bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4) and Associated Factors in Early Gestation Among Pregnant Women Attending ANC Clinic in Nekemte Referral Hospital Western Oromia, Ethiopia.
Authors: Hirpa Regea Dabsu , Heyi Worku Dechassa , Roro Elias Merdassa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Thyroid function testing in pregnancy is an area of concern for pregnant women, doctors and laboratories. Some women are known to have thyroid disease before pregnancy and require monitoring to ensure no harm comes to them or their baby. Thyroid disorders can have adverse reproductive and pregnancy implications. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess blood level of thyroid function test during early gestation and assess associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic in Nekemte Referral Hospital.Methods: Facility-based Cross-sectional study design was deployed to collect information from 300 Pregnant women (<20 gestation weeks) attending antenatal clinic from March to May, 2017. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain information and blood samples were collected from pregnant women for estimation of thyroid function test after getting written consent. Data was entered to Epi info version 3.5.3, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 24 and Multivariable analysis were used to examine the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Significance was declared at P-value 0.05.Result: A total of 300 pregnant women were interviewed and blood sample collected from them for thyroid function test with a response rate of 90.1%. Among the study subjects 14(4.7%) have Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH). Husband occupation, presence of Radio in the household, presence of television in their house and treating drinking water at household level were among factors associated with development of Hypothyroidism.Conclusion and Recommendation: In this study, Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) among pregnant women in early gestation is significant 14(4.7%) above the expected 2.5% of American thyroid association cut point. Husband occupation, Presence of media for information and treatment of drinking water were the associated factors. So, health workers should always update pregnant women on importance of consuming proper utilization of iodized salt. Health workers shall also teach pregnant women on personal and environmental hygiene.
miR-720 Regulates Insulin Secretion by Targeting Rab35
Authors: Lu Chunting , Wang Dan , Feng Yunlu , Feng Lie , Li Zejian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: miRNAs pose a good prospect in the diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to investigate whether miR-720 targets Rab35 to regulate insulin secretion in MIN6 cells and its molecular mechanism, and the clinical value of miR-720 as a specific biomarker of T2D. Methods: Fifty-five samples of new diagnosis T2D patients and normal control were collected. Levels of miR-720, fasting blood glucose, insulin and other indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism were determined. We increased and decreased miR-720 expression using miR-720 mimic and inhibitor to identify the effect of miR-720 on insulin secretion in MIN6 cells, respectively. Then we used miR-720 mimic, miR-720 inhibitor and dual luciferase reporter gene assays to prove miR-720 regulate insulin secretion by targeting Rab35 in MIN6 cells. In addition, we overexpressed and silenced of Rab35 gene to detect the expression of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in MIN6 cells by RT-PCR and western blot. Results: Circulating miR-720 was significantly higher in T2D group than control group, and miR-270 was positive correlated with fasting blood glucose, while negatively correlated with insulin. Overexpression of miR-720 inhibited insulin secretion and miR-720 downregulation promoted insulin secretion. miR-720 regulated insulin secretion by targeting Rab35 in MIN6 cells. Compared with the control group, the expression of PI3K, Akt and mTOR was significantly decreased by overexpression of Rab35 gene, while silencing Rab35 gene could induce the expression of PI3K, Akt and mTOR. Conclusions: We conclude that miR-720 may as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of T2D. Increase of miR-720 reduced Rab35 expression then activate PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway, thus inhibiting insulin secretion.
