bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the human head louse nit sheath reveals proteins with adhesive property that show no resemblance to known proteins
Authors: Park Jeong Kuk , Han Yu Jin , Lee Jae Ho , Joo Sang-Woo , Kim Ju Hyeon , Lee Si Hyeock , Park SangYoun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHuman head and body lice attach their eggs respectively to human hair or clothing by female lice secreted glue that hardens into a nit sheath that protects the egg. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to characterize the glue-like material of the nit sheath. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on embryo-cleared nit showed proteinaceous amide I bands. With this result, we determined the amino acid composition of the nit sheath proteins and performed similarity search against the protein products of the body louse genome to identify the candidate nit sheath proteins. The identified two homologous proteins newly named as louse nit sheath protein (LNSP) 1 and LNSP2 are composed of three domains of characteristic repeating sequences. The N-terminal and middle domains consist of tandem two-residue repeats of Gln-Ala and Gly-Ala, respectively, which are expected to fold into β-strands and may further stack into β-sheets, whereas the C-terminal domain contains multiple consecutive Gln residues. Temporal and spatial transcription profiling demonstrated that both LNSP1 and LNSP2 are most predominantly expressed in the accessory gland of females of egg-laying stage, supporting that they indeed encode the nit sheath proteins. Further adhesive property of recombinant partial LNSP1 suggests that both LNSP1 and LNSP2 may act as glues.
Paternal Age and Transgenerational Telomere Length Maintenance: A Simulation Model
Authors: Horvath K. , Eisenberg D. , Stone R. , Anderson J. , Kark J. , Aviv A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTelomere length (TL) in offspring is positively correlated with paternal age at the time of the offspring conception. The paternal-age-at-conception (PAC) effect on TL is puzzling, and its biological implication at the population level is unknown. Using a probabilistic model of transgenerational TL and population dynamics, we simulated the effect of PAC on TL in individuals over the course of 1,000 years. Findings suggest a key role for an isometric PAC midpoint (PACmp) in modulating TL across generations, such that offspring conceived by males younger than the isometric PACmp have comparatively short telomeres, while offspring conceived by males older than the isometric PACmp have comparatively long telomeres. We further show that when cancer incidence escalates, the average PAC drops below the isometric PACmp and transgenerational adaptation to cancer ensues through TL shortening. We propose that PAC serves to maintain an optimal TL across generations.
Liver Macrophage Depletion Ameliorates The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in a Murine Model of Injured Liver
Authors: Ghanem Lobna y. , Mansour Iman M. , Abulata Nelly , Akl Maha M. , Demerdash Zeinab A. , El Baz Hanan G. , Mahmoud Soheir S. , Mohamed Salwa H. , Mahmoud Faten S. , Hassan Ayat S. M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy show different levels of effectiveness in the context of different types of liver damage, suggesting that the microenvironment of the injured liver is a key determinant for effective stem cell therapy. The objective was to assess the modulatory effect of hepatic stem cell niche components on the transplanted MSCs during liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled human MSCs were injected intravenously into mice treated with CCl4 and subjected to hepatic macrophage-depletion. Liver tissues were collected at different intervals post transplantation for subsequent histopathological, morphometric, immunohistochemical, gene expression and ultrastructural studies. The homing of the transplanted MSCs was evidenced by tracing them within the niche by iron staining and immunohistochemical studies. MSCs differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells and intimal smooth muscle cells as evidenced by their expression of human albumin and α-smooth muscle actin with a concomitant increase in the level of mouse hepatocyte growth factor. A post transplantation reduction in the liver fibro-inflammatory reaction was found and was promoted by liver macrophages depletion. Thus, it could be concluded from the present study that prior manipulation of the microenvironment is required to improve the outcome of the transplanted cells.
CGA-N9, an antimicrobial peptide derived from chromogranin A: direct cell penetration of and endocytosis by Candida tropicalis
