bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of serum CRH/5‐HT ratio for postpartum depression
Authors: Cao Shiyue , Wei Li 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the changes in the serum levels of CRH and 5‐HT in women with postpartum depression (PPD) and to study the value of the CRH/5‐HT ratio for the prediction of PPD.MethodsThis prospective study recruited pregnant women from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University between January 2017 and October 2019. Women were considered for inclusion if they had no history, or no current evidence, of a psychiatric disorder. All women were assessed at postpartum day 10 with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Blood samples were obtained at 20 weeks of pregnancy and the levels of CRH and 5‐HT were determined by radioimmunoassay and ELISA. Associations between EPDS score, the demographic variables, and hormone levels were identified using bivariate logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 185 women were included. We found that the serum level of both CRH and 5‐HT was significantly correlated with EPDS score; the AUC for CRH was 0.79, and 5‐HT was 0.85, which indicated that both CRH and 5‐HT are a reliable biomarker for PPD. The AUC, specificity, and sensitivity of CRH/5‐HT were 0.92, 0.86, and 0.95, respectively, which were better than those of CRH or 5‐HT individually.ConclusionsWe believe that the serum CRH/5‐HT ratio is an excellent biomarker for the prediction of PPD.
miR‐34a carried by adipocyte exosomes inhibits the polarization of M1 macrophages in mouse osteolysis model
Authors: Gao Xu‐Ren , Ge Jian , Li Wei‐Yi , Zhou Wang‐Chen , Xu Lei , Geng De‐qin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveAfter bone prosthesis replacement, M1‐type macrophage polarization can be induced by titanium (Ti) particles and produce inflammatory, leading to osteolysis. Adipocyte‐derived exosomes (ADEs) exert immune‐modulatory impact on the macrophage, while whether it can inhibit the macrophage polarization induced by Ti is unclear. This study focuses on the M1‐type macrophage and aims to determine the effect of ADEs on Ti‐induced M1‐type macrophage polarization in osteolytic mice and the involved mechanism.MethodsTi particle‐induced osteolysis mouse model was established and macrophages were isolated from the osteolysis site. The levels of NLRP3 and specific markers for M1‐type macrophage were determined. ADEs isolated from adipocyte cell line 3T3‐L1, or conditioned ADEs with low‐expressed miR‐34a isolated from 3T3‐L1 transfected with miR‐34a inhibitor were co‐cultured with RAW 264.7 to determine their impact on the polarization of macrophage.ResultsADEs reduced the M1‐type macrophage polarization and caused the upregulation of miR‐34a in macrophage of the osteolysis site of the osteolysis mouse model. Also, the level of miR‐34a in ADEs was higher than that in the adipocyte. The conditioned ADEs expressed a low level of miR‐34a and boosted the Ti‐induced M1‐type polarization. MiR‐34a could target NLRP3 and negatively regulated its expression. Moreover, NLRP3 knockdown in macrophage restricted the conditioned ADEs to promote macrophage towards to Ti‐induced M1‐type polarization. The inhibitory function of ADEs on M1‐type macrophage polarization was abolished by miR‐34a silencing in the mouse osteolysis model.ConclusionThe miR‐34a carried by ADEs reduced the polarization of M1‐type macrophages by targeting macrophage NLRP3 during Ti particle‐induced osteolysis.
Neuroprotective effect of resveratrol against radiation after surgically induced brain injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis through NRf2/HO‐1/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhu Xiao‐bo , Zhao Jin‐chuan , Gao Xian‐feng , Zhang Xiao‐na , Hou Kun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe impact of resveratrol (RSV) on radiation (RAD)‐induced brain injury in rats' brains was investigated. A total of 40 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, RAD, RAD + RSV, and RSV groups, with 10 rats in each group). The results revealed a significant decrease in catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. Further, a significant elevation in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, interleukin‐1‐beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and transforming growth factor‐β1 levels were observed. Furthermore, decreased B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), increased Bcl‐2‐associated X, and tumor necrosis factor‐α genes expression, decreased nuclear factor erythroid‐related factor 2, heme oxygenase‐1, and increased nuclear factor‐κB protein levels were noticed. Also, an apoptosis marker, caspase‐3‐positive cells, was seen in the hippocampus. Those effects were observed in the RAD group of rats. The treatment of RSV displayed a significant amendment of the studied parameters in the brain tissues of the RAD group of animals. This effect is interrelated to the ability of RSV to scavenge the free radicals, enhance the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, increase GSH contents, and downregulate the inflammatory responses and apoptosis markers in the brain tissues of RAD animals. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of RSV can improve the antioxidant status and suppress the inflammatory responses and apoptosis in the brain tissues of RAD animals.
