bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers and Facilitators to the Introduction of Import Duties Designed to Prevent Noncommunicable Disease in Tonga: a Case Study
Authors: Bell Colin , Latu Catherine , Na'ati Elisiva , Snowdon Wendy , Moodie Marj , Waqa Gade 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background In Tonga, import duties were lowered on tinned fish and seafood in 2013 and raised on soft drinks, dripping and other animal fats. Additional import duties were applied to soft drinks and dripping and other fats in 2016 and duties were also applied to high fat meats, mutton flaps and turkey tails. The objective of this study was to describe barriers to and facilitators of these import duties from a policy-maker perspective.Methods A case study was conducted to analyse implementation of policies originally modelled by the Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities project to reduce mortality in the Kingdom of Tonga. Policymakers (n=15) from the Ministries of Revenue, Health, Finance and Labour and Commerce involved in the development and implementation of Tonga’s food-related policies participated in key-informant interviews. Results The main facilitator of import duties were strong leadership and management, cross-sector collaboration, awareness raising and advocacy, nature of the policy, and the effective use of data to model policy impacts and inform the general public. The absence of clear lines of responsibility and a decline in collaboration over time were identified as barriers to implementation of the import duties. Conclusion Implementing import duties to prevent non-communicable disease can be straight forward providing policymakers and the community have a shared understanding of the health and economic costs of NCDs.
Neural Correlations Between Executive Function and Social Function in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mediation Analysis of fMRI
Authors: Zhang Anyi , Shi Le , Lin Xiao , Chang Suhua , Li Peng , Bao Yanping , Yan Wei , Yang Li , Shi Jie , Deng Jiahui , Lu Lin , Liu Jiajia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders with high heterogeneity. The co-occurrence of social deficits and executive dysfunction is frequently reported in individuals with ASD. The present study evaluated the association between social deficit and executive dysfunction in ASD subjects and explored the underlying neural mechanisms that may mediate this association.Methods: A total of 186 patients with ASD, 5-18 years old (10.25 ± 2.72 years old), from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange II database were enrolled in the final sample. Social function was evaluated by the parent-reported Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and executive function (EF) was measured by the parent-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). We selected bilateral amygdala, caudate and putamen as regions of interests, and used the region of interest-based resting-state functional connectivity (FC) analysis to explore the shared and specific brain mechanisms underlying EF and social function. The association analysis of EF, social deficits and FC was conducted using linear regression by controlling covariates, including age, gender, full IQ, handedness, and current medication. Results: The result showed that social functions in ASD children and adolescents were positively associated with EF (r = 0.612, p <0.01). Additionally, 14 and 21 FC links were associated with social deficits and executive dysfunction separately, in which five FC links (right amygdala and right inferior frontal gyrus opercular part, left caudate and right supramarginal gyrus, left putamen and right superior frontal gyrus medial orbital, right putamen and left gyrus rectus, and right putamen and left paracentral lobule) were simultaneously correlated with social function and EF in ASD subjects. We also found that connectivity between the right amygdala and right inferior frontal gyrus mediated the effects of EF on social deficit. Limitations: All the included participants in the present study were ASD patients and male participants, which might limit the generalization of our findings.Conclusion: We found a significant association between social deficits and executive dysfunction in ASD subjects. This association might be mediated by FC between the right amygdala and the right inferior frontal gyrus, which may further illustrate the underlying mechanism of ASD and co-occurrence of social deficits and executive dysfunction in this population.
It’s a Matter of Taste: Avian Predators Taste Reject Mimetic Prey in Relation to Signal Reliability
Authors: He Ruchuan , Barnett Craig , Pagani-Núñez Emilio , Goodale Eben 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aposematic organisms defend themselves through various means to increase their unprofitability to predators which they advertise with conspicuous warning signals. Predators learn to avoid aposematic prey through associative learning that leads to lower predation. However, when these visual signals become unreliable (e.g., through automimicry or Batesian mimicry), predators may switch from using visual signals to taste sampling prey to choose among them (‘go-slow’ behaviour). In this experiment, we tested this possibility in a field experiment where we released a total of 9600 mealworm prey of two types: (i) undefended prey (injected with water) and (ii) model-mimics (injected with either quinine sulphate [models] or water [mimics]). Prey were deployed at 12 sites, each with a mimic frequency ratio between 0 to 1, at 0.2 intervals. We found that taste rejection peaked at moderate mimic frequencies (0.4 and 0.6), supporting the idea that taste sampling and rejection of prey is related to signal reliability and predator uncertainty. This is the first time that taste-rejection has been shown to be related to the reliability of prey signals in a mimetic prey system.
