bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corpus Callosum Volumes in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Gender-Associated Differences and Clinical Correlations
Authors: Zhang Yun , Qin Bin , Wang Longlun , Zhang Ke , Song Cui , Chen Jie , Cai Jinhua , Li Tingyu
Published: December 2020

Background: Gender differences in clinical features is a prominent feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the corpus callosum (CC) is the largest commissural tract connecting the left and right hemispheres associated with autism symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between gender-associated clinical features and CC size in children aged 2-4 years.Methods: A prospective study of 100 children aged 2-4 years, including 50 cases with ASD (ASD group) and 50 cases with typically developing (TD group) who were matched with equivalent samples of ASD, were recruited with assessments of demographic data (gender, age, and body mass index [BMI]), clinical features (full-scale/verbal/performance IQ, ADOS, and ADI-R), and CC size measured by Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data.Results: The mid-posterior CC (MPCC), anterior-middle CC (AMCC), and total CC (TCC) volumes in ASD were higher than that in TD, and the significance these sub-regions volumes between ASD-Females and ASD-Males was existed in ASD group (all P < 0.05). Analogously, the mean of verbal IQ score in ASD-Males was significantly higher than in ASD-Females, but the scores of ADOS communication (AC) and ADOS total (AT) were lower in ASD-Males (all P < 0.05). AC and AT scores were significantly and positively related to MPCC, AMCC and TCC volumes (all P < 0.05), but verbal IQ score was significantly and negatively associated with MPCC, AMCC and TCC volumes (all P < 0.05). In ASD-Males and -Females, both AC and AT scores increase with the change of MPCC, AMCC and TCC volumes, but VIQ decline.Conclusion: The language ability, including communication and verbal IQ, of ASD aged 2-4 years old has gender differences, which may be related to the CC size, especially the MPCC and AMCC.
Sensitivity of Dirac fermion and Weyl fermion by the Energy Conservation Law of Lenz
Authors: Oh Teresa , Li Xiangjiang
Published: December 2020

The law of Lenz as an energy conservation law between the electric field and the magnetic field allows the charge current and spin current generated by matters and antimatters to be symmetrical with each other. Thus, there is a Lenz plane of symmetry to the electromagnet energy. Phase isolators are charged current by electrons and spin current by spin. The charge current is Weyl fermion, and the spin current is Dirac fermion. The charge current and spin current are characterized by balancing each other, and the fermion, which has both particles and carriers, is Majorana fermion. The reaction was investigated when phase insulators in the state of Dirac fermion and Weyl fermion were exposed to CO2 gas. Although the sensitivity of the phase isolator has decreased as Weyl fermion makes spin current in the gas environment, the sensitivity of the phase isolator has increased as Dirac fermion makes charge current in the gas environment. The spin current of the Dirac fermion has a super current characteristic with a resistance of zero and quantum tunneling phenomenon has occurred. According to Lenz's energy conservation law, the electron sensor has an advantage of the phase insulator in the state of Dirac fermion, where the charge current increases.
Long-Term Predialysis Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Intradialytic Cardiac Hemodynamics in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yang Jingjuan , Huang Jian , Yu Biying , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shanshan , Wu Longlong , Luo Lin , Li Lizhu , Li Li , Han Fei , Wilcox: Christopher S. , Lai En Yin , Yang Yi
Published: December 2020

The association in hemodialysis patients between long-term predialysis blood pressure variability and intradialytic cardiac hemodynamics was assessed prospectively in 1070 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis for more than 3 months. Predialysis blood pressure variability was assessed over 1-year intervals. Outcomes included factors were intradialytic hypotension and change in rate-pressure product. The final cohort’s mean age was 59 years, and 57% were males. Greater predialysis systolic blood pressure variability was associated with an increased risk of intradialytic hypotension (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.097; 95% confidence intervals 1.055 to 1.140) and change in rate-pressure product (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.213; 95% confidence intervals 1.163 to 1.265). Results were similar when blood pressure variability was stratified by baseline systolic blood pressure. Factors associated with higher systolic blood pressure variability were older age, female sex, longer duration of dialysis, and diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, and lower levels of serum albumin. In conclusion, greater predialysis systolic blood pressure variability among hemodialysis patients was associated with greater intradialytic cardiac hemodynamic instability. Strategies to reduce blood pressure variability might be beneficial for hemodialysis patients.
How Do N Addition Affect Soil Fungal Community Assembly: Short- Versus Long-term Effects?
Authors: He Jinhong , Jiao Shuo , Tan Xiangping , Wei Hui , Ma Xiaomin , Nie Yanxia , Liu Juxiu , Lu Xiankai , Mo Jiangming , Shen Weijun
Published: December 2020

