bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Inhibition of Proliferation and Invasion of Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Line (Caco-2 cells) by Cell-free Supernatants from Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Authors: Shokati Ameneh , Soleimani Masoud , Abroun Saeid
Published: January 2021

Background: The epidemiological studies indicated that colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and is considered a leading cause of cancer-related death. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of lactobacillus acidophilus supernatant (LAS) and lactobacillus rhamnosus supernatant (LRS) on the growth and invasiveness of the human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco2) in-vitro. Methods: In this experimental study, the anti-proliferative activity and anti-invasion potential of LAS and LRS were determined by MTT and transwell chambers assays, respectively. The expression of mitochondrial membrane potential-9 (MMP-9) and matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) genes were analyzed by real-time PCR.Results: The results indicated that supernatants of these two lactobacilli had cytotoxic effects on Caco-2 cells at a concentration of 25% v/v and higher. Thus, the minimum concentrations (25% V/V) of supernatants were chosen for further experiments. LAS and LRS could significantly suppress the invasiveness of Caco-2 cells. Also, the expression of MMP12 was significantly increased in Caco-2 cells when treated with LAS, whereas LRS had no significant effect on the invasive capacity and the gene expression levels of MMP12. The expression of MMP-9 was statistically decreased in Caco2 cells treated with LAS and LRS (P<0.00001).Conclusion: In general, it was shown that LAS and LRS exert anti-cancer activity against the growth, invasion, and metastasis of Caco2 cells in-vitro. It seems that these two bacteria could be used as prophylactic and therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Determinants of the Continuum of Maternal Health Care in Cambodia: an analysis of the Cambodia Demographic Health Survey 2014
Authors: Chham Savina , Radovich Emma , Buffel Veerle , Ir Por , Wouters Edwin
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Cambodia has achieved significant progress in maternal health, yet remains in the group of countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio in South-East Asia. Extra efforts are needed to improve maternal health through assessing the coverage of maternal health services as a continuum of care (CoC) and identifying the gaps. Our study aims to explore the coverage level of the Optimal CoC by (1) measuring the continuity of optimal antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA) and optimal post-natal care (PNC), (2) identifying the determinants of dropping out from one service to another and (3) of not achieving the complete CoC. Method: The study employed data from the Cambodia Demographic Health Survey 2014. We restricted our analysis to married women who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey (n=5678). Bi-variate and multivariate logistic regression were performed using STATA version 14. Results: Almost 50% of women had achieved the complete optimal CoC, while the remaining have used only one or two of the services. The result shows that the level of women’s education was positively associated with the use of optimal ANC, the continuation to using optimal PNC and achieving the complete CoC. More power of women in household decision making was also positively associated with receiving the complete CoC. The birth order was negatively associated with achieving the complete CoC, while exposure to the mass media and having health insurance increased the odds of achieving the complete CoC. Household wealth consequently emerged as an influential predictor of dropping out and not achieving the complete CoC. Receiving all different elements of ANC care improved the continuity of care from optimal ANC to SBA and from SBA to optimal ANC. Conclusion: The findings urge policy makers to approach maternal health care as a continuum of care with different determinants at each step. Household wealth was found to be the most influential factor, yet the study discovered also other barriers to optimal maternal health care which need to be addressed: future intervention should thus not only aim to increase wealth or health insurance coverage but also stimulate the education of women and empower women to claim power in household decision-making.
The Current Status of Health Promotion Lifestyle and Its Related Factors in Chinese Residents
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Huang Shusheng , Qu Xiaoyuan , Yin Aitian
Published: January 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the current status of Chinese residents' health promotion lifestyle and its influencing factors, especially explore how health attitudes affect health promotion lifestyle, thus can make targeted recommendations for health promotion in China and similar areas.Study design: This study was based on a household survey of 1769 adults aged 18 and over from Shandong Province of China conducted in 2018.Methods: A cross-sectional, face-to-face survey design was used. The between-group measured data were compared by One-way ANOVA or t-tests. The correlation between the health attitude and health promotion lifestyle was examined by Pearson correlation. Logistic regression model was used to examine the related factors influencing Chinese residents’ health promotion lifestyle.Results: The health promotion lifestyle of residents in Chinese residents was not good. Significant differences existed in health promotion lifestyle among different genders, education levels, income levels, marital status, and health attitude (Ps <0.001). Multivariable Logistic regression model found that gender, education level, annual family per capita income, affection and behavioral intention in health attitude were key factors influencing Chinese residents’ health promotion lifestyle (Ps<0.001). Conclusions: Individual health responsibilities need to be further strengthened. More affective factors and operable measures should be added to enhance health affection and health behavioral intention, so as to enhance health promotion lifestyle.
Interdependence between histone marks and steps in Pol II transcription
Authors: Wang Zhong , Chivu Alexandra , Choate Lauren , Rice Edward , Miller Donald , Chu Tinyi , Chou Shao-Pei , Kingsley Nicole , Petersen Jessica , Finno Carrie , Bellone Rebecca , Antczak Douglas , Lis John , Danko Charles
Published: January 2021