Effects of Early Neurological Deterioration in Acute Ischemic Stroke on Multiple Dimensions of Functional Outcomes using Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Qu Jian-Feng , Zhong Huo-Hua , Liang Wen-Cong , Chen Yang-Kun , Liu Yong-lin , Wang Shi-fang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Early neurological deterioration (END) is common in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its effect on functional outcomes is not well understood. Here, we explored the effects of END on multiple dimensions of functional outcomes.Methods: 256 patients with AIS were analyzed. All patients were followed up for 1 year. We used the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) to assess body function impairment, the Lawton activities of daily living scale to assess activity limitations, and the reintegration to normal living index (RNLI) to assess participation restrictions. Brain MRI was performed to identify acute infarcts and preexisting abnormalities. To reduce the effects of a lack of randomization, we conducted a propensity score analysis. Results: Among 256 patients with AIS, 61(23.8%) patients had END. Before matching, patients with END had higher levels of small artery-type stroke, higher NIHSS scores on arrival, higher systolic blood pressure on admission, and larger infarct volumes. After matching, there were no significant differences between the two groups in any clinical or neuroimaging variables, except for stroke subtype and cortical region infarct. Logistic regression analysis revealed that END was a significant predictor of poor mRS (odds ratio [OR], 3.829; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.367–10.723, p = 0.011) and poor RNLI (OR, 2.777; 95% CI, 1.133–6.806, p = 0.026) scores after adjusting for confounding factors.Conclusions: END is relatively common in AIS. END might be a significant predictor of poor functional outcomes, including body function impairment and reduced social participation.
Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells Increase Chi3l1 Secretion in exosome to Activate Myh9 and Promote Proliferation through Connexin47 Connected to Astrocytes
Authors: Jiang Lu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Dan , Zhang Wenjin , Peng GuoGuang , Tang Yong , Peng Yan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Neurodegenerative diseases, caused by the loss of neurons or myelin sheath, are some of the most important neurological diseases that threaten the health of the elderly. In the CNS, oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the only cells that can form myelin. Astrocytes (ASTs) play a generally beneficial role in remyelination, including the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to OLs. However, the specific downstream mechanism is unclear.Methods: This study investigated the proliferation of OPCs in OPCs mono-culture, OPCs culture with ASTs supernatant, and ASTs-OPCs co-culture. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes after transcriptome sequencing of these OPCs. Electron microscope, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Fluorescence tracing of exosomes and Western blot were used to evaluate the effects of exsomes. Pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry analys were conducted to find the downstream signal proliferation which is transmitted information into OPCs.Reasults: Direct contact co-culture of ASTs and OPCs promotes the proliferation of OPCs. After Cx47 siRNA interference under ASTs-OPCs co-culture, Chi3l1 secretion in exosome reveals associated decrease, and OPCs proliferation decreased. The cell proliferation induced by Chi3l1 was inhibited after siRNA interfered with Myh9, and the expression of cyclin D1 was also decreased.Conclusions: These results suggest that ASTs transmit information to OPCs by increasing gap junction channel Cx47, thereby promoting the secretion of Chi3l1 in exosome of OPCs. The secretory form of Chi3l1 in exosome might be easier to enter the target cell than in extracellular supernatant, which is beneficial to the activation of Myh9 to promote OPCs proliferation. This may be a potential target for drugs rescuing neurodegeneration diseases related to remyelination.
