bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Resistance Mechanisms to Pyrethroids Insecticides in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato Population From Mali, West Africa
Authors: Keïta Moussa , Sogoba Nafomon , Kané Fousseyni , Traoré Boissé , Zeukeng Francis , Coulibaly Boubacar , Sodio Ambiélè Bernard , Traoré Sekou Fantamady , Djouaka Rousseau , Doumbia Seydou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Insecticide-based vector control is responsible for reducing malaria mortality and morbidity. Its success depends on a better knowledge of the vector, its distribution, and resistance status to the insecticides used. In this paper, we assessed Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (A gambiae s.l.) population resistance to pyrethroids in different ecological settings.

Methods
The World Health Organization standard bioassay test was used to assess F0A gambiae s.l. susceptibility to pyrethroids. Biochemical Synergist assays were conducted with piperonyl butoxide (PBO), S,S,S-tributyl phosphotritioate, and diethyl maleate. L1014F, L1014S, and N1575Y knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations were investigated using TaqMan genotyping.

Results
Anopheles gambiae sensu lato was composed of Anopheles arabienisis, Anopheles coluzzii, and A gambiae in all study sites. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato showed a strong phenotypic resistance to deltamethrin and permethrin in all sites (13% to 41% mortality). In many sites, pre-exposure to synergists partially improved the mortality rate suggesting the presence of detoxifying enzymes. The 3 kdr (L1014F, L1014S, and N1575Y) mutations were found, with a predominance of L1014F, in all species.

Conclusions
Multiple resistance mechanisms to pyrethroids were observed in A gambiae s.l. in Mali. The PBO provided a better partial restoration of susceptibility to pyrethroids, suggesting that the efficacy of long-lasting insecticidal nets may be improved with PBO.
Hide and seek: interplay between influenza viruses and B cells
Authors: Kuraoka Masayuki , Adachi Yu , Takahashi Yoshimasa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInfluenza virus constantly acquires genetic mutations/reassortment in the major surface protein, hemagglutinin (HA), resulting in the generation of strains with antigenic variations. There are, however, HA epitopes that are conserved across influenza viruses and are targeted by broadly protective antibodies. A goal for the next-generation influenza vaccines is to stimulate B-cell responses against such conserved epitopes in order to provide broad protection against divergent influenza viruses. Broadly protective B cells, however, are not easily activated by HA antigens with native structure, because the virus has multiple strategies to escape from the humoral immune responses directed to the conserved epitopes. One such strategy is to hide the conserved epitopes from the B-cell surveillance by steric hindrance. Technical advancement in the analysis of the human B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) repertoire has dissected the BCRs to HA epitopes that are hidden in the native structure but are targeted by broadly protective antibodies. We describe here the characterization and function of broadly protective antibodies and strategies that enable B cells to seek these hidden epitopes, with potential implications for the development of universal influenza vaccines.
Impact Protection Potential of Mammalian Hair: Testing the Pugilism Hypothesis for the Evolution of Human Facial Hair
Authors: Beseris E A , Naleway S E , Carrier D R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Because facial hair is one of the most sexually dimorphic features of humans (Homo sapiens) and is often perceived as an indicator of masculinity and social dominance, human facial hair has been suggested to play a role in male contest competition. Some authors have proposed that the beard may function similar to the long hair of a lion’s mane, serving to protect vital areas like the throat and jaw from lethal attacks. This is consistent with the observation that the mandible, which is superficially covered by the beard, is one of the most commonly fractured facial bones in interpersonal violence. We hypothesized that beards protect the skin and bones of the face when human males fight by absorbing and dispersing the energy of a blunt impact. We tested this hypothesis by measuring impact force and energy absorbed by a fiber epoxy composite, which served as a bone analog, when it was covered with skin that had thick hair (referred to here as “furred”) versus skin with no hair (referred to here as “sheared” and “plucked”). We covered the epoxy composite with segments of skin dissected from domestic sheep (Ovis aries), and used a drop weight impact tester affixed with a load cell to collect force versus time data. Tissue samples were prepared in three conditions: furred (n = 20), plucked (n = 20), and sheared (n = 20). We found that fully furred samples were capable of absorbing more energy than plucked and sheared samples. For example, peak force was 16% greater and total energy absorbed was 37% greater in the furred compared to the plucked samples. These differences were due in part to a longer time frame of force delivery in the furred samples. These data support the hypothesis that human beards protect vulnerable regions of the facial skeleton from damaging strikes.
Energy Stores, Oxidative Balance, and Sleep in Migratory Garden Warblers (Sylvia borin) and Whitethroats (Sylvia communis) at a Spring Stopover Site
Authors: Ferretti Andrea , McWilliams Scott R , Rattenborg Niels C , Maggini Ivan , Cardinale Massimiliano , Fusani Leonida 
Published: April 2020

