bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Adipocytokines with Lipid and Glycemic Profiles in Women with Normal Weight Obesity
Authors: Taheri Ehsaneh , Hosseini Saeed , Qorbani Mostafa , Mirmiran Parvin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Individuals with normal weight obesity (NWO) are prone to cardiometabolic disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the circulating levels of vaspin and leptin and their association with glycemic and lipid profiles in women with NWO.Methods: Forty women with body mass index (BMI)=18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and fat mass (FM) ≥ 30% were assigned in the NWO group and thirty age-matched women with identical BMI range and FM<30% (normal weight non-obese; NWNO) as control group were invited. Anthropometric measurement, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles and also, leptin and vaspin were measured.Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 28.76 ± 4.76 years in the NWO group and 29.23 ± 4.50 years in the control condition. The NWO group had higher mean serum levels of insulin (9.02 ± 4.75 vs. 6.24 ± 2.51, P = 0.009), leptin (17.31 ± 8.10 vs. 9.94 ± 4.30, P < 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (33.77 ± 20.71 vs. 23.48 ± 10.03, P = 0.009) compared to the NWNO group. Serum level of vaspin was higher in the NWO group compared to the control group (34.82 pg/ml vs. 27.72 pg/ml, respectively, P = 0.12). In NWO group, serum levels of leptin correlated positively with FBS (r = 0.45, P = 0.02), insulin (r = 0.51, P = 0.008), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.46, P = 0.02) and vaspin concentration was positively associated with insulin (r = 0.36, P = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.30, P = 0.06). Conclusion: It is concluded that concentration of insulin and HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in women with NWO compared to NWNO. Higher levels of leptin and vaspin in the NWO group were associated with glycemic profiles.
Cost-benefit analysis of the monitoring measures for the malaria elimination stage in Fujian, China
Authors: Huang Chun-yan , Zhang Shan-ying , Chen Zhu-yun , Xie Han-guo , Yang Rong Ou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Malaria is an insect-borne infectious disease that spreads through bites from infected Anopheles mosquitos. The disease seriously endangers human health and economic development. Against the background of eliminating malaria in Fujian Province, in order to understand the cost and benefit of malaria monitoring measures, the health economics of the monitoring measures should be examined..Methods The malaria epidemic data during the malaria elimination stage (2005–2019) in Fujian Province were collected and sorted. The basic economic data were obtained from the Fujian Statistical Yearbook. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted for this study, based on the fundamental theories in health economics. Moreover, the Cost (C) of monitoring measure during the malaria elimination stage was calculated, and the Benefit of malaria elimination stage (B) was analyzed.Results The total cost of monitoring measures in the malaria elimination stage was about 607,878,783.36 yuan ( USD $ 87,534,544.80). The proportions of the costs were as follows: case detection and treatment was 66.62%, health education was 13.31%, epidemic monitoring was 10.05%, supervision and assessment was 5.15%, and training and meeting was 4.87%. The total benefit of the malaria elimination stage was about 116,123,417,911.81 yuan (USD$ 16,721,772,179.30), the economic benefit was 22.61%, and the social benefit was 77.39%. The cost-benefit analysis of the malaria elimination stage showed that the NB of monitoring measures was about 115,515,539,128.45 yuan (USD$ 16,634,237,634.50) and the BCR was 191.03. The monitoring cost for residents was 1.08 yuan (USD$ 0.16) per capita, and the benefit for residents was 206.12 yuan (USD$ 29.68) per capita. Conclusion In the past 15 years, malaria control work has achieved excellent economic and social benefits in Fujian, China. The work should continue in strengthening the monitoring and control of imported malaria cases, increasing health education in high-risk locations (such as those frequented by entry-exit personnel), and enhancing residents’ awareness about prevention and personal protection. The work should continue to be consolidated for the elimination of malaria. The framework and results of this study conform to the principles of health economics and have a certain reference value for current malaria monitoring practices.
Dandelion Extract Relaxes Mouse Airway Smooth Muscle by Blocking VDLCC and NSCC Channels
Authors: ping zhao , Liu Jia , Ming Qian , Tian Di , He Jingwen , Yang Ziwei , Shen Jinhua , Liu Qinghua , Yang Xinzhou 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Asthma is one of the main intractable diseases recognized by the international medical community. The current widely used bronchodilators for asthma—β2-adrenal receptor agonists—have limited therapeutic effects, necessitating the development of novel antiasthma drugs with increased efficacy and fewer adverse effects. In this study, we investigated the relaxant effects and underlying mechanism of an ethyl acetate extract from dandelion (EAED) on mouse airway smooth muscle. Methods: The effects of EAED on agonist-induced precontraction in mouse airway smooth muscle were evaluated with force measurement. Mouse lung slices were used to study the effects of EAED on bronchial smooth muscle. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using a calcium imaging system. L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDLCC) and non-selective cationic channel (NSCC) currents were measured by patch-clamp. The lung functions of healthy and asthmatic mouse groups were assessed via the forced oscillation technique. Results: EAED inhibits acetylcholine-induced sustained contractions of whole airway smooth muscle by inhibiting VDLCCs, NSCCs, and some unknown channels, reduces the agonist-induced increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in airway smooth muscle cells, blocks VDLCC and NSCC currents, and relieves the respiratory resistance of healthy and asthmatic mice. Conclusions: EAED may have potential beneficial effects on mitigating asthma attacks.
Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Hypothyroidism and Heart Failure
Authors: YANG MEI , Li Xuping , III John C. Morris , Liang Jinjun , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Hodge David , Li Yi-Gang , Cha Yong-Mei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Hypothyroidism is known to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure. The association between hypothyroidism and cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes in patients with severe heart failure is not clear.Methods The study included 1,316 patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy between 2002 and 2015. Baseline demographics and cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes, including left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy, and all-cause mortality, were collected from the electronic health record. Results Of the study cohort, 350 patients (26.6%) were classified as the hypothyroidism group. The median duration of follow-up was 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.7-6.2). Hypothyroidism was not associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients receiving CRT for heart failure. The risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy significantly increased in association with increased baseline thyroid-stimulating hormone level in the entire cohort (hazard ratio, 1.23 per 5mIU/L increase; 95% CI, 1.01-1.5; P=0.04) as well as in the hypothyroid group (hazard ratio, 1.44 per 5mIU/L increase; 95% CI, 1.13-1.84; P=0.004). Conclusions CRT improves cardiac function in hypothyroid patients. The ventricular arrhythmic events requiring ICD therapies are associated with baseline TSH level, which might be considered as an important biomarker to stratify the risk of sudden death for patients with heart failure and hypothyroidism.
NGS based expanded carrier screening for genetic disorders in North Indian population reveals unexpected results – a pilot study.
Authors: Singh Kanika , Bijarnia-Mahay Sunita , Ramprasad Vedam Lakshmi , Puri Ratna Dua , Nair Sandhya , Sharda Sheetal , Saxena Renu , Kohli Sudha , Gujral Kanwal , Ganguli Indrani , Verma Ishwar Chander 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To determine the carrier frequency and pathogenic variants of common genetic disorders in the north Indian population by using next generation sequencing (NGS).Methods: After pre-test counselling, 200 unrelated individuals (including 88 couples) were screened for pathogenic variants in 88 genes by NGS technology. The variants were classified as per American College of Medical Genetics criteria. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were subjected to thorough literature-based curation in addition to the regular filters. Variants of unknown significance were not reported. Individuals were counselled explaining the implications of the results, and cascade screening was advised when necessary.Results: Of the 200 participants, 52 (26 %) were found to be carrier of one or more disorders. Twelve individuals were identified to be carriers for congenital deafness, giving a carrier frequency of one in 17 for one of the four genes tested (SLC26A4, GJB2, TMPRSS3 and TMC1 in decreasing order). Nine individuals were observed to be carriers for cystic fibrosis, with a frequency of one in 22. Three individuals were detected to be carriers for Pompe disease (frequency one in 67). None of the 88 couples screened were found to be carriers for the same disorder. The pathogenic variants observed in many disorders (such as deafness, cystic fibrosis, Pompe disease, Canavan disease, primary hyperoxaluria, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, galactosemia, medium chain acyl CoA deficiency etc.) were different from those commonly observed in the West. Conclusion: A higher carrier frequency for genetic deafness, cystic fibrosis and Pompe disease was unexpected, and contrary to the generally held view about their prevalence in Asian Indians. In spite of the small sample size, this study would suggest that population-based carrier screening panels for India would differ from those in the West, and need to be selected with due care. Testing should comprise the study of all the coding exons with its boundaries in the genes through NGS, as all the variants are not well characterized. Only study of entire coding regions in the genes will detect carriers with adequate efficiency, in order to reduce the burden of genetic disorders in India and other resource poor countries.
