bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and what pediatric rheumatologists should know: a review from a highly affected country
Authors: Licciardi Francesco , Giani Teresa , Baldini Letizia , Favalli Ennio Giulio , Caporali Roberto , Cimaz Rolando 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOn March 11th, 2020 the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The infection, transmitted by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov), was first discovered in December 2019, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and then rapidly spread worldwide. Italy was early and severely involved, with a critical spread of the infection and a very high number of victims. Person-to-person spread mainly occurs via respiratory droplets and contact. The median incubation period is 5 days. The spectrum of respiratory symptoms may range from mild to severe, strictly depending on the age of the patient and the underlying comorbidities.In children COVID-19 related disease is less frequent and less aggressive. In Italy 1% of positive cases are under 18 years of age, and no deaths have been recorded before 29 years of age. For patients affected by rheumatic disease, despite the concerns related to the imbalance of their immune response and the effect of immunosuppressive treatments, there are still few data to understand the real consequences of this infection. Major scientific societies have issued recommendations to help rheumatologists in caring their patients. Interestingly, some of the drugs mostly used by rheumatologists appear to be promising in critical COVID-19 infected patients, where the hyperinflammation and cytokine storm seem to drive to the multiorgan failure.Pediatric rheumatologists are expected to play a supporting role in this new front ofCOVID-19 pandemic, both as general pediatricians treating infected children, and as rheumatologists taking care of their rheumatic patients, as well as offering their experience in the possible alternative use of immunomodulatory drugs.
NK cell-derived exosomes carry miR-207 and alleviate depression-like symptoms in mice
Authors: Li Dongping , Wang Ying , Jin Xinrong , Hu Die , Xia Chunlei , Xu Hanmei , Hu Jialiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Depression is a common mental disease that mainly manifests as bad mood, decreased interest, pessimism, slow thinking, lack of initiative, poor diet and sleep. Patients with severe depression have suicidal tendencies. Exosomes are small vesicles released by the fusion of a multivesicular body and membranes, and they contain specific proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids related to the cells from which they originate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20–24 nt RNAs that can be packaged into exosomes and can play important regulatory roles. Astrocytes are the most abundant cell population in the central nervous system and have a close link to depression. Astrocyte activation could result in the release of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, which could promote the symptoms of depression. In previous research, our team confirmed that NK cells regulate depression in mice. Here, we propose that miRNA in the exosomes from NK cells performs this antidepressant function.

Methods
Exosomes from NK cells were shown by in vivo and in vitro experiments to alleviate symptoms of chronic mild stress in mice and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines release from astrocytes. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed by ELISA. Microarray analysis was used to identify critical miRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays, qPCR, and other experiments were used to prove that exosomal miR-207 has an important role in alleviating the symptoms of stress in mice.

Results
MiRNA-containing exosomes from NK cells could alleviate symptoms of chronic mild stress in mice. In vivo experiments showed that these exosomes decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) released by astrocytes. By microarray analysis of exosome miRNA profiles, miR-207 was found to be overexpressed in exosomes derived from unstressed mice. Experiments confirmed that miR-207 directly targets TLR4 interactor with leucine-rich repeats (Tril) and inhibits NF-κB signaling in astrocytes. MiR-207 could decrease the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit expression of Tril in vitro. In vivo experiments revealed that exosomes with low miR-207 levels showed decreased antidepressant activity.

