bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Core Intestinal Microbiome Richness of Coral Reef Damselfishes (Actinopterygii: Pomacentridae) Reflects Trophic Guild
Authors: Kavazos Christopher Ronald James , Leggat William , Casey Jordan , Choat John Howard , Ainsworth Tracy D. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Fish harbour diverse microbiomes within their gastro-intestinal system that affect the host’s digestion, nutrition and immunity and facilitate resource partitioning in coral reef ecosystems. Despite the great taxonomic diversity of fish, little is understood about fish microbiome diversity and the factors that determine its structure and composition. Damselfish are important coral reef fish species that play a strong role in determining algae and coral structure of reefs. Broadly, damselfish belong to either of two trophic guilds based on whether they are planktivorous or algae-farming. In this study, we use 16s rRNA sequencing to interrogate the intestinal microbiome of 10 damselfish species (Pomacentridae) from the Great Barrier Reef to compare the composition of their intestinal bacterial assemblages across the planktivorous and algae-farming trophic guilds.Results: We identify core intestinal bacterial taxa for each host fish species. Gammaproteobacteria, belonging to the genus Actinobacillus, were detected in 80 % of sampled individuals and suggests a possible core member of pomacentrid microbiomes. Core microbiomes of algae-farming species were more diverse than planktivorous species with farming species sharing 35 ± 22 ASVs and planktivorous sharing 7 ± 3 ASVs. We also provide evidence for significant shifts in bacterial community composition along the intestines. We show that Bacteroidia, Clostridia and Mollicutes bacteria are more abundant in the anterior intestinal regions while Gammaproteobacteria are generally highest in the stomach. Finally, we highlight differences in microbiomes associated with both trophic guilds. Algae-farming and planktivorous damselfish host species significantly differed in their composition of bacteria belonging to Vibrionaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Pasteurellaceae.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the richness of the core intestinal bacterial communities of damselfish reflects host species diet and trophic guild, whereby algae-farming hosts have larger and more diverse core microbiomes than planktivorous hosts. We suggest that algae-farming damselfish within the same species share bacterial taxa that reflect their specialised diets.
Hidden Populations: A Follow Up Study of Risk Behaviours in The Drug Using Populations in The Republic of Georgia
Authors: Lawlor Cale , Kirtadze Irma , Stvilia Keti , Jikia Guranda , Zurashvili Tamar , Gogia Marine 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Georgia has a significant risk of ongoing HIV and HCV outbreak. Within this context, harm reduction aims to reduce risk associated with drug use through community activities, such as peer recruitment and involvement. The aim of this study was to compliment earlier research, and attest to the ongoing utility of peer-driven intervention across multiple years in recruiting high-risk, vulnerable populations through peer networks. It was hypothesised that significant differences would remain between known, and previously unknown, members of the drug-using community, and that peer-driven intervention would continue to recruit individuals with high-risk, vulnerable individuals.Methods:Sampling occurred across 9 months in 11 cities in Georgia, recruiting a total of 2807 drug-using individuals. Standardised questionnaires were completed for all consenting and eligible participants, noting degree of involvement in harm reduction activities. This data underwent analysis to identify statistically significant different between those known and unknown to harm reduction activities, including in demographics, knowledge and risk behaviours. Results:Peer recruitment was able to attract a significantly different cohort compared to those already known to harm reduction services. Important differences in drug use, behaviour and risk were seen between the two groups, with the peer-recruited cohort undertaking higher-risk injecting behaviours. A mixture of risk differences was seen across different sub-groups and between the known and unknown population. Overall risk, driven by sex risk, was consistently higher in younger people (0.59 v. 0.57, p=0.00). Recent overdose was associated with higher risk in all risk categories. Peer-recruited individuals reported much lower rates of previous HIV testing (34.2% v. 99.5%, p=0.00). HIV knowledge and status were not significantly different.Conclusions:Significant differences were seen between the known and unknown drug-using populations. The recruitment strategy was successful in recruiting females and younger people. This is especially important given that this sampling followed subsequent rounds of peer-driven intervention, implying the ability of peer-recruitment to consistently reach hidden, unknown populations of the drug using community, who have different risks and behaviours. Risk differences were seen compared to previous samples, lending strength to the peer-recruitment model, but also informing how harm reduction programmes should cater services, such as education, to different cohorts.