SynopsisLittle is known about how songbirds modulate sleep during migratory periods. Due to the alternation of nocturnal endurance flights and diurnal refueling stopovers, sleep is likely to be a major constraint for many migratory passerine species. Sleep may help to increase the endogenous antioxidant capacity that counteracts free radicals produced during endurance flight and reduces energy expenditure. Here, we investigated the relationship between sleep behavior, food intake, and two markers of physiological condition—the amount of energy reserves and oxidative status—in two migratory songbird species, the garden warbler (Sylvia borin) and the whitethroat (Sylvia communis). In garden warblers, birds with high energy stores were more prone to sleep during the day, while this condition-dependent sleep pattern was not present in whitethroats. In both species, birds with low energy stores were more likely to sleep with their head tucked in the feathers during nocturnal sleep. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between food intake and the extent of energy reserves in garden warblers, but not in whitethroats. Finally, we did not find significant correlations between oxidative status and sleep, or oxidative status and energy stores. Despite our study was not comparative, it suggests that different species might use different strategies to manage their energy during stopover and, additionally, it raises the possibility that migrants have evolved physiological adaptations to deal with oxidative damage produced during migration.
Single-dose pharmacokinetics of temocillin in plasma and soft tissues of healthy volunteers after intravenous and subcutaneous administration: a randomized crossover microdialysis trial
Authors: Matzneller Peter , Ngougni Pokem Perrin , Capron Arnaud , Lackner Edith , Wulkersdorfer Beatrix , Nussbaumer-Pröll Alina , Österreicher Zoe , Duchek Michael , Van de Velde Sebastien , Wallemacq Pierre E , Mouton Johan W , Van Bambeke Françoise , Zeitlinger Markus 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
The antibiotic temocillin has recently been rediscovered as a promising therapeutic option against MDR Gram-negative bacteria. However, some aspects of the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of the drug are still to be elucidated: subcutaneous administration of temocillin might be of interest as an alternative to the intravenous route in selected patients. Similarly, information on the penetration of temocillin into human soft tissues is lacking.

Objectives
To investigate the feasibility and plasma PK of subcutaneous dosing as well as soft tissue PK of temocillin after intravenous administration to healthy volunteers.

Methods
Eight healthy volunteers received 2 g of temocillin both as intravenous and subcutaneous infusion in a randomized two-period crossover study. Concentration–time profiles of total temocillin in plasma (after both routes) and of unbound temocillin in plasma, muscle and subcutis (only after intravenous dosing) were determined up to 12 h post-dose.

Results
Subcutaneous dosing caused some infusion site discomfort but resulted in sustained drug concentrations over time with only slightly decreased overall exposure compared with intravenous dosing. Plasma protein binding of temocillin showed concentration-dependent behaviour and was higher than previously reported. Still, unbound drug concentrations in muscle and subcutis determined by microdialysis markedly exceeded those in plasma, suggesting good tissue penetration of temocillin.

