bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-throughput profiling of diapause regulated genes from Trichogramma dendrolimi, an important egg parasitoid
Authors: Zhang Xue , Du Wenmei , Zhang Junjie , Zou Zhen , Ruan Changchun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The parasitoid wasp Trichogramma dendrolimi can successfully enter diapause at the prepupal stage. Thus, diapause is an efficient preservation method during the mass production of T. dendrolimi . Previous studies on diapause have focused largely on ecological characteristics, so the molecular mechanism of diapause in T. dendrolimi is mostly unknown. In this study, we compared transcriptomes of diapause and non-diapause T. dendrolimi to identify key genes and pathways involved in the development of diapause. Results: Transcriptome sequencing was performed using different samples, including diapause prepupae, pupae after diapause, normal prepupae, and pupae. Initially, it yielded a total of 87,022 unigenes with an average length of 1,604 bp. By removing redundant sequences and those without significant BLAST hits, a non-redundant dataset was generated, containing 7,593 sequences with an average length of 3,351 bp. Among them, 5,702 genes were differentially expressed. The result of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that regulation of transcription, DNA-templated, oxidation-reduction process, and signal transduction were significantly affected. Ten genes were selected for validation using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The changes showed the same trend between the qPCR and RNA-Seq results. Based on our data, several genes were identified to be involved in diapause, including ribosomal proteins, zinc finger proteins, homeobox proteins, forkhead box proteins, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase , Glutathione-S-transferase , p53 , DNA damage-regulated gene 1 ( pdrg1 ), and genes related to lipid metabolism were also included. Conclusions: In this study, we generated a great amount of transcriptome data from T. dendrolimi , providing a resource for gene function research. The diapause-related genes that we identified establish a valuable basis for future studies on the molecular mechanisms of diapause, not only for T. dendrolimi , but for other species as well.
Child acceptability of a novel provitamin A carotenoid, iron and zinc-rich complementary food blend prepared from pumpkin and common bean in Uganda: A randomised control trial
Authors: Buzigi Edward , Pillay Kirthee , Siwela Muthulisi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Ugandan children are fed homemade complementary foods (CFs) which are usually deficient in vitamin A, iron and zinc. Novel homemade CFs rich in vitamin A, iron and zinc need to be developed, and assessed for their acceptability among target children. Objective Homemade provitamin A carotenoids (PVACs), iron and zinc-rich complementary food (CF), common bean pumpkin blend (BPB) formulated from pumpkin (Sweet cream) and common bean (Obwelu) and PVAC-rich pumpkin blend (PB) from Sweet cream were prepared by expert peer mothers. This study compared child acceptability of BPB and PB (control). Methods The crossover acceptability study randomly assigned Ugandan children 6 to 24 months old to either receive 100 g of BPB (n=35) or 100 g of PB (n=35) on day one. After a washout period of one day, children crossed over to receive either BPB (n=35) or PB (n=35). The amount of CF consumed, duration of consumption, and micronutrient intake were assessed. The CF was acceptable if children consumed ≥ 50 g (50%) of served food (100 g). A paired t-test was used to determine the mean differences within participants between BPB and PB. The level of statistical significant difference was set at a probability value of 5% (p= 0.05). Results The mean consumption of BPB and PB was 53.9 g and 54.4 g, respectively. The mean duration for consumption of BPB and PB was 20.6 and 20.3 minutes, respectively. There was no significant difference in the amounts consumed, and duration of consumption in BPB and PB (p >0.05). The mean intake of vitamin A was significantly higher (p <0.00001) in PB (152.5 µgRAE) compared to BPB (100.9 µgRAE). The mean iron intake was significantly higher in BPB (1.1mg) (p <0.00001) compared to PB (0.3mg). Furthermore, zinc intake was significantly higher (p <0.00001) in BPB (0.58mg) compared to PB (0.13 mg). Conclusion A homemade complementary food, BPB, made from locally available common bean and pumpkin is rich in PVACs, iron and zinc and is acceptable to children in the age range of complementary feeding in Uganda.
