bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of dietary diversity on the nutritional status of children between 6 and 23 months of age in Tanzania
Authors: Khamis Ahmed Gharib , Mwanri Akwilina Wendelin , Ntwenya Julius Edward , Kreppel Katharina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Undernutrition poses a serious health challenge in developing countries and Tanzania has the highest undernutrition burden of Eastern and Southern Africa. Here we examined to what extent dietary diversity is associated with undernutrition among children of 6 to 23 months in Tanzania.
Methods: Using existing data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey of 2015-2016, we carried out secondary data analysis. Stunting, Wasting and Underweight of the surveyed children were calculated from Z-scores based on 2006 WHO standards. A composite dietary diversity score was created by summing the number of food groups reported for each child by the mother ranging from 0 to 7. Then, minimum dietary diversity (MDD) of 4 food groups out of seven was used to assess the diversity of the diet given to children. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to assess the crude and adjusted odds ratios of undernutrition.
Results: A total of 2,960 children were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of stunting was 31%, wasting 6% and underweight 14%. Among all children, 51% were female and 49% male. The majority (74%) of children did not reach the MDD. The most commonly consumed types of foods were grains, roots and tubers (91%), and Vitamin A containing fruits and vegetables (65%). Consumption of a diverse diet was significantly associated with a reduction of stunting, wasting and being underweight in children. The likelihood of being stunted, wasted and underweight was found to decrease as the number of food groups consumed increased. Children who did not received the MDD had a significantly higher likelihood of being stunted (AOR=1.37, 95% CI; 1.13-1.65) and underweight (AOR=1.49, 95% CI; 1.15-1.92), but this was not the case for wasting. Consumption of animal-source foods has been found to be associated with reduced stunting among children.
Conclusion: Consumption of a diverse diet is associated with a reduction in undernutrition among children of 6 to 23 months in Tanzania. Measures to improve the type of complementary foods in order to meet the energy and nutritional demands of children should be considered in Tanzania.
TRA2A-induced upregulation of LINC00662 regulates blood-brain barrier permeability by affecting ELK4 mRNA stability in Alzheimer's microenvironment
Authors: Liu Qianshuo , Zhu Lu , Liu Xiaobai , Zheng Jian , Liu Yunhui , Ruan Xuelei , Cao Shuo , Cai Heng , Li Zhen , Xue Yixue 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in maintenance and regulation of the neural microenvironment. The occurrence of BBB disruption is the pathological change of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). RNA-binding proteins and long non-coding RNAs are involved in the regulation of BBB permeability. Our study was performed to demonstrate TRA2A/LINC00662/ELK4 axis in regulating BBB permeability in AD microenvironment. In Aβ1-42-incubated microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) of BBB model in vitro, TRA2A and LINC00662 were enriched. TRA2A increased the stability of LINC00662 by binding with it. The knockdown of either TRA2A or LINC00662 decreased the BBB permeability via upregulating the expressions of tight junction-related proteins. ELK4 was lower expressed in BBB model in vitro in AD microenvironment. LINC00662 mediated the degradation of ELK4 mRNA by SMD pathway. The downregulated ELK4 increased the permeability of BTB by increasing the tight junction-related proteins expressions. TRA2A/LINC00662/ELK4 axis plays a crucial role in the regulation of BBB permeability in AD microenvironment, which may provide a novel target for the therapy of AD.
