bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subgroup analysis of the influence of body mass index on the association between serum lipids and cognitive function in Chinese population
Authors: Li Jiang , Cao Yongtong , Xiao Cheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies reported that the association between lipid levels and cognitive function related with gender, age and specific cognitive domains, but the influence of body mass index (BMI) on this association is limited. This triggered our interest in exploring how serum lipids relate to cognitive function in different subgroups. Methods: Data was collected from 2009 wave and 2015 wave of China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Multivariable linear regression analyses examined serum lipids level as predictors of sex- and age-specific measure of cognitive function in different BMI levels, which were adjusted for nationality, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), smoking status, alcohol consumption and education level. Results: Cognitive function score have different concentration curves in serum lipids quartile levels in different BMI categories. After adjustment for confounding factors, serum TG was positively associated with cognitive function score in underweight (β±SE: 2.06±0.88, P=0.023) and obese (β±SE: 1.44±0.71, P=0.045) male group, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 1.89±0.92, P=0.041) and obese (β±SE: 5.04±1.62, P=0.002) female group. Serum TC was negatively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: -2.55±1.26, P=0.043) mid-life adults, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 2.15±0.94, P=0.022) and obese (β±SE: 5.33±2.07, P=0.011) older adults. Conclusion: The associations of serum lipids with cognitive function were related with BMI levels and differed between gender and age groups. This result indicated that better nutritional status has superior cognitive function performance.
Persons post-stroke improve step length symmetry by walking asymmetrically
Authors: Padmanabhan Purnima , Sreekanth Keerthana , Gulhar Shivam , Cherry-Allen Kendra M. , Leech Kristan A. , Roemmich Ryan T. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Restoration of step length symmetry is a common rehabilitation goal after stroke. Persons post-stroke often retain the ability to walk with symmetric step lengths ("symmetric steps") at an elevated metabolic cost relative to healthy adults. Two key questions with direct implications for rehabilitation have emerged: 1) how do persons post-stroke generate symmetric steps, and 2) why do symmetric steps remain so effortful? Here, we aimed to understand how persons post-stroke generate symmetric steps and explored how the resulting gait pattern may relate to the metabolic cost of transport. Methods We recorded kinematic, kinetic, and metabolic data as nine persons post-stroke walked on an instrumented treadmill under two conditions: preferred walking and symmetric stepping (using visual feedback). Results Gait kinematics and kinetics remained markedly asymmetric even when persons post-stroke improved step length symmetry. Impaired paretic propulsion and abnormal movement of the center of mass were evident during both preferred walking and symmetric stepping. These deficits contributed to diminished positive work performed by the paretic limb on the center of mass in both conditions. Within each condition, decreased positive paretic work correlated with increased metabolic cost of transport and decreased walking speed across participants. Conclusions It is critical to consider the mechanics used to restore symmetric steps when designing interventions to improve walking after stroke. Future research should consider the many dimensions of asymmetry in post-stroke gait, and additional within-participant manipulations of gait parameters are needed to improve our understanding of the elevated metabolic cost of walking after stroke.
Epidemiology of viral hepatitis in men who have sex with men in Mediterranean Europe: a region-wide sero-surveillance in Rome (Italy)
Authors: Lanini Simone , Meschi Silvia , Scorzolini Laura , Adamo Giovanna , Agresta Alessandro , Marrazzo Fabrizio , Angeli Francesco , Farinella Massimo , Guarino Carlo , Barca Alessandra , Lombardozzi Lorella , Possi Adriano , Manganiello Mirko , Magrini Patrizia , Scognamiglio Paola , Puro Vincenzo , Nicastri Emanuele , Capobianchi Maria , Zumla Alimuddin , Ippolito Giuseppe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe epidemiology of viral hepatitis (including HAV, HBV and HCV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) aged between 18 and 45 years and living in Lazio, an Italian Region with about 5.9 million inhabitants whose main city is Rome. METHODS A sero-survey (cross-sectional study) was conducted as part of a screening and prevention campaign for improving control of viral hepatitis in Lazio. The study enrolled 1,100 MSM people participating to the campaign. Outcome measures were serology for HAV (anti-HAV IgG and anti-HAV IgM), serology for HBV (anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg), and serology for HCV (anti-HCV). Participants’ epidemiological features were assessed for potential association with outcomes. RESULTS We found a very low prevalence of immunity against HAV and a significant exposure to high-risk behaviours, suggesting that gay community of Lazio is an ideal setting for HAV outbreaks. Prevalence of different serology profiles for HBV suggests that waning immunity and escape to mandatory vaccination still represent a significant issue in patients older than 35 years. Moreover, waning immunity suggests that patients who were vaccinated at birth may show low antibody levels. Consistently with other studies, prevalence of HCV infection was very low among young MSM. CONCLUSION Tailored vaccine programme aimed at immunizing MSM are critical to improve control of HAV in our setting. Findings on HBV epidemiology suggest that there is a need to define a clear strategy to recover patients who escaped vaccination and inform clinicians on the need to booster subjects with low immunity and high risk of exposure, such as MSM. Finally, MSM in Lazio do not represent a special group for HCV neither in terms of risk of infection nor in terms of potential issues for therapy access.
