bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life amongst Iranian patients with beta thalassemia major: a grounded theory
Authors: Arian Mahdieh , Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Badiee Zahra , Soleimani Mohsen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting measures can impact daily life and healthcare management amongst patients with beta thalassemia major.

Methods:
The Corbin and Strauss method of grounded theory was used to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst Iranian patients with beta thalassemia major. Semi-structured interviews with 16 patients with thalassemia major in the eastern of Iran were performed. Data collection was conducted from 19 September through 18 November 2020. Collected data were recorded, transcribed, and coded to develop themes and subthemes. Paradigm components were sought to find out what happened to these patients and explore the process and events.

Results:
Insights from these interviews led to five major themes: ‘changing physical health’, ‘emotional and psychological reactions’, ‘changing the nature of relationships and the scope of social support’, ‘metamorphosis of ongoing healthcare, and ‘functionality and adaptation to new realities.’ The emerging core concept was labelled: ‘maintaining well-being balance.’ The COVID-19 pandemic disturbed the balance of life and health of the patients. Multiple strategies to maintain balance and reduce the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HRQoL were used by the patients, the healthcare team, and support systems.

Conclusions:
Due to the fear of COVID-19, the patients with beta thalassemia were less likely to contact healthcare professionals. They considered postponing blood transfusion and abandoned evaluating disease complications. Reduced access to the healthcare system and shifting resources from existing programmes to COVID-19 by the healthcare system were incompatible policies. These policies and strategies had strong and negative effects on the physical domain of HRQoL. The patients experienced a deterioration of emotional functioning. They reported a strong reduction in social functioning and felt lonely. Online interventions supporting mental health and social interactions and telemedicine can help during the times of social distancing and lockdowns.
Revisiting the four core functions (4Cs) of primary care: operational definitions and complexities
Authors: Jimenez Geronimo , Matchar David , Koh Gerald Choon Huat , Tyagi Shilpa , van der Kleij Rianne M. J. J. , Chavannes Niels H. , Car Josip 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground:The four primary care (PC) core functions (the ‘4Cs’, ie, first contact, comprehensiveness, coordination and continuity) are essential for good quality primary healthcare and their achievement leads to lower costs, less inequality and better population health. However, their broad definitions have led to variations in their assessment, in the innovations implemented to improve these functions and ultimately in their performance.Objectives:To update and operationalise the 4Cs’ definitions by using a literature review and analysis of enhancement strategies, and to identify innovations that may lead to their enhancement.Methods:Narrative, descriptive analysis of the 4Cs definitions, coming from PC international reports and organisations, to identify measurable features for each of these functions. Additionally, we performed an electronic search and analysis of enhancement strategies to improve these four Cs, to explore how the 4Cs inter-relate.Results:Specific operational elements for first contact include modality of contact, and conditions for which PC should be approached; for comprehensiveness, scope of services and spectrum of population needs; for coordination, links between PC and higher levels of care and social/community-based services, and workforce managing transitions and for continuity, type, level and context of continuity. Several innovations like enrolment, digital health technologies and new or enhanced PC provider’s roles, simultaneously influenced two or more of the 4Cs.Conclusion:Providing clear, well-defined operational elements for these 4Cs to measure their achievement and improve the way they function, and identifying the complex network of interactions among them, should contribute to the field in a way that supports efforts at practice innovation to optimise the processes and outcomes in PC.
