bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of a fatal sarcoptic mange epidemic in endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica)
Authors: Rudd Jaime L. , Clifford Deana L. , Cypher Brian L. , Hull Joshua M. , Riner A. Jane , Foley Janet E. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2013, sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, precipitated a catastrophic decline of the formerly stable urban population of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) in Bakersfield, California, USA. In 2019, a smaller sarcoptic mange outbreak affected kit foxes 58 km southwest of Bakersfield in the town of Taft, California. To determine whether the Taft outbreak could have occurred as spillover from the Bakersfield outbreak and whether epidemic control efforts must involve not only kit foxes but also sympatric dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), coyotes (Canis latrans), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), we evaluated genotypes and gene flow among mites collected from each host species. Methods: We used 10 Sarcoptes microsatellite markers (SARM) to perform molecular typing of 445 S. scabiei mites collected from skin scrapings from twenty-two infested kit foxes, two dogs, five coyotes, and five red foxes from Bakersfield, Taft, and other nearby cities. Results: We identified 60 alleles across all SARM loci; kit fox- and red fox-derived mites were relatively monomorphic, while genetic variability was greatest in Bakersfield coyote- and dog-derived mites. AMOVA analysis documented distinct mite populations unique to hosts, with an overall FST of 0.467. The lowest FST (i.e. closest genetic relationship, FST = 0.038) was between Bakersfield and Taft kit fox-derived mites while the largest genetic difference was between Ventura coyote- and Taft kit fox-derived mites (FST = 0.843). Conclusions: These results confirm the close relationship between the Taft and Bakersfield outbreaks. Although a spillover event likely initiated the kit fox mange outbreak, mite transmission is now primarily kit fox-to-kit fox. Therefore, any large-scale population level intervention should focus on treating kit foxes within the city.
IL6/sIL6R Regulates Tnfa-Inflammatory Response in Synovial Fibroblasts Through Modulation of Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Mechanisms
Authors: Valin Alvaro , Rey Manuel J. Del , Municio Cristina , Usategui Alicia , Romero Marina , Fernández-Felipe Jesús , Cañete Juan D. , Blanco Francisco J. , Ruano Yolanda , Criado Gabriel , Pablos José L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The clinical efficacy of specific interleukin-6 inhibitors has confirmed the central role of IL6 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However the local role of IL6, in particular in synovial fibroblasts (SF) as a direct cellular target to IL6/sIL6R signal is not well characterized. The purpose of the study was to characterize the crosstalk between TNFα and IL6/sIL6R signaling to the effector pro-inflammatory response of SF.Methods: SF lines were stimulated with either TNFα, IL6/sIL6R, or both together, for the time and dose indicated for each experiment, and where indicated, cells were treated with inhibitors actinomycin D, adalimumab, ruxolitinib and cycloheximide. mRNA expression of cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Level of IL8/CXCL8 and CCL8 in culture supernatants was measured by ELISA. Mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells migration assays were assessed by transwell using conditioned medium from SF cultures. Statistical analyses were performed as indicated in the corresponding figure legends and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The stimulation of SF with IL6/sIL6R and TNFa, cooperatively promotes the expression of mono- and lymphocytic chemokines such as IL6, CCL8 and CCL2, as well as matrix degrading enzymes such as MMP1, while inhibiting the induction of central neutrophil chemokines such as IL8/CXCL8. These changes in the pattern of chemokines expression resulted in reduced polymorphonuclear (PMN) and increased mononuclear cells (MNC) chemoattraction by SF. Mechanistic analyses of the temporal expression of genes demonstrated that the cooperative regulation mediated by these two factors is mostly induced through de novo transcriptional mechanisms activated by IL6/sIL6R. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that TNFα and IL6/sIL6R cooperation is partially mediated by the expression of secondary factors signaling through JAK/STAT pathways. Conclusions: These results point out to a highly orchestrated response to IL6 in TNFα-induced SF and provide additional insights into the role of IL6/sIL6R in the context of RA, highlighting the contribution of IL6/sIL6R to the interplay of SF with other inflammatory cells.
