bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
6-Minute Walking Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Associations and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Ferreira Maria Betânia , Saraiva Francisca A. , Fonseca Tomás , Costa Rita , Marinho António , Oliveira José Carlos , Carvalho Henrique Cyrne , Rodrigues Patrícia , Ferreira João Pedro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

The clinical associations and prognostic implications of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is yet to be explored.
Aims

To identify the clinical features and prognostic implications associated with the 6MWT in patients with RA.
Methods

Cohort study including 387 RA patients who underwent 6MWT. Regression models (linear and logistic) were built to identify independent predictors of shorter 6MWT distance. Cox proportional models were used to study the association of 6MWT distance with cardiovascular outcomes.
Results

Patients were subdivided according to 6MWT tertiles: 126 patients walked > 405m, 129 walked 345-405m, and 132 walked < 345m. Older age (> 55 year), elevated waist circumference, NT-pro BNP > 125pg/mL, anemia, C-reactive protein ≥ 3mg/dL, and troponin T ≥ 14pg/mL were independent predictors of walking shorter distances. Patients walking less than 345m had higher risk of a subsequent cardiovascular hospitalisation or cardiovascular death compared with patients walking 345m or more (adjusted HR: 2.98, 95%CI: 1.37–6.51, p = 0.006).
Conclusions

Older age, abdominal obesity, anemia, cardiac dysfunction, and inflammation were associated with walking shorter distances in patients with RA. Walking less than 345m in the 6MWT was associated with a poor cardiovascular prognosis. The 6MWT is simple, reproducible and inexpensive, easily performed in routine practice, and provides important information regarding the patients´ status and outcomes, enabling the monitorization of the therapeutic optimization of the various domains of the RA.
Analyzing the Contribution of Crop Diversification in Improving Household Nutrition Security Among Wheat-dominated Rural Households in Sinana District, Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
Authors: Derso Dereje , Tolossa Degefa , Seyoum Abrham 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The long-term impact of malnutrition on people’s lives, most notably in health, education, and productivity, highly affects the human capital. Agriculture directly contributes to nutrition security by enabling farm households to access micronutrient food by using their farm income. This study was intended to assess effect of crop diversification on household nutrition security and explores determinants of under-five child malnutrition among rural farm households of Sinana Woreda, Oromia regional state. Multi-stage sampling followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used to include study subjects. Structured questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interview was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were collected and converted into Z-scores by WHO Anthro version 3.2.2., 2011 software. Then exported to STATA and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Pearson Correlation coefficients was calculated to see the correlation of the nutrition security status indicators and crop diversification index. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with child nutrition. The result revealed that the prevalence of malnutrition particularly, stunting was (23.81%), underweight (21.16%) and wasting (9.52%), respectively. The correlation coefficient indicates that crop diversification is negatively correlated with stunting and wasting and positively correlated with underweight and child dietary diversity score. Multivariate logistic regression model indicate that child nutritional status is strongly associated with age of household head, maternal and parental education, farm land size, TLU, availability of potable water, child sex, child dietary diversity, household access to toilet, total annual income, and household access to health services. In conclusion, policy and development interventions should target intensive agricultural production, development of rural infrastructure, education and awareness creation tools to provide households up to date nutritional knowledge and agricultural technologies to increase production and income, and thereby enhance household nutrition security.
Correspondences between parameters in a reaction-diffusion model and connexin functions during zebrafish stripe formation
Authors: Nakamasu Akiko 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Different diffusivities among interacting substances actualize the potential instability of a system. When these elicited instabilities manifested as forms of spatial periodicity, they are called Turing patterns. Simulations using general reaction-diffusion (RD) models have demonstrated that pigment patterns on the body trunk of growing fish follow a Turing pattern. Laser ablation experiments performed on zebrafish revealed apparent interactions among pigment cells, which allowed for a three-components RD model to be derived. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for Turing pattern formation in this system had been remained unknown. A zebrafish mutant with a spotted pattern was found to have a defect in Connexin41.8 (Cx41.8) which, together with Cx39.4, exists in pigment cells and controls pattern formations. Here, molecular-level evidence derived from connexin analyses was linked to the interactions among pigment cells described in previous RD modeling. Channels on pigment cells were generalized as “gates,” and the effects of respective gates were deduced. The model used partial differential equations (PDEs) to enable numerical and mathematical analyses of characteristics observed in the experiments. Furthermore, the improved PDE model included nonlinear reaction terms, enabled the consideration of the behavior of components.
