bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Heliothis Virescens Ascovirus 3h orf21 that Encodes a Virion Protein
Authors: Zhao Ying , Yu Huan , Li Ni , Huang GuoHua 
Published: March 2020

Homologues of Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h (HvAV-3h) orf21 are found in 9 completely sequenced members of the ascoviruses, but so far their functions are unknown. Here, orf21 (3h-21) was cloned in-frame into a pET-28a bacterial expression vector. The fusion protein produced by this construct was used for the preparation of a polyclonal antiserum. RT-PCR analysis showed a single transcript of 3h-21 of approximately 0.7kb was transcribed beginning at 24h post-infection in infected Helicoverpa armigera larvae. Western blot analysis of extracts from HvAv-3h-infected Helicoverpa armigera larvae detected a 25.6 kDa protein late in infection. This antiserum also reacted with a 25.6 kDa protein in purified virions of HvAv-3h. The protein was not extensively modified post-translation. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that the 3H-21 is associated with the structure of HvAV-3h virions.
An Analysis of The Relationship between The Maxillary Molars and The maxillary sinus floor in Adult Patient Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Li Lin , Fu Yifan , Huang Shihui , Lai Ziya , Ge Jianping 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomical relationship between the maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods A database of maxillary molars were obtained from 91 adult patients by means of images of CBCT. The internal angle, the alveolar bone width, and the distance between root apex and the wall of maxillary sinus were measured by CBCT. The vertical relationship between the maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus were analysed. Vertical relationship of the maxillary sinus was further evaluated. Results The value of the internal angle of maxillary third molar is 17.2 ± 11.5°. The width of the alveolar bone of third molar is 8.2 ± 1.7mm. Type III, IV and V were the most common relationship in the first and second molars. Type V and I were most frequently observed in the first and second molars. The inner angle of the second molar is larger than that of the first molar. The maxillary first molar had the smallest mean alveolar bone width, and the third molar had the largest average. Conclusion This study will provide reference for clinical practice, especially for root canal treatment and tooth implants.
BCG induced neutrophil extracellular traps formation and its regulatory mechanism
Authors: Sun Erlin , Liu Kangkang , Lei Mingde , Wang Lining , Nian Xuewu , Li Limin , Gao Jingda 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Intravesical BCG is one of the most effective immunotherapies for bladder cancer. Our previous study showed that BCG induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which play an important role in bladder tumor treatment. To identify how BCG-induced NETs formation, we examined NETs formation induced by BCG in vitro and in a mouse model, then analyzed the effects of NETs on BCG and the relevant regulatory mechanism. Methods The formation of NETs was visualized using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). NETs quantitation was evaluated by the strength of extracellular DNA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NETs formation were determined by co-culturing with inhibitors of ROS, NADPH oxidase, and relevant pathways. FITC–labeled BCG was used to observe capturing by NETs. Finally, NETs formation was observed in mouse urine and subcutaneous tumors after BCG perfusion. Results BCG induced in vitro NETs formation in a time-dependent fashion, as well as urine and subcutaneous tumors in mice, which was inhibited by pretreatment with DNase I and protease. Interestingly, BCG was trapped but not killed in vitro by NETs, which was different from the effect on Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, ROS was required for BCG-induced NETs formation, which was regulated by star pathways, such as the MEK, p38, PI3K, and PKC pathways. Conclusions By exploring how BCG induced the formation of NETs and the regulatory mechanism, we conclude that a novel immune reaction involving neutrophils exists in the early stages of BCG treatment.
