bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stand structural diversity and species with leaf nitrogen conservative strategy drive aboveground carbon storage in tropical old-growth forests
Authors: Wang Genzhu , Liu Yuguo , Wu Xiuqin , Pang Danbo , Yang Xiao , Hussain Azfar , Zhou Jinxing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Tropical old-growth forest ecosystems are essential for global carbon regulation. Even there are mounting evidences for the significance of species and functional composition, stand structure and elevation gradients on aboveground carbon storage, the relative strengths of these drivers and whether elevation effects via biotic factors are not clear. Furthermore, the mechanisms (the mass-ratio hypothesis or niche complementarity hypothesis) are still poorly understood. Methods: We analyzed aboveground carbon storage, species diversity, stand structural diversity, community-weighted mean (CWM) of functional traits and functional diversity (FDvar) using date from 56 old-growth forest communities with different elevation gradients in Dawei mountain of southwestern China. Multiple regression models were used to test the relative importance of the predictor variables and structural equation model was used to explore the direct and indirect influences on the aboveground carbon storage. Results: Our optimal multiple regression model show aboveground carbon storage is mostly affected by diameter at breast height (DBH) diversity, followed by FDvar of dry matter concentration in mature leaves and CWM nitrogen concentration in young leaves. The final structural equation model indicates elevation indirectly affected aboveground carbon storage via DBH diversity. The stand structural diversity, but not species diversity or functional diversity, enhanced aboveground carbon storage. Conclusions: Our results indicate mass-ratio and niche complementarity effect promote aboveground carbon storage simultaneously. The complex stand structure and species with leaf nitrogen conservative strategy were the crucial drivers of aboveground carbon storage in tropical old-growth forests.
Comparison of Sexual Function in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Daneshfar Zahra , Sadatmahalleh shahideh Jahanian , Jahangiri Nadia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Infertility is one of the issues affecting sexual function (SF). Infertility is also one of the complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. This research seeks to assess and compare SF and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction with PCOS and endometriosis in infertile women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 630 samples (210 infertile women with endometriosis, 210 infertile women with PCOS, and 210 healthy women of childbearing age as the control group). SF was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (One Way ANOVA and logistic regression) were used to analyze the data.Results: The results showed that the mean score of total FSFI in the two groups of PCOS and endometriosis was lower than the control group (P<0.001). In addition, women with higher education (university education) had a significantly higher score of total FSFI. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction rates are high in infertile women with endometriosis and PCOS, so infertility service providers in infertility centers need to pay attention to this issue.
MIR502 Acts As a Tumor Suppressor Gene to Accelerate Apoptosis and Suppress Proliferation by Targeting Hippo Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Qi , Ning Ning , Tang Fanglan , Wang Yan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the major cause of death among women due to the lack of early screening methods and complex pathological progression. Increasing evidence indicated that microRNAs were considered as gene expression regulators in tumors by interacting with mRNAs. Although researches regarding with OC and microRNAs are extensive, the vital role of MIR502 in OC still remains unclear.Methods We integrated two microRNA expression arrays from GEO to identify differentially expressed genes. Kaplan–Meier method was used to screen miRNAs that had influence on survival outcome. Upstream regulator of MIR502 was predicted by JASPAR and verified by ChIP-seq data. The LinkedOmics database was used to study correlated genes with MIR502. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to reveal the functional annotation of GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis by using the open access WebGestalt tool. We constructed PPI network by using the STRING to further explore core protein.Results We found that expression level of MIR502 was significantly down regulated in OC, which was related to poor overall survival outcome. NRF1 as the upstream regulator of MIR502 was predicted by JASPAR and verified by ChIP-seq data. In addition, anti-apoptosis and pro-proliferation genes attending in Hippo signaling pathway, including CCND1, MYC, FGF1 and GLI2 were negatively regulated by MIR502 in the analysis of GO and KEGG pathway enrichment results. PPI network further demonstrated that CCND1 and MYCN were at core position in the development of ovarian cancer.Conclusions MIR502, which was regulated by NRF1, acted as a tumor suppressor gene to accelerate apoptosis and suppress proliferation by targeting Hippo signaling pathway in ovarian cancer.
Epidemic Trend of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and public Health response in Senegal
Authors: Diop Boly , Faye Adama , Ndiaye El Hadj Mamadou , Ndiaye Mamadou , Diallo Jean Pierre , Diongue Fatou Bintou 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The first case of Covid-19 was notified in Senegal on March 2, 2020. One month after, this study aims to analyze the trend and the main measures that have been taken.
Methods

Data sources are from the Department of Disease Prevention in Senegal and some administrative documents. The epidemic trend has been described through epidemic curves according to the characteristics of infected people.
Results

