bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of white-tailed deer habitat use preferences on southern cattle fever tick eradication: simulating impact on “pasture vacation” strategies
Authors: Agudelo M. Sofia , Grant William E. , Wang Hsiao‑Hsuan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (southern cattle fever tick; SCFT), collectively known as cattle-fever ticks (CFTs), are vectors of protozoal parasites (Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis) that cause bovine babesiosis (also known as cattle fever). One traditional strategy for CFT eradication involves the implementation of a “pasture vacation,” which involves removing cattle (Bos taurus) from an infested pasture for an extended period of time. However, vacated pastures are often inhabited by wildlife hosts, such as white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus), which can serve as alternate hosts for questing CFTs. We hypothesized that the distribution of host-seeking larvae among habitat types post-pasture vacation would reflect habitat use patterns of WTD, and in turn, affect the subsequent rate of pasture infestation by CFT.

Methods
We adapted a spatially explicit, individual-based model to simulate interactions among SCFT, cattle, and WTD as a tool to investigate the potential effects of WTD habitat use preferences on the efficacy of a pasture vacation. We parameterized the model to represent conditions typical of rangelands in south Texas, USA, simulated a 1-year pasture vacation under different assumptions regarding WTD habitat use preferences, and summarized effects on efficacy through (1) time post-vacation to reach 100% of pre-vacation densities of host-seeking larvae, and (2) the ecological conditions that resulted in the lowest host-seeking larval densities following pasture vacation.

Results
Larval densities at the landscape scale varied seasonally in a similar manner over the entire simulation period, regardless of WTD habitat use preferences. Following the removal of cattle, larval densities declined sharply to < 100 larvae/ha. Following the return of cattle, larval densities increased to > 60% of pre-vacation densities ≈ 21 weeks post-vacation, and reached pre-vacation levels in less than a year. Trends in larval densities in different habitat types paralleled those at the landscape scale over the entire simulation period, but differed quantitatively from one another during the pasture vacation. Relative larval densities (highest to lowest) shifted from (1) wood/shrub, (2) grass, (3) mixed-brush during the pre-vacation period to (1) mixed-brush, (2) wood/shrub, (3) grass or (1) wood/shrub, (2) mixed-brush, (3) grass during the post-vacation period, depending on WTD habitat use preferences.

Conclusions
By monitoring WTD-driven shifts in distributions of SCFT host-seeking larvae among habitat types during simulated pasture vacation experiments, we were able to identify potential SCFT refugia from which recrudescence of infestations could originate. Such information could inform timely applications of acaricides to specific refugia habitats immediately prior to the termination of pasture vacations.

Graphical Abstract
Susceptible trichostrongyloid species mask presence of benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus in cattle
Authors: Mohammedsalih Khalid M. , Krücken Jürgen , Bashar Ahmed , Juma Fathel-Rahman , Abdalmalaik Abdalhakaim A. H. , Khalafalla Amna , Abakar Adam , Coles Gerald , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics are widely used to control infections with parasitic nematodes, but BZ resistance is an emerging threat among several nematode species infecting humans and animals. In Sudan, BZ-resistant Haemonchus contortus populations were recently reported in goats in South Darfur State. The objective of this study was to collect data regarding the situation of BZ resistance in cattle parasitic nematodes in South Darfur using phenotypic and molecular approaches, besides providing some epidemiological data on nematodes in cattle.

Methods
The faecal egg count reduction test and the egg hatch test (EHT) were used to evaluate benzimidazole efficacy in cattle nematodes in five South Darfur study areas: Beleil, Kass, Nyala, Rehed Al-Birdi and Tulus. Genomic DNA was extracted from pools of third-stage larvae (L3) (n = 40) during trials, before and after treatment, and pools of adult male Haemonchus spp. (n = 18) from abattoirs. The polymorphisms F167Y, E198A and F200Y in isotype 1 β-tubulin genes of H. contortus and H. placei were analysed using Sanger and pyrosequencing.

