bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elimination of the hepatitis B virus: A goal, a challenge
Authors: Pondé Robério Amorim de Almeida , Amorim Guilherme de Sousa Pondé 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe hepatitis B elimination is a goal proposed by the WHO to be achieved by 2030 through the adoption of synergistic measures for the prevention and chronic HBV infection treatment. Complete cure is characterized by the HBV elimination from the body and is the goal of the chronic hepatitis B treatment, which once achieved, will enable the hepatitis B elimination. This, today, has been a scientific challenge. The difficulty in achieving a complete cure is due to the indefinite maintenance of a covalently closed episomal circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir and the maintenance and persistence of an insufficient and dysfunctional immune response in chronically infected patients. Among the measures adopted to eliminate hepatitis B, two have the potential to directly interfere with the virus cycle, but with limited effect on HBV control. These are conventional vaccines—blocking transmission and antiviral therapy—inhibiting replication. Vaccines, despite their effectiveness in protecting against horizontal transmission and preventing mother‐to‐child vertical transmission, have no effect on chronic infection or potential to eliminate the virus. Treatment with antivirals suppresses viral replication, but has no curative effect, as it has no action against cccDNA. Therapeutic vaccines comprise an additional approach in the chronic infection treatment, however, they have only a modest effect on the immune system, enhancing it temporarily. This manuscript aims to address (1) the cccDNA persistence in the hepatocyte nucleus and the immune response dysfunction in chronically infected individuals as two primary factors that have hampered the treatment and HBV elimination from the human body; (2) the limitations of antiviral therapy and therapeutic vaccines, as strategies to control hepatitis B; and (3) the possibly promising therapeutic approaches for the complete cure and elimination of hepatitis B.
Sex differences in the association between (sexual) abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Teunissen Theodora A. M. , Lagro‐Janssen Antoinette L. M. , Akkermans Reinier P. , Blanker Marco H. , Knol‐de Vries Grietje E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo study the possible association between (sexual) abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women. To study the differences in this association between men and women, and between the timing of the abuse.Subjects and MethodsA Dutch observational population‐based cross‐sectional study was used, based on self‐administered questionnaires. Respondents were included if they had answered all questions about abuse and LUTS. Logistic regression was used to analyse the data.ResultsIncluded were 558 men and 790 women, of whom 29% and 37%, respectively, reported a history of one of more types of abuse. Abuse was significantly associated with LUTS in both men (odds ratio [OR] 1.7; 1.2–2.5) and women (OR 1.4; 1.1–2.1). This association, testing by two‐way interaction, was significantly stronger in men. No association was found between childhood abuse or adulthood abuse and LUTS, in men or women. The association of sexual abuse with LUTS was significant in both men (2.7; 1.4–5.2) and in women (1.5; 1.1–2.2), and this association (testing by two‐way interaction) was significantly much stronger in men.ConclusionIn men more than in women, a history of any type of abuse is associated with LUTS, regardless of whether the abuse occurred during childhood or adulthood. In both sexes, a history of sexual abuse is also associated with experiencing LUTS, with a much stronger association in men than in women. Patients, in particular male patients, presenting with LUTS should therefore be asked about sexual abuse in the past.
Body‐fitted topology optimization via integer linear programming using surface capturing techniques
Authors: Soares da Costa Azevêdo Anderson , Li Hao , Ishida Naoyuki , Siqueira Lucas Oliveira , Cortez Rômulo Luz , Nelli Silva Emílio Carlos , Nishiwaki Shinji , Picelli Renato 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecent advancements in computational tools and additive manufacturing have expanded design possibilities on fluid devices and structures to also include aesthetics. However, traditional discrete density‐based topology optimization methods usually use square and cubic regular meshes, resulting in jagged contour patterns that require mesh refinement and post‐processing to numerical solution steps of complex physics problems. In this article, we propose a new isosurface boundary capture strategy for topology optimization in structural and fluid flow problems. The capture of smoothed boundaries is done via a simple strategy through element splitting and analysis domain remeshing. The smoothing procedure novelty lies on the optimizer regular mesh decomposition into smaller triangular or tetrahedral elements with a pseudo‐density nodal function that produces implicit geometry boundaries. We employ the TOBS‐GT (topology optimization of binary structures with geometry trimming) method to solve optimization problems for mean compliance and fluid flow energy dissipation, subject to a volume fraction constraint. Since, we perform discrete body‐fitted optimization, the material interpolation models are expressed in linear form without penalty factors. Our method produces a lower computational cost topology evolution with high resolution and mitigated sharp details, achieved via smooth edges and surfaces, as demonstrated through benchmark numerical examples in two‐ and three‐dimensional space. In addition, the proposed strategy facilitates the optimization of benchmark fluid flow examples for moderate Reynolds numbers.
