bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evaluation of juvenile ocular hypertension by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Wang Xiaolei , Hu Xinxin , Sun Xinghuai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: We wish to evaluate the vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in juvenile ocular hypertension (JOHT). In addition, we investigate the potential risk parameters of intraocular pressure (IOP) and vertical cup/disc ratio (CDR) with OCTA for observing the development of JOHT. Methods: We examined 86 eyes in 45 healthy subjects and 65 eyes in 34 patients with JOHT using OCTA at the glaucoma clinic of the Eye, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University. The vessel density (VD) of radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) and perifoveal superficial vascular plexus (SVP) was compared between healthy and JOHT group. Other basic study factors such as: age, sex, blood pressure, best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, IOP, CDR, the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, visual field mean deviation, and pattern standard deviation were also recorded. Results: Temporal RPC-VD was negatively associated with IOP (p=0.043). Additional five sections of nasal, inferior-nasal, inferior-temporal, superior-temporal and superior-nasal of RPC-VD showed positive correlation with CDR. SVP-VD in superior and nasal regions were affected by high IOP (p=0.023 and p=0.049). No other difference was uncovered between healthy and JOHT subjects. Conclusions: Peripapillary temporal perfusion had negative correlation with IOP in JOHT subjects. And regions were positively correlated with large CDR. Perfusion of perifoveal regions were only affected by IOP. We conclude that OCTA could be used as an effective technique to monitor the development of JOHT.
Ferulic acid attenuates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in retinal degeneration
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Sun Peng , Liu Limei , Jiang Pengfei , LI YUANBIN 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: To use a rd10 mouse model as a means of exploring the impact of Ferulic acid(FA) on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation as well as associated retinal degeneration.

Methods: Rd10 mice received different concentrations of FA treatment every day from postnatal day (P)4 to P24. At P25, mice visual function were detected by electroretinogram, then retinae were collected for further investigation. Retinal microglia activation state and relevant cytokines were evaluated by qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. The retinal structure was assessed by HE Staining.

Results:50mg/Kg FA supplement exhibited optimal protection against retinal degeneration, with treated mice exhibiting more photoreceptor nuclei as well as significant wave amplitude amplification in electroretinograms. FA suppressed microglia activation both in vivo and in vitro, inhibited pro-inflammatory factors Tnfα, IL1β, Ccl2 expression in rd10 retinae. Furthermore, FA suppressed the activation of STAT1 and subsequently IRF8 expression, potentially highlighting a role for these pathways in FA-mediated immunomodulatory activity.

Conclusions: Attenuating neuroinflammation by FA may be beneficial to retard retinal degeneration.
Psychiatric sequelae in women who experience life-threatening complications during pregnancy in a low-and-middle income country (LMIC)
Authors: Khamker Nadira , Roos Johannes Lodewikus 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Researchers compared psychiatric sequelae in women with life threatening complications during pregnancy (LT), and uncomplicated pregnancies (UP) in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) over a 6-month follow-up period.Method: The study design was a mixed method and quantitative data was collected in a parallel convergent manner at two university hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa. Women from two groups, namely those with uncomplicated pregnancies and those with life threatening complications were followed up over a six-month period postnatally. Results: Eighty-nine women participated in the study of whom 46 experienced a life-threatening pregnancy complication. At six-week follow-up, 65.5% (n=19) of women in the LT-group and 29.2% (n=7) of the UP-group experienced symptoms of depression (p=0.08). In the LT-group, 30.4% (n=14) had anxiety symptoms compared to 7% (n=3) of UP-group (p=0.011). Compared to the UP-group, more women in the LT-group experienced somatic symptoms (28.3%, n=13, p=0.003) and sleep disturbances (28.3%, n=13, p=0.0009). More women in the LT-group reported memory disturbance 15.2% (n=7, p=0.034) compared to women in the UP-group. Psychotic symptoms were not prominent in either group.Conclusions: Women who experienced life-threatening complications at birth experienced significant distress including depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, sleep disturbances and memory deficits compared to women with uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries. Maternal services for women with complicated deliveries should include a comprehensive package of obstetric, paediatric and psychiatric care that involves a multi-professional team.