Outdoor mesocosm experiments to improve understanding of risks to environmental health
Authors: Alexander A.C. , Bowser Emma , Hryn David , Halliwell Daryl , Heard Kristie , Luiker Eric , Culp Joseph M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Mesocosms are outdoor experimental systems designed to separate and test environmental responses, in this case, cumulative effects to field-collected periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities from multiple stressors. This experimental system produces valuable, highly reproducible data, and along with field monitoring, laboratory bioassays and modeling results, provides a strong weight-of-evidence approach for aquatic risk assessment. Through the control of confounding environmental variables, this type of experiment permits the separation of interactions between multiple stressors in complex effluents or due to shifting ambient conditions. The system described is modular and was originally developed to facilitate transport of the entire system to remote or industrial test sites (e.g., for in situ 21-d chronic level testing). However, this setup is also appropriate for long term installations with suitable provision for routine maintenance and losses associated with regular wear-and-tear on equipment. The following protocol details a basic stream mesocosm system setup (e.g., 4 replicate streams per treatment-level) which is the foundation for the more than a dozen stream mesocosm experiments conducted by the authors since the 1990s.
Generation of AGM-derived Akt-EC (AGM-EC)
Authors: Dignum Tessa , Varnum-Finney Barbara , Dozono Stacey , Hadland Brandon 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
During murine embryonic development, the first hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge within the major arterial vasculature, including the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region. Throughout their emergence and subsequent maturation, HSCs retain a close physical association with the surrounding endothelial cell layer, suggesting that signaling interactions between HSC and the surrounding vascular niche may play an integral role in HSC development. Indeed, we have previously shown that co-culture with AGM-derived endothelial cells (AGM EC) engineered to constitutively express Akt (AGM Akt-EC) is sufficient to mature non-engrafting HSC precursors from hemogenic endothelium to fully functional HSCs1-3. Here, we describe how to generate these AGM Akt-EC cells for use in co-culture experiments, providing detailed instructions from the isolation of AGM EC from embryonic tissues, to their infection with the PGK.myr-AKT lentivirus and subsequent characterization by flow cytometry.
Effect of a free healthy school meal on fruit, vegetables and unhealthy snacks intake in Norwegian 10- to 12-year-old children
Authors: Vik Frøydis Nordgård , Heslien Kaia Elisabeth Paulsen , Lippevelde Wendy Van , Øverby Nina Cecilie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Norwegian children have a lower intake of fruit, vegetables, and a higher intake of unhealthy snacks compared to dietary guidelines. Such dietary inadequacies may be detrimental for their current and future health. Schools are favorable settings to establish healthy eating practices. Still, no school meal arrangement is provided in Norway, and most children typically bring packed lunches from home. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serving a free healthy school meal for one year resulted in a higher intake of fruit and vegetables and a lower intake of unhealthy snacks in total among 10-12-year-olds in Norway.Methods: The School Meal Project in Southern Norway was a non-randomized trial in two elementary schools in rural areas in the school year 2014/2015. The study sample consisted of 10- to 12-year-old children; an intervention group (N=55) and a control group (N=109) resulting in a total of 164 school children at baseline. A food frequency questionnaire was completed by the children at baseline, at five months follow-up and after one year to assess fruit, vegetable, and snacks intake. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess intervention effects on overall intake of fruit and vegetables and unhealthy snacks.Results: Serving of a free healthy school meal for one year was associated with a higher weekly intake of vegetables on sandwiches in the intervention group compared to the control group, adjusted for baseline intake (B: 1.11 (95% CI: .38, 1.85)) at the end of the intervention. No other significant intervention effects were found for the remaining fruit and vegetables measures. Serving of a free healthy school meal was not associated with a lower weekly intake of unhealthy snacks (i.e. potato chips, candy, sugar sweetened beverages) in the intervention group compared to the control group.Conclusions: A free healthy school meal was associated with a higher weekly intake of vegetables on sandwiches but did not significantly change any other investigated dietary behaviors. However, given the inadequate intake of vegetables among children and that even moderate improvements have public health relevance, a free healthy school meal for all school children could be beneficial.Trial registration:ISRCTN61703361 Date of registration: December 3rd, 2018Retrospectively registered
Oral lactobacillus strains reduce cytotoxicity and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subtypes in vitro.
