bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the blood meal hosts of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes taeniorhynchus in Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos
Authors: Asigau Samoa , Salah Sawsan , Parker Patricia G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundBlood meal host selection by mosquito vectors is an important component in understanding disease dynamics of pathogens that threaten endemic fauna in isolated islands such as Galápagos. Research on the feeding behavior of mosquitoes can provide clues to the hosts and vectors involved in disease transmission. This information is particularly critical for endemic wildlife fauna in island systems that have evolved without resistance to novel diseases such as avian malaria. The aims of this study were to determine the blood-feeding patterns of two species of mosquitoes found in Galápagos and discuss how their feeding behavior may influence the transmission of pathogens such as avian malaria.MethodsIn the summer of 2015, we sampled two mosquito species (Aedes taeniorhynchusandCulex quinquefasciatus) across 18 different sites on Isla Santa Cruz, which is the second largest island in Galápagos and has the largest human population. We trapped mosquitoes using CDC light traps and CDC gravid traps and identified sources of blood meals for engorged mosquitoes by sequencing a portion of the vertebrate mitochondrial cytochromebgene.ResultsOut of 947 female mosquitoes captured, 320 were blood-fed, and PCR amplifications were successful for 301 of the blood meals. Results revealed that bothAedes taeniorhynchusandCulex quinquefasciatusfeed from a variety of vertebrate taxa, numerically dominated by humans on Isla Santa Cruz.ConclusionsThe high proportion of mammalian blood meals could represent locally available and abundant hosts on Santa Cruz. However, host surveys and estimates of relative abundances of vertebrate species will need to accompany mosquito trapping studies on non-inhabited and inhabited islands in Galápagos to further validate this.
Sex aggregation and species segregation cues in swarming mosquitoes: role of ground visual markers
Authors: Poda Serge B. , Nignan Charles , Gnankiné Olivier , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Roux Olivier 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundMating swarm segregation in closely related insect species may contribute to reproductive isolation. Visual markers are used for swarm formation; however, it is unknown whether they play a key role in swarm location, species segregation and sex aggregation.MethodsUsing two sympatric closely related species of theAnopheles gambiaecomplex,An. coluzziiandAn. gambiae(s.s.), we investigated in both laboratory and semi-field conditions (i) whether males of the two species use visual markers (black cloths) to locate their swarm; and (ii) whether the presence/absence and size of the marker may differentially affect swarm characteristics. We also investigated whether conspecific virgin females use these markers to join male swarm sites.ResultsWe showed that males of the two species used visual markers but in different ways:An. coluzziiswarm right above the marker whereasAn. gambiae(s.s.) locate their swarm at a constant distance of 76.4 ± 0.6 cm from a 20 × 20 cm marker in the laboratory setup and at 206 ± 6 cm from a 60 × 60 cm marker in the semi-field setup. Although increased marker size recruited more mosquitoes and consequently increased the swarm size in the two species,An. coluzziiswarms flew higher and were stretched both vertically and horizontally, whileAn. gambiae(s.s.) swarms were only stretched horizontally. Virgin females displayed a swarm-like behavior with similar characteristics to their conspecific males.ConclusionsOur results provided experimental evidence that bothAn. coluzziiandAn. gambiae(s.s.) males use ground visual markers to form and locate their swarm at species-specific locations. Moreover, the marker size differentially affected swarm characteristics in the two species. Our results also showed that virgin females displayed a swarm-like behavior. However, these “swarms” could be due to the absence of males in our experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the fact that females displayed these “swarms” with the same characteristics as their respective males provided evidence that visual markers are used by the two sexes to join mating spots. Altogether, this suggests that visual markers and the way species and sexes use them could be key cues in species segregation, swarm location and recognition.
Genetic and antigenic variation of the bovine tick-borne pathogen Theileria parva in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa
Authors: Amzati Gaston S. , Djikeng Appolinaire , Odongo David O. , Nimpaye Herman , Sibeko Kgomotso P. , Muhigwa Jean-Berckmans B. , Madder Maxime , Kirschvink Nathalie , Marcotty Tanguy 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundTheileria parvacauses East Coast fever (ECF), one of the most economically important tick-borne diseases of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. A live immunisation approach using the infection and treatment method (ITM) provides a strong long-term strain-restricted immunity. However, it typically induces a tick-transmissible carrier state in cattle and may lead to spread of antigenically distinct parasites. Thus, understanding the genetic composition ofT. parvais needed prior to the use of the ITM vaccine in new areas. This study examined the sequence diversity and the evolutionary and biogeographical dynamics ofT. parvawithin the African Great Lakes region to better understand the epidemiology of ECF and to assure vaccine safety. Genetic analyses were performed using sequences of two antigen-coding genes,Tp1andTp2, generated among 119T. parvasamples collected from cattle in four agro-ecological zones of DRC and Burundi.ResultsThe results provided evidence of nucleotide and amino acid polymorphisms in both antigens, resulting in 11 and 10 distinct nucleotide alleles, that predicted 6 and 9 protein variants inTp1andTp2, respectively.Theileria parvasamples showed high variation within populations and a moderate biogeographical sub-structuring due to the widespread major genotypes. The diversity was greater in samples from lowlands and midlands areas compared to those from highlands and other African countries. The evolutionary dynamics modelling revealed a signal of selective evolution which was not preferentially detected within the epitope-coding regions, suggesting that the observed polymorphism could be more related to gene flow rather than recent host immune-based selection. Most alleles isolated in the Great Lakes region were closely related to the components of the trivalent Muguga vaccine.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the extensive sequence diversity ofT. parvaand its biogeographical distribution mainly depend on host migration and agro-ecological conditions driving tick population dynamics. Such patterns are likely to contribute to the epidemic and unstable endemic situations of ECF in the region. However, the fact that ubiquitous alleles are genetically similar to the components of the Muguga vaccine together with the limited geographical clustering may justify testing the existing trivalent vaccine for cross-immunity in the region.
Performance of cytokine models in predicting SLE activity
Authors: Ruchakorn Nopparat , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Suangtamai Thanitta , Kafaksom Thanuchporn , Polpanumas Charin , Petpisit Veerachat , Pisitkun Trairak , Pisitkun Prapaporn 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Identification of universal biomarkers to predict systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares is challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease. Several biomarkers have been reported. However, the data of validated biomarkers to use as a predictor for lupus flares show variation. This study aimed to identify the biomarkers that are sensitive and specific to predict lupus flares.

