bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of medication nonadherence among hypertensive clients in a Ghanaian population: Application of the Hill‐Bone and Perceived Barriers to Treatment Compliance Scale
Authors: Woode Eric , Boakye‐Gyasi Eric , Obirikorang Yaa , Adu Evans A. , Obirikorang Christian , Acheampong Emmanuel , Odame‐Anto Enoch 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimNonadherence to antihypertensive medication impairs optimal blood pressure and is influenced by multiple interrelating factors. Knowing the complexity of medication nonadherence and its associated factors is essential for intervention strategies. This study evaluated the predictors of medication nonadherence among hypertensive clients in a Ghanaian population.MethodsThis was a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study conducted at the Hypertensive Clinic of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. A self‐designed questionnaire, the Hill‐Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy and Perceived Barriers to Treatment Compliance Scales, were used for data collection from 246 hypertensives. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25.ResultsMedication nonadherence was observed among 8.5% of the study participants. In a multivariate regression model perceived noneffectiveness of medication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34–2.31, p < 0.001) and barriers to alcohol and smoking cessation (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.31–6.13, p = 0.008) were associated increased odds of antihypertensive medication nonadherence. Also, patients who do not know their total prescription (OR = 8.81, 95% CI: 2.28–34.0, p = 0.002) were more likely to be nonadherent to their antihypertensive medications. Moreover, clients who associate signs/symptoms of palpitations (OR = 5.82, 95% CI: 1.31–25.80, p = 0.021), poor sleep (OR = 3.92, 95% CI: 1.09–14.12, p = 0.036) and decreased sexual drive (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 0.96–23.28, p = 0.055), were more likely to be nonadherent to antihypertensive medication.ConclusionIn conclusion, we observed a lower nonadherence rate among hypertensive clients in a Ghanaian population with correlates being medication‐related factors. Most importantly, perceived noneffectiveness of medication, barriers to smoking and alcohol cessation, palpitations, poor sleep, and decreased sexual drive significantly predicted lower adherence and could serve as indicators for high risk of nonadherence to antihypertensive medications.
An affinity propagated clustering aided computerized Inherent Seeded Region Growing and Deep learned Marching Cubes Algorithm (ISRG‐DMCA) based three dimensional image reconstruction approach
Authors: Joseph Sushitha Susan , Dennisan Aju 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this manuscript, the novel three dimensional (3D) image reconstruction approach based on affinity propagated clustering aided computerized Inherent Seeded Region Growing and Deep learned Marching Cubes Algorithm (ISRG‐DMCA) is proposed. The major purpose of this manuscript is to divide the brain tumor based on Shapelets. Here, the information about the shape/depth that can be obtained in every two dimensional (2D) image on the image stack is handled to acquire a 3D reconstruction, which provides high accurate 3D view of tumor Region of Interest (ROI). Then, the 3D model is rendered with the help of the proposed Deep learned Marching Cubes Algorithm (Deep MCA) at 3D reconstruction technique. The performance of the proposed method is executed in MATLAB. The simulation results show that the proposed ISRG‐DMCA algorithm attains a higher detection rate 14.117%, 5.435%, higher accuracy rate 9.556%, 26.41% and lower execution time 66.667%, 75%, compared with the existing methods, like Improved Marching Cubes Algorithm (IMCA), Improved CNN‐CRF method, respectively. In the proposed ISRG‐DMCA method, the volume of the tumor has a length of 2.56 mm. Finally, the simulation outcomes demonstrate that the proposed ISRG‐DMCA method can be able to find the optimal solutions efficiently and accurately.
Harm reduction acceptability and feasibility in a North American indigenous reserve community
Authors: Goldstein Silvi C. , Spillane Nichea S. , Nalven Tessa , Weiss Nicole H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsThe present study assessed community and culturally specific alcohol‐related harm among North American Indigenous (NAI) individuals, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of harm reduction approaches in one reserve‐based NAI community.MethodsParticipants lived on or near a NAI reserve in Canada. Semi‐structured focus groups were conducted with health care workers (N = 8, 75% NAI) and community members (N = 9, 100% NAI). Self‐report questionnaires were administered that measured acceptability and feasibility of harm reduction strategies.ResultsConventional content analysis revealed loss of culture as culturally specific alcohol‐related harm. Health care workers rated harm reduction approaches to be acceptable and feasible, while community participants were more mixed. Majority of participants felt that some harm reduction strategies could provide opportunities for individuals who use alcohol to connect to Indigenous culture and traditions. However, there were mixed findings on whether harm reduction strategies are consistent with Indigenous cultural traditions and values.ConclusionFuture research is needed to evaluate potential utility of harm‐reduction approaches for NAI communities.
