bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How medicines sales staff is responding to presumptive COVID‐19 patients attending drug retail outlets: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad , Malik Iram , Mushtaq Irem , Ahmad Nafees , Mehjabin  , Babar Zaheer‐Ud‐Din 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe objective of this qualitative study was to explore how the medicine sales staff responded to presumptive COVID‐19 patients in Pakistan. The data were obtained from the medicine sales staff working at drug retail outlets of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, through in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews using a semi‐structured interview guide. A two‐step sampling strategy was used, including purposive and convenient sampling techniques. Sample size was determined by applying the saturation point criteria. A total of 17 interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic analysis. Analysis of data yielded six themes and seven sub‐themes. The themes included (1) knowledge about various aspects of COVID‐19, (2) practices of sales staff in response to COVID‐19 pandemic, (3) attitude of sales staff towards COVID‐19 pandemic, (4) services offered to presumptive COVID‐19 patients, (5) challenges encountered during pandemic and (6) suggestions to improve delivery of pharmacy services by sales staff. In Pakistan, non‐pharmacist sales staff had superficial knowledge about COVID‐19. Presumptive COVID‐19 patients were provided with only basic pharmacy services. Professional training is advised among pharmacy sales staff as a short‐term solution to improve their knowledge. As a long‐term goal, the availability of pharmacists at drug retail outlets is warranted.
Bovine jugular vein conduit: What affects its elastomechanical properties and thermostability?
Authors: Zhuravleva Irina Yu , Karpova Elena V. , Dokuchaeva Anna A. , Kuznetsova Elena V. , Vladimirov Sergei V. , Ksenofontov Alexander L. , Nichay Natalia R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the venous wall depending on the treatment method used, and, accordingly, on those structural changes in the tissue that this treatment causes. Bovine jugular vein walls (BJVWs) cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde (GA), ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (DE), and Contegra commercial conduit were evaluated using uniaxial stretching [with and without pre‐conditioning (PreC)], differential scanning calorimetry, amino acid analysis, and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. Fresh BJVW was used as a control. It was shown that failure stress in non‐PreC GA‐treated and DE‐treated materials was lower than that in fresh and Contegra counterparts. Contegra samples were the stiffest among the tested materials. Cyclic preloading leads to distortion of the mechanical behavior of this material, which is heterogeneous in composition and structure. The denaturation temperatures (Td) of all cross‐linked BJVWs were higher than the Td of the fresh vein. The microstructures of the tested BJVWs did not exhibit any differences, but the cross‐linking density and hydration of the DE‐vein were the highest. GA‐cross‐linking or DE‐cross‐linking and isopropanol exposure (Contegra) changed the protein secondary structures of the tested materials in different ways. We hypothesized that the protein secondary structure and hydration degree are the main causes of differences in the mechanical properties and thermal stability of BJVW.
Business strategy and systematic risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Rahman Md Jahidur , Jia Lantian , Sultana Rakiba 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGuided by their business strategies, firms develop their competitive advantages and overcome systematic risks by allocating their limited resources. This study explores how advertising, labor, R&D, cost, and capital intensities are correlated with the systematic risks of 10 industries in the Chinese market. The results show that these correlations vary between industries. To easily adapt to market variations and reduce systematic risks, decision‐makers are advised to design their business strategies according to the characteristics of their respective industries.
Arene and functionalized arene based two dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Kar Moumita , Ghosh Atish , Sarkar Ritabrata , Pal Sougata , Sarkar Pranab 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecently, two‐dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have attracted great attention for their outstanding performances in solar energy conversion devices. By using first principles calculations, we explored the structural, electronic and optical properties of recently synthesized (PEA)2PbI4 and (PEA)2SnI4 organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites to understand the photovoltaic performances of these systems. Our study reveals that both the perovskites are direct band gap semiconductors and possess desirable band gap for solar energy absorption. We have further extended our study to fluoro‐, chloro‐, and bromo‐functionalized phenethylammonium (PEA) cations based [X(X = F, Cl, Br)PEA]2A(A = Pb, Sn)I4 perovskite materials. The halogenated benzene moiety confers an ultrahydrophobic character and protects the perovskites from ambient moisture. The halogen functionalized perovskites remain direct band gap semiconductors and all the perovskites show very strong optical absorption (∼7 × 105 cm−1) across UV–visible region. We have further calculated the photo‐conversion efficiency (PCE) of both arene and functionalized arene based perovskites. The halogen‐functionalized PEA‐based perovskites also exhibit high PCE as like pristine ones and finally achieve high PCE of up to 24.30%, making them competitive with other previously reported perovskite‐based photovoltaic devices.
