bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle practices among adults with hypertension aware and unaware of their hypertensive status: Results from the 2013 WHO STEPS survey in Burkina Faso
Authors: Diendéré Jeoffray , Kaboré Jean , Bosu William Kofi , Somé Jerôme Winbetourefa , Garanet Franck , Ouédraogo Pingdéwendé Victor , Savadogo Abdoul Aziz , Millogo Athanase , Zeba Augustin Nawidimbasba 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
We compared the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors between the hypertensive adults who were aware and unaware of their hypertensive status and assessed the factors associated with being aware of one’s hypertension among adults in Burkina Faso.
Methods
We conducted a secondary-analysis of data from the World Health Organization Stepwise approach to surveillance survey conducted in 2013 in Burkina Faso. Lifestyle factors analysed were fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption, tooth cleaning, alcohol and tobacco use, body mass index and physical activity.
Results
Among 774 hypertensive adults, 84.9% (95% CI: 82.2–87.3) were unaware of their hypertensive status. In those aware vs unaware respectively, frequencies of unhealthy lifestyle practices were: 92.3 vs 96.3% p = 0.07 for not eating at least five or more FV servings, 63.2 vs 70.5% p = 0.12 for not cleaning the teeth at least twice a day, 35.9 vs 42.3% p = 0.19 for tobacco and/or alcohol use, 53.9 vs 25.4% p = 0.0001 for overweight/obesity and 17.1 vs 10.3% p = 0.04 for physical inactivity. In logistic regression analysis, older age, primary or higher education, being overweight/obese (aOR = 3.2; p < 0.0001), intake of adequate FV servings daily (aOR = 2.9; p = 0.023) and non-use of alcohol and tobacco (aOR = 0.6; p = 0.028) were associated with being aware of one’s hypertensive status.
Conclusion
Undiagnosed hypertension was very high among hypertensive Burkinabè adults. Those aware of their hypertension diagnosis did not necessarily practise healthier lifestyles than those not previously aware of their hypertension. Current programmes at control of hypertension should aim to improve its awareness and risk reduction behaviour.
Reconstructing early transmission networks of SARS-CoV-2 by using a genomic mutation model
Authors: Cheng Chaoyuan , Zhang Zhibin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Since its first report in Wuhan city, China in late December of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has caused huge damage to human society, but its origins and early transmission patterns remain unclear. We reconstructed the transmission network of SARS-CoV-2 within the first three and six months since its first report based on its ancestor-offspring relationship using BANAL-52-referenced mutations. We want to explore the position of the early detected samples in the evolutionary tree of SARS-CoV-2. 19,187 samples (first 3 months) and 84,243 samples (first 6 months) were used for the analysis, respectively. Using data of the first 3 months, BANAL-52-referenced mutations were found in 7062 out of 29,410 nucleotide sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. 6,799 transmission chains and 1766 transmission networks were reconstructed with chain lengths ranging from 1–9 nodes. The root node samples of the 1766 transmission networks are from 58 countries or regions, and they have no common ancestor, indicating plenty of independent or parallel transmissions of SARS-CoV-2 have occurred when they were firstly detected. No root node sample was found in the samples (n = 31, all from the mainland of China) that were collected in the first 15 days since December 24, 2019. Results using data of the first 6 months are similar to those of the first 3 months, but more independent transmission chains were revealed in more countries. The reconstruction method was verified by using a simulation approach. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 has long been spread independently in many parts of the world before it was first detected in Wuhan, China. It is essential to have a global survey on human or animal samples to look for the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and its natural hosts.
Feeding site specificity in frog-biting midges (Corethrellidae)
Authors: Virgo Jonas , Eltz Thomas 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Hematophagous arthropods often choose predictable feeding sites on their hosts´ body, presumably to maximize blood uptake while minimizing costs. Realized feeding sites can be host specific, mediated by intrinsic host characters or/and specific preferences of the blood feeder. We investigated feeding site specificity in a community of frog-biting midges (Corethrella spp.) and frog hosts in La Gamba, Costa Rica. Midge distribution on hosts differed significantly between 12 investigated frog species, indicating that intrinsic host properties influence potential feeding sites. However, realized feeding sites were also significantly different between four investigated Corethrella morphotypes, across all hosts but also within certain shared hosts, indicating feeding site partitioning among Corethrella. We propose that the diversity of feeding sites in Corethrella-frog associations is determined by an interaction of host traits, e. g. calling site, defensive behavior or skin thickness, and midge traits, especially body size and corresponding mouthpart size/structure.
