bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiomes of clownfish and their symbiotic host anemone converge before their first physical contact.
Authors: Audet-Gilbert Émie , Sylvain François-Étienne , Bouslama Sidki , Derome Nicolas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background One of the most charismatic, and yet mostly unexplained example of mutualistic interaction is the partnership of clownfish and its symbiotic sea anemone. The mechanism explaining this tolerance currently relies on the molecular mimicry of clownfish epithelial mucus, which could serve as camouflage, preventing the anemone's nematocysts' discharge. Resident bacteria are known as key drivers of epithelial mucus chemical signature in vertebrates. A recent study has proposed a restructuration of the skin microbiota in a generalist clown fish when first contacting its symbiotic anemone. We explored a novel hypothesis by testing the effect of remote interaction on epithelial microbiota restructuration in both partners. Methods With metataxonomics, we investigated epithelial microbiota dynamics of 18 pairs of percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and their symbiotic anemone Heteractis magnifica in remote interaction, physical interaction and control groups for both partners during a four weeks trial.Results Physical and Remote Interaction groups’ results evidence epithelial microbiota convergence between both partners as soon as 15 minutes after fish and anemone have been placed in the same water system. This convergence occurred preceding any physical contact between partners, and was maintained during the two-weeks interaction period in both contact groups. After the interaction period, community structure of test anemones gradually shifted back to the state of their controls, whereas skin community structure of test clownfish maintained the interaction signature two weeks after fish-anemone pairs separation. Furthermore, the interaction signature persistence was observed both in Physical and Remote Interaction group fishes, thus suggesting that water-mediated chemical communication between symbiotic partners was strong enough to shift the skin microbiota durably, even after fish-anemone pairs separation. Finally, our results suggest that fish-anemone convergent microbiota restructuration was increasingly associated with the parallel recruitment of three Flavobacteriaceae strains closely related to a tyrosinase-producing Cellulophaga tyrosinoxydans. Conclusions Our study shows that bacterial community restructuration, in the acclimation process, does not only rely on direct physical contact. Furthermore, our results challenge, for the first time, the traditional unidirectional chemical camouflage hypothesis, as we argue that convergence of the epithelial microbiota of both partners may play essential roles in establishing mutual acceptance.
Reverse transcriptase inhibition potentiates target therapy in BRAF-mutant melanomas: effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA-damage, ROS induction and mitochondrial membrane depolarization
Authors: Fattore Luigi , Malpicci Debora , Milite Ciro , Castellano Sabrina , Sbardella Gianluca , Botti Gerardo , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Mancini Rita , Ciliberto Gennaro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Target therapies based on BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MAPKi) have changed the therapeutic landscape for metastatic melanoma patients bearing mutations in the BRAF kinase. However, the emergence of drug resistance imposes the necessity to conceive novel therapeutic strategies capable to achieve a more durable disease control. In the last years, retrotransposons laying in human genome mostly encompassing Long Interspersed Nuclear Element1 (LINE-1) have been shown to undergo activation during tumorigenesis, where they contribute to genomic instability. LINE-1 activation can be efficiently controlled with reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) frequently used in the treatment of AIDS. These drugs have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in several cancer models, including also metastatic melanoma. However, to our knowledge no previous study investigated the capability of RTIs to mitigate drug resistance to target therapy in BRAF-mutant melanomas. In this short report we show that the non-nucleoside RTI, SPV122 in combination with MAPKi strongly inhibits BRAF-mutant melanoma cell growth, induces apoptosis, and delays the emergence of resistance to target therapy in vitro. Mechanistically, this combination strongly induces DNA double-strand breaks, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased ROS levels. Our results shed further light on the molecular activity of RTI in melanoma and pave the way to their use as a novel therapeutic option to improve the efficacy of target therapy.