Methods
One hundred and twenty-four SLE patients enrolled in this study and were prospectively followed up. The evaluation of disease activity achieved by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2K) and clinical SLEDAI (modified SLEDAI). Patients with active SLE were categorized into renal or non-renal flares. Serum cytokines were measured by multiplex bead-based flow cytometry. The correlation and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results
Levels of IFN-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 significantly increased in active SLE and correlated with clinical SLEDAI. Complement C3 showed a weakly negative relationship with IFN-α and IL-18. IL-18 showed the highest positive likelihood ratios for active SLE. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for active SLE at baseline while complement C3 and IL-18 increased OR for active SLE at 12 weeks. IL-18 and IL-6 yielded higher sensitivity and specificity than anti-dsDNA and C3 to predict active renal and active non-renal, respectively.

Conclusion
The heterogeneity of SLE pathogenesis leads to different signaling mechanisms and mediates through several cytokines. The monitoring of cytokines increases the sensitivity and specificity to determine SLE disease activity. IL-18 predicts the risk of active renal SLE while IL-6 and IL-8 predict the risk of active non-renal. The sensitivity and specificity of these cytokines are higher than the anti-dsDNA or C3. We propose to use the serum level of IL-18, IL-6, and IL-8 to monitor SLE disease activity in clinical practice.
Arterial stiffness correlates with progressive nailfold capillary microscopic changes in systemic sclerosis: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Soulaidopoulos Stergios , Pagkopoulou Eleni , Katsiki Niki , Triantafyllidou Eva , Karagiannis Asterios , Garyfallos Alexandros , Kitas George D. , Dimitroulas Theodoros 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
While microangiopathy is well-documented in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a potential link between SSc and macrovascular disease is highly debated and remains to be established. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between micro- and macrovascular involvement in the setting of SSc.

