bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Integrated Nutrition Interventions on Childhood Stunting: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation Design
Authors: Elisaria Ester , Mrema Jackline , Bogale Tariki , Segafredo Giulia , Festo Charles 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Although malnutrition particularly stunting is recognized as multi-causal, there has been limited integrated nutrition interventions to reduce its burden in children under-fives and those existing are not well evaluated. This study tested the effectiveness of provision of health and nutrition education and promotion of home gardening in child stunting.Methods: A quasi-experimental evaluation design with repeated cross-sectional surveys was used to assess changes in behaviors (uptake of Antenatal Care services and child feeding practices) and stunting among children under-five years. Household surveys were done at the baseline, and end-line in both controls (Tabora, Lindi and coast regions) and interventions (Simiyu and Ruvuma regions) sites. The sample size was calculated to detect a 10% percent absolute baseline-to-end-line change in stunting as a key indicator. A two-stage stratified sampling process was employed to select study participants. A total of 840 and 1,680 households was need at each round of data collection in the intervention and control districts respectively. Mothers delivered in the past 24 months preceding the survey and all children under-five years residing in selected households were eligible. The difference in difference (DID) analysis was used to estimate effect of the interventions. All ethical clearances were obtained from relevant authorities prior to data collection.Results: A total of 3,467 and 4,145 children under five years were recruited at baseline and endline respectively. The proportional of stunted children decreases from 35.9% to 34.2% in intervention and from 29.3% to 26.8 % in the control sites. Overall, no statistically significant stunting reduction was observed between intervention and control sites. However, a significant effect were observed in intermediate outcomes; Uptake of iron folic acid (DID: 5.2%, (95% CI: 1.7-8.7), p=0.003), health facility delivery (DID: 6.5%, (95% CI: 1.8-11.2), p=0.006), pre-lacteal feeding (DID: -5.9%, (95%CI: -9.2, -2.5), p=0.001), breast feeding within one hour after birth (DID: 7.8 %, (95%CI: 2.2-13.4), p=0.006) and exclusive breast feeding in children under six months (DID:20.3%, (95% CI: 10.5-30.1), p=0.001).Conclusion: The three years program did not result in significant evidence of stunting reduction, but the observed effect on health and nutrition behavioural indicators were substantial. These are intermediate indicators that are in the causal pathways to improved child nutritional outcomes in the long run. Implementation of these integrated packages over a longer duration is needed to witness significant reduction the prevalence of stunting.
TREM2-independent neuroprotection is mediated by monocyte-derived macrophages in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dvir-Szternfeld Raz , Castellani Giulia , Arad Michal , Cahalon Liora , Colaiuta Sarah-Phoebeluc , Keren-Shaul Hadas , Croese Tommaso , Ulland Tyler , Colonna Marco , Weiner Assaf , Amit Ido , Schwartz Michal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The contributions of disease-associated microglia (DAM) and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are still controversial. Here, using Trem2−/−5xFAD DAM-deficient mice, we addressed this issue by targeting the programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint, shown to modify AD via MDM recruitment. Treating Trem2−/−5xFAD mice resulted in cognitive improvement, rescue of synapses, and reduction of soluble-amyloid beta (Aβ)1−42, with no effect on insoluble Aβ1−42. In Trem2+/+5xFAD mice, the treatment enhanced cognitive performance, led to elevation in DAM levels, and reduced insoluble Aβ1−42. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that MDM, derived from both Trem2−/− and Trem2+/+ 5xFAD mouse brains, express a unique set of scavenger receptors and anti-inflammatory genes. Eliminating monocytes abrogated the beneficial effect of anti-PD-L1. The results highlight the need for MDM for neuroprotection even when microglia are fully activated, and demonstrate that their activity occurs through a TREM2-independent mechanism, with the potential to overcome TREM2 polymorphism in patients.
