bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Two Cuban Strains of Rhipicephalus Microplus Ticks
Authors: Guzmán Pedro E. Encinosa , Cuétara Claudia Fernández , Argüelles Ana Laura Cano , Castillo Alier Fuentes , Martínez Yuselys García , Fernández Rafmary Rodríguez , Afonso Yilian Fernández , Soto Yamil Bello , Alfaro Yorexis González , Méndez Luis , García Angelina Díaz , García Mario Pablo Estrada , Rodriguez-Mallon Alina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) is one of the species with medical and economic relevance that had been reported in the list of Cuban tick species. Some morphological characterizations about the R. microplus species in Cuba have been published, however, molecular studies are lacking. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed a common ancestor for R. annulatus, R. australis and three clades of R. microplus within the Boophilus subgenus. These five clades were grouped in a complex named R. microplus. The present study aimed the accurate taxonomic classification of R. microplus tick strains established as colonies in the Cuban National Laboratory of Parasitology.Methods: Morphological characterization of adult specimens from two Cuban strains of the R. microplus ticks were carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The sequences of three mitochondrial genes: 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and the subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase gene (COXI) and one nuclear gene: internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were used for phylogenetic analyses. The life cycle under laboratory conditions for both strains was also characterized.Results: Tick specimens of both strains showed morphologic characteristics which were strongly coincident with those distinctive for the R. microplus species. Phylogenies based on mitochondrial gene sequences identified congruently the Cuban tick strains within the R. microplus clade A together with a Mexican reference strain and tick isolations from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Mozambique, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Tanzania, United States, Uruguay and South Africa. Phylogenetic inferences based on nuclear ITS2 sequences also classified both tick strains as belonging to the R. microplus species but did not support the clades A, B and C previously described. The life cycle for both strains under established laboratory conditions averaged 65±5 days and 2422±295 and 2604±304 larvae were obtained for each fully engorged female tick collected from CC and ML strains, respectively.Conclusions: These results placed of Cuban tick strains as Rhipicephalus microplus clade A inside the R. microplus complex. This study constitutes the first molecular characterization of ticks from the R. microplus species in Cuba.
The first patient reported with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency in Peru
Authors: Aldave Juan Carlos , Cachay Enrique , Alva Guisela , Milla Mariela , Calero Joel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) is a life-threatening immune disorder caused by pathogenic mutations in the IL2RG gene. We report the first patient with genetically confirmed X-SCID in Peru.

Case presentation
Diagnosis was suspected before patient’s birth because of family history. At birth, blood immunophenotype was compatible with X-SCID and genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic mutation in IL2RG . Intravenous immunoglobulin and antibiotic prophylaxis were initiated until patient’s referral for an available novel treatment: gene therapy.

