bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brassicaceous roots as an unexpected diversity hot-spot of helotialean endophytes
Authors: Macia-Vicente Jose G , Piepenbring Meike , Koukol Ondřej 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A high number of fungal strains were isolated from roots of Brassicaceae species all over Europe, resulting in an unexpectedly rich collection of Cadophora species. These isolates enable us to present a new and comprehensive view of the ecological, morphological, and phylogenetic traits of root-inhabiting members of this helotialean genus. We provide phylogenetic placement of all of our isolates based on a four-gene dataset, analyze their phenotypic traits in relation to their phylogenetic relationships, and infer the potential distribution ranges of the species by sequence comparisons with available databases. We consider seven well supported phylogenetic lineages as species new to science. Six further lineages probably also represent new species but remain undescribed due to the lack of diagnostic morphological characters. Our results show that Cadophora, as currently circumscribed, is paraphyletic and encompasses a broad spectrum of morphologies and lifestyles. Among the new species, only two (C. ferruginea and C. constrictospora) form phialides and conidia typical of Cadophora, three species (C. echinata, C. gamsii and C. variabilis) produce chains of swollen hyphal segments that may function as holoblastic conidia, and one species (C. fascicularis) produces chains of holoblastic ramoconidia and conidia. Ancestral state reconstruction analysis suggests that phialidic conidiogenesis evolved several times in Cadophora sensu lato from a putatively holoblastic common ancestor. Most Cadophora lineages are rare as estimated from the availability of sequence data, in spite of having relatively wide distribution ranges, whereas five lineages may represent endemic relationships given their restricted distributions. Our dataset, probably the most comprehensive available for Cadophora, nevertheless shows knowledge gaps concerning the phylogenetic relationships within this genus and highlights a need for further investigation.
Age-stratified anti-tuberculosis drug resistance profiles in South Korea: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Lee Eung Gu , Min Jinsoo , Kang Ji Young , Kim Sung Kyoung , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Yong Hyun , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Lee Sang Haak , Kim Hyung Woo , Kim Ju Sang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a major healthcare concern worldwide. Here, we analyzed age-related trends in DR-TB rates in South Korea.Methods: Drug susceptibility test results were collected from patients with culture-confirmed TB between 2015 and 2018 from eight university-affiliated hospitals. Patients were divided into three subgroups: younger (15–34 years), middle (35–59 years), and older (≥60 years) to compare drug-resistance patterns.Results: Among the 4,417 cases investigated, 179 (4.1%), 53 (1.2%), and 316 (7.2%) were multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), rifampicin-mono-resistant TB (RR-TB), and isoniazid-mono-resistant TB (Hr-TB), respectively. Proportions of Hr-TB cases were similar among the three groups (11.2%, 12.2%, and 10.4% in the younger, middle, and older groups, respectively). MDR/RR-TB case numbers decreased significantly as age increased (8.6%, 6.3%, 3.3%, respectively). Proportions of MDR/RR-TB among retreated patients in the younger generation decreased from 50.0% to 18.2%, but remained higher than that in the older generation. Fluoroquinolone resistance was highest among second-line drugs, and there were no differences in resistance to fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable drugs among the three age groups.Conclusions: The number of MDR/RR-TB cases was highest in young patients. Effective public health interventions should include increased focus on rifampicin resistance in young patients.
Autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell therapy in three patients with severe asthma​
Authors: Aguiar Fabio S. , Melo André S. , Araújo Ana Maria Silva , Cardoso Alexandre Pinto , de Souza Sergio A. Lopes , Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Cruz Fernanda F. , Xisto Debora G. , Asensi Karina D. , Faccioli Lanuza , Salgado Anna Beatriz S. , Landesmann Maria Carolina P. P. , Goldenberg Regina C. dos S. , Gutfilen Bianca , Morales Marcelo M. , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macêdo , Silva Jose Roberto Lapa e 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology and development of novel therapies, asthma remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists results in disease control for many patients, but those who exhibit severe asthma are often unresponsive to conventional treatment, experiencing worse quality of life, frequent exacerbations, and increasing healthcare costs. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has been shown to reduce airway inflammation and remodeling and improve lung function in experimental models of allergic asthma. However, to date, no study has evaluated the therapeutic effects of BMMCs in patients with severe asthma. Methods: This is a case series of three patients who presented with severe asthma unresponsive to conventional therapy and omalizumab. All received a single intravenous dose of autologous BMMCs (2×107) and were periodically evaluated for 1 year after the procedure. Endpoint assessments included physical examination; quality of life questionnaires; imaging (computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ventilation/perfusion scan); lung function tests; and a 6-min walk test.Results: All patients completed the follow-up protocol. No serious adverse events attributable to BMMC transplantation were observed during or after the procedure. Lung function remained stable throughout. A slight increase in ventilation of the right lung was observed on day 120 after BMMC transplantation in one patient. All three patients reported improvement in quality of life in the early post-procedure course. Conclusions: This paper is the first to describe the effects of BMMC therapy in patients with severe asthma, providing a basis for subsequent trials to assess efficacy.
Eravacycline susceptibility was impacted by genetic mutation of 30S ribosome subunits, and branched-chain amino acid transport system II carrier protein, Na/Pi cotransporter family protein in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Zhanwen , Lin Zhiwei , Bai Bing , Xu Guangjian , Li Peiyu , Yu Zhijian , Deng Qiwen , Shang Yongpeng , Zheng Jinxin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Our previous research indicated the excellent in vitro antibacterial activity of Eravacycline (Erava) and its heteroresistance frequency against clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates. In this study, we further aimed to investigate the Erava resistance and heteroresistance in S. aureus.Methods: Eight parental S. aureus isolates were induced under Erava pressure in vitro and the Erava-resistant isolates were selected and identified. Then, the genetic mutations of 30S ribosomal subunits were analyzed by PCR and sequence alignment. RT-qPCR analysis were performed to compare the relative expression of eight candidate genes impacting the susceptibility of tetracycline (Tet) between the resistant or heteroresistant and parental isolates. Furthermore, the in vitro overexpression vectors of three selected candidate genes were constructed to test their impact on the heteroresistance and resistance of Erava in S. aureus.Results: The MICs elevation in Erava-induced resistant S. aureus isolates were identified and the increasing MICs values of another two Tet class antibiotics, including both omadacycline (Omada) and tigecycline (Tige) were also tested. Genetic mutations in 30S ribosomal protein S10 were found frequently in Erava-derived resistant isolates. RT-qPCR analysis and the in vitro overexpression experiments indicated that USA300HOU_RS00550 (an Na/Pi cotransporter family protein) and USA300HOU_RS01625 (a branched-chain amino acid transport system II carrier protein) contributed to Erava heteroresistance in S. aureus.Conclusion: Genetic mutation of 30S ribosome subunits contributed to Erava resistance, and the transcriptional overexpression of USA300HOU_RS01625 and USA300HOU_RS00550 also participated in the occurrence of Erava heteroresistance in S. aureus.
Curcumin ameliorates protein expression changes involved in mitochondrial fatty acids metabolism in heart of mice fed a high-fructose diet
Authors: Meléndez-Salcido Cecilia Gabriela , Vargas-Ortiz Katya , Silva-Gaona Oscar Gerardo , León-García María Cristina , Ortega-Hernández Luz Arcelia , Macías-Cervantes Maciste Habacuc , Ramírez-Emiliano Joel , Perez-Vazquez Victoriano 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: It has been proposed that curcumin modulates the gene expression of different signaling pathways, improve the fatty acids metabolism and exerts a potential beneficial effect on cardiometabolic disease, but this has not been thoroughly demonstrated. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of curcumin upon the expression of PPARα, CPT1, MCAD, VLCAD and ACAA2 in heart of mice fed a high-fructose diet (HFD). Methods: Twenty-four mice C57BL/6 were divided into four groups (n=6) and treated for 15 weeks. Control group (C) received standard diet (SD), Curcumin group (C+Cur), Fructose group (F) and Fructose with Curcumin group (F+Cur). The groups were treated with 0.75% w/w curcumin mixed in the SD and 30% w/v fructose in water, respectively. Heart proteins expression were analyzed by Western Blot. Results: Curcumin supplementation increased PPARα and ACAA2 expression and decreased CPT1 and MCAD expression in heart of mice fed a HFD. However, it did not modify the VLCAD expression. Conclusions: Curcumin regulated PPARα, CPT1 and MCAD expression and increased ACAA2 expression; suggesting a therapeutic potential in the prevention of alterations in mitochondrial fatty acids metabolism in heart of mice fed a HFD.
