bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Royal Jelly ameliorates 6-mercaptopurine induced spermatogenesis impairment and testicular apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway in male rats
Authors: Hashem khalid , Abdelazem Ahmed Z. , Abdelbaky Naglaa W. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Testicular apoptosis is an obvious adverse effect of many chemotherapeutic agents.one of these chemotherapeutic drugs is 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) which has a powerful anticancer effect. On the contrary, it has an adverse effect on the male reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the prospective ameliorative effects of Royal Jelly (RJ) on 6MP induced testicular apoptosis and investigate the mechanistic pathway of protection. For this aim, forty male adult albino rats were divided into four equal groups (n= 10): control rats, RJ group (200 mg/kg.b.wt. of RJ for 30 day P.o.), 6MP group (5 mg/kg.b.wt of 6MP for 20 day P.o.), and RJ+6MP group pretreated with RJ (200 mg/kg.b.wt. for 10 day P.o.), and continued with 6MP (5 mg/kg.b.wt, P.o) for 20 day. After 30 days blood samples, epididymis and testis were collected to investigate sex hormones, sperm parameters, histological and molecular changes of testicular tissues, that include anti-oxidants activity, caspase-3, TNF-α, gene expression of Androgen receptors (AR) and P53 also protein concentration of PI3K, AKT, Nrf2 and HO1were estimated. The results of our study revealed that Pretreatment of Royal Jelly (RJ) abrogated 6MP induced spermatogenesis impairment by ameliorating sperm count, motility and morphology, regulating AR mRNA expression and sex hormones levels. RJ ameliorated testicular damage of 6MP exposed rats through restoring testicular antioxidant/oxidative redox, inhibiting caspase-3 activity and P53 mRNA expression as well as regulation of PI3K, AKT, Nrf2 and HO1 protein levels. Our data concluded that RJ protected testicular tissue from 6MP induced apoptosis by regulation PI3K/AKT pathway.
Validation of the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) using time-and-motion measurements in Dutch Intensive Care Units
Authors: Margadant Charlotte , Hoogendoorn Marga E. , Bosman Rob J. , Spijkstra Jan Jaap , Brinkman Sylvia , Keizer Nicolette F. de 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The Nursing Activities Score (NAS) is widely used for workload measurement of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses. However, the performance of the NAS to measure actual nursing time has not been comprehensively and externally validated. The aim of this study is to validate the NAS using time-and-motion measurements in Dutch ICUs. Methods We measured nursing time for patients admitted to seven Dutch ICUs, between November 2016 and October 2017. The patient(s) that were under the care of a chosen nurse were followed by the observers during the entire shift and measurements were performed using an in-house developed web application. To validate the reliability of the NAS, we first converted NAS points per activity into minutes. Next, we compared the converted time per NAS item and the converted total nursing time per patient with the actual observed time. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests at nursing activity level and Pearon’s R and R 2 at patient level for these comparisons. Results A Pearson’s correlation of R=0.59 (R 2 =0.35) was found between the total converted NAS time and the total observed time per patient. The median converted NAS time per patient (202.6 minutes) was higher compared to the observed time per patient (114.3 minutes). At NAS item level, we found significant differences between the converted NAS time and the observed time for all separate NAS items. Conclusions The NAS overestimates the needed nursing time for patients in Dutch ICUs. Therefore, we advise revisions of the time weights assigned to each NAS item to get better insight in the true nursing workload to enable the use of this information for more adequate nursing capacity planning. Keywords: Nursing Activities Score (NAS), time-and-motion techniques, validation, nursing workload, patient acuity.
GM2 ganglioside accumulation causes neuroinflammation and behavioral alterations in a mouse model of early-onset Tay-Sachs disease.