The role of histone modifications in transcription remains incompletely understood. Here we used experimental perturbations combined with sensitive machine learning tools that infer the distribution of histone marks using maps of nascent transcription. Transcription predicted the variation in active histone marks and complex chromatin states, like bivalent promoters, down to single-nucleosome resolution and at an accuracy that rivaled the correspondence between independent ChIP-seq experiments. Blocking transcription rapidly removed two punctate marks, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, from chromatin indicating that transcription is required for active histone modifications. Transcription was also required for maintenance of H3K27me3 consistent with a role for RNA in recruiting PRC2. A subset of DNase-I hypersensitive sites were refractory to prediction, precluding models where transcription initiates pervasively at any open chromatin. Our results, in combination with past literature, support a model in which active histone modifications serve a supportive, rather than a regulatory, role in transcription.
Covid-19 Infection in Pregnant Women in Dubai: A Case-control Study
Authors: Hazari Komal , Abdeldayem Rasha , Paulose Litty , Kurien Nimmi , Almahloul Zukaa , Mohammad Hozaifah , Elgergawi Taghrid , Alkhanbouli Maryam , Mahmoud Khalid , Fazari Atif , Hassan Amar , Bayoumi Riad
Published: January 2021

Background: Whilst the impact of Covid-19 infection in pregnant women has been examined, there is a scarcity of data on pregnant women in the Middle East. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of Covid-19 infection on pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates population. Methods: A case-control study was carried out to compare the clinical course and outcome of pregnancy in 79 pregnant women with Covid-19 and 85 non-pregnant women with Covid-19 admitted to Latifa Hospital in Dubai between March and June 2020. Results: On admission, most pregnant women (69/79; 87%) were either asymptomatic or suffered mild respiratory symptoms, much like non-pregnant women. The main symptoms, observed in both groups, were fever, cough, headache, runny nose and myalgia. In early pregnancy four women had spontaneous miscarriages. However, severe Covid-19 illness, ICU admission, intubation and complications were observed in late pregnancy in 10/79 (13%) women with prior comorbidities. During the study period, 31/79 women delivered: 22 (70%) had a lower segment Caesarean section, 16 for obstetric reasons and 6 for severe Covid-19 pneumonia; and 12 had a preterm delivery. Postoperatively, none showed significant improvement on account of early delivery. Sepsis, acute renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome were the most common complications observed. The neonatal outcome was comparable to that of the general obstetric population, even though 12/31 (38%) were preterm and had to be admitted to the neonatal ICU. Two neonates, born by vaginal delivery, tested positive for Covid-19 after delivery. Both were asymptomatic and tests were negative within 72 hours. It was not possible to ascertain whether vertical transmission occurred in utero.Conclusions: Severe Covid-19 illness, ICU admission, intubation, complications and preterm deliveries were observed in late pregnancy in women with comorbidities. Pregnancy with Covid-19 infection, could, therefore, be categorised as high-risk pregnancy. It was not possible to confirm whether vertical transmission of Covid-19 had occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy.
How Imputation Can Mitigate Ascertainment Bias
Authors: Geibel Johannes , Reimer Christian , Pook Torsten , Weigend Steffen , Weigend Annett , Simianer Henner
Published: January 2021

Background Population genetic studies based on genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are influenced by a non-random selection of the SNPs included in the used genotyping arrays. The resulting bias relative to whole genome sequencing (WGS) data is known as SNP ascertainment bias. Correction for this bias requires detailed knowledge of the array design process which is often not available in practice. This study intends to investigate an alternative approach to mitigate ascertainment bias of a large set of genotyped individuals by using information of a small set of sequenced individuals via imputation without the need for prior knowledge on the array design. Results The strategy was first tested by simulating additional ascertainment bias with a set of 1,566 chickens from 74 populations that were genotyped for the positions of the Affymetrix Axiom™ 580k Genome-Wide Chicken Array. Imputation accuracy was shown to be consistently higher for populations used for SNP discovery during the simulated array design process. Reference sets of at least one individual per population in the study set led to a strong correction of ascertainment bias for estimates of expected and observed heterozygosity, Wrights Fixation Index and Nei’s Standard Genetic Distance. In contrast, unbalanced reference sets introduced a new bias towards the reference populations. Finally, the array genotypes were imputed to WGS by utilization of reference sets of 74 individuals (one per population) to 98 individuals (additional commercial chickens) and compared with a mixture of individually and pooled sequenced populations. The imputation reduced the slope between heterozygosity estimates of array data and WGS data from 1.94 to 1.26 when using the smaller balanced reference panel and to 1.44 when using the larger but unbalanced reference panel. This generally supported the results from simulation but was less favorable, advocating for a larger reference panel when imputing to WGS. Conclusions The results highlight the potential of using imputation for mitigation of SNP ascertainment bias but also underline the need for unbiased reference sets.
WITHDRAWN: Determination of Minimum Infusion Rate and Cardiorespiratory Effects of Total Intravenous Anesthesia of Ketofol With or Without Lidocaine, Fentanyl or Dexmedetomidine in Dogs
Authors: Rastabi Hadi Imani , Naddaf Hadi , Mosallanejad Bahman , Khannejad Mahmood , Keramat Majid
Published: January 2021

