bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perfluoroalkyl Substances Are Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Highly Exposed Young Adults
Authors: Pitter Gisella , Jeddi Maryam Zare , Barbieri Giulia , Gion Massimo , Fabricio Aline S.C. , Daprà Francesca , Russo Francesca , Fletcher Tony , CANOVA CRISTINA 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Residents in a large area of North-Eastern Italy were exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Studies on the association between PFAS and blood pressure levels are limited and results inconsistent. Using cross-sectional data from the Regional health surveillance program, we aimed to quantify the associations between PFAS serum concentrations and blood pressure and hypertension prevalence. Methods The study included 16,224 individuals aged 20-39 years. Pregnant women (n=327), or individuals with missing information on the selected covariates (n=111) were excluded, leaving 15,786 subjects. Hypertension was defined as any self-reported diagnosis, use of antihypertensive drugs, or elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Generalized additive models were used to investigate the relation between each PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)) ln transformed and by decile, and SBP, DBP, hypertension, adjusted for potential confounders. Results Both SBP and DBP increased significantly with an increase in the ln-transformed serum PFAS concentrations in a monotonic way. The predicted increase in SBP and DBP were 1.54 mmHg (95%CI 0.61-2.47), 1.60 mmHg (95%CI 0.92-2.27) from lowest to highest decile of PFOA. The associations were stronger for SBP in men and DBP in women. One unit increase in each natural log transformed PFAS was positively associated with an increased odd of hypertension in men: PFOA OR=1.06 (1.01-1.11), PFOS OR=1.13 (1.03-1.23), PFHxS OR=1.08 (1.02-1.15), PFNA OR=1.20 (1.02-1.40). Conclusions Our findings suggest that serum PFAS concentrations were associated with moderately increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a large highly exposed young adult population. Although the magnitude of the observed effect was relatively small, if confirmed it would be of clinical significance since even small increases in blood pressure levels at population level may be associated to a raised risk of adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and target organ damage.
Screening of Asa River water in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria for available pollutants and its effects on mitosis and chromosomes morphology in Allium cepa cells
Authors: AKINBORO AKEEM , Aina Nike Peter , Rufai Mohammed Akinlabi , Ibrahim Asiata Omotayo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Improper disposal of wastes as an environmental problem is common in African and other developing countries of the world, and it raises concerns due to its potential threats to the life of organisms in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, Asa River in Ilorin, Nigeria was evaluated for cytogenotoxicity at 25.0 %, 50.0 %, 100.0 % following the Allium cepa assay. Water samples were collected from three points tagged A, B, C, and each point was 500 m apart from each other. The water samples were used to grow A . cepa for microscopic and macroscopic toxicities screenings. Heavy metals and volatile organic pollutants in the water were elucidated following the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. The Water samples induced higher mitotic index values, except the sample C which induced smaller mitotic index value than the negative control. Root growth in the exposed A . cepa was significantly promoted at 25.0 % of the water samples, while significant reduction was obtained at 50.0 % and 100.0 % of the sample C, and 100.0 % of the sample A. The absolute water sample A induced highest percentage chromosomal aberrations, as the water samples B and C induced higher percentage chromosomal aberration than the negative control. Cadmium was detected at a concentration higher than its permissible limit in drinking water unlike Zinc, Iron, Manganase. Poly aromatic hydrocarbons, Aromatic amines, Acridine dye, Phenolic and Polychlorinated compounds were detected in the water sample. These pollutants may be responsible for the observed proliferative, inhibitory, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the water samples on A . cepa cells. Our results suggest that Asa River is polluted, having potential to inflict different adverse effects on human, animals and plants utilizing it along its course.
Sex Impacts Cardiac Function and the Proteome Response to Thyroid Hormone in Aged Mice
Authors: Zhu Wei Zhong , Olson Aaron , Portman Michael , Ledee Dolena 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Sex and age have substantial influence on thyroid function. Sex influences the risk and clinical expression of thyroid disorders (TDs), with age a proposed trigger for the development of TDs. Cardiac function is affected by thyroid hormone levels with gender differences. Accordingly, we investigated the proteomic changes involved in sex based cardiac responses to thyroid dysfunction in elderly mice.
Methods
Aged (18–20 months) male and female C57BL/6 mice were fed diets to create euthyroid, hypothyroid, or hyperthyroid states. Serial echocardiographs were performed to assess heart function. Proteomic changes in cardiac protein profiles were assessed by 2-D DIGE and LC-MS/MS, and a subset confirmed by immunoblotting.
