bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative approach identifies SLC6A20 and CXCR6 as putative causal genes for the COVID-19 GWAS signal in the 3p21.31 locus
Authors: Kasela Silva , Daniloski Zharko , Bollepalli Sailalitha , Jordan Tristan X. , tenOever Benjamin R. , Sanjana Neville E. , Lappalainen Tuuli 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo date, the locus with the most robust human genetic association to COVID-19 severity is 3p21.31. Here, we integrate genome-scale CRISPR loss-of-function screens and eQTLs in diverse cell types and tissues to pinpoint genes underlying COVID-19 risk. Our findings identify SLC6A20 and CXCR6 as putative causal genes that modulate COVID-19 risk and highlight the usefulness of this integrative approach to bridge the divide between correlational and causal studies of human biology.
Tissue engineering of mouse uterus using menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) and decellularized uterine scaffold
Authors: Arezoo Nouri , Mohammad Hajian , Malihezaman Monsefi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Uterine tissue engineering can provide the opportunity for curing female infertility. Natural scaffold is a good choice to recapitulate the architecture and functionality of the native tissue. In this study, we purposed the potential of uterine decellularized scaffolds as an adequate natural niche for MenSCs differentiation toward uterus-specific cell lineages.

Methods
Mouse’s uterus was decellularized by immersion of hypo and hypertonic salts or freeze–thaw cycle followed by immersion in Triton X-100 and SDS solutions. MenSCs were isolated from the menstrual blood of 6 healthy women. The decellularized and recellularized samples were prepared for further in vitro and in vivo analyses.

Results
Histochemical studies and Raman spectroscopy revealed uterine ECM was preserved well, and the cells were completely removed after decellularization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the 3D ultrastructure of the uterus remained intact. Flowcytometric examination with CD34, CD44, CD105, CD106, CD144 markers revealed stem cell characters of cells that isolated from menstrual blood. MTT assay confirmed the bioavailability of MenSCs cultured scaffolds after 7 and 10 days.

