bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of the public on the consumption of unregistered health products in Malaysia
Authors: Ong Siew Chin , Vasan Thakumar Annushiah , Ooi Guat See , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Ahmad Hassali Mohamed Azmi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveUnregistered medications which are lacking regulation in terms of safety, efficacy and quality may cause unpredictable adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in consumers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the public knowledge, attitude and practice of consuming and purchasing unregistered health products in Malaysia.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving members of the Malaysian public was carried out using the convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. Associations between knowledge items/scores and other items were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlations and Cramer’s V. Regression analyses were carried out to determine whether the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents influenced knowledge and practice relating to unregistered medications.Key findingsA total of 649 respondents completed the questionnaire with the majority being female (66.1%), unmarried (66.5%), Malay (52.5%) and possessing a bachelor’s degree (53.5%). The knowledge of the public surveyed regarding unregistered (unlicensed) medications was lacking, especially in being able to identify a registered health product in Malaysia and formally complaining if necessary. The respondents agreed that currently, there are insufficient laws and educational programmes to tackle the issue. The respondents exhibited good practice habits by purchasing their medications from healthcare professionals. Mean knowledge score was positively correlated to practice scores at rs = 0.423 (P-value &lt; 0.001). Ethnicity and education level were significant predictors of knowledge scores, while ethnicity, age and income group influenced practice-related items.ConclusionWhile respondents generally had good medication purchasing practices, their knowledge about and attitude to unregistered medications indicated the need for more educational awareness of the issues.
A multivariate Poisson model based on comonotonic shocks
Authors: Schulz Juliana , Genest Christian , Mesfioui Mhamed 
Published: October 2020

SummaryMultivariate count data arise naturally in practice. In analysing such data, it is critical to define a model that can accurately capture the underlying dependence structure between the counts. To this end, this paper develops a multivariate model wherein correlated Poisson margins are generated by a comonotonic shock vector. The proposed model allows for greater flexibility in the dependence structure than that of the classical construction, which relies on the convolution of vectors of common Poisson shock variables. Several probabilistic properties of the multivariate comonotonic shock Poisson model are established, and various estimation strategies are discussed in detail. The model is further studied through simulations, and its utility is highlighted using a real data application.
Burden of influenza during the first year of life
Authors: Mattila Janna‐Maija , Thomas Emilia , Lehtinen Pasi , Vuorinen Tytti , Waris Matti , Heikkinen Terho 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEvery year, influenza viruses infect millions of children and cause an enormous burden of disease. Young children are at the highest risk for influenza‐attributable hospitalizations. Nevertheless, most young children are treated as outpatients, and limited data are available on the burden of influenza in these children.MethodsWe carried out a prospective cohort study and followed 431 infants born in June‐August 2017 for 10 months from September 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018. The parents filled out daily symptom diaries and were instructed to bring their child for clinical examination at our study clinic each time the child had fever or any signs or symptoms of respiratory tract infection. During each visit, we obtained nasopharyngeal swab specimens for determination of the viral etiology of the illness.ResultsA total of 55 episodes of laboratory‐confirmed influenza were diagnosed among the 408 actively participating children, which corresponds to an annual incidence rate of 135/1000 children (95% Cl, 102‐175). Excluding five children with double viral infection, acute otitis media developed as a complication of influenza in 23 (46%) children. One (2%) child with influenza was hospitalized because of febrile convulsion. The effectiveness of influenza vaccination was 48% (95% CI, −29%‐80%).ConclusionsThe burden of influenza during the first year of life is heavy in the outpatient setting where most infants with influenza are managed. Effective strategies for the prevention of influenza particularly in infants under 6 months of age are needed to diminish the burden of disease in this age group.
Role of grain constraint on the martensitic transformation in ceria‐doped zirconia
Authors: Pang Edward L. , Olson Gregory B. , Schuh Christopher A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractZirconia polycrystals have historically suffered from catastrophic cracking during the tetragonal‐monoclinic martensitic transformation. Recently, transformation‐induced cracking has been avoided by doping to achieve crystallographic compatibility between the transforming phases. However, these materials showed depressed transformation temperatures and incomplete transformation, the causes for which are yet unknown. In this work, we probe these phenomena by performing a comparative study of sintered pellets and powders. We characterize the thermally induced transformation in a series of ZrO2‐CeO2 compositions by in situ diffraction and calorimetry and develop a thermodynamic model of the system. In compositions exhibiting reduced cracking, we find that transformation temperatures are depressed in pellets but not in powders. Correspondingly, we measure significant compressive strains in pellets consistent with thermodynamically expected transformation temperature depression, demonstrating the influence of grain constraint and the resultant pressure build‐up. However, we find that both pellets and powders exhibit incomplete transformation. In pellets, this is attributed to early exhaustion of autocatalysis caused by grain constraint, whereas in powders, this is attributed to insufficient driving force for distributed heterogeneous nucleation.
