bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of sterilization on the canine vaginal microbiota: a pilot study
Authors: Rota Ada , Corrò Michela , Patuzzi Ilaria , Milani Chiara , Masia Stefania , Mastrorilli Eleonora , Petrin Sara , Longo Alessandra , Del Carro Angela , Losasso Carmen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSurgical sterilization is the most effective method of contraception for dogs. It also prevents pyometra and reduces the risk of mammary tumour development. However, this procedure also has negative effects, such as urinary incontinence. Steroid hormone deprivation following gonadectomy could also affect canine vaginal mucosa conditions and the microbial community colonizing the vaginal tract. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the vaginal cytology and microbial community of two groups of bitches, including 11 in anoestrus and 10 sterilized bitches (post-pubertal sterilization in the last 4 years). Bacteria were identified through metataxonomic analysis, amplifying the V3-V4 regions of16S rRNAgene, and culturing methods.ResultsVaginal mucosa cytology was suggestive of dystrophic conditions in sterilized bitches, whereas a typical anoestrus pattern with parabasal and intermediate cells was appreciable in anoestrous animals. Metataxonomic analysis revealed large inter-individual variability.Salmonella,MycoplasmaandStaphylococcuswere present in moderate quantities in almost all the samples in both groups. Mollicutes (class level) and Tenericutes (phylum level) were commonly present in moderate quantities in anoestrus samples, whereas these microbes were present at high levels in a single sample from the sterilized group.Based on culturing, a higher number of different species were isolated from the anoestrous bitches, andMycoplasma caniswas exclusively identified in an anoestrous bitch.Staphylococcusspp.was the most frequently isolated genus in both groups, followed byStreptococcusspp., and, among gram-negative bacteria,Escherichiaspp.andHaemophilusspp.A comparison of the numbers of the most frequently isolated genera of bacteria from vaginal cultures of bitches revealed thatPasteurellaandProteuswere the most frequently identified in sterilized animals based on metataxonomic analysis (p-value = 0.0497 and 0.0382, respectively), whereasStreptococcuswas significantly and most frequently isolated from anoestrous bitches using culture methods (pvalue = 0.0436).ConclusionsIn this preliminary investigation, no global patterns of the vaginal bacteria community were noted that characterized the condition of the bitches; however, cytology suggested local modifications. Sterilization after puberty caused minimal alterations in the vaginal microbial community of bitches within 4 years after surgery.
Isolation, heterologous expression, and purification of a novel antifungal protein from Bacillus subtilis strain Z-14
Authors: Zhang Xuechao , Guo Xiaojun , Wu Cuihong , Li Chengcui , Zhang Dongdong , Zhu Baocheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWheat sheath blight, a soil borne fungal disease caused byRhizoctonia cerealis, is considered as one of the most serious threats to wheat worldwide.Bacillus subtilisZ-14 was isolated from soil sampled from a wheat rhizosphere and was confirmed to have strong antifungal activity againstR. cerealis.ResultsAn antifungal protein, termed F2, was isolated from the culture supernatant of Z-14 strain using precipitation with ammonium sulfate, anion exchange chromatography, and reverse phase chromatography. Purified F2 had a molecular mass of approximately 8 kDa, as assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Edman degradation was used to determine the amino acid sequence of theN-terminus, which was NH2ASGGTVGIYGANMRS. This sequence is identical to a hypothetical protein RBAM_004680 (YP_001420098.1) synthesized byB. amyloliquefaciensFZB42. The recombinant F2 protein (rF2) was heterologously expressed in the yeast hostPichia pastoris, purified using a Niaffinity column, and demonstrated significant antifungal activity againstR. cerealis. The purified rF2 demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity against different varieties of fungi such asFusarium oxysporum,Verticillium dahliae,Bipolaris papendorfii, andFusarium proliferatum. rF2 was thermostable, retaining 91.5% of its activity when incubated for 30 min at 100 °C. Meanwhile, rF2 maintained its activity under treatment by proteinase K and trypsin and over a wide pH range from 5 to 10.ConclusionsA novel antifungal protein, F2, was purified from biocontrolBacillus subtilisZ-14 strain fermentation supernatant and heterologously expressed inPichia pastoristo verify its antifungal activity againstR. cerealisand the validity of the gene encoding F2. Considering its significant antifungal activity and stable characteristics, protein F2 presents an alternative compound to resist fungal infections caused byR. cerealis.
Epigenetic signature predicts overall survival clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yejinpeng , Chen Liang , Ju Lingao , Qian Kaiyu , Wang Xinghuan , Xiao Yu , Wang Gang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecently, increasing study have found that DNA methylation plays an important role in tumor, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).MethodsWe used the DNA methylation dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to construct a 31-CpG-based signature which could accurately predict the overall survival of ccRCC. Meanwhile, we constructed a nomogram to predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC.ResultThrough LASSO Cox regression analysis, we obtained the 31-CpG-based epigenetic signature which were significantly related to the prognosis of ccRCC. According to the epigenetic signature, patients were divided into two groups with high and low risk, and the predictive value of the epigenetic signature was verified by other two sets. In the training set, hazard ratio (HR) = 13.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.0–21.2,P < 0.0001; testing set: HR = 4.1, CI 2.2–7.7,P < 0.0001; entire set: HR = 7.2, CI 4.9–10.6,P < 0.0001, Moreover, combined with clinical indicators, the prediction of 5-year survival of ccRCC reached an AUC of 0.871.ConclusionsOur study constructed a 31-CpG-based epigenetic signature that could accurately predicted overall survival of ccRCC and staging progression of ccRCC. At the same time, we constructed a nomogram, which may facilitate the prediction of prognosis for patients with ccRCC.
FABP7 is a potential biomarker to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Xie Qin , Xiao Ying-sheng , Jia Shi-cheng , Zheng Jie-xuan , Du Zhen-chao , Chen Yi-chun , Chen Mu-tong , Liang Yuan-ke , Lin Hao-yu , Zeng De 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Early prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is critical in choosing appropriate chemotherapeutic regimen for patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Herein, we sought to identify potential biomarkers to predict the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.

