bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of plasma biomarkers in Down syndrome: the relative levels of Aβ1-42 decrease with age, whereas NT1 tau and NfL increase
Authors: Mengel David , Liu Wen , Glynn Robert J. , Selkoe Dennis J. , Strydom Andre , Lai Florence , Rosas H. Diana , Torres Amy , Patsiogiannis Vasiliki , Skotko Brian , Walsh Dominic 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), but diagnosis of AD in DS is challenging due to the intellectual disability which accompanies DS. When disease-modifying agents for AD are approved, reliable biomarkers will be required to identify when and how long people with DS should undergo treatment. Three cardinal neuropathological features characterize AD, and AD in DS – Aβ amyloid plaques, tau neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Here, we quantified plasma biomarkers of all 3 neuropathological features in a large cohort of people with DS aged from 3 months to 68 years.Methods: Using ultra-sensitive single molecule array (Simoa) assays, we measured 3 analytes in plasmas of 100 individuals with DS and 100 age- and sex-matched controls. The analytes were: Aβ1-42, NfL, and tau. The latter was measured by an assay (NT1) which detects forms of tau containing at least residues 6-198.Results: High Aβ1-42 and NT1 tau, and low NfL, were observed in infants. Across all ages, Aβ1-42 levels were higher in DS than controls. Levels of Aβ1-42 decreased with age in both DS and controls, but this decrease was greater in DS than controls and became prominent in the third decade of life. NT1 tau fell in adolescents and young adults, but increased in older individuals with DS. NfL levels were low in infants, children, adolescents and young adults, but thereafter increased in DS compared to controls. Conclusions: High levels of Aβ1-42 and tau in both young controls and DS suggest these proteins are produced by normal physiological processes, whereas, the changes seen in later life are consistent with emergence of pathological alterations. Our plasma biomarker results are in good agreement with prior neuropathology studies and indicate that the third and fourth decades (i.e. 20 to 40 years of age) of life are pivotal periods during which AD processes manifest in DS. Application of the assays used here to longitudinal studies of individuals with DS aged 20 to 50 years of age, should further validate the use of these biomarkers, and in time may allow identification and monitoring of people with DS best suited for treatment with emerging AD therapies.
Is adiposity associated with objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in older adults?
Authors: Zhu Wenfei , Cheng Zhiwei , Howard Virginia J. , Judd Suzanne E. , Blair Steven N. , Sun Yuliang , Hooker Steven P. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Many older adults in the U.S. do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity (PA) to fully realize a myriad of health benefits. Adiposity may be one of those important correlates of PA and sedentary behaviors. However, the full extent to which adiposity is associated with PA and sedentary time (SED) is uncertain. Therefore, we examined the association of adiposity with objectively measured PA and SED in black and white older adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of older adults enrolled in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study 2003-2007 who participated in an ancillary accelerometer study 2009-2013. Assessment of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) was completed during an in-home visit in the parent study. PA was measured by ActicalTM accelerometers, which provided estimates of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), light-intensity PA (LPA), and SED for 4-7 consecutive days. Data from accelerometers were standardized to square root percentages of total wear time per day (SqrtMVPA%, SqrtLPA%, and SqrtSED%). Interactions were tested for BMI and WC by race and sex, separately. Results: Data were available for 7,873 participants (69.8 ± 8.7 yr, 54.2% women, 31.5% African American). In mixed linear regression models, significant interactions existed in BMI by race and sex for the SqrtMVPA%, WC by race and sex for the SqrtMVPA% and the SqrtLPA% model(P<0.05). No interaction was significant for the logistic model of meeting the PA guideline or not. In subgroup analyses, BMI was inversely associated with SqrtMVPA%, SqrtLPA%, and positively related to SqrtSED% in black women, white men and white women after adjustments. Similar patterns were observed between WC and SqrtMVPA%, SqrtLPA%, and SqrtSED% in all groups, respectively. However, BMI was not associated with SqrtMVPA% in black men. Those with higher BMI or WC were less likely to meet the PA guideline in all groups. Conclusions: Adiposity was inversely associated with higher levels of MVPA/LPA and positively associated with higher levels of SED among black and white older adults. Prevention efforts aimed at promoting weight control may be beneficial to prevent physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle among older adults.
