bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 Differentially Regulate the Self-Renewal and Differentiation of Spinal Cord Neural Precursor Cells
Authors: Sanchez-Petidier Marina , Guerri Consuelo , Moreno-Manzano Victoria 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) represent critical effectors in the host defense response against various pathogens; however, their known function during development has also highlighted a potential role in cell fate determination and neural differentiation. While glial cells and neural precursor cells (NPCs) of the spinal cord express both TLR2 and TLR4, their influence on self-renewal and cell differentiation remains incompletely described. Methods: TLR2, TLR4 knock-out and the wild type mice were employed for spinal cord tissue analysis and NPCs isolation at early post-natal stage. Sox2, FoxJ1 and Ki67 expression among others served to identify the undifferentiated and proliferative NPCs; GFAP, Olig2 and b-III-tubulin markers served to identify astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons respectively after NPC spontaneous differentiation. Multiple comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with appropriate corrections such as Tukey's post hoc tests used for comparisons. Results: We discovered that the deletion of TLR2 or TLR4 significantly reduced the number of Sox2-expressing NPCs in the neonatal mouse spinal cord. While TLR2-knockout NPCs displayed enhanced self-renewal, increased proliferation and apoptosis, and delayed neural differentiation, the absence of TLR4 promoted the neural differentiation of NPCs without affecting proliferation, producing long projecting neurons. TLR4 knock-out NPCs showed significantly higher expression of Neurogenin1, that would be involved in the activation of this neurogenic program by a ligand and microenvironment-independent mechanism. Interestingly, the absence of both TLR2 and TLR4 in NPCs impeded oligodendrocyte precursor cell maturation to a similar degree. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Toll-Like receptors are needed to maintain Sox2 positive neural progenitors in the spinal cord, however possess distinct regulatory roles in mouse neonatal spinal cord NPCs - while TLR2 and TLR4 play a similar role in oligodendrocytic differentiation, they differentially influence neural differentiation.
Cationic polymer-in-salt electrolytes for fast metal ion conduction and solid-state battery applications
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Wang Xiaoen , Armand Michel , Forsyth Maria 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Polymer electrolytes provide a safe solution for all-solid-state high energy density batteries. Materials that meet the simultaneous requirement of high ionic conductivity and high transference number remain a challenge, in particular for new battery chemistries beyond Lithium such as Na, K and Mg. Herein, we demonstrate the versatility of a polymeric ionic liquid (PolyIL) as a solid-state solvent to achieve this goal for both Na and K. Using molecular simulations, we predict and elucidate fast metal ion transport in PolyILs through a structural diffusion mechanism in a polymer-in-salt environment, facilitating a high transference number. Experimental validation of these computational designed Na and K polymer electrolytes gives high ionic conductivities of 1.010-3 S cm-1 at 80 oC and an exceptional Na+ transference number of ~0.57. Electrochemical cycling of a sodium anode also demonstrates an ultra-low overpotential of 40 mV and stable long term performance of more than 100 hours in a symmetric cell. PolyIL-based polymer-in-salt strategies for novel solid-state electrolytes thus offer a promising route to design high performance next generation sustainable battery chemistries.
Right-sided Endocarditis Caused by Polyclonal Staphylococcus Aureus Infection
Authors: Kolben Yotam , Ishay Yuval , Azmanov Henny , Rokney Assaf , Baum Moti , Amit Sharon , Nir-Paz Ran 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We present a case of bacterial endocarditis with both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which based on typing, originated from two distinct clones. Such a case may be misinterpreted by microbiology lab automation to be a monoclonal multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus, while simple microbiology techniques will instantly reveal distinct clonality.
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Diabetes Quality of Life Scale in Afaan Oromoo Among People Living With Type 2 Diabetes in Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Leung Doris Y.P. , Suen Lorna K.P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background: The original 46-item Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) scale has been translated into different languages, and the translated DQOL has shown good reliability and validity after deleting some items. However, the DQOL is not available in the Afaan Oromoo language for people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to translate the DQOL scale into Afaan Oromoo, and to culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the DQOL-Afaan Oromoo (DQOL-AO) among people living with T2D in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sampling technique was conducted in 2020. The DQOL was translated and adapted to Afaan Oromoo. Item-total correlations and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed factor structure; the Cronbach’s alpha assessed internal consistency and relationships with gender, educational status, marital status, age, employment status; and status of diabetes-related disease assessed the construct validity of the DQOL-AO.Results: A 417 participants responded to all items of the DQOL. Item-total correlation analysis and EFA produced a 34-item DQOL-AO with four subscales, which demonstrated that the internal consistency of the overall DQOL-AO was 0.867, and scores were 0.827, 0.846, 0.654, 0.727 for the impact, satisfaction, social/vocational worry, and diabetes-related worry subscales, respectively. Statistically significant differences in QOL were obtained in educational status (F=7.164, p<0.001) and employment status (F=4.21, P=0.002). Individuals who attended college and above and government employees had better QOL. Conclusion: The 34-item DQOL-AO provided preliminary evidence as a reliable and valid tool to measure diabetic-related QOL among adults living with T2D who speak Afaan Oromoo.
