these associations independently or in serial.

Method

Participants were 193 women with bulimia nervosa. Participants completed self‐report measures of temperament and character, body dissatisfaction, low self‐esteem, and depression before receiving treatment for their eating disorder.

Results

The temperament dimension, harm avoidance, contributed significantly to body dissatisfaction. Serial mediation analyses showed this association was fully mediated, revealing two significant indirect effects. The first was through low self‐esteem and the second through depression and low self‐esteem in serial.

Conclusions

Findings suggest body dissatisfaction in women with bulimia nervosa may be indirectly targeted through addressing harm avoidance, depression and low self‐esteem.
Intestinal virome in patients with alcohol use disorder and after abstinence
Authors: Hsu Cynthia L. , Zhang Xinlian , Jiang Lu , Lang Sonja , Hartmann Phillipp , Pride David , Fouts Derrick E. , Stärkel Peter , Schnabl Bernd
Published: April 2022

Alcohol use is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and changes in the microbiome associated with alcohol use contribute to patients’ risk for liver disease progression. Less is known about the effects of alcohol use on the intestinal viral microbiome (virome) and interactions between bacteriophages and their target bacteria. We studied changes in the intestinal virome of 62 clinically well‐characterized patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) during active alcohol use and after 2 weeks of alcohol abstinence, by extracting virus‐like particles and performing metagenomic sequencing. We observed decreased abundance of Propionibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc phages in patients with active AUD when compared with controls, whereas after 2 weeks of alcohol abstinence, patients with AUD demonstrated an increase in the abundance of Propionibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc phages. The intestinal virome signature was also significantly different in patients with AUD with progressive liver disease, with increased abundance of phages targeting Enterobacteria and Lactococcus species phages compared with patients with AUD with nonprogressive liver disease. By performing moderation analyses, we found that progressive liver disease is associated with changes in interactions between some bacteriophages and their respective target bacteria. In summary, active alcohol use and alcohol‐associated progressive liver disease are associated with changes in the fecal virome, some of which are partially reversible after a short period of abstinence. Progression of alcohol‐associated liver disease is associated with changes in bacteriophage–bacteria interactions.
HBsAg isoform dynamics during NAP‐based therapy of HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV and HBV/HDV infection
Authors: Bazinet Michel , Anderson Mark , Pântea Victor , Placinta Gheorghe , Moscalu Iurie , Cebotarescu Valentin , Cojuhari Lilia , Jimbei Pavlina , Iarovoi Liviu , Smesnoi Valentina , Musteata Tatina , Jucov Alina , Dittmer Ulf , Gersch Jeff , Holzmayer Vera , Kuhns Mary , Cloherty Gavin , Vaillant Andrew
Published: April 2022

Nucleic acid polymers block the assembly of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subviral particles, effectively preventing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) replenishment in the circulation. Nucleic acid polymer (NAP)–based combination therapy of HBV infection or HBV/hepatitis D virus (HDV) co‐infection is accompanied by HBsAg clearance and seroconversion, HDV‐RNA clearance in co‐infection, and persistent functional cure of HBV (HBsAg < 0.05 IU/ml, HBV‐DNA target not dected, normal alanine aminotransferase) and persistent clearance of HDV RNA. An analysis of HBsAg isoform changes during quantitative HBsAg declines (qHBsAg), and subsequent treatment‐free follow‐up in the REP 301/REP 301‐LTF (HBV/HDV) and REP 401 (HBV) studies was conducted. HBsAg isoforms were analyzed from frozen serum samples using Abbott Research Use Only assays for HBsAg isoforms (large [L], medium [M], and total [T]). The relative change over time in small HBsAg relative to the other isoforms was inferred by the change in the ratio over time of T‐HBsAg to M‐HBsAg. HBsAg isoform declines followed qHBsAg declines in all participants. No HBsAg isoforms were detectable in any participants with functional cure. HBsAg declines > 2 log10 IU/ml from baseline were correlated with selective clearance of S‐HBsAg in 39 of 42 participants. Selective S‐HBsAg decline was absent in 9 of 10 participants with HBsAg decline < 2 log10 IU/ml from baseline. Mild qHBsAg rebound during follow‐up <10 IU/ml consisted mostly of S‐HBsAg and M‐HBsAg and not accompanied by significant covalently closed circular DNA activity. Conclusion: The faster observed declines in S‐HBsAg indicate the selective clearance of subviral particles from the circulation, consistent with previous mechanistic studies on NAPs. Trace HBsAg rebound in the absence of HBV DNA may reflect HBsAg derived from integrated HBV DNA and not rebound of viral infection.
Perspective: Pivotal translational hematology and therapeutic insights in chronic myeloid hematopoietic stem cell malignancies
Authors: Mughal Tariq I. , Pemmaraju Naveen , Bejar Rafael , Gale Robert P. , Bose Prithviraj , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Prchal Josef , Royston Daniel , Pollyea Daniel , Valent Peter , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Skorski Tomasz , Patnaik Mrinal , Santini Valeria , Fenaux Pierre , Kucine Nicole , Verstovsek Srdan , Mesa Ruben , Barbui Tiziano , Saglio Guiseppe , Van Etten Richard A.
Published: April 2022

