bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of liver damage on blood-borne variables and pulmonary hemodynamic responses to hypoxia and hyperoxia in anesthetized rats
Authors: Sepehrinezhad Ali , Dehghanian Amirreza , Rafati Ali , Ketabchi Farzaneh 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : Liver disorders may be associated with normal pulmonary hemodynamic, hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), or portopulmonary hypertension (POPH). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the severity of liver dysfunctions on blood-borne variables, and pulmonary hemodynamic during repeated ventilation with hyperoxic and hypoxic gases.
Methods: Female Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into four groups of Sham (n=7), portal vein ligation (PPVL, n=7), common bile duct ligation (CBDL, n=7), and combination of them (CBDL+ PPVL, n=7). Twenty-eight days later, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and systemic blood pressure were recorded in anesthetized animals subjected to repeated maneuvers of hyperoxia (O 2 50%) and hypoxia (O 2 10%). Besides, we assessed blood parameters and liver histology.
Results: Liver histology score, liver enzymes, WBC and malondialdehyde in the CBDL+PPVL group were higher than those in the CBDL group. Also, the plasma platelet level in the CBDL+PPVL group was lower than those in the other groups. On the other hand, the serum estradiol in the CBDL group was higher than that in the CBDL+PPVL group. All the above parameters in the PPVL group were similar to the Sham group. During ventilation with hyperoxia gas, RVSP in the CBDL+PPVL group was higher than the ones in the other groups, and in the CBDL group, was more than those in the PPVL and Sham groups. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) was not detected in both CBDL+PPVL and CBDL groups, whereas, it retained in the PPVL group.
Conclusion: Severe liver damage increases RVSP in the CBDL+PPVL group linked to the high level of ROS, low levels of serum estradiol and platelets or a combination of them. Furthermore, the high RVSP at the noted group could present a reliable animal model for POPH in female rats.
Spatial phylogenetics of the Chinese angiosperm flora provides insights into endemism and conservation
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xia , Ye Jian-Fei , Laffan Shawn W. , Mishler Brent D. , Thornhill Andrew H. , Lu Li-Min , Mao Ling-Feng , Liu Bing , Chen You-Hua , Lu An-Ming , Miller Joseph T. , Chen Zhi-Duan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The flora of China is well known for its high endemism. Identifying centers of endemism and designating conservation priorities for the Chinese flora are essential goals for biodiversity studies. We used a phylogeny that included 2,909 Chinese angiosperm genera and 1.39 million spatial distribution records to conduct spatial phylogenetics analyses. Then, we identified centers of neo- and paleo-endemism in the Chinese angiosperm flora using spatial phylogenetic methods. Phylogenetic endemism centers were compared with taxonomic endemism centers, and their implications for conservation were examined. Results (1) The majority of grid cells with significant phylogenetic endemism (PE) were dominated by mixed- or super-endemism in China, but only one grid cell dominated by neo-endemism was located in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. (2) Ten geographic centers of grid cells with high PE were identified. Four of these found in northern China are recognized for the first time here. (3) Arid and semiarid regions were commonly linked to PE centers in both our study and other spatial phylogenetics studies worldwide. (4) Five priority conservation gaps were detected by overlaying the boundaries of China’s nature reserves on these centers of endemism. Conclusions The spatial phylogenetics approach provides an evolutionary perspective to understanding the diversity and endemism patterns. These integrated methods are necessary for broad-scale conservation planning, especially when aiming to conserve evolutionary history.
An analysis of the current demand of senior citizens in underdeveloped areas of Western China for the combination of medical and elderly care and the corresponding influencing factors: a case study of Lanzhou
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Wang Yunhua , Cai Hui , Zhang Juxia , Pan Bei , Bao Guoxian , Guo Tiankang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aims to understand the current demand of senior citizens in Lanzhou, China for the combination of medical and elderly care services and discuss its influencing factors. Methods: 7500 participants aged 60 or above living in Lanzhou, China were recruited, A uniform and self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted on these subjects. Then, two methods, namely, single factor chi-square test and multi-factor binomial logistic regression were used to analyze. Results: Among 7,320 senior citizens, 3,772 have demand for the combination of medical and elderly care with a demand rate of 53.15%. The differences between genders, marital status, education background, occupation before retirement, number of children, monthly income, self-assessment of health, type of endowment insurance, type of medical insurance, current elderly care model, elderly care demand, self-care ability, awareness of the combination of medical and elderly care and willingness to pay for the combination of medical and elderly care and the demand of senior citizens in Lanzhou for the combination of medical and elderly care are all of statistical significance ( P ＜0.05), while the differences between age, mode of living and chronic diseases and the demand of senior citizens in Lanzhou for the combination of medical and elderly care are all of no statistical significance ( P ＞0.05). Conclusions: The factors that influence the demand for the combination of medical and elderly care by senior citizens in Lanzhou are complicated, among which, the number of children, type of medical insurance and willingness to pay for the combination of medical and elderly care are main factors that influence their demand. The awareness of and the demand for the combination of medical and elderly care among senior citizens in Lanzhou are at a low level, and the number of children, type of medical insurance and willingness to pay for the combination of medical and elderly care have great influence on the demand rate.
