bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In utero exposure to mercury and childhood overweight or obesity: counteracting effect of maternal folate status
Authors: Wang Guoying , DiBari Jessica , Bind Eric , Steffens Andrew M. , Mukherjee Jhindan , Bartell Tami R. , Bellinger David C. , Hong Xiumei , Ji Yuelong , Wang Mei-Cheng , Wills-Karp Marsha , Cheng Tina L. , Wang Xiaobin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundLow-dose mercury (Hg) exposure has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity in adults, but it is unknown the metabolic consequence of in utero Hg exposure. This study aimed to investigate the association between in utero Hg exposure and child overweight or obesity (OWO) and to explore if adequate maternal folate can mitigate Hg toxicity.MethodsThis prospective study included 1442 mother-child pairs recruited at birth and followed up to age 15 years. Maternal Hg in red blood cells and plasma folate levels were measured in samples collected 1–3 days after delivery (a proxy for third trimester exposure). Adequate folate was defined as plasma folate ≥ 20.4 nmol/L. Childhood OWO was defined as body mass index ≥ 85% percentile for age and sex.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) of maternal Hg levels were 2.11 (1.04–3.70) μg/L. Geometric mean (95% CI) of maternal folate levels were 31.1 (30.1–32.1) nmol/L. Maternal Hg levels were positively associated with child OWO from age 2–15 years, independent of maternal pre-pregnancy OWO, diabetes, and other covariates. The relative risk (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.47) of child OWO associated with the highest quartile of Hg exposure was 24% higher than those with the lowest quartile. Maternal pre-pregnancy OWO and/or diabetes additively enhanced Hg toxicity. The highest risk of child OWO was found among children of OWO and diabetic mothers in the top Hg quartile (RR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.56–2.71) compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, adequate maternal folate status mitigated Hg toxicity. Given top quartile Hg exposure, adequate maternal folate was associated with a 34% reduction in child OWO risk (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.51–0.85) as compared with insufficient maternal folate. There was a suggestive interaction between maternal Hg and folate levels on child OWO risk (pfor interaction = 0.086).ConclusionsIn this US urban, multi-ethnic population, elevated in utero Hg exposure was associated with a higher risk of OWO in childhood, and such risk was enhanced by maternal OWO and/or diabetes and reduced by adequate maternal folate. These findings underscore the need to screen for Hg and to optimize maternal folate status, especially among mothers with OWO and/or diabetes.
Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from white coats of health university students
Authors: Batista Isabela Rotta , Prates Amanda Caroline Lima , Santos Bruna de Souza , Araújo Josimara Cristina Carvalho , Bonfim Yan Christian de Oliveira , Pimenta Rodrigues Marcus Vinícius , Morceli Glilciane , Polettini Jossimara , Cavalleri Andressa Cortes , Winkelstroter Lizziane Kretli , Pereira Valéria Cataneli 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study aimed at detecting Staphylococcus aureus from white coats of college students and characterizing antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production. Bacterial samples (n = 300) were obtained from white coats of 100 college students from August 2015 to March 2017 S. aureus was isolated and it´s resistance profile was assessed by antimicrobial disk-diffusion technique, screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), detection of mecA gene by PCR, and determination of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) by multiplex PCR. Congo red agar (CRA) and icaA and icaD genes by PCR were used for biofilm characterization. S. aureus was identified in 45.0% of samples. Resistance of S. aureus sample to antimicrobial was seen for penicillin (72.59%), erythromycin (51.85%), cefoxitin (20.74%), oxacillin (17.04%), clindamycin (14.81%) and levofloxacin (5.18%). MRSA was detected in 53.3% of the samples with SCCmec I (52.8%), SCCmec III (25%) and SCCmec IV (11.1%). Biofilm production was observed in 94.0% S. aureus samples. These data show that biosafety measures need to be enhanced in order to prevent dissemination of multiresistant and highly adhesive bacteria across other university settings, relatives, and close persons.
A few ethical issues in translational research for gene and cell therapy
Authors: Riva Luciana , Petrini Carlo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Although translational research for drug development can provide patients with valuable therapeutic resources it is not without risk, especially in the early-phase trials that present the highest degree of uncertainty. With the extraordinary evolution of biomedical technologies, a growing number of innovative products based on human cells and gene therapy are being tested and used as drugs. Their use on humans poses several challenges.

Methods
In this work, we discuss some ethical issues related to gene and cell therapies translational research. We focus on early-phase studies analysing the regulatory approach of Europe and the United States. We report the current recommendations and guidelines of international scientific societies and European and American regulatory authorities.

Results
The peculiarity of human cell- or tissue-based products and gene therapy has required the development of specific regulatory tools that must be continually updated in line with the progress of the research. The ethics of translational research for these products also requires further considerations, particularly with respect to the specificity of the associated risk profiles.