Conclusions
Family background is a key point to suspect X-SCID, allowing a timely diagnosis and treatment. X-SCID requires prompt immune reconstitution. However, HSCT is frequently not available to treat newborns in developing countries.
Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis
Authors: Tylutka Anna , Morawin Barbara , Gramacki Artur , Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
It is widely well documented that ageing is accompanied by remodelling of the immune system including thymic atrophy and increased frequency of senescent T cells, thereby leading to immune compromise. The interaction of physical activity and the immune response is very complex and depends on the immune system status as well as the intensity, the type and the frequency of exercise. However, daily physical activity which particularly influences immunity and which declines dramatically with age, has not been widely reported in the studies. Therefore, this study was designed to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life attenuates or reverses immunosenescence.The study subjects (n=99) were recruited from the University of the Third Age; they were assessed for the presence of chronic diseases and their functional capacity (6-min walking test) and cardiorespiratory (6-min Åstrand test) fitness were evaluated. Eventually, 54 subjects of the mean age >65 years participated in the study. The baseline peripheral naïve and memory T cells were analysed by flow cytometry in 34 elderly subjects who had maintained a high level of physical activity (Nordic-walking, Tai-Chi, cycling, 2-4 times per week) for much of their adult lives, and in 20 elderly people who had not been involved in regular exercise. The elderly who demonstrated a superior gait speed >1.3 m/s had a significantly higher the CD4+ naïve T lymphocyte population and a higher CD4+naïve/CD4+memory ratio compared to the inactive group. Above 50% of active individuals had the CD4/CD8 ratio ≥1 or ≤2.5 contrary to the inactive ones who demonstrated the values of CD4/CD8 ratio <1. Interestingly, the fat mass (FM) was positively correlated with CD4+ and CD4+memory in the inactive group which means that the number of CD4+memory cells and CD4+ T cells increased with the body fat content. Based on cytometry flow analysis, we concluded that major features of immunosenescence are contingent on lifestyle exercise in older adults.
Genome-wide environmental interaction analysis identifies dietary habit related risk loci for depression and intelligence in UK Biobank
Authors: Cheng Bolun , Chu Xiaomeng , Wen Yan , Jia Yumeng , Liang Chujun , Yao Yao , Ye Jing , Cheng Shiqiang , Liu Li , Zhang Feng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Dietary habits have considerable impact on brain development and mental health. Our aim is to explore the possible association of dietary habits with depression and intelligence.
Methods

A total of 814 independent loci from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of dietary habits were utilized to calculate the individual polygenic risk score (PRS) for 143 dietary habits related traits. The individual genotype data were obtained from UK Biobank cohort. Regression analyses were then conducted to evaluate the possible association of dietary habits with depression (including 153,549 subjects) and intelligence (including 160,121 subjects), respectively. Using dietary habits related PRSs as covariates, PLINK 2.0 was utilized to detect the SNP × dietary habit interaction effect on the risks of depression and intelligence, respectively.
Results

We detected 32 and 41 candidate dietary habits related traits for depression and intelligence, respectively, such as never eat sugar vs. no sugar restrictions (P = 1.09 × 10− 2) for depression, and coffee type: decaffeinated vs. any other (P = 8.77 × 10− 3) for intelligence. We also detected 22 common dietary habits related traits shared by depression and intelligence, such as red wine glasses per month (Pdepression = 8.75 × 10− 3, Pintelligence = 3.35 × 10− 19), and overall alcohol intake (Pdepression = 3.60 × 10− 2, Pintelligence = 8.31 × 10− 8). Interaction analysis of depression detected OLFM1 with 9 significant SNPs interacted with champagne/white wine glasses per month. Interaction analysis of intelligence detected SYNPO2 with 3 significant SNPs interacted with coffee type: decaffeinated vs. any other.
Conclusions

