bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MamA essentiality in Mycobacterium smegmatis is explained by the presence of an apparent cognate restriction endonuclease
Authors: Randall Samantha E. , Martini Maria Carla , Zhou Ying , Joubran Samantha R. , Shell Scarlet S. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
Restriction-Modification (R-M) systems are ubiquitous in bacteria and were considered for years as rudimentary immune systems that protect bacterial cells from foreign DNA. Currently, these R-M systems are recognized as important players in global gene expression and other cellular processes such us virulence and evolution of genomes. Here, we report the role of the unique DNA methyltransferase in Mycobacterium smegmatis, which shows a moderate degree of sequence similarity to MamA, a previously characterized methyltransferase that affects gene expression in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is important for survival under hypoxic conditions.

Results
We found that depletion of mamA levels impairs growth and produces elongated cell bodies. Microscopy revealed irregular septation and unevenly distributed DNA, with large areas devoid of DNA and small DNA-free cells. Deletion of MSMEG_3214, a predicted endonuclease-encoding gene co-transcribed with mamA, restored the WT growth phenotype in a mamA-depleted background. Our results suggest that the mamA-depletion phenotype can be explained by DNA cleavage by the apparent cognate restriction endonuclease MSMEG_3214. In addition, in silico analysis predicts that both MamA methyltransferase and MSMEG_3214 endonuclease recognize the same palindromic DNA sequence. We propose that MamA and MSMEG_3214 constitute a previously undescribed R-M system in M. smegmatis.
Intestinal helminthic parasites of rodents in the central region of Iran: first report of a capillariid nematode from Dryomys nitedula
Authors: Mohtasebi Sina , Teimouri Aref , Mobedi Iraj , Mohtasebi Alireza , Abbasian Hamed , Abbaszadeh Afshar Mohammad Javad 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Rodents play an important role to spread zoonotic diseases through society. The current study was carried out to collect informative data on the intestinal helminthic infections of wild rodents in Taleqan County, Alborz Province, the center of Iran, emphasizing their zoonotic aspects.

Results
Sixty-two killed rodents by local farmers belonging to five species were collected, among which 24 were identified as Mus musculus, 15 as Meriones persicus, 12 as Meriones libycus, 10 as Apodemus witherbyi, and 1 as Dryomys nitedula. Of them, 30 (48.4%) were infected with at least one helminth species. Rodents were infected with Hymenolepis diminuta (42%), Syphacia obvelata (21%), Hymenolepis nana (17.7%), Heligmosomoides polygyrus (9.6%), Trichuris muris (8%), and as well as a capillariid nematode that was isolated for the first time from D. nitedula in Iran. The findings of the present study revealed a significant intestinal helminthic infection of rodents in Taleqan County. Improving hygiene practices, and making a preventive attitude can be helpful to reduce the hazards of rodent-borne diseases in the area where humans, livestock, and synanthropic rodents are living close to each other.
Autistic traits, systemising, empathising, and theory of mind in transgender and non-binary adults
Authors: Kung Karson T. F. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Prior research examining autistic traits in gender minority adults has reported mixed findings. Most prior studies did not include non-binary individuals. Little is known about the mechanisms shaping autistic traits in gender minority adults. This study examined autistic traits, as well as constructs related to the extreme male brain theory of autism and the mindblindness theory, in transgender and non-binary adults.

Methods
An online survey was conducted to assess autism-related traits in 323 gender minority adults, including 74 transgender men (individuals assigned female at birth and identify as a man), 95 transgender women (individuals assigned male at birth and identify as a woman), 104 non-binary AFAB (individuals assigned female at birth and identify as non-binary), and 50 non-binary AMAB (individuals assigned male at birth and identify as non-binary). Autistic traits, systemising, empathising, and Theory of Mind (ToM) were measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the short forms of the Systemising Quotient (SQ-Short) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ-Short), the 10-item version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ-10) and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Eyes Test). Participants’ scores on these measures were compared with previously published scores based on large-scale general population samples including thousands of participants.

Results
On average, compared with control females in the general population samples, both transgender men and non-binary AFAB scored significantly higher on the AQ and the SQ-Short but scored significantly lower on the EQ-Short, the EQ-10, and the Eyes Test. No clear or consistent group differences emerged when transgender women and non-binary AMAB were compared with control males.

Limitations
The present study does not have a large sample of gender minority adults. It has been argued that the measures employed may not provide a precise assessment of the psychological constructs of interest. The present study has a “non-clinical” sample. However, not all gender minorities have access to or require clinical services, and so a “non-clinical” sample may be more representative of the gender minority community as a whole than samples recruited through clinics.

