bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing inequalities and regional disparities in child nutrition outcomes in India using MANUSH – a more sensitive yardstick
Authors: Jain Ayushi , Agnihotri Satish Balram
Published: June 2020

Background India is strongly committed to reducing the burden of child malnutrition, which has remained a persistent concern issue. Findings from recent surveys indicate co-existence of child undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency and overweight/obesity, i.e. the triple burden of malnutrition in children below five years. While considerable efforts are being made to address this challenging issue, and several composite indices are being explored to inform policy actions, the methodology used for creating such indices, i.e., linear averaging, has its limitations. Briefly put, it could mask the uneven improvement across different indicators by discounting the ‘lagging’ indicators, and hence not incentivising a balanced improvement. signifying negative implications on policy discourse for improved nutrition. To address this gap, we attempt to develop a composite index for estimating the triple burden of malnutrition in India, using a more sensitive measure, MANUSH. Methodology Data from publicly available nation-wide surveys - National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS), was used for this study. First, we addressed the robustness of MANUSH method of composite indexing over conventional aggregation methods. Second, using MANUSH scores, we assessed the triple burden of malnutrition at the subnational level over different periods NHFS- 3(2005-06), NFHS-4 (2015-16) and CNNS (2106-18). Using mapping and spatial analysis tools, we assessed neighbourhood dependency and formation of clusters, within and across states. Result MANUSH method scores over other aggregation measures that use linear aggregation or geometric mean. It does so by fulfilling additional conditions of Shortfall and Hiatus Sensitivity, implicitly penalising cases where the improvement in worst-off dimension is lesser than the improvement in best-off dimension, or where, even with an overall improvement in the composite index, the gap between different dimensions does not reduce. MANUSH scores helped in revealing the gaps in the improvement of nutrition outcomes among different indicators and, the rising inequalities within and across states and districts in India. Significant clusters (p<0.05) of high burden and low burden districts were found, revealing geographical heterogeneities and sharp regional disparities. A MANUSH based index is useful in context-specific planning and prioritising different interventions, an approach advocated by the newly launched National Nutrition Mission in India. Conclusion MANUSH based index emphasises balanced development in nutritional outcomes and is hence relevant for diverse and unevenly developing economy like India.
Functionally enhanced placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit adipogenesis in orbital fibroblasts with Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Kim Jae Yeon , Park Sohae , Lee Hyun-Jung , Lew Helen , Kim Gi Jin
Published: June 2020

Background: Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) have unique immunomodulatory properties, and phosphatase of regenerating liver-1 (PRL-1) regulates the self-renewal ability of stem cells and promotes proliferation. Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the orbit and is characterized by increased orbital levels of adipose tissue. Because the mechanism of inhibiting adipogenesis in orbital fibroblast (OF) with GO patients remains uncertain, the major objective of the present study is to investigate the mechanisms by which PRL-1-overexpressing PD-MSCs (PD-MSCsPRL-1, PRL-1+) alleviate adipogenesis in OFs derived from GO patients.Methods: Primary OFs were isolated from orbital adipose tissue specimens from GO patients. After maturation as adipogenic differentiation, normal and GO-derived OFs were cocultured with naïve PD-MSCs and PD-MSCsPRL-1. Western blotting was conducted to evaluate the molecular mechanisms associated with adipogenesis inhibition in GO.Results: The characteristics of PD-MSCsPRL-1 were similar to those of naïve cells. OFs from GO patients underwent stimulated adipocyte differentiation and had significantly decreased lipid accumulation after coculture with PD-MSCsPRL-1 compared with naïve cell coculture. The mRNA and protein expression of adipogenic markers was decreased in PD-MSCsPRL-1. The protein expression of phosphorylated PI3K/AKT/mTOR in OFs from GO patients was downregulated by coculture with PD-MSCsPRL-1, which secreted IGFBPs. Interestingly, IGFBP2, -4, and -7 expression in PD-MSCsPRL-1, which was mediated by integrin alpha 4 (ITGA4) and integrin beta 7 (ITGB7), was higher than that in naïve cells and upregulated phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (pFAK) downstream factors.Conclusion: In summary, PD-MSCPRL-1-secreted IGFBPs inhibit adipogenesis in OFs from GO patients by upregulating FAK and blocking IGF, providing a novel therapeutic strategy using functionally enhanced MSCs to treat degenerative diseases.
Users' perspectives on non-clinical quality of care in public and private primary healthcare in Albania
Authors: Gabrani Jonila , Schindler Christian , Wyss Kaspar
Published: June 2020

