bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The local hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in cultured human dermal papilla cells
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Nam You Jin , Kang Sangjin , Choi Eun Ju , Han Inbo , Kim Jinwan , Kim Dong Hyun , An Ji Hae , Lee Sunghou , Lee Min Ho , Chung Ji Hyung 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Stress is an important cause of skin disease, including hair loss. The hormonal response to stress is due to the HPA axis, which comprises hormones such as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) , adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) , and cortisol. Many reports have shown that CRF, a crucial stress hormone, inhibits hair growth and induces hair loss. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of CRF on human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) as well as hair follicles and to investigate whether the HPA axis was established in cultured human DPCs.Results: CRF inhibited hair shaft elongation and induced early catagen transition in human hair follicles. Hair follicle cells, both human DPCs and human ORSCs, expressed CRF and its receptors and responded to CRF. CRF inhibited the proliferation of human DPCs through cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) . Anagen-related cytokine levels were downregulated in CRF-treated human DPCs. Interestingly, increases in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) , ACTH, and cortisol were induced by CRF in human DPCs, and antagonists for the CRF receptor blocked the effects of this hormone. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that stress can cause hair loss by acting through stress hormones. Additionally, these results suggested that a fully functional HPA axis exists in human DPCs and that CRF directly affects human DPCs as well as human hair follicles under stress conditions.
Multiplex and On-site PCR detection of swine diseases based on the microfluidic chip system
Authors: Zhou Bin , Jiang Yan , Wu Yue , Jiang Shan , Wang Kaiming , Zeng Dexin , Chen Gan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background：﻿At present, the process of inspection and quarantine starts with sampling at the customs port, continues with transporting the samples to the central laboratory for inspection experiments, and ends with the inspected results being fed back to the port. This process takes a rather long time, has the risks of degradation of biological samples [32] and generation of pathogenic microorganisms [33], and does not meet the rapid on-site detection demand [34]. Therefore, development of a technology for rapid and high- throughput detection of pathogenic microorganisms at the customs port is of great significance. This study was to develop a microfluidic chip to be applied to rapid high-throughput swine disease detection with higher accuracy and lower risk of spreading pathogenic microorganisms during transportation.Results: PCR technology has the advantages of high accurate and sensitivity in disease detection, clinical testing and food quarantine, so it plays an important role in customs inspection. However, the traditional PCR detection instrument has a large size, is time-consuming and has strict requirements on the experimental environment, which greatly limit its application in on-site testing. In this paper, the clinical samples of four swine diseases were detected by a portable and rapid microfluidic PCR system, which could achieve a on- site real-time quantitative PCR detection. Eight clinical samples were detected together on the microfluidic chip in the system, and the detection results were obtained in about an hour. The detection limit of this microfluidic PCR detection system was as low as 1 copies/μL. The results show that the high sensitivity and specificity of the microfluidic PCR detection system in disease detection will play an important role in customs inspection and quarantine during customs clearance.Conclusion: The microfluidic PCR detection system established in this study could meet the requirements for rapid detection of samples at the customs portThe new method can avoid the risky process of transporting the samples from the sampling site to the testing lab, and drastically reducing the inspection cycle, and would enable parallel inspections on one chip which greatly raising the efficiency of inspection.
Exposure to occupational hazards among bakers and their coping mechanisms in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Bonsu Winifred Serwaa , Adei Dina , Agyemang-Duah Williams 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite the contribution of the baking industry to employment creation and income generation in low-and middle-income countries, the sector is also prone to occupational health and safety challenges which could undermine the quality of life and wellbeing of bakers within the industry. However, studies on the exposure to occupational hazards among bakers and the strategies they employ to control their exposure to occupational hazards are still lacking in Ghana. In this study, we aimed at examining the exposure to occupational hazards among bakers in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana and further explore their coping mechanisms. Methods: By employing a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted among 172 bakers in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. A questionnaire consisting of both closed and open-ended questions was used to take data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were adopted to analyze the data. Results: We found that the participants were exposed to different types of occupational hazards including physical (noise, flour dust/smoke, fire, and high temperature), biological (mosquitoes, insects and rodents), psychosocial (stress, verbal abuse, and poor interpersonal relationship), chemical (chemicals in the local soap used to clean and wash napkins after baking), and ergonomic hazards (standing, sitting and bending repetitively). Some of the coping mechanisms employed to reduce exposure to the various types of occupational hazards comprise the use of a wooden and metallic peel to place and remove bread from the oven, removing excess fire from the oven with a peel, use of mosquito repellent and coil, rest breaks and staying hydrated. Conclusion: The findings from this study are therefore critical to informing policymakers in implementing occupational health and safety policies to safeguard the health of bakers in Ghana and other low-and middle-income countries. We suggest that there should be participatory and action-oriented programs organized for bakers at their weekly meetings to discuss relevant occupational health and safety issues. Union executives should carry out worksite inspection accompanied by a checklist to monitor the progress of the sessions held during meetings.
