bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Dietary Modification Intervention on Menstrual Pain and Urinary BPA Levels: A Single Group Clinical Trial
Authors: Park SoMi , Chung ChaeWeon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) occurs mainly through dietary intake. Due to current lifestyle trends, young people tend to consume fast food, to use disposable products, and to utilize convenient household items, all of which are major sources of EDCs. In this study, we investigated the effects of a dietary modification intervention on menstrual pain and urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels in female college students who experienced severe menstrual pain. In addition, we analyzed participants’ adherence to the intervention and examined whether their level of adherence was associated with differences in the effects of the intervention. Methods: A single-group pretest and repeated posttest experimental design was employed. Thirty female college students with a score of 5 or higher (out of 10) on a menstrual pain scale were recruited through convenience sampling. During three menstrual cycles, menstrual pain was scored on a 10-point scale after each cycle, and urinary BPA levels were measured from the first morning urine collected after each cycle. The intervention involved three components: small-group education, follow-up monitoring, and peer support via social network communication. Statistical analyses were conducted using Friedman one-way repeated-measure analysis of variance by ranks, non-parametric two-way analysis of variance, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test as a post-hoc test.Results: The dietary modification intervention had significant effects on menstrual pain at all three time points of menstrual cycles (Z=-4.66~-4.56. p=0.000) and on urinary BPA levels until the 2nd menstrual cycle (Z=-3.39~-2.78, p=0.005). Slightly fewer than half (43.3%) of the participants were highly adherent. Menstrual pain differed according to adherence (F=4.67, p=0.032) and decreased over time through the third cycle post-intervention (F=18.30, p=0.000). Urinary BPA levels also decreased significantly (F=7.94, p=0.000). Conclusions: The dietary modification intervention was effective and sustainable for reducing menstrual pain and urinary BPA levels. Detailed information about EDCs and dietary experiences seemed to encourage the young women to become more concerned about EDCs and to perform self-protective actions. Further experimental research is suggested to examine the relationships of EDCs with various health indicators in women. Trial registrationKCT0005472 at 2020-9-24 retrospectively registered.
Transcriptome differences between Cupriavidus necator NH9 grown with 3-chlorobenzoate and that grown with benzoate
Authors: Moriuchi Ryota , Dohra Hideo , Kanesaki Yu , Ogawa Naoto 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

Aromatic compounds derived from human activities are often released into the environment. Many of them, especially halogenated aromatics, are persistent in nature and pose threats to organisms. Therefore, the microbial degradation of these compounds has been studied intensively. Our laboratory has studied the expression of genes in Cupriavidus necator NH9 involved in the degradation of 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB), a model compound for studies on bacterial degradation of chlorinated aromatic compounds. In this study aimed at exploring how this bacterium has adapted to the utilization of chlorinated aromatic compounds, we performed RNA-seq analysis of NH9 cells cultured with 3-CB, benzoate (BA), or citric acid (CA). The purpose of these analyses was to identify differentially expressed genes encoding products with various biological functions involved in the degradation of 3-CB and BA.

Results

Differential expression analysis confirmed strong induction of genes encoding enzymes in degradation pathways of 3-CB and BA, including benABCD (more than 256-fold compared with CA) encoding benzoate 1,2-dioxygenase involved in initial hydroxylation of both 3-CB and BA, and cbnABCD (more than 200-fold compared with BA and CA) encoding enzymes of chlorocatechol ortho -cleavage pathway. Four genes encoding major facilitator superfamily transporters were specifically induced by 3-CB or BA, and one cluster of genes encoding components of the ATP-binding cassette transporter system was significantly induced by 3-CB. Stress response genes encoding chaperones, proteases, the phosphate transporter PstBACS, and superoxide oxidase were upregulated in response to 3-CB and/or BA. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that genes encoding dioxygenases were upregulated by both 3-CB and BA. Intriguingly, the “cell motility,” “signal transduction,” and “chemotaxis” terms were significantly upregulated by BA compared with 3-CB. Consistent with this, in semi-solid agar plate assays, NH9 cells showed stronger chemotaxis to BA than to 3-CB.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the chemotaxis behavior of NH9 differs between 3-CB and BA. We inferred that NH9 has not fully adapted to the utilization of chlorinated benzoate, unlike its analogous aromatic compound BA, in nature.