An Exploratory Cohort Study of the Association Between the Level of Testosterone and Suicidal Ideation in the Hospitalized Adolescent Female With Depression in China
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Shaohua , Xue Chuang , Hu Xiwen , Zhou Guoling , Zhou Yuanyue , Fang Dan , Ding Kaijing , Chen Wencong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo date, around 4 per 100, 000 adolescent committed suicide within the 29 OECD countries. The suicidal behavior is related to psychological factors, genetics, neurobiology, and other biomarkers. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for the suicidal ideation, especially the association between suicide ideation and different levels of testosterone in the adolescent female with depression. The goal of this study is to aid the development of strategies to intervene the suicidal behavior for the depressed female adolescent. MethodIn this single center, prospective cohort study, we enrolled adolescent female with depression. We collected baseline demographic data, age adjusted level of testosterone, Symptom Self-rating Scale, and information about the suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicide attempt. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine the risk factors for the suicidal ideation. ResultsTotal 113 hospitalized adolescent female enrolled with a mean age of 13.5 (1.20). Among these patients, there were 86 (76.1%) subjects suffered from the suicidal ideation, while 59 (52.2%) of them had NSSI and 23 (20.4%) had suicide attempt behavior. In the final model, higher level of testosterone (p = 0.04) and higher age (p = 0.02) were associated with the higher odds of having suicidal ideation.ConclusionIn this exploratory cohort study, suicidal ideation was prevalent. It is important to assess the level of testosterone in the adolescent female with depression. This study is consistent with the other studies. It shows the age is a potential predictor for the suicidal ideation in the hospitalized adolescent female with depression.
Differences in Adverse Events Related to Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision Between Civilian and Military Health Facilities in Uganda
Authors: Obangaber Lucky Ogweng , Seruwagi Gloria , Nabaggala Maria Sarah , Lugada Eric , Bwayo Denis , Nyanzi Abdul , Rwegyema Twaha , Wamundu Cassette , Lawoko Stephen , Kasujja Vincent , Asiimwe Evarlyne , Musinguzi Ambrose , Kikaire Bernard , Kiragga Agnes 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV in men. Despite the percentage of circumcised men (15-49 years) in Uganda increasing over time, some populations are not taking up the surgical procedure. The government of Uganda and implementing partners have responded to this lack of VMMC coverage among key populations by intensifying introducing innovative strategies that increase demand particularly among military personnel using the WHO’s MOVE strategy. As a surgical intervention, it is critical that VMMC services are safe for clients and that adverse events or complications are minimized. This paper describes the prevalence and trends of adverse events reported among military mobile camps in comparison to civilian sites in Uganda. Methods: A prospective study conducted in eighteen (18) public health facilities between March and August 2019. Of these nine (9) were providing care to civilian populations while nine (9) served the military population and catchment areas. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and trends analysis were carried out to describe profile of advance events among civilian and military facilities over the study period. Results: The highest proportions of VMMC were done among persons aged 15 to 19 years whereas among military camps the highest proportions of circumcision among males aged 20 to 24 years. Regarding site of circumcision, the highest proportions of VMMC were done at outreaches, with higher levels in military camps compared to civilian camps. For the proportions of adverse events reported, higher proportions were reported in civilian camps compared to military camps (Total – 1.3% vs 0.2%; p- value<0.05). For trends analysis, results indicate that there was no statistically significant trend for both civilian and military number of adverse events reported for the four quarters in 2020 (P-value =0.315 for civilian and P=0.094 for the military). Conclusions: The MOVE model is great for scaling up VMMC in specialized populations such as military. Can also be adapted in other populations if contextual bottlenecks are identified and collectively addressed by key stakeholders – leadership, community engagement and using a largely horizontal approach offer promising possibilities and outcomes.
A meta-analysis of effects of blended learning on performance, attitude, achievement, and engagement in different countries
Authors: Yu Zhonggen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Although the new century has been witnessing increasing popularity of blended learning especially during this special pandemic time, few studies have summarized the effectiveness of blended learning in different countries. This meta-analysis summarizes previous studies on blended learning effectiveness in different countries in terms of students’ performance, students’ attitudes towards blended learning, learning achievement, and student engagement in different countries. Through the meta-analysis via Stata/MP 14.0, it is concluded that blended learning could improve performance, attitude, and achievement in most countries. However, in both China and the USA, blended learning could not significantly improve student engagement in academic activities. No significant differences were revealed in student performance in the USA between blended and non-blended learning. Future research could extend the research into blended learning to more countries and areas across the world.
