bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the contextual Interaction theory in a UHC pilot district in South Africa
Authors: Michel Janet , Mohlakoana Nthabiseng , Bärnighausen Till , Tediosi Fabrizio , Evans David , McIntyre Di , Bressers Hans T. A. , Tanner Marcel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundWorld-wide, there is growing universal health coverage (UHC) enthusiasm. The South African government began piloting policies aimed at achieving UHC in 2012. These UHC policies have been and are being rolled out in the ten selected pilot districts. Our study explored policy implementation experiences of 71 actors involved in UHC policy implementation, in one South African pilot district using the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) lens.MethodOur study applied a two-actor deductive theory of implementation, Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) to analyse 71 key informant interviews from one National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot district in South Africa. The theory uses motivation, information, power, resources and the interaction of these to explain implementation experiences and outcomes. The research question centred on the utility of CIT tenets in explaining the observed implementation experiences of actors and outcomes particularly policy- practice gaps.ResultsAll CIT central tenets (information, motivation, power, resources and interactions) were alluded to by actors in their policy implementation experiences, a lack or presence of these tenets were explained as either a facilitator or barrier to policy implementation. This theory was found as very useful in explaining policy implementation experiences of both policy makers and facilitators.ConclusionA central tenet that was present in this context but not fully captured by CIT was leadership. Leadership interactions were revealed as critical for policy implementation, hence we propose the inclusion of leadership interactions to the current CIT central tenets, to become motivation, information, power, resources, leadership and interactions of all these.
Oxidative cleavage of cellulose in the horse gut
Authors: Liu Ning , Yu Weishuai , Guo Xiuna , Chen Jinyin , Xia Donghui , Yu Jie , Li Duochuan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) belonging to the auxiliary activity 9 family (AA9) are widely found in aerobic fungi. These enzymes are O2-dependent copper oxidoreductases that catalyze the oxidative cleavage of cellulose. However, studies that have investigated AA9 LPMOs of aerobic fungi in the herbivore gut are scare. To date, whether oxidative cleavage of cellulose occurs in the herbivore gut is unknown.

Results
We report for the first time experimental evidence that AA9 LPMOs from aerobic thermophilic fungi catalyze the oxidative cleavage of cellulose present in the horse gut to C1-oxidized cellulose and C1- and C4-oxidized cello-oligosaccharides. We isolated and identified three thermophilic fungi and measured their growth and AA9 LPMO expression at 37 °C in vitro. We also assessed the expression and the presence of AA9 LPMOs from thermophilic fungi in situ. Finally, we used two recombinant AA9 LPMOs and a native AA9 LPMO from thermophilic fungi to cleave cellulose to yield C1-oxidized products at 37 °C in vitro.

Conclusions
The oxidative cleavage of cellulose occurs in the horse gut. This finding will broaden the known the biological functions of the ubiquitous LPMOs and aid in determining biological significance of aerobic thermophilic fungi.
Highly sensitive near-infrared SERS nanoprobes for in vivo imaging using gold-assembled silica nanoparticles with controllable nanogaps
Authors: Bock Sungje , Choi Yun-Sik , Kim Minhee , Yun Yewon , Pham Xuan-Hung , Kim Jaehi , Seong Bomi , Kim Wooyeon , Jo Ahla , Ham Kyeong-Min , Lee Sung Gun , Lee Sang Hun , Kang Homan , Choi Hak Soo , Jeong Dae Hong , Chang Hyejin , Kim Dong-Eun , Jun Bong-Hyun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
To take advantages, such as multiplex capacity, non-photobleaching property, and high sensitivity, of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based in vivo imaging, development of highly enhanced SERS nanoprobes in near-infrared (NIR) region is needed. A well-controlled morphology and biocompatibility are essential features of NIR SERS nanoprobes. Gold (Au)-assembled nanostructures with controllable nanogaps with highly enhanced SERS signals within multiple hotspots could be a breakthrough.

