bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of three intestinal protozoans in hospitalized children with different disease backgrounds in Zhengzhou, central China
Authors: Yu Fuchang , Li Dongfang , Chang Yankai , Wu Yayun , Guo Zhenxin , Jia Liting , Xu Jinling , Li Junqiang , Qi Meng , Wang Rongjun , Zhang Longxian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are major intestinal pathogens that can cause diarrheal diseases in humans, especially children. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is another parasite which can cause gastrointestinal tract disorders, with diarrhea being the main clinical symptom. However, few genetic studies of these parasites in pediatric inpatients in China have been published.

Methods
To assess the genetic characteristics and epidemiological status of these parasites, a total of 2284 fecal samples were collected from children in the pediatric departments of three hospitals in Zhengzhou, central China, and screened for these protozoans with PCR, based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of E. bieneusi.

Results
Six (0.26%), 14 (0.61%), and 27 (1.18%) of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, respectively. Of the 12 successfully sequenced G. duodenalis isolates, four were identified as assemblage A and eight as assemblage B. In subtype and multilocus genotype (MLG) analyses, C. parvum IIdA19G1 (n = 4) and two novel G. duodenalis MLGs belonging to subassemblage AII (n = 3) and BIV (n = 5) were successfully identified. The E. bieneusi isolates included genotypes D (n = 17), J (n = 2), PigEBITS7 (n = 1), BEB6 (n = 1), and CM8 (n = 1). This is the first report of C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 in HIV-negative children and E. bieneusi genotype CM8 in humans.

Conclusions
The dominance of zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 indicates that this parasite is turning into zoonotic origin from human-to-human transmission. The phylogenetic analysis also revealed the zoonotic origins and anthroponotic transmission potential of G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, suggesting more efforts must be made to minimize the threat these pathogens pose to public health.
Macrophage polarization in periodontal ligament stem cells enhanced periodontal regeneration
Authors: Liu Jiaying , Chen Bin , Bao Jun , Zhang Yangheng , Lei Lang , Yan Fuhua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe inflammation and regeneration process may be accompanied by the shift in the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages to adapt to extracellular signals. How the macrophages responded to the altered immunological environment in the periodontal niche after stem cell transplantation has never been explored. The purpose of present study is to investigate whether M1/M2 polarization of macrophages participated in the tissue homeostasis and wound healing during periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC)-based periodontal regeneration.MethodsA rat periodontal defect model was utilized to observe the regeneration process in the PDLSC transplantation-enhanced periodontal repair. Dynamic changes in the markers of M1/M2 macrophages were observed on days 3, 7, and 21 post surgery. In addition, the outcome of regeneration was analyzed on day 21 after surgery. To further investigate the effect of PDLSCs on macrophage polarization, the conditioned medium of PDLSCs was utilized to treat M0, M1, and M2 macrophages for 24 h; markers of M1/M2 polarization were evaluated in macrophages.ResultsElevated bone volume and average thickness of bone trabecular was observed in the PDLSC-treated group by micro-computed tomography on day 21. In addition, enhanced periodontal regeneration was observed in the PDLSC-treated group with cementum-like structure regeneration and collagen fiber formation, which inserted into the newly formed cementum. On day 3, PDLSC transplantation increased IL-10 level in the periodontal tissue, while decreased TNF-α in the early stage of periodontal regeneration. On day 7, enhanced CD163+ cell infiltration and heightened expression of markers of M2 macrophages were observed. Furthermore, conditioned medium from PDLSC culture induced macrophage polarization towards the anti-inflammatory phenotype by downregulating TNF-α and upregulating IL-10, Arg-1, and CD163 in vitro.ConclusionsPDLSCs could induce macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, and the shift in the polarization towards M2 macrophages in the early stage of tissue repair contributed to the enhanced periodontal regeneration after stem cell transplantation. Therefore, signals from the transplanted PDLSCs might alter the immune microenvironment to enhance periodontal regeneration.
