bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and their Relationship with Endothelial Dysfunction in Rural and Urban South African Children
Authors: Matjuda Edna N. , Engwa Godwill Azeh , Anye Samuel Nkeh Chungag , Chungag Benedicta N. Nkeh , Goswami Nandu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Endothelial dysfunction is known to be an initiator to the development and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is paucity o knowledge on its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in children. More so, some of these cardiovascular risk factors are known to be influenced by feeding habits and life style changes which often vary between rural and urban settings. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial function in rural and urban children. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 6-9 years old children in randomly selected rural and urban schools of the Eastern Cape Province of South Arica was conducted. General anthropometric indices were measured followed by blood pressure (BP) measurements. The pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using a Vicorder. Urine sample was collected for the determination of albumin, creatinine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), 8-hydroxy-2deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). Albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated.Results: Children from urban settings (10.8%) had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity than their rural counterparts (8.5%) while the prevalence of elevated/high blood pressure was higher in rural children (23.2%) than in urban children (19.0%). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) significantly (p<0.005) increased with increasing quartiles of PWV. ADMA positively associated with HR in rural girls and showed a weak risk for elevated SBP and MAP. Body mass index (BMI) increased with increasing PWV and predicted endothelial dysfunction. 8-OHdG significantly (p<0.005) increased with increasing quartiles of ADMA and positively correlated with ADMA. Creatinine, albumin and ACR significantly (p<0.005) increased with increasing ADMA and ADMA associated positively with creatinine. Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction was associated with obesity, high blood pressure, oxidative stress and microalbuminuria in children, and this relationship varied between rural and urban children.
Preoperative anaemia screening and treatment: Barrier identification and implementation strategy mapping
Authors: Delaforce Alana , Duff Jed , Munday Judy , Hardy Janet 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients undergoing major surgery are at risk of significant blood loss and subsequent transfusion, which increases substantially if the patient has pre-existing anaemia. Preoperative anaemia screening and treatment pathways (PAST-P) outline recommended blood tests and treatment to ensure patient optimisation before surgery. Although documented success in using PAST-P to reduce transfusions and improve patient outcomes exists, the reporting quality of such studies is suboptimal, and it remains unclear what implementation strategies best support the implementation of PAST-P. This study uses qualitative methods to identify local barriers and maps them to recommended implementation strategies.Method: Maximum variation, purposive sampling was used to recruit a total of 15 participants, including a range of health professionals and patients. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Data analysis utilised a deductive approach informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) for barrier identification and the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) for reporting recommended implementation strategies. The Action, Actor, Context, Target and Time (AACTT) framework assisted with conceptualisation and targeted strategy selection.Results: The analysis revealed ten barriers: external policy and incentives, patient needs and resources, structural characteristics, networks and communications, relative priority, available resources, access to knowledge and information, knowledge and beliefs about the intervention, self-efficacy and executing. ERIC strategies recommended to mitigate barriers are: conduct educational meetings, develop educational materials, distribute educational materials, access new funding, promote network weaving, organise clinician implementation team meetings, obtain and use patients/consumers/family feedback, involve patients/consumers/family members and conduct a local needs assessment.Conclusion: Five of ten identified barriers had strong recommendations, and nine implementation strategies were identified as being suitable to address them. Mapping the barriers and strategies using the ERIC framework on the basis of individual actor categories proved to be useful in identifying a pragmatic number of implementation strategies that may help in supporting the utilisation of the PAST-P, once it is launched at the study hospital.
The Role of Socio-Economic Inequality in Physical Immobility Among Older Adults: Did&nbsp;the Scenario Changed from 2004-05 to 2017-18?
Authors: Srivast Shobhit , Patel Ratna , Chauhan Shekhar , Kumar Pradeep , Dhillon Preeti 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite declining overall growth rate of the population across the world, the number of older adults is rising. To understand the needs and problems faced by older adults, it is imperative to understand the demographic and socio-economic conditions of the individuals. On these lines, physical immobility among older adults is attributed to various risk factors. The living arrangement is found to be one of the critical risk factors along with economic dependency in explaining physical immobility among older adults in India. Therefore, this study is an attempt to explore the role of socio-economic inequality in physical immobility among older adults in India. Methods: This study utilized 60th and 75th rounds of data from the National Sample Survey conducted in 2004-05 and 2017-18, with a sample size of 34,831 and 42,762 older adults aged 60 and above, respectively. Further, the study decomposes the concentration index using regression-based decomposition technique to understand the relative contribution of various socio-economic factors to the physical immobility of older adults.Results: Result found a decline of 0.6 points in the prevalence of physical immobility from 2004-05 to 2017-18. The sharpest increase was observed in Puducherry (9.9%) followed by Chandigarh (7.6%), and decline was witnessed in Nagaland (9.2%) followed by Lakshadweep (6.4%) and Delhi (5.3%). Physical immobility was more concentrated among well-off older adults in 2017-18 as compared to in 2004-05. Living alone, chronic diseases, and rich wealth status contributed significantly to explaining the observed socio-economic inequality in physical immobility.Conclusions: Based on the observations made on the socio-economic inequality in physical immobility among older adults in India, some health interventions are required to cater to the needs of older adults.