Background: Ketofol is a 1:1 mixture of ketamine and propofol that has been proposed for induction and maintenance of anesthesia aiming to provide more cardiovascular stability and less undesirable impacts compared to the use of propofol and ketamine alone. However, it has been associated with exacerbated respiratory depression in dogs. Diminishing the dose of ketofol may improve cardiovascular effects and attenuate respiratory depression. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of adding lidocaine, fentanyl or dexmedetomidine at the required dose and cardiorespiratory variables in dogs undergoing total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with ketofol. In phase I, twelve dogs were induced and maintained with two out of four anesthetic regimens of KET: ketofol (4 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg/min, respectively), KLD; ketofol and lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg/min, respectively), KFN: ketofol and fentanyl (LD: 5 µg/kg and 0.1 µg/kg/min, respectively) and KDX: ketofol and dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg and 2 mg/kg/h, respectively). Minimum infusion rate (MIR) of ketofol was determined in this phase. Subsequently, in phase II, other twelve dogs were given the same anesthetic regimens for 60 min similar to the previous phase, except the infusion rate of ketofol. Cardiorespiratory variables were recorded in predetermined interval. Results: In phase I, mean MIR of ketofol for KET, KLD, KFN and KDX were determined to have decreasing manner as 0.35, 0.23, 0.15, and 0.08 mg/kg/min, respectively. In phase II, the times of recovery events were shorter in KFN and KDX than KET and KLD. Notably, HR was significantly higher than baseline during anesthesia in KET and KLD, which also was significantly lower than baseline in KFN and KDX at several time points. Significant higher values of MAP were observed over time in KDX. In all treatments, there was a decrease in respiratory rate and pH as well as an increase in PCO2 during the anesthesia session. Conclusions: It was concluded that despite decreasing the dose of ketofol, none of the added drugs attenuated respiratory depression caused by ketofol.
Costs of Breast Cancer Treatment Incurred by Women in Vietnam
Authors: Ngan Tran , Ngoc Nguyen , Minh Hoang , Donnelly Michael , O'Neill Ciaran
Published: January 2021

Background: There is a paucity of research on the cost of breast cancer (BC) treatment from the patient’s perspective in Vietnam.Methods: Individual-level data about out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures on use of services were collected from women treated for BC (n=202) using an online survey and a face-to-face interview at two tertiary hospitals in 2019. Total expenditures on diagnosis and initial BC treatment were presented in terms of the mean, standard deviation, and range for each type of service use. A generalised linear model (GLM) was used to assess the relationship between total cost and socio-demographic characteristics.Results: 19.3% of respondents had stage 0/I BC, 68.8% had stage II, 9.4% had stage III, none had stage IV. The most expensive OOP elements were targeted therapy with mean cost equal to 649.5 million VND ($28,025) and chemotherapy at 36.5 million VND ($1,575). Mean total OOP cost related to diagnosis and initial BC treatment (excluding targeted therapy cost) was 61.8 million VND ($2,667). The mean OOP costs among patients with stage II and III BC were, respectively, 66% and 148% higher than stage I.Conclusions: BC patients in Vietnam incur significant OOP costs. The cost of BC treatment was driven by use of therapies and presentation stage at diagnosis. It is likely that OOP costs of BC patients would be reduced by earlier detection through raised awareness and screening programs and by providing a higher insurance coverage rate for targeted therapy.
An Aqueous, Electrode-Decoupled Redox-Flow Battery for Long Duration Energy Storage
Authors: Sankarasubramanian Shrihari , Zhang Yunzhu , He Cheng , Gregory Thomas , Ramani Vijay
Published: January 2021

Redox-flow batteries (RFBs) enable large-scale energy storage at low cost due to the independent scaling of device power and energy, thereby unlocking energy arbitrage opportunities and providing a pathway to grid stability and resiliency. Herein we demonstrate an “electrode-decoupled” redox-flow battery (ED-RFB) with titanium and cerium elemental actives that has a clear pathway to achieve a levelized cost of storage (LCOS) of ca $0.025/kWh-cycle. A key enabling technology is our highly perm-selective modified poly(ether ketone)-based anion exchange membrane (AEM) that ensures long term separation of Ti and Ce species and enables capacity-fade-free cycling over 1300 hours of operation. Further, our Ti-Ce ED-RFB exhibits negligible capacity fade when the actives are charged to 90% state of charge (SOC), stored for close to 100-hours and then discharged, rendering it viable for long duration (load-following) grid-scale energy storage applications. Herein we introduce the Ti-Ce ED-RFB as a novel, low-cost long duration energy storage (LDES) system.
Delay in Primordial Germ Cell Migration in Adamts9 Knockout Zebrafish
Authors: Carver Jonathan , He Yuanfa , Zhu Yong
Published: January 2021