Conclusions
The subcutaneous administration of temocillin is a valid and feasible alternative to intravenous dosing. With the description of plasma protein binding and soft tissue PK of temocillin in healthy volunteers, this study provides important information that adds to the ongoing characterization of the PK profile of temocillin and might serve as input for PK/PD considerations.
Performance of commercial methods for linezolid susceptibility testing of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Dejoies Loren , Boukthir Sarrah , Péan de Ponfilly Gauthier , Le Guen Ronan , Zouari Asma , Potrel Sophie , Collet Anaïs , Auger Gabriel , Jacquier Hervé , Fihman Vincent , Dortet Laurent , Cattoir Vincent 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) causing infections that are challenging to treat are rising, highlighting the need for reliable screening of LRE clinical isolates.

Objectives
To evaluate the ability of the broth microdilution (BMD) method for LRE detection and to assess the performance of seven commercially available techniques for linezolid susceptibility testing.

Methods
A collection of 100 clinical isolates (80 Enterococcus faecium and 20 Enterococcus faecalis), including 20 optrA-positive isolates, 17 poxtA-positive isolates and 1 optrA/poxtA-positive E. faecium isolate, were studied. MICs were determined after 18 h [Day 1 (D1)] and 42 h [Day 2 (D2)] of incubation and interpreted following EUCAST and CLSI guidelines, which currently provide different interpretative breakpoints. Performance of commercial techniques was compared with BMD results.

Results
MIC50/D1 and MIC50/D2 were both 8 mg/L, while MIC90/D1 and MIC90/D2 were 16 and 32 mg/L, respectively. MICD1 values for poxtA-positive isolates were lower than those for optrA-positive isolates. Proportions of susceptible isolates at D1 and D2 were 48% and 41%, respectively, according to EUCAST breakpoints and 35% and 13%, respectively, according to CLSI criteria (the proportions of isolates categorized as intermediate following CLSI recommendations were 13% and 28% at D1 and D2, respectively). Percentage susceptibility assessed by the commercially available techniques was always higher. The four commercial methods allowing MIC determination provided an overall essential agreement of ≥90% at D1. Categorical agreement and error rates were generally improved at D2.

Conclusions
Non-automated methods (Sensititre and UMIC) and, to a lesser extent, gradient strip Etest appear to show an acceptable correlation with the BMD reference method for the detection of isolates with low MICs of linezolid after prolonged incubation.
Following data as it crosses borders during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Plasek Joseph M , Tang Chunlei , Zhu Yangyong , Huang Yajun , Bates David W 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Data change the game in terms of how we respond to pandemics. Global data on disease trajectories and the effectiveness and economic impact of different social distancing measures are essential to facilitate effective local responses to pandemics. COVID-19 data flowing across geographic borders are extremely useful to public health professionals for many purposes such as accelerating the pharmaceutical development pipeline, and for making vital decisions about intensive care unit rooms, where to build temporary hospitals, or where to boost supplies of personal protection equipment, ventilators, or diagnostic tests. Sharing data enables quicker dissemination and validation of pharmaceutical innovations, as well as improved knowledge of what prevention and mitigation measures work. Even if physical borders around the globe are closed, it is crucial that data continues to transparently flow across borders to enable a data economy to thrive, which will promote global public health through global cooperation and solidarity.
Geographic variation in body size of five Australian marsupials supports Bergmann’s thermoregulation hypothesis
Authors: Stobo-Wilson Alyson M , Cremona Teigan , Murphy Brett P , Carthew Susan M 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDespite a large body of research, little agreement has been reached on the ultimate driver(s) of geographic variation in body size (mass and/or length). Here we use skull length measurements (as a surrogate for body mass) from five Australian marsupial species to test the primary hypotheses of geographic variation in body size (relating to ambient temperature, productivity, and seasonality). We used a revised articulation of Bergmann’s rule, wherein evidence for thermoregulation (heat dissipation or heat conservation) is considered supportive of Bergmann’s rule. We modeled the skull lengths of four Petaurid glider species and the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) as a function of indices of ambient temperature, productivity, and seasonality. The skull length of Petaurus ariel, P. notatus, and the squirrel glider (P. norfolcensis), increased with increasing winter minimum temperature, while that of T. vulpecula decreased with increasing summer maximum temperature. The skull length of P. ariel decreased with indices of productivity, falsifying the productivity hypothesis. Only P. ariel met the hypothesis of seasonality, as skull length increased with increasing seasonality. Thermoregulation was the most consistently supported driver of geographic variation in body size, as we found evidence of either heat conservation or heat dissipation in four of the five species examined. We found the geographic range of the individual species and the climate space in which the species occurred was integral to understanding the species’ responses to climate variables. Future studies should use specimens that are representative of a species’ entire geographic range, encompass a variety of climatic regions, and use consistent methodologies and terminology when testing drivers of geographic variation in body size.
Penetrance of Colorectal Cancer Among Mismatch Repair Gene Mutation Carriers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Cathy , Wang Yan , Hughes Kevin S , Parmigiani Giovanni , Braun Danielle 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Lynch syndrome, the most common colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, is caused by germline mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Precise estimates of age-specific risks are crucial for sound counseling of individuals managing a genetic predisposition to cancer, but published risk estimates vary. The objective of this work is to provide gene-, sex-, and age-specific risk estimates of CRC for MMR mutation carriers that comprehensively reflect the best available data.

