bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of developmental diet on reproduction and metabolism in Drosophila
Authors: Klepsatel Peter , Knoblochová Diana , Girish Thirnahalli Nagaraj , Dircksen Heinrich , Gáliková Martina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The adaptive significance of phenotypic changes elicited by environmental conditions experienced early in life has long attracted attention in evolutionary biology. In this study, we used Drosophila melanogaster to test whether the developmental diet produces phenotypes better adapted to cope with similar nutritional conditions later in life. To discriminate among competing hypotheses on the underlying nature of developmental plasticity, we employed a full factorial design with several developmental and adult diets. Specifically, we examined the effects of early- and late-life diets (by varying their yeast and sugar contents) on reproductive fitness and on the amount of energy reserves (fat and glycogen) in two wild-caught populations.

Results
We found that individuals that had developed on either low-yeast or high-sugar diet showed decreased reproductive performance regardless of their adult nutritional environment. The lower reproductive fitness might be caused by smaller body size and reduced ovariole number. Overall, these results are consistent with the silver spoon concept, which posits that development in a suboptimal environment negatively affects fitness-associated traits. On the other hand, the higher amount of energy reserves (fat) in individuals that had developed in a suboptimal environment might represent either an adaptive response or a side-effect of compensatory feeding.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the observed differences in the adult physiology induced by early-life diet likely result from inevitable and general effects of nutrition on the development of reproductive and metabolic organs, rather than from adaptive mechanisms.
Characterization of two MHC II genes (DOB, DRB) in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Ivy-Israel Natascha M. D. , Moore Carolyn E. , Schwartz Tonia S. , Ditchkoff Stephen S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is responsible for detecting and addressing foreign pathogens inside the body. While the general structure of MHC genes is relatively well conserved among mammalian species, it is notably different among ruminants due to a chromosomal inversion that splits MHC type II genes into two subregions (IIa, IIb). Recombination rates are reportedly high between these subregions, and a lack of linkage has been documented in domestic ruminants. However, no study has yet examined the degree of linkage between these subregions in a wild ruminant. The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a popular ruminant of the Cervidae family, is habitually plagued by pathogens in its natural environment (e.g. Haemonchus contortus, Elaeophora). Due to the association between MHC haplotypes and disease susceptibility, a deeper understanding of MHC polymorphism and linkage between MHC genes can further aid in this species’ successful management. We sequenced MHC-DRB exon 2 (IIa) and MHC-DOB exon 2 (IIb) on the MiSeq platform from an enclosed white-tailed deer population located in Alabama.

Results
We identified 12 new MHC-DRB alleles, and resampled 7 alleles, which along with other published alleles brings the total number of documented alleles in white-tailed deer to 30 for MHC-DRB exon 2. The first examination of MHC-DOB in white-tailed deer found significantly less polymorphism (11 alleles), as was expected of a non-classical MHC gene. While MHC-DRB was found to be under positive, diversifying selection, MHC-DOB was found to be under purifying selection for white-tailed deer. We found no significant linkage disequilibrium between MHC-DRB and MHC-DOB, suggesting that these loci are unlikely to be closely linked.

Conclusions
Overall, this study identified 12 new MHC-DRB exon 2 alleles and characterized a new, non-classical, MHC II gene (MHC-DOB) for white-tailed deer. We also found a lack of significant linkage between these two loci, which supports previous findings of a chromosomal inversion within the MHC type II gene region in ruminants, and suggests that white-tailed deer may have a recombination hotspot between these MHC regions similar to that found for Bos taurus.
Population structure, genetic diversity, and selective signature of Chaka sheep revealed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Cheng Jie , Zhao Huangqing , Chen Ningbo , Cao Xiukai , Hanif Quratulain , Pi Li , Hu Linyong , Chaogetu Buren , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Chaka sheep, named after Chaka Salt Lake, are adapted to a harsh, highly saline environment. They are known for their high-grade meat quality and are a valuable genetic resource in China. Furthermore, the Chaka sheep breed has been designated a geographical symbol of agricultural products by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.

