bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The host cellular protein Ndufaf4 interacts with the vesicular stomatitis virus M protein and affects viral propagation
Authors: Pan Wei , Wang Hongmei , He Hongbin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an archetypal member of Mononegavirales which causes important diseases in cattle, horses and pigs. The matrix protein (M) of VSV plays critical roles in the replication, assembly/budding and pathogenesis of VSV. To further investigate the role of M during viral growth, we used a two-hybrid system to screen for host factors that interact with the M protein. Results: Here, NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex assembly factor 4 (Ndufaf4) was identified as an M-binding partner, and this interaction was confirmed by yeast cotransformation and GST pulldown assays. The globular domain of M was mapped and shown to be critical for the M-Ndufaf4 interaction. Two double mutations (E156A/H157A, D180A/E181A) in M impaired the M-Ndufaf4 interaction. Overexpression of Ndufaf4 inhibited VSV propagation, and knockdown of Ndufaf4 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) markedly promoted VSV replication. Finally, we also demonstrate that the anti-VSV effect of Ndufaf4 is independent of activation of the type I IFN response. These results indicated that Ndufaf4 might exploit other mechanisms to affect VSV replication. Conclusions: In summary, we identify Ndufaf4 as a potential target for the inhibition of VSV propagation. These results provided further insight into the study of VSVpathogenesis.
Genome wide analysis of the transcriptional profiles in different regions of the developing rice grains
Authors: Wu Ting-Ying , Müller Marlen , Gruissem Wilhelm , Bhullar Navreet K. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Rice is an important food source for humans worldwide. Because of its nutritional and agricultural significance, a number of studies addressed various aspects of rice grain development and grain filling. Nevertheless, the molecular processes underlying grain filling and development, and in particular in different contributions of grain tissues to these process, are not understood. Main text Using RNA-sequencing, we profiled gene expression activity in grain tissues comprised of cross cells (CC), the nucellar epidermis (NE), ovular vascular trace (OVT), endosperm (EN) and the aleurone layer (AL). These tissues were dissected using laser capture microdissection (LCM) at three distinct grain development stages. The mRNA expression datasets offer comprehensive and new insights into the gene expression patterns in different rice grain tissues and their contributions to grain development. Comparative analysis of the different tissues revealed their similar and/or unique functions, as well as the spatio-temporal regulation of common and tissue-specific genes. The expression patterns of genes encoding hormones and transporters indicate an important role of the OVT tissue in metabolite transport during grain development. Gene co-expression network prediction on OVT-specific genes identified several distinct and common development-specific transcription factors. Further analysis of enriched DNA sequence motifs proximal to OVT-specific genes revealed known and novel DNA sequence motifs relevant to rice grain development. Conclusion Together, the dataset of gene expression in rice grain tissues is a novel and useful resource for further work to dissect the molecular and metabolic processes during rice grain development.
Polish Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI) demonstrates a Valid Outcome Measure for the Lower Limb Region and Joints
Authors: Bejer Agnieszka , Podufały Agnieszka , Kyc Sylwia , Michałek Magdalena , Mataczyński Piotr , Domka-Jopek Elżbieta , Melloh Markus , Gabel Charles Philip 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended to enable the standardization of collected data and provide accurate representation of the patients’ subjective opinions of their functional capabilities. The purpose of this study was to perform linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation to establish a Polish version of the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), and to evaluate the psychometric properties of internal consistency, reliability, error score, validity, and factor structure with standardized criteria PROMs in a population with lower limb problems.Methods: Linguistic and cultural adaptation complied with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines to produce the Lower Limb Functional Index - Polish version (LLFI-PL). This was a two-stage, cross-sectional study with repeated measures on two variables during retest examination. The study recruited n=125 subjects (age =52.86±19.53 years, range 20-87, 56% female, injury duration =17.69±18.39 weeks, range 5-71). Baseline reliability and construct validity included the LLFI-PL, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Euroqol Health Questionnaire 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L), and an 11-point pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), with retest at 3-7 days. Practicality for readability was considered within the face and content validity. Completion and scoring time were also calculated. Results: Statistical analysis showed high internal consistency (α=0.94) that is below the 0.95 threshold limit, and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2.1=0.96). The error score found the SEM=4.85% with MDC90=11.3%. Validity analysis showed strong correlations between the LLFI-PL with the WOMAC (r=-0.81) and moderate with the EQ-5D-5L (r=-0.63). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a single-factor structure. Times for completion (172±33 seconds) and scoring (20±9 seconds) were determined.Conclusions: The LLFI-PL is a psychometrically sound questionnaire for Polish-speaking patients with lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. The results support the findings of previous original-English, Spanish, and Turkish versions for internal consistency, validity, reliability, error score, and factor structure.
