bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis reduce faecal protein catabolites concentration and odour in dogs
Authors: Bastos Tais Silvino , de Lima Daniele Cristina , Souza Camilla Mariane Menezes , Maiorka Alex , de Oliveira Simone Gisele , Bittencourt Letícia Cardoso , Félix Ananda Portella 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Direct-fed microbials (DFM), such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, may improve gut functionality of the host by favouring non-pathogenic bacteria and reducing the formation of putrefactive compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the nutrient digestibility, faecal characteristics and intestinal-fermentation products in dogs fed diets with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis. Sixteen dogs were randomly divided into two groups. Every eight dogs were fed with the control diet or the diet with the addition of 62.5 g of DFM (B. subtilis and B. licheniformis)/ton. Diets were provided throughout a 20-day adaptation period, followed by 5 days of total faecal collection. Nutrient digestibility and the metabolisable energy of the diets, plus the dogs’ faecal characteristics and intestinal fermentation products were assessed.

Results
There were no differences in nutrient digestibility (P > 0.05). However, DFM supplementation improved faecal score and resulted in less fetid faeces (P < 0.001). DFM inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the biogenic amines concentration: putrescine, spermidine and cadaverine, besides the concentration of phenols and quinoline.

Conclusions
The use of B. subtillis and B. licheniformis as DFM reduce the concentration of nitrogen fermentation products in faeces and faecal odour, but the digestibility of nutrients is not altered in dogs.
Prohibitin 1/2 mediates Dengue-3 entry into human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and microglia (CHME-3) cells
Authors: Sharma Amita , Vasanthapuram Ravi , M Venkataswamy Manjunatha , Desai Anita 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Very few studies have identified receptor molecules for dengue virus (DENV) on neural cells. This study was designed to identify putative receptor/(s) involved in entry of DENV-3 in human neural cells of various lineages; neuronal-SH-SY5Y, astroglial-U-87 MG and microglial-CHME-3 cells.

Result
Virus overlay protein binding assay, LC-MS/MS and SEQUEST identified prohibitin1/2 (PHB1/2) as interacting proteins on SH-SY5Y, CHME-3, and U-87 MG cells. Infection inhibition and siRNA assays confirmed the role of PHB1/2 in the entry of DENV-3 into SH-SY5Y and CHME-3 cells but not in U-87 MG cells. Indirect immunofluorescence and flow-cytometry demonstrated the presence of PHB1/2 on the surface of SH-SY5Y and CHME-3 cells. Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot, as well as double labelling, reconfirmed the interaction between PHB1/2 and DENV-3 EDIII protein.

Conclusion
These observations together for the first time indicate that PHB1/2 may serve as a putative receptor for DENV-3 in SH-SY5Y and CHME-3 cells. The study provided insights into DENV-3 and neural cell interactions.
Effect of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in hypoendemic area in Tanzania
Authors: Mikomangwa Wigilya P. , Minzi Omary , Mutagonda Ritah , Baraka Vito , Mlugu Eulambius M. , Aklillu Eleni , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A. R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMalaria in pregnancy increases the risk of deleterious maternal and birth outcomes. The use of ≥ 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp-SP) is recommended for preventing the consequences of malaria during pregnancy. This study assessed the effect of IPTp-SP for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in low transmission settings.MethodsA cross-sectional study that involved consecutively selected 1161 pregnant women was conducted at Mwananyamala regional referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Assessment of the uptake of IPTp-SP was done by extracting information from antenatal clinic cards. Maternal venous blood, cord blood, placental blood and placental biopsy were collected for assessment of anaemia and malaria. High performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was used to detect and quantify sulfadoxine (SDX). Dried blood spots (DBS) of placental blood were collected for determination of sub-microscopic malaria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsIn total, 397 (34.2%) pregnant women reported to have used sub-optimal doses (≤ 2) while 764 (65.8%) used optimal doses (≥ 3) of IPTp-SP at the time of delivery. The prevalence of placental malaria as determined by histology was 3.6%. Submicroscopic placental malaria was detected in 1.4% of the study participants. Women with peripheral malaria had six times risk of maternal anaemia than those who were malaria negative (aOR, 5.83; 95% CI 1.10–30.92; p = 0.04). The geometric mean plasma SDX concentration was 10.76 ± 2.51 μg/mL. Sub-optimal IPTp-SP dose was not associated with placental malaria, premature delivery and fetal anaemia. The use of ≤ 2 doses of IPTp-SP increased the risk of maternal anaemia by 1.36-fold compared to ≥ 3 doses (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.04–1.79; p = 0.02).ConclusionThe use of < 2 doses of IPTp-SP increased the risk of maternal anaemia. However, sub-optimal doses (≤ 2 doses) were not associated with increased the risk of malaria parasitaemia, fetal anaemia and preterm delivery among pregnant women in low malaria transmission setting. The use of optimal doses (≥ 3 doses) of IPTp-SP and complementary interventions should continue even in areas with low malaria transmission.
Does women’s age matter in the SDGs era: coverage of demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods and institutional delivery in 91 low- and middle-income countries
Authors: da Silva Inacio Crochemore M. , Everling Fernanda , Hellwig Franciele , Ronsmans Carine , Benova Lenka , Requejo Jennifer , Raj Anita , Barros Aluisio J. D. , Victora Cesar G. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include specific targets for family planning (SDG 3.7) and birth attendance (SDG 3.1.2), and require analyses disaggregated by age and other dimensions of inequality (SDG 17.18). We aimed to describe coverage with demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods (DFPSm) and institutional delivery in low- and middle-income countries across the reproductive age spectrum. We attempted to identify a typology of patterns of coverage by age and compare their distribution according to geographic regions, World Bank income groups and intervention coverage levels.