Moderate-intensity exercise alleviates pyroptosis by promoting autophagy in osteoarthritis via the P2X7/AMPK/mTOR axis
Authors: Li Zihao , Huang Ziyu , Zhang He , Lu Jinghan , Tian Yicheng , Piao Shang , Lin Zhiming , Bai Lunhao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInstability and excessive use of the knee joint can cause osteoarthritis (OA). Reasonable exercise can enhance the stability of the knee joint and prevent and relieve the occurrence and development of OA. As a key switch for inflammation, P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7) has attracted much attention in studies of OA. Exercise can regulate P2X7 expression and activation. However, the role of P2X7 in exercise-based prevention and treatment of OA is unknown. We previously showed that moderate-intensity exercise can significantly alleviate OA symptoms. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the effects of exercise on P2X7 expression and activation in chondrocytes. Micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin, and eosin staining, Toluidine Blue O staining, immunohistochemistry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling experiments showed that P2X7 expression was lower in the moderate-intensity exercise group than in the inflammation and low- and high-intensity exercise groups. Additionally, chondrocyte death, cartilage destruction, and the degree and severity of pyroptosis were significantly reduced, whereas autophagy levels were significantly increased in the moderate-intensity exercise group. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, lactate dehydrogenase release, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell fluorescence, western blot, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and transmission electron microscopy experiments showed that moderate activation of P2X7 promoted autophagy through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and promoted autolysosome targeting for degradation of the inflammasome component NLRP3, thereby inhibiting pyroptosis. Additionally, the use of AMPK and mTOR activators and inhibitors indicated that the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, as the downstream of P2X7, played a key role in delaying the occurrence and development of OA. We propose that moderate-intensity exercise promoted chondrocyte autophagy through the P2X7/AMPK/mTOR signal axis to alleviate pyroptosis. Our findings provide novel insights into the positive and preventative effects of exercise on OA.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County Obstetric Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study during the First Pandemic Surge
Authors: Gonik Charles O. , Alonso Alina M. , Gonik Bernard 
Published: November 2021

Objective Estimating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence is an important part of the public health approach to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) understanding and containment. This is particularly relevant to an obstetric population because of implications in the management of the pregnant host, care of the newborn, and disease progression within the community.
Study Design A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was performed in four Department of Health Palm Beach County clinics from June 29, 2020, to August 5, 2020. Samples were collected from asymptomatic antepartum and postpartum participants. A web-based surveillance system was used to identify subsequent antibody or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing encounters.
Results A total of 163 of 618 subjects were seropositive (26.4%). Racial makeup was white 2.5%, black 19.0%, and Hispanic 78.5%. Positive serology was seen in 16.0, 35.6, and 30.1% of first, second, and third trimesters, respectively; 18.4% were positive postpartum. Only four patients voluntarily reported PCR positivity prior to antibody testing. Six home zip codes accounted for the majority (68.1%) of positive results. Thirty-two patients had repeat serology (65.6% positive and 34.4% negative). Of the 163 subjects, 65 underwent later PCR testing with 92% negative for SAR-CoV-2.
Conclusion Almost one in four subjects had serologic evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. These very high seroprevalence rates have not been previously reported and highlight the concern for health disparities in the United States. Most were asymptomatic and without a history for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. There was a loss of seropositivity in a significant number of subjects, raising concern for risk of reinfection, inadequate transplacental antibody transfer, and subsequent limited passive protection to the newborn. These seroprevalence data will also allow for better newborn follow-up of unanticipated consequences of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy.
Key Points
Advanced mass spectrometry-based foodomics and imaging
Authors: Peršurić Željka , Maslov Dina Rešetar 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The food analysis has rapidly transcended traditional boundaries and become a multidisciplinary food and nutrition science. Technological advances, particularly in analytical instrumentation, bioinformatics, and sample preparation, enabled development of objective, fast, multiplexed, and deep molecular screenings also for complex samples, such as raw materials and food products. The comprehensive and precise molecular profiles and fingerprints as well as unique molecular markers are determined, both qualitatively and quantitatively, for a broad range of food products with specific sensory properties. Novel analytical platforms and instruments are implemented, methods optimized, and protocols developed for a large number of applications, for instance in food microbiology, toxicology, authentication, food quality control. Modern food analysis technologies enable novel insight and provide good foundations for precise determination of geographical origin, genetically modified food, and differentiation between organic and conventional food. The study of effects of food and nutrition on human health and well-being was facilitated. All enumerated may assist in providing enough safe and quality food to the growing human population, and is possible due to application of foodomics technologies, particularly, genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, in food analysis. This review is a comprehensive summary on developments in the fields of food analysis and foodomics from 2014 to 2020 with the emphasis on mass spectrometry (MS)-based analytical platforms and their usage in analysis of food contaminants, proteins, and small molecules. Other foodomics techniques are mentioned in brief.  A separate paragraph is dedicated to MS-based imaging technologies in food analysis and foodomics imaging methods, a new emerging technology.