Portable neuromodulation induces neuroplasticity to re-activate motor function recovery from brain injury: A high-density MEG case study
Authors: D'Arcy Ryan C.N. , Greene Trevor , Greene Debbie , Frehlick Zack , Fickling Shaun D. , Campbell Natasha KJ , Etheridge Tori , Smith Christopher , Bollinger Fabio , Danilov Yuri , Livingstone Ashley , Tannouri Pamela , Martin Pauline , Lakhani Bimal 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In a recent high-profile case study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor improvements in motor function related to neuroplasticity following rehabilitation for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The findings demonstrated that motor function improvements can occur years beyond current established limits. The current study extends the functional imaging investigation to characterize neuromodulation effects on neuroplasticity to further push the limits.Methods: Canadian Soldier Captain (retired) Trevor Greene (TG) survived a severe open-TBI when attacked with an axe during a 2006 combat tour in Afghanistan. TG has since continued intensive daily rehabilitation to recover motor function, experiencing an extended plateau using conventional physical therapy. To overcome this plateau, we paired translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) with the continuing rehabilitation program. Results: Combining TLNS with rehabilitation resulted in demonstrable clinical improvements along with corresponding changes in movement evoked electro-encephalography (EEG) activity. High-density magneto-encephalography (MEG) characterized cortical activation changes in corresponding beta frequency range (27Hz). MEG activation changes corresponded with reduced interhemispheric inhibition in the post-central gyri regions together with increased right superior/middle frontal activation suggesting large scale network level changes. Conclusions: The findings provide valuable insight into the potential importance of non-invasive neuromodulation to enhance neuroplasticity mechanisms for recovery beyond the perceived limits of rehabilitation.
Mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding child feeding recommendations, complementary feeding practices and determinants of adequate diet
Authors: Appiah Kingsley B , Cheyuo Ernest K , Alhassan Abdul-Mumin , Ayanore Martin A , Kubuga Clement K , MOGRE VICTOR 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Complementary feeding is critical for optimal nutrition in infant and young children as it ensures their growth, health and development to attain their full potential. However, evidence shows children from developing countries do not meet the core indicators for appropriate complementary feeding. We evaluated mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding child feeding recommendations and the determinants of adequate diet among children aged 6-23 months.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 children aged 6-23 months and their mothers/care givers recruited during the child welfare clinics of two health facilities in Ghana. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess determinants of adequate diet.

Results: Sixty-eight percent of the mothers knew the recommended duration of continued breastfeeding, 56.5% how to ensure dietary diversity and enrich their children’s diets and 94% (n=188) had positive attitude towards recommended infant and young child feeding practices. Majority of the mothers (92%, n=183) practiced continued breastfeeding, 10.5% of the children met minimum diet diversity score, 39.5% minimum meal frequency and 8.5% received minimum adequate diet. Determinants of receipt of minimum adequate diet were: having high knowledge in child feeding recommendations (100% vs. 0.0; p<0.001) and child’s father reportedly earning adequate income to cater for the family (AOR = 12.1 (1.32 – 109.72; p = 0.027).

Conclusion: Motherss knowledge levels regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations had notable deficiencies although they generally had a positive attitude towards child feeding recommendations. Knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations as well as the child’s father having adequate income were important determinants of adequate diet. Nutrition education should emphasize on improving mothers’ nutrition knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations and supporting mothers to overcome barriers to feed their children with adequate diets.
High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in adults living in Greece: The EMENO National Health Examination Survey
Authors: Touloumi Giota , Karakosta Argiro , Kalpourtzi Natasa , Gavana Magda , Vantarakis Apostolos , Kantzanou Maria , Hajichristodoulou Christos , Chlouverakis Grigoris , Trypsianis Grigoris , Voulgari Paraskevi V. , Alamanos Yannis , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Liatis Stavros , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Stergiou George 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Nationwide data on cardiovascular risk factors prevalence is lacking in Greece. This work presents the findings of the national health examination survey EMENO regarding the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking.
Methods: A random sample of adults (≥18 years) was drawn by multistage stratified random sampling based on 2011 Census. All EMENO participants with ≥1 measurement of interest [blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), Body Mass Index (BMI)] were included. Hypertension was defined as BP≥140/90mmHg and/or antihypertensive treatment; diabetes as fasting glucose≥126mg/dL and/or HbA1c≥6.5% or self-reported diabetes; hypercholesterolemia as TC≥190mg/dL. Sampling weights were applied to adjust for study design and post-stratification weights to match sample age and sex distribution to population one. Non-response was adjusted by inverse probability weighting.
Results: Of 6,006 EMENO participants, 4,822 were included (51.5% females, median age:47.9 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, higher in men (42.4%) than in women (36.1%); of hypercholesterolemia 60.2%, similar in men (59.5%) and women (60.9%); of diabetes 11.6%, similar men (12.4%) and women (10.9%); of obesity 32.1%, higher in women (33.5% vs 30.2%), although in subjects aged 18-40 year it was higher in men; of current smoking 38.2%, higher in men (44.0%) than in women (32.7%). The prevalence of all risk factors increased substantially with age, except smoking, which followed an inverse U shape.
Conclusions: The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among Greek adults is alarming. There is considerable preventive potential and actions at health care and societal level are urgently needed.
