bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between maternal exposure to particulate matter (≤10 microns) and congenital anomalies in Liaoning Province, China: A case-control study (2010–2015)
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Chen Yanling , Huang Yanhong , Li Jing , Liu Shu , Chen Zongjiao , Jiang Chengzhi , Li Lili , Zhou Chen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: A growing number of reports suggest that maternal exposure to ambient air pollution is a potential risk factor for congenital anomalies (CAs). However, most studies have focused on specific CAs, especially congenital heart defects, while relatively few have investigated the effects of exposure to particulate matter of ≤10 microns (PM10) on CAs overall, but with inconsistent results. This study aims to investigate the associations between maternal exposure to PM10 and the risks of CAs in offspring in Liaoning Province.Methods: Cases of CAs (n = 31,407) and controls (n = 7,958) were selected from the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry of Liaoning Province from 2010 to 2015. PM10 concentrations were obtained from the Environment Protection Bureau in the same region. A multivariable logistic regression model combined with variables was used to analyze the association between maternal PM10 exposure and the risks of CAs.Results: Exposure to higher levels of PM10 significantly increased the risks of CAs. In adjusted model I, the odds ratio (OR) of moderate and severe exposure at 3 months before pregnancy was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.40) and 1.40 (95% CI = 1.25–1.57), respectively. In the first trimester, the OR of moderate and severe exposure was 1.27 (95% CI = 1.12–1.44) and 1.71 (95% CI = 1.16–1.93), respectively.Conclusions: Maternal exposure to PM10 was significantly associated with increased risks of CAs in Liaoning Province from 2010 to 2015. Pre-pregnancy (3 months) and the first trimester were identified as potential windows of susceptibility.
The Relationship between Low Ocular Perfusion Pressure with Acute Non-Arterial Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Wang Xiaotang , Wang Runsheng , Wang Ying , Wang Xu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the relationship between low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) with acute non-arterial anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (ANAION).Methods: Forty- six patients (46 eyes) with ANAION from July 2010 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The 24-h intraocualr pressure (IOP) in sitting position was measured by non-contact tonometer. The brachial artery systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were simultaneously measured by electrocardiogram monitor. The 24-h OPP was calculated according to the measured blood pressure and intraocular pressure: OPP= 45% DBP-IOP. OPP< 10mmHg was defined as low OPP. Sudden visual acuity declining or visual field defect was recorded as the attack of ANAION. 24h was divided into four periods: period A (1-6 A.M), period B (6-12 A.M), period C (12-18 P.M) and period D (18-24 P.M). The correlation between low OPP and ANAION was analyzed. Statistical method was used by Person correlation analysis.Results: There was a statistical difference in the low OPP in the four periods (P< 0.05). The most common period of low OPP was period A (1-6 A.M), with the incidence of low OPP as high as 58.3%. There was a statistical difference in the incidence of ANAION in the four periods (P< 0.05). Most common time period of ANAION was also period A (1-6 A.M), with the incidence rate as high as 46.3%. Person correlation analysis showed that the period of low OPP was associated with the period of ANAION onset (r=0.934, P < 0.05).Conclusion: There was a significant clinical correlation between low OPP and ANAION. Period A (1-6 A.M) was the high-risk period for low OPP and ANAION. The occurrence of ANAION can be reduced by elevating the OPP to improve the blood perfusion of the anterior optic nerve.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Quality of Sleep Among Nepalese Residents
Authors: Chandra Avinash , Karki Pramila , Prakash Pooja , Chandra Ayush , Khadka Sweta 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

A periodic state of rest accompanied by varying degree of unconsciousness and relative inactivity, the sleep is vital to human health, insufficiency of which can lead to serious problem with physical and mental health consequences. Because of COVID-19 Pandemic, Nepal is under a total lockdown, with total restrictions on the movement of individual in the entire nation, forcing people to home confinement. People are extremely worried about their and families’ health as well as lost or verge of losing jobs. The daily news of increasing COVID-19 cases inside nation and all around the globe is adding to the fear that leads to anger, anxiety, frustration, and stress that directly affects the quality of sleep.