The timing of symptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients with non-warfarin following elective primary total joint arthroplasty
Authors: HU CHUAN , LIU CHUAN , WANG YUAN-HE , DING TAO , SUN KANG , YANG XU , ZENG GUO-BO , TIAN Shao-qi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and timing of postoperative symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients receiving non-warfarin following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA), to clarify the appropriate duration of postoperative VTE prophylaxis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11148 patients who underwent primary TJA, including total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) at our institution from January 2012 to March 2019. The median postoperative day of diagnosis of symptomatic PE and interquartile range for day of diagnosis were determined. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to test the difference of timing for PE based on demographics and comorbidities. Results: The overall 90-day rate of symptomatic PE was 0.71%. The median day of diagnosis for symptomatic PE was 3 day postoperatively (interquartile: 2–7 day). Factors that showed statistical significance on multivariate analysis in association with earlier timing of PE occurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and history of stroke. Conclusion: The vast majority symptomatic PE occurs in the early postoperative period after TJA, and atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and history of stroke were independent factors affecting the timing of symptomatic PE.
System Reliability Analysis of the Scoliosis Disorder
Authors: Nouri Fatemeh , Ghasemi Seyed Hooman 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Scoliosis is a spine abnormal deviation, which is an idiopathic disorder among children and adolescents. As a matter of the fact, distribution of loads on the patient's spine and load carrying capacity of the vertebral column are both random variables. Therefore, the probabilistic approach may consider as a sophisticated method to deal with this problem. Method: Reliability analysis is a probabilistic-based approach to consider the uncertainties of load and resistance of the vertebral column. The main contribution of this paper is to compare the reliability level of a normal and scoliosis spinal. To do so, the numerical analyses associated with the inherent random parameters of bones and applied load are performed. Then, the reliability indices for all vertebrae and discs are determined. Accordingly, as the main innovation of this paper, the system reliability indices of the spinal column for both normal and damaged backbone system are represented. Results: Based on the required reliability index for normal spinal curvature the target system reliability level for scoliosis disorder is proposed. Conclusion: Since the proposed target reliability index is based on the strength limit state of the vertebral column, it can be considered as a reliability level for any proposed treatment approaches.
Identification and comparison of the porcine H1, U6, and 7SK RNA polymerase III promoters for short hairpin RNA expression
Authors: Yin Hai chang , Chen Xin yu , wei wang , MENG QING 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background RNA polymerase III is an essential enzyme in eukaryotes for synthesis of tRNA, 5S rRNA, and other small nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs. Thus, RNA polymerase III promoters are often used in small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression. In this study, the porcine H1, U6, and 7SK RNA polymerase III type promoters were cloned into a pcDNA3.1(+) expression vector containing a shRNA sequence targeting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). PK and DF-1 cells were cotransfected with the construction of recombinant interference expression vector and the EGFP expression vector, pEGFP-N1. The average fluorescence intensity of EGFP in transfected cells was measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was used to detect expressed shRNAs and the relative expression of EGFP, to confirm the activity of the promoters.Results The results showed that the activity of porcine 7SK promoter is stronger than the U6 promoter, which is in turn stronger than porcine H1.Conclusions This study confirms that the porcine H1 promoter is effective for expression of shRNA, and may be an excellent tool to knock down gene expression in pigs for functional genomics studies. The results also lay a foundation for the development of porcine RNAi technology and genetically modified porcine research.