Methods
Three genomic profiles acquired by microarray analysis from subjects with or without residual tumors after NAC downloaded from the GEO database were used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). An array of public databases, including ONCOMINE, cBioportal, Breast Cancer Gene Expression Miner v4.0, and the Kaplan Meir-plotter, etc., were used to evaluate the potential functions, related signaling pathway, as well as prognostic values of FABP7 in breast cancer. Anti-cancer drug sensitivity assay, real-time PCR, flow cytometry and western-blotting assays were used to investigate the function of FABP7 in breast cancer cells and examine the relevant mechanism.

Results
Two differentially expressed genes, including FABP7 and ESR1, were identified to be potential indicators of response to anthracycline and taxanes for breast cancer. FABP7 was associated with better chemotherapeutic response, while ESR1 was associated with poorer chemotherapeutic effectiveness. Generally, the expression of FABP7 was significantly lower in breast cancer than normal tissue samples. FABP7 mainly high expressed in ER-negative breast tumor and might regulate cell cycle to enhance chemosensitivity. Moreover, elevated FABP7 expression increased the percentage of cells at both S and G2/M phase in MDA-MB-231-ADR cells, and decreased the percentage of cells at G0/G1 phase, as compared to control group. Western-blotting results showed that elevated FABP7 expression could increase Skp2 expression, while decrease Cdh1 and p27kip1 expression in MDA-MB-231-ADR cells. In addition, FABP7 was correlated to longer recurrence-free survival (RFS) in BC patients with ER-negative subtype of BC treated with chemotherapy.