Results
Serial echocardiographs showed ventricular function remained unchanged regardless of treatment. Heart rate and size increased (hyperthyroid) or decreased (hypothyroid) independent of sex. Pairwise comparison between the six groups identified 55 proteins (≥ 1.5-fold difference and p < 0.1). Compared to same-sex controls 26/55 protein changes were in the female hypothyroid heart, whereas 15/55 protein changes were identified in the male hypothyroid, and male and female hyperthyroid heart. The proteins mapped to oxidative phosphorylation, tissue remodeling and inflammatory response pathways.
Conclusion
We identified both predicted and novel proteins with gender specific differential expression in response to thyroid hormone status, providing a catalogue of proteins associated with thyroid dysfunction. Pursuit of these proteins and their involvement in cardiac function will expand our understanding of mechanisms involved in sex-based cardiac response to thyroid dysfunction.
The conjoint associations of adherence to physical activity and dietary guidelines with cardiometabolic health: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Lee Joowon , Walker Maura E. , Bourdillon Maximillian T. , Spartano Nicole , Rogers Gail T. , Jacques Paul F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Xanthakis Vanessa 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The conjoint associations of adherence to the recent physical activity (PA) and dietary guidelines with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are incompletely understood.
Methods
We evaluated 2,379 Framingham Heart Study Third Generation participants (mean age 47 years, 54.4% women) attending examination cycle 2. We examined the cross-sectional relations of adherence to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG, binary; moderate to vigorous PA [MVPA] ≥ 150 minutes/week vs. <150 minutes/week) and 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA, binary; 2015 DGA adherence Index [DGAI-2015] ≥ median vs. <median [score 62.1/100]) with prevalence of the MetS using generalized linear models. We also related adherence to guidelines with the incidence of MetS prospectively, using Cox proportional hazards regression with discrete time intervals.
Results
Adherence to the 2018 PAG (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% CI 0.40–0.60) and 2015 DGA (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51–0.90) were individually associated with lower odds of prevalent MetS, while conjoint adherence to both guidelines was associated with the lowest odds of MetS (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26–0.47) compared to the referent group (non-adherence to both guidelines). Adherence to the 2018 PAG (hazards ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.88) and 2015 DGA (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.90) were associated with lower risk of MetS, prospectively. Additionally, we observed a 52% lower risk of MetS in individuals who adhered to both guidelines compared to the referent group.
Conclusions
Maintaining both regular physical activity and a healthy diet in midlife may be required for optimal cardiometabolic health in later life.
Revealing the Organic Dye and Mordant Composition of Paracas Textiles by a Combined Analytical Approach
Authors: Sabatini Francesca , Bacigalupo Martina , Degano Ilaria , Javér Anna , Hacke Marei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The object of this study is a wide selection of cotton and camelid samples from an important collection of 2000-year-old Paracas textiles, now at the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (MNAAHP; Lima; Peru) and at the National Museum of World Culture (NMWC; Gothenburg; Sweden). The threads, chosen as representative of the whole palette, were selected from eighteen different textiles. A combined spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical approach was selected to characterize the composition of this wide set of samples. In particular, technical photography was used to gain a general overview of the samples, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) was employed for identifying the mordants and mapping the elemental distribution in the threads, while Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector and with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD, HPLC-HRMS) were used for characterizing organic dye composition. This study provides fundamental pieces of information on the mordants used in the dyeing processes, rarely investigated up to now, and to the varieties of vegetal sources employed in Paracas textiles. The widening of Andean dyestuff database is highly important not only to acquire knowledge on Paracas culture, but also to ease the dye characterization of archaeological textiles from Peruvian region and South American area region in general.
Molecular characterization of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains Isolated from Dairy Calves in North Shoa Zone, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Endale Abinet , Muktar Yimer , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) strains are associated with several outbreaks and sporadic cases worldwide. Understanding the nature of the organisms is important in order to tailor preventive and control strategies before any harm emanates.

Methods

In this study a total of 73 E. coli isolates from diarrheic dairy calves found in 56 farms located in North Shoa Zone, Oromiya Region, were characterized based on their virulence genes and plasmid profile. Moreover, the study showed the relationship between virulence genes, plasmid profile and antibiotic resistance traits were assessed.