Objectives

The study aimed to assess the quality of sleep before and after COVID-19 pandemic among Nepalese residents.
Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted that recruited 206 Nepalese residents. The participants completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaires (SAQ). Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire was used to measure the sleep quality before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of gathered data was done by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS-20 version statistical software.
Result

There was significant variation on sleep quality among Nepalese residents before and after COVID-19 pandemic (t = 3.227) at p < 0.001. Clinical moderate insomnia increased tremendously high in Nepalese. Before the onset of pandemic only 2.9% of participants had moderate and 1% had severe level of clinical insomnia that increased up to 16.5% and 1% after the pandemic, respectively. The mean ISI score was 6.35 ± 4.65 and 8.02 ± 6.01 before and after COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.
Conclusion

This is only one study being carried in Nepal so far that looks for the sleep quality during COVID-19 pandemic. These results show that the people are suffering tremendously with their sleep quality and calls for further research and active measures to help people have good sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public awareness regarding the importance of good sleep quality to maintain their mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pathway-based analysis enables deeper mining of GWAS data on H/L in chickens
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhu Bo , Wen Jie , Li Qinghe , Zhao Guiping 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Heterophils are refers to white blood cells with phagocytosis and killing functions in the avian immune system, These cells identify and kill pathogenic microorganisms through precise regulatory mechanisms. As a simple index, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L) in the blood reflects the immune system status of chickens. H/L is a complex trait affected by multiple genetic loci, but single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with traits can usually explain only part of the phenotypic variation. Combining a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with pathway analysis can improve understanding of the biological pathways affecting traits. Our objective was to conduct a SNP- and pathway-based analysis to identify possible biological mechanisms involved in H/L traits. Methods GWAS for H/L was performed in 1,317 Cobb broilers to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with H/L. Eight SNPs (P< 1/8,068) reached a significant level of association. The following results were obtained through a series of analyses, including pathway-based association analysis and analysis of the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by SNPs. Results On the basis of GWAS analysis results, one associated SNP (5% genome-wide significance (6.80E-6,0.05/8,068)) on GGA 1(chicken chromosome 1) and seven suggestively associated SNPs with a trend toward significance(1.24E-4, 1/8,068) on GGAs 1, 7, 13 and 19 were detected. The significant SNP on GGA 19 was in Complement C1q Binding Protein (C1QBP). The wild-type and mutant individuals showed significant differences in H/L at five loci (P< 0.05). According to the results of pathway-based analysis, nine associated pathways (P < 0.05) were identified, including small cell lung cancer, proteoglycans in cancer, sulfur relay system, pathways in cancer, gastric acid secretion and purine metabolism. By combining GWAS with pathway analysis, we found that all SNPs after QC explained 12.4% of the phenotypic variation in H/L and 53 SNPs associated with H/L explained as much as 9.7% of the phenotypic variation in H/L. Conclusions Our findings contribute to understanding of the genetic regulation of H/L and provide theoretical support.