Report on 2 Liver Damage Cases of Unknown Reason with&nbsp;ANK1&nbsp;Mutations
Authors: Yu Lianhu , Xiao Yongmei , Wang Yizhong , Li Dan , Zhang Ting 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: ANK1 mutations are usually related to hereditary spherocytosis. Few studies show direct relationships between ANK1 mutations and liver damage. Recent researches revealed that ANK1 mutations may downregulate the expression of hepcidin, a key hepatic hormone important to iron homeostasis. Hepcidin deficiency can induce iron overload that do harm to liver cells and cause ferroptosis.Case Presentation: In both cases, yellowing of skin and hepatomegaly were found. Lab results showed increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST). Genetic tests confirmed de novo heterozygous mutations in ANK1 gene. Liver biopsy of one child indicated mild liver damage. Prussian blue staining revealed iron accumulation. Conclusions: Here we report 2 cases featuring ANK1 mutations with liver damage of unidentified causes. We suspect that ANK1 mutation is related to liver damage through decreasing hepcidin, which may cause iron overload and then ferroptosis.
Altered Cerebral Iron Over the Whole Brain in Chronic Migraine Using Voxel-Based Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping
Authors: Chen Zhiye , Dai Wei , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Mengqi , Ma Lin , Yu Shengyuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The previous documents demonstrated that iron deposition was identified in brain deep nuclei and periaqueductal gray matter region in chronic migraine (CM), and less is known about the cerebral iron deposition in CM. The aim of this study is to investigate the cerebral iron deposition in CM using an advanced voxel-based quantitative susceptibility mapping.Methods: A multi-echo gradient echo MR sequence was obtained from 14 CM patients and 28 normal controls (NC), and quantitative susceptibility mapping images were reconstructed and voxel-based analysis was performed over the whole cerebrum. The susceptibility value of all the positive brain regions was extracted and correlation was calculated between the susceptibility value and the clinical variables. Results: The brain regions with increased susceptibility value in CM patients located in right precuneus, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, cuneus, insula and left postcentral gyrus compared with NC. The correlation analysis demonstrated that a positive correlation was identified between susceptibility value of all the positive brain regions and VAS score.Conclusion: The current study demonstrated increased cerebral iron deposition presented in chronic patients, which suggested that increased cerebral iron deposition might play a role in the migraine chronicization.
Autophagy Inhibition and Inflammation Activation Induced by Phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein Through Toll-like Receptor 2 Pathway in the Hippocampus of MPTP&nbsp;Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease Contribute to Its Cognitive Function Decline in the Early Stage
Authors: Zhang Ke-Zhong , Wu Jing , Jiang Wenwen , Wang Ye , Rong Zhe , Sun Li , Cheng Yue 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate consecutively the cognitive function of a chronic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/p) in different modeling periods, and to study the characteristics of cognitive decline in PD and its molecular mechanism.Methods: In this study, we used MPTP and probenecid to induce a chronic PD mouse model, the Y-maze test to evaluate the cognitive function of the model in different modeling periods, western blotting (WB) to quantify phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-α-syn), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Nod-like receptors (NLRs), Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), p62, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and other related indicators, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) to characterize the expression of p-α-syn, immunofluorescence staining (IF) to observe the co-localization of p-α-syn and cholinergic neurons (ChAT+) or astroglias (GFAP+) in the hippocampus. The TLR2 inhibitor CU-CPT22 was used to intervene in the subacute MPTP PD mouse model and then the expression of TLR2, ChAT, GFAP, p62 and IL-1β were evaluated again. Results: In the Y-maze test after 1/2/3/4/5 weeks of administration, the percentage of bouts to the Novel arm and the percentage of duration in the Novel arm of the MPTP/p group mice were lower than those of the Saline group mice, and there were statistical differences at the second week. At the same time, the p-α-syn monomer in the hippocampus of chronic MPTP/p PD mice increased, accompanied by the increase of GFAP, TLR2, Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), p62 and IL-1β, and the decrease of the ratio of LC3Ⅱ to LC3I (LC3Ⅱ/I). The p-α-syn in the hippocampus increased, and co-localized significantly with GFAP and slightly with ChAT. TLR2 inhibitor CU-CPT22 can reduce the expression of GFAP, p62 and IL-1β in the subacute MPTP mouse model.Conclusion: Autophagy inhibition and inflammation activation induced by p-α-syn through TLR2 pathway in the hippocampus of MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease contribute to its cognitive function decline in the early stage, indicating the potential of TLR2 as a therapeutic target for PD cognitive decline.