Prevalence and determinants of modern contraceptive utilization among rural lactating mothers: Findings from the primary health care project in two northwest Ethiopian districts
Authors: Derso Terefe , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Yitayal Mezgebu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Alemu Kassahun , Debalkie Getu , Fekadu Hailab , Dellie Endalkachew , Azale Telake , Misganaw Bisrat , Kebede Adane , Fetene Destaw , G/medhin Tsegaye , Atnafu Asmamaw 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Contraceptive utilization is a guarantee to avert unwanted pregnancies. In Ethiopia however, more than half of the rural women have shorter birth intervals. Consequently, 17% and 8% of the births have been either mistimed (wanted at later date) or unwanted, respectively. Therefore, this study investigated modern contraceptive utilization and its predictors among rural lactating women. Methods: A community based-cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to June 29, 2019, in Dabat and Gondar zuria districts, northwest Ethiopia. Data from 603 lactating mother were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were fitted to identify the independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization. Results: The overall prevalence of modern contraceptive (MC) utilization rate was 45.8% [95% CI: 38.01, 53.59]. The contraceptive method mix was dominated by Depo-Provera (39.8%) followed by implants (4.8%). The odds of utilization of contraceptive were 5.58 times higher among mothers of children with fully immunized [AOR=5.58, 95% CI: 3.45, 9.01] compared to mothers whose children were vaccinated partially or not at all. Mothers who received antenatal [AOR= 1.74, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.43] and postnatal care [AOR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.24, 2.91) were 1.74 and 2.02 folds more likely to utilize modern contraceptives than mothers who did not receive such care, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization in this study area was lower than the planed national target. In the region, child immunization service is one of the promising platforms for reaching lactating mothers with modern contraceptive utilization. Our findings suggest that antenatal and postnatal care visits are the other key determinants of modern contraceptive utilization. Thus, in low-resource settings like ours, the health system approaches to improved antenatal and, postnatal care and child immunization services should be intensified with more effective advice on modern contraceptive utilization to reduce unwanted pregnancies. Key words: Contraceptive utilization, postnatal care, Child immunization
Luteal blood flow as a predictive factor for methotrexate treatment outcomes in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy
Authors: Wang Li , Pei Meili , Yang Ting , Zhao Juan , Yang Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Blood flow in the corpus luteum is associated with luteal function. However, the impact of luteal blood flow on methotrexate (MTX) treatment in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to observe the impact of luteal blood flow on the therapeutic effect of MTX in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy. Methods: A prospective observational study recruited 129 women with unruptured tubal pregnancy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from September 2016 to June 2018. One hundred and fifteen women were treated successfully with MTX, and women were divided into 2 groups according to luteal blood flow: the poor luteal blood flow group and the abundant luteal blood flow group. The therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. Results: Women in the abundant luteal blood flow group had a significantly higher serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level 4 days, 1 week and 2 weeks after MTX treatment compared with women in the poor luteal blood flow group ( P <0.05). The average diameter of the ectopic mass 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after MTX treatment in women with abundant luteal blood flow was significantly larger ( P <0.05), and the time of serum β-hCG clearance and ectopic mass disappearance were significantly longer compared with those in women in the poor luteal blood flow group ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Luteal blood flow might be a predictive factor for MTX treatment outcomes in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy, and those with abundant luteal blood flow need a longer recovery time.
Inhibition of Carrageenan-induced Dental Inflammatory Responses Owing to Decreased TRPV1 Activity by Dexmedetomidine
Authors: Lu Gang , Zhu Guanhua , Xu Maohua , Ping Xinggao , Xiao Qingfeng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a highly selective agonist of the α2 adrenergic receptor and a common sedative; however, its anti-inflammatory effect has been studied. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Dex on inflammation in dental pulp cells was assessed. For this, the effect of Dex on inflammation induced by carrageenan (Car) in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) was evaluated. Car incubation induced a robust inflammatory response in hDPCs as well as activation of PKA–STAT3 and PKC–nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Results Dex reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of PKA, PKC, STAT3, and NF-κB as well as the nuclear accumulation of STAT3 and NF-κB were significantly increased in Dex-treated Car-induced hDPCs. Western blotting results also showed that the phosphorylation level of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) was downregulated as a result of Dex treatment. Furthermore, we found that administration of the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (Cap) reversed the effects of Dex on proinflammatory cytokines; however, the expression and activation of PKA–STAT3 and PKC–NF-κB signals were not altered owing to Cap administration. Conclusions These results indicate that Dex plays a defensive role in dental pulp inflammation by regulating the TRPV1 channel and can be used as a potential target for human dental pulp inflammation intervention.