Results
The genomes of 10 Chaka sheep were sequenced using next-generation sequencing, and compared to that of additional Chinese sheep breeds (Mongolian: Bayinbuluke and Tan; Tibetan: Oula sheep) to explore its population structure, genetic diversity and positive selection signatures. Principle component analysis and a neighbor-joining tree indicated that Chaka sheep significantly diverged from Bayinbuluke, Tan, and Oula sheep. Moreover, they were found to have descended from unique ancestors (K = 2 and K = 3) according to the structure analysis. The Chaka sheep genome demonstrated comparable genetic diversity from the other three breeds, as indicated by observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), runs of homozygosity (ROH), linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay. The enrichment analysis revealed that in contrast to Mongolian or Tibetan lineage groups, the genes annotated by specific missense mutations of Chaka sheep were enriched with muscle structure development (GO:0061061) factors including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF3), histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9), transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2), and calpain 3 (CAPN3), among others. A genome-wide scan using Fst and XP-CLR revealed a list of muscle-related genes, including neurofibromin 1 (NF1) and myomesin 1 (MYOM1), under potential selection in Chaka sheep compared with other breeds.

Conclusions
The comprehensive genome-wide characterization provided the fundamental footprints for breeding and management of the Chaka sheep and confirmed that they harbor unique genetic resources.
The alcohol dehydrogenase gene family in sugarcane and its involvement in cold stress regulation
Authors: Su Weihua , Ren Yongjuan , Wang Dongjiao , Su Yachun , Feng Jingfang , Zhang Chang , Tang Hanchen , Xu Liping , Muhammad Khushi , Que Youxiong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) in plants are encoded by a multigene family. ADHs participate in growth, development, and adaptation in many plant species, but the evolution and function of the ADH gene family in sugarcane is still unclear.

Results
In the present study, 151 ADH genes from 17 species including 32 ADH genes in Saccharum spontaneum and 6 ADH genes in modern sugarcane cultivar R570 were identified. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated two groups of ADH genes and suggested that these genes underwent duplication during angiosperm evolution. Whole-genome duplication (WGD)/segmental and dispersed duplications played critical roles in the expansion of ADH family in S. spontaneum and R570, respectively. ScADH3 was cloned and preferentially expressed in response to cold stress. ScADH3 conferred improved cold tolerance in E. coli cells. Ectopic expression showed that ScADH3 can also enhance cold tolerance in transgenic tobacco. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leaves of transgenic tobacco was significantly lower than in wild-type tobacco. The transcript levels of ROS-related genes in transgenic tobacco increased significantly. ScADH3 seems to affect cold tolerance by regulating the ROS-related genes to maintain the ROS homeostasis.

Conclusions
This study depicted the size and composition of the ADH gene family in 17 species, and investigated their evolution pattern. Comparative genomics analysis among the ADH gene families of S. bicolor, R570 and S. spontaneum revealed their close evolutionary relationship. Functional analysis suggested that ScADH3, which maintained the steady state of ROS by regulating ROS-related genes, was related to cold tolerance. These findings will facilitate research on evolutionary and functional aspects of the ADH genes in sugarcane, especially for the understanding of ScADH3 under cold stress.
An integrated linkage map of interspecific backcross 2 (BC2) populations reveals QTLs associated with fatty acid composition and vegetative parameters influencing compactness in oil palm
Authors: Yaakub Zulkifli , Kamaruddin Katialisa , Singh Rajinder , Mustafa Suzana , Marjuni Marhalil , Ting Ngoot-Chin , Amiruddin Mohd Din , Leslie Low Eng-Ti , Cheng-Li Ooi Leslie , Sritharan Kandha , Nookiah Rajanaidu , Jansen Johannes , Ong Abdullah Meilina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Molecular breeding has opened new avenues for crop improvement with the potential for faster progress. As oil palm is the major producer of vegetable oil in the world, its improvement, such as developing compact planting materials and altering its oils’ fatty acid composition for wider application, is important.

