bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of physiological demands in Warmblood show jumping horses over a standardized 1.10 m jumping course versus a standardized exercise test on a track
Authors: Léguillette Renaud , Bond Stephanie L. , Lawlor Kelda , Haan Tineke de , Weber Lauren M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
A greater understanding of exercise physiology and biochemistry is required for the sport horse disciplines, including show jumping. Conditioning of horses for show jumping is empirical because they are primarily trained on flat ground, however the equivalent workload between jumping and flat work is currently unknown. The objectives of the study were therefore to compare the physiological demands of Warmblood show jumpers over a standardized 1.10 m course vs a 600 m standardized incremental exercise test on flat ground, and to report reference field test values for competitive show jumping horses. In this prospective field study, 21 healthy, actively competing Warmblood show jumping horses were assessed to determine physiological variables after a standardized jumping course at 6.4 m/s (average speed) and track standardized incremental exercise test at 5 m/s, 8 m/s and 11 m/s. Heart rate, velocity, blood lactate, blood pH, pCO2, bicarbonate, PCV and TP concentrations were recorded. V200, V170 and VLa4 were calculated. Parametric statistics were performed on analysis of all 21 horses’ variables.

Results
Contrary to exercise at 5 m/s and 11 m/s, cantering at 8 m/s did not induce any significant difference in blood lactate, mean heart rate or mean venous blood pH compared to after completion of the jumping course.

Conclusions
Jumping a 1.10 m course demands a statistically similar workload to cantering around a flat track at 8 m/s. This study will help to test fitness and design conditioning programs for Warmblood show jumping horses.
Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic test kit to the gold standard fluorescent antibody test for diagnosis of rabies in animals in Bhutan
Authors: Tenzin Tenzin , Lhamo Kelzang , Rai Purna B. , Tshering Dawa , Jamtsho Pema , Namgyal Jamyang , Wangdi Thrinang , Letho Sangay , Rai Tuku , Jamtsho Sonam , Dorji Chendu , Rinchen Sangay , Lungten Lungten , Wangmo Karma , Lungten Lungten , Wangchuk Pema , Gempo Tshewang , Jigme Kezang , Phuntshok Karma , Tenzinla Tenzinla , Gurung Ratna B. , Dukpa Kinzang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Rabies kills approximately 59,000 people each year worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of rabies is important for instituting rapid containment measures and for advising the exposed people for postexposure treatment. The application of a rapid diagnostic tests in the field can greatly enhance disease surveillance and diagnostic activities, especially in resource poor settings. In this study, a total of 179 brain tissue samples collected from different rabies suspect animal species (113 dogs, 50 cattle, 10 cats, 3 goats, 2 horses, and 1 bear) were selected and tested using both rapid immunochromatographic kit and the reference standard fluorescent antibody test (FAT). We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of a rapid antigen detection test kit produced by BioNote, Inc. (Hwaseong-si, Korea) relative to a FAT for its fit-for-purpose for confirmation of clinical cases of rabies for early response and enhancing rabies surveillance.

Results
Among 179 samples examined in this study, there was a concordance in results by the rapid test and FAT in 115 positive samples and 54 negative samples. Test results were discordant in 10 samples which were positive by FAT, but negative (false negative) by rapid kit. The rapid test kit showed a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 85.9–95.6) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 93.4–100) using FAT as the reference standard. The positive and negative predictive values were found to be 100% (95% CI:96.7–100) and 84.4% (95% CI: 73.6–91.3), respectively. Overall, there was 94.4% (95% CI: 90–96.9) test agreement between rapid test and FAT (Kappa value = 0.874) with a positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement of 92 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions
Our finding demonstrated that the rapid test kit (BioNote) can be used for rabies surveillance and confirming clinical case of rabies in animals for making rapid decisions particularly controlling rabies outbreaks in resource poor settings.
Highly enantioselective synthesis of (R)-1,3-butanediol via deracemization of the corresponding racemate by a whole-cell stereoinverting cascade system
Authors: Zu Han , Gu Jie , Zhang Hui , Fan Anwen , Nie Yao , Xu Yan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Deracemization, the transformation of the racemate into a single stereoisomeric product in 100% theoretical yield, is an appealing but challenging option for the asymmetric synthesis of optically pure chiral compounds as important pharmaceutical intermediates. To enhance the synthesis of (R)-1,3-butanediol from the corresponding low-cost racemate with minimal substrate waste, we designed a stereoinverting cascade deracemization route and constructed the cascade reaction for the total conversion of racemic 1,3-butanediol into its (R)-enantiomer. This cascade reaction consisted of the absolutely enantioselective oxidation of (S)-1,3-butanediol by Candida parapsilosis QC-76 and the subsequent asymmetric reduction of the intermediate 4-hydroxy-2-butanone to (R)-1,3-butanediol by Pichia kudriavzevii QC-1.

