bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of community-based health insurance on health service utilization and financial risk protection in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Yibeltal Kiflie , Dessie Ermias , Medhin Girmay , Birhanu Negalign , Hotchkiss David R. , Teklu Alula Meressa , Kiros Mizan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Evidence on the effectiveness of community-based health insurance (CBHI) in low-income countries is inconclusive. This study assessed the impact of CBHI on health service utilization and financial risk protection in Ethiopia. Methods: We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study nested within a larger national household survey in 2020. Data was collected from three groups of households - CBHI member households (n = 1586), non-member households from CBHI implementing woredas (n = 1863), and non-member households from non-CBHI implementing woredas (n = 789). Indicators of health service utilization, out-of-pocket health spending, catastrophic health expenditure, and impoverishment due to health spending among CBHI members were compared with non-members from CBHI implementing woredas and households from non-CBHI implementing woredas. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to account for possible selection bias.Results: The annual number of OPD visits per capita among CBHI member households was 2.09, compared to 1.53 among non-member households from CBHI woredas and 1.75 among households from non-CBHI woredas. PSM estimates indicated that CBHI members had 0.36 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.44) and 0.17 (95% CI: -0.04, 0.19) more outpatient department (OPD) visits per capita per year than their matched non-member households from CBHI-implementing and non-CBHI implementing woredas, respectively. CBHI membership resulted in a 28–43% reduction in annual OOP payments as compared to non-member households. CBHI member households were significantly less likely to incur catastrophic health expenditures (measured as annual OOP payments of more than 10% of the household’s total expenditure) compared to non-members (p < 0.01).Conclusion: CBHI membership increases health service utilization and financial protection. CBHI proves to be an important strategy for promoting universal health coverage. Implementing CBHI in all woredas and increasing membership among households in woredas that are already implementing CBHI will further expand its benefits.
Tunable multi-band switch with uncoupled graphene-based metamaterial patches
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Hu Zheng-Da , Chen Yuxuan , Zhang Bolun , Wang Jicheng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We present the tunable multiple plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) in the terahertz region by using a metamaterial made of two graphene bands and a graphene square ring. As the different modes of multiple PIT effects are independent of each other, the physical mechanism behind multiple PIT effects can be revealed by CMT theory. The PIT window changes significantly with the Fermi energy levels and structural parameters of graphene. The both three resonant frequencies increase linearly with the parameters and the Fermi energy changing, which can exhibit high sensitivities and figure of merit (FOM). Meanwhile, the amplitude modulation system can reach 99.63%, which can achieve excellent photoelectric switching. In addition, the group index can be as high as 2739. Therefore, the graphene-based metamaterial could be widely used in switches, modulators, excellent slow-light functional devices and filters in the terahertz region.
Professional Identity Formation, ProfessionaLism, Leadership And Resilience (PILLAR) in Medical Students: methodology and early results
Authors: Ryan A , Hickey A , Harkin DW , Boland F , Collins ME , Doyle F 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The fundamental role of medical education is the transformation of student to doctor, through a process of education and professional identity formation (PIF), which can be informed by several educational, behavioural and emotional factors. PIF has been deemed to be of equal importance to the acquisition of clinical knowledge and skills, and includes constructs such as professionalism, leadership and resilience. We aimed to assess PIF, ProfessIonaLism, Leadership And Resilience (PILLAR) in the junior years of medical school in the 2020/2021 academic year and illustrate the potential role of quantitative assessment to demonstrate progression in these areas. In this research, we provide the methods and baseline results for the PILLAR study.
Methods
We implemented a compulsory assessment in pre-clinical years of graduate entry and direct entry medicine in the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. Validated scales were used to assess students’ PIF, professional behaviours, resilience and leadership. Descriptive and univariable statistical techniques were used to compare student scores between respective years.
Results
1,311 students (92% response rate) provided their consent for research. For the psychometric scales, there were no evident trends among years on these assessment measures. Results indicated significant differences in all measures however, these did not correspond to ascending year of seniority.
Conclusion
While PIF is considered difficult to assess, PILLAR may indicate a formal mechanism of quantitative assessment, while also allowing students to track their own progress over time in relation to their peers. The lack of a clear sequential pattern from junior to more senior years may indicate the need for more formal curriculum input into each of these areas.
Genome-wide association study identifies new loci for 1000-seed weight in Brassica napus
Authors: Liu Haijiang , Wang Jingchi , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Xinyu , Yuan Pan , Ding Guangda , Wang Sheliang , Cai Hongmei , Wang Chuang , Xu Fangsen , SHI LEI 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide and 1000-seed weight (SW) is the important determinant of seed yield of B. napus. To elucidate the genetic mechanism of SW and mining candidate genes, a panel of 403 diverse B. napus accessions was screened in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 5.58 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study identified 340 SNPs significantly associated with SW by general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM). Through GWAS combined with transcriptome data, two significantly differentially expressed genes were identified as candidate genes (BnaA02g06870D and BnaC06g28920D). Candidate gene association analysis and haplotype analysis showed that the inbred lines carrying ACCC at BnaA02g06870Hap1 and TTGG at BnaC06g28920Hap1 had greater SW than lines carrying other haplotype alleles. Candidate genes and favourable haplotypes identified in this study will be useful for large-seed breeding of B. napus.
