bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in physical activity across pregnancy among Chinese women: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lü Yan , Feng Yahui , Ma Shuai , Jiang Yu , ma liangkun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

Sufficient physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is beneficial for a woman’s health; however, the PA levels of Chinese women at different pregnancy stages are not clear. The aim of our study was to investigate PA changes during pregnancy and the association of population characteristics with PA change among Chinese women.

Methods

Data were obtained from 2485 participants who were enrolled in the multicentre prospective Chinese Pregnant Women Cohort Study. PA level was assessed in early pregnancy (mean=10, 5-13 weeks of gestation) and again in mid-to-late pregnancy (mean=32, 24-30 weeks of gestation) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). Sufficient PA (≥600 MET min/week) in early pregnancy and insufficient PA in mid-to-late pregnancy indicated decreasing PA. Insufficient PA in early pregnancy and sufficient PA in mid-to-late pregnancy indicated increasing PA. The associations between demographic, pregnancy and health characteristics and PA changes were examined by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Total energy expenditure for PA increased significantly from early (median=396 MET min/week) to mid-to-late pregnancy (median=813 MET min/week) (P<0.001), and 55.25% of the participants eventually had sufficient PA. Walking was the dominant form of PA. Women with sufficient PA levels in early pregnancy were more likely to have sufficient PA in mid-to-late pregnancy (OR=1.897, 95% CI: 1.583-2.274). Women in West China and those in Central China were most and least likely, respectively, to have increasing PA (OR=1.387, 95% CI: 1.078-1.783 vs. OR=0.721, 95% CI: 0.562-0.925). Smoking was inversely associated with increasing PA (OR=0.480, 95% CI: 0.242-0.955). Women with higher educational levels were less likely to have decreasing PA (OR=0.662, 95% CI: 0.442-0.991).

Conclusions

PA increased as pregnancy progressed, and walking was the dominant form of PA among Chinese women. Further research is needed to better understand correlates of PA change.
Emphasise Capability, Not Disability: Exploring public perceptions, facilitators and barriers to living well with dementia in Northern Ireland.
Authors: Mitchell Gary , McTurk Victoria , Carter Gillian , Brown-Wilson Christine 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Improving public knowledge and understanding about dementia has been identified as a priority area by people living with the condition, researchers, educators, and policymakers for several years. Societies that have a better understanding of the condition are more likely to enable people living with dementia to enjoy a better quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore current public perceptions of dementia along with the facilitators and barriers to living well from the perspective of people living with the condition in Northern Ireland. Methods: Four focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 20 people living with dementia across three Northern Irish Counties in June 2019. These interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained for this study prior to data collection. Findings: Following thematic analysis, three themes emerged in relation to barriers and facilitators to living well with dementia. These were: ‘Emphasis on Disability NOT Capability’, which highlighted societal misconceptions about the activities and modes of life which people with dementia could or could not do; ‘Normalise Dementia – We Don’t Want a Fool’s Pardon’, which focused on how the public could encourage people living with the condition to enjoy greater independence, and ‘Dementia isn’t a Death Sentence’, which considered how professionals, family members and friends treated the person after diagnosis. Conclusions: Public perceptions about dementia have the potential to act as both facilitators and barriers to living well with dementia. People with dementia articulated that they are more likely sustain wellbeing when they are valued and can lead the type of life, they are able to lead. On the contrary, poor public and professional attitudes to dementia had the potential to disempower people living with dementia.
Exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) promote changes in growth, phospholipid composition, membrane permeability and virulence phenotypes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Herndon Joshua , Peters Rachel , Hofer Rachel , Simmons Tim , Symes Steven , Giles David 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The utilization of exogenous fatty acids by Gram-negative bacteria has been linked to many cellular processes, including fatty acid oxidation for metabolic gain, assimilation into membrane phospholipids, and control of phenotypes associated with virulence. The expanded fatty acid handling capabilities have been demonstrated in several bacteria of medical importance; however, a survey of the polyunsaturated fatty acid responses in the model organism Escherichia coli has not been performed. The current study examined the impacts of exogenous fatty acids on E. coli. Results: All PUFAs elicited higher overall growth, with several fatty acids supporting growth as sole carbon sources. Most PUFAs were incorporated into membrane phospholipids as determined by Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, whereas membrane permeability was variably affected as measured by two separate dye uptake assays. Biofilm formation, swimming motility and antimicrobial peptide resistance were altered in the presence of PUFAs, with arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids eliciting strong alteration to these phenotypes. Conclusions: The findings herein add E. coli to the growing list of Gram-negative bacteria with broader capabilities for utilizing and responding to exogenous fatty acids. Understanding bacterial responses to PUFAs may lead to microbial behavioral control regimens for disease prevention.