Adamts9 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 9) is one of few metalloproteinases structurally conserved from C. elegans to humans and is indispensable in germ cell migration in invertebrates. However, adamts9’s roles in germ cell migration in vertebrates has not been examined. In the present study, we found zygotic expression of adamts9 started around germ ring stage and reached peak levels at 3 days post fertilization (dpf) in zebrafish. Germ cell migration completed within 24 hours in wildtype sibling, while a delay in germ cell migration was found at 15 and 24-hours post-fertilization (hpf) in the Adamts9 knockout (KO). However, this delayed effect of Adamts9 KO disappeared at 48 hpf. Our study suggests a conserved function of Adamts9 in germ cell migration among invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition, our results also suggest that Adamts9 is not essential for germ cell migration as reported in C. elegans, possibly due to expansion of Adamts family members and compensatory roles from another metalloproteinase in vertebrates. Further studies are required in order to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of metalloproteinases in germ cell migration and gonad formation in vertebrates.
Application of Data Linkage Techniques to Pacific Northwest Commercial Fishing Injury and Fatality Data 
Authors: Nahorniak Jasmine , Bovbjerg Viktor , Case Samantha , Kincl Laurel
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCommercial fishing consistently has among the highest workforce injury and fatality rates in the United States. Data related to commercial fishing incidents are routinely collected by multiple organizations which do not currently coordinate or automatically link data. Each dataset has the potential to generate a more complete picture to inform prevention efforts. Our objective was to examine the utility of using statistical data linkage methods to link these datasets in support of incident surveillance and hazard assessment in the commercial fishing industry.MethodsIn this feasibility study, we identified true matches and discrepancies between de-identified datasets using the Python Record Linkage Toolkit. Four commercial fishing datasets from Oregon and Washington were linked: the Commercial Fishing Incident Database, the Vessel Casualty Database, the Nonfatal Injuries Database, and the Oregon Trauma Registry. The datasets each covered different date ranges within 2000 - 2017, containing 458, 524, 184, and 11 cases respectively. Several data linkage classifiers were evaluated.ResultsThe Naïve-Bayes classifier returned the highest number of true matches between these small datasets. A total of 41 true matches and 8 close matches were identified, of which 29 were determined to be duplicates. In addition, linkage highlighted 4 records that were not commercial fishing cases from Oregon and Washington. The optimum match parameters were the date, state, vessel official number, and number of people on board.ConclusionsStatistical data linkage enables accurate, routine matching for small de-identified injury and fatality datasets such as those in commercial fishing. It provides information needed to improve the accuracy of existing data records. It also enables expanding and sharpening details of individual incidents in support of occupational safety research.
Monogenic autoimmunity caused by TLR7 gain-of-function
Authors: Vinuesa Carola , Brown Grant , Medhavy Arti , Canete Pablo , Ellyard Julia , Bassett Katharine , Burgio Gaetan , Zhang Yaoyuan , Turnbull Cynthia , Meng Xiangpeng , Wu Philip , Cho Vicky , Miosge Lisa , Capello Jean , Andrews Thomas , Field Matt , Tvorogov Denis , Lopez Angel , He Yuke , Babon Jeffrey , Lopez Cristina Aparicio , Gonzalez-Murillo Africa , Pascual Virginia , Levy Tess , Ding Huihua , Shen Nan , Cook Matthew , Mallack Eric , Collantes Carmen de Lucas , Athanasopoulos Vicky
Published: January 2021

While circumstantial evidence supports enhanced TLR7 signaling as a mechanism of human systemic autoimmune disease, we have lacked the proof afforded by lupus-causing TLR7 gene variants. Here we describe monogenic human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) caused by TLR7 gain-of-function. We identified a de novo, novel, missense TLR7 Y264H variant in a child with severe lupus and additional novel or rare variants in probands with interferonopathies or systemic autoimmunity (Aicardi Goutieres Sd, SLE, Sjogren’s Sd, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis). The variants increased NF-κB and IFN-β activity and the de novo TLR7 Y264H variant was sufficient to cause lupus when introduced in mice. We show that constitutive TLR7 signaling drives aberrant survival of BCR-activated B cells that would otherwise die, and accumulation of CD11c+ age-associated B cells and germinal center (GC) B cells in a B cell-intrinsic manner. Follicular and extrafollicular helper T-cells were also increased but these phenotypes were cell-extrinsic. MyD88-deficiency rescued autoimmunity, aberrant B cell survival, and all cellular and serological phenotypes. Despite prominent spontaneous GC formation in mice carrying the TLR7 Y264H variant, we show that TLR7-driven lupus was not ameliorated when the TLR7 Y264H mice were made GC-deficient suggesting extrafollicular origin of pathogenic B cells. We establish the importance of TLR7 for human SLE pathogenesis, which paves the way for therapeutic TLR7 or MyD88 inhibition.
Photoluminescence in a Glucose-coated Sila-fullerane and Its Nanomedicine Applications
Authors: Qasemnazhand Mohammad , Khoeini Farhad , Marsusi Farah
Published: January 2021