Antiresorptive Therapy and the Bone Turnover Markers—Assessed Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Smilic Ljiljana , Smilic Tanja , Jovanovic Aleksandar N. , Jovanovic Snezana R. Markovic - , Mirkovic Zlatica , Mirkovic Jana , Jaksic Bojan S. , Bisevac Boban , Filimonovic Jelena 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose/Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine relationship of the bone markers levels with the fracture risk and treatment monitoring in patients with osteoporosis. Bone markers may point out to on specific aspects of bone quality, detecting changes of bone mineral density, thus providing prognostic perspective and accounting for a substantial proportion of fracture risk reduction.Methods: The case-control study comprised data from 55 patients undergoing evaluation for osteoporosis at Medicus Universalis Polyclinic in Krusevac. Densitometric findings, P1NP, CTX and osteocalcin levels were determined in all patients twice – at the first assessment and 6 months after. While 30 patients took no medical therapy, 25 of them were treated with ibandronate. Results: No convincing difference in densitometric measurements between patients with and without prevalent fractures were noted, while mean osteocalcin and P1NP levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in osteoporotic patients who suffered fractures. A significant correlation between those bone turnover markers and T-score was established, especially in the second measurement and in patients treated with ibandronate.Conclusion: In postmenopausal women and individuals with low BMD, the presence of increased bone turnover markers suggests an increased risk of fractures. Furthermore, these metabolic markers are useful in the monitoring of patients receiving antiresorptive therapy, wherein fast decline of their levels indicate favorable course. Their determination after 6 months offers the remarkable advantage in assessing the effectiveness of medical treatment comparing to 12–24 months required to document changes by BMD.
Long-term Transmission Patterns and Public Health Policies Leading to Malaria Elimination in Panamá
Authors: Hurtado Lisbeth , Cumbreras Alberto , Rigg Chystrie , Perea Milixa , Santamaría Ana María , Chaves Luis Fernando , Moreno Dianik , Romero Luis , Lasso Jose , Caceres Lorenzo , Saldaña Azael , Calzada Jose Eduardo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study provides a countrywide perspective of the malaria situation in Panama over a long-term framework, with the purpose of identifying historical malaria resurgence events and their potential causes.Methods: A descriptive-ecological study was conducted by analyzing demographic and epidemiological annual malaria time series data in Panamá (1884 – 2019) using several data sources. Malaria intensity indicators were calculated during the study period. We also analyze the effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation on malaria transmission using a retrospective analysis of malaria cases between 1957 and 2019.Results: Several factors were identified responsible for malaria resurgence in Panama, mostly related with Malaria Control Programme weakening. During the past 20 years (2000 – 2019) malaria has progressively increased its prevalence within indigenous settlements, with a predominance of male cases and a high proportion (15% of total cases) in children less than 5 years old. During this period a significant and increasing proportion of the P. falciparum total cases were imported. Our retrospective analysis (1957 - 2019) evidenced that ENSO has a significant impact on malaria transmission dynamics in Panama.Conclusions: Data analysis confirmed that although authorities have been successful in focalizing malaria transmission in the country, there are still neglected issues to be solved and important intercultural barriers that need to be addressed in order to achieve elimination of the disease by 2022. This information will be useful for targeting strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme.
