bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica for gene discovery in the biosyntheses of isoflavones and miroestrol
Authors: Suntichaikamolkul Nithiwat , Tantisuwanichkul Kittiya , Prombutara Pinidphon , Kobtrakul Khwanlada , Zumsteg Julie , Wannachart Siriporn , Schaller Hubert , Yamazaki Mami , Saito Kazuki , De-eknamkul Wanchai , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , Sirikantaramas Supaart 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Pueraria candollei var. mirifica, a Thai medicinal plant used traditionally as a rejuvenating herb, is known as a rich source of phytoestrogens, including isoflavonoids and the highly estrogenic miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol. Although these active constituents in P. candollei var. mirifica have been known for some time, actual knowledge regarding their biosynthetic genes remains unknown.
Results: Miroestrol biosynthesis was reconsidered and the most plausible mechanism starting from the isoflavonoid daidzein was proposed. A de novo transcriptome analysis was conducted using combined P. candollei var. mirifica tissues of young leaves, mature leaves, tuberous cortices, and cortex-excised tubers. A total of 166,923 contigs was assembled for functional annotation using protein databases and as a library for identification of genes that are potentially involved in the biosynthesis of isoflavonoids and miroestrol. Twenty-one differentially expressed genes from four separate libraries were identified as candidates involved in these biosynthetic pathways, and their respective expressions were validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Notably, isoflavonoid and miroestrol profiling generated by LC-MS/MS was positively correlated with expression levels of isoflavonoid biosynthetic genes across the four types of tissues. Moreover, we identified R2R3 MYB transcription factors that may be involved in the regulation of isoflavonoid biosynthesis in P. candollei var. mirifica. To confirm the function of a key-isoflavone biosynthetic gene, P. candollei var. mirifica isoflavone synthase identified in our library was transiently co-expressed with an Arabidopsis MYB12 transcription factor (AtMYB12) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Remarkably, the combined expression of these proteins led to the production of the isoflavone genistein.
Conclusions: Our results provide compelling evidence regarding the integration of transcriptome and metabolome as a powerful tool for identifying biosynthetic genes and transcription factors possibly involved in the isoflavonoid and miroestrol biosyntheses in P. candollei var. mirifica.
Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemnew Birhan , Gedefaw Getnet , Diress Gedefaw , Bizuneh Asmamaw Demis 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Intestinal infection is still an important public health problem in low-income countries. Food handlers may be infected by a wide range of enteropathogens and have been implicated in the transmission of many infections to the public. Therefore, the aim of this review was to produce the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers working at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments in Ethiopia. Methods: Articles published in PubMed/Medline, Hinari, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used using a search strategy. Observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort and case-control) revealing the prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections at higher public University student’s cafeterias and public food establishments were incorporated. Two authors have reviewed the extraction and appraisal of the study using the extraction format. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 14 statistical software. Heterogeneity of the study was assessed using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. The pooled prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors among food handlers was calculated by the random-effect model. Results: Out of 138 reviewed studies, 18 studies were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Ethiopia. All the eighteen articles were included in the analysis. This study revealed that the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 28.5% (95%CI: 27.4, 29.7). E.histolytica 6.38 (95%Cl: 5.73, 7.04), A.lumbricodes 4.12 (95%Cl: 3.56, 4.67), and G. lamblia 3.12(95%Cl: 2.65, 3.60) were the most common intestinal parasitic infections in this study. Fingernail trimming 3.04 (95% CI: 2.19, 4.22), hand washing after defecation 2.71 (95%CI: 1.93, 3.82), hand washing after touching any body parts 2.41 (95%CI: 1.64, 3.56), medical checkup 2.26 (95%CI: 1.57, 3.25), food safety training 1.79 (95%CI: 1.30, 2.45) were factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion: Parasitic infections among food handlers were significantly high. Fingernail trimming, hand washing after defecation, hand washing after touching any body parts, regular medical checkup and food safety training were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Keywords: Prevalence, intestinal parasite, associated factors, meta-analysis, systematic review, Ethiopia.