Conclusions
The current findings suggest a “masculinised” autism-related profile and reduced ToM in transgender men and in non-binary AFAB. These findings might be interpreted to support the extreme male brain theory of autism and the mindblindness theory. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings.
Hepatic stellate cells contribute to liver regeneration through galectins in hepatic stem cell niche
Authors: Ge Jian-Yun , Zheng Yun-Wen , Tsuchida Tomonori , Furuya Kinji , Isoda Hiroko , Taniguchi Hideki , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro , Oda Tatsuya 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
As a critical cellular component in the hepatic stem cell niche, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play critical roles in regulating the expansion of hepatic stem cells, liver regeneration, and fibrogenesis. However, the signaling of HSCs, particularly that involved in promoting hepatic stem cell expansion, remains unclear. While the overexpression of galectins has been identified in regenerating liver tissues, their involvement in cell-cell interactions between HSCs and hepatic stem cells remains to be elucidated.

Methods
To generate a liver regeneration rat model and establish a hepatic oval cell microenvironment as a stem cell niche, 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment plus partial hepatectomy was performed. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect the emergence of hepatic stem cells and their niche. Liver parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and HSCs were isolated for gene and protein expression analysis by qPCR or western blotting. To evaluate the effect of galectins on the colony-forming efficiency of hepatic stem cells, c-Kit−CD29+CD49f+/lowCD45−Ter-119− cells were cultured with recombinant galectin protein, galectin antibody, galectin-producing HSCs, and galectin-knockdown HSCs.

Results
Following liver injury, the cytokeratin 19+ ductal cells were robustly induced together with the emergence of OV6+CD44+CD133+EpCAM+ hepatic stem cells. The activated desmin+ HSCs were recruited around the periportal area and markedly enriched in the galectin-positive domain compared to the other non-parenchymal cells. Notably, the HSC fraction isolated from regenerating liver was accompanied by dramatically elevated gene and protein expression of galectins. Hepatic stem cells co-cultured with HSCs significantly enhanced colony-forming efficiency. Conversely, single or double knockdown of galectin-1 and galectin-3 led into a significant function loss, impaired the co-cultured hepatic stem cells to attenuated colony size, inhibited colony frequency, and reduced total cell numbers in colonies. On the other hand, the promotive function of galectins was further confirmed by recombinant galectin protein supplementation and galectins blocking antibodies.

Conclusions
Our findings, for the first time, demonstrated that galectins from activated HSCs contribute to hepatic stem cell expansion during liver regeneration, suggesting that galectins serve as important stem cell niche components.
Methodologically grounded semantic analysis of large volume of chilean medical literature data applied to the analysis of medical research funding efficiency in Chile
Authors: Wolff Patricio , Ríos Sebastián , Clavijo David , Graña Manuel , Carrasco Miguel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Medical knowledge is accumulated in scientific research papers along time. In order to exploit this knowledge by automated systems, there is a growing interest in developing text mining methodologies to extract, structure, and analyze in the shortest time possible the knowledge encoded in the large volume of medical literature. In this paper, we use the Latent Dirichlet Allocation approach to analyze the correlation between funding efforts and actually published research results in order to provide the policy makers with a systematic and rigorous tool to assess the efficiency of funding programs in the medical area.

Results
We have tested our methodology in the Revista Médica de Chile, years 2012-2015. 50 relevant semantic topics were identified within 643 medical scientific research papers. Relationships between the identified semantic topics were uncovered using visualization methods. We have also been able to analyze the funding patterns of scientific research underlying these publications. We found that only 29% of the publications declare funding sources, and we identified five topic clusters that concentrate 86% of the declared funds.

Conclusions
Our methodology allows analyzing and interpreting the current state of medical research at a national level. The funding source analysis may be useful at the policy making level in order to assess the impact of actual funding policies, and to design new policies.
Rural households’ perception on the effects of Prosopis juliflora invasion: The case of Amibara District of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Ousmane , Haji Jema , Legesse Belaineh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn Ethiopia, Prosopis juliflora (P. juliflora) becomes one of the worst invasive alien species threatening the livelihood and thus food security of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. However, up to the present, there have been few studies on the social aspects of the problem. This study explores households’ perceptions about the effects of P. juliflora invasions in Amibara district of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia. The study used cross-sectional data collected from 130 randomly selected households based on probability proportional to household size. To measure households’ perceptions, a perception index was constructed based on a five-point Likert scale, and a two-limit tobit regression model was used to determine factors affecting households’ perception. The abundance of P. juliflora was perceived to have increased since its introduction in the study area, mainly due to the mobility of dispersal agents and the species’ ability to resist the harsh environment. Between the time when the first trees were planted and today, households’ mean perception about the effect of P. juliflora invasion has experienced a significant shift; whilst initially some 78% of the sampled households were in favour of the tree species, today, less than 1% still favour the tree and some 90% disfavour it. Empirical evidence indicates that gender, market distance, extension service and livelihood strategy had a significant negative influence whilst proximity to the bush land had a significant positive effect on households’ perceptions about the effects of P. juliflora invasion. Almost all sampled households had applied some form of control measure on their individually own land, including uprooting of seedlings or cutting and burning of trees. We recommend that government bodies should, in collaboration with other stakeholders, design P. juliflora management programmes, which take into account the households’ interests, demographic and socio-economic characteristics and institutional settings.
Surgical mask on top of high-flow nasal cannula improves oxygenation in critically ill COVID-19 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Montiel Virginie , Robert Arnaud , Robert Annie , Nabaoui Anas , Marie Tourneux , Mestre Natalia Morales , Guillaume Maerckx , Laterre Pierre-François , Wittebole Xavier 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective
Critically ill patients admitted in ICU because of COVID-19 infection display severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends oxygenation through high-flow nasal cannula over non-invasive ventilation. The primary outcome of our study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of a surgical mask on a high-flow nasal cannula system on oxygenation parameters in hypoxemic COVID-19 patients admitted in ICU who do not require urgent intubation. The secondary outcomes were relevant changes in PaCO2 associated with clinical modifications and patient’s feelings.

