bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-4-Independent Acceleration of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Susceptible BALB/c Mice following Treatment with Anti-CTLA4 Antibody
Authors: Heinzel Frederick P. , Maier Richard A. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTBALB/c mice are susceptible to progressive infection withLeishmania majordue to the preferential development of CD4+T cells that secrete Th2 cytokines. Although Th2 cell development and susceptibility are disrupted by blockade of CD86 function early in infection, CD28-deficient BALB/c mice remain susceptible to leishmaniasis. We therefore examined whether the alternative CD86 ligand, CTLA4, contributes to the expression of susceptibility. BALB/c mice treated for 2 weeks of infection with anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody developed more rapidly progressive disease than sham-treated mice, whereas normally resistant C57BL/6 mice were unaffected. The draining lymph node cells of anti-CTLA4-treated BALB/c mice produced up to sixfold more interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 than control mice in the first 2 weeks of infection, but IFN-γ synthesis was reciprocally decreased. Anti-CTLA4 treatment of BALB/c mice pretreated with neutralizing anti-IL-4 antibody or genetically deficient in IL-4 also caused significant worsening of leishmaniasis. Exacerbation in IL-4 KO mice was associated with increased IL-13 and decreased gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in vivo. These data indicate that anti-CTLA4 antibody induced earlier and more-polarized Th2 responses in susceptible BALB/c mice infected withL. major. The mechanism of disease worsening was partially IL-4 independent, indicating that increased IL-13 and/or decreased IFN-γ production may have disrupted nitric oxide-based microbicidal responses. We conclude that CTLA4 significantly modulates Th2 development in murine leishmaniasis and that the Th2-polarizing effects of anti-CTLA4 treatment result in IL-4-independent exacerbation of disease.
Ex Vivo Desequestration ofPlasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes from Human Placenta by Chondroitin Sulfate A
Authors: Gysin J. , Pouvelle B. , Fievet N. , Scherf A. , Lépolard C. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTWe performed ex vivo experiments withPlasmodium falciparum-infected human placentas from primi- and multigravida women from Cameroon. All women, independent of their gravida status, had anti-chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) adhesion antibodies which cross-reacted with heterologous strains, such as FCR3 and Palo-Alto(FUP)1, which were selected for CSA binding. These antibodies, directed against the surface of infected erythrocytes obtained by flushing with CSA (IRBCCSA), were restricted to the immunoglobulin G3 isotypes. Massive desequestration of parasites was achieved with soluble CSA but not with anti-ICAM-1 and anti-CD36 monoclonal antibodies. All of the CSA-flushed parasites were analyzed immediately by using in vitro assays of binding toSaimiribrain endothelial cells (SBEC) expressing various adhesion receptors. Parasites derived from all six placentas displayed the CSA adhesion phenotype. However, only partial inhibition of adhesion was observed in the presence of soluble CSA or when Sc1D SBEC were treated with chondroitinase ABC. These results suggest that an additional adhesive molecule of IRBCCSAwhich binds to an unidentified receptor is present in the placenta. This new phenotype was lost once the parasites adapted to in vitro culture. We observed additional differences in the CSA adhesion phenotype between placental parasites and in vitro-cultured parasites panned on endothelial cells carrying CSA. The minimum size of fractionated CSA required for a significant inhibition of placental IRBCCSAadhesion to Sc1D cells was 1 to 2 kDa, which contrasts with the 4-kDa size necessary to reach equivalent levels of inhibition with panned IRBCCSAof this phenotype. All placental IRBCCSAcytoadhered to Sc17 SBEC, which express only the CSA receptor. Panning of IRBCCSAon these cells resulted in a significant quantitative increase of IRBC cytoadhering to the CSA of Sc1D cells but did not change their capacity for adhesion to CSA on normal placenta cryosections. Our results indicate that the CSA binding phenotype is heterogeneous and that several distinct genes may encodeP. falciparum-CSA ligands with distinct binding properties.