Neuregulin-1 inhibits CoCl2-induced upregulation of excitatory amino acid carrier 1 expression and oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells and the hippocampus of mice
Authors: Kim Han-Byeol , Yoo Ji-Young , Yoo Seung-Yeon , Lee Jun-Ho , Chang Wonseok , Kim Hye-Sun , Baik Tai-Kyoung , Woo Ran-Sook 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is an important subtype of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) and is the route for neuronal cysteine uptake. CoCl2 is not only a hypoxia-mimetic reagent but also an oxidative stress inducer. Here, we found that CoCl2 induced significant EAAC1 overexpression in SH-SY5Y cells and the hippocampus of mice. Transient transfection of EAAC1 reduced CoCl2-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Based on this result, upregulation of EAAC1 expression by CoCl2 is thought to represent a compensatory response against oxidative stress in an acute hypoxic state. We further demonstrated that pretreatment with Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) rescued CoCl2-induced upregulation of EAAC1 and tau expression. NRG1 plays a protective role in the CoCl2-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction in antioxidative enzyme (SOD and GPx) activity. Moreover, NRG1 attenuated CoCl2-induced apoptosis and cell death. NRG1 inhibited the CoCl2-induced release of cleaved caspase-3 and reduction in Bcl-XL levels. Our novel finding suggests that NRG1 may play a protective role in hypoxia through the inhibition of oxidative stress and thereby maintain normal EAAC1 expression levels.
Reference letters for subspecialty medicine residency positions: Are they valuable for decision-making? Results from a Canadian study.
Authors: Chopra Deepti , Joneja Mala , Sandhu Gurjit , Smith Christopher A. , Spagnuolo Catherine M. , Hookey Lawrence 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The letter of recommendation is currently an integral part of applicant selection for residency programs. Internal medicine residents will spend much time and expense completing sub-specialty away electives to obtain a letter of recommendation. The purpose of this study was 1) to examine a large sample of reference letters in order to define essential components of a high-quality letter, and 2) to elucidate the relationship between quality of reference letter and the letter writer. Methods: We conducted a two-phase study. In phase one, a large sample of letters of recommendation was examined using an audit tool as a coding framework. A 5-point composite endpoint of high-quality letter components was subsequently developed. In phase two, program director letters were compared to non-program director home institution and non-home institution elective letters based on inclusion of components of the 5-point composite endpoint using Chi square testing. Results: 715 letters were examined (398 non-program director home institution letters, 201 program director letters, and 116 non-home institution elective letters). High-quality letter components were: nature of relationship, duration of relationship, In Training Evaluation Report information, research involvement and comments on areas for improvement. Program director letters had a significantly higher proportion (10.4%) of all 5 high-quality components, compared to 0% in both non-program director home institution letters and elective letters (p<0.001). A significantly higher proportion of program director letters had 4-5 high-quality components (62.5%) compared to 2% of non-program director home institution letters and 0% of elective letters (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Letters of recommendation from elective rotations are of the poorest quality and such rotations should not be pursued for the sole purpose of obtaining a letter. The low quality of elective letters leads to the recommendation that writers should decline to write them, programs should not require them and trainees should not request them. Program directors write the highest quality letters and should be a resource for faculty development. Clinical supervisors can use the 5-point composite endpoint as a guide when writing letters for applicants.
Interprofessional Collaboration and Smartphone Use as Promising Strategies to Improve Prenatal Oral Health Care Utilization among US Underserved Women – Results From A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Lin , Ren Johana , Fiscella Kevin A , Bullock Sherita , Sanders Mechelle R , Loomis Elizabeth L , Eliav Eli , Mendoza Michael , Cacciato Rita , Thomas Marie , Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota T , Billings Ronald J , Xiao Jin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Data on barriers and facilitators to prenatal oral health care among low-income US women are lacking. The objective of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators and patient-centered mitigation strategies related to use of prenatal oral health care among underserved US women.Methods: We used community-based participatory research to conduct two focus groups with eight pregnant/parenting women; ten individual in-depth interviews with medical providers, dental providers and community/social workers; and one community engagement studio with five representative community stakeholders in 2018-2019. Using an interpretive description research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content.Results: We identified individual and systemic barriers/facilitators to utilization of prenatal oral health care by underserved US women. Strategies reported to improve utilization included healthcare system-wide change to promote inter-professional collaborations, innovative educational programs to improve dissemination and implementation of prenatal oral health care guidelines, and specialized dental facilities providing prenatal oral health care to underserved groups. Furthermore, use of smartphones offers an innovative entry point to promote utilization of prenatal oral care at the individual level. Conclusions: Low-income women face multiple, addressable barriers to receipt of oral health care during pregnancy. Inter-professional collaboration holds strong promise for improving prenatal oral health care utilization.
