bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remarkable genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli in two localities of southern Ecuador identified via deep sequencing of mini-exon gene amplicons
Authors: Maiguashca Sánchez Jalil , Sueto Salem Oduro Beffi , Schwabl Philipp , Grijalva Mario J. , Llewellyn Martin S. , Costales Jaime A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, and T. rangeli are kinetoplastid parasites endemic to Latin America. Although closely related to T. cruzi and capable of infecting humans, T. rangeli is non-pathogenic. Both parasite species are transmitted by triatomine bugs, and the presence of T. rangeli constitutes a confounding factor in the study of Chagas disease prevalence and transmission dynamics. Trypanosoma cruzi possesses high molecular heterogeneity: seven discrete typing units (DTUs) are currently recognized. In Ecuador, T. cruzi TcI and T. rangeli KP1(-) predominate, while other genetic lineages are seldom reported.

Methods
Infection by T. cruzi and/or T. rangeli in different developmental stages of triatomine bugs from two communities of southern Ecuador was evaluated via polymerase chain reaction product size polymorphism of kinetoplast minicircle sequences and the non-transcribed spacer region of the mini-exon gene (n = 48). Forty-three mini-exon amplicons were also deep sequenced to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms within single and mixed infections. Mini-exon products from ten monoclonal reference strains were included as controls.

Results
Trypanosoma cruzi genetic richness and diversity was not significantly greater in adult vectors than in nymphal stages III and V. In contrast, instar V individuals showed significantly higher T. rangeli richness when compared with other developmental stages. Among infected triatomines, deep sequencing revealed one T. rangeli infection (3%), 8 T. cruzi infections (23.5%) and 25 T. cruzi + T. rangeli co-infections (73.5%), suggesting that T. rangeli prevalence has been largely underestimated in the region. Furthermore, deep sequencing detected TcIV sequences in nine samples; this DTU had not previously been reported in Loja Province.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that deep sequencing allows for better parasite identification/typing than amplicon size analysis alone for mixed infections containing both T. cruzi and T. rangeli, or when multiple T. cruzi DTUs are present. Additionally, our analysis showed extensive overlap among the parasite populations present in the two studied localities (c.28 km apart), suggesting active parasite dispersal over the study area. Our results highlight the value of amplicon sequencing methodologies to clarify the population dynamics of kinetoplastid parasites in endemic regions and inform control campaigns in southern Ecuador.
Misconceptions about transmission, symptoms and prevention of HIV/AIDS among adolescents in Ebonyi state, South-east Nigeria
Authors: Agu Ifunanya Clara , Mbachu Chinyere Ojiugo , Okeke Chinyere , Eze Irene , Agu Chibuike , Ezenwaka Uchenna , Ezumah Nkoli , Onwujekwe Obinna 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Nigeria has the second largest number of adolescents and young people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS contribute to spread of HIV, and constrain uptake of preventive services. This paper explored misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among adolescents in south-east Nigeria. A qualitative study was conducted in six urban and rural local government areas of Ebonyi state. Data were collected through twelve focus group discussions (FGD) with unmarried adolescents aged 13–18 who were either attending school or out-of-school. The FGDs were conducted using a pre-tested topic guide. Data were coded manually and analyzed using a thematic framework approach.

Results
There are persistent misconceptions about transmission of HIV/AIDS through mosquito bites and sharing of personal belongings. Some adolescents had inaccurate notions that a HIV infected person could be identified through changes in physical features such as abdominal swelling and longer fingernails. A few of them also reported that HIV could be treated with antibiotics. These misconceptions were expressed by both male and female adolescents. Adolescents have some mistaken beliefs about HIV/AIDS which constrain them from taking necessary preventive measures. Hence, the need to target adolescents with health education interventions on HIV/AIDS.
Histone deacetylase 9 promoter hypomethylation associated with adipocyte dysfunction is a statin-related metabolic effect
Authors: Khamis Amna , Boutry Raphael , Canouil Mickaël , Mathew Sumi , Lobbens Stephane , Crouch Hutokshi , Andrew Toby , Abderrahmani Amar , Tamanini Filippo , Froguel Philippe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Adipogenesis, the process whereby preadipocytes differentiate into mature adipocytes, is crucial for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Cholesterol-lowering statins increase type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk possibly by affecting adipogenesis and insulin resistance but the (epi)genetic mechanisms involved are unknown. Here, we characterised the effects of statin treatment on adipocyte differentiation using in vitro human preadipocyte cell model to identify putative effective genes.