Effects of sedentary behaviour interventions on biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in adults: systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Hadgraft Nyssa T , Winkler Elisabeth , Climie Rachel E , Grace Megan S , Romero Lorena , Owen Neville , Dunstan David , Healy Genevieve , Dempsey Paddy C 
Published: April 2020

Context/purposeObservational and acute laboratory intervention research has shown that excessive sedentary time is associated adversely with cardiometabolic biomarkers. This systematic review with meta-analyses synthesises results from free living interventions targeting reductions in sedentary behaviour alone or combined with increases in physical activity.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched up to August 2019 for sedentary behaviour interventions in adults lasting for ≥7 days publishing cardiometabolic biomarker outcomes covering body anthropometry, blood pressure, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation (54 studies). The pooled effectiveness of intervention net of control on 15 biomarker outcomes was evaluated using random effects meta-analyses in the studies with control groups not providing other relevant interventions (33 studies; 6–25 interventions analysed).ResultsInterventions between 2 weeks and <6 months in non-clinical populations from North America, Europe and Australia comprised much of the evidence base. Pooled effects revealed small, significant (p<0.05) beneficial effects on weight (≈ −0.6 kg), waist circumference (≈ −0.7 cm), percentage body fat (≈ −0.3 %), systolic blood pressure (≈ −1.1 mm Hg), insulin (≈ −1.4 pM) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (≈ 0.04 mM). Pooled effects on the other biomarkers (p>0.05) were also small, and beneficial in direction except for fat-free mass (≈ 0.0 kg). Heterogeneity ranged widely (I2=0.0–72.9).ConclusionsOur review of interventions targeting sedentary behaviour reductions alone, or combined with increases in physical activity, found evidence of effectiveness for improving some cardiometabolic risk biomarkers to a small degree. There was insufficient evidence to evaluate inflammation or vascular function. Key limitations to the underlying evidence base include a paucity of high-quality studies, interventions lasting for ≥12 months, sensitive biomarkers and clinical study populations (eg, type 2 diabetes).PROSPERO trial registration numberCRD42016041742
Taxation reduces smoking but may not reduce smoking disparities in youth
Authors: Fleischer Nancy L , Donahoe J Travis , McLeod M Chandler , Thrasher James F , Levy David T , Elliott Michael R , Meza Rafael , Patrick Megan E 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveThis study examines the extent to which cigarette taxes affect smoking behaviour and disparities in smoking among adolescents by gender, socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity.MethodsWe used US nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional data from the 2005 to 2016 Monitoring the Future study to evaluate the relationship between state cigarette taxes and past 30-day current smoking, smoking intensity, and first cigarette and daily smoking initiation using modified Poisson and linear regression models, stratified by grade. We tested for interactions between tax and gender, SES and race/ethnicity on the additive scale using average marginal effects.ResultsWe found that higher taxes were associated with lower smoking outcomes, with variation by grade. Across nearly all of our specifications, there were no statistically significant interactions between tax and gender, SES or race/ethnicity for any grades/outcomes. One exception is that among 12th graders, there was a statistically significant interaction between tax and college plans, with taxes being associated with a lower probability of 30-day smoking among students who definitely planned to attend college compared with those who did not.ConclusionWe conclude that higher taxes were associated with reduced smoking among adolescents, with little difference by gender, SES and racial/ethnicity groups. While effective at reducing adolescent smoking, taxes appear unlikely to reduce smoking disparities among youth.