Influence of China’s 2009 healthcare reform on the utilisation of continuum of care for maternal health services: Evidence from two cross-sectional household surveys in Shaanxi Province
Authors: Fan Xiaojing , Kumar Meghan Bruce , Zhou Zhongliang , Lee Ching-Hung , Wang Duolao , Liu Haixia , Dang Shaonong , Gao Jianmin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Continuum of care for maternal health services (CMHS) is a proven approach to improve health and safety for mothers and newborns. This study aims to explore the influence of China’s 2009 healthcare reform on improving the CMHS utilisation. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional quantitative study included 2332 women drawn from the fourth and fifth National Health Service Surveys of Shaanxi Province, conducted in 2008 and 2013 respectively, before and after China’s 2009 healthcare reform. A generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) was applied to analyse the influence of this healthcare reform on utilisation of CMHS. Concentration curves, concentration indexes and its decomposition method were used to analyse the equity of changes in utilisation. Results: This study showed post-reform CMHS utilisation was higher in both rural and urban women than the CMHS utilisation pre-reform (according to China’s policy defining CMHS). The rate of CMHS utilisation increased from 24.66% to 41.55% for urban women and from 18.31% to 50.49% for rural women (urban: χ 2 =20.64, P<0.001; rural: χ 2 =131.38, P<0.001). This finding is consistent when the WHO’s definition of CMHS is applied for rural women after reform (12.13% vs 19.26%; χ 2 =10.99, P=0.001); for urban women, CMHS utilisation increased from 15.70% to 20.56% (χ 2 =2.57, P=0.109). The GLMM showed that the rate of CMHS utilisation for urban women post-reform was five times higher than pre-reform rates (OR=5.02, 95%CL: 1.90, 13.31); it was close to 15 times higher for rural women (OR=14.70, 95%CL: 5.43, 39.76). The concentration index for urban women decreased from 0.130 pre-reform (95%CI: -0.026, 0.411) to -0.041 post-reform (95%CI: -0.096, 0.007); it decreased from 0.104 (95%CI: -0.012, 0.222) to 0.019 (95%CI: -0.014, 0.060) for rural women. The horizontal inequity index for both groups of women also decreased (0.136 to -0.047 urban and 0.111 to 0.019 for rural). Conclusions: China’s 2009 healthcare reform has positively influenced utilisation rates and equity of CMHS’s utilisation among both urban and rural women in Shaanxi Province. Addressing economic and educational attainment gaps between the rich and the poor may be effective ways to improve the persistent health inequities for rural women. Keywords: Healthcare Reform; Continuum of care for Maternal Health Services; Equity; National Health Service Surveys; China
The effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 on migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Ha-Reum , Yoo Su-Jin , Kim Jinhyun , Yoo In Seol , Park Chan Keol , Kang Seong Wook 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate the migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which are key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) induces ROS generation and consequently, enhances cell migration. Despite the important interrelationship between RA, FLS, and ROS, the effect of NOX4 on RA pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods: FLS isolated from RA (n=5) and osteoarthritis (OA, n=5) patients were stimulated with recombinant interleukin 17 (IL-17; 10 ng/ml) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α; 10 ng/ml) for 1 h. Cell migration, invasion, adhesion molecule expression, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and ROS expression were examined. The mRNA and protein levels of NOX4 were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. The NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 and NOX4 siRNA were used to inhibit NOX4 to probe the effect of NOX4 on these cellular processes. Results: Migration of RA FLS was increased 2.48-fold after stimulation with IL-17 and TNF-α, while no difference was observed for OA FLS. ROS expression increased in parallel with invasiveness of FLS following cytokine stimulation. When the expression of NOX was examined, NOX4 was significantly increased by 9.73-fold in RA FLS compared to unstimulated FLS. Following NOX4 inhibition, cytokine-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), VEGF, and migration and invasion capacity of RA FLS were markedly decreased to unstimulated levels. Conclusion: NOX4 is a key contributor to cytokine-enhanced migration and invasion via modulation of ROS, VCAM1, and VEGF in RA FLS.