RIPs Interact with OsFH5 and Control the Rice Morphology by Affecting Stability of OsFH5
Authors: Chang Shuwei , Yang Litao , Liang Wanqi , Xie Qi , Huang Guoqiang , Wang Duoxiang , Zhu Wanwan , Zhang Dabing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
E3 ubiquitin ligases have been more widely reported to mediate the degradation of target proteins. In our research, one SIAH type E3 ligase was identified, named RIP1, and there are five genes were found to be highly homologous to it, named RIP2 to RIP6 dividedly. Y2H and BiFC were carried out to prove the interaction between RIPs and OsFH5, moreover, homo- and hetero- oligomers can be formed among RIPs and they all can affect the localization of OsFH5. Degradation experiments showed that RIP1 is able to slow down the degradation rate of OsFH5, and also RIP5, RIP6. There was no obvious phenotype in both RIP1 overexpression and mutant transgenic lines, whereas in rips multi-knock out lines showed up similar defects to osfh5, such as, dwarf height; less smooth and rounder seeds; leaves width became wilder. Otherwise, rips also exhibit some special phenotypes, for instance, the angles between leaves and stems were appreciable enlarged; spiral crimped roots. In addition, microfilaments organization in rips appeared disordered than wild type. All above illustrate that RIPs influence morphology by interacting with OsFH5 and affecting its subcellular localization, stability or maybe involved in other pathways in rice.
Design and Implementation of A Contemporary Health Administration Program For Health Managers
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Liu Chaojie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background While there are core competencies required in health administration programs, little has been known about how they are taught in health administration programs to support/change practices. This discussion paper describes an educational innovation to design a contemporary Master of Health Administration program to meet the current needs of health managers in Australia based on evidence-based practice.Method A detailed gap analysis of health managers educational needs was undertaken with various stakeholders to design a contemporary health managers’ program. Stakeholders surveyed in the course design included prospective students, international students’ agencies, prospective employers, Alumni evaluation, mapping of health managers courses in Australia and faculty feedback. An integrative pedagogical approach was used to implement the program into action. Results Various themes were emerged from the stakeholder consultations including the importance of basic knowledge of key subjects and the significance of learning new skills such as strategic planning and emotional intelligence in the workplace. The integrative pedagogical approach used is based on adult teaching principles, which were identified by Knowles. The subjects in the new course incorporate several knowledge-based presentations along with interactive activities, including use of general ability-based outcomes to define learning opportunities, case-based and problem-based learning, experiential learning, and comprehensive assessments.Conclusion The results of this intensive consultation led to the design of a contemporary Master of Health Administration Course that included eight core subjects and multiple options of specialisations for students to choose from. Examples of specialisations include aged care and ageing, health promotion, data for decision making, public health, international development and Health Strategy and decision making.
Experimental Comparison of Straight Flanging and Rotary Die Bending Based on Springback
Authors: Livatyali Haydar , Turan Salih Emrah , Birol Feriha , Türköz Mevlüt 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Springback in sheet bending is a well-defined phenomenon; however, variation of springback is difficult to control causing quality problems in especially mass-produced goods such as home appliances. As an alternative to straight flanging, the rotary die bending process offers reduced springback as well as reduced geometric variation; however, there is little knowledge in the literature. The effects of process parameters on the springback behavior of straight flanging and rotary die bending as applied to home appliance side panels are investigated experimentally. For each flange bending method, effects of die radius, punch-die clearance, rolling direction, flange length, and material supplier on springback are tested on EN DC01 carbon and SAE 430 stainless steel sheets. A full factorial experimental design was applied to investigate the factor interactions as well as the main effects using ANOVA. In both methods, die radius was the most dominant factor on springback, clearance being the second, and the inevitable material property variations being the third one. Nevertheless, in rotary die bending, springback values were smaller with significantly less scatter compared to straight flanging. Consequently, rotary die bending is a much more preferable process especially in mass production performed with narrow profit margins.