Conclusion
Collectively, our findings revealed that exosomal miR-207 alleviated symptoms of depression in stressed mice by targeting Tril to inhibit NF-κB signaling in astrocytes.
H2 influenza A virus is not pathogenic in Tmprss2 knock-out mice
Authors: Lambertz Ruth Lydia Olga , Gerhauser Ingo , Nehlmeier Inga , Gärtner Sabine , Winkler Michael , Leist Sarah Rebecca , Kollmus Heike , Pöhlmann Stefan , Schughart Klaus 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe host cell protease TMPRSS2 cleaves the influenza A virus (IAV) hemagglutinin (HA). Several reports have described resistance of Tmprss2−/− knock-out (KO) mice to IAV infection but IAV of the H2 subtype have not been examined yet. Here, we demonstrate that TMPRSS2 is able to cleave H2-HA in cell culture and that Tmprss2−/− mice are resistant to infection with a re-assorted PR8_HA(H2) virus. Infection of KO mice did not cause major body weight loss or death. Furthermore, no significant increase in lung weights and no virus replication were observed in Tmprss2−/− mice. Finally, only minor tissue damage and infiltration of immune cells were detected and no virus-positive cells were found in histological sections of Tmprss2−/− mice. In summary, our studies indicate that TMPRSS2 is required for H2 IAV spread and pathogenesis in mice. These findings extend previous results pointing towards a central role of TMPRSS2 in IAV infection and validate host proteases as a potential target for antiviral therapy.
Overexpression of bovine leukemia virus receptor SLC7A1/CAT1 enhances cellular susceptibility to BLV infection on luminescence syncytium induction assay (LuSIA)
Authors: Sato Hirotaka , Bai Lanlan , Borjigin Liushiqi , Aida Yoko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leukosis, the most common neoplastic disease in cattle. We previously reported the development and protocol of the luminescence syncytium induction assay (LuSIA), a method for evaluating BLV infectivity based on CC81-GREMG cells. These cells form syncytia expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein when co-cultured with BLV-infected cells. Recently, we confirmed CAT1/SLC7A1 functions as a receptor of BLV. Here, we focused on CAT1/SLC7A1 to increase the sensitivity of LuSIA. We constructed a bovine CAT1-expressing plasmid and established a new CC81-GREMG-derived reporter cell line highly expressing bovine CAT1 (CC81-GREMG-CAT1). The new LuSIA protocol using CC81-GREMG-CAT1 cells measures cell-to-cell infectivity and cell-free infectivity of BLV faster and with greater sensitivity than the previous protocol using CC81-GREMG. The new LuSIA protocol is quantitative and more sensitive than the previous assay based on CC81-GREMG cells and will facilitate the development of several new BLV assays.
Serum-derived factors of breast cancer patients with brain metastases alter permeability of a human blood–brain barrier model
Authors: Curtaz Carolin J. , Schmitt Constanze , Herbert Saskia-Laureen , Feldheim Jonas , Schlegel Nicolas , Gosselet Fabien , Hagemann Carsten , Roewer Norbert , Meybohm Patrick , Wöckel Achim , Burek Malgorzata 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The most threatening metastases in breast cancer are brain metastases, which correlate with a very poor overall survival, but also a limited quality of life. A key event for the metastatic progression of breast cancer into the brain is the migration of cancer cells across the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

Methods
We adapted and validated the CD34+ cells-derived human in vitro BBB model (brain-like endothelial cells, BLECs) to analyse the effects of patient serum on BBB properties. We collected serum samples from healthy donors, breast cancer patients with primary cancer, and breast cancer patients with, bone, visceral or cerebral metastases. We analysed cytokine levels in these sera utilizing immunoassays and correlated them with clinical data. We used paracellular permeability measurements, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and mRNA analysis to examine the effects of patient sera on the properties of BBB in vitro.

Results
The BLECs cultured together with brain pericytes in transwells developed a tight monolayer with a correct localization of claudin-5 at the tight junctions (TJ). Several BBB marker proteins such as the TJ proteins claudin-5 and occludin, the glucose transporter GLUT-1 or the efflux pumps PG-P and BCRP were upregulated in these cultures. This was accompanied by a reduced paracellular permeability for fluorescein (400 Da). We then used this model for the treatment with the patient sera. Only the sera of breast cancer patients with cerebral metastases had significantly increased levels of the cytokines fractalkine (CX3CL1) and BCA-1 (CXCL13). The increased levels of fractalkine were associated with the estrogen/progesterone receptor status of the tumour. The treatment of BLECs with these sera selectively increased the expression of CXCL13 and TJ protein occludin. In addition, the permeability of fluorescein was increased after serum treatment.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that the CD34+ cell-derived human in vitro BBB model can be used as a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular pathologies. We showed that serum from patients with cerebral metastases may affect the integrity of the BBB in vitro, associated with elevated concentrations of specific cytokines such as CX3CL1 and CXCL13.
Exclusive breastfeeding patterns in Tanzania: Do individual, household, or community factors matter?
Authors: Dede Kwalu Samwel , Bras Hilde 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Although there is a broad knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding among women in Tanzania, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remained lower than 50% for about 50 years since her independence in 1961. Previous research has mainly focused on either individual or household determinants of breastfeeding patterns. This study takes a holistic approach and examines the extent to which combined individual, household, and community factors matter in explaining exclusive breastfeeding patterns in Tanzania.

Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was carried out using a nationally representative sample from the 2015/16 Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey. The dependent variable was exclusive breastfeeding, defined as the proportion of infants below 6 months of age who were exclusively breastfed in the last 24 h. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Results
In general, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 59%. Delivery in the short rainy season (95% Confidence Interval [CI] Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.21, 2.65) was associated with higher odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding. On the one hand, mothers aged between 15 and 19 years of age (95% CI AOR 0.36, 0.93), the average size of infants at birth (95% CI AOR 0.38, 0.80), whether postnatal check-up was attended by a doctor (95% C AOR 0.06, 0.46), and the infant’s age above 2 months (95% CI AOR 0.23, 0.53) were associated with lower odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding. There was weak evidence (95% CI AOR 0.48, 1.05) that living in an urban area was associated with a reduced practice of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion
Breastfeeding rates are lower among young mothers, mothers whose husbands/partners decide on childcare, and mothers whose postnatal check-ups were conducted by doctors. Thus, breastfeeding programs and interventions need to focus more on young mothers, husbands/partners, and on training female nurses and midwives to increase the EBF rates. Women who tend to practice exclusive breastfeeding most often live in rural areas. There is an urgent need to understand why exclusive breastfeeding rates among urban women are lower.
Is chest tube drainage necessary after subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy?
Authors: Li Jiaduo , Qi Guoyan , Zhang Xiaohe , Zheng Xuguang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy has been increasingly performed in recent years. This study aimed to assess the differences in outcomes between subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy with and without chest tube drainage.

Methods
Overall, 205 subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy operations were performed for myasthenia gravis, including 90 cases without and 115 cases with chest tube drainage. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of the patients were compared.

Results
The patients included 112 women and 93 men, with a mean age of 41 years. Two patients in the group without and 5 patient in the group with chest tube drainage developed dyspnea. In the group without chest tube, 6 patients had residual pneumothorax or pleural effusion and had a thoracentesis after surgery (6/90). In the group with chest tube, 7 patients developed delayed pleural effusion and had a thoracentesis after chest tube removal (7/115). The patients in the group without chest tube drainage group yielded lower pain scores.

Conclusions
The omission of chest tube drainage may be a feasible and safe choice for patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing subxiphoid thoracoscopic thymectomy, but further prospective studies are required.
Short-term results of interventional therapy for infants (7–36 months old) with patent ductus arteriosus and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension: a retrospective study
Authors: Shu Yue , Guo Yilong , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhou Dexing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart disease. Interventional therapy is an important treatment for PDA. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the safety and effectiveness of interventional therapy for infants (age, 0–36 months) with PDA and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the short-term (6 months) results and interventional therapy experience for infants with PDA and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension.

Methods
Clinical records, echocardiographic data, and angiocardiography data of 28 infants (age, 7–36 months) who underwent interventional therapy for PDA and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension between December 2011 and January 2017 at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All infants were treated using an Amplatzer occluder with local and deep sedation anesthesia under radiographic guidance.

Results
Infants with PDA and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension had poor growth. Trace residual shunts were found in two infants immediately after procedure; both had disappeared by 6 months after procedure. No significant interventional therapy-related complications occurred in the other cases. Pulmonary systolic pressure, left atrial dimension, and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension immediately after interventional therapy and 6 months later were lower than the preoperative levels (P < 0.05). The left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions at 6 months after interventional therapy were smaller than those immediately after interventional therapy (P < 0.05). Pulmonary systolic pressure rates immediately after interventional therapy and 6 months later were not significantly different (P = 0.505). Moreover, there were no significant differences in the left ventricular ejection fraction before, immediately after, and at 6 months after interventional therapy (P = 0.628).

Conclusions
For infants (age, 7–36 months) with PDA and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension, interventional therapy can achieve excellent immediate and short-term (6 months) results with careful preoperative evaluations, strict operative procedures, and careful follow-up.
Co-occurrence or dependence? Using spatial analyses to explore the interaction between palms and Rhodnius triatomines
Authors: Calderón Johan M. , González Camila 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Triatomine bugs are responsible for the vectorial transmission of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a zoonosis affecting 10 million people and with 25 million at risk of infection. Triatomines are associated with particular habitats that offer shelter and food. Several triatomine species of the genus Rhodnius have a close association with palm crowns, where bugs can obtain microclimatic stability and blood from the associated fauna. The Rhodnius-palm interaction has been reported in several places of Central and South America. However, the association in the distributions of Rhodnius species and palms has not been explicitly determined.

Methods
Niches of Rhodnius and palm species with reports of Rhodnius spp. infestation were estimated by minimum volume ellipsoids and compared in the environmental and the geographical space to identify niche similarity. Rhodnius spp. niche models were run with the palm distributions as environmental variables to determine if palm presence could be considered a predictor of Rhodnius spp. distributions, improving model performance.