‘When I smoked it, it was like a slap in the face but it felt really good’: exploring determinants of midwakh use among young adults in Lebanon
Authors: Nakkash Rima T , El Boukhari Noor , Afifi Rima A 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundDokha (‘dizziness’ in English) is a type of alternative tobacco product (ATP) increasing in popularity in the Arab world; and smoked in a pipe called a midwakh. Midwakh use is common among nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); yet, evidence indicates its spread among expats in the UAE as well as beyond the UAE. Research on midwakh use is nascent, and no qualitative research has been published. This paper explored the context and determinants of midwakh use among young adults in Lebanon using qualitative methods.MethodsWe conducted four focus group discussions with 18 midwakh ever smokers aged 18–25 years in Lebanon. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using the Pragmatics, Attraction, Communication, Expectations framework.Results‘Pragmatics’ was evident in participants’ comments about availability of a supply of dokha. For ‘attraction’, participants described why they prefer midwakh smoking and compared it to other ATPs. Regarding communication, participants shared terms used to describe their use of midwakh (eg, ‘buzz’/taking a hit). Participants also described expectations from smoking midwakh, including stress relief.ConclusionMidwakh smoking is appealing to young adults due to factors such as the ‘buzz’, perceived harm reduction, stress relief and its ability to satisfy nicotine craving with small amounts of tobacco. As a result, despite experiencing negative effects on first use, young adults choose to continue to use midwakh, and find it hard to quit. These results have implications for prevention and control of midwakh smoking among young adults. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidance documents to address ATPs are critically needed to prevent the global spread of yet another tobacco product.
Dynamical wormholes in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Mehdizadeh Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the present work, we investigate evolving wormhole configurations in higher-dimensions, by adding a Gauss–Bonnet term to the standard Einstein–Hilbert action. Using a generalized Friedmann–Robertson–Walker spacetime, we derive evolving wormhole geometries by considering a constraint on Ricci scalar. In standard cosmological models, the Ricci scalar is independent of radial coordinate r and is only a function of time. We use this property to introduce a particular class of wormhole solutions for which microscopic wormholes may have been enlarged to macroscopic sizes in an expanding inflationary cosmological background. We find, for the first time, specific solutions that satisfy the weak energy condition (WEC) throughout the entire spacetime in four dimensions. In addition to this, we also present other wormhole solutions that satisfy the WEC throughout their respective evolution.
Engineering Solid Electrolyte Interphase Composition by Assessing Decomposition Pathways of Fluorinated Organic Solvents in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Krishnamurthy Dilip , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian 
Published: April 2020

Studies have shown fluorinated electrolyte solvents can form desirable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium metal batteries. In this study, we develop a detailed mechanistic understanding of two high performing electrolytes, Fluoroethylene Carbonate (FEC) and Difluoroethylene Carbonate (DFEC) to demonstrate minimal structural variations can lead to different decomposition products, and thereby the nature of the SEI. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we find different initial bond-breaking mechanisms between FEC and DFEC. We develop free energy diagrams for the decomposition pathways including both electrochemical and chemical steps. Using the computational Li electrode, we identify the largest limiting potential of 1.77 V for FEC decomposition, associated with the formation of lithium fluoride, lithium oxide and FEC oligomers, and 1.53 V for DFEC, which correspond to the formation of polymerized vinylene carbonate and lithium fluoride. We suggest the formation of oligomers in the case of FEC instead of long polymers may lead to better SEI compactness. We also demonstrate the SEI components of FEC and DFEC are not stable on typical cathode voltage (3.87 V). This study presents a unified electrocatalytic perspective on SEI formation and decomposition.
PROBLEM-ORIENTED TEACHING OF CHILDHOOD INFECTIOUS DISEASES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS GRADUATE COURSES
Authors: Volyanska L. A. , Vorontsova Т. О. , Burbela E. I. , Rohalska Y. V. 
Published: April 2020

The accelerated pace of scientific and technological development of modern Ukrainian society, is steadily striving to unite with the world community, puts the requirement for urgent modernization in front of the traditional higher school. The quality of education to an outstanding extent depends on the effectiveness of communication in the “teacher-student” system. Our proposed form for the study of childhood infectious diseases allows to bypass the imposition of the authoritarian thought of the teacher. This is achieved through the formation of a productive team of teacher – students on mutually beneficial conditions of cooperation on the basis of bilateral (both of the teacher and the student) internal motivation.
