bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between convenience stores near school and obesity among school-aged children in Bejing, China
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Cheng Yu , Cheng Lan , Wang Di , Li Qin , Liu Zheng , Wang Haijun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Food environments have rapidly changed over the past years in China and children have more access to unhealthy food in convenience stores near school. Since the studies on the association between convenience stores near school and obesity had inconsistent results and no similar study in China, we conducted the study on the association in Beijing of China, which will provide scientific evidence for intervention of childhood obesity. Methods: The study included 2201 students at grade 4 of 37 primary schools in Dongcheng or Miyun district of Beijing. The food environment data was acquired from AMAP, the free web-based geospatial service provider. The numbers of convenience stores were captured within the 800 meter network buffer near school using Geographic Information System. The weight and height of each student were measured by trained health professionals. Students’ dietary and physical behaviors and other information associated with obesity were collected with questionnaires for students and their parents. Generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the data. Results : The average age of the students was 10.2 years (SD=0.33). The prevalence of obesity in students was 14.9%. The median number of convenience stores within the 800 meter network buffer near school was 24 in two districts. The number of convenience stores near each school varied from 5 to 67 (median: 25) in Dongcheng district and from 1 to 57 (median: 22) in Miyun district. After adjusting for the confounding factors at the family and individual levels, the association between convenience stores and childhood obesity was statistically significant. Additional ten convenience stores near school were associated with an increased risk of obesity (OR=1.13, 95%CI : 1.03,1.24, P =0.011). Compared with less than 24 convenience stores near school, the students with more than or equal to 24 convenience stores near school had an increased risk of obesity (OR=1.49, 95% CI : 1.09, 2.03, P =0.013). Conclusion: The students with more convenience stores near their schools had an increased risk of obesity. The findings provided evidences for developing public health policy to restrict the number of convenience stores near school to prevent and control childhood obesity.
Insecticidal activity of the metabolites of sand soil bacteria in Northern Senegal
Authors: Dahmana Handi , Sambou Masse , Raoult Didier , Fenollar Florence , Mediannikov Oleg 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundVector-borne deadly diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths annually. They are transmitted by several vectors, among which the mosquito is the most important. Chemical compounds often have devastating side effects, which has led to the abandonment of the majority of them. Biological control has been performed by using formulations of Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis, but their intensive use has led to the emergence of resistance. Currently, there is an urgent need to develop new alterative molecules from bacteria to use in mosaics or in rotation with already known insecticides and bacteria for the control of vectors, especially mosquitos. Here, we attempted to identify bacterial species with potential anti-mosquito actions.ResultsAmong 208 strains isolated from dry sandy soil from Senegal, eleven bacterial strains from the Bacillus genus (5) and Actinomycetales order (6) were chosen for the following experiments. Then, we tested their secondary metabolites, which were obtained from the supernatant fraction, and their cell wall and cytoplasmic compounds, which were found in the pellet fraction, in 3rd and early 4th Aedes albopictus larvae instars and compared the larval mortality rate with that obtained by using a commercial product. A total of 4/11 (36.4%) of the isolated species exhibited insecticidal activity. B. nealsonii, which is not a well-known bacterium, had the highest larvicidal effect with 70% larval mortality, which highlighted for the first time. The Streptomyces spp. we isolated seem to be potential new species, and 3/5 (60%) of them exhibited insecticidal activity.Conclusion﻿The bacterial strains isolated in this study may be used to identify the molecular mechanisms of their insecticidal activity.
Simultaneous detection of 37 Lactobacillus species using a real-time PCR assay based on whole-genome sequence analysis
Authors: Kim Eiseul , Yang Seung-Min , Lim Bora , Park Si Hong , Rackerby Bryna , Kim Hae-Yeong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLactobacillus species are used as probiotics and play an important role in fermented food production. However, use of 16S rRNA gene sequences as standard markers for the differentiation of Lactobacillus species offers a very limited scope, as several species of Lactobacillus share similar 16S rRNA gene sequences. In this study, we developed a rapid and accurate method based on comparative genomic analysis for the simultaneous identification of 37 Lactobacillus species that are commonly used in probiotics and fermented foods. ResultsTo select species-specific sequences or genes, a total of 143 Lactobacillus complete genome sequences were compared using Python scripts. In 14 out of 37 species, species-specific sequences could not be found due to the similarity of the 16S–23S rRNA gene. Selected unique genes were obtained using comparative genomic analysis and all genes were confirmed to be specific for 52,478,804 genomes via in silico analysis; they were found not to be strain-specific, but to exist in all strains of the same species. Species-specific primer pairs were designed from the selected 16S–23S rRNA gene sequences or unique genes of species. The specificity of the species-specific primer pairs was confirmed using reference strains, and the accuracy and efficiency of the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the standard curve were confirmed. The real-time PCR method developed in this study is able to accurately differentiate species that were not distinguishable using the 16S rRNA gene alone. This Real-time PCR method was designed to detect 37 Lactobacillus species in a single reaction. The developed method was then applied in the monitoring of 19 probiotics and 12 dairy products. The applied tests confirmed that the species detected in 17 products matched those indicated on their labels, whereas the remaining products contained species other than those appearing on the label. ConclusionsThe method developed in this study is able to rapidly and accurately distinguish different species of Lactobacillus, and can be used to monitor specific Lactobacillus species in foods such as probiotics and dairy products.
