bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling Wolbachia global exchange: a contribution from the Bicyclus and Mylothris butterflies in the Afrotropics
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Pranter Robin , Warren-Gash Haydon , Tropek Robert , Wahlberg Niklas 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Phylogenetically closely related strains of maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria are often found in phylogenetically divergent, and geographically distant insect host species. The interspecies transfer of the symbiont Wolbachia has been thought to have occurred repeatedly, facilitating its observed global pandemic. Few ecological interactions have been proposed as potential routes for the horizontal transfer of Wolbachia within natural insect communities. These routes are however likely to act only at the local scale, but how they may support the global distribution of some Wolbachia strains remains unclear.
Results
Here, we characterize the Wolbachia diversity in butterflies from the tropical forest regions of central Africa to discuss transfer at both local and global scales. We show that numerous species from both the Mylothris (family Pieridae) and Bicyclus (family Nymphalidae) butterfly genera are infected with similar Wolbachia strains, this despite only minor interclade contacts across the life cycles of the species within their partially overlapping ecological niches. The phylogenetic distance and differences in resource use between these genera rule out the role of ancestry, hybridization, and shared host-plants in the interspecies transfer of the symbiont. Furthermore, we could not identify any shared ecological factors to explain the presence of the strains in other arthropod species from other habitats, or even ecoregions.
Conclusion
Only the systematic surveys of the Wolbachia strains from entire species communities may offer the material currently lacking for understanding how Wolbachia may transfer between highly different and unrelated hosts, as well as across environmental scales.
Estimation of Healthcare-related Charges in Women with BRCA Mutations and Breast Cancer
Authors: Biskupiak Joseph , Unni Sudhir , Telford Claire , Yoo Minkyoung , Ye Xiangyang , Deka Rishi , Brixner Diana , Stenehjem David 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Breast cancer costs were estimated at $16.5 billion in 2010, and were higher than other cancer costs. There are limited studies on breast cancer charges and costs by BRCA mutations and receptor status. We examined overall health care and breast cancer-related charges by BRCA status (BRCAm vs. BRCAwt), receptor status (HER2+ vs. HER2-), and treatment setting (neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant). Methods Retrospective cohort study of charge data from 1995-2014 in an academic medical center. Facilities, physician, pharmacy, and diagnosis-related charges were presented as mean and median charges with standard deviation (SD) and interquartile ranges (25%-75%). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess statistically significant differences in charges between comparators. Results Total median breast-cancer related charges were $65,414 for BRCAm and $54,635 for BRCAwt (p=0.19); however all-cause charges were higher for BRCAm patients ($145,066 vs. $119,119, p<0.001). HER2+ status was associated with higher median breast cancer charges ($152,159 vs. $44,087, p<0.0001) that was driven by the charges for biological agents. Patients initially seen in the neoadjuvant setting had higher mean breast cancer charges than in the adjuvant setting ($117,922 vs. $80,061, p<0.0001).Conclusion BRCA mutation status was not associated with higher breast cancer charges but HER2+ status had significantly higher charges, due to charges for biological agents. Patients who initially received neoadjuvant treatment had significantly higher overall treatment charges than adjuvant therapy patients. With the advent of novel therapies for BRCAm, the economic impact of these treatments will be important to consider relative to their survival benefits.
Fertility Desire and Associated Factors among Sexually Active HIV Positive Women at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ayalew Tilksew Abitie , Asmare Eden 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Many HIV-positive women continue to want to have children in spite of knowledge of their HIV status and the risk it imposes. This study aimed to assess the level of fertility desire and associated factors human immune-deficiency-positive women at Felege Hiwot referral Hospital.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly 308 HIV positive reproductive age women at Felege Hiwot referral Hospital from June 01st -30th, 2018. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version20.Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression statistics were carried out. Statistical significance was declared at P -value <0.05.Results: Out of 308 of participants, 45.5% reported a desire to have children in the near future. Being sexually activity (aOR=2.62, 95%CI; 1.58- 6.73), family planning use (aOR=7.62, 95%CI; 3.23-17.98), consistent condom use (aOR=2.6, 95%CI; 1.37- 4.94), and absence of children (aOR=4.43, 95%CI; 1.85- 10.64) were predictors of fertility desire.Conclusion: A considerable proportion HIV-positive women in the study area reported to have children in the future. Integration of family planning and ART services, attention to sexually active HIV positive women and supporting HIV positive women with unmet need of family planning could have significant impact.
