bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Différenciation, croissance et développement cellulaire du tissu musculaire
Authors: ROBELIN J.
Published: August 2020

Le tissu musculaire est constitué de fibres allongées, cylindriques, plurinucléées et organisées en faisceaux entourés par une gaine de tissu conjonctif. On distingue différents types de fibres musculaires, selon qu’elles sont alimentées en énergie par la glycolyse en milieu anaérobie, ou par le cycle de Krebs et la chaîne respiratoire en milieu aérobie. On distingue aussi les fibres à contraction lente de celles à contraction rapide. Les cellules musculaires se développent chez l’embryon à partir de la région somitique. Les cellules myogéniques, non encore différenciées se multiplient au cours du cycle de prolifération. Les cellules qui quittent ce cycle entrent ensuite dans la phase de différenciation pour se transformer en myoblastes. Ces derniers fusionnent pour donner des myotubes qui évoluent enfin en fibres musculaires. La différenciation métabolique et fonctionnelle est sous le contrôle de l’innervation et des hormones. La différenciation musculaire chez les bovins se produit en totalité durant la vie foetale. Le premier tiers de la vie foetale est caractérisé par la présence de myotubes, par une multiplication très rapide des noyaux et une augmentation du nombre des myotubes. Au cours du deuxième tiers de la vie foetale, les myotubes évoluent en fibres musculaires. La multiplication des noyaux est encore très intense, mais l’augmentation du nombre de fibres se ralentit. C’est à ce stade qu’apparaissent les différents types contractiles de fibres. A partir du troisième tiers de la vie foetale, le nombre de fibres reste stable, alors que le nombre de noyaux continue de s’accroître, et cela presque jusqu’au stade adulte, grâce à l’incorporation de nouveaux noyaux issus des cellules satellites. La synthèse protéique est très intense chez le foetus, et reste à un niveau élevé après la naissance. La croissance foetale représente une phase primordiale de la croissance musculaire, avec un accroissement important du nombre de fibres et surtout du nombre de noyaux, et aussi une synthèse protéique très rapide. La croissance postnatale est surtout caractérisée par la maturation des fibres juste après la naissance, et par l’accroissement de leur diamètre jusqu’au stade adulte.
Physiologie du développement du tissu osseux
Authors: PASTOUREAU P.
Published: August 2020

Le tissu osseux est un tissu conjonctif qui a la particularité de se minéraliser. Ceci confère à l’os ses propriétés de banque minérale et de soutien mécanique de l’organisme. De son bon développement dépend celui de tous les autres tissus. Il est ainsi mis en place très tôt au cours de la période foetale et reste sous étroit contrôle, notamment endocrinien (GH et IGF-1), pendant toute la croissance mais aussi chez l’adulte dont le tissu osseux est le siège d’un remodelage permanent. La physiologie du développement du tissu osseux est bien connue, en particulier lorsqu’elle concerne l’ostéogenèse et la croissance des os longs. Le cartilage de conjugaison est le principal responsable de la croissance en longueur d’un os long, puisqu’il est le siège de la prolifération des chondrocytes ainsi que de l’ossification endochondrale, mécanisme par lequel le cartilage est transformé en os. La minéralisation de cet os néoformé constitue alors le stade ultime du développement du tissu osseux : elle se caractérise par la précipitation de cristaux d’hydroxyapatite au sein d’une matrice organique riche en collagène de type I. Des méthodes d’évaluation de plus en plus spécifiques (histomorphométrie et dosage sérique de l’ostéocalcine) peuvent être utilisées pour apprécier l’effet des principaux facteurs de variation de la croissance osseuse ; une meilleure connaissance de ces derniers permet d’envisager la possibilité de pouvoir agir directement sur l’os.
Le concept d’indice de fibrosité des aliments des ruminants
Authors: SAUVANT D. , DULPHY J.P. , MICHALET-DOREAU B.
Published: August 2020

L’indice de fibrosité (IF) des aliments et des rations est égal aux durées d’ingestion et de rumination par kg de matière sèche (mn/kg MS). Une baisse de la valeur IF d’un régime se traduit par une moindre motricité ruminale et sécrétion salivaire, elle est en outre associée à une baisse de taux butyreux du lait et à un accroissement des risques de pathologie digestive. Les valeurs IF des aliments s’échelonnent suivant un large éventail (0 à 250 mn/kg MS). Dans l’état actuel des connaissances publiées, le concept d’IF peut être utilisé comme indicateur, mais il ne peut pas être considéré comme une unité d’alimentation.
KORELASI KECERDASAN SPIRITUAL TERHADAP PROFESIONALITAS PENDIDIK DI SMP NEGERI 34 SAMARINDA
Authors: Mahnunah Siti
Published: August 2020