Results
The key reaction conditions including choice of cosubstrate, pH, temperature, and rotation speed were optimized systematically and determined as follows: adding acetone as the cosubstrate at pH 8.0, a temperature of 30 °C, and rotation speed of 250 rpm for the first oxidation process; in the next reduction process, the optimal conditions were: adding glucose as the cosubstrate at pH 8.0, a temperature of 35 °C, and rotation speed of 200 rpm. By investigating the feasibility of the step-by-step method with one-pot experiment as a natural extension for performing the oxidation–reduction cascade, the step-by-step approach exhibited high efficiency for this cascade process from racemate to (R)-1,3-butanediol. Under optimal conditions, 20 g/L of the racemate transformed into 16.67 g/L of (R)-1,3-butanediol with 99.5% enantiomeric excess by the oxidation–reduction cascade system in a 200-mL bioreactor.

Conclusions
The step-by-step cascade reaction efficiently produced (R)-1,3-butanediol from the racemate by biosynthesis and shows promising application prospects.
Genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection in patients with uncomplicated malaria in Chewaka district, Ethiopia
Authors: Abamecha Abdulhakim , El-Abid Hassan , Yilma Daniel , Addisu Wondimagegn , Ibenthal Achim , Bayih Abebe Genetu , Noedl Harald , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Moumni Mohieddine , Abdissa Alemseged 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity of P. falciparum strains can be used to assess intensity of parasite transmission and identify potential deficiencies in malaria control programmes, which provides vital information to evaluating malaria elimination efforts. This study investigated the P. falciparum genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of infection in parasite isolates from cases with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods
A total of 80 P. falciparum microscopy and qPCR positive blood samples were collected from study participants aged 6 months to 60 years, who visited the health facilities during study evaluating the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine from September–December, 2017. Polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reactions (nPCR) followed by gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis.

Results
Of 80 qPCR-positive samples analysed for polymorphisms on msp-1 and msp-2 genes, the efficiency of msp-1 and msp-2 gene amplification reactions with family-specific primers were 95% and 98.8%, respectively. Allelic variation of 90% (72/80) for msp-1 and 86.2% (69/80) for msp-2 were observed. K1 was the predominant msp-1 allelic family detected in 20.8% (15/72) of the samples followed by MAD20 and RO33. Within msp-2, allelic family FC27 showed a higher frequency (26.1%) compared to IC/3D7 (15.9%). Ten different alleles were observed in msp-1 with 6 alleles for K1, 3 alleles for MAD20 and 1 allele for RO33. In msp-2, 19 individual alleles were detected with 10 alleles for FC27 and 9 alleles for 3D7. Eighty percent (80%) of isolates had multiple genotypes and the overall mean multiplicity of infection was 3.2 (95% CI 2.87–3.46). The heterozygosity indices were 0.43 and 0.85 for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively. There was no significant association between multiplicity of infection and age or parasite density.

Conclusions
The study revealed high levels of genetic diversity and mixed-strain infections of P. falciparum populations in Chewaka district, Ethiopia, suggesting that both endemicity level and malaria transmission remain high and that strengthened control efforts are needed in Ethiopia.
Disseminating clinical study results to trial participants in Ethiopia: insights and lessons learned
Authors: Degaga Tamiru S. , Weston Sophie , Tego Tedla T. , Abate Dagimawie T. , Aseffa Ashenafi , Wayessa Adugna , Price Ric N. , Hailu Asrat , Thriemer Kamala 
Published: June 2020

AbstractInternational regulatory authorities and funders require that research be disseminated promptly and appropriately to all involved stakeholders. However, following completion of clinical trials participants often either do not receive any feedback or materials provided are not appropriate for the context. The investigators of a multicentre anti-malarial clinical trial (the IMPROV study) conducted a dissemination meeting at one of the study sites in Ethiopia; trial participants and medical staff were provided feedback on the study results. This report summarizes the dissemination strategies adopted by the investigators, including a plain language visual aid and simple communication techniques. Lessons learned are reported with a discussion on the operational challenges to dissemination of clinical trials in resource limited settings.
Subgroup analysis of the influence of body mass index on the association between serum lipids and cognitive function in Chinese population
Authors: Li Jiang , Cao Yongtong , Xiao Cheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Previous studies reported that the association between lipid levels and cognitive function is related with gender, age and specific cognitive domains, but the influence of body mass index (BMI) on this association is limited. This triggered interest in exploring how serum lipids relate to cognitive function in different subgroups.