Acute Mechanical Stress in Primary Porcine RPE Cells Induces Angiogenic Factor Expression and in vitro Angiogenesis
Authors: Farjood Farhad , Ahmadpour Amir , Ostvar Sassan , Vargis Elizabeth 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a major cause of blindness in patients with age-related macular degeneration. CNV is characterized by new blood vessel growth and subretinal fluid accumulation, which results in mechanical pressure on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The overexpression of RPE-derived angiogenic factors plays an important role in inducing CNV. In this work, we investigated the effect of mechanical stress on the expression of angiogenic factors in porcine RPE cells and determined the impact of conditioned medium on in-vitro angiogenesis. Results The goal of this study was to determine whether low levels of acute mechanical stress during early CNV can induce the expression of angiogenic factors in RPE cells and accelerate angiogenesis. Using a novel device, acute mechanical stress was applied to primary porcine RPE cells and the resulting changes in the expression of major angiogenic factors, VEGF, ANG2, HIF-1α, IL6, IL8 and TNF - α, were examined using immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. An in vitro tube formation assay was used to determine the effect of secreted angiogenic proteins due to mechanical stress on endothelial tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our results showed an increase in the expression of VEGF, ANG2, IL-6 and IL-8 in response to mechanical stress, resulting in increased in vitro angiogenesis. Abnormal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RPE cells is also associated with CNV and further retinal degeneration. Our qRT-PCR results verified an increase in the expression of EMT genes, CDH2, VIM and FN1, in RPE cells. Conclusions In conclusion, we showed that acute mechanical stress induces the expression of major angiogenic and EMT factors and promotes in vitro angiogenesis, suggesting that mechanical stress plays a role in promoting aberrant angiogenesis in AMD.
The relationship between physical activity, apolipoprotein E ε4 carriage and brain health
Authors: de Frutos-Lucas Jaisalmer , Cuesta Pablo , Lopez-Sanz David , Peral-Suarez Africa , Cuadrado-Soto Esther , Ramirez-Toraño Federico , Brown Belinda M , Serrano Juan M , Laws Simon M , Rodriguez-Rojo Inmaculada C , Verdejo-Roman Juan , Bruña Ricardo , Delgado-Losada Maria L , Barabash Ana , Lopez-Sobaler Ana M , Lopez-Higes Ramon , Marcos Alberto , Maestu Fernando 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neuronal hyperexcitability and hypersynchrony have been described as key features of neurophysiological dysfunctions in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. Conversely, physical activity (PA) has been associated with improved brain health and reduced AD risk. However, there is controversy regarding whether AD genetic risk (in terms of APOE ε4 carriage) modulates these relationships. The utilization of multiple outcome measures within one sample may strengthen our understanding of this complex phenomenon. METHOD: The relationship between PA and functional connectivity (FC) was examined in a sample of 107 healthy older adults using magnetoencephalography. Additionally, we explored whether ε4 carriage modulates this association. The correlation between FC and brain structural integrity, cognition and mood was also investigated. RESULTS: A relationship between higher PA and decreased FC (hyposynchrony) in the left temporal lobe was observed among all individuals (across the whole sample, in ε4 carriers and in ε4 non-carriers), but its effects manifest differently according to genetic risk. In ε4 carriers, we report an association between this region-specific FC profile and preserved brain structure (greater gray matter volumes and higher integrity of white matter tracts). In this group decreased FC also correlated with reduced anxiety levels. In ε4 non-carriers, this profile is associated with improved cognition (working and episodic memory). CONCLUSIONS: PA could mitigate the increase in FC (hypersynchronization) that characterizes preclinical AD, being beneficial for all individuals, specially ε4 carriers.
