bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Streptomyces spp. in desert and savanna soils in Sudan
Authors: HAMID Mohamed E , Mahgoub Adil , Osman Abderaham J. , Elhussein Hussein A , Holie Mohammed A.I. , Elhassan Mogahid M , Joseph Martin R.P. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate streptomycete populations in desert and savanna ecozones in Sudan and to identify species diversity on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Results A total of 49 different Streptomyces phenotypes (23 from sites representing the desert and semi-desert zone; 26 representing the Savanna zone) have been included in the study. The isolates were characterized phenotypically and confirmed using 16S rRNA analysis. The two zones showed similarities and uniqueness in the types of isolates. Shared species were: Streptomyces werraensis , S. enissocaesilis, S. leeuwenhoekii –like, but desert zone revealed unique species such as S. griseostramineus, S. chromofuscus –like and S. prasinosporus . Whereas, the savanna zone revealed unique species such as S. albogriseolus, S. djakartensis, S. chilikensis and S. variabilis . Streptomycetes are widely distributed in both desert and the savannah ecozones and most of them require full descriptions. Extending knowledge on Streptomyces communities and their dynamics in different ecological zones for health and production benefits is needed.
Transcriptome sequencing of Saccharina japonica sporophytes during whole developmental periods reveals regulatory networks underlying alginate and mannitol biosynthesis
Authors: Shao Zhanru , Zhang Pengyan , Lu Chang , Liu Shun , Chen Zhihang , Wang Xiuliang , Duan Delin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Alginate is an important cell wall component and mannitol is a soluble storage carbon substance in brown seaweed Saccharina japonica. Their contents vary with kelp developmental periods and harvesting time. Alginate and mannitol regulatory networks and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown.Results: With WGCNA and trend analysis of 20,940 known genes and 4,264 new genes produced from transcriptome sequencing of 30 kelp samples from different stages and tissues, we deduced that ribosomal proteins, light harvesting complex proteins and imm upregulated 3 gene family are closely associated with the meristematic growth and kelp maturity. Moreover, 134 and 6 genes directly involved in the alginate and mannitol metabolism were identified, respectively. Mannose-6-phosphate isomerase (MPI2), phosphomannomutase (PMM1), GDP-mannose 6-dehydrogenase (GMD3) and mannuronate C5-epimerase (MC5E70 and MC5E122) are closely related with the high content of alginate in the distal blade. Mannitol accumulation in the basal blade might be ascribed to high expression of mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (M1PDH1) and mannitol-1-phosphatase (M1Pase) (in biosynthesis direction) and low expression of mannitol-2-dehydrogenase (M2DH) and fructokinase (FK) (in degradation direction). Oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis provide ATP and NADH for mannitol metabolism whereas glycosylated cycle and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle produce GTP for alginate biosynthesis. RNA/protein synthesis and transportation might affect alginate complex polymerization and secretion processes. Cryptochrome (CRY-DASH), xanthophyll cycle, photosynthesis and carbon fixation influence the production of intermediate metabolite of fructose-6-phosphate, contributing to high content of mannitol in the basal blade. Conclusions: The network of co-responsive DNA synthesis, repair and proteolysis are presumed to be involved in alginate polymerization and secretion, while upstream light-responsive reactions are important for mannitol accumulation in meristem of kelp. Our transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the transcriptional regulatory networks underlying the biosynthesis of alginate and mannitol during S. japonica developments.Keywords: Alginate, Mannitol, Transcriptome, Regulatory networks, Growth, Development, Saccharina japonica
Education and marriage synergistically protect oldest old against severe cognitive impairment
Authors: Sun Ning , Jia Rangcheng , Guo Chunyan , Sun Tongda , Dong Xiaoxin , Li Long , Yang Ping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background It is hypothesized that education and marriage are resilience factors protective against senile dementia.Methods We investigated the resilience of elderly persons from dementia by considering the interactions between educational levels and marriage status. Four sociodemographic variables (age, sex, educational level, and marital status) were collected from 1177 elderly Chinese participants, for whom the mini-mental state examination score (MMSE score) was measured and severe cognitive impairment (MMSE score = 0) was identified.Results Lower educational level coupled with being widowed caused a greater risk of severe cognitive impairment (relative risk [RR] 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.82; p < 0.001) for high-age elderly participants (age range: ≥80) than those low-age counterparts (age range: ≥60 and <80). By contrast, higher educational level coupled with being married leveled this age-related risk of cognitive loss (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.65-1.27; p = 0.62). Further findings suggest that synergistically cognitive protection effect for education and marriage was only observed among high-age elderly persons, instead of among low-age ones.Conclusions Being well-educated and being married synergistically protected delayed cognitive function for elderly people. However, longevity is a prerequisite for realizing this benefit.