Kecerdasan Spiritual merupakan salah satu aspek kecerdasan pada manusia yang menentukan kinerja seseorang dalam pekerjaannya, khususnya bagi seorang pendidik disaat sistem pendidikan saat ini menjadi salah satu kegiatan yang terkena dampak pandemic covid-19, dimana kecerdasaan spirtual menjadi tolak ukur dalam menuntaskan kewajiban dan tanggungjawab sebagai seorang pendidik. Maka penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui korelasi antara kecerdasan spiritual dengan profesionalitas seorang pendidik dalam menghadapi tantangan global saat ini. Penelitian ini merupakan Field Research yang menggunakan pendekatan kuantitaif, data yang diperloeh melalui observasi, kuisioner, dan dokumentasi. Adapun variabel penelitaian ini ialah  kecerdasan spiritual dan profesionalitas guru, dan untuk mengetahui koelasi antar kedua variabel tersebut, maka mengunakan analisis data statistik berupa koefesien korelasi spearman dengan nilai signifikansi 5% sebesar 0,025 melalui IBM SPSS 20. Hasil penelitian ialah sebesar 0,756 dengan nilai signifikansi 0, sedangkan berdasarkan pada tabel interpretasi menyatakan bahwa hubungan antara kedua variabel ini ialah tinggi/kuat dan nilai signifikansi dalam korelasi ialah 0 yang lebih kecil dari 0,025 dengan kata lain kedua variabel ini memiliki ketrekaitan yang sangat erat.
Gödelian sentences and semantic arguments
Authors: Sandu Gabriel
Published: August 2020

This paper contains some philosophical reflections on Gödelian (undecidable) sentences and the recognition of their truth using semantic arguments. These reflections are not new, similar matters have been extensively addressed in the philosophical literature. The matter is rather one of emphasis.
Popularização das informações a partir do canal do Youtube do projeto CORONAGIS
Authors: Nascimento Junior Lindberg , Reginato Vivian , Meliani Paulo , Menegon Fabrício , Ribeiro Eduardo
Published: August 2020

O paradoxo da pandemia da COVID-19 mostrou que mesmo em tempos informacionais, nunca se consumiu tantas informações falsas (popularmente conhecidas como Fake News). Inúmeros veículos de informações (imprensa, blogs pessoais, consórcios de empresas de comunicação, entre outros) buscaram criar mecanismos de controle, avaliação e checagem sobre a veracidade sobre as mais variadas informações, no entanto, estes esforços encontram uma árdua luta, sobretudo no que tange aquelas relativas à Covid-19. Deste contexto, apresenta-se neste relato de experiência um conjunto de ações desenvolvidas pelo Projeto CoronaGis, sobretudo, as que são relativas à análise epidemiológica e cartográfica da Covid-19 em Santa Catarina e seus impactos associados. O objetivo do relato é compartilhar os resultados das atividades de difusão do conhecimento do projeto, o canal Corongis Soluções Cartográficas na plataforma Youtube, e com isso debater e problematizar o caráter central dos fundamentos científicos para análise da doença.
An Innovative Intervention to Improve Respectful Maternity Care in Three Districts in Ethiopia
Authors: Jembere Birkety Mengistu , Alemu Haregeweyni , Kassa Munir , Zelalem Meseret , Abate Mehiret , Bitewulign Befikadu , Mathewos Kedest , Njoku Kendra , Prose Neil S , Magge Hema
Published: August 2020

Background: Mistreatment of women during facility-based childbirth is a major violation of human rights and often deters women from accessing skilled delivery in health facilities. In Ethiopia, mistreatment has been documented to occur in up to 49.4% of mothers delivering in health facilities. This study describes the development, implementation and results of a novel intervention to improve respectful maternity care in Ethiopia. Methods: As part of a national initiative to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia, we developed a novel respectful maternity care training module with three core components: testimonial videos, a skills-building session on communication, and onsite coaching. The respectful maternity care training was conducted in February 2017 in three districts within three regions of Ethiopia. Facility level solutions applied to enhance the experience of care for mothers as a result of the training module were documented. Safe Childbirth Checklist data measuring privacy maintained and birth companion offered during labor and delivery were collected over 27 months from 17 health centers and three hospitals in the three districts. Interrupted time series and a regression analysis were conducted to assess the significance of improvement. Results: Data analysis showed significant improvement in the percentage of births with two elements of respectful maternal care—privacy maintained and birth companionship offered—following the respectful maternity care training, which was sustained beyond the project intervention (regression coefficients ranging from 18% to 77% for births with privacy and with birth companion offered). About 23 local solutions were devised and implemented in the health facilities that improved the experience of care for mothers. Conclusion: This study suggests that integrating the respectful maternity care training into a district-wide quality improvement collaborative is effective in improving respectful maternity care. Use of a multi-pronged approach is especially helpful in enhancing respectful maternity care comprehensively. Testimonial videos helped providers to see their services from their clients’ perspective, while quality improvement training and coaching helped them reflect on potential root causes for this type of treatment and develop effective solutions.
Regional heterogeneities of health literacy in China: a population-based study
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Tian Yongquan , Xiao Shuiyuan , Gong Zhicheng , Qian Long
Published: August 2020