Conclusions
An integrated ethical approach that aims for transparency and regulation of development processes, the support of independent judgment in clinical trials and the elimination of unregulated and uncontrolled grey areas of action are necessary to move gene and cell therapy forward.
Poldip2 mediates blood-brain barrier disruption in a model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Authors: Kikuchi Daniel S. , Campos Ana Carolina P. , Qu Hongyan , Forrester Steven J. , Pagano Rosana L. , Lassègue Bernard , Sadikot Ruxana T. , Griendling Kathy K. , Hernandes Marina S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), a diffuse cerebral dysfunction in the absence of direct CNS infection, is associated with increased rates of mortality and morbidity in patients with sepsis. Increased cytokine production and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are implicated in the pathogenesis of SAE. The induction of pro-inflammatory mediators is driven, in part, by activation of NF-κΒ. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin produced by gram-negative bacteria, potently activates NF-κΒ and its downstream targets, including cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2). Cox-2 catalyzes prostaglandin synthesis and in the brain prostaglandin, E2 is capable of inducing endothelial permeability. Depletion of polymerase δ-interacting protein 2 (Poldip2) has previously been reported to attenuate BBB disruption, possibly via regulation of NF-κΒ, in response to ischemic stroke. Here we investigated Poldip2 as a novel regulator of NF-κΒ/cyclooxygenase-2 signaling in an LPS model of SAE.MethodsIntraperitoneal injections of LPS (18 mg/kg) were used to induce BBB disruption in Poldip2+/+and Poldip2+/−mice. Changes in cerebral vascular permeability and the effect of meloxicam, a selective Cox-2 inhibitor, were assessed by Evans blue dye extravasation. Cerebral cortices of Poldip2+/+and Poldip2+/−mice were further evaluated by immunoblotting and ELISA. To investigate the role of endothelial Poldip2, immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting were performed to study the effect of siPoldip2 on LPS-mediated NF-κΒ subunit p65 translocation and Cox-2 induction in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells. Finally, FITC-dextran transwell assay was used to assess the effect of siPoldip2 on LPS-induced endothelial permeability.ResultsHeterozygous deletion of Poldip2 conferred protection against LPS-induced BBB permeability. Alterations in Poldip2+/+BBB integrity were preceded by induction of Poldip2, p65, and Cox-2, which was not observed in Poldip2+/−mice. Consistent with these findings, prostaglandin E2 levels were significantly elevated in Poldip2+/+cerebral cortices compared to Poldip2+/−cortices. Treatment with meloxicam attenuated LPS-induced BBB permeability in Poldip2+/+mice, while having no significant effect in Poldip2+/−mice. Moreover, silencing of Poldip2 in vitro blocked LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation, Cox-2 expression, and endothelial permeability.ConclusionsThese data suggest Poldip2 mediates LPS-induced BBB disruption by regulating NF-κΒ subunit p65 activation and Cox-2 and prostaglandin E2 induction. Consequently, targeted inhibition of Poldip2 may provide clinical benefit in the prevention of sepsis-induced BBB disruption.
DHEA Attenuates Microglial Activation via Induction of JMJD3 in Experimental Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Tao Tao , Liu Guang-Jie , Shi Xuan , Zhou Yan , Lu Yue , Gao Yong-Yue , Zhang Xiang-Sheng , Wang Han , Wu Ling-Yun , Chen Chun-Lei , Zhuang Zong , Li Wei , Hang Chun-Hua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system and central to the innate immune system. Excessive activation of microglia after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) contributes greatly to early brain injury, which is responsible for poor outcomes. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone enriched in the brain, has recently been found to regulate microglial activation. The purpose of this study was to address the role of DHEA in SAH.

Methods
We used in vivo models of endovascular perforation and in vitro models of haemoglobin exposure to illustrate the effects of DHEA on microglia in SAH.

Results
In experimental SAH mice, exogenous DHEA administration increased DHEA levels in the brain and modulated microglial activation. Ameliorated neuronal damage and improved neurological outcomes were also observed in the SAH mice pretreated with DHEA, suggesting neuronal protective effects of DHEA. In cultured microglia, DHEA elevated the mRNA and protein levels of Jumonji d3 (JMJD3, histone 3 demethylase) after haemoglobin exposure, downregulated the H3K27me3 level, and inhibited the transcription of proinflammatory genes. The devastating proinflammatory microglia-mediated effects on primary neurons were also attenuated by DHEA; however, specific inhibition of JMJD3 abolished the protective effects of DHEA. We next verified that DHEA-induced JMJD3 expression, at least in part, through the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA)/Akt signalling pathway.