Interaction Between Income, Health Insurance, and Self-rated Health: a Path Analysis
Authors: West Atalie Ashley , Unruh Lynn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Aim: The public health literature suggests health insurance and socioeconomic status (SES) are independent predictors of health outcomes; few studies have explored the interrelationships between these predictors and health. This study explores relationships between income, health insurance, and health, testing the following hypotheses: 1) people with health insurance have higher self-rated health than those who do not; 2) people who have higher income are more likely to have both insurance and higher self-rated health.Subject and Methods: This is retrospective, cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of 39,450 records from the 2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The design utilizes path analysis to simultaneously assess relationships between health insurance status, income, and self-rated health, along with several socio-demographic covariates.Results: We find that higher income and having insurance were both significant predictors of higher self-rated health. Income had a stronger direct effect on health than being insured, as indicated by standardized coefficients. Higher income was also related to having health insurance, thereby influencing health indirectly through its relationship with health insurance. Several socio-demographic variables were also related to self-rated health, income, and insurance. Conclusions: Future research should explore effects of both insurance and income and their interrelationships on health. Health policies should consider that growing poverty and income inequality in the U.S. limit the effectiveness of health insurance and other social programs if larger social conditions are not addressed.
Utility of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) in the Post-COVID-19 Context: Retrospective Analysis of a Single Centre Experience.
Authors: Parkes Edward , Shakespeare Joanna , Robbins Timothy , Kyrou Ioannis , Randeva Harpal , Ali Asad 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) allows objective assessment of a patient’s global response to maximal incremental exercise. CPET has been proposed to have a role in investigating post-COVID syndrome. However, CPET is resource intensive, and essential for restoration of other clinical services (e.g. cancer surgery). The aim of this study was to explore utility of CPET in assessing functional status of COVID-19 survivors with persistent dyspnoea.
Of the 600 patients reviewed in a post-COVID-19 assessment clinic between May 2020 and April 2021, 12 (male/female: 8/4; age: 4±15.2 years; BMI: 32.8±5.9 kg/m2; non-smokers/ smokers: 8/4) were referred for CPET due to persistent breathlessness out-keeping with disease severity. Of these patients, 10 patients demonstrated reduced peak VO2, whilst five had an exercise limitation attributed to physical deconditioning. Two patients had mainly a cardiac limitation to exercise, with a further three patients demonstrating breathing pattern disorder, pulmonary vascular disease and lung disease.
The findings of this single-centre study suggest that intensive CPET testing may not add substantial additional clinical information to aid patient investigation/management in the context of post-COVID. Such resource intensive procedures may be better utilised in selected patients and in the restoration of NHS services following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using genetics to uncouple higher adiposity from its adverse metabolic effects and understand its role in metabolic and non-metabolic disease.
Authors: Yaghootkar Hanieh , Martin Susan , Tyrrell Jessica , Thomas Elizabeth , Bown Matthew , Wood Andrew , Beaumont Robin , Tsoi Lam , Stuart Philip E , Elder James , Law Philip , Houlston Richard , Kabrhel Christopher , Papadimitriou Nikos , Gunter Marc , Bull Caroline , Bell Joshua , Vincent Emma , Sattar Naveed , Bell Jimmy , Frayling Timothy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To understand the consequences of higher adiposity uncoupled from its adverse metabolic effects, we selected 37 diseases associated with obesity and genetic variants associated with different aspects of excess weight including metabolically “favourable adiposity” (FA) and “unfavourable adiposity” (UFA). Mendelian randomisation (MR) identified two sets of diseases. First, 12 conditions where the metabolic effect of higher adiposity is the likely primary cause of the disease. Here MR with the FA and UFA genetics showed opposing effects on the risk of disease, including colorectal and ovarian cancer, and gout. Second, 7 conditions where the non-metabolic effects of excess weight (e.g. mechanical effect) is likely a cause. Here MR with the FA genetics, despite leading to lower metabolic risk, and MR with the UFA genetics, were both associated with higher disease risk, including osteoarthritis and venous thromboembolism. Individuals with high BMI are at higher risk of some diseases despite being relatively metabolically healthy.
