bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complementary Feeding: Is It The Forgotten Factor of The First 1000 Days of Life?
Authors: Njeru Catherine Muthoni , Ngugi Anthony , Kathomi Caroline , Limbe Mary Slessor 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Appropriate complementary feeding is a practice with great potential for reduction of nutrition-related diseases and mortalities in children. However, uptake of the recommended World Health Organisation (WHO) infant and young child feeding practices in Kenya remains low. Most previous studies have been done in rural or urban poor populations hence the need to provide practical guidelines for the complementary feeding period in a typical middle-class urban setting. This study investigated complementary feeding practices by caregivers of infants and young children on follow up at Aga Khan University Hospital-Nairobi (AKUH-N) well-baby clinic and the factors influencing compliance with the WHO guidelines.Methods:A total of 290 caregivers of infants and young children aged between nine and twenty-four months were interviewed using a questionnaire. Out of these, 21 were purposively sampled to participate in a qualitative study using in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data while descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used for quantitative data. A convergent parallel design was used to integrate the qualitative and quantitative data.Results:Out of 290 caregivers interviewed, 125 (43.1%) complied with WHO complementary feeding guidelines. Proportions of underweight and stunting were 6.9% and 1.7%, respectively, while that of overweight was 8.6%. Factors that affected complementary feeding practices included education level of the caregiver, access to information, support from healthcare workers and fear of allergic reactions. Conclusions:Full compliance to WHO complementary feeding guidelines remained below 50%. In addition, the proportion of children who were overweight in this study was double the national average, highlighting a growing trend of obesity in childhood. Some of the factors positively associated with compliance with complementary feeding guidelines included access to multiple sources of information, and support from health workers and family members. Lack of tertiary education of the caregiver, absence of specific and practical guidelines, resource constraints and fear of allergies were found to negatively impact compliance with complementary feeding guidelines.
Lumbar Instability Induces Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Baojian , Gao Chunyu , Zhu Liguo , Zhang Ping , Sun Wu , Zhang Jingru , Gao Jinghua , Wei Xu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to establish a novel rat model for ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy using lumbar instability and to elucidate the etiology of LF hypertrophy. Methods: A total number of 30 male rats were used. Lumbar instability was induced by surgical resection of L5/6 posterior elements (n=15). The other rats underwent a sham operation (n=15). After 8 weeks, all rats were taken lateral plain X-rays. The LF from L5/6 in both groups were harvested to investigate histological, immunohistological, and real-time PCR analysis. Results: According to radiological results, the disc height ratio and extension ratio were larger in the rats in the experimental group than that of in the control group. The HE staining showed that the LF thickness in the experimental group significantly increased in comparison to the control group. The Masson trichrome staining showed that the ratio of elastic fibers to collagen fibers in experimental group was lower than that in the control group. The protein and gene expression of TGF-β1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Col 1 were significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group. Conclusion: It is the first time that lumbar instability directly induced LF hypertrophy in a reproducible rat model. Lumbar instability could lead to high expression of inflammatory and fibrotic factors in LF, causing the accumulation of collagen fibers and decreasing of elastic fibers.
Valid 3D&nbsp;Surface Superimposition References to Assess Facial Changes During Growth
Authors: Häner Simeon , Kanavakis Georgios , Matthey François , Gkantidis Nikolaos 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Currently, the primary techniques applied for the assessment of facial changes over time utilize 2D images. However, this approach has important limitations related to the dimensional reduction and the accuracy of the used data. 3D facial photography has been recently introduced as a risk-free alternative that overcomes these limitations. However, the proper reference areas that should be used to superimpose serial 3D facial images of growing individuals are not yet known. Here, we tested various 3D facial photo superimposition reference areas and compared their outcomes to those of a standard anterior cranial base superimposition technique. We found that a small rectangular area on the forehead plus an area including the middle part of the nose and the lower wall of the orbital foramen provided comparable results to the standard technique and showed adequate reproducibility. Other reference areas that have been used so far in the literature were less reliable. This is the first study to identify a valid superimposition reference area for serial 3D facial images of growing individuals. The utilization of the suggested method greatly expands the possibilities of this highly informative, risk free, and easily obtained 3D tool for the assessment of facial changes in growing individuals.
