bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symbiotic Microbiome Staphylococcus Aureus from Human Nasal Mucus Modulates IL-33-Mediated Type 2 Immune Responses in Allergic Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Jeon Yung Jin , Gil Chan Hee , Won Jina , Jo Ara , Kim Hyun Jik 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The host-microbial commensalism can shapes the innate immune responses in respiratory mucosa and nasal microbiome also modulates front-line immune mechanism in the nasal mucosa. Inhaled allergens encounter the host immune system first in the nasal mucosa, and microbial characteristics of nasal mucus directly impact the mechanisms of initial allergic responses in nasal epithelium. However, the roles of the nasal microbiome in allergic nasal mucosa remain uncertain. We sought to determine the distribution of nasal microbiomes in allergic nasal mucosa and elucidate the interplay between nasal microbiome Staphylococcus species and Th2 cytokines in allergic rhinitis (AR) models.Results Staphylococcus aureus (AR-SA) and S. epidermidis (AR-SE) were isolated from the nasal mucosa of patients with AR. The influence of nasal microbiome Staphylococcus species on allergic nasal mucosa was also tested with in vitro and in vivo AR models. Pyrosequencing data showed that colonization by S. epidermidis and S. aureus was more dominant in nasal mucus of AR subjects. The mRNA and protein levels of IL-33 and TSLP were significantly higher in AR nasal epithelial (ARNE) cells which were cultured from nasal mucosa of AR subjects, and exposure of ARNE cells to AR-SA reduced IL-33 mRNA and secreted protein levels. Particularly, OVA-driven AR mice inoculated with AR-SA by intranasal delivery exhibited significantly reduced IL-33 in their nasal mucosa. In the context of these results, allergic symptoms and Th2 cytokine levels were significantly downregulated after intranasal inoculation of AR-SA in vivo AR mice.Conclusion Colonization by Staphylococcus species was more dominant in allergic nasal mucosa, and nasal commensal S. aureus from subjects with AR mediates anti-allergic effects by modulating IL-33-dependent Th2 inflammation. The results demonstrate the role of host-bacterial commensalism in shaping human allergic inflammation.
Experience of Emergency Medical Services Response to Arasbaran Earthquakes in 2012: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Poueaghaei Mahboub , Babaie Javad , Saeed Laleh Rad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background One of the most important concerns in responding to disasters is providing Basic Life Support (BLS) services to injuries. Considering the key role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in providing BLS, the purpose of this study is to investigate the experience of provincial EMS's response to the Arasbaran twin earthquakes and its challenges in 2012 in Iran.Methods In this qualitative content analysis, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and semi-structured in-depth interviews with purposefully-selected EMS paramedics and officers in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. To form the main categories, the interviews were encoded in three stages and the similar codes were placed under the same subcategories and merged.Results A total of 26 EMS paramedics and officers participated in the study. The codes extracted from their interviews were divided into ten categories, including; the lack of preparedness and coordination, dead bodies' management challenges, responders’ psychosocial support, deficiencies in supplies and ambulances, difficulty of access to rural areas, volunteer management, non-documentation of the experiences, communication challenges, recalling and deploying of EMS responders.Conclusion According to the findings, EMS timely response and paramedic's sense of responsibility for providing services were a positive point about the EMS operations. The weaknesses of the system should therefore be addressed through transferring of experiences and by planning and arranging training courses.
Molecular-Based Cross-Species Evaluation of Bovine Coronavirus Infection in Cattle, Sheep and Goats in Ghana.
