bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body mass index influence the association between triglyceride-glucose index and atherosclerosis in community population: the cardiometabolic risk in Chinese (CRC) study
Authors: Wang Yun , Qiu Qinqin , Meng Xiangyu , Zang Xiu , Liu Xuekui , Xu Wei , Wu Tingting , Lai Peng , Wang Yu , Teng Fei , Geng Houfa , Liang Jun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an universal problem in modern society. Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of CVD resulting in high rate of mortality in the population. The study aimed to examine the association of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a novel marker of insulin resistance, with atherosclerosis in Chinese adults, and the effects of different body mass index (BMI) levels on this relationship.Methods: The study samples were from a community-based health examination survey in central China. A total of 4729 apparently healthy Chinese men and women were included. TyG index was calculated as ln[fasting triglycerides (mg/dL)×fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Parameters of vascular damage, including carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV), carotid-dorsalis pedis pulse wave velocity (cdPWV) were measured.Results: After adjustment for conventional risk factors, TyG index was significantly associated with peripheral arterial stiffness (cdPWV>10.57cm/s or crPWV>11.12cm/s), however, TyG index was not associated with central arterial stiffness, measured by cfPWV. Moreover, we found significant interactions between TyG index and BMI in relation to crPWV and cdPWV. Risk for crPWV and cdPWV elevation was significantly decreased across increasing quartiles of TyG index under different BMI levels (P<0.001). There was a dose-response relationship of TyG index with crPWV and cdPWV in the normal-weight and overweight groups, with the most obvious in the normal-weight individuals. However, the dose-response relationship was not existed among the obesity group where the increase of TyG index did not significantly rise the risk of high crPWV and cdPWV.Conclusions: TyG index, a simple measure reflecting insulin resistance, might be useful to early identify individuals at a high risk of developing atherosclerosis. Increased BMI weakened the effect of TyG index on crPWV and cdPWV, indicating that the value of TyG index in assessing the risk of atherosclerosis in obese people maybe easily ignored, however, TyG index can better reflect the risk of atherosclerosis in normal-weight adults.
The Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci strains isolated from inpatients
Authors: Farmehr Parva , fathi Javad , Hadadi Mahtab , motamedifar mohammad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives Globally nosocomial infection is a significant problem. Methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin resistance coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) are major causes of nosocomial infections. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of MRSA and MRCoNS in the southwest of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 221 non-duplicated staphylococci isolates collected from teaching hospital in Shiraz. The prevalence of MRSA and MRCoNS in clinical samples was identified with conventional microbiological tests. After identification, all of the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test and PCR to identify the presence of femA, mecA and pvl genes.Result 168 (76%) S. aureus and 53 (24%) CoNS were detected. 70 (41.7%) MRSA among 168 S. aureus, and 26 (15.48%) MRCoNS among 53 CoNS were examined. Chloramphenicol (65%) and Gentamicin (23%) were the most active antibacterial agents against MRSA and MRCoNS, whereas these isolates were susceptible to SXT (100%). The frequency of pvl gene among S. aureus strains was 3.57%. There is need for developing the antibiotic policy and limiting the use of powerful antibiotics.
The development of a novel and powerful biosynthesis platform for expressing huperzine A for the Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wen-Xia Han , Zhong-Wen Han , Min Jia , Han Zhang , Wei-Ze Li , Li-Bin Yang , Fei Liang , Lu Han , Ning Zhao , Xiao-Feng Li 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Huperzine A is an important drug for treating Alzheimer's disease and mainly extracted from the Huperzia serrata . Nevertheless, the content of Huperzine A in Huperzia serrata is very low of 0.007% with growing circle of 8 to 10 years, and the chemical synthesis of Huperzine A still has some insurmountable limitations in the industrialized production. So, the available resources of Huperzine A for clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease are scarce. The purpose of this work was to construct a biosynthesis platform based on the endophytic fungi from Huperzia serrata . Methods Based on the morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences of endophytic fungi to complete the strain identification. Combined alkaloid precipitation with acid dye colorimetry, thin layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase determination model to determine the physicochemical properties of the biosynthetic products. Compare the biosynthetic HupA with the listed APIs of HupA by the test of AChE inhibition ability and cytotoxicity in vitro. Results In this work, five endophytic fungi Mucor racemosus NSH-D, Mucor fragilis NSY-1, Fusarium verticillioides NSH-5, Fusarium oxysporum NSG-1 and Trichoderma harzianum NSW-V were firstly found and isolated