Authors: Pahumunto Nuntiya , Basic Amina , Östberg Anna-Karin , Teanpaisan Rawee , Dahlen Gunnar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the effect of oral lactobacilli on the cytotoxicity and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when exposed to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subtypes in vitro. The supernatants and cell wall extracts (CWEs) of eight A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, representing different subtypes, and three Lactobacillus strains were used. The PBMCs from six blood donors were exposed to supernatants and CWEs of A. actinomycetemcomitans or Lactobacillus strains alone or combinations and untreated cells as control. The cytotoxicity was determined by trypan blue exclusion method and IL-1β secretion by ELISA. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 secretions were measured using Bioplex Multiplex Immunoassay. Results: Supernatants or CWEs from all bacterial strains showed cytotoxicity and IL-1β secretion and the subtypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans showed generally a significantly higher effect on PBMCs than that of the Lactobacillus strains. Two highly toxic A. actinomycetemcomitans strains (JP2 and JP2-like) induced a higher response than all other strains. When combined, Lactobacillus significantly reduced the toxicity and the IL-1β secretion induced by A. acinomycetemcomitans. The effect varied between the subtypes and the reduction was highest for the JP2 and JP2-like strains. The Lactobacillus paracasei strain SD1 had a higher reducing effect than the other Lactobacillus strains. This strain had a consistent reducing effect on all subtypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans cytotoxicity, and release of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α from PBMCs of the blood donors. A strong and significant variation in cytokine release between the six blood donors was noticed.Conclusions: Lactobacillus spp. and L. paracasei SD1 in particular, showed a limited but statistically significant reducing interaction with A. actinomycetemcomitans toxicity and release of cytokines in vitro.
The relationship between a microfinance-based healthcare delivery platform, health insurance coverage, health screenings, and disease management in rural Western Kenya
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Amisi James Akiruga , Szkwarko Daria , Tran Dan N. , Genberg Becky , Luetke Maya , Kianersi Sina , Namae Jane , Laktabai Jeremiah , Pastakia Sonak 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Structural barriers often prevent rural Kenyans from receiving healthcare and diagnostic testing. The Bridging Income Generation through grouP Integrated Care (BIGPIC) Family intervention facilitates microfinance groups, provides health screenings and treatment, and delivers education about health insurance coverage to address some of these barriers. This study evaluated the association between participation in BIGPIC microfinance groups and health screening/disease management outcomes.Methods: From November 2018 to March 2019, we interviewed a sample of 300 members of two rural communities in Western Kenya, 100 of whom were BIGPIC microfinance members. We queried participants about their experiences with health screening and disease management for HIV, diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate the association between microfinance membership and each health outcome, adjusting for key covariates.Results: Microfinance members were more likely to be screened for most of the health conditions we queried, including those provided by BIGPIC [e.g. diabetes: aPR (95% CI): 3.46 (2.60, 4.60)] and those not provided [e.g. cervical cancer: aPR (95% CI): 2.43 (1.21, 4.86)]. Microfinance membership was not significantly associated with health insurance uptake and disease management outcomes. Conclusions: In rural Kenya, a microfinance program integrated with healthcare delivery may be effective at increasing health screening. Interventions designed to thoughtfully and sustainably address structural barriers to healthcare will be critical to improving the health of those living in low-resource settings.