Spontaneous traveling waves naturally emerge from horizontal fiber time delays and travel through locally asynchronous-irregular states
Authors: Davis Zachary , Benigno Gabriel , Fletterman Charlee , Desbordes Theo , Sejnowski Terrence , Reynolds John , Muller Lyle 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sensory neuroscience has focused a great deal of its attention on characterizing the mean firing rate that is evoked by a stimulus, and while it has long been recognized that the firing rates of individual neurons fluctuate around the mean, these fluctuations are often treated as a form of internally generated noise1. There is, however, evidence that these “ongoing” fluctuations of activity in sensory cortex during normal, waking function shape neuronal excitability and responses to external input2,3. We have recently found that spontaneous fluctuations are organized into waves traveling at speeds consistent with the speed of action potentials traversing unmyelinated horizontal cortical fibers (0.1-0.6 m/s)4 across the cortical surface5. These waves systematically modulate excitability across the retinotopic map, strongly affecting perceptual sensitivity as measured in a visual detection task. The underlying mechanism for these waves, however, is unknown. Further, it is unclear whether waves are consistent with the low rate, highly irregular, and weakly correlated “asynchronous-irregular” dynamics observed in computational models6 and cortical recordings in vivo7. Here, we study a large-scale computational model of a cortical sheet, with connections ranging up to biological scales. Using an efficient custom simulation framework, we study networks with topographically-organized connectivity and distance-dependent axonal conduction delays from several thousand up to one million neurons. We find that spontaneous traveling waves are a general property of these networks and are consistent with the asynchronous-irregular regime. These waves are well matched to spontaneous waves recorded in the neocortex of awake monkeys. Further, individual neurons sparsely participate in waves, yielding a sparse-wave regime that offers a unique operating mode, where traveling waves coexist with locally asynchronous-irregular dynamics, without inducing deleterious neuronal correlations8.
“The Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak on Breastfeeding Guidelines Among Brazilian Hospitals and Maternity Services: A Cross-Sectional Study”
Authors: Gonçalves-Ferri Walusa Assad , Pereira-Cellini Fábia Martins , Coca Kelly Pereira , Aragon Davi Casale , Nader Paulo de Jesus Hartmann , Lyra João Cesar , Vale Maryneia Silva do , Marba Sérgio Tadeu Martins , Araujo Katiaci Janice Chaves , Dias Laura de Fátima Afonso , Ferreira Daniela Marques de Lima Mota , Nieto Gislayne Souza , Anchieta Lêni Marcia , Silveira Rita de Cássia , de Moura Marta David Rocha , Calil Valdenise Martins L. Tuma , Moraes Viviane Christina Cortez , de Almeida João Henrique Carvalho Leme , Magalhães Maurício , Sonini Thaise Cristina Branchee , Javorsky Juliane Barleta , Ribeiro Érica Lobato Acaui , Ferreira Rodrigo , de Almeida Louise Dantas Cavalcante , Garbers Rosângela , Faria Gabriella Maset da Silva , Roosch Anelise , de Mesquita Ana Ruth Antunes , Pinto Rebecca Meirelles de Oliveira 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRecommended by the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding is a safe source of nutrition available for children in humanitarian emergencies, as in the current pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Despite the Brazilian Guideline protecting breastfeeding practice, there are many concerns about how to protect babies from their infected mothers. This study aimed to analyze how the Brazilian hospitals and maternity services promote and support mothers suspected or diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional and multicenter study collecting data from 24 Brazilian hospitals and maternity services from March to July 2020. Representatives of the institutions completed a questionnaire based on acts to promote and support breastfeeding, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, and Brazil’s law recommendations.ResultsThe results showed that in delivery rooms, 98.5% of the services prohibited immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and companions for the mother and did not support mothers to initiate breastfeeding in the first hour. In rooming-in, 98.5% of the services allowed breastfeeding and recommend care for babies following the respiratory hygiene practices to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and whether companions are forbidden (83.3%). Hospital discharge was mostly early (79.1%); the guidelines were not individualized. Additionally, a lack of support was noticed from the health community network in the home environment (83.3%). Hospital and home breast pumping were allowed (87.5%), but breast milk donation was not accepted (95.8%). ConclusionsIn Brazil, the hospitals are not able to approach recommendations to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding properly during the COVID-19 outbreak. The scientific community needs to discuss how to improve maternal and baby care services to protect breastfeeding in the current pandemic.