Feasibility of ultra-low dose CT for bronchoscopy of peripheral lung lesions
Authors: Eom Jung Seop , Lee Geewon , Kim Insu , Seol Hee Yun , Roh Jiyeon , Jeong Yeon Joo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Thin-section CT is essential for identification of small bronchi during bronchoscopy using radial endobronchial ultrasound. Some patients should receive an additional CT for a thin-section image. We performed a retrospective study with a prospectively collected database to identify the optimal radiation dose for thin-section CT during peripheral bronchoscopy. Methods In total, 91 patients with peripheral lung lesions underwent thin-section CT (both standard CT as a reference and ultra-low dose CT [LDCT]). The patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups according to the ultra-LDCT parameters: group 1 = 120 kVp, 25 mAs; group 2 = 100 kVp, 15 mAs; group 3 = 120 kVp, 5 mAs; and group 4 = 100 kVp, 5 mAs. Two radiologists and two physicians analyzed both the standard CT and ultra-LDCT. Results The effective doses (EDs) of ultra-LDCT significantly differed among the four groups (median EDs were 0.88, 0.34, 0.19, and 0.12 mSv for groups 1–4, respectively; P < 0.001). Median differences in peripheral airway wall thickness were higher in group 4 than in other groups (differences in median wall thickness measured by two radiologists were 0.4–0.5 mm and 0.8–0.9 mm for groups 1–3 and group 4, respectively). Bronchus signs on ultra-LDCT in groups 1 and 2 were well correlated with those of the standard dose CT (accuracies of two radiologists and two pulmonary physicians were 95–100%). Conclusions Our results indicate that ultra-LDCT with ED of > 0.34 mSv (ED of group 2) is feasible for peripheral bronchoscopy.
Preoperative anxiety in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yohanes Yeneabat Birhanu , Yazew Kassahun Gebeyehu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Anxiety is a vague and uneasy feeling of the individual. It is one of the commonest events that can happen to surgical patients. The prevalence is higher in low-income countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of preoperative anxiety reported is variable. This meta-analysis aimed to find the pooled prevalence of preoperative anxiety. Methods: The databases for the search were PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by the date 02/03/2020. To assess publication bias Egger's test regression analysis was applied. Results: This meta-analysis included a total of 6 studies with 1832 study subjects. The pooled prevalence of preoperative anxiety was 55.54 %( 95% CI, 46.30 to 64.78%). Based on the subgroup analysis, the Oromia region ranked first (63.27%). Conclusions: The national prevalence of preoperative anxiety was high. Oromia region ranked first followed by Amhara, SNNP, and Addis Ababa. Patients need to assess often for anxiety during the preoperative visit.
Small Particle Aerosol Exposure of African Green Monkeys to MERS-CoV as a Model for Highly Pathogenic Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Totura Allison , Livingston Virginia , Frick Ondraya , Dyer David , Nichols Donald , Nalca Aysegul 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Emerging highly pathogenic coronaviruses (CoV) are a global public health threat due to the potential for person-to-person transmission and higher mortality rates than common seasonal respiratory pathogens. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012, causing lethal respiratory disease in approximately 35% of human cases. Primate models of highly pathogenic coronavirus infection are needed to support development of therapeutics or vaccines, but few models exist that recapitulate severe disease signs. For initial development of a MERS-CoV primate model, twelve African green monkeys (AGMs) were exposed to 103, 104, or 105 PFU target doses of aerosolized MERS-CoV. We observed a dose-dependent increase of respiratory disease signs and viral titers in serum and throat swabs between the 103 PFU and the 105 PFU dose groups, although all AGMs survived for the 28 day duration of the study. This study is the first to describe dose-dependent effects of highly pathogenic coronavirus infection of primates and uses a route of infection (small particle aerosol) with potential relevance to MERS-CoV transmission in humans. Aerosol exposure of AGMs may provide a platform for the development of primate models of novel coronavirus disease, with potential utility in therapeutic development and viral pathogenesis studies.
