bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population Genetic Structure and Habitat Connectivity for Jaguar (Panthera onca) Conservation in Central Belize.
Authors: Menchaca Angelica , Rossi Natalia , Froidevaux Jeremy , Dias-freedman Isabela , Caragiulo Anthony , Wultsch Claudia , Harmsen Bart , Foster Rebecca , Torre Antonio de la , Medellin Rodrigo , Rabinowitz Salisa , Amato George 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Connectivity among jaguar (Panthera onca) populations will ensure natural gene flow and the long-term survival of the species throughout its range. Jaguar conservation efforts have focused primarily on connecting suitable habitat in a broad-scale. Accelerated habitat reduction, human-wildlife conflict, limited funding, and the complexity of jaguar behaviour have proven challenging to maintain connectivity between populations effectively. Here, we used non-invasive genetic sampling and individual-based conservation genetic analyses to assess genetic diversity and levels of genetic connectivity between individuals in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maya Forest Corridor. We used expert knowledge and scientific literature to develop models of landscape permeability based on circuit theory with fine-scale landscape features as ecosystem types, distance to human settlements and roads to predict the most probable jaguar movement across central Belize. Results We used 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci to identify 50 individual jaguars. We detected high levels of genetic diversity across loci (HE= 0.61, HO= 0.55, and NA=9.33). Using Bayesian clustering and multivariate models to assess gene flow and genetic structure, we identified one single group of jaguars (K = 1). We identified critical areas for jaguar movement that fall outside the boundaries of current protected areas in central Belize. We detected two main areas of high landscape permeability in a stretch of approximately 18 km between Sittee River Forest Reserve and Manatee Forest Reserve that may increase functional connectivity and facilitate jaguar dispersal from and to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Our analysis provides important insights on fine-scale genetic and landscape connectivity of jaguars in central Belize, an area of conservation concern. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate high levels of relatively recent gene flow for jaguars between two study sites in central Belize. Our landscape analysis detected corridors of expected jaguar movement between the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Maya Forest Corridor. We highlight the importance of maintaining already established corridors and consolidating new areas that further promote jaguar movement across suitable habitat beyond the boundaries of currently protected areas. Continued conservation efforts within identified corridors will further maintain and increase genetic connectivity in central Belize.
Absorbable suture can be effectively and safely used to close the mesenteric defect in a Gastric bypass Sprague-Dawley Rat Model
Authors: Yao Libin , Dolo Ponnie Robertlee , Shao Yong , Li Chao , Widjaja Jason , Hong Jian , Zhu Xiaocheng 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: To observe if closing the mesenteric defect with absorbable sutures creates a safe adhesion compared to non-absorbable suture after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups according to the different suture materials used in closing the mesenteric defects (Peterson’s space) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Group A (control group), Group B (non-absorbable suture, Prolene suture), Group C (biological glue), Group D (non-absorbable suture, polyester suture) and Group E (absorbable suture). All rats were followed up for 8 weeks postoperatively and underwent laparotomy to observe the degree of adhesion and closure of the mesenteric defect. Results: No significant difference was found in the decrease in food intake and body weight among all groups. No internal hernia (IH) occurred in any group. The mesenteric defects of Group A remained completely visible without any closure or adhesion. Multiple gaps were found between the Prolene suture and the mesentery along the suture line in Group B. The mesenteric defects of Group C were complete closed with multiple adhesions of the small intestine and the greater omentum. The mesenteric defects in both Group D and Group E closed completely. The average adhesion scores in Group A and Group B were 0 and 0.33±0.52 respectively. The average adhesion score in group C (3.83±0.41) was higher than the other groups (p ＜ 0.05). The average adhesion scores in Group D and E were similar (3.17±0.41 and 3.00±0.00 respectively). Conclusion: Absorbable suture created a safe adhesion score between the mesentery which was not inferior to non-absorbable sutures.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Lalo Kile district, Oromia, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Yesuf Dejene Abraham , Abdissa Lensa Tesfaye , Gerbi Emiru Adeba , Tola Edosa Kifle 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Lalo Kile district, Oromia, Western Ethiopia. Results: Out of the 315 respondents, the mean age was 24.7 ± 2.54 years ranging between 15-44 years. The majority of the respondents were Oromo in ethnicity (90.2%) and protestant in religion (83.2%) and almost all (99%) of the study participants were married. Two hundred twenty-six (72%) of pregnant women were attended at least primary school and two hundred forty-six (78.1%) of the respondents were from farmer households. About half of the households (51.7%) had a monthly income of greater than 35 USD. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 138(43.8%) with the predominance of hookworm (33.7%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (7.3%). Being a farmer [AOR, 95% CI 7.3 (1.46, 37.00), P = 0.03], walking barefooted [AOR, 95% CI 6.13 (1.98, 19.00), P = 0.002] and absence of proper handwashing after latrine [AOR, 95% CI 5.36 (1.78, 16.00), P = 0.003] were significantly associated with occurrence of the intestinal parasitic infection. Keywords: Prevalence, Intestinal parasitic infection, pregnant women, Lalo Kile district
NaCl-responsive ROS scavenging and energy supply in alkaligrass callus revealed from proteomic analysis
Authors: Zhang Yongxue , Zhang Yue , Yu Juanjuan , Zhang Heng , Wang Liyue , Wang Sining , Guo Siyi , Miao Yuchen , Chen Sixue , Li Ying , Dai Shaojun 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Salinity has obvious effects on plant growth and crop productivity. The salinity-responsive mechanisms have been well-studied in differentiated organs (e.g., leaves, roots and stems), but not in unorganized cells such as callus. High-throughput quantitative proteomics approaches have been used to investigate callus development, somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, and stress response in numbers of plant species. However, they have not been applied to callus from monocotyledonous halophyte alkaligrass (Puccinellia tenuifora). Results: The alkaligrass callus growth, viability and membrane integrity were perturbed by 50 mM and 150 mM NaCl treatments. Callus cells accumulated the proline, soluble sugar and glycine betaine for the maintenance of osmotic homeostasis. Importantly, the activities of ROS scavenging enzymes (e.g., SOD, APX, POD, GPX, MDHAR and GR) and antioxidants (e.g., ASA, DHA and GSH) were induced by salinity. The abundance patterns of 55 salt-responsive proteins indicate that salt signal transduction, cytoskeleton, ROS scavenging, energy supply, gene expression, protein synthesis and processing, as well as other basic metabolic processes were altered in callus to cope with the stress. Conclusions: The undifferentiated callus exhibited unique salinity-responsive mechanisms for ROS scavenging and energy supply. Activation of the POD pathway and AsA-GSH cycle was universal in callus and differentiated organs, but salinity-induced SOD pathway and salinity-reduced CAT pathway in callus were different from those in leaves and roots. To cope with salinity, callus mainly relied on glycolysis, but not the TCA cycle, for energy supply.
Gene mutations related to cell adhesion found in lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Xu Peipei , Ye Ziheng , Zeng Su , Zhang Fan , Xia Xiaotian , Li Lianxi , Guo Minggao 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Lymph node metastasis is the most common metastasis associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). There are few data on gene mutations associated with lymph node metastasis from PTC. At present, the mechanism underlying lymph node metastasis of PTC is still poorly understood.Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for PTC of 10 primary tumor tissues and 10 lymph node metastasis tissues (non-match) for gene mutations. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was used to study biological functions and processes related to lymph node metastasis. Sanger sequencing was used to verify these genes in the lymph node metastasis group.Results: A total of 2772 gene mutations were identified in the primary tumor group. A total of 3033 gene mutations were enriched in the lymph node metastasis group. There were 50 gene mutations that were found to be present at higher frequency in the lymph node metastasis group than in the primary tumor group. Among 50 gene mutations, nonsynonymous mutations of 5 genes (LPP, MSLN, MAEA, VCAN, and MUC16) involved in cell adhesion were present. Three nonsynonymous mutations were also found in RP1L1, QSER1, and TLR4. These high-frequency genetic mutations that showed significant enrichment were targeted sequencing and validated by Sanger sequencing.Conclusion: Thyroid cancer and corresponding metastatic lymph nodes contain a large number of SNPs and 50 SNP genes associated with lymph node metastasis. Genes related to cell adhesion (LPP, MSLN, MAEA, VCAN, and MUC16) may play an important role in the process of lymph node metastasis. The contribution of BRAF in lymph node metastasis may not be high.
