bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independence through leapfrogging: Energy transitions in Eswatini
Authors: Hastie Helena 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe need to swiftly transition to clean energy and expand electricity access is pressing; however, the goals of SDG7 are unlikely to be met by 2030, with the UN specifically mentioning land‐locked states as being off track. Through the conceptual lens of ‘leapfrogging’ fossil fuels, straight from traditional fuel sources to renewable energy, this paper discusses the relationship between electricity production and independence. It makes a conceptual contribution by introducing the term ‘energy independence through leapfrogging’, which is used to characterise the process of reducing dependency on another country – in the case of Eswatini, electricity is supplied by South Africa. Drawing from empirical research in Eswatini involving document analysis and in‐depth interviews, this paper discusses the potential for the country to move from being primarily an importer of electricity to generating its own supply from renewable sources. With Eswatini's current electricity supply from South Africa at risk/expiring in 2025, this research argues that the country faces a moment of opportunity for Eswatini to build further generation capacity, with a recommended focus on solar energy. The paper identifies potential challenges/barriers to this energy transition, examining power generation, storage, maintenance and affordability as key areas for intervention. Drawing on previous theories of electricity access, the paper argues that ‘access’ to electricity requires consideration of the affordability and reliability of energy systems. Eswatini is an understudied geographical area, and this paper makes a contribution to the literature on energy transitions by examining the specific circumstances attending this transition and examining these with relevance for other land‐locked nations in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Demographic study of patients' mortality rate before and after the COVID‐19 outbreak: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kouchek Mehran , Aghakhani Kamran , Memarian Azadeh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimTo better guide the health policies, it is essential to clarify the socio‐demographic and clinical risk factors affecting the mortality rate of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).ObjectiveThe purpose of this project is to separate hospital mortality statistics into different groups, which will definitely help in planning to reduce the mortality rate. As well, we aimed to compare factors involved in COVID‐19 death between the period before and after its outbreak.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was performed based on all death certificates of archived records in Rasool Akram Hospital during the years 2018 and the first half of 2019. A checklist was completed based on the variables, including death cases by time, gender, age, duration of hospitalization, department of place and time of death, cause of death, cases referred to forensic medicine, information of the patient, including educational and occupational level and birth certificate issuing city, neonatal death, and IUFD, classification of diseases according to the provided version of ICD 10 (international classification of diseases 10th edition).ResultsA number of 2632 deceased patients were included in this study, 1511 (57.4%) patients who died before the start of the COVID‐19 outbreak, and 1121 (42.6%) patients died in the hospital after the start of this pandemic. There were statistically significant differences in gender (higher prevalence of males), increased average age, lower occupational status, decreased number of infants, increased cause of death due to COVID‐19 and increased hospitalization in Royal ICU in dead patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings show that the elderly cases are more at risk of COVID‐19 mortality than other age groups, which needs more attention to this group of society and clarifies other epidemiological factors, as well as clinicopathological and public healthcare practices.
Relationship between self‐efficacy and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV/AIDS patients: An analytical cross‐sectional study in southern Iran
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Ezati Rad Roghayeh , Shahabi Nahid , Mohseni Shokrollah , Hassani Azad Mehdi , Aghamolaei Teamur , Madani Abdoulhossain 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is spreading rapidly in the world, especially in developing countries, and is considered a serious health threat. This study aimed to assess the relationship of adherence antiretroviral therapy (ART) and self‐efficacy among people living with HIV.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted in March–July 2022 at the Center for Behavioral Diseases in Bandar Abbas. A total number of 208 HIV patients treated with ART entered the study after voluntarily signing an informed letter of consent. The data collection instrument was the adherence to ART questionnaire with the six subscales and the General Self‐Efficacy Scale‐17 (GSE‐17) general self‐efficacy questionnaire. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test the relationship among the variables.ResultsThe participants' mean age was 41.7 ± 8.2 years. Self‐efficacy was positively correlated with adherence ART. With every one score of increased self‐efficacy, MA increased for 0.85 score (p < 0.001) and medical challenges have the strongest correlation (r = 0.27) with self‐efficacy. The multivariable regression analysis showed that moderate and high socioeconomic status (SES) each improved MA for 18 and 22 units, respectively, compared to poor SES. Alcohol consumption reduced MA for 11 units.ConclusionThis study proved the positive relationship of self‐efficacy in adherence to ART in HIV patients. The insights offered by this research can help develop a systematic and effective intervention to promote MA in HIV patients. SES and alcohol consumption significantly affect MA.