Predictors of Growth of Escherichia Coli on Lab Coats as Part of Hospital-Acquired Infection Transmission Through Healthcare Personnel Attire
Authors: Hayajneh Audai A. , Jaradat Ziad W. , Al-Satari Eman S. , Abloom Mohamad H. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) attire could be potential vehicles for microbial transmission. This study aimed to explore the extent of bacterial contamination and hygiene and handling practices of healthcare personnel attire that could influence bacterial growth. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study was used in this study. Convenience sampling of the 188 healthcare personnel was recruited from a main holistic hospital in the northern part of Jordan. Three swab samples were collected from three different parts of lab coats used by each participant. ANOVA test and the generalized mixed linear model were used for the categorical variables of three or more levels and identify the predictors of positive growth of Escherichia Coli on healthcare personnel attire. Results: Enterococcus faecalis was the most common species of bacteria found on lab coat. Despite of no statistically significant differences were found, the HCP attire coming from the critical care units and the emergency department were highlighted with slightly higher contamination compared to other departments. Escherichia coli ‘s near-significant growth differences (p=0.057) were found based on different locations on lab coats compared to other types of bacteria. Factors associated with significant growth of Escherichia coli on healthcare personnel attire were age ≥36 years, a high income, bachelor marital status, working as a physician, lab coat use preferred over scrubs, and borrowing of lab coats. Conclusion: Healthcare personnel should be cautious about the method of use and storage of lab coats they wear.
Chronic pain after breast surgery: incidence, associated factors and impact on quality of life, an observational prospective study
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Mandarano Raffaele , Calabrisotto Caterina Scirè , Rizzelli Valeria , Duca Martina Del , Montin Diego Pomarè , Paparella Laura , De Gaudio A. Raffaele , Romagnoli Stefano 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Chronic pain after breast surgery (CPBS) has a disabling impact on postoperative health status. Mainly because of the lack of a clear definition, inconsistency does exist in the literature concerning both the actual incidence and the risk factors associated to CPBS. The aim of this prospective, observational study is to describe the incidence of and risk factors for CPBS, according to the definition provided by the IASP taskforce. The impact of CPBS on patients’ function and quality of life is also described. Methods. Adult female patients scheduled for oncological or reconstructive breast surgery at the Breast Unit of Careggi Hospital (Florence, Italy) were prospectively observed. Postoperative pain was evaluated at 2 months (“pain becoming chronic”) and at 3 months (CPBS) after surgery. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were compared in CPBS and No-CPBS groups through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. Among the 307 patients considered in this study, the incidence of “pain becoming chronic” was 25.4% [95%CI 20.6%-30.7%], while that of CPBS was 28% [95%CI 23.1%-33.4%]. The presence of pain at 2 months concords with the presence of CPBS at 3 months (Cohen k coefficient 0.63, IC95% 0.54-0.73). Results from the logistic regression analysis suggest that axillary surgery (OR [95%CI], 2.99 [1.13-7.87], p=0.03), preoperative use of pain medications (OR [95%CI], 2.04 [1.20-3.46], p=0.01), and higher dynamic NRS values at 6 hours postoperatively (OR [95%CI], 1.28 [1.05-1.55], p=0.01) were all independent predictors for CPBS. Conclusions. Chronic pain after breast surgery is a frequent complication. The presence of early pain at 2 months after surgery concords with the occurrence of CPBS. The possibility to early detect persistent pain, particularly in those patients at high risk for CPBS, might help physicians to more effectively prevent pain chronicization. In our cohort, long-term use of analgesics for preexisting chronic pain, axillary surgery, and higher dynamic NRS values at 6 hours postoperatively were all factors associated with increased risk of developing CPBS. Trial registration: clinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04309929
Microbial upgrading of acetate into 2,3-butanediol and acetoin by E. coli W
Authors: Novak Katharina , Kutscha Regina , Pflügl Stefan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Acetate is an abundant carbon source and its use as an alternative feedstock has great potential for the production of fuel and platform chemicals. Acetoin and 2,3-butanediol represent two of these potential platform chemicals.Results: The aim of this study was to produce 2,3-butanediol and acetoin from acetate in Escherichia coli W. The key strategies to achieve this goal were: strain engineering, in detail the deletion of mixed acid fermentation pathways E. coli W ΔldhA ΔadhE Δpta ΔfrdA 445_Ediss and the development of a new defined medium containing five amino acids and seven vitamins. Stepwise reduction of the media additives further revealed that diol production from acetate is mediated by the availability of aspartate. Other amino acids or TCA cycle intermediates did not enable growth on acetate. Cultivation under controlled conditions in batch and pulsed fed-batch experiments showed that aspartate was consumed before acetate, indicating that co-utilization is not a prerequisite for diol production. The addition of aspartate gave cultures a start-kick and was not required for feeding. Pulsed fed-batches resulted in the production of 1.43 g l-1 from aspartate and acetate and 1.16 g l-1 diols (2,3-butanediol and acetoin) from acetate alone. The yield reached 0.09 g diols per g acetate, which accounts for 26 % of the theoretical maximum.Conclusion: This study for the first time showed acetoin and 2,3-butanediol production from acetate as well as the use of chemically defined medium for product formation from acetate in E. coli. Hereby, we provide a solid base for process intensification and the investigation of other potential products.
