bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of diagnostic tools for IBDV detection using plants as bioreactors
Authors: Gómez Evangelina , Cassani María Florencia , Lucero María Soledad , Parreño Viviana , Chimeno Zoth Silvina , Berinstein Analía 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInfectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is the etiological agent of an immunosuppressive and highly contagious disease that affects young birds, thus causing important economic losses in the poultry industry. Multimeric particles with different architectures based on the capsid protein VP2 have been widely produced for different purposes. We hereby show the production and easy recovery of IBDV subviral particles (SVP) from transiently transformed Nicotiana benthamiana. The SVP, which were observed by electronic microscopy, proved to be antigenically and immunogenically similar to the virion. Indeed, anti-IBDV antibodies from samples of infected birds recognized these SVP and, when injected intramuscularly, these subviral particles also evoked a humoral immune response in chickens. We developed an in-house ELISA using SVP as coating reagent that demonstrated to be highly accurate and in good agreement with a commercial ELISA. This study demonstrates that the recombinant antigen generated and the technology used to produce it are suitable for developing a diagnostic tool against Infectious bursal disease.
Mapping global evidence on strategies and interventions in neurotrauma and road traffic collisions prevention: a scoping review
Authors: M Selveindran Santhani , Tango Tamara , Khan Muhammad Mukhtar , Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Hutchinson Peter J. A. , Brayne Carol , Hill Christine , Servadei Franco , Kolias Angelos G. , Rubiano Andres M. , Joannides Alexis J. , Shabani Hamisi K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundNeurotrauma is an important global health problem. The largest cause of neurotrauma worldwide is road traffic collisions (RTCs), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Neurotrauma and RTCs are preventable, and many preventative interventions have been implemented over the last decades, especially in high-income countries (HICs). However, it is uncertain if these strategies are applicable globally due to variations in environment, resources, population, culture and infrastructure. Given this issue, this scoping review aims to identify, quantify and describe the evidence on approaches in neurotrauma and RTCs prevention, and ascertain contextual factors that influence their implementation in LMICs and HICs.MethodsA systematic search was conducted using five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health on EBSCO host, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews), grey literature databases, government and non-government websites, as well as bibliographic and citation searching of selected articles. The extracted data were presented using figures, tables, and accompanying narrative summaries. The results of this review were reported using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).ResultsA total of 411 publications met the inclusion criteria, including 349 primary studies and 62 reviews. More than 80% of the primary studies were from HICs and described all levels of neurotrauma prevention. Only 65 papers came from LMICs, which mostly described primary prevention, focussing on road safety. For the reviews, 41 papers (66.1%) reviewed primary, 18 tertiary (29.1%), and three secondary preventative approaches. Most of the primary papers in the reviews came from HICs (67.7%) with 5 reviews on only LMIC papers. Fifteen reviews (24.1%) included papers from both HICs and LMICs. Intervention settings ranged from nationwide to community-based but were not reported in 44 papers (10.8%), most of which were reviews. Contextual factors were described in 62 papers and varied depending on the interventions.ConclusionsThere is a large quantity of global evidence on strategies and interventions for neurotrauma and RTCs prevention. However, fewer papers were from LMICs, especially on secondary and tertiary prevention. More primary research needs to be done in these countries to determine what strategies and interventions exist and the applicability of HIC interventions in LMICs.
Does suboptimal household flooring increase the risk of diarrhoea and intestinal parasite infection in low and middle income endemic settings? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Sartorius Benn , Legge Hugo , Pullan Rachel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions often fail to show long-term impact on diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite risk in many low- and middle-income countries. Less attention has been paid to wider contextual factors that may contribute to high levels of contamination in the domestic environment such as household flooring. The purpose of this study will be to assess the association between diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite infection status and unimproved/unfinished flooring in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods
We will conduct a comprehensive search of published studies (randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and observational studies) that examined the association between unimproved/unfinished household flooring and diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite infection status from January 1, 1980, onwards with no language restriction. The primary outcome will include diarrhoeal and/or intestinal parasite infection status. Databases to be searched include EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The secondary outcome will be the association between specific pathogens (laboratory confirmed) and unimproved/unfinished household flooring. Independent screening for eligible studies using defined criteria and data extraction will be completed in duplicate and independently. Any discrepancies between the two reviewers will be resolved by consensus and/or arbitration by a third researcher. If data permits, random effects models will be used where appropriate. Subgroup and additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. age group, geographical region) and potential risk of bias of included studies.