Background: Aiming to tackle the rise of non-communicable diseases and an ageing population, Albania is engaged in boosting primary healthcare services and quality of care. The patients’ perspectives on their experience with public and private providers are, however, missing, although their viewpoints are critical while shaping the developing services. Consequently, we analyse perceptions of users of primary healthcare as it relates to non-clinical quality of care and the association to sociodemographic characteristics of patients and the type of provider. Methods: A facility-based survey was conducted in 2018 using the World Health Organization responsiveness questionnaire which is based on a 4-point scale along eight non-clinical domains of quality of care. The data of 954 patients were analysed through descriptive statistics and linear mixed regression models.Results: Similar mean values were reported on total scale of the quality of care for private and public providers, also after sociodemographic adjustments. The highest mean score was reported for the domain ‘communication’ (3.75) followed by ‘dignity’ (3.65), while the lowest mean scores were given for ‘choice’ (2.89) and ‘prompt attention’ (3.00). Urban governmental PHC services were rated significantly better than private outpatient clinics in ‘coordination of care’ (2.90 vs 2.12, p < 0.001). In contrast, private outpatient clinics were judged significantly better than urban PHC clinics in ‘confidentiality’ (3.77 vs 3.38, p = 0.04) and ‘quality of basic amenities’ (3.70 vs 3.02, p < 0.001). For the other domains, no statistically significant differences were observed. ‘Autonomy’ was reported as least important attribute of quality. Enrolment in health insurance was a predictor of higher quality ratings (coefficient = 0.06, p = 0.02).Conclusion: While the perception of non-clinical care quality was found to be high and similar for public and private providers, promptness and coordination of care require attention to meet patient’s expectations on good quality of care. There is a need to shift from a ‘paternalistic’ model to a ‘co-managing the illness’, raising awareness on autonomy.
Socio-economic inequalities in the association between alcohol-use disorder and depressive disorder among Thai adults: a population-based study
Authors: Assanangkornchai Sawitri , Nontarak Jiraluck , Aekplakorn Wichai , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Kessomboon Pattapong , Taneepanichskul Surasak
Published: June 2020

Background: Previous evidence indicates significant associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depressive disorders and their strong links with social conditions. This study aims to investigate the association between AUD and major depressive episode (MDE) across various socio-economic groups.Methods: We analysed data from the 2014 Thai National Health Examination Survey containing a random sample of 13,177 adults aged >20 years from the general population. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test was used to classify respondents into non-problem drinking (score 0-7), hazardous drinking (score 8-15), and harmful-dependent drinking (score 16-40). MDE was identified using questions based on the DSM-IV. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multinomial logistic regression to determine the strength of associations between MDE as a predictor and AUD as an outcome variable across different socio-economic levels.Results: The prevalence of MDE, hazardous, and harmful-dependent drinking was 2.5%, 10.3%, and 1.9%, respectively. The association between MDE and AUD was modified by wealth index, education level and area of residence. AORs for the association between MDE and harmful-dependent drinking were high among those in the highest (AOR=6.89, 95% CI: 4.13, 11.48) and lowest (AOR=6.14, 95% CI: 3.33, 11.34) levels of wealth index but marginally significant among those in the middle level (AOR=2.58, 95% CI: 1.00, 6.67). Education had the strongest effect on the relationship between MDE and harmful-dependent drinking (AOR=15.19, 95% CI: 9.5, 24.29 among those completing secondary school or higher and AOR=1.23, 95% CI: 0.55, 2.76 among those completing primary school only). The association between MDE and harmful-dependent drinking was higher among people who lived in urban areas (AOR=7.37, 95% CI: 4.53, 12.00) compared to those living in rural areas (AOR=4.23, 95% CI: 3.10, 5.77).Conclusion: Socio-economic factors modify the association between alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder among Thai people.
Atrial septal defect closure in a young patient presenting with recurrent cryptogenic stroke: A case report
Authors: Nazer Rakan
Published: June 2020

Background: Having an inter-atrial shunt in the form of a patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect increases the risk of developing cryptogenic stroke. Prompt action is required in order to prevent stroke recurrence. The source of embolization may not be clear on stroke workup.Case presentation: A young female acutely presented with recurrent embolizations to the eye and brain. She was found to have an atrial septal defect. No clear intra-cardiac source of embolization was detected on workup including trans-esophageal echocardiography. Given the options between surgical versus device closure, the attending team opted for the surgical closure which yielded on direct left heart inspection small organized clots adherent to the tips of the mitral valve leaflets. Conclusions: The case report illustrates the potential advantages of the direct surgical closure in detecting and extracting the embolization source in patients who present with recurrent cryptogenic stroke.
Sport policy and practice: Why a focus on retention of children and young people as sport participants is required for both health and performance
Authors: Eime Rochelle , Charity Melanie , Westerbeek Hans
Published: June 2020