Conclusion
FABP7 is a potential favorable biomarker and predicts better response to NAC in breast cancer patients. Future study on the predictive value and detail molecular mechanisms of FABP7 in contribution to chemosensitivity in breast cancer is warranted.
Building momentum for malaria vaccine research and development: key considerations
Authors: Chitnis Chetan E. , Schellenberg David , Vekemans Johan , Asturias Edwin J. , Bejon Philip , Collins Katharine A. , Crabb Brendan S. , Herrera Socrates , Laufer Miriam , Rabinovich N. Regina , Roestenberg Meta , Shearley Adelaide , Tinto Halidou , Wentworth Marian , O’Brien Kate , Alonso Pedro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTo maintain momentum towards improved malaria control and elimination, a vaccine would be a key addition to the intervention toolkit. Two approaches are recommended: (1) promote the development and short to medium term deployment of first generation vaccine candidates and (2) support innovation and discovery to identify and develop highly effective, long-lasting and affordable next generation malaria vaccines.
Identification of main malaria vectors and their insecticide resistance profile in internally displaced and indigenous communities in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Authors: Loonen Jeanine A. C. M. , Dery Dominic B. , Musaka Bertin Z. , Bandibabone Janvier B. , Bousema Teun , van Lenthe Marit , Pop-Stefanija Biserka , Fesselet Jean-François , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMalaria remains a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its control is affected by recurrent conflicts. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) initiated several studies to better understand the unprecedented incidence of malaria to effectively target and implement interventions in emergency settings. The current study evaluated the main vector species involved in malaria transmission and their resistance to insecticides, with the aim to propose the most effective tools and strategies for control of local malaria vectors.MethodsThis study was performed in 52 households in Shamwana (Katanga, 2014), 168 households in Baraka (South Kivu, 2015) and 269 households in Kashuga (North Kivu, 2017).Anophelesvectors were collected and subjected to standardized Word Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) insecticide susceptibility bioassays. Mosquito species determination was done using PCR andPlasmodium falciparuminfection in mosquitoes was assessed by ELISA targeting circumsporozoite protein.ResultsOf 3517Anophelesspp. mosquitoes collected,Anopheles gambiaesensu lato (s.l.) (29.6%) andAnopheles funestus(69.1%) were the main malaria vectors. Plasmodium falciparuminfection rates forAn. gambiaes.l. were 1.0, 2.1 and 13.9% for Shamwana, Baraka and Kashuga, respectively.Anopheles funestusshowed positivity rates of 1.6% in Shamwana and 4.4% in Baraka. NoAn. funestuswere collected in Kashuga. Insecticide susceptibility tests showed resistance development towards pyrethroids in all locations. Exposure to bendiocarb, malathion and pirimiphos-methyl still resulted in high mosquito mortality.ConclusionsThis is one of only few studies from these conflict areas in DRC to report insecticide resistance in local malaria vectors. The data suggest that current malaria prevention methods in these populations are only partially effective, and require additional tools and strategies. Importantly, the results triggered MSF to consider the selection of a new insecticide for indoor residual spraying (IRS) and a new long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN). The reinforcement of correct usage of LLINs and the introduction of targeted larviciding were also included as additional vector control tools as a result of the studies.
Definition of constitutive and stage-enriched promoters in the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium yoelii
Authors: Bowman Laura M. , Finger Logan E. , Hart Kevin J. , Lindner Scott E. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Well-defined promoters are essential elements for genetic studies in all organisms, and enable controlled expression of endogenous genes, transgene expression, and gene editing. Despite this, there is a paucity of defined promoters for the rodent-infectious malaria parasites. This is especially true for Plasmodium yoelii, which is often used to study the mosquito and liver stages of malarial infection, as well as host immune responses to infection.

Methods
Here six promoters were selected from across the parasite’s life cycle (clag-a, dynein heavy chain delta, lap4, trap, uis4, lisp2) that have been invoked in the literature as controlling their genes in a stage-specific manner. A minimal promoter length for the constitutive pybip promoter that confers strong expression levels was also determined, which is useful for expression of reporters and gene editing enzymes.

Results
Instead, it was observed that these promoters confer stage-enriched gene control, as some parasites also effectively use these promoters in other stages. Thus, when used alone, these promoters could complicate the interpretation of results obtained from promoter swaps, stage-targeted recombination, or gene editing experiments.