Despite much of the past 2 years being engulfed by the devastating consequences of the SAR‐CoV‐2 pandemic, significant progress, even breathtaking, occurred in the field of chronic myeloid malignancies. Some of this was show‐cased at the 15th Post‐American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the 25th John Goldman workshops on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) held on 9th‐10th December 2020 and 7th‐10th October 2021, respectively. The inaugural Post‐ASH MPN workshop was set out in 2006 by John Goldman (deceased) and Tariq Mughal to answer emerging translational hematology and therapeutics of patients with these malignancies. Rather than present a resume of the discussions, this perspective focuses on some of the pivotal translational hematology and therapeutic insights in these diseases.
Patient Satisfaction with Quality of Primary Care Health services‐findings from India
Authors: Persai Divya , Balu Ravi Kumar , Singh Kalpana , Prabhu Rajath R. , Lahoti Supriya , Rout Sarit , Panda Rajmohan
Published: April 2022

Background

Patient satisfaction is an essential indicator for measuring the quality of care. This study assessed patients' satisfaction with primary care services across different public health care system levels.

Methods

The study was a cross‐sectional study conducted across three states in India. We adopted a multi‐stage stratified random sampling technique to select the districts(n‐13) and facilities (n‐55). A total of 4650 patients' exit interviews were conducted. Linear regression and analysis of variance was used to test the association. Analyses was performed using Stata software (version 15.0).

Results

Patients visiting the primary facilities were more satisfied within the different domains of quality indicators that is, technical, communication, safety and cleanliness, and cost of services. The highest differences were observed on behaviour of other staff (Reg Coefficient 4.1 ± 0.8) and cleanliness of the ward (Reg Coefficient 4.0 ± 0.9). Significant negative association was observed in patient's satisfaction in the state of Kerala with an increase in age and education level.

Conclusion

Our study suggests higher satisfaction at primary care facilities as compared to secondary and tertiary level facilities in the three states. Development of standardized tool and specific research on patient experience and its relation to the quality of care is needed in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
The channel‐source hypothesis: Empirical evidence forin‐channelsourcing of dissolved organic carbon to explain hysteresis in a headwater mountain stream
Authors: Wondzell Steven M. , Ward Adam S.
Published: April 2022