Background: Australia like many developed countries is largely an inactive nation. Participation in sport, a form of leisure-time physical activity, can contribute to a range of individual and community health benefits. National sport policy often has a dual focus on population-based participation, and elite performance. Whist there are various sport models depicting the pathway to elite, there has been no strategic population-level sport participation pathway model developed as a guide towards increasing sport participation across the lifespan. The aim of this study is to explore sport participation across the lifespan and develop a neutral (conceptual) model that does not favour community or elite sport and that highlights the critical participation transition points including drop-out. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal analysis of sport participation records for 8 major sports from 2015-2017 for children and young people aged 4-29 years. Individual participation within sports was tracked from 2015 and subsequent years 2016 and 2017. Results: The total number of participants was 579,696. Only half 50.8% played continuously for the three years, 44.7% dropped out, and 4.5 played discontinuously. Drop-out was highest for those aged 4 (57.0%), and lowest for those aged 10-14 years (39.3%). From the retention and drop-out participation patterns across the lifespan, in conjunction with the published literature on sport policy and participation, we developed the Sport Participation Pathway Model (SPPM). The SPPM conceptually depicts current sport participation and in doing so emphasises the significant drop-out of sport across the lifespan. Conclusion: Sport policy should focus on retention strategies. Further, a population level, competitive club-based sport alone is not going to solve the physical inactivity epidemic. Our SPPM, and the new (retention related) data presented in this paper, demonstrates the population trends in participation in sport and the high drop-out of competitive club-based sport. We suggest that for people to eventually become active sport participants, the recruitment narrative could be changed towards, first, engaging people in leisure time physical activities. We feel that this can only be done by developing an integrated policy system across the physical activity-sport spectrum rather than looking at sport participation in a closed (club-based) system.
CPEB3 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by disrupting the crosstalk between colorectal cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages via IL-6R/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Zhong Qian , Fang Yuxin , Lai Qiuhua , Wang Shanci , He Chengcheng , Li Aimin , Liu Side , Yan Qun
Published: June 2020

Background: Crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) mediates tumor progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3 (CPEB3) has been shown to exhibit tumor-suppressive role in CRC. Methods: The expression of CPEB3, CD68, CD86 and CD163 was determined in CRC tissues. SW480 or HCT116 cells overexpressing CPEB3 and LoVo or RKO cells with CPEB3 knockdown were constructed. Stably transfected CRC cells were co-cultured with THP-1 macrophages to determine the malignant phenotype of CRC cells, macrophage polarization, and secretory signals. The inhibition of CPEB3 on tumor progression and M2-like TAM polarization was confirmed in nude mice. Results: Decreased CPEB3 expression in CRC was associated with fewer CD86+ TAMs and more CD163+ TAMs. CPEB3 knockdown in CRC cells increased the number of CD163+ TAMs and the expression of IL1RA, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 in TAM supernatants. TAMs enhanced CRC cell proliferation and invasion via IL-6, and then activated the IL-6R/STAT3 pathway in CRC cells. However, CPEB3 reduced the IL-6R protein levels by directly binding to IL-6R mRNA, leading to decreased phosphorylated-STAT3 expression in CRC cells. CCL2 was significantly increased in CPEB3 knockdown cells, while CCL2 antibody treatment rescued the effect of CPEB3 knockdown in promoting CD163+ TAM polarization. Eventually, we confirmed that CPEB3 inhibits tumor progression and M2-like TAM polarization in vivo. Conclusions: CPEB3 is involved in the crosstalk between CRC cells and TAMs by targeting IL-6R/STAT3 signaling.
Disclosure of Medical Errors: Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) in an Oncology Center
Authors: Mansour Razan , Ammar Khawlah , Al-Tabba’ Amal , Arawi Thalia , Mansour Asem , Al-Hussaini Maysa
Published: June 2020

Background Between the need for transparency in healthcare widely promoted by patient’s safety campaigns and the fear of negative consequences and malpractice threats, physicians find themselves faced with challenging decisions on whether to disclose medical errors to patients and families or not. We aim to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of physicians in our center towards medical error disclosure.Methods This is a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire study. We piloted the questionnaire and no major modifications were made. A daylong training workshop consisting of didactic lectures, short and long case scenarios with role-playing and feedback from the instructors were conducted. Physicians who attended the training workshops were invited to complete the questionnaire at the end of the training and physicians who did not attend any training were sent a copy of the questionnaire to their offices to complete. To assure anonymity and transparency of responses, we did not query names or departments.Descriptive statistics were used to present demographics and KAP. The differences between response\s of physicians who received the training and those who did not were analyzed with t-test and descriptive statistics. The 0.05 level of significance was used as a cutoff measure for statistical significance. Results Eighty-eight physicians completed the questionnaire (55 attended training (62.50%), and 33 did not (37.50%)). 65.5% of physicians were males and mean years of experience was 16.5 years. 86.9% (n=73) of physicians were more likely to report major harm, compared to minor harm or no harm. Physicians who attended the workshop were more knowledgeable of articles of Jordan’s Law on Medical and Health Liability (66.7% vs 45.5%, p-value = 0.017) and the Law was more likely to affect their decision on error disclosure (61.8% vs 36.4%, p-value= 0.024).Conclusion Formal training workshops on disclosing medical errors can positively influence physicians’ KAP toward disclosing medical errors to patients and possibly promoting a culture of transparency in the health care system.
Transcriptome Analysis of Aedes aegypti Aag2 Cells in Response to Dengue Virus-2 Infection
Authors: Li Man-jin , Lan Ce-jie , Gao He-ting , Xing Dan , Gu Zhen-yu , Su Duo , Zhao Tong-yan , Yang Hui-ying , Li Chun-xiao
Published: June 2020

