bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced graphene ceramics and their future in bone regenerative engineering
Authors: Hosseini Fatemeh S. , Laurencin Cato T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe outstanding properties of graphene materials rely on an exceptional two‐dimensional honeycombed lattice. The lattice allows for electrical, thermal, and mechanical reinforcement effects when applied to the ceramic matrix. The biocompatibility of the material allows for providing multifunctional bioceramics applications. However, the potential of graphene lies in its ability to be homogenously distributed as part of a ceramic matrix. Therefore, appropriate processing techniques are important for attaining desired graphene ceramic properties applicable for regenerative biomedical purposes. This article provides an inclusive review of the current knowledge of advanced graphene‐based ceramics for bone regenerative engineering. In this review, the opportunities and challenges in utilizing graphene materials in combination with ceramics suitable for applications in load‐bearing bone defects are discussed.
Incidence of medically attended influenza and influenza virus infections confirmed by serology in Ningbo City from 2017–2018 to 2019–2020
Authors: Xu Cuiling , Lao Xuying , Li Hongyu , Dong Libo , Zou Shumei , Chen Yi , Gu Yongquan , Zhu Yueqin , Xuan Pingfeng , Huang Weijuan , Wang Dayan , Yi Bo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesIn mainland China, the disease burden of influenza is not yet fully understood. Based on population‐based data, we aimed to estimate incidence rates of medically attended influenza and influenza virus infections in Ningbo City.MethodsWe used data for outpatient acute respiratory illness (OARI) from a platform covering all health and medical institutes in Yingzhou District, Ningbo City. We applied generalized additive regression models to estimate influenza‐associated excess incidence rate of OARI by age. We recruited local residents aged ≥60 years in the autumn of 2019 and conducted follow‐up nearly 9 months later. Every survey, the sera were collected for testing hemagglutination inhibition antibody.ResultsFrom 2017–2018 to 2019–2020, the annual average of influenza‐associated incidence rate of OARI in all ages was 10.9%. The influenza‐associated incidence rate of OARI was the highest in 2017–2018 (16.9%) and the lowest in 2019–2020 (4.8%). Regularly, influenza‐associated incidence rates of OARI were the highest in children aged 5–14 years (range: 44.1–77.6%) and 0–4 years (range: 8.3–46.6%). The annual average of excess OARI incidence rate in all ages was the highest for influenza B/Yamagata (3.9%). The overall incidence rate of influenza infections indicated by serology in elderly people was 21% during the winter season of 2019–2020.ConclusionsWe identified substantial outpatient influenza burden in all ages in Ningbo. Our cohort study limited in elderly people found that this age group had a high risk of seasonal influenza infections. Our study informs the importance of increasing influenza vaccine coverage in high‐risk population including elderly people.
Towards assisting the decision‐making process for content creators in cinematic virtual reality through the analysis of movie cuts and their influence on viewers' behavior
Authors: Marañes Carlos , Gutierrez Diego , Serrano Ana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractVirtual Reality (VR) is gaining popularity in recent years due to the commercialization of personal devices. VR is a new and exciting medium to tell stories, however, the development of Cinematic VR (CVR) content is still in an exploratory phase. One of the main reasons is that in this medium the user has now total or partial control of the camera, therefore viewers create their own personal experiences by deciding what to see in every moment, which can potentially hinder the delivery of a pre‐established narrative. In the particular case of transitions from one shot to another (movie cuts), viewers may not be aligned with the main elements of the scene placed by the content creator to convey the story. This can result in viewers missing key elements of the narrative. In this work, we explore recent studies that analyze viewers' behavior during cinematic cuts in VR videos, and we discuss guidelines and methods that can help filmmakers with the decision‐making process when filming and editing their movies.
Plan B for Europe: The Birth of ‘Disobedient Euroscepticism’?