Results
Statin treatment during adipocyte differentiation caused a reduction in key genes involved in adipogenesis, such as ADIPOQ, GLUT4 and ABCG1. Using Illumina’s Infinium ‘850K’ Methylation EPIC array, we found a significant hypomethylation of cg14566882, located in the promoter of the histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) gene, in response to two types of statins (atorvastatin and mevastatin), which correlates with an increased HDAC9 mRNA expression. We confirmed that HDAC9 is a transcriptional repressor of the cholesterol efflux ABCG1 gene expression, which is epigenetically modified in obesity and prediabetic states. Thus, we assessed the putative impact of ABCG1 knockdown in mimicking the effect of statin in adipogenesis. ABCG1 KD reduced the expression of key genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and decreased insulin signalling and glucose uptake. In human blood cells from two cohorts, ABCG1 expression was impaired in response to statins, confirming that ABCG1 is targeted in vivo by these drugs.

Conclusions
We identified an epigenetic link between adipogenesis and adipose tissue insulin resistance in the context of T2D risk associated with statin use, which has important implications as HDAC9 and ABCG1 are considered potential therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic diseases.
Theoretical and experimental optimization of DMT-based visible light communication under lighting constraints
Authors: Jabban Ahmad , Haese Sylvain , Helard Maryline 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh spectral efficiency is a key element that drives research for future wireless communication systems in order to meet the increasing demand for ubiquitous connectivity despite a limited radio frequency spectrum. Visible light communications (VLC) that allow exploiting the existing infrastructure for both lighting and communications could be an effective and economic solution. Thanks to the revolution in the field of solid-state lighting and the accelerated development of light-emitting diodes (LED), VLC becomes one of the most promising new technologies for the next generation of wireless communication systems. However, the limited bandwidth of the LEDs remains a major challenge that is limiting VLC from achieving very high data rates. In this paper, we propose to adapt the discrete multi-tone (DMT) modulation scheme of indoor VLC communications for data rate enhancement. With the help of bit and power-loading algorithms, a transmission bandwidth much larger than the 3-dB bandwidth of the LED could be exploited. We firstly present the typical lighting requirements for indoor applications and investigate the maximal bit-rate of DMT-based VLC. Then, with a regular luminance level for normal office work, an overall optimization of DMT configuration scheme in terms of modulated bandwidth, subcarrier number, cyclic prefix length, and clipping level is proposed. Theoretical analysis and verifications by experiments are simultaneously carried out. Based on the proposed configuration, we demonstrate a 100-Mbps VLC wireless transmission employing low-cost components under realistic lighting constraints.
Do empirical observations support commonly-held climate change range shift hypotheses? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Rubenstein Madeleine A. , Weiskopf Sarah R. , Carter Shawn L. , Eaton Mitchell J. , Johnson Ciara , Lynch Abigail J. , Miller Brian W. , Morelli Toni Lyn , Rodriguez Mari Angel , Terando Adam , Thompson Laura M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAmong the most widely anticipated climate-related impacts to biodiversity are geographic range shifts, whereby species shift their spatial distribution in response to changing climate conditions. In particular, a series of commonly articulated hypotheses have emerged: species are expected to shift their distributions to higher latitudes, greater elevations, and deeper depths in response to climate change, reflecting an underlying hypothesis that species will move to cooler locations to track spatial changes in the temperature of their current range. Yet, many species are not demonstrating range shifts consistent with these hypotheses. Resolving this discrepancy and providing effective explanations for the observed variability in species’ range shifts is urgently needed to help support a range of natural resource management decisions. Here, we propose a protocol to review the body of evidence for commonly-held climate change range shift hypotheses at the species level focusing on observed latitudinal, longitudinal, elevational, and depth shifts in response to temperature and precipitation changes. We aim to answer the question: what is the impact of anthropogenic climate change (specifically changes in temperature and precipitation) on species ranges?MethodsIn this review protocol, we propose to conduct a systematic search of literature from internet databases and search engines in English. Articles will be screened in a two-stage process (title/abstract and full text) to evaluate whether they meet a list of eligibility criteria (e.g., presents species-level data, compares > 1 time period). Initial data coding and extraction will be completed by four reviewers and checked by a secondary reviewer from among our co-authors. We will perform a formal meta-analysis to document estimated effect size using the subset of available range-shift data expressed in distance per time (e.g., km/decade). We will also use multinomial logistic regression models to assess the probability that species are shifting in a direction that supports our hypotheses (i.e. towards higher latitudes, greater elevations, and deeper depths). We will account for study methodology as a potential source of variation.