Formulating the MCIDs Of the Quality of Life Scale for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Based on ROC Curve
Authors: Xue Honghong , Yang Zheng , Wan Chonghua , Wong Wendy , Chen Mingyang , Xie Tong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study uses the ROC curve to formulate the MCID value of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases of Systemic lupus erythematosus (QLICD-SLE V2.0) scale. Methods: Using the representative item “In general, would you say your health is” of the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36) as an anchor, the questionnaire of QLICD-SLE V2.0 and the anchor item were used to investigate the patients on the first day of hospitalization, and the day before the patient was discharged. 428 patients with lupus erythematosus (32 males, 395females; aged 13-76 years) from Zhanjiang Hospital and Kunming Medical University Hospital in China were participated in this one year longitudinal follow-up study. The ROC curve was constructed by using the classification based on the anchor item as the gold standard and the difference score of the scale as the test variable. The cut-off point corresponding to the maximum value of the Youden index in the ROC curve is taken as the minimum clinical importance difference (MCID) value of the QLICD-SLE (V2.0) scale. Results: According to the ROC curve, the MCID of physical domain, psychological domain, social domain, QLICD-GM, specific domain and QLICD-SLE (V2.0) total scale are 8.3,2.3,0,2.7,9.2 and 3.2. Area under the ROC curve of QLICD-SLE (V2.0) is 0.898, P (Area=0.5)<0.001, the sensitivity is 100%, the specificity is 66.9%. Conclusion: This study recommended 3.2 as the MCID of QLICD-SLE (V2.0) scale. Compared with before treatments, if the scale score after treatments changes at least 3.2 points positively, then the treatment intervention can be considered as clinically significant. The ROC curve method is used to visualize the sensitivity and specificity. It is more convincing to use the corresponding cut-off point as the MCID.
Mongolian Medicinal Formula Anshen-Buxin-Liuwei Pill Alleviate Cardiomyocyte Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury via Mitochondrion Pathway
Authors: Huang Yu-jia , Tong Hai-ying , Huang Xian-ju , Xiao Xin-Cai , Dong Yue , Iqbal Muhammad Sarfaraz 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Anshen Buxin Liuwei pill (ABLP), a Mongolian medicinal formula, composed of the six medicinal materials of Mongolian medicine Bos taurus domesticus Gmelin, Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb. ) Burtt et Hill, Myristica fragrans Houtt., Eugenia caryophµllata Thunb., Aucklandia lappa Decne., Liqui dambar formosana Hance, is considered to have a therapeutic effect on the symptoms such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, depression and irritability, palpitation, and shortness of breath. Therefore, the present study was employed a network pharmacology approach to identify the potentially active ingredients and to evaluate the protective effect of ABLP on hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes, and its influence on cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were used to construct a HR injury model. CCK-8 assay and AnnexinV-FITC cell apoptosis assays were used for cell viability and cell apoptosis determination. The levels of LDH, SOD, MDA, CAT, CK, GSH-Px, Na+-K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase in the cells were determined to assess the effect of ABLP. the mRNA levels of Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) and Cytochrome C (Cytc) in H9c2 cells were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The finding of this study indicates that HR treatment cells began to shrink from the spindle in an irregular shape with some floated in the medium, well by increasing the therapeutic dose of ABLP (5 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL), the cells gradually reconverted in a concentration-dependent manner. The release of CK in HR-treated cells was significantly increased, indicating that ABLP exerts a protective effect in H9c2 cells against HR injury and can improve the mitochondrial energy metabolism and mitochondrial function integrity. The present study scrutinized the cardio-protective effect of ABLP against the HR-induced H9c2 cells injury through antioxidant and mitochondrion pathways. ABLP could be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of myocardial ischemic cardiovascular disease. The results will provide reasonable information for clinical use of the ABLP.
Negative 18F-FET PET/CT in Brain Metastasis Recurrence: a Teaching Case Report.
Authors: Alshehri Samirah , Prior John , Moshebah Mohammed , Schiappacasse Luis , Dunet Vincent 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) using O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (18F-FET) positron emission tomography (PET) has been shown to be a useful tool for differentiating radiation therapy outcomes either brain metastasis recurrence or radiation necrosis. We present the case of a female with known metastatic brain lesion with suspicion of tumor recurrence on follow-up MRI 16 months after radiosurgery. 18F-FET PET was indicative of radiation necrosis. Due to the patient's medical history, the discrepancy between brain MRI and the PET/CT results, surgical biopsies were decided, which were positive for brain metastasis recurrence. Diagnosis of metastasis recurrence may be challenging also on 18F-FET PET/CT. In case of discrepancies between MRI and PET/CT results, false-negative 18F-FET PET/CT is still possible and should lead to careful follow-up or biopsy.
