bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and characterization of bacterial endosymbionts in Southeast Asian tephritid fruit fly populations
Authors: Asimakis Elias D. , Doudoumis Vangelis , Hadapad Ashok B. , Hire Ramesh S. , Batargias Costas , Niu Changying , Khan Mahfuza , Bourtzis Kostas , Tsiamis George 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundVarious endosymbiotic bacteria, includingWolbachiaof the Alphaproteobacteria, infect a wide range of insects and are capable of inducing reproductive abnormalities to their hosts such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), parthenogenesis, feminization and male-killing. These extended phenotypes can be potentially exploited in enhancing environmentally friendly methods, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT), for controlling natural populations of agricultural pests. The goal of the present study is to investigate the presence ofWolbachia,Spiroplasma,ArsenophonusandCardiniumamongBactrocera,DacusandZeugodacusflies of Southeast Asian populations, and to genotype any detectedWolbachiastrains.ResultsA specific 16SrRNAPCR assay was used to investigate the presence of reproductive parasites in natural populations of nine different tephritid species originating from three Asian countries, Bangladesh, China and India.Wolbachiainfections were identified inBactrocera dorsalis,B. correcta,B. scutellarisandB. zonata, with 12.2–42.9% occurrence, Entomoplasmatales inB. dorsalis,B. correcta,B. scutellaris,B. zonata,Zeugodacus cucurbitaeandZ. tau(0.8–14.3%) andCardiniuminB. dorsalisandZ. tau(0.9–5.8%), while none of the species tested, harbored infections withArsenophonus. Infected populations showed a medium (between 10 and 90%) or low (< 10%) prevalence, ranging from 3 to 80% forWolbachia, 2 to 33% for Entomoplasmatales and 5 to 45% forCardinium.Wolbachiaand Entomoplasmatales infections were found both in tropical and subtropical populations, the former mostly in India and the latter in various regions of India and Bangladesh.Cardiniuminfections were identified in both countries but only in subtropical populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence ofWolbachiawith some strains belonging either to supergroup B or supergroup A. Sequence analysis revealed deletions of variable length and nucleotide variation in threeWolbachiagenes.Spiroplasmastrains were characterized as citri–chrysopicola–mirum and ixodetis strains while the remaining Entomoplasmatales to the Mycoides–Entomoplasmataceae clade.Cardiniumstrains were characterized as group A, similar to strains infectingEncarsia pergandiella.ConclusionsOur results indicated that in the Southeast natural populations examined, supergroup AWolbachiastrain infections were the most common, followed by Entomoplasmatales andCardinium. In terms of diversity, most strains of each bacterial genus detected clustered in a common group. Interestingly, the deletions detected in threeWolbachiagenes were either new or similar to those of previously identified pseudogenes that were integrated in the host genome indicating putative horizontal gene transfer events inB. dorsalis,B. correctaandB. zonata.
Pathogenic fungi-induced susceptibility is mitigated by mutual Lactobacillus plantarum in the Drosophila melanogaster model
Authors: Su Wanzhen , Liu Jialin , Bai Peng , Ma Baocang , Liu Wei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Since animals frequently encounter a variety of harmful fungi in nature, their ability to develop sophisticated anti-fungal strategies allows them to flourish across the globe. Extensive studies have highlighted the significant involvement of indigenous microbial communities in human health. However, the daunting diversity of mammalian microbiota and host genetic complexity are major obstacles to our understanding of these intricate links between microbiota components, host immune genotype, and disease phenotype. In this study, we sought to develop a bacterium-fungus-Drosophila model to systematically evaluate the anti-fungal effects of commensal bacteria.

Results
We isolated the pathogenic fungal strain, Diaporthe FY, which was detrimental to the survival and development of Drosophila upon infection. Using Drosophila as a model system, Drosophila-associated Lactobacillus plantarum functioned as a probiotic, and protected the flies from mortality induced by Diaporthe FY. Our results show that L. plantarum hindered the growth of Diaporthe FY in vitro, and decreased the mortality rate of Diaporthe FY-infected flies in vivo, consequently mitigating the toxicity of Diaporthe FY to the hosts. Additionally, the presence of L. plantarum overrode the avoidance of oviposition on Diaporthe FY-associated substrates.