Methods
Consecutive, consenting SSc patients were assessed by nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) to evaluate the microcirculation. The number of capillaries per mm2 and the capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index (CSURI) were measured, and findings were also classified into three scleroderma patterns (i.e., early, active, and late). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), aortic augmentation index corrected for a heart rate of 75 beats per minute (AIx-75), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and central systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also determined to assess macrovascular function.

Results
A total of 37 patients were studied. A significant correlation was observed between AIx and the average number of capillaries per mm2 (r = − 0.34, p = 0.047) and between AIx and CSURI (r = 0.35, p = 0.044). Patients with the “early” scleroderma pattern had lower AIx values compared with “active” (20.5 ± 11.4 vs 34.1 ± 11.5%, p = 0.02) and “late” (20.5 ± 11.4 vs 33.4 ± 8.8%, p = 0.05) patterns. No other significant correlations were found between macrovascular biomarkers (PWV, carotid IMT, systolic and diastolic central blood pressure) and the capillaroscopic measurements.

Conclusions
These data suggest that arterial stiffness (as assessed by AIx-75) correlates with microvascular damage in patients with SSc.
Epigenomic dysregulation-mediated alterations of key biological pathways and tumor immune evasion are hallmarks of gingivo-buccal oral cancer
Authors: Das Debodipta , Ghosh Sahana , Maitra Arindam , Biswas Nidhan K. , Panda Chinmay K. , Roy Bidyut , Sarin Rajiv , Majumder Partha P. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC-GB) is the most common cancer among men in India and is associated with high mortality. Although OSCC-GB is known to be quite different from tongue cancer in its genomic presentation and its clinical behavior, it is treated identically as tongue cancer. Predictive markers of prognosis and therapy that are specific to OSCC-GB are, therefore, required. Although genomic drivers of OSCC-GB have been identified by whole exome and whole genome sequencing, no epigenome-wide study has been conducted in OSCC-GB; our study has filled this gap, and has discovered and validated epigenomic hallmarks of gingivobuccal oral cancer.

Methods
We have carried out integrative analysis of epigenomic (n = 87) and transcriptomic (n = 72) profiles of paired tumor-normal tissues collected from OSCC-GB patients from India. Genome-wide DNA methylation assays and RNA-sequencing were performed on high-throughput platforms (Illumina) using a half-sample of randomly selected patients to discover significantly differentially methylated probes (DMPs), which were validated on the remaining half-sample of patients.

Results
About 200 genes showed significant inverse correlation between promoter methylation and expression, of which the most significant genes included genes that act as transcription factors and genes associated with other cancer types. Novel findings of this study include identification of (a) potential immunosuppressive effect in OSCC-GB due to significant promoter hypomethylation driven upregulation of CD274 and CD80, (b) significant dysregulation by epigenetic modification of DNMT3B (upregulation) and TET1 (downregulation); and (c) known drugs that can reverse the direction of dysregulation of gene expression caused by promoter methylation.

Conclusions
In OSCC-GB patients, there are significant alterations in expression of key genes that (a) regulate normal cell division by maintenance of balanced DNA methylation and transcription process, (b) maintain normal physiological signaling (PPAR, B cell receptor) and metabolism (arachidonic acid) pathways, and (c) provide immune protection against antigens, including tumor cells. These findings indicate novel therapeutic targets, including immunotherapeutic, for treatment of OSCC-GB.
Septo-optic dysplasia with amniotic band syndrome sequence: a case report
Authors: Amiji Insiyah A. , Mohamed Ummulkheir H. , Rutashobya Adelina G. , Mngoya Mariam , Schoenmann Nicole , Naburi Helga E. , Manji Karim P. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
De Morsier syndrome, or septo-optic dysplasia, is a rare, heterogeneous, complex condition with a highly variable phenotype. It is characterized by optic nerve hypoplasia, pituitary gland hypoplasia, and midline brain abnormalities, including absence of septum pellucidum and corpus callosum dysgenesis. Diagnosis is made clinically by the presence of any two or more features from the clinical triad.

