bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The neuroprotective effects of AMN082 on neuronal apoptosis in rat after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lu Chung-Che , Wang Che-Chuan , Lee Yao-Lin , Chio Chung-Ching , Lim Sher-Wei , Kuo Jinn-Rung 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the neuroprotective effect of AMN082 is via attenuating glutamic receptor associated neuronal apoptosis and improves functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham-operated, TBI + vehicle, and TBI + AMN082 groups. AMN082 was intraperitoneally injected (10 mg/kg) at 0, 24, and 48 hr after TBI. During the 120 minutes after TBI, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were continuously measured. The motor function, infarction volume, and neuronal nitrosative stress-associated apoptosis, N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A (NR2A) and NR2B expression were measured on the 3rd day after TBI. The results showed AMN082-treated group had the lower ICP and higher CPP after TBI. The TBI-induced motor deficits, increased infarction volume, neuronal apoptosis, 3-nitrotyrosine and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the peri-contusion cortex were significantly improved by AMN082 therapy. Simultaneously, AMN082 increased the NR2A and NR2B expression in neuronal cells. We concluded intraperitoneal injection of AMN082 for 3 days may ameliorate TBI insults by attenuating glutamic receptor associated nitrosative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the peri-contusion cortex. We suggest AMN082 administration in acute stage may be a promising strategy for TBI.
An observational study on usage of insulin and self-injection practises among patients with diabetes attending to Diabetic Centre and Medical outpatient&nbsp;clinics of a tertiary care hospital of Northern Sri Lanka
Authors: Narayanapillai Sathyasagaran , Thambipillai Peranantharajah , Mahalingam Aravinthan , Nadarajah Rajeshkannan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Prevalence of diabetes increasing world-wide particularly in low income countries. Management of diabetes sometimes requires insulin injection due to various reasons. Proper usage of insulin and injection techniques are important for diabetes control among who requires insulin. This study was aimed to assess current insulin practices and associated complications.Methods and material: This was a cross sectional study conducted among diabetes patients attended all medical clinics and Diabetic Centre in Jaffna teaching Hospital which is the only tertiary hospital in the Northern Sri Lanka in May 2020.Insulin practices retrieved by using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyses by using SPSS 26.Results: Out of 360 patients 64.2% were female and mean age was 58.19 (12-89).Majority (61.9%) of them belongs to low income category and most (73.3%) of them using insulin more than 1 year. Main reason for the insulin initiation was oral hypoglycaemic failure (81.7%) and majority of them (80.0%) were using twice daily premixed insulin regime followed by daily basal insulin (11.4%) and basal bolus insulin (5.6%) regime. Most of the participants (81.4%) reported they do cleaning of the injection site before injection and 89.7% usually rotate the injection site. Approximately half of them (50.8%) inject themselves and majority use syringes (91.4%). Common injection site complications reported were skin changes (25%), followed by 15.3% persistent swelling (15.3%) and thinning of skin(7.8%). Angle of injection (P-0.039) and insulin regime (P<0.001) showed statistically significant association with skin changes.High proportion of participants 68.6% (95%CI: 63.7%-73.2%) experienced hypoglycaemia, using syringes 2.21 times (95%CI-1.05-4.64) more risk of compare to pen users and missing meals 2.22 times more risk of hypoglycaemic events (95%CI: 1.18-4.17). Majority of them reported reusing the needles for injection (83.6%) and 35% were disposing needle into common garbage pin.Conclusion: This study revealed significant gaps in current insulin practices from expected norm and hypoglycaemic events alarmingly high among participants. Exploring Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices or flash monitoring can be a mitigation strategy and urgent attention from health professionals needed to improve the safe insulin practices.