Restoration of miR-193a expression is tumor-suppressive in MYC amplified Group 3 medulloblastoma
Authors: Bharambe Harish Shrikrishna , Joshi Annada , Yogi Kedar , Kazi Sadaf , Shirsat Neelam Vishwanath 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMedulloblastoma, a highly malignant pediatric brain tumor, consists of four molecular subgroups, namely WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. The expression of miR-193a, a WNT subgroup-specific microRNA, was found to be induced by MYC, an oncogenic target of the canonical WNT signaling. MiR-193a is not expressed in Group 3 medulloblastomas, despite MYC expression, as a result of promoter hypermethylation. Restoration of miR-193a expression in the MYC amplified Group 3 medulloblastoma cells resulted in inhibition of growth, tumorigenicity, and an increase in radiation sensitivity. MAX, STMN1, and DCAF7 were identified as novel targets of miR-193a. MiR-193a mediated downregulation of MAX could suppress MYC activity since it is an obligate hetero-dimerization partner of MYC. MYC induced expression of miR-193a, therefore, seems to act as a feedback inhibitor of MYC signaling. The expression of miR-193a resulted in widespread repression of gene expression that included not only several cell cycle regulators, WNT, NOTCH signaling genes, and those encoding DNA replication machinery, but also several chromatin modifiers like SWI/SNF family genes and histone-encoding genes. MiR-193a expression brought about a reduction in the global levels of H3K4me3, H3K27ac, the histone marks of active chromatin, and an increase in the levels of H3K27me3, a repressive chromatin mark. In cancer cells having high MYC expression, MYC brings about transcriptional amplification of all active genes apart from the induction of its target genes. MiR-193a, on the other hand, brought about global repression of gene expression. Therefore, miR-193a has therapeutic potential in the treatment of not only Group 3 medulloblastomas but possibly other MYC overexpressing aggressive cancers as well.
Pharmacological activities of Azanza garckeana (Goron Tula) grown in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Abubakar Awwal , Lawal Bashir , Sani Saidu , Garba Rahinat , Mohammed Bala Alkali , Oshevire David Bini , Adesina Daniel Anuoluwa 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe present study evaluated the phytochemical profiles, anti-oxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-arthritic and wound healing effect of methanol and ethyl-acetate extracts ofAzanza garckeana.ResultsMethanol extract had higher phenol, flavonoids and alkaloids concentrations, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities than ethyl-acetate extract. Ethyl-acetate and methanol extracts had IC50of 119.40 μg/mL and 133.49 μg/mL respectively against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radicals. The extracts were more active againstKlebsiella pneumoniawhile the least activity was recoded againstBacillus subtiliswith methanol been most potent than ethyl-acetate. The IC50value of methanol extract in inhibition of protein denaturation were 310.44 μg/mL and 315.27 μg/mL while IC50value of 354.74 μg/mL and 349.57 μg/mL were recorded for membrane stabilization effect in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and egg albumin (EGA) assays respectively. There was dose dependent in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with highest percentage paw oedema inhibitions of 51.68% and analgesia of 46.36% at 600 mg/kg bw of the methanol extract. The extract caused dosed independent increase percentage wound closure with percentage wound contraction range between 65.24 ± 2.46 and 69.68 ± .2.54 compare to untreated wound (15.35 ± 0.35 to 50.35 ± 2.35%).ConclusionThis study lends pharmacological support to folkloric usage ofAzanza garckeanain the treatment and management of several human disease.
Unusual clinical features associated with congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 in a patient with a novel E211X CAVIN1 gene variant
Authors: Sorkina Ekaterina , Makarova Polina , Bolotskaya Liubov , Ulyanova Irina , Chernova Tatyana , Tiulpakov Anatoly 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare disorder characterized by the lack of adipose tissue and metabolic complications with predominantly autosomal recessive inheritance. There are 6 different genes known to cause CGL with 4 main types recognized to date, which differ by the degree of fat loss, association with mental retardation and metabolic disorders, with CGL type 1 and 2 being the most common. Twenty seven cases of СGL type 4 from Japan, Oman, UK, Turkey, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, USA were reported previously. This report details our clinical experience with the first patient from Russia with CGL type 4.