Conclusion
Histochemical studies, SEM images, and Raman spectra showed MenSCs seeded and growth in uterine scaffolds. Immunostaining using anti-cytokeratin (CK), anti-desmin (Des), anti-vimentin (Vim), and anti-smooth muscle actin (SMA) antibodies showed MenSCs differentiation to epithelial and smooth muscle tissues. The Raman spectroscopy revealed the extracellular matrix (ECM) of decellularized uterine scaffolds was well preserved. The decellularized uterus can be considered a promising vehicle to support cell transplantation and differentiation. MenSCs are a good choice for uterine tissue engineering. The complete decellularization from mice uterine tissue was done by combining chemical agents
Comparative genomic analysis of azasugar biosynthesis
Authors: Beal Hailey E. , Horenstein Nicole A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAzasugars are monosaccharide analogs in which the ring oxygen is replaced with a nitrogen atom. These well-known glycosidase inhibitors are of interest as therapeutics, yet several aspects of azasugars remain unknown including their distribution, structural diversity, and chemical ecology. The hallmark signature of bacterial azasugar biosynthesis is a three gene cluster (3GC) coding for aminotransferase, phosphatase, and dehydrogenase enzymes. Using the bioinformatics platform Enzyme Similarity Tool (EST), we identified hundreds of putative three gene clusters coding for azasugar production in microbial species. In the course of this work, we also report a consensus sequence for the aminotransferase involved in azasugar biosynthesis as being: SGNXFRXXXFPNXXXXXXXLXVPXPYCXRC. Most clusters are found in Bacillus and Streptomyces species which typically inhabit soil and the rhizosphere, but some clusters are found with diverse species representation such as Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus which are symbiotic with entomopathogenic nematodes; the human skin commensal Cutibacterium acnes, and the marine Bacillus rugosus SPB7, a symbiont to the sea sponge Spongia officinalis. This pan-taxonomic survey of the azasugar 3GC signature may lead to the identification of new azasugar producers, facilitate studies of their natural functions, and lead to new potential therapeutics.
Intracellular proteome compartmentalization: a biotin ligase-based proximity labeling approach
Authors: Durojaye Olanrewaju Ayodeji 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSpecialized biological processes occur in different regions and organelles of the cell. Additionally, the function of proteins correlate greatly with their interactions and subcellular localization. Understanding the mechanism underlying the specialized functions of cellular structures therefore requires a detailed identification of proteins within spatially defined domains of the cell. Furthermore, the identification of interacting proteins is also crucial for the elucidation of the underlying mechanism of complex cellular processes. Mass spectrometry methods have been utilized systematically for the characterization of the proteome of isolated organelles and protein interactors purified through affinity pull-down or following crosslinking. However, the available methods of purification have limited these approaches, as it is difficult to derive intact organelles of high purity in many circumstances. Furthermore, contamination that leads to the identification of false positive is widespread even when purification is possible. Here, we present a highlight of the BioID proximity labeling approach which has been used to effectively characterize the proteomic composition of several cellular compartments. In addition, an observed limitation of this method based on proteomic spatiotemporal dynamics, was also discussed.
Distributed localization using Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm
Authors: Ahmadi Shervin Parvini , Hansson Anders , Pakazad Sina Khoshfetrat 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a distributed algorithm for sensor network localization based on a maximum likelihood formulation. It relies on the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm where the computations are distributed among different computational agents using message passing, or equivalently dynamic programming. The resulting algorithm provides a good localization accuracy, and it converges to the same solution as its centralized counterpart. Moreover, it requires fewer iterations and communications between computational agents as compared to first-order methods. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated with extensive simulations in Julia in which it is shown that our method outperforms distributed methods that are based on approximate maximum likelihood formulations.
Defining tumor-associated vascular heterogeneity in pediatric high-grade and diffuse midline gliomas
Authors: Wei Xin , Meel Michaël H. , Breur Marjolein , Bugiani Marianna , Hulleman Esther , Phoenix Timothy N. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays important roles in brain tumor pathogenesis and treatment response, yet our understanding of its function and heterogeneity within or across brain tumor types remains poorly characterized. Here we analyze the neurovascular unit (NVU) of pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) using patient derived xenografts and natively forming glioma mouse models. We show tumor-associated vascular differences between these glioma subtypes, and parallels between PDX and mouse model systems, with DMG models maintaining a more normal vascular architecture, BBB function and endothelial transcriptional program relative to pHGG models. Unlike prior work in angiogenic brain tumors, we find that expression of secreted Wnt antagonists do not alter the tumor-associated vascular phenotype in DMG tumor models. Together, these findings highlight vascular heterogeneity between pHGG and DMG and differences in their response to alterations in developmental BBB signals that may participate in driving these pathological differences.
Circulating Brucella species in wild animals of the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Sambu R. M. , Mathew C. , Nonga H. E. , Lukambagire A. S. , Yapi R. B. , Akoko J. , Fokou G. , Keyyu J. D. , Bonfoh B. , Kazwala R. R. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis of public health and economic importance worldwide. It affects a number of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. Human brucellosis originates from either livestock or wildlife. The species of Brucella circulating in wild animals in Tanzania is largely unknown due to insufficient surveillance. This study was carried out to identify Brucella species found in selected wildlife hosts in the Serengeti ecosystem.

Methodology
The study used a total of 189 archived samples that were obtained from cross-sectional studies previously conducted between 2000 and 2017 in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. Whole blood, serum and amniotic fluid collected from buffalos, lions, wildebeest, impala, zebra and hyena were available for DNA extraction. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. ovis and B. suis (AMOS PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the bcsp31 and IS711 genes for Brucella genus detection and the IS711 targets alkB for B. abortus and BMEI1162 for B. melitensis were used to detect Brucella strains.