How using a paper versus mobile calendar influences everyday planning and plan fulfillment
Authors: Huang Yanliu , Yang Zhen , Morwitz Vicki G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis research examines how using a paper versus mobile calendar influences everyday planning and plan fulfillment behavior. Consumers are rapidly moving from paper to mobile calendars for convenience, but this research shows that doing so may lead individuals to be less successful in effectively developing and implementing their plans. In three studies, we demonstrate that compared with mobile calendar users, paper calendar users develop higher‐quality plans and are more successful in plan fulfillment. We provide evidence that this happens because paper calendar users take a broader, big‐picture perspective during planning, which also leads to higher‐quality plan development and a greater likelihood of plan fulfillment. When mobile calendar users use a mode that also provides a broader perspective, their plan quality increases.
Nitrate losses across 29 Iowa watersheds: Measuring long‐term trends in the context of interannual variability
Authors: Danalatos Gerasimos J. N. , Wolter Calvin , Archontoulis Sotirios V. , Castellano Michael J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the U.S. Corn Belt, annual croplands are the primary source of nitrate loading to waterways. Long periods of fallow cause most nitrate loss, but there is extreme interannual variability in the magnitude of nitrate loss due to weather. Using mean annual (2001–2018) flow‐weighted nitrate‐N concentration (FWNC; mg NO3––N L–1), load (kg NO3––N), and yield (kg NO3––N ha–1 cropland) for 29 watersheds, our objectives were (a) to quantify the magnitude and interannual variability of 5‐yr moving average FWNC, load, and yield; (2) to estimate the probability of measuring 41% reductions in nitrate loss after isolating the effect of weather on nitrate loss by quantifying the interannual variability of nitrate loss in watersheds where there was no trend in 5‐yr moving average nitrate loss (Iowa targets a 41% nitrate loss reduction from croplands); and (c) to identify factors that, in the absence of long‐term trends in nitrate loss, best explain the interannual variability in nitrate loss. Averaged across all watersheds, the mean probability of measuring a statistically significant 41% reduction in FWNC across 15 yr, should it occur, was 96%. However, the probabilities of measuring 41% reductions in nitrate load and yield were only 44 and 32%. Across watersheds, soil organic matter, tile drainage, interannual variability of precipitation, and watershed area accounted for interannual variability in these nitrate loss indices. Our results have important implications for setting realistic timelines to measure nitrate loss reductions against the background of interannual weather variation and can help to target monitoring intensity across diverse watersheds.
Sensitive recognition of prostate‐specific antigen using biotinylated antibody encapsulated on D‐penicillamine decorated wrinkled silicate nanoparticles (WSN): An innovative sandwich‐type biosensor toward diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Behyar Milad Baghal , Farshchi Fatemeh , Hasanzadeh Mohammad 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this study, a new sandwich‐type biosensor was developed to specific recognition of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and early‐stage diagnosis of prostate cancer using encapsulation of biotinylated antibody (Ab1) of prostate‐specific antigen on D‐penicillamine decorated wrinkled silicate nanoparticles (WSN). For the first time, KCC‐1‐NH‐DPA was synthesized and used to immobilization of biomacromolecules. So, fabricated immunosensor was performed by on sandwich‐type strategy. After fabrication of immunosensor, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and square wave voltammetry techniques were used to electrochemical evaluation of immune‐platform for PSA detection. The proposed biocompatibility immune‐platform provided a novel interface toward sensitive bioanalysis of PSA biomarker in human plasma samples. Due to the use of gold nanoparticles functionalized Cysteamine (Cys A) in the structure of the secondary antibody (Ab2 [HRP‐Ab2]), the intensity of the electrochemical signal has increased, resulting in a more accurate detection of the target molecules. Under the right conditions, the engineering immunosensor provides good bioanalytical performance for determining the PSA biomarker in the linear range of 0.002 to 60 μg L−1 which low limit of quantification was 0.002 μg L−1. As a result, it is suggested to use these immune‐devices in the clinical pre‐diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers in herpes zoster
Authors: Oskay Tuba , Keskin Cem , Özen Mehmet 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe risk of herpes zoster (HZ) increases as cell‐mediated immunity declines with age. Even though oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of HZ, there are few serum biomarkers of the disease's antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the blood levels of major antioxidants in HZ patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on this issue in the literature. The serum levels of antioxidants including uric acid (UA), total bilirubin (TBİL), albumin (ALB), vitamin D levels, and inflammatory markers such as homocysteine (Hcy) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) was retrospectively analyzed in 53 patients with HZ and 53 age‐and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs). The relationships between these markers and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and the clinical severity of HZ were also evaluated. Serum levels of UA, TBIL, and ALB in patients with HZ were significantly lower than those in the HCs (p < 0.001), while no statistical differences were found in vitamin D levels between the groups. Hcy and CRP levels were significantly increased in HZ patients compared to HCs. Significant differences were observed in the serum levels of UA, Hcy, CRP, and vitamin D in the PHN group versus the non‐PHN group (p < 0.001). The presence of inflammatory markers was found to be positively related to disease activity. Furthermore, when compared to the mild or moderate clinical types of HZ, these biomarkers were statistically significant in the severe clinical type. These results suggest that uncontrolled varicella‐zoster virus reactivation, acute nerve damage, and PHN may all be associated with low antioxidant levels. These biomarkers may be a protective factor for HZ, but more research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanism.
