bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Inactivity, and Its Association with Hypertension Among Employees in the District of Colombo
Authors: Gamage Anuji Upekshika , Seneviratne Rohini de Alwis 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and is a major public health problem. Insufficient activity is responsible for a large proportion of non-communicable diseases such as hypertensionObjectives: The purpose of this study was to assess socio-economic variations in physical activity and to measure the association between physical-inactivity and hypertension among government officials in Sri Lanka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 275 senior-officers(SOs) and 760 managerial-assistants(MAs) aged 30-60 years and attached to Public Administration institutions in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. Physical-activity(PA) was gathered using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) adopted and validated to the Sri Lankan context. Blood pressure(measured and classified using JNC-7 guidelines), and anthropometric indices were recorded. Energy utilization of all vigorous and moderated PA and walking was expressed as metabolic-equivalent-of-task(MET) min per week. A total MET score was calculated and categorized based on IPAQ guidelines. Results: Socio-economic variations in PA levels were observed as 58.1%(n=158) SOs and 30.6%(n=226) MAs were involved in inadequate PA. Of the diagnosed hypertensives, 44.7%(n=106), and 49.4%(n=117) reported a low and moderate PA and considering non-hypertensives, 35.9%(n=278), 57.5%(n=445) reported a low and moderate activity levels respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors being physically inactive was associated with a higher risk of hypertension[Odds rate ratio(OR) 1.33[95% CI 1.07, 1,65], indicating that physical-inactivity increased the risk of hypertension by 30%. The main modality of commuting to work for SOs(59%) was private transport, and MAs(64%) public transport Commuting distance was positively correlated(p<0.05) with total transport MET among SOs and MAs. After adjusting, commuting distance of >20 km was associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs(OR=0.713; 95% CI 0.4 to1.3; and OR=0.63; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.87).Conclusion: Despite the current knowledge that being physically active promotes health, the practice was different. Physical inactivity was associated with hypertension and prevalent among both SOs and MAs. Higher commuting distance is positively correlated with total transport MET and associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs. Longitudinal studies are required to provide a causative association between physical inactivity and hypertension among these employees.
High Incidence, Re-Infections, and Active Syphilis in Populations Attending A Specialized HIV Clinic in Mexico, A Dynamic Cohort Study.
Authors: Tumalan-Gil Omar David , Ruiz-González Veronica , García-Cisneros Santa , González-Rodríguez Andrea , Herrera-Ortiz Antonia , Olamendi-Portugal Maria , Sanchez-Aleman Miguel 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background. Syphilis has reemerged in many vulnerable groups around the world. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of syphilis among people who attended a specialized HIV clinic in Mexico from 2011-2015.Methods. Databases from the laboratory were analyzed and four groups were formed: people seeking HIV-1 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), people in prison (PPr), people living with HIV (PLWH) and patients from primary care clinics (others). Syphilis diagnosis was made using the reverse algorithm; antibody titers were examined to determine the stage of infection. Baseline data was analyzed, and with follow-up information, a retrospective dynamic cohort was formed. Factors associated with seroprevalence of syphilis and active syphilis were evaluated by the chi-square test. Moreover, risk factors for the incidence of syphilis were described. Results. A total of 81,863 baseline individuals were analyzed. Syphilis seroprevalence was 9.9% in VCT, 8.2% in PPr, 37.0% in PLWH, and 8.7% in others; the prevalence of active syphilis was 1.7-13.1%. A total of 11,124 people were followed-up; the incidence (cases per 100 years people) was 3.5 among VCT and 16.0 among PLWH; moreover, the frequency of re-infections was 11.1-24.4%. Men, transgender, persons between 20-39 years old, and individuals with a history of HIV or hepatitis B had a higher risk of syphilis. Conclusions. Several vulnerable groups have exhibited a reemergence of syphilis, with high prevalence of active syphilis, high incidence, and re-infections. Persons living with HIV had the highest risk.
iTRAQ-based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Thoracic Aortic from Adult Rats Born to Pre-eclamptic Dams
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhu Hong-Dan , Shi Xiao-Liang , Chen Pan-Pan , Sun Xiang-Mei , Xia Gui-Yu , Fang Min , Zhong Yong-Xing , Tang Xiao-Li , Zhang Tao , Pan Hai-Tao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can cause impaired vascular function in offspring. In our previous work, we described the profiles of protein expression in umbilical artery tissues of patients with preeclampsia. Methods: In order to gain insights into the mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in adult rats born by preeclampsia dams, we present analysis of thoracic aortic tissues by using iTRAQ isobaric tags and 2D nano LC-MS/MS. Results: By using iTRAQ method, we analyzed 1825 proteins in which 106 proteins have shown significantly differential expression in thoracic aortic. Results from ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) showed majority of proteins with differential expression (DEP)were associated with cardiovascular function. Further analysis indicated that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which is inhibited by miR-423-5p and activated by TP53, was most affect the cardiovascular function. The expression level of G6PD was up-regulated in thoracic aortic tissues as confirmed by western blot results. Two other vascular function proteins Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) and Tubulin alpha-4A (TUBA4A) were upregulated as demonstrated by mass spectrometry (MS). Conclusions: Although the results need further functional validation, these data provide novel findings relating to impaired vascular function in adult offsprings of preeclamptic mothers.