Background Dengue virus (DENV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries and has four serotypes (DENV1-4). Aedes aegypti, as the main transmission vector of DENV, exhibits strong infectivity and transmission. With the aim of obtaining a better understanding of the Ae. aegypti-DENV interaction, the transcriptome changes in DENV-2-infected Aag2 cells were studied to describe the immune responses of mosquitoes using the Ae. aegypti Aag2 cell line as a model.Methods RNAseq technology was used to sequence the transcripts of the Ae. aegypti Aag2 cell line before and after infection with DENV-2. A bioinformatics analysis was then performed to assess the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes, and the sequencing data were verified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results The transcriptome analysis generated 8,866 unigenes that were found in both groups, 225 unigenes that were only found in the infection group, and 683 unigenes that only existed in the control group. A total of 1199 differentially expressed genes, including 1014 upregulated and 185 downregulated genes, were identified. The bioinformatics analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in the longevity regulating pathway, circadian rhythm, DNA replication, and peroxisome, purine, pyrimidine, and drug metabolism. The qRT-PCR verification results showed the same trend, which confirmed that the expression of the differentially expressed genes had changed and that the transcriptome sequencing data were reliable.Conclusions This study investigated the changes in the transcriptome levels in the DENV-2-infected Ae. aegypti Aag2 cell line, which provides a faster and effective method for discovering genes related to Ae. aegypti pathogen susceptibility. The findings provide basic data and directions for further research on the complex mechanism underlying host-pathogen interactions.
A comparative study of fractional order models on state of charge estimation for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tian Jinpeng , XIONG Rui , Shen Weixiang , Wang Ju
Published: June 2020

State of charge (SOC) estimation for lithium ion batteries plays a critical role in battery management systems for electric vehicles. Battery fractional order models (FOMs) which come from frequency-domain modelling have provided a distinct insight into SOC estimation. In this article, we compare five state-of-the-art FOMs in terms of SOC estimation. To this end, firstly, characterisation tests on lithium ion batteries are conducted, and the experimental results are used to identify FOM parameters. Parameter identification results show that increasing the complexity of FOMs cannot always improve accuracy. The model R(RQ)W shows superior identification accuracy than the other four FOMs. Secondly, the SOC estimation based on a fractional order unscented Kalman filter is conducted to compare model accuracy and computational burden under different profiles, memory lengths, ambient temperatures, cells and voltage/current drifts. The evaluation results reveal that the SOC estimation accuracy does not necessarily positively correlate to the complexity of FOMs. Although more complex models can have better robustness against temperature variation, R(RQ), the simplest FOM, can overall provide satisfactory accuracy. Validation results on different cells demonstrate the generalisation ability of FOMs, and R(RQ) outperforms other models. Moreover, R(RQ) shows better robustness against truncation error and can maintain high accuracy even under the occurrence of current or voltage sensor drift.
Proposal for a new therapeutic high dosage of Pidotimod in children with Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: a randomized controlled study.
Authors: Manti Sara , Filosco Federica , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Finocchiaro Giuseppe Germano , Papale Maria , Giugno Andrea , Barone Patrizia , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: June 2020

Background. Despite to PFAPA syndrome is considered a benign and self-limited condition in childhood its impact on patients and families can be remarkable in many cases. Currently, the therapeutic options for managing are non-specific and no consensus exists about the best treatment to use. Pidotimod has been suggested as a new potential treatment in PFAPA syndrome for its immunodulatory effects. We conducted a preliminary, prospective, controlled, open, cross-over trial to assess the efficacy and the safety of Pidotimod in the treatment of children with PFAPA syndrome. Methods. 22 children with PFAPA syndrome were randomly allocated to treatment with pidotimod (with 2 vials of 400mg daily) in combination with betamethasone 0.5-1 mg on need, based on parents/caregivers' decision (group A) or betamethasone 0.5-1mg on need, based on parents/caregivers' decision (group B). Each treatment period was for 3 months (Phase 1), after that patients were switched to the other arm for other 3 months (Phase 2). Efficacy was expressed in terms of number of episodes of fever, pharyngitis, or aphthous stomatitis, as well as the additional use of betamethasone on need. Safety and tolerability of the Pidotimod were evaluated on the basis of the number and type of adverse events (AEs) recorded during the treatment.Results. Patients receiving Pidotimod and use betametasone showed a significant decrease in frequency of fevers (p=0.002); number of episodes of pharyngitis (p=0.049); aphthous stomatitis (p=0.036) as well as the betamethasone use on need (p=0.007). Overall, 19/22 (86.4%) showed benefits from Pidotimod administration. The safety profile of Pidotimod was excellent as no serious adverse events have been reported in the treated groups.Conclusions. We firstly showed that high dosage of Pidotimod could be an effective and safe to reduce the PFAPA attacks in children.
Quality of Diabetes Care in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study.
Authors: karim mustafa Abdul , Al-Baz Nadeen Wael , Ouanes Sami , Khalil Ali , Assar Ahmed , Alsiddiqi Abdulkarim , Dabous Zeinab , Zirie Mahmoud , Woodruff Peter , Malik Rayaz , Haddad Peter Michael
Published: June 2020

BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia are at least twice as likely to develop diabetes mellitus compared to the general population. This is of significance in Qatar given the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, the lifespan of people with schizophrenia and diabetes is shortened by approximately15 years due to long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. High quality diabetes care can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. We assessed the level of diabetes care delivered to patients with schizophrenia and diabetes compared to those with diabetes alone.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients with diabetes mellitus with (n=73) and without (n=73) schizophrenia. Demographic information and electronic medical records were reviewed for 6-month and 1-year American Diabetic Association standards of diabetes care. Optimal diabetes care was defined as having completed glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile and retinal examination within 12 months. ResultsOptimal diabetes care was significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia and diabetes compared to diabetes alone [26.0% (n=19/73) vs 52.1% (n=38/73), p=0.002]. Patients with diabetes and schizophrenia were also significantly less likely to have had body mass index recorded within six months (p=0.008) and HbA1c (p=0.006), lipid profile (p=0.015), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p=0.001) and order for retinal screening (p=0.004) over 12 months. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, only assessment of eGFR (p=0.01) and order for retinal screening (p=0.04) remained significant. ConclusionPatients with schizophrenia and diabetes in Qatar receive sub-optimal diabetes care compared to those with diabetes alone.
Relationship between serum microRNA-223 and microRNA-126 and plaque stability in patients with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: zhang Ying , li Jian , li Jie , ma Lin , zhang Shuhua
Published: June 2020

Background

Numerous researches have demonstrated the essential functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cardiovascular disease. Herein, we want to probe into the roles of miR-126 and miR-223 in the prediction of plaque stability of carotid atherosclerosis (CA).
Methods

First, miRNA microarray was performed to analyze the differentially expressed miRNA in serum of normal controls and CA patients. Next, the differential expression of miR-223 and miR-126 in CA was verified and the correlations of their expression levels with plaque stability-related factors were analyzed. Then, the predictive efficacy of miR-223 and miR-126 on plaque stability was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve, then the targeting relationships of miR-223 and miR-126 with COX2 were verified by online prediction and luciferase activity assay. Finally, the relationship between COX2 expression and CA plaque stability was analyzed.
Results

Expression levels of miR-223 and miR-126 were decreased in the serum of CA patients and they had good diagnostic efficacy for CA. Additionally, we found that the expression levels of miR-223 and miR-126 in the serum of CA patients with unstable plaque were lower than those with stable plaque. miR-223 and miR-126 were negatively correlated with plaque instability-related indicators, while COX2, a direct target gene of miR-223 and miR-126, was positively related to plaque instability-related indicators.
Conclusion

This study indicates that miR-223 and miR-126 are lowly expressed in serum of CA patients, which can be used as a clinical indicator for predicting the plaque stability in CA patients.
SLC40A1 mediates ferroptosis and cognitive dysfunction in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hao Lijun , Mi Jun , Song Liping , Guo Yinnan , Li Yanli , Yin Yiru , Zhang Ce
Published: June 2020

Objective : Cognitive dysfunction often accompanies diabetes. Both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia cause cognitive dysfunctions. However, the underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. Recent evidence show that ferroptosis primarily triggers nerve cell death, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). We purposed to investigate whether ferroptosis is a vital pathogenic pathway in diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction.
Methods and results : Type 1 diabetic rat model was created by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Significant cognitive dysfunction was observed in the diabetic rats as evidenced by increase in latency period to find a hidden platform and decreased cumulative time spent in the target quadrant in the Morris water maze test. We detected the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of the BOLD (Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent) signal using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Consequently, we found that the ALFF values, as well as the T2 relaxation time of the bilateral hippocampus, were reduced in Type 1 diabetic rats. We detected Fe 2+ level and lipid peroxidation products (MDA and 4-HNE) in the hippocampus. Mitochondria and neuron injury in the STZ-induced diabetic rats were determined using a Transmission Electron Microscope and Nissl body staining. Iron overload and ferroptosis were detected in the hippocampus. Furthermore, mRNA microarray analysis revealed 201 dysregulated mRNAs in STZ-induced type 1 diabetes (T1D). Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that differentially expressed mRNAs associated-coding genes were associated with ferroptosis. Among ferroptosis signaling pathway genes, Slc40a1 gene (ferroportin) was downregulated.
Conclusion : We show that ferroptosis is associated with diabetic cognitive dysfunction and Slc40a1 mediates ferroptosis in Type 1 diabetes.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals That the Heterosis of Two Maize Hybrids is Related to Enhancement of Stress Response and Photosynthesis Respectively
Authors: Wang Daoping , Mu Yongying , Hu Xiaojiao , Ma Bo , Wang Zhibo , Zhu Li , Xu Jiang , Huang Changling , pan yinghong
Published: June 2020