Discussion
This review will provide a comprehensive examination of a possible association between suboptimal household flooring and increased risk of enteric pathogen infection, highlight gaps for future research in high risk areas, and inform intervention design for future planned studies in Kenya and/or elsewhere in the region.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019156437
A national survey of public awareness of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Emelda E. , Oladele David A. , Awoderu Oluwatoyin B. , Afocha Ebelechukwu E. , Lawal Rahman G. , Abdus-salam Ismail , Ogunsola Folasade T. , Audu Rosemary A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
One of the objectives of the Global Action Plan by the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is to improve global awareness through effective communication and education. Comprehensive information on the level of awareness of AMR among Nigerian public is deficient. This study was therefore designed to assess the current level of awareness and knowledge of the Nigerian public of AMR.

Methods
Pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information from the general public across the six geopolitical zones (North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South and South West) in Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling was used to select one state from each zone and respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Responses to eight questions were used to grade the level of knowledge categorized as poor, fair and good. Collation and analysis of data were performed at the Microbiology Department of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, Nigeria, using SPSS version 24.0.

Results
Questionnaires from 482 respondents comprising 242 (50.2%) females and 240 (49.8%) males from six states (Lagos, Ebonyi, Delta, Plateau, Borno and Jigawa) were analyzed. Of the 482 respondents, 322 (66.8%) had taken antibiotics in the last six months out of which 31.3% were without prescription. 26.1% of respondents believe they don’t need to complete the dosage as long as they feel better. Although 272(56.5%) of the respondents were familiar with the term “antibiotic resistance”, only 40(8.3%) had good knowledge of AMR. A majority (76.6%) believed that they were powerless to stop the spread of AMR. There was no association between the gender of respondents and knowledge of AMR (p = 0.13). However, respondents from Ebonyi and Delta states in southern Nigeria were more likely to have good knowledge of AMR (X2 = 53.22, P < 0.0001). The respondents in the urban area had a higher score for knowledge level compared to the rural dwellers, though this was not statistically significant within and across states.

Conclusion
This survey provides an insight into the level of AMR awareness and antibiotic use in the wider Nigeria public. Our findings show that about a third of the general public consume antibiotics obtained without prescription. There is an overall poor understanding of antimicrobial resistance and/or proper use of antibiotics among respondents. It is critical that more holistic public enlightenment programs are carried out to increase awareness of AMR and promote responsible use of antibiotics.
Impact of post-ruminally infused macronutrients on bovine mammary gland expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis measured in RNA isolated from milk fat
Authors: Nichols Kelly , Bannink André , van Baal Jurgen , Dijkstra Jan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Characterising the regulation of milk component synthesis in response to macronutrient supply is critical for understanding the implications of nutritional interventions on milk production. Gene expression in mammary gland secretory cells was measured using RNA isolated from milk fat globules from 6 Holstein-Friesian cows receiving 5-d abomasal infusions of saline, essential amino acids (AA), or glucose (GG) or palm olein (LG) without (LAA) or with (HAA) essential AA, according to a 6 × 6 Latin square design. RNA was isolated from milk fat samples collected on d 5 of infusion and subjected to real-time quantitative PCR. We hypothesised that mRNA expression of genes involved in de novo milk fatty acid (FA) synthesis would be differently affected by GG and LG, and that expression of genes regulating transfer of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates would increase at the HAA level. We also hypothesised that the HAA level would affect genes regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis but would not affect genes related to the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or the integrated stress response (ISR) network.

Results
Infusion of GG did not affect de novo milk FA yield but decreased expression of FA synthase (FASN). Infusion of LG decreased de novo FA yield and tended to decrease expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1). The HAA level increased both de novo FA yield and expression of ACC1, and tended to decrease expression of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2). mRNA expression of mTORC1 signaling participants was not affected by GG, LG, or AA level. Expression of the ε subunit of the ISR constituent eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (EIF2B5) tended to increase at the HAA level, but only in the presence of LG. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA was activated in response to LG and the HAA level.

