bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive identification and characterization of abiotic stress and hormone responsive glycosyl hydrolase family 1 genes in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Ma Lin , Jiang Wenbo , Yao Yu , Tang Yuhong , Pang Yongzhen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: β-glucosidases (BGLUs) hydrolyze the β-D-glycosidic bond with retention of anomeric configuration. BGLUs were associated with many aspects of plant physiological processes, in particular biotic and abiotic stresses through the activation of phytohormones and defense compounds. However, no comprehensive and systematic investigation on the stress- or hormone-responsive BGLU proteins had ever been reported in plant.Results: In this study, total 51 BGLU genes of the glycoside hydrolase family 1 were identified in one of the model legume plant Medicago truncatula genome, and they were classified into five distinct clusters. Sequence alignments revealed several conserved and characteristic motifs among these MtBGLU proteins. Analyses of their putative signal peptides and N-glycosylation site suggested that the majority of MtBGLU members have dual targeting to the vacuole/chloroplast. Many regulatory elements possibly related with phytohormones and/or abiotic stresses were identified in MtBGLU genes. Moreover, Microarray and qPCR analyses showed that these MtBGLU genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in various tissues, and in response to different abiotic stress and hormonal treatments. Notably, MtBGLU21, MtBGLU22, MtBGLU28, and MtBGLU30 in cluster I were dramatically activated by NaCl, PEG, IAA, ABA, SA and GA3 treatments.Conclusion: Collectively, our genome-wide characterization, evolutionary analysis, and expression pattern analysis of MtBGLU genes suggested that BGLU proteins play crucial roles in response to various abiotic stresses and hormonal cues in M. truncatula. This systematic analysis provided valuable information for the functional characterization and utilization of these MtBGLU genes in improving stress tolerance in M. truncatula and/or other plant species.
TGF-β-induced α-SMA expression is mediated by C/EBPβ acetylation in human alveolar epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Ding Hui , Chen Jinjun , Qin Jingping , Chen Ruhua , Yi Zili 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background This study sought to determine whether binding of acetylated C/EBPβ to α-SMA promoter could affect its activity and was essential for EMT and extracellular matrix deposition in IPF using in vitro model. Methods Through western blotting, the expression of EMT and C/EBPβ were detected in A549 cells with TGF-β as pulmonary fibrotic model in vitro. Moreover, the expression of C/EBPβ mRNA via Real Time-PCR and Collagen-I expression using ELISA were performed. The luciferase activity assay was used to examine the activity of C/EBPβ. The knockdown expression of C/EBPβ gene was prepared in A549 cells with C/EBPβ siRNA. We also investigated the effect of deacetylation of C/EBPβ on EMT using SIRT1. The binding ability of C/EBPβ with the α-SMA promoter was affirmed via ChIP and EMSA. Furthermore, the relationship between α-SMA and acetylated C/EBPβ was investigated using the co-immunoprecipitation. Results SiRNA-mediated knockdown of C/EBPβ in A549 cells attenuated TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition. The extent of association between acetylated C/EBPβ and the α-SMA promoter was dynamically monitored. Furthermore, it was confirmed that deacetylation of C/EBPβ in A549 cells successfully ameliorated TGF-β1-induced EMT, as shown by reduction in α-SMA expression and excessive collagen-I accumulation. Conclusions Collectively, our data suggested that the EMT and fibrotic effect of TGF-β1 could be dependent on acetylated C/EBPβ-mediated regulation of α-SMA gene activity. This thus suggests that C/EBPβ acetylation may play a central role in pulmonary fibrosis.
Identification of Y chromosome markers in the eastern three-lined skink (Bassiana duperreyi) using in-silico whole genome subtraction.
Authors: Dissanayake Duminda S.B. , Holleley Clare , Hill Laura , O’Meally D. , Deakin J. , Georges Arthur 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Homologous sex chromosomes can differentiate over time because recombination is suppressed in the region of the sex determining locus, leading to the accumulation of repeats, progressive loss of genes that lack differential influence on the sexes and sequence divergence on the heterozygous homolog. Divergence in the non-recombining regions leads to the accumulation of Y or W specific sequence useful for developing sex-linked markers. Here we use in-silico whole-genome subtraction to identify putative sex-linked sequences in the scincid lizard Bassiana duperreyi which has heteromorphic XY sex chromosomes. Results: We generated 96.7 x 109 150bp paired-end genomic sequence reads from a XY male and 81.4 x 109 paired-end reads from an XX female for in-silico whole genome subtraction to yield Y enriched contigs. We identified 7 reliable markers which were validated as XY male-specific by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against a panel of 20 males and 20 females. Conclusions: The sex of B. duperreyi can be reversed by low temperatures (XX genotype reversed to a male phenotype). We have developed sex-specific markers to identify the underlying genotypic sex and its concordance or discordance with phenotypic sex in wild populations of B. duperreyi. Our pipeline can be applied to isolate Y or W chromosome-specific sequences of any organism and is not restricted to sequence residing within single-copy genes. This study greatly improves our knowledge of the Y chromosome in B. duperreyi and will enhance future studies of reptile sex determination and sex chromosome evolution.