Psychological, social, and motivational factors in persons who use drugs
Authors: Shahrabadi Sana , Jalali Amir , Jalali Rostam , Gholami Ali 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Persons who use drug needs family and society’s support in the pross of treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, it is imperative to find the psychological, social, and motivational factors that can help them in the treatment process. The present study was an attempt to determine the relationship of psychological, social, and motivational factors and demographics of the persons who use drugs (PWUD).
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. Psychological, Social, and Motivational Performance Questionnaire for the PWUD was first translated into Farsi and validated after securing permission from the copyright holder of the tool. Participants were 250 PWUD under methadone therapy who were selected through convenient sampling. Before analyzing the collected data, validity and reliability of the tool were confirmed using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. Given the scale of demographical data, descriptive and analytic statistics were used to analyze the relationship between demographical variables and psychological, social, and motivational factors.
Results: The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that out of 83 statements in the original questionnaire, 55 statements categorized into 11 aspects were usable for Iranian population. The results showed that gender, income, and marital status were effective in Psychological functioning of the PWUD (P<0.05). However, education level, domicile, and type of drug and consumption did not have a significant relationship with social functioning of the participants (p>0.05). There was a significant relationship between age, number of children, and history of using drug and Psychological functioning of the participants (P<0.01). The results showed that the demographics did not have a notable effect on the participants’ motivation for treatment; only marital status had a significant relationship with the participants’ treatment readiness (P<0.05).
Conclusion: As the results showed, the demographical variables could affect physical, psychological, and motivational readiness in the participants.
Long-term safety and tolerability of atabecestat (JNJ-54861911), an oral BACE1 inhibitor, in early Alzheimer's disease spectrum patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and a two-period extension study
Authors: Novak Gerald , Streffer Johannes Rolf , Timmers Maarten , Henley David , Brashear H Robert , Bogert Jennifer , Russu Alberto , Janssens Luc , Tesseur Ina , Tritsmans Luc , Nueten Luc Van , Engelborghs Sebastiaan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Atabecestat, a potent brain-penetrable inhibitor of BACE1 activity that reduces CSF amyloid beta (Aβ), was developed for oral treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The long-term safety and effect of atabecestat on cognitive performance in participants with predementia AD in two phase 2 studies were assessed.

Methods

In the placebo-controlled double-blind parent ALZ2002 study, participants aged 50 to 85 years were randomized (1:1:1) to placebo or atabecestat 10 or 50 mg once-daily (later reduced to 5 and 25 mg) for six months. Participants entered ALZ2004, a 12-month-treatment extension with placebo or atabecestat 10 or 25 mg, followed by an open-label phase. Safety, changes in CSF biomarker levels, brain volume, and effects on cognitive performance were assessed.

Results

Of 114 participants randomized in ALZ2002, 99 (87%) completed, 90 entered the ALZ2004 double-blind phase, and 77 progressed to open-label phase. CSF Aβ fragments and sAPPβ were reduced dose-proportionately. Decreases in whole brain and hippocampal volumes were greater in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD than in preclinical AD, but were not affected by treatment. In ALZ2004, change from baseline in RBANS trended toward worse scores for atabecestat versus placebo. Elevated liver enzyme adverse events reported in 12 participants on atabecestat resulted in dosage modification and increased frequency of safety monitoring. Treatment discontinuation normalized ALT or AST in all except one with pretreatment elevation, which remained mildly elevated. No case met ALT/AST >3X ULN; total bilirubin >2X ULN (Hy’s law).

Conclusion

Atabecestat was associated with trend toward declines in cognition, and elevation of liver enzymes.