Early Results With the New Active Bone‐Conduction Hearing Implant: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lein Alexander , Baumgartner Wolf‐Dieter , Riss Dominik , Gstöttner Wolfgang , Landegger Lukas D. , Liu David T. , Thurner Thomas , Vyskocil Erich , Brkic Faris F. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe bone conduction implant (BCI) 602 is a new transcutaneous BCI with smaller dimensions. However, limited patient numbers restrict the statistical power and generalizability of the current studies. The present systematic review and meta‐analysis summarize early audiological and medical outcomes of adult and pediatric patients implanted with the BCI 602 due to mixed or conductive hearing loss.Data SourceFollowing the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines, 108 studies were reviewed, and 6 (5.6%) were included in the meta‐analysis.Review MethodThe data on study and patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and audiological test results were extracted from each article. Meta‐analysis employed the fixed‐effect and random‐effects models to analyze the mean differences (MDs) between pre‐ and postoperative performances.ResultsIn total, 116 patients were evaluated, including 64 (55%) adult and 52 (45%) pediatric patients. No intraoperative adverse events were reported, while postoperative complications were reported in 2 (3.1%) adult and 2 (3.8%) pediatric patients. Studies consistently showed significant improvements in audiological outcomes, quality of life, and sound localization in the aided condition. In the meta‐analysis, we observed a significant difference in the unaided compared to the aided condition in sound field thresholds (n = 112; MD, −27.05 dB; P < 0.01), signal‐to‐noise ratio (n = 96; MD, −6.35 dB; P < 0.01), and word recognition scores (n = 96; MD, 68.89%; P < 0.01).ConclusionThe implantation of the BCI 602 was associated with minimal surgical complications and excellent audiological outcomes for both the pediatric and the adult cohort. Therefore, our analysis indicates a high level of safety and reliability. Further research should focus on direct comparisons with other BCIs and long‐term functional outcomes.
A 5‐Year Review of a Tracheostomy Quality Improvement Initiative: Reducing Adverse Event Frequency and Severity
Authors: Twose Paul , Cottam Julia , Jones Gemma , Lowes Jennifer , Nunn Jason 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe number of tracheostomies performed annually in resource‐rich countries is estimated at 250,000. While an essential procedure, approximately 20% to 30% of patients will experience at least 1 tracheostomy‐related adverse event. Within tracheostomy care and across wider health care environments, quality improvement (QI) programs have been shown to reduce patient harm and improve outcomes. Herein we report on a 5‐year long, tracheostomy QI initiative aimed at improving patient experience and reducing the frequency and severity of adverse events.MethodsA 5‐year (ongoing) QI initiative led by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board tracheostomy team, within a tertiary, 1000‐bedded hospital in South Wales, United Kingdom. The QI initiative has focused on 3 main themes: (1) Education and training; (2) Clinical oversight and decision making; and (3) improved data collection. Data were collected from existing tracheostomy databases.ResultsOver the past 5 years, we have observed a sustained reduction in both the frequency and severity of adverse events, with less than 1 patient per 100 experiencing a moderate or severe adverse event. This has resulted in improvements in patient experience and a cost reduction of £GBP364,726 per annum.DiscussionOur 5‐year ongoing tracheostomy QI initiative has resulted in improved outcomes with increased achievement of tracheostomy weaning markers and sustained reductions in both the frequency and severity of adverse events.Implications for PracticeA continuous focus on QI is associated with improved patient and service outcomes. These improvements can be spread and scaled to benefit more patients and organizations.
Understanding the transition of community land use from shifting cultivation to cash cropping in southern Tanintharyi, Myanmar
Authors: Pyone Khin Htet Htet , Crego Ramiro Daniel , Ngwe Saw San , Win Saw Di , Connette Katherine LaJeunesse , Songer Melissa , Connette Grant M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Many tropical landscapes have experienced the loss of traditional cultivation practices as they have transitioned to other land use systems.

The Tanintharyi Region of southern Myanmar is a landscape experiencing a rapid land use regime shift from traditional subsistence farming to permanent cash crop agriculture. Despite previous research in this region on the expansion of large‐scale agribusiness, such as oil palm and rubber plantations, little is known about how the small‐scale shifting cultivation system practiced by the local Karen ethnic people in Tanintharyi has changed over recent decades or the underlying reasons for this transition.

Our study explores this transition process and its drivers from a social and land system change perspective in four villages of Bokpyin Township in Tanintharyi. We investigated the drivers of land cover and land use change by collecting information through focus groups and individual interviews with community members who previously practised shifting cultivation. We also quantified the overall change in land cover and land use through remote sensing analysis of Landsat 8 (2020) and declassified KH‐9 satellite imagery (1976).