Impact of Rising Temperatures on the Biomass of Humid Old-Growth Forests of the World
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Lu Xiancheng , Chen Xia , Vastaranta Mikko 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Understanding how warming temperatures are influencing biomasses in the world’s forests is necessary for quantifying future global C (carbon) budgets. A temperature-driven decrease in future C stocks could dangerously strengthen climate change. Empirical methods for studying the temperature response of forests have important limitations, and modelling is needed to provide another perspective. We modelled current and future AGB (old-growth above-ground biomass) in humid lowland areas of the world by dividing GPP (gross primary productivity) and a measure of energy needed to support a given about of biomass called here MCB (maintenance cost per unit biomass). Results: Based on the modelling, we predict a temperature-driven increase in both GPP and MCB, except in the tropics, where GPP will decrease. Their ratio, and therefore also ABG, is expected to decrease in all other regions except the boreal. The AGB is expected to decrease 41% in the tropics and 29% globally.Conclusions: The estimated drops in AGB are dramatic. However, we did not include the fertilisation effects of increasing CO2 (carbon dioxide) and N (nitrogen) that potentially mitigate the temperature-caused drop in AGB.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Prevention against Lyme Disease Following Tick Bite: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Guozhong , Xu Xin , Zhang Yu , Yue Peng , Luo Shiqi , Fan Yuxin , Chen Jingjing , Liu Meixiao , Dong Yan , Li Bingxue , Kong Jing , Wen Shiyuan , Liu Aihua , Bao Fukai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: In areas where Lyme disease is endemic, bites from ticks are common, but no vaccine is currently available against Lyme disease for humans. Therefore, the feasibility of using antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease after a tick bite is worth further exploration. Previous meta-analyses lack sufficient power to demonstrate the efficacy of about antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of Lyme disease following a tick bite. In this study, we explored more precise evidence and attempted to identify and update optimum treatment strategies.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies until March 23, 2021. We included studies if the enrolled patients were randomly allocated to a treatment or control group within 72 h following a tick bite and had no clinical evidence of Lyme disease at enrolment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed for data abstraction. Two authors (GZZ and XX) independently reviewed the abstracts and identified articles for detailed assessment. We used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled results and reported the 95% confidence interval (CI). Study quality was assessed using a modified Jadad scale, and publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test.We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for the rates of unfavorable events in patients who received intervention versus the control group. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021245002Results: Six studies (3,766 individuals) were included. The pooled rate of unfavorable events in persons receiving treatment and the control group were 0.4% (95%CI: 0.1–1.1%) and 2.2% (95%CI: 1.6–3.0%), respectively. The pooled RR was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.22–0.66). Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled RR was 0.29 (95%CI: 0.14–0.60) in the single-use 200-mg doxycycline group; 0.28 (95%CI: 0.05–1.67) in a 10-day course group (Amoxicillin, Penicillin or tetracycline); and 0.73 (95%CI: 0.25–2.08) in a topical antibiotic treatment group (Azithromycin).Conclusions: The available evidence supports the use of antibiotics for the prevention of Lyme disease, and reveals advantages of using single-dose; however, further confirmation is needed.
Bacterial Microbiota and Antibiogram Profile in Children With Acute Tonsillitis. A Guide to Treatment.