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Diarrhoea, Undernutrition and Clinical Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies among Children in Surkhet, Dailekh and Achham districts, Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shrestha Akina , Six Jeanne , Dahal Dikshya , Shrestha Rubika , Bhatta Madan , Marks Sara , Meierhofer Regula 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Providing universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in remote Nepal remains challenging. Efforts to improve WASH access in these areas are impeded by a dearth of information on the status of WASH conditions and its association with health and nutritional status of children in Nepal. Methods: We investigated WASH practices, nutritional status, and their association with intestinal parasitic infections, diarrhoea, undernutrition and clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies (hereafter health outcomes) during March to May 2018. Data was collected through cross-sectional survey of 1427 households, including questionnaires, observations, stool analysis, anthropometry, water quality measurements and assessment of clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies. Results: We found that 51.1% of children were suffering from intestinal parasitic infections and 55.5% had undernutrition; 52.2% had waterborne illnesses; and 63.9% had clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies. Multivariate mixed logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between health outcomes and intermittent water supply (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.72, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=1.18-6.31, P =0.02), washing hands when they look dirty (AOR=0.47, 95% CI=0.32-0.71, P =0.01), handwashing after going to toilet (AOR=0.37, 95% CI=0.13-1.02, P =0.06), cleanliness of the toilet (AOR=0.68, 95% CI=0.47-0.98, P =0.04), presence of earthen floor (AOR=2.29, 95% CI=1.20-4.37, P =0.01), caregivers who can read (AOR=4.07, 95% CI=1.00-16.55, P =0.05), no toilet (AOR=6.12, 95% CI=1.08-14.25, P =0.04), cleanliness of caregivers hand (AOR=0.61, 95% CI=0.41-0.89, P =0.01), regular deworming (AOR=0.44, 95% CI=0.20-0.94, P =0.03), own food production (AOR=0.67, 95% CI=0.46-0.97, P =0.03), animals inside the house overnight (AOR=1.71, 95% CI=1.17-2.51, P =0.01), source water quality (AOR=10.44, 95% CI=1.61-67.4, P =0.01), better socioeconomic status (AOR=0.43, 95% CI=0.25-0.75, P =0.01), and food supplements (AOR=0.57, 95% CI=0.38-0.84, P =0.01). Conclusions: Findings suggest improvements in WASH services, along with household hygiene and nutritional interventions, may together reduce child morbidity and mortality in Nepal.
Advocating an attack against severe malaria: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Greenhalgh Scott , Chandwani Veda 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Recently a study found that the gut microbiota, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have the ability to modulate the severity of malaria. The modulation of the severity of malaria is not however, the typical focal point of most widespread interventions. Thus, an essential element of information required before serious consideration of any intervention that targets reducing severe malaria incidence is a prediction of the health benefits and costs required to be cost-effective. Methods: Here, we developed a mathematical model of malaria transmission to evaluate an intervention that targets reducing severe malaria incidence. We consider intervention scenarios of a 2-, 7-, and 14-fold reduction in severe malaria incidence, based on the potential reduction in severe malaria incidence caused by gut microbiota, under entomological inoculation rates occurring in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. For each intervention scenario, disability-adjusted life years averted and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were estimated using country specific data, including the reported proportions of severe malaria incidence in healthcare settings. Results. Our results show that an intervention that targets reducing severe malaria incidence with annual costs between $23.6 to $34.2 USD per person and causes a 14-fold reduction in severe malaria incidence would be cost-effective in 14-17 countries and very cost-effective in 1-7 countries respectively. Furthermore, if model predictions are based on the distribution of gut microbiota through a freeze-dried yogurt that cost $0.20 per serving, a 2- to 14-fold reduction in severe malaria incidence would be cost-effective in 25 countries and very cost-effective in 19 countries. Conclusion: Our findings indicate interventions that target severe malaria can be cost-effective, in conjunction with standard interventions, for reducing the health burden and costs attributed to malaria. While our results illustrate a stronger cost-effectiveness for greater reductions, they consistently show that even a limited reduction in severe malaria provides substantial health benefits, and could be economically viable. Therefore, we suggest that interventions that target severe malaria are worthy of consideration, and merit further empirical and clinical investigation.
Primary caregivers’s provision of a healthy diet in a resource constrained environment in South Africa.