Factors associated with risk of developmental delay in preschool children in a setting with high rates of malnutrition: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the IHOPE study, Madagascar
Authors: Miller Ann , Garchitorena Andres , Rabemananjara Faramalala , Cordier Laura , Randriamanambintsoa Marius , Rabeza Victor , Razanadrakoto Hery-Tiana Rahaniraka , Ramakasoa Ranaivozafindary Rakoto , Ratsimbazafy Baolova Nathaline , Ouenzar Mohammed Ali , Bonds Matthew H. , Ratsifandrihamanana Lisy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: 50% of Malagasy children have moderate to severe stunting. In 2016, a new 10 year National Nutrition Action Plan (PNAN III) was initiated to help address stunting and developmental delay. We report factors associated with risk of developmental delay in 3 and 4 year olds in the rural district of Ifanadiana in southeastern Madagascar in 2016. Methods: The data are from a cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 wave of IHOPE panel data (a population-representative cohort study begun in 2014). We interviewed women ages 15-49 using the MICS Early Child Development Indicator (ECDI) module, which includes questions for physical, socio-emotional, learning and literacy/numeracy domains. We analyzed ECDI data using standardized z scores for relative relationships for 2 outcomes: at-risk-for-delay vs. an international standard, and lower-development-than-peers if ECDI z scores were >1 standard deviation below study mean. Covariates included demographics, adult involvement, household environment, and selected child health factors. Variables significant at alpha of 0.1 were included a multivariable model; final models used backward stepwise regression, clustered at the sampling level. Results: Of 432 children ages 3 and 4 years, 173 (40%)were at risk for delay compared to international norms and 68 children (16.0%) had lower-development than peers. This was driven mostly by the literacy/numeracy domain, with only 7% of children considered developmentally on track in that domain. 50.5% of children had moderate to severe stunting. 76 (17.6%) had >=4 stimulation activities in past 3 days. Greater paternal engagement (OR 1.59(1.13, 2.21)) was associated with increased delay vs. international norms. Adolescent motherhood (OR3.89 (1.32, 11.48)) decreased children’s development vs. peers. Engagement from a non-parental adult reduced odds of delay for both outcomes (OR(95%CI =0.76 (0.61, 0.93) & 0.28(0.16, 0.50) respectively). Stunting was not associated with delay risk (1.33 (0.83, 2.14) or low development (0.91(0.47, 1.74)) when controlling for other factors. Conclusions: In this setting of high child malnutrition, stunting is not independently associated with developmental risk. A low proportion of children receive developmentally supportive stimulation from adults, but non-parent adults provide more stimulation in general than either mother or father. Stimulation from non-parent adults is associated with lower odds of delay
The difficulties experienced during the preparation and administration of oral drugs by parents at home: a cross-sectional study from Palestine
Authors: Ali Ra'fat , Shadeed Abdullah , Fitian Hasan , Zyoud Sa'ed 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Failure to properly administer drugs to children at home may cause adverse events and may be fatal, which makes it a challenging job for parents or caregivers. The main goal of this study was to investigate the problems and difficulties that parents or caregivers faced when administering oral drugs to their children at home. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of ‘yes/no’ and multiple-response questions to assess parents' experiences and problems with administering medication to their children at home. Data was collected from parents who visited primary health care centres in Nablus. Descriptive analysis was conducted to describe the characteristics of the sample. Results: We interviewed 420 participants. 91.9% of the participants used drugs without prescription from a doctor, and the most commonly used non-prescription medicines were antipyretics (n=386, 100%), influenza drugs (n=142, 36.8%), cough drugs (n=109, 28.2%) and antibiotics (n= 102, 26.4%). The study showed that 83.6% of parents use a syringe, 21.7% use a teaspoon, 9.3% use the cup attached with the drug and 7.1% use a tablespoon in administering oral liquid medications to their children. 36.8% of the parents who mentioned that their children did not like taking tablets persuaded their children to drink more water, 31.1% requested another form of drug and 30.2% crushed a capsule. When the children did not like taking liquid medications, almost two-thirds of the participants (65.7%) insisted their children take them, 25.5% persuaded them to drink it with more water and 21.5% mixed it with juice. Conclusions: This study has shown that there is a proportion of caregivers or parents who administer oral drugs to their children wrongly, which may involve giving them at the wrong intervals or doses, using incorrect instruments, using non-prescription drugs or mixing them with food, juice or milk. The development of educational programs that will provide parents with education about medication administration is therefore recommended.