Blocking PSD-93-CX3CL1 Interaction Promotes Phenotypic Polarization Transformation of Microglia During Acute Ischemic Stroke Injury
Authors: Zhang Qingxiu , Cao Xiaowei , Yang Hui , Liu Xiaomei , Lou Shiying , Kong Liping , Rong Liangqun , Shan Junjun , Xu Yun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background：Postsynaptic density 93 (PSD-93) plays an important role in ischemic brain injury through mediating neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Blocked the combination of PSD-93 and Fractalkine (CX3Cchemokineligand1, CX3CL1) play beneficial roles in acute ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism still need further exploration. Methods：In this study, male C57BL/6 mice aged 8-12 weeks and weighted 22-26g were applied with Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model and randomly divided into different groups. Firstly, real-time quantitative PCR was to detect some cytokines associated with M1 and M2 type of microglia at different time points in transient MCAO model. Secondly, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, brain water content and behavioral assessments were used to evaluate the neurologic damage. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to measure the white matter injury, and microglia polarization. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to investigate the expression of soluble CX3CL1. Results：M1 phenotype cytokines were detected at different time points and found that their expression increased from beginning at 6 hours after reperfusion and most peaked at 24 h after reperfusion. However, the expression of M2 phenotype cytokines decreased or still keep invariant at 6 hours and 24 h after reperfusion. Interestingly, Tat-CX3CL1 (357-395aa) can facilitate microglia polarization from M1 type to M2 type through inhibiting expression of the soluble CX3CL1. Furthermore, CX3CL1 specific cleavase inhibitor ADAM17 could restrain the microglia polarization transformation via reducing the soluble CX3CL1 formation. Moreover, Tat-CX3CL1 (357-395aa) also attenuate long-term cognitive deficits and improved white matter integrity. Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrated that specific blockage the binding of PSD-93 and CX3CL1 by Tat-CX3CL1 (357-395aa) could perform functional recovery after ischemic stroke by promoting type microglia polarization transformation from M1 to M2. And the peptide Tat-CX3CL1 (357-395aa) is a promising strategy for treatment of ischemic stroke.
Nanoscale Imaging of Phonon Dynamics by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Pan Xiaoqing , Gadre Chaitanya , Yan Xingxu , Song Qichen , Li Jie , Gu Lei , Aoki Toshihiro , Lee Sheng-Wei , Chen Gang , Wu Ruqian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Spatially resolved vibrational mapping of nanostructures is indispensable to the development and understanding of thermal nanodevices1, modulation of thermal transport2, and novel nanostructured thermoelectric materials3–5. Through the engineering of complex structures such as alloys, nanostructures, and superlattice interfaces, one can significantly alter the propagation of phonons and suppress material thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical conductivity2. Probing local vibrations and phonon dispersions in nanostructured semiconductors informs structure-property correlations and offers insights into the design and optimization of novel thermoelectric materials. There have been no correlative experiments that spatially track the modulation of phonon properties in and around nanostructures due to spatial resolution limitations of conventional optical phonon detection techniques. Here we demonstrate two-dimensional spatial mapping of phonons in a single silicon-germanium (SiGe) quantum dot (QD) using monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Tracking the variation of the Si optical mode in and around the QD, we observe the nanoscale modification of the composition induced redshift. We observe nonequilibrium phonons that only exist near the interface and furthermore, develop a novel technique to differentially map phonon momenta providing direct evidence that the interplay between diffusive and specular reflection largely depends on the detailed atomistic structure --a major advancement in the field. Our work unveils the nonequilibrium phonon dynamics at nanoscale interfaces and can be used to study actual nanodevices and aid in the understanding of heat dissipation near nanoscale hotspots, which is crucial for future high-performance nanoelectronics. Our work demonstrates high spatial resolution vibrational characterization of nanostructures and interfaces that can be extended to other nanostructures and superlattice systems, in terms of composition, composition gradient, and structure driven phonon dynamics.
The Effect of Health Expenditure and Immunisation on Under-Five Mortality Rate in Selected African Countries.
Authors: EBOH Alfred , METIBOBA Steve 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: As a way of tackling child mortality, many countries in the world depend on their respective health-care system. But governments of most countries in Africa are yet to provide robust funding of their health-care systems as many people still depend on the out-of-pocket payment to receive health services. Against this backdrop, this study used annual panel data to assess the effect of health-care expenditure and immunisation on the under-five mortality rate in 30 selected African countries for the period 2000-2017. Methods: Multiple regression technique was adopted for the data analysis and the robust fixed regression estimator was preferred to the random effects as determined by Hausman test.Results: The findings indicated that domestic government general health expenditure had a significant negative effect on the under-five mortality rate. However, the effect of domestic private health expenditure on under-five mortality was not significant while external health expenditure had a significant negative effect on under-five mortality rate. The impact of diphtheria immunisation on under-five mortality was significant. Conclusions: Except domestic private health expenditure, government and external forms of health expenditure coupled with diphtheria immunisation were significant factors for the reduction of the under-five mortality in the selected countries.