Association between nontraditional lipid profiles and peripheral arterial disease in Chinese adults with hypertension
Authors: Ding Congcong , Chen Yang , Shi Yumeng , Li Minghui , Hu Lihua , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Huang Xiao , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Data on the relationship of nontraditional lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)] with the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) are limited. The present study investigated the relationship of nontraditional lipid indices with PAD in hypertensive patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 10,900 adults with hypertension. Participants were diagnosed with PAD when their ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.9. The association of nontraditional lipid profiles with PAD was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis and the restricted cubic spline.Results: All nontraditional lipid indices were independently and positively associated with PAD in a dose-response fashion. After multivariable adjustment, the per SD increments of the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C were all significantly associated with 37%, 14%, 40%, and 24% higher risk for PAD, respectively. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) for PAD were 1.77 (1.31, 2.40), 1.71 (1.25, 2.34), 2.03 (1.50, 2.74), and 1.70 (1.25, 2.31) when comparing the highest tertile to the lowest tertile of the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C, respectively. Conclusions: Among Chinese hypertensive adults, all nontraditional lipid indices were positively associated with PAD, and the LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were better for predicting PAD than other nontraditional lipid indices, which may improve the risk stratification of cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia management. Trial registration: CHiCTR, ChiCTR1800017274. Registered 20 July 2018
CD137 agonist induces gastric cancer cell apoptosis by enhancing the functions of CD8+ T cells via NF-κB signaling
Authors: Hu Ben-Shun , Tang Tian , Jia Jun-Li , Xie Bi-Chen , Wu Tie-Long , Sheng Ying-Yue , yuzheng xue , Tang Hua-Min 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: CD137 is a target for tumor immunotherapy. However, the role of CD137 in gastric cancer (GC), especially in inducing GC cell apoptosis, has not been studied. Methods: Foxp3+ and CD8+ T cells in GCs were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). CD137 expression in GCs was detected using flow cytometry, IHC and immunofluorescence (IF). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD8+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood were stimulated with a CD137 agonist in vitro. CD8+ T cell proliferation and p65 expression was examined using flow cytometry. P65 nuclear translocation was analyzed using IF. IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ, perforin and granzyme B were detected using real-time quantitative PCR (real-time PCR). PBMCs and primary GC cells were cocultured and stimulated with a CD137 agonist in vitro. Apoptosis of primary GC cells was detected using flow cytometry. Results: Our data demonstrated that GC tumors showed characteristics of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. CD137 was predominantly expressed in CD8+ T cells in GCs and had a positive correlation with tumor cell differentiation. The CD137 agonist promoted CD8+ T cell proliferation and increased the secretion of IFN-γ, perforin and granzyme B, which induced primary GC cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, this study found that the CD137 agonist induced NF-κB nuclear translocation in CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that a CD137 agonist induced primary GC cell apoptosis by enhancing CD8+ T cells via activation of NF-κB signaling.
Ovarian fibrosarcoma: A single-institution experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Sun Tingting , Cheng Ning-Hai , Cao Dong-Yan , Peng Peng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Ovarian fibrosarcoma is an extremely rare and malignant sex cord-stromal tumor. Due to its low incidence and poor prognosis, until now, very few cases have been reported, and most of the reported cases have been sporadic. Therefore, the treatments and prognostic factors of ovarian fibrosarcoma are still debatable. Here, we report 5 cases of ovarian fibrosarcoma that presented at Peking Union Medical College Hospital over the past 20 years. The 5 patients were 41, 51, 54, 76, and 76 years of age when initial symptoms of pelvic mass or pain appeared. On ultrasound, this disease usually manifests as unilateral pelvic masses, within which uneven echo enhancement and some blood flow signals are observed. No significant increase was observed in the levels of preoperative tumor markers, such as serum CA125 and sex hormones. The final diagnosis depends on postoperative histopathological results since these tumors are easily misdiagnosed when intraoperative frozen sections are used for examination. Pathologic examinations showed that the tumor cells were spindle-shaped with moderate to severe atypia and high mitotic counts. The immunohistochemistry profile is not specific, but the positive rate of Ki-67 was consistent with the degree of malignancy and the prognosis of patients with this tumor. In addition, the tumor may also be positive for Vimentin, α-inhibin, SMA, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. Significant differences were observed in the surgical methods used, and no unified chemotherapy regimen has been established. The overall survival was >15, >7, >6, <1, and <1 year for each patient. After reviewing the literature, evidence-based large-scale case studies were lacking. For treatments, complete cytoreductive surgery plus regimens typically used against malignant sex cord-stromal tumors, as described in the NCCN guidelines, are recommended. Due to its low incidence, both multicenter clinical studies and molecular studies are required to provide gynecologists with a better understanding and guidance for future management of patients with ovarian fibrosarcoma.