Catchment hydrologists have long puzzled over the question: How can catchments rapidly generate storm flows and pulses of solutes in response to storm events? Conceptual models viewing catchments as composed of discrete source areas generating flow at unique time scales and with unique chemical characteristics have been used to explain the observed changes in flow and water chemistry. Surprisingly, those conceptual models usually do not treat the stream channel as one of the potential source areas. Here, we propose thechannel‐source hypothesisin which the stream itself should be considered as a potential source with the same rigour as other contributing areas. We pose this in the spirit of the scientific use of the word: a hypothesis is not a proven idea but rather a provisional supposition serving as the basis for further study. We suggest that the channel should be considered as a potential source for dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Channels store substantial amounts of organic matter, and stream ecologists have long studied stream carbon cycling. From those studies, we know that leaching and decomposition can generate DOC from particulate organic carbon (POC). Further, POC is stored in channel ‘dead‐zones’—regions of low flow velocity ‐ that can be activated as flow velocity increases, thus releasing accumulated DOC during storms. All catchments are different; there is no reason to assume that channel sources are always important, in every catchment, in every storm. Thus, the channel‐source hypothesis does not replace existing conceptual models. Instead, it adds another potential mechanism that may explain DOC dynamics observed in streams. The channel‐source hypothesis has substantial implications for catchment studies examining sources of DOC in stream water or using DOC as a tracer to determine the locations of, and proportional contributions of, different source areas for streamflow generation.
C‐reactive protein trajectories and the risk of all cancer types: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhang Qingsong , Song Chunhua , Siyin Sarah Tan , Chen Shuohua , Zhang Qi , Song Mengmeng , Cao Liying , Shi Hanping
Published: April 2022

A single CRP measurement is insufficient to examine the association of long‐term patterns of CRP concentration with cancer risk. We prospectively examined the relationship between CRP trajectory patterns and new‐onset cancers among 52 276 participants. Latent mixture modeling was used to identify CRP trajectories. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between CRP trajectory patterns and the risk of overall and specific‐site cancer. Four CRP trajectories patterns were identified: low‐stable pattern (n = 43 258), moderate‐increasing pattern (n = 2591), increasing‐decreasing pattern (n = 2068) and elevated‐decreasing pattern (n = 4359). Relative to the low‐stable pattern, the moderate‐increasing trajectory pattern was associated with an elevated risk of overall, lung, breast, leukemia, bladder, stomach, colorectal, liver, gallbladder or extrahepatic bile duct cancer and leukemia. Participants in the increasing‐decreasing trajectory pattern were associated with an elevated risk of overall, lung, breast, bladder, pancreatic and liver cancer. The increasing‐decreasing trajectory pattern was also associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer in the multivariate analyses. Elevated‐decreasing trajectory pattern was associated with increased risk of leukemia and decreased risk of esophageal and colorectal cancer. CRP trajectories play an important role in the occurrence of cancers, especially in the lung, breast, bladder, stomach, colorectal, liver, gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct cancer and leukemia.
Fracture risk assessment and evaluation of femoroplasty in metastatic proximal femurs. An in vivo CT‐based finite element study
Authors: Sas Amelie , Tanck Esther , Wafa Hazem , van der Linden Yvette , Sermon An , van Lenthe G. Harry
Published: April 2022

The goal of this study was twofold. First, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a finite element (FE) model to predict bone fracture in cancer patients with proximal femoral bone metastases. Second, we evaluated whether femoroplasty could effectively reduce fracture risk. A total of 89 patients were included, with 101 proximal femurs affected with bone metastases. The accuracy of the model to predict fracture was evaluated by comparing the FE failure load, normalized for body weight, against the actual occurrence of fracture during a 6‐month follow‐up. Using a critical threshold, the model could identify whether femurs underwent fracture with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 66%. A virtual treatment with femoroplasty was simulated in a subset of 34 out of the 101 femurs; only femurs with one or more well‐defined lytic lesions were considered eligible for femoroplasty. We modeled their lesions, as well as the surrounding 4 mm of trabecular bone, to be augmented with bone cement. The simulation of femoroplasty increased the median failure load of the FE model by 57% for lesions located in the head/neck of the femur. At this lesion location, all high risk femurs that had fractured during follow‐up effectively moved from a failure load below the critical threshold to a value above. For lesions located in the trochanteric region, no definite improvement in failure load was found. Although additional validation studies are required, our results suggest that femoroplasty can effectively reduce fracture risk for several osteolytic lesions in the femoral head/neck.
Dose effect of high‐docosahexaenoic acid tuna oil on dysbiosis in high‐fat diet mice
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yi Congmin , Han Jiaojiao , Ming Tinghong , Zhou Jun , Lu Chenyang , Li Ye , Wang Zhonghua , Su Xiurong
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The health benefits of tuna oil, which is different from the fish oil commonly studied, and its higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content, have attracted much scientific attention in recent years. In this study, prepared tuna oil with higher DHA (HDTO) content was employed. It was the first to integrate microbiome and metabolome from a dose‐effect perspective to investigate the influence of HDTO on gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorders in diet‐induced obese mice.