Results

Virulence genes (VGs) were detected in 69.86% of isolates, carrying at least one of the six VGs screened. Among the VGs eae was most frequent, observed in 58.90% of isolates, followed by stx1 , 34.25%, stx2 , 24.66%, ehlyA , 23.29%, bfpA , 12.33% and aatA , 5.48%. A total of eleven distinct virulence profiles were identified based on combination of virulence genes and isolates were placed into five different pathotypes with a frequency of EHEC, 30%, tEPEC, 12%, aEPEC, 16%, and STEC and EAEC, 6% each. Plasmid analysis revealed the occurrence of ten different kinds of plasmids ranging in size from 2.6 + 0.14 Kbp to 98.2 + 4.17 Kbp and exhibited 13 different kinds of profiles among the isolates. A significant one to one correlation was observed among virulence factors, plasmid content and antibiotic resistance traits with a Pearson product moment correlation in a range of r = 0.17 to r = 0.56. Accounting to the total dataset, isolates showed significant segregation in to the sample site, indicating spatial clustering of isolates based on overall pathogenic characteristics.

Conclusions

The demonstration of pathogenic potential in substantial amount of E. coli isolates from dairy farms from all the three sites indicates the level of risk posed in humans as well as animals. Thus, identifying potential sources and route of transmission of DEC is vitally important in order to establish control and prevention strategies for diarheagenic E. coli infection.
Flu Pandemic Preparedness: Detection of the Potentially Pandemic G4 EA Avian-Like H1N1 Strains Using QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel
Authors: Penarrubia Luis , Rao Sonia N. , Porco Roberto , Varo Marta , Muñoz-Torrero Patricia , Pareja Josep , López-Fontanals Marta , Manissero Davide 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
A recent publication by Sun H. and colleagues in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) has drown global attention to the predominant genotype “G4” Eurasian (EA) avian-like H1N1 Influenza A virus that has been spreading among pigs in China since 2016, which is predicted to have a significant pandemic potential. Since pigs are hosts for the generation of pandemic Influenza A viruses (IAVs), surveillance and preparedness are critical to prevent pandemics. In this regards, one distinguishing feature of the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 panel is the double target approach Influenza A detection of seasonal strains affecting humans, by amplification of a generic Influenza A assay plus one of the specific assays discriminating H3, H1 and H1N1pdm09 subtypes. The generic Influenza A assay is designed to amplify any IAV, a key feature for preparedness. Here we report an initial in-silico analysis that predicts that the G4 EA avian-like H1N1 strains tested in the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel would be detected yielding a positive result for the generic Influenza A assay and negative results for the seasonal H3, H1 and H1N1pdm09 assays. This prediction was confirmed in-vitro using dsDNA fragments mixed to mimic the genomes of the different reported G4 EA IAV strains. In conclusion, the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel could be a useful tool to differentially diagnose zoonotic strains from the seasonal Influenza A strains commonly affecting humans.
Acute transverse myelitis in a HIV-positive patient with COVID-19
Authors: Lisnic Vitalie , Nemtan Victor , Hacina Evghenia , Topciu Galina , Manole Elena , Thurnher Majda M. , Kummer Rüdiger von 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Immunocompromised status keeps on being a challenge for a neurologist, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease – 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. We report a clinical case of a human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - positive patient who developed an acute transverse myelitis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination showed longitudinally extensive spinal cord abnormality, and laboratory tests confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient responded to methylprednisolone pulse therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange. No cases of HIV-positive patients with myelitis and COVID-19 has been reported yet.
Worldwide SARS-COV-2 haplotype distribution
Authors: Cairo Andrea , Iorio Marilena V. , Spena Silvia , Tagliabue Elda , Peyvandi Flora 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The world is experiencing one of the most severe viral outbreaks in the last years, the pandemic infection by SARS-COV-2, causative agent of COVID-19 disease. The virus reached over 120 countries, with a total number of 6.5 million infected, and 320000 deaths. A deeper understanding of its genomic diversity is mandatory.We analyzed 21296 SARS-COV-2 reported sequences, defining the existence of recurrent haplotypes and their specific geographical distribution.