Results
Au-assembled silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) (SiO2@Au@Au NPs) as NIR SERS nanoprobes are synthesized using the seed-mediated growth method. SiO2@Au@Au NPs using six different sizes of Au NPs (SiO2@Au@Au50–SiO2@Au@Au500) were prepared by controlling the concentration of Au precursor in the growth step. The nanogaps between Au NPs on the SiO2 surface could be controlled from 4.16 to 0.98 nm by adjusting the concentration of Au precursor (hence increasing Au NP sizes), which resulted in the formation of effective SERS hotspots. SiO2@Au@Au500 NPs with a 0.98-nm gap showed a high SERS enhancement factor of approximately 3.8 × 106 under 785-nm photoexcitation. SiO2@Au@Au500 nanoprobes showed detectable in vivo SERS signals at a concentration of 16 μg/mL in animal tissue specimen at a depth of 7 mm. SiO2@Au@Au500 NPs with 14 different Raman label compounds exhibited distinct SERS signals upon subcutaneous injection into nude mice.

Conclusions
SiO2@Au@Au NPs showed high potential for in vivo applications as multiplex nanoprobes with high SERS sensitivity in the NIR region.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Catalonia, Spain, three and a half years after its introduction
Authors: Royo-Bordonada Miguel Ángel , Fernández-Escobar Carlos , Gil-Bellosta Carlos José , Ordaz Elena 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The World Health Organisation urges countries to levy specific excise taxes on SSBs. Currently, more than 50 countries have introduced some type of tax on SSBs. In March 2017, the Autonomous Region of Catalonia approved the introduction of a tiered excise tax on SSBs for public health reasons. To evaluate the effect of the Catalonian excise tax on the price and purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their possible substitutes, i.e., non-sugar-sweetened beverages (NSSBs) and bottled water, three and half years after its introduction, and 1 year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
We analysed purchase data on soft drinks, fruit drinks and water, sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture food-consumption panel, in a random sample of 12,500 households across Spain. We applied the synthetic control method to infer the causal impact of the intervention, based on a Bayesian structural time-series model which predicts the counterfactual response that would have occurred in Catalonia, had no intervention taken place.

Results
As compared to the predicted (counterfactual) response, per capita purchases of SSBs fell by 0.17 l three and a half years after implementing the SSB tax in Catalonia, a 16.7% decline (95% CI: − 23.18, − 8.74). The mean SSB price rose by 0.11 €/L, an 11% increase (95% CI: 9.0, 14.1). Although there were no changes in mean NSSB prices, NSSB consumption rose by 0.19 l per capita, a 21.7% increase (95% CI: 18.25, 25.54). There were no variations in the price or consumption of bottled water. The effects were progressively greater over time, with SSB purchases decreasing by 10.4% at 1 year, 12.3% at 2 years, 15.3% at 3 years, and 16.7% at three and a half years of the tax’s introduction.