Background: Few studies have described the geographic variation in health literacy in China. This study aimed to investigate the regional heterogeneities of health literacy levels in the Chinese population to formulate targeted health literacy promotion strategies in different economic and cultural contexts.Methods: Multi-stage stratification and cluster sampling were used to select 70 study sites from 25 provinces or municipalities in China in 2017. Health literacy was measured using the National Resident Health Literacy Monitoring Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for the factors associated with the health literacy level in the overall and regional samples.Results: A total of 3,482 participants were included in the study, comprising 1,792 (51.5%) males and 1,690 (48.5%) females. Notable geographic variation was observed in health literacy levels. The proportion of respondents with adequate health literacy was 22.3% overall, 33.0% in the eastern region, 23.1% in the central region, and 17.6% in the western region. The proportion of adequate health literacy in the different provinces and municipalities ranged from 10.5%(Xinjiang) to 47.0%(Beijing). Being a female (odds ratio [OR]=1.360; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.153-1.605), having a high education level (OR=1.860; 95% CI: 1.671-2.070), having a high economic status (OR=1.353; 95% CI: 1.220-1.502), having a good self-rated health status (OR=1.263; 95% CI: 1.081-1.476), and having extensive community health education (OR=1.192; 95% CI: 1.034-1.374) were independently associated with adequate health literacy.Conclusions: The health literacy level of Chinese people is still low, and there are heterogeneities among different regions, between urban and rural areas, and among different social groups. Tailored health education and promotion strategies are needed for different subgroups of residents.
Direct Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles on Cysteine-rich Tags in Yeast Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhaodi , Jin Xiumei , Li Yuhua , Liu Sitong , Liu Xiao-Man , Wang Ying-Ying , Zhao Pei , Cai Xinbin , Liu Ying , Tang Yaqi , Sun Xiaobin , Liu Yan , Hu Yanyong , Li Ming , Cai Gaihong , Qi Xiangbing , Chen She , Du Li-Lin , He Wanzhong
Published: August 2020

We developed a novel auto-nucleation suppressed mechanism (ANSM) for direct synthesis of EM-visible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on cysteine-rich tags (e.g., metallothionein) in cells for single-molecule detection with electron microscopy (it accompanies our Nature Method manuscript, Jiang et al. 2020 [1]). Both tagged-fusion proteins expressed in cells (e.g.bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells) and antigens stained with antibody-tag fusion proteins can be visualized by this protocol. Here we describe the typical protocols (both the chemical fixation and the high pressure freezing cases) developed for ANSM-based AuNP synthesis in yeast cells expressing metallothionein (MTn) tags (Figure 1). This approach should be useful for EM visualization of single-molecule in yeast cells, and easier adapted for bacterial cells.
Demonstration of improved plant growth and biomass production by At1g73160 promoter-controlled root-preferential expression of the AtGA20ox gene
Authors: Ly Linh Khanh , Bui Thao Phuong , Do Phat Tien , Le Anh Van Thi , Nguyen Phong Van , Pham Ngoc Bich , Zhang Zhanyuan J. , Chu Ha Hoang
Published: August 2020

Background: Overexpression of the GA20 oxidase gene has been a recent trend for improving plant growth and biomass. Constitutive expression of GA20ox has successfully improved plant growth and biomass in several plant species. However, the constitutive expression of this gene causes side-effects, such as reduced leaf size and stem diameters. To avoid these effects, different tissue-specific promoters were identified and employed for GA20ox overexpression. In this study, we demonstrated the potential of At1g, a root-preferential promoter, for GA20ox expression to enhance plant biomass in tobacco and Melia azedarach.Results: We examined the utility of the At1g promoter to drive the expression of a GUS (β-1,4-glucuronidase) reporter and the GA20ox gene in tobacco and Melia azedarach. Histochemical GUS assays in tobacco showed that At1g was a root-preferential promoter whose expression was particularly strong in root tips. The ectopic expression of the AtGA20ox gene under the control of the At1g promoter showed improved plant growth and biomass of both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants compared to wild-type (WT) control plants. Stem length as well as stem and root fresh weights increased by up to 1.5-3 fold in transgenic tobacco and 2-fold in transgenic M. azedarach. Both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants showed increases in the root xylem width and xylem over phloem ratio by 50%–100% compared to WT plants. Importantly, no significant differences in the leaf shape or size were observed between the At1g::AtGA20ox transgenic and WT plants. Moreover, transgenic M. azedarach showed a 135% increase in stem diameter although no change was found in transgenic tobacco.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the great utility of the At1g promoter for driving the AtGA20ox gene to induce growth and biomass improvements in woody plants and potentially some other plant species.
Rural-urban disparities and factors associated with delayed care-seeking and testing for malaria before medication use by mothers of under-five children, Igabi LGA, Kaduna Nigeria
Authors: Babalola Obafemi Joseph , Ajumobi Olufemi , Ajayi IkeOluwapo O.
Published: August 2020