The Role of NMDA receptors in rat propofol self-administration
Authors: Chen Bei ping , Huang Xi-xi , Dong Dong-mei , Wu Hui , Zhu Tian-qi , WANG Ben-fu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Propofol is among the most frequently used anesthetic agents, and it has the potential for abuse. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are key mediators neural plasticity, neuronal development, addiction, and neurodegeneration. In the present study, we explored the role of these receptors in the context of rat propofol self-administration. Methods: Sprague-Dawley Rats were trained to self-administer propofol (1.7 mg/kg/infusion) using a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule over the course of 14 sessions (3 h/day). After training, rats were intraperitoneally administered the non-competitive NDMA receptor antagonist MK-801, followed 10 minutes later by a propofol self-administration session. Results: After training, rats successfully underwent acquisition of propofol self-administration, as evidenced by a significant and stable rise in the number of active nose-pokes resulting in propofol administration relative to the number of control inactive nose-pokes (P<0.01). As compared to control rats, rats that had been injected with 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited a significantly greater number of propofol infusions (F (3, 28) = 4.372, P<0.01), whereas infusions were comparable in the groups administered 0.1 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg of this compound. In addition, MK-801 failed to alter the numbers of active (F (3, 28) = 1.353, P>0.05) or inactive (F (3, 28) = 0.047, P>0.05) responses in these study groups. Animals administered 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 exhibited significantly fewer infusions than animals administered 0.2 mg/kg MK-801 (P=0.006, P<0.01). In contrast, however, animals in the 0.4 mg/kg MK-801 group displayed a significant reduction in the number of active nose-poke responses (F(3, 20)=20.8673, P<0.01) and the number of sucrose pellets (F(3, 20)=23.77, P<0.01), while their locomotor activity was increased (F(3, 20)=22.812, P<0.01). Conclusion: These findings indicate that NMDA receptors may play a role in regulating rat self-administration of propofol.
Genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection in patients with uncomplicated malaria in Chewaka district, Ethiopia
Authors: Abamecha Abdulhakim , El-Abid Hassan , Yilma Daniel , Addisu Wondimagegn , Ibenthal Achim , Bayih Abebe Genetu , Noedl Harald , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Moumni Mohieddine , Abdissa Alemseged 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity of P. falciparum strains can be used to assess intensity of parasite transmission and identify potential deficiencies in malaria control programmes, which provides vital information to evaluating malaria elimination efforts. This study investigated the P. falciparum genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of infection in parasite isolates from cases with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Southwest Ethiopia.Methods A total of 80 P. falciparum microscopy and qPCR positive blood samples were collected from study participants aged six months to sixty years, who visited the health facilities during study evaluating the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine from September-December, 2017. Polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reactions (nPCR) followed by gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis.Results Of 80 qPCR-positive samples analysed for polymorphisms on msp-1 and msp-2 genes, the efficiency of msp-1 and msp-2 gene amplification reactions with family-specific primers were 95 % and 98.8%, respectively. Allelic variation of 90% (72/80) for msp-1 and 86.2% (69/80) for msp-2 were observed. K1 was the predominant msp-1 allelic family detected in 20.8% (15/72) of the samples followed by MAD20 and RO33. Within msp-2, allelic family FC27 showed a higher frequency (26.1%) compared to IC/3D7 (15.9%). Ten different alleles were observed in msp-1 with 6 alleles for K1, 3 alleles for MAD20 and 1 allele for RO33. In msp-2, 19 individual alleles were detected with 10 alleles for FC27 and 9 alleles for 3D7. Eighty percent (80%) of isolates had multiple genotypes and the overall mean multiplicity of infection was 3.2 (95% CI: 2.87- 3.46). The heterozygosity indices were 0.43 and 0.85 for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively. There was no significant association between multiplicity of infection and age or parasite density.Conclusions The study revealed high levels of genetic diversity and mixed-strain infections of P. falciparum populations in Chewaka district, Ethiopia, suggesting that both endemicity level and malaria transmission remain high and that strengthened control efforts are needed in Ethiopia.