Methods
We used Demographic and Health Survey and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. For DFPSm, we considered the woman’s age at the time of the survey, whereas for institutional delivery we considered the woman’s age at birth of the child. Both age variables were categorized into seven groups of 5 year-intervals, 15–19 up to 45–49. Five distinct patterns were identified: (a) increasing coverage with age; (b) similar coverage in all age groups; (c) U-shaped; (d) inverse U-shaped; and (e) declining coverage with age. The frequency of the five patterns was examined according to UNICEF regions, World Bank income groups, and coverage at national level of the given indicator.

Results
We analyzed 91 countries. For DFPSm, the most frequent age patterns were inverse U-shaped (53%, 47 countries) and increasing coverage with age (41%, 36 countries). Inverse-U shaped patterns for DFPSm was the commonest pattern among lower-middle income countries, while low- and upper middle-income countries showed a more balanced distribution between increasing with age and U-shaped patterns. In the first and second tertiles of national coverage of DFPSm, inverse U-shaped was observed in more than half of countries. For institutional delivery, declining coverage with age was the prevailing pattern (44%, 39 countries), followed by similar coverage across age groups (39%, 35 countries). Most (79%) upper-middle income countries showed no variation by age group while most low-income countries showed declining coverage with age (71%).

Conclusion
Large inequalities in DFPSm and institutional delivery were identified by age, varying from one intervention to the other. Policy and programmatic approaches must be tailored to national patterns, and in most cases older women and adolescents will require special attention due to lower coverage and because they are at higher risk for maternal mortality and other poor obstetrical outcomes.
Promoter activity of Merkel cell Polyomavirus variants in human dermal fibroblasts and a Merkel cell carcinoma cell line
Authors: Abdulsalam Ibrahim , Rasheed Kashif , Sveinbjørnsson Baldur , Ehlers Bernhard , Moens Ugo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a human polyomavirus that establishes a life-long harmless infection in most individuals, with dermal fibroblasts believed to be the natural host cell. However, this virus is the major cause of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive skin cancer. Several MCPyV variants with polymorphism in their promoter region have been isolated, but it is not known whether these differences affect the biological properties of the virus.

Methods
Using transient transfection studies in human dermal fibroblasts and the MCC cell line MCC13, we compared the transcription activity of the early and late promoters of the most commonly described non-coding control region MCPyV variant and six other isolates containing specific mutation patterns.

Results
Both the early and late promoters were significantly stronger in human dermal fibroblasts compared with MCC13 cells, and a different promoter strength between the MCPyV variants was observed. The expression of full-length large T-antigen, a viral protein that regulates early and late promoter activity, inhibited early and late promoter activities in both cell lines. Nonetheless, a truncated large T-antigen, which is expressed in virus-positive MCCs, stimulated the activity of its cognate promoter.