Analysis of Bioavailable Toluene by Using Recombinant Luminescent Bacterial Biosensors with Different Promoters
Authors: Wang Guey-Horng , Tsai Teh-Hua , Kui Chun-Chi , Cheng Chiu-Yu , Huang Tzu-Ling , Chung Yingchien 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this study, we constructed recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli with T7, T3, and SP6 promoters inserted between tol and lux genes as toluene biosensors and evaluated their sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for measuring bioavailable toluene in in groundwater and river water. The luminescence intensity of each biosensor depended on temperature, incubation time, ionic strength, and concentrations of toluene and coexisting organic compounds. Toluene induced the highest luminescence intensity in recombinant lux-expressing E. coli with the T7 promoter [T7-lux-E. coli, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.05 μM], followed by that in E. coli with the T3 promoter (T3-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.2 μM) and SP6 promoter (SP6-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.5 μM). Luminescence activities may have been synergistically or antagonistically affected by coexisting organic compounds other than toluene; nevertheless, low concentrations of benzoate and toluene analogs had no such effect. In reproducibility experiments, the biosensors had low relative standard deviation (4.3%–5.8%). SP6-lux-E. coli demonstrated high adaptability to environmental interference. T7-lux-E. coli biosensor—with low LOD, wide measurement range (0.05–500 μM), and acceptable deviation (−14.3% to 9.1%)—is an efficient toluene biosensor. This is the first study evaluating recombinant lux E. coli with different promoters for their potential application in toluene measurement in actual water bodies.
Plasmodium Falciparum Genetic Factors Rather Than The Hosts' Are Likely To Drive Resistance To Acts In Ghana
Authors: Hodoameda Peter , Duah-Quashie Nancy Odurowah , Hagan Charles Oheneba , Matrevi Sena , Abuaku Benjamin , Koram Kwadwo A , Quashie Neils B 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) partner drugs, currently used in Ghana are lumefantrine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine. Plasmodium falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility to these partner drugs may affect treatment outcome. Mutations in Pfmdr1 gene is linked to reduced parasite susceptibility to amodiaquine and lumefantrine. In addition, the potency of the partner drugs in vivo depends on the metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in the host. Mutations in the CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 genes are linked to reduced metabolism of amodiaquine and lumefantrine respectively in vitro. This study investigated the host and parasite genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of the malaria parasite to ACT partner drugs.Methods Archived samples from 240 patients aged ≤ 9 years participating in antimalarial drug resistance survey in of Ghana and given AL or AA were selected and analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing was used to determine the polymorphisms in CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and Pfmdr1 genes.Results For CYP3A4, all had wild type alleles suggesting that the hosts are good metabolizers of lumefantrine. For CYP2C8 60% had wild type alleles, 35% heterozygous and 5% homozygous recessive alleles suggesting efficient metabolism of amodiaquine by the hosts. For Pfmdr1 gene, at codon 86, 95% were wild type (N86) and 5% mutant (Y86). For codon 184, 36% were wild type (Y184) and 64% mutant (F184) while for codons 1034, 1042 and 1246, 100% (all) were wild type. The high prevalence of NFD suggest presence of parasites with reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine and not amodiaquine. Delayed clearance was observed in individuals with mutations in the Pfmdr1 gene and not Cytochrome 450 gene. Both synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations were observed in the Pfmdr1 at low prevalence.Conclusion The outcome of this study indicates that parasite's genetic factors rather than the hosts' are likely to drive resistance to ACTs in Ghana.