Background: Soil fungi play critical roles in ecosystem processes and are sensitive to global changes. Elevated atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been well documented to impact on fungal diversity and community composition, but how fungal community assembly respond to short- and long-term simulative N deposition remains poorly understood. Here, we carried out two field experiments to investigate the soil fungal community variations and assembly processes under short- (2 years) versus long-term (13 years) exogenous nitrogen addition (100 kg N ha-1 yr-1) in a N-rich tropical forest of China. Results: We observed that short-term N addition significantly increased fungal taxonomic and phylogenetic α-diversity, and shifted fungal community composition with significant increases in the relative abundance of Ascomycota and saprotrophic fungi, and decreases in the relative abundance of Basidiomycota and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi. However, unremarkable effects were found under long-term N addition. The variations of fungal α-diversity, community composition, the relative abundance of major phyla, genera and functional guilds were mainly correlated with soil pH and the concentrations of NO3--N, and these correlations were much stronger under short- than long-term N addition. The results of null, neutral community models and the 39 normalized stochasticity ratio (NST) index consistently revealed that stochastic processes played predominant roles in the assembly of soil fungal community under N addition in the tropical forest, and that the relative contributions of stochastic processes were higher at short-term site. Furthermore, both short- and long-term N addition slightly loosened the co-occurrence networks of the fungal community. Conclusions: These findings highlighted that the responses of fungal community structure to N addition were duration-dependent, i.e., the fungal community was sensitive to the short-term N addition but become acclimatized to long-term N enrichment.
Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles-encapsulated Bacterial Genotoxin for Targeted Therapy of Radioresistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chen Yu-An , Lai Yi-Ru , Wu Hui-Yu , Lo Yen-Ju , Chang Yu-Fang , Hung Chiu-Lien , Lin Chun-Jung , Lo U-Ging , Lin Ho , Hsieh Jer-Tsong , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Lin Yu-Hsin , Lai Chih-Ho
Published: December 2020

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men and usually becomes refractory because of recurrence and metastasis. CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein, serves as a receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA) and has been found to be abundantly expressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs) that often exhibit a radioresistant phenotype. Cytolethal distending toxin subunit B (CdtB), produced by Campylobacter jejuni, is a genotoxin acts as a type I deoxyribonuclease (DNase I), which is responsible for creating DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Nanoparticles loaded with antitumor drugs and specific ligands that recognize cancerous cell receptors are promising methods to overcome the therapeutic challenges. Results: In this study, PCa cells with DOC-2/DAB2 interactive protein (DAB2IP) knockdown were employed to imitate the CSC with radioresistant phenotype. We further prepared HA-decorated nanoparticles-encapsulated CdtB (HA-CdtB-NPs) and investigated the targeted therapeutic activity in radioresistant PCa cells. Our results showed that HA-CdtB-NPs sensitized radioresistant PCa cells by enhancing DSB and causing G2/M cell-cycle arrest, without affecting the normal prostate epithelial cells. These results demonstrate that HA-CdtB-NPs possess maximum target-specificity and delivery efficiency of CdtB into the nucleus, and enhance the effect of radiation in radioresistant PCa cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate that HA-loaded CdtB nanoparticles exert target-specificity accompanied with radiomimetic activity, which can be developed as an effective agent for overcoming radioresistance in PCa.
The Role of Non-governmental Organizations in Community-based COVID-19 Education: A Qualitative Study in South Africa and Zambia
Authors: Johnston Jamie , Aluri Kelly Zhang , Kuhnert Kira-Leigh , Job Nophiwe , Prober Charles
Published: December 2020

BackgroundEnsuring access to accurate and actionable health information is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in low-resource settings. Among marginalized groups, there are disparities in access to information, along with significant mistrust of government sources. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in community-level health education can play an important role in bridging mistrust and targeting information to reach vulnerable populations. There is a lack of research on the experiences and needs of organizations involved in disseminating health information during the pandemic. MethodsThis study uses a qualitative approach to investigate the current strategies, challenges, and needs of community-based organizations involved in COVID-19 public education. From May to June 2020, we conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with leaders of organizations in South Africa and Zambia. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions in three domains: 1) the impact of the pandemic on the communities served by the organization, 2) their COVID-19 response, and 3) organization needs and challenges during the pandemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Coding and analysis were conducted by four study authors and every interview was independently coded by 2 separate authors to maximize internal validity and consistency.Results5 themes relevant to the roles and challenges of locally active NGO’s were identified: (1) they intimately understand community needs during the pandemic; (2) they adapt to pandemic constraints to continue supporting vulnerable populations; (3) they play a unique role in educating the public about COVID-19 due to established access and trust within communities; (4) they are able to customize health education and information to address nuanced needs of local communities served; and (5) they need external support to effectively respond to the pandemic.ConclusionsOverall, our study contributes a deeper understanding of the role of NGOs in providing needed support and customized health education for vulnerable communities during a global public health crisis. To maximize their ability to support their communities, NGO’s would benefit from access to educational resources designed to be easily modified, support in navigating technological and safety challenges during the pandemic, and sustainable funding.
Mechanical Ventilation Exacerbates Poly (I:C) Induced Acute Lung Injury: Central Role for Caspase-11 and Gut-Lung Axis
Authors: Jin Shuqing , Ding Xibing , Yang Chenxuan , Li Wenbo , Deng Meihong , Liao Hong , Pitt Bruce R. , Billiar Timothy R. , Zhang Li-Ming , Li Quan
Published: December 2020