The basis of innovations in the teaching of medicine today is the introduction of interactive cooperation between those who help to study, and those who study, and problem-oriented learning. Therefore, in the study of children's infectious diseases by graduate students, the practical lesson is based on thematic (according to the topic of the practical lesson) supervision of the patient in the presence of the attending physician and under the supervision of the teacher. This is a real child with a real problem, and therefore, the teacher created an original task, tied to a real life situation. Such a clinical task for its solution requires the student to independently apply a wide range of knowledge and skills in the studied discipline in related subjects. A role-playing game begins: the attending physician (the student who observed the patient) invites other specialists (the rest of the group's students) to the council to help make a diagnosis.
Prospects for further improvement of the educational process in the study of pediatric infectious diseases will relate to stimulating interest in the subject by promoting the idea of ​​involving students to actively participate in the development of their practical skills through elements of research work within the scope of the work program.
The Heavy Rainfall Mechanism Revealed by a Terrain-Resolving 4DVar Data Assimilation System—A Case Study
Authors: Tai Sheng-Lun , Liou Yu-Chieng , Chang Shao-Fan , Sun Juanzhen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In this research a newly developed terrain-resolving four-dimensional variational (4DVar)-based data assimilation system, Immersed Boundary Method_Variational Doppler Radar Analysis System (IBM_VDRAS), is applied to investigate the mechanisms leading to a heavy precipitation event that occurred in Taiwan during the Southwesterly Monsoon Experiment (SoWMEX) conducted in 2008. The multivariate analyses using IBM_VDRAS and surface observations reveal that the warm and moist southwesterly flow from the ocean decelerates after making landfall, forming a surface convergence zone along the coast, which is further strengthened during the passage of a prefrontal rainband. The flow ascends as it advances inland until reaching the mountains, producing persistent precipitation and the enhancement of evaporative cooling as well as a widespread high pressure zone. A very shallow (&lt;0.4 km) layer of offshore flow can be identified over the southwestern plain, which helps to generate a quasi-stationary convergence zone near the coast. Sensitivity studies are carried out to quantify the relative importance of the contributions made by topographic blockage, evaporative cooling, and their nonlinear interaction, to the evolution of this type of convective system. The influence of the topography is identified as the dominant factor in modulating the flow structure of the rainfall system. However, it is the nonlinear interaction between terrain and evaporation that determines the distribution of the temperature and pressure fields.
A randomized clinical trial comparing prompt photodynamic therapy with 3 months observation in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy with central macular leakage
Authors: Missotten Tom OAR , Hoddenbach Johan G , Eenhorst Christine AE , van den Born L Ingeborgh , Martinez Ciriano José P , Wubbels René J 
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to demonstrate whether photodynamic therapy in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy, with the leakage point within one optic disk diameter from the fovea, can be safely deferred. Methods: A single-center, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to photodynamic therapy within a week after presentation (Group I, 26 patients) or observation during 3 months (Group II, 26 patients). If leakage or subretinal fluid was observed during any control visit, photodynamic therapy was performed (again) within a week. Primary outcome: Primary outcome was change of visual acuity (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were visual acuity, central foveal thickness, metamorphopsia, and color discrimination. Results: Photodynamic therapy procedures: group I, 26 at baseline, 2 retreatments at 3 months; group II, 10 at 3 months, 1 at 6 months (2 subjects refusing treatment), 2 retreatments at 6 months. At 12 months, mean visual acuity of all patients had improved by 6.5 letters (P < 0.001), mean central foveal thickness was 172 µm less (P < 0.001). After photodynamic therapy, visual acuity recovered faster and metamorphopsia significantly improved (3 months, P < 0.001). Differences between groups at 12 months were not significant. Conclusion: The (intended) number of photodynamic therapy (re)treatments in group II (n = 15) was 46% less than in group I (n = 28). Visual acuity and central foveal thickness at 12 months were similar. Therefore, the preferred management of acute central serous chorioretinopathy at presentation appears to be observation for 3 months.
