bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to Histone in the Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Justice Charles Matthew , Moore Terry L. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Antibodies to histone have been associated in the adult literature with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) and drug induced lupus(DILE). Little data is available regarding the spectrum of pathology that antibodies to histone encompass in the pediatric population. Prior studies suggest an association with SLE, juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA), uveitis and linear scleroderma.Methods:Patient charts were reviewed that contained positive anti-histone antibody testing during a consecutive three year period. Patient diagnosis along with the presence of: anti-histone antibody titer, ANA, and the presence of other autoantibodies to SSA, SSB, Sm, RNP, dsDNA and chromatin were obtained. The frequency of SLE, JIA and DILE was further investigated in specific subsets.Results:139 individual charts were reviewed containing 41 different diagnoses. The most common diagnosis was hypermobility arthralgia with 22 patients. The most frequent rheumatologic diagnosis was JIA(non-systemic) with 19. 13 patients in this study were diagnosed with SLE and 2 with DILE. 18 patients had other autoantibody production, of these, 11 had SLE or DILE. Only one of 62 patients with a weak anti-histone antibody titer(1.0-1.5) was diagnosed with SLE. When strong titers are present(>2.5), the anti-histone antibody test was associated with a greater than 50% incidence of an underlying rheumatologic disease and ten times higher incidence of SLE than a weak titer. In regards to the frequency of SLE, there was a statistically significant difference in weak and moderate(1.6-2.5) titers(p-value 0.0113) and weak and strong titers(p-value 0.0053). Conclusion:The presence of anti-histone antibody was observed in a variety of diagnoses in the pediatric population. Overall, the presence of anti-histone antibodies appears to have poor diagnostic utility for any specific condition. However, diagnostic utility for SLE does improve with higher titers, when combined with other autoantibody positivity. Strength of titer did not appear to be a factor for JIA, but was the most frequently observed rheumatologic disease in this study.
Circ_0038467 is Overexpressed in Osteoarthritis and it Promotes the Maturation of miR-203 to Increase the Apoptosis of Chondrocytes Induced by LPS
Authors: Gou Zhongkun , Wu Quanling , Jiang Changqing , Dong Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: LPS-induced inflammation contributes to osteoarthritis (OA). It is known that Circ_0038467 plays a critical role in LPS-mediated inflammation, suggesting the its involvement in OA. This study aimed to study the possible involvement of Circ_0038467 in OA.Materials and Methods: Circ_0038467, mature miR-203 and miR-203 precursor expression in controls and OA patients was determined by RT-qPCR. Circ_0038467 overexpression in chondrocytes and RT-qPCR was performed to analyze its effects on the expression of mature miR-203 and miR-203 precursor. The role of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 in cell apoptosis was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay.Results: Circ_0038467 was upregulated in OA and positively correlated with mature miR-203, but not miR-203 precursor. In chondrocytes, increased expression of both Circ_0038467 and miR-203 was observed after LPS treatment. In chondrocytes, Circ_0038467 overexpression increased the expression levels of mature miR-203, but not miR-203 precursor. Analysis of cell apoptosis showed that overexpression of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 increased cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-203 inhibitor reversed the effects of Circ_0038467 overexpression on cell apoptosis.Conclusions: Circ_0038467 is highly expressed in OA and may promote the production of mature miR-203 to increase the apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by LPS.