Development and Feasibility of A Tailored Habit-based Dietary Intervention Coupled With Natural Tooth Replacement On The Nutritional Status Of Older Patients
Authors: McCrum Leigh-Ann , Watson Sinead , McGowan Laura , Mcguinness Bernadette , Cardwell Chris , Clarke Mike , Woodside Jayne V , McKenna Gerry 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Older adults suffering partial tooth loss may need additional intervention strategies other than natural tooth replacement alone to improve their nutritional status. This study aimed to design and develop a habit-based tailored dietary intervention and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, in conjunction with natural tooth replacement, amongst partially dentate older adults. Methods: The design and development of the dietary intervention (Phase 1) consisted of analysis of the target population’s dietary intake and qualitative research through focus groups with community-dwelling older adults (aged 65 years and over). The dietary intervention consisted of forming three healthy dietary habits around fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and healthy proteins. Feasibility of the intervention was then tested among older adults who had recently completed dental treatment for natural tooth replacement in a small non-randomised single arm study (Phase 2). The principal feasibility outcome was the usability and acceptability of the intervention which was measured using evaluation questionnaires and by conducting post-intervention semi-structured interviews. Supporting outcomes consisted of feasibility of screening procedures; recruitment strategies; and retention/ attrition rates as well as the participant’s compliance to the intervention assessed through self-monitoring tracking sheets. Results: Twenty-one older adults (mean [SD] age 72.1 [10.4].) took part in one of four focus group discussions (Phase 1). Twelve themes related to barriers (e.g oral health, appetite) and facilitators (e.g nutritional knowledge, retirement) of healthy eating guided intervention development, as did a further five themes when asked for direct intervention feedback. Nine older adult participants (mean [SD] age 72.5[9.7]) were recruited into the feasibility study (Phase 2) where eight themes were identified from feedback interview discussions. The principal outcome measures identified intervention feasibility as participants considered the intervention acceptable and useable as both the evaluation questionnaire and qualitative interview results were overwhelmingly positive. As a supporting outcome measure, strong intervention compliance was also achieved. Screening procedures were accepted but additional recruitment strategies (e.g incorporation of home study visits or recruitment via posters advertisement) may benefit future study enrolment and retention. Conclusion: Phase 1 and Phase 2 findings have allowed for an iterative, user-driven intervention to be developed and refined for a randomised control study to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.Trial registration: ISRCTN66118345
Vitality Models Found Useful in Modeling Tag-Failure Times in Acoustic-tag Survival Studies
Authors: Skalski John R. , Whitlock Steven L. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Acoustic telemetry studies often rely on the assumption that premature tag failure does not affect the validity of inferences. However, in some cases this assumption is possibly or likely invalid and it is necessary to apply a correction to estimation procedures. The question of which approaches and specific models are best suited to modeling acoustic tag failures has received little research attention. In this short communication, we present a meta-analysis of 42 acoustic tag-life studies, originally used to correct survival studies involving outmigrating juvenile salmonids in the Columbia/Snake river basin. We compare the performance of nine alternative parametric models including common failure-time/survival models and the vitality models of Li and Anderson (2009 and 2013). The tag-life studies used acoustic tags from three different tag manufacturers, had expected lifetimes between 12 and 61 days, and had dry weights ranging from 0.22 to 1.65 grams. In 57% of the cases, the vitality models of Li and Anderson (2009 and 2013) fit the tag failure-times best. The vitality models were also the second-best choices in 17% of the cases. Together, the vitality models, log-logistic, (19%), and gamma models (14%) accounted for 90% of the models selected. Unlike more traditional failure-time models (e.g., Weibull, Gompertz, gamma, and log-logistic), the vitality models are capable of characterizing both the early onset of tag failure due to manufacturing errors and the anticipated battery life. We provide further guidance on appropriate sample sizes (50–100 tags) and procedures to be considered when applying precise tag-life corrections in release-recapture survival studies.
The affordability of a healthy and sustainable diet: An Australian case study.
Authors: Goulding Tara , Lindberg Rebecca , Russell Catherine Georgina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: EAT–Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet proposed a diet that integrates nutrition and sustainability considerations, however its affordability is unknown in many country-specific contexts, including Australia. The aim of this study is to develop a healthy and sustainable food basket modelled on the Planetary Health Diet to determine the affordability of the Planetary Health Diet basket across various socio-economic groups, and compare this affordability with a food basket modelled on the typical current diet, in an Australian setting.METHODS: An Australian-specific Planetary Health Diet basket was developed for a reference household (2 adults and 2 children) modelled on the Planetary Health Diet reference diet, and compared to a previously-developed Typical Australian Diet basket. The cost of each food basket was determined by online supermarket shopping surveys in low, medium and high socio-economic areas in each Australian state. Basket affordability was determined for the reference household by comparing the basket cost to disposable income in each socio-economic group in each state. Mann-Whitney U tests then determined if there were significant differences between the median costs and the median affordability of both baskets.RESULTS: The Planetary Health Diet basket was shown to be less expensive and more affordable than the Typical Australian Diet basket nationally, in all metropolitan areas, in all socio-economic groups across Australia (median cost: Planetary Health Diet=AUD$188.21, Typical Australian Diet=AUD$224.36; median affordability: Planetary Health Diet=13%, Typical Australian Diet=16%; p=<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the Planetary Health Diet to be more affordable than the Typical Australian Diet for metropolitan-dwelling Australians.IMPLICATIONS: These results can help to inform public health and food policy aimed at achieving a healthy and sustainable future for all Australians, including reductions in overweight/obesity rates and increased food security.