A sandwich structure assisted by defect engineering for higher thermoelectric performance in ZnO‐based films
Authors: Zhou Zhifang , Xu Yushuai , Zou Mingchu , Liu Chan , Lan Jinle , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Nan Cewen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGallium (Ga) doping together with low dimensionality has been a promising approach to improve thermoelectric performance of zinc oxide (ZnO) materials, due to the increase of carrier concentration and suppression of phonon transport. So far, the highest power factor of Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO) thin films has reached 280 μW m−1 K−2, which is still limited for practical applications. In this work, we have simultaneously optimized the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of GZO thin films using the combination of oxygen defects and sandwich structure (GZO‐ZnO‐GZO). Benefiting from energy filtering effect at the interface between GZO and ZnO layers and high oxygen vacancy concentration, the density of states (DOS) effective mass has been increased together with a relatively high carrier concentration. As a result, an improved power factor value of 434 μW m−1 K−2 at 623 K has been achieved, which is comparable to the best values reported for ZnO‐based films. This method of combining defect engineering and sandwich structure design shows great potential in enhancing the thermoelectric performance of ZnO‐based thin films or other oxide materials.
Improving energy density of crystalline–amorphous multilayer films deposited on Ti foils by structural modulation
Authors: Liu Hui , Yao Manwen , Yao Xi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDielectric capacitors are one of the most important energy‐storage components specifically used for various high‐power pulse applications. However, the low energy‐storage density (Ue) of dielectrics used today limits their application. In this study, crystalline–amorphous multilayer films of crystalline Sr0.85Bi0.1TiO3 (SBT)/amorphous SBT/amorphous Al2O3 (Sc–(8−n)Sa–nAa) were fabricated on flexible Ti foils using the sol–gel method. An enhancement in energy density was achieved by adjusting the thicknesses of the amorphous SBT and Al2O3 (AO) layers. The crystalline SBT layer contributes to an increase in the dielectric constant and the amorphous AO layer to an increase in the breakdown strength. Moreover, the AO layers that are inserted are capable of suppressing the leakage current by eliminating the space charge limited conductance mechanism and thereby effectively decreasing the probability of breakdown of the SBT layers. A lower leakage current and higher breakdown strength can be further achieved using an Al electrode instead of the Au electrode. A large energy density of 27.2 J cm−3 can be realized via the crystalline–amorphous multilayer films with the Al electrode, which represents an enhancement of ~234% over that of the amorphous SBT film (8.14 J cm−3). In addition to the high energy‐storage enhancement, this study also presents a promising method that can be used to fabricate flexible multilayer films for lightweight and high energy density applications and for devices used to service high‐temperature conditions.
Measurement tools used to assess unfinished nursing care: A systematic review of psychometric properties
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Navone Elena , Danielis Matteo , Vryonides Stavros , Sermeus Walter , Papastavrou Evridiki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDifferent tools have been developed and validated to measure unfinished nursing care. However, no systematic review of the psychometric properties has been performed describing the quality of the methods used to estimate their validity.Aims(a) To identify tools measuring unfinished nursing care that have undergone validation processes; (b) to evaluate critically the quality of the methods used in ascertaining their psychometric properties; and (c) to compare the estimated psychometric properties of these tools.DesignA systematic review of the psychometric properties also evaluating their methodological quality was performed by following the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guideline for systematic reviews.Data sourcesThe databases Medline, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Google and Google Scholar were searched up to 30 June 2018.Review methodsData extraction was performed following the predetermined eligibility criteria. Eight properties and their methodological quality were assessed using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments criteria.ResultsA total of 20 studies reported validation data regarding three family of tools: the Missed Care Survey (MISSCARE), the Basal Extent of Rationing of Nursing Care (BERNCA) and the Task Undone scale (TU‐7). The most estimated psychometric properties across studies were internal consistency, followed by structural validity, content validity, and cross‐cultural validity. The less evaluated psychometric properties were reliability, hypothesis testing and convergent and criterion validity.ConclusionThe psychometric properties of the investigated tools showed a more than acceptable quality, as did the methodologies used to estimate these properties.ImpactThe MISSCARE survey is the most widely used tool validated across countries to date. Evaluating the concurrent reliability of the tools available is strongly recommended to assess their effectiveness in measuring the same phenomenon.