Effectiveness of Peer-Supervision on Paediatric Fever Treatment Among Registered Private Drug Sellers in East-Central Uganda: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Bagonza Arthur , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Peterson Stefan , Mårtensson Andreas , Mutto Milton , Awor Phyllis , Mukanga David , Wamani Henry 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Appropriate treatment of paediatric fever in rural areas remains a challenge and may be partly due to inadequate supervision of licensed drug sellers. This study assessed the effectiveness of peer-supervision among drug sellers on appropriate treatment of pneumonia symptoms, uncomplicated malaria and non-bloody diarrhoea among children less than five years of age in the intervention (Luuka) and comparison (Buyende) districts, in East-Central Uganda.Methods: Data on pneumonia symptoms, uncomplicated malaria and non-bloody diarrhoea among children less than five years of age was abstracted from drug shop sick child registers over a 12-month period; six months before and six months after introduction of peer-supervision. Interrupted time series was applied to determine the effectiveness of the peer-supervision intervention on appropriate treatment of pneumonia, uncomplicated malaria and non-bloody diarrhoea among children less than five years of age attending drug shops in East Central Uganda.Results: The proportion of children treated appropriately for pneumonia symptoms was 10.84% (P < 0.05, CI = [1.75, 19.9]) higher, for uncomplicated malaria was 1.46% (P = 0.79, CI = [-10.43, 13.36]) higher, and for non-bloody diarrhoea was 4.00% (p < 0.05, CI = [-7.95, -0.13]) lower in the intervention district than the comparison district, respectively.Post-intervention trend results showed an increase of 1.21% (p =0.008, CI = [0.36, 2.05]) in the proportion appropriately treated for pneumonia symptoms, no difference in appropriate treatment for uncomplicated malaria, and a reduction of 1% (p <0.06, CI = [-1.95, 0.02]) in the proportion of children appropriately treated for non-bloody diarrhoea, respectively.Conclusions: Peer-supervision increased the proportion of children less than five years of age that received appropriate treatment for pneumonia symptoms but not for uncomplicated malaria and non-bloody diarrhoea. Implementation of community level interventions to improve paediatric fever management should consider including peer-supervision among drug sellers.
What the impact of the economic crisis on the Brazilian’s lifestyle between 2013 and 2016? A long-term trend cross-sectional study.
Authors: Bezerra Sonny Állan , Santos Denilson Menezes , Oliveira Michele Maria , Costa Claudia Vanisse , Oliveira Elaynne de , Rezende Levy Silva , Salvador Emanuel Péricles 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Brazil has been going through a period of economic crisis since 2015 and the impact on health indicators and the quality of life of the most recent crisis is unclear. This study sought to establish a relationship between the impact of the economic crisis experienced by Brazil during the period 2013-2016 and the lifestyle of adult populations in the 27 capitals of the Brazilian state.Results: According to the binary logistic regression model, at least completing secondary education increases the probability of individuals presenting higher LS by 4.9% (OR=1,049, 95% CI 1,029–1,070); being involved in some type of relationship decreases the probability of presenting a higher LS by 5.3% (OR=0.947, 95% CI 0.029-0.965); having an adequate body mass index increases LS by 27.3% (OR=1.273, 95% CI 1,245.10.10). Living in a city with a lower unemployment rate increases the probability of having a higher LS score by 3.8%(OR=1,038, 95% CI 1,012-1.064); living in a city with a more basic food basket decreases the probability of having a higher LS score by 5.4% (OR=0.946, 95% CI 0.910-0.982). Presenting higher yields decreases the probability of having a higher LS by 12% (OR=0.880, 95% CI 0.860-0.900). In addition, there was an increase in the percentage of leisure-time PA in 2015 (20.9%), followed by a decrease to 18.1% in 2016, after a stabilization period in 2013 (19.5%) and 2014 (19.6%). The physical exercise showed a steady annual increase, with a score of 49.6% in 2013, followed by 50.9% and 51.9% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and ending with 54.5% in 2016. The "Watch TV 5x per week" indicator recorded a sharp drop between 2013 (27.9%) and 2015 (22.7%), as well as the consumption of soft drinks, which went from stable values in 2013 (19.5%) and 2014 (19%) 17.3% in 2015.Conclusion: In the case of Brazil, the economic crisis initially started in 2015 had a negative impact on the population over time, but these effects were only observed in the second year of crisis, being preceded by a temporary improvement of indicators.