Mechanical Performance of Long-fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites by 3D Printing
Authors: Dantas Francis , Gibbons Greg 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D Printing, has been around for more than 2 decades and has recently gained importance for use in direct manufacturing. The quantified physical properties of materials are required by design engineers to inform and validate their designs, and this is no less true for AM that it is for traditional manufacturing methods. Recent innovation in AM has seen the emergence of long-fibre composite AM technologies, such as the Mark Two (Markforged Inc, USA) system, enabling the manufacture of thermoplastic polymer composites with long-fibre reinforcement. To date though, the mechanical response of the materials with respect to build parameter variation is little understood. In this project, selected mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength – UTS and flexural modulus) of samples processed using the Mark Two printer were studied. The effect of the reinforcement type (Carbon, Kevlar®, and HSHT glass), amount of reinforcement, reinforcement lay-up orientation, and the base matrix material (Onyx and polyamide) on these properties were assessed using accepted standard test methods. For Onyx, the UTS and Flexural Modulus was improved by a maximum of 244 ± 10 MPa (1228 ± 19%) and 14.2 ± 0.3 GPa (1114 ± 6%) (Carbon), by 143 ± 1 MPa (721 ± 18%) and 7.1 ± 0.3 GPa (560 ± 6%) (Kevlar®) and 209 ± 4 MPa (1049 ± 19%) and 6.0 ± 0.1 GPa (469 ± 6%) (HSHT glass). For Nylon the UTS and Flexural Modulus was improved by 235 ± 4 MPa (1431 ± 56%) and 14.1 ± 0.2 GPa (1924 ± 5%) (Carbon), 143 ± 3 MPa (867 ± 56%) and 6.79 ± 0.08 GPa (927 ± 5%) (Kevlar®) and 204 ± 2 MPa (1250 ± 55%) and 5.73 ± 0.09 GPa (782 ± 5%) (HSHT glass). A regression and ANOVA analysis for UTS indicated that the number of layers of reinforcement had the largest impact on UTS (F = 11,483 P < 0.005), with the second most important parameter being the type of reinforcement (F = 855 P < 0.005). The parameter effects for all four parameters were significant (P ≤ 0.05). For the Flexural Modulus, the number of layers of reinforcement was again the most significant parameter (F = 2733 P < 0.005), with the second most important parameter again being the type of reinforcement (F = 1339 P < 0.005). Again, the parameter effects for all four parameters were significant (P ≤ 0.05), although the influence of base material had much less significant effect on determining the Flexural Modulus than it did in controlling UTS.
Global Trends of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Ceftaroline and Ceftazidime-Avibactam: A Surveillance Study from the ATLAS Program (2012-2016)
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Yingchun , Jia Peiyao , Zhu Ying , Zhang Ge , Zhang Jingjia , Duan Simeng , Kang Wei , Wang Tong , Jing Ran , Cheng Jingwei , Liu Yali , Yang Qiwen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat.This study reported the global trends of antimicrobial susceptibility ofceftaroline and ceftazidime-avibactam using data from the Antimicrobial Testing Leadership And Surveillance (ATLAS)programbetween2012and2016.Methods:Theminimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) andin vitro susceptibilities of ceftarolineandceftazidime-avibactam were assessed using the Clinical andLaboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.Results:Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 176,345 isolates were collected globally and included for analysis.Regarding Gram-negative bacteria, ceftazidime-avibactam demonstrated high susceptibility (>90%) against EnterobacteriaceaeandPseudomonas aeruginosa, with increasedantimicrobial activity observed from the addition of avibactam (4 mg/L) to ceftazidime.Regarding Gram-positive bacteria, ceftaroline showed >90% susceptibility againstStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, α-and β-hemolytic Streptococcus.The antimicrobial susceptibility of ceftaroline and ceftazidime-avibactam were mostly stable from 2012 to 2016. Nevertheless, the susceptibility ofceftazidime-avibactam to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKPN, 88.4% to 81.6%) and to CR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPAE, 89.6% to 72.7%) decreased. In terms of regional difference, susceptibilities of MRSA to ceftaroline in Asia and of CRKPN to ceftazidime-avibactam in Asia/Africa-Middle East were loweras compared with other regions whereas the susceptibility of CRPAE to ceftazidime-avibactam in North America was higher.Conclusion: The addition of avibactam improved the activity of ceftazidime against EnterobacteriaceaeandPseudomonas aeruginosa. The global antimicrobial susceptibilities of ceftaroline and ceftazidime-avibactam were in general stable from 2012 to 2016, but a marked reduction in the susceptibility of CRPAEtoceftazidime-avibactam was observed.
Feedback of ATP Measurement as a Tool for Reducing Environmental Contamination in Hospitals in the Dutch/Belgian Border Area.