The dynamic effect of risk management on financial profitability of banks in Africa: An analytical panel quantile regression method
Authors: Manu Emmanuel Kwaku , Xuezhou Wen , Paintsil Isaac Okyere , Gyedu Samuel , Akowuah Isaac Newton 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe main goal of the study is to investigate the integration of financial indicators (bank credit, capital asset, non‐performing loans, and liquidity) in the banking sector can bring macroeconomic benefits to the economies of Africa. This article highlights the performance of framework employed by Brzoza‐Brzezina and Makarski in a small open economic system with two types of financial frictions. The dataset comprises 13 banks in Africa for the period 2000–2016. We estimated our model by way of the usage of system GMM approach and panel quantile regression technique in which the data was grouped into Northern and Southern Africa. We explore the result of credit apportionment of Banks in the crisis period for African countries. We confirm that both groups of variables have significant influence on credit risk. Although we provide evidence that the marginal effect is stronger for bank credit and non‐performing loans than bank liquidity indicating that in Northern Africa countries financial profitability will increase more as a result of increasing bank credit and non‐performing loans than bank liquidity.
Layer‐by‐layer assembly and electrically controlled disassembly of water‐soluble Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivatives for bioelectronic interface
Authors: Gautam Bhaskarchand , Ayalew Hailemichael , Dhawan Udesh , Aerathupalathu Janardhanan Jayakrishnan , Yu Hsiao‐hua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPoly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) derivatives display a multitude of attractive properties such as high conductivity, biocompatibility, ease of functionalization, and high thermal stability. As a result, they show promise for applications in materials and biomedical engineering. In order to increase their applications in the practical domain, trivial fabrication techniques are required. Here, we present a simple layer‐by‐layer dip methodology to assemble water‐soluble PEDOT derivatives that can then be disassembled via electrical stimulation. As a result, a dynamic PEDOT layered system is fabricated and could be applied as responsive materials for bioengineering. PEDOT‐SO3 and PEDOT‐NMe3 are synthesized via direct C‐H arylation polymerization and chemical polymerization, respectively. The electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged SO3− and NMe3+ enabled the stacking of PEDOT derivatives. The layer‐by‐layer assemblies are confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and profilometer. Morphological analyses are performed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, which revealed that the polymer coatings are uniform without any cracks. In situ material assembly is studied using quartz crystal microbalance, and we also demonstrate that these PEDOT‐derivative assemblies can be disintegrated by electrical stimulation. Cyclic voltammetry shows a proportional increase in stored charge density with the increase in bilayer thickness, confirming stable electroactivity of these assemblies. Using this approach, we can assemble conductive bio interface on both conductive and nonconductive surfaces, expanding the capability to fabricate bioelectronic electrodes.
Fostering positive youth and staff development: Understanding the roles and experiences of the afterschool workforce
Authors: Hwang Sophia H. J. , Watford J. Alexander , Cappella Elise , Yates Miranda , Mui Stephanie , Nix Jennifer 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInformed by strengths‐based perspectives and systems theory of social settings, this mixed‐methods study focuses on the experiences of the afterschool workforce employed by a large, urban community‐based organization. Through directed content analysis of semi‐structured individual and small‐group interviews with afterschool instructors (ASI), this study sheds light on the roles, experiences, challenges, and supports of ASIs. Results demonstrate that ASIs navigate multiple roles in the afterschool setting, acknowledge the challenges of youth and families, experience several sources of professional support through the people and resources in afterschool, and articulate long‐term professional goals related to their current work. In addition, concurrently collected quantitative survey and administrative data about ASIs' overall work experiences and satisfaction are analyzed to examine the extent to which they confirm and complement the qualitative results. Implications for practice and policy are discussed to highlight how these findings may be used to strengthen the youth‐serving workforce in urban communities.