Analysis of the Detection and Influencing Factors of Dyslipidemia in the Elderly in Wuwei：&nbsp;A Community-based Study
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Yang Junshan , Ji Zhaohua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of the incidence of dyslipidemia among the elderly in Wuwei, and explore the related factors affecting dyslipidemia. Methods: The physical examination data of 43,092 elder people aged 60 and over from 2012 to 2019 in Wuwei city were collected to analyze the incidence of dyslipidemia, and the factors affecting dyslipidemia were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 12,338 cases of dyslipidemia were reported in 43,092 patients, and the incidence of dyslipidemia was 28.6%. Among these dyslipidemia patients, the proportion of patients with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the highest, and the proportion of patients with hypertriglyceridemia combined with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the lowest. Univariate analysis showed that age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, electrocardiogram, and total bilirubin were the influencing factors of dyslipidemia in the elderly, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female gender, overweight/obesity, abnormal blood glucose, and high alanine aminotransferase were independent risk factors for dyslipidemia in the elderly (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The age with the highest prevalence of dyslipidemia among the elderly in Wuwei city is 70–80 years old. Elderly women should strengthen the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia. In order to avoid the occurrence of dyslipidemia, it is necessary to control body weight, blood glucose and improve liver function.
The Dynamic Metastases of Human Ovarian Carcinoma to Grading Lymph Nodes in Mouse Model
Authors: Du Licheng , Kong Fenghua , Yang Qing , Li Yaqiong , Ding Peikai , Yu Guoxiang , Yao Yiping , Zhao Yueran , Tian Xingsong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background：Lymphogenous metastasis, one of the most common dissemination routes for ovarian carcinoma, predicts a poor prognosis and relates to most cancer-related death. Now there were no effective therapy and control methods for ovarian carcinoma. Hence, it is necessary to build an animal model of lymph node metastasis in ovarian cancer to seek for the tools to find effective treatments. Our purpose of this study was to investigate the tumor cell dissemination of ovarian carcinoma to the gradient lymph nodes of nude mice and its possible mechanism. Methods: The mice models of VEGF-D over-expressed were built and the tumor growth and sentinel lymph nodes were evaluated weekly, while the visible lymph nodes and tumor masses were excised for histological examination using HE examination. Then Evan’s Blue was conducted to observe the unveil lymphatic network. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry was performed to check the expression of relative genes. Meanwhile, microvessel counting was performed within the tumor tissues and measured using computer assisted morphometric analysis.Results: The over-expression of VEGF-D promoted the tumor growth of ovarian carcinoma, facilitated the hyperplasia of tumor lymphatic and increased the intratumoral lymphatic vessel density. Besides, the up-regulation of VEGF-D induced the expression of MMP-2, which might be the underlying mechanism for the lymph metastasis in ovarian cancer. Conclusion: It was a step-by-step progression from the inoculation of cancer cells, to the proliferation of the primary tumors, and then to the lymphatic metastases, in which VEGF-D and MMP-2 played vital roles.