Of the 195 patients tested positive for COVID-19, a proportion of 53.8% is female. Six out of 14 regions were affected by the epidemic on April 1, 2020. The mean age is 37.9 years with a standard deviation of 18.6 years. The proportion of imported cases is 39.5%. The major strategy in Senegal is based on the isolation of cases for treatment and tracking of contacts. Decisions have been made to limit spread of the virus through social distancing. Airlines have been closed and border control strengthened.
Conclusions

The preparation and the measures taken made it possible to contain the pandemic during the first month. However, there is a need to strengthen the surveillance following the appearance of community-based cases and readjust strategies to hope to contain the pandemic during the second month.
Molecular evidence confirms occurrence of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Kenya and suggests that an undifferentiated genotype is prevalent in the African continent
Authors: KANDUMA ESTHER GATHONI , Emery David , Githaka Naftaly W. , Nguu Edward K. , Bishop Richard P. , Šlapeta Jan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The tick vector Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus which transmits Babesia and rickettsial pathogens has not been reported in Kenya since 1998. More recently, the pathogenic Babesia bovis has been detected in cattle blood DNA. The status of R. microplus in Kenya remains unknown. This study employed morphological and molecular tools to characterize R. microplus originating from Kenya and assess the genetic relationships between Kenyan and other African R. microplus genotypes.

Methods
Morphological identification and differentiation of 35 Kenyan and 11 reference tick specimens was implemented by following standard tick reference keys and identification guides. Genetic and phylogenetic relationships between the Kenyan and other annotated R. microplus reference sequences was investigated by analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of four tick specimens which included two R. microplus was assembled from whole genome data to further characterize the Kenyan ticks. A B. bovis specific Taqman probe qPCR assay was used to detect B. bovis in gDNA from R. microplus ticks.

Results
Of the 35 Kwale tick specimens analysed, 23 were confirmed to be R. microplus by both morphology and molecular characterizations. The Kenyan R. microplus COI sequences showed very high pairwise identities (>99%) and clustered very closely with reference African sequences. We also found a low differentiation and lack of geographical sub-structuring among the African COI sequences. The mitochondrial genome sequences of the two Kenyan R. microplus ticks also clustered closely with reference genome sequences from Brazil, USA, Cambodia and India. No B. bovis was detected in the Kwale R. microplus DNA.

Conclusions
These findings confirm the presence of R. microplus in Kenya and suggest that a common undifferentiated genotype is prevalent in cattle in Africa. These and other recent findings of widespread occurrence of R. microplus in Africa provide a strong justification for urgent surveillance to determine and monitor the spread of R. microplus and vector competence of Rhipicephalid ticks for B. bovis in Africa, with the ultimate goal of strategic control.
Antiviral Mechanism of Tea Polyphenols on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Dong Wenjuan , Wang Xun , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhu Zhenbang , Chen Yaosheng , Liu Xiaohong , Guo Chunhe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Neither inactivated vaccine nor attenuated vaccine can effectively prevent and control the infection and spread of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Therefore, it is necessary to broaden new horizons and conceive effective preventive strategies. Tea polyphenols (TPP) are polyphenol in tea. The main components of TPP are catechins and their derivatives. TPP has many physiological activities, and has certain antiviral and antifungal effects. But whether TPP owns anti-PRRSV activity remains unclear.Results: We found that TPP effectively inhibited PRRSV replication in Marc-145 cells through suppressing viral attachment and internalization. TPP exhibited a potent anti-PRRSV effect regardless of its pre-treatment or post-treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that TPP restrained PRRSV-induced p65 entry into the nucleus to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which ultimately leads to the inhibition of the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, PRRSV limited the synthesis of viral non-structural protein 2 (nsp2), the core component of viral replication transcription complexes, which may contribute to the inhibition of viral RNA replication.Conclusions: TPP has the potential to develop into an effective antiviral agent in PRRSV prevention and control in future.
Differences in clinicopathological features and molecular phenotype of breast carcinoma between patients younger than 40 years and those who are older: A study from Pakistan
Authors: Idress Romana , Rasheed Faiza , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid , Sattar Abida , Ahmad Zubair 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The debate whether breast cancer in women under 40 years of age is distinct from breast cancer in women above 40 is still inconclusive with various published studies providing conflicting evidence. The majority of studies however suggest that breast cancer in younger women (< 40) is more aggressive with worse clinicopathological features. However, the issue is by no means settled and a number of studies are still going on. Our objective was to analyze different clinicopathological variables and determine whether statistically significant differences are present between those under 40 and those above 40 years of age. The present paper contributes to this debate by reporting our findings.
Methods