Conclusions
The Catalonian SSB excise tax had a sustained and progressive impact over time, with a fall in consumption of as much as 16.7% three and half years after its introduction. The observed NSSB substitution effect should be borne in mind when considering the application of this type of tax to the rest of Spain.
Improvement of the anticancer efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via combination therapy and PD-L1 regulation
Authors: Wu Mengling , Huang Qianrui , Xie Yao , Wu Xuyi , Ma Hongbo , Zhang Yiwen , Xia Yong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractImmune checkpoint molecules are promising anticancer targets, among which therapeutic antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been widely applied to cancer treatment in clinical practice and have great potential. However, this treatment is greatly limited by its low response rates in certain cancers, lack of known biomarkers, immune-related toxicity, innate and acquired drug resistance, etc. Overcoming these limitations would significantly expand the anticancer applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and improve the response rate and survival time of cancer patients. In the present review, we first illustrate the biological mechanisms of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints and their role in the healthy immune system as well as in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibits the anticancer effect of T cells in the TME, which in turn regulates the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 through multiple mechanisms. Several strategies have been proposed to solve the limitations of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, including combination therapy with other standard treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, other immunotherapies and even diet control. Downregulation of PD-L1 expression in the TME via pharmacological or gene regulation methods improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Surprisingly, recent preclinical studies have shown that upregulation of PD-L1 in the TME also improves the response and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy that provides novel insight into clinical applications. This review aims to guide the development of more effective and less toxic anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the foot function index in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability
Authors: Amri Mohammed I. , Alzhrani Msaad M. , Alanazi Ahmad D. , Alqahtani Mazen M. , Kashoo Faizan Zaffar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe English version of the Foot Function Index (FFI) is a reliable and valid tool for measuring pain and functional instability due to chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, its use among Arabic speakers with CLAI is limited because of the unavailability of the Arabic version of the FFI (FFI‐Arb). This study aimed to translate, cross‐culturally adapt and validate the FFI from the original English version into Arabic.MethodsThe FFI questionnaire was translated using the Beaton guidelines. Two‐hundred‐and‐thirty native Arabic‐speaking participants with CLAI were recruited from different physiotherapy clinics in Saudi Arabia. The convergent validity of the FFI‐Arb was tested using the Spearman correlation with the Arabic version Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT‐Arab). Test‐retest reliability was tested among 92 participants who completed the form again after seven days.ResultsTwo‐hundred‐and‐thirty participants were enrolled (mean age = 32.09, Standard deviation (SD) = 8.64 years old). There was excellent internal consistency for the three subscales of FFI: pain (0.95), disability (0.97), and activity limitation (0.86), as for the total score (0.98). Convergent validity was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation between the new translated versions of FFI‐Arb and CAIT‐Arab. The total FFI‐Arb and CAIT‐Arab scores were moderately correlated (rho = − 0.569; p < 0.001). Subscales of FFI‐Arb, such as pain, disability, and activity limitation, were also moderately correlated with CAIT‐Arab (rho = − 0.565, rho = − 0.561, rho = − 0.512; p < 0.001). The construct validity was confirmed by principal component analysis (factor analysis) showing a three‐factor structure (eigenvalue 1) of FFI‐Arb with a total variance of 77.3%. Test‐retest reliability was excellent for the total score of the FFI‐Arb and all its subscales (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.984–0.999).ConclusionsThe FFI‐Arb is a reliable and valid tool for Arabic‐speaking patients with CLAI. The FFI‐Arb can be utilized in hospitals and clinics in Arabic speaking countries.
Green and simple production of graphite intercalation compound used sodium bicarbonate as intercalation agent
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Guogang , Zhang Long 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn view of the technical difficulties in the preparation of graphite intercalation compound (GIC) such as complex processes, the need to use strong acid reagents, and the product containing corrosive elements. A novel, efficient and simple method used sodium bicarbonate as intercalation agent was developed, which combined with mechanical force and chemical method for the green production of GIC. The production parameters were optimized by the single factor experiments, the optimal conditions were the ball mill speed 500 r/min for 4 h (6 mm diameter of the stainless-steel beads as ball milling media), the decomposition temperature 200 ℃ for 4 h, and 1:1 mass ratio of flake graphite to sodium bicarbonate. SEM results revealed that the prepared product appears the lamellar separation, pores, and semi-open morphology characteristic of GIC. FT-IR results indicated that the preparation method does not change the carbon-based structure, and the sodium bicarbonate intercalant has entered the interlayer of graphite flakes to form GIC. XRD results further showed that the GIC products still maintained the structure of carbon atoms or molecules, and the sodium bicarbonate intercalation agent has entered the interlayer of the graphite, and increased the interlayer distance of the layered graphite. The expandability of GIC products was studied, and the results show that it was expandable, and the expandable volume of GIC products prepared under optimal conditions has reached 142 mL/g. The theoretical basis for large-scale production was provided by studied the mechanism of the preparation method and designed the flow chart. The method has the advantages of simple process, products free of impurities, no use of aggressive reagents, process stable, and does not pollute the environment, being favorable to mass production, and provided new preparation method and idea for two-dimensional nanomaterials with preparation technical difficulties.
