bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-breed GWAS for morphometric traits in four Beninese indigenous cattle breeds reveals loci associated with conformation, carcass and adaptive traits
Authors: Vanvanhossou Sèyi Fridaïus Ulrich , Scheper Carsten , Dossa Luc Hippolyte , Yin Tong , Brügemann Kerstin , König Sven 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Specific adaptive features including disease resistance and growth abilities in harsh environments are attributed to indigenous cattle breeds of Benin, but these breeds are endangered due to crossbreeding. So far, there is a lack of systematic trait recording, being the basis for breed characterizations, and for structured breeding program designs aiming on conservation. Bridging this gap, own phenotyping for morphological traits considered measurements for height at withers (HAW), sacrum height (SH), heart girth (HG), hip width (HW), body length (BL) and ear length (EL), including 449 cattle from the four indigenous Benin breeds Lagune, Somba, Borgou and Pabli. In order to utilize recent genomic tools for breed characterizations and genetic evaluations, phenotypes for novel traits were merged with high-density SNP marker data. Multi-breed genetic parameter estimations and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the six morphometric traits were carried out. Continuatively, we aimed on inferring genomic regions and functional loci potentially associated with conformation, carcass and adaptive traits.

Results
SNP-based heritability estimates for the morphometric traits ranged between 0.46 ± 0.14 (HG) and 0.74 ± 0.13 (HW). Phenotypic and genetic correlations ranged from 0.25 ± 0.05 (HW-BL) to 0.89 ± 0.01 (HAW-SH), and from 0.14 ± 0.10 (HW-BL) to 0.85 ± 0.02 (HAW-SH), respectively. Three genome-wide and 25 chromosome-wide significant SNP positioned on different chromosomes were detected, located in very close chromosomal distance (±25 kb) to 15 genes (or located within the genes). The genes PIK3R6 and PIK3R1 showed direct functional associations with height and body size. We inferred the potential candidate genes VEPH1, CNTNAP5, GYPC for conformation, growth and carcass traits including body weight and body fat deposition. According to their functional annotations, detected potential candidate genes were associated with stress or immune response (genes PTAFR, PBRM1, ADAMTS12) and with feed efficiency (genes MEGF11 SLC16A4, CCDC117).

Conclusions
Accurate measurements contributed to large SNP heritabilities for some morphological traits, even for a small mixed-breed sample size. Multi-breed GWAS detected different loci associated with conformation or carcass traits. The identified potential candidate genes for immune response or feed efficiency indicators reflect the evolutionary development and adaptability features of the breeds.
Malignant acanthosis nigricans: a case report
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Rongjun , Liu Yiyun , Zhang Shuang , Qi Hong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
To report a case of malignant acanthosis nigricans with two unusual aspects, including the patient’s young age and the development of filiform papillomas on the eyelid margins.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old woman presented with dry eye symptoms. Examination revealed filiform papillomas on the eyelid margins, gums, lips, hands, and axillae and excessive pigmentation localized to the neck, axillae, and groin. Biopsies of stomach, pancreatic, and thyroid lesions revealed gastric adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and thyroid cancer, respectively. Systemic investigations showed gastric adenocarcinoma with metastatic spread. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with malignant acanthosis nigricans and died 4 months later.

Conclusions
Acanthosis nigricans on the eyelid margins with a velvety overgrowth is highly suggestive of an internal malignancy, and full systemic investigations are warranted in these cases. In this patient, early signs were ignored, leading to the loss of a timely diagnosis and treatment.
The selective anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of A. cherimola on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Younes Maria , Ammoury Carl , Haykal Tony , Nasr Leah , Sarkis Rita , Rizk Sandra 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Herbal medicines have been a major target for numerous studies through the past years as an alternative treatment for cancer, mainly due to their minimal effects on normal healthy cells. Annona cherimola, popularly known as Cherimoya, is an edible natural fruit rich in phytochemical components and known to possess various biological activities. Previous studies have reported the anti-cancerous effect of A. cherimola ethanolic leaf extract (AELE) on leukemia. This study aims at studying the potential anti-cancer activity of this extract in vitro in two different breast cancer cell lines, namely MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, in addition to investigating its toxicity on normal mesenchymal stem cells.

Methods
The anti-proliferative effect of AELE was evaluated via cell viability assay. Propidium iodide staining, Cell Death Detection ELISA and flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V binding were used to assess cell cycle progression, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis induction, respectively. Protein expression was determined via Western Blot analysis to decipher the underlying apoptotic molecular mechanism induced upon AELE treatment.

