bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dopaminergic stimulation leads B-cell infiltration into the central nervous system upon autoimmunity
Authors: Prado Carolina , Osorio-Barrios Francisco , Espinoza Alexandra , Saez Juan J , Yuseff María I , Pacheco Rodrigo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent evidence has shown dopamine as a major regulator of inflammation. Accordingly, dopaminergic regulation of adaptive and innate immune cells plays an important role in the physiopathology of inflammatory disorders. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease involving a CD4+ T-cell-driven autoimmune response to central nervous system (CNS) derived antigens. Evidence from animal models has suggested that B-cells play a fundamental role as antigen-presenting cells (APC) re-stimulating CD4+ T-cells in the CNS as well as regulating T-cell response by mean of inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. Here we addressed the role of the dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3), which display the highest affinity for dopamine, in B-cells in animal models of MS.Methods: Mice harbouring Drd3-deficient or Drd3-suficient B-cells were generated by bone marrow transplantation into recipient mice devoid of B-cells. In these mice we compare the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by immunization with a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-derived peptide (pMOG), a model that leads to CNS-autoimmunity irrespective of the APC function of B-cells, or by immunization with full-length human MOG protein (huMOG), a model in which antigen-specific activated B-cells display a fundamental APCs function in the CNS. Results: Our data shows that, by promoting the expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in autoreactive B-cells, DRD3-stimulation favours the CNS-tropism in a subset of B-cells that act as APC in the CNS, which is fundamental for disease development. Furthermore, we found that DRD3- stimulation induced the expression of the CNS-homing molecule CD49d in a B-cell subset with anti-inflammatory features, thus attenuating EAE manifestation in a CNS-autoimmunity model independent of the APC function of B-cells.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that DRD3-stimulation in B-cells exerts a dual role in CNS-autoimmunity, favouring CNS-tropism of pro-inflammatory B-cells with APC function, and also promoting CNS-homing of B-cells with anti-inflammatory features. Thus, these results show DRD3-stimulation in B-cells as a key regulator of CNS-autoimmunity.
Impact of placental malaria on maternal, placental and foetal cord responses and its role in pregnancy outcomes in women from Blue Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Omer Samia Ali , Franco-Jarava Clara , Noureldien Ali , Omer Mona , Abdelrahim Mutasim , Molina Israel , Adam Ishag 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected cells in the placenta results in placental malaria (PM). It activates a mother's immune cells and induces secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which might influence pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the inflammatory environment in maternal peripheral, placental, and umbilical cord blood in response to PM and the extent to which this may influence maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight
Methods
A total of 185 consenting Sudanese women from Blue Nile state were enrolled in a cross sectional conducted between Jan 2012-Dec2005. Malaria infection in the collected samples was determined microscopically, and ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels of the antibodies, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and INF γ in the collected positive and negative malaria samples.
Results
Elevated levels of antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced levels of IL-6 were detected in the malaria positive samples in comparison to the negative ones in the three types of samples investigated. Maternal antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the samples collected from the PM infected group compared to the non-infected control (P < 0.001). While the absence of PM was significantly associated with the IL-6 and maternal IFN-γ levels, maternal IL-17A, placental and umbilical cord IFN-γ levels showed no significant difference (P = 0.214, P = 0.065, P = 0.536 respectively) due to infection. Haemoglobin level and birth weight were increased in the group with high levels of IL-6 and IL-17A but not in the group with IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Only maternal peripheral FN-γ level was significantly positively correlated with maternal hemoglobin (r = 0.171, P = 0.020), and baby birth weight (r = 0.233, P = 0.001).
Conclusion
These results suggest that PM cross-reacts with the mother’s immune response and impairs her cytokine profile, which might alter maternal haemoglobin levels and the baby's birth weight.
Examination on Level of Scale Efficiency In Public Hospitals In Tanzania
Authors: Fumbwe Fatuma , Lihawa Robert , Andrew Felician , Kinyanjui George , Mkuna Eliaza 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Tanzania has implemented policies that aim at improving health sector performance as well as the general health status of citizens. Establishment of community insurance fund, increase government budget allocation in health sector, establishment of institutions for critical and special diseases like Tanzania Ocean road cancer institute, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute and many other that aim at improving sector efficiency. These efforts and policies had a direct impact on improving the health sector and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite these improvement efforts, the health sector continues to face enormous challenges. Among the major challenges identified is the level of inefficiencies in healthcare delivery. It is for this reason; this paper examines the scale efficiency level in Tanzania’s public hospitals.Methods: Using data from the Ministry of Health, this paper employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to examine Tanzania’s public hospital efficiency levels.Results: Findings showed that the average scale efficiency was 78.6%. and 72.9% for regional and district hospitals respectively. Additionally, 43.8% of the regional referral hospitals attained the most productive scale size compared to 21.05% in district hospitals.Conclusion: The study concludes that there is dire need for the ministry of health to consider resource reallocation across public hospitals. Periodic re-estimation of efficiency levels coupled with increased health care input injection is of urgent need.