Results
Out of the 189 samples tested, 12 (6.35 %) and 22 (11.6 %) were positive to AMOS-PCR and qPCR, respectively. Most of the positive samples were from lions (52.6 %) and buffaloes (19.6 %). Other animals that were positive included: wildebeest (13.6 %), impala (13.6 %), zebra (4.5 %) and hyena (4.5 %). Out of 22 positive samples, 16 (66.7 %) were identified as B. abortus and the other six samples did not amplify for neither B. abortus nor B. melitensis.

Conclusions
The detection of Brucella DNA in archived wild animal samples shows testing potential of samples collected from this population. The zoonotic species B. abortus and B. melitensis detected in wild animals have previously been reported in livestock and humans in the region. The findings suggest that, due to the contact network, some of the identified wild animal hosts in this study could be reservoirs for infections in domestic animals and humans within the Serengeti ecosystem while others are likely dead-end hosts. One Health control strategies and continuous surveillance programs in other wildlife reserved areas should be implemented to help predicting transmission in livestock and humans in the region.
Congenital aural atresia surgery: anterior mastoid and transmastoid approaches
Authors: Mohammed Essam Fathy 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAural atresia (CAA) is a congenital abnormality with hypoplasia or aplasia of the external auditory canal. Surgical procedures of CAA is not only difficult but has still not been embraced by surgeons. Many surgeons are doubtful to perform a repair due to poor hearing results and the risk of new canal stenosis. This article describes the writers’ expertise with surgical management of aural atresia. A retrospective study of 16 cases of CAA was undertaken in the Hearing and Speech Institute between 2015 and 2018. The study consisted of 16 patients, 8 patients for each group, 10 males and 6 females between 4 and 18 years of age with a median age of 6 years. Ten patients had bilateral atresia, and 6 had unilateral atresia. Postoperatively, patients were tested for hearing recovery and follow-up lasting up to 2 years to record any complications. Purpose of the study was to compare hearing effects and risks of anterior and transmastoid approaches to external and middle ear restoration in patients with CAA.ResultsAll patients were satisfied with the surgery by improving the hearing up to 35 dB or less after 12 months. Four patients (25%) developed soft tissue meatal stenosis, with 2 patients in each group. There were no cases of bony canal stenosis. TM perforation was seen in two patients (12.51%), one patient in each group. Lateralization of the graft was seen in one patient in the transmastoid group, and no ossicular chain refixation. Five cases had postoperative otorrhea, one in the anterior mastoid group and four in the transmastoid group. There were no other complications.ConclusionsAlthough the findings of the hearing are close. The previous approach, due to fewer postoperative complications, is now our favorite technique. Proper alignment and soft-tissue strategies are keys to the effective correction of the congenitally atretic ear canal.
Endoscopic tympanoplasty using Tutoplast versus conventional microscopic tympanoplasty
Authors: Abdelaal Taha M. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Temporalis fascia and perichondrium are still the most successful graft materials for primary microscopic repair of tympanic membrane perforations worldwide with 80% to 90% success rate. However, minimally invasive surgery is becoming standard in many fields and the endoscope has been largely incorporated in ear surgery over the past 10 years. This study aimed to evaluate the success rate of endoscopic transcanal closure of tympanic membrane perforation using Tutoplast® compared with the conventional post auricular approach using homologous temporalis fascia graft.

Results
Our study was conducted on 50 patients, were equally divided into 2 groups. Group A patients have been operated endoscopic transcanal using the Tutoplast as a graft material. Group B patients have been operated using a temporalis fascia graft through a post-auricular approach. The graft take rate, the pre- and post-operative pure tone audiogram, and operative time were compared in both the groups. The graft uptake rate was 100% in both groups. The mean of ABG showed significant improvement in both groups. In group A, the mean of ABG was 28.2 pre-operatively and became 12.12 post-operatively. In group B, the mean of ABG was 29.72 pre-operatively then became 15.2 post-operatively. Comparing the mean of post-operative ABG between both groups showed statistically significant difference as p value was 0.000496. We found a significant difference of the mean average operative time between both groups as the mean average time for group A was 48.08 min compared to 69.4 min for group B with p value 0.049772295.