Development and Large-Scale Validation of A Highly Accurate SARS-COV-2 Serological Test Using Regular Test Strips for Autonomous and Affordable Finger-Prick Sample Collection, Transportation, and Storage
Authors: Alvim Renata G.F. , Lima Tulio M. , Rodrigues Danielle A. S. , Marsili Federico F. , Bozza Vicente B. T. , Higa Luiza M. , Monteiro Fabio L. , Abreu Daniel P. B. , Leitão Isabela C. , Carvalho Renato S. , Galliez Rafael M. , Castineiras Terezinha M. P. P. , Travassos Leonardo H. , Nobrega Alberto , Tanuri Amilcar , Ferreira Orlando C. , Castilho Leda R. , Vale Andre M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Accurate serological tests are essential tools to allow adequate monitoring and control of COVID-19 spread. Production of a low-cost and high-quality recombinant viral antigen can enable the development of reliable and affordable serological assays, which are urgently needed to facilitate epidemiological surveillance studies in low-income economies. Trimeric SARS-COV-2 spike (S) protein was produced in serum-free, suspension-adapted HEK293 cells. Highly purified S protein was used to develop an ELISA, named S-UFRJ test. It was standardized to work with different types of samples: (i) plasma or serum from venous blood samples; (ii) eluates from dried blood spots (DBS) obtained by collecting blood drops from a finger prick. We developed a cost-effective, scalable technology to produce S protein based on its stable expression in HEK293 cells. Using this recombinant antigen, we presented a workflow for test development in the setting of a pandemic, starting from limited amounts of samples up to reaching final validation with hundreds of samples. Test specificity was determined to be 98.6%, whereas sensitivity was 95% for samples collected 11 or more days after symptoms onset. A ROC analysis allowed optimizing the cut-off and confirming the high accuracy of the test. Endpoint titers were shown to correlate with virus neutralization assessed as PRNT90. There was excellent agreement between plasma and DBS samples, significantly simplifying sample collection, storing, and shipping. An overall cost estimate revealed that the final retail price could be in the range of one US dollar. The S-UFRJ assay developed herein meets the quality requirements of high sensitivity and specificity. The low cost and the use of mailable DBS samples allow for serological surveillance and follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of populations regardless of geographical and socio-economic aspects. We hope the detailed guidelines for the development of an affordable and accurate anti-spike SARS-COV-2 ELISA, such as S-UFRJ described here, will stimulate governmental and non-governmental health agencies in other countries to engage in much-needed large-scale studies monitoring the spread and immunity to SARS-COV-2 infection.
Assessment The Burden of Recent Transmission of M. Tuberculosis Using WGS Analysis In Golmud City In China
Authors: Liu Chunfa , He Ping , Fan Jiale , Ma Aijing , He Wencong , Zhao Bing , Wang Shengfen , He Guangxue , Zhao Yanlin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Whole genome based Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) surveillance is facilitated to tuberculosis control. The proportion of genotypic clusters in a population represents the recent transmission rate of Mtb.Methods: We did a population based study of culture-positive Mtb in Golmud, Qinghai, China. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to discriminate the apparent genetic clusters and resistant associated genes of Mtb, and the risk of genomically clustered Mtb was analyzed combined with epidemiological data. Results: A total of 133 cases of culture-positive tuberculosis were recorded between Jan 1, 2013 and Dec 31, 2018, 17 (13%, 17/133) cases of which were multidrug-resistant/rifampicin tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB). Patients who were previous treatment or were younger than 35 years had high risk of MDR/RR-TB. 62 (47%, 62/132) strains were in 23 genomic clusters that differed by 12 or fewer single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indicating recent transmission. Patients who were Tibetan nationality, or those 35-44 years old were more likely to have recent transmission. 15 (65%, 15/23) patients with genotypic rifampin resistant tuberculosis have epidemiological link. Mutation of rifampicin resistance associated genes in rpoB Ser450Leu was showed lower cluster rate (42%, 5/12) compared with other mutations.Conclusions: Recent transmissions of Mtb strains, especially genotypic MDR/RR strains, drive the tuberculosis epidemic in Golmud, Qinghai, China.
