bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut microbial-related metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide and its precursor L-carnitine are associated with spontaneous preterm birth: a nested case-control study
Authors: Chen Xing , Huang Ning , Liu Chaoqun , Chen Yue , Huang Lulu , Zhu Xiujuan , Cao Dehao , Wang Jin , Ye Juan , Hou Qingzhi , Li mujun , Mo Zengnan , Yang Xiaobo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Gut microbiota has been proven to disease susceptibility and may lead to increased risk of preterm birth. To date, the link of gut microbial-related metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), L-carnitine, and betaine, with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the association of TMAO, L-carnitine and betaine, with sPTB risk. Methods: A nested case-control study was designed including 129 sPTB cases and 258 controls based on Guangxi Birth Cohort Study. TMAO, L-carnitine, and betaine level in maternal serum were determined by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between maternal serum metabolites and sPTB. Stratified analyses were further conducted according to BMI and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Spline analyses were performed to explore the dose-response relationship between the metabolites and sPTB.Results: Statistically significant association with decreased sPTB risk was observed for the highest L-carnitine (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.95). In risk analyses stratified by BMI, similar results were observed in normal weight gravida (BMI: 18.5~23.9 kg/cm2). The significant subtype-specific association with TMAO (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.93) and L-carnitine (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.97) were observed for preterm labor but not PPROM. Spline regression analysis indicated non-linear associations with TMAO and sPTB risk (P for nonlinearity: 0.057). Significant associations of TMAO with sPTB were observed in normal weight gravida (P = 0.028) and preterm labor subtype (P = 0.025). No statistically significant associations with sPTB risk were observed for betaine (P > 0.05).Conclusions: TMAO and L-carnitine levels in maternal serum are inversely linked with sPTB risk. Discovery of the association between gut-microbiota initiated TMAO metabolism and sPTB may open new avenues for diagnose and therapy.
Association of serum calcium concentrations with renal impairment in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cheng Jun , Zhao Yi , zhang Wen , Li Xiayu , Lv Rong , Li heng , Jianghua Chen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Renal impairment(RI) is a common complication of multiple myeloma. Few studies have been conducted to determine the association between the serum calcium concentration and the occurrence of RI in MM patients.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included 568 patients with newly diagnosed MM who participated in an ongoing retrospective cohort study. The serum calcium concentrations and the presence of RI at baseline in MM patients were evaluated. Patient data were collected at baseline and multiple regression analyses were used to estimate independent relationships. We further used a two piecewise linear regression model to identify non-linear relationships.Results The serum calcium concentration was independent associated with the presence of RI and the serum creatinine levels in MM patients in basic or fully adjusted analyses. Hypercalcemia was independent associated with a high risk of RI occurrence in MM patients. The serum calcium concentration was significantly associated with the presence of RI in a non-linear relationship with a turning point of 2.3 mmol/L. There was a positive correlation between the serum calcium concentration and the presence of RI when the serum calcium concentrations was >2.3mmol/L (p<0.05); however, these associations were no longer statistically significant when the serum calcium concentration was<2.3mmol/L in fully adjusted analyses (p>0.05). The test for interactions was not statistically significant.Conclusions The serum calcium concentration was independent associated with the presence of RI in patients with MM. There was a nonlinear relationship between the serum calcium concentration and the presence of RI. The serum calcium concentration was positively related with the presence of RI when the albumin-adjusted serum calcium concentration was >2.3mmol/L. Our study suggested that we should take measures to reduce the blood calcium concentration earlier rather than waiting for hypercalcemia to occur.
Homoprejudiced violence among Chinese men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional analysis in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wu Dan , Yang Eileen , Huang Wenting , Tang Weiming , Xu Huifang , Liu Chuncheng , Baral Stefan , Day Suzanne , Tucker Joseph D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Homoprejudiced violence, defined as physical, verbal, psychological and cyber aggression against others because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation, is an important public health issue. Most homoprejudiced violence research has been conducted in high-income countries. This study aimed to examine the experience and perpetration of homoprejudiced violence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China.Methods MSM in a large Chinese city, Guangzhou, completed an online survey instrument that was distributed through community-based organizations. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the sample characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, residence, occupation, marriage, education and income, were carried out to explore associated factors.Results A total of 777 men completed the survey and most (64.9%) were under the age of 30. Three-hundred-ninety-nine (51.4%) reported experiencing homoprejudiced violence, while 205 (25.9%) reported initiating homoprejudiced violence against others. Compared to respondents who self-identified as gay, respondents who were heterosexual were 0.6 times (AOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) as likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence, whereas those who were unsure about their sexual orientation were 2.6 times (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.5) more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence before. Furthermore, a strong association (AOR=2,4. 95% CI: 1.6-3.5) was identified between experiencing homoprejudiced violence and initiating violence. MSM who had disclosed their sexual orientation to people other than their partners were more likely to have experienced homoprejudiced violence (AOR=1.8, 95% CI:1.3-2.5).Conclusions These findings suggest the importance of anti-homoprejudiced violence interventions focused on decreasing violence against MSM. Further research and actions are needed.