Conclusions
Diaporthe FY was identified as a potential Drosophila pathogen. Commensal L. plantarum mitigated the susceptibility of Drosophila to pathogenic fungi, providing insight into the natural interplay between commensal and pathogenic microbial communities that contribute to animal health and pathogenesis.
Full-length transcriptome sequencing reveals the low-temperature-tolerance mechanism of Medicago falcata roots
Authors: Cui Guowen , Chai Hua , Yin Hang , Yang Mei , Hu Guofu , Guo Mingying , Yi Rugeletu , Zhang Pan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundLow temperature is one of the main environmental factors that limits crop growth, development, and production.Medicago falcatais an important leguminous herb that is widely distributed worldwide.M. falcatais related to alfalfa but is more tolerant to low temperature than alfalfa. Understanding the low temperature tolerance mechanism ofM. falcatais important for the genetic improvement of alfalfa.ResultsIn this study, we explored the transcriptomic changes in the roots of low-temperature-treatedM. falcataplants by combining SMRT sequencing and NGS technologies. A total of 115,153 nonredundant sequences were obtained, and 8849 AS events, 73,149 SSRs, and 4189 lncRNAs were predicted. A total of 111,587 genes from SMRT sequencing were annotated, and 11,369 DEGs involved in plant hormone signal transduction, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and endocytosis pathways were identified. We characterized 1538 TF genes into 45 TF gene families, and the most abundant TF family was the WRKY family, followed by the ERF, MYB, bHLH and NAC families. A total of 134 genes, including 101 whose expression was upregulated and 33 whose expression was downregulated, were differentially coexpressed at all five temperature points. PB40804, PB75011, PB110405 and PB108808 were found to play crucial roles in the tolerance ofM. falcatato low temperature. WGCNA revealed that the MEbrown module was significantly correlated with low-temperature stress inM. falcata. Electrolyte leakage was correlated with most genetic modules and verified that electrolyte leakage can be used as a direct stress marker in physiological assays to indicate cell membrane damage from low-temperature stress. The consistency between the qRT-PCR results and RNA-seq analyses confirmed the validity of the RNA-seq data and the analysis of the regulatory mechanism of low-temperature stress on the basis of the transcriptome.ConclusionsThe full-length transcripts generated in this study provide a full characterization of the transcriptome ofM. falcataand may be useful for mining new low-temperature stress-related genes specific toM. falcata. These new findings could facilitate the understanding of the low-temperature-tolerance mechanism ofM. falcata.
Glycated hemoglobin predicts coronary artery disease in non-diabetic adults
Authors: Ewid Mohammed , Sherif Hossam , Billah Syed Muhammad Baqui , Saquib Nazmus , AlEnazy Wael , Ragab Omer , Enabi Saed , Rajab Tawfik , Awad Zaki , Abazid Rami 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to increased CAD risk factors in Saudi Arabia, research on more feasible and predictive biomarkers is needed. We aimed to evaluate glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a predictor of CAD in low-risk profile non-diabetic patients living in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods
Thirty-eight patients with no history of CAD were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. They provided demographic data, and their HbA1c estimation followed the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program parameters. All patients underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for evaluation of chest pain. The extent of coronary artery stenosis (CAS) was quantified as percentage for each patient based on plaques detected in CCTA.

Results
Mean blood pressure of the patients was (91.2 ± 11.9 mmHg), BMI (28.3 ± 5.8 kg/m2), serum cholesterol level (174 ± 33.1 mg/dl), and HbA1c levels (mean 5.7 ± 0.45, median 5.7 and range 4.7–6.4%). Eighteen patients showed no CAS (47.4%), 12 showed minimal stenosis (31.6%), 3 showed mild stenosis (7.9%), 3 showed moderate stenosis (7.9%) and 2 showed severe stenosis (5.3%). A moderate correlation was detected between HbA1c and CAS percentages (r = 0.47, p < 0.05) as well as between HbA1c and the number of affected coronary vessels (r = 0.53, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Glycated hemoglobin can be used as a predictive biomarker for CAD in non-diabetic low-risk patients.
Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessment of malnutrition among Egyptian children with chronic liver diseases: a single institutional cross-sectional study
Authors: El Koofy Nehal , Moawad Eman Mohamed Ibraheim , Fahmy Mona , Mohamed Mona Anwar , Mohamed Hany Fathy Ahmed , Eid Ehab Mohamed , Zaki Moushira Errfan , El-Sayed Rokaya Mohamed 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition is a common problem among children with chronic liver diseases (CLD). We aimed to assess the nutritional status of children with CLD and to correlate the anthropometric indices with the severity of liver disease, liver function tests, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25- OH D).

Methods
A total of 69 patients with CLD and 50 healthy controls (6 months − 6 years) were included in the study. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric indices expressed in standard deviation score (Z score), biochemical, hematological and clinical parameters.