Inequity in healthcare needs, health service use and financial burden of medical expenditures in China: results from a consecutive household monitoring study in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Jiang Weixi , Xu Xiaolin , Tang Shenglan , Xu Ling , Zhang Yaoguang , Elbers Chris , Cobelens Frank , Yan Lijing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Although public medical insurance covers over 95% of the population in China, disparities in health service use and out-of-pocket (OOP) health expenditure across income groups are still widely observed. This study aims to investigate the socio-economic disparities in perceived healthcare needs, informal care, formal care and payment for healthcare and explore their equity implication. Methods: We assessed healthcare needs, service use and payment in 400 households in rural and urban areas in Jiangsu, China, and included only the adult sample (N=925). One baseline survey and 10 follow-up surveys were conducted during the 7-month monitoring period, and the Affordability Ladder Program (ALP) framework was adopted for data analysis. Negative binomial/zero-inflated negative binomial and logit regression models were used to explore factors associated with perceived needs of care and with the use of self-treatment, outpatient and inpatient care respectively. Two-part model and logit regression modeling were conducted to explore factors associated with OOP health expenditure and with the likelihood of incurring catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). Results : After adjusting for covariates, rural residence was significantly associated with more perceived healthcare needs, more self-treatment, higher probability of using outpatient and inpatient service, more OOP health expenditure and higher likelihood of incurring catastrophic expenditure ( P <0.05). Compared to the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI), enrollment in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) or in the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) was correlated with lower probability of ever using outpatient services, but with more outpatient visits when people were at risk of using outpatient service ( P <0.05). NRCMS/URBMI enrollment was also associated with higher likelihood of incurring CHE compared to UEBMI enrollment (OR=2.02, P <0.05); in stratified analysis of the rural and urban sample this effect was only significant for the rural population. Conclusions: The rural population in Jiangsu perceived more healthcare needs, had a higher probability of using both informal and formal healthcare services, and had more OOP health expenditure and a higher likelihood of incurring CHE. The inequity mainly exists in health care financing, and may be partially addressed through improving the benefit packages of NRCMS/URBMI.
Heart rate agreement between the 20-meter shuttle run test and virtual system in healthy children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: moran cristiane , CORSO SIMONE DAL , BOMBIG MARIA TERESA , SERRA ANDREY JORGE , PEREIRA SILVANA ALVES , PECCIN MARIA STELLA 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Earlier studies evaluated the physiological responses to video games in children with different clinical conditions; however, no study has compared active video games with an incremental field test in healthy children. The purpose of this study was to verify the agreement between the 20-meter shuttle run test (20m-SRT) and virtual system (VS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 235 children (9.0 ± 0.8 years, 109 boys). The two tests were performed one week apart and the children were instructed not to engage in any physical exercise or sports in the 24 hours preceding each test. Their resting heart rate was monitored for one minute and then throughout the tests. To evaluate the influence of motivation on the 20 m SRT and (VS), at the end of the tests the children were asked to rate their motivation on a scale of zero to 10, zero being “not cool” and 10 “awesome”. Perceived exertion at the end of the tests was assessed using the modified Borg scale. Results: Maximum heart rate (HRmax) did not differ between the 20m-SRT and VS (194.4 ± 10.2 bpm vs. 193.2 ± 13.8 bpm, respectively). Both tests were similar for intensity > and < 96% HRmax. The children showed greater exertion on the Borg scale and motivation during the VS. The multiple logistic regression model showed that motivation (p=0.98), sex (p=0.53), age (p=0.61), nutritional status (p=0.65), and speed (p=0.18) were not predictive factors of the child’s reaching HRmax. Conclusion: VS can be used as a tool to evaluate the intensity of maximal exercise tests, given that the percentage of children who achieved HRmax did not differ between the VS and 20m SRT. The perceived exertion scales were correlated, but only the modified Borg scale correlated with HRmax in the 20m SRT. The tests are motivational, and most children obtained the maximum VS score. Keywords: cardiology; child; exercise; physical fitness; virtual reality; Incremental stress test
Burden of Talaromyces marneffei infection in people living with HIV/AIDS in Asia during ART era: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Yuanyuan , Huang Xiaojie , Chen Hui , Liu Xinchao , Li Yao , Hou Jianhua , Li Aixin , Chen Yaokai , Yan Xiaofeng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Talaromyces marneffei (TM) is a dimorphic fungus mainly prevalent in Southeast Asian countries, which often causes disseminated life-threatening infection. TM infection often occurs in HIV/AIDS patients even in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. However, there has not been a systematic analysis of the prevalence of TM infection in HIV-infected populations in Asia.Methods：In this study, we searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and WanFang from inception to 21 November 2018 for studies reporting TM infection in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Our meta-analysis included studies investigating the prevalence of TM infection in PLWHA. Reviews, duplicate studies, and animal studies were excluded. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore potential factors for heterogeneity.Results： 159,064 patients with HIV infection in 33 eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of TM infection in PLWHA was 4.0%. Vietnam had the highest prevalence (6.4%), followed by Thailand (3.9%), China (3.3%), India (3.2%) and Malaysia (2.1%). In China, TM infection was most prevalent in South China (15.0%), while the burden in Southwest China was not very heavy (0.3%). TM infection in PLWHA in lower latitude area was significantly more prevalent than that in higher latitude area (OR 2.838, 95%CI: 2.376-3.390, P<0.001). CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm3 increased the risk of TM infection in PLWHA (OR 12.68, 95%CI: 9.58-16.77). However, accessing ART did not significantly decrease the risk of TM infection in PLWHA. Conclusions： The burden of TM infection is heavy in Asia and varies from region to region. PLWHA in lower latitude areas are more likely to suffer from TM infection. Optimization of diagnostic tools and universal screening of TM in vulnerable people for early case detection and for prompt antifungal treatment should be considered.