Exploring the association of undernourishment indicators for under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa: an application of log-linear model for three- way table
Authors: Asmare Abebew Aklog , Agmas Yitateku Adugna 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Childhood undernutrition was a central public health difficulty. Several studies have considered determinants of childhood undernutrition and haven't focused on the connection of undernourishment indicators, the remains have focused on the link of indicators with their factors and have ignored the connection of the dimensions themselves, therefore this study tested pairwise relationships among the dimensions.Methods: In the current study multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was applied to look at the visual association of the indicators. Moreover, the log-linear model was wont to see the model of the best suitable examine the nutritional status of youngsters. The interaction terms within the model have represented deviations from independence.Result: The result shows that out of 185,541 weighted sampled children 32.28%, 16.67%, and 6.82% were stunted, underweight, and wasted respectively. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was about 37.85%. The log-linear model showed that being underweight has an association with both stunting (P-value < 0.001), and wasting (P-value < 0.001). There was no association between stunting and wasting (P-value = 0.999). Also, there's no three-way relationship between stunting, wasting, and being underweight (P-value = 1.000).Conclusion: The study shows that there is no three-way interaction between undernourishment indicators. This shows the three undernourishment indicators of under-five children have multi-dimensional characteristics. Accordingly, the alarmed body should assume the three indicators concurrently to assess the actual problem of childhood undernutrition as they are not terminated to each other.
METTL14 promotes migration and invasion of choroidal melanoma by targeting RUNX2 mRNA via m6A modification
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiaonan , Liu Tengyue , Zhang Zhe , Piao Chiyuan , Ning Hong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Although the modification of N6-methyladenosine is involved in the progression of a variety of cancers, the associated regulatory mechanism underlying the progression of choroidal melanoma remains poorly understood.
Methods
In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of N6-methyladenosine in the pathogenesis of choroidal melanoma. The expression level of methyltransferase-like 14 in choroidal melanoma tissues was determined using western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, and compared with that in normal choroidal tissues. Next, the impacts of methyltransferase-like 14 on invasion and migration of choroidal melanoma cells were determined using functional and animal experiments. The interaction between methyltransferase-like 14 and its downstream target was identified by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, protein expression of factors related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was evaluated by western blot analysis.
Results
Methyltransferase-like 14 was upregulated in choroidal melanoma tissues in comparison with that in normal choroidal tissues. Overexpression and knockdown of methyltransferase-like 14 enhanced and inhibited the invasion and migration of choroidal melanoma cells, respectively, both in vivo and in vitro. Methyltransferase-like 14 directly targeted downstream runt-related transcription factor 2 mRNA, and this effect was dependent on N6-methyladenosine. Additionally, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was activated by methyltransferase-like 14 in choroidal melanoma cells.
Conclusions
Our study identified a novel RNA regulatory mechanism in which runt-related transcription factor 2 was upregulated by enhanced expression of methyltransferase-like 14 via N6-methyladenosine modification, thus facilitating migration and invasion of choroidal melanoma cells.
Near-Source Ground Motion Estimation for Assessing the Seismic Hazard of Critical Facilities in Central Italy
Authors: Moratto Luca , Santuilin Marco , Tamaro Alberto , Saraò Angela , Vuan Alessandro , Rebez Alessandro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We apply the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) and Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA) to estimate the input ground motion for three dams in the Campotosto area (Central Italy). The dams, which confine an artificial water reservoir feeding hydroelectric power plants, are located in an active seismic zone between the areas that experienced the 2009 L’Aquila and 2016–2017 Central Italy seismic sequences. The probabilistic disaggregation estimated for a return period of 2475 years, corresponding to the collapse limit state for critical facilities, indicates that the most dangerous fault is associated with a maximum magnitude of 6.75 ± 0.25 within a distance of 10 km. This fault is used in DSHA to emulate the worst-case scenario. To capture the ground motion variability, we input a pseudo-dynamic source model to encompass spatial and temporal variations in the slip, rise time and rupture propagation, heavily affecting the near-source ground motion. Indeed, the ground motion above the rupture volume is mainly influenced by the epistemic uncertainties of rupture nucleation and slip distribution. The computed broadband seismograms are consistent with the near-source shaking recorded during the 2016 MW 6.6 Norcia earthquake and constrain the upper bound of the simulated ground motion at specific sites. Our modelling reinforces the importance of considering vertical ground motion near the source in seismic design. It could reach shaking values comparable to or larger than those of the horizontal components. This approach can be applied in other areas with high seismic hazard to evaluate the seismic safety of existing critical facilities.