Background: The mechanisms by which moderate tidal volume ventilation (MTV) may exacerbate preexisting lung injury remain unclear. We hypothesized that in two hit model (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), a synthetic analog of dsRNA and MTV), systemic endotoxemia via gut-lung axis would lead to non-canonical (i.e. caspase-11 dependent) and canonical (caspase-1 dependent) inflammasome activation and programmed necrotic cell death (pyroptosis) contributing to acute lung injury (ALI) in intact mice.Methods: Anesthetized mice were administered Poly(I:C) intratracheally and then 6 h later, they were mechanically ventilated for 4 h with otherwise non-injurious MTV (10ml/kg). Changes in intestinal and alveolar capillary permeability were measured. Further documentation of ALI was assessed by evans blue albumin permeability, protein and IL-1 family concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or plasma, and histopathology in cohorts of wildtype, whole body genetically ablated caspase-11 (caspase-11-/-), caspase-1/caspase-11 double knockout (caspase-1/11-/-), gasdermin D (GSDMD-/-), and NLRP3-/- mice. Results: Non-injurious MTV exacerbated mild Poly(I:C) lung injury including disruption of alveolar-capillary barrier and increased levels of IL-6, HMGB1, IL-1β in BALF and IL-18 in plasma. Combined (Poly(I:C)-MTV) injury was associated with increase in gastrointestinal permeability and endotoxin in plasma and BALF. Poly(I:C)-MTV injury was sensitive to caspase-11 deletion with no further contribution of caspase-1 except for maturation and release of IL-18 (that itself was sensitive to deletion of NLRP3). Combined injury led to large increases in pro-caspase-11 and its cleaved product as well as cleaved product of caspase-1. Genetic ablation of GSDMD attenuated alveolar-capillary disruption and maturation and release of cytokines in combined injury model.Conclusions: The previously noted TLR-4 independent exacerbation of mild Poly(I:C)-induced ALI by otherwise non-injurious MTV is associated with an increase in gut permeability resulting in systemic endotoxemia. The gut-lung axis resulted in activation of pulmonary non-canonical (cytosolic mediated caspase-11 activation) and canonical (caspase-1) inflammasome (NLRP3) mediated ALI in this two hit model resulting in GSDMD sensitive alveolar capillary barrier disruption, pyroptosis (in alveolar macrophages) and cytokine maturation and release (IL-1β; IL-18). Pharmacologic strategies at disrupting communication between gut and lung, inhibition of inflammasomes or effector molecule (GSDMD) in pyroptosis may be useful in ALI.
The Analysis of The Application and Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Osteoarthritis Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology
Authors: YANG Jie , JIAO Dijin , Zhang Guoguang , LIU Juntong , QU Chao , CHEN Hongxu , CHEN Chongmin , SUN Yu
Published: December 2020