Our study results provide novel useful information for understanding how eating habits affecting the intelligence and the risk of depression.
The hypercoagulability state of COVID-19 ICU patients is characterized by impaired endogenous anticoagulation and decreased fibrinolysis
Authors: Corrêa Thiago Domingos , Cordioli Ricardo Luiz , Guerra João Carlos Campos , Silva Bruno Caldin da , Rodrigues Roseny dos Reis , Souza Guilherme Martins de , Midega Thais Dias , Campos Niklas Söderberg , Carneiro Bárbara Vieira , Campos Flávia Nunes Dias , Guimarães Hélio Penna , Matos Gustavo Faissol Janot de , Aranda Valdir Fernandes de , Ferraz Leonardo José Rolim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Coagulation abnormalities in severe COVID-19 patients have not been addressed in depth. Methods: Prospective longitudinal single-center study involving COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Conventional coagulation tests (prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), platelet function, plasma fibrinolysis markers, antithrombin, protein C and S were measured at the time of study inclusion (baseline), and at days 1, 3, 7 and 14 after enrollment. Based on median total maximum SOFA score, patients were divided in two groups: SOFA ≤ 10 and SOFA > 10.Results: From March, 2020 through May, 2020, 30 patients [median (IQR) age: 61 (52-83) yrs; SAPS III score: 49 (41-61) points] were included in this study. Conventional coagulation tests remained unchanged during the study period, while the majority of patients exhibited a hypercoagulability state based on ROTEM. Fibrinogen levels were increased in both groups. ROTEM (INTEM and EXTEM) maximum clot firmness increased in both study groups from day 0 to day 14. ROTEM – FIBTEM maximum clot firmness was high in both groups during the study period, with a slight decrease from day 0 to day 14 in group SOFA ≤ 10 and a slight increase during the same period in group SOFA > 10. Fibrinolysis (INTEM and EXTEM maximum lysis) was low and decreased over time in all groups, with the most pronounced decrease observed in INTEM maximum lysis in group SOFA > 10. Antithrombin slightly increased over time in group SOFA ≤ 10 while it remained stable in group SOFA > 10. Protein C plasma levels increased over time in both groups, although patients in group SOFA > 10 exhibited lower values in comparison to patients in group SOFA ≤ 10. Protein S plasma levels were low in both groups at baseline and increased over time with no between-group differences.Conclusion: COVID-19 patients have a pronounced hypercoagulability state, characterized by impaired endogenous anticoagulation and decreased fibrinolysis. The magnitude of coagulation abnormalities seems to correlate with the severity of organ dysfunction. The hypercoagulability state of COVID-19 patients was detected by ROTEM, but not with conventional coagulation tests.
Cortical thickness in migraine: a coordinate-based meta-analysis
Authors: Sheng LiQin , Ma HaiRong , Shi YuanYuan , Dai ZhenYu , Zhong JianGuo , Chen Fei , Pan PingLei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Cortical thickness (CTh) analysis is a popular method to characterize brain morphometry. Many studies have been performed to investigate CTh abnormalities in migraine. However, the results from these studies were not consistent and even conflicting. These divergent results hinder us from obtaining a clear picture of brain morphometry regarding CTh alterations in migraine. Coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) is a promising technique to quantitatively pool individual neuroimaging studies to identify consistent brain areas involved.
Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and SinoMed) and other sources (bioRxiv and reference lists of relevant articles and reviews) were systematically searched for studies that compared regional CTh differences between patients with migraine and healthy controls (HCs) up to May 15, 2020. A CBMA was performed using the Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI) approach.
Results

In total, we identified 16 studies with 17 datasets reported that were eligible for the CBMA. The 17 datasets included 872 patients with migraine (average sample size 51.3, mean age 39.6 years, 721 females) and 949 HCs (average sample size 59.3, mean age 44.2 years, 680 females). The CBMA detected no statistically significant consistency of CTh alterations in patients with migraine relative to HCs. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis verified this result to be robust. Meta-regression analyses revealed that this CBMA result was not confounded by age, gender, aura, attack frequency per month, and illness duration.
Conclusions