Authors: Ughasoro Maduka , Akpeh James , Echendu Nneamaka , Mgbachi Nneka , Okpala Somkene , Amah Linda , Okolo Henrietta , Udem Ngozika 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Acute tonsillitis remains one of the common childhood diseases in developing countries. Prompt and appropriate treatment based on the knowledge of the causative microbiota and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern will improve the treatment outcome and reduce time and resources spent on treatment. This study aimed to determine the pattern of microbiota isolates and their susceptibility pattern. Methods: The study was a combination of retrospective and cross-sectional method. The medical records of children treated for tonsillitis were retrieved, as well as children who presented with acute tonsillitis were recruited in the study. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, as well as document information retrieved from their medical record: presenting symptoms, treatments received. Swab sample was taken for culture and antibiotic susceptibility test. Results: Out of the 72 swab cultures, most 29 (40.3%) yielded insignificant growth of gram positive cocci. A total of nine (9) different isolates were obtained from all the significant swab culture. Streptococcus species (13, 18.6%) and staphylococcus species (11, 15.3%) were the commonest isolates. Imipenem and levofloxacin revealed high level of susceptibility, while Ampicillin and Cefixine recorded high resistance rates. Conclusion: The proportion of the cultures that were positive of significant growth, the proportion of these positive isolates that were Streptococcus Spp. and varied sensitivity pattern obtained underpinned the important to advocate for culture isolates and susceptibility pattern guided treatment. This will not only an efficient approach to management of acute tonsillitis, but also a strong approach towards effective implementation of antibiotic stewardship.
Fertility Analysis of Bovine Semen by in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Adona Paulo Roberto , de Souza Yara Lis , Miranda Moysés dos Santos , Rodrigues Izamara , Guemra Samuel , Ferreira Marcos Barbosa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of using in vitro fertilization to validate semen fertility for artificial insemination. Cryopreserved semen from ten bulls (five Nelore and five Brangus bulls) was evaluated using in vitro production of embryos (IVPE) and via fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). There was variation (p < 0.05) in the IVPE (20.9 to 53.7% of blastocyst production) and in the FTAI (42.0 to 56.0% of pregnant cows) results among the Nelore bulls evaluated. According to the results there was a positive correlation (rs = 0.8378; p = 0.0001) between the rate of blastocyst production (using IVPE) and the rate of pregnancy (using FTAI) using Nelore bull semen. Variation was also found between the Brangus bulls (p < 0.05), in the rates of blastocyst production (36.5 to 47.0%) and pregnancy (45.6 to 52.2%) via FTAI. There was also a positive correlation (rs = 0.8786; p = 0.0001) between the rates of blastocyst production (IVPE) and pregnancy (FTAI) when using Brangus bull semen. According to the results, IVPE may be used in addition to conventional semen analysis to evaluate and validate the semen fertility of bulls for artificial insemination programs.
Isopod Parasite, Nerocila Depressa (Edwards, 1840) Infestation in Thryssa Stenosoma (Wongratana, 1983) as New Host, and First Record from Narmada Estuary, West Coast of India
Authors: SAHOO AMIYA , Bhakta D. , Meena D. K. , Sadhukhan D. , Das T. , Kamble S. P. , Majhi D. , Samanta S. , Das Basanta K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The study reported Thryssa stenosoma, as new host for isopod Nerocila depressa, infestation. Furthermore, the report is of first to record Nerocila depressa from the Narmada, the largest estuary of west coast of India. Thryssa stenosoma forms a commercially important fish species at Bhadbhut, a part of the Narmada estuary. The prevalence of isopod infestation was 17.39% with mean intensity 2.8 in T. stenosoma, indicating the low, at the present ecological conditions. Looking at the future proposed developmental river valley projects at Bhadbhut estuarine zone, our present information would form baseline to the parasitic diseases in estuarine fishes in Narmada estuary, India.
Microbiome of Infected Cysts, Feces and Saliva in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Case Reports
Authors: Suwabe Tatsuya , Morita Hidetoshi , Khasnobish Anushka , Araoka Hideki , Hoshino Junichi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Cyst infection is a frequent and serious complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It is often difficult to treat and can be fatal, but much is still unknown about this type of infection. Hematogenous spread via bacterial translocation in the intestine is considered to be the main cause, so intestinal flora may be involved. However, the exact role of the intestinal flora in cyst infection in ADPKD is unknown.Case presentation: We report a 66-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man with ADPKD who had severe hepatic cyst infection. We analyzed the microbiome of infected cyst content, feces, and saliva in these two patients. The microbiome of patient 1 showed various bacteria in an infected cyst, whereas that of patient 2 showed only one bacterium. In both patients, the composition of the microbiome of the cyst content was quite different from those of feces and saliva, and the main bacteria in the infected cyst content represented a small proportion of those in feces and saliva.Conclusions: Cyst infection in ADPKD can be caused by a single bacterium or multiple bacteria, and cyst content culture or blood culture may identify only some of the causative bacteria. The association between bacteria in cysts and those in feces or saliva remains uncertain, and further research on this topic is needed.