In this study, we introduce nano-baits that are formed based on the binding of glucose in a silicon nanoparticle. Sila-dodecahedrane has been selected among of four other famous nanostructures, due to its high stability, biocompatibility and its ability to engineer electronic features. Because of the glucose attached to nano-baits, they are attractive to cancer cells that consume high glucose. In this research, two nano-baits have been modeled with the chemical formulas of Si20H19C6H11O6 and Si20H13(C6H11O6)7. Their optimal structures are obtained using density functional theory (DFT). For this, we use the B3LYP hybrid functional and 6-31+g(d,p) basis set. Vibration frequency calculations show that the glucose binding of a sila-dodecahedrane has a stable bond. These nano-baits with photoluminescence determine the location of cancer cells. By adjusting the number of glucoses attached to these nano-baits, the energy required for their excitation and light response can be adjusted. These nano-baits are a viable alternative to radioactive materials for locating cancer cells.
Particle Movements Provoke Avalanche-like Compaction in Soft Colloid Filter Cakes
Authors: Lüken Arne , Stüwe Lucas , Lohaus Johannes , Linkhorst John , Wessling Matthias
Published: January 2021

During soft matter filtration, colloids accumulate in a compressible porous cake layer on top of the membrane surface. The void size between the colloids predominantly defines the cake-specific permeation resistance and the corresponding filtration efficiency. While higher fluxes are beneficial for the process efficiency, they compress the cake and increase permeation resistance. However, it is not fully understood how soft particles behave during cake formation and how their compression influences the overall cake properties. This study visualizes the formation and compression process of soft filter cakes in microfluidic model systems. During cake formation, we analyze single-particle movements inside the filter cake voids and how they interact with the whole filter cake morphology. During cake compression, we visualize reversible and irreversible compression and distinguish the two phenomena. Finally, we confirm the compression phenomena by modeling the soft particle filter cake using a CFD-DEM approach. The results underline the importance of considering the compression history when describing the filter cake morphology and its related properties. Thus, this study links single colloid movements and filter cake compression to the overall cake behavior and narrows the gap between single colloid events and the filtration process.
Health Concerns of Textile Workers & Associated Community
Authors: Islam Tanweer Ul
Published: January 2021

Background: Workers in the textile industry risk developing various respiratory and pulmonary diseases due to exposure to cotton dust. The particles from the cotton lint are inhaled by the workers and results in the breathing problems including asthma, shortness of breath, cough and tightness in the chest. The poor health of labor contributes to the low productivity of the labor and in serious cases loss of jobs leading to the poverty. Methods: This study explores the health profiles of the textile workers and associated community and contrast them against the health profile of the control group to factor out any confounding factors. The study is conducted on cotton industry in Kasur, Pakistan. We interviewed 207 workers, 226 people from associated community (living in vicinities of weaving units) and 188 people for control group (from areas far away from weaving units and people are not associated with weaving industry) based on stratified random sampling technique. We employed descriptive methods and logistic regression to explore the association between respiratory diseases and weaving workers. Results: Overall, prevalence of postnasal drip, byssinosis, asthma, and chronic bronchitis were 47%, 35%, 20%, and 10% respectively among the workers. These percentages are significantly higher than the control group. Among workers, 43% & 21% feel difficulty in hearing against noisy background and at low volume respectively. Due to bad light arrangements at workstations, 21% & 31% workers are suffering from myopia and hyperopia respectively. Proportions of the workers suffering from continuous headache, skin infection, depression, and low back pain are 28%, 29%, 27% and 44% respectively. Conclusion: Better environment at workstations, use of protective gears and education are the factors which reduce the risk of associated diseases among workers.
Maternal Age at Childbirth and Parental Reports of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disability, Ages 4 to 15 Years
Authors: Chen Yong , Ma Siyu , Huang Haobin , Duan Weiwei , Mo Xuming
Published: January 2021

Background: Studies have shown that young maternal age at childbirth can increase the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the offspring, but a study of the U.S. population has not been reported. Moreover, there is no reported research on young and advanced maternal age at childbirth and on whether it can contribute to learning disability (LD) risk for offspring. Methods: This study evaluated the association between young and advanced maternal age at childbirth and offspring ADHD and LD risk in the U.S. population. Using data from 8,098 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted in 1999–2004, we analyzed the association between maternal age at childbirth and ADHD and LD risks in offspring. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for maternal age at childbirth in association with ADHD and LD risks in offspring were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models after adjustment for age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), family income, smoking during pregnancy, and NHANES cycles. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to evaluate potential nonlinear relationships. Sensitivity analysis were performed to ensure the reliability of the results. Results: Among all participants, the offspring of subjects with a maternal age at childbirth of 18–24 years had an increased risk of ADHD (OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.79), LD (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.79) or both ADHD and LD (OR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.81). Additionally, compared with subjects with a maternal age of 25–29 years, subjects with a maternal age of 35–39 years had lower odds of having offspring with ADHD (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.36, 1.00) and higher odds of having offspring with LD (OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.78). The relationship between maternal age at childbirth and LD risk presents a U-shaped curve. Additionally, the risk of ADHD and LD caused by maternal age at childbirth appears to be affected by gender.Conclusions: These results provide epidemiological evidence showing that young and advanced maternal age at childbirth are associated with ADHD and LD risks.
Laser-Induced Structural Modification in Calcium Aluminosilicate Glasses Using Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Locker Sean , Goyal Sushmit , McKenzie Matt , Ungaro Craig , Sundaram SK
Published: January 2021