Authors: Arkel Andreas van , Willemsen Ina , Kilsdonk-Bode Linda , Vlamings-Wagenaars Sindy , Oudheusden Anne van , De Waegemaeker Pascal , Leroux-Roels Isabel , Verelst Martine , Maas Evelien , Oosten Anita van , Willemse Patricia , Asselen Esther van , Klomp-Berens Ella , Franssen Karen , Cauwenberg Elise Van , Schweitzer Valentijn , Kluytmans Jan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background & objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect from feedback of ATP measurements on environmental contamination within hospitals in the Dutch/Belgian border area. Setting: Standardized ATP measurements were conducted in 9 hospitals on pre-defined fomites. Four different fomite groups were defined: medical devices, patient bound materials, ward bound materials and sanitary items. ATP results were reported in relative light units (RLU), RLU >1000 was considered as “not clean.” Two rounds of ATP measurements were conducted. After the first round of ATP measurements, results were provided to the wards. There were no structured cleaning interventions implemented. The second round of ATP measurements was performed one year later. The amount of surface contamination before and after the feedback were compared. Results: In total 1923 ATP measurements were performed. Before feedback 960 ATP measurements were conducted and after feedback 963. The overall median reduction in RLU was 381 (p<0.001), from 568 before feedback to 187 afterwards. In each hospital there was a reduction of the median RLU after feedback. Conclusion/discussion: Substantial reductions in RLU values were found after feedback of ATP measurements. Feedback of ATP measurements was associated with a major reduction of surface contamination in hospitals.
Cation Exchange Strategy to Construct a Targeting Nanoprobe for Enhanced Positive MR Imaging Capability
Authors: Chen Siyu , Sun Haitao , Zheng Yingyan , Chen Qian , Luo Yu , Chen Hangrong , Zhou Quan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Excellent imaging performance and good biocompatibility of contrast agents are considered as prerequisites for accurate tumor diagnosis and treatment. Results: Herein, a novel imaging nanoprobe with actively targeting performance based on ultrasmall paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) was constructed by a facile cation exchange strategy followed by conjugation with transferrin (Tf). The stable gadolinium (Gd3+) chelation endows the nanoparticles (NPs) with a low value of r2/r1 (1.28) and relatively high r1 value of 3.2 mM-1s-1, enabling their use in T1-weighted positive MR imaging.Conclusion: This constructed transferrin modified gadolinium-iron chelate nanoprobe, named as TUG, shows high biocompatibility within a given dose range. More importantly, compared with clinically used Gd-based small molecule contrast agents, the obtained TUG can be more engulfed by breast cancer cells, showing much enhanced T1-weighted positive MR imaging in either subcutaneous or in situ tumor models of breast cancer. This novel nanoprobe holds enormous promise to be utilized as a targeting contrast agent with high efficacy for T1-weighted positive MR imaging.
Nutritional status of school children living in Northern part of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sathiadas Gitanjali , Annieston A , Arunath V , Kasthuri T , Wickramasinghe V P 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Nutritional status is an important indicator for measuring quality of life in children. A region that is recovering from war will face many problems related to nutrition. Very few studies have addressed the nutritional problems in school-going children. This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of various nutritional problems and to assess the correlation of it to certain socio-demographic factors.
Methods
Community based cross sectional study using multistage stratified proportionate cluster sampling technique, was done among healthy children attending schools in the Northern part of the country. Height and weight were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated [weight (kg)/Height (m) ²]. BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) and Height for age Z (HAZ) scores were determined and WHO growth references were used to categorise the nutritional status of the children. Correlation between various nutritional problems with Maternal education and household income was assessed.