Anisotropic Analysis of Springback in FRF Process With Variable Cross Section Using Hill and Barlat Criteria
Authors: Panahizadeh Valiollah , Asl Yaghoub Dadgar , Saeedi Farzad , Afshin Sulmaz 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The Flexible Roll Forming (FRF) process with the ability to produce parts with variable width and depth was formed to be used in industries such as automotive, construction, and similar industries. One of the disadvantages of this process is the spring-back defect, which prevents the desired profile from being achieved. In this paper, experimental and numerical analysis of the spring-back phenomenon using Hill, Barlat, and Von Mises yield criteria. Also, the effect of bending angle, material, and sheet thickness parameters on this defect was investigated. The process for the three types of 1050 aluminum, low carbon steel, and 430 stainless steel was simulated using the VUMAT subroutine of Abaqus software. In these simulations, for each material, three thicknesses of 0.4, 0.7 and 1 mm with bending angles of 25 and 45 degrees were considered. Experimental experiments were performed using the FRF machine. Validation of numerical simulation results was performed by comparing experimental results. The results showed that the Barlat criterion has a more accurate prediction of spring-back than the other two criteria. The results also showed that the spring-back ratio of sheets with a thickness of 0.4 mm compared to 1 mm for low carbon, aluminum, and stainless steel are 1.5, 2.5, and 3.2, respectively.
WITHDRAWN: Optimization of Siderophore Production by Bacillus Subtilis DR2 and its Effect on Growth of Coriandrum Sativum
Authors: Kumari Sonali , Kiran Shilpi , Kumari Sushma , KUMAR PANKAJ , Singh Abha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Under scarce iron conditions, several bacteria, fungi and plants, secrete ferric iron-specific ligands, generically termed as siderophores that are able to bind with insoluble ferric ion thereby making them available to the host organisms. Siderophore producing bacteria was isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Eragrostis cynosuroides by CAS agar screening and CAS-shuttle assay method. Among five positive isolates, DR2 produced a relatively high level of siderophore (69.81 SU%) and was identified as catecholate type. Further, it was identified as Bacillus subtilis DR2 (KP455653) based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Media optimization revealed that the strain B. subtilis DR2 showed maximum siderophore yield (80.60 SU%) under optimized condition of 72 h incubation at 35 °C in succinate media at pH 8, supplemented with sucrose as carbon and NaNO3 as nitrogen sources. It was further tested as seed inoculants under pot culture conditions and was found to be very efficient in seed germination and growth promotion of Coriandrum sativum. Thus, the present study signifies that B. subtilis DR2 may be a promising candidate with potential of plant growth promotion to be used as biofertilizer for various crops.
Dyeing of Chitin Nanofibers With Reactive Dyes and Preparation of Their Sheets and Fiber Reinforced Materials
Authors: Kishimoto Mizuki , Izawa Hironori , Saimoto Hiroyuki , Ifuku Shinsuke 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Blue, red and yellow chitin nanofibers were obtained using reactive dyes. Since the chitin nanofibers and the dye are covalently bonded, they are resistant to hot water and detergents. Since the dyed chitin nanofibers can be mixed at an arbitrary ratio, purple, orange, and green nanofibers corresponding to the mixed colors could be obtained. The dyed chitin nanofibers were evaluated by the reflection spectrum and the color space (L*a*b*). From the viewpoint of reaction yield and color properties, the appropriate ratio of the reactive dye to chitin was 5% at the maximum. The morphology of chitin nanofibers was maintained even after the introduction of the reactive dye. A resin reinforced with dyed chitin nanofibers was prepared. By combining with nanofibers, it is possible to give color and improve mechanical strength to resin while maintaining the transparency of the resin to some extent.
Exploring Factors Associated with Pregnant Womxn’s Experiences of Material Hardship during COVID-19
Authors: Johnson Laura 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial insecurity of women and their families globally. Some studies have explored the impact of financial strain among pregnant women, in particular, during the pandemic. However, less is known about the factors associated with pregnant women’s experiences of material hardship. Methods: This study examined the factors associated with pregnant women’s experiences of material hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic using data collected from 183 pregnant womxn who participated in an online Qualtrics panel survey during January 2021. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, individuals were asked about their finances and predictors of financial well-being, mental health symptoms, and intimate partner violence experiences. Ordinary least squares regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted estimates. Study findings showed that the majority of womxn in the sample experienced at least one form of material hardship in the past year. Results: Economic self-sufficiency, financial strain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and economic abuse were all significantly associated with material hardship. Conclusions: Overall, findings are consistent with other studies that have documented the association between financial hardship and mental health symptoms among pregnant womxn during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a unique contribution of this study is that it highlights the significant, positive association between economic abuse, a unique form of intimate partner violence, and material hardship among pregnant womxn during the pandemic. These findings suggest the need for policy and practice interventions that help to ameliorate the financial insecurity experienced by some pregnant womxn, as well as respond to associated bidirectional vulnerabilities (e.g., mental health symptoms, experiences of intimate partner violence).