Polar Vortexes and Charged Domain Walls in a Room Temperature Magnetoelectric Thin Film
Authors: Moore Kalani , O'Connell Eoghan , Keeney Lynette , Downing Clive , Schmidt Michael , Nicolosi Valeria , Bangert Ursel , Conroy Michele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Multiferroic domain walls are an emerging solution for future low-power nanoelectronics due to their combined tuneable functionality and mobility. Here we show that the magnetoelectric multiferroic Aurivillius phase Bi6TixFeyMnzO18 (B6TFMO) crystal is an ideal platform for domain wall-based nanoelectronic devices. The unit cell of B6TFMO is distinctive as it consists of a multiferroic layer between dielectric layers. We utilise atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy to map the sub-unit-cell polarisation in B6TFMO thin films. 180˚ charged head-to-head and tail-to-tail domain walls are found to pass through > 8 ferroelectric-dielectric layers of the film. They are structurally similar to BiFeO3 DWs but contain a large surface charge density (σ_s) = 1.09 |e|per perovskite cell, where |e| is elementary charge. Although polarisation is primarily in-plane, c-axis polarisation is identified at head-to-tail domain walls with an associated electromechanical coupling of strain and polarisation. Finally, we reveal that with controlled strain engineering during thin film growth, room-temperature vortexes are formed in the ferroelectric layer. These results confirm that sub-unit-cell topological features can play an important role in controlling the conduction properties and magnetisation state of Aurivillius phase films and other multiferroic heterostructures.
Immunoglobulin kappa light chain produced by cardiomyocytes and participates in maintaining intercalated disc integrity
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyan , Zhu Zhu , Shi Zhan , Zhang Meng , Zhou Wenjing , Lan Feng , Liao Qinyuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
It is widely accepted that immunoglobulins (Igs) are produced only by B cells and function as antibodies. However, growing evidence has proven that almost all non-B cells also produce Igs with nonconventional roles, such as promotion of cell survival, proliferation and migration. In this study, we identified Ig light chain (κ chain) expression in mouse and human cardiomyocytes, especially on intercalated discs (ICDs). Unexpectedly, conditional knockout (cKO) of Igκ in adult cardiomyocytes in mice resulted in significant hypotension, a rapid decrease in cardiac contractility and conduction defects. Histologically, Igκ knockout in mouse cardiomyocytes led to structural disruption of intercalated discs (ICDs) and loss of localization of adhesion-related N-cadherin and CX43 on ICDs. Mechanistic investigation indicated that Igκ can bind with plectin/desmoplakin, a complex that connects desmin and desmosomes and enhances the protein stability of plectin. In conclusion, Our findings identify Igκ expressed by cardiomyocytes as a new ICD-related molecule that participates in cardiomyocyte contraction and conduction by stabilizing plectin.
Could age increase the strength of inverse association between ultraviolet B exposure and colorectal cancer?
Authors: Purushothaman Vidya Lakshmi , Cuomo Raphael E , Garland Cedric , Mackey Timothy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Vitamin D has been identified as a potential protective factor the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). We expect to see a stronger association of ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and CRC crude rates with increasing age since chronic vitamin D deficiency leads to sustained molecular changes that increase cancer risk. The DINOMIT (disjunction, initiation, natural selection, overgrowth, metastasis, involution, and transition) model postulates various stages of cancer development due to vitamin D deficiency and the associated latency period. The purpose of this study is to examine this age-dependent inverse relationship globally.Methods: In this ecological study, a series of linear and polynomial regression tests were performed between country specific UVB estimates adjusted for cloud cover and crude incidence rates of CRC for different age groups. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the association between crude incidence rates of colorectal cancer and UVB estimate adjusting for urbanization, skin pigmentation, smoking, animal consumption, per capita GDP, and life expectancy. Statistical analysis was followed by geospatial visualization by producing choropleth maps.Results: The inverse relationship between UVB exposure and CRC crude rates was stronger in older age groups at the country level. Quadratic curve fitting was preferred, and these models were statistically significant for all age groups. The inverse association between crude incidence rates of CRC and UVB exposure was statistically significant for age groups above 45 years, after controlling for covariates.Conclusion: The age-dependent inverse association between UVB exposure and incidence of colorectal cancer exhibits a greater effect size among older age groups in global analyses. Studying the effect of chronic vitamin D deficiency on colorectal cancer etiology will help in understanding the necessity for population wide screening programs for vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with inadequate UVB exposure. Further studies are required to assess the need for adequate public health programs such as selective supplementation and food fortification.