Comparison of Seven in Silico methods for Evaluating of Ecotoxicological Acute Toxicity of Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas: Case study on Chinese Priority Controlled Chemicals
Authors: Zhou Linjun , Fan Deling , Yin Wei , Gu Wen , Wang Zhen , Liu Jining , Xu Yanhua , Shi Lili , Liu Mingqing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The acute toxicity on aquatic organisms are indispensable parameters in the ecological risk assessment priority chemical screening process (e.g. persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals). Currently, a number of predictive models for aquatic toxicity are available, however, the accuracy of in silico tools in priority assessment and risk assessment still remains to be further studied. Herein, this study evaluated the performance of seven Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) in silico methods (Danish QSAR Database, Ecological Structure Activity Relationships, KAshinhou Tool for Ecotoxicity on PAS, Toxicity Estimation Software Tool, QSAR Toolbox, Read Across, and Virtual models for property Evaluation of chemicals within a Global Architecture) for assessing acute aquatic toxicity to Daphnia magna and Pimephales promelas using the first batch list of Priority Controlled Chemicals in China. Results: Based on the values for the median lethal dose and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s acute aquatic toxicity categories of concern, the acute toxicity grade was classified into six categories. According to the comparative prediction results, the accuracy of the Daphnia magna toxicity categories prediction was 25%–56%, the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.1236 to 0.6349, and the correlation coefficients of the applicability domain were 0.040 and 0.5148. The corresponding values for the Pimephales promelas toxicity categories prediction were 22%–44%, 0.1495–0.4144, 0.2156 and 0.6793. Conclusion: As the structure of chemicals of first batch list of Priority Controlled Chemicals in China are complex, the accuracy of model prediction is low, which depends on the quality of the constructed model and application domain. Although in silico methods can be used to preliminarily estimate aquatic toxicity, experimental data validation is still required for prioritizing environmental hazards assessments and risk assessments.
Role of C1q in spleen-derived neutrophil infiltration and neuroinflammation after ICH in mice
Authors: Tang Jun , Luo Tiantian , Geng Junjun , Zhang Bo , Niu Yin , Wang Ling , Jila Shiju , Feng Hua , Zhu Gang , Chen Zhi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation is a major detrimental role of secondary brain injury after spontaneously intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Neutrophil infiltration plays a key role in the pathophysiology of ICH, but the coming resource and mechanism is unknown. This study aims to investigate whether spleen-derived neutrophil infiltration accelerated neuroinflammation and the role of C1q classical pathway.Methods: Male C57 mice were subjected to collagenase-induced ICH. If necessary, splenectomy was performed 2 weeks prior to ICH induction or anti-C1q neutralizing antibody (50mg/kg) was injected intravenously into the tail vein 15 minutes prior. Immunohistochemistry, Propidium Iodide staining, western blotting, ELISA and qRT-PCR were used to study the change of molecular proteins, neuronal cells and inflammatory factors. 7.0T animal MRI was used to assess hydrocephalus.Results: At 0h, 6h, 12h, 24h and 48h post ICH induction, we found a significant increasing tendency of microglia activation and neutrophil infiltration around hematoma and that C1q upregulation was correlated with neuronal decrease, which peaked at 24h after ICH. Here, we demonstrated spleen atrophy and upregulation of neutrophil in spleen 24h after ICH. Splenectomy prior to ICH mice resulted in significant decrease of microglia and neutrophil infiltration compared with that in group of sham-splenectomy. Moreover, both anti-C1q antibody and splenectomy significantly attenuated neutrophil infiltration and neuron death, restored synapse VGAT, alleviated hydrocephalus and inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 after ICH.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that spleen is a major source of brain neutrophil infiltration after ICH. C1q-targeted inhibition of classic complement pathway could prevent spleen-derived neutrophil infiltration and attenuate ICH induced neuroinflammation, which provides a novel therapeutic approach for hemorrhagical stroke.
Construction of high copy number and highly stable Escherichia coli-Bacillus subtilis shuttle plasmids based on pWB980
Authors: Zhao XingYa , Xu JianYong , Tan Ming , Zhen Jie , Shu WenJu , Yang ShiBin , Ma YanHe , Zheng Hongchen , Song Hui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: pWB980 derived from pUB110 is a promising expression vector in Bacillus for its high copy number and high stability. However, the low transformation rate of recombinant plasmids to the wild cells limited the application of it. On the basis of pWB980, constructing an E. coli - B. subtilis shuttle plasmid could facilitate the transformation rate to Bacillus cells. Because the insertion site for E. coli replication origin sequence ( ori ) is not unique in pWB980, in order to investigate the best insertion site, eight shuttle plasmids (pUC980-1~pUC980-8) containing all possible insertion sites and directions were constructed.Results: The results showed that all the selected insertion sites could be used to construct shuttle plasmid but some sites required a specific direction. And different insertion sites led to different properties of the shuttle plasmids. The best shuttle plasmids pUC980-1 and pUC980-2, which showed copies more than 450 per cell and segregational stabilities up to 98%, were selected for heterologous expressions of an alkaline pectate lyase gene pelN , an alkaline protease spro1 and a pullulanase gene pulA11 , respectively. The highest extracellular activities of PelN, Spro1 and PulA11 were upto 5200 U/mL, 21537 U/mL and 504 U/mL correspondingly after 54 h, 60 h and 48 h fermentation in a 10 L fermentor. Notably, PelN and Spro1 showed remarkably higher yields in Bacillus than previous reports.Conclusion: In this work we can conclude that the optimum ori insertion site was the upstream region of BA3-1 in pWB980 which resulted in shuttle plasmids with higher copy numbers and higher stabilities. The novel shuttle plasmids pUC980-1 and pUC980-2 will be promising expression vectors in B. subtilis . And the ori insertion mechanism revealed in this work could provide theoretical guidance for further studies of pWB980 and constructions of other shuttle plasmids.