Results
Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in cattle was 71% (313/443). Reduced albendazole faecal egg count reduction efficacy was detected in three study areas: Nyala (93.7%), Rehed Al-Birdi (89.7%) and Tulus (88.2%). In the EHT, EC50 values of these study areas ranged between 0.032 and 0.037 µg/ml thiabendazole. Genus-specific PCRs detected the genera Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Cooperia in L3 samples collected after albendazole treatment. Sanger sequencing followed by pyrosequencing assays did not detect elevated frequencies of known BZ resistance-associated alleles in codon F167Y, E198A and F200Y in isotype 1 β-tubulin gene of H. placei (≤ 11.38%). However, polymorphisms were detected in H. contortus and in samples with mixed infections with H. contortus and H. placei at codon 198, including E198L (16/58), E198V (2/58) and potentially E198Stop (1/58). All pooled L3 samples post-albendazole treatment (n = 13) were identified as H. contortus with an E198L substitution at codon 198.

Conclusions
To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of reduced albendazole efficacy in cattle in Sudan and is the first study describing an E198L substitution in phenotypically BZ-resistant nematodes collected from cattle.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of annexin B3 and B38 as secretory proteins in Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Song Hongyu , He Xue , Du Xiaodi , Hua Ruiqi , Xu Jing , He Ran , Xie Yue , Gu Xiaobin , Peng Xuerong , Yang Guangyou 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease, which poses a threat to public health and animal husbandry, and causes significant economic losses. Annexins are a family of phospholipid-binding proteins with calcium ion-binding activity, which have many functions.

Methods
Two annexin protein family genes [Echinococcus granulosus annexin B3 (EgAnxB3) and EgAnxB38] were cloned and molecularly characterized using bioinformatic analysis. The immunoreactivity of recombinant EgAnxB3 (rEgAnxB3) and rEgAnxB38 was investigated using western blotting. The distribution of EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 in protoscoleces (PSCs), the germinal layer, 18-day strobilated worms and 45-day adult worms was analyzed by immunofluorescence localization, and their secretory characteristics were analyzed preliminarily; in addition, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze their transcript levels in PSCs and 28-day strobilated worms stages. The phospholipid-binding activities of rEgAnxB3 and rEgAnxB38 were also analyzed.

Results
EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 are conserved and contain calcium-binding sites. Both rEgAnxB3 and rEgAnxB38 could be specifically recognized by the serum samples from E. granulosus-infected sheep, indicating that they had strong immunoreactivity. EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 were distributed in all stages of E. granulosus, and their transcript levels were high in the 28-day strobilated worms. They were found in liver tissues near the cysts. In addition, rEgAnxB3 has Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding properties.

Conclusions
EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 contain calcium-binding sites, and rEgAnxB3 has Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding properties. EgAnxB3 and EgAnxB38 were transcribed in PSCs and 28-day strobilated worms. They were expressed in all stages of E. granulosus, and distributed in the liver tissues near the hydatid cyst, indicating that they are secreted proteins that play a crucial role in the development of E. granulosus.

Graphical Abstract
Anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole and levamisole in native fowl in northern Iran
Authors: Saemi Soudkolaei Atefe , Kalidari Gholam Ali , Borji Hassan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
With the increasing number of free-range domestic chickens, helminth parasites have potentially become more of a threat to commercial flocks in recent years, and routine poultry deworming is needed to improve the efficiency of chicken production. The present study deals with a field trial to study the efficacy of two generally used anthelmintics, fenbendazole and levamisole, against gastrointestinal nematodes of domestic chickens in northern Iran.

Methods
Of 45 domestic chicken flocks involved in the study, 20 flocks were selected to participate in fecal egg count reduction testing based on flock size from April 2017 to September 2018. The infected chickens were randomly divided into three equal groups of 30 each. Ninety chickens in the infected groups received one of the following treatments (d 0 of treatment): Group 1: 5 mg kg−1 body weight (BW) fenbendazole for 3 consecutive days; Group 2: 16 mg kg−1 BW levamisole; Group 3 control: placebo, water + DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by comparing fecal egg counts in the treated and control groups.