Authors: Burimuah Vitus , Sylverken Augustina , Owusu Michael , El-Duah Philip , Yeboah Richmond , Lamptey Jones , Frimpong Yaw Oppong , Agbenyega Olivia , Folitse Raphael , Emikpe Ben , Tasiame William , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Oppong Samuel , Antwi Christopher , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Drosten Christian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Apart from the huge worldwide economic losses often occasioned by bovine coronavirus (BCoV) to the livestock industry particularly cattle, continuous surveillance of the virus in cattle and small ruminants is essential in monitoring variations in the virus that could enhance host switching.Methods: In this study, we collected rectal swabs from a total of 1,498 cattle, sheep and goats. BCoV detection was based on reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Sanger sequencing of the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region for postive samples were done and nucleotide sequences were compared with homologous sequences from the GenBank.Results: The study reports a BCoV prevalence of 0.3% consisting of 4 positive cases; 3 goats and 1 cattle. Bayesian majority-rule cladogram comparing partial and full length BCoV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes obtained in the study to data from the GenBank revealed that the sequences obtained from this study formed one large monophyletic group with those from different species and countries. The goat sequences were similar to each other and clustered within the same clade. No major variations were thus observed with our isolates and those from elsewhere.Conclusion: Given that Ghana predominantly practice the extensive and semi-intensive systems of animal rearing, our study highlights the potential for spillover of BCoV to small ruminants in settings with mixed husbandry and limited separation between species. Continuous surveillance of BCoV in the country is thus critical to avert future surge and probable increase in host range.
The prevalence and mechanism of triclosan resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from urine samples in Wenzhou, China
Authors: Zeng Weiliang , Xu Wenya , Xu Ye , Liao Wenli , Zhao Yajie , Zheng Xiangkuo , Xu Chunquan , Zhou Tieli , Cao Jianming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Widespread use of triclosan has been reported to cause its residue in urine, which provides an environment of long-term exposure to triclosan for intestinal Escherichia coli. We aimed to determine the triclosan and antibiotic resistance characteristics of Escherichia coli strains isolated from urine, and further investigate the resistance mechanism and molecular epidemic characteristics of triclosan resistant Escherichia coli isolates.
Methods
A total of 200 non-repetitive E. coli strains from urine samples were obtained and identified. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of triclosan and antibiotics, fabI mutation, efflux pump activity, expression of 14 efflux pump encoding genes and epidemiological characteristics were detected with agar dilution method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) inhibition test, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in all triclosan resistant isolates. Furthermore, we also investigated the effect of triclosan exposure in vitro on resistance in susceptible strains by serial passage experiment.
Results
Of 200 E. coli isolates, 2.5% (n = 5) were resistant to triclosan, multidrug resistance (MDR) and cross-resistance phenotypes were observed in these resistant strains, but not in susceptible strains. We did not observe any sense mutations within fabI gene in triclosan resistant strains. Moreover, except DC8603, all the others enhanced efflux pumps activity. Compared with ATCC 25922, except fabI, increased expression were also found in efflux pump encoding genes ydcV, ydcU, ydcS, ydcT, cysP, yihV, acrB, acrD and mdfA in studied strains with different PFGE patterns and STs types. Surprised, 5 susceptible E. coli isolates increased rapidly triclosan resistance only 4 days after exposure to subinhibitory triclosan concentration in vitro.
Conclusions
Our study is the first to be reported that short-term triclosan exposure in vitro increases triclosan resistance in susceptible E. coli isolates. Once strains have acquired resistance, they usually present MDR or cross-resistance phenotypes. Besides, our findings indicate that triclosan resistance were mainly involved by fabI overexpression in E. coli, and there was a close association between overexpression of efflux pumps with triclosan resistance.