Gene networks and expression quantitative trait loci associated with platinum-based chemotherapy response in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Choi Jihoon , Tarnouskaya Anastasiya , Nesdoly Sean , Topouza Danai G. , Koti Madhuri , Duan Qingling 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background A major impediment in the treatment of ovarian cancer is the relapse of platinum-resistant tumors, which occurs in approximately 25% of patients. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying platinum-based response will improve treatment efficacy through genetic testing and novel therapies.Methods Using data from high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we classified those who remained progression-free for 12 months following platinum-based chemotherapy as “chemo-sensitive” (N=160) and those who had recurrence within six months as “chemo-resistant” (N=110). Univariate and multivariate analysis of expression microarrays identified differentially expressed genes and co-expression gene networks associated with chemotherapy response. Moreover, we integrated genomics data to determine expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL).Results Differential expression of the Valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene and five co-expression gene networks were associated with chemotherapy response in HGSOC. VCP and the gene networks contribute to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, which has been implicated in chemotherapy response. These findings were successfully replicated using independent replication cohort. Furthermore, 192 QTLs were associated with these gene networks and BRCA2 expression.Conclusion This study implicates both known and novel genes as well as biological networks underlying response to platinum-based chemotherapy among HGSOC patients.
Clinicopathological significance and prognosis of long noncoding RNA SNHG16 expression in human cancers: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jiao Ruonan , Jiang Wei , Wei Xin , Zhang Mengpei , Zhao Si , Huang Guangming 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Recent studies have highlighted the important role of long non-coding RNA SNHG16 in various human cancers. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of SNHG16 expression on clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with different kinds of human cancers.Methods We performed a systematic search in electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, to investigate the potential association between SNHG16 expression and prognostic significance and clinical features in cancer patients. Odds ratios (ORs) or hazards ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled to estimate the prognosis value of SNHG16 by StataSE 15.0 software.Results A total of 16 eligible studies with 1299 patients were enrolled in our meta-analysis. The results revealed that increased expression level of SNHG16 was significantly associated with larger tumor size (OR: 3.357; 95% CI: 2.173-5.185; P < 0.001), advanced TNM stage (OR: 2.930; 95% CI: 1.522-5.640; P = 0.001) and poor histological grade (OR: 3.943; 95% CI: 1.955-7.952; P < 0.001), but not correlated with smoking status (P = 0.489), sex (P = 0.932), distant metastasis (P = 0.052), or lymph node metastasis (P = 0.155). Moreover, the pooled HR showed that elevated expression SNHG16 was associated with a significantly poorer overall survival (OS) (HR=1.866, 95% CI: 1.571-2.216, P <0.001).Conclusions LncRNA SNHG16 overexpression might serve as a convinced unfavorable prognostic factor, which provides a basis for medical workers to evaluate the prognosis of patients and to help the decision-making process.
Factors associated with maternal near-miss at Public hospitals of South-East Ethiopia: An institutional based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mekonnen Ashenafi , Fikadu Genet , Seyoum Kenbon , Ganfure Gemechu , Degno Sisay , Atlaw Daniel , Nigussie Abebaw 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Maternal near-miss precedes maternal mortality and women are still alive indicating that the numbers of near misses occur more often than maternal mortality. This study aims to assess the prevalence of maternal near-miss and associated factors at public hospitals of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia.Methods Facility-based cross-sectional study design was carried out from October 1, 2018, to February 28, 2019, among 300 women admitted to maternity wards. A structured questionnaire and checklist were used to collect data. Epi-info for data entry and statistical package for social science for analysis were used. The descriptive findings were summarized using tables and text. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05 were used to examine the association between the independent and dependent variables.Result The prevalence of maternal near-miss in our study area was 28.7%. Being age less than 20 years, age of first marriage less than 20 years, having husband with primary school complete and being from rural residence are factors significantly associated with maternal near miss. The zonal health department in collaboration with the education department and Justice Office has to mitigate early marriage by educating the community about the impacts of early marriage on health.
