bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA 155 Contributes to Host Immunity Against Toxoplasm Gondii
Authors: Zhu Yu-Chao , Qiu Chou-Jian , Xu Ya-Nan , Zhou Chun-Xue , Chen Jia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is known to infect almost all the mammalian including human beings and avian species, with worldwide distribution, and cause serious toxoplasmosis, posing regards with public health problem. The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of T. gondii has not been well described. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in mediating innate and adaptive immune responses during T. gondii infection. Methods: The survival and parasite burden in T. gondii-infected miR-155-/- and WT C57BL6 mice were compared. In these two mouse models, ELISA were used for analysis of Th1-associated, Th-2 associated, and Th-17 associated cytokines, and flow cytometry were used for analysis of the subpopulations of NK, NKT, CD8+T, CD4+T cells and Tregs, as well as Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes and DCs. Proinflammatory mediators and CD8+ T cells responses were also analyzed by using qRT-PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. In the end, the expression of the direct target of miR-155, SHIP-1 and SOCS1 was analyzed by using qRT-PCR.Results: The lack of miR-155 led to increased parasite burden and decreased survival of infected mice in contrast to WT mice. Innate and adaptive immune responses were reduced in the absence of miR-155, associated with diminished Proinflammatory mediators, Th1-associated and Th-2 associated cytokines and accumulation of lymphocyte subpopulations. Also, CD8+ T cells exhaustion was also worsened in the absence of miR-155 via targeting to SHIP-1 and SOCS1, showing as up-regulated recruit of Tregs and expression of PD-1 and, and down-regulated expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in CD8+ T cells.Conclusion: miR-155 is a critical immune regulator for the control of T. gondii infection, suggesting that miR155 can be explored as a potential molecular target for boosting immunity against T. gondii.
Evaluation of Two Sexual-stage Antigens as Bivalent Transmission-blocking Vaccines in Rodent Malaria
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Fei , Yu Xinxin , Zheng Wenqi , Wu Yudi , Qiu Yue , Jin Ying , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) is a promising strategy for malaria elimination. It is hypothesized that mixing or fusing two antigens targeting different stages of sexual development may provide higher transmission-blocking activity than these antigens are used individually.Methods: We designed a chimeric protein composed of fragments of Pbg37 and PSOP25 and expressed the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli Rosetta-gami B (DE3). After immunizing mice with mixing or fusing recombinant proteins, the antibody titers of sera were analyzed by ELISA. IFA and Western blot were performed to test the reactivity of the antisera with the native proteins of the parasite. The transmission blocking activity were assessed in vitro and in vivo assay. Results: When Pbg37 and PSOP25 were co-administered in a mixture or as a fusion protein, they elicited similar antibody responses in mice as single antigens without causing immunological interference with each other. Antibodies against the mixed or fused antigens recognized the target proteins in the gametocyte, gamete, zygote and ookinete stages. The two bivalent vaccines (mixed proteins or a fusion protein) produced the superior TBA compared to that of the antibodies against individual antigens.Conclusions: There was no immunological interference between the two antigens of bivalent vaccines. And the bivalent vaccines produced significantly stronger transmission-blocking activities than single antigens. Altogether, these data provide the theoretical basis for the development of combination TBVs targeting different sexual stages.
Ethnic, Race and Socioeconomic Disparities in Medulloblastoma: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis and Population-based Study
Authors: Zhu Sihan , Cheng Zhuqing , Yu Yanjiao , Zhang Ji , Chen Zhenghe , Ke Chao , Yang Qunying , Lin Fuhua , Chen Yinsheng , Wang Jian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. Studies have shown that the link between socio-economic status, morbidity and mortality from major cancers has changed significantly over the past 50 years, and therefore the socio-economic variation in cancer incidence is dynamic. Meanwhile, Socio-economic status (SES) characteristics of patients with medulloblastoma and the influence of Socio-economic status on their prognosis have been rarely discussed.