Distributed brain networks for anticipatory modulation of human response times
Authors: Ramayya Ashwin , Buch Vivek , Richardson Andrew , Lucas Timothy , Gold Joshua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Simple sensory-motor behaviors that engage the central nervous system can provide a window onto key building blocks of cognition, such as via response times (RTs) that are sensitive to learned, task-dependent expectations. However, our understanding of the mechanisms that support these cognitive effects on behavior, particularly in the human brain, remains limited, in part because of a major disconnect between the simple algorithmic models often used to describe behavioral patterns and the complex neural dynamics associated with sensory-motor and cognitive information processing in the brain. Here we used quantitative behavioral analyses and intracranial recordings from patients with medically refractory epilepsy to identify specific, computationally defined components of expectation-dependent RT variability in the brain. Behaviorally derived models based on abstracted motor-preparatory processes provided useful, low-dimensional descriptions of the underlying neural computations. These descriptions did not have clear local neural representations, including in motor-preparatory regions, but instead were evident in certain emergent network-wide neural response properties that reflected task-relevant neural activity patterns with diverse timing, form, and anatomical locations. Our results illustrate the complex mapping between algorithmic and implementation-level descriptions of flexible neural information processing and identify specific, distributed networks the brain uses to combine expectations with sensory input to guide behavior.
Deep sequencing of the HIV-1 polymerase gene for characterisation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes during early and chronic disease stages
Authors: Nkone Paballo , Loubser Shayne , Quinn Thomas C. , Redd Andrew D. , Ismail Arshad , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Mayaphi Simnikiwe Horatious 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Despite multiple attempts, there is still no effective HIV-1 vaccine available. The HIV-1 polymerase (pol) gene is highly conserved and encodes cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. In this study, deep sequencing was employed for characterisation of HIV-1 Pol CTL epitopes in mostly paired samples obtained during early and chronic stages of infection. Deep sequencing data was then compared to Sanger sequencing data only in samples obtained at baseline.
Results

Fifty-two participants were enrolled in the study. Their median age was 28 years (interquartile range: 24–32 years) and the majority of participants (92.3%) were female. Illumina minority variant analysis identified a significantly higher number of CTL epitopes (n = 65) compared to epitopes (n = 8) identified through Sanger sequencing. Most of the identified epitopes mapped to reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) regardless of the method of sequencing. There was a significantly higher proportion of minority variant epitopes in RT (n = 39, 60.0%) compared to IN (n = 17, 26.2%) and PR (n = 9, 13.8%), p = 0.002 and < 0.0001, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between the proportion of minority variant epitopes in IN versus PR, p = 0.06. Some epitopes were detected in either early or chronic HIV-1 infection whereas others were detected in both stages. Different distribution patterns of minority variant epitopes were observed in sample pairs; with some increasing or decreasing over time, while others remained constant. Some of the identified epitopes have not been previously reported for HIV-1 subtype C. There were also variants that could not be mapped to reported CTL epitopes in the Los Alamos HIV database.
Conclusion

Deep sequencing revealed many Pol CTL epitopes, including some not previously reported for HIV-1 subtype C. The findings of this study support the inclusion of RT and IN epitopes in HIV-1 vaccine candidates as these proteins harbour many CTL epitopes. Variants that were not mapped within CTL epitopes could represent new epitopes.
Comparison of Statistical and Quantum Numerical Methodology for Solving Energy and Momentum Equation
Authors: Almalowi Saeed 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Statistical and Quantum numerical method are implemented in this study to solve various cases in partial differential equations (PDEs). One -dimensional with two lattices arrangements as well as two-dimensional with nine lattices arrangements are employed. The stability and the accuracy have been investigated either using statistical technique or using Euler’s method. The numerical limitations of using LBM method have been obtained and compared with those obtained by Euler’s method finite difference method. The main goal of this study is to investigate the ability of a statistical method in solving various ODEs or PDEs in energy and momentum equations and comparing them with those obtained by a classical numerical technique... The results show the ability of the statistical method for solving ODEs and PDE’s with more stable and accurate results. Consequently, statistical technique is a powerful and promising numerical technique for scientists who are struggling for solving ODEs or PDEs. The next study will be extended to cover upwind scheme technique.
The Experimental Study on Interaction of Vibration and Dynamic Force in Precision Milling Process
Authors: Guo Weicheng , Guo Miaoxian , Ye Yi , Jiang Xiaohui , Wu Chongjun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A good understanding of the dynamic characteristic in milling of aerospace aluminum, especially the coupling vibration caused by the interaction of the manufacturing process and the machine tool, helps promote the machining precision and surface quality of aerospace structural components. This paper is devoted to proposing the interaction theory of the vibration and dynamic force, which is verified in the milling of Al 7075-T651 by consideration both the machine tool load and machining process dynamic load. First, through detailed analysis of the interaction effect of vibration and the dynamic force, the dynamic milling process is simplified to theoretically model the dynamic interaction in the precision manufacturing process under non-chatter condition. Then, the dynamic process force, which is the key source of the interaction, is modeled and obtained based on wavelet packet transform preprocess; the Frequency Response Function (FRF) of machine tool is regarded as the interaction link between the dynamic force load and the vibration response; the machine tool non-cutting vibration is transformed as a special dynamic load superposed on the response. Finally, the interaction vibration is calculated applying interaction effect model, the predicated results obtained in interaction effect approach match well with the vibration signal directly obtained in the test.