Methods
We conducted a meta-analysis to combine risk information from multiple studies on Lynch syndrome–associated CRC. We used a likelihood-based approach to integrate reported measures of CRC risk and deconvolved aggregated information to estimate gene- and sex-specific risk.

Results
Our comprehensive search identified 10 studies (8 on MLH1, 9 on MSH2, and 3 on MSH6). We estimated the cumulative risk of CRC by age and sex in heterozygous mutation carriers. At age 70 years, for male and female carriers, respectively, risks for MLH1 were 43.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 39.6% to 46.6%) and 37.3% (95% CI = 32.2% to 40.2%), for MSH2 were 53.9% (95% CI = 49.0% to 56.3%) and 38.6% (95% CI = 34.1% to 42.0%), and for MSH6 were 12.0% (95% CI = 2.4% to 24.6%) and 12.3% (95% CI = 3.5% to 23.2%).

Conclusions
Our results provide up-to-date and comprehensive age-specific CRC risk estimates for counseling and risk prediction tools. These will have a direct clinical impact by improving prevention and management strategies for both individuals who are MMR mutation carriers and those considering testing.
Propanal, an interstellar aldehyde – first infrared band strengths and other properties of the amorphous and crystalline forms
Authors: Yarnall Yuki Y , Gerakines Perry A , Hudson Reggie L 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
Chemical evolution in molecular clouds in the interstellar medium is well established, with the identification of over 200 molecules and molecular ions. Among the classes of interstellar organic compounds found are the aldehydes. However, laboratory work on the aldehydes has scarcely kept pace with astronomical discoveries as little quantitative solid-phase infrared (IR) data have been published on any of the aldehydes, and the same is true for important properties such as density, refractive indices, and vapour pressures. In this paper, we examine the IR spectra of solid propanal (HC(O)CH2CH3, propionaldehyde), along with several physical properties, for both the amorphous and crystalline forms of the compound. The quantitative measurements we report, such as IR intensities and optical constants, will be useful in laboratory investigations of the formation and evolution of propanal-containing ices, will serve as benchmark data for theoretical investigations, and will inform observational studies.
Protein disorder-to-order transition enhances the nucleosome-binding affinity of H1
Authors: Sridhar Akshay , Orozco Modesto , Collepardo-Guevara Rosana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntrinsically disordered proteins are crucial elements of chromatin heterogenous organization. While disorder in the histone tails enables a large variation of inter-nucleosome arrangements, disorder within the chromatin-binding proteins facilitates promiscuous binding to a wide range of different molecular targets, consistent with structural heterogeneity. Among the partially disordered chromatin-binding proteins, the H1 linker histone influences a myriad of chromatin characteristics including compaction, nucleosome spacing, transcription regulation, and the recruitment of other chromatin regulating proteins. Although it is now established that the long C-terminal domain (CTD) of H1 remains disordered upon nucleosome binding and that such disorder favours chromatin fluidity, the structural behaviour and thereby the role/function of the N-terminal domain (NTD) within chromatin is yet unresolved. On the basis of microsecond-long parallel-tempering metadynamics and temperature-replica exchange atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of different H1 NTD subtypes, we demonstrate that the NTD is completely unstructured in solution but undergoes an important disorder-to-order transition upon nucleosome binding: it forms a helix that enhances its DNA binding ability. Further, we show that the helical propensity of the H1 NTD is subtype-dependent and correlates with the experimentally observed binding affinity of H1 subtypes, suggesting an important functional implication of this disorder-to-order transition.
Tirofiban Protocol Protects Against Delayed Cerebral Ischemia: A Case-Series Study
Authors: Zanaty Mario , Osorno-Cruz Carlos , Byer Stefano , Roa Jorge A , Limaye Kaustubh , Ishii Daizo , Nakagawa Daichi , Torner James , Yongjun Lu , Ortega-Gutiérrez Santiago , Samaniego Edgar A , Allan Lauren , Hasan David 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There has not been any effective prophylaxis for delayed cerebral ischemia delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) since the introduction of nimodipine. Platelet inhibition may reduce the risk by preventing the formation of microthrombi. Tirofiban has been used as a single monotherapy bridge given its safety profile and controlled platelet inhibition.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the risk of DCI in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAH) patients treated with the tirofiban protocol.

