bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic study on catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and catecholaminergic neurotransmitters with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Chinese children
Authors: Zhonggui Xiong , Jiong Yan , Shuhua Shi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background: This study analyzed a correlation between the Val158Met polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene and catecholaminergic neurotransmitters in ADHD children. Methods: All subjects were genotyped for the Val158Met polymorphisms of COMT gene and determined in the difference of dopamine and noradrenalin by a 1:1 paired case-control study. Results: The frequencies of A/A, G/A and G/G were 51.67%, 41.11% and 7.22% in the case group, 62.22%, 31.11% and 6.67% in the control group. There was a significant difference in the distribution of all genotypes of COMT gene between the two groups (OR=1.85, χ2=7.80, P<0.05). The serum concentrations of dopamine and noradrenalin were 1.42±0.34 ng/ml and 177.70±37.92 pg/ml in the case group, 1.94±0.42 ng/ml and 206.20±42.45 pg/ml in the control group. There were the significant differences in the levels of dopamine and noradrenalin between the two groups (dopamine: t=4.30, P<0.01. noradrenalin: t=2.24, P<0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggested that there was the positive association between the Val158Met polymorphisms of COMT gene and catecholaminergic neurotransmitters in ADHD children.
Household pesticide exposure and depression syndromes: evidence from NHANES, 2005-2014
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Hao Guang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The effect of household pesticide exposure on depression symptoms in general population is underexplored, and the role of exercise in the association between pesticide exposure and depression symptoms is unclear. The goals of this study are to examine whether the association of household pesticide exposure and depression symptoms exist in general population, and, if so, whether exercise can attenuate the effect of household pesticide on depression symptoms.Methods We used data from the 2005-2014 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys), including a total of 14 708 US adult participants ≥ 20 years old. Depression symptoms was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).Results The prevalence of depression symptoms was significantly higher in participants who exposed to household pesticide compared to those not (28.9% vs. 21.1%, P <0.001). Household pesticide exposure was significantly associated with risk of depression symptoms. A significant interaction between exercise and pesticide exposure on depression symptoms was observed ( P =0.038). The prevalence of depression symptoms was significantly higher in pesticide exposure group compared to the control group (35.0% vs. 24.9%, P <0.001) in the population with light physical activity. However, we did not find a significant association in the group with moderate + vigorous physical activity.Conclusion This study further confirmed that household pesticide exposure is associated with a high risk of depression symptoms in the general population. More importantly, we for the first time reported that exercise tends to attenuate the effect of household pesticide exposure on depression symptoms.
Gender differences in the association between body mass index and self-rated health among patients with hypertension: evidence from Rizhao City, China
Authors: Feng Zhiqiang , Zhou Longde , Zhao Zixuan , Tang Changhai , Chen Xingmin , Chen Zhongming , Dai Mengna , Yin Wenqiang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study is designed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and self-related health (SRH), and to explore gender differences in BMI-SRH association among hypertensive patients further.

Methods: The status of SRH in 1219 hypertensive patients over 18 years old was analyzed by the multi-item self-rated health measurement scale (SRHMS). Chi-square test and t-test were used to analyze BMI and SRHMS status of hypertensive patients, the logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between BMI and SRHMS of male and female separately after controlling for potential confounders, and to assess gender differences on the relationship between BMI and SRHMS.

Results: The prevalence of underweight in hypertensive patients was 1.6%, normal weight was 33.0%, overweight was 45.9%, and obese was 19.5%. And the SRHMS of very good, good, fair, bad, and very bad were 20.2, 15.4, 29.1, 12.5, and 22.8%, respectively. After controlling potential confounders, we found that underweight, overweight and obese had a negative impact on female's SRHMS. Underweight had a negative impact on male, but obesity had a positive impact on male's SRHMS. Besides, this study did not find that overweight had a statistically significant effect on male SRHMS.

Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, we found a gender differences on association between BMI and SRHMS among hypertensive patients. Overweight and obesity had a negative impact on female's SRHMS after adjusting for other influential factors, but not for male. Gender differences should be considered when developing weight and hypertension management programs, especially in women.
Saturation of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps haplotypes in general population increasingly threatens the benefits of using sulfadoxine‑pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women in Tanzania
Authors: Bwire George , Mikomangwa Wigilya P. , Kilonzi Manase 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background : High levels of Plasmodium falciparum resistance prompted withdrawal of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Tanzania. However, SP was limited for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) especially where there is moderate to high malaria transmission. This study reports the patterns of P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase ( Pfdhfr ) and dihydropteroate synthetase ( Pfdhps ) mutations. Methods: Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from dried blood spots prepared by finger prick. Batched samples (384) were sequenced in a single MiSeq lane combining all PCR products. Samples were de-plexed using the multiplexing adapters and individual CRAM files were aligned to a modified amplicon reference genome. Genotyping of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutations were done using bcftools as well as custom scripts to filter and translate genotypes into drug resistance haplotypes. Results: The Pfdhfr was analyzed from 445 samples, the wild type (WT) Pfdhfr haplotype NCSI was detected in only six (1.3%) samples. Triple Pfdhfr IRN I haplotype was dominant, contributing to 84% (n=374) of haplotypes. The total of 446 samples were studied for Pfdhps . WT for Pfdhps was found in 6.7% (n=30) of all samples detected. Double Pfdhps haplotype (S GE AA) accounted for 83% of mutations of the Pfdhps gene. The overall prevalence of K540E was 90.4% (n=396) while A581G was 1.1% (n=5). Additionally, 91.4% (n=447) genotypes where detected from 489 sequenced samples. Of 447 genotypes detected only 0.9% (n=4) of samples were WT (SAKAA-NCSI). Quintuple mutation, S GE AA- IRN I accounted 71.4% of concomitant Pfdhfr/Pfdhps mutations where 0.2% (n=1) had septuple mutation, AG K GS - IRN I. Conclusions : Despite the high prevalence of mutations in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps gene but the current mutations at Pfdhfr K540E and Pfdhps A581G are within the recommended WHO range, stopping IPTp-SP is recommended in areas where the Pfdhfr K540E prevalence is >95 % and Pfdhps A581G is >10 % as SP is likely to be ineffective). Nevertheless, saturation in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps haplotypes is alarming, therefore screening for alternative antimalarial drug for IPTp-SP is recommended.
Inequity under Equality: Research on the Benefits Equity of Chinese Basic Medical Insurance
Authors: Diao Li , Liu Yiwei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background: Insisting on equity is one of the basic principles behind deepening health care reform. China's new rural cooperative medical insurance (NRCMI) and urban residents' basic medical insurance (URBMI) are both “equalized” in fundraising and reimbursement. This paper studies the benefits of equity under such "equalized" system designation. Methods: The data analysed in this paper are from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2016, implemented by the Institute of Social Science Survey at Peking University. A two-part model and a binary choice model are used in the empirical test. Results: An empirical test found that high-income people benefit more from basic medical insurance than low-income people. Mechanism analysis found that high-income people have higher medical insurance applicability and can utilize better health care. Since low-income people are unhealthier, an inequity in benefits will exacerbate health inequity. We also found that the benefits equity of URBMI is better than that of NRCMI. Conclusions: The government needs to pay more attention to the issue of medical insurance inequity. We can consider allowing for different income groups to pay different premiums according to their medical expenses or allowing for different income groups to apply different reimbursement policies.
The path to UHC: The Lessons learnt from transitioning from a Community-based to a State-wide health insurance Scheme in Nigeria.