Exosomes derived from human CD34+ stem cells transfected with miR-26a prevent glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis
Authors: Zuo Rongtai , Kong Lingchi , Wang Mengwei , Wang Wenbo , Xu Jia , Chai Yimin , Guan Junjie , Kang Qinglin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDamaged endothelial cells and downregulated osteogenic ability are two key pathogenic mechanisms of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Recent studies suggested that transplantation of CD34+stem cell-derived exosomes (CD34+-Exos) can treat ischemic diseases by promoting neovascularization and that miR-26a is an important positive regulator of osteogenesis. Moreover, the biological effect of exosomes is closely related to their cargo miRNAs. However, it is not clear whether increasing the abundance of miR-26a in CD34+-Exos will inhibit the progress of GC-induced ONFH.MethodsMiR-26a was overexpressed in CD34+-Exos (miR-26a-CD34+-Exos) to increase their osteogenic potential. The angiogenic potential of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos was then examined through evaluations of migration and tube-forming capacities in vitro. In addition, in order to observe the osteogenic effect of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays, and qPCR were carried out. Finally, miR-26a-CD34+-Exos were injected into a GC-induced ONFH rat model to prevent the progress of GC-induced ONFH. The biological effects of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos on the ONFH model were evaluated by micro-CT, angiography, and histological staining.ResultsOur data showed that miR-26a-CD34+-Exos enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration and tube-forming capacities. Furthermore, miR-26a-CD34+-Exos strengthened the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs under the influence of GCs in vitro. Finally, the miR-26a-CD34+-Exos increased the vessel density and trabecular bone integrity of the femoral head in the GC-induced ONFH rat model, which inhibited the progress of ONFH.ConclusionsMiR-26a-CD34+-Exos protect the femoral head from damage caused by GCs by strengthening angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The biological effect of miR-26a-CD34+-Exos make them suitable for application in the prevention of GC-induced ONFH.
HERV-K and HERV-W transcriptional activity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Rodrigues Lucas S. , da Silva Nali Luiz H. , Leal Cibele O. D. , Sabino Ester C. , Lacerda Eliana M. , Kingdon Caroline C. , Nacul Luis , Romano Camila M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/MS) is an incapacitating chronic disease that dramatically compromise the life quality. The CFS/ME pathogenesis is multifactorial, and it is believed that immunological, metabolic and environmental factors play a role. It is well documented an increased activity of Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) from different families in autoimmune and neurological diseases, making these elements good candidates for biomarkers or even triggers for such diseases.

Methods
Here the expression of Endogenous retroviruses K and W (HERV-K and HERV-W) was determined in blood from moderately and severely affected ME/CFS patients through real time PCR.

Results
HERV-K was overexpressed only in moderately affected individuals but HERV-W showed no difference.

Conclusions
This is the first report about HERV-K differential expression in moderate ME/CFS. Although the relationship between HERVs and ME/CFS has yet to be proven, the observation of this phenomenon deserves further attention.
Global properties of saturated chikungunya virus dynamics models with cellular infection and delays
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , Almalki S. E. , Hobiny A. D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper studies the global properties of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) dynamics models with both CHIKV-to-monocytes and infected-to-monocyte transmissions. We assume that the infection rate of modeling CHIKV infection is given by saturated mass action. The effect of antibody immune response on the virus dynamics is modeled. The models included three types of time delays, discrete or distributed. The first type of delay is the time between CHIKV entry an uninfected monocyte to be latently infected monocyte. The second time delay is the time between CHIKV entry an uninfected monocyte and the emission of immature CHIKV. The third time delay represents the CHIKV’s maturation time. Lyapunov method is utilized and LaSalle’s invariance principle is applied to address the global stability of equilibria. The model is numerically simulated to support theoretical results.