Coverage of Community Case Management for Malaria through CHWs: A Quantitative Assessment using Primary Household Surveys of High-burden Areas in Chhattisgarh state of India
Authors: Garg Samir , Gurung Preeti , Dewangan Mukesh , Nanda Prabodh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Community Case Management of Malaria (CCMM) has been implemented through Community Health Workers (CHWs) in many countries. Existing studies have shown that CHWs can be viable means of implementing CCMM. However, not many studies have examined the coverage under large-scale CCMM programmes.India is a big contributor to global malaria burden. Chhattisgarh is a leading state in India in malaria incidence and mortality. CCMM was implemented on a large scale through the ‘Mitanin’ CHWs in rural Chhattisgarh from 2015. Under CCMM, 37696 CHWs in 84 high-burden administrative blocks of the state were trained and equipped with Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT), Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) and Chloroquine.Methods: This descriptive quantitative study assesses coverage of CCMM in detection and treatment of Malaria over three rounds of household surveys - 2015, 2016 and 2018. Household-interviews covered more than 15000 individuals in each round, using multi-stage random sampling across the 84 blocks. The main objectives were to find out the coverage in identification and treatment of malaria and the share of CHWs in them. A 15-days recall was used to find out cases of fever and healthcare sought by them.Results: In 2018, 62% of febrile cases in rural population contacted CHWs. RDT, ACT and Chloroquine were available with 96%, 80% and 95% of CHWs respectively. From 2015 to 2018, the share of CHWs increased from 34% to 70% in testing of febrile cases and 28% to 69% in treatment of malaria cases. CHWs performed better than other providers in three-day treatment-completion and administered medication under direct observation to 72% of cases they treated.Conclusion: This study adds to one of the most crucial but relatively less reported area of CCMM programmes, i.e. the extent of coverage of the total febrile population by CHWs which subsequently determines the actual coverage of case-management in malaria. Mitanin-CHWs achieved high coverage and treatment-completion rates that were rarely reported in context of large-scale CCMM elsewhere. Close to community, well-trained CHWs with sufficient supplies of rapid tests and anti-malarial drugs can play a key role in achieving the desired coverage in malaria-management.
An unlabeled probe based real time PCR and modified semi nested PCR as molecular tools for analysis of chloroquine resistant in Plasmodium vivax isolates from Afghanistan
Authors: Mosawi Sayed Hussain , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Safi Najibullah , Fotouhi-Ardakani Reza , Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Sadraei Javid 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Chloroquine (CQ) resistance Plasmodium vivax isolates have been reported from many endemic regions in the world. P. vivax has been reported to be about 95% of the whole malaria in Afghanistan and CQ is prescribing in the first-line treatment of vivax malaria. The pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o (K10 insertion) genes are the possible markers of CQ-resistance P. vivax isolates. There have been no studies done on the prevalence of molecular markers of CQ-resistance P. vivax in Afghanistan. In the present work, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mutations in the pvmdr-1 and K10 insertion in the pvcrt-o genes of P. vivax.Methods: P. vivax isolates were collected from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost provinces. For investigation of polymorphisms of desired regions in pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o genes, sequencing was applied on the PCR products. We developed a new asymmetric qPCR and melting analysis assay based on unlabeled probe for scanning of K10 insertion in pvcrt-o gene.Results: The analysis of sequencing data of the pvmdr-1 gene showed wild type Y976 and K997 and mutant M958 and L1076 in 33 isolates from three provinces and submitted in GenBank (accession number MK419882-MK419914)Of 36 samples that evaluated for K10 insertion in pvcrt-o, 2/18(11%), 0/10(0%) and 0/8(0%) isolates from Laghman, Baghlan and Khost province possessed K10 insertion, respectively, that confirmed by either sequencing and unlabeled probes and submitted in GenBank (accession number MK292011-MK292046).Conclusion: The existence of 2 samples with K10 insertion and 33 samples with pvmdr1 polymorphism indicating on CQ resistance P. vivax populations in Afghanistan. This can lead to spreading of resistant strains in the society. Furthermore, unlabeled probes are simple and inexpensive alternative tools for screening of P. vivax mutations.
Identification and characterization of a novel type-2 DGAT homologue gene from the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Zhang Hongjiang , Hang Wei , Zhao Chunchao , Xu Wenxin , Zhu Xiaoli , Ji Chunli , Xue Jinai , Zhang Chunhui , Li Runzhi , Cui Hongli 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The unicellular green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is an ideal source of astaxanthin (AST) which is stored at oil bodies contain both esterified astaxanthin (EAST) and triacylglycerol (TAG). Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the last step of the acyl-CoA-dependent TAG biosynthesis and is considered as the crucial enzyme involving in EAST biosynthesis in H. pluvialis. However, the function of DGAT in H. pluvialis has not been reported.