Elevated peripheral blood levels of CXCL10 are associated with the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ascaso Pilar , Palanca Ana , Martinez-Hervas Sergio , Sanz María Jesús , Ascaso Juan F , Piqueras Laura , Real Jose T 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has high morbidity and mortality. Major risk factors of DPN include metabolic changes, duration of diabetes, nerve ischemia, and derangements in regeneration and nerve repair programs. The implication of chemokines in the pathogenesis of various neuropathies and neuropathic pain processes has been studied previously. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma levels of chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 with the presence of DPN in a cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Methods : We have studied a total of 73 T2D patients (36 patients with DPN, and 37 without DPN). DPN was established through the Semmes-Weinstein test (SW). Plasma levels of circulating chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 were determined using Duoset ELISA kits (Abingdon, UK). Results: In T2D patients with similar gender distribution, duration of the disease, peripheral macroangiopathy, and metabolic control, we detected significantly higher serum levels of chemokine CXCL10 among patients with DPN than among patients without DPN (57.6 ± 38.3 vs. 38.1 ± 33.4 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0.034). Serum levels of chemokine CXCL9 were also higher among patients with DPN (188.1 ± 72.7 and 150.4 ± 83.6 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.06). Conclusions : DPN in T2D patients was associated with a significant increase in CXCL10 circulating levels, suggesting a role for this chemokine in the DPN. Novel inflammatory markers that allow for early detection and therapeutic strategies in order to reverse and prevent the DPN should be investigated.
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved core symptoms of genetically modified mice model of autism Shank3B
Authors: Perets Nisim , Oron Oded , Herman Shay , Elliott Evan , Offen Daniel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with main core symptoms including deficits in social-communication abilities and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. ASD affects 1 of 88 children worldwide and currently there is no sufficiently effective treatment that alleviates its core deficits. In our previous studies, we have shown that both MSC and MSC-exo can ameliorate core ASD-like symptoms of the BTBR multifactorial mouse model of autism. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the MSC-exo migrate to distinct neuropathological areas in several mouse models, including the frontal cortex and cerebellum in BTBR mice. In contrast to BTBR mice, which is a multifactorial model of autism, the Shank3B KO mouse is used to study ASD which develops due to a specific genetic mutation. Here we demonstrate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the social behavior deficit in multiple paradigms, increases vocalization and reduces repetitive behaviors. We also observed an increase of GABRB1 in the prefrontal cortex. Taken together, our data indicate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the core ASD-like deficits of in this mouse model autism and therefore has the potential to treat ASD patients carrying the Shank3 mutation.
Comparison of Active and Passive Surveillance of Dengue in Machala, Ecuador
Authors: Vitale Melissa , Lupone Christina , Kenneson-Adams Aileen , Ochoa Robinson Jaramillo , Ordoñez Tania , Beltran-Ayala Efráin , Endy Timothy P. , Rosenbaum Paula F. , Stewart-Ibarra Anna M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Dengue is a major emerging infectious disease, endemic throughout the tropics and subtropics, with approximately 2.5 billion people at risk globally. Active (AS) and passive surveillance (PS), when combined, can improve our understanding of dengue’s complex disease dynamics to guide effective, targeted public health interventions. The objective of this study was to compare findings from the Ministry of Health (MoH) PS to a prospective AS arbovirus research study in Machala, Ecuador from 2014-2015. Dengue cases in the PS system were compared to laboratory confirmed acute dengue illness cases that entered the AS study during the study period. Variables of interest included age, class, and sex. Outbreak detection curves by epidemiologic week, overall cumulative incidence and age-specific incidence proportions were calculated. Descriptive statistics were tabulated for all variables of interest. Chi-square tests were performed to compare demographic characteristics between the AS and PS data sets in 2014 and 2015. 177 and 245 cases were identified from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 by PS and AS, respectively; nine cases appeared in both systems. AS identified a greater number of laboratory-confirmed cases in 2014, accounting for more than 60% of dengue illness cases in the study area. In 2015, the opposite trend was observed with PS identifying 60% of the dengue illness cases in the region. Younger patients were more frequently identified by PS, while older patients were identified more frequently by AS. The cumulative incidence proportion for laboratory confirmed dengue illness reported via PS to the MoH was 4.12 cases per 10,000 Machala residents in 2014, and 2.21 cases per 10,000 Machala residents in 2015. Each surveillance system captured different demographic subgroups within the Machala population, possibly due to differences in healthcare seeking behaviors, access to care, emerging threats of other viruses transmitted by the same mosquito vector and/or differences in clinical presentation due to changes in the predominant dengue serotype in circulation. Integrating AS with pre-existing PS can aid in identifying additional cases in previously under diagnosed subpopulations, improving our understanding of disease dynamics, and facilitating the implementation of public health interventions to reduce the burden of disease.