Study on Biodegradation Characteristics of Aryl Organophosphorus Flame Retardants (aryl-OPFRs) by Sphingobium yanoikuyae YC-XJ2
Authors: Li Xianjun , Wang Junhuan , Hlaing Thet Su , Jia Yang , Yan Yanchun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The preprint has been retracted as all authors did not agree to posting.
County level mortality and morbidity associated with PM2.5-related cancers in China based on satellite-derived PM2.5 data from 1998 to 2016: a forecasting and spatial analysis
Authors: Ju Ke , Liao WeiBin , Zhou Qian , Gao YaMin , Pan Jay 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is becoming increasingly serious in China, and is a major risk factor for various cancers. Moreover, recent studies have indicated that there is an impact of PM2.5 from regional transport. We aimed to predict spatial distribution of cancers related to PM2.5, and draw a series of forecasting maps of these cancers. Methods: A 1000-loops simulation was done to choose the optimal forecasting model between five alternative models: ridge regression, partial least square regression, regression tree, model tree, and the combined forecasting model. Then a kriging interpolation method was used to draw the forecasted cancer maps. Results: The trend showed a gradual increase in the mortality and morbidity of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and all-cause cancer. We found a significant spatial autocorrelation between cancer incidence and PM2.5. Our results from forecasting showed a constant growth in mortality and morbidity of all cancers, and the kriging method suggested a similar spatial pattern. High morbidity and mortality areas were mainly in central-east and south-east China. We found a similar distribution pattern between PM2.5 concentration and mortality and morbidity associated with PM2.5-related cancers. Conclusions: These findings serve as a valuable reference for the development of effective policies to reduce air pollution emissions, with the efforts from governments in high-risk areas.
Identification of stable reference genes for qPCR studies in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings under short-term drought stress
Authors: Dudziak Karolina , Sozoniuk Magdalena , Szczerba Hubert , Kuzdraliński Adam , Kowalczyk Krzysztof , Börner Andreas , Nowak Michał 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is one of the most common and accurate methods of gene expression analysis. However, the biggest challenge for this kind of examinations is normalization of the results, which requires the application of dependable internal controls. The selection of appropriate reference genes (RGs) is one of the most crucial points in qPCR data analysis and for correct assessment of gene expression. Because of the fact that many reports indicate that the expression profiles of typically used RGs can be unstable in certain experimental conditions, species or tissues, reference genes with stable expression levels should be selected individually for each experiment. In this study, we analysed a set of ten candidate RGs for wheat seedlings under short-term drought stress. Our tests included five ‘traditional’ RGs (GAPDH, ACT, UBI, TUB, and TEF1) and five novel genes developed by the RefGenes tool from the Genevestigator database.Results: Expression stability was assessed using five different algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder and the delta Ct method. In the final ranking, we identified three genes: CJ705892, ACT, and UBI, as the best candidates for housekeeping genes. However, our data indicated a slight variation between the different algorithms that were used. We revealed that the novel gene CJ705892, obtained by means of in silico analysis, showed the most stable expression in the experimental tissue and condition. Conclusions: Our results support the statement, that novel genes selected for certain experimental conditions have a more stable level of expression in comparison to routinely applied RGs, like genes encoding actin, tubulin or GAPDH. Selected CJ705892 gene can be used as a housekeeping gene in the expression analysis in wheat seedlings under short-term drought. The results of our study will be useful for subsequent analyses of gene expression in wheat tissues subjected to drought.