Authors: Bortun Vladimir 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDespite attempts in the broader literature to go beyond a binary classification of party‐based Euroscepticism, Eurosceptic radical left parties are still generally divided into those advocating reform of the EU and those calling for an exit from the EU. The most notable exception is the classification proposed by Keith (2017), who distinguishes between Rejectionist, Conditional and Expansionist Euroscepticism. However, this article argues that a new form of left‐wing Euroscepticism has emerged since 2016, which does not fit with any of the existing classifications. It is the position put forward by ‘Plan B for Europe’, a transnational initiative of radical left parties, which advocates a disobedient approach towards the EU that simultaneously aims for the reformation of the latter while preparing for a break from it. This is a novel type of party‐based Euroscepticism that should supplement Keith's classification.
Lysozyme inhibits postharvest physiological deterioration of cassava
Authors: Wu Xiaoyun , Xu Jia , Ma Qiuxiang , Ahmed Sulaiman , Lu Xinlu , Ling Erjun , Zhang Peng 
Published: January 2022

SUMMARYAfter harvest, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) storage roots undergo rapid postharvest physiological deterioration, producing blue‐brown discoloration in the vasculature due to the production of polyphenolics (mainly quinones and coumarins) by enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Here, we report the application of hen egg‐white lysozyme (HEWL), a natural PPO inhibitor, in transgenic cassava to repress the symptoms of postharvest physiological deterioration. The HEWL‐expressing transgenic plants had lower levels of the two main cassava coumarins tested, scopoletin and scopolin, compared with wild type. HEWL‐expressing cassava also showed increased tolerance of oxidative stress. Overall, the lysozyme‐PPO system proved to be functional in plants for repressing PPO‐mediated commercial product browning.
UK Nutrition Research Partnership workshop: Nutrition and frailty—opportunities for prevention and treatment
Authors: Ni Lochlainn Mary , Robinson Sian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFrailty is a syndrome of growing importance given the global increase in the number of older people. While frailty is a complex, multifactorial process, poor nutritional status is considered to be a key contributor to its pathophysiology. However, the role of nutrition and its influence on the development and progression of frailty is poorly understood. As nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for frailty, future prevention and treatment strategies should consider the potential of diet and dietary change as a component of interventions. This article reports on a UK Nutrition Research Partnership ‘Hot Topic’ workshop on nutrition and frailty. The aim of the workshop was to bring together experts and early career researchers from a range of disciplines to synthesise current understanding of dietary influences on frailty, with a focus on opportunities for prevention and treatment.
How is auxin linked with cellular energy pathways to promote growth?
Authors: Tivendale Nathan D. , Millar A. Harvey 
Published: January 2022

SummaryAuxin is the ‘growth hormone’ and modulation of its concentration correlates with changes in photosynthesis and respiration, influencing the cellular energy budget for biosynthesis and proliferation. However, the relative importance of mechanisms by which auxin directly influences photosynthesis and respiration, or vice versa, are unclear. Here we bring together recent evidence linking auxin with photosynthesis, plastid biogenesis, mitochondrial metabolism and retrograde signalling and through it we propose three hypotheses to test to unify current findings. These require delving into the control of auxin conjugation to primary metabolic intermediates, translational control under auxin regulation and post‐translational influences of auxin on primary metabolic processes.
Size and activity of the root meristem: A key for drought resistance and a key model of drought‐related signaling
Authors: Verslues Paul E. , Longkumer Toshisangba 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPlants make many adjustments to their growth and development in response to even small changes in water availability. Under such conditions, root elongation can be actively restricted by stress‐related signaling mechanisms. Here we look at how the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem can be affected by moderate water limitation (low water potential, ψw). Recent characterization of the clade E Growth‐Regulating (EGR) protein phosphatases and Microtubule Associated Stress Protein 1 (MASP1) provides an example of how active restriction of root meristem size allows the plant to downregulate root elongation during low ψw stress. EGR2 protein accumulation in cortex cells of the transition zone at the distal end of the root meristem illustrates how the balance of cell division versus cell expansion signals at this critical location can determine meristem size and root elongation during low ψw. These characteristics of EGRs also raise the question of whether they may also be involved in hydrotropism, and, more broadly, whether hydrotropism is a distinct response or a specific manifestation of more general mechanisms used to adjust root growth under moderate severity low ψw whether or not a gradient of water availability is present. These questions, as well as a better understanding of how specific cell layers (cortex and endodermis) seem to have an outsized role in growth regulation and better understanding the roles of plasma membrane‐based signaling and polar‐localized proteins in the regulation of root meristem size and cell division activity are key to elucidating the cellular mechanisms that determine root growth behavior during soil drying.