Background Fever in under-five children (U5) is the commonest presenting complaint in general practice and mothers’ recognition is an entry point for fever treatment, including malaria. This study describes rural-urban disparity in fever prevalence in U5, mothers’ malaria knowledge, care-seeking, testing for malaria before antimalaria medication and the associated factors.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 630 mother-child pairs (rural (300) and urban (330)) selected randomly using a multi-stage sampling from 63 villages in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Trained female data collectors administered a pre-tested structured questionnaire to collect information on mother-child demographic profiles, malaria knowledge, fever episodes in birth order last child in two weeks prior to survey, blood testing before antimalaria use, and delayed care seeking defined as care sought for fever >48 hours of onset. Malaria knowledge was categorized into good, average, and poor if the final scores were ≥75th, 50th-74th, and <50th percentiles, respectively. Frequency, proportions, and odds ratio were calculated. Statistically significant was set at p-value <0.05. Results The median age (interquartile range) of rural mothers was 30 (IQR, 10) years compared to 27 (IQR, 6) years in urban. Of the 70.0% (441/629) U5 children with fever, 58.5% (258/441) were in rural settlements. A third of the mothers whose child had fever sought care. Mothers in rural settlements were 2.8 (adjusted OR: 2.8, CI: 1.8-4.2, p <0.01) times more likely to delay care-seeking for fever. Other significant factors were poor or no knowledge of malaria transmission, poor perception of malaria as a major health problem, and household size > 5. Also, mothers who had no formal education were four times likely to receive antimalaria medications without testing fever for malaria compared to their educated counterpart (adjusted OR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.6-9.9, p <0.000).Conclusions Rural-urban disparities existed between fever prevalence in U5 children, care-seeking practices by their mothers, and factors associated with delayed care-seeking and testing the fever for malaria before antimalaria medication. Fever treatment for high impact malaria elimination in Nigeria needs a context-specific intervention rather than ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
Effect of Inhibition of GLUT1 Expression and Autophagy Modulation on the Growth and Migration of Laryngeal Carcinoma Stem Cells Under Hypoxic and Low-Glucose Conditions
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hong , Liu Jia , Zhong Jiang-Tao , Zhou Shui-Hong , Fan Jun
Published: August 2020

Background: Enhanced glucose uptake and autophagy are means by which cells adapt to stressful microenvironments. We investigated the roles of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and autophagy in laryngeal carcinoma stem cells under hypoxic and low-glucose conditions.Methods: CD133+ Tu212 laryngeal carcinoma stem cells were purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting and subjected to hypoxic and/or low-glucose conditions. Proliferation was evaluated using a cell-counting kit and a clone-formation assay, and migration was evaluated through a Transwell assay. Autophagy was assessed via transmission electron microscopy. GLUT-1 and beclin-1 expression were silenced using an shRNA and autophagy was manipulated using rapamycin, 3-MA, or chloroquine. Gene expression levels were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and protein concentrations were assessing via Western blotting. Results: Compared to CD133– stem cells, CD133+ cells showed increased proliferation and migration, and reduced apoptosis, under hypoxic or low-glucose conditions. They also showed increased expression of GLUT-1 and autophagy markers. Finally, GLUT-1 knockdown or autophagy inhibition reduced their proliferation and migration.Conclusions: Enhanced glucose uptake and autophagy maintain the functions of CD133+ laryngeal carcinoma stem cells under hypoxic and low-glucose conditions.
Astrocytic IGF-1 and IGF-1R Orchestrate Mitophagy in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dabin Ren , Wei Chen , Liang Shu , Ke Cao , Zhihan Wang , Zheng Ping
Published: August 2020

Background

Defective brain hormonal signaling and autophagy have been associated with neurodegeneration after brain insults, characterized by neuronal loss and cognitive dysfunction. However, less studies have link them in the context of brain injury. Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an important hormone that contributes to growth, cell proliferation and autophagy, also expressed in the brain.
Methods

We applied proteomics to investigate the role of astrocytic IGF-1 in TBI and related neuroprotective mechanisms.
Results

We found reduced plasma IGF-1 is correlated with cognition in TBI patients. Overexpression of astrocytic IGF-1 improves cognitive dysfunction in TBI mice and cocultured astrocytes prevent neuronal excitotoxicity with IGF-1 pathway dependent. At the molecular level, proteomics data show IGF-1 related NF-kB pathway transcriptionally regulates decapping mRNA2 (Dcp2) and miR-let-7, together with IGF-1R to orchestrate mitophagy in TBI. Finally, we demonstrate that TBI induces impaired mitophagy at the chronic stage and IGF-1 treatment could facilitate the mitophagy marker.
Conclusion

By showing that IGF-1 is an important mediator of the beneficial effect of neural-endocrine network in TBI models, our findings place IGF-1/IGF-1R as a potential target capable of non-coding RNAs and opposing mitophagy failure and cognition impairment in TBI.
A Network Pharmacology-based Analysis of the Molecular Mechanism of Tanreqing in the Treatment of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Yang Liuliu , Wen Minyong , Zheng Wenjiang , Liu Xiaohong , wang yong
Published: August 2020