A Novel Process to Recruit Community Partners for a Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Study
Authors: Leone Lucia A. , Kasprzak Christina , Lally Anne , Haynes-Maslow Lindsey , Vermont Leah N. , Horrigan-Maurer Caroline , Tumiel-Berhalter Laurene , Ammerman Alice , Raja Samina 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCreating strong partnerships with community organizations is essential to testing implementation of evidence-based interventions. Given the time and investment needed to build relationships, partners are often chosen based on convenience, rather than capacity or diversity. Streamlined processes are needed to identify qualified, diverse, and invested partners to conduct community-based implementation research. Currently there is a gap in the literature on effective and efficient methods for recruiting implementation partners. The goal of this paper is to fill that gap by describing a novel process for identifying a diverse group of community organizations to participate in implementation research.MethodsWe used a community-guided Request for Partners (RFP) approach to recruit implementation partners to participate in a cluster-randomized hybrid implementation-effectiveness study of the Veggie Van mobile produce market model. The multi-state RFP process included formative work to inform RFP development, creation of an outside selection committee, an intent-to-apply round, a full application round, and an in-person training and selection process. Chosen implementation partners receive a toolkit, training, technical assistance and funding to offset the costs of implementing the Veggie Van model and assisting with research. Data was collected to characterize applicant size, location and experience; pre-post surveys were conducted to understand the utility of the in-person training.ResultsWe received 59 intent-to-apply submissions, of which we invited 28 organizations to complete full applications: 17 submitted applications and 12 finalists were invited to the in-person training and selection process. The RFP process took approximately eight months to recruit nine organizations and 32 community sites across five states with a range of size and experience. The process increased understanding of the intervention and implementation partner responsibilities; 63.6% of finalists reported being very to extremely familiar with the Veggie Van model post-training compared to 28.6% pre-training. Only one finalist dropped out (due to significant organizational change).ConclusionsAn RFP process is familiar to even small community organizations that compete for grant funding, but may not have prior research experience. This RFP process streamlined partner recruitment timelines, increased partner diversity and cultivated community among mobile market organizations. It may also improve research transparency, study completion and intervention fidelity.
Sentiment Analysis on UAV-aided Product Comments Based on Machine Learning: From Sentence to Document Level
Authors: CAO JINGYANG , Yin Shirong , Zhang Guoxu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a novel approach to analyze the sentiment of the product comments from sentence to document level and apply to the customers sentiment analysis on UAV-aided product comments for hotel management. In order to realize the effiffifficient sentiment analysis, a cascaded sentence-to-document sentiment classifification method is investigated. Initially, a supervised machine learning method is applied to explore the sentiment polarity of the sentence (SPS). Afterward, the contribution of the sentence to document (CSD) is calculated by using various statistical algorithms. Lastly, the sentiment polarity of the document (SPD) is determined by the SPS as well as its contribution. Comparative experiments have been established on the basis of hotel online comments, and the outcomes indicate that the proposed method not only raises the effiffifficiency in attaining a more accurate result but also assists immensely in regards to the B5G wireless communication supported by the UAV. The fifindings provide a new perspective that sentence position and its sentiment similarity with document (sentiment condition) dramatically disclose the relationship between sentence and document.
Integrating a Genome-Wide Association Study With Transcriptome Analyses to Identify Candidate Genes and Pathways for Feed Conversion Ratio in Yorkshire Pigs
Authors: miao yuanxin , mei quanshun , fu chuanke , liao mingxing , Li xinyun , zhao shuhong , Xiang Tao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Feed conversion ratio (FCR) is an important productive trait that largely affects profits in pig industry. Elucidating the genetic mechanisms underpinning the FCR potentially promote the efficiencies of improving FCR through artificial selection. In this study, we integrated a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with transcriptome analyses in different tissues in Yorkshire pigs (YY), aimed at identifying key genes and signaling pathways significantly associated with FCR.Results: A total of 61 significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were detected by GWAS in YY. All of these SNPs are located on porcine chromosome (SSC) 5 and the covered region was considered as a quantitative trait locus (QTL) region for FCR. Some genes that distributed around these significant SNPs were considered as the candidates for regulating FCR, including TPH2, FAR2, IRAK3, YARS2, GRIP1, FRS2, CNOT2 and TRHDE. According to the transcriptome analyses in hypothalamus, TPH2 exhibits abilities of regulating the intestinal motility by a serotonergic synapse and an oxytocin signaling pathway. In addition, GRIP1 is involved in a glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling pathway, which regulates FCR through affecting the appetite in pigs. Moreover, GRIP1, FRS2, CNOT2, TRHDE regulates the metabolism in various tissues by a thyroid hormone signaling pathway.Conclusions: Synthesizes results from GWAS and transcriptome analyses, TPH2, GRIP1, FRS2, TRHDE, CNOT2 genes were considered as candidate genes for regulating FCR in Yorkshire pigs. These findings help to improve the understandings of the genetic mechanism of FCR and potentially optimize the design of breeding schemes.