Methods: Purpose of our study was aiming to understand ethnic, gender and socioeconomic disparities in medulloblastoma by using the SEER database. Propensity score matching of cases with controls by gender was conducted at the ratio of 1:1. Multivariate cox proportional hazards model was used to assess SES impact and clinically relevant variables of medulloblastoma specific death and overall survival. Independent prognostic factors determined by multivariate analysis were used to construct nomograms.
Results: 2660 patients were enrolled after the matching. Study showed unemployed (MBSD, high level vs. low level, HR = 1.334) (OS, high level vs. low level, HR = 1.311) and marital status (OS, married vs unmarried/unknow., HR = 0.706) were important factors affecting the prognosis of medulloblastoma in male. Meanwhile, median household income (MBSD, Quartile 1 vs. Quartile 3, HR = 1.029) (OS, Quartile 1 vs. Quartile 2, HR = 1.809) (OS, Quartile 1 vs. Quartile 3, HR = 1.592), residence (MBSD, urban vs. rural, HR = 0.414) and insurance status (MBSD, insured vs. uninsured/unknow, HR = 0.566) (OS, insured vs. uninsured/unknow, HR = 0.573) were significant factors affecting the prognosis of medulloblastoma in female. Through the calibration plot and C-index test, our nomogram was also of predictive significance.
Conclusions: The unique features of medulloblastoma have provided a scenario for the analysis of the impact of racial, ethnic, gender and socioeconomic factors. The current findings have important public health implications for achieving the goal of a healthy population. Given the known morbidity rates and the long-term psychological, financial and medical burdens that these children and their families must bear, it is critical to identify and address these gaps.
Effects of Demographic Structure in Labour Market Decompositions
Authors: Maleček Petr 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Impact of demographic structure on labor market and macroeconomic aggregates might be pronounced in some countries. Despite this fact, only a handful of approaches dealing with quantifications such effects have been derived so far. The aim of this paper is therefore to fill this methodological gap and to introduce methodological approaches for capturing changes in demographic structure, with many applications in growth accounting and labor market decompositions. Firstly, a novel additive decomposition will be presented, as an alternative to traditional models using fixed population weights. This will be followed by the presentation of a multiplicative decomposition, which can be applied to all kinds of growth accounting exercises based on multiplicative identities.JEL classificationJ11; C02
Muscle-Strengthening Exercise and Depression in Chinese Young Adults
Authors: Chi Xinli , Curtin Kimberley , Kastelic Kaja , Huang Liuyue , Clark Cain , Zhang Yanjie , Chen Si-Tong , Jiao Can , Zou Liye 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Studies based on western population have indicated that muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) has positive roles against mental disorders, but little is known about that in Chinese adults. This study, thus, aimed to explore the association between MSE and depression in Chinese university students (aged 18-24 years). A convenient sample of 1794 university students (mean age: 20.67 years) were recruited into this study. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect information on participants’ sociodemographic information (e.g., sex, body mass index) and MSE. Physical activity and sleep were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Study participants’ depression severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multilevel linear regression was performed to examine the association between MSE and depression. Only 24.87% of study participants met the World Health Organization MSE guidelines of more than 2 days/week. The mean score of depression was 6.80 (± 5.19). More days for MSE (0-7 days) was negatively associated with depression (beta = -0.17, 95%CI: -0.31 ─ -0.03, p = 0.015). Students who did not meet MSE guidelines were more likely to have higher risks for depression (beta = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.09-0.19, p = 0.027). The results indicate that engaging in MSE could be related to decreased depression in Chinese young adults. Interventions aiming at reducing depression could incorporate MSE as a strategic component.