from the Chinese folk medicine Qian Ceng Ta ( Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae)), which were identified according to their morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences. These fungi could effectively biosynthesize huperzine A in liquid culture of 100-400 mg/L which were 1 000 times higher than that of other reported conventional endophytic fungi. Moreover, these fungi with higher hereditary stability could possess the initial express ability of HupA after 40 generations, and the expressed HupA from these biosynthesis systems has the prior physicochemical properties, better inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase and lower cytotoxicity compared to the listed APIs of HupA. Conclusions These results indicate that the endophytic fungi in this work provide a promising alternative platform for producing HupA at industrial scale by biosynthesis for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Inequalities in stunting among under-five children in Tanzania: Decomposing the Concentration Indexes using Demographic Health Surveys from 2004/5 to 2015/6
Authors: Musheiguza Edwin , Mahande Michael Johnson , Msuya Sia E , Malamala Elias , Philemon Rune , Mgongo Melina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Child stunting is a global health concern. It has consequences on child survival, growth, and development. The absolute level of stunting has been decreasing in Tanzania although the prevalence is still high (34%), varying across socioeconomic determinants with a larger burden among the disadvantaged group. Reduction of inequalities in stunting are very crucial as we aim to reduce stunting to 28% by 2021. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the trend, contributing factors and changes of inequalities in stunting among children aged 3 – 59 months from 2004 to 2016 Methodology: Data were drawn from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys. The dependent variable was stunting. The concentration index was used to quantify the magnitude of inequalities in stunting for each year. In order to get the contribution of each determinant on the inequality in stunting, the concentration index was decomposed by using the Wagstaff and Watanabe decomposition methods of the concentration index. Results: Inequalities in stunting insignificantly declined from -0.019 (p<0.001) in 2004 to -0.018 (p<0.001) in 2010 and then to -0.0096 (p<0.001). Disparities in the distribution of wealth index (mean contribution > 84.7%) and maternal years of schooling (mean contribution > 22.4%) increased the levels of inequalities in stunting in all survey years. Rural-urban differences reduced inequalities in stunting although its contribution changed over time. Conclusion: Inequalities in stunting declined, differentials in wealth index and maternal education had increased contribution on the levels of inequalities. To significantly reduce the larder burden of stunting among the disadvantaged groups, initiatives should be embarked on distribution of social services like water, health infrastructures and education.
Home health aides’ experiences of their occupational health: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Grasmo Sunniva Grønoset , Liaset Ingeborg Frostad , Redzovic Skender Elez 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: The need for home care services is rapidly growing due to an increasing elderly population, earlier discharge from hospital and clients’ preference of being treated at home. While this need increases, there is high sickness absence among home health aides, and research show that home health aides have one of the highest probabilities of being granted a disability pension. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders has been reported in occupations with physically demanding work, and this aspect is a major health problem among home health aides. Studies have shown that home health aides find their work stressful, physically demanding and exhausting. The objectives of this study were to summarise peer-reviewed literature on how home health aides experience their occupational health and conduct an ethnographic meta-synthesis with the aim of identifying and describing key concepts across studies. Methods: A qualitative ethnographic meta-synthesis was used to develop new insights into home health aides’ occupational experiences. By using this method, we directed attention to the interpretation of studies, development of concepts and expansion and specification of theories that concern these concepts. The first author conducted searches in the electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Results: This meta-synthesis includes 27 articles. The review of these sources identified four key concepts as important to gain an understanding of occupational health among home health aides: exposure to physical demands , physical environmental factors , organisational conditions of employment and psychosocial working environment . Conclusion: The findings in this synthesis are consistent with previous research showing that occupational health among home health aides is a complex phenomenon. Specifically, physical, psychosocial and psychological exposure aspects have potential negative and positive effects on home health aides’ occupational health. In order to increase employee’s well-being, create a healthier workplace that provides well-functioning and high-quality home care services and cope with future health challenges, more investigations into the organisation of home care are needed.
