bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alleviating Continuous Monocropping Obstacle in Melon: Biological Elimination of Phenolic Acid
Authors: Xie Huiqin , Ku Yongli , Yang Xiangna , Cao Le , Mei Xueli , Yang Nan , Cao Cuiling 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the most important fruit crops grown in China. However, the yield and quality of melon have significantly declined under continuous cropping. Phenolic acids are believed to be associated with the continuous monocropping obstacle (CMO) and can influence plant microbe interactions. Coumaric acid (CA) is one of the major phenolic acids found in melon root exudates. The objectives of this study were to estimate the elimination of CA by the soil bacterium K3 as well as its effects on mitigating melon CMO. CA degradation was investigated by monitoring the CA retained in the growth medium using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of CA and K3 on rhizosphere soil microbial communities were investigated by the spread plate method and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Furthermore, the effects of CA and K3 on melon seedling growth were measured under potted conditions. The changes in soil enzymes and fruit quality under K3 amendment were examined in a greenhouse experiment. Result:The results suggest that the addition of CA had the same result as the CMO, such as deterioration of the microbial community and slower growth of melon plants. HPLC and microbial analysis showed that K3 had a pronounced ability to decompose CA and could improve the soil microbial community environment. Soil inoculation with K3 agent could significantly improve the fruit quality of melon.Conclusion: Our results show that the effects of K3 in the soil are reflected by changes in populations and diversity of soil microbes and suggest that deterioration of microbial communities in soil might be associated with the growth constraint of melon in continuous monoculture systems.
New Vectors That Are Early Feeders for Plasmodium Knowlesi and Other Simian Malaria Parasites in the Betong Division of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
Authors: Ang Joshua , Yaman Khatijah , Kadir Khamisah , Matusop Asmad , Singh Balbir 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Plasmodium knowlesi is the main cause of malaria in Sarawak, where studies on vectors of P. knowlesi have been conducted in only two districts. Anopheles balabacensis and An. donaldi were incriminated as vectors in Lawas and An. latens in Kapit. We studied a third location in Sarawak, Betong, where of 2,169 mosquitoes collected over 36 days using human-landing catches, 169 (7.8%) were Anopheles spp. PCR and phylogenetic analyses identified P. knowlesi and/or P. cynomolgi, P. fieldi, P. inui, P. coatneyi and novel Plasmodium spp. in salivary glands of An. latens and An. introlatus from the Leucosphyrus Group and in An. collessi and An. roperi from the Umbrosus Group. Phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences indicated three P. knowlesi-positive An. introlatus had been misidentified morphologically as An. latens, while An. collessi and An. roperi could not be delineated using the region sequenced. Almost all vectors from the Leucosphyrus Group were biting after 1800 hr but those belonging to the Umbrosus Group were also biting between 0700-1100 hrs. Our study incriminated new vectors of knowlesi malaria in Sarawak and underscores the importance of including entomological studies during the daytime to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics of malaria.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Dietary Selenium Supplementation on Gene Expression in Oviduct Tissues and, Antioxidant Capacity of Laying Hens
Authors: Muhammad Aliyu , Dalia Abdul-Alla , Loh Teck , Akit Henny , Samsudin Anjas Asmara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Some functional genes were investigated for their involvement in egg (eggshell biomineralization) formation and selenoproteins in the oviduct and liver of laying hens fed different organic and inorganic selenium source. A total of 24 hens were selected randomly from the four treatments and slaughter. Uteri and liver tissue samples were collected from hens during the active growth phase of calcification (15 - 20 h post-ovulation) for RT-PCR. The basal diets supplemented with 0.3mg/kg of different organic Se sources and sodium selenite upregulate uterine and selenoproteins mRNA levels. This research reaps the advantage of tissue sampling from specialized segments of the oviduct that consecutively form different egg components. Expression of OC-17 and OC-116, and OC-17 were significantly higher in the uterus and magnum of laying hens, respectively. Their higher expression was observed with organic Se (bacterial selenoprotein or Se-yeast) fed-hens. The results may postulate the efficacy of organic Se in enhancing the expression of functional genes involved in the egg (eggshell biomineralization) formation and selenoproteins compared to inorganic and non-Se supplemented hens. This study proposed the efficacy of bacterial selenoprotein in the upregulation of the uterine genes and hepatic selenoproteins in laying hens.
Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia Porcellus) are Vehicles of Pathogenic and Allergenic Fungi
Authors: Abreu Raquel , Pereira Soraia , Ramos Anabela , Cunha Eva , Reisinho Ana , Marques Tiago , Oliveira Manuela 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, rabbits and guinea pigs are frequently adopted as companion animals, representing a vehicle for the dissemination of potentially pathogenic and allergenic fungi to their tutors. This study aimed to characterize the cutaneous mycobiota of these species and evaluate the association between mycological cultures results and several variables related to these animals’ husbandry. Hair and scales samples (n=102) were collected from 32 rabbits and 19 guinea pigs: 51 by pulling hairs surrounding lesions and collecting scales (if lesions present) or along the body of the animal (if absent); the other 51 samples were collected using Mackenzie’s technique. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Agar and Dermatophyte Test Media and observed daily during the incubation period. Isolated fungal species were identified based on their macro and microscopic morphology. A questionnaire was provided to the animal’s tutors to collect information on animal husbandry.Results: Most frequently isolated species corresponded to saprophytic fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Scopulariopsis spp.; Candida sp. and Rhodotorula sp. were also found. Statistical analysis showed that a positive mycological culture was related with animal’s age and the administration of ongoing medication, while the number of isolated fungal species was related with animal’s species and outdoor access.Conclusions: These fungi have already been reported as responsible for mycotic infections in humans and animals, including dogs and cats, although they usually affect immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, these animals can represent a zoonotic risk, which may be related with animals age, species, ongoing medication and outdoor access.
Cost-Effective Synthesis of 2D Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanocrystals: An Exploration of The Influence on Cellular Uptake, Cytotoxicity, and Bio-Imaging
Authors: Sahoo Dhirendra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Ultra-small MoS2 nanocrystals possess unique optoelectronic and catalytic properties, which have earned significant recognition and encourage their application in so many areas. Herein, we suggest a simple and cost-effective method to synthesize luminescent MoS2 nanocrystals using the hydrothermal technique. Moreover, as-synthesized MoS2 nanocrystals show size-dependent tunable photoluminescence. MoS2 nanocrystals have many advantages, such as stable dispersion, low toxicity, and luminescent feature, offering them encouraging applicability in biomedical disciplines. In this study, the A549 cells are employed to assess the fluorescence imaging of MoS2 nanocrystals. MTT assays, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry, and confocal imaging results revealed that the MoS2 nanocrystals could selectively target and ruin lung cancer cells, especially drug-resistant cells (A549).
Carbohydrate-controlled Serine Protease Inhibitor (Serpin) Production in Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum
Authors: Duboux Stéphane , Golliard Mireille , Muller Jeroen , Bergonzelli Gabriela , Bolten Christoph , Mercenier Annick , Kleerebezem Michiel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Serine Protease Inhibitor (serpin) protein has been suggested to play a key role in the interaction of bifidobacteria with the host. By inhibiting intestinal serine proteases, it might allow bifidobacteria to reside in specific gut niches. In inflammatory diseases where serine proteases contribute to the innate defense mechanism of the host, serpin may dampen the damaging effects of inflammation. In view of the beneficial roles of this protein, it is important to understand how its production is regulated. Here we demonstrate that B. longum NCC 2705 serpin production is tightly regulated by carbohydrates. Galactose and fructose increase the production of this protein while glucose prevents it, suggesting the involvement of catabolite repression. We identified that di- and oligosaccharides containing galactose (GOS) and fructose (FOS) moieties, including the human milk oligosaccharide Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), are able to activate serpin production. Moreover, we show that the carbohydrate mediated regulation is conserved within B. longum subsp. longum strains but not in other bifidobacterial taxons harboring the serpin coding gene, highlighting that the serpin regulation circuits are not only species- but also subspecies- specific. Our work demonstrates that environmental conditions can modulate expression of an important effector molecule of B. longum, having potential important implications for probiotic manufacturing and supporting the postulated role of serpin in the ability of bifidobacteria to colonize the intestinal tract.
Association of Serum Uric Acid with Biventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Liu Ju-Hua , Wu Mei-Zhen , Li Si-Min , Chen Yan , Ren Qing-Wen , Lin Qing-Shan , Ng Ming-Yen , Tse Hung-Fat , Yiu Kai-Hang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIncreased serum uric acid (SUA) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. Nonetheless the association of SUA with right ventricular (RV) function in patients with T2DM has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the association of SUA with biventricular myocardial function in patients with T2DM.MethodsA total of 560 patients with T2DM were enrolled and divided into four groups according to quartile of SUA. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and two-dimensional speckle tracking used to measure biventricular myocardial strain, including LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (CS), radial strain (RS), and RV free wall longitudinal stra in (RV-FWLS).Results The absolute value of all biventricular strain parameters showed a stepwise decrease across SUA quartiles (all P<0.01). In particular, LV assessment by GLS, CS and RS demonstrated that those in the 4th quartile were impaired compared with the other quartiles (all P<0.05). Similarly, RV-FWLS of the 4th quartile was significantly impaired compared with the 1st and 2nd quartiles (all P<0.05). The same reduction in biventricular strain across SUA quartiles was observed in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate＜or ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and glycated hemoglobin < or ≥7.0% (all P<0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher quartile of SUA was independently associated with impaired biventricular myocardial strain (all P<0.05). ConclusionsSUA was independently associated with biventricular myocardial dysfunction in asymptomatic T2DM patients, regardless of renal function or diabetic control.