EphB4/ TNFR2/Erk/MAPK signaling pathway comprises a signaling axis to mediate the positive effect of TNF-α on osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Chengzhe , Ge Shaohua , Wang Limei , Zhang Jin , Yang Pishan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Low concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its receptor TNFR2 are both reported to promote osteogenic differentiation of osteoblast precursor cells. Moreover, low concentrations of TNF-α up-regulate the expression of EphB4. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying TNF-α-induced osteogenic differentiation and the roles of TNFR2 and EphB4 have not been fully elucidated. This study showed that with increase in ALP activity, mRNA and protein expression of Runx2, BSP and EphB4, TNFR2 expression was significantly promoted under 0.5 ng/ml TNF-α stimulation in osteoblast precursor cells MC3T3-E1. After TNFR2 was inhibited by gene knockdown with lentivirus-mediated shRNA interference or by a neutralizing antibody against TNFR2, the pro-osteogenic effect of TNF-α was partly reversed, but up-regulation of EphB4 by TNF-α kept unchanged. With EphB4 forward signaling suppressed by a potent inhibitor of EphB4 auto-phosphorylation, NVP-BHG712, TNF-α-enhanced expressions of TNFR2, BSP and Runx2 were significantly decreased. Further investigation into the signaling pathways revealed that TNF-α significantly augmented expression of p-JNK, p-Erk and p-p38, however, only p-Erk expression was significantly inhibited in TNFR2-knockdown cells. In addition, the Erk pathway inhibitor, U0126 (10μM), significantly inhibited the protein levels of Runx2 and BSP when compared with cells treated with TNF-α only. In conclusion, the EphB4, TNFR2 and Erk/MAPK signaling pathway comprise a signaling axis to mediate the positive effect of TNF-α on osteogenic differentiation.
Lysyl oxidase 473G/A (rs1800449) polymorphism influences the risk of cancer progression: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mongkolrob Rungrawee , Tharabenjasin Phuntila , Bualuang Aporn , Pabalan Noel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The genetics of cancer progression is important for devising optimal therapeutic strategies. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a cancer progression gene that has been studied enough to warrant synthesis of its primary data from association studies. However, reported associations between the LOX G473A (rs1800449) gene polymorphisms and cancer have been inconsistent prompting a meta-analysis so that we could obtain more precise estimates. Databases searches of the published literature yielded seven case-control studies. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using four genetic models, homozygous (H), recessive (R), dominant (D) and codominant (C). Subgroup analysis was based on ethnicity and cancer type. Outlier analysis was used to examine sources of heterogeneity. Strength of evidence was based on high associative significance (expressed in terms of the Bayes Factor), consistency and magnitude of effects, homogeneity and robustness. H/R outcomes exerted more associative effects than D/C results. Two reasons for these are: (i) H/R analyses precluded outlier treatment; (ii) magnitude of H/R (ORs of > 2.0) was twice that of D/C (ORs > 1.0). All else being equal, significant pooled ORs in all genetic models had high significance (Pa < 10-5). Strong evidence for associations were found in the outcomes for Asian and digestive cancers. In summary, the LOX rs1800449 polymorphism confers significant overall susceptibility, particularly in digestive cancers and places Asians at risk.
Carbon Nanoparticles Enhance Potassium Uptake via Upregulating Potassium Channel Expression and Imitating Biological Ion Channels in BY-2 Cells
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Yang Jinchu , Li Xiang , Liang Taibo , Nie Cong , Xie Fuwei , Liu Kejian , Peng Xiaojun , Xie Jianping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been reported to boost plant growth, while CNPs enhancing potassium uptake for plant growth have not been reported so far.Results: In this study, the function of CNPs promoting potassium uptake in BY-2 cells was established and the potassium accumulation in cells has a significant correlation relationship with BY-2 cell fresh biomass. The K + accumulation in cells increased with the increasing concentration of CNPs. The K + influx reached high level after treatment with CNPs and exhibited significantly higher than the control group and the negative group treated with K + channels blocker, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA + ). The K + accumulation was not reduced in the presence of CNPs inhibitors. In presence of the potassium channel blocker TEA + and the CNPs inhibitors, NKT1 expression was downregulated. The CNPs were found to preferentially transport K + than other cations determined by rectification of ion current assay (RIC) in a conical nanocapillary.Conclusions: These results indicated that CNPs upregulated potassium gene expression to enhance K + accumulation in BY-2 cells. Moreover, it was speculated that the CNPs simulated protein ion channels via bulk of carboxyl for K + permeating. These findings will provide support for improving plant growth by carbon nanoparticles.
