bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated 3D Printing Solution to Mitigate Shortages of Airway Consumables and Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fillat-Gomà Ferran , Coderch-Navarro Sergi , Martínez-Carreres Laia , Monill-Raya Núria , Nadal-Mir Toni , Lalmolda Cristina , Luján Manel , de Haro Candelaria , Blanch Lluís 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To cope with shortages of equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, we established a nonprofit end-to-end system to identify, validate, regulate, manufacture, and distribute 3D-printed medical equipment. Here we describe the local and global impact of this system. Methods: Together with critical care experts, we identified potentially lacking medical equipment and proposed solutions based on 3D printing. Validation was based on the ISO 13485 quality standard for the manufacturing of customized medical devices. We posted the design files for each device on our website together with their technical and printing specifications and created a supply chain so that hospitals from our region could request them. We analyzed the number/type of items, petitioners, manufacturers, and catalogue views.Results: Among 33 devices analyzed, 26 (78·8%) were validated. Of these, 23 (88·5%) were airway consumables and 3 (11·5%) were personal protective equipment. Orders came from 19 (76%) hospitals and 6 (24%) other healthcare institutions. Peak production was reached 10 days after the catalogue was published. A total of 22,135 items were manufactured by 59 companies in 18 sectors; 19,212 items were distributed to requesting sites during the busiest days of the pandemic. Our online catalogue was also viewed by 27,861 individuals from 113 countries.Conclutions: 3D printing helped mitigate shortages of medical devices due to problems in the global supply chain.
Investigation of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency Prevalence in a Plasmodium vivax Endemic Area in the Republic of Korea (ROK)
Authors: Lee Wonsig , Lee Sang-Eun , Noh Kyung Tae 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most prevalent inborn disorder. This X-chromosome-linked recessive disease affects more than 400 million people globally, and is associated with hemolytic anemia after medication with the anti-latent malaria drug, primaquine. To prevent malaria, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army administers malaria chemoprophylaxis. Due to the previously low G6PD deficiency prevalence in the ROK, prior to primaquine distribution, testing for G6PD deficiency was not mandatory. Here, we investigate G6PD deficiency prevalence to evaluate the risk from malaria chemoprophylaxis.Methods: Blood specimens from 1,632 soldiers entering training camp for the 3rd Infantry of the ROK Army were collected. CareStart™ Biosensor for G6PD and Hemoglobin was used to detect G6PD levels. G6PD variants using the DiaPlexC G6PD Genotyping kit (Asian type) and full-length sequencing were examined.Results: Of 1,632 blood specimens tested, none were observed to be G6Pd deficient. The median value of all tested samples was 7.582 U/g Hb. An investigation of 170 G6PD DNA variants were analyzed and categorized as partially low (n=134, 30%–80% (2.27–6.05 U/g Hb) of the median value), high (n=3, >150% (>11.373 U/g Hb) of the median value), or normal (n=36, 4.6–13.5 U/g Hb), and none were amplified by the DiaPlexC kit. Five silent mutations (C→T) in 38 partially abnormal specimens were found at the 1311th nucleotide position by sequence analysis. Another 8 silent mutations (T93C) were also detected in 134 partially abnormal specimens. Thus, we inferred that these silent mutations could be related to G6PD deficiency.Conclusions: This G6PD deficiency prevalence study, conducted among participants from the 3rd Infantry of the ROK Army, provided crucial evidence for the safety of malaria chemoprophylaxis. Here, we found that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among 1,632 young soldiers was nearly 0. Although G6PD phenotypic mutations were not detected, many silent mutations (C1311T and T93C) were observed. Thus, we inferred that malaria chemoprophylaxis is relatively safe against G6PD deficiency-mediated hemolytic anemia. However, given the number of individuals whose G6PD were at the low end of the normal range and the frequent detection of G6PD deficiency-related mutations, consistent monitoring of G6PD deficiency is needed.