Conclusions
DHEA has a neuroprotective effect after SAH. Moreover, DHEA increases microglial JMJD3 expression to regulate proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory microglial activation after haemoglobin exposure, thereby suppressing inflammation.
Prevalence of common mental disorder and associated factors among pregnant women in South-East Ethiopia, 2017: a community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Woldetsadik Ashenafi Mekonnen , Ayele Abebaw Nigussie , Roba Adem Esmael , Haile Genet Fikadu , Mubashir Khan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Mothers suffering from common mental disorder (CMD), such as anxiety and depression may not be able to function properly, which could adversely affect the mother-infant bond and even result in increased infant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of CMD and its determinants among pregnant women in Southeast Ethiopia.

Methods
Data was collected from 743 pregnant women via interview-administered, standardised questionnaires during Dec–Jan 2017. The WHO Self-Reported Questionnaire (SRQ) was used to screen CMD. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted and ORs and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results
The prevalence of CMD during pregnancy was 35.8% (95% CI: 34–38%) and the main determinants of CMD were: illiteracy, presence of health risk, financial instability, physical or emotional abuse, having sexual intercourse without her willingness, family history of psychiatric illness and history of chronic medical illness.

Conclusion
CMD prevalence during pregnancy was high, indicating a need to regularly screen pregnant women for CMD and its determinants as part of routine obstetric care.
NGOs, austerity, and universal health coverage in Mozambique
Authors: Pfeiffer James , Chapman Rachel R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn many African countries, hundreds of health-related NGOs are fed by a chaotic tangle of donor funding streams. The case of Mozambique illustrates how this NGO model impedes Universal Health Coverage. In the 1990s, NGOs multiplied across post-war Mozambique: the country’s structural adjustment program constrained public and foreign aid expenditures on the public health system, while donors favored private contractors and NGOs. In the 2000s, funding for HIV/AIDS and other vertical aid from many donors increased dramatically. In 2004, the United States introduced PEPFAR in Mozambique at nearly 500 million USD per year, roughly equivalent to the entire budget of the Ministry of Health. To be sure, PEPFAR funding has helped thousands access antiretroviral treatment, but over 90% of resources flow “off-budget” to NGO “implementing partners,” with little left for the public health system. After a decade of this major donor funding to NGOs, public sector health system coverage had barely changed. In 2014, the workforce/ population ratio was still among the five worst in the world at 71/10000; the health facility/per capita ratio worsened since 2009 to only 1 per 16,795. Achieving UHC will require rejection of austerity constraints on public sector health systems, and rechanneling of aid to public systems building rather than to NGOs.
Diversity and use of medicinal plants for soup making in traditional diets of the Hakka in West Fujian, China
Authors: Luo Binsheng , Li Feifei , Ahmed Selena , Long Chunlin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Wild edible and medicinal plants were an important component of traditional diets and continue to contribute to food security, nutrition, and health in many communities globally. For example, the preparation and consumption of soup made of medicinal plants for promoting health and preventing disease are a key component of the traditional diets of the Hakka socio-linguistic group of China’s West Fujian Province. As environmental and socio-economic factors drive the shift away from traditional diets, there is a need for ethnobotanical documentation of the diversity of wild edible and medicinal plants as well as associated knowledge and practices.

Method
Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Hakka communities in West Fujian Province between 2017 and 2018 to document plants used in medicinal soups as well as associated traditional ecological knowledge, practices, and conservation status. Surveys included semi-structural interviews, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal, and focus group discussions. Quantitative indices, including cultural food significance index (CFSI) and relative frequency of citation (RFC), were calculated to evaluate the importance of documented plants to Hakka communities. The species with the highest CFSI and RFC values were ranked by informants and further evaluated according to their individual properties and growth environment.

Results
A total of 42 medicinal plant species, belonging to 25 families and 41 genera, were documented for making soup by the Hakka. The Asteraceae botanical family was the most prevalent, and their root or the entire plant is used for soup making. Informants incorporate different ingredients in soups for their flavors as well as medicinal properties on the basis of the local ethnonutrition system. The most prevalent medicinal uses of the documented plants for making soups were used for clearing inner heat (58.1% of the species), treating inflammation (37.2%), and counteracting cold in the body (20.9%). Informants perceived that the medicinal properties of soup-making plants are influenced by the time of harvest, the local environment, and the climate.

Conclusion
Efforts are needed to preserve the ecological knowledge associated with traditional diets towards supporting both environmental and human well-being in rapidly developing communities experiencing the nutrition transition and biodiversity loss.
Instability of the proximal radioulnar joint in Monteggia fractures—an experimental study
Authors: Biewener Achim , Bischoff Fabian , Rischke Tobias , Tille Eric , Nimtschke Ute , Kasten Philip , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Nowotny Jörg 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
A Monteggia fracture is defined as a fracture of the proximal ulna combined with a luxation of the radial head. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the extent of instability of the radius head in the proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) as a function of the severity of elbow fracture and ligamentous injury in an experimental biomechanical approach.