Identification of favorable SNP alleles related to fruit traits in diverse apple germplasm
Authors: Han A Reum , Kim Seon-Ae , Kim Gi Hoon , Choi Cheol 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is a valuable fruit crop worldwide, and receives considerable attention as one of the model plants of the Rosaceae family. The primary purpose of apple breeding programs is to generate novel apple cultivars with fruit quality traits that have high commercial value. To advance fruit-tree breeding systems, it is necessary to investigate the association between genomes and targeted traits. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are promising to analyze the associations between the genome and traits in fruit tree crops.Results: In this study, we evaluated 10 major fruit quality traits including titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), and skin color from 301 apple germplasms for four years (2015-2018). GWAS analysis was performed using SNP data generated via genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and identified SNPs significantly related to the fruit quality traits. For TA, significant association loci were detected on chromosome 16 and genes in the candidate regions related to malate transporter. The GWAS loci of SSC was found on chromosome 15, where genes related to sucrose synthase and transporter are located. Significant SNPs associated with fruit skin color were identified on genetic region near the MYB10 gene on chromosome 9, which regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis. SNPs identified by the GWAS were further confirmed with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis to discover specific polymorphisms in the melting curve.Conclusion: Overall, these results could identify several candidate genes and SNP markers associated with the fruit quality traits, thus validation of these SNPs enabled marker-assisted selection (MAS). The candidate SNPs and genes observed in this study will contribute to a better understanding of genetic basis for the important fruit quality traits and provide tools for generation of novel cultivars with the quality traits for advancement of apple industry.
Invisible contaminants and food security in former coal mined areas of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil
Authors: Blanco Graziela Dias , Sühs Rafael Barbizan , Brizola Escarlet , Corrêa Patrícia Figueiredo , Campos Mari Lucia , Hanazaki Natalia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Mining activities have environmental impacts due to sediment movement and contamination of areas, and also pose risks to people's food security. In Brazil, the major part of coal mining activities is done in the southern region, in the Santa Catarina Carboniferous region. In this region, former mined areas contaminated with heavy metals frequently occur nearby inhabited zones. Heavy metals are contaminants that does not have odor, color, or taste, and are therefore difficult to detect. We aimed to verify whether people use plants from contaminated mined areas, and to understand which factors influence plant use.Methods We did semi-structured interviews with residents from 14 areas nearby abandoned mines in the main municipalities of the Santa Catarina Carboniferous region.Results Out of the 196 interviewed residents, 127 (65%) reported collecting plants for medicinal and food use, directly from contaminated mined areas. Long-term residents, as well as those who noticed more environmental changes (positive and negative), cited more plants used, and had more detailed knowledge of plant use in their communities. When asked if they were aware of the possible contamination of mined areas, 85% said they knew about it. However, only 10% associated negative health effects with the use of plant species collected in contaminated mined areas.Conclusions Our study demonstrates that people living nearby contaminated areas use and consume plants, and also evidences a lack of information about contamination and a lack of participatory actions that include local communities in contaminated area restoration strategies. This situation poses a risk to the food security of the people living nearby former coal mined areas.