Authors: Li Ruifang , Chen Chen , Zhu Sha , Wang Xueqin , Yang Yanhui , Shi Weini , Chen Sijia , Wang Congcong , Yan Lixing , Shi Jiaofan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
CGA-N9 is a peptide derived from the N-terminus of human chromogranin A comprising amino acids 47–55. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays showed that CGA-N9 had antimicrobial activity and exhibited time-dependent inhibition activity against Candida tropicalis, with high safety in human red blood cells (HRBCs) and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3). According to the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, CGA-N9 accumulated in cells without destroying the integrity of the cell membrane; the peptide was initially localized to the cell membrane and subsequently internalized into the cytosol. An investigation of the cellular internalization mechanism revealed that most CGA-N9 molecules entered the yeast cells, even at 4°C and in the presence of sodium azide (NaN3), both of which block all energy-dependent transport mechanisms. In addition, peptide internalization was affected by the endocytic inhibitors 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA), cytochalasin D (CyD) and heparin; chlorpromazine (CPZ) also had some effect on CGA-N9 internalization. Similar results were obtained in the MIC assays, whereby the anticandidal activity of CGA-N9 was blocked to different degrees in the presence of EIPA, CyD, heparin or CPZ. Therefore, most CGA-N9 passes through the C. tropicalis cell membrane via direct cell penetration, whereas the remainder enters through macropinocytosis and sulfate proteoglycan-mediated endocytosis, with a slight contribution from clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Shenqi Fuzheng Injection impairs bile duct ligation-induced cholestatic liver injury in vivo
Authors: Cao Fei , Liu Peng , Zhang Xianbin , Hu Yanfen , Dong Xin , Bao Haidong , Kong Lingkai , Wang Lei , Gong Peng 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Background and aim: The aim of the present study sought to determine the protective function of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) in cholestatic liver injury.
Methods: Cholestatic liver injury was induced in a 7-day bile duct-ligated (BDL) rat model. Rats were divided into three groups that were comprised of: (1) Sham; (2) BDL model; and (3) SFI treatment. The sham and BDL groups were treated with an appropriate volume of 0.9% sodium chloride as the vehicle, and the SFI group was administered SFI at a dose of 20 ml/kg/day, via tail vein injection.
Results: SFI significantly (all at P&lt;0.01) decreased the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase as compared with the BDL group, which was associated with reduced severity of inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic damage. Moreover, SFI significantly decreased the levels of hepatic interleukin-6 (P&lt;0.01), tumor necrosis factor-α (P=0.041), and malondialdehyde (P=0.026), and significantly increased the levels of total superoxide dismutase (P&lt;0.01), and the GSH/GSSG ratio (P=0.041) in the liver. Western blot analysis showed that SFI increased PPAR-γ expression; however, SFI treatment decreased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65.
Conclusions: These data demonstrated that SFI attenuated both inflammation and oxidative stress, and disrupted cholestatic liver injury. The involved mechanism was dependent, at least in part, on regulating PPAR-γ, COX-2, and NF-κBp65 expression.
Mesenchymal stem cells for inflammatory airway disorders: promises and challenges
Authors: Fan Xing-Liang , Zhang Zhao , Ma Chui Yan , Fu Qing-Ling 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The regenerative and immunomodulatory characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them attractive in the treatment of many diseases. Although they have shown promising preclinical studies of immunomodulation and paracrine effects in inflammatory airway disorders and other lung diseases, there are still challenges that have to be overcome before MSCs can be safely, effectively, and routinely applied in the clinical setting. A good understanding of the roles and mechanisms of the MSC immunomodulatory effects will benefit the application of MSC-based clinical therapy. In this review, we summarize the promises and challenges of the preclinical and clinical trials of MSC therapies, aiming to better understand the role that MSCs play in attempt to treat inflammatory airway disorders.
Flexible transit routing model considering passengers’ willingness to pay
Authors: Pei Mingyang , Lin Peiqun , Liu Ronghui , Ma Yingying 
Published: January 2019