Background: This paper discusses the molecular mechanism of Tanreqing (TRQ) in the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using the network pharmacology approach. Our study provides new ideas on the laboratory research and clinical treatment of the disease. Method: Information on the chemical constituents of TRQ and the genes targeted by the disease was collected. The common gene targets of the drug and the disease were input into the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins（STRING）database to understand the interaction among target proteins. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and a network of the chemical constituents of TRQ and their targets were constructed using Cytoscape. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed using the R program and other relevant software packages. Results: Twenty-eight active chemical constituents and 365 gene targets were identified for TRQ. Out of these genes, 113 were also found to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Enrichment analysis revealed the therapeutic role that TRQ could have played in the treatment of COVID-19, via the regulation of important pathways such as the renin–angiotension system, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, phospholipase D (PLD) signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study attempts to predict the molecular mechanism of TRQ in the treatment of COVID-19, and suggests TRQ intervention through multiple targets and pathways in processes including inflammatory response, immune regulation, and apoptosis during the treatment of the disease. This study indicates the potential rational application of TRQ in the clinical treatment of COVID-19.
A Comparative Analysis of Nosocomial Infections between Internal and Surgical Intensive Care Units of a University Hospital in Birjand, Iran from 2015 to 2016: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Azadeh , Allahyari Elaheh , Nikoomanesh Fatemeh , Zare_bidaki Majid
Published: August 2020

Background:The aim of this study was to investigate and then to compare the prevalence of nosocomial infections (NIs) in the patients admitted to the surgery and internal Intensive Care Units(ICU) as well as studying the risk factors involved.Methods:In this cross-sectional descriptive, patients admitted to ICUs were studied over a year .Clinical data of patients, including demographic information, length of stay, underlining disease, the rate of patient with NIs and distribution of NIs sites and pathogens were collected. Univariate and multivariate logestic regression were carried out to determine the factors associated with NIs.Results:A total of 1018 patients were studiedincluding surgical ICU (n = 665) and internal ICU (n = 353). The incidence rate of NI in surgical and internal ICUs was 67(10.1%) and 96(27.2%), respectively. The most common NI in the internal ICU were respiratory tract infections( RTI ,46.9%) and urinary tract infections (UTI, 37.5%), while in the surgical ICU, the most common infections were respiratory tract infections (RTI, 38.3%) and surgical-site infections (SSI, 22.0%), respectively. The major factors the length of stay and the use of nasogastric intubation (NG tubes) were associated with NIs in both ICUs.Conclusions:The incidence of infections in the internal ICU were more than the surgical ICU. Age, underlying diseases, the long stay, used of ventilator and NG tube were factors associated with NIs rate in internal ICU.Trial registration:This study was the result of two research works with ethics code (IR.BUMS.REC.1394-17 and IR.BUMS.REC.1394-27).
A Non-Synonymous Variant of Complement Factor B Associated with Risk of Chronic Hepatitis B in a Korean Population
Authors: Seo Jung Yeon , Shin Joong Gon , Youn Byeong Ju , Namgoong Suhg , Cheong Hyun Sub , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Kim Ji On , Shin Hyoung Doo , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: August 2020

Background: Hepatitis B is known to cause several forms of liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous genome-wide association study of CHB risk has demonstrated that rs12614 of complement factor B (CFB) was significantly associated with CHB risk. This association study was conducted in order to identify genetic effects of CFB single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to identify additional independent CHB susceptible causal markers within a Korean population.Methods: A total of 10 CFB genetic polymorphisms were selected and genotyped in 1,716 study subjects comprised of 955 CHB patients and 761 population controls. Results: A non-synonymous variant, rs12614 (Arg32Trp) in exon2 of CFB, had significant associations with risk of CHB (odds ratio = 0.43, P = 5.91×10-10). Additional linkage disequilibrium and conditional analysis confirmed that rs12614 had independent genetic effect on CHB susceptibility with previously identified CHB markers. The genetic risk scores (GRSs) were calculated and the CHB patients had higher GRSs than the population controls. Moreover, OR was found to increase significantly with cumulative GRS. Conclusions: rs12614 showed significant genetic effect on CHB risk within the Korean population. As such rs12614 may be used as a possible causal genetic variant for CHB susceptibility.
An ApiAP2 transcription factor influencing virulence gene transcription and sexual development in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Cubillos Eliana , Prata Isadora , Fotoran Wesley , Cardenas Nicolas , Alonso Diego , Ribolla Paulo , Ranford-Cartwright Lisa , Wunderlich Gerhard
Published: August 2020

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum expresses variant PfEMP1 proteins on the infected erythrocyte, which function as ligands for endothelial receptors in capillary vessels, leading to erythrocyte sequestration and severe malaria. The factors that orchestrate the mono-allelic expression of the 50-60 PfEMP1-encoding var genes within each parasite genome are still not fully identified. Here, we show that the transcription factor PfAP2-O influences the transcription of var genes and other multigenic families. The temporary knockdown of PfAP2-O leads to a complete loss of var transcriptional memory and a decrease in cytoadherence. AP2-O-knocked down parasites exhibited also significant reductions in transmission through Anopheles mosquitoes. We propose that PfAP2-O is one of the major virulence gene transcriptional regulators and may, therefore, be exploited as an important target to disrupt severe malaria and block parasite transmission.
Low and High output power of 810nm Diode Laser: a new combined protocol to treat the Dentine Hypersensitivity evocated in presence of Non-Carious Cervical lesions.
Authors: Femiano Felice , Femiano Rossella , Femiano Luigi , Scotti Nicola , Sorice Rossella
Published: August 2020