Authors: Bolarinwa Oladimeji Akeem , Akande Tanimola Makanjuola , Janssens Wendy , Boahene Kwasi , Wit Tobias Rinke de 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background Social health insurance has been widely proposed as a key strategy in moving towards universal health coverage. This paper reports on the transition of a community-based health insurance scheme in Kwara State, Nigeria, in 2016 to a state-wide social insurance program. Specifically, it analyses the consequences of the temporary suspension of the community-based insurance scheme during the transition period on healthcare utilization and financial protection.Methods A mixed methods study was carried out in 2018 using a semi-quantitative cross-sectional survey amongst 600 clients, in-depth interviews with 24 clients and 29 participating public and private healthcare providers.Results Most former enrollees (95.3%) kept using Kwara Community Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) facilities, even after the suspension of the program. Over 70% of respondents reverted to out-of-pocket (OOP) payment for healthcare services and 67% experienced constraints in payment for healthcare services after suspension of the program. Most common coping mechanisms for healthcare payment was personal savings (63.3%). Seventeen of 29 facilities recorded a decrease in revenue after suspension of the program. Being male (OR=1.61), respondents living in rural communities (OR=1.77), those who use KCHIP exclusively (OR=1.94) and acutely ill respondents (OR=3.38) had increased odds of being constrained with the suspension of the program.Conclusion After suspension of the KCHIP, many enrollees and health facilities experienced constraints. Enrollees’ most important coping mechanisms remained personal savings which has more likelihood of pushing them to catastrophic expenditure.
Albendazole regulates radiosensitivity of human pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting HIF-1α and basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Chen Haifeng , Zhou Xiaochong , Weng Zhen , Wei Xing , Xu Chunfang , He Yang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Albendazole, a clinical antiparasitic drug, has been shown to have antitumor activity and supress expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha. While hypoxia, the most prominent feature of tumor microenvironment, is associated with radiotherapy tolerance. Herein, we aimed to identify Albendazole as a candidates that improves tumor microenvironment and enhances the radiosensitivity of human pancreatic cancer cells. Methods MTT assay, clone formation and flow cytometry were performed to assess the effect of ABZ and radiation on PC cell line proliferation and apoptosis induction. In addition, the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were assessed using western blotting. Finally, the effects of ABZ on tumor growth and radiosensitivity were examined using nude mice xenograft model. Results ABZ significantly improved hypoxia-induced radiation resistance in PC cell line PATU8988 and SW1990 as evidenced by decreased absorbance of MTT, reduced colony number, and increased apoptotic cell ratio. Furthermore, the in vivo results confirmed that ABZ suppressed tumor growth. On mechanisms, treatment with ABZ decreased HIF-1α and bFGF expression levels, which correlated with radioresistance in cells exposed to hypoxia in vitro and tumor to radiation in vivo. Conclusion Taken together, our datas show that HIF-1α and bFGF regulate radiation sensitivity in PC cells under hypoxic conditions. And ABZ enhances radiosensitivity of pancreatic cancer by suppression of HIF-1α and bFGF expression.
Neuroprotective Polyphenols: A Modulatory Action on Neurotransmitter Pathways
Authors: Rebas Elzbieta , Rzajew Jowita , Radzik Tomasz , Zylinska Ludmila 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Balance in neurotransmission is essential for the proper functioning of the
nervous system and even a small, but prolonged disturbance, can induce the negative feedback
mechanisms leading to various neuropathologies. Neurodegenerative and mood disorders such as
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or affective disorders are increasing medical and social problems. Among
the wide spectrum of potentially destructive events, oxidative stress and disrupted metabolism of
some neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, serotonin or dopamine appear to
play a decisive role. Biologically active plant polyphenols have been shown to exert a positive impact
on the function of the central nervous system by modulation of metabolism and the action of
some neurotransmitters.