Descriptive cross sectional study of 482 breast cancer cases reported between January and December 31, 2016 which included 380 patients (above 40 years of age) and 102 (under 40 years of age). Variables included grade, stage, axillary lymph node metastases, lymphovascular invasion and molecular groups. p-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.
Results

Over 21% patients were younger than 40 years. Differences in histologic grade, stages of T1, T2, and T4, Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) status, Her2neu status, triple negativity and molecular groups between patients younger than 40 years and those older than 40 years were statistically insignificant. Differences in stage T3, axillary metastases and lymphovascular invasion were statistically significant.
Conclusion

Statistically significant differences were noted in some clinicopathological variables. Majority of variables indicating more aggressive disease were seen in patients older than 40 years of age. Additional studies with larger number of patients under 40 years of age are required to resolve the issue conclusively so that young women with breast cancer are not treated too aggressively unless there is unequivocal statistical evidence that breast cancer is more aggressive in patients under 40 years of age.
Exosomes derived from Hp-positive gastritis patients inhibit MCP-1 and MIP-1α expression in intestinal epithelial cells and improve DSS-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Chen Yufan , Huang Jie-Bin , Li Hao , Li Pu , Xu Chun-Di 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, Hp) infection has a protective function in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Exosomes (Exo) are novel cell-cell communication mediators and their association with inflammatory immune responses has received great attention. however the mechanisms regarding the role of exosomes between Hp infection and IBD are limited.Methods: Human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with serum exosomes derived from Hp-positive chronic gastritis patients (Exo(Hp)), the expression of cytokines, inflammasome and signal pathway genes were detected by antibody microarray or PCR array. Furthermore, DSS-induced colitis mice were treated with exosomes by intraperitoneally injection to study the effect of Exo(Hp) in IBD.Results: Serum exosomes derived from Hp-positive chronic gastritis patients promoted NLRP12 expression in intestinal epithelial cells, and NLRP12 decreased chemokine MCP-1 and MIP-1α expression by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway. In vivo, Exo(Hp) could attenuated inflammatory responses in DSS-induced colitis and improved colitis symptoms, which was associated with the increase in NLRP12 expression. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry results showed that NLRP12 was negatively correlated with the disease activity of pediatric IBD patients. Conclusions: Exo(Hp) inhibited the Notch signaling pathway through the promotion of NLRP12 expression to further down-regulate MCP-1 and MIP-1α expression in intestinal epithelial cells and thereby attenuate DSS-induced colitis in mice. These results provide new theoretical bases for further elucidation of the intestinal protection mechanisms of Hp infection in IBD, and provide new targets for explorations of effective interventional strategies for IBD.
Evaluation of Salivary Zinc Level in Chronic Periodontitis Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Diabetics in Khartoum State 2019: A Case Control Study
Authors: Alhnnan Eman A.Elmoniem , Alawad Azza O 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Zinc micronutrient is essential for human health, there is accumulating data that zinc level is altered in both diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis, but the exact role of zinc in the pathogenesis of those conditions stay unclear. The present study was done to evaluate the salivary zinc level in chronic periodontitis patients with type II diabetes mellitus and non-diabetics. Methods: A Case-control study was conducted in Khartoum state between June and December 2019 at Khartoum dental teaching hospital, Jaber Abo-alezz diabetic center and Al-Neelain University. Chronic periodontitis was diagnosed with CAL ≥ 3mm. Patients with Hemoglobin A1c ≤ 6.5% were considered as controls for diabetes. Salivary zinc level was assessed in 64 subjects, 26 systemically healthy subjects without chronic periodontitis (Group A), 19 patients with chronic periodontitis otherwise systemically healthy (Group B) and 19 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis (Group C). Atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was utilized to measure the zinc level in saliva. The data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Scheffe multiple comparison test utilizing statistical software SPSS version 20. Results: The results showed that salivary zinc level decreased in periodontitis patients with and without type II diabetes mellitus compared to healthy control (P-value < 0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between salivary zinc level in periodontitis patients and diabetic patients with periodontitis(P-value > 0.05).Conclusion: Low salivary zinc level may predispose to the risk of developing chronic periodontitis.
A series Cases study of Carcinomas derived from myoepithelial cells in head and neck regions