Predictors of Multimorbidity among the Iranian Kurdish Population
Authors: Aminisani Nayyereh , Rastgou Laven , Shamshirgaran Seyed Morteza , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Ghaderi Shadi , Hyde Martin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: There is limited information about the predictors of multimorbidity (MM) among ethnic minority older adults in Iran. This study aimed to examine the impact of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of MM, among older Kurdish people living in the Northwest of Iran. Methods: sociodemographic and lifestyle factors as well as self-reported chronic conditions, was obtained by trained interviewers. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were performed to compare the prevalence of MM according to different factors. Results: Over a third of the participants (36.6%) had ≥2 chronic conditions and 15.7% had ≥3 chronic conditions. Hypertension, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, fatty liver, and heart diseases were common chronic conditions. In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, older age (ORadj=1.92, 95% CI: 1.48-2.48), being female (ORadj=1.49, 95%CI: 1.14-1.94), living without a spouse (ORadj=1.81, 95%CI: 1.34-2.44), and inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables (ORadj=1.33, 95%CI: 1.06-1.67) were associated with the higher prevalence of MM. Conclusion: This study found that the prevalence of MM is relatively high among older Kurdish adults. Sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of MM might be of interest to the health care system, and the prevalence of common chronic conditions in this study may highlight the need for lifestyle modifications in this community.
Early response to GA3-treatment in the pedicel of table grape genotypes with different susceptibility to berry drop reveals responses elicited in cell wall yield and modification of lignin content
Authors: Meneses Marco , García-Rojas Miguel , Muñoz-Espinoza Claudia , Carrasco-Valenzuela Tomás , Defilippi Bruno , González-Agüero Mauricio , Meneses Claudio , Infante Rodrigo , Hinrichsen Patricio 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Gibberellins (GA3) are the most sprayed growth regulator for table grape production worldwide, increasing berry size of seedless varieties through pericarp cell expansion. However, these treatments also exacerbate berry drop, which has a detrimental effect on the postharvest quality of commercialized clusters. Several studies have suggested that pedicel stiffening caused by GA3 would have a role in this disorder. Nevertheless, transcriptional and phenotypic information regarding pedicel responses to GA3 is minimal.Results Characterization of responses to GA3 treatments using the lines L23 and Thompson Seedless showed that the former was up to six times more susceptible to berry drop than the latter. GA3 also increased the diameter and dry matter percentage of the pedicel on both genotypes. Induction of lignin biosynthesis-related genes by GA3 has been reported, so the quantity of this polymer was measured. The acetyl bromide method detected a decreased concentration of lignin seven days after GA3 treatment, due to a higher cell wall yield of the isolated fractions of GA3 -treated pedicel samples which caused a dilution effect. Thus, an initial enrichment of primary cell wall components in response to GA3 was suggested, particularly in the L23 background. A transcriptomic profiling was performed to identify which genes were associated with these phenotypic changes. This analysis identified 1,281 and 1,787 genes differentially upregulated by GA3 in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless, respectively. Concomitantly, 1,202 and 1,317 downregulated genes were detected in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless (FDR≤0.05). Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes showed enrichment in pathways including phenylpropanoids, cell wall metabolism, xylem development, photosynthesis and the cell cycle at seven days post GA3 application. Twelve genes were characterized by qPCR and striking differences were observed between genotypes, mainly in genes related to cell wall synthesis.Conclusions High levels of berry drop are related to an early strong response of primary cell wall synthesis in the pedicel promoted by GA3 treatment. Genetic backgrounds can produce similar phenotypic responses to GA3 , although there is considerable variation in the regulation of genes in terms of which are expressed, and the extent of transcript levels achieved within the same time frame.
Genome-wide analysis of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in two contrasting rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes subjected to drought stress
Authors: Tan Xiaoyu , Li Su , Hu Liyong , Zhang Chunlei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Drought stress is a major abiotic factor that affects rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.) productivity. Though previous studies indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in response to drought stress, a scheme for genome-wide identification and characterization of lncRNAs’ response to drought stress is still lacking, especially in the case of B . napus . In order to further understand the molecular mechanism of the response of B . napus to drought stress, we compared changes in the transcriptome between Q2 (a drought-tolerant genotype) and Qinyou8 (a drought-sensitive genotype) in response to drought stress and rehydration treatment at the seedling stage.