Implications of AB0 blood group in hypertensive patients with covid-19
Authors: Sardu Celestino , Marfella Raffaele , Maggi Paolo , Messina Vincenzo , Sardu Antonio , Cirillo Paolo , Codella Vinicio , Gambardella Jessica , Gatta Gianluca , Santulli Gaetano , Paolisso Giuseppe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hypertension is the most frequent co-morbidity in patients with covid-19 infection.Study hypothesis: Our hypothesis is that a specific blood group could play a key role in the clinical outcome of hypertensive patients with covid-19.Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, we compared 0 vs. non-0 blood group in hypertensive patients with covid-19 infection. In these patients, we evaluated inflammatory and thrombotic status, cardiac injury, and death events.Results: Patients in non-0 (n=92) vs. 0 blood group (n=72) had significantly different values of activated pro-thrombin time, D-dimer, and thrombotic indexes as Von Willebrand factor and Factor VIII (p<0.05). Furthermore, patients in non-0 vs. 0 blood group had higher rate of cardiac injury (10 (13.9%) vs. 27 (29.3%)) and death, (6 (8.3%) vs. 18 (19.6%)), (p <0.05). At the multivariate analysis, Interleukin-6 (1.118, CI 95% 1.067-1.171) and non-0 blood group (2.574, CI 95% 1.207-5.490) were independent predictors of cardiac injury in hypertensive patients with covid-19. D-dimer (1.082, CI 95% 1.027-1.140), Interleukin-6 (1.216, CI 95% 1.082-1.367) and non-0 blood group (3.706, CI 95% 1.223-11.235) were independent predictors of deaths events in hypertensive patients with covid-19. Conclusions: Taken together, our data indicate that non-0 covid-19 hypertensive patients have significantly higher values of pro-thrombotic indexes, as well as higher rate of cardiac injury and deaths compared to 0 patients. Moreover, AB0 blood type influences worse prognosis in hypertensive patients with covid-19 infection.
Development of significant disease in a cohort of patients with non-specific enteritis on capsule endoscopy. Clinical suspicion and a high base line Lewis score are predictive of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Sihag Sandeep , Tan Brandon , Semenov Serhiy , Ismail Mohd Syafiq , Ryan Barbara , O'Connor Anthony , Breslin Niall , Douglas Atiyekeogbebe Rita , McNamara Deirdre 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: As with isolated ileitis the findings of nonspecific small bowel enteritis (NSE) on capsule endoscopy (CE) poses a clinical challenge. There is lack of available evidence to help clinicians to predict significant disease and long-term prognosis.Methods: We aimed to define the natural history of NSE in an Irish cohort. Patients with a finding of NSE were identified from a database. Subsequent investigations, treatments and diagnosis were recorded. Patients were grouped based on ultimate diagnosis: Crohn’s disease (CD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), NSAIDs enteritis (NSAIDs), persistent NSE and no significant disease (NAD).Results: 88 patients, 46 (52%) male, mean age 52 +- 17.8 years were included with a mean follow up of 23 +- 19 months. The ultimate diagnoses were NAD=43 (49%), CD =17 (19%), IBS =14 (16%), NSAIDs =12 (14%) and persistent NSE=2 (2%). Significantly, more patients diagnosed with CD on follow up were referred with suspected CD. CD= 14/17 (82%) vs 13/57 (23%), p < 0.001. While a diagnosis of CD was associated with a positive baseline Lewis score (>135); 11/17 (65%) CD versus 16/ 71 (23%). Female gender was associated with an ultimate diagnosis of IBS (OR 5, p <0.02). Older age was associated with NSAIDs enteritis, while more subjects without significant gastrointestinal disease were anemic on presentation.Conclusion: The majority (49%) of NSE patients do not develop significant small bowel disease. CD occurred in 19% of NSE patients on follow up. Clinical suspicion and capsule severity are predictive of Crohn’s disease on initial CE.