Conclusions
Endoscopic closure of tympanic membrane perforation using Tutoplast is successful short-time procedure avoiding the postauricular or endaural incisions with shorter operative time.
A case report of congenital cholesteatoma in adult patient mimicking as Bell palsy and proposed follow-up schedule for Bell palsy
Authors: Othman Iylia Ajmal , Abdullah Asma , Hashim Noor Dina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Making the diagnosis of congenital cholesteatoma in adult patients still pose a challenge even among experienced otologists.

Case presentation
We are discussing a case of a young adult who was initially treated as Bell palsy in a different center. Two years later, she presented with marked unilateral hearing loss in addition to her ipsilateral non-resolving facial asymmetry.

Conclusions
Considering the delayed pattern of otological presentation in congenital cholesteatoma, as seen in our case, we proposed monthly follow up in patients diagnosed with Bell palsy for at least 6 months, and those who do not show noticeable recovery after 3 months warrant referral to neurologist or otorhinolaryngologist for further investigations. Contrast-enhanced, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone complemented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supported our diagnosis. Mastoid exploration and complete removal of the disease was imperative.
Lineage-specific control of convergent differentiation by a Forkhead repressor
Authors: Mizeracka Karolina , Rogers Julia M. , Rumley Jonathan D. , Shaham Shai , Bulyk Martha L. , Murray John I. , Heiman Maxwell G. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
During convergent differentiation, multiple developmental lineages produce a highly similar or identical cell type. However, few molecular players that drive convergent differentiation are known. Here, we show that the C. elegans Forkhead transcription factor UNC-130 is required in only one of three convergent lineages that produce the same glial cell type. UNC-130 acts transiently as a repressor in progenitors and newly-born terminal cells to allow the proper specification of cells related by lineage rather than by cell type or function. Specification defects correlate with UNC-130:DNA binding, and UNC-130 can be functionally replaced by its human homolog, the neural crest lineage determinant FoxD3. We propose that, in contrast to terminal selectors that activate cell type-specific transcriptional programs in terminally differentiating cells, UNC-130 acts early and specifically in one convergent lineage to produce a cell type that also arises from molecularly distinct progenitors in other lineages.
In vitro models of the human heart
Authors: Hofbauer Pablo , Jahnel Stefan M. , Mendjan Sasha 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Cardiac congenital disabilities are the most common organ malformations, but we still do not understand how they arise in the human embryo. Moreover, although cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death globally, the development of new therapies is lagging compared with other fields. One major bottleneck hindering progress is the lack of self-organizing human cardiac models that recapitulate key aspects of human heart development, physiology and disease. Current in vitro cardiac three-dimensional systems are either engineered constructs or spherical aggregates of cardiomyocytes and other cell types. Although tissue engineering enables the modeling of some electro-mechanical properties, it falls short of mimicking heart development, morphogenetic defects and many clinically relevant aspects of cardiomyopathies. Here, we review different approaches and recent efforts to overcome these challenges in the field using a new generation of self-organizing embryonic and cardiac organoids.
Loss of Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 leads to cardiac dysfunction and lipotoxicity
Authors: Tuthill II Bryon F. , Quaglia Christopher J. , O'Hara Eileen , Musselman Laura Palanker 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Diets high in carbohydrates are associated with type 2 diabetes and its co-morbidities, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular disease. We used a high-sugar diet to study the pathophysiology of diet-induced metabolic disease in Drosophila melanogaster. High-sugar diets produce hyperglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance and cardiomyopathy in flies, along with ectopic accumulation of toxic lipids, or lipotoxicity. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 is an enzyme that contributes to long-chain fatty acid metabolism by introducing a double bond into the acyl chain. Knockdown of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in the fat body reduced lipogenesis and exacerbated pathophysiology in flies reared on high-sucrose diets. These flies exhibited dyslipidemia and growth deficiency in addition to defects in cardiac and gut function. We assessed the lipidome of these flies using tandem mass spectrometry to provide insight into the relationship between potentially lipotoxic species and type 2 diabetes-like pathophysiology. Oleic acid supplementation is able to rescue a variety of phenotypes produced by stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 RNAi, including fly mass, triglyceride storage, gut development and cardiac failure. Taken together, these data suggest a protective role for monounsaturated fatty acids in diet-induced metabolic disease phenotypes.
Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Admissions in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Maxwell Andrea R , Jones Nana‐Hawa Yayah , Taylor Stuart , Corathers Sarah D , Rasnick Erika , Brokamp Cole , Riley Carley L , Parsons Allison , Kichler Jessica C , Beck Andrew F 
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether census tract poverty, race, and insurance status were associated with the likelihood and severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) hospitalization among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D).METHODS: We conducted a retrospective population‐based cohort study using Cincinnati Children's Hospital electronic medical record (EMR) data from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2017, for T1D patients ≤18 years old. The primary outcome was admission for DKA. Secondary outcomes included DKA severity, defined by initial pH and bicarbonate, and length of stay. Exposures were the poverty rate for the youth's home census tract, parent‐reported race, and insurance status. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze effects on odds of admission.RESULTS: We identified 439 patients with T1D; 152 were hospitalized. The cohort was 48% female, 25% Black, and 36% publicly insured; the median age was 14 years. For every 10% increase in a youth's census tract poverty rate, the adjusted odds of admission increased by 22% (95% CI, 1.03‐1.47). Public insurance status was associated with DKA admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.71, 95% CI, 1.62‐4.55) while race was not. There were no clinically meaningful differences in pH or bicarbonate by census tract poverty, race, or insurance status; however, Black patients experienced differences in care (eg, longer length of stay).CONCLUSION: Youth with T1D living in high poverty areas and on public insurance were significantly more likely to be admitted for DKA. Severity upon presentation was similar across exposures. Understanding contextual mechanisms by which disparities emerge will inform changes aimed at equitably improving care.
A CIDADE DO LOBITO NA MEMÓRIA DE MIGRANTES DA DESCOLONIZAÇÃO DE ANGOLA RESIDENTES NO RIO DE JANEIRO THE CITY OF LOBITO IN THE MEMORY OF MIGRANTS OF DECOLONIZATION FROM ANGOLA WHO LIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: De Souza Lima Junqueira Barreto Isabel 
Published: August 2021