Circulating methylated THBS1 DNAs as a novel marker for predicting peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer
Authors: Hu Xuan‐Yu , Ling Zhe‐Nan , Hong Lian‐Lian , Yu Qi‐Ming , Li Pei , Ling Zhi‐Qiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesThrombospondin 1 (THBS1) is known to play a key role in tumor metastasis, and aberrant DNA methylation is one of the mechanisms regulating THBS1. The present study investigated whether methylated THBS1 in circulating cell‐free DNA from preoperative peritoneal lavage fluid (PPLF) and peripheral blood could be used as a potential biomarker for predicting peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer (GC) patients.MethodsThe status of THBS1 methylation was detected by quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) in tumor tissues, paired PPLF, and serum from 92 GC patients. The correlation between methylated THBS1 levels and peritoneal dissemination of GC was studied, and its diagnostic value for predicting peritoneal dissemination was clarified by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsAberrant THBS1 methylation in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous normal tissues (p < 0.0001). No THBS1 methylation was found in 40 healthy controls, and partial methylation was detected in 3 of 48 patients with chronic non‐atrophic gastritis. The frequency of THBS1 methylation in pairing PPLF and serum from 92 GC patients was 52.2% (48/92) and 58.7% (54/92), respectively. The results of methylated THBS1 in pairing PPLF and serum were similar to those of tumor tissues. Aberrant THBS1 methylation in tumor tissues and pairing PPLF or serum was closely related to peritoneal dissemination, tumor progression, and poor prognosis (all p < 0.0001).ConclusionCirculating methylated THBS1 DNAs in PPLF/serum may predict peritoneal dissemination, a potential poor prognostic factor for GC patients.
Chemo‐enzymatic depolymerization of industrial and assorted post‐consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes using a eutectic‐based catalyst
Authors: Neves Ricarte Gabriella , Lopes Dias Marcos , Sirelli Lys , Antunes Pereira Langone Marta , Machado de Castro Aline , Zarur Coelho Maria Alice , Dias Ribeiro Bernardo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDEvery minute, 1 million bottled drinks were purchased worldwide in 2017. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles are highly recalcitrant wastes, taking at least 450 years to decompose naturally, and their accumulation in the environment triggers a series of environmental impacts. Recycling is an environmentally friendly alternative to PET waste management. A two‐step PET depolymerization approach was studied in this work, comprising chemical glycolysis followed by enzymatic hydrolysis.RESULTSIn the glycolysis reaction, 100% PET was depolymerized in the presence of a eutectic solvent‐based catalyst and ethylene glycol, releasing bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) as the main product (70% yield). The recovered BHET was then hydrolysed by the highly efficient Candida antarctica lipase B, releasing terephthalic acid (TPA), achieving 0.98 of mole fraction in the best result of the experimental design. The overall yield of chemo‐enzymatic depolymerization of PET into TPA was 57%.CONCLUSIONUsing this integrated approach, a high overall yield of TPA from PET could be achieved within a short process timeframe (24 h). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stereometric analysis of Ti1−xAlxN thin films deposited by direct current/radio frequency magnetron sputtering
Authors: Matos Robert Saraiva , da Fonseca Filho Henrique Duarte , Das Abhijeet , Kumar Sanjeev , Chawla Vipin , Ţălu Ştefan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA study of image analysis of Ti1−xAlxN films deposited on corning glass substrates by a direct current (DC)/radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering system was performed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) data were studied to understand how the impact of the concentration of Al content influences the 3D surface morphology as well as the surface texture parameters. The results showed that the superficial morphology was modified by the increase of Al content in the Ti1−xAlxN films, as well as the surface microtexture. It has also been observed that the Ti1−xAlxN film surface with the highest aluminum (Al) doping concentration presented a similar surface morphology to pristine titanium nitride (TiN) thin films. The Abbott‐Firestone curves for all films exhibited an S‐like shape suggesting topographic uniformity and Gaussian distribution of heights. An increase in surface uniformity is observed with Al concentration. The characterization of the surface morphology of Ti1−xAlxN films by the evaluation of surface statistical parameters suggests that the surface topography can be adjusted by suitable doping of aluminum and offers a deeper understanding of the applicability of these films.