Neural Defects Caused by Total and Wnt1-Cre Mediated Ablation of p120ctn in Mice
Authors: Pieters Tim , Sanders Ellen , Tian Huiyu , Hengel Jolanda van , Roy Frans Van 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background p120 catenin (p120ctn) is an important component in the cadherin-catenin cell adhesion complex because it stabilizes cadherin-mediated intercellular junctions. Outside these junctions, p120ctn is actively involved in the regulation of small GTPases of the Rho family, in actomyosin dynamics and in transcription regulation. We and others reported that loss of p120ctn in mouse embryos results in an embryonic lethal phenotype, but the exact developmental role of p120ctn during brain formation has not been reported.Results We used Cre/loxP technology to achieve full or tissue-specific deletion of p120ctn in the developing embryo. We combined floxed p120ctn mice with Del-Cre or Wnt1-Cre mice to deplete p120ctn from either all cells or specific brain and neural crest cells. Complete loss of p120ctn in mid-gestation embryos resulted in an aberrant morphology, including growth retardation, failure to switch from lordotic to fetal posture, and defective neural tube formation and neurogenesis. By expressing a wild-type p120ctn from the ROSA26 locus in p120ctn-null mouse embryonic stem cells, we could recapitulate neurogenesis and partially rescue neurogenesis. To further investigate the developmental role of p120ctn in neural tube formation, we generated conditional p120ctnfl/fl;Wnt1Cre knockout mice. p120ctn deletion in Wnt1-expressing cells resulted in neural tube closure defects (NTDs) and craniofacial abnormalities. These defects could not be correlated with misregulation of brain marker genes or cell proliferation. In contrast, we found that p120ctn is required for proper expression of the cell adhesion components N-cadherin, E-cadherin and β-catenin, and of actin-binding proteins cortactin and Shroom3 at the apical side of neural folds. This region is of critical importance for closure of neural folds. Surprisingly, the lateral side of mutant neural folds showed loss of p120ctn, but not of N-cadherin, β-catenin or cortactin.Conclusions These results indicate that p120ctn is strictly required for neurogenesis and neurulation. Elimination of p120ctn in cells expressing Wnt1 affects neural tube closure by hampering correct formation of specific adhesion and actomyosin complexes at the apical side of neural folds. Collectively, our results demonstrate the crucial role of p120ctn during brain morphogenesis.
Rosiglitazone Protects Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity Following Ischemic Stroke by Reducing MMP-9 Expression Through a Caveolin-1-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Huang Qianyi , Zhong Wei , Yi Xia , Qin Zhen , Tang Xiangqi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a widely used antidiabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Recent work have shown that RSG can up-regulate caveolin-1 levels and ameliorate both chronic and acute brain injury. However, whether rosiglitazone can ameliorate ischemic injury in the brain via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway remains unknown.
Methods

Adult male sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, rosiglitazone group and rosiglitazone + daidzein group. The rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established using the suture method, with ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 22 hours. Neurological deficits were evaluated by the methods of Longa’s standard scoring. Cerebral infarction volume was observed by staining with 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Evans blue content reflects BBB permeability. The expressions of caveolin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and occludin were detected by immunofluorescent staining and western blot.
Results

In this study, we found that the expression of caveolin-1 was increased in a rat model of stroke, and treatment with RSG significantly increased the levels of caveolin-1, reduced the release of MMP-9, and increased the expression of occludin. On the other hand, a caveolin-1 inhibitor daidzein canceled the protective roles of RSG in the MCAO model.
Conclusions

These data unveil that RSG might protect blood-brain barrier integrity by down-regulating the levels of MMP-9 via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway.
Analysis of the Clinical Features of Critical Obstetric Cases After the "Two-Child Policy" was Fully Implemented
Authors: FU Lanyong , Ge Qinggang , Wang Yongqing , Gu Xunke , Ye Shenglong , Yan Xin , Zhao Xueqing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: To analyse the changes in the clinical features of critical obstetric cases after the "two-child policy" was fully implemented. Study Design: Retrospective analysis was used. Results: In the study group, the percentage of pregnant women who were older (35~40 years (27.8% vs 26.8%), over 40 years (8.6% vs 5.7%)), and multipara (67.8% vs 47.8%). The major diagnoses for intensive care unit transfer were postpartum haemorrhage. In the two groups, the prevalence of WHO near-miss criteria critical scores was 83.5% vs 76.6%. ICU hospitalization time (2.8 days vs 4 days) and total hospitalization time (12 days vs 15 days). In the study group, the number cases with blood loss below 3000 ml was higher than that in the control group (47.3% vs 30.6%). The number of cases with blood transfusion volume greater than 2000 ml was lower than that in the control group (39.8% vs 60.5%). Postpartum haemorrhage was mainly due to placental previa/placental implantation and was significantly increased in the study group (61.6% vs. 44.2%,), and the prevalence was higher in individuals who underwent hysterectomy (31.5% vs. 24.2%). Conclusion: Under the new policy, the epidemiological characteristics of critical obstetric cases should be considered, and the effective critical care score should take into account not only the utilization rate, turnover rate and length of stay in the ICU but also the economic benefits, planned blood use, length of stay and cost of stay to minimize the incidence of critical cases and reduce maternal mortality.