Larvicidal Effect of Some Selected Salts Against the Dengue Vector Mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Mohammad Zaglul Haider , Bashar Kabirul , Hawlader Abdul Jabber 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The container breeding mosquito, Aedes aegypti is the major universal vector of dengue viruses capable of causing dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Vector control may have a potential role in reducing the morbidity and mortality of human by DHF/DSS. The purposes of this work were to evaluate the larvicidal effect of some salt solutions against the larvae of Ae. aegypti.Methods Freshly collected larvae were transferred to the laboratory and reared using rainwater as a rearing medium with yeast granules as larval food. Five salts i.e. AgNO3, HgCl2, CdCl2, CuSO4, and CuCl2 were tested to assess the larvicidal effect on both the 1st and 3rd instars larvae of Ae. aegypti. Serial concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 &10 ppm) of each salt were prepared by using distilled water as the solvent.Results Silver nitrate (AgNO3) was noted as the most effective larvicide followed by HgCl2, CdCl2, CuSO4 and CuCl2 against Ae. aegypti larvae. The LC50 of AgNO3 against 1st and 3rd instars larvae were 0.118 and 1.659 ppm, and the LC90 were 2 and 3.347 ppm, respectively. The LT50 of AgNO3(1 ppm) against 1st and 3rd instars larvae were 0.575 and 30.42hrs, and the LT90 was 6 and 67.49 hrs, respectively. All of the first instar larvae were killed and failed to pupate with every salt of each concentration (1–10 ppm) within 7 days. Whereas 3rd instar larvae were also unable to pupate entirely in AgNO3 and HgCl2 solutions but very few (5-36.66%) pupation was found at 7 ppm & higher concentrations of CdCl2, CuSo4, and CuCl2 salts. CdCl2, CuSo4 and CuCl2 prevented 66.66%, 57.14% and 50% adult emergences from pupae at 5 ppm concentration respectively. The order of decrease of toxicity for larval mortality was AgNO3 > HgCl2 > CdCl2 > CuSO4 > CuCl2 and for prevention of pupation & adult emergence was AgNO3 ≥ HgCl2 > CdCl2 > CuSO4 > CuCl2.Conclusions AgNO3 was found as a very good potential in the killing of Aedes aegypti larvae, prevention of pupae formation and adult emergence. Therefore, the results obtained could be considered a contribution to the search for eco-friendly larvicides of natural origin. Further studies are needed to understand the residual aquatic toxicity of this salt in the field.
Hsa_circ_0029693 (circ-LATS2) promotes cell proliferation and regulates WNT5A via miR-4686 in breast cancer cells.
Authors: Hu Jiashu , Hua Kaiyao , Ji Changle , Wang Xuehui , Song Hongming , Wu Tianqi , Xie Dan , Daniel Twingle , Tahan Mariah , Zheng Xueyu , Fang Lin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most malignant form of tumor in women, which threatens females’ health. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, can act as a disease biomarker and endogenous “sponge” molecules for microRNAs (miRNAs). circRNAs may also influence the expression of their parent gene. LATS2 is a vital suppressor gene in Hippo pathway, which is a signaling cascade composed of a group of conserved kinases. The Hippo pathway plays an important role in almost all cancer types. Methods: Colony formation assays, MTT assays, wound healing assays, xenografts mice experiment, qRT-PCR, western blot assays, immunohistochemical staining assays, dual-luciferase reporter assays and Fluorescence in situ hybridization. Student’s t-test was used to analyse the results.Results: We discovered that circular RNA hsa_circ_0029693 (circ-LATS2), an exonic circRNA, are highly expressed in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, in BC patients’ samples, higher expression of circ-LATS2 was significantly related to higher percentage of Ki-67 expression; however the expression of circ-LATS2 was higher in HER2 negative BC patients compared to HER2 positive ones. We investigated the potential function and mechanism of circ-LATS2 action in BC. The results suggested that circ-LATS2 promoted cell proliferation, growth and migration. Through western blot and immunohistochemical staining assays, we found that circ-LATS2 could influence LATS2 expression. We also discovered that there was an inverse expression relationship between miR-4686 and circ-LATS2, suggesting that circ-LATS2 might act as an endogenous “sponge” for miR-4686. Using dual-luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed that circ-LATS2 can bind miR-4686. Increased miR-4686 expression caused a reduction in the protein levels of WNT5A, which is a putative target of miR-4686. We confirm this using dual-luciferase reporter assays that revealed that miR-4686 targets WNT5A by binding its 3’-untranslated region (3’UTR). Conclusions: Our results showed that circ-LATS2 expression in BC patients’ samples were significantly related to Ki-67 expression. In addition, circ-LATS2 acted as a promoter of proliferation and growth of breast cancer cells. These indicated that circ-LATS2 is a proliferative factor, similar to Ki-67; it also acts as a co-biomarker with Ki-67 in clinical treatment.