Urban ecology of arboviral mosquito vectors along the Kenyan coast
Authors: Karisa Jonathan , Muriu Simon , Omuoyo Donwilliams , Karia Boniface , Ngari Moses , Nyamwaya Doris , Rono Martin , Warimwe George , Mwangangi Joseph , Mbogo Charles M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The emergence and re-emergence of arboviral infections particularly Chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever in humans around the world threatens global health. The purpose of this study was to determine the urban ecology of the common arboviral mosquito vectors in urban Coastal Kenya areas.Materials and Methods The current study was conducted in urban settings of Kilifi and Mombasa counties in coastal Kenya in 2016 to 2017. Adult mosquitoes were collected both indoors and outdoors by CDC light traps and BG-Sentinel traps respectively. All blood fed mosquitoes were tested for blood meal sources by an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Mosquito larvae were collected using standard dippers and pipettes. Egg survivorship in dry soil was evaluated by collecting of soil samples from dry potential breeding habitats, watering them for hatching and rearing of the eventual larvae to adults. Mosquitoes were screened for Flavivirus, Alphavirus and Phlebovirus arboviruses using Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT qPCR).Results A total of 3,264 adult mosquitoes belonging to ten species of Culex (Cx.), Aedes (Ae) and Anopheles (An.) were collected. Overall, the predominant species were Cx. quinquefasciatus 72.4% (n=2,364) and Ae. aegypti, 25.7%, (n=838). A total of 415 breeding habitat types were identified indoors (n=317) and outdoors (n=98). The most productive habitat types in both indoors and outdoors were: assorted small containers, water tanks, drainages, drums and jericans. Overall, 62% (n=18) of the soil samples collected from the two sites (Kilifi and Malindi) were positive for larvae which were used as proxy to measure the presence of eggs. The mosquitoes had high preference for human blood (29.81%) and chicken (3.73%) but none had fed on either goat or bovine. Of 259 mosquitoes tested for viral infection, 11.6% were positive for Flavivirus only.Conclusion Peri-domestic containers were identified to be the key breeding areas of arboviral vectors.
Microglial physiological properties and interactions with synapses are altered at presymptomatic stages in a mouse model of Huntington's disease pathology
Authors: Savage Julie , St-Pierre Marie-Kim , Carrier Micaël , Hajj Hassan El , Novak Sammy , Sanchez Maria Gabriela , Cicchetti Francesca , Tremblay Marie-Eve 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive and motor abilities by primarily targeting the striatum and cerebral cortex. HD is caused by a mutation elongating the CAG repeats within the Huntingtin gene, resulting in HTT protein misfolding. Although the genetic cause of HD has been established, the specific susceptibility of neurons within various brain structures has remained elusive. Microglia, which are the brain’s resident macrophages, have emerged as important players in neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, few studies have examined their implication in HD. Methods: To provide novel insights, we investigated the maturation and dysfunction of striatal microglia using the R6/2 mouse model of HD. This transgenic model, which presents with 120+/-5 CAG repeats, displays progressive motor deficits beginning at 6 weeks of age, with full incapacitation by 13 weeks. We studied microglial morphology, phagocytic capacity, and synaptic contacts in the striatum of R6/2 versus wild-type (WT) littermates at 3, 10 and 13 weeks of age, using a combination of light and transmission electron microscopy. We also reconstructed dendrites and determined synaptic density within the striatum of R6/2 and WT littermates, at nanoscale resolution using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. Results: At 3 weeks of age, prior to any known motor deficits, light microscopy studies revealed that microglia in R6/2 animals displayed a mature morphological phenotype, not reached by microglia in WT animals until 7-10 weeks of age. Microglia from R6/2 mice across all ages investigated also demonstrated increased phagocytosis, as revealed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, microglial processes from 10-week old R6/2 mice made fewer contacts with synaptic structures than those of 3-week old R6/2 mice and age-matched WT littermates. While synaptic density was not affected by genotype at 3 weeks of age, it only increased with maturation in WT mice between 3 and 10 weeks of age. The location of synapses was lastly modified from targeting dendritic spines to trunks at 3 and 10 weeks of age in R6/2 mice versus WT controls. Conclusions: These findings suggest that microglia may play an intimate role in synaptic alteration and loss during HD pathogenesis.
Identification of odorant-binding proteins in the reproductive system of Athetis dissimilis using transcriptome analysis
Authors: Song Yueqin , Sun Huizhong , Zhao Jingyun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are prevalent in the antennal transcriptomes of different orders of insects. Studies on OBPs have focused on their role in the insect chemosensory system, but knowledge of their functions in the insect testis is limited. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the Athetis dissimilis reproductive organs and analyzed the expressive of OBPs in different tissues. We identified a total of 54 OBPs including 23 OBPs in the transcriptomes of testis and ovaries, and 31 OBPs in antennal transcriptomes. Through fluorescence qPCR, the 23 identified OBPs were found to be highly expressed in both female and male antennae compared to the reproductive organs. Of the identified OBPs, 5/23 showed comparable expression in female and male antennae; 3/23 were more highly expressed in males compared to females; and 15/23 OBPs were more highly expressed in females compared to males. A total of 24 OBPs were highly expressed in the testis of A. dissimilis whilst expression in the ovaries was low. These findings highlight the functional diversity of OBPs in insects and can facilitate further studies on the OBPs in A. dissimilis and lepidopteran species.