Distinct Gut and Vaginal Microbiota Profile in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure and Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Patel Nayna , Patel Nidhi , Patel Sejal , Nathani Neelam , Pandit Ramesh , Patel Molina , Patel Niket , Joshi Chaitanya , Parekh Bhavin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Implantation failure limits the success rate of natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-assisted conceptions. Evidence suggests dysbiosis in the female reproductive tract impacts implantation failure. However, whether gut dysbiosis influences implantation failure and whether it accompanies reproductive tract dysbiosis remains unexplored.Method: We recruited 11fertile women as the controls, and a cohort of 20 women diagnosed with implantation-failure associated infertility, which included 10 women diagnosed with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and 10 women diagnosed with unexplained infertility (UE). Using next-generation amplicon sequencing, we compared the diversity, structure, and composition of fecal and vaginal bacteria of the controls with that of the infertile cohort. While we sequenced fecal samples of all the participants (n=31), we could only sequence 8 vaginal samples in each group (n=24).Results: Compared with the controls, α-diversity of the gut bacteria, analysed by Chao 1 and Shannon indices, among the infertile groups declined (p < 0.05). β-diversity between the controls and infertile cohort, measured by both Bray-Curtis and Jaccard distances, differed significantly (p < 0.05). Taxa analysis of the gut bacteria revealed enrichment of Gram-positive bacteria, mainly of the phylum Firmicutes, in the RIF group. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria were relatively more abundant in the UE group. Additionally, mucus-producing bacteria genera such as Prevotella and Sutterella declined in the infertile cohort (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, significant enrichment (p < 0.05) of the genus Hungatella, associated with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production, occurred in the infertile cohort. Vaginal microbiota was dominated by L. iners across the groups, with the UE group showing the highest levels. Of the three groups, the RIF group had the least diverse vaginal microbiota. Taxa analysis showed higher levels of anaerobic bacteria such as Leptotrichia, Snethia , and Prevotella in the controls.Conclusion: We posit that in the setting of the compromised gut mucosal barrier, the phyla Firmicutes generates TNF-α - driven systemic inflammation, leading to RIF, whereas an overload of Gram-negative bacteria induces IL-6-driven systemic inflammation, leading to UE. Additionally, Hungatella-induced elevation of TMAO levels causes platelet hypercoagulability, synergistically contributing to implantation failure. Finally, vaginal dysbiosis does not appear to co-occur with gut dysbiosis.
Morpholino-driven transcriptional blockade of Dkk-1 in experimental osteosarcoma inhibits bone damage and tumor expansion by multiple mechanisms.
Authors: Pan Simin , Cesarek Michael , Godoy Carla , Co Cynthia , Schindler Catherine , Padilla Kelbi , Poole Roy , Dabney Alan , Gregory Carl 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy. Chemotherapy plays an essential role in OS treatment, potentially doubling 5-year event-free survival if tumor necrosis can be stimulated, but long-term treatment results in detriment to health and quality of life. The canonical Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) enhances OS survival in part through upregulation of aldehyde-dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1) which neutralizes reactive oxygen species from nutritional stress and chemotherapeutic challenge. Dkk-1 also inhibits bone repair, exacerbating formation of osteolytic lesions caused by tumor infiltration. Therefore, targeting the expression of Dkk-1 in OS could reduce tumor burden and increase susceptibility to chemotherapeutics while restoring bone repair. Herein, we report that inhibiting Dkk-1 transcription by means of a vivo morpholino (DkkMo) reduced the expansion of experimental OS tumors, preserved bone volume and architecture, and stimulated tumor necrosis. This was observed in the presence or absence of doxorubicin (DRB), and as a single agent, inhibition of tumor expansion by DkkMo was equivalent to that achieved by DRB. DkkMo stimulated apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms in tumors and appeared to deplete the tumor stroma. These results indicate that administration of DkkMo with or without chemotherapeutics can substantially improve OS outcome with respect to tumor expansion and osteolytic corruption of bone.