The Association Between Fluoroquinolones and Aortic Dissection and Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wee Ian , Chin Brian , Syn Nicholas , Lee Keng Siang , Ng Jun Jie , Choong Andrew 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Previous studies have drawn causal associations between fluoroquinolone use and collagen pathologies including tendon rupture and retinopathy. This meta-analysis attempted to assess the association between fluoroquinolone use and the risk of aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. A systematic search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. 9 studies were included in final analysis. Primary random-effects meta-analysis of 7 studies, excluding 2 pharmacovigilance studies demonstrated statistically increased odds of aortic dissection (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.71 – 3.32) aortic aneurysm (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.59 – 2.48), and aortic aneurysm or dissection (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13 – 1.89; I2 = 72%) with current use of fluoroquinolones compared to their nonuser counterparts. Based on the “number needed-to-harm” analysis, 7246 (95% CI: 4329 to 14085) patients would need to be treated with fluoroquinolones for a duration of at least three days in order for one additional patient to be harmed, assuming a population baseline incidence of aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture to be 10 per 100,000 patient-years. With strong statistical association, these findings suggest a causal relationship, warranting future research to elucidate the pathophysiological and mechanistic plausibility of this association. These findings however, should not cease prescription of fluoroquinolones, especially when clinically indicated.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Refractive Error in Qinghai, China: A Cross-Sectional Study in Han and Tibetan Adults in Xining and Surrounding Areas
Authors: Wang Meng , Gan Lingyang , Cui Jiantao , Chen Ting , Wang Xianghua , Wang Yuhan , Pan Li , Li Zhanquan , Cui Sen , Yang Airong , Li Wenfang , Jia Guoqiang , Han Ximing , Shan Guangliang , He Huijing , Zhong Yong , Ma Jin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Our study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of refractive error (RE) in Han and Tibetan population aged 50-79 years in Xining and surrounding areas in Qinghai Province on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Methods As part of the China National Health Survey, our cross-sectional study compared the age-adjusted prevalence of RE in Han and Tibetan elder adults aged 50-79 years in Xining and surrounding areas. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for myopia and hyperopia.Results Among 769 Han participants and 476 Tibetan participants, the age-adjusted prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, high myopia and astigmatism were 28.56%, 22.82%, 2.80%, and 69.38%. Han population have higher age-adjusted prevalence of myopia (32.93% vs 21.64%, p<0.001), high myopia (3.93% vs 1.02%, p=0.001) and astigmatism (72.14% vs 64.94%, p=0.021) compared to Tibetan population. Being Tibetan is the protective factor of myopia compared to being Han (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.42-0.79, p<0.001). Elder age (p=0.032), longer time length in rural area (p=0.048), undergraduate/graduate education level (p=0.031), lighter active level (p=0.007) and lower BMI index (p=0.015) are risk factors for myopia. Elder age (all p<0.001) and pterygium status of the same eye (p=0.013) also increases the hyperopia risk.Conclusions Our study found an overall prevalence of myopia of 28.56% in Xining and surrounding areas in adults elder than 50 years. Han population has higher myopia risk than Tibetan population. More medical and social resources should be allocated to improve the vision and life quality of elder adults.
Insights into the Aggregation Mechanism of RRM domains in TDP-43: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Chaoqun , Shan Jiankai , Wang Yan , Chen Guangju 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is associated with several diseases such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) due to pathogenic aggregations. In this work, we examined the dimer, tetramer and hexamer models built from the RRM domains of TDP-43 using molecular dynamics simulations in combination with the protein-protein docking. Our results show that the parallel β-sheet layers in the RRM1 domains in these oligomer models were formed energetically favorable, which provide the potential binding sites in the aggregation process. The closeness of the parallel β-sheet layers from small oligomer models gradually expanded to large ones through the communication of the interaction between α1/α2 helices of RRM domains, which enhanced the binding affinities and interactions in these aggregation models to further promote the aggregation. Using the repeatable-superimposing method based on the tetramer models, we propose a new aggregation mechanism of RRM domains in TDP-43 which mediates the formation of large aggregation structure with the repeated, helical and rope-like characteristics. These new insights help to understand the amyloid-like aggregation phenomena of TDP-43 protein in ALS and FTLD diseases.
Influence of Structural Reinforcements on the Twist-to-bend Ratio of Plant Stems
Authors: Wolff-Vorbeck Steve , Speck Olga , Speck Thomas , Dondl Patrick 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
During biological evolution, plants have developed a wide variety of body plans and concepts that enable them to react or adapt to changing environmental conditions. Their morphological-anatomical and mechanical adaptations to conflicting conditions are especially interesting. A good example is the trade-off between flexural and torsional rigidity, as represented by the dimensionless twist-to-bend ratio. We have developed geometric models of a plant tissue reflecting the 2D situation of triangular cross-sections comprising of a parenchymatous matrix with vascular bundles surrounded by an epidermis and analysed them by using mathematical models (finite element analysis) to measure the effect of either reinforcements of the epidermal tissue or fibre reinforcements such as collenchyma and sclerenchyma on the twist-to-bend ratio. The change from an epidermis to a covering tissue of corky periderm increases both the flexural and the torsional rigidity and decreases the twist-to-bend ratio. Furthermore, additional fibre reinforcement strands in a parenchymatous ground tissue lead to a strong increase of the flexural and a weaker increase of the torsional rigidity and thus resulting in a marked increase of the twist-to-bend ratio. Within the developed model, a reinforcement by 49 sclerenchyma fibre strands or 24 collenchyma fibre strands is optimal in order to achieve high twist-to-bend ratios. Dependent on the mechanical quality of the fibres, the twist-to-bend ratio of collenchyma-reinforced axes is noticeably smaller, with collenchyma having an elastic modulus that is approximately 20 times smaller than that of sclerenchyma.