High sensitivity of one-step real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR to detect low virus titers in large mosquito pools
Authors: Tang Zhaoyang , Yamada Hanano , Kraupa Carina , Canic Sumejja , Busquets Núria , Talavera Sandra , Jiolle Davy , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Bouyer Jérémy , Abd-Alla Adly 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry and spread diseases to humans causes millions of deaths every year. Due to the lack of efficient vaccines, the control of mosquito-borne diseases primarily relies on the management of the vector. Traditional control methods are insufficient to control mosquito populations. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an additional control method that can be combined with other control tactics to suppress specific mosquito populations. The SIT requires the mass-rearing and release of sterile males with the aim to induce sterility in the wild female population. Samples collected from the environment for laboratory colonization, as well as the released males, should be free from mosquito-borne viruses (MBV). Therefore, efficient detection methods with defined detection limits for MBV are required. Although a one-step reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method was developed to detect arboviruses in human and mosquito samples, its detection limit in mosquito samples has yet to be defined. Methods: We evaluated the detection sensitivity of one step RT-qPCR for targeted arboviruses in large mosquito pools, using pools of non-infected mosquitoes of various sizes (165, 320 and 1600 mosquitoes) containing one infected mosquito body with defined virus titers of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), usutu virus (USUV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV).Results: CHIK, USUV, ZIKV, and WNV virus were detected in all tested pools using the RT-qPCR assay. Moreover, in the largest mosquito pools (1600 mosquitoes), RT-qPCR was able to detect the targeted viruses using different total RNA quantities (10, 1 and 0.1 ng per reaction) as a template. Correlating the virus titer with the total RNA quantity allowed the prediction of the maximum number of mosquitoes per pool in which the RT-qPCR can theoretically detect the virus infection.Conclusions: Mosquito-borne viruses can be reliably detected by RT-qPCR assay in pools of mosquitoes exceeding 1000 specimens. This will represent an important step to expand pathogen-free colonies for mass-rearing sterile males for programmes that have a SIT component by reducing the time and the manpower needed to conduct this quality control process.
Enrichment of apolipoprotein A-IV and apolipoprotein D in the HDL proteome is associated with HDL functions in diabetic kidney disease without dialysis
Authors: Santana Monique FM , Lira Aécio LA , Pinto Raphael , Minanni Carlos A , Silva Amanda RM , Sawada Maria IBAC , Nakandakare Edna R , Correa-Giannella Maria LC , Queiroz Marcia S , Ronsein Graziella E , Passarelli Marisa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background and aims: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is associated with lipid derangements that worsen kidney function and enhance cardiovascular (CVD) risk. The management of dyslipidemia, hypertension and other traditional risk factors does not completely prevent CVD complications, bringing up the participation of nontraditional risk factors such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), carbamoylation and changes in the HDL proteome and functionality. The HDL composition, proteome, chemical modification and functionality were analyzed in nondialysis subjects with DKD categorized according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion rate (AER). Methods: Individuals with DKD were divided into eGFR>60 mL/min/1.73 m2 plus AER stages A1 and A2 (n=10) and eGFR<60 plus A3 (n=25) and matched by age with control subjects (eGFR>60; n=8). Results: Targeted proteomic analyses quantified 28 proteins associated with HDL in all groups, although only 2 were more highly expressed in the eGFR<60+A3 group than in the controls: apolipoprotein D (apoD) and apoA-IV. HDL from the eGFR<60+A3 group presented higher levels of total AGEs (20%), pentosidine (6.3%) and carbamoylation (4.2 x) and a reduced ability to remove 14C-cholesterol from macrophages (33%) in comparison to HDL from controls. The antioxidant role of HDL (lag time for LDL oxidation) was similar among groups, but HDL from the eGFR<60+A3 group presented a greater ability to inhibit the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-alpha (95%) in LPS-elicited macrophages in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: The increase in apoD and apoA-IV could contribute to counteracting the HDL chemical modification by AGEs and carbamoylation, which contributes to HDL loss of function in well-established DKD.
Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Wan Zhihua , Zhang Huan , Xu Haigang , Hu Yang , Tan Cai , Tao Yuling 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment with birth outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment on birth outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China.Methods: Data were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered ≥28 gestational weeks and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time.Results: 4210 syphilis infected pregnant women were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers (n = 1364) were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01-3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02-1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11-1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers (n = 2846) after adjustment for confounding factors. A significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62-8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71-3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59-3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80-7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately (n = 1299) than those treated adequately (n = 1547). No pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester (n = 682) delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester (n = 682), those initiated in the third trimester (n = 1234) suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31-15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61-3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97-5.37, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Maternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.