Conclusions
Together these data indicate that achieving stage-specific effects, such as gene editing, is likely best done using a two-component system with independent promoter activities overlapping only in the intended life cycle stage.
Effect of bed net colour and shape preferences on bed net usage: a secondary data analysis of the 2017 Malawi Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Mategula Donnie , Ndeketa Latif , Gichuki Judy , Zimba Boston , Ching’ani Wilson , Chipeta Michael Give 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population in Malawi. Insecticide-treated bed nets are a key vector malaria control intervention, however, advancement towards universal access is progressing slowly. Malawi Malaria indicator surveys (MMIS) show diverse user preferences of bed net shape and colour. The objective of this work was to understand if bed net shape and colour preferences affect usage.

Methods
This is a secondary analysis of data from households that participated in the 2016–2017 MMIS. The main outcome variable was net usage defined, at net level, whether someone slept under a particular net on the night before the survey. The main exposure variables were preference attributes, whether a particular net is of a preferred colour or shape as defined by the household respondent. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to determine the association between the exposure and outcome variables.

Results
A total of 3729 households with 16,755 individuals were included in this analysis. There were a total 7710 bed nets in households that participated in the survey of which 5435 (70.5%) of these nets had someone sleep under them the previous night before the survey. Bed nets that are of a preferred shape have 3.55 times higher odds of being used than those not preferred [AOR 3.55 (95% CI 2.98, 4.23; p value < 0.001)]. Bed nets that are of a preferred colour have 1.61 times higher odds of being used than those that are not of a preferred colour [AOR 1.61 (95% CI 1.41, 1.84; p value < 0.001].

Conclusions
The results indicate that if a bed net is of a preferred colour or shape, it is more likely to be used. Bed net purchase by malaria stakeholders need to balance more factors on top of preferences such as price and efficacy.
Prevalence of sickle cell disorders and malaria infection in children aged 1–12 years in the Volta Region, Ghana: a community-based study
Authors: Oppong Mavis , Lamptey Helena , Kyei-Baafour Eric , Aculley Belinda , Ofori Ebenezer Addo , Tornyigah Bernard , Kweku Margaret , Ofori Michael F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlterations in the structure of haemoglobin (Hb) are usually brought about by point mutations affecting one or, in some cases, two codons encoding amino acids of the globin chains. One in three Ghanaians are said to have sickle cell disorders, whereas malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality among children. This study determined the prevalence of sickle cell disorders and malaria infection among children aged 1–12 years in the Volta Region.MethodsThis was a community-based cross-sectional survey that involved 938 children aged 1–12 years selected from three districts, one each from the 3 geographical zones of the Volta Region using a multistage sampling method. Demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire and anthropometric indices were measured. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) electrophoresis was used to determine the Hb genotypes and sub-microscopic parasites were determined by PCR.ResultsThe prevalence of sickling screening positive was 16.0% with an overall prevalence of sickle cell disorders being 2.0%. Among the individual genotypes making up the sickle cell disorders, genotype HbSF was the highest (0.9% as compared to 0.2%; HbSS, 0.6%; HbSC and 0.3%; HbSCF). MicroscopicPlasmodium falciparumparasitaemia was detected among 5.5% of the children and 14.2% sub-microscopic prevalence by PCR. Children with sickle cell disorders were more likely to have sub-microscopic parasitaemia (AOR = 5.51 95%CI (2.15, 14.10),p < 0.001) as well as anaemia (AOR = 3.03 95% CI (1.04, 8.82),p = 0.042), compared to those with normal genotypes. There was no significant difference observed between sickle cell disorders and growth and development of the children screened.ConclusionsSickle cell disorders were significantly associated with sub-microscopic parasitaemia as well as anaemia in this study. Establishment of sickle cell clinics in the district and regional hospitals will help in the management of children with the disorder and also generate a national database on sickle cell disorders. National neonatal screening policies must also be put in place to help in early detection and management of these disorders.
Performance evaluation of machine learning-based infectious screening flags on the HORIBA Medical Yumizen H550 Haematology Analyzer for vivax malaria and dengue fever
Authors: Dharap Parag , Raimbault Sebastien 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Automated detection of malaria and dengue infection has been actively researched for more than two decades. Although many improvements have been achieved, these solutions remain too expensive for most laboratories and clinics in developing countries. The low range HORIBA Medical Haematology Analyzer, Yumizen H550, now provides dedicated flags ‘vivax malaria’ and ‘dengue fever’ in routine blood testing, developed through machine learning methods, to be used as a screening tool for malaria and dengue fever in endemic areas. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of these flags under real clinical conditions.