On a coupled system of higher order nonlinear Caputo fractional differential equations with coupled Riemann–Stieltjes type integro-multipoint boundary conditions
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Ahmad Bashir , Alruwaily Ymnah , Ntouyas Sotiris K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe study a coupled system of Caputo fractional differential equations with coupled non-conjugate Riemann–Stieltjes type integro-multipoint boundary conditions. Existence and uniqueness results for the given boundary value problem are obtained by applying the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative, the Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem and Banach’s contraction mapping principle. Examples are constructed to illustrate the obtained results.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for multi-term fractional q-integro-differential equations via quantum calculus
Authors: Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Samei Mohammad Esmael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this investigation, by applying the definition of the fractional q-derivative of the Caputo type and the fractional q-integral of the Riemann–Liouville type, we study the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a multi-term nonlinear fractional q-integro-differential equations under some boundary conditions ${}^{c}D_{q}^{\alpha} x(t) = w ( t, x(t), (\varphi_{1} x)(t), (\varphi_{2} x)(t), {}^{c}D_{q} ^{ \beta_{1}} x(t), {}^{c}D_{q}^{\beta_{2}} x(t), \ldots, {}^{c}D _{q}^{ \beta_{n}}x(t) )$Dqαcx(t)=w(t,x(t),(φ1x)(t),(φ2x)(t),cDqβ1x(t),cDqβ2x(t),…,cDqβnx(t)). Our results are based on some classical fixed point techniques, as Schauder’s fixed point theorem and Banach contraction mapping principle. Besides, some instances are exhibited to illustrate our results and we report all algorithms required along with the numerical result obtained.
Bovine sperm selection procedure prior to cryopreservation for improvement of post-thawed semen quality and fertility
Authors: Nagata MariaPortia B. , Egashira Junki , Katafuchi Naoto , Endo Kenji , Ogata Kazuko , Yamanaka Kenichi , Yamanouchi Tadayuki , Matsuda Hideo , Hashiyada Yutaka , Yamashita Kenichi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe application of cryopreservation and artificial insemination technology have contributed to the advancement of animal reproduction. However, a substantial proportion of spermatozoa undergoes alterations and loses their fertility during cryopreservation, rendering the frozen-thawed semen impractical for routine use. Cryopreservation is known to reduce sperm lifespan and fertility. Variation in cryosurvival of spermatozoa from different sires and even with the individual sire is common in artificial insemination (AI) centers. Our goal is to improve post-thawed semen quality by optimization of cryopreservation technique through sperm selection prior to cryopreservation process.ResultsOur strategy of sperm selection based on rheotaxis and thermotaxis (SSRT) on macrosale in a rotating fluid flow demonstrated the ability to maintain the original pre-freezing structural integrity, viability and biological function related to fertilization competence. This strategy has a positive effect on the cryosurvival and fertilizing abilities of spermatozoa as supported by the improvement on pregnancy rate of Japanese Black heifers and Holstein repeat breeders. This technique protected further sublethal damage to bovine spermatozoa (higher % cryosurvival than the control) and resulted in the improvement of DNA integrity. Prefreeze selected spermatozoa demonstrated slower and controlled capacitation than unprocessed control which is thought to be related to sperm longevity and consequently to appropriate timing duringin vivofertilization.ConclusionsThese results provide solid evidence that improvement of post-thawed semen quality by SSRT method is beneficial in terms of cryosurvival, longevity of post-thawed sperm, and optimization ofin vivofertilization, embryo development and calving as supported by the favorable results of field fertility study.
A high-throughput screening identifies histone deacetylase inhibitors as therapeutic agents against medulloblastoma
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Gong Zhaojian , Oladimeji Peter O. , Currier Duane G. , Deng Qipan , Liu Ming , Chen Taosheng , Li Yong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Medulloblastoma is the most frequently occurring malignant brain tumor in children. Current treatment strategies for medulloblastoma include aggressive surgery, cranio-spinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Because current treatments can cause severe long-term side effects and are not curative, successful treatment remains a challenge.