Three-week exercise and protein intake immediately after exercise increases the 6-min walking distance with simultaneously improved plasma volume in patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease: a preliminary prospective study
Authors: Sato Chika , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Sakurai Yuta , Araki Shohei , Sakata Yuki , Ishigame Ayana , Murai Kota , Yoshioka Izumi , Tajima Fumihiro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBlood volume (BV) is a critical factor for physical endurance in chronic stroke patients, while hypervolemia can worsen hypertension in these patients. This prospective study assessed whether rehabilitation combined with protein supplementation immediately after each exercise for 3 weeks would improve plasma volume (PV) and BV as well as physical endurance without worsening hypertension.MethodsAmbulatory patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease who received a 3-week rehabilitation program with high protein jelly (intervention group [PG]; n = 8; 10-g protein) or protein-free jelly (control group [CG]; n = 8) consumed within 30 min after each exercise. PV and BV were assessed while measuring the 6-min walking distance (6MWD), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), strength of knee extension, and resting blood pressure before and after the intervention. Two-way ANOVA was used to determine whether there was an interaction of time × group. The difference between before and after intervention or between the groups by post-hoc test (Tukey’s test) at the level ofP < 0.05.ResultsThe 6MWD increased only in the PG (P = 0.001; an interaction of Group and Time,P = 0.037). PV and BV increased only in the PG (P < 0.05). VO2peakand strength of knee extension in the paralysed limb increased in both groups (P < 0.05). The resting blood pressure did not worsen after the intervention.ConclusionsIn chronic post-stroke patients, 3-week rehabilitation combined with protein intake immediately after exercise increased 6MWD simultaneously with increased PV and BV, but it did not increase resting blood pressure. The present regimen is acceptable and effective for ambulatory patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease.Name of the registryExamining effects of protein supplementation on functional improvement during rehabilitation intervention in chronic stroke patientsTrial registration numberUMIN000028009; date of registration: 30/06/2017. This study was registered prospectively.
In vitro antibacterial, non-cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Boscia Senegalensis and Tapinanthus dodoneifolius, plants used by pastoralists in Cameroon
Authors: Vougat Ngom Ronald Romuald Bebey , Foyet Harquin Simplice 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the Far North Region of Cameroon, pastoralists use the leaves ofBoscia senegalensisand the stem ofTapinanthus dodoneifoliusto treat common animal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial, non-cytotoxic and antioxidant potentials of these plants. To achieve this, four extracts (water, methanol, chloroform and hexane) of both plants obtained by successive fractionation were used. Antibacterial activities of the different extracts were evaluated against three bacterial reference strains including Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coliandSalmonella typhi) using agar disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. Human colon cancer cells were used to screen their toxicity. 2,2-Ddiphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelating assays have been used to investigate the antioxidant activities of the best extract of each plant after antibacterial assay. A sensitive inhibitory effect was observed againstS. aureuswith hexane extract ofB. senegalensisand methanolic extract ofT. dodoneifolius. In addition, the results showed that both plant extracts are not toxic. The hexane and methanolic extracts ofB. senegalensisandT. dodoneifolius, respectively, showed higher antioxidant activities, but the hexane extract demonstrate a strong hydrogen donating ability or the electron transfer reaction in comparison with vitamin C used as standard. This finding may support the traditional use of both plants for managing animal diseases in the Far North of Cameroon.
Multi-Recipient encryption with keyword search without pairing for cloud storage
Authors: Yang Ningbin , Zhou Quan , Huang Qiong , Tang Chunming 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWith the rapid development of cloud computing technology and communication technology, cloud storage has become a tool used by people in daily life. Cloud storage service enables users to outsource data to cloud servers and retrieve desired document efficiently. Individual privacy in outsource data are very sensitive and should be prevented from any leakage. Public-key encryption with keyword search (PEKS) scheme resolves this tension, while public-key authentication encryption with keyword search (PAEKS) scheme improve its keyword guessing attacks problem potentially. Whereas, the loss of keyword privacy, the limitation of single user interaction and low efficiency make PEKS/PAEKS schemes far from enough in practical applications.In this paper, we develop a multi-recipient public key encryption scheme with keyword search without pairing (MREKS) for cloud storage under public key infrastructure. The proposed scheme has the merits of supporting multi-recipient keyword search way as well as requiring no expensively bilinear pairing operations under standard model. We present a concrete and efficient construction of MREKS, and prove its security based on discrete logarithm assumptions. Furthermore, we embed the algorithm of data plaintext encryption and decryption into the scheme, which makes the scheme more practical. We show that our scheme enjoys much more efficiency than previous PEKS/PAEKS scheme in the simulation experiment, especially the keyword encryption is optimized by 79.5%.
An evaluation framework and empirical evidence on the effect of pay-for-results programs on the development of markets for welfare-enhancing agricultural technologies
Authors: Narayan Tulika A. , Geyer Judy , Mainville Denise , Ness-Edelstein Betsy 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Donors and international development organizations increasingly recognize that private sector investment and creativity are needed to enhance global food security. Pay-for-results schemes are receiving greater attention as a means to catalyze private sector investment in sustainable, inclusive markets for goods and technologies that achieve food security and agriculture development goals. In pay-for-results schemes, the development organization promises prizes to private sector actors for achieving pre-specified goals.