Association Between MMP-9 -1562 C/T Polymorphism and the Risk of Sepsis in a Chinese Population: A Case-control Study
Authors: Zheng Cuijuan , Wang Jiayu , Xie Shouxiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in the development of sepsis. In order to explore the relationship between MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism and sepsis risk in Chinese Han population, we conducted a case-control study with a sample size of 312 sepsis patients and 413 controls.Methods: The ABI PRISM SNaPshot method (Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, CA, USA) was performed to genotype the MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism.Results: Our data indicated that MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of sepsis (CT vs. CC: P = 0.032, OR=1.45, 95%CI =1.03-2.05; TT + CT vs. CC: P = 0.019, OR =1.49, 95%CI = 1.07-2.07). Stratified analyses demonstrated that this increased risk was more evident in smokers, drinkers, females, and overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 25). In addition, cross-over analyses suggested that the combination of smoking and CT genotype of MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism contributed to a higher risk for sepsis.Conclusion: In conclusion, MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of sepsis in Chinese Han population. MMP-9 -1562 C/T polymorphism may serve as a diagnostic marker for sepsis patients.
Integrative Bioinformatics Study Reveals Tangeretin Targets and Molecular Mechanisms Against Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Hermawan Adam , Putri Herwandhani , Hanif Naufa , Ikawati Muthi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Agents that target metastasis are important to improve treatment efficacy in patients with breast cancer. Tangeretin, a citrus flavonoid, exhibits antimetastatic effects on breast cancer cells, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear.Results: Tangeretin targets were retrieved from PubChem, whereas metastatic breast cancer regulatory genes were downloaded from PubMed. In total, 58 genes were identified as potential therapeutic target genes of tangeretin (PTs). Gene ontology analysis with Webgestalt showed that the PTs participate in the biological process of stimulus response, are the cellular components of the nucleus and the membrane, and play molecular roles in enzyme regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the PTs regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway. Genetic alterations for each target gene were MTOR (3%), NOTCH1 (4%), TP53 (42%), MMP9 (4%), NFKB1 (3%), PIK3CA (32%), PTGS2 (15%), and RELA (5%). The Kaplan–Meier plot displayed that patients with low mRNA expression levels of MTOR, TP53, MMP9, NFKB1, PTGS2, and RELA and high expression of PIK3CA had a significantly better prognosis than their counterparts. Further validation of gene expression by using GEPIA revealed that the mRNA expression of MMP9 was significantly lower in breast cancer tissues than in normal tissues, whereas the mRNA expression of PTGS2 showed the opposite. Analysis with ONCOMINE demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of MMP9 and NFKB1 were significantly higher in metastatic breast cancer cells than in normal tissues. The results of molecular docking analyses revealed the advantage of tangeretin as an inhibitor of PIK3CA, MMP9, PTGS2, and IKK.Conclusion: Tangeretin inhibits metastasis in breast cancer cells by targeting TP53, PTGS2, MMP9, and PIK3CA and regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Further investigation is needed to validate the results of this study.
Optimized duration of antituberculosis treatment for managing female genital tuberculosis: real-world experience from a high prevalence region in Eastern China
Authors: Yang Jianghua , Sun Jian , Wang Wenjie , Ding Jing , Cheng Yusheng , Zhou Yunfeng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Duration of antituberculosis therapy (ATT) for managing female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is controversial with the intermittent regimen no more advocated. We therefore conducted a prospective, real-world research to compare 6 months and 9 months of ATT.
Methods

Between 2012 and 2018, 109 drug-susceptible patients newly diagnosed with FGTB and/or tuberculous peritonitis (genital, 13; peritoneal, 34; mixed, 62) received naïve treatment for 9–12 months and further 18-month follow-up. Data on disease features at baseline and long-term outcome (intent-to-treat) were compared between group A (aged 15–35 years) and group B (aged ≥ 36 years). Efficacy and side effects of treatment were compared within each group 6 months and 9 months from ATT initiation (per-protocol), respectively.