Glass structures of multicomponent oxide systems (CaO-Al2O3-SiO2) are studied using a simulated pulsed laser with molecular dynamics. The short- and intermediate-range order structures revealed a direct correlation between the transformation of Al(IV) to Al(V), regions of increased density following laser processing, inherent reduction in the average T-O-T (T = Al, Si) angle, and associated elongation of the T-O bonding distance. Variable laser pulse energies were simulated across calcium aluminosilicate glasses with high silica content (50-80%) to identify densification trends attributed to composition and laser energy. High-intensity pulsed laser effects on fictive temperature and shockwave promotion are discussed in detail for their role in glass densification. Laser-induced structural changes are found to be highly dependent on pulse energy and glass chemistry.
Doxorubicin and siRNA Co-Delivery System Based on Carbon Dots Inhibits Chemoresistance of Lung Cancer
Authors: Luo Hui , Tang Kexin , Huang Kaichen , Lin Xi , Mei Chaoming , Wu Lili , Yang Lei , Yu Hailing
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe resistance to the anti-cancer agent limits the chemotherapy effect in the cancer therapy. Tumor easily develops resistance to anti-cancer drugs leading to decreased therapy efficiency of chemotherapies. Targeting signaling molecules related with chemoresistance through strategy of co-delivery siRNA and chemotherapeutics may overcome the multidrug resistance to chemotherapy. A co-delivery nanosystem that could carry siRNA and DOX simultaneously has been studied in this work. ResultsThe co-delivery is based on carbon dots was surface-modified with poly-ethylenimine (PEI), and loaded the siMRP1 and chemotherapeutics by electronstatic interactions on the surface with pH-triggered drug release. The CD-PEI was synthesized by one-step microwave assisted method; the PEI were raw materials and passivator during the reaction process that makes CD exhibit excellent optical property and the capability of loading siRNA. The CD-PEI was capable of loading and delivering siMRP1 and DOX to tumor and release synchronously in cell by pH-triggered manner using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis. MRP1 was successfully knocked down by siRNA. The silencing of MRP1 by co-delivery system could increase DOX accumulation and significantly enhance the inhibitory effect of metastatic potential elicited by doxorubicin in A549 and A549/ADM cells.Conclusion﻿The co-delivery systems effectively loaded and released siRNA and DOX agents to the targeted tumor, overcoming the resistant to chemotherapy. By suppressing MRP1, CD-PEI-DOX-siMRP1 can obviously increase the drug intercellular accumulation and inhibit the cell proliferation, migration and invasion, implying its potential application in enhancing therapeutic efficiency in clinical practices.
DBPR: DataBase of Plant Research
Authors: Ullah Shahid , Rahman Wajeeha , Ullah Farhan , Ahmad Gulzar , Ijaz Muhammad , Gao Tianshun
Published: January 2021

Databases of plants have been an integral part of modern biology. Enormous quantities of data are produced from plants and improving with time, many databases have been published with large amounts of data in various fields, including proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics. To make it easier, a comprehensive database is needed to sort and organized all these data to one platform and give an easy and friendly finding way to plant research community, because, databases are a standard strategy for analyzing, storing, and processing such big data. Therefore, we have compiled 225 plant databases on a single platform and grouped them into 5 categories on the basis of various typescripts, such as the Protein, DNA, RNA, Pathway and Expression database, which can be indexed by clicking on the name of the category or by clicking on the picture expression or directly searching in the specified search bar in the database. DBPR is a comprehensive plant resource database that is available on http://www.habdsk.org/dbpr.php. Computer platform such as PHP, HTML, CSC, and JavaScript has been used to build and will be updated timely.
Toxocara cati and other parasitic enteropathogens: more commonly found in owned cats with gastrointestinal signs than in clinically healthy ones
Authors: Ursache Aurora L. , Györke Adriana , Mircean Viorica , Dumitrache Mirabela Oana , Codea Andrei Răzvan , Cozma Vasile
Published: January 2021

Gastrointestinal parasites are involved in the health and wellbeing of cats and some of them, due to their zoonotic character represent a problem for the public health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parasitic infections in cats with digestive symptoms. Faecal samples collected from 137 cats were analysed by the flotation method using sodium chloride saturated solution. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites was 56.6%. GI parasites were significantly (p=0.005) more common in cats with digestive symptoms (69.8%) than in clinically healthy ones (23.0%). Toxocara cati (40.2%) was the most frequently identified GI parasite, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (10.2%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (3.7%), Taenia spp. (2.2), Giardia duodenalis (2.2%), and Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts (0.7%). T. cati (53.3%, p<0.0001) and Cystoisospora spp. (15.6%, p<0.001) were significantly more frequently diagnosed in cats with digestive symptoms. Lack of deworming in the last three months (OR: 15.9), outdoor access (OR: 13.8), the presence of digestive symptoms (OR: 5.4), and young age (OR: 4.2) were identified as risk factors for T. cati infection by logistic regression analysis. Regardless of the age, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and inappetence were positively associated with T. cati.
Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast With Multiple Distant Metastases in Brain and Unfavorable Prognosis: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tang Hongping , Zhong Lihua , Jiang Hongbing , Xie Gui’e
Published: January 2021