Method
We describe an evaluation framework to help development organizations learn from both successful and failed pay-for-results projects to achieve agriculture and food security outcomes. Applying the evaluation framework, we describe the findings from four pay-for-results projects sponsored by AgResults, a multilateral initiative funded by development organizations from four countries (Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Results
The lessons highlighted from these examples illustrate the importance of structuring the prize to encourage the creation of competitive agricultural markets; aligning the prize structure with the development goal of improving smallholder farmers’ food security; and constructing a theory of change that reflects a thorough understanding of the baseline market, enabling environment, and underlying assumptions about competitors’ response to the prize.

Conclusions
Our work has several policy implications:

Under certain conditions, pay-for-results mechanisms can help develop competitive, smallholder-inclusive agricultural markets and reduce food insecurity.

Prize competitions offering multiyear, proportional prizes are more conducive than grand prizes to fostering the development of competitive agricultural markets.

The enabling environment plays a significant role in pay-for-results mechanisms’ success or failure.

Private sector-led actions alone may not be sufficient to adequately address the targeted development challenge.
Research on Angle Connector in Composite Beam
Authors: Ding Kewei , Zhang Xinqi , Liu Yunlin , He Shulin , Wang Jingfeng , Shen Wanyu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAs a critical component for steel beam and concrete slab to work together, the strength of the shear connector affects the flexural load capacity and stiffness of the composite beam. Connectors were generally studied for longitudinal shear resistance. However, transverse shear needs to be considered when the main beam is far away and the transverse connection is weak. In this paper, an angle connector pre-embedded in the precast slab was proposed, and its pre-embedded position makes it exhibit better transverse shear resistance. To assess the strength, stiffness, and slip capacity of the angle connector, two groups of composite beam with precast slabs negative moment flexural were tested, then several finite element groups were simulated in push-out test. The test variable was the existence of angle connectors, and the variables simulated were the yield strength of the angle connector and its flange thickness. The results showed that the composite beam with angle connectors has greater stiffness than ordinary ones, with little difference in flexural strength capacity and less slippage. The results show that angle connectors can replace extending rebars in precast slabs, which will reduce construction costs. In addition, a new design equation was proposed, including the yield strength of the connector and the thickness of its flange which are not unified in the current equations. The simulations determined the strength of the angle connectors in relation to the yield strength of the angle connector and its web thickness.