Authors: Demir Secil Akyildiz , Timur Zehra Kevser , Ates Nurselin , Martinez Luis Alarcon , Seyrantepe Volkan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTay-Sachs disease (TSD), a type of GM2-gangliosidosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder, caused by mutations in the a subunit of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase enzyme. This disease is characterized by excessive accumulation of GM2 ganglioside, predominantly in the central nervous system. Although Tay-Sachs patients appear normal at birth, the progressive accumulation of undegraded GM2 gangliosides in neurons leads to death. Recently, an early-onset Tay-Sachs disease mouse model with genotype Hexa-/-Neu3-/- was generated. Progressive accumulation of GM2 led to premature death of the double KO mice. Importantly, this double-deficient mouse model displays typical features of Tay-Sachs patients, such as cytoplasmic vacuolization of nerve cells, deterioration of Purkinje cells, neuronal death, deceleration in movement, ataxia and, tremors. GM2-gangliosidosis is characterized by acute neurodegeneration preceded by activated microglia expansion, macrophage and astrocyte activation, along with the production of inflammatory mediators. However, the mechanism of disease progression in Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice relevant to neuroinflammation is poorly understood. MethodWe investigated the onset and progression of neuropathological and neuroinflammatory changes in the cortex, cerebellum and retina of Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice and littermate wild-type as well as Hexa-/- and Neu3-/- mice by using a combination of expression, immunofluorescence and behavioral analyses. ResultsWe found elevated levels of pro-inflamatory pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine transcripts, such as Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4 and Cxcl10 and also extensive microglial and astrocyte activation and proliferation accompanied by in peripheral blood mononuclear cell infiltration in neurons and oligodendrocytes. Behavioral tests demonstrated high level of anxiety, and age dependent loss in both memory and muscle strength in Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice compared with that in the controls. ConclusionAltogether, our data suggest that Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice display a phenotype similar to human TSD patients suffering from chronic neuroinflammation triggered by GM2 accumulation. Our observations collectively suggest a hypothesis that modulation of Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4 and Cxcl10 or of their receptors, in combination with traditional drugs such as propagermanium, may provide a novel approach for the management of disease and better understanding of the neuropathology in a mouse model of early-onset Tay-Sachs disease.
Geographical Access of Elderly to Health Care Centers during a 20 Years Period (1996-2016): a Case Study of Kermanshah , Iran
Authors: Almasi Ali , Saeidi Shahram , Zangeneh Alireza , Khezeli Mehdi , Salimi Yahya , Soofi Moslem , Gilan Nader Rajajbi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying the spatial distribution of Health Care Centers (HCC) and equitable access for all members of society (especially the elderly), can be effective in health policy making. This study aimed to determine the geographical accessibility of elderly to HCC in Kermanshah metropolis during a 20 year period (1996-2016).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional applied study. The statistical population included all elderly people in Kermanshah metropolis (65 years and above). The data of this study included statistical blocks and locations of Health Centers of Kermanshah during 1996 to 2016. After data collection through the Iranian Statistical Center and Kermanshah Health Center, digitization of HCC and urban roads network was done in Geographic Information System (GIS). In addition, the walking of 12.30 minutes was determined as access time for the elderly, and the number of elderly with appropriate and inappropriate access was determined using the Network Analysis tool. Finally, the Standard Deviation Ellipse (SDE) model was used for spatial analysis of HCC and the distribution of the elderly population.ResultsThe elderly people with inappropriate access to HCC was 48.15%, 47.85%, and 36.12% in 1996, 2006 and 2016, respectively. The results also showed that there was a 14% increase in the number of new HCC in the period of 1996-2006 (14%) and 136% during 2006 to 2016. During the 20 years, the expansion of HCC was toward the northwest and west of city, and the trend of elderly population expansion was toward the south and central parts of Kermanshah.ConclusionDespite the doubling of HCC during 1996-2016, more than one-third of the elderly still do not have appropriate access to HCC. This situation indicates inappropriate spatial distribution of HCC in Kermanshah metropolis and should be considered as a challenge by health managers and policy makers.
An association between the nitrogen metabolism pathway and cold tolerance in rice was identified using comparative transcriptome and proteome profiling
Authors: Yan Jia , Hualong Liu , Zhaojun Qu , Jin Wang , Xinpeng Wang , Zhuoqian Wang , Liang Yang , Dong Zhang , Detang Zou , Zhao Hongwei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

BackgroundRice (Oryza sativaL.), one of the most important crops cultivated in both tropical and temperate regions, has a high sensitivity to cold stress. Chilling stress limits the N uptake and nitrogen metabolism in rice. To identify the genes and pathways involved in cold tolerance, and specifically associations with the nitrogen metabolism pathway, we have compared the gene and protein expression changes between a cold-tolerant cultivar, Dongnong428 (DN), and a cold-sensitive cultivar, Songjing10(SJ).ResultsUsing absolute quantification (iTRAQ) with high-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques, we identified 5,549 genes and 450 proteins in DN and 6,145 genes and 790 proteins in SJ, that were differentially expressed during low- water temperature (Tw) treatment. There were 354 transcription factor (TF) genes (212down, 142 up), 366 TF genes (220 down, 146 up), including 47 gene families, differentially expressed in the DN under control (CKDN) vs. DN under low-Tw(D15DN) and CKSJ vs. D15SJ, respectively. These results indicated that TF genes play a major role in post-translational regulations. Genes related to rice cold-related biosynthesis pathways, particularly the MAPK signaling pathway, zeatin biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways, were significantly differentially expressed in both rice cultivars. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to rice cold-related biosynthesis pathways and particularly glutathione metabolism were significantly differentially expressed in both rice cultivars. Transcriptome and proteome analysis of the nitrogen metabolism pathways showed that major genes and proteins were down-regulated that participated in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamine synthesis.ConclusionUnder cold stress conditions during reproductive growth, genes and proteins related to the biosynthesis pathways of cold stress, were significantly differentially expressed in the DN and SJ. The present study confirmed the known cold stress-associated genes and identified a number of putative new cold-responsive genes. It has also revealed that translational regulation under cold stress plays an important role in cold-tolerant DN. Low-Twtreatments affect the N uptake and N metabolism in rice, and promote Glu metabolism, and the synthesis of ornithine and proline in cold-sensitive SJ.