Background: Secretory carcinoma of the breast is one of the rarest entities accounting for less than 0.15% of all infiltrating breast carcinomas. It has characteristic histopathological and molecular features and more favorable prognosis. In this case report, we describe a local advanced secretory carcinoma of the breast with chemo-resisted for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and unfavorable prognosis.Case Presentation: A hard, painless and palpably bossed mass about 12 cm in diameter occupied most of the left breast of a 39-year-old woman and fixation to the overlying skin. Breast ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan gave the same grading as BI-RADS IV. A needle biopsy was performed and pathological diagnosis was secretory carcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was then performed, after which ultrasonography and MRI scan revealed the tumor was partial response for EC therapy while progressive disease after the DC therapy. The tumor showed chemo-resisted for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Left breast mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy were subsequently performed. Tumor cells were triple-negative and positive for S-100 and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicated the fusion arrangement of ETV6-NTRK3 gene. The patient underwent multiple distant metastases in brain, and died of these metastases 19 months after initial diagnosis.Conclusion: Secretory carcinomas of breast have been described as a low-grade histologic subtype with a favorable prognosis. This case showed chemo-resisted for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, multiple distant metastases, and final an unfavorable prognosis. Further research is needed to better understanding of its behavior and treatment of this rare tumor.
Predictive Factors of High-Risk Events for Virological Failure in HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving Long-Term Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Qin Shanfang , Lai Jingzhen , Zhang Hong , Wei Di , Lv Qing , Pan Xue , Huang Lihua , Lan Ke , Meng Zhihao , Liang Hao , Ning Chuanyi
Published: January 2021

Background: In the era of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), the plasma HIV viral load (VL) is an important primary indicator for monitoring the HIV treatment response. To optimize the clinical management of HIV/AIDS patients, we investigated VL high-risk events related to virological failure (VF) and further explored the preventive factors of high-risk events.Methods: The data were derived from China’s HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. HIV patients who initiated or received ART in Guangxi between 2003 and 2019 were included. The contributions of VL after 6 months of ART to VF and AIDS-related death were analysed by Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and Cox regression analyses. Both descriptive analyses and bivariate logistic regression were employed to further explore the preventive factors related to high-risk events of VF.Results: The cumulative rates of VF in the high low-level viremia group (χ2 = 18.45; P < 0.001) and non-suppressed group (χ2 = 82.99; P < 0.001) were significantly higher than those in the viral suppression (VS) group. Compared with the VS group, the adjusted hazard risk was 7.221 (95% CI: 2.668; 19.547) in the high LLV group and 8.351 (95% CI: 4.253; 16.398) in the non-suppressed group. Compared with single patients, married or cohabiting (AOR = 0.591; 95% CI: 0.408, 0.856) and divorced or separated (AOR = 0.425, 95% CI: 0.207, 0.873) patients were negatively associated with high-risk events. So were patients acquired HIV homosexually (AOR = 0.572; 95% CI: 0.335, 0.978). However, patients who had ART modification were 1.728 times (95% CI: 1.093, 2.732) more likely to have high-risk events, and patients who used cotrimoxazole during ART were 1.843 times (95% CI: 1.271, 2.672) more likely to have high-risk events.Conclusions: A VL greater than 200 copies/ml is a high-risk event for VF. Intervention measurements should be adopted to optimize the surveillance of ART in patients who are single or widowed, who have ART modification, and who use cotrimoxazole during ART.
Predictive value of a Five-Biomarker Signature to Diagnose Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Zeng Jiang , Yang Qianting , Xu Dechang , Chen Qi , Huang Kaisong , Cai Yi , Dai Youchao , Hai Xie , Zeng Zhong , Gong Xiangwen , Peng Haiying , Deng Guofang , Chen Xinchun , Zhang Huihua , Liu Hui
Published: January 2021

Background: To improve the diagnosis accuracy of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) from pneumonia (PN) in low income and inadequate facilities areas is one of the biggest problems facing public health today. Most TB patients are difficult to diagnose, especially those who are acid-fast bacillus smear-negative (AFB-) but IGRA®.TB test positive (IGRA+). Thus, we aim to develop a low-cost and rapid risk model for the diagnosis of TB patients with AFB- IGRA+ TB from PN.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 41 laboratory variables of 204 AFB- IGRA+ TB and 156 PN participants. Candidate variables were identified by t-statistic test and univariate logistic model. The logistic regression analysis was used to construct the multivariate risk model and nomogram with internal and external validation.Results: There were differential correlations between variable pairs in AFB- IGRA+ TB and PN. We found several significant variables in TB compared with PN. Among them, uric acid (UA) was up-elevated , acting as a protective factor with an odds ratio (OR) < 1. By integrating five variables, including Age, UA, albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb) and white blood cell counts (WBC), we constructed a multivariate risk model with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.7 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.8). Nomogram showed that UA and Hb had the protection effect, while Age, WBC and ALB acted as risk factors on TB occurrence. Internal and external validation revealed a good agreement between nomogran prediction and actual observations.Conclusions: Differential correlations existed between variable pairs in AFB- IGRA+ TB and PN. An integration of five biomarkers (Age, UA, ALB, Hb and WBC) can be used to predict TB in AFB- IGRA+ clinical samples from PN.
Changing the Home Visiting Research Paradigm: Models’ Perspectives on Behavioral Pathways and Intervention Techniques to Promote Good Birth Outcomes
Authors: Duggan Anne K , Bower Kelly M , Zagaja Ciara , O'Neill Kay , Daro Deborah , Harding Kathryn , Ingalls Allison , Kemner Allison , Marchesseault Crista , Thorland William
Published: January 2021