Bioinformatics analysis and identification of transcriptional regulation of human FOXG1 gene
Authors: Wang Yu-qing , Chen Yan , Liu Yong-xin , Yang Cai-ting , Lai Ming-ming 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) is a transcriptional repressor with high expression in the nervous system. Most research focused on the biological function of FOXG1, however, the transcriptional regulation of the FOXG1 gene was rarely studied. Herein, we analyzed and cloned 2.3kb of the 5’-upstream sequences of the FOXG1 gene to better understand the regulation of the FOXG1 gene expression. The CpG islands and putative transcription factor binding sites were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Then we defined a small region in the upstream 350bp area which was required for the promoter activity by constructing truncated mutants.
Hypothesis-driven dragging of transcriptomic data to analyze proven targeted pathways in Rhinella arenarum larvae exposed to organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Pires Natalia Susana , Lascano Cecilia Inés , Ousset Julia , Ceschin Danilo G. , Venturino Andrés 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Transcriptional analysis of the network of transcription regulators and target pathways in exposed organisms may be a hard task when their genome remains unknown. The development of hundreds of qPCR assays, including primers design and results normalization with the appropriate housekeeping genes, seems an unreachable task. Alternatively, we took advantage of a whole transcriptome study on Rhinella arenarum larvae exposed to the organophosphorus pesticides azinphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos to evaluate transcriptional effects on a priori selected groups of genes. This approach allowed us to evaluate the effects on hypothesis-selected pathways such as target esterases, detoxifying enzymes, polyamine metabolism and signaling and regulatory pathways modulating them. We could then compare the responses at the transcriptional level with previously described effects at the enzymatic or metabolic levels to obtain global insight into toxicity-response mechanisms. The effects of both pesticides on the transcript levels of these pathways could be considered moderate, while the responses elicited by chlorpyrifos were more potent and earlier than those elicited by azinphos-methyl. Finally, we inferred a prevailing downregulation effect of pesticides on signaling pathways and transcription factor transcripts encoding products that modulate/control the polyamine and antioxidant response pathways. We additionally tested and selected potential housekeeping genes based on those reported for other species. These results allow us to go through future confirmatory studies on pesticide gene expression modulation in toad larvae.
A Hybrid DMAIC Framework for Integrating Response Surface Methodology and Multi-Objective Optimization Methods
Authors: SILVA ANEIRSON FRANCISCO , Aranda Kaio Max , Marins Fernando Augusto Silva , Dias Erica Ximenes , Miranda Rafael de Carvalho 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In many practical situations, it is important to evaluate the relationships between the factors that compose an industrial process and their effects on one or more response variables that are of interest to an enterprise. The main contribution of this present study is to propose a new conceptual hybrid framework based on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Im- prove, and Control) methodological structure, to optimize complex experimental problems with multiple responses. This procedure combines Response Surface Methodology, with the Desirability (D), Modified Desirability (MD), Compromise Programming (CP) functions, with Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) and Evolutionary Algorithms (EA). We made real application to a glass lamination process case study to describe how to use the proposed framework. The procedure allowed several configurations to be tested involving the D, MD and CP functions, adopting the GRD and EV, to optimize the studied industrial process. The best configuration was defined by a practical confirmation experiment and validated by company engineers and experts. As examples of the advantages of adopting the proposed framework in the glass lamination problems, the best solutions resulted in a 49,86% increase in grinding wheel shelf life, corresponding to a 927[kg] reduction of steel-use per year, and a 41.7% reduction in dressing stone consumption, saving 17,200 stones per year.
Variation of the element composition of municipal sewage sludges in the context of new regulations on phosphorus recovery in Germany
Authors: Sichler Theresa Constanze , Montag D. , Barjenbruch M. , Mauch Tatjana , Sommerfeld Thomas , Ehm J.H. , Adam Christian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Phosphorus recovery is obligatory for all sewage sludges with more than 20 g P/kg dry matter (DM) from 2029 in Germany. Nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were chosen to investigate variations of phosphorus contents and other parameters in sewage sludge over the year. Monthly sewage sludge samples from each WWTP were analyzed for phosphorus and other matrix elements (C, N, H, Ca, Fe, Al, etc.), for several trace elements (As, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn) and loss of ignition. Among the nine WWTPs, there are four which have phosphorus contents both above and below the recovery limit of 20 g/kg DM along the year. Considering the average phosphorus content over the year, only one of them is below the limit. Compared to other matrix elements and parameters, phosphorus fluctuations are low with an average of 7% over all nine WWTPs. In total, only hydrogen and carbon are more constant in the sludge. In several WWTPs with chemical phosphorus elimination, phosphorus fluctuations showed similar courses like iron and/or aluminum. WWTPs with chamber filter presses rather showed dilution effects of calcium dosage. As result of this study, monthly phosphorus measurement is highly recommended to determine whether a WWTP is below the 20 g/kg DM limit.