Methods:
Based on published research, the pharmacological activities of some naturally occurring
polyphenols have been reviewed, with a focus on their potential therapeutic importance in the regulation
of neurotransmitter systems.

Results:
Phytochemicals can be classified into several groups and most of them possess anticancer,
antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. They can also modulate the metabolism
or action of some neurotransmitters and/or their receptors. Based on these properties, phytochemicals
have been used in traditional medicine for ages, although it was focused mainly on
treating symptoms. However, growing evidence indicates that polyphenols may also prevent or
slow neurological diseases.

Conclusion:
Phytochemicals seem to be less toxic than synthetic drugs and they can be a safer alternative
for currently used preparations, which exert adverse side effects. The neuroprotective actions
of some plant polyphenols in the regulation of neurotransmitters metabolism, functioning of
neurotransmitters receptors and antioxidative defense have potential therapeutic applications in
various neurodegenerative disorders.
Combination of ZnO Nanoparticle with Marine Sponge Derived Dipeptide for Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy in Liver Cancer Cells and their Toxicity Evaluation on Embryonic Zebrafish
Authors: Karanam Gayathri , Kumar Arumugam Madan , Yerukalapudi Chinmai Sriamulya , Natesh Nagabhishek Sirpu , Boddula Rajender , Pothu Ramyakrishna 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Nanomaterials-based cancer therapy plays a significant role in increasing
the therapeutic efficiency of anticancer drugs, reducing side effects and targeted delivery of the drug
payloads. The present study was aimed to enhance the anticancer effect of a novel dipeptide isolated
from marine sponge-associated Bacillus pumilus AMK1 by formulating with Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles
for the effective treatment against HepG2 liver cancer cells.

Methods:
ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical method and size of the nanoparticle was
characterized by Scanning electron microscope, X-Ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy. Furthermore, ZnO nanoparticles were conjugated with the isolated dipeptide and evaluated
for anticancer activity. In addition, distinct morphological changes were observed by performing
apoptotic staining methods such as propidium iodide staining and acridine orange/ ethidium bromide
staining. Furthermore, embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of conjugated dipeptide on the development
of zebrafish embryo were investigated in this study.

Results:
It was observed that conjugated dipeptide showed enhanced cytotoxicity against HepG2 liver
cancer cells without any toxic effect on normal liver cells. ZnO with dipeptide showed significant
higher apoptosis of liver cancer cells, with around 19% in early apoptosis and 53% in late apoptosis
stage. The obtained results suggest that ZnO nanoparticle conjugated dipeptide initiated cytotoxicity
through apoptotic death in HepG2 cells. The embryotoxic studies in zebrafish embryos revealed the
LC50 197.0 μg/mL. These findings suggest that conjugated dipeptide affected the development of
zebrafish embryos only at relatively higher concentrations.

Conclusion:
The experimental results demonstrate that ZnO nanoparticle conjugated dipeptide has
the potential to improve anticancer efficacy against liver cancer cells by inducing apoptosis in cancer
cells without any effect on normal liver cells.
SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF FLAX FIBER POLYMER COMPOSITES: A REVIEW.
Authors: Arunprasath K. , Arumugaprabu V. , Amuthakkannan P. , Manikandan V. 
Published: January 2020

:
The application of flax fiber is vast in the various fields as textiles made from flax are known in the Western countries as linen, and traditionally used for bed sheets, underclothes, and table linen. The specific properties that are responsible for the potential platform to next-generation structural applications in automobile and other consumer works. Due to its mechanical properties, which elaborately specify the single flax, hybridization of fiber with the manmade and with natural flax. Ultimately, in the end of the paper, we discussed with the proportion evaluation to know about the amount of research undergone with flax fiber. To identify the further quantum of work to be done in the all of the areas in that 36% of work done on mechanical property, 30% in novel performance work like simulation and model analysis, 18% of work going on marine, aeronautical related applications and only 16% work carried out in structural related applications. From the literature study, the usage of flax fiber has lankness in a variety of applications in various fields. In the future, the flax fiber will reduce the utilization of synthetic fiber, by producing an eco-friendly environment in all type of products wherever replacement is possible.
ВПЛИВ ІНСУЛІНОРЕЗИСТЕНТНОСТІ НА ТИРЕОЇДНИЙ ГОМЕОСТАЗ ЩУРІВ ЗА УМОВ ВРОДЖЕНОГО ТА НАБУТОГО ЙОДОДЕФІЦИТУ
Authors: Стецев'ят В. Б. , Воронич-Семченко Н. М. 
Published: January 2020