Diagnostic efficacy of serum miRNA as a non-invasive method for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Xin Shengliang , Zhan Qiao , Chen Xiaofan , Xu Jinghang , Yu Yanyan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
1. Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a key turning point in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As a non-invasive method , serum miRNA levels may provide an effective reference for the diagnosis of NASH. This article systematically reviewed related diagnostic trials to compare the difference in the efficacy of serum miRNAs in the diagnosis of NAFLD and its subtype, NASH, and identify the influencing factors. 2. Methods: We pooled the sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of each trail to determine the efficacy of serum miRNAs in the diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH; Clinical utility was evaluated by Fagan`s nomogram; Heterogeneity was evaluated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Publication bias was detected by Deek’s funnel plot. 3. Results: We included 9 articles consisting of 27 trials and 2361 cases, 1775 NAFLD patients (not distinguishing between simple steatosis and NASH) and 586 NASH patients were collected. All cases were confirmed by biopsy. For NAFLD and NASH, the pooled values were SEN (0.71 vs. 0.74), SPE (0.76 vs. 0.85) and AUROC (0.80 vs. 0.86). miRNA had a high accuracy in distinction NASH from simple steatosis with AUROC at 0.91. Among the well-studied serum miRNAs, miRNA-34a showed a moderate accuracy with the lowest heterogeneity in diagnosing NAFLD (SPE I 2 : 5.73%, SPE I 2 : 33.16%, AUROC: 0.85). According to subgroup analysis and meta-regression, lower BMI ( <30kg/m 2 ) may be a crucial source of heterogeneity and reduced the performance of serum miRNA in the diagnosis of NAFLD. 4. Conclusions: As a non-invasive method, serum miRNA should be considered a promising parameter in the diagnosis of NASH. Generally, NAFLD patients with higher BMI ( ≥ 30kg/m 2 ) are more likely to be diagnosed accurately by serum miRNA.
Protein type and lifestyle contribute to the evolution of low complexity regions in proteins of plant colonizing fungi
Authors: Schweizer Gabriel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Interactions between plants and fungi range from mutual symbiosis to parasitism. Fungi secrete proteins (termed effectors) to establish different forms of interactions with host plants. Such proteins are thought to coevolve with their molecular plant targets, and this can favor the emergence of novel alleles of fungal effector proteins. Low complexity regions in protein sequences are abundant in eukaryotes and were shown to contribute to the formation of novel protein sequences. This suggests that low complexity regions may play a role in the evolution of effector proteins. Several effector proteins with low complexity regions were functionally characterized in plant colonizing fungi that showed diverse lifestyles and belonged to different taxonomic groups. To investigate if low complexity regions in fungal effector proteins could contribute to the evolution of different plant-fungus interaction types, I employed publicly available genomic data from 121 species of plant colonizing fungi representing six different lifestyles and three phyla. I classified proteins in each species as cytoplasmic, secreted-non effector or effector protein and predicted low complexity regions in all protein sequences.Results: I found that the fraction of proteins that contain a low complexity region differs between cytoplasmic and secreted proteins. Moreover, the fraction of a protein sequence that spans a low complexity region differed on average between cytoplasmic and secreted proteins. Inferring homologous relationships between effector proteins revealed that this fraction is higher in recent compared to ancestral proteins, suggesting that low complexity regions contribute to the formation of novel effector alleles. Furthermore, a principal component analysis and the results of a generalized linear model showed that the lifestyle of different fungi contributes to the evolution of low complexity regions. Likewise, the relative position of low complexity regions differed between cytoplasmic and secreted proteins, between ancestral and recent effector proteins, and between effectors of different lifestyles.Conclusions: Protein type and lifestyle contribute to the evolution of low complexity regions in proteins of plant colonizing fungi, but molecular and evolutionary mechanisms explaining the differences between different protein types and proteins of different lifestyles remain to be elucidated.