Opportunistic Infections and Associated Factors among HIV/AIDS Patients taking Ante-Retroviral Therapy at Selected Hospitals in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Wachamo Demelash , Bonja Fisseha 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Opportunistic infections are late complications of HIV infection is the depletion of the immune system. It is a major public health problem and high morbidity AIDS patients die of AIDS-related infections in developing countries like Ethiopia. Identification of opportunistic infections (OIs) is important to develop a specific intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the burden and associated factors of opportunistic infections.Method A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients taking anti-retroviral therapy. Data was collected from selected hospitals in Sidama Zone based on population proportion to size. Data was collected by a pre-tested questionnaire and a pre-tested checklist from the medical records of patients. Data entry and analyzed for descriptive and logistic regression models by SPSS v.23. The result declared as statistically significant at p < 0.05.Result The magnitude of opportunistic infections was 39.6%. Major identified OIs was oral candidacies 23.2%, recurrent bacterial pneumonia 21.5%, Herpes zoster 6.3%, and Pulmonary Tuberculosis 6.0%.The magnitude of opportunistic associated with; older age [AOR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.33-5.43], No formal education [AOR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.06-9.25], Low monthly income [AOR=2.27, 95%CI:1.35-3.83], initial CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 [AOR=1.91, 95% CI:1.05-3.46), WHO clinical stage II [AOR=2.43, 95% CI:1.34-4.42] and stage III and IV [AOR=4.27, 95% CI: 2.12-8.59], had no extra medicine additional to ART (prophylaxis) had [AOR= 5.91, 95% CI: 3.31-10.56], who interrupt ART medicines [AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.09- 3.80] and Khat chewing [AOR=5.48, 95% CI: 2.32-12.96] when compared to their counterparts.Conclusions The overall magnitude of opportunistic infections was high when compared with other studies. Health officials and clinicians need to give attention on the strengthening of the provision if ART with prophylaxis on early-stage and adhrerence, implementation of the TB/HIV collaboration activity, and early initiation of ART to reduce opportunistic infections.
Clinical Analysis of Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Combined with MOG Antibody in Children
Authors: Hou Chi , Li Xiaojing , Chen Wenxiong , Wu Wenlin , Tian Yang , Zhang Yani , Zhu Haixia , Zeng Yiru , Peng Bingwei , Zheng Kelu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective: To analyze the clinical features in children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis combined with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG ab).Methods: Clinical data of 7 children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis combined with MOG ab were collected in Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center from January, 2016 to June, 2019.Results: Average onset age was 6.0±1.3 year-old, male to female was 2:5. Prominent symptoms in anti-NMDAR encephalitis were abnormal mental behavior (7/7), sleep disorder (6/7) and speech disorder (6/7), while in MOG ab related encephalomyelitis were encephalopathy (5/7) and paralysis (4/7). 1 case developed anti-NMDAR encephalitis 1 year after recovery from MOG ab related acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). 4 cases developed anti-NMDAR encephalitis and MOG ab related ADEM simultaneously, with 2 cases relapsed. 2 cases were anti-NMDAR encephalitis with only MOG ab positive. 10 MRI examinations were performed in acute stage. 8/10 brain MRI showed abnormalities with multiple demyelinating lesions mainly involve subcortical white matter (7/8), cortex (6/8) and basal ganglia (5/8). 2/10 had long segment myelitis. Patients improved significantly after corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Patients with recurrent course (n=2) had higher MOG ab titer (1:320) and longer duration (≥12 months) compared with non-recurrent course (n=5), MOG antibody(≤1:100) (≤6 months). 3 Cases had neurological sequelae with higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NMDAR antibody titer at first onset (1:320). 2 had emotional problems and 1 had epilepsy.Conclusion: Children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis combined with MOG ab were more common in girls around 6 year-old. Patients responded well to Corticosteroid and IVIG. Cases with persistent MOG ab need longer follow-up due to recurrent risk, high titer of CSF NMDAR antibody may cause neurological sequelae. Keywords: anti-NMDAR encephalitis, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody, children