Hu Qian Wan Decoction Promotes Tendon-bone Healing of the Rotator Cuff in Rats by Inducing the Release of Exosomes Containing Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Huang Yao , Wang Lei , He Bing , Zhang Fu-cheng , Yuan Bin , Shu Hao , Sun Lu-ning 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Hu Qian Wan decoction (HQWD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat many orthopedic diseases, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. This study aims to explore the mechanism by which HQWD promotes tendon-bone healing in the rotator cuff.Methods: Tendon-bone healing of the rotator cuff, serum exosome expression, and changes in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) in exosomes were analyzed after intragastric administration of HQWD in the rotator cuff reconstruction model of rats. The effects of Hu Qian Wan (HQW) on exosomes, IL-1RA, and Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) secretion were verified in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophage cells, and the effects of HQW on inflammasomes were observed. Results: HQWD intragastric administration increased proteoglycan and collagen Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) expression in the tendon-bone interface, improved the tendon-bone interface area, and augmented the maximum breaking load and stiffness of the rotator cuff. HQWD intragastric administration also increased rat exosome and IL-1RA expression in vivo. HQW promoted exosome and IL-1RA expression and suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in rat BMSCs and macrophage cells in vitro. Conclusions: HQWD inhibited inflammasome-related inflammation by inducing exosome and IL-1RA secretion in rats, thus, promoting tendon-bone healing of the rotator cuff.
Investigation of the Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Angiogenesis Through Network Pharmacology and Data Mining
Authors: Yun WingYan , Dan Wenchao , Liu Jinlei , Guo Xinyuan , Li Min , He Qingyong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough traditional Chinese medicine is safe for the clinical treatment of angiogenesis, the in vivo intervention mechanism is diverse, complex, and largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and their mechanisms for the treatment of angiogenesis.MethodsData on angiogenesis-related targets were collected from the GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, DrugBank, and DisGeNET databases. These were matched to related molecular compounds and ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology platform. The data were integrated; based on the condition of Degree >1 and relevant literature, a target-compound network as well as compound-medicine and target-compound-medicine networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Molecular docking was used to predict the predominant binding combination of core targets and components.ResultsWe obtained a total of 79 targets for angiogenesis, and 41 targets were matched to 3839 compounds. Then, 110 compounds were selected owing to their high correlation with angiogenesis. Fifty-five combinations in the network were obtained by molecular docking, among which PTGS2-Astragalin (-9.18 kcal/mol), KDR-Astragalin (-7.94 kcal/mol), PTGS2-quercetin (-7.41 kcal/mol), and PTGS2-myricetin (-7.21 kcal/mol) were the top combinations. These results indicated that the selected potential core compounds may have good binding activity with the core targets. Eighty new combinations were obtained from the network, and the top combinations based on affinity were KDR-beta-carotene (-10.13 kcal/mol), MMP9-beta-Sitosterol (-8.04 kcal/mol), MMP9-Astragalin (-7.82 kcal/mol), and MMP9-Diosgenin (-7.51 kcal/mol). The core targets included PTGS2, KDR, VEGFA, and MMP9. The essential components identified were astragalin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and β-sitosterol. The crucial Chinese medicines identified included Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, Morus alba Root Bark, and Forsythia Fructus.ConclusionsBy systematically analysing the essential ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and their targets, it is possible to determine their potential mechanism of action in the treatment of pathological angiogenesis. Our study provides a basis for further research and development of new therapeutics for angiogenesis.