A cidade do Lobito foi fundada em 1905. Segundo o último Censo populacional do período colonial em Angola, feito em 1970, naquela altura era a terceira maior cidade angolana. Era um centro econômico muito relevante, sede de um importante porto e do Caminho de Ferro de Benguela. Este artigo aborda as memórias de antigos habitantes que residem hoje no Rio de Janeiro e que deixaram Angola em 1975, ano da independência política e do início da guerra civil. Através de suas lembranças foi possível acessar a visão que tinham da atmosfera da cidade, um exemplo da visão da vida em Angola como um paraíso, assim como suas visões a respeito do racismo e da discriminação estruturantes daquela sociedade. Tal questão se referia às relações entre brancos e negros e também entre colonos, de primeira geração e luso-angolanos. The city of Lobito was founded in 1905. According to the last Population census, made in 1970, at that time it was the third biggest Angolan city. It was a very relevant economic center, headquarters of an important port and of the Benguela Railway. This paper approach the memories of former inhabitants that today live in Rio de Janeiro and who left Angola in 1975, year of the political independence and the beginning of the civil war. Through their memories it was possible to access their vision of the city’s atmosphere, an example of the vision concerning the life in Angola as a paradise, as well as their visions concerning the structural racism and discrimination of that society. Such matter refers to the relation between whites and blacks and also between first generation settlers and luso-angolans.