Helicobacter pylori CagA protein induces gastric cancer stem cell‐like properties through the Akt/FOXO3a axis
Authors: Chen Zheng‐wei , Dong Zhe‐bin , Xiang Han‐ting , Chen Sang‐sang , Yu Wei‐ming , Liang Chao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection poses a substantial risk for the development of gastric adenocarcinoma. The primary mechanism through which H. pylori exerts its bacterial virulence is the cytotoxin CagA. This cytotoxin has the potential to induce inter‐epithelial mesenchymal transition, proliferation, metastasis, and the acquisition of stem cell‐like properties in gastric cancer (GC) cells infected with CagA‐positive H. pylori. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct population of cells capable of self‐renewal and generating heterogeneous tumor cells. Despite evidence showing that CagA can induce CSCs‐like characteristics in GC cells, the precise mechanism through which CagA triggers the development of GC stem cells (GCSCs) remains uncertain. This study reveals that CagA‐positive GC cells infected with H. pylori exhibit CSCs‐like properties, such as heightened expression of CD44, a specific surface marker for CSCs, and increased ability to form tumor spheroids. Furthermore, we have observed that H. pylori activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in a CagA‐dependent manner, and our findings suggest that this activation is associated with the CSCs‐like characteristics induced by H. pylori. The cytotoxin CagA, which is released during H. pylori infection, triggers the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in a CagA‐dependent manner. Additionally, CagA inhibits the transcription of FOXO3a and relocates it from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, the regulatory function of the Akt/FOXO3a axis in the transformation of GC cells into a stemness state was successfully demonstrated.
Healthcare provisions associated with multiple HIV‐related outcomes among adolescent girls and young women living with HIV in South Africa: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Toska Elona , Zhou Siyanai , Laurenzi Christina A. , Saal Wylene , Rudgard William , Wittesaele Camille , Langwenya Nontokozo , Jochim Janina , Banougnin Boladé Hamed , Gulaid Laurie , Armstrong Alice , Sherman Gayle , Edun Olanrewaju , Sherr Lorraine , Cluver Lucie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionAdolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV experience poor HIV outcomes and high rates of unintended pregnancy. Little is known about which healthcare provisions can optimize their HIV‐related outcomes, particularly among AGYW mothers.MethodsEligible 12‐ to 24‐year‐old AGYW living with HIV from 61 health facilities in a South African district completed a survey in 2018–2019 (90% recruited). Analysing surveys and medical records from n = 774 participants, we investigated associations of multiple HIV‐related outcomes (past‐week adherence, consistent clinic attendance, uninterrupted treatment, no tuberculosis [TB] and viral suppression) with seven healthcare provisions: no antiretroviral therapy (ART) stockouts, kind and respectful providers, support groups, short travel time, short waiting time, confidentiality, and safe and affordable facilities. Further, we compared HIV‐related outcomes and healthcare provisions between mothers (n = 336) and nulliparous participants (n = 438). Analyses used multivariable regression models, accounting for multiple outcomes.ResultsHIV‐related outcomes were poor, especially among mothers. In multivariable analyses, two healthcare provisions were “accelerators,” associated with multiple improved outcomes, with similar results among mothers. Safe and affordable facilities, and kind and respectful staff were associated with higher predicted probabilities of HIV‐related outcomes (p<0.001): past‐week adherence (62% when neither accelerator was reported to 87% with both accelerators reported), clinic attendance (71%−89%), uninterrupted ART treatment (57%−85%), no TB symptoms (49%−70%) and viral suppression (60%−77%).ConclusionsAccessible and adolescent‐responsive healthcare is critical to improving HIV‐related outcomes, reducing morbidity, mortality and onward HIV transmission among AGYW. Combining these provisions can maximize benefits, especially for AGYW mothers.
Clinical outcomes and cost savings of a nonmedical switch to a biosimilar in children/young adults with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: McNicol Megan , Abdel‐Rasoul Mahmoud , McClinchie Madeline G. , Morris Grant A. , Boyle Brendan , Dotson Jennifer L. , Michel Hilary K. , Maltz Ross M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe safety, efficacy, and cost savings associated with biosimilar medications are well established. However, a lack of pediatric data exists surrounding clinical outcomes when switching from an originator to a biosimilar. Our primary aim is to evaluate clinical outcomes following a nonmedical switch from the infliximab originator to a biosimilar in children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our secondary aim is to estimate cost savings associated with this switch.MethodsA quality improvement project was implemented to establish safe switching protocols, then those patients who underwent a nonmedical switch from the infliximab originator to the biosimilar were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, physician global assessments (PGAs), and laboratory values were recorded 1 year pre‐ and post‐switch. Continuation rates on the biosimilar were reported at 6 and 12 months. Cost savings were estimated using two different pricing models.ResultsFifty‐three patients underwent a nonmedical switch. Laboratory values including inflammatory markers, infliximab levels, and PGA scores remained similar when assessed pre‐ and post‐switch. No infusion reactions or antidrug antibody development occurred. Two patients reported psoriasis‐like rashes. Five patients switched back to the originator during the study period. There were 379 biosimilar infusions completed with an estimated total cost savings of $11,260 (average sales price) and $566,223 (wholesale acquisition cost).ConclusionsClinical remission rates, inflammatory laboratory markers, serious adverse events, infliximab levels, and antidrug antibodies remained similar after a one‐time nonmedical switch to an infliximab biosimilar. Nonmedical switching to biosimilars resulted in significant cost savings.