Background: Using Data Mining to retrieve the core drug of osteoarthritis in clinic, predicting the drug molecular action target through the Network Pharmacology, combining with the related targets of osteoarthritis to identify the key nodes of the interaction, exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine against osteoarthritis and other possible mechanisms of actions. Methods: Pubmed, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang Database was used to retrieve the commonly used therapeutic formulations for osteoarthritis patients in clinical, and screen out the core drugs through the Ancient and Modern Medical Case Cloud Platform and software Gephi, filtered out the core drug molecules and targets combined with TCMSP database and the targets of osteoarthritis in Genecard, OMIM database, impoting those datas into R project and Cytoscape to construct the intersection model of Drug molecule-osteoarthritis, carrying out PPI network and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis with String database. Vina molecular docking was implemented to draw molecular docking diagram, and the results were analyzed after comprehensive analysis. Results: The core drug pairs were identified as "Eucommiae Cortex - Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix" through correlation analysis, complex network analysis basing on the coefficient. "Eucommiae Cortex - Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix" can intervene cell behaviors through multiple pathways and regulate cell metabolism, cytokine synthesis, oxidative , cellular immunity as a consequence of topology analysis in String Database. Conclusions: "Eucommia bark - achyranthes" drug molecules can be combined with the target to produce hydrogen bond, hydrophobic function and Pi-Pi directly or indirectly affecting the corresponding targets, to participate in the regulation of osteogenesis and osteoclast proliferation, protect the extracellular matrix, inhibition of cell apoptosis and anti-inflammatory for resistance to osteoarthritis, also, providing the basis for interpretation of its action mechanism.
Determinants of health facility utilization during childbirth among 15 to 49-year-old women in Uganda: evidence from the Uganda demographic health survey 2016
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Musaba Milton , Kawuki Joseph , Kitutu Freddy Eric
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAlmost all maternal deaths and other related morbidities occur in low income countries. Childbirth supervised by a skilled provider in a health facility is a key intervention to prevent maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to establish the determinants of health facility utilization during childbirth in Uganda. MethodsWe used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 10,152 women aged 15 to 49 years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and we conducted multivariable logistic regression to establish the determinants of health facility utilization during childbirth. All our analyses were done using SPSS version 25. ResultsThe proportion of women who gave birth from a health facility was 76.6% (7,780/10,152: (95% CI: 75.8-77.5). Odds of health facility birth decreased with older age. Women aged 15-19 years were twice as likely to give birth from health facilities compared to women aged 40 to 49 years (AOR=2.25; 95% CI: 1.71- 2.96). Women residing in urban areas were more likely to give birth from a health facility compared to those in rural areas (AOR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.18- 1.86), as well as those who attended ANC (AOR=3.60; 95% CI: 2.47- 5.24). Women in the Northern region were more likely to use health facilities compared to those in the Central region (AOR=2.42; 95% CI: 1.81- 3.22). Odds of health facility birth increased with rise in wealth index and education level. Women with higher education (AOR=5.15; 95% CI: 2.79- 9.52) and those in the richest wealth index (AOR=5.14; 95% CI: 3.72- 7.10) were five times more likely to give birth from a health facility compared to those with no education and those in the poorest wealth index respectively. ConclusionHealth facility utilization during childbirth was high and positively associated with; decreasing age, increasing level of education and wealth index, urban residence, Northern region and ANC attendance. We recommended that interventions to promote health facility childbirths in Uganda should target the poor, less educated and older women especially those residing in rural areas.
Physical Properties of PVDF-GO/Black-TiO2 Nanofibers and its Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Malachite Green Dyes
Authors: Abdelmaksoud M K , Mohamed Alaa , Sayed Abderrahman , Khairy S A
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBlack TiO2 and Graphene Oxide (GO) have attracted intensive attention as an effective catalyst on visible light driven for photodegrading of dyes. In this study, nano-black TiO2 was prepared by a simple hydrogenation of the anatase titanium oxide and the graphene oxide was prepared by applying the modified Hummers method. The prepared powders and nanofiber membranes are carefully examined to ensure their single phase and compound structure formation as well as to measure the equivalent crystallite size and particle distributions. ResultsThe optimum degradation efficiency of malachite green and methylene blue dyes occurred at pH values of 8 and 10, respectively. Afterwards, at the optimum pH value of 8, for malachite green, the degradation efficiency is peaked at 20 mg of the nano-black TiO2 concentration. Then, a comparison of the degradation efficiency of the two mentioned dyes are performed as the fore-mentioned nanofibers are loaded with 20 mg nano-black TiO2 at the corresponding optimum pH vales. ConclusionsThe diffuse reflectance spectroscopy has been investigated to find out the optical energy gaps of the treated and nano-black samples. Finally, a schematic of the redox reaction mechanism has been proposed.
Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index in Recurrent Glioblastoma: A New Prognostic Factor?
Authors: Barz Melanie , Bette Stefanie , Janssen Insa , Aftahy A. Kaywan , Huber Thomas , Liesche-Starnecker Friederike , Ryang Yu-Mi , Wiestler Benedikt , Combs Stephanie E. , Meyer Bernhard , Gempt Jens
Published: December 2020

Backround: For recurrent glioblastoma (GB) patients, several therapy options have been established over the last years such as more aggressive surgery, re-irradiation or chemotherapy. Age and the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPSS) are used to make decisions for these patients as these are established as prognostic factors in the initial diagnosis of GB. This study’s aim was to evaluate preoperative patient comorbidities by using the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) as a prognostic factor for recurrent GB patients.Methods: In this retrospective analysis we could include 133 patients with surgery for primary recurrence of GB from January 2007 until December 2016 (49 females, 84 males, mean age 58 years (range 21–80 years)). Preoperative age, sex, ACCI, KPSS and adjuvant treatment regimes were recorded for each patient. Extent of resection (EOR) was recorded as a complete/incomplete (including biopsy) resection of the contrast-enhancing tumor part.Results: Median overall survival (OS) after initial diagnosis was 20.0 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 17.2-22.9)) and 9.0 months (95% CI 7.1-10.9 months) after first re-resection. Preoperative KPSS > 80% (P<0.001) and ACCI <7 (P=0.020) were associated with significantly improved survival in univariate analysis. Including these preoperative factors in multivariate analysis, preoperative KPSS (≥80/<80) is the only significant prognostic factor (HR 1.934[1.3-3.0], P=0.003), whereas ACCI (<7/≥7) missed statistical significance (HR 1.608[0.8-3.1], P=0.154). Conclusion: ACCI might be an additional prognostic factor for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, especially in those with many comorbidities. However, besides the well-established KPSS, the ACCI does not add further information about patients’ prognosis.
First detections of stellar coronal mass ejections through coronal dimmings
Authors: Veronig Astrid , Odert Petra , Leitzinger Martin , Dissauer Karin , Fleck Nikolaus , Hudson Hugh
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mental Health Support for COVID-19; A Retrospective Report on the Psychosocial Response Strategy in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Oshodi Yewande , Umeh Charles , Sokunbi Modupe , Ajomale Tolu , Fadipe Babatunde , Ajirotutu Omotayo , Kajero Jaiyeola , Fashanu Chizoba , Nyamali Oluyemisi , Coker Olurotimi , Akinyosoye Mofeyisope , Ejiegbu Anne , Adeoye Adefemi , Babalola Gbonjubola , Abiodun Adejoke , Olusanya Oluwatoyin , Chiadika Chris , Owolabi Israel , Ekperechukwu Chigozie , Samuel Aduragbemi , Lebimoyo Azizat , Oyatokun Bolutife , Abdur-Razzak Hussein , Anibaba Moyosore , Saka Babatunde , Adebayo Bisola , Abdus-Salam Ismael , Ogboye Olusegun , Bode Christopher , Osibogun Akin , Abayomi Akin
Published: December 2020

