bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonylphenol Promotes the Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Tang lan , Xu Jie , Yu Jie , Li Mei Wen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNonylphenol (NP) induces obesity, we elucidated the influence of NP on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and characterize the key stages in the underlying mechanism.Methods3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured until contact inhibition occurred and subsequently induced to differentiate using the MDI (methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin) induction protocol. The cells were exposed to NP during the middle and late stages of the MDI-induced differentiation. After 24 h of exposure to NP, cell growth and differentiation were evaluated under an inverted phase-contrast microscope, lipid deposition was assessed by Oil Red O (ORO) staining, and the levels of the lipid-metabolism–related proteins CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), fatty acid synthesis (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) were determined by western blotting.Results1) Compared with the control group, the lipid droplets in the NP-treated cells were significantly more abundant and bigger,and the levels of C/EBPα, FAS, PPARγ and SREBP1 were significantly higher (P < .001). 2) The intensity of ORO staining was stronger and there were more intensely stained lipid droplets in the NP-treated cells during the middle stages than the late stage，the levels of the C/EBPα, FAS, PPARγ and SREBP1 during the middle stages were approximately higher than those during the late stage (P < .001). Conclusion﻿NP promotes proliferation, differentiation, and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and increases the expression of the C/EBPα, FAS, PPARγ and SREBP1，and NP mainly promotes the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes during the middle stages of the MDI-induced differentiation.
PET/CT NEMA Body Phantom Image Reconstruction Study Using 2 mm Voxel Size for Improved Image Quality
Authors: Rep Sebastijan , Tomše Petra , Jensterle Luka , Zaletel Katja , Ležaič Luka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background PET/CT imaging is widely used in oncology and provides both metabolic and anatomic information. Because of the relatively poor spatial resolution of PET/CT imaging technique the detection of small lesions is limited. The low spatial resolution introduces the partial-volume effect (PVE) which negatively affects images both visually and quantitatively. The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of 4 mm and 2 mm voxel size on image quality and on detection of small spheres. MethodsWe used the NEMA body phantom with six fillable spheres. The spheres and background were filled with a solution of 18F-FDG, in ratio spheres vs background 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 8:1 In all images reconstructed with 2 mm and 4 mm voxel size the contrast recovery coefficient (CRC), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) in standardized uptake value (SUV) were evaluated.ResultsFor phantom spheres ≤ 13 mm, we found significant higher CRC, SUV and CNR using small-voxel reconstructions. CRC and SUV did not differ for large spheres (≥ 17 mm) using 2 mm and 4 mm voxel size. On the other hand, CNR for large spheres (≥ 17 mm) was significantly decreased in 2 mm voxel size images compared to the 4 mm.ConclusionAccording to our results, the reconstruction with 2 mm voxel size can improve precise lesion localization, image contrast, and image quality.
Coxsackievirus B4: a Undervalued Pathogen that Associated with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Authors: Xiao Jinbo , Wang Jianxing , Zhang Yong , Sun Dapeng , Lu Huanhuan , Han Zhenzhi , Song Yang , Yan Dongmei , Zhu Shuangli , Pei Yaowen , Xu Wenbo , Wang Xianjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to discover the causes of Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) -induced hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks and its evolutionary characteristics.Methods: In this study, we sequenced isolates obtained during the outbreak for comparative analyses with previously sequenced strains. Phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary dynamics were performed to illustrate the genetic characteristics of CVB4 in China and worldwide.Results: The nucleotide sequence of CVB4 isolated during the outbreak in 2011 was more similar to that of CVB4 isolated in Shandong Province, China in 2010 (95.7–99.4%) than to other CVB4 isolated in China (90.9–98.8%). A phylogenetic analysis showed that CVB4 originated from a common ancestor in Shandong. CVB4 strains isolated worldwide could be classified into genotypes A–E according to the VP1 region. All CVB4 strains in China belonged to genotype E. The global population diversity of CVB4 fluctuated substantially over time, and CVB4 isolated from China accounted for a significant increase in diversity of CVB4. The average nucleotide substitution rate in VP1 of Chinese CVB4 (5.20 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year) was slightly higher than that of global CVB4 (4.82 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year). Conclusions: These findings explain both the 2011 outbreak and a global increase in CVB4 diversity. In addition to improving our understanding of a major outbreak, these findings provide a basis for the development of surveillance strategies.