Background The current study evaluates the desensitizing effect of the combination of two different output powers and compares it with single power diode laser.Methods Sixty-nine non carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), responsible of pain by DH after application of test of cold stimulation, were considered for this research. Three study groups were established by analyzing only one lesion in 3 different selected quadrants of the oral cavity in order to obtain a minimum of 3 lesions per patient to treat individually with different therapeutic protocols. All treatment protocols were carried out using a diode laser with different power outcomes used singularly or in combination (810 nm, 5W). The pain by DH was evaluated at baseline, at treatment completion, at 15 days and at 3 months after each laser procedure. Data analysis was performed using Wilcoxon test for paired samples, one-way ANOVA test and unpaired t-test.Results The significant reduction of the mean VAS score has been estimated in each study group immediately, at 15 days and at 3 months’ time from the end of treatment and compared with the baseline mean VAS score (p-value < 0.0001). The best result concerning the improvement of DH symptomatology was assessed when a combined protocol of two different output powers of diode laser was used.Conclusions The author offers a new protocol of laser therapy combining two different output powers of the 810 nm diode laser to improve painful symptoms of DH from NCCL in the short and long term.
Mental Health and Marital Satisfaction Changes of Pregnant and Lactating Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gharagozloo Mahshid , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Khomami Mahnaz Bahri , Moini Ashraf , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: August 2020

Background: Women during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth are vulnerable to mental disorders in the outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). There is a relationship between mental health and marital satisfaction. This study aimed to assess mental health, anxiety, depression, and marital satisfaction among pregnant and lactating women and compared the results with non-pregnant/lactating (as control group) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.Methods: A cross-sectional study among married women in range of 18 to 45 years via online questionnaires was conducted from 20 March to 25 April, 2020. A total of 604 valid questionnaires were analyzed, including 200 pregnant women, 203 lactating women, and 201 non-pregnant/lactating women. Mental health, COVID-19-related anxiety, and marital satisfaction were respectively assessed by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS Scale). The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The scores of mental health problems in pregnant and lactating women were significantly higher than the control group (18.86±12.56 and 18.83±13.99 vs. 13.01±8.15, P<0.00). The total CDAS score in the control group was significantly less than pregnant women (30.87±10.56 vs. 26.05±6.12, P<0.001) and lactating women (30.80±11.37 vs. 26.05±6.12, P<0.001). The mean of marital satisfaction was significantly lower in the pregnant women (28.06±2.67 vs. 29.64±3.18, P < 0.001) and lactating women (28.74±3.58 vs. 29.64±3.18, p = 0.01) compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the depression among three groups (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Pregnant and lactating women had more mental health problems, more anxiety and less marital satisfaction in comparison to non-pregnant/lactating women in the course of COVID-19 outbreaks. Further study is needed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 prevalence on mental health and marital satisfaction of pregnant and lactating women, considering the socioeconomic status.
A Survey Among Italian Pregnant Women and New-mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.
Authors: STAMPINI Viviana , MONZANI Alice , CARISTIA Silvia , FERRANTE Gianluigi , GERBINO Martina , AMADORI Roberta , RABBONE Ivana , SURICO Daniela
Published: August 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemics, drastic measures for social distancing have been introduced also in Italy. The purpose of this study was to describe some aspects of lifestyle, access to health services, and mental wellness of Italian pregnant women and new-mothers during the lockdown. We carried out a web-based survey to assess how pregnant women and new-mothers were coping with the lockdown. Expected outcomes were categorized in different analysis domains: psychological well-being and support, physical exercise, dietary habits, access to care, delivery and obstetric care, neonatal care and breastfeeding.We included 742 respondents (response rate 86.2%), 603 were pregnant (81.3%) and 139 (18.7%) had delivered during lockdown. We found a high score for anxiety and depression in 62.7% of pregnant women and 61.9% of new-mothers. During the lockdown, 61.9% of pregnant women reduced their physical exercise, and 79.8% reported to eat in a healthier way. 94.2% of new-mothers reported to have breastfed their babies during hospital staying. Regarding the impact of restrictive measures on breastfeeding, no impact was reported by 56.1% of new-mothers, a negative impact by 36.7%.The higher prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women and new-mothers should be a public health issue. Clinicians might also consider to recommend and encourage “home” physical exercise. On the other hand, most women improved their approach towards healthy eating during the lockdown and a very high breastfeeding rate was reported soon after birth: these data are an interesting starting point to develop new strategies for public health.
The Rate and Influencing Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding for the First 6 Months in Nanjing, China
Authors: Chen Ling , Zhang Lei , Xu Qu , Dong Jing , Liu Ling Xia , Chen Min , Hu Yao Fang , Xiang Si Jia , Zhang Min , Qian Jun , Chi Xia
Published: August 2020