Kallistatin in Follicular Fluid of Women with Endometriosis and Its Correlation with IVF Outcome
Authors: Mao Yuling , Zhan Shaoquan , Qiao Jingda , Li Lei , Liu Hanyan , Chen Rui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Endometriosis (EM) affects 10% of women in reproductive age and alters fertility. Its management is still debated notably the timing of surgery and ART in infertility. Kallistatin (KS) is an endogenous protein that regulates differential signaling pathways and biological functions. However, the function and the underlying molecular mechanism in endometriosis and its correlation with IVF outcome have not been determined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate KS concentrations in follicular fluid of women with EM and controls women without EM who underwent IVF with embryo transfer (IVF–ET). Methods: Follicular fluid KS concentrations from 40 patients with EM and 40 non-EM patients were measured by ELISA. Results: Compared with the non-EM patients, patients with EM had lower KS levels in follicular fluid (281.67±104.60 pg/ml vs. 490.70 ±216.33pg/ml). The rates of fertilization(61.64±22.42% vs. 71.00±24.39%) , available embryo (45.96±19.83% vs.50.61±26.26%) and top-quality embryo(12.71±21.01% vs.16.04±16.87%) were significantly lower in the EM group than in the control group. The KS concentrations in the follicular fluid of women who conceived consequent to the treatment were significantly higher than those from women who did not in the combined EM and control groups.Conclusions:The present results indicate that the KS concentration in follicular fluid could be used as a predictor for IVF–ET outcomes. This may contribute to the pathologic mechanism responsible for the poor outcome of IVF in patients with EM.
Metabolic resuscitation therapy in critically Ill patients with sepsis and septic shock: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Feng Fang , Yang Huyong , Yang Weiwei , Li Min , Chen Yu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveTo further clarify the effectiveness and potential pathophysiological principles of metabolic resuscitation therapy in critically ill patients with sepsis and septic shock.MethodsProspective randomized controlled trial. Patients with sepsis and septic shock who were admitted to the ICU from Sep. 2019 to Mar. 2020 were prospectively enrolled. According to the computerized random sequence table, patients were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. All patients with sepsis were included in the research of cluster of initial therapy. The experimental group received metabolic resuscitation: vitamin C (1.5 g in an intravenous infusion q6h for 3 days), vitamin B1 (200 mg in an intramuscular injection q12h for 3 days), and hydrocortisone (50 mg in an intravenous infusion q6h for 7 days).ResultsOne hundred thirty-six patients with sepsis and septic shock were included in our study. Pneumonia was the main cause of sepsis and septic shock, including 33 (49%) and 41 (60%) patients in the experimental group and control group, respectively, and gram-negative bacilli were the main pathogenic bacteria (112/136, 82.4%). The ICU length of stay for the experimental group and the control group was 9 (7–12) and 11 (9–14) days, respectively, P = 0.002. The duration of vasoactive drugs (hours) was 20.8 ± 9.9 and 46.7 ± 12.8, respectively, P༜0.001. The 6-hour lactate clearance rate was 66.2% (55.5, 76.7) and 30.1% (15.6, 50) in the experimental group and control group, respectively, P = 0.000. The 72-hour PCT clearance rate was 70% (57.5, 80.3) and 40.7% (24.8, 52.2), respectively, P = 0.001. The ICU mortality rate was 8.8% (6/68) and 15% (15/68), respectively, P = 0.033.ConclusionsMetabolic resuscitation therapy is beneficial for patients with sepsis and septic shock, shortening the length of ICU stay, reducing the duration of vasopressor use, and reducing the ICU mortality rate of patients with sepsis and septic shock. However, large, multi-center, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to further verify these results.Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR1900026084. Registered 20 September 2019 - prospective registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=40910&htm=4