Agro‐climate services and drought risk management in Jamaica: A case study of farming communities in Clarendon Parish
Authors: Buckland Sarah , Campbell Donovan 
Published: January 2022

For many generations, Caribbean smallholder farmers have used traditional knowledge to manage drought impacts. However, patterns of increased climate variability increasingly challenge traditional drought management practices, creating livelihood insecurities and uncertainties. Climate Information Services (CIS) have been promoted as an agile risk management strategy to help farmers negotiate challenges of increased climate extremes. Yet, despite the promise and possibilities of CIS, there is limited evidence of CIS uptake and associated risk reduction across the Caribbean. A mixed‐method research approach is used to examine the uptake of CIS among farmers (N = 356), testing the association with selected drought impact outcomes in one of Jamaica's breadbasket regions. The associations between drought impacts and farmer accessibility and use of four (4) locally available CIS are assessed. Results indicate limited farmer uptake of mobile text and online climate information products, with less than 5 per cent of the sample having accessibility to online CIS. Farmers who are aware of, and use CIS, reported lower crop losses, less financial strain, and were more likely to reinvest immediately after drought events. These results provide empirical evidence of associations between farm‐level use of CIS and drought risk management actions, which could be used to inform future drought management interventions.
STFTiS: Introducing a spatio‐temporal FTiS model to investigate the level of citizens' satisfaction of 311 non‐emergency services
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Taleai Mohammad , Alizadeh Somayeh , Abbasi Omid Reza 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUsing the 311 service, citizens can help the government gain a deeper understanding of citizens' needs by reporting the status of municipal services. This study proposes the STFTiS model to examine the level of citizens' satisfaction by investigating the spatio‐temporal patterns of 311 reports provided by citizens regarding municipal services. The main novelty of the proposed STFTiS model is its ability to integrate the spatial domain into the traditional FTiS (frequency, time interval, and satisfaction) model. For this purpose, Moran's I index was used to cluster the 311 reports from a spatial perspective. Afterward, the reports were clustered based on the spatial labels and the parameters of time interval and frequency. A fuzzy time series and an autoregressive moving average prediction model have been combined to find the best temporal window for association rule mining. The proposed model was applied to a database of the Boston 311 service. The results from interpreting clusters indicate that Boston's citizens are most interested in government responses to address Transportation and Inspection Service issues. Besides, the most important rule states a strong relationship between the Mayor's 24‐Hour Hotline and Inspection Service reports, with 86% support and 95.7% confidence. The evaluation shows that the STFTiS model has significantly improved the results of the non‐spatial FTiS model. The results can be used by policymakers to effectively manage citizens' needs and provide necessary on‐demand support by discovering the most critical needs of citizens.