Results
The anti-proliferative effect of the extract was found to be selective on the triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) in a time- and dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 390.2 μg/mL at 48 h, with no cytotoxic effects on normal murine mesenchymal stem cells. The pro-apoptotic effect was confirmed by the increase in cellular and DNA fragmentation, flipping of the phosphatidylserine moiety to the outer leaflet, and the increase in Annexin V binding. The underlying molecular mechanism revealed the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway, as shown by alterations in mitochondrial permeability and the upregulation of cytochrome c expression.

Conclusion
All the data presented in our study suggest that AELE exhibits a selective anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effect on the chemo-resistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, providing evidence for the anti-tumor effects of A. cherimola.
Virtual screening and network pharmacology-based synergistic mechanism identification of multiple components contained in Guanxin V against coronary artery disease
Authors: Liang Bo , Zhang Xiao-Xiao , Gu Ning 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGuanxin V (GXV), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) in clinical practice in China. However, research on the active components and underlying mechanisms of GXV in CAD is still scarce.MethodsA virtual screening and network pharmacological approach was utilized for predicting the pharmacological mechanisms of GXV in CAD. The active compounds of GXV based on various TCM-related databases were selected and then the potential targets of these compounds were identified. Then, after the CAD targets were built through nine databases, a PPI network was constructed based on the matching GXV and CAD potential targets, and the hub targets were screened by MCODE. Moreover, Metascape was applied to GO and KEGG functional enrichment. Finally, HPLC fingerprints of GXV were established.ResultsA total of 119 active components and 121 potential targets shared between CAD and GXV were obtained. The results of functional enrichment indicated that several GO biological processes and KEGG pathways of GXV mostly participated in the therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, 7 hub MCODEs of GXV were collected as potential targets, implying the complex effects of GXV-mediated protection against CAD. Six specific chemicals were identified.ConclusionGXV could be employed for CAD through molecular mechanisms, involving complex interactions between multiple compounds and targets, as predicted by virtual screening and network pharmacology. Our study provides a new TCM for the treatment of CAD and deepens the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of GXV against CAD.
Uptake of cervical cancer screening service and associated factors among age-eligible women in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray Assmie , Zewdu Biruk Ferede , Nigussie Azezu Asres 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in developing countries. Since cervical cancer is a preventable disease, screening is an important control and prevention strategy, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for all women aged 30 years and older, and even earlier for some high-risk women. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the uptake of cervical cancer screening among age-eligible women in Ethiopia.

Method
Review identification was performed through the search of online databases PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane library, African Journals, and other gray and online repository accessed studies were searched using different search engines. For critical appraisal of studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used. The analysis was conducted by using STATA 11 software. To test the heterogeneity of studies, the Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were used. To detect publication bias of the studies, the funnel plot and Egger’s test were used. The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval were presented using forest plots.

Result
Twenty-four studies with a total of 14,582 age-eligible women were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled national level of cervical cancer screening among age-eligible women in Ethiopia was 13.46% (95%CI:11.06,15.86). Knowledge on cervical cancer and screening (OR = 4.01,95%CI:2.76,5.92), history of multiple sexual partners (OR = 5.01, 95%CI:2.61,9.61), women’s age (OR = 4.58, 95%CI:2.81,7.46), history of sexually transmitted disease (OR = 4.83,95%CI:3.02,7.73), Perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer (OR = 3.59, 95%CI:1.99,6.48), getting advice from health care providers (OR = 4.58, 95%CI:3.26, 6.43), women’s educational level (OR = 6.68,95%CI:4.61,9.68), women’s attitude towards cervical cancer and screening (OR = 3.42, 95%CI:2.88,4.06) were the determinant factors of cervical cancer screening uptake among age-eligible women in Ethiopia.