Risk Factors of Severe Adult-onset Asthma: A Multi-factor Approach
Authors: Toppila-Salmi Sanna , Lemmetyinen Riikka , Chanoine Sebastien , Karjalainen Jussi , Pekkanen Juha , Bousquet Jean , Siroux Valérie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim was to identify risk factors of severe adult-onset asthma.Methods: We used data from 1350 population-based asthmatics (Adult Asthma in Finland) with adult-onset asthma (age range 31-93 years) from Finnish national registers. Severe asthma was defined as self-reported severe asthma AND asthma symptoms causing much harm AND regular impairment AND (≥1 oral corticosteroid course/year OR regular oral corticosteroids OR wake up in the night due to asthma symptoms/wheezing attach ≥ a few times/month). Sixteen covariates covering several domains (personal characteristics, education, life-style, early life factors, asthma characteristics and multimorbidities) were selected based on literature and were studied in association with severe asthma using logistic regressions. Results: The study population included 100 (7.4 %) individuals with severe asthma. In a univariate analysis, severe asthma was associated with male sex, age, low education, no professional training, ever smoking, ≥ 2 siblings, ≥ 1 chronic comorbidity and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) -exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) (p<0.05); and trends for association (p<0.2) were observed for severe childhood infection, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and being the 1st child. The 10 variables (being 1st child was removed due to multicolinearity) were thus entered in a multivariate regression model and severe asthma was significantly associated with male sex (OR [CI95%] = 1.96 [1.16-3.30]), ever smoking (1.98 [1.11-3.52]), chronic comorbidities (2.68 [1.35-5.31]), NERD (3.29 [1.75-6.19]), and ≥ 2 siblings (2.51 [1.17-5.41]). There was a dose-response effect of the total sum of these five factors on severe asthma (OR [CI95%] = 2.30 [1.81-2.93] for each increase of one unit of the score). Conclusions: Male sex, smoking, NERD, comorbidity, age and number of siblings were independent risk factors for self-reported severe asthma. The effects of these factors seem to be additive; each additional risk factor gradually increase with the risk of severe asthma.
Ecology of Anopheles Mosquito Larvae in Different Ecological Zones in Ghana
Authors: Hinne Isaac Amankona , Attah Simon Kwaku , Mensah Benedicta Ayiedu , Forson Akua Obeng , Afrane Yaw Asare 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Understanding the ecology of larval malaria mosquitoes is important in a changing environment is important in developing effective control tools or programmes. This study characterized the breeding habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes in rural communities in different ecological zones in Ghana during the dry and rainy seasons.Methods: The spatio-temporal distribution, species composition, and abundance of larval Anopheles mosquitoes in breeding habitats were studied in 3 ecological zones of Ghana. These were Anyakpor (Coastal Savanna area), Duase (Forest area), Libga, Pagazaa, and Kpalsogu (Sahel Savanna area). Larvae were collected using standard dippers and were raised in the insectary for identification. Results: Out of a total of 7,984 mosquito larvae collected, 2,152 (27.26%) were Anophelines and were more abundant in the rainy season (70.82%) than in the dry season (29.18 %). The Anophelines were made up of 2,128 (98.88%) An. gambiae s.l., 16 (0.74%) An. rufipees and 8 (0.37%) An. pharoensis. In Anyakpor and Duase, dug-out wells were the most productive habitat in the dry (1.59 larvae/dip and 1.47 larvae/dip) and rainy seasons (11.28 larvae/dip and 2.05 larvae/dip). The most productive habitats in Kpalsogu were natural ponds in the dry season (0.89 larvae/dip) and swamps in the rainy season (2.57 larvae/dip). In Libga, the most productive habitats were drainage ditches in the dry season (0.30 larvae/dip) and furrows in the rainy season (1.83 larvae/dip). The most productive habitats in Pagazaa were puddles (1.44 larvae/dip). Anopheles coluzii was the most abundant sibling species in all the ecological zones except Libga in the sahel savannah area where An. gambiae s.s was the most abundant. Anopheles melas and An. arabiensis were encountered only in the coastal savannah and the sahel savanna areas respectively. Larval habitat types influenced the presence of larvae as well as larval densities (p < 0.001). The land-use type affected the presence of Anopheles larvae (p = 0.001), while vegetation cover influenced larval densities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that the abundance of Anopheles breeding habitats and hence Anopheles larvae are closely associated with anthropogenic activities. Regulating such activities will lead to a significant reduction in Anopheles breeding habitats.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosoma Mansoni Infection Among Preschool-Aged Children From Panamasso Village, Burkina Faso