A Pneumatic-Based Mechanism for Inserting a Flexible Microprobe Into the Brain
Authors: Sharafkhani Naser , Kouzani Abbas Z. , Adams Scott D. , Long John M. , Orwa Julius O. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Insertion of flexible microprobes into the brain requires withstanding the compressive penetration force by the microprobes. To aid the insertion of the microprobes, most of the existing approaches use pushing mechanisms to provide temporary stiffness increase for the microprobes to prevent buckling during insertion into the brain. However, increasing the microprobe stiffness may result in acute neural tissue damage during insertion. Moreover, any late or premature removal of the temporary stiffness after insertion may lead to further tissue damage due to brain micromotion or inaccuracy in the microprobe positioning. In this study, a novel pneumatic-based insertion mechanism is proposed which simultaneously pulls and pushes a flexible microprobe toward the brain. As part of the brain penetration force in the proposed mechanism is supplied by the tensile force, the applied compressive force, which the microprobe must withstand during insertion, is lower compared with the existing approaches. Therefore, the microprobes with a critical buckling force less than the brain penetration force can be inserted into the brain without buckling. Since there is no need for temporary stiffness increment, neural tissue damage during the microprobe insertion will be much lower compared with the existing insertion approaches. The pneumatic-based insertion mechanism is modeled analytically to investigate the effects of the microprobe configuration and the applied air pressure on the applied tensile and compressive forces to the microprobe. Next, finite element modeling is conducted, and its analysis results not only validate the analytical results but also confirm the efficiency of the mechanism.
Effect of COVID-19 on presentations of decompensated liver disease in Scotland
Authors: Manship Thomas , Brennan Paul N , Campbell Iona , Campbell Stewart , Clouston Thomas , Dillon John F , Forrest Ewan , Fraser Andrew , Goh Tee Lin , Johnston Michael , Khan Muhammad I , Livie Victoria , Murray Iain A , Saunders Jayne , Troland Debbie , Simpson Ken J 
Published: January 2022

Background and aimsSARS-CoV-2 and consequent pandemic has presented unique challenges. Beyond the direct COVID-related mortality in those with liver disease, we sought to determine the effect of lockdown on people with liver disease in Scotland. The effect of lockdown on those with alcohol-related disease is of interest; and whether there were associated implications for a change in alcohol intake and consequent presentations with decompensated disease.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to seven Scottish hospitals with a history of liver disease between 1 April and 30 April 2020 and compared across the same time in 2017, 2018 and 2019. We also repeated an intermediate assessment based on a single centre to examine for delayed effects between 1 April and 31 July 2020.ResultsWe found that results and outcomes for patients admitted in 2020 were similar to those in previous years in terms of morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. In the Scotland-wide cohort: admission MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) (16 (12–22) vs 15 (12–19); p=0.141), inpatient mortality ((10.9% vs 8.6%); p=0.499) and length of stay (8 days (4–15) vs 7 days (4–13); p=0.140). In the Edinburgh cohort: admission MELD (17 (12–23) vs 17 (13–21); p=0.805), inpatient mortality ((13.7% vs 10.1%; p=0.373) and length of stay (7 days (4–14) vs 7 days (3.5–14); p=0.525)).ConclusionThis assessment of immediate and medium-term lockdown impacts on those with chronic liver disease suggested a minimal effect on the presentation of decompensated liver disease to secondary care.
Using social network analysis to understand multisectoral governance in district-level tobacco control programme implementation in India
Authors: Mondal Shinjini , Bhojani Upendra , Lobbo Samntha , Law Susan , Maioni Antonia , Van Belle Sara 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionInterest in multisectoral policies has increased, particularly in the context of low-income and middle-income countries and efforts towards Sustainable Development Goals, with greater attention to understand effective strategies for implementation and governance. The study aimed to explore and map the composition and structure of a multisectoral initiative in tobacco control, identifying key factors engaged in policy implementation and their patterns of relationships in local-level networks in two districts in the state of Karnataka, India.MethodsSocial network analysis (SNA) was used to examine the structure of two district tobacco control networks with differences in compliance with the India’s national tobacco control law. The survey was administered to 108 respondents (n=51 and 57) in two districts, producing three distinct network maps about interaction, information-seeking and decision-making patterns within each district. The network measures of centrality, density, reciprocity, centralisation and E-I index were used to understand and compare across the two districts.ResultsMembers from the department of health, especially those in the District Tobacco Control Cell, were the most frequently consulted actors for information as they led district-level networks. The most common departments engaged beyond health were education, police and municipal. District 1’s network displayed high centralisation, with a district nodal officer who exercised a central role with the highest in-degree centrality. The district also exhibited greater density and reciprocity. District 2 showed a more dispersed pattern, where subdistrict health managers had higher betweenness centrality and acted as brokers in the network.ConclusionCollaboration and cooperation among sectors and departments are essential components of multisectoral policy. SNA provides a mechanism to uncover the nature of relationships and key actors in collaborative dynamics. It can be used as a visual learning tool for policy planners and implementers to understand the structure of actual implementation and concentrate their efforts to improve and enhance collaboration.