Results
Examination of three flocks of chickens from the control group showed that 95.0% of the animals were infected with gastrointestinal nematodes with an average geometric value of 361 eggs per gram of feces. Fenbendazole at a dose of 5 mg kg−1 BW for 3 days showed an efficacy of 83.7% (P ≥ 0.05), and levamisole at a dose of 16 mg kg−1 BW showed 71.8% efficacy (P ≥ 0.05) with geometric mean eggs in a gram of feces of 100 and 199.6, respectively. In general, fenbendazole and levamisole treatment led to significantly lower activity. The result of this study revealed that fenbendazole was a better and more effective dewormer than levamisole on the three Iranian domestic chicken flocks, but the difference was not significant. Capillaria spp. were the most generally resistant nematodes followed by Trichostrongylus spp. and Amidostomum anseris.

Conclusion
Our results indicated that fenbendazole and levamisole effectively reduced the number of nemathodes in three Iranian domestic chicken flocks. Given the results of our study, resistance can be expected in the parasitic helminths of poultry. Additional larger scale studies are required to determine the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in the poultry industry.

Graphical Abstract
The production of excretory-secretory molecules from Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri fourth stage larvae varies between mixed and single sex cultures
Authors: Maruszewska-Cheruiyot Marta , Szewczak Ludmiła , Krawczak-Wójcik Katarzyna , Głaczyńska Magdalena , Donskow-Łysoniewska Katarzyna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Excretory-secretory (ES) products are crucial in maintaining helminths in the host. Consequently, the proteins of ES are potential vaccine molecules and potential therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases. Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, a gastrointestinal parasite of mice, is a model of hookworm infection in humans. ES produced by both sexes of H. polygyrus bakeri L4 stage cultured separately shows different immunomodulatory properties than ES obtained when both sexes are cultured together. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify and compare the excretory-secretory molecules from single-sex and mixed cultures.

Methods
The composition of ES of male and female L4 stage nematodes in the presence (cultured together) or absence (cultured alone) of the opposite sex was examined. Proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. The functions of identified proteins were explored with Blast2GO.

Results
A total of 258 proteins derived from mixed larval culture in the presence of sex pheromones were identified, 160 proteins from pure female cultures and 172 from pure male cultures. Exposure of nematodes to the sex pheromones results in abundant production of proteins with immunomodulatory properties such as Val proteins, acetylcholinesterases, TGF-β mimic 9 and HpARI. Proteins found only in ES from mixed larval cultures were TGF-β mimics 6 and 7 as well as galectin.

Conclusions
The presence of the opposite sex strongly influences the composition of ES products, probably by chemical (pheromone) communication between individuals. However, examination of the composition of ES from various conditions gives an opportunity for searching for new potentially therapeutic compounds and anthelminthics as well as components of vaccines. Manipulation of the nematode environment might be important for the studies on the immunomodulatory potential of nematodes.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic and functional interaction network analysis reveals global enrichment of regulatory T cell genes influencing basal cell carcinoma susceptibility
Authors: Adolphe Christelle , Xue Angli , Fard Atefeh Taherian , Genovesi Laura A. , Yang Jian , Wainwright Brandon J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common form of human cancer, with more than 90% of tumours presenting with clear genetic activation of the Hedgehog pathway. However, polygenic risk factors affecting mechanisms such as DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints or which modulate the tumour microenvironment or host immune system play significant roles in determining whether genetic mutations culminate in BCC development. We set out to define background genetic factors that play a role in influencing BCC susceptibility via promoting or suppressing the effects of oncogenic drivers of BCC.