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic has been described to have significant effects on the mental health and emotional well-being of people all over the world generally. This study aimed at describing the set up and functions of the psychosocial support service for the COVID-19 response in Lagos South West Nigeria.Methods: A retrospective and descriptive overview of the psychosocial support for covid-19 patients supported in Lagos, Nigeria over a four-month period. Remote interventions given included Psychological first aid, counselling, psycho pharmacology, and virtual support group sessions. Results: The Psychosocial care provided was a part of the Covid-19 outbreak response strategy in Lagos State, Nigeria. Over 43,000 support calls were made to Covid-19 positive persons; 1,316 hospitalised patients were supported remotely during isolation and more than half declined admission, opting to self-isolate at home instead. Psychosocial home care support group sessions and discharge support groups held. Liaison with all other thematic pillars of the response was key. Conclusion: A comprehensive multidisciplinary mental health and psychosocial support service is an integral part of the management strategy during the pandemic response. The Psychosocial support by the Lagos Covid-19 response presents a practical reproducible approach.
Examining the Effection of Second-and Third-trimester Rate of Gestational Weight Gain on Perinatal Outcomes Among Chinese Twin Gestations Based on the Provisional Guidelines: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Li-hua , Weng Yi-lin , Lin Ying-ying , Huang Xiu-xian , Lin Yang , Xiu Xiao-yan , Lin Juan , Yan Jianying
Published: December 2020

Background: This paper investigated how second and third trimester gestational weight gain relates toperinatal outcomes among normal weight women with twin pregnancies in Fujian, China. Methods: A retrospective study on the medical records of 931 normal weight twin pregant women was conducted in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from 2014 to 2018.The 2nd and 3rd trimester weekly weight gain rate were calculated and categorized women as gaining below, within, or above the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended rates . The association between trimester-specific weight gain rate and perinatal outcome was performed by traditional regression analysis among groups.Results:A total of 931 pregnant women and 1862 neonates were included for analysis. 25.9% ,19.8% and 54.3%% of women had less than, greater than and within the recommended rates of gain in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that greater than recommended rates of weight gain in 2nd trimester decreased the risks of preeclampsia (adjusted OR:0.458,95% CI:0.255~0.824). Less than recommended rates of weight gain in 3rd trimester increased the risk of premature delivery（adjusted OR=1.926,95%CI:1.403~2.644）, gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR = 2.052,95%CI:1.417~2.972), intrahepatic cholestasis syndrome (adjusted OR = 3.016,95%CI:1.057~8.606), premature rupture of the membrane (adjusted OR = 1.722,95%CI:1.180~2.512) and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (adjusted OR = 5.135,95%CI:1.701~15.498) and decreased the risk of cesarean section (adjusted OR = 0.587,95%CI:0.385~0.893) .In addition, greater than recommended rates of weight gain in 3rd trimester was associated with increased risks in premature delivery (adjusted OR=1.818,95%CI:1.307~2.527), and gestational hypertension (adjusted OR=2.098,95%CI:1.018~4.324) as well as preeclampsia(adjusted OR:2.029, 95%CI:1.331~3.093). The stratified analysis of weight gain in 3rd trimester showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to weight gain rate groups in 2nd trimester.Conclusions: While this study showed gestational weight gain rate less than or greater than in 3rd trimester were associated with some adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, further studies of prospective and multi-center researches are required to explore alternate ranges of gestational weight gain rate in twin pregnancies.
Facilitating Better Postnatal Care with Women-Held Documents in The Gambia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Gooden Tiffany , Gustafsson Lotta , Lu Fides , Rickard Faith , Sitch Alice , Cummins Carole , Manneh Kebba , Wilson Amie , MacArthur Christine , Manaseki-Holland Semira
Published: December 2020

Background: Women-held documents are a basic component of continuity of maternity care. The use and completion of women-held documents following discharge could improve treatment and care for postnatal women. Using a mixed-methods study design, we aimed to assess content, quality and completeness of women-held discharge documents and identify factors contributing to the effective use and handover of these documents.Methods: Documents given to women at discharge from all three hospitals in the Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia, were reviewed for content and quality. Poisson regression was used to estimate factors predicting completion of the documents. Semi-structured interviews (n=21) and two focus groups were carried out with healthcare professionals (HCPs).Results: From the 212 women included in the study, nearly all (n=211; 99%) were given a document to take home. The maternal record was the most common (n=207; 98%) and the most complete (17/26 items completed on average; 65%). None of the women’s sociodemographic or clinical characteristics were associated with the completeness of the documents. Themes identified from the interviews include HCPs completing and handing over the documents to women and the ability of women to understand and use the documents. Facilitators and barriers identified from both themes were synthesised alongside the quantitative results. Conclusions: The government-issued maternal record is well established in The Gambia and has potential to be more effective. We recommend a national protocol be established to improve consistent completion and use of the maternal record and to reduce the number of documents HCPs must complete. Training and monitoring of HCPs would ensure the document is complete, given to all women and explained to the women clearly and thoroughly.
Investigation on Prevalence of Sparganum mansoni Infection in Wild Frogs on Hainan Island of China
Authors: Fu Ruijia , Liang Pei , LU Gang , Gu Jinbao , Wang Dayong
Published: December 2020