Feasibility of Non-Rebreather Masks and Nasal Cannula as a Substitute for High Flow Nasal Oxygen in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Infection
Authors: kabak mehmet , Cil Baris 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: Severe pneumonia and respiratory failure may develop in patients with coronavirus infection, placing a very significant burden on healthcare systems due to the need for both emergency and intensive care treatment. Therefore, treatment of hypoxemia is a clinical priority in the treatment of such patients. In this regard, newer strategies such as High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO) and non-invasive mechanical ventilators that can provide non-invasive high fraction of inspired oxygen are gaining clinical significance. Our objective was to compare oxygen supply by HFNO with Non-Rebreather Masks and Nasal Cannula (NRMs + NC) in terms of treatment costs and mortality in a group of COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care unit admission. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective and single-center study involving 54 patients who were admitted to an Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection between July 2020 and August 2020. Results: HFNO was compared with NMRs + NC in terms of mortality and duration of hospital stay. The two groups were comparable in age (p=0.45), gender (p=0.33), and mortality (p=0.43). Also, there was no significant difference in oxygen saturation at admission (p=0.63), duration of intensive care (p=0.35), total length of hospital stay (p=0.057), and need for invasive mechanical ventilator (p=0.39) between the study groups. The levels of WBC (p=0.36), platelets (p=0.12), lymphocytes (p=0.98), CRP (p=0.11), pro-calcitonin (p=0.20), D-dimer (p=0.74), ferritin (p=0.14), urea (p=0.74), and creatinine (p=0.35) were also similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Oxygen support by NRMs + NC was comparable to HFNO in terms of mortality, need for invasive mechanic ventilation, length of intensive care, and length of hospital stay. We believe that NRMs + NC may represent an inexpensive and easily accessible therapeutic substitute for HFNO, particularly when the risk of transmission and costs related with HFNO use are considered.
A High-Throughput, Time-Resolved Fluorescence Approach Increases γ-H2AX Detection
Authors: Noubissi Felicite , McBride Amber , Leppert Hannah , Millet Larry , Wang Xiaofei , Davern Sandra 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Phosphorylation of the histone protein H2AX to form γ-H2AX foci directly represents DNA double-strand break formation. Traditional γ-H2AX detection involves counting individual foci within individual nuclei. Here, we present the development of a sensitive high-throughput assay to quantify γ-H2AX using dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay and time-resolved fluorescence. For comparison, standard fluorescence detection was employed and analyzed either by bulk fluorescent measurements or by direct foci counting using BioTek Spot Count algorithm and Gen 5 software. Etoposide induced DNA damage in A549 carcinoma cells was compared across all test platforms. Time resolved fluorescence detection of europium as a chelated complex enabled quantitative measurement of γ-H2AX foci with nanomolar resolution. Comparative bulk fluorescent signals achieved only micromolar sensitivity. Lanthanide based immunodetection of γ-H2AX offers superior detection and a user-friendly workflow. These high throughput approaches can potentially improve screening of compounds that either enhance DNA damage or protect against its deleterious effects.