3D printing of dual cross-linked hydrogel for fingerprint-like iontronic pressure sensor
Authors: Yan Honghao , Zhou Jun , Wang Chengyun , Gong Huaqiang , Liu Wu , Cen Weihong , Yuan Guixin , Long Yu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Hydrogels with intrinsic high stretchability and flexibility are extremely attractive for soft electronics. However, the existing complicated and laborious methods (such as mold curing) to fabricate microstructured hydrogel (MH) still limit the development of hydrogel-based sensors for flexible devices. Herein, we use digital light processing 3D printing technology to rapidly construct double-network (DN) ionic conductive hydrogel, and then design and print fingerprint-like MH film to manufacture an iontronic pressure sensor. In particular, the DN hydrogel consists of acrylamide/acrylic acid to form a covalently cross-linked network, and magnesium chloride is introduced to form an ionic cross-linked physical network in the hydrogel. The printability (with resolution 150 μm) and mechanical property tunability of DN hydrogel enable the convenient fabrication of sensors. With the biomimetic fingerprint MH film, the iontronic pressure sensor not only has a high sensitivity (0.06 kPa−1), but also has a large detection range (26 Pa–70 kPa) and good stability (200 cycles of pressure loading). We demonstrated that our sensor can be applied to realize tactile sensing in a prosthetic application and detect human motion. With the easy strategy of constructing DN hydrogel with microstructures by 3D printing technology, hydrogel-based sensors are anticipated to be employed in more smart electronics.
Enhanced synchronization due to intermittent noise
Authors: Shajan Emilda , Asir M Paul , Dixit Shiva , Kurths Jürgen , Shrimali Manish Dev 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We propose a novel scheme to regulate noise infusion into the chaotic trajectories of uncoupled complex systems to achieve complete synchronization. So far the noise-induced synchronization utilize the uncontrolled noise that can be applied in the entire state space. Here, we consider the controlled (intermittent) noise which is infused in the restricted state space to realize enhanced synchronization. We find that the intermittent noise, which is applied only to a fraction of the state space, restricts the trajectories to evolve within the contraction region for a longer period of time. The basin stability of the synchronized states (SS) is found to be significantly enhanced compared to uncontrolled noise. Additionally, we uncover that the SS prevail for an extended range of noise intensity. We elucidate the results numerically in the Lorenz chaotic system, the Pikovski–Rabinovich circuit model and the Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model.
Research on weak signal readout systems for neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments based on bolometers
Authors: Ding D.L. , Liu Y.Y. , Jiang J.Y. , Zeng M. , Wang L. , Cheng J.P. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper develops a prototype signal readout system based on the physical mechanism and signal-to-noise ratio of the ultralow voltage signal characteristics of a bolometer. The preamplifier module is one of the key difficulties of the prototype: the internal resistance is as high as one hundred MΩ, the signal frequency band is susceptible to low-frequency noise, and the high energy resolution requires a high signal-to-noise ratio that is matching the input impedance to design a preamplifier with a good common-mode rejection ratio and low inherent noise. Therefore, the preamplifier circuit is designed with an instrument amplifier. At present, the energy resolution of the bolometer is 500 ~ 1000 nV (root mean square, rms) at the input of the signal readout system. According to the calculation, the theoretical value of the inherent noise at the input end is 394 nVrms, including a theoretical value for the equivalent input voltage noise of 166 nVrms, while the actual measurement value is less than 180 nVrms, which is basically consistent with the theoretical value. In addition, the signal gain (10,000) and frequency response of the prototype are experimentally verified. The experimental results show that the gain is 9400, and the frequency and waveform are not distorted within the allowable error range; all of these parameters meet the design requirement.
Substitution impacts of wood use at the market level: a systematic review
Authors: Hurmekoski Elias , Smyth Carolyn E , Stern Tobias , Verkerk Pieter Johannes , Asada Raphael 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
There is strong evidence that wood-based products are typically associated with lower fossil-based emissions over their lifecycle than functionally equivalent products made from other materials. However, the potential impact of large-scale material substitution at the market level remains challenging to quantify and is subject to assumptions and system boundary considerations. This paper presents a systematic review covering 44 peer-reviewed studies that quantify the substitution impacts of wood use at the level of a region or sector, to assess the commonalities and differences in scopes, system boundaries and key assumptions. We estimated the average and range of market-level substitution impacts and identify the caveats and knowledge gaps for such assessments. The results indicate an average substitution factor of 0.55 tonnes of fossil C avoided per tonne of C contained in wood harvested, with a range of 0.27–1.16 tC/tC for baseline scenarios covering all wood flows. This value depicts the average efficiency of avoided fossil emissions per unit of wood used for a certain wood use structure based on published studies but is of limited practical use as it is strictly context specific. A direct comparison between studies is complicated because a notable proportion of the studies provided insufficient information to estimate substitution factors or were not transparent in their assumptions, such as specifying which wood product is assumed to substitute for which non-wood product. A growing number of studies focus on policy-relevant analyses of the climate change mitigation potential associated with marginal changes in wood use, but market dynamics are generally considered to a limited extent. To further support decision-making, future studies could focus on changes in those end uses where increased substitution impacts could realistically be expected, while considering the various market dynamics and uncertainties.