A global view on TMT-based quantitative proteomic analysis of rat livers during acute hypoxia
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Zhan , Chen Wen-jie , Xin Ming-yuan , Gao Shen-han , Wang Kai-kun , Liu Wen-jing , Ma Jing-wei , Tidwell Tawni , Ren Yan-ming 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Acute hypoxia consistently results in altitude sickness and can be fatal. Until present, no studies focusing on global proteomic changes induced by acute hypoxia have been reported. Here, we combined animal experiments and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis to identify metabolic changes as a result of acute hypoxia. Methods: We first generated a rat model under acute hypoxia conditions, and combined animal experiments and TMT-based proteomics to identify metabolic changes under acute hypoxia. Then we used qPCR analyses to validate the key regulators, and present a schematic model of acute reactions occurring in the livers of rats subjected to acute hypoxia challenge. Results: We identified a large number of acute hypoxic responsive proteins in diverse biological pathways, which helped unveil the different mechanisms involved in hypoxia responses in rats. These pathways included those of peroxisome, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, lipid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino acid metabolism. According to data obtained from proteomic analysis, rats were able to maintain normal physical activity as a response to acute hypoxia by activating their catabolic capacity in order to get more energy (e.g., lipolysis and amino acid catabolism), and decreasing biosynthesis to reduce energy consumption (e.g., biosynthesis of amino acids and lipids). Conclusions: We identified a large number of acute hypoxia-responsive proteins associated with diverse biological pathways, and showed rats quickly respond to acute hypoxia by activating lipid biosynthesis to increase lipid storage, and reducing lipolysis to reduce energy consumption. The observed hypoxia-related changes in the liver proteome of rats provide a deeper understanding on the mammalian response to hypoxia.
A cross-sectional study design to assess the determinants of the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months who returned to Gedeo after being internally displaced in the Guji-Gedeo conflict, in Gedeb district, SNNPR, Ethiopia: Bayesian Binary Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Genoro Belayneh , Legesse Alemayehu , Haile Arega , Tesfaye Adene 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The Guji-Gedeo conflict has gradually become the main cause of displacement in the Gedeb district, with 274,548 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Malnutrition is exacerbated in areas affected by conflict. Children affected by the conflict face an imbalanced burden of malnutrition and health problems. The purpose of the current study was to identify determinant factors associated with the nutritional status of the children (aged 6 to 59 months) who returned to the Gedeb District after being internally displaced in Guji-Gedio.Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 6-59 months aged children who returned to the Gedeb district after being internally displaced in Guji-Gedio was conducted from December 2020- to February 2020. A bayesian binary logistic parametric regression model was applied to model the effects of selected demographic, socioeconomic, health, and environmental factors. An inference was made using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach.Results: Malnutrition was found to be prevalent in Gedeb district at 45.9 percent. The covariates such as sex: female (OR: 1.358, CI : 0.584, 3.158), birth Interval: less than 24 month (OR: 3.73, CI: 0.6, 22.9), 24 – 47(OR: 2.12, CI: 0.34, 13.263), birth order: 4 – 5(OR: 0.802, CI: 0.19, 3.338), 6 and above (OR: 1.9, CI: 0.479, 7.675), mother's education level: read and write(OR: 0.490, CI: 0.072, 3.346), primary(OR: 0.266, CI: 0.043, 1.664), secondary and above(OR: 0.25, CI: 0.025, 2.45), place of residence: urban(OR:0.399, CI: 0.098, 1.631),toilet: improve(OR: 0.84, CI: 0.265, 2.66 ), mother body mass index: normal(OR:0.777, CI: 0.332, 1.81 ) and diarrhea: yes(OR: 1.2, CI: 0.218, 2.354) were the most important determinants of children nutritional status in Gedeb district. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of malnutrition in Gedeb district is about 46%. Covariates such as sex, birth interval, birth order, mother's education level, place of residence, toilet, mother's body mass index, and diarrhea were statistically related to malnutrition. Creating awareness in society related to those factors associated with child malnutrition should be further motivated. Also, to reduce childhood malnutrition, due emphasis should be given to improving the knowledge and practice of parents on appropriate young child feeding practices and frequent growth monitoring together with appropriate and timely interventions.