Резюме. Зважаючи на поширеність цукрового діабету, високий ризик розвитку йододефіцитних захворювань в Україні, особливо в ендемічних регіонах, представляє інтерес з’ясування тиреоїдного профілю за умов інсулінорезистентності. Такі дані дозволять розширити профілактичні заходи та діагностику мінімальної тиреоїдної недостатності. Мета дослідження – дослідити вплив інсулінорезистентності на тиреоїдний гомеостаз щурів за умов вродженого та набутого йододефіциту з урахування статевого диморфізму.
У результаті дослідження у сироватці крові інсулінорезистентних тварин виявили зменшення вмісту тиреотропного гормону аденогіпофіза – ТТГ (достовірними були тільки зміни у самок – на 43 %, p1-2 <0,05), вільного трийодтироніну (fТ3) – у самців та самок на 36 та 39% (p1-2 <0,05) відповідно, тоді як рівень вільного тироксину (fТ4) достовірно не відрізнявся від контролю. Така динаміка зумовила суттєве зниження індекса ТТГ/fТ4 (більше у самок) щодо вихідних даних. Підтверджено, що інсулінорезистентність порушує механізми гіпоталамо-гіпофізарної регуляції, що супроводжується змінами компенсаторної реакції щитоподібної залози на вплив струмогенів. Тому маркерами для діагностики порушень тиреоїдного гомеостазу за умов інсулінорезистентності є зниження індексів ТТГ/fТ4, fТ3/fТ4. Йододефіцит супроводжується переважною секрецією fТ3 на тлі гіпертиреотропії, що зумовлює зростання ТТГ/fТ4, а також індекса периферичної конверсії fТ3/fТ4. Таким чином, встановлено, що інсулінорезистентність є фактором ризику розвитку гіпотиреоїдної дисфункції. Більш небезпечним є розвиток інсулінорезистентності на тлі йододефіциту (особливо за умов вродженої йодної депривації). Ймовірність формування тиреоїдної дисфункції вища у статевозрілих самок.
Tecendo habilidades empáticas: uma experiência com crianças e adolescentes
Authors: Oliveira Mychelle Maria Santos de , Silva Maria Camila da , Costa Sara Raquel Araújo , Silva Teresinha de Jesus Sousa , Andrade Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Gonçalves , Conceição Pedro Wilson Ramos da , Castro Avelino Ribeiro , Said Érika Castelo Branco , Lemos Ana Valéria Lopes , Carvalho Izabel Cristina Vale de , Araújo Zaira Arthemisa Mesquita , Gonçalves Francisca Tatiana Dourado 
Published: January 2020

Objetivo: Relatar as experiências advindas da aplicação de um projeto de intervenção, realizado em um Centro da Juventude. Detalhamento do Caso: O projeto é resultado do Estágio Básico em Psicologia Social e Comunitária. As intervenções foram realizadas durante oito encontros, com o público infantil e juvenil do Centro da Juventude de um município do interior do Maranhão, durante o primeiro semestre de 2019. As atividades foram realizadas com aproximadamente trinta assistidos e os instrumentos foram selecionados para atuar em prol do coletivo. Para isso, utilizou-se as dinâmicas de grupo e os jogos cooperativos com a finalidade de estimular a empatia e promover o autoconhecimento e reconhecimento do próximo entre os assistidos desse equipamento. Considerações Finais: O uso de atividades dinâmicas e cooperativas mostrou-se eficaz para o exercício da prática do respeito, escuta e de um novo olhar sobre o outro, logo, contribui com o fortalecimento de vínculo entre os assistidos e promove bem-estar.
La poesía de la intimidad: Displazement como recurso para alcanzar la libertad
Authors: Paulín Ríos María Teresa , Pérez Cesari María de Lourdes , Simón Fuentes Mayra Edith 
Published: January 2020

Resultado de un proyecto de investigación titulado Creación transdisciplinaria en espacios alternativos a partir del Displazement, financiado por el Programa de Mejoramiento del Profesorado (PROMEP), la puesta en escena de Altazor o el viaje en paracaídas, se presentó en el Instituto de Artes de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo (UAEH). El objetivo de esta investigación fue la creación de un espacio íntimo a través de un lenguaje generado a partir del sincretismo entre el displazement (variante del parkour) y el teatro. Este artículo es un estudio que recoge, organiza y examina los elementos que integran la creación del espacio escénico y muestra la visión de un proyecto transdisciplinar que utiliza la técnica de una disciplina urbana, como recurso para alcanzar la libertad.