Results
This study sought to identify the QTLs associated with fatty acid composition and vegetative traits for compactness in the crop. It integrated two interspecific backcross two (BC2) mapping populations to improve the genetic resolution and evaluate the consistency of the QTLs identified. A total 1963 markers (1814 SNPs and 149 SSRs) spanning a total map length of 1793 cM were integrated into a consensus map. For the first time, some QTLs associated with vegetative parameters and carotene content were identified in interspecific hybrids, apart from those associated with fatty acid composition. The analysis identified 8, 3 and 8 genomic loci significantly associated with fatty acids, carotene content and compactness, respectively.

Conclusions
Major genomic region influencing the traits for compactness and fatty acid composition was identified in the same chromosomal region in the two populations using two methods for QTL detection. Several significant loci influencing compactness, carotene content and FAC were common to both populations, while others were specific to particular genetic backgrounds. It is hoped that the QTLs identified will be useful tools for marker-assisted selection and accelerate the identification of desirable genotypes for breeding.
Two glyoxylate reductase isoforms are functionally redundant but required under high photorespiration conditions in rice
Authors: Zhang Zhisheng , Liang Xiu , Lu Lei , Xu Zheng , Huang Jiayu , He Han , Peng Xinxiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The glyoxylate reductase (GR) multigene family has been described in various plant species, their isoforms show different biochemical features in plants. However, few studies have addressed the biological roles of GR isozymes, especially for rice.

Results
Here, we report a detailed analysis of the enzymatic properties and physiological roles of OsGR1 and OsGR2 in rice. The results showed that both enzymes prefer NADPH to NADH as cofactor, and the NADPH-dependent glyoxylate reducing activity represents the major GR activity in various tissues and at different growth stages; and OsGR1 proteins were more abundant than OsGR2, which is also a major contributor to total GR activities. By generating and characterizing various OsGR-genetically modified rice lines, including overexpression, single and double-knockout lines, we found that no phenotypic differences occur among the various transgenic lines under normal growth conditions, while a dwarfish growth phenotype was noticed under photorespiration-promoted conditions.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that OsGR1 and OsGR2, with distinct enzymatic characteristics, function redundantly in detoxifying glyoxylate in rice plants under normal growth conditions, whereas both are simultaneously required under high photorespiration conditions.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis as a rare dermatologic manifestation of Crohn’s disease mimicking cellulitis: a case report
Authors: Buck Meredith , Dumic Igor , McDermott Wendy , Nordstrom Charles , Dawan Samarth , Virata Andrew , Martin Scott , Hudson Ann , Milovanovic Tamara , Nordin Terri 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is an immune-complex mediated vasculitis characterized by neutrophilic inflammation and nuclear debris in post capillary venules. LCV is a rare dermatologic manifestation of Crohn’s disease (CD) and may occur with the onset of the disease or any time after the diagnosis including the period of exacerbation.

Case presentation
We present a 70 year old woman with history of psoriasis and treatment refractory CD requiring monoclonal antibody therapy with ustekinumab. One month prior to the current admission, she developed abdominal pain, worsening diarrhea and was diagnosed with CD exacerbation for which she was given ustekinumab. While her abdominal symptoms mildly improved with ustekinumab, she developed new bilateral lower extremity rash initially treated with levofloxacin for presumed cellulitis. The rash consisted of mild erythematous, non-scaling patches with scattered non-palpable petechiae on the lower extremities with subsequent involvement of abdomen, lower back and buttocks. Abdominal exam showed diffuse tenderness without mass, guarding or rebound while reminder of physical exam was unremarkable. Following the failure of antimicrobial therapy, she was diagnosed with LCV by skin biopsy. Complete work up was negative for infectious, malignant and inflammatory etiologies of LCV. Patient improved with increased dose of budesonide and subsequently continued to tolerate ustekinumab without recurrence of LCV.