Silver nanoparticles and Griess reaction in determination of bisphenol A
Authors: Shariati-Rad Masoud , Ebrahimi Asma 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this work, we introduced two colorimetric methods to determine Bisphenol A (BPA) in water samples using silver nanoparticles (AgNP) prepared by walnut carbon dot and Griess reaction. Therefore, firstly the optimal medium was selected based on acidic, neutral and alkaline media. In determination by AgNPs, the optimal order of addition of the reagents was obtained as: sample containing BPA, sodium hydroxide and AgNP. In the presence of 100 microliter of synthesized AgNPs, the highest variation in the AgNP spectrum while BPA is added was observed. In the presence of BPA, the yellow color of AgNP is faded. In this method, a linear range of 1.0–16.0 ppm and LOD of 0.68 ppm was obtained. In Griess method, nitrite and 2-nitroaniline were used as reagents and BPA act as analyte. In the method, for reaction and observing the color, sample containing BPA was added to the reaction mixture (nitrite and 2-nitroaniline with concentrations of 0.60 M and 0.072 M, respectively). Response surface methodology was used to investigate the Griess reaction. According to the results, the lower the concentration of 2-Nitroanilin and the higher the concentration of nitrite the better the response and the clearer the color change. With Griess reaction, linear range and LOD were 3.0–25.0 ppm and 0.65 ppm of BPA, respectively. Real water sample and spiked samples were analyzed by proposed method which results were satisfactory.
Preliminary comparison of modified extraperitoneal free-PORT single incision technique and transabdominal multi-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wang Dong , Ren Shangqing , Ou Yong , Wang Yaoqian , Wei Yi , Luo Cheng , Yang Bo , Yuan Jiazheng , Lv Qian , Zhou Fang , Chen Zhengjun , Nie Yu , Lin Jie , Wu Yilei , Yang Bo , Fan Shida 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of modified single-incision technique without special extraperitoneal PORT with that of transperitoneal multi-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and to explore the feasibility and safety of this innovative technique. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on 259 cases who received robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the Robot Minimally Invasive Center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2018 to August 2021. Among them, there were 147 cases with no special PORT extraperitoneal single incision (Group A) and 112 cases with multiple incisions by transperitoneal method(Group B). The differences in age, PSA level, Gleason score, prostate volume, body mass index, clinical stage, lower abdominal operation history, and lymph node dissection ratio between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All operations were performed by the same operator. Results: In this study, all the 259 operations were completed successfully and there was no conversion. There was no significant difference in transperitoneal blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, positive rate of incision margin, indwelling time of urinary catheter, satisfaction rate of immediate urine control, satisfaction rate of urine control 3 months after operation, positive rate of postoperative lymph node pathology and postoperative pathological stage between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in operation time, postoperative exhaust time and incision length (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Modified extraperitoneal no special PORT single incision technique is safe and feasible for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and its curative effect is similar to that of transperitoneal multi-incision RARP. It has the advantages of short operation time, less impact on gastrointestinal tract and more beautiful incision. The long-term effect of treatment needs to be further confirmed by prospective studies.
Genetic characterization and pathotypical analysis of two strains of pigeon Newcastle disease virus of Jiangsu in China
Authors: Qian Jing , Liu Xue , Tang Zhengxu , Wang Jiankun , Wang Yongshan , Wang Wei , Chen Pengju , Zhou Hongbo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Pigeon Newcastle disease (ND) is a severe infectious disease caused by pigeon Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1). Genotype VI NDV is a major cause of ND in Columbiformes (i.e. pigeons and doves). In this study, two strains of NDV (Pigeon/China/JS/VI-NJ/2006 and Pigeon/China/JS/VI-HZ/2017) were isolated from diseased pigeons. The virus particles were about 120 nm observed under the transmission electron microscope. The MDT and ICPI values of the two viruses were typically mesogenic. The amino acid sequence at cleavage site of F protein of Pigeon/China/VI-NJ/2006 and Pigeon/China/VI-HZ/2017 strains were 112RRQKRF117 and 112KRQKRF117, with the molecular characteristics of virulent strains. The whole genome homology analysis showed that the two strains had high homology with strains of genotype VI (92.52%~99.13%). Furthermore, based on the phylogenetic tree of the F gene, Pigeon/China/VI-NJ/2006 and Pigeon/China/VI-HZ/2017 were closely related to the sub-genotype VI 2.1.1.2.1 and VI.2.2.2, respectively. The comparison of the amino acid positions of the F and HN proteins from Pigeon/China/JS/VI-HZ/2017 strain showed that there were four mutant sites (20, 22, 235, 514) on the F protein and four mutant sites (253, 280, 288, 326) on the HN protein, demonstrating that genetic variation had occurred. The survival rate of pigeons infected with the two strains were 40% and 20%, with lesions in multiple tissues, indicating that these strains had strong ability to spread and high pathogenicity. In summary, the results showed that the prevalence of genotype VI NDV was contributed by strains from diverse sub-genotypes, suggesting the importance of pigeon NDV surveillance in China.