Background: Sparganosis is a serious food-borne parasitic zoonosis, which is mainly caused by ingesting or open-wound contact of the frog flesh infected by Sparganum mansoni, or even by intake of the water contaminated by the parasite. The purpose of the study was to explore the prevalence of sparganum infection in wild frogs distributed throughout the Hainan Island, which is the largest island of the mainland of China and located at the northwest of the South China Sea, and to analyze the risk in local populations to suffer from sparganosis.Methods: From 2018 to 2020, wild frogs were collected from rural ponds, rivers and farmlands in different cities and counties throughout the Hainan Island. After weighing and marking of the frogs, the sparganums were examined and isolated. The sites of the parasite and the number of infections of each frog were recorded and analyzed by statistics analysis.Results: A total of 1556 of wild frogs were examined and isolated. 201 wild frogs were found to be infected by sparganum, and the natural infection rate of sparganum in wild frogs was 12.92% (201/1556). There were 612 sparganums found in the frogs, and the average was 3.04 per frog, while the highest infection rate of wild frogs was in Baoting, up to 32.93% (27/82). The infection rate of sparganum in wild frogs in the central region of Hainan Island is higher than other regions. Most sparganums were located in the hind legs of frog, and the number of the sparganum infection in the frogs was not related to the species and weight of the frogs.Conclusions: On Hainan Island, sparganum infection in wild frogs is relatively common, and constitutes a potential threat to human. Effective measures should be taken to control the incidence of sparganosis.
Oral Delivery of dsRNA Targeting a Female-Biased Flight Muscle Actin Impairs Flight in the Malaria Vector, Anopheles Albimanus.
Authors: Paiz-Reyes Claudia , Taracena Mabel L. , Flores-Ayuso Pamela , Hunt Catherine , Benedict Ana Cristina , Illescas Katia , Morales Mariana , Padilla Norma , Dotson Ellen M , Pennington Pamela M
Published: December 2020

BackgroundDespite the progress to eliminate malaria in Central America, focalized transmission persists, and insecticide resistance is on the rise in the primary vector, Anopheles albimanus. Many of the new control methods being developed depend on the release of a large number of male mosquitoes that must be sorted prior to release. However, An. albimanus manual pupal-sex-sorting is not feasible, and therefore, we explored the use of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting genes with a sex-biased expression for female elimination. Here, we evaluated the effect of feeding larvae with dsRNA for a female-biased orthologue of the flight muscle actin gene.ResultsTwo sex-biased actin forms were identified in An. albimanus. Gene expression analysis showed a >40-fold higher expression of the AALB015469 transcript in female pupae (p = 0.0048) and adults (p = 0.0078) when compared to males. Tissue-specific analysis also suggests this female-biased actin can be an orthologue of the flight muscle actin of Aedes aegypti. At the same time, the AALB015481 transcript showed a >40-fold higher expression in male pupae and adults when compared to females, with no detectable expression in flight muscle. The potential effects of oral-induced RNAi for the female-biased actin were evaluated. Larvae were fed a diet containing either dsRNA for the female-biased actin 3'-UTR alone or for the UTR with an adjoining portion of the C-terminal coding region. A significant number of flightless females resulted from feedings with 3' UTR alone (10.50 ± 5.92 %, p < 0.05) or with the coding region (6.00 ± 2.16 %, p < 0.01). Treatment with the 3' UTR alone resulted in a significant number of flightless males (8.25 ± 3.10 %, p < 0.01). Both diets produced significant mortality in both female and male adults (p < 0.0001). Conclusions﻿Feeding of An. albimanus larvae with dsRNA targeting the female-biased flight muscle actin orthologue impairs flight in both sexes and affects the overall survival of female and male mosquitoes. Providing dsRNA in the larval diet shows promise as a method for screening other differentially expressed genes as potential targets for female elimination in mosquito breeding facilities.
Cardiac Energetics Before, During and After Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients Using 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Macnaught Gillian , Oikonomidou Olga , Rodgers Christopher T. , Clarke William , Cooper Annette , McVicars Heather , Hayward Larry , Mirsadraee Saeed , Semple Scott , Denvir Martin A
Published: December 2020