Mutation analysis of 419 family and prenatal diagnosis of 339 cases of spinal muscular atrophy in China
Authors: Sun Yingjie , Kong Xiangdong , Zhao Zhenhua , Zhao Xuechao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common and lethal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. At present, gene therapy medicine for SMA, i.e., Spinraza (Nusinersen), has been approved by the FDA, bringing hope to SMA patients and families. Accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment. Our goal was to detect genetic mutations in SMA patients in China and to show the results of the prenatal diagnosis of SMA.Methods In this study, we examined 419 patients in our hospital from January 2010 to September 2019. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis was used to determine the copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2. Long-range PCR combined with nested PCR was used to detect point mutations in SMN1. In addition to the above detection methods, we also used QF-PCR in prenatal diagnosis to reduce the impact of maternal contamination. We conducted a total of 339 prenatal diagnoses from January 2010 to September 2019.Results Homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 was detected in 96.40% (404/419) of patients. Homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 alone was detected in 15 patients (3.60%). In total, 10 point mutations were detected in the 15 pedigrees. Most patients with SMA Type I have 1~2 copies of the SMN2 gene. Patients with SMA Type II have 2 or 3 copies of the SMN2 gene. The results of prenatal diagnoses showed that 118 fetuses were normal, 149 fetuses were carriers of heterozygous variants, and the remaining 72 fetuses harbored compound heterozygous variants or homozygous variants. Conclusions Our study found that the most common mutation in SMA was homozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 7 in our study. We suggest that detecting only the deletion of exon 7 of SMN1 can meet most of the screening needs. We also believe that SMN2 copy numbers can help infer the disease classification and provide some reference for future treatment options.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of SnRK family genes in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhu Weizhuo , Wu Dezhi , Jiang Lixi , Ye Lingzhen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Sucrose non-fermenting 1 related protein kinases (SnRK) play crucial roles in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses through activating protein phosphorylation pathways. However, little information of SnRK genes was available in Brassica napus, one of important oil crops. Recently, the released sequences of the reference genome of B.napus provide a good chance to perform genome-wide identification and characterization of BnSnRK gene family in the rapeseed.Results: Totally 114 SnRK genes distributed on 19 chromosomes were identified in the genome of B.napus and classified into three subfamilies on the basis of phylogenetic analysis and the domain types. According to gene structure and motif composition analysis, the BnSnRK sequences showed obvious divergence among three subfamilies. Gene duplication and synteny between the genomes of the rapeseed and Arabidopsis were also analyzed to provide insights into the evolutionary characteristics of BnSnRK family genes. Cis-element analysis revealed that BnSnRKs may response to diverse environmental stresses. Moreover, the expression patterns of BnSnRKs in various tissues and under diverse abiotic stresses were distinct difference. Besides, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) distribution analysis suggests the function disparity of BnSnRK family genes in different genotypes of the rapeseed.Conclusion: We examined genomic structures, evolution features, expression patterns and SNP distribution of 114 BnSnRKs. The results provide valuable information for functional characterization of BnSnRK genes in future studies.
De novo characterization of the Camellia sinensis transcriptome and comprehensive analysis of the diploid and triploid leaf morphological differences
Authors: Qi yong , Yao Xinzhuan , Zhao Degang , lu Litang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Polyploidization has undergone a series of significant changes in the morphology and physiology of tea plants as plants multiply, especially in terms of increased growth rate and genetic gains Result: In this study, we found that the leaves of triploid tea had obvious growth advantages compared with diploid tea leaves, which was 59.81% higher than that of diploid leaves areas. The morphological structure of the triploid leaves showed obvious changes, the xylem of the veins was more developed, the cell-to-cell gap between the palisade tissue and the sponge tissue became larger, and the stomata of the triploid leaves were enlarged. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that after the triploidization of tea, the changes of leaf morphology and physiological characteristics were affected by the specific expression of some key regulatory genes. We identified a large number of transcripts and genes that might play important roles in leaf development, especially those involved in cell division, photosynthesis, hormone synthesis, and stomatal development. Conclusion: This study will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of tea leaf and stomatal development and provide the basis for molecular breeding of tea varieties with high quality and yield. Furthermore, it gives information to improve understanding of triploid physiology.