Authors: Cisse Mamoudou , Sangare Ibrahim , Djibougou Arthur D. , Tahita Marc C. , Gnissi Souleymane , Bassinga Jonathan K.W. , Konda Salifou , Diallo Abdoulaye H. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Although schistosomiasis is well documented in school-aged children in Burkina Faso, prevalence data among preschool-aged children (PSAC) are limited and outdated, and its risk factors in this group remain poorly documented. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection among PSAC from Panamasso village, western Burkina Faso.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was carried out among 228 children under 6 years old from Panamasso village. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to detect S. mansoni eggs in stool samples. Urine samples were subjected to a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test and a centrifugation method to check for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection, respectively. Potential risk factors for S. mansoni infection were explored using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe mean age of children was 40.2 ± 15.0 months. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by Kato-Katz, formol-ether concentration, and POC-CCA was 42.1%, 39.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Based on the combined results of the three methods, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 81.1%. No case of S. haematobium infection was found. The geometric mean intensity of S. mansoni infection was 107.2 eggs per gram of faeces with 54.2%, 33.3%, and 12.5% of the children having light, moderate, and heavy infections, respectively. Girls (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3-6.1), a household located within 500 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0-8.6), or between 500 and 1000 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-7.2), and child’s history of going to the pond (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.7-14.3) were the variables significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. ConclusionS. mansoni was the sole species infecting a high proportion of PSAC in the study area. A mass drug administration program with praziquantel is therefore urgently required for those below 6 year-old. Other control strategies should include increased community-awareness and provision of safe water.
miR-383-5p Inhibits Human Malignant Melanoma via Targeting CENPF
Authors: Jin Wanwan , Liu Huazhen , Xu Qin , Lin Nan , Xu Haiting 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Human malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the skin cancers with the highest mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-383-5p on human MM cells. Methods: The expression of miR-383-5p was measured by quantitative real-time PCR assay. The cell proliferation, invasion and migration were detected by CCK8, clone formation and transwell assays. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect apoptosis. The binding of miR-383-5p and 3’UTR of CENPF mRNA was indicated by dual-luciferase assays.Results: We found that miR-383-5p inhibited the cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of M14 and A375 cells. Biochemical analysis revealed that the expression of miR-383-5p was negatively correlated with CENPF expression in human MM, and the doul-luciferase report showed that miR-383-5p could effectively bind to the 3’UTR of CENPF. CENPF expression was up-regulated and predicted the prognosis of MM. In addition, high expression of CENPF can effectively remedy the resistance of cell proliferation and vitality caused by miR-383-5p. Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-383-5p acts as a tumor suppressor in human MM by targeting CENPF, suggesting that CENPF may be a potential therapeutic target for human MM.
Canadian National Electrophysiology Ablation Registry Report 2011-2016
Authors: Kaoutskaia Anna , Shurrab Mohammed , Amit Guy , Parkash Ratika , Exner Derek , Toal Satish , Sterns Laurence , Sarrazin Jean-Francois , Chauhan Vijay , Sultan Omar , Nair Girish , Deyell Marc , Macle Laurent , Klassen Steve , Glover Benedict , Crystal Eugene 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background/Purpose: Interventional cardiac electrophysiology (EP) is a rapidly evolving field in Canada; a nationwide registry was established in 2011 to conduct a periodic review of resource allocation. Methods: The registry collects annual data on EP lab infrastructure, imaging, tools, human resources, procedural volumes, success rates, and wait times. Leading physicians from each EP lab were contacted electronically; participation was voluntary. Results: All Canadian EP centres were identified (n=30); 50% and 45% of active centres participated in the last 2 instalments of the registry. A mean of 508±270 standard and complex catheter ablation procedures were reported annually for 2015-2016 by all responding centres. The most frequently performed ablation targets atrial fibrillation (PVI) arrhythmia accounting for 36% of all procedures (mean=164±85). The number of full time physicians ranges between 1 and 7 per centre, (mean=4). The mean wait time to see an electrophysiologist for an initial non-urgent consult is 23 weeks. The wait time between an EP consult and ablation date is 17.8 weeks for simple ablation, and 30.1 weeks for AF ablation. On average centres have 2 (range: 1-4) rooms equipped for ablations; each centre uses the EP lab an average of 7 shifts per week. While diagnostic studies and radiofrequency ablations are performed in all centres, point-by-point cryoablation is available in 85% centres; 38% of the respondents use circular ablation techniques. Conclusion: This initiative provides contemporary data on invasive electrophysiology lab practices. The EP registry provides activity benchmarks on national trends and practices.