A Innovative Prognostic Symbol Based on Autophagy-Related Long Noncoding RNAs Signature Predicts in Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: Maimaiti Aierpati , Tuerhong Mirezhati , Wang Yongxin , Aisha Maimaitili , Jiang Lei , Wang Xixian , Mahemuti Yusufu , Aili Yirizhati , Feng Zhaohai , Kasimu Maimaitijiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process essential in tumorigenesis. However, the involvement of autophagy-related lncRNA in low-grade gliomas (LGG) remains a pending question. Efforts were made to establish an autophagy-related lncRNA signature prognostic in LGG patients, and to explore the behind potential function. We used Univariate Cox, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso), and Multivariate Cox regression models were designed to establish an autophagy-related lncRNA prognostic signature. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, C-index, calibration curve and clinical decision-making curve were adopted to assess the predictive capability of the identified signature.A signature comprising 9 autophagy-related lncRNAs (AL136964.1, ARHGEF26-AS1, PCED1B-AS1, AS104072.1, PRKCQ-AS1, LINC00957, AS125616.1, PSMB8-AS1, and AC087741.1) was identified as a prognostic model. LGG patients were allocated into high- and low-risk cohorts depending on the median model-based Riskscore. The survival analysis showed a 10-year survival rate of 9.3% (95% CI: 1.91-45.3%) in high-risk LGG patients and 48.4% (95% CI: 24.7-95.0%) in low-risk individuals in the training set. While those of patients in the validation set were 13.48% (95% CI: 4.52-40.2%) for high-risk LGG patients and 48.4% (95% CI: 28.04-83.4%) for low-risk LGG patients, respectively. This suggested a relatively low survival in high-risk cases compared to low-risk individuals. In addition, LncRNA signature was independently prognostic and potentially associated with the progression of LGG. Taken together, our constructed 9 autophagy-related lncRNA signature may play a crucial part in the diagnosis and treatment for LGG, which may guide to open up a new avenues for tumor targeted therapy.
Triatoma Williami Galvão, Souza e Lima, 1965 (Hemiptera, Triatominae) in Intradomiciliary Environments of Urban Area in Mato Grosso State, Brazil Domiciliation Process of a Wild Species?
Authors: Martins Mirian Francisca , de Moraes Sinara Cristina , Oliveira Jader , Santos Janaina Cipriana dos , Santos-Silva Ludier Kesser , Galvão Cleber 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Triatomines found throughout Latin America are natural Chagas disease vectors (ChD). The domiciliation of triatomines is one of the main factors increasing the occurrence risk of human cases of this disease. There are 66 species of triatomine in Brazil, with three genera of significant epidemiological importance: Panstrongylus, Rhodnius, and Triatoma. Among the Triatoma species, Triatoma williami, a wild species, has been reported in the Brazilian states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul. In the city of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, the invasion by triatomines has been reported, with T. williami being the most common species. Methods: Triatomine specimens were collected by passive surveillance or by active search by agents combating endemic diseases. After taxonomic identification, a parasitological feces diagnosis was performed to detect the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Concerning T. cruzi identification, molecular diagnosis and genetic sequencing were performed to identify the strain, also called discrete typing units (DTUs). Results: In 2019, several triatomine specimens were collected in the urban area of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso. Among them, 155 specimens were T. williami, P. geniculatus, and R. neglectus. In 2020, the sampled triatomine specimens were 56 T. williami, Panstrongylus diasi, and R. neglectus. For these years, T. williami has been the most frequent species. Between 2019 and 2020, 137 T. williami were collected (61% of them inside houses). In two triatomine colonies were found and morphological analyses, indicated were T. williami. These insects were collected inside houses in an urban area, on a neighborhood from Jardim Pitaluga (15°51’57.7” N, 052°16’04.5E). The records were sampled in September/2019 and January/2021. The rate of natural infection was 30.3% and 73.5% for 2019 to 2020. Two T. williami specimens belonging to one of colonies were positive for T. cruzi strain DTU IV, Conclusions: This is the first time that the occurrence of domiciliation of T. williami has been confirmed in an urban area of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Further studies are needed for a clearer understanding of the ecology of this species for prevention and control mechanisms, since its sampled specimens had a high rate of natural infection by T. cruzi.