This study proposes an alternative flexible transit model with two levels of bus stops, A level and B level. A‐level bus stops are fixed, while B‐level bus stops are flexible and provide service only when passengers indicate a strong willingness to pay (WTP). This fare structure encourages passengers to choose bus stops with their mobile phones or computers. An optimisation model of 0–1 integer‐programming is formulated based on whether certain B‐level stops can be serviced. With a numerical example, the authors compare the performance of the proposed traversing method and a tabu search algorithm, both of which are adapted to solve the model. Finally, a real case is provided to evaluate the proposed transit system against comparable systems (e.g. a fixed‐route transit system and a taxi service), and the result shows that the flexible transit routing model will help both passengers and bus companies, thus creating a win–win situation.
MMseqs2 desktop and local web server app for fast, interactive sequence searches
Authors: Mirdita Milot , Steinegger Martin , Söding Johannes 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Summary
The MMseqs2 desktop and web server app facilitates interactive sequence searches through custom protein sequence and profile databases on personal workstations. By eliminating MMseqs2’s runtime overhead, we reduced response times to a few seconds at sensitivities close to BLAST.

Availability and implementation
The app is easy to install for non-experts. GPLv3-licensed code, pre-built desktop app packages for Windows, MacOS and Linux, Docker images for the web server application and a demo web server are available at https://search.mmseqs.com.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Incidence and Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Participating in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 Preexposure Prophylaxis Study
Authors: Hightow-Weidman Lisa B , Magnus Manya , Beauchamp Geetha , Hurt Christopher B , Shoptaw Steve , Emel Lynda , Piwowar-Manning Estelle , Mayer Kenneth H , Nelson LaRon E , Wilton Leo , Watkins Phaedrea , Whitfield Darren , Fields Sheldon D , Wheeler Darrell 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) Study 073 (HPTN 073) assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for black men who have sex with men (BMSM). The purpose of this analysis was to characterize the relationship between PrEP uptake and use and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among participants enrolled in HPTN 073.

Methods
A total of 226 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–uninfected BMSM were enrolled in 3 US cities; all participants received client-centered care coordination (C4) and were offered daily oral PrEP. Participants were followed for 12 months with STI testing (rectal and urine nucleic acid amplification test for gonorrhea and chlamydia, rapid plasma reagin for syphilis) conducted at baseline, week 26, and week 52. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between STI incidence and PrEP uptake. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate associations between age, PrEP acceptance, sexual behaviors, and incident STIs.

Results
Baseline STI prevalence was 14.2%. Men aged <25 years were more likely to have a baseline STI (25.3% vs 6.7%; odds ratio [OR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI:, 1.91, 10.11). Sixty participants (26.5%) acquired ≥1 STI during follow-up; the incidence rate was 34.2 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI, 27.4, 42.9). In adjusted analyses, baseline STI diagnosis (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 1.82, 9.87; P < .001) and additional C4 time (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.06; P = .027) were associated with having an incident STI. STI incidence was not associated with PrEP acceptance or adherence.

Conclusions
While we found higher rates of STIs in younger BMSM, overall rates of STI were lower than in prior PrEP trials, with no increase over time. BMSM with STIs at PrEP initiation may require additional interventions that target STI acquisition risk.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT01808352.
Toxin Enzyme Immunoassays Detect Clostridioides difficile Infection With Greater Severity and Higher Recurrence Rates
Authors: Guh Alice Y , Hatfield Kelly M , Winston Lisa G , Martin Brittany , Johnston Helen , Brousseau Geoffrey , Farley Monica M , Wilson Lucy , Perlmutter Rebecca , Phipps Erin C , Dumyati Ghinwa K , Nelson Deborah , Hatwar Trupti , Kainer Marion A , Paulick Ashley L , Karlsson Maria , Gerding Dale N , McDonald L Clifford 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Few data suggest that Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) detected by toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) are more severe and have worse outcomes than those detected by nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) only. We compared toxin- positive and NAAT-positive-only CDI across geographically diverse sites.

Methods
A case was defined as a positive C. difficile test in a person ≥1 year old with no positive tests in the prior 8 weeks. Cases were detected during 2014–2015 by a testing algorithm (specimens initially tested by glutamate dehydrogenase and toxin EIA; if discordant results, specimens were reflexed to NAAT) and classified as toxin positive or NAAT positive only. Medical charts were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare CDI-related complications, recurrence, and 30-day mortality between the 2 groups.