Influence of Genetic Background and Dietary Oleic Acid on Gut Microbiota Composition in Duroc and Iberian Pigs.
Authors: López-García Adrián , Benítez Rita , Núñez Yolanda , Gómez-Izquierdo Emilio , Mercado Eduardo de , Casco Juan María García , González-Recio Óscar , López-Bote Clemente , Estellé Jordi , Óvilo Cristina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Phenotypic variability for productive and meat quality traits has been largely studied in Iberian pigs, especially in genetic selection and nutritional experiments. Complex interactions among genetic background, diet composition and gut microbiota difficult the evaluation of true effects of each factor on phenotypes. In order to disentangle these interactions, we evaluated changes in gut microbiota composition comparing Iberian and Duroc pigs fed diets with different energy source.Results: Gut microbiota composition was analysed in feces from 48 pigs (Iberian and Duroc) fed a standard diet or a sunflower oil-enriched diet with high oleic acid content (6%). A higher richness was observed for Iberian pigs (p < 0.05) and compositional analysis was applied for beta-diversity, differential abundance and pairwise log-ratio analyses. We found significant differences in overall microbiota composition between breeds, and also between diets inside breeds, to a lesser extent. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Duroc animals have more proportion of Actinobacteria and Prevotella, while Iberian replace those microorganisms with other more variable taxa. According to dietary differences, high-oleic fed animals were richer in Prevotella. We also found microbial ratios capable of separating animals by breeds and diets, mostly related to Actinobacteria.Conclusion: This study reveals that both genetic background and diet composition might have a relevant impact in gut microbiota composition. The application of compositional data analysis has facilitated the identification of microorganisms and ratios as possibly related to metabolic changes due to genetic background and, to a lower extent, to dietary changes. This may lead to a relevant progress in the knowledge of interactions between pig genetics, environment and gut microbiota.
Analysis of lipid distribution characteristics in a health examination population in Chengdu (2009–2017)
Authors: Liang Shanshan , Zhao Yanhua , Zhang He , Gan Wei , Li Guixing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiovascular disease is rapidly increasing in the recent years. Dyslipidemia associated atherosclerosis and other complications are posing a serious threat to human health. The present study aimed to analyze the blood lipids distribution characteristics within a large size of health examination population of Sichuan province, China.MethodThis was a retrospective study conducted in 888,143 subjects (495,599 males and 392,544 females) aged more than 18 years old from the Health Examination Center at West China Hospital, Sichuan University during 2009 to 2017. The blood lipids levels were compared in different age groups and different years.ResultThe blood lipids levels were significantly increased in recent years. The percentage of cases with high lipids levels was significantly higher in males than that in females since 2009 to 2017. Moreover, the blood lipids levels and the percentage of dyslipidemia in aged 51–60 individuals were significantly higher than those in other population every year.ConclusionThe health examination population showed increased percentage of blood lipids levels, and so regular physical examination and lipids control are highly important in aged population.
Impact of Seasonality and Malaria Control Interventions on Anopheles Density and Species Composition From Three Areas of Uganda With Differing Malaria Endemicity.
Authors: Mawejje Henry , Kilama Maxwell , Kigozi Simon P. , Musiime Alex K. , Kamya Moses , Lines Jo , Lindsay Steven W. , Smith David , Dorsey Grant , Donnelly Martin J. , Staedke Sarah G. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are malaria control interventions primarily responsible for reductions in transmission intensity across sub-Saharan Africa. These interventions, however, may have differential impact on Anopheles species composition and density. Here, we studied the changing pattern of Anopheles species in three areas of Uganda with markedly different transmission intensities and different levels of vector control.Methods From October 2011 to June 2016 mosquitoes were collected monthly using CDC light traps from 100 randomly selected households in three areas: Walukuba (low transmission), Kihihi (moderate transmission) and Nagongera (high transmission). LLINs were distributed in November 2013 in Walukuba and Nagongera and in June 2014 in Kihihi. IRS was implemented only in Nagongera, with three rounds of bendiocarb delivered between December 2014 and June 2015. Mosquito species were identified morphologically and by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Results In Walukuba, LLIN distribution was associated with a decline in Anopheles funestus vector density (0.07 vs 0.02 mosquitoes per house per night, density ratio [DR] 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.65, p=0.001), but not An. gambiae s.s. nor An. arabiensis. In Kihihi, over 98% of mosquitoes were An. gambiae s.s. and LLIN distribution was associated with a decline in An. gambiae s.s. vector density (4.00 vs 2.46, DR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.94, p=0.02). In Nagongera, the combination of LLINs and multiple rounds of IRS was associated with almost complete elimination of An. gambiae s.s. (28.0 vs 0.17, DR 0.004, 95% CI: 0.002-0.009, p<0.001), and An. funestus s.l. (3.90 vs 0.006, DR 0.001, 95% CI: 0.0005-0.004, p<0.001), with a less pronounced decline in An. arabiensis (9.18 vs 2.00, DR 0.15 95% CI: 0.07-0.33, p<0.001). Conclusions LLIN distribution was associated with reductions in An. funestus s.l. in the lowest transmission site and An. gambiae s.s. in the moderate transmission site. In the highest transmission site, a combination of LLINs and multiple rounds of IRS was associated with the near collapse of An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus s.l. Following IRS, An. arabiensis, a behaviorally resilient vector, became the predominant species, which may have implications for malaria vector control activities.