Integrating NCD into Primary Health Care in Thailand: a Mix Method Study
Authors: Tuangratananon Tuition , Julchoo Sataporn , Phaiyarom Mathudara , Panichkriangkrai Warisa , Pudpong Nareerut , Patcharanarumol Walaiporn , Tangcharoensathien Viroj 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn response to an increased burden from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primary health care (PHC) is advocated as an effective platform to support NCD prevention and control. This study aims to assess Thailand’s PHC capacity in providing NCD services, identify enabling factors and challenges and provide policy recommendations for improvement.MethodsThis cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted between October 2019 and May 2020. Two provinces, one rich and one poor were randomly selected and then a city and rural district from each province were randomly selected. From these four sites in the two provinces, 56 officers from PHC centres were sampled purposively for a self-administrative questionnaire survey on their capacities and practices related to NCD.A total of 79 participants from Provincial and District Health Offices, provincial and district hospitals, and PHC centres who involved with NCD participated in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews.ResultsStrong health infrastructure, competent staff, though not matched with increased workload, and secured budget boost PHC capacity to address NCD prevention, control, case management, referral and rehabilitation. Community engagement through village health volunteers improves NCD awareness, enrols in screening and improves adherence to interventions. Collaborations between provincial and district hospitals in providing resources and technical support improve NCD capacity of PHC centres. In addition, village health volunteer, a crucial link between health sector and community, is key in supporting NCD control. Additionally, inconsistent national policy directions and uncertainty related to key performance indicators hamper progress in NCD management at the operational level.Conclusion﻿PHC centres play a vital role in managing NCDs prevention and control. However, adequate human and financial resources and policy guidance are required to improve PHC performance in managing NCDs. Implementing best buy measures at national level provides synergies for NCD control at PHC level.
Quantitative Spectrofluorometric Assay Detecting Nuclear Condensation and Fragmentation in Intact Cells
Authors: Majtnerova Pavlina , Capek Jan , Petira Filip , Handl Jiri , Roušar Tomáš 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
At present, nuclear condensation and fragmentation have been estimated also using Hoechst probes in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. However, none of the methods has used the Hoechst probes for quantitative spectrofluorometric assessment. Therefore, the aim of present study was to develop a spectrofluorometric assay for detection of nuclear condensation and fragmentation in intact cells. We used HepG2 and HK‑2 cells cultured in 96-well plates which were treated with potent apoptotic inducers (i.e. cisplatin, staurosporine, camptothecin) for 6-48 h. Then, the cells were incubated with Hoechst 33258 (2 µg/mL) and the increase of fluorescence after binding of the dye to DNA was measured. The developed spectrofluorometric assay was capable to detect nuclear changes caused by all tested apoptotic inducers. Then, we compared the outcomes of the spectrofluorometric assay with other methods detecting apoptosis (i.e. TUNEL, DNA ladder, caspase activity). We found that the developed assay provides results of same sensitivity as TUNEL assay but the advantages of the spectrofluorometric assay are fast processing, low-cost and high throughput. Because nuclear condensation and fragmentation can be typical markers of cell death, especially in apoptosis, we suppose that the spectrofluorometric assay could become a routinely used method for characterizing cell death processes.
Perceived Family Function and Associated Predictors in Nurses: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Wen , Fang Qian , He Shan , An Qiping , Li Juan , Yao Yuanrong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Evidence of family function in clinical nurses remains limited even though nurses play a core role in health care system. The current study was to evaluate the family function of the Chinese clinical nurses, and to explore associated predicting factors.Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional anonymous online survey was carried out. Chinese Family Function Scale were used in the study. Participants were asked to finish the questionnaire as well as demographic information. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was performed in the univariate analysis. Pairwise comparison method was used to determine whether the difference was significant between pair groups. Categorical regression (optimal scaling regression) was the main method to analysis factors which had been confirmed to be statistically significant in the univariate analysis.Results: 19422 nurses completed the online questionnaires. The median of the nurse’s perceived family function score was 3 (Inter-quartile Range: IQR 2-5). The univariate analysis suggested age (P=0.004), highest education level (P<0.001), hospital level (P<0.001), working years (P=0.031), rotation shift status (P<0.001), working department (P<0.001), marital status (P<0.001), number of children (P<0.001), and monthly income per family member (P<0.001) were related to the nurses’ perceived family function. However, the multivariate analysis showed that highest education level (P<0.001), hospital level (P<0.001), rotation shift status (P<0.001), working department (P<0.001), number of children (P<0.001), monthly income per family member (P<0.001) were significantly associated with family function. Moreover, the importance of the factors was number of children (49.1%), monthly income per family member (20.7%), rotation shift status (12.4%), highest education level (8.0%), hospital level (7.6%) and working department (2.4%) in turn.Conclusions: Most of the nurses participated in the study demonstrated appropriate family function. Highest education level, hospital level, rotation shift status, working department, number of children and monthly income per family member were significant associated with nurses’ perceived family function. The importance of those predictors was, in turn, number of children, monthly income per family member, rotation shift status, highest education level, hospital level, and working department.