Visceral leishmaniasis in an Ethiopian patient with COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Amogne Melaku Taye , Huluka Dawit Kebede , Tesfay Hiruy Araya , Mekonnen Nebiyu Getachew , Abule Hiluf Abate , Mekuria Asrat Hailu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has dominated global health conversations within a short period of time. It can seem as if the hugely significant burden of infectious diseases, including visceral leishmaniasis, are no longer a public health issue. We discuss in this case the clinical and public health implications of COVID-19 and Leishmania donovani co-infection.Case presentation An 18 years old male patient from Northwest Ethiopia diagnosed with COVID-19 and concomitant visceral leishmaniasis that ended in a fatal outcome. The rK39 rapid diagnostic test was positive, and the Giemsa stained bone marrow smears and culture confirmed the leishmanial infection.Conclusion This young man’s case demonstrated that the diagnosis and management of visceral leishmaniasis can be challenging in times of this pandemic. It is of crucial importance that clinicians have a high index of suspicion for a combination of COVID-19 and visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas.
The Effects of Materials Management Practices on Firm Performance in Ghana: Evidence from A Listed Company.
Authors: Essel Ronald Ebenezer 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Materials management practices has gained extensive prominence over the last few decades and continue to play a significant role in production and operations management.Objectives: The objective of this scientific inquiry is to empirically examine the effect of materials management practices on firm performance by exploring employee views within the Ghanaian context, focusing on Fan Milk Limited, a consumer good listed manufacturing firm in Ghana.Methods: A cross-sectional approach [research design] was espoused for the study, exploring quantitative research techniques for its analysis. The study was based on self-answering structured questionnaires completed by 240 respondents selected via stratified sampling. SPSS version 25.0 was utilised for data analysis. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, principal component analyses, exploratory factor analyses with varimax rotation, reliability and validity analyses, and multivariate regression analyses.Results: The study found significant positive relationships between all eight materials management practices constructs and firm performance. Findings revealed further that Economic Order Quantity construct (β=0.901, p=0.000) contributed most to firm performance whilst Ergonomics (β=0.105, p=0.002) contributed least to firm performance.Conclusion: Managerial recommendations via research findings established, should be taken critical for management of manufacturing firms when dealing with decisions influencing materials management and performance assessment by examining the possible feasibility of the eight materials management techniques exploited in this study as a relevant tool for initiating continuous performance improvement in Fan Milk Limited in particular and Ghana’s manufacturing industry in general.
Disparities between IgG4-related disease with and without kidney involvement: a case-control study based on 450 patients
Authors: Zeng Qiaozhu , Gao Jingyuan , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Aichun , Wang Zhenfan , Wang Ziqiao , Chi Xiying , Shi Qianyu , Wang Yi , Liu Yanying , Li Zhan-Guo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background We aimed to compare the demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics between IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD+) and extrarenal IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RKD-) in a large Chinese cohort, as well as describing the radiological and pathological features of IgG4-RKD+.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 450 IgG4-RD patients at Peking University People’s Hospital from January 2004 to January 2020.Results Among the 450 IgG4-RD patients, 66 were diagnosed with IgG4-RKD+. Compared with IgG4-RKD- patients, IgG4-RKD+ patients had older age at onset and at diagnosis (59 vs 54, P=0.007; 61 vs 56, P=0.002, respectively). Male to female ratio of IgG4-RKD+ patients is significantly higher (2.5:1 vs 1.2:1, P=0.015). In the IgG4-RKD+ group, the most commonly involved organs were salivary gland (54.6%), lymph nodes (47.0%) and pancreas (40.9%). More than three organs involved (OR=6.212), retroperitoneal fibrosis involvement (RPF) (OR=12.460) and low serum C3 level (OR=0.202) were risk factors for the kidney disease in IgG4-RD patients. It was found that renal function was impaired in more than 50% of IgG4-RKD+ patients. The most common imaging finding is multiple, often bilateral, hypodense lesions, followed by ureteric obstruction and hydronephrosis related to RPF, and thickening of the renal pelvic wall. Conclusions Involvement of three or more organs, retroperitoneal fibrosis and low serum C3 level were risk factors for the kidney disease in IgG4-RD patients. These findings indicate potential differences in pathogenesis of these two phenotypes.