Results
A total of 1012 children were recruited, and the mean age was 11.12 ± 1.77yrs. Girls in the age ranges of 9–14 were heavier and taller when compared to the boys compatible to the pubertal growth spurt. Stunting based on the height for age was seen in 10.9% of boys and 11.8% of girls. Wasting based on BMI for age WHO standard (WHO 2007) was seen in 30.6% of boys and 29.1% of the girls. The prevalence of overweight was 11% and Obesity was 6.3% of the population. Obesity was predominantly seen in boys (4.2%) and it was significantly higher when compared to the girls (2.1%) (p < 0.001). Older boys (> 10 years) were significantly affected more than the younger ones (p < 0.01). The prevalence of wasting, stunting, overweight and obesity had significant variations in different educational zones comparable with the geographical areas. Maternal Education and Family income had a significant impact on the prevalence of stunting and obesity. (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Findings suggest that stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity are prevalent among 6-16-year-old leading to concerns in public health. The nutritional problems significantly vary according to the geographical location maternal education and the household income.
Regulatory network underlying alterations of gene expression in early death of Huntington's disease
Authors: Zhou Zhike , Chen Fenqin , Zhong Shanshan , Zhou Yi , Zhang Rongwei , Kang Kexin , Zhang Xiaoqian , Zhao Mei , Xu Ying , Zhao Chuansheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the genomic mechanism of early death in Huntington’s disease (HD). We identified 10160 and 1511 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from comparisons of HD versus control and early versus late death, respectively. On the basis of 922 overlapped DEGs among them, six functional modules were established by weight gene correlation network analysis. The turquoise module most strongly related to overall survival of HD was significantly enriched in GABAergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Low expression of five DEGs (CA10, WSB2, ACTR3B, PCDH19 and GABRB3) with highest degree of connectivity and non-zero regression coefficients were identified as hub genes, based on which the LASSO model exactly predicted the occurrence of early death in HD. Furthermore, the network analysis revealed indirect interaction of CA10 with the central hub gene GABRB3, which was involved in the pathway of GABAergic synapse. Compared with high expression of hub genes, their low expression appeared shorter overall survival of HD patients according to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Consequently, low expression of CA10, WSB2, ACTR3B, PCDH19 and GABRB3 were possibly associated with early death of HD. The likelihood of low expression of GABRB3 regulated by CA10 in GABAergic synapse contributed to the pathogenesis of early death in HD.
Simultaneous Production of Β-glucanase and Protease From Bacillus Velezensis Strain Identified in the Manure of Piglets.
Authors: Khalid Anam , Ye Miao , Wei Chunjie , Dai Binghong , Yang Ru , Wang Zaigui 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: β-glucanase and protease, are the representative of most worldwide enzyme market. In this study, a strain producing β-glucanase and protease, identified as one type of Bacillus velezensis and named Y1, was isolated from the manure of piglet.Results:Its optimal β-glucanase-producing conditions were as: fermentation temperature of 37 °C, fermentation time of 60 h, initial pH of 6.0, outfit fluid amount of 50 mL/250 mL and carbon to nitrogen ratio was 1:1. The properties of the β-glucanasewere that the most suitable reaction temperature was 65°C, the optimum pH was pH 6.0. The optimal protease-producing conditions were fermentation temperature of 37 °C, fermentation time of 60 h, initial pH of 7.0, outfit fluid amount of 75/250 mL and carbon to nitrogen ratio of 2:3.The properties of the protease showed that the most suitable reaction temperature was 50°C, the optimum pH was 6.0. And the enzyme had the best stability at 45°Cand pH 7.0. The effects of each factor on producing β-glucanase and protease by B. velezensis Y1 were as follows: temperature > time > pH > loaded liquid volume. The amplified PCR fragments of β-glucanase and protease were 1434 bp containing an open reading frame of 1413 bp encoding a protein with 444 amino acids and 1752 bp containing an open reading frame of 1521 bp encoding a protein with 506 amino acids, respectively.Conclusion: This study identified the enzymes production, optimized the fermentation conditions of β-glucanase and protease by B. velezensis. As well as the enzyme properties were investigated and genes were cloned.