Our CBMA adds to the evidence of the replication crisis in neuroimaging research that is increasingly recognized. The current evidence suggests that CTh is not a reliable biomarker of migraine. Many potential confounders, such as underpowered sample size, heterogeneous patient selection criteria, and differences in imaging collection and methodology, may contribute to the inconsistencies of CTh alterations in migraine, which merit attention before planning future research on this topic.
Aß 40 Mutants Protect Drosophila Against aß 42 Toxicity Despite Their Amyloidogenic Properties in the Non-transgenic Mouse Brain
Authors: de Mena Lorena , Smith Michael , Martin Jason , Dunton Katie L , Ceballos-Diaz Carolina , Jansen-West Karen , Cruz Pedro E , Dillon Kristy D , Rincon-Limas Diego , Golde Todd E , Moore Brenda D , Levites Yona 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSelf-assembly of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide into aggregates, ranging from small oligomers to amyloid fibrils, is fundamentally linked with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However it is clear that not all forms of Aβ are equally harmful, and that linking a specific aggregate to toxicity also depends on the assays and model systems used [1, 2]. Indeed, though a central postulate of the amyloid cascade hypothesis, there remain many gaps in our understanding regarding the links between Aβ deposition and neurodegeneration.MethodsIn this study we utilized BRI2-Aβ fusion technology and rAAV2/1 based somatic brain transgenesis to examine Aβ aggregates that form from selective expression of individual mutant Aβ species in vivo. In parallel we generated PhiC31-based transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing WT and mutant Aβ40 and Aβ42, fused to the Argos signal peptide and placed under the GAL4-upstream activation sequence (UAS) expression system in order to assess the extent of Aβ42-induced toxicity as well as to interrogate the combined effect of different forms of Aβ40 and Aβ42 species.ResultsWhen expressed in the mouse brain for 6 months, Aβ42 E22G, Aβ42 E22Q/D23N, and Aβ42 WT formed amyloid aggregates consisting of some diffuse material as well as cored plaques, whereas other mutants formed predominantly diffuse amyloid deposits. Moreover, while Aβ40WT showed no distinctive phenotype, Aβ40 E22G and E22Q/D23N formed unique aggregates that accumulated in mouse brains. This is the first evidence that mutant Aβ40 overexpression leads to deposition under certain conditions. Interestingly, we found that mutant Aβ42 E22G, E22Q, and S26C, but not Aβ40, were toxic to the eye of the flies and exacerbated their behavior. In contrast, flies expressing a copy of Aβ40 (wild type [WT] or mutants) in addition to Aβ42 WT, showed improved phenotypes, suggesting possible protective qualities for Aβ40.ConclusionsThese studies suggest that some Aβ40 mutants form unique amyloid aggregates in mouse brains, despite being protective against Aβ42 toxicity in Drosophila, which highlights the significance of using different systems for a better understanding of AD pathogenicity and more accurate screening for new potential therapies.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Associated With Neurodegeneration in Cognitively Normal Males
Authors: Park Jaehong , Kim Tae Jun , Song Joo Hye , Jang Hyemin , Kim Ji Sun , Kang Sung Hoon , Kim Hang-Rai , Hwangbo Song , Shin Hee-Young , Na Duk L , Seo Sang Won , Kim Hee Jin , Kim Jae J 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

An association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and dementia was reported in previous studies, however, the evidence is inconsistent. In the present study, the association between H. pylori infection and brain cortical thickness as a biomarker of neurodegeneration was investigated.
Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1,446 healthy adults who underwent a medical health check-up, including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging was performed. H. pylori infection status was assessed based on histology. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and brain cortical thickness.
Results

Males with H. pylori infection exhibited cortical thinning in the bilateral lateral temporal, lateral frontal, and right occipital areas compared with non-infected males after controlling for age, educational level, alcohol intake, smoking status, and intracranial volume. The association remained significant after further adjusting for inflammatory marker (C-reactive protein) and metabolic factors (obesity, dyslipidemia, fasting glucose, and blood pressure). However, an association between H. pylori infection and brain cortical thickness was not observed in females.
Conclusions