The phylogenetic diversity and structure of the seasonally dry forests in the Neotropics
Authors: Arango Axel , Villalobos Fabricio , Prieto‐Torres David A. , Guevara Roger 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimExceptions to the quasi‐ubiquitous latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) have been poorly studied. A reverse LDG, when species richness (SR) increases away from the Equator, has been suggested for several taxa and entire biomes. The Neotropical seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) are a well‐known example of a reverse LDG that could be caused by the climatic stability of Pleistocene Refugia and dispersion from distinct source areas. Here, we test these predictions under a spatial and phylogenetic framework.LocationNeotropics.TaxonWoody plants.MethodsWe used a recent species‐level seed plant phylogeny and the DRYFLOR dataset to evaluate the geographic patterns of phylogenetic diversity (PD) and structure of woody plant assemblages associated with the Neotropical SDTFs. We conducted spatial regressions to test the effect of climatic instability since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) on assemblages’ residual PD (controlling for SR) and null model analysis to evaluate their phylogenetic structure using the Net Relatedness Index.ResultsPhylogenetic diversity of the Neotropical SDTFs increased away from the Equator, likely driven by SR. This pattern was not related to climatic instability since the LGM. Phylogenetic structure of SDTF assemblages showed considerable spatial patterning, with significant phylogenetic clustering in the Mesoamerica and Caatinga regions.Main conclusionThe reverse latitudinal SR gradient of the Neotropical SDTF assemblages is mirrored by their PD. Phylogenetic history seems to have influenced such patterns differently across the Neotropics with no relationship to climatic stability since the LGM, where particular SDTF nuclei previously suggested as Pleistocene refugia served as cradles and source areas for the current diversity pattern of the biome.
Characterization of the prognostic and oncologic values of ITGB superfamily members in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhuang Hongkai , Zhou Zixuan , Ma Zuyi , Li Zhenchong , Liu Chunsheng , Huang Shanzhou , Zhang Chuanzhao , Hou Baohua 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntegrin β (ITGB) superfamily members have been reported to play important roles in multiple biological functions in various cancers. However, the prognostic and oncologic values of ITGB superfamily members have not been systematically investigated in pancreatic cancer (PC). In this study, the mRNA expression and biological functions of ITGB superfamily members in PC were evaluated by bioinformatic analysis. Our results demonstrated that ITGB1, ITGB4, ITGB5 and ITGB6 overexpressions were significantly associated with advanced AJCC stage and histologic grade, and worse prognosis in PC. A prognostic signature based on ITGB1, ITGB4, ITGB5 and ITGB6 showed a reliable predictive performance. Furthermore, one CpGs (cg20545410) in promoter region of ITGB1, four (cg18709893, cg15700850, cg20667796 and cg18326022) of ITGB4, two (cg10977398 and cg03518058) of ITGB5 and one (cg23008083) of ITGB6 were negatively associated with their corresponding mRNA expression, and positively associated with prognosis in PC. We also identified TFAP2A as the potential transcription factor for ITGB4, SP1 for ITGB1 and ITGB6, and FHL2 for ITGB5 and ITGB6. ITGB1, ITGB4, ITGB5 and ITGB6 overexpressions were all significantly involved in focal adhesion signalling pathway. ITGB1 and ITGB5 overexpressions also associated with up‐regulation of TGF‐β and WNT signalling pathway, whereas ITGB4 and ITGB6 overexpressions associated with up‐regulation of Notch signalling pathway. Besides, ITGB1, ITGB5 and ITGB6 overexpressions significantly correlated with immunosuppression in PC. In summary, our study investigated the multilevel prognostic and biological values of ITGB superfamily members in PC.
When does parasitism maintain sex in the absence of Red Queen Dynamics?
Authors: Ashby Ben 
Published: October 2020

AbstractParasites can select for sexual reproduction in host populations, preventing replacement by faster‐growing asexual genotypes. This is usually attributed to so‐called 'Red Queen dynamics' (RQD), where antagonistic coevolution causes fluctuating selection in allele frequencies, which provides sex with an advantage over asex. However, parasitism may also maintain sex in the absence of RQD when sexual populations are more genetically diverse—and hence more resistant, on average—than clonal populations, allowing sex and asex to coexist at a stable equilibrium. Although the maintenance of sex due to RQD has been studied extensively, the conditions that allow sex and asex to stably coexist have yet to be explored in detail. In particular, we lack an understanding of how host demography and parasite epidemiology affect the maintenance of sex in the absence of RQD. Here, I use an eco‐evolutionary model to show that both population density and the type and strength of virulence are important for maintaining sex, which can be understood in terms of their effects on disease prevalence and severity. In addition, I show that even in the absence of heterozygote advantage, asexual heterozygosity affects coexistence with sex due to variation in niche overlap. These results reveal which host and parasite characteristics are most important for the maintenance of sex in the absence of RQD, and provide empirically testable predictions for how demography and epidemiology mediate competition between sex and asex.