Methods
Data was collected from 2009 wave and 2015 wave of China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Multivariable linear regression analyses examined serum lipids level as predictors of sex- and age-specific measure of cognitive function in different BMI levels, which were adjusted for nationality, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), smoking status, alcohol consumption and education level.

Results
Cognitive function score have different concentration curves in serum lipids quartile levels in different BMI categories. After adjustment for confounding factors, serum TG was positively associated with cognitive function score in underweight (β ± SE: 2.06 ± 0.88, P = 0.023) and obese (β ± SE: 1.44 ± 0.71, P = 0.045) male group, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β ± SE: 1.89 ± 0.92, P = 0.041) and obese (β ± SE: 5.04 ± 1.62, P = 0.002) female group. Serum TC was negatively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β ± SE: − 2.55 ± 1.26, P = 0.043) mid-life adults, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β ± SE: 2.15 ± 0.94, P = 0.022) and obese (β ± SE: 5.33 ± 2.07, P = 0.011) older adults.

Conclusion
The associations of serum lipids with cognitive function were related with BMI levels and differed between gender and age groups. This result indicated that better nutritional status has superior cognitive function performance.
Health-related quality of life (FACT-GP) in Sweden
Authors: Lindqvist Bagge Ann-Sophie , Carlander Anders , Fahlke Claudia , Olofsson Bagge Roger 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Many studies have used disease-specific instruments, such as the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT), when studying health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients. Few studies however, have described normative HRQOL values in the general population using FACT - General Population (FACT-GP). The general aim of the present study is thus to describe the normative HRQOL values in the general Swedish population by using the FACT-GP instrument and to investigate to what degree sociodemographic factors and status of self-rated health (SRH) correlate with HRQOL.

Methods
The participants consisted of a pre-stratified (gender, age and education) sample of Swedish citizens that previously had enrolled to be a part of a web panel hosted by a research institute (SOM Institute) at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The HRQOL was assessed by using the FACT-GP and SRH.

Results
A higher FACT-GP score was mainly associated with males, higher age, higher income and better SRH. The results showed that the Swedish sample scored lower on FACT-GP than previous studies.

Conclusions
Since HRQOL is frequently used as an important endpoint in healthcare research, there is an increasing need for normative data. The results from this study serve as a general population standard against which other studied HRQOL-data could be evaluated.
The plastic brain: neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics
Authors: Prüst Minne , Meijer Jonelle , Westerink Remco H. S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGiven the global abundance and environmental persistence, exposure of humans and (aquatic) animals to micro- and nanoplastics is unavoidable. Current evidence indicates that micro- and nanoplastics can be taken up by aquatic organism as well as by mammals. Upon uptake, micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain, although there is limited information regarding the number of particles that reaches the brain and the potential neurotoxicity of these small plastic particles.Earlier studies indicated that metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, such as gold (Au) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, can also reach the brain to exert a range of neurotoxic effects. Given the similarities between these chemically inert metal(oxide) nanoparticles and plastic particles, this review aims to provide an overview of the reported neurotoxic effects of micro- and nanoplastics in different species and in vitro. The combined data, although fragmentary, indicate that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can induce oxidative stress, potentially resulting in cellular damage and an increased vulnerability to develop neuronal disorders. Additionally, exposure to micro- and nanoplastics can result in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and altered neurotransmitter levels, which both may contribute to the reported behavioral changes.Currently, a systematic comparison of the neurotoxic effects of different particle types, shapes, sizes at different exposure concentrations and durations is lacking, but urgently needed to further elucidate the neurotoxic hazard and risk of exposure to micro- and nanoplastics.
Indigenous uses of wild and tended plant biodiversity maintain ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes of the Terai Plains of Nepal
Authors: Thorn Jessica P. R. , Thornton Thomas F. , Helfgott Ariella , Willis Kathy J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite a rapidly accumulating evidence base quantifying ecosystem services, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services in shared human-nature environments is still understudied, as is how indigenous and agriculturally dependent communities perceive, use, and manage biodiversity. The present study aims to document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of the ecosystem service benefits derived from wild and tended plants in rice-cultivated agroecosystems, compare this to botanical surveys, and analyze the extent to which ecosystem services contribute social-ecological resilience in the Terai Plains of Nepal.

Method
Sampling was carried out in four landscapes, 22 Village District Committees, and 40 wards in the monsoon season. Data collection was based on transects walks to collect plant specimens, structured and semi-structured interviews, and participatory fieldwork in and around home gardens, farms, and production landscapes. We asked 180 farmers to free-list vernacular names and describe use-value of wild and tended plants in rice-cultivated agroecosystems. Uses were categorized into eight broad groupings, and 61 biomedical ailment classifications. We assessed if knowledge of plant species diversity and abundance differed with regard to caste, age, and gender.