Mentoring in the clinical training of midwifery students. A focus study of the experiences and opinions of midwifery students at the Medical University of Warsaw participating in a mentoring programme
Authors: Stefaniak Małgorzata , Dmoch-Gajzlerska Ewa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The current system of clinical training for midwifery students in Poland is in need of considerable revision to adapt it to the global standards and the expectations of healthcare providers, healthcare users and student midwives themselves. Aim of this study was to report the experiences of midwifery students participating in a mentor-led clinical training program and their opinions of mentoring as a novel training method.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study that used a focus group was undertaken in the period from October 2017 to June 2019. The participants were 12 second- and third-year midwifery students at the Medical University of Warsaw who at various times during the study period had their clinical training in the Department of Obstetrics, Solec Hospital in Warsaw, Poland. All students had previous experience of clinical training other than clinical mentorship. At the end of the study, a focus group interview was conducted with all 12 participants. Five questions were selected to guide the focus group discussion: Did you get any valuable learning experience during your clinical training? How did this clinical training differ from your previous clinical training? What was your experience of one-on-one mentoring? Did the mentoring program meet your expectations? What do you think could be changed to make the proposed mentor-led clinical training more effective? Results: Four themes were identified. The study demonstrated that mentoring was perceived by the participants as an innovative and effective method of clinical training for midwifery students. All students positively evaluated the quality of the mentor-led clinical training which allowed improving their clinical skills and building new competencies. Students believed they could effectively use their clinical skills and make informed decisions in a safe and supportive clinical learning environment. They felt that their inclusion in the therapeutic team contributed to better patient care.Conclusions: The use of innovative forms of clinical training at undergraduate level improves its effectiveness and in the future should be reflected in a high-quality maternity care. Mentoring has its advantages for both, mentor and mentee, but the main goal is to develop and improve professional competencies of the junior partner.
Construction of a sensitive and specific lead biosensor using a genetically engineered bacterial system with a luciferase gene reporter controlled by pbr and cadA promoters
Authors: Nourmohammadi Esmail , Hosseinkhani Saman , Nedaeinia Reza , Khoshdel-Sarkarizi Hoda , Nedaeinia Mozhdeh , Ranjbar Maryam , Ebrahimi Neshat , Farjami Zahra , Nourmohammadi Mohammad , Mahmoudi Ali , Goli Mohammad , A.Ferns Gordon , Sadeghizadeh Majid 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: A bacterial biosensor refers to genetically engineered bacteria that produce an assessable signal in the presence of a physical or chemical agent in the environment. Methods: We have designed and evaluated a bacterial biosensor expressing a luciferase-reporter gene controlled by pbr and cadA promoters in Cupriavidus metallidurans (previously termed Ralstonia metallidurans) containing the CH34 and pI258 plasmids of Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, and that can be used for the detection of heavy metals. In the present study, we have produced and evaluated biosensor plasmids designated pGL3-luc/pbr-biosensor and pGL3-luc/cad-biosensor, that were based on the expression of luc+ and under the control of the cad promoter and the cadC gene of S. aureus plasmid pI258 and pbr promoter and pbrR gene from plasmid pMOL30 of Cupriavidus metallidurans. Results: We found that the pGL3-luc/pbr-biosensor may be used to measure lead concentrations between 1-100 μM in the presence of other metals, including: zinc, cadmium, tin and nickel. The latter metals did not result in any significant signal. The pGL3-luc/cad-biosensor could detect lead concentrations between 10 nM to 10 μM. Conclusions: This biosensor was found to be a specific for measuring lead ions in both environmental and biological samples.