A Comparative Study on the Therapeutic Effect of en Bloc Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors with Needle Electrode and Traditional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor on Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Tumor
Authors: Li Jiashuo , Shang Panfeng , He Yidi , Shang Yichao , Zheng Xu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) as an improved method of traditional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), has not been standardized. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the technology.Methods: We divide non-muscle invasive bladder cancer into an experimental group receiving ERBT and a control group receiving traditional TURBT, and compared the recurrence rate by Kaplan-Meier curve adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. In addition, we analyzed the independent risk factors affecting the recurrence rate of NMBIC by COX risk regression.Discussion: Compared with traditional transurethral resection of bladder tumor treatment, En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors has less intraoperative bleeding and high surgical safety. Moreover, this technique can obtain high-quality pathological specimens, which has obvious advantages in postoperative pathological assessment.
Disseminated Pulmonary Mucormycosis Involving the Jejunum in an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient
Authors: Wang Lan-lan , Zou Liang , Chen Zhong-ju , Yi Yang , Meng Qin-bin , Feng Yan , Wang Yong-tao , Hu Zhi-min 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary mucormycosis and aspergillosis with disseminated mucormycosis involving gastrointestinalin is a very rare but lethal infection leading to extreme mortality. Case presentation: A 51-year-old female was admitted in the hematology clinic following persistent fever. Bone marrow pathology was done on the third day and the common type of acute B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) with the IKZF1 mutation was diagnosed. IVCP program was prescribed as initial treatment. After five days, broad spectrum antibiotics and voriconazole were started due to febrile neutropenia. Forty-nine days after admission, based on characteristics of the clinical pulmonary symptoms, the feature of the computed tomography (CT) and the morphological profile of the hyphae, we switched the antifungal therapy to intravenous amphotericin B (AmB) with an initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg/d. On day sixty-two, according to the abdominal CT and clinical symptoms, intestinal perforation was diagnosed and emergency surgical management was performed. Histopathology of specimens from the jejunum and ileum showed broad septate fungal hyphae. L-AmB was added to 1.0 mg/kg/d for one week, followed by fever resolution. Considering the relief of symptoms and regression of lesions on imagery, our strategy switched to oral posaconazole 0.8 g/d. The patient was discharged in good condition for continuous therapy with antifungal agents and for follow-up at the outpatient clinic.Conclusions: Direct microscopic testing with calcofluor white is the key to rapid diagnosis of mucormycosis, and early administration of active antifungal agents at optimal doses and complete resection of all infected tissues led to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Pentoxifylline Restores T Cell Viability in Hyper-inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Park Sung-Jun , Choi Sung-Hyuk , Cho Young-Duck , Kim Jung-Youn , Cho Han-Jin , Lim Chae-Seung , Kim Kyung-Hwan , Kim Won-Young 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Immunity is the state of having sufficient biological defenses to avoid infection, trauma, or other unwanted biological invasions. T-cells and macrophages play important role in cell-mediated immunity. Pentoxifylline (PTX) is known to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). However, the effect on the immune system is not known well. This study aims to investigate the effect of PTX on inflammation. Methods: THP-1 derived macrophages were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or indicated concentration of PTX for 8hr and wash with PBS to eliminate the effect of LPS. In this media, Jurkat cells were plated into trans-well plate and co-culture was done at 12hr. The T cell viability was measured by MTT. Also, the expression of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blots. Results: PTX restored the increased concentration of MIF, TLR4 protein level and mRNA expression of TLR4 in LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages. However, PTX did not restore the decreased T cell proliferation with PGE2 in Jurkat cells. In the co-culture study, The T cell viability was decreased in the THP-1 derived macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. The additional PTX restored the T cell's viability. Besides, PTX restored the decrease in the IL-2 expression of Jurkat cells in the LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages. Conclusion: LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages inhibited the T cell viability in hyper-inflammation conditions. However, PTX restored the T cells viability with increase IL-2. PTX influenced the cell-cell interaction, therefore, had its immunomodulatory effects.