Conclusion
The promoter activities of all MCPyV variants tested was stronger in human dermal fibroblasts, a cell line that supports viral replication, than in MCC13 cells, which are not permissive for MCPyV. Truncated large T-antigen, but not full-length large T-antigen stimulated viral promoter activity. Whether, the difference in promoter strength and regulation by large T-antigen may affect the replication and tumorigenic properties of the virus remains to be determined.
Characterization of dimensional, morphological and morphometric features of retrieved 3D-printed acetabular cups for hip arthroplasty
Authors: Dall’Ava Lorenzo , Hothi Harry , Henckel Johann , Di Laura Anna , Shearing Paul , Hart Alister 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThree-dimensional (3D) printing of porous titanium implants is increasing in orthopaedics, promising enhanced bony fixation whilst maintaining design similarities with conventionally manufactured components. Our study is one of the first to non-destructively characterize 3D-printed implants, using conventionally manufactured components as a reference.MethodsWe analysed 16 acetabular cups retrieved from patients, divided into two groups: ‘3D-printed’ (n= 6) and ‘conventional’ (n= 10). Coordinate-measuring machine (CMM), electron microscopy (SEM) and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) were used to investigate the roundness of the internal cup surface, the morphology of the backside surface and the morphometric features of the porous structures of the cups, respectively. The amount of bony attachment was also evaluated.ResultsCMM analysis showed a median roundness of 19.45 and 14.52 μm for 3D-printed and conventional cups, respectively (p= 0.1114). SEM images revealed partially molten particles on the struts of 3D-printed implants; these are a by-product of the manufacturing technique, unlike the beads shown by conventional cups. As expected, porosity, pore size, strut thickness and thickness of the porous structure were significantly higher for 3D-printed components (p= 0.0002), with median values of 72.3%, 915 μm, 498 μm and 1.287 mm (p= 0.0002). The median values of bony attachment were 84.9% and 69.3% for 3D-printed and conventional cups, respectively (p= 0.2635).Conclusion3D-printed implants are designed to be significantly more porous than some conventional components, as shown in this study, whilst still exhibiting the same shape and size. We found differences in the surface morphologies of the groups, related to the different manufacturing methods; a key finding was the presence of partially molten particles on the 3D-printed cups.
Evaluating the expression level of miR-9-5p and miR-192-5p in gastrointestinal cancer: introducing novel screening biomarkers for patients
Authors: Tavakolian Shaian , Goudarzi Hossein , Faghihloo Ebrahim 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective
It has been indicated that there is a tight association between cancer and different factors, such as environment and genetics, including aberrantly expressed microRNAs. The crucial role of microRNAs in the regulation of diverse signaling pathways in gastrointestinal cancer has been established in several studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-9 and -192 in colon and gastric cancers. After extracting the RNA from tissues and serum samples of patients, suffering from colon and gastric cancer, cDNA was synthesized. Then by performing quantitative real-time PCR, we evaluated the expression level of miR-9-5p and miR-192-5p in collected samples.

Results
Unlike to colon cancer in which the expression level of miR-9-5p remained unchanged, the relative expression of this miRNA decreased remarkably in gastric cancer (with P value < 0.05), in comparison with normal adjacent tissues. In agreement with this finding, we also found that the expression level of miR-192-5p was decreased in gastric cancer tissues, compared to normal gastric tissue. Given the reduction in the expression level of miR-9-5p and miR-192-5p in gastric cancer, it could be postulated to consider these miRNAs as promising diagnostic biomarkers.
Age-period-cohort effects in pre-existing and pregnancy-associated diseases amongst primiparous women
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Ahmed Sofia B. , Nerenberg Kara 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The average age at first birth is steadily increasing in developed countries; however, demographic shifts in maternal age at childbearing have not occurred in isolation. While temporal increases in adverse pregnancy outcomes are typically attributed to increases in maternal age, little is known about how maternal health status has changed across maternal age, period of delivery, and birth cohort.

Methods
Natality files were used to identify primiparous women delivering liveborn, singleton infants in the USA in 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 (n = 6,857,185). Age-period-cohort models using the intrinsic estimator adjusted for temporal trends in smoking and gestational weight gain were used to quantify temporal changes in the rates of pre-existing (chronic hypertension, pre-existing diabetes) and pregnancy-associated (pregnancy-associated hypertension, gestational diabetes, eclampsia) diseases. Log-linear models were used to model the impact of temporal changes on preterm birth, small, and large for gestational age (SGA/LGA) births.

Results
Significant period effects resulted in temporal increases in the rate of chronic hypertension, pregnancy-associated hypertension, and gestational diabetes, and a significant decrease in the rate of eclampsia. These observed period effects were associated with a 10.6% increase in the rate of SGA and a 7.1% decrease in LGA. Had the rate of pre-existing and pregnancy-associated diseases remained static over this time period, the rate of preterm birth would have increased by 5.9%, but instead only increased by 4.4%.

Conclusions
Independent of changes in the incidence of pre-existing and pregnancy-associated diseases as women age, the obstetric population is becoming less healthy over time. This is important, as these changes have a direct negative impact on short-term obstetric outcomes and women’s long-term health.
Effect of in feed administration of different butyrate formulations on Salmonella Enteritidis colonization and cecal microbiota in broilers
Authors: Onrust Lonneke , Baeyen Steve , Haesebrouck Freddy , Ducatelle Richard , Van Immerseel Filip 
Published: April 2020