Hypercapnia intensifies cerebral hypoxia via increasing cerebral oxygen extraction ratio: implication in neuroinflammation in hypoxemic adult rats
Authors: Ding Hong-Guang , Li Xu-Sheng , Liu Xin-Qiang , Wang Kang-Rong , Li Ya , Wen Miao-Yun , Zeng Hongke 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Hypoxemia is a typical symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Ventilations are always needed for correcting hypoxemia. To avoid pulmonary morbidity, the low tidal volume ventilation is often applied. The ventilation strategy will certainly result in hypercapnia. Our previous study found that hypercapnia increase neuronal death and aggravate the cognitive function of hypoxic adult rats. However, the underlying mechanism has remained unclear. This study aimed to explore whether hypercapnia would induce neuroinflammation through increasing cerebral oxygen extraction ratio in adult rats with hypoxemia. Methods: Cerebral oxygen extraction ratio (CERO2), partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in brain tissue in a rat model of hypercapnia/hypoxemia were evaluated. Along with this, the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and ROS production of BV-2 microglial cells were evaluated after 15% CO2/0.2% O2 treatment. The protein expression level of caspase-1 and IL-1β in microglia cells were detected before and after application of a ROS scavenger in vivo and in vitro. Results: PbtO2 level was elevated by hypercapnia in the hypoxemic rats in the first 1.5 h, but it was significantly decreased 2 h after ventilation. This was further evident by the increased levels of CERO2 at 3 h after ventilation. Besides, a high concentration of CO2 treatment could increase the levels of OCR in hypoxic BV-2 microglial cells in vitro. Hypercapnia markedly increased the production of ROS and the expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β in hypoxia-activated microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Pharmacological scavenging ROS inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and expression of IL-1β. Conclusion: Hypercapnia-intensified cerebral hypoxia via increasing cerebral oxygen extraction ratio may induce ROS overproduction, activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and enhance IL-1β release in hypoxia-activated microglia.
Epigenetic induction of tumor stemness via the Lipopolysaccharide-TET3-HOXB2 signaling axis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Fengkai , Liu Zhonghe , Liu Ronghua , Lu Chunlai , Wang Lin , Mao Wei , Zhu Qiaoliang , Shou Huankai , Zhang Kunpeng , Li Yin , Chu Yiwei , Gu Jie , Ge Di 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is one kind of frequent digestive tumor. The inflammatory environment plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and development of ESCC. Cancer stem cells are a small group of tumor cells with stem cell characteristics, which become the potential causes of failure to tumor treatment. Methods: ELISA was performed to detect the lipopolysaccharide concentration in cancer tissues. qPCR, Western blot, FACS, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence and Dot blot were applied to detect target genes expression. CCK-8, Colony-formation, Transwell, Sphere and Xenograft were performed to investigate the function of cells, influenced by risk factors. The survival curve was drawn with the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator. Nano-hmC-Seal-seq was applied to detect the downstream target of TET3. ChIP-qPCR was performed to demonstrate the transcriptional regulation of stem cell-associated genes by HOXB2. Results: Lipopolysaccharide concentration was significantly up-regulated in ESCC. High concentration of lipopolysaccharide stimulation induced the stemness of ESCC cells. TET3 expression was elevated with lipopolysaccharide stimulation via p38/ERK-MAPK pathway in ESCC and negatively correlated with patients’ survival. TET3 induced the stemness of ESCC cells. Nano-hmC-Seal-seq showed that TET3 overexpression led to a significant increase in 5hmC levels of HOXB2 gene region, which was thus identified as the downstream target of TET3. The binding of HOXB2 to NANOG and cMYC was veriﬁed by ChIP-qPCR. Conclusions: Lipopolysaccharide served as a tumor promotor in ESCC by inducing cancer cell stemness through the activation of a LPS-TET3-HOXB2 signaling axis, which might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ESCC.