Opportunistic Screening for Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: WONG Chun-Ka , HUANG Duo , ZHOU Mi , LAU Yee-Man , LAI Wing-Hon , LAU Yuk-Ming , HAI JoJo , LAU Chu-Pak , CHAN Esther W , YUE Wen-Sheng , ZUO Ming Liang , YIN Li-Xue , FENG Yingqing , TAN Ning , CHEN Jiyan , LI Xin-Li , TSE Hung-Fat , LEE Chi-Ho , CHOW Wing-Sun , Siu Chung‐Wah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Prevention of heart failure (HF) has been recognized as an urgent public health need. International guidelines recommend natriuretic peptide biomarker-based screening for patients at high HF risk to allow early detection and intervention to delay HF progression and mortality. Little has been reported the incorporation of screening procedure to existing clinical practice. The objective of the study was to describe the opportunistic screening of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHOD

This was a prospective screening study at the DM complication screening center.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2019, 1,132 consecutive DM patients with no prior history of HF or atrial fibrillation (AF) attending regular complication screening were invited to participate. Of these, 89 patients refused or failed to complete the screening. The final analysis included 1,043 patients (age: 63.7±12.4 years; male: 56.3%). The mean HbA1c was 7.25±1.34%. There were 81.8% patients with concomitant hypertension, 31.1% with coronary artery disease, 8.0% with previous stroke, and 5.5% with peripheral artery disease. Furthermore, 45.7% patients had diabetic retinopathy, 33.6% had peripheral neuropathy, and 30.7% had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3-5. At the screening session, 43 patients (4.1%) had an elevated NT-proBNP concentration above the age-specific diagnostic thresholds for HF, and 43 patients (4.1%) had newly detected AF. The prevalence of elevated NT-proBNP concentration increased with age from 0.85% in patients aged <50 years to 7.14% in those aged 70-79 years and worsening kidney function from 0.43% in patients with CKD stage 1 to 42.86% in CKD stage 5. In multivariate logistic regression, male gender (OR: 3.67 (1.47-9.16), p =0.005*), prior stroke (OR: 3.26 (1.38-7.69), p= 0.007*), CKD ( p <0.001*), and newly detected AF (OR: 7.02 (2.65-18.57), p <0.001*) were significantly associated with elevated NT-proBNP concentration. Amongst patients with elevated NT-proBNP concentration, their mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 51.4 ± 14.7%, and 45% patients had a LVEF <50%.

CONCLUSION

Both NT-proBNP and ECG screening could be easily implemented. Our findings demonstrate systemic screening allows detection of early phase HF and asymptomatic AF in patients with DM, thereby facilitating the implementation of preventive measure to improve the long-term outcomes.
A high triglyceride/ high-density lipoprotein ratio is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance in the US population: a cross-sectional study from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2017–2018
Authors: Gong Rongpeng , Li Zheng , Liu Ya , Luo Gang , Yang Lixin , Wei Xiaoxing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Some previous studies have reported that the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein may indicate insulin resistance, but the results suggest that there are differences between different ethnic groups. In this study, the NHANES 2017-2018 database was used to explore the relationship between TG/HDL-C and IR in the American population.

Methods

This trial comes from a cross-sectional study of NHANES ( http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/ ) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the US Centers for Diseases and Control and Prevention. IR uses the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) formula as an indicator: [fasting insulin (μU/mL)×fasting blood glucose (mmol/L)]/22.5, with ≥75th percentile of HOMA-IR as an indicator. Use logistic regression to explore the relationship between TG/HDL ratio and IR occurrence.

Results

In this study, a total of 450 participants (40%,450/1902) developed insulin resistance. Using logistic regression model of the association between TG/HDL-C and insulin resistance risk, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, as the TG/HDL ratio increases, the probability of insulin resistance increases significantly (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.59-2.30, P<0.0001). At the same time, we performed a smooth curve fitting and found a non-linear relationship between TG/HDL and IR. Even if the adjusted covariate is deleted from the model, the association remains unchanged. The smooth curve of TG/HDL-C The inflexion point is 0.95. When TG/HDL-C<0.95, the effect value is very significant (OR: 27.34, 95%CI, 10.61-70.47, P<0.0001), when TG/HDL-C≥0.95, the effect value is relatively reduced (OR: 1.29, 95% CI, 1.03-1.61, P<0.0001). We grouped them by inflexion points. Multiple regression equations showed that after adjustment, the group's risk of insulin resistance greater than 0.95 increased by two times compared with the group less than 0.95.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that the increase of TG/HDL-C ratio in the American population was significantly related to IR. It is clinically acceptable and can save some extra costs for patients. However, in different situations, combining the TG/HDL-C ratio with other risk factors to predict whether IR will occur is worthwhile for the next step.