Identifying of&nbsp;protein complexes and functional modules in E.coli PPI networks
Authors: Kong Ping , Liu Wei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli has been at the center of microbial research for decades, making it a standard microorganism for studying molecular mechanism. Molecular complexes, operons and functional modules are important molecular functional domains of Escherichia coli. Most previous studies focused on the detection of E. coli protein complexes based on the experimental methods. While the research of prediction of protein complexes in E. coli based on large-scale proteomic data, especially the functional modules of E. coli are relatively few. Identifying protein complexes and functional modules of E. coli is crucial to reveal principles of cellular organizations, processes and functions. Results: In this study, the protein complexes and functional modules of two high-quality binary interaction datasets of E. coli are predicted by an efficient edge clustering algorithm (ELPA) for complex biological network, respectively. According to the gold standard protein complexes and function annotations provided by EcoCyc dataset, the experimental results show that most topological modules predicted in the two datasets match very well with the real protein complexes, cellular processes and biological functions. By analyzing the corresponding complexes and functional modules shows that all predicted protein complexes are fully covered by one or more functional modules. Furthermore, we compared the results of ELPA with a famous node clustering algorithm (MCL) on the same PPI network of E. coli , and found that ELPA outperforms MCL in terms of matching with gold standard complexes. Conclusions: As a consequence, we surmise that topological modules of PPI network detected by ELPA fits well with real protein complexes and functional units. In most predicted topological modules, the protein complexes and corresponding functional modules are highly overlapping. ELPA is an effective tool to predict protein complexes and functional modules in PPI networks of E. coli.
Chemical composition of surgical smoke produced during Loop electrosurgical excision procedure treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhao Menghuang , Shao Yongqiang , Yan Linzhi , zhu xueqiong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background As LEEP (Loop electrosurgical excision procedure) is being increasingly used for diagnosis and treatment of uterine cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the surgical smoke during LEEP becomes an inevitable health issue.Therefore in this study, the exposure to chemical substances of surgical smoke produced during LEEP was assessed.Methods Smoke samples from patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia undergoing LEEP were collected by smoke absorbing devices situated 1 meter away the operating table and near the nose of operator during LEEP, respectively. Each plume sample was collected after 5 patients proceeding LEEP and each patient take 5 min for smoke collection. The expected chemicals of exposure to surgical smoke includedbenzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, butyl acetate, hendecane, acetone, acrylonitrile, 1,2-dichloroethane, phenol, chlorine, cyanide and hydrogen cyanide. Additionally,hazards classes of these chemical components were observed in International Agency for Research on Cancer.Results Qualitative analysis of the smoke produced during LEEP revealed the varieties of potentially toxic chemicals were under the standard detection, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, butyl acetate, acrylonitrile, 1,2-dichloroethane, phenol, chlorine, cyanide and hydrogen cyanide. Additionally, the average concentrations of carbon dioxide were 0.098±0.015 during the surgery and higher than before the surgery (0.072±0.007), P <0.001, and formaldehyde was significantly higher during the surgery (0.023±0.009) than before it (0.012±0.001), P <0.05.Conclusions The most of detected chemicals in smoke generated during LEEP were under the exposure limits when local exhaust ventilation procedures were efficiently used. However, concentrations of carbon dioxide and formaldehyde found in the smoke were significantly higher after the surgery. To use evacuation devices routinely and consistently when performing LEEP was recommended to protect the perioperative personnel.