Results
We found 52.2% of CLD patients underweight by weight for age (W/A); 50.2% were stunted by height for age/ length for age (HAZ or LAZ); and 39% exhibited wasting by weight/height or (length) for age (W/HZ or W/LZ) z scores analysis. The mean values of z scores for all anthropometric parameters were significantly correlated with unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin and INR (p < 0.05), except HAZ or LAZ. Also, a significant correlation to albumin was found, except for W/HZ or (W/LZ) (p = 0.157). The z scores < − 2 SD based on W/ H versus arm indicators showed significant differences in MUAC, UAA and AMA (p < 0.001). We found no correlation between anthropometric z-scores and the mean IGF-1 and (25- OH D) values (p > 0.05). Malnutrition was directly correlated with the severity of hepatic dysfunction, particularly, Child-Pugh C cases. The mean IGF-1 and (25- OH D) values were significantly correlated with the severity of liver disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our results identified anthropometric arm indicators and MUAC/A measurements as an effective applied methods for assessing nutritional status in CLD children. Moreover, Integrating comprehensive clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements and objective biochemical analyses is essential for evaluation, follow-up and management of CLD children with variable degree of malnutrition.
Epidemiological study of scarlet fever in Shenyang, China
Authors: Chen Huijie , Chen Ye , Sun Baijun , Wen Lihai , An Xiangdong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Since 2011, there has been an increase in the incidence of scarlet fever across China. The main objective of this study was to depict the spatiotemporal epidemiological characteristics of the incidence of scarlet fever in Shenyang, China, in 2018 so as to provide the scientific basis for effective strategies of scarlet control and prevention.

Methods
Excel 2010 was used to demonstrate the temporal distribution at the month level and ArcGIS10.3 was used to demonstrate the spatial distribution at the district/county level. Moran’s autocorrelation coefficient was used to examine the spatial autocorrelation and the Getis-Ord statistic was used to determine the hot-spot areas of scarlet fever.

Results
A total of 2314 scarlet fever cases were reported in Shenyang in 2018 with an annual incidence of 31.24 per 100,000. The incidence among males was higher than that among females(p<0.001). A vast majority of the cases (96.89%) were among children aged 3 to 11 years. The highest incidence was 625.34/100,000 in children aged 5–9 years. In 2018 there were two seasonal peaks of scarlet fever in June (summer-peak) and December (winter-peak). The incidence of scarlet fever in urban areas was significantly higher than that in rural areas(p<0.001). The incidence of scarlet fever was randomly distributed in Shenyang. There are hotspot areas located in seven districts.

Conclusions
Urban areas are the hot spots of scarlet fever and joint prevention and control measures between districts should be applied. Children aged 3–11 are the main source of scarlet fever and therefore the introduction of prevention and control into kindergarten and primary schools may be key to the control of scarlet fever epidemics.
POLE mutations improve the prognosis of endometrial cancer via regulating cellular metabolism through AMF/AMFR signal transduction
Authors: Li Yiran , Bian Yiding , Wang Kai , Wan Xiao-Ping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The morbidity and mortality of endometrial tumors, a common type of malignant cancer in women, have increased in recent years. POLE encodes the DNA polymerase ε, which is responsible for the leading strand DNA replication. Somatic mutations of POLE have been acknowledged in numerous cancers, resulting in the accumulation of DNA errors, leading to ultra-mutated tumors. Mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE have been reported to improve progression-free survival in endometrial cancer. However, the potential relationship and underlying mechanism between POLE mutations and the prognosis of endometrial cancer patients remains unclear.

Methods
The whole exome sequencing data, RNA sequencing data, and clinical information were obtained from the TCGA database and employed for the analyses in this study. The detailed mutational information was analyzed using whole exome sequencing data and the mutated genes were shown with OncoPlot. The survival curves and cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to accessed patient prognosis, the association of clinical characteristics and prognosis. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed by the edgeR R/Bioconductor package, then the GSEA Pre-ranked tool was used for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to estimate the function of genes. Expression values were clustered using hierarchical clustering with Euclidean distance and ward linkage by the dendextend R package.

Results
POLE mutational status was proven to be an independent prognostic factor for endometrial cancer patients. Patients with somatic POLE mutations presented a favorable prognosis. POLE mutations regulated glycolysis and cytokine secretion, affecting cell metabolism and immune response. Autocrine motility factor (AMF)/PGI and AMFR/gp78 exhibited higher expression levels in POLE mutant patients. The comprehensive high expressions of AMFR/gp78 and low expression of POLE were associated with the favorable prognosis of endometrial cancer patients.

Conclusions
This study showed the POLE mutations a vital factor in endometrial cancer patients, leading to a higher expression of AMF/PGI and AMFR/gp78. These results suggested comprehensive consideration of the POLE mutations, expression of AMF/PGI and AMFR/gp78 may provide a more feasible and effective approach for the treatment of endometrial cancer, which might improve the prognosis.
Circulating microRNAs (miR-126, miR-197, and miR-223) are associated with chronic kidney disease among elderly survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors:   the RIAS study group, Fujii Ryosuke , Yamada Hiroya , Yamazaki Mirai , Munetsuna Eiji , Ando Yoshitaka , Ohashi Koji , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Shimoda Haruki , Sakata Kiyomi , Ogawa Akira , Kobayashi Seiichiro , Suzuki Koji 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
A recent study has reported that incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in evacuees, but the molecular mechanism still remains unclear. One plausible hypothesis is a change in vascular function following to psychological distress. In order to assess molecular mechanisms underlying this association, we examined whether cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated miRNAs (miR-126, miR-197, and miR-223) were associated with CKD among Japanese elderly survivors after an earthquake.