Metreleptin as A Rescue Therapy in A Patient With A Novel Mutation for Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Type 3, Originally Presenting as Type 1 Diabetes.
Authors: LAMBADIARI VAIA , KOUNTOURI AIKATERINI , MARATOU EIRINI , LIATIS STAVROS , DIMITRIADIS GEORGE , KARPE FREDRIK 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Familial partial lipodystrophy type 3 (FPLD3) is a very rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder which is caused by mutations in the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene. It is characterized by a partial loss of adipose tissue leading to subnormal leptin secretion and metabolic complications. Metreleptin, a synthetic analogue of human leptin, is an effective treatment for generalized lipodystrophies, but the evidence for efficacy in patients with FPLD3 is scarce. Case presentation: We present a 61-year-old woman, initially misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes since the age of 29, with severe insulin resistance, who gradually displayed a more generalized form of lipoatrophy and extreme hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and multiple manifestations of cardiovascular disease. She was found to carry a novel mutation leading to PPARGGlu157Gly variant. After six months of metreleptin treatment HbA1c decreased from 10% to 7.9% and fasting plasma triglycerides were dramatically reduced from 2.919 mg/dl to 198 mg/dl. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of early recognition of FPLD syndromes otherwise frequently observed as a difficult-to-classify and manage diabetes cases, in order to prevent cardiovascular complications. Metreleptin may be an effective treatment for FPLD3.
Nutritional status of children aged 2-18 years old: a single-center study in China
Authors: Tu Wei Jin , Ruan Yu , He Dan Zhen , Ding Yuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:To assess the nutritional status and associated factors of abnormal nutritional status(malnutrition, overweight and obesity) among children aged 2 to 18 years old in Southwestern China.Methods:Children attending routine health checkups at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between April 2017 and March 2020 were enrolled in this study. Nutritional status was defined based on BMI cut-off values, and statistically analyzed based on gender, region, and age. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for abnormal nutritional status.Results:The overall prevalence of malnutrition, overweight and obesity was 5.87% ,9.81% and 10.50%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity and malnutrition in boys was higher than that in girls (P<0.01), while the prevalence of overweight is reversed (P<0.05). The prevalence of overweight among boys in urban regions was higher than in rural regions (P<0.05). Boys had the highest prevalence of obesity (P<0.01), girls had the lowest prevalence of malnutrition (P<0.05) in the 13-18 year-old group.The aOR for obesity and malnutrition in girls was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73–0.87) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.90), respectively. Compared to adolescents in the 13-18 year-old group,the aOR for obesity in children in the 2-6 year-old group, for malnutrition in children in the 7-12 year-old group was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.46–0.67)and 1.70 (95% CI: 1.25–2.33),respectively.Conclusions: The nutritional status of children and adolescents in Southwest China is comparable to that at the national level. The prevalence of obesity and malnutrition is shown to be associated with gender, and age.
Composite Observer Based Output Feedback Control for Multiple Constraints Manipulator
Authors: Xu Du , Lu Xinjiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
It is a big challenge to control the manipulator, due to disturbances and some unmeasurable states. To alleviate thischallenge, a composite observer based output feedback control method is developed in this paper. It first proposes a composite state/disturbance observer to simultaneously estimate the unmeasurable states and external disturbance. On this basis, a output feedback adaptive control strategy is developed to achieve the desired performance under the multiple constraints, an integral Lyapunov candidate function is used to deal with input dead zone and output saturation . Moreover, the stability of the developed controller is analyzed and proved. Finally, Experiment s on a 2 DOF(degree of freedom)manipulator is used to verify the feasibility of the proposed control method. The results show that the proposed control method can effectively achieve the desirable control performance. Compared with several commonly used control methods, the proposed method shows the superiority.