Genome-wide identification of cysteine-rich receptor like kinases in sweet cherry and functional analysis of PaCRK1 to salt stress
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Qu Dehui , Wang Lei , Gao Yuanhui , An Ningning , Wang Aiping , Li Yaxin , Yang Jingjing , Wu Fanlin , Su Hongyan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs), a large subgroup of the receptor-like kinases, play an important role in plant development and stress response. However, knowledge about CRKs and its function against adverse environmental stresses in sweet cherry were lacking. In this study, 40 PaCRKs were identified from sweet cherry (Prunus avium) genome database. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PaCRKs could be classified into six subgroups. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression levels of most PaCRKs were changed under external environmental stresses. Functional study showed that PaCRK1 overexpression could enhance Arabidopsis and sweet cherry tolerance to salt stress. Moreover, biochemical analysis showed that PaCRK1 increased salt tolerance of sweet cherry by regulating the expression of antioxidation-related genes and their enzyme activities. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of PaCRKs in sweet cherry and elucidates the potential role of PaCRKs in response to various environmental stimuli.
The initial attempt at home hemodialysis in mainland China
Authors: Ni Zhaohui , Zhou Yijun , Lu Renhua , Shen Jianxiao , Gu Leyi , Mou Shan , Zhao Li , Zhang Haifen , Zhang Bin , Fang Yan , Fang Wei , Wang Qin , Zhang WeiMing , Zhang Jidong , Li Weiping 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Observational studies showed home hemodialysis (HHD) to be associated with better survival than facility hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Patients on HHD have reported higher quality of life and independence. HHD is considered to be an economical way to manage end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had a significant impact on patients with ESKD. Patients on HHD may have an advantage over in-center HHD patients because of a lower risk of exposure to infection.
Participants and Methods:
We enrolled hemodialysis patients from our dialysis center. We estabilished HHD training center at first. The training center was approved by Chinese government. Doctors, nurses and engineers train and assess patients separately. There are three forms of patient monitoring: home visit, internet remote monitoring, and out-patient service. Demographic and medical data included age, gender, blood pressure, dialysis related data. Laboratory tests were conducted in our central testing laboratory including hemoglobin (Hgb), serum creatinine (Cr), urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), albumin (Alb), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Results
Six patients who underwent regular dialysis in the hemodialysis center of our hospital were selected for HHD training. We enrolled 6 patients, including 4 males and 2 females. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 (34.7–55.7) years, the mean dialysis age was 33.5 (11.2–41.5) months. After an average of 16.0 (11.2–25.5) months of training, Alb, P and BNP were improved compared with baseline values. After training, three patients returned home to begin independent hemodialysis. During the follow-up, there are no serious adverse events leading to hospitalization or death, but there are several adverse events. They have been solved quickly by extra home visits of the technicians or online by remote monitoring. During the time, laboratory indicators of all the patients including Hgb, Alb, Ca, P, PTH, BNP, β2-MG remained stable before and after HHD treatment.
Conclusion
HHD is feasible and safe for ESRD in China, but larger-scale and longer-term studies are needed to further confirm.
Synchronous Consensus During Incomplete Synchrony
Authors: Klianev Ivan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We present an algorithm for synchronous deterministic Byzantine consensus, tolerant to links failures and links asynchrony. It cares for a class of networks with specific needs, where both safety and liveness are essential, and timely irrevocable consensus has priority over highest throughput. The algorithm operates with redundant delivery of messages via indirect paths of up to 3 hops, aims all correct processes to obtain a coherent view of the system state within a bounded time, and establishes consensus with no need of leader. Consensus involves exchange of 2 * n3 asymmetrically authenticated messages and tolerates up to < n/2 faulty processes. We show that in a consensus system with known members: 1) The existing concepts for delivery over a fraction of links and gossip-based reliable multicast can be extended to also circumvent asynchronous links and thereby convert the reliable delivery into a reliable bounded delivery. 2) A system of synchronous processes with bounded delivery does not need a leader – all correct processes from connected majority derive and propose the same consensus value from atomically consistent individual views on system’s state. 3) The required for bounded delivery asymmetric authentication of messages is sufficient for safety of the consensus algorithm. Key finding: the impossibility of safety and liveness of consensus in partial synchrony is not valid in the entire space between synchrony and asynchrony. A system of synchronized synchronous processes, which communicate with asymmetrically authenticated messages over a medium susceptible to asynchrony and faults, can operate with: 1) defined tolerance to number of asynchronousand/or faulty links per number of stop-failed and/or Byzantine processes; 2) leaderless algorithm with bounded termination; and 3) conceptually ensured simultaneous safety and bounded liveness.