Results
Of 4878 cases, 2160 (44.3%) were toxin positive and 2718 (55.7%) were NAAT positive only. More toxin-positive than NAAT-positive-only cases were aged ≥65 years (48.2% vs 38.0%; P < .0001), had ≥3 unformed stools for ≥1 day (43.9% vs 36.6%; P < .0001), and had white blood cell counts ≥15 000 cells/µL (31.4% vs 21.4%; P < .0001). In multivariable analysis, toxin positivity was associated with recurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61–2.23), but not with CDI-related complications (aOR, 0.91; 95% CI, .67–1.23) or 30-day mortality (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, .73–1.24).

Conclusions
Toxin-positive CDI is more severe, but there were no differences in adjusted CDI-related complication and mortality rates between toxin-positive and NAAT-positive-only CDI that were detected by an algorithm that utilized an initial glutamate dehydrogenase screening test.
What is the best graft to supplement the bilateral internal thoracic artery to the left coronary system? A meta-analysis
Authors: Di Mauro Michele , Lorusso Roberto , Di Franco Antonino , Foschi Massimiliano , Rahouma Mohamed , Soletti Giovanni , Calafiore Antonio M , Gaudino Mario 
Published: January 2019

Summary

This meta-analysis was designed to assess the effect of the use of arterial conduits (ACs) versus great saphenous vein (GSV) grafts as a third conduit for revascularization of the right coronary artery system, in addition to the bilateral internal mammary artery on the left coronary artery. PubMed and OVID’s version of MEDLINE were searched from January 2000 to September 2017 for relevant publications. The primary end point was the long-term mortality rate. The secondary end point was early mortality, defined as either in-hospital death or death within 30 days after the operation. Meta-regression was used to evaluate the effect of female gender and diabetes on the primary and secondary outcomes. A total of 10 studies (4121 patients) were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis comparing ACs (1619) versus the GSV (2502), 6 (2548) comparing the GSV (2548) versus the right gastroepiploic artery (1023) and 5 comparing the GSV (2548) versus the radial artery (596). The pooled analysis did not show any difference between ACs and the GSV in terms of long-term mortality rates [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.56–1.01; P = 0.061]. When using the leave-one-out analysis, after the exclusion of 1 study (outlier), ACs were significantly associated with lower long-term mortality rates (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.54–0.83; P < 0.001). When the results were stratified according to the type of study, no differences with regard to long-term results were found between ACs and the GSV, either in the pooled analysis of the 6 propensity score-matched studies (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.43–1.08; P = 0.107) or in the pooled analysis of the 4 non-propensity score-matched studies (HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.62–1.23; P = 0.438). Again, when the outlier was excluded, the pooled analysis of the propensity score-matched studies confirmed that ACs were associated with lower long-term mortality rates (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.43–0.80; P < 0.001). Comparisons between the GSV and either the right gastroepiploic artery or the radial artery showed similar results. No publication bias was found. This meta-analysis is the first to compare the GSV to the radial artery and the right gastroepiploic artery for right coronary artery grafting in patients receiving a bilateral internal mammary artery to left coronary artery. The choice of a third AC seems to be preferable in order to achieve better long-term survival.
Eavesdropping on the conversation between immune cells and the skin epithelium
Authors: Bukhari Shoiab , Mertz Aaron F , Naik Shruti 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The skin epithelium covers our body and serves as a vital interface with the external environment. Here, we review the context-specific interactions between immune cells and the epithelium that underlie barrier fitness and function. We highlight the mechanisms by which these two systems engage each other and how immune–epithelial interactions are tuned by microbial and inflammatory stimuli. Epithelial homeostasis relies on a delicate balance of immune surveillance and tolerance, breakdown of which results in disease. In addition to their canonical immune functions, resident and recruited immune cells also supply the epithelium with instructive signals to promote repair. Decoding the dialogue between immunity and the epithelium therefore has great potential for boosting barrier function or mitigating inflammatory epithelial diseases.
A comparison between childhood and adult onset systemic lupus erythematosus adjusted for ethnicity from the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus Cohort
Authors: Kim Hyein , Levy Deborah M , Silverman Earl D , Hitchon Carol , Bernatsky Sasha , Pineau Christian , Smith C Doug , Tucker Lori , Petty Ross , Arbillaga Hector , Zummer Michel , Hudson Marie , Fortin Paul , Huber Adam M , Chedeville Gaelle , Peschken Christine , Pope Janet E 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) manifests differently than adult-onset SLE (aSLE). This study determined whether ethnic differences contribute to the differences in clinical presentation between the two groups.

Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from a multi-centred registry from eight adult and four paediatric Canadian centres gathered at study entry. We compared the frequency of clinical manifestations and autoantibodies between aSLE and cSLE. For those with a significant difference, a multivariable logistic regression was performed, adjusting for ethnicity, SLE onset (cSLE vs aSLE), disease duration and centre. Disease activity and damage between aSLE and cSLE were compared after stratifying by disease duration.

Results
Of 552 aSLE subjects, 502 (90.9%) were female and 381 (69.0%) were Caucasian. Mean age at diagnosis was 37.0 ± 13.6 years and disease duration 10.9 ± 9.6 years. Of 276 cSLE subjects, 231 (83.7%) were female and 101 (36.6%) were Caucasian. Mean age at diagnosis was 12.7 ± 3.3 years and disease duration 5.6 ± 8.2 years. In multivariable regression analysis, aSLE was associated with decreased odds of having a neurologic disorder (odds ratio = 0.49) and increased odds of having aCL antibodies (odds ratio = 1.85). Disease activity and damage accrual scores were higher in aSLE than cSLE within the same disease duration strata, although the differences were not clinically significant. Ethnicity was not associated with any differences in clinical manifestations or autoantibody frequency between aSLE and cSLE.

Conclusion
Although a crude comparison of aSLE and cSLE yielded several differences in clinical symptoms and autoantibodies, this difference was not attributable to ethnic differences between aSLE and cSLE.
The Blessings of Medicine? Patient Characteristics and Health Outcomes in a Ugandan Mission Hospital, 1908–19701
Authors: Doyle Shane , Meier zu Selhausen Felix , Weisdorf Jacob 
Published: January 2019

Summary
This article sheds new light on the impact and experience of western biomedicine in colonial Africa. We use patient registers from Western Uganda’s earliest mission hospital to explore whether and how Christian conversion and mission education affected African health behaviour. A data set of 18,600 admissions permits analysis of patients’ age, sex, residence, religion, diagnoses, duration of hospitalisation and treatment outcomes. We document Toro Hospital’s substantial geographic reach, trace evolving treatment practices and highlight significant variation in hospital-based disease incidence between the early colonial and early postcolonial periods. We observe no relationship between numeracy and health outcomes, nor religion-specific effects concerning hygiene-related infections. Christian conversion was associated with superior cure rates and shorter length of stay and with lower incidence of skin diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, our findings indicate that STI incidence was linked to morality campaigns and that clinicians’ diagnoses were influenced by assumptions around religious groups’ sexual behaviour.
Open Access Medical Journals: Promise, Perils, and Pitfalls
Authors: Baker Eileen F. , Iserson Kenneth V. , Aswegan Andrew L. , Larkin Gregory L. , Derse Arthur R. , Kraus Chadd K. 
Published: January 2019

The number of both print and electronic open access (OA) journals has increased dramatically. Although electronic availability of information on the Internet may offer greater potential for information sharing, it also gives rise to “predatory” journals and deceptive publishers. In this Invited Commentary, the authors describe both the opportunities and potential perils that come with OA publications.
Definitions for four models of legitimate OA are provided: the gold model, the green model, the platinum model, and the hybrid model. Benefits and risks of each model are discussed. The authors also distinguish between legitimate OA journals and predatory journals, highlighting several existing tools and resources for distinguishing between the two.
Finally, the authors provide a checklist to help authors evaluate the policies and processes of journals and thereby avoid predatory publications.