Neonatal hand, foot, and mouth disease due to Coxsackievirus A6 in Shanghai
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Li Huajun , Qiao Peng , Xu Guofeng , Zhao Dongying , Lin Xiaoyan , Qin Yu , Yu Huiju , Zhang Xi , Zhang Wanju , Huang Lisu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Evidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in neonates is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical symptoms, possible transmission routes, and prognosis of neonatal HFMD in Shanghai.
Methods: This was a case-control study based on the HFMD registry surveillance system. All neonates and infected family members were enrolled between 2016 and 2017 in Shanghai. Neonates with HFMD were followed for at least half a year. Detailed questionnaires, medical history, and physical examination were recorded. Routine blood examination, liver and renal function, immunophenotypes of peripheral blood lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, and CD8 T-cells; NK cells), immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, and IgA, and cytokine interleukin (IL-1β, IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α) levels were measured. All rectal swab specimens were collected and genotyped for enterovirus. T-test or nonparametric test was used to evaluate the differences. Logistic analysis was applied to calculate the risk of clinical symptoms in the group of HFMD neonates and their paired siblings.
Results: There were 16 neonates among the 12608 diagnosed patients with HFMD, accounting for 1.3‰. All neonatal infections were transmitted by other members of the family, mainly the elder siblings, and involved different types of coxsackievirus A6. Coxsackievirus A6 is also the emerging and predominant causative agent of HFMD in Shanghai. None of the neonates with HFMD suffered fever, onychomadesis, or severe complications. However, two elder sibling patients showed lethargy, and one developed hypoperfusion. In the elder siblings with HFMD, the proportion of white blood cells was generally higher than in neonates with HFMD. The immunologic function of the neonates with HFMD was basically normal. The levels of inflammatory markers were higher in both neonates and elder siblings with HFMD compared to their age-matched controls. The clinical symptoms receded after about one week of onset. None of the neonates had sequelae.
Conclusions: All neonates with coxsackievirus A6 HFMD had mild disease with no complications or sequelae. Notably, due to the two-child policy in China, elder siblings may be the main route of HFMD transmission.
Periodontal inflamed surface area in patients on haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: a Croatian cross-sectional study
Authors: Smojver Bojana Križan , Altabas Karmela , Knotek Mladen , Jukić Nikolina Bašić , Aurer Andrej 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory periodontal disease that is caused by bacterial plaque and destroys the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth. Patients with chronic kidney disease have damaged immunological systems because of uremic toxins and are thus prone to infections. The decision to initiate dialysis treatment via haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often complex and remains a matter of debate. Although it has been shown that PD can provide similar or better survival rates and better quality of life and that PD is more economical than HD, PD patients represent only 11% of the global dialysis population. PD also better removes middle molecules (uremic toxins) than haemodialysis (HD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of inflammatory burden presented by PISA levels in dialysis patients in Croatia to compare PISA between HD and PD patients, thus providing another aspect for consideration in the selection of the optimal dialysis modality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 58 consecutive patients on HD and 31 consecutive patients on PD. PISA was calculated using measurements of the clinical attachment level, recession and bleeding on probing. We performed the primary analysis using multivariable robust regression. Results: Patients on PD had a 746 mm2 (93%) lower mean PISA than patients on HD after adjustment for 20 possible confounders, including the duration of dialysis. The type of dialysis was independently correlated with PISA (semipartial correlation: -0.50; p=0.017; false discovery rate<5%). Conclusions: PISA levels in dialysis Croatian patients indicate a high need for periodontal treatment. PD is associated with a smaller PISA independent of many sociodemographic, lifestyle, laboratory and clinical factors. The duration of dialysis does not influence PISA levels.