Clinico-pathologic determinants of non-e-curative outcomes following en-bloc endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early gastric neoplasia
Authors: Embaye Kidane Siele , Zhang Chao , Ghebrehiwet Matiwos Araya , Wang Zhihao , Zhang Fengdi , Liu Liwei , Qin Shenghui , Qin Lingzhi , Wang Jun , Wang Xi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is gaining enormous popularity in the treatment of early gastric cancers (EGCs) across many institutions in the world. However, appropriate selection of patients for endoscopic resection is crucial to sufficiently mitigate non-e-curative (NEC) resection. This study aims at identifying the various clinico-pathologic factors that independently predict the depth of submucosal invasion and NEC resection following ESD in patients with EGCs.MethodsMultiple logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate factors that independently predict the level of submucosal invasion and NEC resection in patients with early gastric neoplasia. Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences version 23 was used for analysis.ResultsA total of 162 EGCs underwent en-bloc ESD for which the rate of complete resection and non-e-curative outcomes were 95% and 22.2%, correspondingly. Multivariate analysis depicted that tumor location in the upper two third of stomach (odds ratio [OR] 5.46, confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.65-18.12, p = 0.006), tumor size > 2 cm (OR 7.63, CI 95%, 2.29-25.42, p = 0.001), histologically undifferentiated tumor (OR 15.54, CI 95%, 1.65-146.22, p = 0.001), and tumors with 0-IIa/0-IIc or their mixed variants with predominant 0-IIa/0-IIc (OR 9.77, CI 95%, 1.23-77.65, p = 0.031) were all independent predictors of NEC resection for early gastric tumors. Additionally, location in the upper two third of stomach (OR 8.88, CI 95%, 2.90-27.17, p < 0.001), ulcerated lesions (OR 3.70, CI 95%, 1.15-11.90, p = 0.028), lesions with > 2 cm (OR 2.94, CI 95%, 1.08-8.02, p = 0.036) and those with poor differentiation (OR 6.51, CI 95%, 2.23-18.98, p = 0.001) were found to have significant association with submucosal invasion.ConclusionsTumors located in the upper two third of stomach having larger size (> 2 cm), poor histo-differentiation and a gross type of 0-IIa/0-IIc or their mixed variants with predominant 0-IIa/0-IIc are significantly associated with a risk of NEC after ESD procedure. Thus, early gastric tumors displaying these features need to be handled carefully during endoscopic resection. Our findings may provide some insights about the factors that determine non-curability in patients with EGC in relation to ESD procedure.
A Firefly Algorithm Based Hybrid Method for Structural Topology Optimization
Authors: Gebremedhen Hailu Shimels , Woldemichael Dereje Engida , Hashim Fakhruldin Mohd 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a firefly algorithm based hybrid algorithm through retaining global convergence of firefly algorithm and ability to generate connected topologies of optimality criteria (OC) method is proposed as an alternative method to solve stress-based topology optimization problems. The lower and upper limit of design variables (0 and 1) were used to find initial material distribution to initialize the firefly algorithm based section of the hybrid algorithm. Input parameters, the number of fireflies, and number function evaluations were determined before the implementation of the firefly algorithm to solve formulated problems. Since the direct application of the firefly algorithm cannot generate connected topologies, outputs from the firefly algorithm were used as an initial input material distribution for the OC method. The proposed method was validated using two-dimensional benchmark problems and the results were compared with results using the OC method. Weight percentage reduction, maximum stress-induced, optimal material distribution, and compliance were used to compare results. Results from the proposed method showed that the proposed method can generate connected topologies and generated topologies are free from the interference of end-users, which only dependence on boundary conditions or the design variables. From the results, the objective function (weight of the design domain) can be further reduced in the range of 5% to 15% compared to the OC method.