Cover Image
Authors: Fu Xiaohang , Li Wenhui , Zhang Tianyu , Li He , Zang Mingwu , Liu Xinqi 
Published: February 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Effect of extrusion on the protein structure and digestibility of extruded soybean protein by Xiaohang Fu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13109.image
Arable land in Northwest China: Dynamics analysis of health and productivity in 2000–2020
Authors: Shuchen Liu , Yimin Gao , Pingda Lu , Yan Sun , Xiaoyun Liu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractArable land health (ALH) and arable land productivity (ALP) are crucial indicators of agricultural ecological functionality and sustainability. The shift of grain‐producing regions in Northwest China has led to arable land degradation, which endangers both food production and sustainable development. Several studies have focused on arable land quantity, distribution, and regional features, but ALH and sustainable ALP have received little attention. For the first time, we investigated the spatio‐temporal distribution and coupling connection between ALH and ALP in Northwest China (NC) using soil health indicators. Our study revealed the following key findings: (1) A minimal dataset of 12 indicators can efficiently replace the total dataset to evaluate the arable land health index in NC. (2) Over the last 20 years, the high and sub‐high grades of ALH increased by 536.8% and 222.6%, respectively, with a shift toward the northwest. During the specified period, ALH with low health and underutilized grade decreased by 46.01% and 69.4%, respectively, primarily in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. At the county level, ALP increased by 26%, primarily in northern Xinjiang and southern Gansu. 71% of counties remained stable, while only 3% experienced a decline. (4) The relationship between ALH and ALP were divided into six coupled groups that form an inverted “U” shape. High‐production areas were generally strongly linked, while low‐production areas were weakly coupled. Over the last 20 years, NC has seen significant improvements in ALH, coinciding with an increase in ALP. However, in most cases, the relationship between ALH and ALP were negative or weak.
Compact Morpho‐Molecular Microscopy for Live‐cell Imaging and Material Characterization
Authors: Niu Mengxuan , Wang Yijin , Duan Liting , Sun Rui , Zhou Renjie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Compact Morpho‐Molecular Microscopy (CM3) is proposed and demonstrated for multi‐functional imaging and characterization of living cells and material structures by simultaneously offering quantitative phase imaging (QPI), dispersion characterization, and fluorescence imaging. The compactness and stability of CM3 are realized by propagating lasers of different wavelengths in specially treated optical fibers and fiber‐based beam splitters and wavelength division multiplexers, as well as simplifying the detection scheme through Fourier‐space multiplexing and implementing a single camera for both QPI and fluorescence imaging. Quantitative phase maps of two wavelengths are retrieved from a multiplexed interferogram, and a synthesized wavelength phase map is derived to guide the height profiling of samples with extended depth. With the wavelength resolved phase maps, a physical model is derived to obtain sample dispersion parameters, which further enables us to quantify the hemoglobin concentration of red blood cells in real time. By inserting an appropriate emission color filter, fluorescence imaging is realized using the same camera, which significantly broadens the cell imaging applications of CM3. As a cost‐effective and multifaceted imaging method, CM3 may find many promising applications in live‐cell imaging and material characterization.
Study on the effect of micro‐texture coating tool on the milling quality of wood surface
Authors: Wang Dejin , Yin Hang , Feng Li 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith the gradual increase of the demand for wooden products, people's requirements for processing quality of wooden products become higher. In this work, the dimension of groove micro‐texture is determined by finite element simulation analysis of tool structure strength. In this article, by designing milling experiments, the wood surface quality and wood surface morphology after milling with ordinary tools, micro‐textured tools, coated tools and micro‐textured coated tools are compared. The experimental results show that the quality of wood surface after milling with micro‐texture coating tool is better than that of the other three kinds of tools. And the wood surface after milling with micro‐texture coating tool is smooth, and the processing defects, such as burr and crack are less. In other words, micro‐texture technology combined with surface coating technology can effectively improve the surface quality of wood after milling.