Immune modulation of macrophage response by Cordyceps militaris extracts
Authors: Choi Seoyoon , Song Ahran , Park Yoonjin , Kim Jinkwan , Kim Boyong , Lee Seunggwan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Cordyceps militaris is a well-known medicinal fungus. Cordycepin, a metabolite of this fungus, has strong biological activities against leukemia, oxidative stress, aging, tumors, and inflammation. Methods: HPLC analysis was conducted to measure the content of corydycepin in the extract. Real time PCR was performed to evaluate the cytokines. Immunoactivity including the polarization, phagocytic activity and cellular differentiations were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: The yields of cordycepin and adenosine in the extract were 11.75 µg and 1.25 µg (per gram fresh mycelium), respectively. From measurements of the bioactivity in the extract, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were found to be approximately 4 and 48 times higher than those in the control, as shown by qRT-PCR. However, cells treated with 1 µg/mL of the extract showed 13 and 10-fold lower TNF-α and IL-1β levels when compared to LPS-treated cells. This was corroborated by flow-cytometry, where their levels were 20 and 14 times lower, respectively. Addition of the extract to LPS-treated cells enhanced M2 polarization and attenuated M1 polarization. In addition, the extract also dose-dependently activated macrophage phagocytosis. Under treatment with the extract conditioned medium, DCs were strongly differentiated toward CD11b+ and Xcr1+ cells as their density were 13.6 and 6.26 times higher than those in the LPS conditioned medium, respectively. Moreover, the number of Treg and NKT cells differentiated in the extract conditioned medium were increased about 1.67 and 6.73 times than those in the LPS conditioned medium, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that the C. militaris hydrolytic extract has strong effects on the modulation of immune actors, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, under inflammatory stress.
Factors Enabling Women to Attend Health Facility Delivery in Gullele Sub City, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, A Qualitative study
Authors: Negash Mikias , Haile Bizuwork 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in most of the developing world. Globally, an estimated 300,000 women die as a result of Complications related with pregnancy each year. Health facility delivery is one of the recommended approaches in order to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. Understanding the reasons for choosing institutional delivery helps achieving universal coverage. Methods: a qualitative study design was implemented to collect the required data from pregnant women in Gullele sub-city of Addis Ababa. Data was collected using semi-structured interview guide questions based on predefined themes. The data was then transcribed in Amharic then translated to English and coded based on the themes using NVivo Version 10. Result: a total of 19 women were interviewed and the result showed that awareness about institutional delivery, providers /professionals/ approach, accessibility and availability of materials at health facilities, fear of delivery complication recalling friends or families previous experience, lack of trust on traditional birth attendant and free of charge delivery services at institution level were mentioned as the most important factors for choosing institutional delivery. On the other hand, fear of exposing body to unfamiliar persons, previous normal delivery at home, negligence by health professionals and fear of students who practice at the health institutions were regarded as impeding factors to attend institutional delivery. Conclusion: provider approach, provision of respectful and supportive care, awareness about institutional delivery were among the main factors, so proper counseling of mothers and partners about the importance of health facility delivery, good communication, interactive approach to mothers, awareness creation and linking mothers to health facility for delivery by health extension workers should be improved. Key words: - Health facility delivery, traditional birth attendant, enabling factors, skilled delivery
The Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy Rating Scale (INAD-RS)
Authors: Atwal Paldeep , Midei Mark , Adams Darius , Fay Alexander , Heerinckx Frederic , Milner Peter 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
ObjectiveTo create and validate a clinical outcome assessment for Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD)BackgroundINAD is an autosomal recessive neurogenetic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in PLA2G6. The downstream enzyme, iPLA2, plays a critical role in cell membrane homeostasis by helping to regulate levels of phospholipids. The clinical presentation occurs between 6 months and 3 years with global developmental regression, hypotonia, and progressive spastic tetraparesis. Progression is often rapid, resulting in severe spasticity, visual impairment, and cognitive decline, with many children not surviving past the first decade of life. To date, no accepted tool for assessing the severity of INAD exists; other commonly used scales (e.g. CHOP-INTEND, Modified Ashworth, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale) do not accurately gauge the current severity of INAD, nor are they sensitive/specific enough to monitor disease progression. Finally, these other scales are not appropriate, because they do not address the combination of CNS, peripheral nerve, and visual pathology that occurs in children with INADDesign/MethodsWe have developed and validated a structured neurological examination for INAD (scored out of 80). The examination includes five main categories of pediatric developmental evaluation: 1) gross motor-and-truncal-stability skills, 2) fine motor skills, 3) bulbar function, 4) ocular function, 5) temporo-frontal function, and a functional evaluation of the autonomic nervous system. A cohort of patients diagnosed with INAD were followed prospectively to validate the score against disease severity and disease progression.ResultsWe show significant correlation between the total neurological assessment score and months since symptom onset with a statistically significant (p = 6.7 × 10− 07) correlation between assessment score and disease onset. As hypothesized, the coefficient of months-since-symptom-onset is strongly negative, indicating a negative correlation between total score and months since symptom onset.ConclusionWe have developed and validated a novel neurological assessment score in INAD that demonstrates strong correlation with disease severity and disease progression.