High Levels of Pyrethroid Resistance and Super-Kdr Mutations in the Populations of Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex Hemipterus, in Iran
Authors: Ghavami Mohammad Bagher , Ghahremani Zarafat , Raeisi Narges , Taghiloo Behrooz 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus, is an important ectoparasite causing various health problems. This species is mainly confined to tropical regions; however, insecticide resistance, global warming, and globalization have changed its distribution map. Molecular information on pyrethroid resistance, which is essential for the development of control programs, is unknown for C. hemipterus in expanded areas. The present study was designed to determine the permethrin resistance status, characterize the pyrethroid receptor sites in voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene and identify the resistance-related mutations in the populations of tropical bed bug in Iran. Methods: Live bed bugs were collected, and adults of C. hemipterus were selected for bioassay and molecular surveys. Bioassay was performed by tarsal contact with permethrin 0.75% in mixed-sex of samples. Conventional and quantitative TaqMan and SYBR green real-time PCR assays were conducted to characterize the vgsc gene and genotypes of studied populations. Results: In the bioassay tests, the mortality rates were in the range of 30.7-38.7% and 56.2-77.4% in 24 and 48 hrs, respectively. The knockdown rates of studied populations were in the range of 32.2-46.6% and 61.5-83.8% in the first and second days, respectively. The KT50 and KT90 values in the C. lectularius Kh1 strain were presented as 5.39 and 15.55 hrs, respectively. These values in the selected populations of C. hemipterus varied from 27.9 to 29.5 and from 82.8 to 104.4 hrs, respectively. Knockdown resistance ratios (KR50 and KR90) in these populations varied from 5.17 to 6.17-fold compared with those of the C. lectularius Kh1 strain. Fragments of vgsc gene with 355 bp and 812 bp were amplified. Analysis of sequences revealed the A468T substitution, kdr-associated D953G, and super-kdr M918I and L1014F mutations in all populations. Conclusions: The simple, specific/sensitive and rapid diagnostic assays developed in this study are recommended for detection of kdr/super-kdr mutations and frequency of mutant alleles. The presence of super-kdr mutations and high resistance to permethrin in all the populations necessitate the reconsideration of control approaches against C. hemipterus.
Effect of dexamethasone in patients with ARDS and COVID-19 – prospective, multi-centre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial (REMED trial): A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maláska Jan , Stašek Jan , Duška František , Balík Martin , Máca Jan , Hruda Jan , Vymazal Tomáš , Klementová Olga , Zatloukal Jan , Gabrhelík Tomáš , Novotný Pavel , Demlová Regina , Kubátová Jana , Vinklerová Jana , Svobodník Adam , Kratochvíl Milan , Klučka Jozef , Gál Roman , Singer Mervyn 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that administration of dexamethasone 20 mg is superior to a 6 mg dose in adult patients with moderate or severe ARDS due to confirmed COVID-19. The secondary objective is to investigate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone 20 mg versus dexamethasone 6 mg. The exploratory objective of this study is to assess long-term consequences on mortality and quality of life at 180 and 360 days.
A Novel Intelligent System Based on Adjustable Classifier Models for Diagnosing Heart Sounds
Authors: Sun Shuping , Huang Tingting , Zhang Biqiang , He Peiguang , Yan Long , Fan Dongdong , Zhang Jiale , Chen Jinbo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: As an eﬃcient method, heart sounds (HSs) analysis by classifying the features extracted from the four-stage sequence consisting of the ﬁrst heart sound (S1), second heart sound (S2), duration from S1 to S2 and duration from S2 to S1, has been widely used to diagnose heart disease and evaluate heart functions. However, the feature is diﬃcult to be extracted with high accuracy due to the four stages segmented from HSs with low accuracy; the ﬁxed classiﬁers achieved by training the features from the old samples cannot better ﬁt the features from the new ones because they are not adjusted with the incremental features. Thus, a novel intelligent diagnostic system, the innovations of which are primarily reﬂected in the automatic feature extraction and adjustable classiﬁer models, is proposed to realize the diagnosis of heart diseases with higher accuracy. Methods: The three stages of the proposed system are summarized as follows. In stage 1, the short time modiﬁed Hilbert transform (STMHT)-based curve is used to segment and extract the ﬁrst complex sound (CS1) and second complex sound (CS2). In stage 2, the envelopes CS1FE and CS2FE for periods CS1 and CS2 are obtained via a novel method, and the frequency features are automatically extracted from CS1FE and CS2FE by setting diﬀerent threshold value (Thv) lines. Finally, the principal component analysis (PCA)-based ﬁrst three principal components γ1, γ2, and γ3 are determined as the diagnostic features. In stage 3, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based objective function fet(x) is generated. Then, the χ2 distribution for component k is determined by calculating the Mahalanobis distance from x to the class mean µk for component k, and the conﬁdence region of component k is determined by adjusting the optimal conﬁdence level βk and used as the criterion to diagnose HSs. Results: The performance evaluation was validated by sounds from online HS databases and clinical heart databases. The accuracy of the proposed method was compared to the accuracies of other well-known classiﬁers, and the highest classiﬁcation accuracies of 99.43%, 98.93%, 99.13%, 99.85%, 98.62%, 99.67% and 99.91% in the detection of MR, MS, ASD, NM, AS, AR and VSD sounds were achieved by setting βk(k = 1,2,...,7) to 0.87,0.65,0.67,0.65,0.67,0.79 and 0.87, respectively. Conclusions: This proposed intelligent diagnosis system provides an eﬃcient way to diagnose seven types of heart diseases. In addition, methods to manage the sounds (such as some ASD sounds) when CS1 and CS2 cannot be segmented and extracted via the STMHT method will be explored in the future to characterize the physical meanings of the frequency components and to build a model of the secondary curve in the frequency domain.