Phlebotomus (Adlerius) Simici Nitzulescu, 1931: First Record in Austria and Phylogenetic Relationship With Other Adlerius Species
Authors: Kniha Edwin , Dvorak Vit , Milchram Markus , Obwaller Adelheid , Köhsler Martina , Pöppl Wolfgang , Antoniou Maria , Chaskopoulou Alexandra , Paronyan Lusine , Stefanovski Jovana , Mooseder Gerhard , Volf Petr , Walochnik Julia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Phlebotomine sand flies are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). Sand fly findings in Central Europe are scarce and in Austria, to date only Phlebotomus mascittii has been recorded. In 2018 and 2019, entomological surveys were conducted in Austria with the aim to further clarify sand fly distribution and species composition.
Results
In 2019, a Ph. simici specimen was trapped in Austria for the first time. Analyses of two commonly used marker genes, COI and cyt b, revealed high sequence identity with Ph. simici specimens from North Macedonia and Greece. Phylogenetic analyses showed high intraspecific distances within Ph. simici, thereby dividing this species into three lineages, from Europe, Turkey and Israel, respectively. Low interspecific distances between Ph. simici, Ph. brevis and a yet unidentified Adlerius sp. from Turkey and Armenia highlights that molecular identification can be challenging within the Adlerius complex, even when applying standard marker genes.
Conclusion
This study provides the first finding of Ph. simici in Austria and the northernmost record so far. Moreover, it reveals valuable insights into the phylogenetic relationships of species within the Adlerius subgenus. Ph. simici is a suspected vector of Leishmania infantum and therefore of medical and veterinary importance. Potential sand fly expansion in Central Europe due to climatic change and the increasing import of Leishmania-infected dogs from endemic areas, urge the need for further studies on sand fly distribution in Austria and Central Europe in general.
Circulating lncRNA DLG1-AS1 in Plasma as a Novel Diagnostic Marker for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)
Authors: Wei Xiuqin , Gao Qiang , Jia Wei , Ma Chao , Xue Mei , Wang Yali , Zhang Mengqiao , Su Lei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in some cases can be diagnosed as esophageal varices (EV). DLG1-AS1 promotes cervical cancer, while its function is other malignancies remains unknown. Our aim for this study is to study the role of DLG1-AS1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.METHODS: Plasma levels of DLG1-AS1 in 66 early stage ESCC patients, 60 EV patients and 60 healthy controls were measured by RT-qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of DLG1-AS1 for early stage ESCC. Relationship between miR-145 and DLG1-AS1 was analyzed by overexpression experiments. Proliferation of cells was determined by CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: DLG1-AS1 was upregulated in ESCC, but not in EV patients compared with healthy control. DLG1-AS1 overexpression distinguished ESCC patients from healthy controls and EV patients. Plasma miR-145 was inversely correlated with DLG1-AS1 in ESCC patients. Moreover, DLG1-AS1 overexpression resulted in the downregulation of miR-145, while miR-145 mimic transfection did not significantly alter DLG1-AS1. Overexpression of DLG1-AS1 mediated the promoted, while overexpression of miR-145 resulted in inhibited proliferation of ESCC cells. The role of DLG1-AS1 overexpression was inhibited by miR-145 mimic transfection. CONCLUSION: Therefore, DLG1-AS1 may promote ESCC under the repression of miR-145.
The effect of hydroxychloroquine against SARS-CoV-2 infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Küçükakkaş Okan , Aydın Teoman 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis and treatment is still controversial. In this study, our aim is to investigate the potential effects of hydroxychloroquine therapy on patients with diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.METHOD: We included patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and whose SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed. The patients were divided into two groups as those who previously used hydroxychloroquine and those who did not, and were compared in terms of clinical and laboratory data.RESULTS: Our study included 17 patients with adequate data (2 males, 15 females). The mean age of the patients was 57.2 ± 11.6 years. 7 (41.2%) patients were receiving hydroxychloroquine regularly for the last 6 months. When the effect of hydroxychloroquine on clinical and laboratory parameters of patients was examined, there was no significant difference between the groups of patients using and not using hydroxychloroquine. The patients using and not using hydroxychloroquine were compared for the presence of typical SARS-CoV-2 infection findings on computed tomography images, admission to the hospital and intensive care. No significant differences were observed between these two groups.CONCLUSIONS: Many studies on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine use in SARS-CoV-2 infection are still ongoing. Due to its importance in rheumatology practice, it is very important to clarify the position of hydroxychloroquine in SARS-CoV-2 therapy. Our findings suggest that having previously used hydroxychloroquine does not have any negative or positive effect on the infection.