Impact on place of death in cancer patients: a causal exploration in southern Switzerland
Authors: Kern Heidi , Corani Giorgio , Huber David , Vermes Nicola , Zaffalon Marco , Varini Marco , Wenzel Claudia , Fringer André 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Most terminally ill cancer patients prefer to die at home, but a majority die in institutional settings. Research questions about this discrepancy have not been fully answered. This study applies artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to explore the complex network of factors and the cause-effect relationships affecting the place of death, with the ultimate aim of developing policies favouring home-based end-of-life care.Methods A data mining algorithm (a classifier) and a causal probabilistic model (a credal network) for data analysis were developed with information derived from expert knowledge that was merged with data from 116 deceased cancer patients in southern Switzerland. This data set was obtained via a retrospective clinical chart review.Results Dependencies of disease and treatment-related decisions demonstrate an influence on the place of death of 13%. Anticancer treatment in advanced disease prevents or delays communication about the end of life between oncologists, patients and families. Unknown preferences for the place of death represent a great barrier to a home death. A further barrier is the limited availability of family caregivers for terminal home care. The family’s preference for the last place of care has a high impact on the place of death of 51%, while the influence of the patient’s preference is low, at 14%. Approximately one-third of family systems can be empowered by health care professionals to provide home care through open end-of-life communication and good symptom management. Such intervention has an influence on the place of death of 17%. If families express a convincing preference for home care, the involvement of a specialist palliative home care service can increase the probability of home deaths by 24%.Conclusion Concerning death at home, open communication about death and dying is essential. Furthermore, for the patient preference for home care to be respected, the family’s decision for the last place of care seems to be key. The early initiation of family-centred palliative care and the provision of specialist palliative home care for patients who wish to die at home are suggested.
The uses of fig (Ficus) by five ethnic minority communities in Southern Shan State, Myanmar
Authors: Mon Aye Mya , Shi Yinxian , Yang Xuefei , Hein Pyae Phyo , Oo Thaung Naing , Whitney Cory W. , Yang Yongping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Most regions of Myanmar fall within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and are threatened of biodiversity loss. Development of a comprehensive framework for sustainable development is crucial. Figs are ecological keystone species within these regions and are also important for their traditional spiritual, food and health uses, which often have accompanying conservation practices. These may offer clues to help guide the development of national policies for sustainable development. In this study we showcase the rich ethnobotanical knowledge as well as the variety of collection and conservation practices of figs among five ethnic groups in Southern Shan State.Methods: We performed both key informant and semi-structured interviews with 114 informants from five ethnic groups. Their uses for figs were categorized according to local practices and recipes. Informants were asked about trends in conservation status over the past 10 years and any conservation related customs and practices. Data were analyzed quantitatively with common quantitative ethnobotany indices, the use report (UR) and use value (UV). Results: Informants reported the uses of eight fig species (Ficus auricularta，F. concinna, F. geniculata，F. hispida, F. racemosa, F. religiosa，F. semicordata, and F. virens). F. geniculata and F. virens were most useful (UR = 228) and were used by all five ethnic groups, corresponding to a high use value (UV = 2). Treatments for 16 diseases were reported from seven species. Household consumption, economic, and sacred uses were accompanied by sustainable practices of harvest and protection. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation were practiced especially for highly demanded species (F. geniculata and F. virens), and the sacred fig F. religiosa.Conclusion: Findings suggest that figs are useful for food (all informants) and medicine (13.16% of the informants) in the study area. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation practices help to maintain sustainable utilization of locally important figs. This is an early contribution to the traditional knowledge of edible figs. Although similar uses have been reported in neighboring countries for seven of the fig species, the ethnobotanical use of F. concinna is novel.
miR-431-5p regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting XIAP
Authors: Wang Yuejiao , Zhang Kailin , Yuan Xiaowei , Xu Neili , Zhao Shuai , Hou Linxin , Yang Lili , Zhang Ning 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background miR-431-5p is dysregulated in various cancers and plays an important function in the development of cancer. However, its role in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains to be understood.Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the relative expression of miR-431-5p in synovial tissues and FLSs. Cell proliferation assays helped examine RA FLS proliferation. Flow cytometry was performed to determine apoptosis and cell cycle progression in RA FLSs. We used dual-luciferase assays to determine the correlation between miR-431-5p and its putative target, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to measure XIAP levels in synovial tissues and transfected RA FLSs.Results miR-431-5p was downregulated in synovial tissues and FLSs of patients with RA. Upregulation of miR-431-5p prohibited cell proliferation and the G0/G1-to-S phase transition, but promoted apoptosis in RA FLSs; while miR-431-5p inhibition showed the opposite results. miR-431-5p directly targeted XIAP in RA FLSs, and reversely correlated with XIAP levels in synovial tissues. Notably, XIAP silencing partially restored the effects of miR-431-5p inhibition in RA FLSs.Conclusion miR-431-5p regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis，and cell cycle of RA FLSs by targeting XIAP, suggesting its potential in the treatment of RA.