bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal sex and maternal insulin resistance during mid-pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Yasuhi Ichiro , Koga Megumi , Sugimi So , Umezaki Yasushi , Fukuoka Misao , Suga Sachie , Fukuda Masashi , Kusuda Nobuko 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have suggested that fetal sex influences maternal glucose and insulin metabolism during pregnancy. We examined whether fetal sex is associated with maternal insulin resistance and the β-cell function during mid-pregnancy. Methods: This retrospective study included singleton pregnant women who underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–34 weeks of gestation due to positive diabetic screening. In addition to plasma glucose (PG), we measured plasma insulin during the OGTT to obtain surrogate indices associated with insulin resistance (IR), including homeostasis assessment model (HOMA) -IR and insulin sensitivity index (IsOGTT), and β-cell function, including insulinogenic index (II), HOMA-β, and area under the curve of insulin response. We compared these indices between women carrying male fetuses to those carrying female fetuses.Results: The study population included 617 women (mean age, 32.4 ± 4.9 years) with a mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 22.6±4.5. They underwent the 75g-OGTT at 29.0 ± 2.5 weeks. Two hundred fifty-eight (42%) women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM). There was no significant difference in maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age at OGTT, PG at OGTT, or the prevalence of GDM between women with a male fetus (n=338) (male group) and those with a female fetus (n=279) (female group). Regarding the indices of IR, IR was significantly higher and insulin sensitivity was lower in the female group than in the male group (HOMA-IR: 7.0 [5-9.6] vs. 6.2 [4.6-8.8], p<0.05; IsOGTT: 5.86 [4.29-7.83] vs. 6.29 [4.59-8.84], p<0.01) (median [quartile range]). These differences remained significant after adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age and fasting PG at OGTT, and the diagnosis of GDM. In contrast, the β-cell function did not differ between the two groups.Conclusion: Maternal IR during mid-pregnancy was significantly higher in women carrying a female fetus than in those with a male fetus. The sex of the fetus may affect maternal insulin sensitivity during mid-pregnancy.
The association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen parameters among infertile Iranian men: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghiasvand Reza , Marvast Laleh Dehghan , ShariatPanahi SeyyedPayam , Pourmasoumi Makan , Clark Cain C. T. , Haeri Farahnaz 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated the association between dietary patterns and semen quality indicators, but research on the possible association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen quality is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between animal flesh foods consumption with semen quality. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 newly-identified infertile men, as diagnosed by an andrologist, were recruited into the study. Dietary intake was assessed by using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The total meat consumption was defined as the sum of red meat, poultry, fresh fish, canned fish, processed meats, and organ meats in the diet. Linear mixed model was used to assesse relationship between meat consumption and semen quality indicators of participants. Results: Consumption of canned fish was inversely related with sperm immotility. Compared with the men in the lowest quartile of canned fish intake, those in the highest quartile had 5.1% fewer sperm immotility [lowest quartile: 52.5%; (95% CI: 47-57) vs 47.4%; (95% CI: 43-51) P-trend=0.026]. Similarly, a trend toward an inverse significant association between fresh fish intake and sperm immotility was observed (P-trend=0.0.074). In contrast, fresh and canned fish intake was unrelated with other outcomes of sperm quality (P-trend >0.05). No association was found between consumption of processed red meat, red meat, poultry, and organ meat, and semen quality indicators (P-trend >0.05). Conclusions: We found that consumption of canned fish, based on serving size of quartile 2, is associated with lower percentage of immotile sperm, whilst high consumption of fresh fish increased the percentage of immotile sperm in Iranian infertile men. Accordingly, more extensive studies are recommended in this regard.