The rice BZ1 locus is required for glycosylation of arabinogalactan proteins and galactolipid and plays a role in both mechanical strength and leaf color
Authors: Liu Sitong , Tang Yijun , Ruan Nan , Dang Zhengjun , Huang Yuwei , Miao Wei , Xu Zhengjin , Li Fengcheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The cell wall and chloroplast are two fundamental structures determining plant mechanical strength and grain yield. Therefore, understanding mechanisms that improve plants’ ability to develop a robust cell wall and well-developed chloroplast is of upmost importance for agricultural activities. Results: In this study, we report the functional characterization of a novel rice mutant, brittle stem and zebra leaf ( bz1 ), which displays altered cell wall composition and collapsed chloroplast membrane. Molecular and biochemical analysis revealed that BZ1 encodes a functional UDP-galactose/glucose epimerase (UGE) and is ubiquitously expressed with higher expression in stem and leaf tissues. Multiple techniques analyses, including immunoblots, immuno-gold, and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, demonstrated a significantly impaired glycosylation of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and disordered cellulose microfibril deposition in bz1 . Lipid profiling assay showed that the amount of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MDGD), a major chloroplast membrane glycolipid, was significantly decreased in bz1 . Taken together, these results strongly demonstrate that BZ1 participates in UDP-galactose supply for the sidechain biosynthesis of AGPs and MDGD, which thereby, respectively, results in altered cell wall and abnormal chloroplast development. Due to inferior mechanical strength and reduced photosynthesis, bz1 plants displayed detrimental agronomic traits, whereas BZ1 overexpressing lines showed enhanced plant growth. Transcriptome analysis of stems and leaves further showed that numerous key genes involved in AGPs biosynthesis and photosynthesis metabolism were substantially suppressed in bz1 . Conclusions: Our finding identifies BZ1 as a dual-targeting UGE protein for glycosylation of AGPs and MDGD and suggests a strategy for breeding robust elite crops.
Public Support for the Imposition of a Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and the Determinants of Such Support in Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Escalonilla Sara Fernández , Fernández-Escobar Carlos , Royo-Bordonada Miguel Ángel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are an effective public health intervention, but can be difficult to implement in absence of public support. This is the first study to analyse the Spanish population’s support for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish adult population (n=1002), using a computer aided telephone interview with a questionnaire on nutritional policies. We then performed a descriptive analysis of support for the tax. The sociodemographic determinants of support for the tax were analysed using Chi-squared test (χ2) and Poisson multiple regression models.Results A total of 66.9% of participants supported the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages: this figure lies midway between the figure of 64.1% when responders were asked about the tax before being asked about subsidies and tax relief, and that of 70% when they were asked about the tax after being asked about subsidies and tax relief ( p =0.049). Support for the tax was respectively 16% and 35% lower among persons reporting centre and right-wing political affiliations than among those who professed left-wing ideological sympathies ( p <0.01), and 16% lower among regular consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages than among non-consumers of these drinks ( p =0.01).Conclusions A clear majority of the Spanish population is in favour of imposing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Awareness-raising campaigns and a policy of combining the measure with subsidies or tax cuts on healthy foods could increase the level of support among those currently against the intervention.
Prevalence of cataract and its associated factors among adults aged 40 years and above in Waghimra zone, Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia: A Community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Beletew Biruk , Mengesha Ayelign , Markos Merkineh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background Cataract is a major cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Its greatest burden found in low-income countries. Therefore, knowing the prevalence and identification of risk-factors would be crucial in planning strategies to delay its development.Objective To assess prevalence and associated factors of cataract among adults aged 40 years and above in Waghimra Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 528 adults in Waghimra Zone. Multi stage sampling technique was employed. Questionnaire, Snellen’s chart and slit lamp was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1, cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.Result Within the sample, the prevalence of cataract was 20.1% (95% CI: 16.87, 23.32). being older age (AOR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), single (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.60, 23.9), divorced (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.48), widowed (AOR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.07- 5.29) were associated with cataract.Conclusion Cataract is a major health problem in the study area that would increase with ageing Hence, concerned body should strengthen further screening and treating of patients who are targeted groups such as aged, single, widowed, divorced population.