Methods
We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on 17,416 cases and 375,455 controls. We subsequently performed statistical analysis by integrating data from population-based genetic studies of multi-omics data, including blood- and skin-specific expression quantitative trait loci and methylation quantitative trait loci, thereby defining a list of functionally relevant candidate BCC susceptibility genes from our GWAS loci. We also constructed a local GWAS functional interaction network (consisting of GWAS nearest genes) and another functional interaction network, consisting specifically of candidate BCC susceptibility genes.

Results
A total of 71 GWAS loci and 46 functional candidate BCC susceptibility genes were identified. Increased risk of BCC was associated with the decreased expression of 26 susceptibility genes and increased expression of 20 susceptibility genes. Pathway analysis of the functional candidate gene regulatory network revealed strong enrichment for cell cycle, cell death, and immune regulation processes, with a global enrichment of genes and proteins linked to TReg cell biology.

Conclusions
Our genome-wide association analyses and functional interaction network analysis reveal an enrichment of risk variants that function in an immunosuppressive regulatory network, likely hindering cancer immune surveillance and effective antitumour immunity.
The role of ultrasound imaging in vascular compression syndromes
Authors: Farina Renato , Foti Pietro Valerio , Conti Andrea , Iannace Francesco Aldo , Pennisi Isabella , Fanzone Luigi , Inì Corrado , Libra Federica , Vacirca Francesco , Failla Giovanni , Baldanza Davide , Palmucci Stefano , Santonocito Serafino , Basile Antonio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVascular compression syndromes are rare alterations that have in common the compression of an arterial and/or venous vessel by contiguous structures and can be congenital or acquired. The best known are the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome, May–Thurner Syndrome, and Dunbar Syndrome. The incidence of these pathologies is certainly underestimated due to the non-specific clinical signs and their frequent asymptomaticity. Being a first-level method, Ultrasound plays a very important role in identifying these alterations, almost always allowing a complete diagnostic classification. If in expert hands, this method can significantly contribute to the reduction of false negatives, especially in the asymptomatic population, where the finding of the aforementioned pathologies often happens randomly following routine checks. In this review, we briefly discuss the best known vascular changes, the corresponding ultrasound anatomy, and typical ultrasound patterns.
Effect of resistance training on muscle properties and function in women with generalized joint hypermobility: a single-blind pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luder Gere , Aeberli Daniel , Mebes Christine Mueller , Haupt-Bertschy Bettina , Baeyens Jean-Pierre , Verra Martin L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Generalized joint hypermobility is defined as an excessive range of motion in several joints. Having joint hypermobility is not a pathology, but when associated with pain and other symptoms, it might affect health and function. Evidence for physiotherapy management is sparse and resistance training might be a possible intervention. Thus, the effects of 12-week resistance-training on muscle properties and function in women with generalized joint hypermobility were evaluated.

Methods
In this single-blind randomized controlled trial women between 20 and 40 years with generalized joint hypermobility (Beighton score at least 6/9) were included. Participants were randomly allocated to 12-week resistance training twice weekly (experimental) or no lifestyle change (control). Resistance training focused on leg and trunk muscles. Primary outcome was muscle strength; additional outcomes included muscle properties, like muscle mass and density, functional activities, pain and disability. Training adherence and adverse events were recorded.

Results
Of 51 participating women 27 were randomised to training and 24 into the control group. In each group 11 women had joint hypermobility syndrome, fulfilling the Brighton criteria, while 24 (89%) in the training group and 21 (88%) in the control group mentioned any pain. The mean strength of knee extensors varied in the training group from 0.63 (sd 0.16) N/bm before training to 0.64 (sd 0.17) N/bm after training and in the control group from 0.53 (sd 0.14) N/bm to 0.54 (sd 0.15) N/bm. For this and all other outcome measures, no significant differences between the groups due to the intervention were found, with many variables showing high standard deviations. Adherence to the training was good with 63% of participants performing more than 80% of sessions. One adverse event occurred during training, which was not clearly associated to the training. Four participants had to stop the training early.