Authors: Brown Melissa Judith , Roman Nicolette 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Primary caregivers are frequently hearing mixed messages about healthy eating therefore, making it essential for these caregivers to have a clear understanding of what healthy eating is. The lack of understanding of what constituents healthy and nutritionally dense eating has not been investigated in low income families South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, cross-sectional study involving 10 in-depth interviews. Participants were purposefully selected. Data was analyzed manually using the thematic framework analysis method. The data was analyzed by means of thematic framework analysis Results: Primary caregivers struggled to provide daily access to food for their children, and at times would turn to family and friends for assistance in meal provision either through actual food or short-term financial assistance. For caregivers, limited resources impacted the ability of being able to provide a healthy diet. However, it was indicated that while shopping, caregivers looked for foods that were stated to be healthy and low in fat as well as for vitamins. These items were only accessible if they were cheap. Unemployment of fathers as well as absent fathers placed a great burden on mothers and grandmothers in the study group as this meant they needed to provide the nutritional, financial, emotional and physical care of the family. Conclusion: Primary caregivers’ food choices were based on the availability of resources, the cost, as well as access to quality food in the surrounding areas. It was also limited to what they were able to carry. Based on the reflection of primary caregivers, it was indicated that the consumption of processed foods and refined carbohydrates was high, while that of fruits and vegetables was low. Primary caregivers wanted the opportunity to learn about what a healthy diet is and how to be able to provide one for their family with their limited financial resources.
Spatial distribution and Determinants of Optimal ANC visit among pregnant women in Ethiopia: Further analysis of 2016 Ethiopia demographic Health Survey
Authors: Tadesse Zemenu Tessema , Babel Yaregal Animut 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Antenatal care (ANC) is essential to improve maternal and newborn health and wellbeing. Antenatal care coverage is improving in Africa, since over two-thirds of pregnant women have at least one ANC contact. However, to realize the complete life-saving potential that ANC guarantees for mothers and babies, four visits providing essential proof based mostly interventions square measure neededObjective The aim of this study was to identify determinants for Optimal ANC visit and its spatial distribution among pregnant women in Ethiopia.Method This study was based on 2016 Ethiopia Demography and Health Survey. Individual women record (IR) file was used to extract the data and 8,025 pregnant women were included in the final analysis. The binary response variable considered in this study indicated whether women completed an optimal ANC visit or not from skilled health care provider and coded as 1/0. Sata14 and ArcGIS10.1 software’s were used for analysis. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was fitted to identify factors associated with an optimal ANC visit. Crude and Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI computed to assess the strength of association between independent and outcome variables.Results This study revealed that rural residence (AOR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.45-0.77),male partners educational status[secondary school (AOR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.05-1.67)], distance to the health institutions[not a big problem (AOR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.04-1.39)], community level literacy(AOR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.03-1.12), and community level service utilization(AOR=2.67,95%CI:2.21-3.24) were significantly associated with optimal ANC visits. Hot spot areas are observed in Addis Ababa, Tigray Region Harari and Dire Dawa, which means an optimal ANC visit well in these regions and cold spot area.Conclusion Living in peripheral regions of the country and in rural areas, lower educational status of male partners, and distance to health institutions were prohibiting factors for adequate number of visits. In this study community level literacy and community level service utilizations were also affect women’s’ ANC utilization which implies community level interventions should be considered for improving antenatal care utilization and better health outcomes. The government should be should give spatial attention regions like Afar, Amhara, Oromia Benishangul, SNNP and Somalia which had low optimal ANC visit
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) for Moderate and High Myopia: Seven-Year Outcomes of Refraction, Corneal tomography and Wavefront Aberrations
Authors: Xia Fei , Shen Yang , Han Tian , Zhao Jing , Xu Hai-Peng , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background To investigate the long-term corneal stability and wavefront aberrations after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for moderate and high myopia.Methods Prospective, non-consecutive case series. A total of 26 patients (42 eyes) who underwent SMILE from May 2010 to March 2013 at the Fudan University Eye and ENT Hospital (Shanghai, China) were enrolled. The periods of follow-up were 1 month, 1 year, 5 years and 7 years after surgery. The routine eye examinations included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction and corneal topography.Results All surgeries were executed without any complications. At the final visit, a UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved in 42 eyes (100%), 21 eyes (50%) exhibited no change in CDVA. 15 eyes (36%) gained one line, 6 eyes (14%) gained two lines, and no eyes lost CDVA lines. 93% and 100% of eyes were within ±0.5 D and ±1.00 D of the target refraction, respectively. A mean refractive regression of -0.17 D was observed between 1 month and 7 years postoperatively. Mean corneal front curvature (KMF) were significantly increased between pre- and post-SMILE surgery (P<0.0001). Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and vertical coma were significantly increased after SMILE compared to those measured before surgery (all P<0.001). There were no significant differences in horizontal coma, trefoil and spherical aberration between pre- and post-SMILE surgery (all P>0.05).Conclusions SMILE is an effective, safe and stable procedure for myopia correction, with relatively constant corneal stability and wavefront aberrations.