The findings indicate H. pylori infection is associated with neurodegenerative changes in cognitive normal males, independent of chronic inflammation or metabolic syndrome.
Restoration Of Non-Structural Damaged Murals In Shenzhen Bao’an Based On A Generator–Discriminator Network
Authors: Li Jiao , Deng Zhiqin , Pan Mingtao , Chen Honghai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
It has been 40 years since the reform and opening up of Shenzhen. However, there are many ancient murals hidden in the modern city. Murals are important resources that allow us to explore local history and culture. In order to better preserve and restore ancient murals, we propose a generator–discriminator network model based on an artificial intelligence algorithm. For non-structural damaged murals, the generator network method in deep learning can automatically generate the missing parts of a mural that are similar to salt-and-pepper noise. The generated image is sent to the discriminator network, which is used to determine whether the input image was generated through the generator network or was a real image. When the discriminator has significant difficulty distinguishing between the real image and the image generated by the generator network, it can be considered that the image has been well repaired by the generator network. Based on the available data, 137 mural images were selected for model training, and 22 mural images were used to observe the restoration effect of the real mural after model training. From the experimental results, the proposed algorithm has a good repair effect on the point-like damaged murals, but has a poor repair effect on murals with serious structural damage. This latter finding is due to the limited research data. Nonetheless, the algorithm can still guide restoration workers in mural repair.
Does Soil Microbial Community Respond to Moderately Elevated Nitrogen Deposition? A Correlation Analysis in a Cool Temperate Forest Surrounded by Pasture Grasslands in Northern Japan
Authors: Nagano Hirohiko , Nakayama Masataka , Katata Genki , Fukushima Keitaro , Yamaguchi Takashi , Watanabe Makoto , Kondo Toshiaki , Atarashi-Andoh Mariko , Kubota Tomohiro , Tateno Ryunosuke , Koarashi Jun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We analyzed relationships between nitrogen deposition (deposition of nitrate and ammonium ions) and soil microbial properties, which were spatially varied in a cool temperate forest surrounded by normally fertilized pasture grasslands in northern Japan. The aim of the present study was to gain the primary information on soil microbial response to moderately elevated nitrogen deposition (< 10 kg N ha−1 y−1). We established three experimental plots in the forest edge adjacent to the grasslands and other three plots in the forest interior at least 700 m away from the grasslands. During May to November 2018, nitrogen deposition in each plot was measured. In August 2018, litter and soil (0−5 cm depth) samples were collected from all plots to measure net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates as indicators of microbial activity, and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and various gene abundances (i.e. bacterial 16S rRNA, fungal ITS, bacterial amoA, and archaeal amoA genes) as indicators of microbial abundance. Nitrogen deposition in the forest edge was 1.4-fold greater than that in the forest interior, even while the maximum deposition was 3.7 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen deposition was significantly correlated to the net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates and the 16S rRNA and bacterial amoA gene abundances. Microbial community structures in litter and soil samples were also analyzed using a high throughput DNA sequencer for the bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS gene amplicons. Microbial community structures were different between litter and soil samples but were similar between the forest edge and interior. Significant correlations of nitrogen deposition to the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and the nitrate and ammonium contents were also observed. Thus, our results show that moderately elevated nitrogen deposition in nitrogen-limited forest edges likely stimulate microbial activities and abundances in soils.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed Long Non-Coding RNA-mRNA in the Adenoma–Carcinoma Sequence of DNA Mismatch Repair Proficient Colon Cancer
Authors: Li Wenkun , Li Qian , Ge Jiang , Wang Yun , Li Nanshan , Lao Yueqiong , Wang Yadan , Liu Kuiliang , Guo Chunmei , Lin Wu , Jiang Guojun , Wei Nan , Wang Canghai , Liu Hong , Wu Jing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background DNA mismatch repair proficient colon cancer (pMMR CC) is the most common subtype of sporadic CC. We aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in pMMR CC carcinogenesis. Methods In the present study, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of lncRNAs-mRNAs in five low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), five high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), four pMMR CC, and five normal control (NC) tissues. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway, and Co-Expression Network analyses were performed to elucidate the functions of lncRNAs and mRNAs as well as their interactions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate five dysregulated lncRNAs in a large set of colon tissues. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to evaluate the performance of the candidate lncRNAs. Results A set of 5783 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 4483 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected among the LGIN, HGIN, pMMR CC, and NC samples. These differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were assigned to 275 significant GO terms and 179 significant KEGG enriched pathways. qRT-PCR confirmed that the expression of five selected lncRNAs (ENST00000521815, ENST00000603052, ENST00000609220, NR_026543, and ENST00000545920) were consistent with the microarray data. ROC analysis showed that four lncRNAs (ENST00000521815, ENST00000603052, ENST00000609220, and NR_026543) had larger area under the ROC curve (AUC) values than serum carcinoembryonic antigens, thereby distinguishing NC from pMMR CC. Conclusions Several lncRNAs play various roles in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence and may serve as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of pMMR CC.