bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative equipment to monitor and control salt usage when cooking at home: iMC SALT research protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gonçalves Carla , Silva-Santos Tânia , Abreu Sandra , Padrão Patrícia , Graça Pedro , Oliveira Luis , Esteves Sílvia , Norton Pedro , Moreira Pedro , Pinho Olívia 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionExcessive salt intake is a public health concern due to its deleterious impact on health. Most of the salt consumed come from those that are added when cooking. This study will improve knowledge on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce salt consumption among consumers.Methods and analysisIn this randomised clinical trial, we will be evaluating the efficacy of an intervention—the Salt Control H, an innovative prototype equipment to monitor and control use of salt when cooking—among workers from a public university, with the aim of reducing their dietary salt intake. We will randomly select 260 workers who meet the eligibility criteria and who are enrolled to an occupational health appointment and randomise them into one of the two arms of the study (either control or intervention), with matched baseline characteristics (sex and hypertension). The intervention will last for 8 weeks, during which the participants will use the equipment at home to monitor and control their use of salt when cooking. The main outcome will be 24-hour urinary sodium excretion at baseline, at fourth and eighth weeks of intervention, and at 6 months after intervention.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for the study has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João. The results of the investigation will be published in peer-reviewed scientific papers and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03974477Equipment provisional patent numberRegistered at INPI: 20191000033265.
Foot health and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Reinoso-Cobo Andres , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel , Caliz-Caliz Rafael , Ferrer-Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Vallejo-Velazquez Maria Teresa , Miguel Morales-Asencio Jose , Ortega-Avila Ana Belen 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to identify foot health factors related to the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).SettingIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 293 subjects were analysed, 229 of whom were in the RA group and 64 in the control group. In the RA group, 173 patients were female, and 50 in the control group.ParticipantsPatients with foot pain and RA (according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria) and with foot pain but no RA were recruited (Granada, Spain).InterventionTwo researchers independently interviewed the patients to obtain data for the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresClinical data were obtained using the Short Form 12-Item questionnaire (quality of life) (primary outcome), Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS pain), the Manchester Foot Pain Disability Index (MFPDI) and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Anthropometric measurements were obtained using a foot measurement platform, the Foot Posture Index and the Manchester Scale of Hallux Valgus (secondary outcomes).ResultsOf the 293 subjects, 76.1% were female. Significant differences were observed between the RA and the control group (p<0.001) with regard to VAS pain (general, foot and hand), MFPDI and FFI. In terms of anthropometric measurements, significant differences were only recorded for midfoot and forefoot width (p=0.03). For the physical health component, multivariable linear regression with the parameters age, gender, VAS pain (general) and the presence of RA presented an R2value of 48.8%, while for the mental health component the corresponding value was 5.6%.ConclusionMorphological and structural characteristics of the foot are not necessarily associated with pain, disability and loss of function. The presence of RA, a higher score on VAS pain (general), female gender and older age are all associated with the physical component of the quality of life of patients with RA.
Determination of cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase activity cut-off for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Toby Chun Hei , Chen Sammy Pak Lam , Mak Chloe Miu , Ching Chor Kwan , Luk Kristine Shik , Tsang Yat Ming , Leung Daniel Cheuk Wa 
Published: May 2020

AimsTuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe infection which may lead to serious complication and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. There is a need for a simple and fast laboratory test to differentiate TBM from other causes.MethodsRetrospective review was conducted for cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase (CSF-ADA) activity which was measured at the Chemical Pathology Laboratory of Princess Margaret Hospital, the sole centre providing such service in Hong Kong, for 51 patients with suspected meningitis from nine local hospitals between June 2014 and July 2017. TBM diagnosis was defined by positive culture and/or nucleic acid amplification test result ofMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex in CSF.ResultsCSF-ADA activity was significantly higher in the TBM group (8.6±2.1 IU/L, n=8) than that of the non-TBM group (2.8±5.9 IU/L, n=43). The optimal clinical cut-off of 5.1 U/L for TBM diagnosis in our laboratory yielded 100% sensitivity, 91% specificity, positive likelihood ratio of 10.8 and negative likelihood ratio of 0. In rare circumstance, false elevation may be seen in non-tuberculous cause, such as central nervous system lymphoma and fungal infection.ConclusionsWe recommend the use of CSF-ADA activity, which is a simple, fast and robust test for early differentiation of TBM from other causes, to facilitate timely initiation of antituberculous treatment and potentially improve patients’ outcome.
Seropositivity rate and sociodemographic factors associated to HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis among parturients from Irene Neto Maternity of Lubango city, Angola
Authors: Oliveira Dinamene , Martins Maria do Rosário , Castro Rita , Cordeiro Lemuel , Barroso Maria Rosalina , Nazaré Maria Antónia , Pereira Filomena 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTo characterise infections by HIV,Treponema pallidum,hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) in parturients admitted to Irene Neto Maternity, Lubango city, Huíla province, Angola, namely its seropositivity rate and its association with sociodemographic factors.MethodsAn observational, cross-sectional and analytical facility-based survey was conducted among 500 parturients at Irene Neto Maternity, from October 2016 to September 2017. Women in labour were screened for antibodies against HIV-1/2,T. pallidumand HCV. Antigen detection was used to diagnose HBV infections. Sociodemographic data were also collected. The seropositivity rate and respective CIs were estimated at a level of 95%. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to explore the association between the studied infections and sociodemographic factors.ResultsIn 11.8% of the parturients (95% CI 9.3 to 14.9), at least one infection was detected. HBV infection was the most common (8.6%), followed by HIV infection (3.0%) and syphilis (1.0%). Coinfection with HBV and HIV was observed in two parturients (0.4%) and HBV, HIV andT. pallidumwere all detected in one parturient (0.2%). No HCV infection was detected. For each additional year of formal education, pregnant women had a 10.0% lower chance of being infected with HBV (adjusted OR=0.900, 95% CI 0.816 to 0.992).ConclusionsThis study is one of the few reports contributing for the knowledge of some sexually transmitted infections epidemiology in Angola. The seropositivity rate of the studied infections is of concern, especially the high endemicity of HBV. There is a need for a stronger commitment and further research to design cost-effective public health and clinical interventions to improve the situation.
On variations of G in the geometric scalar theory of gravity
Authors: Bronnikov K. A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe analyze the possible variability of the effective Newtonian gravitational constant $$G_{\mathrm{N}}$$GN in space and time in the framework of the geometric scalar theory of gravity suggested by Novello et al. (JCAP 06:014, 2013). Spatial variations of $$G_{\mathrm{N}}$$GN in the Solar system are shown to have orders of magnitude detectable by modern instruments. As to variations of $$G_{\mathrm{N}}$$GN with cosmological time, it is shown (at least for the particular formulation of the theory discussed in the original paper and the corresponding cosmological models) that these variations are more rapid than is allowed by observations.
Primitive element pairs with a prescribed trace in the quartic extension of a finite field
Authors: Cohen Stephen D. , Gupta Anju 
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we give a largely self-contained proof that the quartic extension [Formula: see text] of the finite field [Formula: see text] contains a primitive element [Formula: see text] such that the element [Formula: see text] is also a primitive element of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for any prescribed [Formula: see text]. The corresponding result has already been established for finite field extensions of degrees exceeding 4 in [Primitive element pairs with one prescribed trace over a finite field, Finite Fields Appl. 54 (2018) 1–14.].
High-Capacity P2-Type NaxLi0.25Mn0.75O2 Cathode Enabled by Anionic Oxygen Redox
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Li Ning , Kedzie Elyse , McCloskey Bryan D. , Tang Haolin , Tong Wei 
Published: May 2020