Has resourcing of non‐governmental harm‐reduction organizations in Ukraine improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes for people who inject drugs? Findings from multiple bio‐behavioural surveys
Authors: Trickey Adam , Semchuk Nadiya , Saliuk Tetiana , Sazonova Yana , Varetska Olga , Walker Josephine G , Lim Aaron G , Stone Jack , Vickerman Peter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionPeople who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine have high prevalences of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). Since the turn of the century, various organizations have funded non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ukraine to provide PWID with needles and syringes, condoms, HIV and HCV testing, and improve linkage to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and HIV treatment. We investigated whether contact with these NGOs was associated with improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes among PWID.MethodsFive rounds of respondent‐driven sampled integrated bio‐behavioural survey data (2009 [N = 3962], 2011 [N = 9069], 2013 [N = 9502], 2015 [N = 9405], and 2017 [N = 10076]) among PWID in Ukraine (including HIV/HCV testing and questionnaires) were analysed using mixed‐effect logistic regression models (mixed‐effects: city, year). These regression models assessed associations between being an NGO client and various behavioural, OAT, HIV testing and HIV treatment outcomes, adjusting for demographic characteristics (age, gender, lifetime imprisonment, registration in a drug abuse clinic, education level). We also assessed associations between being an NGO client and being HIV positive or HCV positive, likewise adjusting for demographic characteristics (as above).ResultsNGO clients were more likely to have received HIV testing ever (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.37, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 4.97 to 5.80) or in the last year (aOR 3.37, 95% CI: 3.20 to 3.54), to have used condoms at last sexual intercourse (aOR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.44) and sterile needles at last injection (aOR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.56), to be currently (aOR 4.19, 95% CI: 3.48 to 5.05) or ever (aOR 2.52, 95% CI: 2.32 to 2.74) on OAT, and to have received syringes (aOR 109.89, 95% CI: 99.26 to 121.66) or condoms (aOR 54.39, 95% CI: 50.17 to 58.96) in the last year. PWID who were HIV positive (aOR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.33 to 1.48) or HCV positive (aOR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.49 to 1.65) were more likely to have contact with NGOs, with HIV positive PWID in contact with NGOs being more likely to be registered at AIDS centres (aOR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.88 to 2.92) and to be on antiretroviral therapy (aOR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.40 to 1.83).ConclusionsContact with PWID targeted NGOs in Ukraine is associated with consistently better preventive, HIV testing and HIV treatment outcomes, suggesting a beneficial impact of harm reduction NGO programming.
How Do Legal and Policy Frameworks Support Employment of People With Disabilities in Uganda? Findings From a Qualitative Policy Analysis Study
Authors: Griffiths Andrew , Bechange Stevens , Loryman Hannah , Iga Chris , Schmidt Elena 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis policy analysis reviewed the current legislation and policies on the economic empowerment of people with disabilities in Uganda and explored the views of national stakeholders on the implementation of these policies in practice. The analysis was conducted through a document review and in‐depth stakeholder interviews. The study found that anti‐discrimination policies can only do so much for disability inclusive recruitment. Questions about policy implementation, stakeholder ownership, trust and efficiencies within the system and sufficient accountability mechanisms need addressing, if the existing framework is to be effective and positively impact the lives of people with disabilities in Uganda. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Histone H4 directly stimulates neutrophil activation through membrane permeabilization
Authors: Hsieh I-Ni , Deluna Xavier , White Mitchell R , Hartshorn Kevan L 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Extracellular histones have been implicated as a cause of tissue inflammatory injury in a variety of disorders including sepsis, lung, and liver diseases. However, little is known about their interactions with neutrophils and how this might contribute to injury. Here, it is shown that histone H4 acts as neutrophil activator by inducing hydrogen peroxide production, degranulation, cell adhesion, and IL-8 generation. Histone H4 caused permeabilization of the neutrophil membrane (a phenomenon described in other cell types) leading to accelerated cell death. H4 caused sustained rise in neutrophil intracellular calcium that is necessary for respiratory burst activation and degranulation. Convincing evidence was not found for TLRs or ATP receptors in H4 mediated activation. However, pertussis toxin and wortmannin (inhibitors of G protein and PI3K) inhibited H4-induced hydrogen peroxide production and degranulation. These studies suggest that release of histone H4 in sites of infection or inflammation may potentiate neutrophil activation and promote additional inflammatory responses. These studies may provide a better basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies to block neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) and H4-related pathology in sepsis and various forms of lung injury including that induced by viruses like influenza or SAR-CoV2.
Utility of specific amino acid ratios in screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiencies and other mitochondrial disorders associated with congenital lactic acidosis and newborn screening prospects
Authors: Bedoyan Jirair K. , Hage Rosemary , Shin Ha Kyung , Linard Sharon , Ferren Edwin , Ducich Nicole , Wilson Kirkland , Lehman April , Schillaci Lori‐Anne , Manickam Kandamurugu , Mori Mari , Bartholomew Dennis , DeBrosse Suzanne , Cohen Bruce , Parikh Sumit , Kerr Douglas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiencies (PDCDs) and other mitochondrial disorders (MtDs) can (a) result in congenital lactic acidosis with elevations of blood alanine (Ala) and proline (Pro), (b) lead to decreased ATP production, and (c) result in high morbidity and mortality. With ~140,000 live births annually in Ohio and ~1 in 9,000 overall prevalence of MtDs, we estimate 2 to 3 newborns will have PDCD and 13 to 14 others likely will have another MtD annually. We compared the sensitivities of plasma amino acids (AA) Alanine (Ala), Alanine:Leucine (Ala:Leu), Alanine:Lysine and the combination of Ala:Leu and Proline:Leucine (Pro:Leu), in subjects with known primary‐specific PDCD due to PDHA1 and PDHB mutations vs controls. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ohio newborn screening (NBS) laboratory, we determined Ala and Pro concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) specimens using existing NBS analytic approaches and evaluated Ala:Leu and Pro:Leu ratios from DBS specimens of 123,414 Ohio newborns in a 12‐month period. We used the combined Ala:Leu ≥4.0 and Pro:Leu ≥3.0 ratio criterion from both DBS and plasma specimens as a screening tool in our retrospective review of newborn data. The screening tool applied on DBS and/or plasma (or serum) AA specimens successfully identified three unrelated females with novel de novo PDHA1 mutations, one male with a novel de novo X‐linked HSD17B10 mutation, and a female with VARS2 mutations. This work lays the first step for piloting an NBS protocol in Ohio for identifying newborns at high risk for primary‐specific PDCD and other MtDs who might benefit from neonatal diagnosis and early institution of known therapy and/or potential novel therapies for such disorders.