BackgroundMaize is a major crop worldwide and heterotic hybrids play important roles in global maize production. Heterosis refers hybrid progeny of species or varieties exhibiting superior traits compared with those of their parents and much attention has been paid to heterosis associated genes recently. The hybridization between parents can change the expression pattern of some proteins such as non-additive proteins which might lead to heterosis, so that comparative proteomic analysis of maize hybrid and its parents is helpful for understanding the mechanism of heterosis.ResultsSecond seedling leaves of maize hybrids "Zhongdan 808" and "Zhongdan 909" and their parents were collected at three-leaf stage for protein extractions. Over 2,000 protein groups were accurately assessed in the two hybrids and their parents by label-free quantification. Quantitative data analyses of the proteomes revealed that the two hybrids were more similar to their female parents. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis showed that most non-additive proteins in Zhongdan 808 were mainly enriched in stress-related pathways, while those in Zhongdan 909 were mainly enriched in photosynthesis. ConclusionsIn comparison with their parents, the excellent agronomic traits of hybrid Zhongdan 808 was correlated with the high expression levels of some proteins related to stress responses and and metabolic functions, while those of Zhongdan 909 was correlated with photosynthesis. Our proteomics results supported previous physiological and morphological research. This work may provide useful information for understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the heterosis of hybrid maize.
Perceived Barriers to Weight Management: A Qualitative Study on Overweight and Obese Women in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: borazjani mohadese , amini maryam , Faghih Shiva
Published: June 2020

Background: Obesity is among the most important health challenge, with an increasing incidence in current century. It is considered as an important factor lead to social unacceptability. Almost in all societies women are more careful and sensitive about their beauty and appearance than men. The purpose of this study was to assess perceived barriers to weight- loss programs among women with obesity in Shiraz.Method: This qualitative study was conducted using eight semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) among 48 women and seven in-depth interviews with key informants. All eligible participants for FGDs were selected through a public call in Shiraz. Results: Dietary, socio-cultural, supportive- psychological and economic issues were identified as the main barriers to weight-loss programs.Conclusion: Data collected from the individual and group interviews provided extensive information on the strengths and weaknesses of dietary programs. The results of this study can be used to improve the services for obese and overweight people as well as expanding the knowledge of dietitians for developing more efficient weight-loss programs.
Dental Implant Maintenance Experience: Testing Knowledge and Clinical Practices of Libyan Implant Clinicians
Authors: Huni Rabie M El , Kareimi Yaser El
Published: June 2020

Background: This study was aimed to survey implant clinicians in Libya in order to assess their routine approach for dental implant maintenance and to determine if a relationship exists between the formal undergraduate education and their previous attendance and interest in future implant related continuing education courses.Methods: After an extensive review of the literature, a 35–question paper survey, specifically developed for this study, was distributed to all implant clinicians attending a national continuing education course that was held in Tripoli on June/29/2018. All items on the survey reflected content found in publications that addressed maintenance of dental implants.Participants voluntarily completed and submitted their questions survey to the corresponding author before the end of the course day.Results: Targeting 60 participants, the response rate was 63.33% (n=38).Four (10.5%) reported that they have practiced for over 15 years, while Nine (23.6%) have practiced 11 to 15 years. Fourteen (36.8%) have practiced 5 to 10 years and Eleven (28.9%) have practiced 5 years or less. Fourteen (36.8%) reported that they have not received training in class room and clinic on implant care while attending dental school. 5 (13.1%) have not participated in any continuing education course on implant maintenance after school graduation. The majority (94.7%) of the implant clinicians expressed interest in continuing education courses to strengthen backgrounds in maintenance of dental implants.Conclusions: Results indicated that additional knowledge need to be gained regarding dental implant care in order to guide patients’ confidence toward the optimal most successful teeth replacement option. Furthermore, a well-established structured academic program might be necessary to teach implant maintenance at undergraduate and postgraduate levels both theoretically and practically.
Total Cardiovascular Risk in the Elderly Population of Spain: The Epicardian Risk Score
Authors: Gabriel Rafael , Muñiz Javier , Vega Saturio , Moral Irene , Lopez Isidro , Castro Teresa R. Pérez , Rodriguez-Salvanés Francisco , Suárez Carmen , Novella Blanca , Brotons Carlos
Published: June 2020