A Programme to improve health services in rural South Africa: Perceptions from participating hospital managers, health science students and graduates
Authors: Gumede Dumsani Mandla , Taylor Myra , Kvalsvig Jane D. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The shortage of HCPs negatively affects health services in rural areas in many parts of the world, as is the case in South Africa. A NPO, the UYDF, initiated a programme designed to improve the health system in a rural area. It consisted of a scholarship and mentorship programme in 1999 for youth from the area to study for health science degrees on condition that they would take up a post at the hospital in their community once qualified.Aims: This paper reports the perceptions and experiences of the students and graduates sponsored by the foundation, and those of managers from the facilities where the students were ultimately placed, in order to gauge whether such a programme can make a sustainable contribution to address the shortage of health personnel in rural areas and to what extent this is happening.Methods: The study used qualitative methods. Students and senior health managers were interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth format, and graduates took part in focus group discussions at three hospitals, in different districts. The data were analyzed thematically.Results: The students interviewed appreciated the financial and socio-emotional support that they received, and the graduates were appreciative that posts awaited them in their home community on completion of their studies. The managers reported the success of the programme in increasing the number of healthcare personnel at the hospitals, and the range of available medical services. Since the graduates are familiar with the language and culture of their patients the managers considered that they are better able to assist them.Conclusion: The system was well thought-out and achieved its goal of improving health services in an underdeveloped rural area of South Africa. More could be achieved if other government services in the area were simultaneously improved and if the system were replicated elsewhere.
Can voucher scheme enhance primary care provision for older adults: cross-sectional study in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Johnny , Wong Samuel Y.S. , Chan Dicken C. C. , Zhang Dexing , Luk Lawrence H.F. , Chau Patsy Y.K. , Yip Benjamin H.K. , Lee Eric K.P. , Wong Eliza L.Y. , Yeoh E.K. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The Hong Kong government has launched the Elderly Health Care
Voucher (EHCV) scheme to facilitate primary care in the private
sector for older adults. This study aimed to examine whether
voucher use was associated with a shift of healthcare burden from
the public to the private sector, vaccine uptake and continuity of
care.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey recruited older adults with ≥3
chronic diseases through convenience sampling from seven general
outpatient clinics, seven geriatric day hospitals, and five
specialist outpatient clinics in Hong Kong. We used multiple
logistic regression to address the study objective.
Results
A total of 1032 patients participated in the survey. We included
714 participants aged 70 or above in the analysis. EHCV use was
associated with higher utilization of private primary care
services, including general practitioner and family doctor
(Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.67, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI)
1.51–4.72) and Chinese medicine clinic (AOR 3.53, 95%CI 1.47–8.49).
There were no significant associations of EHCV use with public
general outpatient clinic attendance, Accident & Emergency
attendance, and hospitalization. Furthermore, EHCV users were more
likely to receive pneumococcal vaccination (AOR 2.17, 95%CI
1.22–3.85) and were less likely to visit the same doctors for
chronic disease management (AOR 0.10, 95%CI 0.01–0.73).
Conclusions
While the EHCV may promote private primary care utilization and
preventive care, older patients continue to rely on public services
and the EHCV may worsen continuity of care. Policy-makers should
designate voucher usage for chronic disease management and
continuity of care.
Development and Performance Test of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Zhang Ruiyun , Lu Chengzhuang , Li Hao , Cheng Jian , Zhou Xian , Xu Shisen , Yang Guanjun , Huang Hua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In order to solve the problems of the preparation and matching characteristics of key materials in the development of large area and large power molten carbonate fuel cell(MCFC) stack, the assembly and test operation method of 10 kW MCFC stack is proposed. In this paper, the preparation method of matrix and electrode for large area MCFC is proposed. A 10 kW class MCFC power generation system with 120 cells and an effective area of 0.2 m2 for each cell is assembled and operated. In the constant voltage discharge test, the maximum output power is 16.51kw and the current density is greater than 95 mA/cm2. In view of many experiments and analysis, an effective online evaluation method for the baking effect of MCFC electrolyte matrix is obtained, which makes the matrix, electrode and molten salt electrolyte in the molten carbonate fuel cell body form a good match, which has an important guiding significance for improving the assembly and long-term operation of MCFC battery stack. The development and performance test method of the MCFC stack in this paper will provide effective theoretical and experimental guidance for the subsequent development of the larger MCFC power generation system, which is of great significance to promote the commercial demonstration and promotion of MCFC.