AbstractButyrate has been used extensively as a feed additive to improve gut health and to decrease Salmonella colonization in poultry. Salmonella mainly colonizes the ceca so butyrate concentrations should be increased in this gut segment. Discrepancies on the effects of butyrate on Salmonella colonization, described in the scientific literature, could thus be due to butyrate release location effects. In this study, newly developed butyrate formulations were evaluated for their effect on cecal butyrate concentrations and on colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis. In a first trial, broilers were randomly allocated to 7 dietary treatment groups with formulations based on different approaches to modify the butyrate release profile: release from wax matrices based on diffusion/erosion; micropellets supposedly release butyrate around pH 7 in the colon; tributyrin is based on the hydrolysis of esters in the small intestine. Fat-protected butyrate was included as a reference, because of its known effect on reduction of Salmonella colonization. Four days after infection, the number of cfu Salmonella per g cecal content and spleen were determined. Butyrate formulations in a wax matrix significantly reduced the Salmonella colonization in cecal content. In a second trial, wax and fat-protected butyrate treatments were replicated and results from the first trial were confirmed. Compared to the control group a higher proportion of butyrate concentration was observed in ceca for those groups with reduced Salmonella colonization. This was associated with a beneficial shift in the cecal microbiota. In conclusion, formulations that increase cecal butyrate concentrations are superior in protecting against Salmonella Enteritidis colonization.
Three positive periodic solutions of second order nonlinear neutral functional differential equations with delayed derivative
Authors: Yang He , Zhang Lu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with the existence of three positive periodic solutions for a class of second order neutral functional differential equations involving the delayed derivative term in nonlinearity $(x(t)-cx(t-\delta)){''}+a(t)g(x(t))x(t)=\lambda b(t)f(t,x(t),x(t-\tau_{1}(t)),x'(t-\tau_{2}(t)))$(x(t)−cx(t−δ))″+a(t)g(x(t))x(t)=λb(t)f(t,x(t),x(t−τ1(t)),x′(t−τ2(t))). By utilizing the perturbation method of positive operator and Leggett–Williams fixed point theorem, a group of sufficient conditions are established.
Analysis of a stochastic single species model with Allee effect and jump-diffusion
Authors: Jin Yalin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the effects of the small and abrupt random perturbations in the environment, and formulate a stochastic single species model with Allee effect and jump-diffusion. We first prove that the model admits a unique solution which is global and positive. Then we study the stochastic permanence and extinction of the model. In addition, we estimate the growth rate of the solution. Our results reveal that the properties of the model have close relationships with the jump-diffusion. Finally, we work out several numerical simulations to validate the theoretical results.
Improved results of nontrivial solutions for a nonlinear nonhomogeneous Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system involving sign-changing potential
Authors: Gan Canlin , Xiao Ting , Zhang Qiongfen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the following system: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} {-\Delta u+\lambda A(x) u-K(x)(2 \omega +\phi ) \phi u=f(x, u)+h(x), \quad x \in \mathbb{R}^{3}}, \\ {\Delta \phi =K(x)(\omega +\phi ) u^{2}, \quad x \in \mathbb{R}^{3}}, \end{cases} $${−Δu+λA(x)u−K(x)(2ω+ϕ)ϕu=f(x,u)+h(x),x∈R3,Δϕ=K(x)(ω+ϕ)u2,x∈R3, where $\lambda \geq 1$λ≥1 is a parameter, $\omega >0$ω>0 is a constant and the potential A is sign-changing. Under the classic Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition and other suitable conditions, nontrivial solutions are obtained via the linking theorem and Ekeland’s variational principle. Especially speaking, we use a super-quadratic condition to replace the 4-superlinear condition which is usually used to show the existence of nontrivial solutions in many references. Our results improve the previous results in the literature.
Global woodland structure from local interactions: new nearest-neighbour functions for understanding the ontogenesis of global forest structure
Authors: Pommerening Arne , Wang Hongxiang , Zhao Zhonghua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
A number of hypotheses and theories, such as the Janzen-Connell hypothesis, have been proposed to explain the natural maintenance of biodiversity in tropical and temperate forest ecosystems. However, to date the details of the processes behind this natural maintenance are still unclear. Recently two new nearest-neighbour characteristics were proposed and in this paper we demonstrate how they can contribute to a better understanding of the ontogenesis of global forest structure from localised neighbourhoods.

Methods
We applied the new species and size segregation functions together with appropriate test procedures to four example woodland data sets from China at Daqingshan, Jiaohe, Jiulongshan and Xiaolongshan forest regions. In addition we quantified the morphology of the new characteristics and modelled a neighbourhood allometric coefficient linking the two functions.

Results
The results revealed quite different species segregation patterns with both conspecific and heterospecific attraction. We found these to be generally matched by equivalent size segregation patterns of attraction of similar and different sizes. It was straightforward to model the size segregation function from the knowledge of the species segregation function by estimating a neighbourhood allometric coefficient.

Conclusions
The new characteristics have helped to quantify the extent and rate of decline of neighbourhood interactions in terms of spatial species and size diversity. Through the allometric neighbourhood coefficient the analysis highlighted once more how closely related species and size segregation are, thus supporting the mingling-size hypothesis. Using both a traditional and a restricted random-labelling test has provided a valuable tool for understanding the exact nature of species-mingling and size-inequality relationships.