Methods
Eight fresh-frozen cadaver arms were used. All soft tissues were removed except for the ligamentous structures of the PRUJ and forearm. A tensile force of 40 N was exerted laterally, anteriorly or posteriorly onto the proximal radius. The dislocation in the PRUJ was photometrically recorded and measured by two independent examiners. After manual dissection of the ligamentous structures up to the interosseous membrane, the instability was documented and subsequently measured. The following dissection levels were differentiated: intact ligamentous structures, dissection of annular ligament, oblique cord and proximal third of interosseous membrane.

Results
An anterior instability remains relatively constant until the proximal third of the interosseous membrane is dissected. The radial head already dislocates relevantly in the posterior direction after dissection of the annular ligament with an additional considerable stability anteriorly and laterally. Subsequently, the posterior instability increases less pronouncedly in regard of distal resected structures. The lateral instability increases constantly during the progressing resection of the ligamentous structures.

Conclusion
On the one hand, a complete healing of the ligament injury after functional treatment is hardly conceivable with ligamentary damage up to the level of the proximal interosseous membrane. A remaining instability of the proximal radius could therefore be a possible cause for the unsatisfactory clinical results after certain Monteggia fractures. On the other hand, the present study may give a possible explanation (i.e. early dorsal radius head dislocation after dissection of annular ligament) why the Bado II injury is the most frequent type of Monteggia fractures.
A systematic review of the single-stage treatment of chronic osteomyelitis
Authors: Pincher Bethan , Fenton Carl , Jeyapalan Rathan , Barlow Gavin , Sharma Hemant K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite advances in surgery, the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis remains complex and is often associated with a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the different single-stage procedures that have been used to treat adult chronic osteomyelitis and to evaluate their effectiveness.MethodsOvid Medline and Embase databases were searched for articles on the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis over the last 20 years. A total of 3511 journal abstracts were screened by 3 independent reviewers. Following exclusion of paediatric subjects, animal models, non-bacterial osteomyelitis and patients undergoing multiple surgical procedures, we identified 13 studies reported in English with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed for all studies. Non-recurrence was defined as resolution of pain without recurrence of sinuses or need for a second procedure to treat infection within the described follow-up period.ResultsA total of 505 patients with chronic osteomyelitis underwent attempted single-stage procedures. Following debridement, a range of techniques have been described to eliminate residual dead space including biologic and non-biologic approaches. These include musculocutaneous flaps, insertion of S53P4 glass beads or packing with antibiotic-loaded ceramic or calcium-sulphate pellets. The average follow-up ranged from 12 to 110 months. The most common organism isolated wasStaphylococcus aureus(35.2%). Non-recurrence ranged from 0 to 100%. Debridement alone was statistically significantly inferior to approaches that included dead space management (54.5% versus 90% non-recurrence). Biologic and non-biologic approaches to dead space management were comparable (89.8% versus 94.2% non-recurrence).ConclusionA wide range of single-stage procedures have been performed for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. In general, studies were small and observational with various reporting deficiencies. No one dead space management technique appears to be superior, but debridement alone that leaves residual dead space should be avoided.
Upregulation of microRNA-23b-3p induced by farnesoid X receptor regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Wu Bin , Xing Chengjuan , Tao Juan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The downstream targets of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) such as miRNAs have a potent effect on the progression of many types of cancer. We aim to study the effects of FXR on osteosarcoma (OS) development and the potential role of microRNA-23b-3p.

Methods
The expressions of FXR and miR-23b-3p in normal osteoblasts and five osteosarcoma cell lines were measured. Their correlations were analyzed by Pearson’s test and verified by the introduction of FXR agonist, GW4064. TargetScan predicted that cyclin G1 (CCNG1) was a target for miR-23b-3p. The transfection of FXR siRNA was performed to confirm the correlation between FXR and miR-23b-3p. We further transfected miR-23b-3p inhibitor into MG-63 cells, and the transfected cells were treated with 5 μM GW4064 for 48 h. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot were performed for expression analysis. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis rate, and cell cycle distribution were assessed by clone formation assay and flow cytometry.

Results
Scatter plot showed a positive correlation between FXR and miR-23b-3p (Pearson’s coefficient test R2 = 1.00, P = 0.0028). As CCNG1 is a target for miR-23b-3p, the treatment of GW4064 induced the downregulation of CCNG1 through upregulating miR-23b-3p. The inhibition of miR-23b-3p obviously promoted cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle progression but reduced apoptosis rate of MG-63 cells; however, the treatment of GW4064 could partially reverse the effects of the inhibition of miR-23b-3p on OS cells.

Conclusions
Upregulated FXR by GW4064 can obviously suppress OS cell development, and the suppressive effects may rely on miR-23b-3p/CCNG1 pathway.