RESULTS

Higher DHA tuna oil was effective in reversing high‐fat‐diet‐induced metabolic disorders and altering the composition and function of gut microbiota, but these effects were not uniformly dose dependent. The flora and metabolites that were targeted to be regulated by HDTO supplementation were Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Olsenella, glycine, l‐aspartate, l‐serine, l‐valine, l‐isoleucine, l‐threonine, l‐tyrosine, glyceric acid, glycerol, butanedioic acid, and citrate, respectively. Functional pathway analysis revealed that alterations in these metabolic biomarkers were associated with six main metabolic pathways: glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; glycerolipid metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis, and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle).

CONCLUSION

Various doses of HDTO could attenuate endogenous disorders to varying degrees by regulating multiple perturbed pathways to the normal state. This explicit dose research for novel fish oil with high‐DHA will provide a valuable reference for those seeking to exploit its clinical therapeutic potential. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of characteristic evaluation indexes for novel cookies prepared with wax oleogels
Authors: Li Shiyi , Zhu ling , Li Xiaojing , Wu Gangcheng , Liu Tongtong , Qi Xiguang , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Wax‐based oleogels showed better performance as a substitute for shortening in cookies, but the relationship between the structure and physical properties of wax oleogels and cookies quality has not been elucidated, which limit its further application. In this regard, the effect of structure and physical properties of wax oleogels on the quality of cookies was investigated, and the characteristic indexes for evaluating the quality of novel cookies prepared with wax oleogels were determined.

RESULTS

The results showed that oleogels with 5–9% proportion of rice bran wax (RBX) and candelilla wax (CDW) produced soft cookies with porous structure, desired spread and color. Compared with shortening, wax oleogels with lower solid fat content (SFC, 4.5–11%, 25 °C) and higher β′ crystals (2795.7–11 671.3) produced cookies with similar hardness to that of shortening. Besides, the hardness of wax oleogel‐based cookies depends more on the amount of crystals than crystal size. In the results, SFC, β′ crystals, viscosity and elastic modulus (G′) were determined to be the characteristic evaluation indexes for the quality of cookies prepared with wax oleogels. Cookies with wax oleogels with higher SFC, β′ crystal, viscosity and G′ are softer.

CONCLUSION

The quality of novel cookies prepared with wax oleogels can be controlled by the SFC and β′ crystal of wax oleogels. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry
Digital technologies to assess yoghurt quality traits and consumers acceptability
Authors: Gupta Mitali K , Viejo Claudia Gonzalez , Fuentes Sigfredo , Torrico Damir D , Saturno Patrizia Camille , Gras Sally L , Dunshea Frank R , Cottrell Jeremy J
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Sensory biometrics provide advantages for consumer tasting by quantifying physiological changes and the emotional response from participants, removing variability associated with self‐reported responses. The present study aimed to measure consumers' emotional and physiological responses towards different commercial yoghurts, including dairy and plant‐based yoghurts. The physiochemical properties of these products were also measured and linked with consumer responses.

RESULTS

Six samples (Control, Coconut, Soy, Berry, Cookies and Drinkable) were evaluated for overall liking by n = 62 consumers using a nine‐point hedonic scale. Videos from participants were recorded using the Bio‐Sensory application during tasting to assess emotions and heart rate. Physicochemical parameters Brix, pH, density, color (L, a and b), firmness and near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were also measured. Principal component analysis and a correlation matrix were used to assess relationships between the measured parameters. Heart rate was positively related to firmness, yaw head movement and overall liking, which were further associated with the Cookies sample. Two machine learning regression models were developed using (i) NIR absorbance values as inputs to predict the physicochemical parameters (Model 1) and (ii) the outputs from Model 1 as inputs to predict consumers overall liking (Model 2). Both models presented very high accuracy (Model 1: R = 0.98; Model 2: R = 0.99).

CONCLUSION

The presented methods were shown to be highly accurate and reliable with respect to their potential use by the industry to assess yoghurt quality traits and acceptability. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.