Temporal expression patterns of fruit-specific α- EXPANSINS during cell expansion in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Nambeesan Savithri , Mayorga-Gómez Andrés 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundExpansins (EXP) facilitate non-enzymatic cell wall loosening during several phases of plant growth and development including fruit growth, internode expansion, pollen tube growth, leaf and root development, and during abiotic stress responses. In this study, we characterized the spatial and temporal expression pattern of C. annuum α- EXPANSINS (CaEXPA) genes. Additionally, we correlated fruit-specific CaEXPA expression with the rate of cell expansion during bell pepper fruit development. ResultsSpatial expression patterns revealed that CaEXPA13 was up-regulated in vegetative tissues and flowers, with the most abundant expression in mature leaves. Expression of CaEXPA4 was associated with stems and roots. CaEXPA3 was expressed abundantly in flower at anthesis suggesting a role for CaEXPA3 in flower development. Temporal expression analysis revealed that 9 out of the 21 genes were highly expressed during fruit development. Of these, expression of six genes, CaEXPA5, CaEXPA7, CaEXPA12, CaEXPA14 CaEXPA17 and CaEXPA19 were abundant 7 to 21 days after anthesis (DAA), whereas CaEXP6 was strongly expressed between 14 and 28 DAA. Further, this study revealed that fruit growth and cell expansion occur throughout bell pepper development until ripening, with highest rates of fruit growth and cell expansion occurring between 7 and 14 DAA. The expression of CaEXPA14 and CaEXPA19 positively correlated with the rate of cell expansion, suggesting their role in post-mitotic cell expansion-mediated growth of the bell pepper fruit. In this study, we also identified high transcript abundance of CaEXPA9 during ripening.ConclusionThis is the first genome-wide study of CaEXPA expression during fruit growth and development. We identified a fruit-specific EXPA that may be important in facilitating cell expansion during growth and cell wall loosening during ripening in bell pepper. These EXPA genes could be important targets for future manipulation of fruit size and ripening characteristics.
Effects of altitude and duration of different hypoxia exposure on HIF-1α in the rat brain, lung and heart tissues
Authors: Li Xiao-lin , Li Maoxing , Tian Xiu-yu , Wu Lan , Chen Li-Ping , Tao Wen-di , Yang Zhi-qiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective: To explore the effects of hypoxic at different altitude and duration on the expression of HIF-1α in the rat tissues. Methods: A total of 72 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=12 in each group): normoxic group and 5 experimental groups. Normoxia group was placed in the normal circumstances of Lanzhou (1500 m altitude), rats in the experimental groups were exposed to hypoxia in the hypobaric hypoxic animal experiment chamber simulating the altitudes of 3000, 4500, 6000, 7500, and 8000 m for 12 h, respectively. HE staining was conducted to observe the pathological changes of hippocampus tissues and the expression of HIF-1α in the rat brain, lung and heart tissues under the condition of hypoxia was detected by RT-PCR and Western Blotting. A total of 72 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n =12 in each group): normoxic group and 5 experimental groups. Rats in the experimental groups were exposed to hypoxia in the hypobaric hypoxic animal experiment chamber simulating the altitudes of 7500 m for 6, 12, 24, 36 and 72 h, respectively. Detect the same indicator after dissection. Results: We demonstrated that with the increased of hypoxia altitude and prolonged hypoxia, the expression of HIF-1α in the rat showed rising tendency (P<0.05) and the severe damage was revealed by pathological biopsy. Conclusion: We conclude that the expression of HIF1α in the rat was enslaved to the different altitude and duration of altitude hypoxia exposure.
