bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of low-dose exogenous surfactant on infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome after cardiac surgery: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Rongyuan , Wang Xu , Li Shoujun , Yan Jun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infants undergoing cardiac surgery is associated with significant mortality and prolonged ventilation; surfactant administration may be a useful therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose exogenous surfactant therapy on infants suffering ARDS after cardiac surgery.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study of infants diagnosed with moderate-to-severe ARDS (PaO 2 /FiO 2 < 150) after cardiac surgery. A case was defined as a patient that received surfactant and standard therapy, while a control was defined as a patient that underwent standard therapy. The primary endpoint was the improvement in oxygenation index (OI) after 24-hour of surfactant treatment; and secondary endpoints were the ventilator time and PICU time.

Results: Twenty-two infants treated with surfactant were matched with 22 controls. Early low-dose (20mg/kg) surfactant treatment was associated with improved outcomes. After surfactant administration for 24-hour, the surfactant group was much better compared with the control group at the 24-hour in OI (difference in average change from baseline, -6.7 [95% CI, -9.3 to -4.1]) ( P < 0.01) and ventilation index (VI, mean difference, -11.9 [95% CI, -18.1 to -5.7]) ( P < 0.01). Ventilation time and PICU time were significantly shorter in the surfactant group compared with the control group (133.6h±27.2 vs 218.4h±28.7, P < 0.01 ; 10.7d±5.1 vs 17.5d±6.8, P < 0.01). Infants in the surfactant group under 3 months benefit more from OI and VI than the infants over 3 months in a preliminary exploratory analysis.

Conclusions: In infants with moderate-to-severe ARDS after cardiac surgery, early low-dose exogenous surfactant treatment could prominently improve oxygenation and reduce mechanical ventilation time and PICU time. Infants younger than 3 months may get more benefit of oxygenation than the older ones. Randomized controlled trials are needed to explore the effect of surfactant to ARDS of cardiac surgical infants.
Predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers attending paediatric clinics in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Sokefun Eniolufolake Elizabeth , Atulomah Nnodimele Onuigbo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Despite concerted global efforts towards achieving infant-survival, infant mortality lingers as a problem in developing countries. Environmental and personal-level factors are assumed to account for this situation. This study was undertaken to provide better understanding of the dynamics of predictors of infant-survival practices among mothers with infants attending paediatric clinics.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data was collected from 386 nursing mothers selected by convenience sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaire consisted of 38-items including demographic information of respondents, health-literacy counsels received during antenatal care, social-support from significant others, and self-efficacy to carry-out infant-survival instructions. Responses were transformed into rating scales for each variable and data analysis was conducted by linear regression analysis with test of hypotheses at 5% level of significance.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 29.8 ± 5.8 years. Majority (81.6%) were married. Yorubas (83.90%) were predominant. Participants had mean scores of 10.50±3.83, 10.56±3.70 and 16.61±4.56 respectively computed for levels of health-literacy, social-support, and self-efficacy. The dependent variable measured level of infant-survival practices and respondents scored 16.53±4.71. The study found a significant association among variables. Self-efficacy was the major predictor variable of self-reported infant-survival practices (R=0.466; R 2 =0.217; P˂0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that participants had average levels of health-literacy, social-support, self-efficacy, and infant-survival practices. Healthcare providers should make efforts to empower pregnant women on activities essential for infant-survival. Family members of nursing mothers should as well be knowledgeable about the advantages of supporting them.
Substances use and its association with sociodemographic, family and environment-related factors among technical and vocational education and training College students in Ataye, Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: wubetu abate dargie , Getachew Sintayehu , Negash Wassie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Legal substances use is prevalent in Ethiopia. Substance use can have several health problems that are potentially harmful in educational performance, social issues, psychological and physical wellbeing. This study aimed to know prevalence of lifetime and last month substances use and its associated factors among technical and vocational education and training College students in Ataye town. Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study conducted from 1 March to last May 2019. Participants selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data collected by using a structured and pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data collected by five trained diploma nurses with close supervision. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval, and p value less than 0.05 used to declare the statistical significance of associated factors. Results: Four hundred eighty three individuals participated in the study, which was a response rate of 94%. The prevalence of lifetime legal substances use was 32.5% (95% CI: 28.2, 36.5). The prevalence of last month's legal substances use was 21.9% (95% CI= 18.2, 25.5). Among lifetime legal substance users, the majority (25.5%) chewed khat. The others, (19.5%) drunk alcohol, and, 15.3% smoked cigarette in lifetime. Lifetime cannabis and cocaine users were 2.5%, and 7.2% respectively. Among last month's legal substance users, (21.9%) chewed khat followed by alcohol drinking (16.6%), and cigarette smoking (15.3%). In the last month, 1.2% and 3.3% of students used cannabis and cocaine respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that, being male, 4having divorced family, living greater than twenty years in the town, having substance user family member, having intimate friend substance user, and easily availability of substances were independent predictors of lifetime legal substances use. Conclusions: The prevalence of last month and lifetime legal substance use at Ataye Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students were analogous with most studies done in Ethiopia. It is advisable if furthers emphasis is given for TVET students with the predictor variables.
Echography analysis of musculoskeletal, heart and liver alterations associated with endothelial dysfunction in obese rats
Authors: Coria Alejandra Martínez , Estrada-Cruz Norma Angélica , Ordoñez María Inés Pérez , Montes-Cortes Daniel H. , Manuel-Apolinar Leticia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Modern imaging plays a central role in the care of obese patients, and there is an integral focus on its use and accessibility in individuals who have alterations of various in various organs. The objective in this study was to perform an echographic analysis of musculoskeletal system disorders, endothelial dysfunction and the left ventricle (LV) in obese rats.

Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (250±5g) were obtained and divided into two groups: the control (C) group was fed with a standard diet, and the obese (Ob) group was fed hyper caloric diet with a high fructose-fat content for 4 months. Body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) were measured. Additionally, two-dimensional echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound and musculoskeletal system studies were performed in the lower extremities.

Results: The body weight in the Ob group was increased compared to that in the control group, (p<0.001); in addition, increased glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (p<0.05) as well as increased levels of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and, VCAM-1 (p<0.01) were found in the Ob group vs the C group. On ultrasound, 75% of the Ob group presented fatty liver and distal joint abnormalities.

Conclusion: Obese rats exhibit endothelial dysfunction and musculoskeletal changes, also, fatty liver and articular cysts in the posterior region of the distal lower- extremity joints.
Socio-demographic and environmental factors of diarrhea among under-five children in India
Authors: Paul Pintu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age and is a major public health problem. Despite several health care initiatives taken by the government, a large proportion of under-five children still experience diarrheal diseases which cause high childhood mortality in India. This study aims to examine the socio-demographic and environmental factors of diarrhea in children under five years old in India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed using the recent round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), conducted in 2015–16. A total of 247,743 living children below five years of age were included in the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were carried out to assess the factors associated with childhood diarrheal disease. Results: In India, about 9% of under-five children experience diarrheal disease in the past two weeks. Children living in rural areas (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.09), belonged to scheduled tribe (aOR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.89) and other castes (aOR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.97), Muslim children (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.24), and children resided in the central (aOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.52, 1.70) and west (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.15) regions were significantly associated with higher likelihood of diarrhea in the past two weeks. Concerning environmental factors, child stool disposal (aOR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.09), floor materials (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12) and roof materials (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) of the household were found to be significant factors of childhood diarrhea occurrence. Conclusions: Diarrhea is common among rural, scheduled caste, Muslim and poor families’ children. Regarding environmental factors, stool disposal practices in the household, main floor and roof materials of the household unit are risk factors of diarrhea. Targeted approach should be initiated to mitigate the problem of poor health status of children by providing adequate health care. The policy-makers and stakeholders should address adverse environmental conditions by the provision of latrine and improved housing facilities.
Classification and morphology of middle mesial canals of mandibular first molars in a southern Chinese subpopulation: a cone-beam computed tomographic study
Authors: Yang Yeqing , Wu Buling , Zeng Junkai , Chen Ming 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was employed to study the morphology and curvature of middle mesial canals (MMCs) of mandibular first molars (MFMs).Methods: CBCT scanning was performed on MFMs of 1100 patients. Patients' images that met the inclusion criteria were divided into group A (<40 years old) and group B (≥40 years old) for further study. The images were used to study the incidence of MMCs at different ages, measure the curvature of MMCs in the mesiodistal and buccolingual directions using the Schneider method, and observe the anatomical morphology of the mesial root canal system.Results: In 875 patients, 1750 MFM images met the inclusion criteria. Among these cases, 158 MFMs contained an MMC, yielding an incidence rate of 9.03%. The incidence rate of MMCs was 11.22% in group A and 6.61% in group B, and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The curvature in the mesiodistal direction was 29.39±8.53º in group A and 26.06±8.50º in group B, and this difference was also significant (P<0.05). The curved regions in groups A and B were often located in the middle 1/3 of canal. No significant difference in the distance between MMC orifices and mesiobuccal canal orifices or mesiolingual canal orifices was noted (P>0.05). The most common mesial root canal morphological type was type II (3-2) (53.80%). Conclusion: The incidence of MMCs in MFMs declined as age increased. The canal systems of MMCs were varied and complex, mainly exhibiting an obvious mesiodistal curve. CBCT is an outstanding method to help guide root canal therapy.
Sperm miRNAs— potential mediators of bull age and early embryo development
Authors: Wu Chongyang , Blondin Patrick , Vigneault Christian , Labrecqu Rémi , Sirard Marc-André 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Sperm miRNAs were reported to regulate spermatogenesis and early embryonic development in some mammals including bovine. The dairy cattle breeding industry now tends to collect semen from younger bulls under high selection pressure at a time when semen quality may be suboptimal compared to adult bulls. Whether the patterns of spermatic miRNAs are affected by paternal age and/or impact early embryogenesis is not clear. Hence, we generated small non-coding RNA libraries of sperm collected from same bulls at 10, 12, and 16 months of age, using 16 months as control for differential expression and functional analysis. Results: We firstly excluded all miRNAs present in measurable quantity in oocytes according to the literature. Of the remaining miRNAs, ten sperm-borne miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in younger bulls (four in the 10 vs 16 months contrast and six in the 12 vs 16 months contrast). Targets of miRNAs were identified and compared to the transcriptomic database of two-cell embryos, to genes related to two-cell competence, and to the transcriptomic database of blastocysts. Ingenuity pathway analysis of the targets of these miRNAs suggested potential influence on the developmental competence of two-cell embryos and on metabolism and protein synthesis in blastocysts. Conclusions: The results showed that miRNA patterns in sperm are affected by the age of the bull and may mediate the effects of paternal age on early embryonic development.
Differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 from community acquired - pneumonia by CT scan and follow-up
Authors: Liu Kai-Cai , Xu Ping , Lv Wei-Fu , Chen Lei , Qiu Xiao-hui , Yao Jin-Long , Gu Jin-Feng , Hu Bo , Wei Wei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently the most serious infectious disease in the world. An accurate diagnosis of this disease in the clinic is very important. This study aims to improve the differential ability of computed tomography (CT) to diagnose COVID-19 and other community-acquired pneumonias (CAPs) and evaluate the short-term prognosis of these patients. Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 165 COVID-19 and 118 CAP patients diagnosed in seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China from January 21 to February 28, 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The CT manifestations of the two groups were recorded and compared. A correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and age, size of lung lesions, number of involved lobes, and CT findings of patients. The factors that were helpful in diagnosing the two groups of patients were identified based on specificity and sensitivity. Results : The typical CT findings of COVID-19 are simple ground-glass opacities (GGO), GGO with consolidation or grid-like changes. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of age, white blood cell count, and ground-glass opacity in the diagnosis of COVID-19 were 92.7% and 66.1%, respectively. Pulmonary consolidation, fibrous cords, and bronchial wall thickening were used as indicators to exclude COVID-19. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of these findings were 78.0% and 63.6%, respectively. The follow-up results showed that 67.8% (112/165) of COVID-19 patients had abnormal changes in their lung parameters, and the severity of the pulmonary sequelae of patients over 60 years of age worsened with age. Conclusions : Age, white blood cell count and ground-glass opacity have high accuracy in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 and the differential diagnosis from CAP. Patients aged over 60 years with COVID-19 have a poor prognosis. This result provides certain significant guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia.
The social construction of the social epigenome and the larger biological context
Authors: deichmann ute 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Epigenetics researchers in developmental, cell, and molecular biology greatly diverge in their understanding and definitions of epigenetics. In contrast, social epigeneticists, e.g. sociologists, scholars of STS, and behavioural scientists, share a focus and definition of epigenetics that is environmentally-caused and trans-generationally inherited. This article demonstrates that this emphasis on the environment and on so-called Lamarckian inheritance, in addition to other factors, reflects an interdisciplinary power struggle with genetics, in which epigenetics appears to grant the social sciences a higher epistemic status. Social scientists' understanding of epigenetics thus appears in part to be socially constructed, i.e. the result of extra-scientific factors, such as social processes and the self-interest of the discipline. This article argues that social epigeneticists make far-reaching claims by selecting elements from research labelled epigenetics in biology while ignoring widely confirmed scientific facts in genetics and cell biology, such as the dependence of epigenetic marks on DNA sequence specific events, or the lack of evidence for the lasting influence of the environment on epigenetic marks or the epigenome. Moreover, they treat as a given crucial questions that are far from resolved, such as what role, if any, DNA methylation plays in the complex biochemical system of regulating gene activity. The article also points out incorrect perceptions and media hypes among biological epigeneticists and calls attention to an apparent bias among scientific journals that prefer papers that promote transgenerational epigenetic inheritance over articles that critique it. The article concludes that while research labelled epigenetics contributes significantly to our knowledge about chromatin and the genome, it does not, as is often claimed, rehabilitate Lamarck or overthrow the fundamental biological principles of gene regulation, which are based on specific regulatory sequences of the genome.
Effects of calcitriol on oxidative burst, phagocytic function, and leukocyte cytokine production in shelter dogs
Authors: Jaffey Jared , Bessette Mariah , Tao Zenan , Bradley-Siemens Nancy , Thompson Melissa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The active metabolite of vitamin D, calcitriol, has been shown across many different species to augment innate immune responses and dampen aberrant proinflammatory cytokine production. Community acquired infections are common in shelters and consume limited shelter resources, impact adoption rates, and can result in unnecessary euthanasia. Prophylactic oral vitamin D supplementation decreases the incidence and severity of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in humans. Before a clinical trial investigating the clinical benefit of oral vitamin D supplementation in shelter dogs can be pursued, an in vitro study evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of calcitriol in blood from shelter dogs is warranted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if incubation of whole blood obtained from apparently healthy dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days with calcitriol would alter granulocyte/monocyte (GM) oxidative burst and phagocytic function as well as pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10.