Population health surveillance using mobile telephone surveys in low- and middle-income countries: methodology and sample representativeness of a behavioural risk factor survey of live poultry exposure in Bangladesh
Authors: Berry Isha , Mangtani Punam , Rahman Mahbubur , Khan Iqbal Ansary , Sarkar Sudipta , Naureen Tanzila , Greer Amy L. , Morris Shaun K. , Fisman David N. , Flora Meerjady Sabrina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), population-based health surveys are typically conducted using face-to-face household interviews. However, telephone-based surveys are cheaper, faster, and can provide greater access to hard to reach or remote populations. The rapid growth in mobile telephone ownership in LMICs provides a unique opportunity to implement novel data collection methods for population health surveys. This study describes the methodology, development, and population representativeness of a mobile telephone survey measuring live poultry exposure in urban Bangladesh.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional mobile telephone survey was conducted between September and November 2019 in North and South Dhaka City Corporations (DCC), Bangladesh to measure live poultry exposure using a stratified probability sampling design. Data were collected using a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) platform. Call operational data were summarized, and participant data were weighted by age, sex, and education to the 2011 census. Demographic distributions of the weighted sample were compared with external sources to assess population representativeness.ResultsA total of 5486 unique mobile telephone numbers were dialled, with 1047 respondents completing the survey. The survey had an overall response rate of 52.4% and a cooperation rate of 89.0%. Initial results comparing the socio-demographic profile of the survey sample to the census population showed that mobile telephone sampling slightly underrepresented older individuals and overrepresented those with higher secondary education. After weighting, the demographic profile of the sample population was well matched to the latest DCC census population profile. ConclusionsProbability-based mobile telephone survey sampling and data collection methods produced a population-representative sample with minimal adjustment in DCC, Bangladesh. Mobile telephone-based surveys can offer an efficient, economic, and robust way to conduct surveillance for population health outcomes, which has important implications for improving population health surveillance in LMICs.
Unravelling the Strategies for Cell wall Biosynthesis used by Salt-Tolerant Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) under Salt Stress: From Root Structure to Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Yuan Yuhao , Liu Chunjuan , Li Jing , Ma Qian , Yang Qinghua , Feng Baili 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Considering the twin global problems of increasingly serious energy shortage and effects of salt stress on biofuel plants, breeding of salt-resistant biofuel plant and the discovery of mechanisms for biomass accumulation under salt stress is necessary for energy shortage. Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is very resilient to abiotic stress, especially to land degradation caused by soil salinization, and its promising as dedicated bioenergy crops for the production of renewable fuels and forage, due to its high photosynthetic efficiency C4 plant and ability to grow in a range of environmental conditions. However, the mechanisms by which the roots of proso millet adapt and tolerate salt-stress are obscure.Results: In this study, plants of a salt-sensitive cultivar (SS 212) and a salt-tolerant cultivar (ST 47) of proso millet were exposed to severe salt stress and subsequent re-watering. ST 47 exhibited greater salt tolerance and faster recovery than SS 212, as evidenced by higher increases in total root length (TRL), root surface area (RSA), root tip number (RTN), biomass. Moreover, microstructural analysis showed that relative to SS 212, the roots of ST 47 could maintain more intact internal structures, and thicker cell wall under salt stress, thereby stronger resistance to salt toxicity and maintenance of growth. Digital RNA sequence analysis suggested more genes involved in salt stress resistance were induced in ST 47 than in SS 212. In ST 47 also, re-watering restored most genes that had been induced by salt stress. Results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis revealed that ST 47 maintained better Na+/ K+ balance to resist Na+ toxicity via a higher capability to restrict Na+ uptake, vacuolar Na+ sequestration, and Na+ exclusion. The mechanism for cell wall biosynthesis in cultivar ST 47 involved the promotion of cell wall composition changes, via efficient regulation of galactose metabolism and biosynthesis of cellulose and phenylpropanoids. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides valuable salt-resistant biofuel resources and mechanisms for relieving the world energy shortage, which could be applied for the rehabilitation of saline lands.