TRIM22 inhibits respiratory syncytial virus replication by targeting JAK‐STAT1/2 signaling
Authors: Wang Yishu , Chen Yiling , Lin Ying , Quan Yingqin , Xiao Xiaoping , Zhang Renli 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease. Although RSV causes major economic losses every year, effective treatments have not been found so far. Recent studies have shown that the tripartite motif‐containing (TRIM) superfamily plays an essential role in the immune response. In this study, we found that TRIM22 had an inhibitory effect on RSV infection, and downregulation of TRIM22 moderately enhanced RSV replication. Our data further demonstrated that RSV infection induced TRIM22 expression through the activation of JAK‐STAT1/2 signaling. RSV infection also induced TRIM22 expression. Taken together, these data points showed that the TRIM family member, TRIM22, had an essential role in resisting RSV infection, and this effect was closely related to the JAK‐STAT1/2 pathway. Our results provide promising evidence for a novel target for the prevention and treatment of RSV.
Predictive effects of IgA and IgG combination to assess pulmonary exudation progression in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Xue Mingshan , Zhang Teng , Hu Haisheng , Huang Zhifeng , Zhen Yingjie , Liang Yueting , Zeng Yifeng , Jin Tengchuan , Zhou Luqian , Zhang Xiaohua D. , Sun Baoqing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOur study intended to longitudinally explore the prediction effect of immunoglobulin A (IgA) on pulmonary exudation progression in COVID‐19 patients. The serum IgA was tested with chemiluminescence method. Autoregressive moving average model was used to extrapolate the IgA levels before hospital admission. The positive rate of IgA and IgG in our cohort was 97% and 79.0%, respectively. In this study, the IgA levels peaks within 10‐15 days after admission, while the IgG levels peaks at admission. We found that the time difference between their peaks was about 10 days. Viral RNA detection results showed that the positive rate in sputum and feces were the highest. Blood gas analysis showed that deterioration of hypoxia with the enlargement of pulmonary exudation area. And alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference and oxygenation index were correlated with IgA and IgG. The results of biopsy showed that the epithelium of lung was exfoliated and the mucosa was edematous. In severe COVID‐19 patients, the combination of IgA and IgG can predict the progress of pulmonary lesions and is closely related to hypoxemia and both also play an important defense role in invasion and destruction of bronchial and alveolar epithelium by SARS‐CoV‐2.
Anemia is associated with severe illness in COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tao Zheying , Xu Jing , Chen Wei , Yang Zhitao , Xu Xiaoman , Liu Ling , Chen Ruwu , Xie Jingyuan , Liu Mingyu , Wu Jingyi , Wang Huiming , Liu Jialin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAnemia commonly aggravates the severity of respiratory diseases, whereas thus far, few studies have elucidated the impact of anemia on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with anemia, and to further explore the relationship between anemia and the severity of COVID‐19. In this single‐center, retrospective, observational study, a total of 222 confirmed patients admitted to Wuhan Ninth Hospital from 1 December 2019 to 20 March 2020 were recruited, including 79 patients with anemia and 143 patients without anemia. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, disease progression and prognosis were collected and analyzed. Risk factors associated with the severe illness in COVID‐19 were established by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. In our cohort, compared to patients without anemia, patients with anemia were more likely to have one or more comorbidities and severe COVID‐19 illness. More patients demonstrated elevated levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and creatinine in anemia group. Levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D‐dimer, myoglobin, T‐pro brain natriuretic peptide (T‐pro‐BNP) and urea nitrogen in patients with anemia were significantly higher than those without. In addition, the proportion of patients with dyspnea, elevated CRP, and PCT was positively associated with the severity of anemia. The odd ratio of anemia related to the severe condition of COVID‐19 was 3.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02‐11.75; P = .046) and 3.77 (95% CI: 1.33‐10.71; P = .013) after adjustment for baseline date and laboratory indices, respectively. Anemia is an independent risk factor associated with the severe illness of COVID‐19, and healthcare professionals should be more sensitive to the hemoglobin levels of COVID‐19 patients on admission. Awareness of anemia as a risk factor for COVID‐19 was of great significance.