Minocycline prevents and repairs the skin disorder associated with afatinib, one of the epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sano Kazumi , Nakadate Kazuhiko , Hanada Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background While epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs) exert a breakthrough effect, the incidence of skin disorders as a side effect has significantly reduced patients' quality of life. Objective This study aimed to develop a treatment for inflammatory ulcers as one of the side effects of afatinib (Geotrif®), a second-generation EGFR-TKI, and established a skin disorder mouse model to investigate the protective effect of minocycline. Methods First, under inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane, the back of a male ddy mouse was shaved, and afatinib petrolatum was applied alone or in combination with minocycline to observe the state of the skin and measure transepidermal water transpiration (TEWL). Next, afatinib was administered orally to mice, and minocycline petrolatum was applied to observe whether the skin disorder was prevented and its effect on repair of the skin disorder. Results Skin injury occurred on the back of the mouse following afatinib (1 mg/g in petrolatum) application, and scab formation was observed. Application of minocycline prevented and improved the skin disorder caused by afatinib. When the minocycline-petrolatum mixture was applied to the mouse that developed the skin disorder, a significant improvement in TEWL was observed, and skin repair was observed macroscopically. Discussion These results suggest that minocycline applied both locally and orally prevents and repairs afatinib-induced skin disorders. Histological examination of skin elucidated the mechanism of the occurrence of the EGFR-TKI-related skin disorder and suggested the efficacy of minocycline topical application in clinical practice.
Co-relation with novel phosphorylation sites of IκBα and necroptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Choi Sung Hoon , Yoon Hee-sub , Yun Sung Ho , Park Joo-Hee , Han Eun Hee , Chi Sung-Gil , Chung Young Ho 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The phosphorylation of NF-kappaB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) protein is pivotal to the regulation of NF-κB transcription factor activity in the cell. The phosphorylation of IκBα by IκB kinase family have been so many identified, but the phosphorylation sites of IκBα by other kinases remain poorly understood. We investigated the new phosphorylation site for IκBα and identified its biological function in breast cancer cells. Methods: Previously we observed that aurora kinase (AURK) binds IκBα in the cell. To identify the essential domains of IκBα for phosphorylation of IκBα by AURK, kinase assay was performed with a series of IκBα truncation mutants. AURK significantly promotes activation of IκBα at serine 32, but not serine 36 residues, unlike IκB kinase (IKK) family proteins activate both IκBα serine residues. We also confirmed phosphorylation of IκBα by the matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) and nano-liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (nanoLC-MS/MS; Q Exactive). Results: We identified two novel sites of serine phosphorylation at S63 and S262. Alanine transition of S63 and S262 (S63A and S262A) of IκBα induced inhibition of cell proliferation and suppression of p65 transcription activity. Besides, S63A and/or S262A of IκBα regulated apoptotic and necroptic effects in breast cancer cells. Conclusions: Therefore, we identified novel phosphorylation site of IκBα by AURK, and its site was related to apoptosis and necroptosis pathway in breast cancer cells.
Contralateral C7 Transfer to Axillary and Median Nerves in Rats with Total Brachial Plexus Avulsion
Authors: Liu Yuzhou , Xiao Feng , Zhuang Yongqing , Lao Jie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Contralateral cervical 7 nerve (cC7) was used to repair two recipient nerves simultaneously for patients with total brachial plexus avulsion (TBPA). Objective: To evaluate the effect of cC7 transfer to axillary and median nerves in rats with TBPA. Methods: Eighty S-D rats were divided into 4 groups averagely. Group A: cC7 － median nerve, Group B: cC7 － axillary nerve, Group C: cC7 － median and axillary nerves, Group D: TBPA without repair. The evaluation tools included behavioral test, electromyogram (EMG), cross-sectional area of muscle fiber, nerve fiber count and gene expression. Results: The positive rates of EMG were 90% and 70% in Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) in Group A and C, while 70% and 60% in deltoid (DEL) In Group B and C. The difference of effective rates in grip or shoulder abduction between groups was not significant. The mean cross-sectional area of FCR in Group A or C was significantly larger than that in Group D. Either the number of median or axillary nerve fibers in Group A, B or C was statistically more than that in Group D. No matter for FCR or DEL, there were no significant differences of the ratios of relative expression of MAFBOX and MURF1 among these groups. Conclusion: Compared with cC7 transfer to median nerve, cC7 transfer to both median and axillary nerves did not affect median nerve recovery and the deltoid muscle also could be restored. The recovery proportion of axillary nerve was less than that of median nerve.