Case presentation
A 36-year-old patient, who has been suffering from generalized lipoatrophy since the first months of life and myopathy and gastrointestinal dysmotility since early childhood, developed dysmenorrhea and diabetes mellitus at the age of 19, bilateral cataracts when she was only 22 y.o., osteoporosis with vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia at the age of 28, diabetic foot syndrome and hyperuricemia when she was 35 y.o. Sequencing of lipodystrophy candidate genes detected a novel pathogenic homozygous variant p.631G < T: p.E211X in the CAVIN1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of CGL type 4.

Conclusions
In comparison with previously reported patients with CGL type 4, our patient has diabetes mellitus, vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcemia, bilateral cataracts and hyperuricemia. All these manifestations are known to be associated with other lipodystrophy syndromes, but to our knowledge it is the first time they have been reported to be associated with CGL type 4.
When goals do not concur: conflicting perceptions of school science
Authors: Fortus David , Daphna Limor 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this case study we investigated how differences in the achievement goal orientations of a high school biology teacher and her 9th grade (14 years old) student led to tensions between them in their perspectives of what it meant to do school science, leading the teacher to under-estimate the student and recommend that she abandon further studies in biology. During 9th grade, Israeli students decide upon their preferred subject of emphasis for the rest of high school. The student wanted to major in biology but the teacher felt it was beyond her abilities. While expectancy-value theory is typically used to explain the mechanism through which under-estimation can lead to a lower sense of self-efficacy and lower performance, the reasons why a science teacher may under-estimate a student have yet to be studied. We analyze both the student and the teacher’s motives and learn that unforeseen obstacles may lie on a student’s road to science.
3D geophysical modeling of the Alberton-Mathinna section of the “Main Slide,” northeast Tasmania
Authors: Bombardieri Daniel , Duffett Mark , McNeill Andrew , Vicary Mike , Paterson Rod 
Published: May 2020

We have developed a high-resolution 3D model of the Alberton-Mathinna section of the “Main Slide,” northeast Tasmania. This geological model expresses a new synthesis based on mapping and structural interpretation on multiple cross sections. We have refined this model by 3D geophysical inversion constrained by gravity and magnetic survey data coupled with drilling and rock physical property databases. Our modeling incorporates statistically generated sensitivity characterization metrics into 3D model products that map confidence in the geometry of geological units at depth. The results include a granitoid surface that is considerably more detailed than earlier versions based on 2D modeling. Among the new features to emerge is a cupola 1.6 km below and slightly west of the Mathinna goldfield. At the Ringarooma United deposit located within the Alberton goldfield, we seethat the fault network underpinning the deposit was intruded by granite to a depth of approximately 400 m. Ore-forming solutions for both deposits have been interpreted as metamorphic in origin, but our results suggest the possibility of a role for magmatic fluids (i.e., granite related) in the gold-mineralizing system, particularly for the Ringarooma United deposit.
The COVID-19 pandemic from an acute psychiatric perspective: a London psychiatric intensive care unit experience
Authors: Skelton Luke , Pugh Ria , Harries Bethan , Blake Lucy , Butler Margaret , Sethi Faisil 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has put the UK's National Health Service under extreme pressure, and acute psychiatric services have had to rapidly adapt to a new way of working. This editorial describes the experience of a London psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) where all nine in-patients ultimately tested COVID-19 positive.
Dissociable source-monitoring impairments in obsessive–compulsive disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Lavallé Layla , Bation Rémy , Dondé Clément , Mondino Marine , Brunelin Jérome 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground:Based on the observed clinical overlap between obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), both conditions may share, at least in part, common cognitive underpinnings. Among the cognitive deficits that could be involved, it has been hypothesized that patients share a failure in their abilities to monitor their own thoughts (source monitoring), leading to confusion between what they actually did or perceived and what they imagined. Although little is known regarding source-monitoring performances in patients with OCD, numerous studies in patients with SCZ have observed a relationship between delusions and/or hallucinations and deficits in both internal source- and reality-monitoring abilities.Methods:The present work compared source-monitoring performances (internal source and reality monitoring) between patients with OCD (n= 32), patients with SCZ (n= 38), and healthy controls (HC;n= 29).Results:We observed that patients with OCD and patients with SCZ displayed abnormal internal source-monitoring abilities compared to HC. Only patients with SCZ displayed abnormalities in reality monitoring compared to both patients with OCD and HC.Conclusions:Internal source-monitoring deficits are shared by patients with OCD and SCZ and may contribute to the shared cognitive deficits that lead to obsessions and delusions. In contrast, reality-monitoring performance seems to differentiate patients with OCD from patients with SCZ.
Reissner fibre-induced urotensin signalling from cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons prevents scoliosis of the vertebrate spine
Authors: Lu Hao , Shagirova Aidana , Goggi Julian L. , Yeo Hui Li , Roy Sudipto 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Reissner fibre (RF), discovered by the 19th-century German anatomist Ernst Reissner, is a filamentous structure present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). RF forms by aggregation of a glycoprotein called SCO-spondin (Sspo), but its function has remained enigmatic. Recent studies have shown that zebrafish sspo mutants develop a curved embryonic body axis. Zebrafish embryos with impaired cilia motility also develop curved bodies, which arises from failure of expression of urotensin related peptide (urp) genes in CSF-contacting neurons (CSF-cNs), impairing downstream signalling in trunk muscles. Here, we show that sspo mutants can survive into adulthood, but display severe curvatures of the vertebral column, resembling the common human spine disorder idiopathic scoliosis (IS). sspo mutants also exhibit significant reduction of urp gene expression from CSF-cNs. Consistent with epinephrine in CSF being bound by RF and required for urp expression, treating sspo mutants with this catecholamine rescued expression of the urp genes and axial defects. More strikingly, providing Urp2, specifically in the CSF-cNs, rescued body curvature of sspo homozygotes during larval stages as well as in the adult. These findings bridge existing gaps in our knowledge between cilia motility, RF, Urp signalling and spine deformities, and suggest that targeting the Urotensin pathway could provide novel therapeutic avenues for IS.