Discussion and conclusion
LCV is a rare form of vasculitis and one of the rarest dermatologic manifestations of CD, appearing at any stage of the disease. LCV has been associated with autoimmune diseases, infections, specific drugs (levofloxacin, ustekinumab), and malignancy. Clinical presentation of LCV is variable and frequently mistaken for cellulitis. LCV should be considered in differential diagnosis of bilateral lower extremity rash in patients with CD after infectious, malignant and auto-immune/inflammatory etiologies are excluded. Unlike erythema nodosum (EN) and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), LCV requires biopsy for diagnosis. Most patients respond well to steroids without scarring.
Expression of tumor pyruvate kinase M2 isoform in plasma and stool of patients with colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
Authors: Rigi Farideh , Jannatabad Aliakbar , Izanloo Azra , Roshanravan Reza , Hashemian Hamid Reza , Kerachian Mohammad Amin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Tumor pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (tM2-PK), which is an isoform of PK-glycolytic enzyme and appears on the surface of cancerous proliferating cells, has been used as a diagnostic biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the tM2-PK measurement test for the diagnosis of CRCs and adenomatous polyps in plasma and stool samples in an Iranian population.

Methods
In this prospective study, a total of 226 stool and 178 plasma samples were received from patients referred to colonoscopy units. tM2-PK enzyme was measured using two separate ScheBo-Biotech-AG ELISA kits for stool and plasma samples.

Results
According to ROC curves, in the tumor group, at the cut-off value of 4 U/ml, the sensitivity of fecal tM2-PK test was 100% and the specificity was 68%, and in the polyp group, the sensitivity and specificity were 87 and 68%, respectively. For tumor detection in plasma specimens, a cut-off value > 25 U/ml has a sensitivity and specificity of 90.9 and 91.3%, respectively. Similarly, for polyp detection, a cut-off value > 19 U/ml has a sensitivity of 96.3% and the specificity of 85.5%.

Conclusions
Based on our results, a cut-off range of 4.8–8 U/ml and >  8 U/ml could be used to detect polyp and tumor in stool samples, respectively. Similarly, a cut-off range of 19–25 U/ml and > 25 U/ml is recommended in plasma samples, suggesting tM2-PK test as a non-invasive assay to diagnose CRC and adenomatous polyps.
Cystinosis beyond kidneys: gastrointestinal system and muscle involvement
Authors: Topaloglu Rezan , Gültekingil Ayşe , Gülhan Bora , Ozaltin Fatih , Demir Hülya , Çiftci Türkmen , Demir Numan , Temucin Çağrı Mesut , Yuce Aysel , Akhan Okhan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Cystinosis is a multisystemic disease resulting from cystine accumulation primarily in kidney and many other tissues. We intended to study the evolution of less commonly seen extrarenal complications of cystinosis in a group of patients who have periods without cysteamine treatment.

Methods
Gastrointestinal and muscular complications of cystinosis were studied in a group of 21 patients.

Results
Twenty one patients were included in the study. Among them, 14 were homozygous and 3 were compound heterozygous for CTNS mutations. The median age of diagnosis was 15 months (range; 5 months-14 years) and the mean age at last visit was 11.3 ± 6.5 years. Nine patients (42%) had end stage renal disease at a mean age of 10.6 years (6.5–17 years). Abdominal ultrasonography and portal vein doppler ultrasonography were performed in19 patients, 14 of them (74%) had hepatomegaly, 10 patients (53%) had granular pattern or heterogeneity of liver. Only one patient had high transaminase levels and liver biopsy showed cystine crystals in the liver. Eleven patients (58%) had borderline or increased portal vein minimum and maximum flow velocities. One patient had CK level of 9024 U/L and electromyographic study showed active myopathic involvement. Two patients were found to have gastroesaphageal reflux only and 4 patients were found to have esophageal remnants in addition to reflux.

Conclusions
In addition to renal functions, extrarenal organs may be affected from cystine accumulation even in childhood, especially in patients who are incompliant to treatment, resulting in complications such as swallowing difficulty, hepatomegaly and portal hypertension.
Accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity in relation to extraversion and neuroticism: a cross-sectional analysis of two studies
Authors: Kekäläinen Tiia , Laakkonen Eija K. , Terracciano Antonio , Savikangas Tiina , Hyvärinen Matti , Tammelin Tuija H. , Rantalainen Timo , Törmäkangas Timo , Kujala Urho M. , Alen Markku , Kovanen Vuokko , Sipilä Sarianna , Kokko Katja 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Personality reflects relatively stable and pervasive tendencies in feeling, thinking and behaving. While previous studies have found higher extraversion and lower neuroticism to be linked to higher self-reported physical activity levels, larger studies using accelerometer-measured physical activity are lacking. This study investigated the cross-sectional associations of extraversion and neuroticism with both accelerometer-measured and self-reported physical activity and the role of these personality traits in possible discrepancies between these two measures of physical activity among Finnish adults.