Results: A total of 5,546 down-regulated and 6,997 up-regulated mRNAs were detected in Q2 compared with 7,824 and 10,251 in Qinyou8, respectively; 369 down-regulated and 108 up-regulated lncRNAs were detected in Q2 compared with 449 and 257 in Qinyou8, respectively. We further identified 34 TFs corresponding to 126 differently expressed lncRNAs in Q2, and 45 TFs corresponding to 359 differently expressed lncRNAs in Qinyou8. Differential expression analysis of lncRNAs indicated that up- and down-regulated mRNAs co-expressed with lncRNAs participated in different metabolic pathways and were involved in different regulatory mechanisms in the two genotypes . Notably, some lncRNAs were co-expressed and co-located with BnaC07g44670D, which are associated with plant hormone signal transduction. Additionally, some mRNAs which were co-located with LNC_002535 (XLOC_052298), LNC_004924 (XLOC_094954) and LNC_000539 (XLOC_012868) were mainly categorized as signal transport and defense/stress response. Finally, co-expression network analysis indicated that the co-expression network of Q2 was composed of 145 network nodes and 5,175 connections, while the co-expression network of Qinyou8 was composed of 305 network nodes and 22,327 connections.

Conclusions: The differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs may play important roles in response to drought stress and rehydration treatments and could provide basic information for new ways to improve the drought resistance of Rapeseed Brassica napus .
Genetic variation in Interleukin-17A is associated with increased risk and severity of pneumococcal meningitis in children
Authors: Zheng Kai , Zhu Liang , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ye , Chen Ning , Zhang Xixi , Liu Gang , He Qiushui 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Streptococcus pneumonia is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) promotes the host’s defense against pneumococcal infections. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL -17A were associated with pneumococcal meningitis (PM) in Chinese children.Methods Three SNPs of IL-17A promoter rs4711998 (-877A>G), rs8193036 (-737C>T) and rs2275913 (-197G>A) were studied in 95 laboratory-confirmed PM pediatric patients and 330 healthy controls by PCR-based sequencing. Luciferase assays were used to determine the effects of IL-17A haplotypes on expression. Serum concentrations of IL-17A and C-X-C motif ligands 1 (CXCL-1) were determined.Results Frequency of the haplotype A-C-A differed significantly between cases and controls (43.6% vs. 35.7%, OR: 1.397, 95% CI: 1.004-1.942, P =0.047). The haplotype had an increased expression of IL-17A compared to wild haplotype A-C-G (P<0.001). Moreover, it produced a higher level of serum C-reactive protein (>10mg/L) (46.6% vs. 28.4%, OR: 2.276, 95%CI: 1.011-5.126, P =0.043). This haplotype was associated with low level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose (≤1.5mmol/L) (52.8% vs.25.1%, OR: 3.350, 95%CI: 1.787-6.280, P <0.001) and high level of CSF protein (45.3% vs.29.2%, OR: 2.010, 95%CI: 0.991-4.076, P =0.05).Conclusions Our result indicated that haplotype A-C-A of IL-17A was associated with susceptibility and severity of PM in Chinese children.
The biceps challenge - an experimental approach to the anterior shoulder pain, indicating a new treatment logarithm
Authors: Humborstad Kristian Sørland , Geitung Jonn Terje 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background
The biceps muscle’s long head (LHB) with its tendon and origin represents the most important cause of anterior shoulder pain. Conservative treatments (non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs, injections with steroids and physiotherapy) will normally be the first line of treatment. Long-standing pain will usually lead to surgical treatment with either tenodesis or tenotomy as alternative procedures. The main aim of our investigation was to find structural changes that may change the surgical treatment logarithm in these patients. Secondary aims were 1) to see if experimental settings would better visualize such changes on MRI, and correlate this to histological examinations. 2) to see if visualized changes to histology and MRI would have significant correlations to clinical findings and surgical practice.
Methods
The patients were evaluated at 1) the first outpatient contacts with the orthopedic surgeon, 2) pre-operative 1.5-Tesla MRI, 3) per-op findings with arthroscopy, 4) experimental 7-Tesla MRI, and 5) histology with standard H+E-staining.
Findings
Our experimental study showed that all the degenerative changes in the LHB-tendon were in the intraarticular part of the tendon, not in the intertubercular sulcus part (shown clearly at the experimental work). None of the preoperative 1.5 Tesla MRI helped us in the clinical decision-making. We did also construct a grading system of peroperative evaluation of the LHB-tendon degeneration that will be useful in clinical decision-making.
Interpretation
Our experimental study showed a pathological-anatomical correlate to the anterior shoulder pain. In our opinion, it is important to remove the degenerated intraarticular part of the tendon, this in order to avoid postoperative inflammation, pain and prolonged sick leave. A subpectoral biceps tenodesis with removal of the proximal part of the tendon is accordingly the treatment of choice in these patients.