PURPOSETo explore the utility of phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) in identifying anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity in patients with breast cancer.METHODS20 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy had cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 31P MRS to determine myocardial Phosphocreatine/Adenosine Triphosphate ratio (PCr/ATP) at three time points: pre, mid and end-chemotherapy. Plasma high sensitivity cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I) tests and electrocardiograms were also performed at these same time points. RESULTS PCr/ATP ratio did not change significantly between pre- and mid-chemo (2.16±0.46 v 2.00±0.56, p=0.80) and pre- and end-chemo (2.16±0.46 v 2.17±0.86, p=0.99). Mean LVEF reduced significantly by 5.1% between pre- and end-chemo (61.4±4.4 vs 56.3±8.1 %, p=0.02). Change in PCr/ATP ratios from pre- to end-chemo correlated inversely with changes in LVEF over the same period (r=-0.65, p=0.006). Plasma cTn-I increased progressively during chemotherapy from pre- to mid-chemo (1.35±0.81 to 4.40±2.64 ng/L; p=0.01) and from mid to end-chemo (4.40±2.64 to 18.33±13.23 ng/L; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONSIn this small cohort pilot study, we did not observe a clear change in mean PCr/ATP values during chemotherapy despite evidence of increased plasma cardiac biomarkers and reduced LVEF. Future similar studies should be adequately powered to take account of patient drop-out and variable changes in PCr/ATP.
Impact of Gestational Weight Gain on Perinatal Outcomes:Appropriateness of IOM Recommendations in Mainland China
Authors: Hu Jing , Gao Jinsong , Liu Juntao , Wang Xietong , He Jing , Sun Jingxia , Liu Xiaowei , Liao Shixiu , Liu Shuang , Dong Jing
Published: December 2020

Abstract The study was conducted to evaluate the clinical feasibility of Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations on gestational weight gain (GWG) in mainland China. 88,297 singleton pregnancies from a nationwide birth registry study were included. GWG per week was calculated and grouped into within, below and above IOM (IOM) guidelines based on first trimester Chinese body weight index (BMI) status. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the relationship between GWG category and perinatal outcomes. We found that excessive GWG was associated with increased risk in pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders (aOR 2.41, 95%CI 2.16-2.69), cesarean section (aOR 1.55, 95%CI 1.47–1.63 for nulliparas, aOR 1.51, 95%CI 1.38–1.65 for multiparas with no prior cesarean section), severe postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.15, 95%CI 1.06-1.26), large for gestational neonates (aOR1.76, 95%CI 1.69-1.85) and macrosomia (aOR 1.83, 95%CI 1.72-1.96), while inadequate GWG was correlated with higher risk in placenta abruption (aOR 1.54, 95%CI 1.29-1.85) , fetal distress (aOR 1.19, 95%CI 1.12-1.26), and small for gestational neonates (aOR 1.50, 95%CI 1.41-1.60). Either GWG above or below was associated with increased risk in preterm birth (aOR 1.48, 95%CI 1.38-1.58 for above, aOR 1.47, 95%CI 1.31–1.64 for below), and neonatal asphyxia (aOR 2.28, 95%CI 2.00-2.61 for above, aOR 1.42, 95%CI 1.25-1.61 for below). GWG within IOM recommendations may help prevent various adverse perinatal outcomes and seemed suitable in Chinese population.
Generic additive allometric models and biomass allocation for two natural oak species in northeastern China
Authors: Meng Shengwang , Yang Fan , Wang Haibin , Wang Wei , Hu Sheng , Wang Huimin
Published: December 2020

Background: Accurate quantification of forest biomass through allometric equations is crucial for global carbon accounting and climate change mitigation. Current models for oak species could not accurately estimate biomass in northeastern China, since they were usually established limited to Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) on local sites, and specifically, no biomass models were available for Liaodong oak (Quercus wutaishanica). The goal of this study was, therefore, to develop generic biomass models for both oak species on large scale and evaluate biomass allocation patterns within tree components. Results: The stem biomass accounts for about two-thirds of the aboveground biomass. The ratio of wood biomass holds constant and that of branch increases with increasing D, H, CW, CL, while a reverse trend was found for bark and foliage. The root-shoot ratio nonlinearly decreased with D, ranging from 1.06 to 0.11. Tree diameter proved to be a good predictor, especially for root biomass. Tree height is more prominent than crown size for improving stem biomass models, yet it puts negative effects on crown biomass models with non-significant coefficients. Crown width could help improve fitting results of branch and foliage biomass models. Conclusion: We conclude that the selected generic biomass models for Mongolian oak and Liaodong oak will vigorously promote the accuracy of biomass estimation.
LTBP4 Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis in Melanoma by Activating Hippo-YAP Signaling
Authors: Wang Li na , Tang Dong run , Wu Tong , Sun Feng yuan
Published: December 2020