Prognostic value of an autophagy-related gene expression signature for endometrial cancer patients
Authors: Wang Hui , Ma Xiaoling , Liu Jinhui , Wan Yicong , Jiang Yi , Xia Yankai , Cheng Wenjun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Autophagy is associated with cancer development. Autophagy-related genes play significant roles in endometrial cancer (EC), a major gynecological malignancy worldwide, but little was known about their value as prognostic markers. Here we evaluated the value of a prognostic signature based on autophagy-related genes for EC. Methods First, various autophagy-related genes (ARGs) were obtained via the Human Autophagy Database and their expression profiles were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Second, key prognostic autophagy-related genes were identified via univariat, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Finally, a risk score to predict the prognosis of EC was calculated and validated by using the test and the entire data sets. Besides, gene set enrichment and somatic mutation analyses were also used for these prognostic ARGs. Results A total of 40 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes in EC were screened and five of them were prognosis-related (CDKN1B, DLC1, EIF4EBP1, ERBB2 and GRID1). A prognostic signature was constructed based on these five genes using the train set, which stratified EC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups (P<0.05). In terms of overall survival, the analyses of the test set and the entire set yielded consistent results (test set: p < 0.05; entire set: p < 0.05). Time-dependent ROC analysis suggested that the risk score predicted EC prognosis accurately and independently (0.674 at 1 year, 0.712 at 3 years and 0.659 at 5 years). A nomogram with clinical utility was built. Patients in the high-risk group displayed distinct mutation signatures compared with those in the low-risk group. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed high risk score was associated with tumor initiation and progression associated pathways. Conclusions Based on five autophagy-related genes (CDKN1B, DLC1, EIF4EBP1, ERBB2 and GRID1), our model can independently predict the OS of EC patients by combining molecular signature and clinical characteristics.
Microbiome variation during culture growth of the European house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Authors: Nesvorna Marta , Molva Vit , Pekar Stano , Shcherbachenko Elena , Erban Tomas , Green Stefan J , Klimov Pavel , Hubert Jan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The house mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is an important allergen source. In mite cultures used for anti-allergic vaccine production, both mite population growth patterns and microbiome composition can affect the level of allergen production. Here we analyzed mite microbial communities: “internal community” inside mites (ingested) and “environmental community” from culture environment) and their temporal changes during mite culture growth. To explain the microbiome temporal changes in mites and mite culture, the microbial profiles were correlated to the concentration of mite nitrogenous waste products (i.e., guanine) and mite population density.Results: The population dynamic of D. pteronyssinus showed a nonlinear humped-shaped pattern during mite culture growth, and a nonlinear pattern was also observed for the mite nitrogenous waste product guanine. Mite microbial communities were remarkably consistent between replicates within the same treatment and composed of relatively few dominant taxa – 11 bacterial and 3 fungal OTUs. Significant changes over time in microbial community structure in the bulk culture environment and internal mite microbiome were observed. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is a main component of the yeast extract used in the mite diet, gradually disappeared during the mite culture growth and was replaced by operational taxonomic units derived from the genera Aspergillus and Candida in both the internal mite community and the environment culture samples. In the ingested community, an OTU derived from the putative fungal pathogen Malasszia was detected at low relative abundance. In internal mite community, the relative abundance of bacteria from the genus Kocuria positively correlated with mite density but negatively correlated with guanine content. The relative abundance of the bacteria Virgibacillus pantothenticus was negatively correlated with mite density in the internal community. In the culture environment, the bacterial species Lactobacillus fermentum and yeast S. cerevisiae were present in high abundance in diet, but a significant negative relationship with guanine was observed. The fungal taxa Aspergillus penicillioides and Candida mucifera increased with the amount of guanine in the culture.Conclusion: The temporal changes in the internal and environmental microbiomes of the D. pteronyssinus culture are related to mite population density and guanine contents. The detection of an OTU derived from fungi of the genus Malassezia suggests that mites could serve as vectors for dissemination. The dominant bacterial species observed here were Gram-positive bacteria, indicating a limited source for potential vaccine contamination by endotoxins (heat-stable lipopolysaccharides produced mostly by Gram-negative bacteria) in the experimental design used in this study.