Prior to a period of civil war in the 1980s, cultivators used a traditional ‘slash‐and‐burn’ agricultural system for subsistence use. The present land use system is dominated by permanent betel nut cultivation, which represents the primary income source for farming households. The reported drivers of the transition to cash crop farming are greater income potential and livelihood security, risk of losing fallow land due to the needs for new cultivation areas for in‐migration and new centralized land use policies and administration after the national ceasefire agreement in 2012. The documented change in land use systems has been paired with a concurrent net loss of forest that, given the conflicted governance within the landscape, seems likely to continue without additional land use planning efforts.

Our study contributes to an increased understanding of changes in shifting cultivation systems that are being documented globally. Furthermore, our example of combining qualitative interviews with analysis of historical satellite imagery to detect and explain land use regime shifts can serve as a model for future work in different landscapes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Efficient preparation of polydimethylsiloxane‐based phase change composites with sandwich structure
Authors: An Yi , Li Chenglin , Li Ning , Wang Shengli , Li Yajiao , Wang Wenhao , Qiu Siyuan , Wu Daming , Ma Yane , Gao Dali , Sun Jingyao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of portable electronic devices, there is an urgent need for the multifunctional composites like excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, mechanical property, and thermal management capabilities. Here, due to the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs), a sandwich structure carbon nanotube/phase change microcapsule/carbon nanotube (CNT/PMC/CNT (CPC)) film was prepared by vacuum‐assisted filtration (VAF) method. CNT, PMC, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were used as functional fillers. The addition of CNCs was used to improve the mechanical performance of CPC film. Compared with PMC‐CNC (PC) film, CPC film with sandwich structure prevented leakage phenomenon efficiently. Subsequently, the use of ultrasonic‐assisted forced infiltration (UAFI) successfully infiltrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix in the filler skeleton to obtain CNT/PMC/CNT/PDMS (CPCP) composites. When filler mass ratio (CNT: CNC and PMC: CNC) reached 10:1, the thermal conductivity of CPCP composites was 2.32 W/(m·K) and total EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SET) of it with 0.38 mm thickness reached 37.46 dB at 12.4 GHz. Besides, these sandwich composites exhibited the good mechanical properties and heat storage capacity. And we systematically observed the impact of different addition amounts of PC homogeneous dispersing solution on phase change ability of CPCP10:1 composites. In summary, CPCP phase change composites with sandwich structure shows potential application prospect in thermal management materials with EMI shielding of electronic devices.Highlight
The sandwich structure CPCP composites prepared by the combination of VAF and UAFI method, showing superior thermal conductivity and phase change ability.
CPCP has excellent EMI shielding performance, which can meet the need of TMMs with EMI shielding performance.
Compared with same thickness PC film, sandwich CPC film can prevent leakage phenomenon efficiently.
The compensation effect of competence frustration and its behavioral manifestations
Authors: Meng Liang , He Linglan , Chen Mingming , Huang Yueting 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe frustration of competence, one of the three basic psychological needs proposed by self‐determination theory, has been widely demonstrated to negatively influence one's motivation and well‐being in both work and life. However, research on the recovery mechanism of competence is still in the nascent stage. In this study, a two‐stage behavioral experiment was conducted to examine the restoration of competence and the potential moderating role of resilience. Results showed that individuals who were asked to recall experience of competence frustration performed better on subsequent tasks, manifesting their behavioral efforts of competence restoration. However, resilience does not play a significant moderating role in competence restoration. Through convergent behavioral evidence, findings of this study demonstrate the compensation effect of competence frustration.
Design and validation of algorithms to identify venous thromboembolism in the French National Healthcare Database
Authors: Thurin Nicolas H. , Grelaud Angela , Grolleau Adeline , Bernard Marie‐Agnès , Bignon Emmanuelle , Blin Patrick , Lassalle Régis , Droz‐Perroteau Cécile 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThis paper aims to introduce an algorithm designed to identify Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in the French National Healthcare Database (SNDS) and to estimate its positive predictive value.MethodsA case‐identifying algorithm was designed using SNDS inpatient and outpatient encounters, including hospital stays with discharge diagnoses, imaging procedures and drugs dispensed, of French patients aged at least 18 years old to whom baricitinib or Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors (TNFi) were dispensed between September 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. An intra‐database validation study was then conducted, drawing 150 cases identified as VTE by the algorithm and requesting four vascular specialists to assess them. Patient profiles used to conduct the case adjudication were reconstituted from de‐identified pooled and formatted SNDS data (i.e., reconstituted electronic health records—rEHR) with a 6‐month look‐back period prior to the supposed VTE onset and a 12‐month follow‐up period after. The positive predictive value (PPV) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated as the number of expert‐confirmed VTE divided by the number of algorithm‐identified VTE. The PPV and its 95% CI were then recomputed among the same patient set initially drawn, once the VTE‐identifying algorithm was updated based on expert recommendation.ResultsFor the 150 patients identified with the first VTE‐identifying algorithm, the adjudication committee confirmed 92 cases, resulting in a PPV of 61% (95% CI = [54–69]). The final VTE‐identifying algorithm including expert suggestions showed a PPV of 92% (95% CI = [86–98]) with a total of 87 algorithm‐identified cases, including 80 retrieved from the 92 confirmed by experts.ConclusionThe identification of VTE in the SNDS is possible with a good PPV.
Influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on mechanical characteristics of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites: An experimental and analytical approach
Authors: Chaudhary Sunil Kumar , Singh Kalyan Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs a consequence of their magnificent performance like mechanical, electrical and chemical properties, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are widely used as a secondary reinforcement in composite field. It has been developed by arc discharging process under atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, MWCNTs doped nano‐composite were developed through hand lay‐up and followed by vacuum bagging techniques. Quasi – isotropic symmetrical laminate of eight layers (0/90)/(±45)/(±45)/(0/90)//(0/90)/(±45)/(±45)/(0/90) were fabricated under room temperature. To fabricate the composite laminates, purified MWCNTs were homogeneously dispersed in glass fiber reinforced epoxy with 0.5%, 1.25%, and 2 wt% loading. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, strain to failure and fracture behavior of unfilled and MWCNTs doped composite laminates were evaluated. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) was employed to evaluate the structural and morphological characteristics of advanced nano‐composites. Reinforcement effect is found to be more pronounced in 1.25% MWCNTs embedded glass fiber reinforced polymer. This reinforcement effect was corroborated by tensile fractography which depicted by hackle region. Results indicated that tensile strength of 1.25 wt% nano‐composite increased by 47.36% with respect to 0.5 wt% MWCNT doped composites.Highlights
Development of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by arcing process.
Fabrication of MWCNTs doped glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites.
Mechanical characterization of nano‐composites.
Modeling of nano‐composites by Halpin‐Tsai equation.
Fractrography of nano‐composites in details.
Discovery of novel acrylopimaric acid triazole derivatives as promising antifungal agents
Authors: Han Xu , Xu Renle , Gu Shihao , Kong Yue , Lou Yuhang , Gao Yanqing , Shang Shibin , Song Zhanqian , Song Jie , Li Jian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo further develop potential natural fungicides, two series of new acrylopimaric acid triazole derivatives were synthesized, and their antifungal activities were tested and evaluated.RESULTSIn vitro antifungal activity results indicated that compound 5m exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Rhizoctonia solani with an half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 1.528 mg/L. Its antifungal effect was comparable to that of the commercially available fungicide fluconazole, epoxiconazole and propiconazole (EC50 values of 1.441, 0.815 and 1.173 mg/L). Subsequently, in vivo studies were conducted on compound 5m, which revealed its significant protective and curative effects against R. solani. In addition, physiological and biochemical studies showed that compound 5m could disrupt the morphology and ultrastructure of R. solani mycelium, increase cell membrane permeability, inhibit ergosterol synthesis, and enhance the activity of defense enzymes in rice plants. Three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) studies revealed that the molecular structure significantly influenced the binding of compound 5m to the receptor, thereby enhancing its antifungal activity.CONCLUSIONCompound 5m exhibits excellent antifungal activity against R. solani, making it a promising candidate fungicide for the prevention and control of R. solani. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Medication adherence framework: A population‐based pharmacokinetic approach and its application in antimalarial treatment assessments
Authors: Ding Junjie , Hoglund Richard M. , Tarning Joel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe reported here on the development of a pharmacometric framework to assess patient adherence, by using two population‐based approaches – the percentile and the Bayesian method. Three different dosing strategies were investigated in patients prescribed a total of three doses; (1) non‐observed therapy, (2) directly observed administration of the first dose, and (3) directly observed administration of the first two doses. The percentile approach used population‐based simulations to derive optimal concentration percentile cutoff values from the distribution of simulated drug concentrations at a specific time. This was done for each adherence scenario and compared to full adherence. The Bayesian approach calculated the posterior probability of each adherence scenario at a given drug concentration. The predictive performance (i.e., Youden index, receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve) of both approaches were highly influenced by sample collection time (early was better) and interindividual variability (smaller was better). The complexity of the structural model and the half‐life had a minimal impact on the predictive performance of these methods. The impact of the assay limitation (LOQ) on the predictive performance was relatively small if the fraction of LOQ data was less than 20%. Overall, the percentile method performed similar or better for adherence predictions compared to the Bayesian approach, with the latter showing slightly better results when investigating the adherence to the last dose only. The percentile approach showed acceptable adherence predictions (area under ROC curve > 0.74) when sampling the antimalarial drugs piperaquine at day 7 postdose and lumefantrine at day 3 postdose (i.e., 12 h after the last dose). This could be a highly useful approach when evaluating programmatic implementations of preventive and curative antimalarial treatment programs in endemic areas.