Results: A full-length cDNA sequences encoding a putative DGAT2 (HaeDGAT2E) was obtained from H. pluvialis . It contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1,017-bp encoding a protein of 338 amino acid residues. The isolated HaeDGAT2E protein shared high identity of 57.6% and 54.1% with DGAT2E from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chromochloris zofingiensis respectively. There were 7 conserved motifs and 3 trans-membrane regions in HaeDGAT2E. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that HaeDGAT2E belonged to DGAT2E subfamily. HaeDGAT2E activity was confirmed in the TAG deficient yeast strain (H1246) by restoring its ability to produce TAG. Upon expression of HaeDGAT2E , C16:0 and C18:1 fatty acid contents were 190.2% and 132.4% higher respectively than that of the H1246 strain. In addition, over-expression of HaeDGAT2E in transgenic Nicotiana Benthamiana resulted in increased contents of C16:0 (113.5%) and C18:1 (234.5%).
Conclusions: A novel gene encoding HaeDGAT2E was identified in H. pluvialis . This is the first functional analysis of DGAT2 in Haematococcus . This information is important for understanding TAG accumulation and for further elucidating EAST biosynthesis in H. pluvialis .
Evaluation of Housekeeping Gene Expression Stability in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Authors: Luo Huolin , Yu Wenjing , Tao Yuan , Hrovat Jonathan , Xue Ahui , Luo Liping 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is widely used for gene expression analysis, owing to its advantages of high specificity, sensitivity and repeatability. A suitable reference gene is an absolute prerequisite for accurate normalization, nevertheless, the frequently-used reference gene was reported unstable under different experimental conditions and causes failure to correctly analyze the expression of the interested gene. Therefore, it is vital to systematically evaluate the expression stability of these candidate reference genes before performing RT-qPCR. Results: In this study, two computational statistical methods were used, including geNorm and NormFinder, in order to determine the expression stability of 12 frequently-used reference genes in Dianthus caryophyllus across different experimental conditions. The results show that the expression stability of candidate genes varies greatly in different sample pools, which again proves the instability of these common housekeeping gene expressions. In general, the expression of UBQ10 (ubiquitin10), EF1a (elongation factor 1A) and TIP41 (TIP41-like family protein) were relatively stable under different experimental conditions, while the expression stability of 18S (18S Ribosome RNA), TIF5A (translation initiation factor 5A) and PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A) were relatively poor. Conclusion: EF1α, TIP41 and UBQ10 were considered the most appropriate reference genes when all samples were put together, while UBQ10 was most stable in exogenous hormone treatments. TUB and UBQ10 can be used as reliable internal control genes under stress, while CYP and TUA can act as reliable internal controls in different tissues. This is the first systematic study of selection of reference genes in Carnation, and will benefit future expression studies in this crop.
Implementation of a patient centred medical home (PCMH) initiative in general practices in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Metusela Christine , Dijkmans-Hadley Bridget , Mullan Judy , Gow Andrew , Bonney Andrew 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background With an ageing population and an increase in chronic disease burden in Australia, Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) models of care have been identified as potential options for primary care reform and improving health care outcomes. Adoption of PCMH models are not well described outside of North America. We examined the experiences of seven general practices in an Australian setting that implemented projects aligned with PCMH values and goals supported by their local Primary Health Network (PHN). Method Qualitative and quantitative data were collected over a twelve month period, including semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and practice data to present a detailed examination of a subject of study; the implementation of PCMH projects in seven general practices. We conducted 49 interviews with general practitioners, practice managers, practice nurses and PHN staff. Framework analysis deploying the domains of a logic model was used to synthesis and analyse the data. Findings Facilitators in implementing successful, sustainable change included the capacity and willingness of practices to undertake change; whole of practice engagement with a shared vision towards PCMH change; engaged leadership; training and support; and structures and processes required to provide team-based, data driven care. Barriers to implementation included change fatigue, challenges of continued engaged leadership and insufficient time to implement PCMH change. Conclusion Our study examined the experiences of implementing PCMH initiatives in Australian general practice setting, describing facilitators and barriers to PCMH change. Our findings provide guidance for PHNs and practices within Australia, as well as general practice settings internationally, that are interested in undertaking similar quality improvement projects.