Evaluation of the modified CC stabilization using LARS artificial ligament in unstable distal clavicle fracture
Authors: Li Yongchuan , Lu Nan , Shen Di , Zhang Fan , Lu Jiajia , Chen Aimin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Unstable distal clavicle fracture is common, and there is no consensus regarding the gold standard treatment for this fracture. The purpose of this study was to report a new surgical technique for the treatment of unstable distal clavicle fracture with modified coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization using ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) artificial ligament, and evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes. Methods: From January 2009 to June 2018, eighteen patients with acute unstable distal clavicle fractures (type Ⅱb) treated by modified CC stabilization using LARS artificial ligament were retrospectively reviewed. Indexes for evaluation included fracture healing, quality of reduction, and complications (infections, nerve injuries, iatrogenic clavicle or coracoid fracture, the fixation loop failure, loss of reduction, etc.). Shoulder function was evaluated using the Constant-Murley score. Results: The patients were assessed at a mean time of 31.8 months follow-up. All 18 patients experienced radiographic union. Follow-up radiographs showed anatomical reduction in 15 patients and slight loss of reduction in 3 patients. There were 2 cases of calcification of CC ligament, 1 case of degenerative change around the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and 1 case of clavicular osteolysis around screws noted during the follow-up. The Constant scores were 91.2 ± 6.9 at last. Conclusions: The modified CC stabilization using LARS artificial ligament resulted in a high union rate, satisfactory fracture reduction, a low complication rate, and excellent shoulder function for unstable distal clavicle fractures (type Ⅱb). We consider this simple surgical technique that naturally restores stability to the distal clavicle fracture is an efficient method for treating the fracture.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Outcomes between Open Plantar Fascia Release and Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Intractable Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Yuan Yusong , Qian Yuan , Lu Hao , Kou Yuhui , Xu Yangbo , Xu Hailin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
B ackground : Heel pain is one of the most common complaints in foot and ankle clinic and one of the leading causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Methods : A retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 cases (39 feet) of patients with intractable plantar fasciitis. In the enrolled 26 cases, there were 16 patients (19 feet) received open plantar fascia release, and the other 15 patients (20 feet) received percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The surgical results were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and American orthopaedic foot and ankle society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) before and after surgery in all patients. Results: All 31 patients were followed up successfully, with a mean follow-up time of 58.77 months. There were no differences of patient’s demographics and characteristics information between the two groups. The average operative time of the feet in the open plantar fascia release is longer time than the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Furthermore, the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation group had a shorter recovery time to normal activity than the open plantar fascia release group. There were no difference of postoperative VAS scores and the AOFAS-AH scores between the two groups. All patients reported satisfaction after either operation. Conclusion: Symptoms of pain and limb function were significantly improved in patients both of the partial plantar fascia release treated group and the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation treated group. The two types of surgical procedures shared the same long-term curative effects. However, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was a better technique from the point of shorter operative time and postoperative recovery time. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Sociodemographic factors associated with request for labor epidural analgesia in a tertiary obstetric hospital in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lam Duc , Farber Michaela Kristina , Phan Chi Thuy , Khuat Luong T. , Nguyen Ha Thu , Dang Tuan M. , Nguyen Anh D. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Labor epidural pain relief remains underutilized in developing countries and may serve as a marker of health care access disparity. Here we examine the sociodemographic factors associated with the utilization of labor epidural analgesia at a large obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Vietnam.Methods This was a cross-sectional study of women who underwent vaginal delivery in September 2018 at the Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Utilization of epidural analgesia during labor was determined. Univariate and multivariate regression models were applied to evaluate the association between patient demographic and socioeconomic factors and request for labor epidural analgesia.Results A total of 417 women had vaginal deliveries during the study period. 207 women (49.6%) utilized epidural analgesia for pain relief during labor and 210 did not. Parturients more likely to utilize labor epidurals were older than 35 years of age (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.11-8.17), multiparous (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.85-4.25), from an urban area, with higher income (OR 6.47, 95% CI 2.59-19.23), and with higher level of education.ConclusionsFactors related to a parturient’s request for epidural analgesia during labor at our tertiary obstetric hospital included include age greater than 35 years, multiparity, and high income and education levels. Educational outreach to women about the benefits of epidural analgesia can target women who do not share these demographics.