Methods
A total of 1420 samples were tested using the Yumizen H550 Haematology Analyzer, including 1339 samples from febrile patients among whom 202 were infected with malaria parasites (Plasmodium vivax only: 182, Plasmodium falciparum only: 18, both: 2), 210 were from febrile dengue infected patients, 3 were from afebrile dengue infected patients and 78 were samples from healthy controls, in an outpatient laboratory clinic in Mumbai, India. Microscopic examination was carried out as the confirmatory reference method for detection of malarial parasite, species identification and assessing parasitaemia based on different stages of parasite life cycle. Rapid diagnostic malarial antigen tests were used for additional confirmation. For dengue infection, NS1 antigen detection by ELISA was used as a diagnostic marker.

Results
For the automated vivax malaria flag, the original manufacturer’s cut off yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 65.2% and 98.9% respectively with the ROC AUC of 0.9. After optimization of cut-off value, flag performance improved to 72% for sensitivity and 97.9% specificity. Additionally it demonstrated a positive correlation with increasing levels of parasitaemia. For the automated dengue fever flag it yielded a ROC AUC of 0.82 with 79.3% sensitivity and 71.5% specificity.

Conclusions
The results demonstrate a possibility of the effective use of automated infectious flags for screening vivax malaria and dengue infection in a clinical setting.
Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria cases in North-Western Province, Zambia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chipoya Maureen N. , Shimaponda-Mataa Nzooma M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Imported malaria is a major challenge for countries that are in malaria elimination stage such as Zambia. Legitimate cross-border activities add to the risk of transmission, necessitating determination of prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of imported and local malaria.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 103 consented child and adult patients with clinical malaria symptoms, from selected health facilities in north-western Zambia. Patient demographic data and blood samples for malaria microscopy and full blood count were obtained. Chi-square and penalized logistic regression were performed to describe the characteristics and assess the risk factors of imported and local malaria in North-Western Province.

Results
Overall, malaria prevalence was 78.6% with 93.8% Plasmodium falciparum and 6.2% other species. The local cases were 72 (88.9%) while the imported were 9 (11.1%) out of the 81 positive participants. About 98.6% of the local cases were P. falciparum compared to 55.6% (χ2 = 52.4; p < 0.01) P. falciparum among the imported cases. Among the imported cases, 44% were species other than P. falciparum (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01) while among the local cases only 1.4% were. Gametocytes were present in 44% of the imported malaria cases and only in 2.8% of the local cases (χ2 = 48; p < 0.01). About 48.6% of local participants had severe anaemia compared to 33.3% of participants from the two neighbouring countries who had (χ2 = 4.9; p = 0.03). In the final model, only country of residence related positively to presence of species other than P. falciparum (OR = 39.0, CI [5.9, 445.9]; p < 0.01) and presence of gametocytes (OR = 23.1, CI [4.2, 161.6]; p < 0.01).

Conclusion
Malaria prevalence in North-Western Province is high, with P. falciparum as the predominant species although importation of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae is happening as well. Country of residence of patients is a major risk factor for malaria species and gametocyte presence. The need for enhanced malaria control with specific focus on border controls to detect and treat, for specific diagnosis and treatment according to species obtaining, for further research in the role of species and gametocytaemia in imported malaria, cannot be overemphasized.