Conclusion
The pooled prevalence of cervical cancer screening was remarkably low among age-eligible women in Ethiopia. Thus, to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening among age-eligible women regularly, it is better to create awareness programs for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, and educational interventions that teach the step-by-step practice of cervical screening to increase women’s attitude for screening. Additionally, it is better to inform every woman is susceptible to cervical cancer, especially after starting sexual intercourse, and screening remains fundamental in the fight against cervical cancer before becoming invasive. Moreover, counseling and improving the confidence of women by health care providers to undergo screening is recommended.
The absence of murine cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide impacts host responses enhancing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection
Authors: Bescucci Danisa M. , Clarke Sandra T. , Brown Catherine L. J. , Boras Valerie F. , Montina Tony , Uwiera Richard R. E. , Inglis G. Douglas 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCathelicidins are a class of antimicrobial peptide, and the murine cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP) has been demonstrated in vitro to impairSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium proliferation. However, the impact of mCRAMP on host responses and the microbiota followingS.Typhimurium infection has not been determined. In this study mCRAMP−/−and mCRAMP+/+mice (± streptomycin) were orally inoculated withS. entericaserovar Typhimurium DT104 (SA +), and impacts on the host and enteric bacterial communities were temporally evaluated.ResultsHigher densities of the pathogen were observed in cecal digesta and associated with mucosa in SA+/mCRAMP−/−mice that were pretreated (ST+) and not pretreated (ST−) with streptomycin at 24 h post-inoculation (hpi). Both SA+/ST+/mCRAMP−/−and SA+/ST−/mCRAMP−/−mice were more susceptible to infection exhibiting greater histopathologic changes (e.g. epithelial injury, leukocyte infiltration, goblet cell loss) at 48 hpi. Correspondingly, immune responses in SA+/ST+/mCRAMP–/−and SA+/ST−/mCRAMP–/−mice were affected (e.g.Ifnγ, Kc, Inos, Il1β, RegIIIγ). Systemic dissemination of the pathogen was characterized by metabolomics, and the liver metabolome was affected to a greater degree in SA+/ST+/mCRAMP–/−and SA+/ST−/mCRAMP–/−mice (e.g. taurine, cadaverine). Treatment-specific changes to the structure of the enteric microbiota were associated with infection and mCRAMP deficiency, with a higher abundance ofEnterobacteriaceaeandVeillonellaceaeobserved in infected null mice. The microbiota of mice that were administered the antibiotic and infected withSalmonellawas dominated byProteobacteria.ConclusionThe study findings showed that the absence of mCRAMP modulated both host responses and the enteric microbiota enhancing local and systemic infection bySalmonellaTyphimurium.
Bacillus subtilis Smc condenses chromosomes in a heterologous cell system, which is down-regulated by ScpAB
Authors: Knust Tobias , Graumann Peter L. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective
Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins are key players in chromosome dynamics in all types of organisms. The so-called condensin subfamily is essential for chromosome condensation in eukaryotic cells, as is the bacterial SMC complex (called MukBEF in Escherichia coli). We expressed the Bacillus subtilis Smc protein and its two complex partners ScpA and ScpB in E. coli cells, and monitored effects on chromosome compaction by DNA staining of live cells using epifluorescence microscopy.

Data description
We show that expression of BsSmc leads to strong chromosome compaction, while expression of ScpAB does not show any effect. Chromosome compaction by Smc was also found for mutant versions lacking ATP binding or ability for head engagement, and was counteracted by concomitant expression of ScpAB. Our findings show that the SMC complex can act as autonomous condensation system in a heterologous bacterial host system, for which neither ATP binding nor ATP hydrolysis are required. Our investigation suggests that the negative effect on compaction activity of Smc exerted by ScpAB in vivo does not involve an effect on ATPase activity, but more likely a stabilization of the engagement of head domains, which in turn may affect ATPase activity.
Combined stimuli of cold, hypoxia, and dehydration status on body temperature in rats: a pilot study with practical implications for humans
Authors: Uno Tadashi , Hasegawa Tatsuya , Horiuchi Masahiro 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objective
As human thermoregulatory responses to maintain core body temperature (Tcore) under multiple stressors such as cold, hypoxia, and dehydration (e.g., exposure to high-altitude) are varied, the combined effects of cold, hypoxia, and dehydration status on Tcore in rats were investigated. The following environmental conditions were constructed: (1) thermoneutral (24 °C) or cold (10 °C), (2) normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (12% O2), and (3) euhydration or dehydration (48 h water deprivation), resulted in eight environmental conditions [2 ambient temperatures (Ta) × 2 oxygen levels × 2 hydration statuses)]. Each condition lasted for 24 h.