Sodium-ion battery technology has attracted significant attention due to its substantial cost advantage and similar operating mechanism to Li-ion batteries. P2-type sodium manganese oxide cathode is one of the most promising candidates, demonstrating both high capacity and good cycling stability. Here, we explore the lattice oxygen activity in layered sodium transition metal oxides. We synthesize a series of sodium lithium manganese oxides, NaxLi0.25Mn0.75O2 (x = 0.75 – 0.833), to optimize Na content. We further investigate the charge compensation mechanism for the best performing Na0.75Li0.25Mn0.75O2 over an extensive electrochemical cycling window. The large charge and discharge capacity is enabled by reversible lattice oxygen redox in the high voltage region (≥2.5 V), along with Mn redox at the voltages below 2.5 V. Additionally, we reveal a small amount of oxygen gas evolution, 0.04% of the total oxygen in Na0.25Li0.25Mn0.75O2. This initial study will trigger an interest in the lattice oxygen activity in layered sodium metal oxide cathode, therefore, leading to better understanding of its correlation with crystal structure and electrochemical performance.
HYPOGLYCEMIC AND HYPOLIPIDEMIC ACTIVITY OF ARGININE CONTAINING BEARBERRY LEAVES EXTRACT IN INSULIN RESISTANT RATS
Authors: Kravchenko G. B. , Krasilnikova O. A. , Mazen M. 
Published: May 2020

Introduction. In recent decades, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) has become one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. A number of studies confirmed the causal relationship between the development of insulin resistance (IR) and DM2. At the same time, traditionally and for many years the plants or substances isolated from them have been using in the DM2 treatment and correction of its complications.
The aim of the study – to find out the effect of ethanolic polyphenol Bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) extract enriched with arginine (PE50_arg) on tolerance to glucose and lipid metabolism under experimental IR in rats.
Research Methods. Adult male outbred albino rats were used in the present study. Two experimental IR models were conducted: daily intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone and a diet enriched with fructose. Treating was performed by oral administration of polyphenolic alcohol extract (PE50) and the corresponding extract with the addition of arginine (PE50_arg). IR was confirmed by measuring immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and plasma glucose levels. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profile was investigated in the obtained serum samples. The statistical processing of the data was carried out using the STATISTICA program (StatSoftInc., USA, version 6.0).
Results and Discussion. A diet for 7 weeks enriched with fructose caused IR in rats. Also we observed increased triacylglycerol (TAG), free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol (Ch) levels. Daily injections of dexamethasone, which maintained the hormone level for 5 weeks, led to the IR development. Under hormone-induced IR also FFA and TAG levels were elevated, but Ch concentration in blood plasma did not significantly change. Both extracts, PE50 and PE50_arg, improve cell sensitivity to insulin in experimental IR models. At the same time, PE50_arg has a more pronounced normalizing effect on the lipid parameters being investigated.
Conclusions. Our results suggest that PE50_arg may be a potentially promising anti-diabetic agent.
РОЗРОБКА МЕТОДИКИ ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЇ ФЛАВОНОЇДІВ ТА ГІДРОКСИКОРИЧНИХ КИСЛОТ В ЕКСТРАКТАХ ЧЕБРЕЦЮ ПОВЗУЧОГО
Authors: Zarivna N. O. , Logoyda L. S. 
Published: May 2020