Step Back and Reassess - What Physicians See as Challenges in Treating Patients with Acute Bleeding: International, Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Study.
Authors: Roche Tadzio , Wetli Doreen , Braun Julia , Kataife Ezequiel , Mileo Federico , Spahn Donat , Tscholl David , Said Sadiq 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute bleeding is an omnipresent challenge for all physicians. Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the most common preventable cause of death after trauma worldwide. In different surgical disciplines, hemorrhage represents an independent risk factor for increased postoperative morbimortality, directly affecting patients’ outcomes. This study asked anesthesiologists about their personal perceived challenges when treating bleeding patients. Methods: This investigator-initiated, prospective, international, dual-center, mixed qualitative and quantitative study interrogated anesthesiologists about what they found easy and what difficult in treating acutely bleeding patients. Following the template approach for qualitative research, we identified major and minor topics through free inductive coding and word count. In a second step, we derived ten statements from the participants’ answers. Using a field survey, we then asked the participants to rate their level of agreement with the derived statements. We analyzed the answers using one sample Wilcoxon test and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: We included a total of 84 physicians in the qualitative interrogations and a different group of 42 anesthesiologists in the quantitative part. We identified 11 major topics and 19 associated subtopics. The main topics and the degree of agreement (here as agree or strongly agree) were as follows: “Complexity of the topic” (52.4% agreed to find the topic complex), “Cognitive aids” (92.9% agreed to find them helpful), “Time management” (64.3% agreed to feeling time pressure), “Human factors” (95.2% agreed that human factors are essential), “Resources” (95.2% agreed that resources are essential), “Experience” and “Low frequency of cases” (57.1% agreed to lack practice), “Diagnostic methods” (31.0% agreed that the interpretation of test results is difficult), “Anticoagulation” (85.7% agreed to it being difficult), “Treatment” (81.0% agreed to knowing the first therapeutic steps), and “Nothing”.Conclusions: Anesthesiologists in two large tertiary care facilities in different parts of the world found coagulation management, especially in anticoagulated patients, complex. We identified the delayed diagnostic test results and their interpretation as challenges. Resources, treatment protocols and human factors such as team communication were perceived to facilitate management. Future studies should explore the challenges in smaller hospitals and other parts of the world and test new technologies addressing the identified difficulties.
Shorter TR Combination with Finer Atlas Positively Modulate Topological Organization of Brain Networks: A Resting State fMRI Study
Authors: Zhang Yan , HU QILI , Liang Jiali , Hu Zhenghui , Qian Tianyi , Li Kuncheng , Zhao Xiaohu , Liang Peipeng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe simultaneous multislice echo planar imaging technique can shorten the repetition time (TR) of blood oxygen level-dependent acquisition and thus acquires more information. However, little is known about the influence of higher temporal resolution on functional networks. Whether the topological organization of small-world networks is modulated in the multispectra at high temporal resolution is still unclear. Results: The network reconstruction based on the shorter TR and the finer atlas, showed significant (p<0.05, Bonferroni correction) increases in normalized clustering coefficient, small-worldness, clustering coefficient, local efficiency and global efficiency, and reductions in normalized characteristic path length and characteristic path length. ConclusionsThe shorter TR coupled with the finer atlas can positively modulate topological characteristics of brain networks. Although five multispectra present properties of small-world networks, the properties of the network in 0.082-0.1 Hz are weaker than those in 0.01-0.082 Hz. These findings provide new insights into the topological patterns of brain networks and have implications for the study of brain connectomes and their applications in brain disease.