Mapping evidence on community-based clinical education models for undergraduate physiotherapy students: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chemane Nomzamo Thobekile , Cobbing Saul , Chetty Verusia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Community-based clinical training has been advocated as an excellent approach to transformation in clinical education. Clinical education for undergraduate physiotherapy students is a hands-on practical experience that aims to provide a student with skills to be fit to practice independently. However, in many countries, including South Africa, this training has been conducted in large urban academic hospitals. Such hospitals are not a true reflection of the environment that these students will be faced with as practicing healthcare professionals. The purpose of this scoping review was to map out existing evidence on community-based clinical education models for undergraduate physiotherapy students globally.Methods: A systematic scoping review will be based on the 2005 Arksey and O’Malley framework. Studies involving students and stakeholders in clinical education will be included. This review will not be limited by time. An electronic search of relevant literature, including peer-reviewed primary studies and grey literature, will be conducted from PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. The search strategy will include keywords such as “education,” “physiotherapy,” “undergraduate,” “community-based," "training," "decentralized," and "distributed." Boolean logic will be used for each search string. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening of titles, abstracts, and full text before extracting articles. A predesigned data-charting table will supplement the extraction of data. Version 12 NVIVO software will aide in the thematic analysis of data.Discussion: The evidence obtained from the extracted data will assist in the development of a model of community-based clinical education for undergraduate physiotherapy students in South Africa, and serve as a basis for future research. The discussion of this evidence will be guided by the research question utilizing a critical narrative approach to explore emerging themes. The enablers and barriers identified from the reviewed studies can guide the development of a community-based clinical education model.
Safety and Efficacy of Scleral Concave Pool Trabeculectomy Combined Phacoemulsification for Eyes with Coexisting Cataract and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.
Authors: Ye Xiangxiang , Qi Yongjun , Deng Jianhua , Yang Yang , Mo Ting , Xu Mao , Liu Wanjun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the safety and efficacy of scleral concave pool trabeculectomy (SCPT) combined phacoemulsification for eyes with coexisting cataract and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods This was a retrospective, controlled, interventional case series. Thirty patients (30 eyes) were diagnosed with coexisting cataract and POAG between May 2015 and April 2018. Fourteen eyes underwent SCPT combined phacoemulsification were set as the study group, and 16 eyes received conventional phacotrabeculectomy were set as the control group. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. The preoperative to postoperative changes in IOP, glaucoma medication requirements, BCVA, blebs functions, and adverse events were recorded.Results The groups were matched for baseline age, BCVA, IOP and types of IOP-lowering medications (all P>0.05). At 6-month visit, there were no significant difference between control and study group in the improvement of BCVA (0.22±0.24 versus 0.18±0.26, P=0.718), reduction of IOP (-11.21±8.61mmHg versus -9.19±9.18mmHg, P=0.540) and the number of eyes that needed IOP-lowering medications (2 versus 3, P=0.743). At the last visit, the rate of forming functioning blebs was significantly different between the study and control groups, (92.9% versus 68.7% respectively, P=0.007). In the study group, 5 eyes developed shallow anterior chamber,and 1 eye showed limited choroidal detachment, whereas in the control group 1 eye developed malignant glaucoma. All adverse events were successfully managed.Conclusion The SCPT combined phacoemulsification is a safe and effective alternative to conventional phacotrabeculectomy for patients with POAG and visually significant cataract.
2-methylacetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase (beta-ketothiolase) deficiency: one disease - two pathways
Authors: Grünert Sarah Catharina , Sass Jörn Oliver 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: 2-methylacetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase deficiency (MATD; deficiency of mitochondrial acetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase T2/ “beta-ketothiolase”) is an autosomal recessive disorder of ketone body utilization and isoleucine degradation due to mutations in ACAT1. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search for all available clinical descriptions of patients with MATD. 244 patients were identified and included in this analysis. Clinical course and biochemical data are presented and discussed. Results: For 89.6 % of patients at least one acute metabolic decompensation was reported. Age at first symptoms ranged from 2 days to 8 years (median 12 months). More than 82% of patients presented in the first two years of life, while manifestation in the neonatal period was the exception (3.4%). 77.0% (157 of 204 patients) of patients showed normal psychomotor development without neurologic abnormalities.Conclusion: This comprehensive data analysis provides a systematic overview on all cases with MATD identified in the literature. It demonstrates that MATD is a rather benign disorder with often favourable outcome, when compared with many other organic acidurias.