Methods
In this study, we employed a high-throughput cell viability assay to screen 12,800 compounds and to identify drug candidates with anti-proliferative properties for medulloblastoma cells. We also tested these compounds for attenuating medulloblastoma tumor development using mouse xenografts.

Results
We identified two histone deacetylase inhibitors (dacinostat and quisinostat) with anti-proliferative properties for medulloblastoma cells. We showed that both compounds induce cytotoxicity, trigger cell apoptosis, and block cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase. In addition, dacinostat and quisinostat attenuated xenograft medulloblastoma growth in mice.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitors are potent therapeutic agents against medulloblastoma.
Nonsteroidal sulfamate derivatives as new therapeutic approaches for Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)
Authors: Shen Yu-chi , Arellano-Garcia Caroline , Menjivar Rosa E. , Jewett Ethan M. , Dohle Wolfgang , Karchugina Sofiia , Chernoff Jonathan , Potter Barry V. L. , Barald Kate F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeurofibromatosis 1 and 2, although involving two different tumour suppressor genes (neurofibromin and merlin, respectively), are both cancer predisposition syndromes that disproportionately affect cells of neural crest origin. New therapeutic approaches for both NF1 and NF2 are badly needed. In promising previous work we demonstrated that two non-steroidal analogues of 2-methoxy-oestradiol (2ME2), STX3451(2-(3-bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-methoxy-6-sulfamoyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline), and STX2895 (7-Ethyl-6-sulfamoyloxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline) reduced tumour cell growth and induced apoptosis in malignant and benign human Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) tumour cells. In earlier NF1 mechanism of action studies we found that in addition to their effects on non-classical hormone-sensitive pathways, STX agents acted on the actin- and myosin-cytoskeleton, as well as PI3Kinase and MTOR signaling pathways. Tumour growth in NF2 cells is affected by different inhibitors from those affecting NF1 growth pathways: specifically, NF2 cells are affected by merlin-downstream pathway inhibitors. Because Merlin, the affected tumour suppressor gene in NF2, is also known to be involved in stabilizing membrane-cytoskeletal complexes, as well as in cell proliferation, and apoptosis, we looked for potentially common mechanisms of action in the agents’ effects on NF1 and NF2. We set out to determine whether STX agents could therefore also provide a prospective avenue for treatment of NF2.MethodsSTX3451 and STX2895 were tested in dose-dependent studies for their effects on growth parameters of malignant and benign NF2 human tumour cell lines in vitro. The mechanisms of action of STX3451 and STX2895 were also analysed.ResultsAlthough neither of the agents tested affected cell growth or apoptosis in the NF2 tumour cell lines tested through the same mechanisms by which they affect these parameters in NF1 tumour cell lines, both agents disrupted actin- and myosin-based cytoskeletal structures in NF2 cell lines, with subsequent effects on growth and cell death.ConclusionsBoth STX3451 and STX2895 provide new approaches for inducing cell death and lowering tumour burden in NF2 as well as in NF1, which both have limited treatment options.