Protecting P-glycoprotein at the Blood-Brain Barrier from Degradation in an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Ding Yujie , Zhong Yu , Baldeshwiler Andrea , Abner Erin L. , Bauer Björn , Hartz Anika 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Failure to clear Aβ from the brain is partly responsible for Aβ brain accumulation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A critical protein for clearing Aβ across the blood-brain barrier is the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In AD, P-gp levels are reduced, which contributes to impaired Aβ brain clearance. However, the mechanism responsible for decreased P-gp levels is poorly understood and there are no strategies available to protect P-gp. We previously demonstrated in isolated brain capillaries ex vivo that human Aβ40 (hAβ40) triggers P-gp degradation by activating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In this pathway, hAβ40 initiates P-gp ubiquitination, leading to internalization and proteasomal degradation of P-gp, which then results in decreased P-gp protein expression and transport activity levels. Here, we extend this line of research and present results from an in vivo study using a transgenic mouse model of AD (human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP)-overexpressing mice; Tg2576). Methods. In our study, hAPP mice were treated with vehicle, nocodazole (NCZ, microtubule inhibitor to block P-gp internalization), or a combination of NCZ and the P-gp inhibitor cyclosporin A (CSA). We determined P-gp protein expression and transport activity levels in isolated mouse brain capillaries and Aβ levels in plasma and brain tissue. Results. Treating hAPP mice with 5 mg/kg NCZ for 14 days protected P-gp from degradation. Consistent with this, P-gp-mediated hAβ42 transport in brain capillaries was increased in NCZ-treated hAPP mice compared to untreated hAPP mice. Importantly, NCZ treatment significantly lowered hAβ40 and hAβ42 brain levels in hAPP mice, whereas hAβ40 and hAβ42 levels in plasma remained unchanged. Conclusions. These findings provide in vivo proof that blocking P-gp internalization protects P-gp from degradation and maintains P-gp protein expression and transport activity levels, which in turn lowers hAβ brain levels. Thus, protecting P-gp at the blood-brain barrier may provide a novel therapeutic target for AD and other Aβ-based pathologies.
Influence of Government-driven Quality Assessment Program on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Park Hye Jung , Kim Sung-Ryeol , Kim Sinae , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Bo Yeon , Kim Hye Kyoung , Ahn Sang In , Shin Ji Hyeon , Lee Jae-Hyun , Park Jung-Won 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) has launched the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Quality Assessment Program (CQAP) since 2014. We aimed to reveal the influence of this national program on clinical outcomes and the burden of COPD in Korea. Methods: The CQAP is conducted annually. We used healthcare claims data linked with the results of the program provided by HIRA between May 2014 and April 2017. Patients were considered to have COPD if they visited a hospital for COPD management during the assessment term. Those who visited a medical institution for COPD and were prescribed COPD medications at least twice were assessed by the CQAP (assessed subjects, AS; not-assessed subjects, NAS). CQAP evaluated the pulmonary function test conduction rate, regular visitation rate, and prescription rates of COPD medications.Results: Among the 560,000 patients with COPD, about 140,000 were assessed by the CQAP annually. In both groups, the pulmonary function test conduction rate and inhaled bronchodilator prescription rate improved since 2014. Compared to the NAS group, the risk of admission and all-cause mortality rate in the AS group were significantly reduced by 21.2% and 40.7%, respectively. In patients who were assessed for 3 consecutive years, all of the above variables were high at baseline and did not improve much from the CQAP. In matching analysis, we observed this improvement to be limited in the COPD quality assessment year. Conclusions: The CQAP by the health insurance bureau has improved the management protocol and prognosis of COPD.