Background: Malignant melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancer. The present study aimed to elucidate potential key candidate genes in melanoma and its molecular mechanism. Methods: Three gene expression profile data sets (GSE46517, GSE52882 and GSE54493) were downloaded from the GEO database, which included data from melanoma tissue samples and cell lines. DEGs were subsequently investigated by GO analysis via using DAVID website. PPI network was constructed using the STRING database and visualized by Cytoscape software and MCODE were utilized to PPI network to pick out meaningful DEGs. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were measured using CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell and wound healing assays. RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect mRNA and protein expressions. TCGAportal and GEPIA databases were used to perform the bioinformatics analysis of LTBP4 in melanoma. Results: LTBP4 both is the DEG and a key gene from the most significant module of the PPI network. LTBP4 expression was down-regulation in melanoma tissues and cells relative to controls, which showed positive correlation with invasion, TNM stage, distal metastasis and lymph node metastasis, and predicted the poor prognosis for patients with melanoma. Cox analysis identified LTBP4 low-expression as an independent prognostic variable for overall survival (OS) in patients with melanoma. The results revealed that LTBP4 inhibition reduced cell apoptosis, promoted cell proliferation and metastasis. These changes were correlated caspase-3, ki67 and E-cadherin expressions by western blotting assay. Further in vivo tumor formation study in nude mice indicated that LTBP4 inhibition promoted the progress of tumor formation. LTBP4 gene knockout reduced the phosphorylation level of YAP, MST1 and MOB1 and promoted the nuclear translocation of YAP to inhibit the activation of Hippo signaling pathway. The functions of LTBP4 overexpression (OE) inhibiting the expressions of CTGF, Cyr61 and Birc5, promoting the apoptosis, and inhibiting the metastasis and proliferation of melanoma cells were reversed by YAP/or MST1 OE.Conclusions: LTBP4 OE suppressed the proliferation and metastasis in melanoma via inhibiting the nuclear translocation of YAP to activating Hippo signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the development and progression of melanoma.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Alpinia oxyphylla reveals Tissue-specific Expression of Flavonoid Biosynthesis Genes
Authors: Gao Bingmiao
Published: December 2020

Background: Alpinia oxyphylla is an important edible and medicinal herb, and its dried fruits are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. Flavonoids are one of the main chemical compounds in A. oxyphylla ; however, the genetic and molecular mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis are not well understood. Methods: We performed transcriptome analysis in the fruit, root, and leaf tissues of A. oxyphylla to delineate tissue-specific gene expression and metabolic pathways in this medicinal plant. Results: In all, 8.85, 10.10, 8.68, 6.89, and 8.51 Gb clean data were obtained for early-, middle-, and late-stage fruits, leaves, and roots, respectively. Furthermore, 50,401 unigenes were grouped into functional categories based on four databases, namely Nr (47,745 unigenes), Uniprot (49,685 unigenes), KOG (20,153 unigenes), and KEGG (27,285 unigenes). A total of 3,110 differentially expressed genes and five distinct clusters with similar expression patterns were obtained, in which 27 unigenes encoded 13 key enzymes (such as CHS, CHI, F3H, FLS, ANS ) associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. Conclusion: The tissue-specific expression of the genes corresponds to accumulation of flavonoids in these tissues.These results provide insights into the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in A. oxyphylla and application of genetically engineered varieties of A. oxyphylla .
Ensuring Sustainability of Polio Immunization in Health System Transition: Lessons from the Polio Eradication Initiative in Indonesia
Authors: Azizatunnisa’ Luthfi , Cintyamena Utsamani , Mahendradhata Yodi , Ahmad Riris Andono
Published: December 2020

Background: Sustaining an effective evidence-based health intervention will maximize its impact in public health. Political and governmental reforms impact immunization program sustainability both positively and negatively. This study aims to explore sustainability of polio immunization in a decentralized health system taking lessons learned from a polio eradication initiative in Indonesia.Methods: We collected qualitative data through in-depth interviews with 27 key informants in from various backgrounds at district, provincial, and national levels, consisting of frontline workers, managers and NGOs at national and sub-national level. We conducted thematic analysis and triangulated using document reviews. We also conducted member checking and peer debriefing to ensure trustworthiness. Results: Competing priority was identified as the major challenge to sustain government commitment for polio immunization and AFP surveillance during the transition toward a decentralized health system. Variation of local government capacities has also affected immunization delivery and commitment at sub-national level government. The government reform has led to a more democratic society, which is also conducive for rejection and vaccine hesitancy. Multi sector partnership has been identified to play a big role in maintaining polio immunization coverage. Strong and continuous advocacy and campaign are essential to raise awareness for the community and policy makers to maintain the high polio immunization coverage. Conclusion: Competing priority was the major factor that affected high coverage of polio immunization during the decentralization transition. Strong advocacy is needed at every level, from district to national level, to keep polio immunization prioritized.
Dapk1 promoted inflammation of infantile pneumonia by p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Wenbo
Published: December 2020

Background: The present study was designed to investigate the function of Death associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) in infantile pneumonia and explore the potential mechanism of the actions.Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with 2 mg/kg of LPS for the mice model of infantile pneumonia. A549 cell were treated with 100 ng/ml of LPS for vitro model of infantile pneumonia. Dapk1 mRNA and protein expressions in 6, 12 or 24 h after induction model of mice.Results: Dapk1 gene increased inflammation in vitro model through activation of p38MAPK-mediated NF-κB expression. The inhibition of p38MAPK or NF-κB reduced the pro-inflammation effects of DAPK1 in infantile pneumonia.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that Dapk1 promoted inflammation of infantile pneumonia by p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, may be achieved inflammation by activation of p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway