bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of parasite host range in heterogeneous host populations
Authors: Gibson Amanda K. , Baffoe‐Bonnie Helena , Penley McKenna J. , Lin Julie , Owens Raythe , Khalid Arooj , Morran Levi T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTheory on the evolution of niche width argues that resource heterogeneity selects for niche breadth. For parasites, this theory predicts that parasite populations will evolve, or maintain, broader host ranges when selected in genetically diverse host populations relative to homogeneous host populations. To test this prediction, we selected the bacterial parasite Serratia marcescens to kill Caenorhabditis elegans in populations that were genetically heterogeneous (50% mix of two experimental genotypes) or homogeneous (100% of either genotype). After 20 rounds of selection, we compared the host range of selected parasites by measuring parasite fitness (i.e. virulence, the selected fitness trait) on the two focal host genotypes and on a novel host genotype. As predicted, heterogeneous host populations selected for parasites with a broader host range: these parasite populations gained or maintained virulence on all host genotypes. This result contrasted with selection in homogeneous populations of one host genotype. Here, host range contracted, with parasite populations gaining virulence on the focal host genotype and losing virulence on the novel host genotype. This pattern was not, however, repeated with selection in homogeneous populations of the second host genotype: these parasite populations did not gain virulence on the focal host genotype, nor did they lose virulence on the novel host genotype. Our results indicate that host heterogeneity can maintain broader host ranges in parasite populations. Individual host genotypes, however, vary in the degree to which they select for specialization in parasite populations.
Brief introduction of medical database and data mining technology in big data era
Authors: Yang Jin , Li Yuanjie , Liu Qingqing , Li Li , Feng Aozi , Wang Tianyi , Zheng Shuai , Xu Anding , Lyu Jun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractData mining technology can search for potentially valuable knowledge from a large amount of data, mainly divided into data preparation and data mining, and expression and analysis of results. It is a mature information processing technology and applies database technology. Database technology is a software science that researches manages, and applies databases. The data in the database are processed and analyzed by studying the underlying theory and implementation methods of the structure, storage, design, management, and application of the database. We have introduced several databases and data mining techniques to help a wide range of clinical researchers better understand and apply database technology.
Father Involvement and Socioeconomic Disparities in Child Academic Outcomes
Authors: Miller Daniel P. , Thomas Margaret M. C. , Waller Maureen R. , Nepomnyaschy Lenna , Emory Allison D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis article explores whether father involvement can reduce socioeconomic disparities in child academic outcomes.BackgroundAn emerging body of literature points to the benefits to children of involvement by low‐socioeconomic status (SES) fathers. Research has not systematically investigated whether differences in father involvement can account for SES‐based disparities in child outcomes.MethodThis study used data from 12,030 unique children from the 1998 Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. Using multiple regression models and novel simulation analyses, it investigated whether accounting for SES‐based differences in either the amount or effect of involvement by biological fathers explains gaps in reading scores, math scores, and rates of grade retention between low‐SES and high‐SES children.ResultsFather residence, resident father school involvement, and a comprehensive index of nonresident father involvement were associated with better child academic outcomes. Associations between residence and nonresident father involvement and child outcomes were consistent for fathers in all SES quintiles. School involvement by low‐SES resident fathers was more beneficial than involvement by the highest SES fathers. Simulation analyses indicated that increasing the amount of involvement by low‐SES fathers to that of high‐SES fathers would result in minimal decreases in SES disparities in reading and math scores, but more sizeable decreases in rates of grade retention.ConclusionIncreasing some types of father involvement may help to narrow academic gaps between low‐ and high‐SES children.
Fusarium incarnatum is associated with postharvest fruit rot of muskmelon (Cucumis melo)
Authors: Wonglom Prisana , Sunpapao Anurag 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPostharvest fruit rot was observed on muskmelon (Cucumis melo) on market shelves at a melon farm in the city of Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand. Diseased muskmelon fruit displayed cotton‐like mycelia on wounds and had brown to dark brown internal tissue. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1‐α) DNA sequences, the fungal pathogen was identified as Fusarium incarnatum. This species belongs to the Fusarium incarnatum‐equiseti species complex (FIESC). A pathogenicity test was conducted to verify Koch's postulates, and F. incarnatum was observed to cause fruit rot on muskmelon; symptoms of the disease were similar to those seen in the field. However, only artificially wounded melons became infected, suggesting that F. incarnatum is an obligate wound‐infecting pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. incarnatum causing fruit rot of muskmelon in Thailand.
The use and effectiveness of adaptive servo ventilation in central sleep apnea: a study of consecutive sleep clinic patients
Authors: Huseini Taha , McArdle Nigel , Jasper Emily , Kurmagadda Sasya , Douglas Jane , King Stuart , Sturdy Gavin , Singh Bhajan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe use of adaptive servo ventilation to treat central sleep apnea in the clinical setting is incompletely understood and could be under‐utilized. We reviewed our experience of adaptive servo ventilation use in patients with central sleep apnea. This study shows the effectiveness of adaptive servo ventilation in treating patients with central sleep apnea, irrespective of a predisposing factor, as assessed during a 4‐week treatment trial. Results show that adaptive servo ventilation was effective and superior to continuous positive airway pressure in controlling central sleep apnea and improving symptoms. Only a small proportion of these patients had comorbid heart failure. Early treatment with adaptive servo ventilation may improve long‐term adherence to therapy. These findings highlight the utility of adaptive servo ventilation in the management of central sleep apnea.
Renal expression and urinary excretion of liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein in cats with renal disease
Authors: Katayama Masaaki , Ohata Keiichi , Miyazaki Tamako , Katayama Rieko , Wakamatsu Nobuko , Ohno Misa , Yamashita Tetsuro , Oikawa Tsuyoshi , Sugaya Takeshi , Miyazaki Masao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundLiver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) is a biomarker for early detection of renal disease in humans. Liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein is cytotoxic oxidation products secreted from proximal tubules under ischemia and oxidative stress.ObjectiveTo examine renal expression and quantify urinary excretion of L‐FABP in catswith renal disease.AnimalsOne hundred and thirty‐four client‐owned cats including 34 cats with serum creatinine (sCre) values >1.6 mg/dL and 10 other cats that died in clinics.MethodsTissue expressions of L‐FABP were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Urinary L‐FABP (uL‐FABP) and serum L‐FABP (sL‐FABP) levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Anti‐liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein antibody immunostained renal sections.ResultsFeline kidneys express L‐FABP. Strong L‐FABP signals were observed in the lumens of proximal tubular cells in 5 cats with high uL‐FABP excretion, but not in 5 cats with low uL‐FABP excretion. In 9 normal cats, uL‐FABP index was <1.2 μg/g urinary creatinine (uCre). High uL‐FABP indexes (>10.0 μg/g uCre) were detected in 7 of 100 cats with low sCre (<1.6 mg/dL) and 18 of 44 cats with high sCre (>1.6 mg/dL). There was a weak correlation between L‐FABP index and sCre, serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and these correlation coefficients were increased by analyzing only data of cats with sCre >1.6 mg/dL. There was a weak correlation between u L‐FABP index and sL‐FABP in all tested cats, but not in cats with high sCre.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study demonstrates correlations between L‐FABP and current renal biomarkers for chronic kidney disease in cats, such as sCre and SDMA. Liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein may be a potential biomarker to predict early pathophysiological events in feline kidneys.
Effects of arginine and ornithine supplementation to a high‐protein diet on selected cellular immune variables in adult cats
Authors: Paßlack Nadine , Kohn Barbara , Zentek Jürgen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundDietary protein and amino acid intake and composition can modulate immune function.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of high‐protein intake and arginine and ornithine supplementation on feline immune cells.AnimalsTen healthy cats.MethodsExperimental study. Cats received a high‐protein basal diet as a single daily meal. A crossover design was applied with treatments being basal diet (w/o); basal diet with arginine supplementation (+50, 75, 100% compared to the arginine provision by the basal diet; Arg 1‐3); and basal diet with ornithine supplementation (+100, 150, 200% compared to the arginine provision by the basal diet; Orn 1‐3). Blood samples were collected at the end of each 11‐day treatment period.ResultsMitogen‐stimulated proliferative activity of blood leukocytes revealed a quadratic effect for the dietary supplementation of arginine (P = .02) and ornithine (P = .03) (means for ConA‐stimulation: w/o = 6.96; Arg 1 = 9.31; Arg 2 = 11.4; Arg 3 = 8.04; Orn 1 = 15.4; Orn 2 = 9.43; Orn 3 = 9.28; pooled SEM: 0.96). The number (% gated) of phagocytic granulocytes linearly decreased with increasing dietary concentrations of arginine (P = .05) and ornithine (P = .03) (means: w/o = 95.5; Arg 1 = 93.0; Arg 2 = 92.5; Arg 3 = 92.6; Orn 1 = 92.6; Orn 2 = 92.6; Orn 3 = 91.5; pooled SEM = 0.44).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study could demonstrate immunomodulating properties of dietary arginine and ornithine in cats.
Clinical‐dosimetric relationship between lacrimal gland dose and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs with sinonasal tumors treated with radiation therapy
Authors: Poirier Valerie J. , Matsuyama Arata , Kim Changseok , Darko Johnson , Fleck Andre 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundDogs with sinonasal tumor can develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) after radiation therapy (RT). In humans, the incidence of xerophtalmia is associated with the mean radiation dose received by the ipsilateral lacrimal gland (LG).Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe eyes receiving a higher mean LG dose are more likely to develop KCS. The aim of the study was to determine a starting threshold dose to use as dose constraint for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).AnimalsDogs with nasal tumors treated with RT between August 2013 and December 2016.MethodsCase control retrospective study of dogs with sinonasal tumor treated with 42 Gray (Gy) in 10 fractions using IMRT. Dogs were included if development of KCS after RT was documented (cases) or adequate follow‐up information with Schirmer tear test (STT) result for ≥6 months after RT was available (controls). Lacrimal glands were contoured and dose distribution was calculated using the original treatment plan to determine prescribed doses to LGs.ResultsTwenty‐five dogs were treated with RT and 5 dogs (20%) developed KCS. Fifteen dogs met the inclusion criteria including 5 unilateral KCS and 10 control dogs, resulting in 5 KCS eyes and 25 control eyes. KCS developed at a median of 111 days (84‐122) after 1st RT. The mean LG dose reached using a 4.2 Gy per fraction was 33.08 Gy (range: 23.75‐42.33) for KCS eyes and 10.33 Gy (1.8‐24.77) for control eyes (P < .001). The minimum LG mean dose for developing KCS was 23.75 Gy. No eyes that received a mean LG dose <20 Gy developed KCS versus 5/7 (71%) developed with >20 Gy.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceContouring and applying a dose constraint on LGs should be performed when using IMRT in dogs with sinonasal tumors to reduce the risk of KCS.
The essential effector SCRE1 in Ustilaginoidea virens suppresses rice immunity via a small peptide region
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yang Jiyun , Fang Anfei , Wang Jiyang , Li Dayong , Li Yuejiao , Wang Shanzhi , Cui Fuhao , Yu Junjie , Liu Yongfeng , Peng You‐Liang , Sun Wenxian 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThe biotrophic fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens causes rice false smut, a newly emerging plant disease that has become epidemic worldwide in recent years. The U. virens genome encodes many putative effector proteins that, based on the study of other pathosystems, could play an essential role in fungal virulence. However, few studies have been reported on virulence functions of individual U. virens effectors. Here, we report our identification and characterization of the secreted cysteine‐rich protein SCRE1, which is an essential virulence effector in U. virens. When SCRE1 was heterologously expressed in Magnaporthe oryzae, the protein was secreted and translocated into plant cells during infection. SCRE1 suppresses the immunity‐associated hypersensitive response in the nonhost plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Induced expression of SCRE1 in rice also inhibits pattern‐triggered immunity and enhances disease susceptibility to rice bacterial and fungal pathogens. The immunosuppressive activity is localized to a small peptide region that contains an important ‘cysteine‐proline‐alanine‐arginine‐serine’ motif. Furthermore, the scre1 knockout mutant generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is attenuated in U. virens virulence to rice, which is greatly complemented by the full‐length SCRE1 gene. Collectively, this study indicates that the effector SCRE1 is able to inhibit host immunity and is required for full virulence of U. virens.