Results
Normoxic conditions irrespective of hypoxia or dehydration did not strongly decrease the area under the curve (AUC) in Tcore during the 24 period, whereas, hypoxic conditions caused greater decreases in the AUC in Tcore, which was accentuated with cold and dehydration (Ta × O2 × hydration, P = 0.040 by three-way ANOVA). In contrast, multiple stressors (Ta × O2 × hydration or Ta × O2 or O2 × hydration or Ta × hydration) did not affect locomotor activity counts (all P > 0.05), but a significant simple main effect for O2 and Ta was observed (P < 0.001). Heat loss index was not affected by all environmental conditions (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, decreases in Tcore were most affected by multiple environmental stressors such as cold, hypoxia, and dehydration.
Analysis of ADAM9 regulation and function in vestibular schwannoma primary cells
Authors: Nattmann Anja , Breun Maria , Monoranu Camelia M. , Matthies Cordula , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Löhr Mario , Hagemann Carsten 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveRecently, we described a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) overexpression by Schwann cells of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and suggested that it might be a marker for VS tumor growth and invasiveness. This research note provides additional data utilizing a small cohort of VS primary cultures and tissue samples. We examined whether reconstitution of Merlin expression in VS cells regulates ADAM9 protein expression and performed lentiviral ADAM9 knock down to investigate possible effects on VS cells numbers. Moreover, the co-localization of ADAM9 and Integrins α6 and α2β1, respectively, was examined by immunofluorescence double staining.ResultsADAM9 expression was not regulated by Merlin in VS. However, ADAM9 knock down led to 58% reduction in cell numbers in VS primary cell cultures (p < 0.0001). While ADAM9 and Integrin α2β1 were co-localized in only 22% (2 of 9) of VS, ADAM9 and Integrin α6 were co-localized in 91% (10 of 11) of VS. Therefore, we provide first observations on possible regulatory functions of ADAM9 expression in VS.
Pharmacophore modelling of vanillin derivatives, favipiravir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, monolaurin and tetrodotoxin as MPro inhibitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Law Woon Yi , Asaruddin Mohd Razip , Bhawani Showkat Ahamd , Mohamad Samsur 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to use Ligand-based pharmacophore modelling approach for four established antiviral drugs, namely remdesivir, lopinavir, ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 inhibitors as training sets. In this study Twenty vanillin derivatives together with monolaurin and tetrodotoxin were used as test sets to evaluate as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The Structure-based pharmacophore modelling approach was also performed using 5RE6, 5REX and 5RFZ in order to analyse the binding site and ligand–protein complex interactions.

Results
The pharmacophore modelling mode of 5RE6 displayed two Hydrogen Bond Acceptors (HBA) and one Hydrophobic (HY) interaction. Besides, the pharmacophore model of 5REX showed two HBA and two HY interactions. Finally, the pharmacophore model of 5RFZ showed three HBA and one HY interaction. Based on ligand-based approach, 20 Schiff-based vanillin derivatives, showed strong MPro inhibition activity. This was due to their good alignment and common features to PDB-5RE6. Similarly, monolaurin and tetrodotoxin displayed some significant activity against SARS-CoV-2. From structure-based approach, vanillin derivatives (1) to (12) displayed some potent MPro inhibition against SARS-CoV-2. Favipiravir, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine also showed some significant MPro inhibition.
QoS-driven scheduling in the cloud
Authors: da Silva Giovanni Farias , Brasileiro Francisco , Lopes Raquel , Morais Fabio , Carvalho Marcus , Turull Daniel 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Priority-based scheduling policies are commonly used to guarantee that requests submitted to the different service classes offered by cloud providers achieve the desired Quality of Service (QoS). However, the QoS delivered during resource contention periods may be unfair on certain requests. In particular, lower priority requests may have their resources preempted to accommodate resources associated with higher priority ones, even if the actual QoS delivered to the latter is above the desired level, while the former is underserved. Also, competing requests with the same priority may experience quite different QoS, since some of them may have their resources preempted, while others do not. In this paper we present a new scheduling policy that is driven by the QoS promised to individual requests. Benefits of using the QoS-driven policy are twofold: it maintains the QoS of each request as high as possible, considering their QoS targets and available resources; and it minimizes the variance of the QoS delivered to requests of the same class, promoting fairness. We used simulation experiments fed with traces from a production system to compare the QoS-driven policy with a state-of-the-practice priority-based one. In general, the QoS-driven policy delivers a better service than the priority-based one. Moreover, the equity of the QoS delivered to requests of the same class is much higher when the QoS-driven policy is used, particularly when not all requests get the promised QoS, which is the most important scenario. Finally, based on the current practice of large public cloud providers, our results show that penalties incurred by the priority-based scheduler in the scenarios studied can be, on average, as much as 193% higher than those incurred by the QoS-driven one.
Radiological manifestations of thoracic hydatid cysts: pulmonary and extrapulmonary findings
Authors: Durhan Gamze , Tan Aziz Anıl , Düzgün Selin Ardalı , Akkaya Selçuk , Arıyürek Orhan Macit 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Hydatid cyst caused by the larval form of Echinococcus is a worldwide zoonosis. The lungs and liver are the most common sites involved. While the lung parenchyma is the most common site within the thorax, it may develop in any extrapulmonary region including the pleural cavity, fissures, mediastinum, heart, vascular structures, chest wall, and diaphragm. Imaging plays a pivotal role not only in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst, but also in the visualization of the extent of involvement and complications. The aim of this pictorial review was to comprehensively describe the imaging findings of thoracic hydatid cyst including pulmonary and very unusual extrapulmonary involvements. An outline is also given for the findings of complications and differential diagnosis of thoracic hydatid cyst.