Design
We prospectively assessed 21 patients admitted in our mixed Intensive Care Unit of the Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc.

Main results
While FiO2 was unchanged, we demonstrate a significant increase of PaO2 (from 59 (± 6), to 79 mmHg (± 16), p < 0.001), PaO2/FiO2 from 83 (± 22), to 111 (± 38), p < 0.001) and SaO2 (from 91% (± 1.5), to 94% (± 1.6), p < 0.001), while the patients were under the surgical mask. The SpO2 returned to pre-treatment values when the surgical mask was removed confirming the effect of the device rather than a spontaneous positive evolution.

Conclusion
A surgical mask placed on patient’s face already treated by a High-flow nasal cannula device improves COVID-19 patient’s oxygenation admitted in Intensive Care Unit for severe hypoxemic respiratory failure without any clinically relevant side.
Study of hybrid orthonormal functions method for solving second kind fuzzy Fredholm integral equations
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Ramadan Mohamed , Osheba Heba S. , Chu Yu-Ming 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe approximate numerical solution of the linear second kind of fuzzy integral Fredholm equations is discussed in this article. A new approach uses hybrid functions, and some useful properties of these functions are proposed to transform linear second type fuzzy integral Fredholm equations into an algebraic equation. The new approach is a mixture of Bernstein polynomials (BPs) and enhanced block-pulse functions (IBPFs) at interval $[0, 1)$
[
0
,
1
)
. The approach is appealing and very easy to implement computationally. Some numerical tests show the reliability and exactness of the suggested scheme.
Some subordination involving polynomials induced by lower triangular matrices
Authors: Mondal Saiful R. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe article considers several polynomials induced by admissible lower triangular matrices and studies their subordination properties. The concept generalizes the notion of stable functions in the unit disk. Several illustrative examples, including those related to the Cesàro mean, are discussed, and connections are made with earlier works.
Intrauterine growth restriction and its associated factors in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Tesfa Desalegn , Tadege Melaku , Digssie Alemayehu , Abebaw Sofonyas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAfter prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality. IUGR has significant consequences in fetal, neonatal, and adult life. Currently, Ethiopia lacks information on IUGR’s prevalence and its determinants. This study aimed to assess the proportion of IUGR at birth and its associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among women who give birth in four hospitals of south Gonder zone from November 2018 to February 2019. Multi-stage sampling was applied to select the required samples. IUGR was assessed using a standardized cutoff percentile/mean for each measurement. Data were collected by trained MSc clinical midwives. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic analyses were deployed to identify the association.ResultsA total of 803 maternity women were participating in this study with a response rate of 95%. The proportion of IUGR 23.5% (95% CI: 20.7–26.6), low birth weight 13.3%, small-for- gestational-age 19.7%,and preterm birth 23.16%. Women who was unable to read and write, (AOR; 2.46, 95% CI: 1.02–5.92), total family size ≥7 (AOR; 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04–2.66), maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 23 cm (AOR; 2.10, 95% CI: 1.39–3.01), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2(AOR; 2.57, 95% CI: 1.72–3.83), altitude > 3000 m (AOR; 1.89 95% CI: 1.19–3.01), small placental size (< 350 g) (AOR; 2.42, 95% CI: 1.67–3.54) and small-for-gestational-age (AOR; 1.94, 95% CI:1.86–4.52) were the most predictors of IUGR.ConclusionsIUGR was a major public health concern in this study. Women who were unable to read and write, small-for-gestational-age, maternal BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, family size ≥7, maternal MUAC < 23 cm, small placental size, and altitude > 3000 m were found the most predictor variables. Strengthen female education, nutritional intervention before and during pregnancy, and routine maternity care is critical. Further clinical follow-up research is essential which includes maternal, fetal, and placental gens.
Estimation of soil loss rate using the USLE model for Agewmariayam Watershed, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Gebrehana , Moges Awdenegest , Muluneh Alemayehu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Soil erosion and nutrient depletion threaten food security and the sustainability of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa. Estimating soil loss and identifying hotspot areas support combating soil degradation. The aim of this paper is to estimate the soil loss rate and identify hotspot areas using USLE model in the Agewmariam watershed, northern Ethiopia.