Background: The rates of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months in China are relatively low. The purpose of our study was to investigate the rate and influencing factors of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months in Nanjing, China.Methods: A total of 1261 mothers from six community healthcare centres in the main urban and suburban districts of Nanjing were enrolled from January 2019 to June 2019. A multivariate logistic regression analysis and chi-squared test were used to explore the factors related to exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.Results: The rate of exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months was 29.4% in our study. A high education level, caesarean delivery, gestational age <37 weeks, having babysitters care for their babies, taking medicine during lactation and using a bottle to feed breast milk were shown to be associated with non-exclusive breast-feeding. The reasons for providing milk formula to babies were different among different stages in the first 6 months. A common reason for giving up exclusive breast-feeding was a perceived insufficiency of breast milk.Conclusion: Investigating the reasons and then implementing the corresponding measures would improve exclusive breast-feeding in the future.
Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia Coli for Ectoine Production with the Fermentation Strategy of Supplementing Amino Donor
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhao Ming , Dong Yingsheng , Cao Yingying , Ma Yanqin , Luo Zhengshan , Li Sha , Xu Hong
Published: August 2020

Background: Ectoine, a compatible solute, has broad application prospects in food biotechnology, agriculture, medicine, and cosmetics because of its protective action on biological compounds. Industrially, ectoine is produced by halophilic bacteria in a complex process. Recently, various works focus on improving ectoine production by using engineered strains, but there are still problems of low yield and low ectoine production efficiency.Results: To overcome the drawback, a final metabolic engineered strain E. coli ET08 was constructed by eliminating lysine synthesis branch and by-product metabolic pathways, and ectoine production reached 10.2 g/L through culture medium optimization. Compared with nitrate, addition of ammonium salt contributed more to the ectoine synthesis. Furthermore, the ammonium sulphate boosted more ectoine titers than ammonium chloride and sodium glutamate. The analysis of transcriptional levels revealed that the ammonium sulfate enhanced ectoine biosynthesis by enhancing metabolic flux toward ectoine biosynthesis and providing affluent synthetic precursors. Ultimately, the ectoine production and yield of the E. coli ET08 reached 36.5 g/L and 0.3 g/g glucose with supplementing amino donor in a 7.5 L bioreactor.Conclusions: a novel potential metabolic engineered Escherichia coli for ectoine production was constructed. optimizing amino donor and analyzing the transcription levels conclude that ammonium sulfate, as the optimal amino donor, has a positive effect on ectoine synthesis. It is the first report about the effect of exogenous amino donor on ectoine fermentation by metabolic engineered strain. The maximum ectoine production and yield from glucose synthesized by E. coli were obtained by two-stage feeding fermentation with supplementing amino donor. It provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of ectoine by engineered strain in industry. This research provides the basis for an effective process for ectoine production, together with the further applications of ectoine in food and cosmetics, and could also be used to produce other high value amino acid derivative.
Inhibitory Effect of Protocatechuic Acid on Platelet Aggregation Induced by High Shear Stress
Authors: He Cui , Yu Lihua , Dan Wenran , Mu Fenglin , Deng Surong , Ma Haidong , Liu Beizhong , Li Yuan
Published: August 2020

Background Platelet aggregation helps stop bleeding and thrombosis and blocks atherosclerosis, a cause of heart and cerebrovascular disease. Presently, bleeding and drug resistance are the most common side effects of clinically used antiplatelet drugsthus, it is particularly important to identify new antiplatelet drugs that can avoid or reduce these side effects. Method In this study,we used microfluidic chips in vitro to simulate the highly narrow bionic blood vessels of atherosclerosis to investigate the platelet aggregation on shear force-induced drug inhibition. Use flow cytometry to detect platelet activation markers（CD62P）.And thromboelasmograph and automatic coagulation analyzer were used to detect the coagulation function of blood after the action of protocatechuic acid. Results we found that platelets strongly aggregated after passing through the highly narrow microfluidic channel, and the aggregation can be inhibited by protocatechuic acid and CD42b but not by aspirin, tirofiban and other drugs.and protocatechuic acid inhibits platelet aggregation mainly by inhibiting interactions between platelet glycoprotein 1b (GPIb) and von Willebrand factor (vWF)，but does not activate platelets（ did not increase the expression of CD62P, a platelet activation marker）.In addition, protocatechuic acid did not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation induced by other endogenous agonists, such as collagen and ADP.It was found that the inhibitory effect of protocatechuic acid on platelet aggregation did not affect blood production, coagulation time, or coagulation function, reducing the drug resistance and frequent bleeding caused by aspirin. Conclusion Protocatechuic acid could selectively inhibit high shear force-induced platelet aggregation without affecting blood clotting function, However, the effect of the combination of the Protocatechuic acid and aspirin or other drugs remains to be studied. Therefore, we will conduct further studies on protocatechuic acid for new antithrombotic drugs, which can prevent thrombosis without affecting clotting time.
Middle Cerebral Artery-to-Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index Ratio Independently Predicts Adverse Perinatal Outcome in Pregnancies at Term
Authors: Zhou Sufen , Guo Hongyan , Liu Heng , Li Mingqun
Published: August 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate potential predictors, including cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), middle cerebral artery (MCA)/uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) ratio, for adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies at term.Methods: This was an observational, prospective study of recruited pregnancies at term. An adverse perinatal outcome was set as the primary observational endpoint. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to investigate the predictive and cut-off values of risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome. Independent risk factors (maternal, neonatal, prenatal ultrasound and Doppler variables) for adverse perinatal outcome were evaluated by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: A total of 392 pregnancies at term were included and 19.4% of them had suffered adverse perinatal outcome. CPR (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.20-0.93, P=0.032) and MCA/uterine artery PI ratio (OR: 0.25, 95%CI: 0.16-0.42, P=0.032) were two independent risk factors for adverse perinatal outcome by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Conclusions: MCA/uterine artery PI ratio is a good predictor of adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies at term.
WITHDRAWN: Intra-Ovarian Injection of Bone Marrow c-Kit+ Cells Induced Ovarian Rejuvenation in Menopausal Rats
Authors: Sheshpari Sepideh , Shahnazi Mahnaz , Ahmadian Shahin , Nouri Mohammad , Abbasi Mehran Mesgari , Beheshti Rahim , Rahbarghazi Reza , Honaramooz Ali , Mahdipour Mahdi
Published: August 2020

Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition caused by ovarian insuffiency during the reproductive age that affects ~1% of women globally. Many attempts have been collected to find feasible and effective approach to reduce POF consequences in females. In this regard, cell-based therapies with certain cell types are touted as novel and hopeful therapeutic intervention in the clinical setting. Methods: To evaluate the restoration of ovarian function after intra-ovarian transplantation of bone marrow-derived c-Kit+ cells, a rat model of ovarian failure was produced. Rats were treated with 160 mg/kg/BW of 4-vinylcyclohexene dioxide (VCD) for 15 consecutive days. Using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) technique, freshly isolated rat bone marrow-derived c-Kit+ and c-Kit- cells (4×105 cells/10 µL) were enriched and transplanted into the ovaries of treatment and control animals, respectively. Prior to transplantation as well as 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-transplantation, randomly-selected rats were euthanized and ovarian tissues were subjected to pathohistological examinations and real-time PCR analyses.Results: Premature ovarian failure (POF) status was confirmed by the presence of pathological features and a decreased number of immature and mature follicles compared with control group (p<0.05). Histological examination revealed a substantial reduction of atretic follicles in POF rats receiving c-Kit+ cells in comparison with POF rats that did not receive these cells (p<0.05). Compared with control samples, angiogenesis-related genes, Angpt2 and KDR, showed increased and decreased expression in POF ovaries, respectively (p<0.05). c-Kit+ cells had potential to restore angiogenesis in the ovarian tissue to within normal ranges. Systemic levels of FSH did not significantly change in pre- or post-transplantation time points for any group (p>0.05). Notable reduction of collagen deposition was found in c-Kit treated rats. Transplantation of c-Kit+ cells also restored the reduced fertility rate (p<0.05).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that intra-ovarian administration of bone marrow-derived c-Kit+ cells can modulate angiogenesis signaling and pathological changes, leading to the rejuvenation of ovarian function of a rat model of premature menopause.
Assessing Clinical Change in Individuals Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts: The Repetitive Head Impact Composite Index
Authors: Bernick Charles , Shan Guogen , Bennett Lauren , Alberts Jay , Cummings Jeffrey
Published: August 2020

Background: There is a current lack of any composite measure for the effective tracking and monitoring of executive function in individuals exposed to repetitive head impacts (RHI). The aim of this study is to create a composite instrument for the purposes of detecting change over time in executive function in individuals exposed to RHI.Methods: The data to derive the composite instrument came from the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study (PFBHS), a longitudinal study of active and retired professional fighters (boxers and mixed martial arts [MMA] fighters) and healthy controls. Participants in the PFBHS underwent assessment on an annual basis that included computerized cognitive testing and behavioral questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to compare active fighters (n=117) with controls (n=22), and retired fighters (n=26) with controls to identify the predictors that could be used to differentiate the groups over time. In a second step, linear discriminant analysis was performed to derive the linear discriminant coefficients for the three groups by using the predictors from the two separate logistic regression models.Results: The composite scale is a weighted linear value of 12 standardized scores consisting of both current and yearly change scores in domains including: processing speed, choice reaction time, semantic fluency, letter fluency, and Barrett Impulsiveness Scale. Because the weighting of values differed between active and retired fighters, two versions emerged. The mean and standard deviation ratio (MSDR) showed that the new index had better sensitivity compared to the individual measures, with the ratio of MSDR of the new index to that of the existing measures of at least 1.84.Conclusion: With the increasing need for tools to follow individuals exposed to RHI and the potential of clinical trials on the horizon for CTE, the RHICI is poised to serve as an initial approach to a composite clinical measure.