If Childish Gambino Cares, I Care: Celebrity Endorsements and Psychological Reactance to Social Marketing Messages
Authors: Schartel Dunn Stephanie , Nisbett Gwendelyn 
Published: April 2020

Background: Increasingly, celebrities are used as spokespeople for nearly all types of marketing. Endorsements can build positive celebrity-brand associations, resulting in favorable brand, product, or issue knowledge. Focus of the Article: This project examines the impact of celebrity influence in social marketing campaigns. Source and receiver characteristics are used to explore how people react to such persuasive messages from celebrities and how those reactions influence behavior. Research Question: Do race (RQ1) and gender (RQ2) of celebrity influence perceptions of (a) credibility, (b) similarity, and (c) heuristic evaluation? How do these factors influence message evaluation (RQ3)? Perceptions of (a) source credibility and (b) similarity as well as (c) heuristic evaluations will increase positive message evaluations (H1). Such positive message evaluations will increase behavioral intentions (H4). Level of (a) perceived source credibility, (b) perceived similarity, and (c) heuristic evaluation of a message is negatively related to message reactance (H2). The level of psychological reactance to a message source is negatively related to behavioral intent related to the message topic (H3). Importance to the Social Marketing Field: The objective of this study is to better understand how characteristics of celebrities, perceptions of the celebrities, and psychological barriers impact intended behavior change attributed to a social marketing message. Because social marketing seeks behavior change as part of an exchange with the targeted audiences, this study contributes a basic understanding of how attributes of the speaker impact social marketing effectiveness. Methods: An experiment was conducted ( N = 798) comparing how persuasive messages from celebrities of different genders and races are perceived. Results: Results indicate that there are significant differences in how persuasive messages from female celebrities are received as compared to messages from male celebrities. Further, race was shown to play a role in feelings of psychological reactance in response to the persuasive messages. Recommendations for Research of Practice: Results suggests marketers should seek out celebrity spokespeople who have the ability to be well-liked by members of the targeted market. The desire to identify with the message source can be a significant enough benefit to inspire behavior change. Having a spokesperson the audience wants to align themselves with is positively correlated with behavioral intentions.
Liquid embolic agent Fe3O4-EVOH for endovascular arteriovenous malformation embolisation: Preliminary evaluation in an in vivo swine rete mirabile model
Authors: Li Wei , Liang Shikai , Zhang Wei , Zhao Xuelian , Zhang Huifang , Lv Xianli 
Published: April 2020

Aim Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolisation is in peril after the ARUBA trial. Advancements that are needed to reduce procedural risk are better control and visualisation during micro-catheter injection of liquid embolic material. The injectability, radiographic visualisation, mechanical stability and biocompatibility of the embolic agent Fe3O4-EVOH was evaluated in an in vivo swine AVM model. Methods The swine AVM model is the rete mirabile (RM). Nine swine AVM models were embolised with the embolic agent Fe3O4-EVOH by using a 1.5 F micro-catheter. Procedure times, embolisation success (deﬁned as complete embolisation of the nidus), volume of embolic agent and histopathology were assessed. Results Six swine underwent embolisation of one side rete, and three underwent embolisation of both sides. We did not experience any technical complication during embolisation of each rete. The micro-catheter was easy to retrieve. Fluoroscopic visualisation of the Fe3O4-EVOH cast was adequate. The mean embolisation time for each RM was 7.5 minutes. The median volume of the embolic agent for each RM was 0.52 mL. At one, four and eight weeks following injection, microscopic and histological analysis demonstrated minimal inflammatory changes in the perivascular tissues and permanent occlusion of the embolised vasculature. Conclusion Fe3O4-EVOH embolic agent is an effective endovascular occlusion material, providing the initial in vivo characteristics of stability and biocompatibility.