Association of serum levels of antibodies against ALDOA and FH4 with transient ischemic attack and cerebral infarction
Authors: Wang Hao , Lu Hao , Zhang Xiao-Meng , Goto Ken-ichiro , Kobayashi Eiichi , Yoshida Yoichi , Adachi Akihiko , Matsutani Tomoo , Iwadate Yasuo , Min Seiichiro , Machida Toshio , Sata Mizuki , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Iso Hiroyasu , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro , Kamitsukasa Ikuo , Wada Takeshi , Aotsuka Akiyo , Sugimoto Kazuo , Takizawa Hirotaka , Kashiwado Koichi , Shin Hideo , Tomiyoshi Go , Nakamura Rika , Shinmen Natsuko , Kuroda Hideyuki , Xu Anding , Hiwasa Takaki 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ischemic stroke, such as transient ischemic attack (TIA) and acute-phase cerebral infarction (aCI) , are the serious problems in the aging society. Therefore, development of biomarkers for TIA and aCI are attempted. Methods: Candidate antigens recognized by IgG autoantibodies in the serum of 19 TIA patients were screened by a human aortic endothelial cell cDNA library. Serum antibody levels against the antigens were examined by amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA) in healthy donor (HD), TIA, and aCI cohorts ( n = 285, 92 and 529). The antibody levels in the sera of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Cohort Study (JPHC) from 1991 to 1993 was also examined. Results: Aldolase A, fructose-bisphosphate (ALDOA) and fumarate hydratase (FH) were identified as the candidate antigens. AlphaLISA revealed that the levels of anti-ALDOA antibodies (ALDOA-Abs) and anti-FH antibodies (FH-Abs) were both higher in patients with TIA or aCI than those in HDs ( P < 0.05). The levels of ALDOA-Abs [odds ratio (OR): 2.46, P = 0.0050] and FH-Abs (OR: 2.49, P = 0.0037) were independent predictors of TIA by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The case-control study showed the levels of ALDOA-Abs (OR: 2.50, P < 0.01) and FH-abs (OR: 2.60, P < 0.01) were associated with risk of aCI. Correlation analysis demonstrated that both ALDOA-Abs and FH-Abs were well associated with hypertension, coronary heart disease and habitual smoking. These antibody levels were also correlated well with maximum intima-media thickness, which reflects atherosclerotic stenosis. Conclusions: ALDOA-Abs and FH-Abs can serve as novel potential biomarkers for prediction of atherosclerotic TIA and aCI.
Intralipid postconditioning in patients of Cardiac surgery undergoing cardioPulmonary Bypass (iCPB): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Xiong Hui , Zhang Yan , Yu Hong , Zhou Rong-Hua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Intralipid is a necessary fatty acid carrier that has been safely used as an energy supplier in the clinic. It has played an important role in rescuing the cardiac arrest caused by local anesthetic toxicity. In recent years, experimental studies have shown that intralipid postconditioning (ILPC) could reduce myocardial ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. Our research group has innovatively conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and the results showed that ILPC could reduce the release of cTnT and CK-MB, biomarkers of myocardial I/R injury, in valve replacement surgery. However, the potential effects of ILPC on the clinical outcome of adult cardiac surgery patients are unclear. Intralipid postconditioning in patients of cardiac surgery undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (iCPB) trial is aimed to further study whether ILPC could improve short-term and long-term clinical outcome, as well as cardiac function in adult cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

The iCPB trial is an ongoing, single-center, prospective, double blinded, large sample RCT. In total, 1000 adults undergoing cardiac surgery will be randomly allocated to either ILPC group or the control group. Intervention group received an intravenous infusion of 2 mL/kg of 20% intralipid (medium-chain and long-chain fat emulsion injection C6~C24, Pharmaceutical) within 10 minutes before aortic cross-unclamping, and the control group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. The primary endpoints are complex morbidity of major complications during hospitalization, and all-cause mortality within 30 days after surgery. The secondary endpoints include: (1) all-cause mortality 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, (2) the quality of life within 1 year after surgery,using QoR-15 questionnaire, (3) the postoperative cardiac function evaluated by LVEF, LVEDs, LVEDD, and the myocardial injury evaluated by CK-MB, cTnT, BNP, (4) short-term clinical outcomes during hospitalization and total cost are also detailed evaluated.

Discussion

The iCPB trial is the first to explore ILPC on the clinical outcome of adult cardiac surgery patients. The results are expected to provide potential evidences about whether ILPC could reduce the morbidity and mortality, improve the cardiac function and quality of life. Therefore, provide a rationale for the evaluation of the potentially clinically relevant benefit of intralipid therapy.