Budgetary impact of using BPaL for treating extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Mulder Christiaan , Rupert Stephan , Setiawan Ery , Mambetova Elmira , Edo Patience , Sugiharto Jhon , Useni Sani , Malhotra Shelly , Cook-Scalise Sarah , Pambudi Imran , Kadyrov Abdullaat , Lawanson Adebola , van den Hof Susan , Gebhard Agnes , Juneja Sandeep , Sohn Hojoon 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionBedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid (BPaL) is a new all oral, 6-month regimen comprised of bedaquiline, the new drug pretomanid and linezolid, endorsed by the WHO for use under operational research conditions in patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). We quantified per-patient treatment costs and the 5-year budgetary impact of introducing BPaL in Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria.MethodsPer-patient treatment cost of BPaL regimen was compared head-to-head with the conventional XDR-TB treatment regimen for respective countries based on cost estimates primarily assessed using microcosting method and expected frequency of each TB service. The 5-year budget impact of gradual introduction of BPaL against the status quo was assessed using a Markov model that represented patient’s treatment management and outcome pathways.ResultsThe cost per patient completing treatment with BPaL was US$7142 in Indonesia, US$4782 in Kyrgyzstan and US$7152 in Nigeria – 57%, 78% and 68% lower than the conventional regimens in the respective countries. A gradual adoption of the BPaL regimen over 5 years would result in an 5-year average national TB service budget reduction of 17% (US$128 780) in XDR-TB treatment-related expenditure in Indonesia, 15% (US$700 247) in Kyrgyzstan and 32% (US$1 543 047) in Nigeria.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the BPaL regimen can be highly cost-saving compared with the conventional regimens to treat patients with XDR-TB in high drug-resistant TB burden settings. This supports the rapid adoption of the BPaL regimen to address the significant programmatic and clinical challenges in managing patients with XDR-TB in high DR-TB burden countries.
Equity impact of minimum unit pricing of alcohol on household health and finances among rich and poor drinkers in South Africa
Authors: Gibbs Naomi , Angus Colin , Dixon Simon , Parry Charles DH , Meier Petra S , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Verguet Stéphane 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionSouth Africa experiences significant levels of alcohol-related harm. Recent research suggests minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol would be an effective policy, but high levels of income inequality raise concerns about equity impacts. This paper quantifies the equity impact of MUP on household health and finances in rich and poor drinkers in South Africa.MethodsWe draw from extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) methods and an epidemiological policy appraisal model of MUP for South Africa to simulate the equity impact of a ZAR 10 MUP over a 20-year time horizon. We estimate the impact across wealth quintiles on: (i) alcohol consumption and expenditures; (ii) mortality; (iii) government healthcare cost savings; (iv) reductions in cases of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and household savings linked to reduced health-related workplace absence.ResultsWe estimate MUP would reduce consumption more among the poorest than the richest drinkers. Expenditure would increase by ZAR 353 000 million (1 US$=13.2 ZAR), the poorest contributing 13% and the richest 28% of the increase, although this remains regressive compared with mean income. Of the 22 600 deaths averted, 56% accrue to the bottom two quintiles; government healthcare cost savings would be substantial (ZAR 3.9 billion). Cases of CHE averted would be 564 700, 46% among the poorest two quintiles. Indirect cost savings amount to ZAR 51.1 billion.ConclusionsA MUP policy in South Africa has the potential to reduce harm and health inequality. Fiscal policies for population health require structured policy appraisal, accounting for the totality of effects using mathematical models in association with ECEA methodology.