Partograph utilization as a decision making tool and associated factors among obstetric care providers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray , Zewdu Biruk Ferede 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, a total of 13.6 million women have died due to maternal causes from 1990 to 2015. Majority of these deaths occurred in resource-limited countries. Among the causes of these deaths, obstructed and prolonged labor covers the highest percentage, which could be prevented by cost-effective and affordable health interventions like partograph use. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the level of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Method: for this review, we used the standard PRISMA checklist guideline. Different online databases were used for the review: PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, WHO Afro Library Databases, and African Online Journals. Based on the adapted PICO principles, different search terms were applied to achieve and access all the essential articles. Microsoft Excel was used for data entrance and Stata version 11.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) for data analysis.Result: Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 6237 obstetric care providers. The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization was 59.95% (95%CI: 46.8–73.09, I2 =99.4%, P <0.001). Being midwifery profession (adjusted odds ratio (AOR):3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 95%CI: 2.63–5.99, I2 =28.8%, P=0.198), presence of supervision (AOR = 3.21; 95%CI: 2.22–4.66, I2=0.0%, p=0.742), Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) training (AOR  = 2.90; 95% CI: 2.19–3.84, I2=36.9%, P=0.13), Knowledge of partograph (AOR=2.5; 95%CI: 1.6–3.8, I2=64.58%, P=0.024), on-the-job refresher training on partograph (AOR =5.7; 95%CI:2.5–12.9, I2=87.8%, P<0.001), favorable attitude (AOR=2.12; 95%CI: 1.48–3.04, I2=0.0%, P=0.58), and working at health center (AOR=3.50; 95%CI: 2.49–4.92, I2=49.1%, P=0.08) were the determinant factors for partograph use among obstetric acre providers in Ethiopia.Conclusion: The overall pooled prevalence of partograph utilization among obstetric care providers was low. Therefore, supportive supervision, providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care training, on-the-job refresher training on partograph, and promoting midwifery profession are strongly recommended to increase the use of partograph.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of hard and tender fruit spines of cucumber to identify genes involved in morphological development of fruit spines
Authors: Lv Duo , Yu Yao , Xiong Liang-Rong , Wang Gang , Pang Jin-An , Sun Jing-Xian , Zhang Ke-Yan , He Huan-Le , Cai Run , Pan Junsong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The trichomes of cucumber fruits are also called spines. Cucumber has important commercial value, and its fruit spines represent a classical tissue with which to study the cell division and differentiation mode of multicellular trichomes. Although there have been many studies on the development of unicellular trichomes in model plants, the molecular mechanism of multicellular trichome formation remains elusive. In this study, we used a pair of cucumber materials defined as having hard (Ts, wild type) or tender (ts, mutant) spines in a previous study. The whole developmental process of fruit spines was continuously observed by microscopy and SEM. In an attempt to define the developmental stages of fruit spines, transcriptome profiles at different stages were determined to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of spine development. Results: According to significant phenotypic differences, the developmental process of fruit spines was clearly defined as involving four stages. Comparison of transcriptome profiles showed that 803 and 722 genes were upregulated in the stalk (stage II and stage III) and base (stage IV) developmental stages of fruit spines, respectively. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that for all developmental stages of fruit spines, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and signal transduction were the most noticeable pathways. However, during the development of the stalk, genes related to auxin polar transport and HD-ZIP transcription factors were significantly upregulated. bHLH transcription factors and cytoskeleton-related genes were significantly upregulated during the development of the base. In addition, stage III was the key point for differentiating between the wild type and mutant. We detected 628 DEGs between the wild type and mutant at this stage. These DEGs are mainly involved in calcium signaling of the cytoskeleton and auxin polar transport, indicating that the main reason for the disorder of the fruit spine developmental pattern in the mutant was a change in cell polarity caused by blocked intercellular signal transmission.Conclusions: Our study defines in great detail the developmental stages of cucumber fruit spines. At the same time, transcriptome profiles are used to present the gene regulatory networks at different developmental stages of cucumber fruit spines. In addition, we analyzed transcriptomic data of a wild type and mutant to elucidate the biological pathways involving C-type lectin receptor-like kinase that regulate the development of fruit spines.
Phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation show divergent patterns between brown color and green color cottons as revealed by metabolic and gene expression analyses
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Su Qian , Xu Mingqi , You Jiaqi , Khan Anam Qadir , Li Junyi , Zhang Xianlong , Tu Lili , You Chunyuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Naturally colored cotton has become increasingly popular because of their natural properties of coloration, UV protection, flame retardant, antibacterial activity and mildew resistance. But poor fiber quality and limited color choices are two key issues that have restricted the cultivation of naturally colored cotton. To identify the possible pathways participating in fiber pigmentation in naturally colored cottons, five colored cotton accessions in three different color types (with green, brown and white fiber) were chosen for a comprehensive analysis of phenylpropanoid metabolism during fiber development.Results The expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes in brown cotton fibers were significantly higher than those in white and green cotton fibers. Total flavonoids and proanthocyanidin (PA) were higher in brown cotton fibers relative to those in white and green cotton fibers, which suggested that the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway might not participate in the pigmentation of green cotton fibers. Further expression analysis indicated that the genes encoding enzymes for the synthesis of caffeic acid derivatives, lignin and lignan were activated in the developing fibers of the green cotton at 10 DPA (days post-anthesis) and 15 DPA. Conclusions Our results strengthen the understanding of phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation in green and brown cotton fibers, and may improve the breeding of naturally colored cottons.