Case presentation
We report a case of a premature African newborn male baby born to nonconsanguineous parents who presented to our institution with agenesis of the septum pellucidum, unilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, and pituitary stalk hypoplasia. However, he had intact central endocrine function. He also presented with limb defects due to constricting amniotic band syndrome. Other dysmorphic features were low-set ears, microcephaly, and bilateral talipes equinovarus. He otherwise had a normal neurological examination result. Over time, he had an adequate weight gain and was managed by a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusion
De Morsier syndrome still represents a diagnostic challenge, despite advances in neuroimaging and genetic studies, due to the heterogeneous nature of the disorder. This case adds to existing knowledge on the vascular pathogenesis of septo-optic dysplasia.
Acute myeloid leukemia cells secrete microRNA-4532-containing exosomes to mediate normal hematopoiesis in hematopoietic stem cells by activating the LDOC1-dependent STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Chen , Du Feng , Zhao Yang , Wang Shanshan , Qi Ling 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
MicroRNA (miR)-containing exosomes released by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells can be delivered into hematopoietic progenitor cells to suppress normal hematopoiesis. Herein, our study was performed to evaluate the effect of exosomal miR-4532 secreted by AML cells on hematopoiesis of hematopoietic stem cells.

Methods
Firstly, differentially expressed miRs related to AML were identified using microarray analysis. Subsequently, AML cell lines were collected, and CD34+ HSCs were isolated from healthy pregnant women. Then, miR-4532 expression was measured in AML cells and AML cell-derived exosomes and CD34+ HSCs, together with evaluation of the targeting relationship between miR-4532 and LDOC1. Then, AML cells were treated with miR-4532 inhibitor, and exosomes were separated from AML cells and co-cultured with CD34+ HSCs. Gain- and loss-function approaches were employed in CD34+ HSCs. Colony-forming units (CFU) and expression of dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a hematopoietic inhibiting factor associated with pathogenesis of AML, were determined in CD34+ HSCs, as well as the extents of JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation and LDOC1 expression.

Results
miR-4532 was found to be upregulated in AML cells and AML cell-derived exosomes, while being downregulated in CD34+ HSCs. In addition, exosomes released by AML cells targeted CD34+ HSCs to decrease the expression of CFU and increase the expression of DKK1. miR-4532 was delivered into CD34+ HSCs to target LDOC1 via AML cell-released exosomes. AML cell-derived exosomes containing miR-4532 inhibitor increased CFU but reduced DKK1 in CD34+ HSCs. Inhibition of miR-4532 or JAK2, or ectopic expression of LDOC1 upregulated CFU and downregulated DKK1 expression as well as the extents of JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in CD34+ HSCs.