METHODS
aSAH patients between December 2010 and March 2019 who were treated with stent assisted coiling or flow-diverting device were started on a continuous tirofiban infusion protocol and were compared with patients who underwent coil embolization without antiplatelet therapy. Safety analysis was performed to assess DCI, hemorrhagic, and ischemic events.

RESULTS
A total of 21 patients were included in the tirofiban series and 81 in the control group. There was no statistical difference in age, gender, Hunt-Hess grade, and Fisher scale between the 2 groups except for a higher Fisher grade II in the tirofiban group. Multivariate analysis revealed tirofiban to reduce the risk of vasospasm by 72 percent (OR .28, P = .03), without affecting the risk of hemorrhagic complications (OR = 0.50, P = .26). Tirofiban reduced the risk of symptomatic stroke endovascular procedure but it did not reach significance (P = .06). DCI, older age, and postprocedural symptomatic stroke were significant predictors of mortality. Tirofiban reduced the mortality risk, but this association was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION
The tirofiban protocol in aSAH patients reduces the risk of DCI without conferring additional risks. This supports previous findings were antiplatelet therapy reduced DCI in human and animal models.
Extreme weather and climate events in China under changing climate
Authors: Zhao Weijie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In the summer of 2003, a heat wave swept Europe and caused more than 70 000 additional fatalities [J.-M. Robine et al., C. R. Biologies331 (2008)]. Global warming and climate change is no longer a prophecy to be fulfilled, as strong heat waves and typhoons, as well as severe rainfalls, are becoming more severe. Extreme weather and climate events in the world, especially over Europe and North America, are widely studied and frequently reported in the media. These events may be related to the ongoing climate change. In this NSR forum, active researchers specialized in this field gather to discuss the climate and weather changes in China. They present the current changes, identify knowledge gaps, discuss the research difficulties, and propose ways forward to better serve the society with climate science.

Ying Sun
Professor at the National Climate Center of the China Meteorological Administration, China

Qiuhong Tang
Professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Zhongwei Yan
Professor at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Jing Yang
Professor at the Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management, faculty of Geographic Science of Beijing Normal University, China

Panmao Zhai
Professor at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences of the China Meteorological Administration, and the current Co-Chair of the IPCC Working Group I, China

Tianjun Zhou
Professor at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Deliang Chen (Chair)
Professor at the University of Gothenburg, NSR Editorial Board member, Sweden