Background: Cardiovascular risk estimation in people over 70 years is problematic. Most scores have been derived from cohorts of middle-aged people, with older persons under-represented. The predictive power of classical cardiovascular risk factors reduce with age. The aim is to develop a specific score for the elderly populationMethods: Population-based cohort established in 1995. Setting: Three geographical areas of Spain (Madrid, Ávila and Lugo). Participants: 3,729 people older than 64 years, free of any cardiovascular diseases (CVD), at baseline. Measurements: Suspected fatal and nonfatal CVD (both coronary heart disease and stroke) were yearly investigated and confirmed using the WHO-MONICA criteria. All participants were followed until the occurrence of the first CVD event, until death or until December 31th 2015 if alive.Results: Age was the strongest predictor of 10-year CVD both in men and women. In men, variables associated to CVD were high blood pressure treatment (HR: 1,35; 95% CI: 1,067 , 1,710), diabetes (HR: 1,359; 95% CI: 0,997 , 1,852) and smoking (HR:1,207; 95%CI: 0,945 , 1,541), and in women smoking (HR: 1,881 95%CI: 1,356 , 2,609) and diabetes (HR:1,285; 95%CI:0,967 , 1,707). Total-cholesterol did not increased the risk of CVD either in males or females. However, total-cholesterol level (>200mg/dl) were negatively associated both in men and women.Conclusions: In old Spanish men, 10-year total CVD is significantly increased by age, diabetes and antihypertensive treatment, and in old women by diabetes and smoking. Total-cholesterol levels did not increased the risk of CVD either in males or females.
Fluorescent bead-based serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens
Authors: Fabian Benedikt T. , Hedar Fatima , Koethe Martin , Bangoura Berit , Maksimov Pavlo , Conraths Franz J. , Villena Isabelle , Aubert Dominique , Seeber Frank , Schares Gereon
Published: June 2020

Background: Free-ranging chickens are often infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Their infection indicates environmental contamination with T. gondii. The detection of infected birds relies primarily on serological assays. Methods: Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the specific and sensitive detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests and bioassay in mice.Results: In experimentally infected chickens, the vast majority (98.5%, n=65/66) of inoculated birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. This included all chickens positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n=45/45). Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs (TgSAG1-ELISASL, n=61/65; or TgSAG1-ELISASH, n=60/65), or positive in an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT, n=64/65)) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT, n=61/65). All non-inoculated control animals (n=28/28, 100%) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% Confidence Interval: 90.7-99.9%) and specificity (100%; 85.0-100%) relative to a reference standard established using ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%; 77.1-98.9%), while all bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%; 85.0-100%).Conclusions: The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent one component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals, including pigs or small ruminants, for various pathogens.
Gender Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Metrics among Rural-Dwelling Older Adults in China: a population-based study
Authors: Han Xiaolei , Jiang Ziying , Li Yuanjing , Wang Yongxiang , Liang Yajun , Dong Yi , Tang Shi , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: June 2020

Background: Cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics among Chinese older adults are poorly understood. We investigated gender disparities in CVH metrics and their management among rural-dwelling older adults in China.Methods: This community-based study included 5026 participants (age ≥65 years; 57.2% women) in the baseline survey of a multimodal intervention study in rural China. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests in March-September 2018. We defined six CVH metrics (three behavioral factors—smoking, body mass index, and physical activity; three biological factors—blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) following the modified American Heart Association’s recommendations. We performed descriptive analysis separately for men and women.Results: Of all participants, only 0.8% achieved ideal levels in all six CVH metrics. Men were more likely than women to have ideal levels in all CVH metrics but smoking. Women had higher prevalence of ideal global CVH metrics (9.7% in women vs. 7.8% in men) and behavioral CVH metrics (18.3% vs. 9.5%) (p<0.001), whereas men had higher prevalence of ideal biological CVH metrics (5.4% in men vs. 3.5% in women, p<0.001). The prevalence of ideal global and behavioral CVH metrics increased with age in both women and men (p for trend<0.001). Women were more likely to be aware of their hypertension and diabetes, and to receive antihypertensive treatment, while men were more likely to achieve the goal of high cholesterol treatment (p<0.05).Conclusions: The CVH metrics among older adults living in the rural communities in China are characterized by an extremely low proportion of optimal global CVH metrics and distinct gender differences, alongside poor management of major biological risk factors.Trial registration: ChiCTR1800017758.
Frailty Indexed Classification of Bangladeshi Older Adults' Physio-psychosocial Health and Associated Risk Factors: A Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Meshbahur , Hamiduzzaman Mohammad , Akter Saleha , Farhana Zaki , Hossain Mohammad Kamal , Hasan Nayeem , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: June 2020