Targeting the USP1 dependent KDM4A protein stability as a potential prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Cui Shu-Zhong , Fan Ling-Ling , Li You-Qiang , Geng Xin-Yan , Fu De-Xue , Jiang Hao-Wu , xu songhui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and second leading cause of cancer death in American men. The histone demethylase KDM4A is reported to be overexpressed and plays a vital in multiple cancers through controlling gene expression by epigenetic regulation of H3K9 or H3K36 methylation marks. The biological role and mechanism of KDM4A in regulating AR activity in prostate cancer, however, remain to be established. Methods: KDM4A expression in PTEN knockout mouse was determined using western blotting, Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical. Functional assays, such as cell survival, cell colony formation, anchorage-independent growth and a xenograft tumor model were used to determine the oncogenic role of KDM4A in prostate cancer cells. Association of KDM4A with USP1 and the deubiquitination assay were determined by co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent staining and immunoblotting. USP1-KDM4A axis promotes AR-dependent c-Myc expression was further investigated using western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation and Real-time PCR. The specific USP1 inhibitor ML323 was used for assessing the role of USP1 in prostate cancer cell survival. Co-expression of KDM4A with USP1 was determined by immunohistochemical staining in 146 prostate cancer tissue samples. Results: Herein, we reported KDM4A expression was upregulation in PTEN knockout mouse prostate tissue. Depletion of KDM4A in prostate cancer cells inhibited their proliferation and survival in vivo and vitro. Further studies reveal that USP1 is a deubiquitinase that regulates KDM4A K48-linked deubiquitin and stability. Interestingly, we found c-Myc was a key downstream effector of USP1-KDM4A/AR axis in driving prostate cancer cell proliferation. Notably, upregulation of KDM4A expression with high USP1 expression were observed in 70% of prostate tumors and inhibition of USP1 promotes prostate cancer cells response to therapeutic agent_enzalutamide. Our studies propose USP1 may be an anti-cancer therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that USP1 deubiquitinates and stabilizes KDM4A, which promotes recruitment of AR to the c-Myc gene enhancer and highlight USP1 potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Keywords: USP1; Prostate cancer; KDM4A; Deubiquitination; Tumorigenesis
Assessing the preparedness of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors during the transition from medical school to the Foundation Training Programme
Authors: Michaelides Athena , Mahr Melina , Pydisetty Gaurav , Loyala Jerocin Vishani 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: To assess how ready current FY1 doctors felt when they started their first posting as newly qualified doctors. Methods: We created an online survey where 45 FY1 doctors in South Yorkshire rated how confident they were across different domains (induction and assistantship, hospital systems, and skills) using a scale ranging from 0 (no confidence in performing task) to 5 (highly confident in performing task). Results: Responses showed that the ICE system and observations had a mean rating of 3.645 (95% CI 3.45 to 3.86), 4.425 (95% CI 4.25 to 4.6) with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.1 and 0.83 respectively. The radiological viewing platform, referral system, telephone system, and hospital notes had a mean score of 3.149 (95% CI 2.88 to 3.42), 2.341 (95% CI 2.1 to 2.58), 3.573 (95% CI 3.41 to 3.74) and 4.061 (95% CI 3.93 to 4.19), with a SD of 1.281, 1.154, 0.961 and 0.752 respectively. FY1’s wanted more training on referrals [(84.09%(n=37)) and use of phones [43.2% (n=19)]. Vital observations and diagnostic procedures scored a mean score of 3.933 (95% CI 3.75 to 4.12) and 4.251 (95% CI 4.14 to 4.36) with a SD of 1.19 and 0.944 respectively. The patient care category, the prescribing category and therapeutic procedures gave a mean score of 3.634 (95% CI 3.44 to 3.83), 4.13 (95% CI 3.96 to 4.3), 3.386 (95% CI 3.23 to 3.54) and an SD of 1.128, 0.954 and 1.253 respectively.Conclusion: Overall, junior doctors are confident in most tasks and jobs expected of them. A greater sample size would enable us to compare how different medical schools and deaneries aid this transition.