Conclusion
In conclusion, AML cell-derived exosomes carrying miR-4532 repress normal HSC hematopoiesis via activation of the LDOC1-dependent STAT3 signaling pathway.
Sex differences in clinical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors:   the DISSECT consortium, Ramírez Sepúlveda Jorge I. , Bolin Karin , Mofors Johannes , Leonard Dag , Svenungsson Elisabet , Jönsen Andreas , Bengtsson Christine , Nordmark Gunnel , Rantapää Dahlqvist Solbritt , Bengtsson Anders A. , Rönnblom Lars , Sjöwall Christopher , Gunnarsson Iva , Wahren-Herlenius Marie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women, but previous studies suggest that men with SLE present a more severe disease phenotype. In this study, we investigated a large and well-characterized patient group with the aim of identifying sex differences in disease manifestations, with a special focus on renal involvement.MethodsWe studied a Swedish multi-center SLE cohort including 1226 patients (1060 women and 166 men) with a mean follow-up time of 15.8 ± 13.4 years. Demographic data, disease manifestations including ACR criteria, serology and renal histopathology were investigated. Renal outcome and mortality were analyzed in subcohorts.ResultsFemale SLE patients presented more often with malar rash (p < 0.0001), photosensitivity (p < 0.0001), oral ulcers (p = 0.01), and arthritis (p = 0.007). Male patients on the other hand presented more often with serositis (p = 0.0003), renal disorder (p < 0.0001), and immunologic disorder (p = 0.04) by the ACR definitions. With regard to renal involvement, women were diagnosed with nephritis at an earlier age (p = 0.006), while men with SLE had an overall higher risk for progression into end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.1 (95% CI, 2.1–12.5). The mortality rate among men with SLE and nephritis compared with women was HR 1.7 (95% CI, 0.8–3.8).ConclusionSLE shows significant sex-specific features, whereby men are affected by a more severe disease with regard to both renal and extra-renal manifestations. Additionally, men are at a higher risk of developing ESRD which may require an increased awareness and monitoring in clinical practice.
PRC1 promotes GLI1-dependent osteopontin expression in association with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and aggravates liver fibrosis
Authors: Rao Shenzong , Xiang Jie , Huang Jingsong , Zhang Shangang , Zhang Min , Sun Haoran , Li Jian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
PRC1 (Protein regulator of cytokinesis 1) regulates microtubules organization and functions as a novel regulator in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Wnt/β-catenin is involved in development of liver fibrosis (LF). We aim to investigate effect and mechanism of PRC1 on liver fibrosis.

Methods
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mice LF model was established and in vitro cell model for LF was induced by mice primary hepatic stellate cell (HSC) under glucose treatment. The expression of PRC1 in mice and cell LF models was examined by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), western blot and immunohistochemistry. MTT assay was used to detect cell viability, and western blot to determine the underlying mechanism. The effect of PRC1 on liver pathology was examined via measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hydroxyproline, as well as histopathological analysis.

Results
PRC1 was up-regulated in CCl4-induced mice LF model and activated HSC. Knockdown of PRC1 inhibited cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis of activated HSC. PRC1 expression was regulated by Wnt3a signaling, and PRC1 could regulate downstream β-catenin activation. Moreover, PRC1 could activate glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1)-dependent osteopontin expression to participate in LF. Adenovirus-mediated knockdown of PRC1 in liver attenuated LF and reduced collagen deposition.

Conclusions
PRC1 aggravated LF through regulating Wnt/β-catenin mediated GLI1-dependent osteopontin expression, providing a new potential therapeutic target for LF treatment.
Asymptotic properties of wavelet estimators in heteroscedastic semiparametric model based on negatively associated innovations
Authors: Hu Xueping , Zhong Jinbiao , Ren Jiashun , Shi Bing , Yu Keming 
Published: December 2019

AbstractConsider the heteroscedastic semiparametric regression model $y_{i}=x_{i}\beta+g(t_{i})+\varepsilon_{i}$yi=xiβ+g(ti)+εi, $i=1, 2, \ldots, n$i=1,2,…,n, where β is an unknown slope parameter, $\varepsilon_{i}=\sigma_{i}e_{i}$εi=σiei, $\sigma^{2}_{i}=f(u_{i})$σi2=f(ui), $(x_{i},t_{i},u_{i})$(xi,ti,ui) are nonrandom design points, $y_{i}$yi are the response variables, f and g are unknown functions defined on the closed interval $[0,1]$[0,1], random errors $\{e_{i} \}${ei} are negatively associated (NA) random variables with zero means. Whereas kernel estimators of β, g, and f have attracted a lot of attention in the literature, in this paper, we investigate their wavelet estimators and derive the strong consistency of these estimators under NA error assumption. At the same time, we also obtain the Berry–Esséen type bounds of the wavelet estimators of β and g.
Nonoscillatory solutions to fourth-order neutral dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Qiu Yang-Cong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we present some sufficient conditions and necessary conditions for the existence of nonoscillatory solutions to a class of fourth-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations on time scales by employing Banach spaces and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. Two examples are given to illustrate the applications of the results.