Background: The US is scaling up evidence-based home visiting to promote health equity in expectant families and families with young children. Persistently small average effects for full models argue for a shift in the research paradigm to understand what interventions within full models work best, for which families, in which contexts, why, and how. Historically, the complexity and proprietary nature of most evidence-based models have been barriers to such research. To address this, stakeholders are building the Precision Paradigm, a common framework and language to define and test interventions and their mediators and moderators. This observational study applied portions of the Paradigm to describe models' intended behavioral pathways to good birth outcomes and their stance on home visitors' use of specific intervention techniques to promote families' progress along intended pathways.Methods: Five of the six eligible evidence-based models participated. Model representatives independently completed three structured surveys focused on 41 intended behavioral pathways and 23 behavior change technique categories. Survey data were used to describe: the number and nature of models' intended behavioral pathways to good birth outcomes; the behavior change techniques they required or recommended home visitors to use; the relative emphasis given to required/recommended techniques; the compatibility of other techniques with their model; and the consistency of their stance on techniques across intended pathways.Results: Models defined 31.6 intended pathways on average but varied in their number of intended pathways (range 16-41) and the nature of such pathways. They varied in the number of technique categories they required (mean 3.2, range 0-8.9) or recommended (mean 10.6, range 1.5-20.0) that home visitors use. That said, all models rated nearly all technique categories as at least compatible with their model, even if not explicitly required or recommended. Within intended pathways, models varied in the relative emphasis to give to specific techniques. Models varied in the consistency of their requirements and recommendations for using specific techniques across intended pathways.Conclusions: The Precision Paradigm is a promising resource to accelerate innovative cross-model research to clarify which interventions within home visiting work best for which families, in which contexts, why and how.
A Novel Thioredoxin Homologous Protein of Babesia Microti Involved in Erythrocyte Invasion
Authors: Piao Xianyu , Ma Yu , Liu Shuai , Cai Pengfei , Hou Nan , Chen Qijun
Published: January 2021

Background: Erythrocyte invasion by merozoites is an important stage in the life cycle of Babesia microti. Several merozoite proteins have previously been demonstrated to play important roles in this process. Methods and Results: We identified a novel merozoite protein of B. microti with structural characteristics similar to those of the thioredoxin (Trx)-like domain of the Trx family and named it as BmiTrx-like protein. Western blot assays demonstrated that this protein was continuously expressed throughout the erythrocyte phase and peaked on the 11th day post-infection. Immunofluorescence assay showed that the protein might mainly be expressed on the membrane of B. microti merozoites. BmiTrx-like protein had both heparin- and erythrocyte-binding properties, which are critical functions of the invasion-related proteins. Immunization with recombinant BmiTrx-like protein imparted considerable protection against B. microti infection in mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that the novel merozoite protein, BmiTrx-like protein, is an important molecule in the invasion process of B. microti and may be a possible target for the design of babesiosis vaccines.
Two-Stage Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Advanced Knee Septic Arthritis: Case Series
Authors: Wang Hong , Teng Yuanjun , Wang Xingwen , Zhang Shifeng , Xu Tianen , HAN Hua , Xia Yayi
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE: Septic arthritis (SA) is defined as the joint inflammation secondary to bacterial infection with a potentially fatal condition, but with no established approach treatment currently. Two-stage primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an antibiotic-laden cement spacer has been reported to apply to treat SA of knee effectively in individual cases. We reported our cases aimed to contribute to current information on two-stage TKA in the treatment of advanced SA in knee joint.Methods: We retrospectively screened clinical profiles of eleven patients with SA in knee joint who had two-stage TKA with an antibiotic-laden cement spacer. Information of inflammatory serological markers were summarized and statistic comparisons were done on Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score as well as the degree of the range of motion (ROM) between pre-, interval- and post-operation, with significant level of p<0.05.Results: Infection in knee joint was eliminated in all eleven patients by two-stage TKA with an antibiotic-laden cement spacer. CRP took 3.4 ± 1.4 weeks (range, 1-6 weeks) to return to normal level, whilst for ESR was 16.3 ± 3.0 weeks (range, 13-23 weeks). Means of HSS score and ROM degree were significantly increased after both the first and second-stage surgery (p<0.05). HSS score of three timings were not different in age, gender, micro-organism culture results and comorbidities in our study.Conclusions: Two-stage TKA is an effective treatment in SA in knee joint in controlling infection, relieving clinical severity and improving function of keen joint thereafter.Level of evidence IV.