Background: Frailty is associated with healthy ageing, and it has been identified as a means of measuring older adults’ physio-psychosocial health. This is true that we know about the ageing trends and common diseases of older adults living in low- and lower-middle-income countries, but literature to date does not widely feature their health status based on frailty. This study aims to understand the prevalence of frailty in Bangladeshi older adults; classify their health status; and investigate associated risk factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in north-eastern region [i.e. Sylhet City Corporation] of Bangladesh. Four hundred participants aged 55 years and over were randomly selected who are ageing-in-place in the community. These participants attended in a person-centered health assessment session and completed a multi-indicator survey questionnaire. We used a 30-indicators Frailty Index to categorize their health status into: good health [no-frail]; slightly poor health [least frail]; poor health [moderately frail]; and very poor health [frailest]. A chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted.Results: The participants’ mean age was 63.6 years, and 74% of them were assessed in poor to very poor health [(moderately frail/65% - frailest/9%). The age, marital status, occupation and religion of the participants were significantly associated with frailty. The oldest aged, female, illiterate and Muslim participants were found frailer than their counterparts. Participants aged 70 years and above were 3.18 times more likely to experience frailty [medical conditions] than the pre-elderly age group (55-59 years) and female participants were 1.8 times more vulnerable to medical conditions than male. Also, the older adults living alone and staying at home without regular job were at higher risk of frailty [poor health] than others.Conclusions: Our study results confirm the prevalence of frailty-related disorders in Bangladeshi older adults and highlight the importance of targeted clinical and community-led preventive care programs.
Mild behavioral impairment is related to frailty in cognitively normal older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fan Shaoyi , Liang Ximin , Yun Tianchan , Pei Zhong , Hu Bin , Ismail Zahinoor , Yang Zhimin , Xu Fuping
Published: June 2020

Background: Frailty and cognitive decline are highly prevalent among older adults. However, the relationship between frailty and mild behavioral impairment (MBI), a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by later-life emergence of sustained neuropsychiatric symptoms, has yet to be elucidated.We aimed to evaluate the associations between mild behavioral impairment and frailty in cognitively normal older adults.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A consecutive series of 137 cognitively normal older adults in the Anti-Aging study, recruited from primary care clinics, were enrolled. Frailty was estimated using the original Fried phenotype. MBI was evaluated by the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist at a cut-off point of >8 (optimizing sensitivity and specificity), which was developed to assess emergent neuropsychiatric symptoms in accordance with the MBI criteria. Cognition was assessed with the Chinese versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BC) and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the relationship between MBI and objective cognition with frailty status.Results: At baseline, 30.6% of the older adults had frailty, 35.0% had prefrailty and 18.2% had MBI (MBI+ status). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that compared to MBI- status (without MBI), MBI+ was more likely to have frailty (odds ratio [OR] = 7.44, p = 0.02). The frailty and MBI categories were both significantly associated with both MMSE and MoCA-BC score (p<0.05).Conclusions: Both frailty and MBI status are related to higher risk of cognitive impairment. MBI is significantly associated with an increased risk of having frailty before overt cognitive impairment. This association merits further study to identify strategies to the early detection, prevention and therapeutic intervention of frailty.
Functional selection associated with microbial genome size under polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution stress in soils
Authors: Dong Yuzhu , Wu Shanghua , Fan Haonan , Li Xianglong , Li Yijing , Xu Shengjun , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Xuliang
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
A New Medium Access Control Mechanism for Energy Optimization in Wsn: Traffic Control and Data Priority Scheme
Authors: Bouazzi imen , Zaidi Monji , Usman Mohammed , Shamim M.Z
Published: June 2020

Over the last few years, energy optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has drawn the attention of both the research community and actual users.Sensor nodes are powered by attached batteries that are considered as a critical aspect of sensor nodes design.Besides, the constraint of the limited battery capacity is associated with the concern on how to reduce the energy consumption of nodes to extend the network lifetime. In this context, the purpose of this study is to implement an adaptive Medium Access Control (MAC) for energy saving and traffic control enhancement. This program was designed to arrange nodes into two priority groups according to their traffic rate and data transmission packet delay. This fuzzy algorithm depends on their queue length where it is implemented into the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) algorithm.However, other types of nodes should send their data during the Contention Free Period (CFP) with a GTS reallocation scheme. Those nodes are classified as low priority access to the medium and their data transmission is scheduled using time division multiple access methods. Moreover, this proposed scheme dynamically adjusts the Contention Access Period (CAP) length to ensure that nodes can complete their data transmission during the same super-frame. Simulation results are done using the Network Simulator tool (NS-2) and it has improved efficiency regarding the IEEE-802.15.4 standard.