Vivid techniques of pretreatment showing promising results in biofuel production and food processing
Authors: Prakesh Anand , Dave Vivek , Sur Srija , Sharma Prashansa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDifferent pretreatment techniques help to overcome many barriers in achieving desirable bioproducts at low cost as well as at lower energy requirement. This review predominantly aims to summarize all the pretreatment methods for the production of biofuel from biomass. The massive use of fossil fuel led to several huge problems Predominantly, Bioenergy has attained great importance due to rapid depletion in fossil fuel because biofuels are considered to be one of the promising alternatives of nonrenewable sources. The main objective of pretreatment methods is enhancement of sugar production by hydrolyzing the biomass and help in achieving maximum yield. Pretreatment is a significant tool for the conversion of cellulose as well as it is also very important to change the structure of cellulosic biomass. All the major pretreatment techniques are broadly classified into physical, chemical, physicochemical and biological methodologies which includes techniques like Mechanical Comminution, Acid hydrolysis, steam explosion, microwave pretreatment etc. The motive of these pretreatments is to make cellulose more available to the enzymes that assist in the conversion of carbohydrate polymers into fermentable sugars. Biological pretreatments have been analyzed to have immense advantages over physical and chemical pretreatments. Presently, Biomass almost produce about more than 13% of the world's energy. There are many high‐throughput testing ideas and processing technologies which can add up additional values for a better biomass processing in future. Thus, a systemic and computational approach can combine multistage formulation with multistage problem solving so that novel technology can be encouraged for the biorefinery production. This review has done extensive literature study of the various pretreatment technologies which will assist us to produce bioethanols and other biofuels that can be helpful in reducing the adverse effect on the environment.Practical ApplicationsPredominantly, Bioenergy has attained great importance due to rapid depletion in fossil fuel because biofuels are considered to be one of the promising alternatives of nonrenewable sources. Biofuel Production and Food Processing of various pretreatment technologies produce environmentally friendly methods. All methods of pretreatment help to overcome many barriers and achieving desirable products at low cost as well as lower energy requirement with efficient yield. This article assists us to produce bioethanols and other biofuels that can be helpful in reducing the adverse effect on the environment and on the diminishing amount of fossil fuel.
A unique snake venom neuritogenesis mechanism: A cornerstone in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases?
Authors: Hernández‐Kelly Luisa C. , Ortega Arturo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases are a worldwide health problem and are a major cause of death and disability. A progressive loss of defined neuronal populations is triggered by a diverse array of stimuli that converge in deficient neurotrophic signaling. Therefore, much effort has been placed in recent years in the characterization of the molecular mechanisms associated with the structure and function of neurotrophins, its receptors, signaling strategies, and their target genes. This Editorial highlights an impressive study by the group of Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, a renowned specialist in snake venoms, in which a component of the Indian Cobra N.naja venom with no significant similarity to nerve growth factor, is shown to induce sustained neuritogenesis. An elegant transcriptomic and functional analysis of this component, named Nn‐α‐elapitoxin, mapped novel domains in mammalian neurotrophic receptors that trigger both conventional and novel signal cascades that support neurite extension in the PC‐12 neuronal model system. The authors discuss their findings in the context of the paradoxical neurite outgrowth properties of this toxin which originate in their unique receptor binding site. This study takes an important step towards a better understanding of the complexity of neuronal development and maintenance of the nervous system and provides a potential target to improve neurotrophic signaling, independent of endogenous growth factors, in the diseased brain.
image
Clinical value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for the differential diagnosis of specific subtypes of uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Li Zemin , Zhang Peili , Shen Huiming , Ding Bo , Wang Haili , Li Jia , Shen Yang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis by analyzing different contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imagines of specific subtypes of uterine leiomyomas.MethodsA total of 147 female patients received preoperative CEUS examination. The scanning plane of the biggest tumors for CEUS was found by common B‐mode ultrasonographic scanning on pelvic cavity, then 1.5 mL SonoVue were injected into the median cubital vein. According to the CEUS images, the lesion enhanced time, enhanced level and enhanced morphology were recorded. The time‐intensity curve was acquired and analyzed, meanwhile, the relevant parameters were calculated, including rise time (RT), peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP) and mean transit time (MTT).ResultsIn cellular uterine leiomyoma group, the percentage of high enhancement, early enhancement was higher, equal enhancement and synchronic enhancement were lower than those in the common uterine leiomyomas group. In hysteromyoma with hyaline degeneration group, the percentage of high enhancement, early enhancement was lower, while low enhancement and delayed enhancement were higher than those in the common uterine leiomyomas group. The ratio of PI in cellular uterine leiomyoma group was the highest, but the ratios of RT, TTP and MTT were the lowest of the three benign groups. The ratio of PI in hysteromyoma with hyaline degeneration group was the lowest, while the ratios of RT and TTP was the highest among the three benign groups.ConclusionDifferent pathological types of uterine leiomyomas have their own signal performance on CEUS. CEUS can be used to infer their pathological types and help differential diagnosis.