Mental Activity and All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults: A 4-Year Community-Based Cohort
Authors: Xiao Qianyi , Liu Xin , Ruan Ye , Huang Limei , Guo Yanfei , Sun Shuangyuan , Chen Hao , Gao Junling , Shi Yan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The mental activity, such as reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use, is common among older adults in China. Previous researches suggest a protective role of mental activity against cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between mental activity and all-cause mortality has rarely been reported.
Objectives
This study aims to explore the effect of mental activity on all-cause mortality in a community-based elderly cohort in China.
Methods
The current study sample comprised 4003 community residents age ≥ 60 y who were enrolled at June 2015, and were followed up every year from 2015 to 2018. Reading, playing mahjong or cards and computer use were measured by questionnaires and summed into a mental activity index (MAI) score. Cox proportional hazards analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to examined the effect of mental activity on all-cause mortality.
Results
During 4 y of follow-up of 4003 participants, 208 (5.2%) deaths were registered. Of all participants, 66.8%, 26.7%, 6.1% and 0.35% reported 0, 1, 2 and 3 MAI score, respectively. There was a strong association between the MAI score and all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.54–0.96, P = 0.025). Stratified analysis suggested that higher MAI score was significantly associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality mainly among those who were male, aged ≥ 80 y, physical inactive, and diagnosed without cancer in past (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Mental activity could reduce the risk for death from all cause, which help promote a comprehensive understanding of health characteristics at advanced ages.
Predicting Osteoporosis with Body Compositions in Postmenopausal Women: A Noninvasive Method
Authors: Hsu Wei-Hsiu , Hsu Wei-Bin , Fan Chun-Hao , Hsu Wen-Wei Robert 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of osteoporosis is rising steadily as the aging population increases. Bone mineral density (BMD) assessment is an established test for osteoporosis. However, the accessibility and radiation exposure limited its role in community screening. A more convenient approach for screening is suggested.Methods: A total of 363 postmenopausal women over 50 age were included in this study and assessed with the body composition [including fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR)] and BMD. Normal distributions and correlation coefficients among variables were calculated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Pearson’s correlation analysis, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and area under the ROC curves (AUC) was determined the optimal cut-off values of the body composition variables for osteoporosis prediction.Results: The correlation coefficient of FFM, FM, FM ratio and BMR with femur neck T-score were 0.373, 0.266, 0.165, and 0.369, respectively while with spine T-score were 0.350, 0.251, 0.166, and 0.352, respectively (p < 0.01 for all). FFM, FM, and BMR showed an optimal the cut-off value of 37.9 kg, 18.6 kg and 1187.5 kcal for detecting osteoporosis.Conclusions: The present study provided a model to predict osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and the optimal cut-off value of FFM, FM, and BMR could be calculated. Among these factors, BMR seemed a better predictor than others. The BMR could be a target for exercise intervention in postmenopausal women for maintaining or improving BMD.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02936336. Registered 13 October 2016 -Retrospectively registered
Defining Type 2 asthma and patients eligible for dupilumab in Italy: a biomarker-based analysis
Authors: Canonica Giorgio Walter , Blasi Francesco , Crimi Nunzio , Paggiaro Pierluigi , Papi Alberto , Fanelli Francesca , Stassaldi Annalisa , Furneri Gianluca 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and mucus production. In Type 2 asthma, two phenotypic components are often co-expressed (eosinophilic and allergic). Elevated biomarker levels, such as eosinophils (EOS), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and immunoglobulin E (IgE), are key clinical indicators of Type 2 inflammation. Dupilumab has been recently approved for the treatment of uncontrolled severe Type 2 asthma. Type 2 asthma includes allergic and/or eosinophilic phenotypes. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the dupilumab-eligible population in Italy and characterize it by expected biomarker status.Methods A 4-step approach was carried out to calculate dupilumab-eligible population. The approach consisted in: 1) estimating the total number of asthma patients in Italy (using 2016–2017 Italian-adapted Global Initiative for Asthma -GINA- guidelines); 2) estimating the number of severe asthma patients with poorly controlled or uncontrolled disease (using the findings of two recent administrative claim analyses conducted in Italy); 3) stratifying the severe uncontrolled population by biomarker levels (EOS, FeNO and IgE) according to the outcomes of the QUEST trial (a clinical study assessing the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma; NCT02414854); 4) identifying the sub-populations of severe uncontrolled asthma patients characterised by raised blood EOS and/or FeNO level (thus indicated to receive dupilumab).Results According to these estimates, about 3.3 million asthmatic patients live in Italy (6.10% of the population). Of them, almost 20 thousand (N = 19,960) have uncontrolled severe asthma. Dupilumab-eligible patients would be N = 15,988, corresponding to 80.1% of the total uncontrolled severe population. Most of these patients (89.3%; N = 14,271) have at least an increase of EOS level, while slightly more than half (51.9%; N = 8,303) have raised levels of both biomarkers. Increased FeNO levels without increased EOS are observed less frequently (N = 1,717; 10.7% of the eligible population).Conclusions There is a strong rationale for testing all asthma biomarkers during diagnosis and disease follow-up. Given the large availability and the limited costs, these tests are cost-effective tools to detect severe Type 2 asthma, stratify patients by phenotype, and drive appropriate treatment decisions.