The effects of Staphylococcus aureus on the β-lactamase enzymes and virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in lung disease
Authors: Arabestani Mohammad , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef , Tahmasebi Hamed , Dehbashi Sanaz 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus often lead to serious lung infections. This study aimed to investigate the role of Staphylococcus aureus in the expression of the β-lactamase enzymes and virulence factors of P. aeruginosa in the polymicrobial infections of the respiratory tract.ResultsIt was demonstrated that S. aureus reduced the viability of P. aeruginosa , particularly in the biofilm state. In addition, S. aureus decreased β-lactam resistance but increased resistance to tobramycin in the biofilm condition. Furthermore, S. aureus showed a positive effect on reducing resistance to meropenem, doripenem, ertapenem, and tobramycin (except PA-2) and on increasing pathogenicity in P. aeruginosa . Moreover, the gene expression levels for lasR/I and algD were increased in biofilm conditions. The levels of lasI were more prominent in the virulent strain than the β-lactamase producing strain. Furthermore, the expression of KPC was increased in all strains of P. aeruginosa.ConclusionIt was concluded that S. aureus has an inhibitory effect in polymicrobial infections by suppressing the β-lactamase genes and viability of P. aeruginosa and also cooperates with the biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa strains to increase pathogenicity and resistance to tobramycin.
Soil origin and plant genotype structure distinct microbiome compartments in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Brown Shawn P. , Grillo Michael A. , Podowski Justin C. , Heath Katy Denise 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Understanding the genetic and environmental factors that structure plant microbiomes is necessary for leveraging these interactions to address critical needs in agriculture, conservation, and sustainability. Legumes, which form root nodule symbioses with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, have served as model plants for understanding the genetics and evolution of beneficial plant-microbe interactions for decades, and thus have added value as models of plant-microbiome interactions. Here we use a common garden experiment with 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to study the drivers of microbiome diversity and composition in three genotypes of the model legume Medicago truncatula grown in two native soil communities.

Results

Bacterial diversity decreased between external (rhizosphere) and internal plant compartments (root endosphere, nodule endosphere, and leaf endosphere). Community composition was shaped by strong compartment × soil origin and compartment × plant genotype interactions, driven by significant soil origin effects in the rhizosphere and significant plant genotype effects in the root endosphere. Nevertheless all compartments were dominated by Ensifer , the genus of rhizobia that forms root nodule symbiosis with M. truncatula , and additional shotgun metagenomic sequencing suggests that the nodulating Ensifer were not genetically distinguishable from those elsewhere in the plant. We also identify a handful of OTUs that are common in nodule tissues, which are likely colonized from the root endosphere.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate strong host filtering effects, with rhizospheres driven by soil origin and internal plant compartments driven by host genetics, and identify several key nodule-inhabiting taxa that coexist with rhizobia in the native range. Our results set the stage for future functional genetic experiments aimed at expanding our pairwise understanding of legume-rhizobium symbiosis towards a more mechanistic understanding of plant microbiomes.
Highly matching Coronavirus-like short sequences can be retrieved from environmental metagenomes
Authors: Mora Maximilian , Egamberdieva Dilfuza , Krause Robert , Martinez Jose Luis , Cernava Tomislav , Berg Gabriele 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not only globally caused a high number of causalities, but is also an unprecedented challenge for scientists. False-positive virus detection tests not only aggravate the situation in the healthcare sector, but also provide ground for conspiracy theorists. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of software choice and data interpretation in virome studies. We aimed to further expand theoretical and practical knowledge in virome studies by focusing on short, virus-like DNA sequences in metagenomic data.ResultsExemplarily, analyses of metagenomic data from the dried-out Aral Sea basin in Uzbekistan showed that Coronavirus-like sequences have existed in environmental samples before the current COVID-19 crisis. In the analyzed environmental datasets, diverse Betacoronavirus-like sequences were detected, which also included SARS-CoV-2 matches. Moreover, the data sets harbored regions that show complementarity to PCR primers that are currently in use for virus detection and origin tracing.ConclusionsOur study confirms the importance of parameter selection, especially in terms of read length, for reliable virome profiling. Natural environments are an important source of Coronavirus-like nucleotide sequences that should be taken into account when virome datasets are analyzed and interpreted. Moreover, the identified test primer binding sites in metagenomic data might play an important role for the development of reliable test systems and origin tracing.
Distribution of virulence genes and the molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes clinical isolates by emm and multilocus sequence typing methods
Authors: Hamzah Siti Nur Adila , Desa Mohd Nasir Mohd , Jasni Azmiza Syawani , Taib Niazlin Mohd , Masri Siti Norbaya , Hamat Rukman Awang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus pyogenes has a variety of virulence factors and the predominant invasive strains differ according to specific emm types and geographical orientation. Although emm typing is commonly used as the gold standard method for the molecular characterization, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) has become an important tool for comparing the genetic profiles globally. This study aimed to screen selected virulence genes from invasive and non-invasive clinical samples and to characterize the molecular epidemiology by emm typing and MLST methods. Methods: A total of 42 S. pyogenes isolates from invasive and non-invasive samples collected from 2014 to 2015 from two different tertiary hospitals were investigated for the distribution of virulence factors and their molecular epidemiology by emm and multilocus sequence typing methods. Detection of five virulence genes (speA , speB , speJ , ssa and sdaB) was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the standard primers and established protocol. Results: Multiplex PCR analysis revealed that sdaB/speF (78.6%) and speB (61.9%) were the predominant virulence genes. Regardless of the type of invasiveness, diverse distribution of emm types/subtypes was noted which comprised of 27 different emm types/subtypes. The predominant emm types/subtypes were emm63 and emm18 with each gene accounted for 11.8% whereas 12% for each gene was noted for emm28, emm97.4 and emm91. The MLST revealed that the main sequence type (ST) in invasive samples was ST402 (17.7%) while ST473 and ST318 (12% for each ST) were the major types in non-invasive samples. Out of 18 virulotypes, Virulotype A (five genes, 55.6%) and Virulotype B (two genes, 27.8%) were the major virulotypes found in this study. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of seven different clusters of S. pyogenes. Interestingly, Cluster VI showed that selected emm/ST types such as emm71/ST318 (n=2), emm70.1/ST318 (n=1), emm44/ST31 (n=1) and emm18/ST442 (n=1) have clustered within a common group (Virulotype A) for both hospitals studied. Conclusion: The present study showed that group A streptococci (GAS) are genetically diverse and possess virulence genes regardless of their invasiveness. Majority of the GAS exhibited no restricted pattern of virulotypes except for a few distinct clusters. Therefore, it can be concluded that virulotyping is partially useful for characterizing a heterogeneous population of GAS in hospitals.
Relationship between magnetic resonance imaging lesions and knee symptoms in early knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional Japanese population study
Authors: Ota Seiya , Sasaki Eiji , Sasaki Shizuka , Chiba Daisuke , Kimura Yuka , Yamamoto Yuji , Kumagai Mika , Ando Masataka , Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of minute structural abnormalities in early knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and their association with knee symptoms remains unclear. We investigated the prevalence of abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their relation to knee symptoms in women without radiographic evidence of KOA.Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study in a Japanese population included 261 women without radiographic evidence of KOA, which was defined as a Kellgren‒Lawrence grade < 2. All participants underwent T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI of their right knee. Structural abnormalities (cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions [BMLs], subchondral cysts, bone attrition, osteophytes, meniscal lesions, and synovitis) were scored according to the Whole-Organ MRI Scoring method. Knee symptoms were evaluated by the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS). Participants were divided into early KOA and non-KOA groups based on early KOA classification criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between MRI abnormalities and knee symptoms.Results: Cartilage damage were the most common abnormality (53%), followed by osteophytes (43%), and BMLs (33%). The prevalence of BMLs (47%), meniscal lesions (26%), and synovitis (37%) was higher in early KOA than in non-KOA. On logistic regression analysis, synovitis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.901, P = 0.013) and meniscal lesions (OR = 1.410, P = 0.045) were positively associated with the presence of early KOA.Conclusions: The prevalence of BMLs, meniscal lesions, and synovitis was higher in symptomatic knees. Synovitis was most strongly associated with knee pain and might be a therapeutic target in patients with early KOA.
Increasing chitosanase production in Bacilluse cereus by a novel mutagenesis and screeen method
Authors: Zhang Chaozheng , Li Yi , Zhang Tianshuang , Zhao Hua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Chitosan hydrolysis by chitosanase is one of the most effective methods to produce chitosan oligosaccharides, however, the low yield of chitosanase cannot meet the current requirement. In this paper, a strain producing chitosanase was screened, and a novel mutagenesis system (1)) was selected to increase the yield of chitosanase. The hydrolyzed products from chitosan by chitosanase produced by mutan train were also analyzed by LC-MS.
Results

A strain of Bacillus cereus capable of producing chitosanase was screened and identified from soil samples. A mutant strain of Bacillus cereus was obtained by ARTP mutagenesis and bioscreening method, and chitosanase activity was 2.49 folds that of the original bacteria. After optimized fermentation conditions, the enzyme activity of the mutant strain was 3.3 folds that of the original bacteria. The relative molecular weight of the purified chitosanase was 43 kDa. Ten chitosan oligosaccharides(2–4 oligosaccharides) were obtained by hydrolyzing chitosan with it.
Conclutions:

The results showed that the ARTP mutagenesis and bioscreening method could significantly increase the yield of chitosanase in B. cereus, and had little effect on the properties of the enzyme. These findings have potential applications in mutagenesis of other enzyme-producing microorganisms.