Conclusions
Results show that expression of genes involved in de novo FA synthesis responded to glucogenic, lipogenic, and aminogenic substrates, whereas genes regulating intermediate flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle were not majorly affected. Results also suggest that after 5 d of AA supplementation, milk protein synthesis is supported by enhanced ER biogenesis instead of signaling through the mTORC1 or ISR networks.
Comparative study of the effects of Cassia spectabilis and Newbouldia laevis leaf extracts on diclofenac-induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats
Authors: Ogbe Raphael John , Luka Carrol Domkat , Adoga Godwin Ichekanu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is high incidence of liver and kidney diseases worldwide but medicinal plants may provide remedy. This study evaluated and compared the protective effects ofCassia spectabilisextract (CSE) andNewbouldia laevisextract (NLE) against diclofenac (DF) induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats.MethodsTwenty four rats were divided into 4 groups with 6 rats in each. Normal saline was given to the rats in group I while those in groups III and IV were treated with 250 mg/kg b. wt. CSE and NLE respectively for 28 days by oral gavages. Those in groups II to IV were exposed to 10 mg/kg DF in the last 7 days of treatment. Serum was separated from the blood and used for estimations of hepatorenal injury markers while the homogenized tissue supernatants were used for assays of oxidative stress markers.ResultsThere was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, MDA, creatinine and BUN but a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH and G6Pase of DF-exposed rats when compared with normal control. However, treatment of DF-exposed rats with CSE and NLE significantly (p < 0.01) increased the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, and G6Pase but significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, MDA, creatinine and BUN when compared with DF control.ConclusionThe current findings showed that treatments with CSE and NLE may have protective effects against DF-induced hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats, attributed to certain phytochemicals, but CSE has greater bioactivity than NLE.
Patient-derived xenografts as compatible models for precision oncology
Authors: Cho Sung-Yup 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCancer is a very heterogeneous disease, displaying heterogeneity between patients (inter-tumoral heterogeneity) and heterogeneity within a patient (intra-tumoral heterogeneity). Precision oncology is a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for cancers based on the stratification of patients using genomic and molecular profiling of tumors. To develop diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the application of precision oncology, appropriate preclinical mouse models that reflect tumor heterogeneity are required. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models are generated by the engraftment of patient tumors into immunodeficient mice that retain several aspects of the patient’s tumor characteristics, including inter-tumoral heterogeneity and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Therefore, PDX models can be applied in various developmental steps of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, such as biomarker development, companion diagnostics, drug efficacy testing, overcoming drug resistance, and co-clinical trials. This review summarizes the diverse aspects of PDX models, addressing the factors considered for PDX generation, application of PDX models for cancer research, and future directions of PDX models.
TGF-β-driven downregulation of the transcription factor TCF7L2 affects Wnt/β-catenin signaling in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts
Authors: Contreras Osvaldo , Soliman Hesham , Theret Marine , Rossi Fabio M. V. , Brandan Enrique 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors essential for organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, regeneration and scar formation. Tissue injury upregulates transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, which modulates myofibroblast fate, extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis. However, the molecular determinants of MSC differentiation and survival remain poorly understood. During canonical Wnt signaling, T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors regulate development and stemness, but the mechanisms by which injury-induced cues modulate their expression remain underexplored. Here, we studied the cell type-specific gene expression of TCF/LEF transcription factors and, more specifically, we investigated whether damage-induced TGF-β signaling impairs the expression and function of TCF7L2 (also known as TCF4), using several models of MSCs, including skeletal muscle fibro-adipogenic progenitors. We show that TCF/LEFs are differentially expressed and that TGF-β reduces the expression of TCF7L2 in MSCs but not in myoblasts. We also found that the ubiquitin–proteasome system regulates TCF7L2 proteostasis and participates in TGF-β-mediated TCF7L2 protein downregulation. Finally, we show that TGF-β requires histone deacetylase activity to repress the expression of TCF7L2. Thus, our work reports a novel interplay between TGF-β and canonical Wnt signaling cascades in PDGFRα+ fibroblasts and suggests that this mechanism could be targeted in tissue repair and regeneration.
Flash and grab: deep-diving southern elephant seals trigger anti-predator flashes in bioluminescent prey
Authors: Goulet Pauline , Guinet Christophe , Campagna Claudio , Campagna Julieta , Tyack Peter Lloyd , Johnson Mark 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Bioluminescence, which occurs in approximately 80% of the world's mesopelagic fauna, can take the form of a low-intensity continuous glow (e.g. for counter-illumination or signalling) or fast repetitions of brighter anti-predatory flashes. The southern elephant seal (SES) is a major consumer of mesopelagic organisms, in particular the abundant myctophid fish, yet the fine-scale relationship between this predator's foraging behaviour and bioluminescent prey remains poorly understood. We hypothesised that brief, intense light emissions should be closely connected with prey strikes when the seal is targeting bioluminescent prey that reacts by emitting anti-predator flashes. To test this, we developed a biologging device containing a fast-sampling light sensor together with location and movement sensors to measure simultaneously anti-predator bioluminescent emissions and the predator's attack motions with a 20 ms resolution. Tags were deployed on female SES breeding at Kerguelen Islands and Península Valdés, Argentina. In situ light levels in combination with duration of prey capture attempts indicated that seals were targeting a variety of prey types. For some individuals, bioluminescent flashes occurred in a large proportion of prey strikes, with the timing of flashes closely connected with the predator's attack motion, suggestive of anti-predator emissions. Marked differences across individuals and location indicate that SES do exploit bioluminescent organisms but the proportion of these in the diet varies widely with location. The combination of wideband light and acceleration data provides new insight into where and when different prey types are encountered and how effectively they might be captured.
Heat Exchange in Young and Older Men during Constant- and Variable-Intensity Work
Authors: NOTLEY SEAN R. , MEADE ROBERT D. , D’SOUZA ANDREW W. , RUTHERFORD MAURA M. , KIM JUNG-HYUN , KENNY GLEN P. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Current occupational heat stress guidelines rely on time-weighted averaging to quantify the metabolic demands of variable-intensity work. However, variable-intensity work may be associated with impairments in whole-body total heat loss (dry + evaporative heat loss), especially in older workers, which exacerbate heat strain relative to constant-intensity work eliciting the same time-weighted average metabolic rate. We, therefore, used direct calorimetry to evaluate whether variable-intensity work would cause decrements in the average rate of whole-body total heat loss that augment body heat storage and core temperature compared with constant-intensity work in young and older men.