Вступ. Одним із завдань сучасної фармації є пошук і розробка нових лікарських засобів (ЛЗ) на основі лікарської рослинної сировини. Перспективним джерелом біологічно активних речовин (БАР) є чебрець повзучий (ЧП). Лікарські засоби на його основі широко використовують у народній та науковій медицині. У попередніх дослідженнях розроблено технологію рідкого і густого екстрактів ЧП. При аналізі трави рослини з метою стандартизації як показник якості, серед інших, ми обрали склад флавоноїдів та гідроксикоричних кислот, тому доречним є вивчення якісного складу цих БАР і в одержаних екстрактах.
Мета дослідження – розробити методику ідентифікації флавоноїдів та гідроксикоричних кислот у рідкому і густому екстрактах чебрецю повзучого та обрати маркери їх якості.
Методи дослідження. Під час дослідження використовували метод тонкошарової хроматографії (ТШХ), хроматографічні пластинки Silica gel F254 фірми “Merck”, прилад для автоматичного нанесення проб на пластинку “CAMAG Linomat 5”, хроматографічну камеру “GAMAG”, рідкий, густий екстракти ЧП, гіперозид (ФСЗ ДФУ), апігенін (Fluka), лютеолін (Fluka), рутин (Sigma), лютеолін-7-О-глюкозид (ФСЗ), хлорогенову, кофейну, розмаринову кислоти (Fluka), УФ-лампу.
Результати й обговорення. Для стандартизації рідкого та густого екстрактів ЧП ми розглядали мож­ливість ідентифікації БАР, продовжуючи запропонований підхід у ланцюзі трава ЧП – рідкий екстракт ЧП – густий екстракт ЧП. Якісний склад флавоноїдів визначали методом ТШХ у системі розчинників етилацетат Р – кислота мурашина безводна Р – вода Р (90:6:9). Для розробки методики якісного визначення флавоноїдів і гідроксикоричних кислот у екстрактах ЧП враховували різні способи й умови хроматографування, які описано в ДФУ. У результаті експерименту було підібрано оптимальну систему розчинників з хорошою розділювальною здатністю, яка дозволила максимально провести ідентифікацію складних груп БАР, що наявні в цих екстрактах.
Висновки. Розроблено методику якісного аналізу поліфенольних сполук у екстрактах ЧП. У результаті проведено ідентифікацію флавоноїдів і гідроксикоричних кислот у рідкому та густому екстрактах ЧП, що дозволило обрати маркерами якості досліджуваних екстрактів розмаринову (головний представник), кофейну і хлорогенову кислоти, а також флавоноїди – лютеолін-7-О-глюкозид, апігенін-7-О-глюкозид, лютеолін, апігенін, рутин.
Emergências em saúde pública em Estados democráticos
Authors: Aith Fernando 
Published: May 2020

A plena efetivação do direito à saúde exige das sociedades democráticas esforços permanentes e bastante criatividade para enfrentar os enormes desafios sanitários impostos pelas realidades global, nacionais e locais. Atualmente, o mundo assiste perplexo à disseminação em escala global de mais um vírus letal, o novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2. Parte dessa perplexidade encontra-se justamente na percepção de que as sociedades modernas não possuem instrumentos jurídicos adequados para enfrentar uma pandemia dessa magnitude de forma democrática, transparente e eficaz. Como conciliar medidas clássicas de controle de pandemias, tais como o isolamento, a quarentena e o diagnóstico e tratamento compulsórios, aos princípios e regras de um Estado Democrático de Direito?
Critical Role of Neprilysin in Kidney Angiotensin Metabolism
Authors: Kaltenecker Christopher C. , Domenig Oliver , Kopecky Chantal , Antlanger Marlies , Poglitsch Marko , Berlakovich Gabriela , Kain Renate , Stegbauer Johannes , Rahman Masudur , Hellinger Roland , Gruber Christian , Grobe Nadja , Fajkovic Harun , Eskandary Farsad , Böhmig Georg A. , Säemann Marcus D. , Kovarik Johannes J. 
Published: May 2020

Rationale:
Kidney homeostasis is critically determined by the coordinated activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), including the balanced synthesis of its main effector peptides Ang (angiotensin) II and Ang (1–7). The condition of enzymatic overproduction of Ang II relative to Ang (1–7) is termed RAS dysregulation and leads to cellular signals, which promote hypertension and organ damage, and ultimately progressive kidney failure. ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and NEP (neprilysin) induce the alternative, and potentially reno-protective axis by enhancing Ang (1–7) production. However, their individual contribution to baseline RAS balance and whether their activities change in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not yet been elucidated.

Objective:
To examine whether NEP-mediated Ang (1–7) generation exceeds Ang II formation in the healthy kidney compared with diseased kidney.

Methods and Results:
In this exploratory study, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure Ang II and Ang (1–7) synthesis rates of ACE, chymase and NEP, ACE2, PEP (prolyl-endopeptidase), PCP (prolyl-carboxypeptidase) in kidney biopsy homogenates in 11 healthy living kidney donors, and 12 patients with CKD. The spatial expression of RAS enzymes was determined by immunohistochemistry. Healthy kidneys showed higher NEP-mediated Ang (1–7) synthesis than Ang II formation, thus displaying a strong preference towards the reno-protective alternative RAS axis. In contrast, in CKD kidneys higher levels of Ang II were recorded, which originated from mast cell chymase activity.