Contrasting Cumulative Risk and Multiple Individual Risk Models of the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adult Health Outcomes
Authors: LaNoue Marianna , George Brandon J , Helitzer Deborah L , Keith Scott W 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: A very large body of research documents relationships between self-reported Adverse Childhood Experiences (srACEs) and adult health outcomes. Despite multiple assessment tools that use the same or similar questions, there is a great deal of inconsistency in the operationalization of self-reported childhood adversity for use as a predictor variable. Alternative conceptual models are rarely used and very limited evidence directly contrasts conceptual models to each other. Also, while a cumulative numeric ‘ACE Score’ is normative, there are differences in the way it is calculated and used in statistical models. We investigated differences in model fit and performance between the cumulative ACE Score and a ‘multiple individual risk’ (MIR) model that enters individual ACE events together into prediction models. We also investigated differences that arise from the use of different strategies for coding and calculating the ACE Score.Methods: We merged the 2011-2012 BRFSS data (N = 56,640) and analyzed 3 outcomes. We compared descriptive model fit metrics and used Vuong’s test for model selection to arrive at best fit models using the cumulative ACE Score (as both a continuous or categorical variable) and the MIR model, and then statistically compared the best fit models to each other.Results: The multiple individual risk model was a better fit than the categorical ACE Score for the ‘lifetime history of depression’ outcome. For the outcomes of obesity and cardiac disease, the cumulative risk and multiple individual risks models were of comparable fit, but yield different and complementary inferences.Conclusions: Additional information-rich inferences about ACE-health relationships can be obtained from including a multiple individual risk modeling strategy. Results suggest that investigators working with large srACEs data sources could empirically derive the number of items, as well as the exposure coding strategy, that are a best fit for the outcome under study. A multiple individual risk model could also be considered in addition to the cumulative risk model, potentially in place of estimation of unadjusted ACE-outcome relationships.
Micronutrient levels and their effect on the prognosis of visceral leishmaniasis treatment; a prospective cohort study.
Authors: feleke berhanu elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Micronutrients are minerals and vitamins required in small amounts, and they are essential for normal physiological activities. The objectives of the study were to describe the progress and determinants of micronutrients level and to assess the effect of micronutrients in the treatment outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected using interviews, measuring anthropometric indicators, collecting blood, urine, and stool samples from each patient. The blood samples were collected five times: before starting anti-leishmaniasis treatments, in the first week, in the second week, in the third week, and in the 4th week of anti-leishmaniasis treatments. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the profile of patients and to compare the treatment success rate of visceral leishmaniasis patients. The generalized estimating equation was used to identify the determinants of serum micronutrients.Results: The serum zinc level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by alcohol, DDS, family size, HIV, and sex. The serum iron level of visceral leishmaniasis patients were affected by alcohol, family size, malaria, hookworm, chronic diseases, and HIV. The serum selenium level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV and family size. The iodine level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV, DDS, smoking, chronic illness, and regular physical exercise. The serum vitamin D level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV, alcohol, chronic illness, DDS, malaria, family size, age, residence, and MUAC. The serum vitamin D level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by BMI, DDS, malaria, hookworm, family size, HIV, and age. Conclusion: The Micronutrient levels of visceral leishmaniasis patients were significantly low. Anti-leishmaniasis treatment did not increase the serum micronutrient levels of the patients.