Intraventricular IL-17A Administration Activates Microglia and Alters Their Localization in the Mouse Embryo Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Sasaki Tetsuya , Tome Saki , Takei Yosuke 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Viral infection during pregnancy has been suggested to increase the probability of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring via the phenomenon of maternal immune activation (MIA). This has been modeled in rodents. Maternal T helper 17 cells and the effector cytokine, interleukin 17A (IL-17A), play a central role in MIA-induced behavioral abnormalities and cortical dysgenesis, termed cortical patch. However, it is unclear how IL-17A acts on fetal brain cells to cause ASD pathologies. To assess the effect of IL-17A on cortical development, we directly administered IL-17A into the lateral ventricles of the fetal mouse brain. We analyzed injected brains focusing on microglia, which express IL-17A receptors. We found that IL-17A activated microglia and altered their localization in the cerebral cortex. Our data indicate that IL-17A activates cortical microglia, which leads to a cascade of ASD-related brain pathologies, including excessive phagocytosis of neural progenitor cells in the ventricular zone.
The cartilage degeneration in a growing rat experimental model of developmental trochlear dysplasia is associated with activation of PI3K/AKT signal pathway
Authors: Lin Wei , Dai Yike , Niu Jinghui , Fan Chongyi , Feng Xunkai , Wang Fei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
As one of the lower extremity deformities in human, trochlear dysplasia is a commonly encountered disease. However, the molecular mechanism of cartilage degeneration in trochlear dysplasia is indefinite yet. It was apparent to all that PI3K/AKT signal pathway is extremely significant in regulating the pathophysiological process of cartilage degeneration. The purpose of this research is to discuss the correlation between PI3K/AKT signal pathway and trochlear dysplasia cartilage degeneration.
Materials and methods
120 female Sprague-Dawley rats at 4 weeks of age were separate into control group and experimental group randomly. The distal femurs were isolated from the experimental and unsurgeried control group at the point of the 4, 8, 12 weeks, correspondingly. Micro-CT and histological examination were carried out to investigate the anatomical structure and cartilage changes of the trochlear. Subsequently, the expression of PI3K/AKT, TGFβ1 and ADAMTS-4 in cartilage were investigated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results
In the experimental group, the trochlear dysplasia model was successfully established at 8 weeks after surgery. Moreover, the cartilage degeneration was found from 8 weeks, with continued higher protein and mRNA expression of PI3K/AKT, TGFβ1 and ADAMTS-4 compared with the control group.
Conclusions
This research suggested that patellar instability may lead to trochlear dysplasia in growing rats. Moreover, trochlear dysplasia was probably one of the causes of patellofemoral osteoarthritis and the cartilage degeneration in trochlear dysplasia might be associate with activation of PI3K/AKT signal pathway. However, more research was required to clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Genetic profile of African Swine Fever Virus Responsible for the 2019 Outbreak in Northern Malawi
Authors: Hakizimana J.N. , Kamwendo G. , Chulu J.L.C. , Kamana O. , Nauwynck H.J. , Misinzo G. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious transboundary animal disease which causes high mortality, approaching 100% in domestic pigs and it is currently considered as the most serious constraint to domestic pig industry and food security globally. Despite regular ASF outbreaks within Malawi, few studies have genetically characterized the causative ASF virus (ASFV). This study aimed at genetic characterization of ASFV responsible for the 2019 outbreak in northern Malawi. The disease confirmation was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by molecular characterization of the causative ASFV by partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the B646L (p72) gene, nucleotide alignment of the intergenic region (IGR) between I73R and I329L genes and translation of the central variable region (CVR) coded by B602L gene.Results All thirteen samples collected during this study in Karonga district in September 2019 were ASFV-positive and after partial genome sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the B646L (p72) gene, the viruses clustered into ASFV p72 genotype II. The viruses characterized in this study lacked a GAATATATAG fragment between the I173R and the I329L genes and were classified as IGR I variants. Furthermore, the tetrameric amino acid repeats within the CVR of the B602L gene of the 2019 Malawian ASFV reported in this study had the signature BNDBNDBNAA, 100% similar to ASFV responsible for the 2013 and 2017 ASF outbreaks in Zambia and Tanzania, respectively.Conclusions The results of this study confirms an ASF outbreak in Karonga district in northern Malawi in September 2019. The virus was closely related to other p72 genotype II ASFV that caused outbreaks in neighboring eastern and southern African countries, emphasizing the possible regional transboundary transmission of this ASFV genotype. These findings call for a concerted regional and international effort to control the spread of ASF in order to improve nutritional and food security.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Induced Abortion among Adolescent Female Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro Region, Northern Tanzania.