Consanguineous Marriages and Their Association With Women’s Reproductive Health and Fertility Behavior in Pakistan: Secondary Data Analysis From Demographic and Health Surveys, 1990–2018
Authors: Iqbal Sarosh , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian , Zakar Muhammad Zakria 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Pakistan has been showing consistently the highest prevalence of consanguinity. The popularity of consanguineous marriages is not declining in the country, because of social, cultural, and religious beliefs as well as economic advantages. However, couples also face various health related implications, such as poor pregnancy outcomes or multiple reproductive and fertility consequences, having adverse effects on mothers and their children. This research investigated the trend of consanguineous marriages and their association with women’s reproductive health and fertility behavior in Pakistan from 1990 to 2018.Methods: This study is based on a secondary data analysis, using all four waves of the Pakistan Demographic Health Surveys carried out during 1990 to 2018. The analysis is limited to women aged 15–49 years, who had given birth in the previous five years preceding each survey. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of consanguinity with multiple characteristics related to socio-demographics, co-variates and women’s reproductive health and fertility behaviors. Results: The findings revealed an high but overall stable trend of consanguinity prevalence of about 63% during the last three decades. Consanguineous marriages were more prevalent amongst young and uneducated women, living in rural areas, with poorer wealth status and having less exposure of mass media to access information. A strong association of consanguinity was observed with women’s reproductive health and fertility behavior, particularly for women who gave first birth at younger age, had multi-gravida pregnancies, multi-parity, pregnancy termination, ANC visits and higher fertility.Conclusion: Consanguineous marriages are predominant in the patriarchal society of Pakistan. Findings revealed that consanguinity contributes significantly to women’s reproductive health and fertility behaviors. Appropriate counselling, educational and health promotional programs related to consanguinity should be designed and launched at community level to raise awareness about risks towards women’s reproductive health and fertility.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling Analysis of WOX Family Proteins Encoded Genes in Triticeae Plant Species
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Ke , Du Lipu , Song Yuxia , Li Huihui , Ye Xingguo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background: Genotype dependence of plant regeneration is an important factor restricting the genetic improvement of Triticeae plant species. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) is a group of plant specific transcription factor, which play an important role in plant growth and development, and cell division and differentiation. Recent studies revealed that the application of regeneration-related genes such as WOX and BABY BOOM (BBM) could improve plant regeneration. The application of WOX genes is one of the ways to improve the genetic transformation system of Triticeae and other species, but there are rare studies in this area.Results: From the available genome sequence database, in total 136 WOX transcripts were identified for the Triticeae plants, including 43 in Triticum aestivum, 30 in Triticum turgidum, 25 in Triticum dicoccoides, 17 in Hordeum vulgare, 13 in Aegilops tauschii, and 8 in Triticum urartu. All of the WOX family genes were distributed on the chromosomes of homologous groups 1 to 5 in the six Triticeae species, part of which were confirmed by their specific PCR markers using a set of T. durum-T. aestivum genome D substitution lines. All of the WOX proteins in the six Triticeae species could be grouped into three clades, similar to those in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Arabidopsis. WOX family members were conserved among these Triticeae plants, all of them contained the conserved HOX DNA-binding homeodomain, and WUS clade members contained the characteristic WUS motif, while only TaWUS and TaWOX9 in all the six Triticeae plant species contained the ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif. The expression profiles of TaWOX genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed obvious difference among WOX family members.Conclusions: Totally 130 WOX genes were identified in the six Triticeae plant species. The WOX family genes were located on the chromosomes in the five homologous groups except groups 6 and 7 in the Triticeae species, and their expression profiles were different in different tissues, indicating that each of them had diverse function. The findings in this study could provide a basis for evolution and functional investigation and practical application of the WOX family genes in Triticeae plant species.
Missed Opportunities in Contraceptive Counselling: Findings from a European Survey-based Study with Simulated Patient Consultation
Authors: Nappi Rossella E. , Vermuyten Nicky , Bannemerschult Ralf 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Available evidence highlights unmet needs in contraceptive counselling practices. The aim of this study was to better understand current practices and clinician behaviour across Europe.Methods: This survey-based study used a novel, online approach to simulate contraceptive counselling discussions based on three, predefined patient types, each with a hidden need. Clinicians were asked to recommend a contraceptive method for their randomly assigned patient at two time points: 1) after a simulated discussion, during which they were given a brief patient profile and the opportunity to question their patient to obtain further information; 2) after they had been presented with a full patient profile. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the clinicians’ counselling approach, how successful clinicians were at uncovering the hidden needs of their patients, and whether an understanding of these needs would cause clinicians to change their contraceptive recommendation. Results: In total, 661 clinicians from 10 European countries participated in the study, including obstetricians/gynaecologists, midwives and general practitioners. Clinician specialty varied by nation. Most clinicians (78.8% and 70.5%, respectively) failed to uncover the hidden needs of patients X and Y, both of whom had requested prescription renewals. By contrast, 63.4% of clinicians uncovered the hidden need of patient Z, who had requested a review of her contraceptive method. Clinicians who did uncover their patients’ hidden needs asked significantly more questions than those who did not (mean 5.1–7.8 vs 1.5–2.2). Clinicians were more likely to recommend a change of prescription once they had seen the full patient profile than after the simulated discussion (12.3–30.2% increase in prescription change), indicating that clinicians rely on their patients to speak up proactively about any concerns. Family planning and bleeding issues were frequently not discussed in consultations.Conclusions: Existing counselling practices appear insufficient to capture patient needs, with opportunities for shared decision-making and discussion being missed. Clinicians and contraceptive counselling services should aim to introduce more in-depth contraceptive counselling, incorporating clear, open-ended questions, to improve patient adherence and enhance reproductive planning. Women should be empowered to actively voice both their needs and any dissatisfaction with their current contraceptive.