Identification and biochemical characterisation of Acanthamoeba castellanii cysteine protease 3
Authors: Wang Zhixin , Wu Duo , Tachibana Hiroshi , Feng Meng , Cheng Xunjia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoeba that are ubiquitously distributed in the environment. This study examines pathogenic Acanthamoeba cysteine proteases (AcCPs) belonging to the cathepsin L-family and explores the mechanism of AcCP3 interaction with host cells.Methods: Six AcCP genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyse the relative mRNA expression of AcCPs during the encystation process, and between pre- and post-reactivated trophozoites. To further verify the role of AcCP3 in these processes, AcCP3 recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the hydrolytic activity of AcCP3 was determined. The influence of the AcCP3 on the hydrolytic activity of trophozoites and the toxicity of trophozoites to human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) was examined by inhibiting AcCP3 expression using siRNA. Further, the levels of p-Raf and p-Erk were examined in HCECs following coculture with AcCP3 gene knockdown trophozoites by western blotting.Results: During encystation, five out of six AcCPs exhibited decreased expression, and only AcCP6 was substantially up-regulated at the mRNA level, indicating that most AcCPs were not directly correlated to encystation. Further, six AcCPs exhibited increased expression level following trophozoite reactivation with HEp-2 cells, particularly AcCP3, indicating that these AcCPs might be virulent factors. After refolding of recombinant AcCP3 protein, the 27 kDa mature protein from the 34 kDa pro-protein hydrolysed host haemoglobin, collagen and albumin, and showed high activity in an acidic environment. After AcCP3 knockdown, the hydrolytic activity of trophozoite crude protein against gelatin was decreased, suggesting that these trophozoite had decreased toxicity. Compared with untreated trophozoites or negative control siRNA-treated trophozoites, AcCP3-knockdown trophozoites were less able to penetrate and damage monolayers of HCECs. Western blot analysis showed that the activation levels of the Ras/Raf/Erk/p53 signalling pathways in HCECs decreased after inhibiting the expression of trophozoite AcCP3.Conclusions: AcCP6 was correlated to encystation. Further, AcCP3 was a virulent factor in trophozoites, and participated in the activation of the Ras/Raf/Erk/p53 signalling pathways of host cells.
A Comprehensive Scheme for the Objective Upper Body Assessments of Subjects with Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Tran Ha , Nguyen Khoa , Pathirana Pubudu , Horne Malcolm , Power Laura , Szmulewicz David 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCerebellar Ataxia refers to the disturbance in movement resulting from cerebellar dysfunction. It manifests as inaccurate movements with delayed onset and overshoot, especially when movements are repetitive or rhythmic. Identification of ataxia is integral to the diagnosis and assessment of severity, and is important in monitoring progression and improvement. Ataxia is identified and assessed by clinicians observing subjects perform standardised movement tasks that emphasise ataxic movements. Our aim in this paper was to use data recorded from motion sensors worn while subjects performed these tasks, in order to make an objective assessment of ataxia that accurately modelled the clinical assessment.MethodsInertial measurement units and a Kinect system were used to record motion data while control and ataxic subjects performed four instrumented version of upper extremities tests, i.e. Finger Chase Test (FCT), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Finger to Nose Test (FNT) and Dysdiadochokinesia Test (DDKT). Kinematic features were extracted from this data and correlated with clinical ratings of severity of ataxia using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). These features were refined using Feed Backward feature Elimination (the best performing method of four). Using several different learning models, including Linear Discrimination, Quadratic Discrimination Analysis, Support Vector Machine and K-Nearest Neighbour these extracted features were used to accurately discriminate between ataxics and control subjects. Leave-One-Out cross validation estimated the generalised performance of the diagnostic model as well as the severity predicting regression model.ResultsThe selected model accurately (96.4%) predicted the clinical scores for ataxia and correlated well with clinical scores of the severity of ataxia (rho = 0.8, p < 0.001). The severity estimation was also considered in a 4-level scale to provide a rating that is familiar to the current clinically-used rating of upper limb impairments. The combination of FCT and FTT performed as well as all four test combined in predicting the presence and severity of ataxia.ConclusionIndividual bedside tests can be emulated using features derived from sensors worn while bedside tests of cerebellar ataxia were being performed. Each test emphasises different aspects of stability, timing, accuracy and rhythmicity of movements. Using the current models it is possible to model the clinician in identifying ataxia and assessing severity but also to identify those test which provide the optimum set of data.Trial registrationHuman Research and Ethics Committee, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia (HREC Reference Number: 11/994H/16).