Comparison of the Morphological and Biomechanical Characteristics of Keratoconus, Forme Fruste Keratoconus, and Normal Corneas
Authors: Guo Li-Li , Tian Lei , Cao Kai , Li Yu-Xin , Li Na , Yang Wei-Qiang , Jie Ying 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To explore the feasibility of corneal morphological and biomechanical parameters for keratoconus and forme fruste keratoconus diagnosis.Methods: This case-control study included a total of 517 eyes from 408 keratoconus patients (KC group), 83 eyes from 83 forme fruste keratoconus patients (FFKC group), and 158 eyes from 158 patients with normal corneas (NL group). All subjects underwent routine ophthalmology examinations. Pentacam and Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology were used to obtain corneal morphological and biomechanical parameters. Differences between the groups were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: Comparison of the NL group with the KC and FFKC groups (P<0.05), and the NL and KC groups alone (P<0.017), revealed statistically significant differences in corneal morphological and biomechanical parameters, except time from the start until the highest concavity (HCT), deflection length of the first applanation (A1 DfL), and deflection length of the second applanation (A2 DfL). Comparison of the NL and FFKC groups revealed 12 significantly different parameters (P<0.017). ROC analysis showed that all corneal morphological parameters and most biomechanical parameters distinguished KC from NL, with an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.80, of which Belin-Ambrósio enhanced ectasia total deviation index (BAD-D) and tomographic and biomechanical index (TBI) were most efficient. Except for central astigmatism from the anterior corneal surface (AstigF), the AUC that distinguished FFKC from NL was 0.862. Other parameters distinguished FFKC from NL with low efficiency. Conclusion: All corneal morphological and most biomechanical parameters are different in KC versus NL, but only a few parameters are different in FFKC versus NL. BAD-D and TBI have the highest efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity for distinguishing KC from NL. The parameters had a low ability to distinguish FFKC from NL. The application of biomechanical instruments to diagnose early keratoconus needs further study.
Genome Survey Sequencing of Nomocharis forrestii, Assembly of Its Complete Chloroplast Genome and Analysis of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers
Authors: Zhang Da , Li LianLian , Wu XueWei , Wang TianXi , Ping Na , Liu HaiYing , Li YongPing , Zhang YiPing , Wang LiHua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Nomocharis is a genus that is closely related to Lilium in the Liliaceae family. It’s useful to study the influence of the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau on plants and their biological diversity. Nomocharis is a genus of such plants, and research on this genus will be especially informative, considering the genetic diversity of flowers. However, the genetic information of Nomocharis has not been fully elucidated. Results: To obtain a complete Nomocharis reference genome, the paper first performed a general survey. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized to perform de novo sequencing of the entire Nomocharis forrestii genome. In this study, the sequencing process yielded approximately 137.4 Gb of high-quality data, the total sequencing depth was approximately 63X, and the Q30 ratio was 91.95%; the estimated genome size was approximately 2.17 Gb; the repetitive sequence content was approximately 84.7%, the heterozygosity rate was 3.99%, and the estimated GC content of the genome was 43%. Furthermore, an annotated circular chloroplast gene map was generated, and a preliminary evolutionary analysis was performed. In addition, a total of 78,045 high-quality SSR markers were developed. Conclusion: Nomocharis forrestii has a 2.17 Gb heterozygous genome, its SSR markers are predominantly dinucleotides, and its chloroplast genome shows that Nomocharis forrestii and Lilium bakerianum have the highest homology followed by Lilium distichum. To the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first de novo whole-genome sequencing and assembly process to be performed for Nomocharis. The results of this study may provide new resources for the future genetic analysis and molecular breeding of Nomocharis.