Scale-insensitive estimation of speed and distance traveled from animal tracking data
Authors: Noonan Michael J. , Fleming Christen H. , Akre Thomas S. , Drescher-Lehman Jonathan , Gurarie Eliezer , Harrison Autumn-Lynn , Kays Roland , Calabrese Justin M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSpeed and distance traveled provide quantifiable links between behavior and energetics, and are among the metrics most routinely estimated from animal tracking data. Researchers typically sum over the straight-line displacements (SLDs) between sampled locations to quantify distance traveled, while speed is estimated by dividing these displacements by time. Problematically, this approach is highly sensitive to the measurement scale, with biases subject to the sampling frequency, the tortuosity of the animal’s movement, and the amount of measurement error. Compounding the issue of scale-sensitivity, SLD estimates do not come equipped with confidence intervals to quantify their uncertainty.MethodsTo overcome the limitations of SLD estimation, we outline a continuous-time speed and distance (CTSD) estimation method. An inherent property of working in continuous-time is the ability to separate the underlying continuous-time movement process from the discrete-time sampling process, making these models less sensitive to the sampling schedule when estimating parameters. The first step of CTSD is to estimate the device’s error parameters to calibrate the measurement error. Once the errors have been calibrated, model selection techniques are employed to identify the best fit continuous-time movement model for the data. A simulation-based approach is then employed to sample from the distribution of trajectories conditional on the data, from which the mean speed estimate and its confidence intervals can be extracted.ResultsUsing simulated data, we demonstrate how CTSD provides accurate, scale-insensitive estimates with reliable confidence intervals. When applied to empirical GPS data, we found that SLD estimates varied substantially with sampling frequency, whereas CTSD provided relatively consistent estimates, with often dramatic improvements over SLD.ConclusionsThe methods described in this study allow for the computationally efficient, scale-insensitive estimation of speed and distance traveled, without biases due to the sampling frequency, the tortuosity of the animal’s movement, or the amount of measurement error. In addition to being robust to the sampling schedule, the point estimates come equipped with confidence intervals, permitting formal statistical inference. All the methods developed in this study are now freely available in the package or the point-and-click web based graphical user interface.
Reflectance FT-IR spectroscopy as a viable option for textile fiber identification
Authors: Peets Pilleriin , Kaupmees Karl , Vahur Signe , Leito Ivo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In this study, the reflectance-FT-IR (r-FT-IR) spectroscopy is demonstrated to be a suitable option for non-invasive identification of textile fibers. A collection of known textile fibers, 61 single-component textiles from 16 different types, were analyzed, resulting in more than 4000 individual spectra. The r-FT-IR method was compared with ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy using two instrumental approaches: FT-IR-microspectrometer with ATR mode (mATR-FT-IR) and ATR-FT-IR spectrometer (ATR-FT-IR). Advantages and drawbacks of these methods were discussed. Principal component based discriminant analysis and random forest classification methods were created for the identification of textile fibers in case-study samples. It was concluded that in general, the performance of r-FT-IR is comparable with ATR-FT-IR. In particular, r-FT-IR is more successful than ATR-FT-IR in differentiating between the amide-based fibers wool, silk and polyamide. As an additional result of this work, a collection of r-FT-IR spectra of different textile fibers was compiled and made available for the scientific community.
Biological control of fusarium root rot of Indian mulberry (Morinda officinalis How.) with consortia of agriculturally important microorganisms in Viet Nam
Authors: Nguyen Duong Thi , Hieu Nguyen Chi , Hung Nguyen Viet , Thao Hoang Thi Bich , Keswani Chetan , Van Toan Pham , Hoat Trinh Xuan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundFusarium root rot disease in Indian mulberry (Morinda officinalisHow.) (FRRBK), caused byFusarium proliferatum(FP), is widespread and responsible for serious economic losses in Viet Nam. The efficacy of a new bio-product named MICROTECH-1(NL) is compared with other commercial products for suppression of FP under in vitro, pot, nursery as well as in the field conditions.ResultsIn in vitro antagonistic assay, MICROTECH-1(NL) significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of FP (72.38%). Under pot conditions, the efficacy of all the bio-products was significantly higher when applied prior to pathogen inoculation. The disease severity of treatments with double application of MICROTECH-1(NL) (applied both in the nursery and in the pot soil) was only 15.56%, significantly lower than control (80%). Thus, the application of MICROTECH-1(NL) significantly reduced the incidence of FP and markedly increased the number of plant beneficial bacteria and actinobacteria in rhizoplane ofM. officinaliscompared to untreated control. In the field conditions, double application of MICROTECH-1(NL) (both in the nursery and in the field soils) significantly decreased disease severity in comparison to single application in nursery or field.ConclusionThe most effective treatment was double application of MICROTECH-1(NL), which significantly reduced the disease severity and FP population in roots ofM. officinalisand increased the population of plant beneficial microbes.