Comparison of Different Obesity Indices associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Different Sex and Age Groups in China
Authors: Ge Qiwei , Li Min , Xu Zhengcheng , Qi Zhigang , Zheng Huiyan , Cao Yuxin , Huang Hao , Duan Xiaoyang , Zhuang Xun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the obesity index most closely related to type 2 diabetes is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the associations of five anthropometric indices (body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Chinese adults divided into four groups according to sex and age.Methods: A total of 4,007 adult participants (1,669 males and 2,338 females) were included. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were used with binary logistic regression models to estimate the risk of T2DM for each obesity index. Furthermore, we compared the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of each obesity index for the criterion of hypertension under the influence of risk factors. Results: For the males, WC had the highest value of OR (3.211 and 1.452) and AUC (0.783 and 0.614) in both age groups. However, WHtR (OR=2.366, AUC=0.771) and BMI (OR=1.596, AUC=0.647) tended to be the best criteria for T2DM among females in the 18-59 and ≥60 years age groups, respectively.Conclusions: This study suggests that there is a positive association of obesity-related anthropometric indices with T2DM in different sex and age groups. For males, WC appears to be the best anthropometric index for predicting T2DM. For 18-59 and ≥60 age women, the best obesity indices related with T2DM are WHtR and BMI, respectively.
Antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds isolated from Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Authors: Khan Fouzia Khan , javed saima , Hanif Asma , Faizi Shaheen , Yousuf Muhammad , Kazmi Shahana Urooj 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
IntroductionMultidrug resistance is an alarming issue worldwide. Herbal plants are being used as therapeutic agents since ages. One such plant is Caesalpinia pulcherrima, known for its beneficial effects. Therefore, this study was planned to isolate pure compounds and check its antimicrobial activity along with synergism.MethodologyAntimicrobial susceptibility pattern of MDR clinical bacterial strains against phenolic compounds was performed by Agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by tube dilution and micro broth dilution methods. Synergistic combinations of Methyl gallate with antibiotics were assessed by checkerboard titration method. Scanning Electron Microscopy was conducted to analyse the changes in cell morphology of MDR E. coli and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus after treatment with Methyl gallateResultsMethyl gallate showed promising antimicrobial activity (250–500 µg/ml), whereas, Ethyl gallate, Syringic acid and Gallic acid trimethyl ether showed MIC (500–2500 µg/ml). Time kill kinetics assays of Methyl gallate showed bactericidal activity. Methyl gallate showed good synergistic combinations with Amoxycillin and Ciprofloxocin. Scanning electron microscopy of Methyl gallate depicted profound disruption in the cell wall, incomplete cell division and distorted structure of MDR bacteria.ConclusionsPhenolic compounds were found to be a potential source of therapeutic substances as compared to the conventional antibiotics. Further studies are required to explore their mechanism of action.