Longitudinal Health Behaviour Patterns Among Chinese Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years and Their Associations With Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Over Time: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Feng Zeyun , Broek Thijs van den , Cramm Jane , Nieboer Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Whether different longitudinal patterns of multiple health behaviours are associated with different trajectories of depressive symptoms is not well understood.Purpose To identify distinct longitudinal patterns of multiple health behaviours and their associations with trajectories of depressive symptoms among people aged ≥ 50 years in China.Methods We used longitudinal data from the Harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (three waves, 2010–2015; n = 8439). We performed latent class analyses to identify distinct patterns of multiple health behaviours at three timepoints. We estimated longitudinal random-effects models to predict differences in depressive symptoms trajectories by health behaviour class.Results The best-fitting model had five latent classes, all of which showed strong behavioural stability over time: 1) socially active, moderately physically active non-smokers (29.4%); 2) socially inactive, physically active non-smokers (22.3%); 3) socially and physically inactive non-smokers (17.9%); 4) socially inactive, moderately physically active smokers (14.6%); and (5) socially active, moderately physically active smokers (14.2%). All classes characterized by low social participation (classes 2–4) were associated with significantly higher predicted depressive symptom scores compared with the other classes (1 and 5). Conclusions Longitudinal behavioural patterns involving low probabilities of social participation were associated with more depressive symptoms. This overshadowing effect suggests that the damage caused by socially inactivity may render the effects of co-existing (un)healthy behaviours meaningless. The stability of the patterns of multiple health behaviours across survey waves suggests that interventions are needed earlier in life.
A Dissemination Strategy to Promote Relational Coordination in the Veterans Health Administration: A Case Study
Authors: Connelly Brigid , Battaglia Catherine , Gilmartin Heather M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Implementing new healthcare practices across large organizations can be difficult due to inefficient diffusion of information. Using social marketing theory and additional evidence-based dissemination strategies, we spread relational coordination, an empirically supported theory of organizational performance, throughout the large Veterans Health Administration (VA). Relational Coordination drives performance outcomes including quality, efficiency, client satisfaction, and worker well-being and engagement and proposes interdependent work is most effectively coordinated by workers with each other, their customers, and their leaders. We aimed to develop a best-practice dissemination plan to educate and motivate researchers and operational staff in the VA to study and implement relational coordination within their programs of research or areas of operation.Methods In this observational case study, we followed the four Ps of social marketing theory to develop a strategy to disseminate relational coordination across the VA in two phases. In phase one, we created and distributed relational coordination information and invited VA staff to join the Relational Coordination Research Collaborative. In phase two dissemination efforts targeted researchers who were ready to study and implement relational coordination within existing programs of research. Primarily observational data were collected through both stages of the project and a final, post-project survey was administered after the second phase. The quantitative results were calculated using descriptive statistics and text responses in the survey were analyzed using deductive content analysis. A structured categorization matrix was developed to code the responses based on the survey questions. Results The first phase saw instances of social media dissemination, presentations, as well as phone or email communication between project staff and the target audience. 47 members of VA staff joined the Relational Coordination Research Collaborative and 50% participated in online research seminars. 13 research projects applied for the second stage and 5 projects were ultimately chosen to access the Relational Coordination survey. Relational coordination-related trainings, presentations, and publications also occurred.Conclusions Dissemination approaches that involved personalized, one-on-one efforts seemed to be more effective at spreading relational coordination compared to social media or other online presentations. Participants in the second phase overwhelmingly agreed to that relational coordination should be adopted in the VA but indicated the cost of the program would have been a barrier. Results reiterate the importance of an intentional dissemination plan, including addressing the costs and benefits of programs
An Inventory on Black Carbon and Organic Carbon Emission by the Different Vegetative Ecosystem Over India
Authors: Venkatraman Karthik , Bhaskar Vijay , Kesarkar Amit 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Fires provoke land degradation, deforestation, imbalance in the ecosystem, and promote changes in land use. To add more vein aerosols such as Black Carbon (BC) and Organic Carbon (OC) were emitted during the combustion event which plays a major role in climate change, pollution, and health. Hence this study aims to estimate the emission, residence, dry deposition flux, and sequestering ability of deposited BC and OC from different vegetative fires across India using MODIS satellite data from 2013 to 2019. It was observed that the mean OC and BC emission were about 5.08 × 107 tonnes 4.48 × 106 tonnes during the fire season across India. On a national scale, cropland fires contributed the largest portion (80%) of total carbonaceous aerosol emissions from open fires. In co-emission of species, forest shares a maximum relationship (> 92 percent) among carbonaceous aerosols. Estimation of deposition flux of emitted species showed cropland has higher deposition rates with a residence period ranging between 7hours to 23days. From the observed results, it is evident that higher aerosol emission combined with negligible deposition will be a potential threat to the environment. Waste utilization promoting strategies has to be adopted in India since agriculture contributes to major aerosols emission.