Translational Research in a Military Organization: The Marine Corps Organizational Culture Research Project
Authors: Fosher Kerry B. , Lane Rebecca , Tarzi Erika , Post Kristin , Gauldin Eric M. , Tashev Blagovest , Edwards Jennifer , McLean Jeremy D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article provides an overview of a project combining anthropological practice and research to examine various aspects of U.S. Marine Corps culture, conducted at the organization's request, in the wake of significant gender‐related misconduct involving Marines on social media. We examine the context and practice leading up to the research, address research design and execution, and describe both the broader Marine population and the characteristics of those in our sample. By examining the details of the project's context and execution, the article aims to advance anthropological discussion about the complexities of research with active duty military personnel, as well as provide insights into practice and research conducted from a standpoint within a military organization.
Higher sensitivity towards light stress and ocean acidification in an Arctic sea‐ice‐associated diatom compared to a pelagic diatom
Authors: Kvernvik Ane C. , Rokitta Sebastian D. , Leu Eva , Harms Lars , Gabrielsen Tove M. , Rost Björn , Hoppe Clara J. M. 
Published: February 2020

Summary

Thalassiosira hyalina and Nitzschia frigida are important members of Arctic pelagic and sympagic (sea‐ice‐associated) diatom communities. We investigated the effects of light stress (shift from 20 to 380 µmol photons m−2 s−1, resembling upwelling or ice break‐up) under contemporary and future pCO2 (400 vs 1000 µatm).

The responses in growth, elemental composition, pigmentation and photophysiology were followed over 120 h and are discussed together with underlying gene expression patterns.

Stress response and subsequent re‐acclimation were efficiently facilitated by T. hyalina, which showed only moderate changes in photophysiology and elemental composition, and thrived under high light after 120 h. In N. frigida, photochemical damage and oxidative stress appeared to outweigh cellular defenses, causing dysfunctional photophysiology and reduced growth. pCO2 alone did not specifically influence gene expression, but amplified the transcriptomic reactions to light stress, indicating that pCO2 affects metabolic equilibria rather than sensitive genes.

Large differences in acclimation capacities towards high light and high pCO2 between T. hyalina and N. frigida indicate species‐specific mechanisms in coping with the two stressors, which may reflect their respective ecological niches. This could potentially alter the balance between sympagic and pelagic primary production in a future Arctic.
Targeting EGFR Overexpression at the Surface of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Exploiting Amidated BODIPY‐Peptide Conjugates
Authors: Williams Tyrslai M. , Zhou Zehua , Singh Sitanshu S. , Sibrian‐Vazquez Martha , Jois Seetharama D. , Henriques Vicente Maria da Graça 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThree BODIPY‐peptide conjugates designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) at the extracellular domain were synthesized, and their specificity for binding to EGFR was investigated. Peptide sequences containing seven amino acids, GLARLLT (2) and KLARLLT (4), and 13 amino acids, GYHWYGYTPQNVI (3), were conjugated to carboxyl BODIPY dye (1) by amide bond formation in up to 73% yields. The BODIPY‐peptide conjugates and their “parent” peptides were determined to bind to EGFR experimentally using SPR analysis and were further investigated using computational methods (AutoDock). Results of SPR, competitive binding and docking studies propose that conjugate 6 including the GYHWYGYTPQNVI sequence binds to EGFR more effectively than conjugates 5 and 7, bearing the smaller peptide sequences. Findings in human carcinoma HEp2 cells overexpressing EGFR showed nontoxic behavior in the presence of activated light (1.5 J cm−2) and in the absence of light for all BODIPYs. Furthermore, conjugate 6 showed about five‐fold higher accumulation within HEp2 cells compared with conjugates 5 and 7, localizing preferentially in the cell ER and lysosomes. Our findings suggest that BODIPY‐peptide conjugate 6 is a promising contrast agent for detection of colorectal cancer and potentially other EGFR‐overexpressing cancers.