Potential Prognostic Roles of Serum Lactate and Creatine Kinase Levels in Poisoned Patients
Authors: Golaghaei Alireza , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Shadnia Shahin , Zamani Nasim , Amraei Fatemeh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Examination of serum lactate Level and its changes, as an indicator of tissue oxygenation, as well as level of creatine kinase (CK) inhibitors, as a factor of mortality which partially expresses heart, brain, and muscle damage, may be considered as tools to determine prognosis in critically ill patients. We aimed to evaluate these two factors as potential prognostic factors in critically poisoned patients admitted to our toxicology ICU.Method This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study that was performed on poisoned patients referred to emergency department of Loghman Hakim Hospital. Those critically poisoned patients who were admitted to ICU were conveniently chosen and included into the study after obtaining written consent forms form their next of kin. Their serum lactate and CK levels were checked on admission. These levels were compared subsequently between survivors and non-survivors to seek for their potential prognostic role.Results In a total of 100 patients enrolled, 61 were male. Serum level of lactate (with a cut off of 26 mg/dL) and serum CK with a cutoff point of 169 U/L could have prognosticated death with sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 77% (for lactate) and 74% and 62% (for serum CK), respectively.Conclusions In poisoned patients, serum lactate and CK can be used as possible prognostic factors because they rapidly increase in the serum and are easily detectable.
High Levels of CD38+ NK Cells Contribute to Immune Imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Hongxing , Fang Kehua , Chang Xiaotian 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Increased CD38 expression and CD38+ cell proportion as well as their importance had been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods The proportion of lymphocyte subtypes in RA patients and rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was examined using flow cytometry. CD38+ NK cells, CD38+ NKT cells and CD4+ T cells as well as mononuclear cells (MNCs) depleted of CD38+ cells were isolated from RA synovial fluid using flow cytometry and cocultured in transwell apparatus.Results This study detected a significantly increased CD38+ NK cell proportion and a decreased CD38+ NKT cell proportion in RA peripheral blood and synovial fluid. The CD38+ NK/CD38+ NKT ratio was positively correlated with the disease activity. A similar result was observed in CIA rats. When CD38+ NK cells were cocultured with MNCs, the Treg cell proportion in MNCs and IL-10 level significantly decreased, and Th17 cell proportion and IFN-γ level increased. When the CD38+ NK cells were pretreated with monoclonal anti-CD38 antibody, Treg cell proportion and IL-10 level significantly increased, and the Th17 cell proportion and IFN-γ and IL-6 level decreased. When CD38+ NK cells were cocultured with CD4+ T cells, the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios significantly increased, and mTOR signaling was activated in the cells. When the CD38+ NK cells were pretreated with the anti-CD38 antibody, the opposite result was obtained. Coculturing CD38+ NKT cells with MNCs or CD4+T cells showed opposite results. The anti-CD38 antibody also significantly increased TGF-β expression in the CD38+ NK cells.Conclusions Our results suggest that a high CD38+ NK and low CD38+ NKT proportion in RA elevates Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratio to contribute to the pathogenesis.
Combined Sodium Dimercaptopropanesulfonate and Zinc versus D-penicillamine as First-line Therapy for Neurological Wilson’s disease
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xiao Lulu , Yang Wenming 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Even though recent research has achieved significant advancement in the development of therapeutic approaches for Wilson’s diseases (WD), the current treatment options available for the neurological symptoms of WD are significantly limited and yet to be standardized. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the course of treatment for WD patients with neurological symptoms receiving either combined sodium 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonate (DMPS) and zinc treatment or D-penicillamine (DPA) monotherapy as first-line therapy. Methods: The case records of 158 patients diagnosed with neurological WD were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were administrated with either intravenous DMPS + Zinc (group 1) or DPA (group 2) for 8 weeks. During the period of treatment, neurological symptoms were assessed using Global Assessment Scale (GAS), the key hematological and biochemical parameters (such as aminotransferase, serum ceruloplasmin, 24-h urine copper excretion), as well as adverse effects were recorded and analyzed. Results: 93 patients in Group 1, displayed decreased GAS scores consistently in comparison to the baseline (P < 0.01). Among them, 64 patients (68.1%) displayed a significant improvement in their neurological status after 8 weeks, while 10 patients (10.8%) experienced neurological deterioration. Among the 65 patients in Group 2, 30 patients (46.2%) displayed neurological improvements, while 21 patients (32.3%) displayed neurological deterioration. 6 patients discontinued their treatment midway due to their exacerbating neurological symptoms. A comprehensive comparison of the effectiveness of the two courses of treatment revealed that patients in Group 1 demonstrated a higher improvement ratio (P < 0.01) and lower worsening ratio of the neurological symptoms of the patients (P < 0.01) in comparison to the patients in group 2. Meanwhile, renal function, liver enzyme and the blood cell counts remained stabilized in group1. Conclusions: This study suggests that the combined therapeutic approach of treatment with DPMS and zinc should be the preferred first-line therapy in treating the neurological symptoms of WD, in comparison to the treatment with DPA as the experimental data demonstrates that it is significantly more efficient. Keywords: Wilson’s disease (WD), Sodium 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonate (DMPS), D-penicillamine (DPA), Zinc, Global Assess