Beyond Health System Contact: Measuring and Validating Quality of Childbirth Care Indicators in Primary Level Facilities of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Weldearegay Haftom Gebrehiwot , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Godefay Hagos , Kahsay Alemayehu Bayray 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Measurement of quality of health care has been largely overlooked and continues to be a major health system bottleneck in monitoring performance and quality to evaluate progress against defined targets for better decision making. Hence, metrics of maternity care are needed to advance from health service contact alone to content of care. We assessed the accuracy of indicators that describe the quality of basic care for childbirth functions both at the individual level as well as at the population level in Northern Ethiopia. Methods: A validation study was conducted by comparing women’s self-reported coverage of maternal and newborn health interventions during intra-partum and immediate postpartum care received in primary level care facilities of Northern Ethiopia against a gold standard of direct observation by a trained third party (n=478). Sensitivity, specificity and individual-level reporting accuracy via the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and inﬂation factor (IF) to estimate population-level accuracy for each indicator was applied for validity analysis.Findings: 455(97.5%) of women completed the survey describing health interventions. Thirty-two (43.2%) of the 93 basic quality child birth care indicators that were assessed could be accurately measure at the facility and population level (AUC>0.60 and 0.75<IF<1.25). Few of the valid indicators were: whether women and their companion were greeted respectfully, whether an HIV test was offered, and whether severe bleeding (hemorrhage) was experienced by the woman. An additional 21(28.4%) indicators accurately measure at the facility or individual level, but the indicators under or over estimate at population level. Thirteen other indicators could accurately measure at population level. Eight (8.6%) indicators didn’t meet either of the validity criteria. Conclusion: Women were able to accurately report on several indicators of quality for basic child birth care. For those few indicators that required a technical understanding tended to have higher don’t know response from the women. Therefore, valid indicators should be included as a potential measurement of quality for the childbirth care process to ensure that essential interventions are delivered.
In vivo comparison of the biodistribution and toxicity of InP/ZnS quantum dots with different surface functional groups
Authors: Li Li , Chen Yajing , Xu Gaixia , Liu Dongmeng , Yang Zhiwen , Chen Tingting , Wang Xiaomei , Jiang Wenxiao , Xue Dahui , Lin Guimiao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) have shown a broad application prospect in the fields of biophotonics and nanomedicine. However, the potential toxicity of InP QDs has not been systematically evaluated. In particular, the effects of different surface modifications on the biodistribution and toxicity of InP QDs is still unknown, which hinders their further developments. The present study aims to investigate the biodistribution and in vivo toxicity of three types of InP/ZnS QDs with different surface modifications, hQDs (QDs-OH), aQDs (QDs-NH2), and cQDs (QDs-COOH) respectively. These InP/ZnS QDs with 2.5 mg/kg BW or 25 mg/kg BW were intravenously injected into BALB/c mice. Biodistribution of three QDs was determined through cryosection fluorescence microscopy and ICP-MS analysis. The subsequent effects of InP/ZnS QDs on histopathology, hematology and blood biochemistry were evaluated at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days post-injection.Results: The results showed these types of InP/ZnS QDs QDs were rapidly distributed in the major organs of mice, mainly in the liver and spleen, and lasted for 28 days. No abnormal behavior, weight change or organ index were observed during the whole observation period, except that 2 mice died on Day 1 after 25 mg/kg BW hQDs treatment. The results of H&E staining showed that no obvious histopathological abnormalities were observed in the main organs (including heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and brain ) of all mice injected with different surface functionalized QDs. Low concentration exposure of three QDs hardly caused obvious toxicity, while high concentration exposure of the three QDs could cause some changes in hematological parameters or biochemical parameters related to liver function or cardiac function. More attention need to be paid on cQDs as high dose exposure of cQDs induced death, acute inflammatory reaction and slight changes in liver function in mice.Conclusions: Generally speaking, the surface modification and exposure dose can influence the biological behavior and in vivo toxicity of QDs. The surface chemistry should be fully considered in the design of InP-based QDs for their biomedical applications. Keywords: InP/ZnS quantum dots, surface chemistry, in vivo, biodistribution, nanotoxicology
Treatment Characteristics and Outcomes in 58 Children with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Ge Panli , Huang Yingjun , Wang Yingjie , Li Jianan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) can change an individual’s life significantly and usually irreversibly. Recently, the incidence of spinal SCI in children has shown an upward trend. Many of them arise from back bends in dances. SCI can cause great suffering and dysfunction to children because they are still in the physical development stage and the degree of injury and prognosis are different from adults. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of children with SCI and their prognosis, to study the causes of these injuries, and to explore rehabilitation strategies for children with SCI. Methods: The clinical data of children with SCI, including general conditions, cause and degree of injury, and effects of rehabilitation were analyzed and evaluated. Results: Out of the 58 patients, 22 (37.93%) had SCI at and above T6, 34 (58.62%) at T7-T12, and 2 (3.45%) at and below L1. The injuries were caused by a back bend in 35 cases (60.34%) and by traffic accidents in eight cases (13.79%). Upon discharge, seven patients (12.07%) achieved independent walking ability, 33 (56.90%) realized wheelchair independence, and 46 (79.31%) attained basic or complete self-care ability. Fifty-six (96.55%) of these children with SCI experienced bladder dysfunction, 55 (94.83%) experienced rectal dysfunction, and 20 (34.48%) had scoliosis. Conclusions: Children with incomplete SCI are able to gain a great degree of functional recovery while children with complete SCI can achieve better independent living ability through active comprehensive rehabilitation training.