Evaluation of a community-based intervention for health and economic empowerment of marginalized women in India
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Mehra Devika , Akhtar Faiyaz , Mehra Sunil 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Empowered women have improved decision-making capacity and can demand equal access to health services. Community-based interventions (CBI) based on building women’s groups for awareness generation on maternal and child health (MCH) are the best and cost-effective approach in improving their access to health services. The present endeavor evaluates a community-based intervention aimed at improving marginalized women’s health and economic status using the peer-led approach from two districts of India. Methods We used peer educators as mediators of knowledge transfer among women and for creating a supportive environment at the household and community-level. The intervention was implemented in two socially backward districts of Uttar Pradesh, namely Kaushambi and Banda. Two development blocks in each of the two districts were selected randomly, and twenty-four villages in each of the four blocks were selected based on the high percentage of a marginalized population. The evaluation of the intervention involved a non-experimental, pre- and post-research design, using a mixed-method approach. Data were collected at three points in time, including a rapid assessment (quantitative and qualitative interviews) at baseline, qualitative interviews at the end line and tracking data of the intervention population (n=37,324) through an online management information system. Results Most of the women in Banda (90%) and Kaushambi (85%) attended at least 60% of the education sessions. Around 39% of women in Banda and 35% of women in Kaushambi registered for livelihood scheme, and 94% and 80% of them had worked under the scheme. Women during group discussions informed that their awareness about MCH increased post-intervention. The money earned after getting work under livelihood scheme or from daily savings was deposited in the bank account by the women. These savings had helped women investing money at the times of need, such as starting their work, in emergencies for the medical treatment of their family members, education of their children, etc. Conclusion Considering the interlinked plexus of literacy, social status, economic empowerment, and health status of women, interventions targeting anyone of them in silos may not achieve the desired results. The study provides scientific evidence of the successful implementation of peer-led community-based intervention model..
Developmental Trajectories of Adolescent Overweight/Obesity in China: SES Correlates and Health Consequences
Authors: Liang Ying , Qi Yaqiang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: During recent decades, China has experienced rapid growth in economy and also in prevalence of childhood obesity. Given the great importance of adolescence overweight/obesity for future health, and given the relative lack of longitudinal studies on adolescent obesity in developing countries, particularly in China, in current study, we aimed to explore the potential growth trajectories of overweight/obesity among Chinese adolescents and to further examine socioeconomic status predictors and health consequences of these growth trajectories. Methods: The data were from four waves of panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016). For the current study, children aged 10 to 12 from the baseline 2010 sample were selected (N = 1685), among whom 1388 were re-interviewed in 2012, 1172 in 2014, and 941 in 2016. We retained a final sample of 800 who had at least three waves of BMI data (i.e. final N = 800). Generalized growth mixture modeling (GGMM) was used as the major analytical strategy. Results: We found that three types of overweight/obesity developmental trajectories may exist for those Chinese adolescents including a stably normal class, a decreased risk class, and a chronically overweight/obese class. Additionally, we found that higher family income was associated with a lower probability of getting into the chronically overweight/obese class for urban adolescents, but with a higher probability of getting into the same class for rural adolescents. Finally, we found that the adolescents in the chronically overweight/obese group reported significantly lower levels of self-rated health. Conclusions: There were heterogeneous growth trajectories of Chinese adolescent overweight/obesity. Sustained overweight/obesity during adolescence was predicted by lower family income in urban China but by higher family income in rural China. More targeted and regionalized interventions for children’s overweight/obesity in China should be considered. Keywords: China; adolescent overweight/obesity trajectories; SES; self-rated health; CFPS
pEGFR promotes the neural function recovery after decompression of compressed spinal cord injury
Authors: Gong Rui , Zhang Min , Sun Kexin , Qi Wei , Sun Shanquan , Li Jianjun , Zhong Yuan , Zhen Wentao 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Purpose Investigating the roles of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) in the recovery of neural function after decompression of CSCI, therefore provide experimental basis for the development of therapeutic strategies and medicines for treating CSCI. Methods A CSCI model was established with a customized device, and was then subjected to spinal decompression. The motor functions were monitored by the Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan（BBB） locomotor rating scale; the number of axonal myelinated fibers was estimated by staining with luxol fast blue (LFB); pEGFR and phosphorylated Akt1 (pAkt1) were detected by Western blot; pEGFR+-NG2+(NG2+ cells are precursor to oligodendrocytes and pAkt1+-NG2+ cells were detected by double-labeling immunefluorescence assay. Results After decompression of CSCI, the BBB scores and the number of myelinated nerve fibers gradually increased with time. Meanwhile, the expression of pEGFR and pAkt1 were up-regulated and the number of pEGFR+-NG2+ and pAkt1+-NG2+ cells increased consistent with the changes of motor functions and the number of myelinated nerve fibers. Whereas, significant decreases in BBB scores, expression level of pAkt1, as well as numbers of myelinated nerve fibers, and pAkt1+-NG2+ cells were observed after inhibition of expression. Conclusions Up-regulated expression of pEGFR can promote recovery of neurological functions in rats with CSCI. This effect is achieved by activation of pAkt1（a downstream signal molecule of pEGFR）, which subsequently promotes the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).