Enhanced fluorescence signal using stray light shutter in a quantitative PCR chip
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Yi , Chao Liang-Chieh , Chou Chun-Han , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Huang Kuo-Cheng , Hsieh Min-Chi , Liao Yen-Ting , Wang Pei-Wen , Shieh Dar-Bin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the most important quantitative sensing technique for pathogens, especially for emerging pandemics such as the coronavirus outbreak this year. The qPCR chip and device were investigated to meet the unmet needs of ultrafast inspection time, high accuracy, and small system volume. Therein, the fluorescence intensity was the most important signal in qPCR quantification of DNA amplifications, which is essential not only in the confirmative diagnosis of positive or negative infection, but also in the assessment of viral load for therapeutic and quarantine decision making. As the target DNAs got amplified, the interaction of fluorescence dye and double strand DNA will generate fluorescence signal proportional to amplified DNA in the intensity when excited by certain wavelength. A miniature spectro-detector was employed to receive the fluorescence scattering for digital output of the intensity in the qPCR chip in this study, and the optical simulation and actual experimental design and results according to the optical simulation results were performed to study the effect of the stray light shutter (SLS) in the improvement of the signal in fluorescence detection. The analysis results showed that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the fluorescence can be enhanced significantly for five times of the control using the SLS with a shape of extended component aperture, where the protruding structure was positioned away from the center. The experimental results showed that fluorescence intensity can be enhanced by 15.50% and 9.86% when adding the above shape of SLS in resin- and in glass-based chip, respectively. The results also demonstrated that the optical setup had good stability and repeatability in fluorescence detection, and variation was less than 1.00%. Our results can provide important reference to the development of qPCR chip to obtain the high SNR fluorescence signal in DNA quantification process.
Enhancement of wavefront measurement sensitivity in a zonal wavefront sensor without curtailing the sensing speed
Authors: Kumar Nagendra , Khare Alika , Boruah Bosanta R 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this paper we propose a zonal wavefront sensing scheme that facilitates wavefront measurement with enhanced sensitivity at the standard video rate. We achieve this enhanced sensitivity by implementing a sequential display of binary holograms described over each zone sampling the incident wavefront with the help of a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator. By keeping the number of active zones as 24 and using a camera with an imaging frame rate equal to the binary hologram display rate of the spatial light modulator, we are able to reach a sensing frame rate of 60 Hz. In addition to enhanced sensitivity, the proposed scheme facilitates zone-wise tuning of binary holograms and eliminates the possibility of any crosstalk between adjacent zones. We perform a proof-of-principle experiment that validates the proposed zonal wavefront sensing scheme and demonstrates its advantages.
Practice-enhancing publications about the medication-use process in 2020
Authors: Vest Tyler A , Gazda Nicholas P , O’Neil Daniel P , Schenkat Daniel H , Eckel Stephen F 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Purpose
This article identifies, prioritizes, and summarizes published literature on the medication-use process (MUP) from calendar year 2020 that can impact health-system pharmacy daily practice.

Summary
The MUP is the foundational system that provides the framework for safe medication utilization within the healthcare environment. The MUP is defined in this article as having the following components: prescribing/transcribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring. Articles evaluating at least one step of the MUP were assessed for their usefulness in practice improvement. A PubMed search for articles published in calendar year 2020 was conducted in January 2021 using targeted Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords, and the table of contents of selected pharmacy journals was searched, providing a total of 9,433 articles. A thorough review identified 49 potentially practice-enhancing articles: 15 for prescribing/transcribing, 10 for dispensing, 6 for administration, and 18 for monitoring. Ranking of the articles for importance by peers led to the selection of key articles from each category. The highest-ranked articles are briefly summarized, with a mention of why they are important within health-system pharmacy. The other articles are listed for further review and evaluation.

Conclusion
It is important to routinely review the published literature and to incorporate significant findings into daily practice. This article assists in identifying and summarizing the most impactful recently published literature. Health-system pharmacists have an active role in improving the MUP in their institution, and awareness of the moist significant published studies can assist in changing practice at the institutional level.