Methods
Two community-dwelling samples were used in this study: a) 47–55-yr-old women (n = 1098) and b) 70–85-yr-old women and men (n = 314). In both samples, extraversion and neuroticism were assessed by the 19-item short form of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Physical activity was assessed with hip-worn tri-axial accelerometers and self-reported questions. Regression analyses were adjusted by age, BMI and education.

Results
In the middle-aged women, neuroticism was negatively associated with accelerometer-measured leisure time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β = −.07, p = .036) and with self-reported physical activity (β = −.08, p = .021), while extraversion was positively associated with self-reported physical activity (β = .10, p = .005). No associations of extraversion or neuroticism with physical activity were found in the older men and women. Older adults who scored high in neuroticism reported less physical activity than what was measured by accelerometers (β = −.12, p = .039). Extraversion was not associated with discrepancy between self-reported and accelerometer-measured leisure time physical activity in either sample.

Conclusions
Neuroticism was associated with lower leisure-time physical activity levels and extraversion with higher self-reported physical activity among middle-aged women. Neuroticism and extraversion were unrelated to physical activity among older adults, but older adults with high neuroticism seemed to underreport their physical activity level. The role of personality in the discrepancy between self-reported and device-based physical activity warrants further research.
Clinical characteristics of 276 hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Zengdu District, Hubei Province: a single-center descriptive study
Authors: Wei Yiping , Zeng Weibiao , Huang Xiangyun , Li Junyu , Qiu Xingting , Li Huadong , Liu Dinghua , He Zhaofeng , Yao Wenzhong , Huang Ping , Li Chao , Zhu Min , Zhong Chunlan , Zhu Xingen , Liu Jiansheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
We aimed to report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in Zengdu District, Hubei Province, China.

Methods
Clinical data on COVID-19 inpatients in Zengdu Hospital from January 27 to March 11, 2020 were collected; this is a community hospital in an area surrounding Wuhan and supported by volunteer doctors. All hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. The epidemiological findings, clinical features, laboratory findings, radiologic manifestations, and clinical outcomes of these patients were analyzed. The patients were followed up for clinical outcomes until March 22, 2020. Severe COVID-19 cases include severe and critical cases diagnosed according to the seventh edition of China’s COVID-19 diagnostic guidelines. Severe and critical COVID-19 cases were diagnosed according to the seventh edition of China’s COVID-19 diagnostic guidelines.

Results
All hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 276 (median age: 51.0 years), were enrolled, including 262 non-severe and 14 severe patients. The proportion of patients aged over 60 years was higher in the severe group (78.6%) than in the non-severe group (18.7%, p < 0.01). Approximately a quarter of the patients (24.6%) had at least one comorbidity, such as hypertension, diabetes, or cancer, and the proportion of patients with comorbidities was higher in the severe group (85.7%) than in the non-severe group (21.4%, p < 0.01). Common symptoms included fever (82.2% [227/276]) and cough (78.0% [218/276]). 38.4% (106/276) of the patients had a fever at the time of admission. Most patients (94.9% [204/276]) were cured and discharged; 3.6% (10/276) deteriorated to a critical condition and were transferred to another hospital. The median COVID-19 treatment duration and hospital stay were 14.0 and 18.0 days, respectively.

Conclusions
Most of the COVID-19 patients in Zengdu had mild disease. Older patients with underlying diseases were at a higher risk of progression to severe disease. The length of hospital-stay and antiviral treatment duration for COVID-19 were slightly longer than those in Wuhan. This work will contribute toward an understanding of COVID-19 characteristics in the areas around the core COVID-19 outbreak region and serve as a reference for decision-making for epidemic prevention and control in similar areas.