The CYP450 Multigene Family of Fontainea and Insights Into Diterpenoid Synthesis
Authors: Mitu Shahida , Ogbourne Steven , Klein Anne , Tran Trong , Reddell Paul , Cummins Scott 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) are enzymes that play critical roles in the biosynthesis of physiologically important compounds across all organisms. Although they have been characterised in a large number of plant species, no information relating to these enzymes are available from the genus Fontainea (family Euphorbiaceae). Fontainea is significant as the genus includes species that produce medicinally significant epoxy-tigliane natural products, one of which has been approved as an anti-cancer therapeutic. Results: A metabolome analysis showed that Fontainea species possess a chemical profile different from various other plant species. The diversity and expression profiles of Fontainea CYP450s were investigated from leaf and root tissue. A total of 103 and 123 full-length CYP450 genes in Fontainea picrosperma and Fontainea venosa, respectively (and a further 127/125 partial-length) that were phylogenetically classified into clans, families and subfamilies. The majority of CYP450 identified are most active within root tissue (66.2% F. picrosperma, 65.0% F. venosa). Fontainea CYP450 associated with diterpenoid biosynthesis were classified into 2 subfamilies (CYP71D and CYP726A), of which CYP726A1, CYP726A2 and CYP71D1 appear to be exclusive to Fontainea species, and significantly more highly expressed in root tissue compared to leaf tissue. Conclusion: This study presents a comprehensive overview of the CYP450 gene family in Fontainea that may provide important insights into the biosynthesis of the medicinally significant epoxy-tigliane diterpenes found within the genus.
Substrate stiffness-mediated YAP activation modulates endothelial function via Dll4-Notch1 signaling
Authors: Matsuo Eri , Okamoto Takayuki , Ito Atsushi , Kawamoto Eiji , Asanuma Kunihiro , Wada Koichiro , Shimaoka Motomu , Takao Motoshi , Shimamoto Akira 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Vascular stiffness becomes progressively altered during vascular development and the formation of vascular lesions. Endothelial cells adapt their functions as a consequence of sensing extracellular substrate stiffness; these alterations allow them to maintain their vascular structure and function. In this study, we investigated the impact of stiffness of cell adhesion substrates on endothelial cell functions. We confirmed that endothelial cells on softer substrates not only elongate cellular aspects in a manner similar to that of angiogenic phenotype, but also attenuate yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) activation compared to cells on stiffer substrates. Endothelial cells on softer substrates also upregulate the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and VEGFR2 mRNA expression that is enhanced by VEGF stimulation. We determined that endothelial cells on softer substrates increased Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) expression, but not Notch1 expression, via YAP signaling. Moreover, elevated Dll4-Notch1 signaling in endothelial cells on softer substrates contributed not only to VEGFRs upregulation, but also to suppression of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and PAI-1 mRNA expression and to the facilitation of anti-coagulant thrombomodulin and pro-coagulant tissue factor mRNA expression. Our results suggest that endothelial cells activate the YAP-Dll4-Notch signaling pathway in response to substrate stiffness and dictate cellular function.
Psychological Distress in Caregivers for People With Dementia: A Population-Based Analysis of A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sugawara Norio , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Maruo Kazushi , Shimoda Kazutaka , Sumiyoshi Tomiki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Informal caregivers (CGs), also called family caregivers, play an important role in supporting the well-being of and providing care to older people with dementia. However, taking care of patients with dementia is often stressful and exhausting. To facilitate the sustainable provision of care to people with dementia at home, it is crucial to reduce the burden placed on CGs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress experienced by CGs for care recipients with dementia (CRDs) and identify the sociodemographic factors affecting that distress.Methods: We utilized the 2013 Comprehensive Survey of the Living Conditions for CRDs and CGs. Linked data from 643 pairs of CRDs and CGs were extracted. The psychological distress experienced by CGs was measured by Kessler’s Psychological Distress scale (K6) with a cutoff point of 13. Factors predictive of psychological distress were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis with the forward selection method.Results: Overall, the mean age of the CGs was 63.5 ± 11.6 years, and 5.3% (34/643) experienced serious psychological distress. Male sex of CRDs, knowing how to access consulting services, spending almost all day for nursing care, and having subjective symptoms within a few days were associated with having serious psychological distress, while older age, participating in shopping as part of the nursing, and having their own house were related to freedom from serious psychological distress.Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for psychological distress in CGs and consider providing support to reduce the burden imposed by modifiable factors. Further studies are warranted to examine whether such efforts would improve the mental health of CGs for CRDs.