Microscopic and pharmacognostic standardization ofAstragalus scorpiurusBunge
Authors: Uza Noor Ul , Dastagir Ghulam 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to assess and compare the microscopic and pharmacognostic features of the selected parts ofAstragalus scorpiurusBunge. It is an annual and prostrate herb. Anatomy of leaves, stem, and root depicted a typical dicot structure. It will provide information regarding standardization and authentication. The powder drug study (Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy) revealed the presence of xylem and phloem vessels, epidermal fragments, cortical cells, fibers, parenchyma tissue, calcium oxalate crystals, nonglandular trichomes, anomocytic stomata, and so on. It will be helpful in identification and quality control. Pollen and seeds micro‐morphological features were observed through LM and SEM. These will play a vital role in the taxonomical identification of taxa and provide satisfactory information for taxonomists. Fluorescence analysis revealed different colors under visible and UV light. Extractive values were determined. Powder of the plant parts revealed high extraction in methanol followed by ethanol. Elemental and nutritional profiling were evaluated during two phenological periods that is, vegetative and postflowering period. There were significant phenological variations in mineral and nutritional status of the herb. These parameters are crucial for drug prescription and drug designing. These also provided information regarding nutraceutical and therapeutic value of this herb.
Effects of rubber plantations on soil physicochemical properties on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Sun Rui , Wu Zhixiang , Lan Guoyu , Yang Chuan , Fraedrich Klaus 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent and rapid expansion of rubber [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg.] plantations requires understanding their effects on soil physicochemical properties and soil quality. An ideal testbed for analyzing such land‐use change and its impacts is Hainan Island, the largest tropical island in China, which in recent decades has seen a dramatic expansion in the rubber industry. Based on 14 soil physicochemical properties at two soil depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm), a comprehensive assessment index was established using principal component analysis to assess soil qualities under rubber plantations (RPs; monoculture and intercropping) and five additional land‐use types (areca palm [Areca L.], eucalyptus [Eucalyptus loxophleba Benth.] and banana [Musa L.] plantations, secondary forest, and tropical rainforest [TR]). The following results were obtained: (a) total porosity, ammoniacal N, total P, available P, and soil organic matter were vital soil physicochemical properties contributing to the comprehensive assessment index; (b) the comprehensive assessment indices of RPs were significantly lower than those of TR and areca palm plantation; (c) intercropping improves most soil physicochemical properties in RPs comparing monoculture and intercropped RPs; and (d) redundancy analysis demonstrated that land‐use type interacted with climatic, geographical, and edaphic factors and collectively explained about half of the variation in the soil physicochemical properties across the study area. Deteriorating soil quality by converting TR to RPs and other land‐use types provides another reason to protect TRs, especially on area‐limited islands like Hainan.