Results
Nepalese farmers have a deep knowledge of the use and management of the 391 vascular plant specimens identified, which provide key provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services. Altogether, plants belong to 76 distinct plant species from 49 phylogenetic families: 56 are used to cure 61 ailments, 27 for rituals, 25 for food, 20 for timber, 17 for fuel, 17 for fodder, 11 for soil enhancement, and eight for pesticides. Four caste groups have statistically different knowledge, and younger informants report a lower average number of useful plants.

Conclusion
Agricultural landscapes in Nepal are reservoirs of biodiversity. The knowledge of the use of wild and tended plant species in and around these farms differs by the caste and age group of land manager. Conducting research on agroecosystems will contribute to a deeper understanding of how nature is perceived by locals, to more efficient management and conservation of the breadbasket of Nepal, and to the conservation of valuable, but disappearing traditional knowledge and practice.
Prelacteal feeding practices in Pakistan: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Ahmed Zarak Husain , Hayward Mark D. , Widen Elizabeth M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrelacteal feeding, the feeding a newborn substances or liquids before breastfeeding, is a common cultural practice in Pakistan, but is associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality because it delays early initiation of breastfeeding. In this study, we sought to examine the social and cultural factors associated with prelacteal feeding in Pakistan.MethodsThis mixed-method study used data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2012–13. Findings from the survey were complemented by qualitative interviews with mothers and healthcare providers. In a subset of PDHS dyads (n = 1361) with children (0–23 months), descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis examined factors associated with prelacteal feeding. The qualitative study included in-depth interviews with six mothers and six health care providers, which were analyzed using NVivo software version 10.ResultsIn PDHS, a majority of children (64.7%) received prelacteal feeding. The most common prelacteal food was milk other than breast milk (24.5%), while over a fifth (21.8%) of mothers reported giving honey and sugar water. Factors associated with prelacteal feeding included: birth at public health facilities (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.02, 0.95), maternal primary education (AOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.35, 3.85), and delayed breastfeeding initiation (AOR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01, 0.61). In our qualitative study, the major themes found associated with prelacteal feedings included: easy access to prelacteal substances at health facilities, deliveries in private health facilities, prelacteals as a family tradition for socialization, insufficient breast milk, Sunna of Holy Prophet, and myths about colostrum.ConclusionsThese data indicate that prelacteal feeding is a well-established practice and social norm in Pakistan. Policies and interventions aimed at promoting breastfeeding need to take these customs into consideration to achieve the desired behavioral changes.
A novel three-dimensional template combined with MR-guided 125I brachytherapy for recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: He Xiangmeng , Liu Ming , Zhang Menglong , Sequeiros Roberto Blanco , Xu Yujun , Wang Ligang , Liu Chao , Wang Qingwen , Zhang Kai , Li Chengli 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
At present, the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma is extremely challenging. In this study, we used a novel three-dimensional non-coplanar template (3DNPT) combined with open MR to guide 125I seed implantation for recurrent glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and effectiveness of this technique.

Methods
Twenty-four patients of recurrent glioblastoma underwent 3DNPT with open MR-guided 125I brachytherapy from August 2017 to January 2019. Preoperative treatment plan and 3DNPT were made according to enhanced isovoxel T1-weighted MR images. 125I seeds were implanted using 3DNPT and 1.0-T open MR imaging guidance. Dosimetry verification was performed after brachytherapy based on postoperative CT/MR fusion images. Preoperative and postoperative dosimetry parameters of D90, V100, V200, conformity index (CI), external index (EI) were compared. The objective response rate (ORR) at 6 months and 1-year survival rate were calculated. Median overall survival (OS) measured from the date of brachytherapy was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results
There were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative dosimetry parameters of D90, V100, V200, CI, EI (P > 0.05). The ORR at 6 months was 75.0%. The 1-year survival rate was 58.3%. Median OS was 12.9 months. One case of small amount of epidural hemorrhage occurred during the procedure. There were 3 cases of symptomatic brain edema after brachytherapy treatment, including grade three toxicity in 1 case and grade two toxicity in 2 cases. The three patients were treated with corticosteroid for 2 to 4 weeks. The clinical symptoms related to brain edema were significantly alleviated thereafter.

Conclusions
3DNPT combined with open MR-guided 125I brachytherapy for circumscribed recurrent glioblastoma is feasible, effective, and with low risk of complications. Postoperative dosimetry matched the preoperative treatment plan. The described method can be used as a novel implantation technique for 125I brachytherapy in the treatment of recurrent gliomas.

Trial registration
The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University (NSFC:NO.2017–058), registered 1st July 2017.