Occurrence and characterization of Alternaria species associated with leaf spot disease in rapeseed in Serbia
Authors: Blagojević Jovana D. , Vukojević Jelena B. , Ivanović Žarko S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe global demand for rapeseed makes it one of the fastest growing markets in crop production, with a need for increasing growing area and productivity, both of which depend on effective pathogen control strategies. Alternaria pathogens cause serious losses of brassica crops and occur in most rapeseed‐growing regions around the world. In this study, morphological, molecular, and pathogenic analyses of 113 isolates collected from nine important rapeseed‐growing areas in Serbia identified four pathogens: Alternaria brassicae, A. brassicicola, A. japonica, and A. alternata, causing leaf spot disease. Molecular analyses of ITS, GAPDH, Alt a1, and ATP sequences revealed one multilocus haplotype for A. brassicae and A. japonica isolates, whereas for A. brassicicola and A. alternata three and five haplotypes were distinguished, respectively. Pathogenicity tests showed that A. brassicicola was the most virulent while A. brassicae and A. japonica exhibited the same level of pathogenicity. The A. alternata population was generally weakly pathogenic with one nonpathogenic, genetically separated but closely related group of isolates, suggesting that pathogenicity is more unstable in this phylogenetic lineage. The data recorded on rate of growth and sporulation of isolates at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C revealed significant differences in evolutionary strategies among species, as A. alternata had the widest optimum range and the fastest growth rate, A. brassicicola showed the highest sporulation intensity, and A. brassicae expressed lower optimum temperatures for sporulation compared to other groups. All species indicated the potential for cross‐infection of cabbage, and some haplotypes of A. brassicicola were previously isolated from horseradish in Serbia, suggesting the presence of one persistent Alternaria population on multiple brassica hosts in the region. This report describes the first detailed study of Alternaria spp. in rapeseed in Serbia.
The role of neurokinin A and its receptor in the regulation of prolactin secretion by the anterior pituitary of cyclic pigs
Authors: Czelejewska Wioleta , Zmijewska Agata , Dziekonski Mariusz , Okrasa Stanislaw 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn pigs, plasma prolactin concentration markedly changes during the oestrous cycle and the regulation of its secretion is very complex. The contribution of neurokinins in this process has not been sufficiently delineated. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of neurokinin A (NKA) on prolactin synthesis and secretion in cyclic gilts. The expression of NKA precursor (Ppta) and receptor (Tacr2) genes as well as NKA and TACR proteins content in the porcine pituitaries (days 2–3, 9–10, 12–13, 15–16 and 19–20 of the cycle) was determined. Furthermore, the in vitro influence of NKA on the expression of prolactin (Prl), dopamine receptor (D2r), TRH receptor (Trhr) genes and prolactin secretion by the porcine pituitary cells (days 9–10, 15–16 and 19–20 of the cycle) was assessed. The expression of Ppta and Tacr2 as well as NKA and TACR proteins in the pituitary tissue has been changing throughout the oestrous cycle. NKA affected in vitro the expression of studied genes and prolactin secretion depending on the stage of the cycle, dose of NKA and/or duration of the cell incubation. Altogether, the study indicates that NKA is engaged in the modulation of prolactin secretion in the pig during the oestrous cycle.