Ulcerative Colitis Narrative findings: Australian survey data comparing patient and physician disease management views
Authors: Connor Susan J. , Sechi Alexandra , Andrade Mauricio , Deuring J. Jasper , Witcombe David 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe Global Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Narrative Survey aimed to evaluate the impact of UC, perceptions of UC burden, and management approaches. Here, we present data from patients and physicians in Australia.MethodsSurveys, fielded by The Harris Poll, were completed by 215 patients with UC and 90 physicians, between August 2017 and February 2018. Surveys included questions on disease characteristics, impact on life, communication with physicians, and patient knowledge of UC. Results are presented descriptively from all respondents (with no imputation for missing data).ResultsBased on medication history, 84% of patients had moderate to severe UC. Diagnostic delay was on average 1.9 (SD 5.0) years and 48% of patients had waited ≥1 year for diagnosis. Nearly two‐thirds (65%) of patients considered themselves to be in remission, with 97% also reporting a flare in the past year. The majority (92%) of patients were satisfied with their UC medication and, if their treatment made them feel “good enough,” many (75%) would not consider an alternative. Most (90%) patients were satisfied with communication with their physician; however, only 48% felt comfortable raising emotional concerns. Both patients and physicians desired more time during routine appointments. Patients had gaps in their knowledge of UC, which physicians mostly recognized.ConclusionsThe Australian survey results highlighted the diagnostic delay and burden of UC patients' experience, gaps in patients' knowledge of UC, and challenges in patient–physician communication. Compared with the overall Global UC Narrative Survey, patients in Australia reported a high burden of disease.
Acute infectious pancreatitis due to Salmonella typhi: Case report and literature review
Authors: Razafindrazoto Chantelli I , Rakotomalala Jolivet A , Randriamifidy Nitah H , Ralaizanaka Behoavy M , Maherison Sonny , Hasina Laingonirina Domoina H , Rakotomaharo Mialitiana , Rasolonjatovo Anjaramalala S , Rakotozafindrabe Andry L R , Rabenjanahary Tovo H , Razafimahefa Soloniaina H , Ramanampamonjy Rado M 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSalmonella typhi remains an endemic disease in Madagascar. Acute pancreatitis remains a rare complication of S. typhi colitis. We presented the case of a 27‐year‐old male, admitted to febrile diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Blood work‐up revealed elevated plasma lipase level. Abdominal CT scan showed acute pancreatitis without necrosis. Blood and stool culture positivity for S. typhi. Patient was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis caused by S. typhi. The outcome was favorable under symptomatic medical treatment (rehydration and analgesic) combined with adapted antibiotic therapy. Acute pancreatitis is a possible complication of Salmonella infections. The presence of severe abdominal pain and febrile diarrhea should draw clinicians' attention to possible Salmonella acute pancreatitis.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of the Relationships Between Fat Fraction and R2* Inside Carotid Plaques, and Circulating Lipoproteins
Authors: Good Elin , Ziegler Magnus , Warntjes Marcel , Dyverfeldt Petter , de Muinck Ebo 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundLipid‐rich necrotic core (LRNC) and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) are morphological features of high‐risk atherosclerotic plaques. However, their relationship to circulating lipoproteins is unclear.PurposeTo study associations between changes in lipoproteins vs. changes in LRNC (represented by fat fraction [FF]) and IPH (represented by R2*).Study TypeProspective.SubjectsFifty‐two patients with carotid plaques, 33 males (63.5%), mean age 72 (±5).Field Strength/SequenceFour‐point fast gradient Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify FF and R2* (to measure IPH) inside plaques and in vessel wall. Turbo‐spin echo was used for T1 weighted sequences to guide manual segmentation.AssessmentCarotid MRI and serum lipid levels were assessed at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up. For patients, lipid‐lowering therapy was customized to reduce low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels below 1.8 mmol/L. Segmentation was performed with one set of regions of interest for the plaque and one for the vessel wall at the location of the plaque. Thereby MRI data for FF, R2*, and volumes in plaque‐ and vessel‐wall segmentations could be obtained from baseline and follow‐up, as well as changes over the study year.Statistical TestsPearson correlation coefficient for correlations. Paired samples t‐test for changes over time. Significance at P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval.ResultsLDL