Lower level of complement component C3 and C3a in the plasma means poor outcome in the patients with hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Li Qian , Lu Qing , Zhu Meng-Qi , Huang Chong , Yu Kang-Kang , Huang Yu-Xian , Zhao Xu , Luo Xing-Guang , Zheng Jian-Ming 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not the complement system is activated systemically activated and to specify the clinical and prognostic implications of its components during hepatitis B virus related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF).Methods Blood samples from twenty-seven patients diagnosed with HBV-ACLF, twenty-five patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B but without liver failure, and nine health volunteers were enrolled in this survey. Plasma complement components were measured with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlative analysis were assessed between the levels of complement components and the liver failure related index.Results The concentrations of C1q, C3, C3a, C4, C4a and sC5b-9 were significantly higher in the control group than those in the HBV-ACLF group (3.5, 2.4, 2.1, 1.4, 1.3 and 6.0 fold, respectively). However, there was no statistical significance of the differences in the plasma concentrations of mannose binding lectin and factor B between the HBV-ACLF and control groups. The levels of C3 and C3a were inversely correlated with MELDs (P < 0.05) or CLIF-C OFs (P < 0.05).Conclusions Our data demonstrated that the plasma levels of C3 and C3a might be potential novel biomarkers to predict the outcome of HBV-ACLF.
Dihydrolipoic acid protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced behavioral deficits and neuroinflammation via regulation of Nrf2/HO-1/ NLRP3 signaling in rat
Authors: Bian Hetao , Wang Gaohua , Huang Junjie , Liang Liang , Zheng Yage , Wei Yanyan , Wang Hui , Xiao Ling , Wang Huiling 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Recently, depression has been identified as prevalent and severe mental disorder. However, the mechanisms underlying the depression risk remain elusive. The neuroinflammation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation are known to be involved in the pathology of depression. Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) has been reported as a strong antioxidant and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in various diseases, albeit the direct relevance between DHLA and depression is yet unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-depressant effects and potential mechanism of DHLA in the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression animal model. Methods: Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were utilized. LPS and DHLA were injected intraperitoneally every 2 days and daily, respectively. Fluoxetine(Flu) was injected intraperitoneally daily. PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK, was injected intraperitoneally one hour before DHLA injection daily. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for nuclear factor erythroid 2-like (Nrf2) was injected into the bilateral hippocampus 14 days before the DHLA injection. Depression-like behavior tests were performed. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining detected the ERK/Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins. Results: The DHLA and fluoxetine treatment exerted anti-depressant effects in LPS-induced depression rats. The DHLA treatment increased the expression of ERK, Nrf2, and HO-1 but decreased the ROS generation levels and reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1b in LPS-induced depression rats. PD98059 abolished the effects of DHLA on anti-depression as well as the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. Similarly, Nrf2 siRNA reversed the anti-depressant effect of DHLA administration via the decreased expression of HO-1. Conclusions: These findings suggested that DHLA exerted anti-depressant-like effects via ERK/Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 pathway in LPS-induced depression rats. Thus, DHLA may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.
Treatment of thoracolumbar fractures by temporary posterior instrumentation with selective fusion schemes
Authors: Zheng Xiaochen , Liu Jia , Jiang Enze , Niu DongYang , Li Peng , Hou XiuWei , Xu Guohua 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective: This retrospective study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes following temporary transpedicular posterior instrumentation between two cohorts of patients with thoracolumbar fractures (TLF) who underwent selective or bi-segments intervertebral articular process fusion.Materials and Methods: Patients with TLF who underwent the temporary posterior fixation with selective fusion (Group SF), or bi-segments fusion (Group BF) were studied. Superior intervertebral articular process and interlaminar fusion were performed in Group SF, whereas in Group BF, the patients underwent bi-segments fusion in both superior and inferior articular processes, as well as interlaminar fusion. We measured the distal and proximal intervertebral mobility, regional kyphotic angle, and vertebral height before and after surgery in both groups. Greenough Low-Back Outcome Score was used to assess the clinical outcomes.Results: Sixty-five patients with TLF from T12 to L2 fractures were enrolled in the study period: 23 patients in the Group SF and 22 patients in the Group BF. All the patients experienced fracture healing (mean follow-up time: 19.7 months). The mean postoperative functional outcomes were 65.0±2.0 points for the Low-Back Outcome Score in the Group SF and 65.2±1.8 for the Group BF. A progressive regional kyphotic angle was observed with time regardless of fusion but was not significantly different between the two groups. There was a statistical difference between unfused inferior proximal adjacent and inferior distal adjacent segment regardless of fracture segments.Conclusion: The strategy of selective fusion is reported to be useful for the treatment of patients with TLF. The motion in the un-fused and adjacent segment could be better regained after instrumentation removal in the selectively fusion group.