Effects of Robot-Aided Rehabilitation on Improving Ankle and Balance Performance of Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhai Xiaoxue , Wu Qiong , Xu Quan , Li Xin , Zhang Yanlin , Fan Senchao , Zhang Li-Qun , Pan Yu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Stroke survivors often experience abnormal posture control, which affects balance and locomotion. The ankle strategy is important in maintaining static balance. Prolonged spasticity may result in biomechanical changes at the ankle joint, which may cause balance disorders. The intelligent stretching device may decrease the stiffness of the ankle and improve balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of robot-aided ankle rehabilitation of stroke survivors with ankle spasticity and the correlations between biomechanical properties and balance in these patients. Methods: Twenty inpatients post stroke with ankle spasticity performed 20 minutes of stretching treatment for 2 weeks. The study group used a rehabilitation robot to stretch the spastic ankle plantar flexors under intelligent control and the control group received manual stretching. Outcome measures included biomechanical, clinical evaluations and Pro-Kin balance test. Results: After training, significant improvements were found in both groups in the active range of motion, muscle strength, Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment of Lower Extremity, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, 6-minute walk test, and Modified Barthel Index (P<0.05); significant decreases were found in the study group in dorsiflexion stiffness, Modified Ashworth Scale, trajectory lengths, elliptical trajectory, standard deviation medial/lateral, average speed forward/backward with eyes closed, and standard deviation forward/backward with eyes open (P=0.001, P=0.037, P=0.028, P=0.019, P=0.016, P=0.001, and P=0.033, respectively); dorsiflexion stiffness was positively correlated with the Pro-Kin balance test outcomes: ellipse area, trajectory length, average speed forward/backward, average speed medial/lateral with eyes open ( =0.352, P=0.026; =0.522, P=0.001; =0.045, P=0.004; =0.433, P=0.005, respectively); dorsiflexion stiffness was correlated with the Modified Ashworth Scale ( =0.265, P=0.041); the study group improved significantly more than the control group in the activities of daily living after training (P =0 .017). Conclusions: The results suggested that robot-aided ankle rehabilitation had a positive effect on the biomechanical properties of the spastic ankle, and it may be feasible to improve balance post-stroke. Ankle dorsiflexion stiffness affected balance poststroke significantly; it may be a sensitive indicator for evaluating balance. Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1900022128. Registered 21 February 2020. Retrospectively registered.
Relationship between oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) index, body composition and blood biochemical markers in overweight /obese compared to normal weight subjects: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madani Zahra , javardi Maryam sadat Mousavi , Djazayeri Seyyed abolghassem , Movahedi Ariyo , Karandish Majid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Obesity is an important preventable disease, which promotes the development of chronic disorders by altering several factors including oxidative stress. Dietary antioxidants protect the body against oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential association of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) index with obesity and its associated features in adults.Methods: participants were divided in two groups of normal weight and overweight /obesity. General characteristics were registered and a 147-item food frequency questionnaire was completed. Thereafter, anthropometric measurements were conducted. Biochemical indices were obtained from science and Research branch of Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Iran. The amount of the dietary ORAC index was estimated using the data provided by the USDA Foods Table.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the normal and overweight/obese groups in terms of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (P=0.0001). Participants with normal weight consumed more fruits and vegetables than another group. Also, the dietary ORAC index in normal individuals was higher than the case group, but there was not significant difference (P=0.352). There was also a significant inverse correlation between dietary ORAC and BMI and WHR, whereas a significant positive correlation between dietary ORAC and plasma HDL was observed (P<0.05).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that dietary antioxidants is inversely associated with BMI, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total Cholesterol and LDL in both groups. It seems that following a diet rich in antioxidants can counteract obesity and its associated comorbidities.
Yield and yield-reduction in recent drought years in southern Tigray, northern Ethiopia: Implications on food security
Authors: Eze Emmanuel , Okolo Chukwuebuka Christopher , Negash Emnet 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The consequences of prolonged precipitation-deficient periods are primarily substantial water deficit, with the spatial characteristics of a place being (semi)arid, and various socioeconomic factors worsening its impacts and deepening poverty among agrarian communities.This study utilizes a combination of climate, remote sensing and field survey data from farmers to obtain a first-hand information on the impacts of recent (2015 and 2017) droughts on crop yield in Raya Azebo and Endamehoni woredas in Ethiopia. Annual rainfall, kiremt rainfall, annual NDVI and Dev-NDVI, kiremt season Dev-NDVI, monthly Dev-NDVI (for June to October), and monthly SPI-1, SPI-3 and SPI-12 (for June to October) were considered as likely factors that could relate with yield and yield loss in the area. Correlation and multiple linear stepwise regression statistical techniques were used to determine drought-yield relationships, and identify more accurate predictors of yield and yield losses in each of the drought years.Results obtained show droughts as having spatiotemporal variations and impacts, with its primary and common reflection being reduced vegetation amount, translating to crop failures, food shortages and reduced income of smallholders.Spate irrigation should be further popularized in the low-lying areas of Raya Azebo to augment for future deficiencies in the kiremt rainfall.