Recombinant oncolytic adenovirus combined with cyclophosphamide induces synergy in the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Zuo Shuting , Zhang Yan , Li Shanzhi , Yao Wei , Shi Ying , Du Tonghua , Li Yiquan , Jin Ningyi , Li Xiao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Oncolytic virus therapy has gradually become an important approach in cancer treatment. We intend to explore the therapeutic effects of the combination of a dual cancer-selective anti-tumor recombinant adenovirus (Ad-Apoptin-hTERTp-E1a) and cyclophosphamide on breast cancer cells.Methods: The inhibition of Ad-Apoptin-hTERTp-E1a (Ad-VT), cyclophosphamide, and Ad-VT + Cyclophosphamide on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were investigated by the CCK-8 assay. According to the inhibition rate of different treatment combinations, the combination index (CI) was analyzed and calculated using the CalcuSyn software to determine the best combination. The CCK-8 assay and crystal violet staining were used to detect the cytotoxicity of the combination Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide in breast cancer cells and breast epithelial cells. Subsequently, hoechst staining, Annexin V flow cytometry and JC-1 staining were used to analyze the inhibitory pathway of the combination Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide on breast cancer cells. Cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were detected using cell-scratch and Transwell assays. The antitumor effect of different treatment groups on tumor-bearing nude mouse model were also analyzed. Results: The results showed that the treatment combination of Ad-VT (40 MOI) and cyclophosphamide (400 µM) significantly inhibited MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and reduces the toxicity of cyclophosphamide in normal cells. Ad-VT mainly induces breast cancer cell apoptosis through the endogenous apoptotic pathway. This apoptotic effect is significantly increased after Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide combined treatment. This combination significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Then in vivo experiments showed that treatment combination of Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended the survival time of mice.Conclusions: The results showed that the combination of Ad-VT and cyclophosphamide had the effects of reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency in the treatment of breast cancer cells.
Genetic variation at IL7 provides mechanistic insights into toxicity to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Fairfax Benjamin , Taylor Chelsea , Watson Robert , Tong Orion , Ye Weiyu , Nassiri Isar , Gilchrist James , Aires Alba Verge de los , Sharma Piyush , Koturan Surya , Cooper Rosalin , Woodcock Victoria , Jungkurth Elsita , Shine Brian , Coupe Nicholas , Payne Miranda , Naranbhai Vivek , Groha Stefan , Emery Paul , Mankia Kulveer , Freedman Matthew , Choueiri Toni , Middleton M , Gusev Alexander 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Although treatment with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has transformed outcomes for patients with melanoma (1, 2), it frequently triggers immune related adverse events (irAEs), causing serious morbidity and presenting a major hurdle to immuno-oncology (3, 4). The degree to which germline genetic variation predisposes to irAEs is unknown. Here, studying a cohort of 214 patients receiving ICB for melanoma, we observe increased risk of severe irAEs in carriers of the minor allele of rs16906115, intronic to IL7. We find rs16906115 forms a B cell specific expression quantitative trait locus to IL7 in patients only, with risk allele carriers demonstrating increased B cell IL7 expression, immunoglobulin class switching and somatic hypermutation. Notably, increased B cell IL7 expression is independently associated with risk of irAEs. Consistent with the role of IL-7 in T cell development, risk allele carriers have distinct ICB induced CD8+ T cell subset responses, with allelic effects on gene expression and clonality. Risk allele carriers display significantly reduced CD8+ T cell mitotic responses to ICB, with skewing of T cell clonality and increased counts of large clones previously associated with disease response. These observations highlight key roles for both B cells and IL-7 in ICB response and toxicity, and demonstrate the power of agnostic human genetic studies to reveal novel determinants of response to cancer immunotherapy.
New Evidence for Irrigation Systems in Kashgar
Authors: Fletcher Richard N. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The importance of Kashgar has been associated with its position on the Silk Road. It is located in a physical bottleneck between the Pamir Mountains to the south and the Tianshan Mountains to the north. It is very much a crossroads, with both northern and southern Silk Routes passing through, with historical evidence for destinations for the caravans that passed through to Central Asia, India, Pakistan, Persia, and China. Most importantly, it was an oasis in the midst of the vast desert of the Tarim Basin, with its irrigated fields producing a wealth of goods and livestock. The basis for that wealth, that agricultural wealth, and for all that made Kashgar important in trade and as a hub on the Silk Road, was the system of irrigation. This paper adds to our knowledge of that system by identifying previously unknown evidence for karez in Kashgar. While this is an important addition, it is only an initial investigation, and indicative of the value of the work which remains to be done. A more exhaustive analysis of satellite images is required, and fieldwork is needed to proof what is seen and provide further evidence for construction and chronology.