E-Test or Agar Dilution for Metronidazole Susceptibility Testing of Helicobacter Pylori: Importance of the Prevalence of Metronidazole Resistance
Authors: Chen Jinnan , Huang Yu , Ding Zhaohui , Liang Xiao , Lu Hong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: A number of studies have shown that E-test overestimated the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance compared to agar dilution.Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore whether E-test could be an alternative for agar dilution to detect the metronidazole susceptibility of H. pylori.Method: E-test and agar dilution were used to assess susceptibility of H. pylori to metronidazole, clarithromycin and levofloxacin in 281 clinical isolates obtained from China where resistance was high. Cohen kappa analysis, McNemar test, essential and categorical agreement analysis were performed for these two methods. Results: Overall, the result of E-test showed similar prevalence of resistance rate to all antibiotics compared with agar dilution. The essential agreement (EA) of E-test method and agar dilution in the evaluation susceptibility of H. pylori to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were moderate, with 89.0% and 79.7% respectively, but only 45.9% for metronidazole. Results showed categorical agreement (CA) between E-test and agar dilution were 100% for both clarithromycin and levofloxacin. As for metronidazole, the CA was 98.7%, no major error was identified, and rate of very major error was 1.8%.Conclusion: E-test can be an alternative method to detect the metronidazole susceptibility of H. pylori in regions where high-level resistance is common.
Antifungal Activity and the Mechanism of Ozone Against Spoilage Molds, Such as Gibberella Intermedia and Aspergillus Ochraceus Isolated From Freshly-Peeled Garlic
Authors: Ma Yuan , Yang Ping , Liu Xiaocui , Cao Lin , Xing Yage , Tan Jia , Xu Qinglian , Wang Xiaomin , Shui Yuru , Li Xuanlin , Xu Lin , Yang Shuang , Bi Xiufang , Yang Hua 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The antibacterial effect and mechanism of ozone (O3) treatment on freshly-peeled garlic inoculated with Gibberella intermedia (G. intermedia) and Aspergillus ochraceus (A. ochraceus) in different conditions were studied in vivo. The results showed that the specific O3 concentration, treatment time, and humidity significantly affected the garlic's indexes. The optimal treatment conditions of garlic inoculated with both molds were 6 ppm, 15 min, and 90%, respectively. After treatment with those conditions, the incidence etc of garlic were significantly reduced during storage. Differential analysis was performed for the RNA-sequencing and gene expression of the molds subjected to O3 treatment, as well as the samples that were not. The results showed that O3 treatment inhibited the growth of G. intermedia and A. ochraceus. Consequently, 2754 and 2378 differentially expressed genes, 1456 and 1591 up-regulated genes, and 1298 and 787 down-regulated genes were screened, respectively, for these molds, affecting the catalytic activity and various other pathways.
Investigate the Double Peaks in Main Emission of UVB LEDs
Authors: Liu Tsung-Yen , Huang Shih-Ming , Lai Mu-Jen , Liu Rui-Sen , Kuan Chieh-Hsiung , Ray-Ming Lin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study we suppressed the parasitic emission caused by electron overflow found in typical UVB light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Furthermore, modulation of the p-layer structure and doping profile allowed us to decrease the relaxation time of the holes to reach conditions of quasi-charge neutrality in the UVB quantum well. Our UVB LED (sample A) exhibited a clear exciton emission, with its peak near 306 nm and a band-to-band emission at 303 nm. The relative intensity of the exciton emission of sample A decreased as a result of a thermal energy effect. At temperatures of up to 363 K, sample A displayed the exciton emission. Our corresponding UVC LED (sample B) exhibited only a Gaussian peak emission at a wavelength of approximately 272 nm.