Neck and chest rejuvenation with fractional 1440 and 1927‐nm low‐powered diode laser
Authors: Hoffman Lauren , Smeallie Eleanor , Ugonabo Nkem , Chapas Anne 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesUltraviolet light and infrared radiation exposure to the chest and neck can result in photoaging changes, such as rhytids, skin roughness, and dyschromia, which can be treated with nonablative fractionated lasers. The low‐powered fractionated 1440 and 1927‐nm diode lasers have been shown to safely reduce facial photodamage. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of a low‐powered 1440 and 1927‐nm nonablative fractionated diode laser in addressing photoaging symptoms, such as rhytids, skin roughness, and dyschromia, of the neck and chest.MethodsIn a prospective, single‐arm, nonrandomized study, a cohort of 24 adult female patients with photodamage to their neck and chest received four treatments to these areas, administered at 4‐week intervals. Treatments consisted of four passes on high settings with the 1440 nm handpiece followed by four passes with the 1927 nm handpiece. Photographs were taken at each study visit. Study investigators graded wrinkle severity, texture, and mottled pigmentation of the treated area at baseline and follow‐up visit, 3 months after the fourth treatment. Subjects also rated clinical improvement of their neck and chest, along with overall appearance. Blinded evaluators used baseline and follow‐up photographs to quantify improvements of rhytids and hyperpigmentation of the neck and chest using a 6‐point improvement scale.ResultsOf the original cohort, 20 subjects completed all four treatments and 3‐month follow‐ups. The mean rhytid scores improved by 0.7 ± 1.0 for both neck and chest. Meanwhile, texture scores improved by 1.2 ± 0.4 for the neck and 1.4 ± 0.7 for the chest, with pigment scores improving by 0.5 ± 0.6 for the neck and 0.67 ± 0.7 for the chest. Statistical analysis using paired t‐tests, performed on all pre‐ and posttreatment scores, revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in wrinkle severity, skin texture, and pigmentation of the neck and chest posttreatment. The degree of improvement was consistent for both the neck and chest areas. Blinded evaluators graded clinical improvements in rhytids and pigmentation at 0.6 ± 1.0 and 0.8 ± 1.2 respectively, corresponding to mild improvement of both neck and chest.ConclusionsA series of treatments with the nonablative low‐energy fractional 1440 and 1927‐nm diode laser appears to be safe and effective for improving rhytids, skin texture, and hyperpigmentation of the neck and chest.
The impact of caregivers on COVID‐19 fears, behaviors, and perceived impact in a majority Black American sample of children
Authors: Bhogal Amanpreet , Heeter Autumm , Gowatch Leah , Jovanovic Tanja , Marusak Hilary A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCaregivers may play an essential role in buffering and/or exacerbating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) fears and behaviors in youth. However, few studies have examined these associations in children from racial or ethnic minority groups, who have been historically marginalized and may be disproportionately susceptible to psychological consequences. Here, we examined the associations among caregivers and children in COVID‐19‐related fears, behaviors, and impact in a majority Black (71.9%) sample of children. Children (N = 64, 24 females, ages 7–10 years) were recruited from three Detroit, Michigan‐area schools during the 2019–2020 school year. Following school shutdowns in March 2020, children and their caregivers were invited to complete remote surveys in May and August 2020. We examined the associations among child and caregiver COVID‐19‐related fears, preventive behaviors, and perceived impact. We also examined whether aspects of the caregiver–child relationship (i.e., closeness, conflicts) moderated these associations. Caregiver–child fears about social distancing, preventive behaviors, and the perceived impact of COVID‐19 were positively correlated. The positive correlation between caregiver–child preventive behaviors strengthened over time and was moderated by caregiver–child closeness. These findings suggest that caregivers may impact fear as well as preventive behaviors and perceived impact of the pandemic in marginalized youth.
Allergic Reaction to a Commercially Available Insect Snack Caused by House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) Tropomyosin
Authors: Wangorsch Andrea , Jamin Annette , Spiric Jelena , Vieths Stefan , Scheurer Stephan , Mahler Vera , Hofmann Silke C. 
Published: February 2024

ScopeEdible insects contain allergens with potential cross‐reactivity to other invertebrates. Here, this study examines IgE‐reactive proteins in a house cricket snack (Acheta domesticus) leading to an allergic reaction in a 27‐year old man followed by a similar reaction days later after eating shrimps.Methods and resultsPrick to prick tests verify the IgE‐mediated allergy to crickets and skin prick testing confirms a type I sensitization to house dust mite without any clinical relevance for the patient, and to shrimp extracts, but is negative for several other foods. Serological testing reveals a sensitization to shrimps, shrimp tropomyosin, and house dust mite tropomyosin. IgE‐immunodetection shows that the cricket allergic patient is sensitized to two proteins of 45 and >97 kDa using aqueous control cricket extract, but to only one protein at around 45 kDa when using the causative, seasoned insect snack extract. Mass spectrometry data and IgE‐inhibition experiments clearly identify this protein belonging to the tropomyosin allergen family.ConclusionThis case report suggests that cricket tropomyosin may be an elicitor of allergic reactions even in previously not allergic patients, although it cannot be excluded the patient reacted additionally to other ingredients of the snack.