MEX3A promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer by activating the MEK/ERK pathway.
Authors: Zhang Yao , Ren Hongjiu , Zhang Bo , Xu Yitong , Zhang Qingfu , Jiang Jun , Wudu Muli , Su Hongbo , Jiang Xizi , Liu Zongang , Zou Zifang , Qiu Xueshan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer worldwide; however, its death is the highest among all cancers. Previous studies have shown that MEX3A is associated with Argonaute (Ago) and CDX2 proteins, which are important in tumor progression. High expression of MEX3A is also known to negatively affect the therapeutic impact of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, we investigated the role of MEX3A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Tumor specimens were collected from 87 NSCLC patients who underwent surgical resection between 2014 and 2019 at the Pathology Archive of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, and were subsequently used for immunohistochemistry. NSCLC cell lines and normal bronchial epithelial HBE cell line were used to study the effects of MEX3A by utilizing MEX3A-siRNA, MEX3A-plasmids, and the ERK pathway inhibitor U0126. Western blotting, colony formation assays, MTT assays, and Transwell assays with or without Matrigel were performed to explore the impact of MEX3A on NSCLC.Results: MEX3A protein expression was associated with tumor differentiation (P=0.044), size (P=0.020), lympth node status (P=0.001), and p-TNM stage (P=0.009) and was preferentially expressed in tumor tissues. MEX3A was found to be localized to the nucleus. The expression level in cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in normal tissue. According to our study, MEX3A was shown to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC. In addition, MEX3A regulated the expression of P-MEK, P-ERK, CyclinA2, CDK4, CDK6, RhoA and MMP2. The MEK inhibitor U0126 reduced the biological effects of MEX3A , suggesting that MEX3A increases the carcinogenic activity of NSCLC cells through activation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.Conclusion: These results suggest an association between MEX3A expression and the unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients. And MEX3A promote NSCLC progression by increasing the proliferative and metastatic potential of cancer cells through upregulation of the MEK/ERK pathway. We propose that MEX3A is a candidate prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Moderate low temperature protects the ischemic brain injury by activating SIRT1 through inhibition of FOXO1/PINK1/Parkin axis mediated mitophagy in a mouse
Authors: Zhu Yaobin , Zhang Yaping , Ding Nan , Yi Hanlu , Fan Xing , Li Zhiqiang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Several evidences suggested that the protective effect of hypothermia on brain injury is related to the inhibition of apoptosis and depends on the onset time of hypothermia and the degree of brain maturation. We performed many experiments aimed to comprehensively explore the biological functions of moderate low temperature protects the ischemic brain injury in a mouse and its underlying mechanism.Methods: 12 normal healthy C57BL6 mouse were selected, and moderate low temperature model mouse were selected. The biological functions of moderate low temperature protect the ischemic brain injury in a mouse and its underlying mechanism were performed to explore.Results: Based on our results, we found that moderate hypothermia brain protection could alleviate cerebral injury caused by ischemia reperfusion in mouse. Hypothermic brain protection reduced the level of oxidative stress induced by ischemia reperfusion in mouse. Meso-hypothermic cerebral protection could inhibit excessive mitochondrial autophagy induced by ischemia reperfusion in mouse. Medium-low temperature brain protection could activate SIRT1 and inhibit FOXO1/PINK1/Parkin pathway. Activation of SIRT1 in the hypoxia/reoxygenation model of hippocampal neurons could inhibit autophagy and oxidative stress by inhibiting the FOXO1/PINK1/Parkin pathway.Conclusions : Moderate low temperature protects the ischemic brain injury by activating SIRT1 through inhibition of FOXO1/PINK1/Parkin axis mediated mitophagy in a mouse.