Methods
Rainfall erosivity factor was determined from annual rainfall, soil erodibility factor from soil data, slope length and gradient factor were generated from DEM, cover factor and conservation practice factor obtained from land use cover map. Finally, the parameters were integrated with ArcGIS tools to estimate soil loss rates of the study watershed.

Results
Mean annual soil loss rates were estimated to be between 0 and 897 t ha−1 year−1 on flatter and steeper slopes, respectively. The total annual soil loss was 51,403.13 tons from the watershed and the annual soil loss rate of the study area was 25 t ha−1 year−1. More than 33% of the study areas were above tolerable soil loss rate (11 t ha−1 year−1). The spatial risk categorization rate was 67.2% severe (> 51 t ha−1 year−1), 5.4% very high (31–50 t ha−1 year−1), 5.8% high (19–30 t ha−1 year−1), 3.2% moderate (12–18 t ha−1 year−1) and 18.3% slight (0–11 t ha−1 year−1).

Conclusion
The results showed that the severity of erosion occurred on the steep slope cultivation, absence of conservation measures, and sparse nature of the vegetation cover. This area required immediate action of soil and water conservation which accounts for about 33.5% of the total watershed.
Disruption of redox homeostasis for combinatorial drug efficacy in K-Ras tumors as revealed by metabolic connectivity profiling
Authors: Gaglio Daniela , Bonanomi Marcella , Valtorta Silvia , Bharat Rohit , Ripamonti Marilena , Conte Federica , Fiscon Giulia , Righi Nicole , Napodano Elisabetta , Papa Federico , Raccagni Isabella , Parker Seth J. , Cifola Ingrid , Camboni Tania , Paci Paola , Colangelo Anna Maria , Vanoni Marco , Metallo Christian M. , Moresco Rosa Maria , Alberghina Lilia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Rewiring of metabolism induced by oncogenic K-Ras in cancer cells involves both glucose and glutamine utilization sustaining enhanced, unrestricted growth. The development of effective anti-cancer treatments targeting metabolism may be facilitated by the identification and rational combinatorial targeting of metabolic pathways.

Methods
We performed mass spectrometric metabolomics analysis in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy of drugs and identify metabolic connectivity.

Results
We show that K-Ras-mutant lung and colon cancer cells exhibit a distinct metabolic rewiring, the latter being more dependent on respiration. Combined treatment with the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 and the PI3K/aldolase inhibitor NVP-BKM120 more consistently reduces cell growth of tumor xenografts. Maximal growth inhibition correlates with the disruption of redox homeostasis, involving loss of reduced glutathione regeneration, redox cofactors, and a decreased connectivity among metabolites primarily involved in nucleic acid metabolism.

Conclusions
Our findings open the way to develop metabolic connectivity profiling as a tool for a selective strategy of combined drug repositioning in precision oncology.
Roles of IFN-γ in tumor progression and regression: a review
Authors: Jorgovanovic Dragica , Song Mengjia , Wang Liping , Zhang Yi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays a key role in activation of cellular immunity and subsequently, stimulation of antitumor immune-response. Based on its cytostatic, pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative functions, IFN-γ is considered potentially useful for adjuvant immunotherapy for different types of cancer. Moreover, it IFN-γ may inhibit angiogenesis in tumor tissue, induce regulatory T-cell apoptosis, and/or stimulate the activity of M1 proinflammatory macrophages to overcome tumor progression. However, the current understanding of the roles of IFN-γ in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may be misleading in terms of its clinical application.Main bodySome researchers believe it has anti-tumorigenic properties, while others suggest that it contributes to tumor growth and progression. In our recent work, we have shown that concentration of IFN-γ in the TME determines its function. Further, it was reported that tumors treated with low-dose IFN-γ acquired metastatic properties while those infused with high dose led to tumor regression. Pro-tumorigenic role may be described through IFN-γ signaling insensitivity, downregulation of major histocompatibility complexes, upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and checkpoint inhibitors such as programmed cell death ligand 1.ConclusionSignificant research efforts are required to decipher IFN-γ-dependent pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. This review discusses the current knowledge concerning the roles of IFN-γ in the TME as a part of the complex immune response to cancer and highlights the importance of identifying IFN-γ responsive patients to improve their sensitivity to immuno-therapies.