Results

In contrast to group B at baseline, group A had more clinical evidence predicting active tuberculosis (P < 0.05), severer performance of genital lesions and pelvic adhensions (P < 0.05), more signs of active pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.01), and less performance of only TBP (P < 0.01). Intent-to-treat analysis showed higher incidence of overall single side effects and poor compliance in group B (P < 0.05), and similar recurrence rate between 2 groups. Per-protocol analysis showed increased complete response rate (P < 0.01) and similar incidence of side effects (P > 0.05) in group A, similar complete response rate (P > 0.05) and increased incidence of overall single side effects (P < 0.05) in group B at 9-mo duration.
Conclusions

Younger females with FGTB had a greater risk of systemic infection of TB compared to older ones. Nine-month ATT using daily therapy proved to be beneficial for younger patients at reproductive age. Six-month option was suitable for older patients for improving the side effects and poor compliance in the duration of treatment.
Trend Analysis of Major Sexually Transmitted Infections in China, 1999-2018
Authors: Chunxia Han , Zisheng Ai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mainly transmitted by sexual contact or similar sexual contact, which can cause diseases of genitourinary organs ,accessory lymphatic system and major organs of the whole body. STIs include clinically symptomatic diseases and asymptomatic infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.By analyzing the temporal trend of the sexually transmitted infections incidence in China in the past 20 years, we can provide a scientific basis for the further development of prevention and control measures related to sexually transmitted infections.
Methods

Joinpoint regression model is used to fit the incidence data of three sexually transmitted diseases in China from 1999 to 2018. Annual percentage change (APC) and Average annual percentage Change (AAPC) are calculated to evaluate the temporal trend changes of the incidence of three major sexually transmitted diseases.
Results

The overall incidence of AIDS/HIV has been on the rise for 20 years, rising by an average of 33.7% per year (P < 0.05). The most obvious increase is in 2002–2005, an average annual increase of 102.5%. The overall incidence of gonorrhea is on a downward trend, decreasing by 4.9% per year on average (P < 0.05).However, its incidence shows a slow rising trend from 2012 to 2018, with an average annual increase of 6.0%. The overall incidence of syphilis is also on the rise, increasing by an average of 9.1% per year (P < 0.05). Except 1999–2003, the incidence of syphilis shows a downward trend, and the other time stages shows a significant upward trend.
Conclusions

In the past 20 years, the corresponding measures have been taken in China for sexually transmitted infections and achieved remarkable results, but the three major sexually transmitted infections are still in the forefront of the reported notifiable infectious diseases incidence in China. At the same time, all sexually transmitted infections are beginning to shift from high-risk population to the general population, especially adolescents and the floating population.Therefore, China should still pay more attention to the prevention and control of STIs to hold back their further spread or epidemic.
Plant Bioestimulants: Compost Tea and Bioslurry Characterization
Authors: Funes-Pinter M. Iván , Pisi Gabriel , Aroca Matías , Martínez Laura Elizabeth , Fernández Marcela , Uliarte Ernesto Martín 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In the present study, the quality of aerated and non-aerated compost teas and bioslurry as bio-fertilizers and its application on two plant species in different substrates were tested. Compost tea brewed from a mixture residues compost presented higher nutrient content than that brewed from grape marc composted. Aeration, with shorter extraction time, resulted in higher pH, but in general with lower nutrient concentration, while bioslurry, presented higher nitrogen content. No pathogen and toxic effects were detected in the bio-products. Finally, Bio-products were evaluated in ornamental plant species: Petunia hibrida and Impatiens walleriana , where compost teas and bioslurry presented highly variable properties and effects on plant growth, depending on the substrate and species used. While in sand no significant effect on plant biomass and pigments were observed, in compost and commercial substrate bioslurry presented values similar to the traditional fertilizer. Compost tea presented variable results with no differences between aerated and non-aerated, both increasing carotenoids in I. walleriana in sand. We conclude that aeration showed no differences in compost tea quality, whilst bioslurry demonstrated to increase plant biomass at similar values to traditional fertilizer. Our results demonstrated that alternative products are an efficient, safe, ecological, and economical alternative to traditional products.