Results
Niche similarity was found between all the studied Rhodnius and palm species showing variation in niche overlap among the involved species. Most of the areas with suitable conditions for Rhodnius species were also suitable to palm species, being favorable for more than one palm species in the majority of locations. Performance was similar in Rhodnius niche models with and without palm distributions. However, when palm distributions were included, their contribution to the model was high, being the most important variable in some Rhodnius spp.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first time that the distributions of Rhodnius and palm species were compared on a large scale and their spatial association explicitly studied. We found spatial association between Rhodnius and palm species can be explained because both organisms shared environmental requirements, and most of the areas with suitable conditions for Rhodnius species were also suitable to several palm species. Rhodnius presence would not be restricted to palm presence but the zones with palm presence could be more suitable for Rhodnius spp. presence.
BAMscale: quantification of next-generation sequencing peaks and generation of scaled coverage tracks
Authors: Pongor Lorinc S. , Gross Jacob M. , Vera Alvarez Roberto , Murai Junko , Jang Sang-Min , Zhang Hongliang , Redon Christophe , Fu Haiqing , Huang Shar-Yin , Thakur Bhushan , Baris Adrian , Marino-Ramirez Leonardo , Landsman David , Aladjem Mirit I. , Pommier Yves 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Next-generation sequencing allows genome-wide analysis of changes in chromatin states and gene expression. Data analysis of these increasingly used methods either requires multiple analysis steps, or extensive computational time. We sought to develop a tool for rapid quantification of sequencing peaks from diverse experimental sources and an efficient method to produce coverage tracks for accurate visualization that can be intuitively displayed and interpreted by experimentalists with minimal bioinformatics background. We demonstrate its strength and usability by integrating data from several types of sequencing approaches.

Results
We have developed BAMscale, a one-step tool that processes a wide set of sequencing datasets. To demonstrate the usefulness of BAMscale, we analyzed multiple sequencing datasets from chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data (ChIP-seq), chromatin state change data (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing: ATAC-seq, DNA double-strand break mapping sequencing: END-seq), DNA replication data (Okazaki fragments sequencing: OK-seq, nascent-strand sequencing: NS-seq, single-cell replication timing sequencing: scRepli-seq) and RNA-seq data. The outputs consist of raw and normalized peak scores (multiple normalizations) in text format and scaled bigWig coverage tracks that are directly accessible to data visualization programs. BAMScale also includes a visualization module facilitating direct, on-demand quantitative peak comparisons that can be used by experimentalists. Our tool can effectively analyze large sequencing datasets (~ 100 Gb size) in minutes, outperforming currently available tools.

Conclusions
BAMscale accurately quantifies and normalizes identified peaks directly from BAM files, and creates coverage tracks for visualization in genome browsers. BAMScale can be implemented for a wide set of methods for calculating coverage tracks, including ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq, as well as methods that currently require specialized, separate tools for analyses, such as splice-aware RNA-seq, END-seq and OK-seq for which no dedicated software is available. BAMscale is freely available on github (https://github.com/ncbi/BAMscale).
Billing fees for various common allergy tests vary widely across Canada
Authors: Protudjer Jennifer Lisa Penner , Soller Lianne , Abrams Elissa Michelle , Chan Edmond S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of food allergy in Canada is high and has increased over time. To date, there are no Canadian data on the healthcare costs of visits to allergists.

Methods
We sent an anonymous survey to allergist members of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) between October and December 2019. Survey questions included demographic information and billing fees for various types of allergy visits and diagnostic testing.

Results
Of 200 allergists who are members of CSACI, 43 allergists responded (21.5% response rate). Billing fees varied widely. The greatest ranges were noted for oral immunotherapy (OIT; both initial consultation [mean $198.70; range $0 to $575] and follow up/build up visits [mean $125.74; range: $0 to $575]). There were significant provincial differences in billing fees, as well as significant billing fee differences between hospital versus community allergists (e.g. oral food challenge [OFC]: $256.38 vs. $134.94, p < 0.01). Billing fees were higher outside of Ontario, with the exception of specific Immunoglubulin E (sIgE) testing and OIT visits.

Conclusions
Greater standardization of billing fees across provinces and between hospital versus community allergy could result in more consistency of billing fees for OFC and OIT across Canada. Further knowledge of exact costs will help inform practice and policy in the diagnosis and management of food allergy.