Integrated Multi-Omics Data Analysis Reveals Altered Metabolome Activity and Microbiome Composition in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Fang Xiaodong , Han Lijuan , Zhao Ling , Zhou Yong , Yang Chao , Xiong Teng , Luo Wen , Chen Yang , Qiu Qinwei , Shang Xiaoxiao , Deng Yusheng , Huang Shaogang , Huang Suiping , Liu Zhi , Lu Lin , Yang Wei , Zhai Lixiang , Ning Ziwan , Lin Chengyuan , Huang Tao , Cheng Chungwah , Zhong Linda LD , Bian Zhaoxiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of functional gastrointestinal disorders mainly characterized by chronic and/or recurrent symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular defecation. Changed gut microbiota has been proposed to mediate IBS; however, contradictory results exist, and the exact mechanism is still debatable. IBS-specific microbiota and metabolite remain poorly understand. To address this issue, we performed untargeted metabolomic and shotgun metagenomic profiling of stool and serum samples from discovery (n=330) and validation (n=101) cohorts of IBS and healthy individuals. Results: Fecal “omics” data show moderate dysbiosis compared with other disease, in contrast, serum metabolites show significant differences and have great power to discriminate IBS from healthy subjects. Specifically, 726 differentially abundant serum metabolites are identified, including fatty acyl-CoA enriched in IBS. Integrating microbiome and metabolome data, we identified 522 robust associations between differentially abundant species and fecal metabolites, of which three species are strongly associated with the low abundance of dihydropteroic acid. Moreover, the tryptophan enrichment correlates with the severity of IBS depression in both fecal and serum metabolomes. Conclusions: Collectively, our study unveils serum/fecal metabolome alterations and their relationship with gut microbiome and highlight the massive dysbiosis of serum metabolites which empower to discriminate IBS patients. Our study also provides a valuable resource for future studies to understand host-gut microbiota relationships, and facilitate potential clinical applications using microbiota and (or) metabolites to evaluate IBS patients with depression.
Determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among children aged from 2 to 59 months in Fitche General Hospital: a case control study
Authors: Jemal Kemal , Tesema Mengistu , Dibisa Teshale Mulatu , Umeta Gurmu Tesfaye 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, every 39 seconds a child dies because of pneumonia. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in sub-Sahara African countries. The deaths of children from pneumonia diseases are more frequent than any other infectious disease. Risk factors of pneumonia were not completely identified in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among children aged from 2 to 59 months.Methods: Institutional based unmatched case-control study was employed among 246 (123 cases and 123 controls) participants in Fitche General Hospital March 2018. Data were collected using a pre-tested and standardized questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select control and cases were selected consecutively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and variables with a P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Cases of 123 children diagnosed with pneumonia and controls of 123 children without pneumonia were brought to Fitche General Hospital (FGH). Malnutrition [AOR=2.85, 95% CI:(1.61,6.08)], children who were not exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of their life [AOR=3.22, 95% CI: (1.61, 5.52)], number of occupants more than 5 people who live in one house [AOR=2.01, 95% CI: (1.04, 4.65)], use of charcoal for cooking in the house [AOR=1.56, 95% CI: (1.04,4.18)] and use of wood for cooking in the house [AOR=2.59, 95% CI:(1.22,6.46)] were significantly associated with community-acquired pneumonia.Conclusion: This study identified malnutrition, children who were not exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of their life, number of occupants more than 5 people who live in one house and use of wood and charcoal for cooking in the house were found among the major risk factors for pneumonia. Intervention targeted to early identifying and treating malnutrition, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding practices, and preventing use of wood and charcoal for cooking in the child house is compulsory for children well being.
Diabetes Self-Care Practice, and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Public Hospitals of Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Wehabrebi Medina Abdulkadir , Takele Goitom Molalign , Kidane Hiyab Teklemichael , Gebrekidan Kahsu Gebrekirstos , Gebregiorgis Birhan Gebresillassie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing steadily at an alarming rate and Ethiopia is placed fourth among the top five countries of the Africa region according to the International diabetes federation. Regardless of its burden, the self-care behaviors are still unknown. This study is aimed to determine the level of diabetes self-care practice and factors associated with among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in public hospitals of Tigray region.Methods: Institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected hospitals of Tigray region from January to February, 2020. Data was collected by trained nurses with a face to face interview method using Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with self-care practices. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05.Results: A total of 570 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. The mean age of the participant was 46 ± 14.6 years. Less than half (46.7%) of the participants has good diabetes self-care practices. Urban residency (AOR=2.79, 95% CI 1.858-4.205), age group above 64 years (AOR=2.384, 95% CI 1.258-4.518), not having formal education (AOR=2.616, 95% CI 1.337-4.518), having family or social support (AOR=1.878, 95% CI 1.243-2.837), duration DM above 10 years (AOR=2.325, 95% CI 1.224-4.418), having personal glucometer at home (AOR=5.9, 95% CI 2.790-12.764) were determinant factors of good diabetes self-care practice. Conclusion: the diabetes self-care practices in the region was found to be low. Health care providers might have to consider actions to act on the identified factors and improve self-care practices of the patients. Especially, focusing on caring and giving follow up services to younger adults and DM patients coming from a rural areas.