Conclusions
No improvement in strength or muscle mass by self-guided resistance training was found. Low resistance levels, as well as the choice of outcome measures were possible reasons. A more individualized and better guided training might be important. However, program adherence was good with few side effects or problems triggered by the resistance training.

Trial registration
This trial was prospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com, BMC, Springer Nature) on July 16, 2013 as ISRCTN90224545. The first participant was enrolled at October 25, 2013.
Could dysbiosis of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory gut bacteria have an implications in the development of type 2 diabetes? A pilot investigation
Authors: Kulkarni Prasanna , Devkumar Poornima , Chattopadhyay Indranil 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective
Differential alterations in gut microbiota and chronic low-grade inflammation play a critical role in the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we aimed to investigate if dysbiosis of inflammation and anti-inflammation-associated gut bacterial communities in fecal samples of individuals had any influence on T2D using a 16S rRNA gene of V3 region sequencing at Illumina MiSeq platform.

Results
Our findings showed that a higher abundance of inflammatory bacteria such as Lactobacillus ruminis, Ruminococcus gnavus, Bacteroides caccae, Butyricimonas, and Collinsella aerofaciens, and lower abundance of anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Butyrivibrio that likely play a role in the development of T2D. Our findings hint the potential of indigenous microbiota in developing diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in T2D.
Bioinformatics analysis of calcium-dependent protein kinase 4 (CDPK4) as Toxoplasma gondii vaccine target
Authors: Foroutan Masoud , Ghaffari Ali Dalir , Soltani Shahrzad , Majidiani Hamidreza , Taghipour Ali , Sabaghan Mohamad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesToxoplasma gondii(T. gondii), an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, could affect numerous warm-blooded animals, such as humans. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are essential Ca2+signaling mediators and participate in parasite host cell egress, outer membrane motility, invasion, and cell division.ResultsSeveral bioinformatics online servers were employed to analyze and predict the important properties of CDPK4 protein. The findings revealed that CDPK4 peptide has 1158 amino acid residues with average molecular weight (MW) of 126.331 KDa. The aliphatic index and GRAVY for this protein were estimated at 66.82 and – 0.650, respectively. The findings revealed that the CDPK4 protein comprised 30.14% and 34.97% alpha-helix, 59.84% and 53.54% random coils, and 10.02% and 11.49% extended strand with SOPMA and GOR4 tools, respectively. Ramachandran plot output showed 87.87%, 8.40%, and 3.73% of amino acid residues in the favored, allowed, and outlier regions, respectively. Also, several potential B and T-cell epitopes were predicted for CDPK4 protein through different bioinformatics tools. Also, antigenicity and allergenicity evaluation demonstrated that this protein has immunogenic and non-allergenic nature. This paper presents a basis for further studies, thereby provides a fundamental basis for the development of an effective vaccine againstT. gondiiinfection.
Acute gastric dilatation in a patient with severe anorexia nervosa: a case report
Authors: Pitre Tyler , Mah Jasmine , Vertes Jaclyn , Tugwell Barna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute gastric dilatation (AGD) leading to gastric necrosis and perforation has been reported to be a rare but fatal complication in young patients with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa.Case presentationWe report a case of a Canadian female patient presenting with mild abdominal pain, with a history of anorexia nervosa, the binge/purge subtype, who was found to have severe acute gastric dilatation on subsequent computed tomography imaging. Her clinical course was uncomplicated after gastric decompression. The cause of her AGD was thought to be secondary to dysmotility disorder caused by her anorexia nervosa.ConclusionOur case report demonstrates the importance of clinical identification of AGD and subsequent diagnosis and management. Because of the urgency to rule out obstruction or perforation through consultation or additional imaging modalities, recognition and correct diagnosis of this condition is necessary for appropriate patient management. In addition, our case report adds to an underreported but important complication of anorexia nervosa.