Implications of COVID-19 in high burden countries for HIV/TB: A systematic review of evidence
Authors: Tamuzi Jacques L , Birhanu Ayele T , Shumba Constance S , Adetokunboh Olatunji , Uwimana-Nico Jeannine , Haile Zelalem T , Inugu Joseph , Nyasulu Peter Suwirakwenda 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The triple burden of COVID-19, tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus is one of the major global health challenges of the 21st century. In high burden HIV/TB countries, the spread of COVID-19 among people living with HIV is a well-founded concern. A thorough understanding of HIV/TB and COVID-19 pandemics is important as the three diseases interact. This may clarify HIV/TB/COVID-19 as a newly related field. However, several gaps remain in the knowledge of the burden of COVID-19 on patients with TB and HIV. This study was conducted to review different studies on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV or COVID-19 associated with HIV/TB co-infection or only TB, to understand the interactions between HIV, TB and COVID-19 and its implications on the burden of the COVID-19 among HIV/TB co-infected or TB patients, screening algorithm and clinical management.Methods: We conducted an electronic search of potentially eligible studies published in English in the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, PubMed, Medrxiv, Google scholar and Clinical Trials Registry databases. We included case studies, case series and observational studies published between January, 2002 and July, 2020 in which SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and COVID-19 co-infected to HIV/TB or TB in adults. We screened titles, abstracts and full articles for eligibility. Descriptive and meta-analysis were done and results have been presented in graphs and tables.Results: After removing 95 duplicates, 58 out of 437 articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 14 studies were included for descriptive analysis and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to the descriptive analysis, the meta-analysis showed strong evidence that current TB exposure was high-risk COVID-19 group (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.06-2.65, P= 0.03). The pooled of COVID-19/TB severity rate increased from OR 4.50 (95% CI 1.12-18.10, P=0.03), the recovery rate was high among COVID-19 compared to COVID-19/TB irrespective of HIV status (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.83-2.74, P < 0.001) and the mortality was reduced among non-TB group (P<0.001).Conclusion: In summary, TB was a risk factor for COVID-19 both in terms of severity and mortality irrespective of HIV status. Structured diagnostic algorithms and clinical management are suggested to improve COVID-19/HIV/TB or COVID-19/TB co-infections outcomes.
Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin at 3 Hours after Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with Cardiac Arrest and Therapeutic Hypothermia: Early Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Choi Yoon Hee , Lee Dong Hoon , Lee Jae Hee 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) could be used as a predictive marker of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who are managed with targeted temperature management (TTM). However, the NGAL measurement timepoints vary from immediately after ROSC to several days later. The primary objective of this study was to determine an association between AKI and NGAL, both immediately (ROSC-NGAL) and 3 hours after ROSC (3h-NGAL), in OHCA patients with TTM. The secondary objective was to ascertain the association between NGAL levels in the early post-ROSC phase and the neurologic outcomes at discharge.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between January 2016 and December 2018 and enrolled adult OHCA patients (≥18 years) with TTM after ROSC. The serum NGAL level was measured both immediately and 3 hours after ROSC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the associations between AKI, poor neurologic outcome, and NGAL.Results: Among 861 OHCA patients, 89 patients were enrolled. AKI occurred in 48 (55.1%) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, 3h-NGAL was significantly associated with AKI (odds ratio [OR] 1.022; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.009–1.035; p = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 3h-NGAL for AKI was 0.910 (95% CI 0.830–0.960), and a cut-off value of 178 ng/mL was identified. Both ROSC-NGAL and 3h-NGAL were not significantly associated with poor neurologic outcome on multivariate logistic regression analysis (ROSC-NGAL; OR 1.017; 95% CI 0.998–1.036; p = 0.084, 3h-NGAL; OR 0.997; 95% CI 0.992–1.001; p = 0.113)Conclusions: The serum NGAL concentration measured 3 hours after ROSC is an excellent early predictive marker for AKI in OHCA patients treated with TTM. Future research is needed to identify the optimal measurement timepoint to establish NGAL as a predictor of neurologic outcome and to validate the findings of this research.
Contribution of root respiration to total soil respiration during non-growing season in mine reclaimed soil with different covering soil thicknesses
Authors: Chen Min , Chen Xiaoyang , Hu Zhiyong , Fan Tingyu , Zhang Shiwen , Liu Ying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
An accurate assessment of root respiration in mine reclaimed soil is important for effectively evaluating mining area ecosystem. This study investigated dynamic changes in root respiration and contribution of root respiration to total soil respiration (Rr/Rt ratio) during the non-growing season in mine reclaimed soil with different covering soil thicknesses. According to covering soil thicknesses, the study area was divided into four sites: 10-25 cm (site A), 25-45 cm (site B), 45-55 cm (site C) and 55-65 cm (site D). From November 2017 to April 2018 (except February in 2018), the soil respiration, root respiration, temperature at 5 cm, water content and root biomass were measured. The results showed that soil temperature and root respiration exhibited similar diurnal and monthly variations. The root respiration was strongly influenced by soil temperature during the non-growing season, which showed an exponential and positive relationship with soil temperature (P<0.001). The root respiration varied with the covering soil thickness and was the greatest with the covering soil thickness at 25–45 cm. The Rr/Rt ratio also exhibited monthly variations. During the non-growing season, the mean value of the Rr/Rt ratio was 51.15% in mine reclaimed soil. The study indicated that root respiration was the primary source of soil respiration and important to estimate the potential emission of soil CO2 at regional scale in mine reclaimed soil.