Health coaching for promoting physical activity in low back pain patients: A secondary analysis on the usage and acceptance
Authors: Dejonghe Lea Anna Lisa , Rudolf Kevin , Becker Jennifer , Stassen Gerrit , Froboese Ingo , Schaller Andrea 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Multicomponent interventions combined with health coaching are widely recommended to improve a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to analyse the usage and acceptance of a multicomponent intervention (telephone, web and face-to-face coaching) for low back pain patients, and thereby gain an understanding of why this intervention was not as effective as expected. Methods: A secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial, aimed at promoting physical activity, was conducted. It was a cross-sectional study based on data of a multicomponent intervention group (baseline=201 participants). For evaluating the usage and acceptance, descriptive statistics were applied. Results: Over half (n=118) of the patients participated at least once in the telephone coaching. Approximately half of the participants (44 of 90) rated the telephone coaching as "good". 34 of 92 (37%) participants reported of visiting the web-platform. The web-platform was comprehensible for nearly one-quarter (n=8 of 33) and very useful for one participant. The face-to-face-contact was rated highly (range: 79.4-88.2 out of 100). Conclusion: Usage of the telephone coaching approach was moderate with even fewer participants visiting the web-platform. In addition, these approaches were not rated as very useful. The acceptance of the face-to-face contact was high. Since the usage and acceptance could influence the effectiveness, utilisation and acceptance studies might help to explain the reason for non-effective lifestyle interventions. Therefore, more studies analysing the usage and acceptance are needed. To improve the usage and acceptance, a stronger participatory orientation in the design of interventions and the integration of face-to-face contact could be helpful.
Baicalein neutralizes hypercholesterolemia-induced aggravation of oxidative injury in rats
Authors: Alsaad Abdulaziz MS , Almalki Mohammed S , Almutham Ibrahim , Alahmari Abdulwahab A , Alsulaiman Mohammed , Al-Rejaie Salim Saleh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as it triggers oxidative and pro-inflammatory cascades. Baicalein (BL) is a natural flavone with multiple therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of BL supplementation in hypercholesterolemic rats.
Methods: Rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for six weeks and then orally administered BL at two doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day) for four weeks. Serum lipids, liver enzymes, cardiac enzymes, renal markers, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, caspase-3, nitric oxide and prostaglandin-2 were measured. In renal, hepatic, and cardiac tissues, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured.
Results: The altered levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, creatine kinases, and urea in hypercholesterolemic animals were significantly corrected by BL. Inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers were also markedly attenuated in the HCD group following BL treatment. Hypercholesterolemia considerably induced the lipid peroxidation product, TBARS, and oxidative radicals in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues, which were attenuated by BL treatment, particularly, at the 50 mg/kg/day dose. BL enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase that were suppressed by HCD. Histological alterations induced by cholesterol overload in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues were ameliorated by BL supplementation.
Conclusions: Our results show that the co-administration of BL (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) in HCD rats improved all the altered parameters. Activation of cellular antioxidant enzymes and/or suppression of inflammatory cytokines may be involved in these prominent effects.

Keywords: hypercholesterolemia, baicalein, inflammation, oxidative stress
Maternal healthcare services use in Mwanza Region, Tanzania: A cross-sectional baseline survey
Authors: Orwa James , Mantel Michaela , Mugerwa Micheal , Brownie Sharon , Pallangyo Eunice Siaity , Mwasha Loveluck , Isangula Kahabi , Subi Leonard , Mrema Secilia , Edwards Grace , Siso David , Selestine Edna , Mwansisya Tumbwene , Mbekenga Columba , Temmerman Marleen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Improving maternal health by reducing maternal mortality/morbidity relates to Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this goal is supported by antenatal care (ANC), health facility delivery, and postpartum care. This study aimed to understand levels of use and correlates of uptake of maternal healthcare services among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional multi-stage sampling household survey was conducted to obtain data from 1476 households in six districts of Mwanza Region. Data for the 409 women who delivered in the 2 years before the survey were analyzed for three outcomes: four or more ANC visits (ANC4+), health facility delivery, and postpartum visits. Factors associated with the three outcomes were determined using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering at the district level while adjusting for all variables.
Results: Of the 409 eligible women, 58.2% attended ANC4+, 76.8% delivered in a health facility, and 43.5% attended a postpartum clinic. Women from peri-urban, island, and rural regions were less likely to have completed ANC4+ or health facility delivery compared with urban women. Education and early first antenatal visit were associated with ANC4+ and health facility delivery. Mothers from peri-urban areas and those who with health facility delivery were more likely to attend postpartum check-ups.
Conclusion: Use of ANC services in early pregnancy influences the number of ANC visits, leading to higher uptake of ANC4+ and health facility delivery. Postpartum check-ups for mothers and newborns are associated with health facility delivery. Encouraging early initiation of ANC visits may increase the uptake of maternal healthcare services.
Keywords: Antenatal care, health facility delivery, postpartum care, Mwanza, Tanzania