To Be or Not To Be: Relationship Between Grandparent Status and Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Lai Daniel W.L. , Li Jia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background It is common for older people to become grandparents in later life. However, the impacts of grandparenting on their health and well-being remain under-investigated, especially in Chinese society where family is in the core of culture. The current study explored the relationship between grandparenthood and Chinese older people’s health and psychological well-being in Hong Kong. Methods Data was collected from a sample of 1,208 Hong Kong Chinese older people aged 55 and above through a telephone survey conducted in 2019. Participants were grouped into three categories: current grandparents (n = 507), grandparents-to-be (n = 275), and grandparents-not-to-be (n = 426).. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between grandparenting status and health and well-being outcomes, including self-rated physical health, mental health, resilience, and happiness, while controlling for age, gender, education, marital status, financial status, and physical activity level. Results Bivariate analyses suggested statistically significant differences between health and well-being across the three groups of participants. Regression models showed that, when compared with grandparents-not-to-be, being a current grandparent was associated with a significantly higher level of happiness, while being a future grandparent was associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, resilience, and self-rated physical health.Conclusions The current study offers preliminary insights into the significant relationship between grandparenthood and older adults’ health and well-being. It calls for future studies to further explore the mechanisms behind the benefits of grandparenthood. Grandparenting is a potentially good starting point to build older adults’ capacity to promote healthy ageing.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of long non-coding RNAs conferring resistance to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in walnut (Juglans regia)
Authors: Feng Shan , Fang Hongcheng , Liu Xia , Dong Yuhui , Yang Ke Qiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Walnut anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc. is an important walnut production problem in China. Although the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important for plant disease resistance, the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to C. gloeosporioides in walnut remain poorly understood.
Results
The anthracnose-resistant F26 fruits from the B26 clone and the anthracnose-susceptible F423 fruits from the 4–23 clone of walnut were used as the test materials. Specifically, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of F26 fruit bracts and F423 to identify differentially expressed LncRNAs (DELs) at five time-points (tissues at 0 hpi, pathological tissues at 24 hpi, 48 hpi, 72 hpi, and distal uninoculated tissues at 120 hpi). Compared with F423, a total of 14525 DELs were identified, including 10645 upregulated lncRNAs and 3846 downregulated lncRNAs in F26. The number of upregulated lncRNAs in F26 compared to in F423 was significantly higher at the early stages of C. gloeosporioides infection. A total of 5 modules related to disease resistance were screened by WGCNA and the target genes of lncRNAs were obtained. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the target genes of upregulated lncRNAs were enriched in immune-related processes during the infection of C. gloeosporioides, such as activation of innate immune response, defense response to bacterium, incompatible interaction and immune system process, and enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and other pathways. And 124 known target genes for 96 hub lncRNAs were predicted, including 10 known resistance genes. The expression of 5 lncRNAs and 5 target genes was confirmed by qPCR, which was consistent with the RNA-seq data.
Conclusions
The results of this study provide the basis for future functional characterizations of lncRNAs regarding the C. gloeosporioides resistance of walnut fruit bracts.
PSMA-Targeting Redox Hyperbranched Poly (Amido Amine)-Mediated miR-133a-3p Delivery to Inhibit Bone Metastasis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ye Yongheng , Zhang Lingli , Dai Yuhu , Wang Zhi , Li Cuie , Peng Yue , Ma Dong , He Peiheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Treatment of bone metastasis of prostate cancer remains a formidable challenge. The skeleton has a poorer blood supply, leading to inadequate drug distribution into the bone after administration. This study aimed to develop aptamer-anchored hyperbranched poly (amido amine) (HPAA) for the systemic delivery of miRNA-133a-3p and to evaluate its therapeutic potential against bone metastasis of prostate cancer in vivo and in vitro. A glutathione (GSH)-responsive cationic HPAA was prepared by the Michael addition reaction. Furthermore, HPAA-PEG was produced by PEGylation, and then the aptamer targeted to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was conjugated to the HPAA-PEG. The obtained HPAA-PEG-APT could form nanocomplexes with miRNA-133a-3p through electrostatic adsorption. The results of immunocytochemistry indicated that the complexes could target PSMA-expressing LNCaP cells. The ability of HPAA-PEG-APT to facilitate the delivery of miRNA-133a-3p into LNCaP cells was proven, and HPAA-PEG-APT/miRNA-133a-3p demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity, lower cytotoxicity and better biocompatibility in vitro. Moreover, in a mouse tibial injection tumor model, the intravenous injection of the HPAA-PEG-APT/miRNA-133a-3p complex significantly inhibited cancer growth and extended the survival time. In summary, this study provided an aptamer-anchored HPAA-loaded gene system to deliver miRNA-133a-3p for better therapeutic efficacy of bone metastasis of prostate cancer.