Prevalence and incidence of cancer related lymphedema in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Torgbenu Eric , Luckett Tim , Buhagiar Mark A. , Chang Sungwon , Phillips Jane L. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Little is known about the prevalence and incidence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) of secondary lymphedema due to cancer. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and incidence in LMICs of secondary lymphedema related to cancer and/or its treatment(s) and identify risk factors. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched in June 2019 for peer-reviewed articles that assessed prevalence and/or incidence of cancer-related lymphedema in LMICs. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Estimates of pooled prevalence and incidence estimates were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), with sub-group analyses grouping studies according to: country of origin, study design, risk of bias, setting, treatment, and lymphedema site and measurement. Heterogeneity was measured using X ² and I 2 , with interpretation guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Results Of 8766 articles, 36 were included. Most reported on arm lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment (n=31), with the remainder reporting on leg lymphedema following gynecological cancer treatment (n=5). Arm lymphedema was mostly measured by arm circumference (n=16/31 studies), and leg lymphedema through self-report (n=3/5 studies). Eight studies used more than one lymphedema measurement. Only two studies that measured prevalence of leg lymphedema could be included in a meta-analysis (pooled prevalence =10.0%, 95%CI 7.0 – 13.0, I 2 =0%). The pooled prevalence of arm lymphedema was 27%, with considerable heterogeneity (95%CI 20.0 – 34.0, I 2 =94.69%, n =13 studies). The pooled incidence for arm lymphedema was 21%, also with considerable heterogeneity (95%CI 15.0 – 26.0, I 2 =95.29%, n =11 studies). There was evidence that higher BMI (>25) was associated with increased risk of arm lymphedema (OR: 1.98, 95%CI 1.45 – 2.70, I 2 =84.0%, P< 0.0001, n =4 studies). Conclusion Better understanding the factors that contribute to variability in cancer-related arm lymphedema in LMICs is an important first step to developing targeted interventions to improve quality of life. Standardising measurement of lymphedema globally and better reporting would enable comparison within the context of information about cancer treatments and lymphedema care.
Distribution pattern and prognosis of metastatic lymph nodes in cervical posterior to level V in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Jiang Chaoyang , Gao Hui , Zhang Ling , Li Hua , Zhang Tao , Ma Ji , Liu Bisheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Lymph node metastasis in the cervical region posterior to level V (PLV) can occurs in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), but the significance of lymph node metastasis in this region and the delineation of the radiotherapy target area have not been reported. We aimed to explore the distribution pattern and prognosis of metastatic lymph nodes in the PLV region in patients with NPC.Methods:We retrospectively studied 605 cases of NPC diagnosed by pathological detection from December 2011 to November 2017. All patients were subjected to an enhanced CT scan from the cranial apex to 2 cm below the sternoclavicular joints. The nodal distribution at each level was assessed in accordance with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) guidelines proposed in 2013. The central points of the metastatic lymph nodes of the PLV region in the patients were recreated proportionally on the CT images of a standard patient with N0 NPC in reference to the normal anatomy of the PLV area. The correlation between the PLV region and the other levels, the nodal location, and the characteristics and prognosis of the PLV region were analyzed.Results:Lymph node metastasis occurred in 557 (92.06%) of 605 patients, and the top four areas with the highest probability of metastasis were level IIb (77.85%), level VIIa (73.05%), level IIa (60.0%), and level III (41.48%). There were 30 patients (4.95%) with lymph node metastasis in the PLV region. A total of 49 metastatic lymph nodes from the PLV region were counted, and the mean vertical distance of the central point of each lymph node from the anterior surface of the trapezius muscle was 14 mm. Linear regression correlation analysis suggested that lymph node metastasis in the PLV region was associated with ipsilateral level IVa (P=0.018), level Va, level Vb, and level Vc lymph node metastasis (all P<0.001). The 5-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS of 29 patients with lymph node metastasis in the PLV region were 41.6%, 27.7%, 89.1%, and 47.3%, respectively. The 5-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS of patients with N3 NPC with or without lymph node metastasis in the PLV region were 41.8% vs 67.3% (P=0.007), 27.8% vs 48.5% (P=0.005), 92.3% vs 80.5% (P=0.521), 40.6% vs 78.4% (P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis in the PLV region was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS (P<0.05).Conclusion:NPC patients with lymph node metastasis in the PLV region had a poor prognosis and a high risk of distant metastasis. We recommend that the margin of the PLV region may be a new cervical lymph node segment for NPC.