Methods
Eight young (19–31 yr) and eight older (54–65 yr) men completed four trials involving 90 min of work (cycling) eliciting an average metabolic heat production of ~200 W·m−2 in dry-heat (40°C, 20% relative humidity). One trial involved constant-intensity work (CON), whereas the others involved 10-min cycles of variable-intensity work: 5-min low-intensity and 5-min high-intensity (VAR 5:5), 6-min low-intensity and 4-min very high-intensity (VAR 6:4), and 7-min low- and 3-min very, very high-intensity (VAR 7:3). Metabolic heat production, total heat loss, body heat storage (heat production minus total heat loss), and core (rectal) temperature were measured throughout.

Results
When averaged over each 90-min work period, metabolic heat production, total heat loss, and heat storage were similar between groups and conditions (all P ≥ 0.152). Peak core temperature (average of final 10 min) was also similar between groups and conditions (both P ≥ 0.111).

CONCLUSIONS
Whole-body total heat loss, heat storage, and core temperature were not significantly influenced by the partitioning of work intensity in young or older men, indicating that time-weighted averaging appears to be appropriate for quantifying the metabolic demands of variable-intensity work to assess occupational heat stress.
Detection of blood pathogens in camels and their associated ectoparasitic camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina: the potential application of keds in xenodiagnosis of camel haemopathogens
Authors: Kidambasi Kevin O. , Masiga Daniel K. , Villinger Jandouwe , Carrington Mark , Bargul Joel L. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Major constraints to camel production include pests and diseases. In northern Kenya, little information is available about blood-borne pathogens circulating in one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius) or their possible transmission by the camel haematophagous ectoparasite, Hippobosca camelina, commonly known as camel ked or camel fly. This study aimed to: (i) identify the presence of potentially insect-vectored pathogens in camels and camel keds, and (ii) assess the potential utility of keds for xenodiagnosis of camel pathogens that they may not vector. Methods: In Laisamis, northern Kenya, camel blood samples (n = 249) and camel keds (n = 117) were randomly collected from camels. All samples were screened for trypanosomal and camelpox DNA by PCR, and for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Coxiella, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR coupled with high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis. Results: In camels, we detected Trypanosoma vivax (41%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.2%), and “ Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (68.67%). In camel keds, we also detected T. vivax (45.3%), T. evansi (2.56%), Trypanosoma melophagium (1/117) (0.4%), and “ Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (16.24 %). Piroplasms ( Theileria spp. and Babesia spp.), Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and camel pox were not detected in any samples. Conclusions: This study reveals the presence of epizootic pathogens in camels from northern Kenya. Furthermore, the presence of the same pathogens in camels and in keds collected from sampled camels suggests the potential use of these flies in xenodiagnosis of haemopathogens circulating in camels.