Interaction Kinetics of Peptide Lipids-Mediated Gene Delivery
Authors: Zhang Shubiao , Zhao Yinan , Du Yanyan , Cao Yingnan , Xuan Yang , Chen Huiying , Zhi Defu , Guo Shutao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: During the course of gene transfection, the interaction kinetics between liposomes and DNA is speculated to play very important role for blood stability, cellular uptake, DNA release and finally transfection efficiency.Results: As cationic peptide liposomes exhibited great gene transfer activities both in vitro and in vivo, two peptide lipids, containing a tri-ornithine head (LOrn3) and a mono-ornithine head (LOrn1), were chosen to further clarify the process of liposome-mediated gene delivery in this study. The results show that the electrostatically-driven binding between DNA and liposomes reached nearly 100% at equilibrium, and high affinity of LOrn3 to DNA led to fast binding rate between them. The binding process between LOrn3 and DNA conformed to the kinetics equation: y = 1.663631 × exp(-0.003427x) + 6.278163. Compared to liposome LOrn1, the liposome LOrn3/DNA lipoplex exhibited a faster and more uniform uptake in Hela cells, as LOrn3 with a tri-ornithine peptide headgroup had a stronger interaction with the negatively charged cell membrane than LOrn1. The efficient endosomal escape of DNA from LOrn3 lipoplexes was facilitated by the acidity in late endosomes, resulting in broken carbamate bonds, as well as the “proton sponge effect” of the lipid.Conclusions: The interaction kinetics is a key factor for DNA transfection efficiency. This work provided insights into peptide lipid-mediated DNA delivery that could guide the development of the next generation of delivery systems for gene therapeutics.
The exopolysaccharide–eDNA interaction modulates 3D architecture of Bacillus subtilis biofilm
Authors: Peng Na , Cai Peng , Mortimer Monika , Wu Yichao , Gao Chunhui , Huang Qiaoyun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Bacterial biofilms are a surface-adherent microbial community in which individual cells are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular matrix of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins. Interactions among matrix components within the biofilms are responsible for creating an adaptable structure during biofilm development. However, it is unclear how the interaction among matrix components contributes to the construction of the three-dimensional (3D) biofilm architecture.Results DNase I treatment could significantly inhibit B. subtilis biofilm formation in early phases. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and image analysis revealed that eDNA was cooperative with EPS in early stages of B. subtilis biofilm development, while EPS played a major structural role in the later stages. In addition, deletion of EPS production gene epsG in B. subtilis SBE1 resulted in loss of the interaction between EPS and eDNA, and reduction of biofilm biomass in pellicles at air-liquid interface. The physical interaction between these two essential biofilm matrix components was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).Conclusions The biofilm 3D structures become interconnected through surrounding eDNA and EPS. eDNA interacts with EPS in the early phases of biofilm development, while EPS mainly participates in the maturation of biofilm. The findings of this study provide better understanding of the role of interaction between eDNA and EPS in shaping the biofilm 3D matrix structure and biofilm formation.
Jejunal inflammatory cytokines, barrier proteins and microbiome-metabolome responses to early supplementary feeding of Bamei suckling piglets
Authors: Jipeng Jin , Zhang Liping , Jia Jianlei , Chen Qian , Zhang Xiaoyan , Sun Weibo , Ma Cunming , Xu Fafang , Zhan Shoujun , Ma Limin , Zhou Guihua , Chen Qiaoxi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Dietary intervention has been reported to improve intestinal health. The intestinal microbiota of newborn animals plays a fundamental role in the development of intestinal function and the innate immune system. However, little is currently known about dietary interventions in the gut microbiota and barrier function of livestock, especially suckling Bamei piglets. To this end, we studied the effect of early dietary supplementation on intestinal bacterial communities and intestinal barrier function in piglets.Results: 10 purebred Bamei sows were randomly allocated into two groups. In one group, the piglets received a supplementary milk replacer on day 7 of age, whereas the other was allowed sow’s milk alone. At 21 days, piglets of average weight in each group were randomly selected and sacrificed. Tissue and digesta samples were collected from the jejunum to compare the differences in the microbiome-metabolome and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (TLR4, TNFα and IL-8) and barrier proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1)) between the two groups. Sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that early supplementary feeding significantly improved the gut microbiome composition in Bamei suckling piglets. In addition, metabolomics analysis shows simuitaneous affect, and mang gut microflora–related metabolites also being affected. Meanwhile, early supplementary feeding of Bamei suckling piglets altered the expression of inflammatory cytokine and barrier protein genes in the jejunum.Conclusions: In summary, these results provide important insights into the relationship between the jejunal microbiota and related metabolites, and jejunal barrier function during early life of Bamei suckling piglets.