Chitotriosidase, a biomarker of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis accentuates neurodegeneration in spinal motor neurons through neuroinflammation.
Authors: Varghese Anu Mary , Ghosh Mausam , Bhagat Savita Kumari , Vijayalakshmi K , Preethish-Kumar Veeramani , Vengalil Seena , Chevula Pradeep-Chandra-Reddy , Nashi Saraswati , Polavarapu Kiran , Sharma Meenakshi , Dhaliwal Rupinder Singh , Philip Mariamma , Nalini Atchayaram , Alladi Phalguni Anand , Sathyaprabha Talakad N , Raju Trichur R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Cerebrospinal fluid from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients (ALS-CSF) induces neurodegenerative changes in motor neurons and gliosis in sporadic ALS models. Search for identification of toxic factor(s) in CSF revealed an enhancement in the level and enzyme activity of chitotriosidase (CHIT-1). Here, we have investigated its upregulation in a large cohort of samples and more importantly its role in ALS pathogenesis in a rat model. Methods CHIT-1 level in CSF samples from ALS (n=158), non-ALS (n=12) and normal (n=48) subjects were measured using ELISA. Enzyme activity was also assessed (ALS, n=56; non-ALS, n=10 and normal-CSF, n=45). Recombinant CHIT-1 was intrathecally injected into Wistar rat neonates. Lumbar spinal cord sections were stained for Iba1, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Choline Acetyl Transferase to identify microglia, astrocytes and motor neurons respectively after 48 hrs of injection. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 was measured by ELISA. Findings CHIT-1 level in ALS-CSF samples was increased by twenty folds and it can distinguish ALS patients with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 83·3% at a cut off level of 1405·43 pg/ml. Enzyme activity of CHIT-1 was also fifteen folds higher in ALS-CSF and has a sensitivity of 80·4% and specificity of 80% at cut off value of 0·1077989μmol/μl/min. Combining CHIT-1 level and activity together gave a positive predictive value of 97·78% and negative predictive value of 100%. Administration of CHIT-1 increased microglial numbers and astrogliosis in the ventral horn with a concomitant increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Amoeboid shaped microglial and astroglial cells were also present around the central canal. CHIT-1 administration also resulted in the reduction of motor neurons.Conclusions CHIT-1, an early diagnostic biomarker of sporadic ALS activates glia priming them to attain a toxic phenotype resulting in neuroinflammation leading to motor neuronal death.
Community health volunteers’ contribution to Tuberculosis patients notified to National Tuberculosis program in Kenya
Authors: Abongo Tabitha , Ulo Benson , Karanja Sarah 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Contact investigation is important in finding contacts who have Tuberculosis (TB) disease so that they can be given treatment and stop further transmission. The main objective of this study was to assess the contribution of community health volunteers (CHVs) to the number of TB patients notified to the National program in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish the total number of households of TB index cases visited by CHVs for contact screening, identify the total number of household members screened for TB and establish the number of persons referred for further TB investigation and the number identified with TB.Methods This was a retrospective desk review of project reports submitted to Amref Health Africa in Kenya by the sub recipients implementing activities in the 33 counties with Case Notification Rate (CNR) of less 175/100,000 and Treatment Success Rate (TRS) of less than 88% as per the National strategic plan 2015-2018. Data for this study covered a time period between January and December 2016. Data on the notified TB patients was obtained from the National Tuberculosis Information Basic Unit (TIBU). The study population included all the TB index cases whose households were visited by CHVs for contact screening. Data was analyzed descriptively.Results CHVs visited a total of 26,307 TB patients in their households for contact screening. A total of 44,617 household members were screened for TB with 43,012 (96.40%) coming from households of bacteriologically confirmed TB patients and 1,606 (3.60%) from households of children under 5 years. The proportion of the persons referred in relation to number screened was 19.6% for those over 5 years and 21.9% from under 5 years with almost the same percentages for male and female at 19.2% and 19.7% respectivelyConclusions This study showed that in the 33 counties of Global Fund TB project implementation the percentage of TB cases identified through tracing of contacts improved from 6% to 10% while the percentage of notified TB cases; all forms contributed through community referrals improved from 4% to 8%. Community health volunteers can play an effective role in household contact screening and referrals for identification of TB.