Mathematical Modelling of a Novel Hetero-junction Dual SIS ZnO-Si-SnO Solar Cell
Authors: Dasgupta Kaustuv , Gangopadhyay Utpal , Mondal Anup , Ray Soma 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
For the last few decades scientists across the world have achieved significant improvement in performance of conventional silicon p-n junction solar cell. Sophisticated high temperature doping technology is unavoidable in the fabrication of these conventional solar cells. Back in 1970s scientists proposed an alternative solar cell technology with Schottky barrier which can cut down the burden on thermal budget of manufacturing process. Later the metal-semiconductor Schottky barrier further modified with hetero junction semiconductor-semiconductor solar cells. A thin intrinsic layer sandwiched between semiconductor-semiconductor junctions can repair the junction defect efficiently. These SIS solar cells became popular for its low thermal budget and considerable efficiency. In this paper we have tried to propose a mathematical model of a novel dual side SIS solar cell which is basically a multi junction solar cell. We have introduced a third semiconductor layer (SnO) at the back side of the cell which can provide an inversion layer much similar to PERT solar cell. This structure is first of its kind and thus a theoretical analysis is required before implementation. We have studied the effect of this back field on the performance of the cell and propose a mathematical model based on reciprocity theorem of charge collection. The efficiency of conventional ZnO-pSi SIS solar cell was computed ~ 5.2% while the back SnO p+ layer is expected to enhance the efficiency up to ~ 7.9% according to our mathematical model. We have concluded with significant mathematical justification to implement this structure with proposed electro-chemical experiments.
Strengthening healthcare providers’ capacity for safe abortion and post-abortion care services in humanitarian settings: lessons learned from the clinical outreach refresher training model (S-CORT) in Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Tran Nguyen Toan , Greer Alison , Dah Talemoh , Malilo Bibiche , Kakule Bergson , Morisho Thérèse Faila , Asifiwe Douglass Kambale , Musa Happiness , Simon Japheth , Meyers Janet , Noznesky Elizabeth , Neusy Sarah , Vranovci Burim , Powell Bill 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background – Fragile and crisis-affected countries account for most maternal deaths worldwide, with unsafe abortion being one of its leading causes. This case study aims to describe the Clinical Outreach Refresher Training strategy for sexual and reproductive health (S-CORT) designed to update health providers’ competencies on uterine evacuation using both medications and manual vacuum aspiration. The paper also explores stakeholders’ experiences, recommendations for improvement, and lessons learned.Methods – Using mixed methods, we evaluated three training workshops that piloted the uterine evacuation module in 2019 in humanitarian contexts of Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Results – Results from the workshops converged to suggest that the module contributed to increasing participants’ theoretical knowledge and possibly technical and counseling skills. Equally noteworthy were their confidence building and positive attitudinal changes promoting a rights-based, fearless, non-judgmental, and non-discriminatory approach toward clients. Participants valued the hands-on, humanistic, and competency-based training methodology, although most regretted the short training duration and lack of practice on real clients. Recommendations to improve the capacity development continuum of uterine evacuation included recruiting the appropriate health cadres for the training; sharing printed pre-reading materials to all participants; sustaining the availability of medication and supplies to offer services to clients after the training; and helping staff through supportive supervision visits to accelerate skills transfer from training to clinic settings.Conclusions – When the lack of skilled human resources is a barrier to lifesaving uterine evacuation services in humanitarian settings, the S-CORT strategy could offer a rapid hands-on refresher training opportunity for service providers needing an update in knowledge and skills. Such a capacity-building approach could be useful in humanitarian and fragile settings as well as in development settings with limited resources as part of an overall effort to strengthen other building blocks of the health system.