Sequential IgG antibody monitoring for virus‐inactivated and adenovirus‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccine in Brazilian healthcare workers
Authors: Lin‐Wang Hui T. , Lemes Rogerio C. , da Silva Farias Eduardo , Bajgelman Marcio C. , Franchini Kleber G. , Viana Renata , Gun Carlos 
Published: April 2022

AbstractVaccination certainly is the best way to fight against the COVID‐19 pandemic. In this study, the seroconversion effectiveness of two vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was assessed in healthcare workers: virus‐inactivated CoronaVac (CV, n = 303), and adenovirus‐vectored Oxford–AstraZeneca (AZ, n = 447). The immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies anti‐spike glycoprotein and anti‐nucleocapsid protein were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at the time before vaccination (T1), before the second dose (T2), and 30 days after the second dose (T3). Of all individuals vaccinated with AZ, 100% (n = 447) exhibited seroconversion, compared to 91% (n = 276) that were given CV vaccine. Among individuals who did not respond to the CV, only three individuals showed a significant increase in the antibody level 4 months later the booster dose. A lower seroconversion rate was observed in elders immunized with the CV vaccine probably due to the natural immune senescence, or peculiarity of this vaccine. The AZ vaccine induced a higher humoral response; however, more common side effects were also observed. Nonvaccinated convalescent individuals revealed a similar rate of anti‐spike IgG to individuals that were given two doses of CV vaccine, which suggests that only a one‐shot COVID‐19 vaccine could produce an effective immune response in convalescents.
The kinetics and predictors of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies up to 8 months after symptomatic COVID‐19: A Czech cross‐sectional study
Authors: Štěpánek Ladislav , Janošíková Magdaléna , Štěpánek Lubomír , Nakládalová Marie , Boriková Alena 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe presence of neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies indicates protection against (re)infection, however, the knowledge of their long‐term kinetics is limited. This study analyzed the presence of COVID‐19‐induced antibodies in unvaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) over the period of 1–8 months post symptom onset (SO) and explored the determinants of persisting immunoglobulin (Ig) seropositivity. Six hundred sixty‐two HCWs were interviewed for anamnestic data and tested for IgG targeting the spike protein (S1 and S2) and IgM targeting the receptor‐binding domain. A Cox regression model was used to explore potential predictors of seropositivity with respect to the time lapse between SO and serology testing. 82.9% and 44.7% of HCWs demonstrated IgG and IgM seropositivity, respectively, with a mean interval of 83 days between SARS‐CoV‐2 detection and serology testing. On average, HCWs reported seven symptoms in the acute phase lasting 20 days. IgG seropositivity rates among HCWs decreased gradually to 80%, 50%, and 35% at 3, 6, and 8 months after SO, while IgM seropositivity fell rapidly to 60%, 15%, and 0% over the same time intervals. The number of symptoms was the only predictor of persisting IgG seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 1.096, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.003–1.199, p = 0.043) and symptom duration a predictor of IgM seropositivity (OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.004–1.017, p = 0.002). Infection‐induced anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG rates drop to a third in seropositive participants over the course of 8 months. Symptom count and duration in the acute phase of COVID‐19 are both relevant to the subsequent kinetics of antibody responses.