Results

Ten dogs housed in a shelter for ≥ 7 days were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Whole blood from these dogs was incubated with calcitriol (10 -7 M) or diluent (control) for 24 h. Subsequent to this incubation phagocytosis of opsonized- Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and E. coli -induced oxidative burst were evaluated via flow cytometry. In addition, leukocyte production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine-specific multiplex assay. Calcitriol significantly decreased leukocyte TNF-α production ( p = 0.009) and increased IL-10 production ( p = 0.002). Tumor necrosis factor-α-to-IL-10 ratio was significantly decreased with calcitriol ( p = 0.017), while IL-6 production as well as GM oxidative burst and phagocytic function were not significantly affected.

Conclusions

These data indicate that calcitriol attenuates proinflammatory immune responses without affecting GM oxidative burst or phagocytic function in vitro in whole blood obtained from apparently healthy shelter dogs.
Marker assisted development and characterization of herbicide tolerant Near Isogenic Lines of a mega Basmati rice variety, “Pusa Basmati 1121”
Authors: Grover Nitasha , Kumar Aruna , Yadav Ashutosh Kumar , S. Gopala Krishnan , Ellur Ranjith Kumar , Bhowmick Prolay Kumar , Vinod K.K. , Bollinedi Haritha , Nagarajan M. , Viswanthan C. , Sevanthi Amitha Mithra V. , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Mohapatra Trilochan , Singh Ashok Kumar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a potential technology for sustainable rice farming as it saves water and labor. However, higher incidence of weed under DSR limits productivity. Therefore, there is a need to develop herbicide tolerant (HT) rice varieties.

Results

We used marker assisted backcross breeding (MABB) to transfer a mutant allele of Acetohydroxy acid synthase ( AHAS ) gene, which confers tolerance to imidazolinone group of herbicides from the donor parent (DP) “Robin” into the genetic background of an elite popular Basmati rice variety Pusa Basmati 1121 (PB 1121). Foreground selection was done using the AHAS gene linked Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) marker RM6844 and background selection was performed using 112 genome-wide SSR markers polymorphic between PB 1121 and Robin. Phenotypic selection for agronomic, Basmati grain and cooking quality traits in each generation was carried out to improve the recovery of recurrent parent phenome (RPP). Finally, a set of 12 BC 4 F 4 near isogenic lines (NILs), with recurrent parent genome (RPG) recovery ranging from 98.66 to 99.55% were developed and evaluated. PB 1121-HT NILs namely 1979-14-7-33-99-10, 1979-14-7-33-99-15 and 1979-14-7-33-99-66 were found superior to PB 1121 in yield with comparable grain and cooking quality traits and herbicide tolerance similar to Robin.

Conclusion

Overall, the present study reports successful development of HT NILs in the genetic background of popular Basmati rice variety PB 1121 by introgression of mutated AHAS allele. This is the first report on the development of HT Basmati rice. Superior NILs are being evaluated in the national Basmati trials, the release of which is likely to provide a viable option for the adoption of DSR technology in Basmati rice cultivation.