Development of a Behaviour Change Workplace-Based Intervention to Improve Nurses’ Eating and Physical Activity
Authors: Power Brian T , Kiezebrink Kirsty , Allan Julia L , Campbell Marion K 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background There is a critical need for an intervention to improve nurse’s eating and physical activity behaviours. As nurses spend a substantial proportion of their waking hours at work, concerted efforts to deliver such interventions in the workplace is growing. This study formed part of a multiphase programme of research that aimed to systematically develop an evidence-based and theory-informed workplace intervention to promote changes in eating and physical activity among nurses.Methods The intervention was developed iteratively, in line with Medical Research Council complex intervention guidelines. It involved four activities; (1) identifying the evidence base; (2) understanding the determinants of nurses’ eating and physical activity behaviour change through theory-based qualitative interviews and survey; (3) identifying intervention options using the Behaviour Change Wheel; and (4) specifying intervention content and implementation options using a taxonomy of behaviour change techniques.Results Data from 13 randomised controlled trials indicated that workplace-based behaviour change interventions targeted to this population are effective in changing behaviour. The evidence base was, however, limited in quantity and quality. Nurses’ beliefs about important factors determining their eating and physical activity behaviour were identified across 16 qualitative interviews and 245 survey responses and key determinants included: environmental context and resources; behavioural regulation; emotion; beliefs about consequences; knowledge and optimism. Based on these findings, 22 behaviour change techniques suitable for targeting the identified determinants were identified and combined into a potential workplace intervention. Conclusions An evidence-based and theory-informed intervention tailored to the target population and setting has been explicitly conceptualised using a systematic approach. The proposed intervention addresses previous evidence gaps for the user population of nurses. Further to this, such an intervention, if implemented, has the potential to impact nurses’ eating and physical activity behaviours and in turn, the health of nurses and the quality of healthcare delivery.
Association between visceral adiposity and DDX11 as a predictor of aggressiveness of small clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Park Jee Soo , Jang Won Sik , Kim Jongchan , Lee Seung Hwan , Rha Koon Ho , Ham Won Sik 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundVisceral fat produces several hormones and cytokines associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Herein, we investigated the association between visceral adiposity and target-gene mRNA expression in patients with localized small clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC).MethodsWe included 105 patients with localized clinical T1a stage ccRCC who had undergone nephrectomy from November 2018 to November 2019 in a prospective clinical trial (NCT03694912). Visceral, subcutaneous, and total adipose tissue in these patients was measured via preoperative computerized tomography of the mid-third lumbar vertebra region. We then examined the association between adiposity and the mRNA levels of PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2, KDM5C, FOXC2, CLIP4, AQP1, DDX11, BAIAP2L1, and TMEM38B in matched frozen tumor tissues and plasma samples.ResultsUpon the stratification of patients into quartiles according to their relative visceral adiposity, high visceral adiposity was found to be significantly associated with low ISUP grade (P = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between visceral adiposity and body mass index [odds ratio (OR) 1.462, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.175–1.820, P = 0.017], plasma levels of DDX11 mRNA (OR 0.928, 95% CI 0.870–0.989, P = 0.022), and ISUP nuclear grade (OR 0.258, 95% CI 0.069–0.965, P = 0.044). The plasma mRNA expression of DDX11 was identified as a biomarker for visceral adiposity.ConclusionsThe results obtained herein will aid in inferring the aggressiveness of small ccRCCs, represented by ISUP nuclear grade, in clinical practice. Our findings indicated that DDX11 and visceral fat play active roles in small ccRCC. These roles should be examined in future studies for the possible use of DDX11 and visceral fat as prognostic biomarkers in the treatment of patients with ccRCC.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03694912, Registered 3 October 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03694912
Effect of Bi2O3-B2O3 as a Sintering aid in Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of Fe2Mo3O12 Electroceramic.