The Contribution of Microorganisms to Soil Organic Carbon Stock Under Fertilization Varies among Aggregate Size Classes
Authors: Lu Jinjing , Li Shengping , Liang Guopeng , Wu Xueping , Zhang Qiang , Gao Chunhua , Li Jianhua , Jin Dongsheng , Zheng Fengjun , Zhang Mengni , Abdelrhman Ahmed Ali , Degré Aurore 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Long term fertilization alters soil microbiological properties and then affects soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. However, the interrelations of SOC with biological drivers and their relative importance are rarely analyzed quantitatively at aggregate scale. We investigated the contribution of soil microbial biomass, diversity and enzyme activity to C stock in soil aggregate fractions (> 5 mm, 2 − 5 mm, 1 − 2 mm, 0.25 − 1 mm and < 0.25 mm) at topsoil (0–15 cm) from 27-year long term fertilization regime. Compared to CK (no fertilization management), NPS and NPM (inorganic fertilization plus the incorporation of maize straw or composted cow manure) significantly reduced the impact of NP (inorganic fertilizers application alone) on the growth of microbial community, and increased the microbial contribution to C stock. The results showed that microbial variables were significantly correlated with SOC content in > 0.25 mm aggregates rather than in < 0.25 mm aggregates. Fungal variables (fungal, AM biomass, and F/B ratio) and enzyme activities (BXYL and LAP) in > 0.25 mm aggregates explained 21% and 2% on C, respectively. Overall, organic matter (OM) addition could contribute to higher C storage by boosting fungal community and enzyme activity rather than by changing microbial community diversity in macro-aggregates.
The Association of Dietary Acid Load with Resting Metabolic Rate and Metabolic Components in Overweight and Obese Women: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Mirzababaei Atieh , Shiraseb Farideh , Setayesh Leila , Tavakoli Atefeh , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Khadijeh - 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Several epidemiologic studies have reported that dietary acid load is associated with metabolic profiles; however, to our knowledge, the relationship of this dietary pattern with resting metabolic rate (RMR) among obese and overweight females remains unreported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of dietary acid load RMR and metabolic components among overweight and obese adult women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 375 Iranian adults, aged 18–48 years. Dietary acid load indexes were calculated by using a validated 147-item semi-quantitative FFQ. Biochemical and anthropometric measures were assessed using standard methods. An impedance fat analyzer was used to obtain the body composition and an indirect calorimeter was used to assess the RMR. Result: It was observed that after correction for potential confounders, DBP and NEAP and PRAL scores were inversely associated (P<0.05). NEAP index was inversely associated with RMR (β= -0.25, 95% CI=-0.1.5 to 2.08, P=0.02), and positively associated with WC (β= 1.009, 95% CI=-1.43 to 3.45, P=0.05) and WHR (β= 0.01, 95% CI= -0.01 to0.04, P=0.03), such that subjects with higher scores in NEAP had lower RMR and higher WC and WHR. We also observed that DAL (β= -0.02, 95% CI= -0.08 to0.03, P=0.08) and PRAL (β= -0.037, 95% CI= -1.05 to 0.03 P=0.07) were marginally associated with RMR.Conclusion:The results of the present study suggested that higher dietary acid load scores may be negatively associated with lower RMR, while directly associated with greater WC, WHR, DBP, and HOMA-IR.
Study of Combustion Pattern in Oblique Detonation Engine
Authors: Namala Dheeraj Kumar , Mishra Kajal 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Oblique detonation engines are being a centre of multiple kinds of research. Likewise, this paper provides the simulation at various Mach numbers to observe the pattern of combustion in an oblique detonation engine. considering Rahul et al paper[5] as a reference same conditions of pressure, temperature and wedge angles were used in this paper. yet, a different model of a chemical designed by M.O Conaire and H.J Curran[7] was used and simulation was performed at several Mach numbers until a fully developed combustion had been achieved.