Geographic location of health facility and immunization program performance in Hoima district, western Ugandan
Authors: Kwikiriza Nicholas Magambo , Bajunirwe Francis , Bagenda Fred 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Globally immunization coverage for childhood vaccines is below the immunization target of achieving at least 90% coverage with the pentavalent vaccine. In Uganda, a recent survey shows 80% of districts had poor immunization program performance. However, there is significant variation in performance within and between districts. We hypothesized that geographic location of health facility may influence performance of their immunization programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether geographical location of health facility within a district is associated with performance of the immunization program in Hoima district, western Uganda.Methods We conducted a cross sectional study using a mixed methods approach. The study unit was a health center and we interviewed health workers in-charge of the facilities and reviewed their health facility records. We reviewed the Uganda Health Management Information System (HMIS) 105 reports of six months to obtain data on immunization program performance. Performance was categorized using World Health Organization’s Reach Every District (RED) criteria and classified as poor if a facility fell in category 3 or 4 and good if 1 or 2. We also conducted key informant interviews with immunization focal persons in the district. We examined the association between dependent and independent variables using Fisher’s exact test.Results We collected data at 49 health facilities. Most of the health units (55.1%) had poor immunization program performance. Proximal location to the central district headquarters was significantly associated with poor immunization program performance (p < 0.05). Inadequate commitment and competing interests of health workers in the more urban areas were suggested as possible explanations.Conclusions Proximal location to the urban setting near district headquarters was strongly associated with poor immunization program performance. To be able to reach larger numbers of children for vaccination, interventions to improve performance should target health facilities in urban settings.
Enhanced pyruvate metabolism in plastids by overexpression of plastidial pyruvate transporter in Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Seo Seungbeom , Kim Joon , Lee Jun-Woo , Nam Onyou , Chang Kwang Suk , Jin EonSeon 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe development of microalgal strains for enhanced biomass and biofuel production has received increased attention. Moreover, strain development via metabolic engineering for commercial production is being considered as the most efficient strategy. Pyruvate is an essential metabolite in the cells and plays an essential role in amino acid biosynthesis and de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in plastids. Although pyruvate can be a valuable target for metabolic engineering, its transporters have rarely been studied in microalgae. In this study, we aimed to identify the plastidial pyruvate transporter of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and utilize it for strain development.ResultsWe identified pyruvate transporter localized in the plastid membrane of Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Transformants overexpressing the pyruvate transporter were generated to increase the influx of pyruvate into plastids. Overexpression of a plastidial pyruvate transporter in P. tricornutum resulted in enhanced biomass (13.6% to 21.9%), lipid contents (11% to 30%), and growth (3.3% to 8.0%) compared to those of wild type during one-stage cultivation.ConclusionTo regulate the pyruvate influx and its metabolism in plastids, we generated transformants overexpressing the plastidial pyruvate transporter in P. tricornutum. They showed that compartmentalizing pyruvate in plastids could be an attractive strategy for the effective production of biomass and lipids with better growth, via enhanced pyruvate metabolism in plastids.
Ultrastructural alterations in Plasmodium falciparum induced by chalcone derivatives
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Radotra B.D. , Medhi Bikash , Batovska Daniela , Markova Nadezhda , Sehgal Rakesh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective Chalcones (1, 3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones) and its derivatives are widely explored from the past decade for its antimalarial activity. To elucidate their mechanism of action on the malaria parasite, the ultrastructural changes with the action of these derivatives in different organelles of the parasite were studied in vitro. Infected RBCs (CQ sensitive (MRC-2) and CQ resistant (RKL-9) Plasmodium strain) were treated with three chalcone derivatives 2, 6 and 7 and standard drugs, i.e., CQ and artemisinin at twice their respective IC50 values for 24 h and then harvested, washed, fixed, embedded and stained to visualize ultra-structure changes before and after intervention of treatment under in vitro condition through transmission electron microscope.Results The ultrastructural changes demonstrate the significant disturbance of all parasite membranes, including those of the nucleus, mitochondria and food vacuole, in association with a marked reduction of ribosomes in the trophozoites and cessation of developing schizonts which suggest multiple mechanisms of action by which chalcone derivatives act on the malaria parasite. The present study opens up perspectives for further exploration of these derivatives in vivo malaria model to discover more about its effect and mechanism of action.