Methods
We analyzed 1385 individuals (670 men and 715 women) who participated in a post-disaster health check-up after the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred in 2011. The check-up involved collection of information about lifestyle, clinical history, the degree of housing damage, and baseline measurement of the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Expression levels of miRNAs were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using sex, age, and serum creatinine. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. The multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between CVD-associated miRNAs and CKD after adjusting potential confounders.

Results
Mean age (standard deviation) of participants with normal kidney function and CKD was 62.7 (10.6) and 71.9 (8.1) years, respectively. Expression levels of these miRNAs in participants with CKD were significantly lower than normal kidney function (all p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for lifestyle, clinical profiles, and psychological distress, significant associations between three miRNAs and CKD still remained. A significant linear association between the cumulative score of these miRNAs and CKD was found (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
This cross-sectional study suggested that CVD-associated miRNAs were an important factor of CKD in an elderly Japanese population after earthquake. Future studies need to examine this association in longitudinal dataset.
The eagle jugular syndrome
Authors: Zamboni Paolo , Scerrati Alba , Menegatti Erica , Galeotti Roberto , Lapparelli Marcello , Traina Luca , Tessari Mirko , Ciorba Andrea , De Bonis Pasquale , Pelucchi Stefano 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The elongation of the styloid process is historically associated with two variants of the Eagle syndrome. The classic one, mainly characterized by pain and dysphagia, and the carotid variant characterized by pain and sometimes by cerebral ischemia. We observed a further variant characterized by a styloid elongation coursing adjacent to the transverse process of C1, causing significant compression of the internal jugular vein.

Methods
We reviewed all the cases of Eagle syndrome, including the jugular variant, admitted in our Hospital in the last six years.
We compared symptomatology, associated comorbidities and imaging. Data were statistically analyzed.

Results
Overall 23 patients were admitted to the Hospital for symptomatic elongation of the styloid process, 11 male and 12 females. The jugular variant of the Eagle syndrome is clinically delineated by significant differences, as compared to the classic variant and carotid variants. Headache was the more prominent symptom (p < .009) as well as a documented peri-mesencephalic hemorrhage was the more significant comorbidity (p < .0003). The group classic-carotid variant was characterized by ipsilateral pain respect to the jugular variant (p < .0003). CT angiography with venous phase extended to the neck veins and imaging reconstruction is highly recommended as imaging technique, complemented by color-Doppler ultrasound.

Conclusions
The elongation of the styloid process may have different paths which creates compression on the surrounding anatomical structures. There may be a possible association of jugular impingement by an elongated styloid process with symptoms.

Trial registration
Protocol n°45–2013.
Confidential enquiries into maternal deaths in Ondo State, Nigeria – a comparative analysis
Authors: Oyeneyin Lawal , van den Akker Thomas , Durojaiye Oladipo , Obaado Ola , Akanbiemu Francis , Olagbuji Yetunde , Aladeniyi Isaac , Oyeneyin Majeed , Aladenola Olajumoke 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Paucity of data on state-wide maternal mortality in Nigeria hampers planning, monitoring and evaluation of the impact of interventions. The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in Ondo State was initiated to overcome this problem. This study aimed to compare trends of maternal mortality ratios, causes of deaths, geographical distribution and other associated factors in 12-monthly reports of the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in Ondo State.

Methods
Notification forms were distributed throughout the State to focal persons and medical records officers at community and facility levels, respectively. Maternal deaths, as defined in the International Classification of Diseases 10th version, were recorded prospectively over 3 years from 1st June 2012 to 30th May, 2015. Forms were submitted, collated and data analysed by a multidisciplinary review committee.

Results
Reported numbers of maternal deaths (and maternal mortality ratios) were 114 (253 per 100,000 births), 89 (192) and 81 (170), respectively per year, indicating a 33% reduction in maternal mortality ratio over the course of the study period. Assuming that the confidential enquiry process was the only intervention at the time aimed at reducing maternal mortality, simple linear regression with a correlation coefficient of 0.9314, showed a relationship though the difference in the values were not statistically significant (95% CI = − 184.55 to 101.55, p = 0.169). Postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia were the leading causes of deaths.

Conclusion
There was a trend of reduction in maternal mortality ratio during the period of study with postpartum haemorrhage as the major cause of death. The positive association between the confidential enquiry reports and maternal mortality ratios make us recommend that our model be adopted in other states and at the federal level.