decreased significantly (2.19–1.88 mmol/L, Z − 2.9), without correlation to changes in plaque composition, nor to the significant reduction in vessel‐wall volume (−106.3 mm3). Plaque composition remained unchanged, FF +8.5% (P = 0.366) and R2* +3.5% (P = 0.304). Compared to plaque segmentations, R2* was significantly lower in the vessel‐wall segmentations both at baseline (−9.3%) and at follow‐up (−9.1%).Data ConclusionThe absence of correlations between changes in lipoproteins and changes in plaque composition indicates more complex relationships between these parameters than previously anticipated. The significant differences in both R2* and volume dynamics comparing plaque segmentations and vessel‐wall segmentations suggest differences in their pathobiology of atherosclerosis.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 4
Applications of nDATA for screening, quantitation, and identification of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables using UHPLC/ESI Q‐Orbitrap all ion fragmentation and data independent acquisition
Authors: Wang Jian , Chow Willis , Wong Jon W. , Chang James 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHigh sample throughput and effective multiresidue methods for screening, quantitation, and identification are desired for the analysis of a large number of pesticides in routine monitoring programs for food safety. This study was designed to explore the use of an UHPLC/ESI Q‐Orbitrap nontarget data acquisition for target analysis (nDATA) workflow for screening 655 pesticides and quantifying a small group of 46 most likely incurred pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in a single analysis. High‐resolution mass spectrometers such as the Q‐Orbitrap offer unique applications for pesticide analysis using full MS scan with data independent acquisition (DIA) or all ion fragmentation (AIF) scan. The experiments were designed to achieve a balance between selectivity and cycle time by considering parameter settings such as mass resolution and the number of mass isolation windows or isolation window widths. Coupled with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), both full MS/DIA and full MS/AIF nDATA workflows were evaluated for screening, quantification, and identification in a single analysis. In general, UHPLC/ESI full MS/vDIA detected more fragment ions per pesticide than AIF when one to four fragments were compared. UHPLC/ESI full MS/vDIA and AIF generated comparable quantitative results, but the latter provided slightly better repeatability likely due to its shorter cycle time and more scans across a chromatographic peak. UHPLC/ESI full MS/vDIA may be preferable for screening, quantitation and identification when the testing scope covers a few hundreds of pesticides in a single analysis.
Arctic sea ice motion change and response to atmospheric forcing between 1979 and 2019
Authors: Zhang Fanyi , Pang Xiaoping , Lei Ruibo , Zhai Mengxi , Zhao Xi , Cai Qiongqiong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractQuantification of the spatial variability and long‐term changes of Arctic sea ice motion is important for understanding the mechanisms of rapid Arctic sea ice decline because sea ice motion determines ice mass advection, outflow, thickness redistribution, as well as the formation of leads and ridges associated with ice deformation. The spatiotemporal changes in Arctic sea ice motion between 1979 and 2019 and their responses to atmospheric forcing were analysed using satellite‐derived sea ice motion products and atmospheric reanalysis data. The pan‐Arctic average sea ice drift speed increased significantly for all seasons between 1979 and 2019 (p < .001). Rates of increase were higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Spatially, rates of increase in the peripheral seas in the Pacific sector—the Beaufort, Chukchi and East Siberian Seas—were higher than in the central Arctic Ocean and the peripheral seas in the Atlantic sector—the Kara and Laptev Seas. On the contrary, Arctic wind speed increased significantly only in autumn (p < .01). However, the correlation between wind speed and ice speed was the lowest in this season, suggesting that wind forcing is unable to completely account for drift speed increase. In general, the trends in above‐average drift speeds—retrieved from grid cells with the relatively high drift speeds—were statistically significant and were larger than that in average drift speeds probably because of enhanced response of ice motion to extreme wind forcing. The influence of the Arctic Oscillation, Beaufort High, and North Atlantic Oscillation on the zonal ice speed was symmetrical between the Pacific and Atlantic sectors of the Arctic Ocean, while the influence of the Dipole Anomaly and the east–west surface air pressure gradient in central Arctic on the meridional ice speed was distributed in an annular pattern and was the strongest along the Transpolar Drift Stream.