Authors: Cheng Danni , Rao Yufang , Qiu Ke , Qiu Jianqing , Dong Yijun , Deng Di , Ren Jianjun , Zhao Yu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Carcinomas derived from myoepithelial cells in head and neck regions (CMCHN) are rare. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical behaviors and treatment outcomes of these tumors.Methods: A retrospective review of fifteen CMCHN cases between 2002 and 2019 in a single institution was performed. Results: All of the fifteen patients (100%) underwent primary surgical resection. Eleven patients (73.3%) received conventional postoperative radiotherapy and four (26.7%) received systemic chemotherapy. Consequently, six patients (40%) had frequently recurrence after surgical resection, and seven patients (46.7%) received second or even third operations. Up to the time of last follow-up, only one patient died and the mean survival time was 15.8 years.Conclusions: Currently, complete surgical excision with or without systemic therapy is preferred, but it has limited efficacy on reducing the risk of recurrence. Thus, more effective systemic therapies are required and the researches on the mechanism of CMCHN recurrence should be encouraged.
Integrating population variation and protein structural analysis to improve the clinical genetic diagnosis and treatment in children with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: LIAO Panli , XIANG Tianchao , LI Hongxia , FANG Ye , FANG Xiaoyan , ZHANG Zhiqing , CAO Qi , ZHAI Yihui , CHEN Jing , XU Linan , TANG Xiaoshan , WANG Xiaowen , LIU Xiaorong , SHEN Qian , CHEN Lizhi , JIANG Xiaoyun , MA Duan , XU hong , RAO jia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by renal inability to concentrate urine. Establishing the genetic diagnosis appears particularly important to NDI for early detection and differential diagnosis.Method: We utilized a Chinese multicenter registry to investigate genotype and phenotype in children with NDI from 2014 to 2019. The structural locations of the pathogenic mutations from this study and the literature, as well as population variants retried from gnomAD were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 boys from 9 families carried mutations in AVPR2 (8/10) or AQP2 (2/10). Another 7 relatives of the families were diagnosed by sequencing for partial or subclinical NDI. Patients presented with dehydration, polyuria-polydipsia, and severe hypernatremia with a median age at diagnosis of 1.0 month (IQR 0.16, 18). Protein structural analysis revealed a notable clustering of diagnostic mutations in the transmembrane regions of AVPR2, and enrichment of diagnostic mutations by autosomal dominant inheritance (AD) in the C terminal region of AQP2. The pathogenic mutations are significantly more likely to be buried inside the domain comparing the population variants. Through structural analysis and in silico prediction, the eight mutations identified in this study were considered as presumably disease causative. The most common treatments were thiazide diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Emergency treatment of hypernatremic dehydration in neonates should not choose the isotonic saline as a rehydration fluid.Conclusion: Genetic analysis presumably confirmed the diagnosis of NDI in every patient of the studied cohort. A plea of early identifying NDI confirmed by phenotype and genotype, and consequently optimize the treatment.
Ticks Infesting Humans in North-Western Italy and Associated Pathogens: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Three-Year Period (2017-2019) in North-Western Italy.
Authors: Audino Tania , PAUTASSO ALESSANDRA , BELLAVIA VERONICA , CARTA VALERIO , FERRARI ALESSIO , VERNA FEDERICA , GRATTAROLA CARLA , IULINI BARBARA , PINTORE MARINA , BARDELLI MAURO , CASSINA GERMANO , TOMASSONE LAURA , PELETTO SIMONE , BLANDA VALERIA , TORINA ALESSANDRA , CARAMELLI MARIA , CASALONE CRISTINA , DESIATO ROSANNA 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. Tick-borne diseases are widespread in many European Countries and high incidence has been reported in the past few years. Ticks are able to transmit several pathogens to the host while feeding and are considered the most important vectors of infectious agents worldwide together with mosquitos. As tick-bite events has remarkably increased in North-Western Italy and information about the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from humans in Italy are scarce, this study aimed to identify the species of ticks biting humans and the tick-borne pathogens they can transmit.Methods. Ticks collected from bitten humans during 2017-2019 were morphologically identified and screened by biomolecular essays. A total of 1,290 ticks were analysed. Most of the ticks belonged to the Ixodes genus: 1,009 ticks (78.0%) were classified as Ixodes ricinus. Some Ixodes ticks (n = 158; 12.3%) were identified only at genus level due to lack of morphological features. Overall, 500 ticks were PCR tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Anaplasma spp. in at-risk population (elderly and children). Pathogen identity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results. The overall prevalence was 22.8%; (n = 114; 95%CI 19.19-26.73%), meaning that at least one pathogen was detected. Molecular analysis was carried out on a subset of 500 ticks showing the presence of R. helvetica (n=31), R. monacensis (n=35), R. slovaca (n=3), R. aeshlimannii (n=1), Rickettsia spp. (n=6); B. afzelii (n=11), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (n=1), B. garinii (n=3), B. lusitaniae (n=4), and B. valaisiana (n=2), Borrellia spp. (n=11); Anaplasmaphagocytophilum(n=6).Conclusions. These data highlight the importance of surveillance to assess the epidemiology of TBDs that pose a threat to human health by the implementation of control strategies for both tick infestations and their associated pathogens.