Interleukin 17A Promotes Cell Migration, Enhances anoikis resistance, and Favors Microenvironment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Tsai Yi-Fang , Huang Chi-Cheng , Lin Yen-Shu , Hsu Chih-Yi , Huang Ching-Po , Liu Chun-Yu , Chiu Jen-Hwey , Tseng Ling-Ming 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Our previous study demonstrated that overexpression of multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains 11 was involved the recurrence mechanism of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) via up-regulation of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-17A signaling pathway. However, information concerning the role of IL-17A in tumor behavior or cancer microenvironment remains lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-17A on TNBC recurrent mechanisms, including tumor behavior, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and cancer microenvironment. Methods: Using human TNBC MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 lines, the role of IL17-A was elucidated by knocked down IL-17A (DIL-17A) or administration of different dose of IL-17A in the culture medium. Cell proliferation, migration assay, Western blot analysis and Real-time PCR for IL-17A related signaling were evaluated. Three groups of implanted 4T1 cells in BALB/c mice were designed, namely, wild type (WT), DIL-17A, and WT + neutralizing IL-17 antibody (WT+Ab). Tumor weight, necrosis area, and the number of CTCs were measured. Immunohistochemistry or Western blot for CD34, CD8, and TGF-b1 were evaluated. Anoikis resistance was analyzed by live/dead stain and flow cytometry. Finally, clinic-pathological correlation between IL-17A expression and patients’ outcome such as disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed by Kaplan-Meier’s method.Results: Our results demonstrated that IL-17A stimulated migratory activity, but not growth rate, of MDA-MB-231/468 cells via increased Src, Rho, and COX2 expression. In vivo, there was an increased necrosis area, a decreased tumor CD34 expression and CTCs in DIL-17A group; while there was a decreased tumor CD34 expression, CD8(+) cells, and CTCs, but an increased TGF-b1 expression in WT+Ab group, compared to the WT group. Knocked down-IL-17A also decreased anoikis resistance in human TNBC and murine 4T1 cell lines. Kaplan-Meier’s analysis disclosed a negative correlation between tumor IL-17A expression and OS in TNBC patients. Conclusion: We conclude that IL-17A promotes migratory and angiogenic activity in the tumors, enhances anoikis resistance, and modulates the immune landscape of tumor microenvironment favoring subsequent cancer metastasis. The blockade of IL-17A might provide a co-treatment target to prevent tumor metastasis or recurrence in TNBC patients.
Correlation between Sagittal Morphology of Lower Lumbar Endplate and Degenerative Changes in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Xu Chongqing , Yin Mengchen , Mo Wen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: As an important anatomic factor in the process of Lumbar disc herniation (LDH), the correlation between endplate sagittal morphology and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is unclear. and research on imaging data of lumbar endplate in patients with LDH is still insufficient. Our study aimed to observe the morphological change of the lower lumbar endplate (L3-S1) in patients with LDH on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and analyze its correlation with the degree of IDD.Methods/Design: All 116 patients were included. Based on their MRI, we divided endplates into three types (concave, flat and irregular), assigned intervertebral discs with Grade I-V given 1-5 points successively according to Pfirrmann system, and determined whether there was Modic change of each endplate. The correlation between the morphology of endplate and the degree of IDD was analyzed.Results: There were excellent inter-observer agreement for each item we analyzed (ICC > 0.75). Concave endplate appeared most frequently (187, 53.7%) and mainly distributed in L3/4 and L4/5, while irregular endplate was the least common type (54, 15.5%) and mainly concentrated in L5/S1. The IDD degree of corresponding disc increased gradually from concave (3.27 ± 0.81) to irregular endplates (4.25 ± 0.79) (P < 0.05). Irregular endplates were more likely to have Modic changes than concave and flat endplates (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The sagittal morphology of lower lumbar endplate is related to Modic changes and degree of IDD (based on Pfirrmann grading system) in patients with LDH, and the concave endplate mostly reflects a lower degree of lumbar disc degeneration, which has substantial clinical significance.
Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Fasting Plasma Glucose, Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Sedighi Kimia , Shahbazi Roghayeh , Boushehri Elham , Zoghi Ghazal , Khayatian Mahmood , Kheirandish Somayeh , Kheirandish Masoumeh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: There is inconsistent data on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic profiles in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the glycemic and metabolic status of pregnant women with GDM.Methods: In this randomized double-blind controlled trial pregnant women with GDM referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Hormozgan University of Medical science, Bandar Abbas, 2016-2017, were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=25) and placebo (n=25) groups. Subjects in the intervention group received two 50000 IU vitamin D3 pearls (at baseline and at day 21) plus 1000 mg calcium daily, and those in the placebo group received 2 placebos at the same times and 1000 mg calcium daily. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6 weeks for the measurement of lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.Results: Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D significantly increased in the intervention group (P<0.001). Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased FPG (P=0.049), serum insulin level (P=0.001), and HOMA-IR (P=0.001) in the intervention group compared to the placeb group. Furthermore, vitamin D significantly reduced serum triglyceride (P=0.0.002), whereas it had no significant effect on total cholesterol (P=0.099), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P=0.279) , and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P=0.472) compared to the placebo group.Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation can be beneficial in the regulation of FPG, insulin level, and HOMA-IR in pregnant women with GDM.Trial registration: The research has retrospectively been registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the registration number: IRCT20150607022585N3 and is accessible at the following website: www.irct.ir.