Equity and efficiency of health resource allocation of Chinese Medicine in mainland China: 2013 to 2017
Authors: Li Zhengjun , Yang Lili , Bian Yaoyao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study, we aimed to measure the equity, efficiency and productivity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) health resource allocation and utilization in mainland China trend from 2013 to 2017. Methods: The data were download from the China Health Statistical Yearbook (2018) and the China Statistical Yearbook (2018). The equity and efficiency of TCM health resource allocation was evaluated by Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient (G) and Theil index (T) were applied to evaluate. The efficiency and productivity of TCM health resource utilization were assessed by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist productivity index (MPI). Results: The TCM health resource had an increasing trend every year. The equity allocated by population (Gs range from 0.1 to 0.3) was better than that by geographic region (Gs more than 0.5). Ts in the intra-groups were higher than that in the inter-groups. Most provinces (29 out of 31) had negative productivity changes, which suggested a deterioration in productivity. However, the middle region with higher scale sizes had more redundant inputs. Moreover, the low technological development (all technical values lower than 1.00) might obstacle the productive progress. Conclusion: The equity of TCM health allocated by population was better than that by the geography region. The intra-regional difference was the main reasons of the sources of inequity. The equity of TCM resource allocation was middle region ＞ eastern region ＞ western region. The productivity in more than 97% provinces are inefficient. The frequency distribution of Sech ( score ＞ 1) increased since 2015. However, the frequency distribution of Techch (score ＞ 1) decreased year by year. The slow technological progress and low scale size might the major reason for the low productivity. Keywords: TCM health resource, Equity, Efficiency, Productivity
Difficulties in False Negative Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Report
Authors: Hao Qinjian , Wu Hongmei , Wang Qiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus emerging in china and spread rapidly globally. Early identification and effective quarantine are essential to reduce the spread of the disease. However, the presence of false-negative makes the diagnosis difficult, especially in the early stages of the disease. Case presentation: A 34-year-old man who had an epidemiological link to Wuhan, presenting with intermittent fever and cough, with chest computed tomography showing ground-glass opacity, and repeated detection of negative 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) nucleic acid by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, which was eventually diagnosed as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). Conclusions: This case highlights that a single negative result of the test, particularly if it is based on an upper respiratory tract specimen, in highly suspected cases, does not exclude COVID-19. Repeat and multiple-site sampling and testing in combination with dynamic imaging changes in the chest are strongly recommended in progressive disease.
Aquatic yeasts: diversity, characteristics and potential health implications
Authors: Monapathi Mzimkhulu Ephraim , Bezuidenhout Carlos Cornelius , James Rhode Owen Howard 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere has been a rising interest in the levels, diversity and potential impacts of yeasts in aquatic environments. Some of the species isolated from such niches are known pathogens or have pathogenic and antifungal resistance features. This deems it necessary to understand the characteristics and potential health implications of such environmental yeasts species. Studies on these subjects are limited. Most studies on aquatic yeasts have linked them to water pollution. However, the current gold standards to determine microbial pollution of water use bacteria as the main indicator organisms. Including yeasts in water quality standards may provide a different dimension on the quality of water when determining its fit-for-use properties. Pathogenic yeasts cause superficial infections or life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised people. Some of the yeast species isolated in recent studies were resistant to commonly used antifungal agents of clinical and veterinary relevance. With the high prevalence rate of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, antifungal resistance is a public concern as it poses serious medical and economic challenges. Most available studies are concerned with clinical environments only. There is, thus, a need to review the literature that also focuses on aquatic environments.This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Management of Cardiogenic Shock due to Thyrotoxicosis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Modarresi Milad , Amro Ahmed , Amro Mohammad , Sobeih Amal , Okoro Uzo , Mansoor Kanaan , Rueda Carlos , Elhamdani Rawan , BenHamed Nesreen , Kocher Timothy , Elhamdani Mehiar 
Published: March 2020

Background:A grave complication of thyrotoxicosis, or thyroid storm, is the development of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Recognizing this condition is imperative in preventing further left ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. This manuscript aims to review the literature on cardiogenic shock associated with thyrotoxicosis and present management recommendations on this rare condition.Method:A literature search was performed in December of 2018, using the PubMed medical search engine. A systematic search was carried out using the keywords Thyroid Storm AND Cardiogenic Shock and Thyrotoxicosis AND Shock.Management:A) Decrease of thyroid hormone levels using therapeutic plasma exchange B) LV Unloading and ventilation by Impella and Extracorporeal Mechanical Ventilation (ECMO).Conclusion:Patients presenting with thyroid storm-induced shock may not be suitable candidates for traditional management with β -adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). The use of β-blockers could exasperate their condition. Through extensive literature review on this rare condition, the most effective management was found to be therapeutic plasma exchange in order to decrease thyroid hormone levels, which have direct toxic effect on the heart. Furthermore, the use of ECMO and Impella is advised to reduce pressure on the heart and ensure the patient’s organs are well oxygenated and perfused while the left ventricle is recovering.