Conclusions:
Ang (1–7) is the dominant RAS peptide in healthy human kidneys with NEP rather than ACE2 being essential for its generation. Severe RAS dysregulation is present in CKD dictated by high chymase-mediated Ang II formation. Kidney RAS enzyme analysis might lead to novel therapeutic approaches for CKD.
Neural and Behavioral Outcomes Differ Following Equivalent Bouts of Motor Imagery or Physical Practice
Authors: Kraeutner Sarah N. , Stratas Alexandra , McArthur Jennifer L. , Helmick Carl A. , Westwood David A. , Boe Shaun G. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Despite its reported effectiveness for the acquisition of motor skills, we know little about how motor imagery (MI)-based brain activation and performance evolves when MI (the imagined performance of a motor task) is used to learn a complex motor skill compared to physical practice (PP). The current study examined changes in MI-related brain activity and performance driven by an equivalent bout of MI- or PP-based training. Participants engaged in 5 days of either MI or PP of a dart-throwing task. Brain activity (via fMRI) and performance-related outcomes were obtained using a pre/post/retention design. Relative to PP, MI-based training did not drive robust changes in brain activation and was inferior for realizing improvements in performance: Greater activation in regions critical to refining the motor program was observed in the PP versus MI group posttraining, and relative to those driven via PP, MI led only to marginal improvements in performance. Findings indicate that the modality of practice (i.e., MI vs. PP) used to learn a complex motor skill manifests as differences in both resultant patterns of brain activity and performance. Ultimately, by directly comparing brain activity and behavioral outcomes after equivalent training through MI versus PP, this work provides unique knowledge regarding the neural mechanisms underlying learning through MI.
On the Presentation of Christianity in the Qurʾān and the Many Aspects of Qur’anic Rhetoric
Authors: Reynolds Gabriel Said 
Published: May 2020

Many important western works on the Qurʾān are focused on the question of religious influences. The prototypical work of this genre is concerned with Judaism and the Qurʾān: Abraham’s Geiger’s 1833 Was hat Mohammed aus dem Judenthume aufgenommen, or “What Did Muhammad Acquire from Judaism?” In Geiger’s work – and the works of many who followed him – material in the Qurʾān is compared to similar material in Jewish or Christian literature in the hope of arriving at a better understanding of the Qurʾān’s origins.
In the present article I argue that these sorts of studies often include a simplistic perspective on Qur’anic rhetoric. In order to pursue this argument I focus on a common feature of these works, namely a comparison between material in the Qurʾān on Christ and Christianity with reports on the teachings of Christian heretical groups. Behind this feature is a conviction that heretical Christian groups existed in the Arabian peninsula at the time of Islam’s origins and that these groups influenced the Prophet. I will argue that once the Qurʾān’s creative use of rhetorical strategies such as hyperbole is appreciated, the need to search for Christian heretics disappears entirely.
The Application of Simons’ “Levers of Control” in the Quran and Sunna
Authors: Fatoni bin Mohd Balwi Mohd Abd Wahab , Sufian bin Che Abdullah Ahmad , Lubis Asmuliadi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Simons’1 “levers of control” is a strategy-based framework that takes into consideration the belief systems of and the functions and interactions within an organization. The purpose of this article is to discuss Simons’ levers of control from an Islamic viewpoint, based on the teachings of the Quran and Sunna. It demonstrates that the concept of “levers of control”, as posited by Simons, does not contradict the basic tenets of Islam. In fact, all the main components of the levers of control – belief system, boundary system, diagnostic control system, and interactive system – were actually emphasized and vigorously implemented by Prophet Muhammad SAW. However, these practices have never before been organized into well-arranged and systematic categories that can be used as guidelines by Islamic organizations. Such organizations should aspire to implement comprehensively the practices of Prophet Muhammad SAW in all aspects of organizational management functions, including those related to control. However, in the absence of clear and comprehensive guidelines, any implementation may not be appropriate or in accordance with the practices of Prophet Muhammad SAW. More importantly, incorrect implementation as a result of limited understanding or misunderstanding of the Prophet’s SAW practices can affect the overall perception of Islam. By properly utilizing the levers of control, organizations that strive to emulate the practices of Prophet Muhammad SAW in their operations can be successful.