RBMX promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and sorafenib resistance by stabilizing BLACAT1
Authors: Song Yanan , He Saifei , Ma Xing , Zhang Miao , Zhuang Juhua , Wang Guoyu , Ye Ying , Xia Wei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background：Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the top five causes of cancer death. The interaction of RNA binding proteins and long no coding RNA play vital role in malignant tumor progression, and even contribute to chemoresistance.Method：RBMX and Lnc BLACAT1 were measured in HCC patient’s tissue and commercial cell lines (Huh7 and Hep3B). And there relationship was verified by Co-IP assay and Overexpression experiment. Furthermore, the cell proliferation, colony formation and drug resistant assay were performed for effect evaluation of RBMX and BLACAT1in HCC cell lines.Result：Both overexpression and positive correlation between RBMX and BLACAT1 were validated in HCC cell lines. Co-IP analysis also shows BLACAT1 could be specially bond by RBMX and increased the expression of BLACAT1. This mechanism of action is beneficial for cancer cells proliferation, anti-apoptotic, and colony formation with sorafenib treatment. Further, the autophagy level and cancer cell stemness were also improved when RBMX/BLACAT1 upregulated.Conclusion：Our study indicated that hepatoma cells can improve their proliferation, colony ability and autophagy by RBMX stabilizing BLACAT1 expression then promote HCC development and drug resistance, hence, RBMX could be considered as novel therapeutic target for HCC treatment strategies.
Validation of Training Need Assessment Questionnaire Among Health Care Workers in Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Low-Income Countries
Authors: Mwansisya Tumbwene Elieza , Mbekenga Columba , Isangula Kahabi , Mwasha Loveluck , Pallangyo Eunice , Edwards Grace , Orwa James , Mantel Michaela , Mugerwa Micheal , Subi Leonard , Mrema Secilia , Siso David , Selestine Edna , Temmerman Marleen , Brownie Sharon 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Continuous professional development (CPD) trainings have been reported to enhance health care workers’ knowledge and skills, improve retention and recruitment, improve quality of patient care and reduce patients’ mortality. This calls for validated training needs assessment tools for facilitating the design of effective CPD programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. The survey involved selected Reproductive, Maternal and Neonatal Health (RMNH) health care workers from 7 hospitals, 12 of 51 health centers and 17 of 292 dispensaries within eight districts of Mwanza Region, Tanzania. The training needs assessment (TNA) tool adapted from the Hennessy-Hicks’ Training Needs Assessment Questionnaire (TNAQ) was used for data collection. Results: A total of 153 healthcare workers participated in this study. The majority of participants were females 83% (127) with average age of 39 years. Nurses formed a majority of participants 76% (n=115) with relatively similar mean duration in service or in RMNH of 7.9 years. The reliability of the adapted TNAQ was found to be 0.954. Relatedly, indexes for construct validity indicated that CFI was equal to 1, Chi-square Mean/Degree of Freedom (CMIN/DF) was equal to 0.000 and Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA) was equal to 0.185. Conclusion: The adapted TNAQ appear to be reliable and valid for identifying professional training needs of health care workers in RMNH health care settings. The tool has a considerable level of psychometric properties that makes it suitable for assessing the training needs among health care workers of different cadres. However, the applicability of the TNAQ in the wider health care systems remains unclear. Future studies with a large sample size are required to test the use of TNAQ in wider health care systems and learning opportunities.