Transgenic and knockout analyses of Masculinizer and doublesex illuminated the unique functions of doublesex in germ cell sexual development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Yuzawa Tomohisa , Matsuoka Misato , Sumitani Megumi , Aoki Fugaku , Sezutsu Hideki , Suzuki Masataka 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Masculinizer (Masc) plays a pivotal role in male sex determination in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Masc is required for male-specific splicing of B. mori doublesex (Bmdsx) transcripts. The male isoform of Bmdsx (BmdsxM) induces male differentiation in somatic cells, while females express the female isoform of Bmdsx (BmdsxF), which promotes female differentiation in somatic cells. Our previous findings suggest that Masc could direct the differentiation of genetically female (ZW) germ cells into sperms. However, it remains unclear whether Masc directly induces spermatogenesis or if it promotes male differentiation in germ cells indirectly by inducing the expression of BmdsxM. Results: In this study, we performed genetic analyses using the transgenic line that expressed Masc, as well as various Bmdsx knockout lines. We found that Masc-expressing females with a homozygous mutation in BmdsxM showed normal development in ovaries. The formation of testis-like tissues was abolished in these females. On the other hand, Masc-expressing females carrying a homozygous mutation in BmdsxF exhibited almost complete male-specific development in gonads and germ cells. These results suggest that BmdsxM has an ability to induce male development in germ cells as well as internal genital organs, while BmdsxF inhibits BmdsxM activity and represses male differentiation. To investigate whether MASC directly controls male-specific splicing of Bmdsx and identify RNAs that form complexes with MASC in testes, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) using an anti-MASC antibody. We found that MASC formed a complex with AS1 lncRNA, which is a testis-specific factor involved in the male-specific splicing of Bmdsx pre-mRNA. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that Masc induces male differentiation in germ cells by enhancing the production of BmdsxM. Physical interaction between MASC and AS1 lncRNA may be important for the BmdsxM expression in the testis. Unlike in the Drosophila dsx, BmdsxM was able to induce spermatogenesis in genetically female (ZW) germ cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that the role of dsx in germ cell sexual development is different between insect species.
Influence of maintaining apical patency in post-endodontic pain
Authors: Shubham Snigdha , Nepal Manisha , Mishra Ravish , Dutta Kishor 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe concept of instrumentation beyond the apical foramen by small flexible file to prevent apical blockage is apical patency. However, this procedure might endow postoperative pain, thus to maintain apical patency or not is the matter of dilemma. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain between apical patency and non-patency groups and secondary objective was to evaluate the influence of number of visits, vitality of teeth, group of teeth and preoperative pain on post-operative pain.MethodsOne hundred sixty patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into: Group A (n = 80) contained apical patency maintained and Group B (n = 80) contained those treated without apical patency. Each group was subdivided into equal number of patients treated in single visit (n = 40) and multiple visits (n = 40), including vital (n=20) and non-vital teeth (n=20) and single- rooted (n=10) and multiple-rooted teeth (n=10). Apical patency was maintained with a size 10 K-file during conventional hand filing step-back shaping procedure. Intensity of pain was recorded before treatment and on days 1, 2, and 7 after treatment using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Statistical analysis was done using Mann -Whitney U test, Spearman correlation and Multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe primary outcome of this study showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in postoperative pain scores between patency and non-patency groups with higher pain scores in patency group on 1st, 2nd and 7th day follow up. The secondary outcome showed postoperative pain in patency maintained group was influenced by status of the pulp and preoperative pain only. Vital teeth of patency-maintained group treated in multiple visits showed statistically significant (p=0.02) post-operative pain in day 1 follow up. Pre-operative pain showed positive correlation with postoperative pain with statistically significant difference.ConclusionsOur study concluded that maintenance of apical patency increased postoperative pain. Evaluation of influence of number of visits, status of pulp, group of tooth and preoperative pain revealed status of pulp and preoperative pain as influencing factors for postoperative pain in patency group.
Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients: a cross-sectional study in primary care settings in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Meirong , Jin Guanghui , Wei Yun , Wang Feiyue , Pan Zhaolu , Chen Lifen , Lu Xiaoqin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Most schizophrenia patients are supported by main informal caregivers at home in China. This study aims to investigate the further needs of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients and to analyze influencing factors on the awareness and utilization of social supports in Beijing. The results of this study could potentially act as reference for health professionals to implement appropriate and effective support programs.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers were investigated using questionnaires in 6 urban districts in Beijing. Meanwhile, individual in-depth interviews with 10 main informal caregivers from the urban districts of Beijing were conducted to identify the caregivers’ perspective on social supports and their further needs. Results: Quantitative results showed that although the government provided multi-channel resources for schizophrenia patients and their families, awareness and utilization of the resources such as rehabilitation and relevant subsidies were less than 10.0% and 5.0% respectively. Most caregivers in in-depth interviews expressed that they had negative experiences with respect to obtaining social supports, and they emphasized that more support would be needed in terms of financial support, respect, and rehabilitation institutions.Conclusions: The awareness and utilization of social supports are low for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients. More services and improved public attitudes are needed for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.