Reduced Serum Cholinesterase Activity Distinguishes Hepatic Encephalopathy From 48 Types of Human Diseases
Authors: Rong Yanfei , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yiyang , Pang Yongzheng , Zhang Lijuan , Guo Yachong , Pei Haitao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatic encephalopathy is a complication of central nervous systems due to liver failure-related brain inflammation. Less than half of patients suffering from liver failure develop hepatic encephalopathy, which suggests other factors beyond liver failure might contribute to hepatic encephalopathy. Indeed, we reported previously that the levels of serum direct bilirubin, a liver cell-made product, are counter-intuitively highest in hepatic encephalopathy patients among 72 clinically defined diseases. In current study, we tested if cholinesterase could serve as a biomarker for hepatic encephalopathy by comparing serum cholinesterase activities among 48 different types of human diseases.Methods: The activity of serum cholinesterase was determined by the standard “continuous monitoring method” in the clinical laboratory of the hospital where the serum cholinesterase activities from 137,305 independent tests with 48 clinically defined diseases and 3,387 independent tests from healthy individuals who came to the hospital for physical examination during the past 5 years were retrieved. All data were analyzed with RStudio V.1.3.1073 and python libraries 3.8.Results: We found that all 48 types of diseases had decreased cholinesterase activity compared to control based on either mean or median values. Remarkably, hepatic encephalopathy had the lowest cholinesterase activity and the serum cholinesterase activity was the best biomarker for hepatic encephalopathy (AUC 0.99, sensitivity 100%, and specificity 99%) among all diseases. Moreover, two component analysis of cholinesterase activity distributions revealed hepatic encephalopathy resembled preeclampsia and uremia whereas cirrhosis resembled multiple myeloma, leukemia, myeloproliferative disorder, and liver cancer.Conclusions: Decreased cholinesterase activity was an almost perfect serum biomarker for patients suffering hepatic encephalopathy at all stages. The resemblance of hepatic encephalopathy to preeclampsia and uremia based on cholinesterase activities provided new insight in understanding hepatic encephalopathy etiology beyond liver failure.
Potential Assessment of Oleaginous Fungi for Sustainable Biodiesel Production: Screening, Identification and Lipid Production Optimization
Authors: Youssef Ghada , Elrefaey Ahmed , El-Assar Samy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present work, aiming to exploit oleaginous fungi for biodiesel production. Ten fungal strains were isolated from two petroleum polluted soil samples and screened for their abilities to accumulate lipid. Lipid rich three species viz, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were found to be the highest lipid producers. Potential isolates were identified at the species level by morphological (macroscopic and microscopic) examination and molecularly confirmed by using 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Improvement of lipid accumulation by optimization of various parameters of culture conditions. The results reported clearly that the most suitable medium conditions for highest lipid production (38.33%) of Aspergillus terreus as the most potent lipid producer composed of 5% sucrose, 0.5 g/L ammonium nitrate with initial pH 6.0, after seven days of incubation in a static condition. The three promising fungal isolates have been taken for fatty acids analysis by gas chromatograph (GC) after transesterification. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile indicated the presence of higher saturated fatty acid fractions compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids. The total concentration of fatty acids was 107.98, 38.29, and 37.48 mg/100g of lipid accumulated by A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus, respectively. Gas chromatograph analysis of A. terreus lipid indicated that oleic acid (C18:1, 18.51%) was the most abundant fatty acid, followed by stearic acid (C18:0, 15.91%) and Myristic acid (C14:0, 14.64%), respectively. Therefore, fatty acid profile of A. terreus has confirmed its potentiality as feedstock for producing lipid for biodiesel manufacturing.
Sensitivity of HIV Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits in Detecting HIV-2 in HIV Care and Support Centres in Ghana
Authors: Offih Hanna Antwiwaa , Adjei David Nana , Agyemang Seth , Abana Christopher Zen , Martin-Odoom Alexander 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAmong Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected people in Ghana, the prevalence of HIV-2 is low compared with HIV-1. There is a paucity of reliable data on HIV-2 prevalence in Ghana which may justify targeted routine HIV-2 testing for all people for whom HIV-1 testing is required. Prevention and treatment of AIDS depends on accurate laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection. HIV Rapid diagnostic Test (RDT) kits are the preferred preliminary screening assay type in many resource-constrained countries. The study sought to determine whether the RDT kits used in screening for HIV positive patients are missing capturing HIV-2 in the patients.MethodsVenous blood was aseptically collected from 100 HIV-1 infected patients reporting to the Fevers Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for antiretroviral therapy. Using Plasma the HIV 1 status was reassessed with Oraquick® Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 kit, First Response HIV-1-2 RDT kit and Multisure MP Diagnostics, the RDTs in use at the care and support centre. ResultsOf the 100 patients previously determined as HIV-1 positive at the HIV Care and Support Centre, 88 tested positive for HIV-1, 10 tested positive for HIV-1 & 2, 2 tested negative and no patient tested positive for HIV-2 using First Response RDT kit and Multisure RDT kit, and OraQuick kit which gave qualitative results of 98 positives and 2 negatives. The twelve (12) samples with different study results from the known, prior to the study(10 HIV 1& 2 and 2 negative), were subjected to confirmatory test at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) with INNO-LIA HIV Score kit, a standard confirmatory protocol. When INNO-LIA HIV Score kit was used as confirmatory test for the 12 samples, 9 tested positive for HIV-1, one patient tested negative and two patients tested positive for HIV-2.ConclusionAll the rapid diagnostic test kits in use missed classifying the two samples correctly as HIV-2 infection.