Circular RNA circCTNNA1 is downregulated in osteoarthritis and sponges miR-29a to suppress LPS-induced apoptosis of synoviocytes
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Haolong , Feng Xingyu , Song Jing , Zhong Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: CircRNA circCTNNA1 has been characterized as a critical player in cancer biology, while its role in other human diseases is unknown. This study was carried out to study the role of circCTNNA1 in osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods: OA patients (n = 62) were subjected to extraction of synovial fluid, followed by performing RT-qPCRs to determine the expression of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a. The interaction between circCTNNA1 and miR-29a was predicted by IntaRNA 2.0 and confirmed by RNA pull-down assay. In synoviocytes, overexpression of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a was achieved, followed by performing RT-qPCRs to analyze the crosstalk between them. The role of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a in regulating the apoptosis of synoviocytes was explored by cell apoptosis assay. Results: CircCTNNA1 was downregulated in OA, while miR-29a was overexpressed in OA. CircCTNNA1 and miR-29a were not significantly correlated. RNA pull-down assay illustrated the direct interaction between circCTNNA1 and miR-29a. In synoviocytes, overexpression of circCTNNA1 and miR-29a failed to regulate the expression of each other. CircCTNNA1 overexpression suppressed the enhancing effects of miR-29a overexpression on cell apoptosis induced by LPS. Conclusion: Therefore, circCTNNA1 is downregulates in OA and its overexpression suppresses the apoptosis of synoviocytes by sponging miR-29a.
Comparison of triglyceride/HDL-C ratio and triglyceride glucose index in identifying NAFLD in Chinese population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Hui , Wang Xinfeng , Zheng Yingmei , Yang Xuan , Ren Jinyan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and triglyceride glucose index (TyG) have been recommended as surrogate markers for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the present study, we aimed to compare the ability of TG/HDL-C, TyG and TyG-HDL-C, a new indicator deriving from TyG and HDL-C, in identifying NAFLD in Chinese population.
Methods

A total of 11,524 subjects who participated in a health checkup program were included. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography.
Results

The prevalence rates of NAFLD progressively increased across the quartiles of TG/HDL-C, TyG and TyG-HDL-C (P for tend < 0.0001). After adjustment for confounding factors, the three indicators were all independently associated with the risk of NAFLD. The odds ratios (ORs) for NAFLD of the second to fourth TyG-HDL-C quartiles compared to the first quartile were 2.24 (1.92–2.62), 4.24 (3.64–4.94) and 8.96 (7.64–10.50), respectively. There was no difference in areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the three indicators in men, regardless of body weight. AUCs of TyG were significantly higher than thats of TG/HDL-C in overweight and obese women (P < 0.0001), with the optimal cut-off point of 8.56 (sensitivity = 74.4 %, specificity = 60.9 %). In normal or low body weight women, TyG-HDL-C, with a AUC of 0.827 (0.810–0.843), was better than the other two indictors, with AUCs of 0.813 (0.796–0.830), 0.815 (0.797–0.831), respectively (P = 0.0015). The optimal cut-off point of TyG-HDL-C in normal or low body weight women was 6.8 (sensitivity = 78.1%, specificity = 72.1 %).
Conclusions

TG/HDL-C is as effective as TyG in predicting NAFLD in Chinese men. TyG is superior to TG/HDL-C in identifying NFAFLD in Chinese overweight and obese women. While in Chinese normal and low weight women, TyG-HDL-C is a better predictor for NAFLD.
Inequalities in child immunization coverage in Togo: an analysis of Decomposition
Authors: TOSSOU Yaovi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Child vaccination is recognised as a mechanism to improve child survival and health by reducing child deaths. However, there are significant inequalities in the coverage of different childhood vaccinations in both urban and rural areas. In this article, we examine the inequalities between rural and urban areas in the vaccination of children in Togo.
Methods

Using data from the 2017 MICS6 Survey, we examine the probability that a child aged 12–59 months will receive the required vaccinations and break down the sources of inequalities in immunisation coverage between rural and urban areas. This is done using the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique, which identifies the sources and factors that explain differences in outcomes between groups.
Results

Analysis of the results shows that the characteristics of the child, the mother and the household influence the immunization status of the child. For example, children in rural areas are more likely to complete the required vaccinations. We find that a pro urban advantage in characteristics is observed.
Conclusion

There is also a need to specifically target vulnerable children in urban areas, in order to maintain the focus on women's empowerment and to pay special attention to children from poor households.