Authors: Kimbwereza Frank Albert , Nkya Jesca Sael , Mboya Andrew Lelo , Njau Bernard 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Unsafe abortion is a significant problem for adolescent female students and among a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. In Tanzania, abortion is illegal, unless under medical emergencies, thus putting female students with an unwanted pregnancy at higher risk of unsafe abortion, with severe consequences, including death. The study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of induced abortion among adolescent girls in selected secondary schools in Moshi municipality, Kilimanjaro region.Method:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 secondary school girls aged 15–19 years from April-June 2019. Eligible participants were selected by a multistage sampling technique. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software.Results:The mean age of respondents were 16.7(SD 3.7), and 50.6% (n = 173/342; mean knowledge score = 38.9 ± 1.4) had a low level of knowledge on induced abortion. More than half, 55.8% (n = 191/342; mean attitude score = 18.9 ± 1.9) had a negative attitude towards induced abortion. Only, 5.6% (n = 19/342) of respondents had induced abortion from unwanted pregnancy before. The two main reasons of induced abortion were to finish school (26.3%), and fear of parents’ reactions (26.3%).Conclusion:Respondents had poor knowledge of induced abortion and a negative attitude towards induced abortion. Poor knowledge was because of a lack of understanding of the standard definition of induced abortion. Cultural and religious factors mostly influence the negative attitude towards induced abortion. A low proportion of sexually experienced respondents reported unwanted pregnancies and induced abortion. The main reasons for induced abortion are fear of termination from the education system and fear of parents' reactions. Effective adolescent’s reproductive and sexual health intervention is warranted to prevent unwanted pregnancies in this setting.
SNPs in AKIRIN2, TTN, EDG1 and MYBPC1 genes are associated with growth-related traits in Chinese Qinchuan cattle
Authors: Li Yaxing , Cheng Gong , Zhao Yunbo , Bai Chunling , Wang Shenyuan , Wu Kaifeng , Cheng Lixin , Sasaki Seiki , Yamada Takahisa , Zhou Huanmin , Li Guangpeng , Zan Linsen , Tong Bin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Growth performances are the main breeding objectives in Chinese beef cattle. The objective of this study was to confirm genetic effects of the c.*188G > A SNP in AKIRIN2, the g.231054C > T SNP in TTN, the g.1471620G > T SNP in EDG1, and the g.70014208A > G SNP in MYBPC1 gene on growth-related traits in Chinese Qinchuan cattle, as well as to compare the frequencies of the well-characterized alleles of these SNPs among six Chinese cattle populations, three Japanese cattle populations, two European cattle populations and one Korean cattle breed. In this study, a total of 655 cattle samples were genotyped using MassARRAY and PCR-RFLP. Association analysis indicated that the four SNPs have effects one to six indexes of growth-related traits including body length, wither height, hip height, hip width, rump length, chest depth and chest circumference in Chinese Qinchuan cattle (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). The well-characterized A (c.*188G > A), T (g.231054C > T) and T (g.1471620G > T) alleles in Japanese Black cattle were significantly higher than Chinese cattle breeds, on the contrary, the G allele (g.70014208A > G) was markedly higher in Chinese cattle breeds than other cattle breeds. These results suggest that the four SNPs might be useful as a molecular marker for growth-related traits in Chinese Qinchuan cattle.