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Deliver Exogenous miR-105-5p via Small Extracellular Vesicles to Rejuvenate Senescent Nucleus Pulposus Cells and Attenuate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Sun Yongjin , Zhang Wenzhi , Li Xu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) have emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, drawbacks of MSCs, including invasive access, donor age, and limited proliferative capacity, hinder the quantity and quality of MSC-sEVs. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs (iMSCs) provide an indefinite source of MSCs with well-defined phenotype and function. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of sEVs derived from iMSC (iMSC-sEVs) on IVDD and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: IVDD models were established by puncturing tail disc in rats. Then iMSC-sEVs was injected into the punctured discs. The degeneration of punctured discs was assessed by MRI, HE and Immunofluorescence staining. In vitro, age-related phenotypes were used to determine the effects of iMSC-sEVs on senescent nucleus pulposus cells NPCs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Sirt6. miRNA sequencing analysis was used to find miRNAs that potentially mediate the activation of Sirt6.Results: After intradiscally injecting iMSC-sEVs, NPC senescence and IVDD were significantly improved. In vitro, iMSC-sEVs could rejuvenate senescent NPCs and restore the age-related function by activating the Sirt6 pathway. Further microRNA sequence analysis showed that miR-105-5p was highly enriched in iMSC-sEVs and played a pivotal role in iMSC-sEVs-mediated therapeutic effect by downregulating the level of the cAMP-specific hydrolase PDE4D and could lead to Sirt6 activation.Conclusion: iMSC-sEVs could rejuvenate the senescence of NPCs and attenuate the development of IVDD. iMSC-sEVs exerted their anti-aging effects by delivering miR-105-5p to senescent NPCs and activating the Sirt6 pathway. Our findings indicate that iMSCs are a promising candidate MSC for obtaining sEVs on a large scale while avoiding several defects related to the present applications of MSCs, and that iMSC-sEVs could be a novel cell-free therapeutic tool for the treatment of IVDD.
An Akan Translation, Validation and Reliability of a Questionnaire for assessing Awareness of Ghanaian Women on Prostate Cancer.
Authors: Wiafe Ebenezer , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Bangalee Varsha , Oosthuizen Frasia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aims: The study aimed to: (1) adopt, modify and develop a questionnaire suitable for data collection on prostate cancer in the female population, (2) translate the questionnaire into the Akan language, and (3) conduct a validity and reliability analysis on the Akan questionnaire.Methods: An English version questionnaire was developed and adequately translated into an Akan version according to the forward and backward translation protocols. The Akan questionnaire went through translator-approval and certification. Validity and reliability analysis were performed on the questionnaire. Statistical analysis for face validity involved the determination of average scores while content validity involved the determination of the content validity index. Regarding reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for the test and retest periods of study.Results: A forty-five (45) membered Akan questionnaire was successfully developed and certified. The average scores for all parameters employed in the face validation were greater than 4. The content validity index was within the range of 0.90 - 0.99 while the Cronbach’s alpha for both test periods was within the range of 0.7808 - 0.9209.Conclusion: The Akan questionnaire had acceptable validity and reliability outcome. Therefore, the questionnaire was considered appropriate for assessing knowledge, awareness, and perception of Ghanaian women of prostate cancer.
The Association between Visual Attention and Body Movement-Controlled Video Games Balance and Mobility in Older Adults
Authors: Alghamdi Mansour , Vallis Lori Ann , Leat Susan Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Body movement-controlled video games involving physical motion and visual attention may have the potential to train both abilities simultaneously. Our purpose was to determine the associations between performance in these games and visual attention, balance and mobility in a group of older adults. The long-term goal is to identify the optimal type of interactive games with regards to training potential.
Methods

Fifty healthy adults aged 65 + years participated in this cross-sectional study. Visual attention was measured with static and dynamic versions of a useful field of view (UFV) and a multiple object tracking (MOT) test. Balance was measured with a force plate in bi-pedal quiet stance test (QST) and one-legged stance (OLST). Gait variability and walking speed were assessed with the Five Meter Walk Test (5MWT). Four Microsoft™ Xbox® 360 Kinect™ interactive video games were chosen based on the apparent levels of visual attention demand.
Results

Visual attention (UFV and MOT) was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with performance in Xbox® Kinect™ games that appeared to have a high visual attention demand, while there was minimal or no significant association with games with apparent low visual attention demand. Balance and mobility show some correlations with visual attention, and with Xbox games.
Conclusion

The results suggest that there are relationships between visual attention, balance, mobility and Xbox® Kinect™ game performance. Since different Xbox® games were associated with different balance, mobility and visual attention scores, a variety of such games may be most effective for training for falls prevention.