Milk exosome-derived miRNAs from water buffalo are implicated in immune response and metabolism process
Authors: Chen Zujing , Xie Yueqin , Luo Junyi , Chen Ting , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yongliang , SUN JIAJIE 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Buffalo milk represents an indispensable source of nourishment, and recently receives increasing research interest and investment in various countries due to its high nutrient content compared with non-buffalo milks. Exosomes are membranous vesicles of endocytic origin that are found in various breast milks, and those can mediate intercellular communication with exosomal miRNAs. In comparison with non-buffalo milks, we therefore hypothesized that buffalo milk exosomes provided novel information on miRNA composition, and highlighted the unrealized physiological importance of exosomes on drinking behaviour. Here, we isolated exosomes from buffalo and cow milk samples that were obtained at mid-lactation period, and the exosomal miRNA profiles were then generated using RNA-seq. As control, miRNA sequencing data of pig, human and panda milk exosomes were downloaded from GEO database. Finally, a total of 27 milk exosomal miRNA profiles that included 4 buffalo, 4 cow, 8 pig, 4 human and 7 panda were analyzed using the miRDeep2 program. For these datasets there were 558 unique miRNA candidates existed across all species, and the top 10 highly expressed miRNA were evolutionarily conserved across multiple species. Functional analysis revealed that these milk enriched miRNAs targeted 400 putative sites to modulate disease resistance, immune responsiveness and basic metabolism events. In addition, a total of 32 miRNAs in buffalo milk were significantly up-regulated compared with non-buffalo milks, while 16 were significantly down-regulated. Of interest, functional analysis showed that up-regulated miRNAs were mainly related to host metabolism processes, while the predicted functions of down-regulated miRNAs were enriched in immune response. In this study, we explored the exosomal miRNAome differences between milks of different animals, expanding the theoretical basis for potential applications of the miRNA-containing vesicles.
Model Construction of Medical Endoscope Service Evaluation System-Based on the Analysis of Delphi Method
Authors: Zheng Jun , Lou Ligang , Xie Ying , Chen Siyao , Li Jun , Wei Jingming , Feng Jingyi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Medical endoscope is widely used in clinical practice for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment,occupying around 5% of the medical device market. Evaluating the true service level of medical endoscope is essential and necessary to improve overall performance of medical diagnosis and treatment, and to maintain competitiveness of endoscope manufacturers, however, such a tool is not available in the market. This study develops an Evaluation Index System (EIS) to assess service level of medical endoscope, and to provide suggestions for improving the service level through the Delphi method. Methods: Firstly, the possible factors influencing the service level were identified from literature review. In parallel, the Delphi expert method questionnaire was designed and 25 experts were invited to conduct three rounds of questionnaire, to evaluate and rate the possible factors. Finally, we determined the weights associated with the factors, using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and percentage method, and developed theservice level EIS. Results: The EIS consists of 3 first-level indicators, 24 second-level indicators and 68 third-level indicators. According to the weights computed using AHP, first-level indicators are ranked as post-sale (0.62), in-sale (0.25) and pre-sale (0.13). Through case verification, the medical endoscope brand Olympus had a total score of 4.17, Shanghai Aohua had a total score of 3.71, and Shanghai Chengyun had a total score of 3.28, which matches its market popularity and ranking in terms of market share. The results obtained from the EIS are consistent with the reality. Conclusions: The EIS established in this study is comprehensive, reliable and reasonable with strong practicality. The EIS can act as a tool for the endoscope users to evaluate potential products and make informed choices. It also provides a measurable basis for endoscope manufacturers and service providers to improve service quality.