Exploiting an Early Warning Nomogram for Predicting the Risk of ICU Admission in COVID-19 patients: A Multi-Center Study in China
Authors: Zhou Yiwu , He Yanqi , Yang Huan , Yu He , Wang Ting , Chen Zhu , Yao Rong , Liang Zongan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an urgent event in the worldwide. We aimed to develop and validate a practical model for early identifying and predicting which patients will be admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) based on a multi-center cohort in China. Methods Data from 1087 patients of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were collected from 49 sites between January 2 and February 28 2020 in Sichuan and Wuhan. Patients were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts (7:3). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and logistic regression analysis were employed for the development account. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated for the C-index, calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. The nomogram was further assessed in a different cohort as external validation. Results The individualized prediction nomogram included 6 predictors, including age, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, fever and chronic kidney disease. The model showed high discrimination ability in the training cohort (C-index = 0.829), which was confirmed in the external validation cohort (C-index = 0.776). In addition, the calibration plots confirmed good concordance for prediction the risk of ICU admission. Decision curve analysis showed that the prediction nomogram was clinically useful.Conclusion We established an early prediction model incorporating clinical characteristics that could be quickly obtained on hospital admission even in community health center. This model can be conveniently used to facilitate predicting the individual risk for ICU admission of COVID-19 patients and optimizing use of limited resources.
COVID-19: Does lifestyle intervention improve the course of the disease? A case series and literature review
Authors: Rios Salete da Silva , Chen Ana Carolina Rios , Chen Juliana Rios 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The new disease COVID-19 is associated with high mortality, as the virus attacks our defences and our immune system. Despite the amount of research by scientists from around the world, currently, no specific antiviral treatment is recommended, and no vaccine is available. However, there is already robust research showing how to improve our immune systems through a balanced diet and lifestyle intervention in order to fight against the virus. We report a series of 10 cases of patients with COVID-19 from a poor community in Brazil who were monitored by telephone due to the lack of resources in the public health system. They received conventional medical drugs and were additionally instructed to change their eating patterns as well their lifestyles. These patients showed favourable results in their illnesses. Lifestyle interventions with balanced nutrition are not antagonistic to traditional medicine. They interact harmoniously to achieve a positive result faster. Although today we know little about the treatment of COVID-19 with drugs, we know a lot about how to improve our immune systems to help our bodies in this battle against COVID-19. Until new treatments and effective vaccines are discovered, perhaps we can revisit the teachings of the father of medicine, who 2500 years ago spoke of the importance of lifestyle interventions such as changes in nutrition, sleep and exercise for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
A Precise TIN Clipping Algorithm for Digital Mining Design of the Open-pit Coal Mine
Authors: Zhao Jingchang , Gao Fei , Liu Guangwei , Wang Dong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
TIN clipping algorithm is one of the basic algorithms for digital mining design of open-pit coal mine based on TIN model. In this paper, a precise TIN clipping algorithm for digital mining design of open-pit coal mine is proposed. Based on the constructed grid index of the clipped TIN and the clipping polygon, the clipping polygon is embedded into the clipped TIN by interpolating the vertex elevation of the clipping polygon and calculating its intersections with the clipped TIN. Then, according to the reconstructed topology of the TIN triangles located inside (outside) the clipping polygon, generate the boundary of those two triangles set, and construct the TIN between the boundaries using the one-time edge-prior CDT growth algorithm, thus , achieve the precise TIN clipping keeping the clipped TIN’s local detail features. The experiment results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper is efficient, stable in performance, and it has been applied to the digital mining design of the open-pit coal mine.
Benthic Invertebrates Monitoring of the Muling River basin in Northeast China
Authors: Sun Xu , Yu Hongxian 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Muling River is the ﬁfth-largest river in Heilongjiang Province, and it is also the main feeding river to the Ussuri River which is the boundary river of China and Russia in Heilongjiang Province northeast of China. Muling River basin located in the south of Sanjiang Plain. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected using a D-frame net and Shannon-Wiener index were calculated in terms of abundance. Results: A total of 158 genera or species macroinvertebrate were collected from the 28 sampling sites and classified into six functional feeding groups including 61 gatherers/collectors, 42 predators, 22 scrapers, 14 shredders, 11 filterers/collectors and 8 omnivores. The correlation and relationship between environmental variables and macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups was explored using Pearson analysis and redundancy analysis. The analysis results displayed that macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups had strong relationships with the environmental variables in the Muling River basin.Conclusions: All FFGs, total abundance and Shannon-Wiener index were not significantly different. Total abundance of macroinvertebrates was higher in summer and biodiversity index was higher in autumn. Environmental factors of natural gradients and nutrition indicator were not significantly different, while others were significantly different.