Residue analysis, dissipation patterns of chlorfenapyr, diafenthiuron and their corresponding metabolites in tea trees, and dietary intake risk assessment
Authors: Xu Feng , Xu Duo , Du Gongming , Guo Zhenyu , Zha Xinxin , Chen Liuyang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecently, chlorfenapyr and diafenthiuron have been widely used to prevent and control diseases and pests in tea production. However, rare studies have investigated the dissipation patterns of chlorfenapyr, diafenthiuron and their metabolites simultaneously in tea matrices. Here, we established an analytical method to investigate the degradation patterns of five target compounds in tea shoots and made tea samples. Moreover, the dietary intake risk assessment of chlorfenapyr–diafenthiuron mixture among Chinese populations was evaluated based on the supervised field experiment.RESULTSThe mean recoveries of the primary analytes at five spiking levels were between 95.6% and 112.6% in tea shoots and made tea, respectively, and the values of RSD (relative standard deviation) were lower than 9.7% for all the target analytes. The field trial results showed that the half‐lives of chlorfenapyr and diafenthiuron based on the residue definition were 10.0–12.4 days and 4.3–5.9 days, respectively, in tea shoots. For the dietary intake risk assessment, the risk quotient (RQ) values in made tea ranged from 30.4% to 73.9% at the pre‐harvest interval of 14 days, which were significantly less than 100%.CONCLUSIONThe accuracy and precision of the developed method were satisfied by the measurement requirements according to the validation results. The dynamic dissipation experiments suggested that diafenthiuron was much easier to dissipate than chlorfenapyr. Moreover, the existence of tralopyril made the half‐life of chlorfenapyr significantly increase, indicating that practical application of chlorfenapyr should take careful consideration of its metabolite. Finally, the potential chronic dietary risks of the chlorfenapyr–diafenthiuron mixture to human communities were within the acceptable range. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sodium caseinate enhances the effect of konjac flour on delaying gastric emptying based on a dynamic in vitro human stomach‐IV (DIVHS‐IV) system
Authors: Li Shanshan , Ye Shuxin , Jin Hong , Shang Longchen , Li Jing , Liang Hongshan , Li Bin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the context of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, satiety‐enhancing foods may help people control their energy intake and weight. In this study, an advanced near‐real human gastric simulator equipped with a dynamic in vitro human stomach‐IV (DIVHS‐IV) system was used to determine the gastric digestion and gastric retention ratio of konjac flour (KF)/sodium caseinate (SC) mixtures with different ratios.RESULTSThe apparent viscosity, viscoelastic properties, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of the digested products were collected and analyzed to further study the effect of SC on the physical properties of KF during digestion. The results showed that the addition of SC could enhance the effect of KF on delaying gastric emptying in vitro. Besides, the addition of SC was shown to weaken the effect of gastric juice on the dilution of gastric contents by forming SC gel blocks in the acid environment. In particular, the synergistic gastric emptying delaying effect was the strongest in the KF/SC mixture containing 1% KF and 8% SC, and obvious massive aggregates were observed.CONCLUSIONThe combination of 1% KF and 8% SC was shown to synergistically delay gastric emptying and potentially enhance the sense of fullness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stability enhancement of beetroot betalains through copigmentation
Authors: Basavaraja Thippeswamy , Joshi Alka , Sethi Shruti , Kaur Charanjit , Tomar Bhoopal Singh , Varghese Eldho , Dahuja Anil 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDLike other natural pigments, betalains have a stability problem. Copigmentation can be explored to address this issue. In this study, black carrot anthocyanins were used for the first time as copigment with betalains so that copigmented betalains with enhanced stability could be developed to withstand deteriorative processing and storage conditions.RESULTSIncrease in hyperchromic and bathochromic shift with subsequent increase in black carrot anthocyanin extract (0.250 g L−1) addition from 0.2 to 1.0 mL L−1 was observed in native betalain pigments from 0.28 to 1.90 and 538 nm to 564 nm, respectively. For maximum recorded bathochromic shift, 0.8 mL L−1 addition of copigment was optimized. Copigmented betalain pigment showed better stability in comparison with native pigment, when exposed to light, temperature more than 60 °C and ≥1.0 g L−1 NaCl. At constant incubation time (3 h), copigmented betalains degraded up to 20.79–41.43% whereas the non‐copigmented counterpart degraded up to 83.49–86.86% at 60, 75 and 90 °C, respectively. Lower rate constant (k) and enhanced activation energy (Ea) showed higher thermostability of copigmented betalains. With constant light exposure, the half‐life value of betalains was 145.2 h, which increased approximately twofold (274.08 h) after copigmentation. The t1/2 of betalain pigment at 10%, 15% and 18% salt addition was 81.12, 75.36 and 83.52 h, which increased to 186.96, 226.56 and 152.88 h after copigmentation.CONCLUSIONThese findings support that black carrot anthocyanin is a potential and compatible copigment for water‐soluble betalain pigment that enhances stability of betalains under extreme processing conditions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The adoption of laser land leveler technology and its impact on groundwater use by irrigated farmland in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sheikh Asjad Tariq , Mugera Amin , Pandit Ram , Burton Michael , Davies Stephen 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the factors that influence the adoption of laser land levelers and their impact on groundwater usage in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. A farm household survey of 504 agriculture producers was conducted in 2019. A discrete‐time duration model is used to investigate factors influencing the speed of adoption and an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model is used to evaluate its impact on groundwater usage. About 70% of the surveyed households adopted the technology, and the average time to adoption was 9 years. Key factors accelerating the speed of adoption include strong legal land rights, access to information about the technology, and exposure to the technology. In contrast, long distance to rental market deaccelerates the speed of adoption. The adoption of laser land leveler reduced groundwater use by about 23%. The results imply that institutional arrangements, such as improving access to extension services, exposure to innovation, and legal land rights, can enhance the adoption and diffusion of the technology and conserve groundwater.