Authors: Araújo Eduardo , Silva Marcelo , Pereira Mauricio , Sombra Antonio , Vasconcelos Igor , Fechine Pierre 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Molybdates from A2Mo3O12 family have been widely investigated due to its low sintering temperature, low thermal expansion coefficient, and low dielectric loss. Fe2Mo3O12 (FMO) is an oxide from this family and widely used in the catalytic field. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of the Bi2O3-B2O3 as a sintering aid in the microstructure and dielectric properties of FMO. The diffraction results showed that the FMO with the monoclinic structure phase was obtained after the calcination process (650 °C). Mössbauer spectroscopy showed the formation of Fe2O3 after the sintering process at 800 °C. The scanning electron-microscopic demonstrates an increase of the grain as a function of sintering aid concentration. The samples were analyzed by using the impedance spectroscopy at radiofrequency with temperature variation. The Nyquist diagram obtained in this temperature range was fitted from an equivalent circuit with three R-CPE associations, corresponding to the morphology of the electroceramics. For dielectric properties in the microwave, all the samples showed values of εr lower than 10. Values of Q x f above 14132.35 GHz were achieved. The thermal stability was evaluated by the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf). The lowest τf values of -6.55 ppm/°C and -4.35 ppm/°C (near-zero) were measured to FMO and FMO mixed with 7.5 wt% Bi2O3-B2O3, respectively. Based on these results, FMO can be used to low permittivity ceramic for low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) applications, antenna substrate, and millimeter-wave range.
Genetic diversity of circumsporozoite protein in Plasmodium knowlesi isolates from Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chong Eric Tzyy Jiann , Neoh Joveen Wan Fen , Lau Tiek Ying , Lim Yvonne Ai-Lian , Chai Hwa Chia , Chua Kek Heng , Lee Ping Chin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Understanding the genetic diversity of candidate genes for malaria vaccines such as circumsporozoite protein (csp) may enhance the development of vaccines for treating Plasmodium knowlesi. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of non-repeat regions of csp in P. knowlesi from Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia.
Methods
A total of 46 csp genes were subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification. The genes were obtained from P. knowlesi isolates collected from different divisions of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and Peninsular Malaysia. The targeted gene fragments were cloned into a commercial vector and sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed while incorporating 168 csp sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. The genetic diversity and natural evolution of the csp sequences were analysed using MEGA6 and DnaSP ver. 5.10.01. A genealogical network of the csp haplotypes was generated using NETWORK ver. 4.6.1.3.
Results
The phylogenetic analysis revealed indistinguishable clusters of P. knowlesi isolates across different geographic regions, including Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Nucleotide analysis showed that the csp non-repeat regions of zoonotic P. knowlesi isolates obtained in this study underwent purifying selection with population expansion, which was supported by extensive haplotype sharing observed between humans and macaques.
Conclusions
The csp non-repeat regions are relatively conserved and cannot be used to distinguish P. knowlesi isolates between Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Novel variations were observed in the C-terminal non-repeat region of csp. The data obtained could be beneficial for the design and development of vaccines to treat P. knowlesi.
A Cohort Study To Identify Risk Factors For Malaria In Burkinabe Children: Implications For Other High Burden High Impact Countries
Authors: Yaro Jean Baptiste , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Ouedraogo Z Amidou , Diarra Amidou , Lankouande Malik , Agboraw Efundem , Worrall Eve , Toe Kobié Hyacinthe , Sanou Antoine , Guelbeogo W Moussa , Sagnon N’Fale , Ranson Hilary , Tiono Alfred B. , Lindsay Steven W , Wilson Anne Louise 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Progress in controlling malaria has stalled in recent years. Today the malaria burden is increasingly concentrated in a few countries, including Burkina Faso, where malaria is not declining. We carried out a cohort study to identify risk factors for malaria infection in children in south-west Burkina Faso, an area with high insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage and insecticide-resistant vectors.Methods: Incidence of malaria infection was measured in 252 children aged 5 to 15 years, using active and passive detection, during the 2017 transmission season, following clearance of infection. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and entomological risk factors, including use of ITNs and insecticide resistance were monitored. Results: During the six-month follow-up period, the overall incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection, was 2.78 episodes per child (95% CI= 2.66-2.91) by microscopy, and 3.11 (95% CI= 2.95-3.28) by PCR. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was 80.4 infective bites per child over the six-month malaria transmission season. At baseline, 80.6% of children were reported as sleeping under an ITN the previous night, although at the last survey, 23.3% of nets were in poor condition and considered no longer protective. No association was found between the rate of P. falciparum infection and either EIR (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, p=0.08) or mortality in WHO tube tests when vectors were exposed to 0.05% deltamethrin (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.73–1.50, p=0.79). Travel history (IRR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.45–1.59, p<0.001) and increasing socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of P. falciparum infection (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.11, p=0.04).Conclusions: Malaria infection incidence remains overwhelmingly high in the study area. Our findings suggest that because of the exceptionally high levels of malaria transmission in the study area, malaria elimination cannot be achieved solely by mass deployment of ITNs and additional control measures are needed.