bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-17A-producing γδ T cells promote liver pathology in acute murine schistosomiasis
Authors: Sun Lei , Gong Wenci , Shen Yujuan , Liang Le , Zhang Xiaofan , Li Teng , Chen Tina Tuwen , Hu Yuan , Cao Jianping 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe main symptoms of schistosomiasis are granuloma and fibrosis, caused bySchistosomaeggs. Numerous types of cells and cytokines are involved in the progression ofSchistosomainfection. As a class of innate immune cells, γδ T cells play critical roles in the early immune response. However, their role in modulating granuloma and fibrosis remains to be clarified.MethodsLiver fibrosis in wild-type (WT) mice and T cell receptor (TCR) δ knockout (KO) mice infected withSchistosoma japonicumwas examinedviaMasson’s trichrome staining of collagen deposition and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) of fibrosis-related genes. Granuloma was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and quantified. Flow cytometry was used for immune cell profiling and for detecting cytokine secretion. The abundance of the related cytokines was measured using quantitative RT-PCR.ResultsThe livers ofS. japonicum-infected mice had significantly increased proportions of interleukin (IL)-17A producing γδ T cells and secreted IL-17A. Compared with the WT mice, TCR δ deficiency resulted in reduced pathological impairment and fibrosis in the liver and increased survival in infected mice. In addition, the profibrogenic effects of γδ T cells in infected mice were associated with enhanced CD11b+Gr-1+cells, concurrent with increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the liver.ConclusionsIn this mouse model ofSchistosomainfection, γδ T cells may promote liver fibrosis by recruiting CD11b+Gr-1+cells. These findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of liver pathology in murine schistosomiasis.
Distribution and phylogenetic diversity of Anopheles species in malaria endemic areas of Honduras in an elimination setting
Authors: Escobar Denis , Ascencio Krisnaya , Ortiz Andrés , Palma Adalid , Fontecha Gustavo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of malaria, one of the most important infectious diseases in the tropics. More than 500 Anopheles species have been described worldwide, and more than 30 are considered a public health problem. In Honduras, information on the distribution of Anopheles spp. and its genetic diversity is scarce. This study aimed to describe the distribution and genetic diversity of Anopheles mosquitoes in Honduras.

Methods
Mosquitoes were captured in 8 locations in 5 malaria endemic departments during 2019. Two collection methods were used. Adult anophelines were captured outdoors using CDC light traps and by aspiration of mosquitoes at rest. Morphological identification was performed using taxonomic keys. Genetic analyses included the sequencing of a partial region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (cox1) and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2).

Results
A total of 1320 anophelines were collected and identified through morphological keys. Seven Anopheles species were identified. Anopheles albimanus was the most widespread and abundant species (74.02%). To confirm the morphological identification of the specimens, 175 and 122 sequences were obtained for cox1 and ITS2, respectively. Both markers confirmed the morphological identification. cox1 showed a greater nucleotide diversity than ITS2 in all species. High genetic diversity was observed within the populations of An. albimanus while An. darlingi proved to be a highly homogeneous population. Phylogenetic analyses revealed clustering patterns in An. darlingi and An. neivai in relation to specimens from South America. New sequences for An. crucians, An. vestitipennis and An. neivai are reported in this study.

Conclusions
Here we report the distribution and genetic diversity of Anopheles species in endemic areas of malaria transmission in Honduras. According to our results, both taxonomic and molecular approaches are useful tools in the identification of anopheline mosquitoes. However, both molecular markers differ in their ability to detect intraspecific genetic diversity. These results provide supporting data for a better understanding of the distribution of malaria vectors in Honduras.
Offshore telementored ultrasound: a quality assessment study
Authors: Vatsvåg Victoria , Todnem Kjetil , Næsheim Torvind , Cathcart John , Kerr Daniel , Oveland Nils Petter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTelementored ultrasound (US) connects experts to novices through various types of communication and network technologies with the overall aim to bridge the medical imaging gap between patients’ diagnostic needs and on-site user experience. The recurrent theme in previous research on remote telementored US is the limited access to US machines and experienced users. This study was conducted to determine whether telementored US was feasible in a remote offshore setting. The aim was to assess if an onshore US expert can guide an offshore nurse through focused US scanning protocols by connecting an US machine to existing videoconference units at the offshore hospitals and to evaluate the diagnostic quality of the images and cineloops procured.ResultsThe diagnostic quality of cineloops was scored on a five-point scale. The percentage of cineloops suitable for interpretation (score 3 ≥) for the FATE and e-FAST protocols was 96.4 and 79.1. Lung sliding and seashore sign could be identified in all volunteers. The scan time for the FAST protocol (n = four scanning positions), FATE protocol (n = six scanning positions) and both lungs (n = two scanning positions) was 1 min 20 s, 4 min 15 s and 32 s, respectively.ConclusionA novice US user can be guided by a remote expert through focused US protocols within an acceptable time frame and with good diagnostic quality using existing communication and network systems found onboard offshore oil rigs.
Descriptive epidemiology of objectively-measured, free-living sleep parameters in a rural African setting
Authors: Cook Ian , Mohlabe Matlawa , Alberts Marianne 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the descriptive nature of objectively-measured, free-living sleep quantity and quality, and the relationship to adiposity, in a rural African setting in 145 adults (≥ 40 years, female: n = 104, male: n = 41). Wrist-mounted, triaxial accelerometry data was collected over 9 days. Measures of sleep quantity and quality, and physical activity were extracted from valid minute-by-minute data. Adiposity indices were body-mass-index, waist circumference and conicity index. Self-reported data included behavioural, health and socio-demographic variables. Community consultation followed the quantitative data analyses, for validation and interpretation of findings.

Results
Females had more nocturnal sleep than males (7.2 vs. 6.8 h/night, p = 0.0464) while males recorded more diurnal sleep time (p = 0.0290). Wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings were higher in females, and sleep efficiency was higher in males (p ≤ 0.0225). Sleep indices were generally similar between weekdays and weekends, except for sleep fragmentation index (p = 0.0458). Sleep quantity, but not sleep quality was independently and inversely associated with adiposity (p = 0.0453). Physical activity and morbidity measures were significantly and consistently associated with sleep and adiposity measures (p < 0.0458). The preliminary qualitative data suggests that future studies should include more detailed data around contextual issues of sleep (social, cultural, economic, environment).
Gradient-descent iterative algorithm for solving a class of linear matrix equations with applications to heat and Poisson equations
Authors: Kittisopaporn Adisorn , Chansangiam Pattrawut 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce a new iterative algorithm for solving a generalized Sylvester matrix equation of the form $\sum_{t=1}^{p}A_{t}XB_{t}=C$

∑

t
=
1

p

A
t

X

B
t

=
C
which includes a class of linear matrix equations. The objective of the algorithm is to minimize an error at each iteration by the idea of gradient-descent. We show that the proposed algorithm is widely applied to any problems with any initial matrices as long as such problem has a unique solution. The convergence rate and error estimates are given in terms of the condition number of the associated iteration matrix. Furthermore, we apply the proposed algorithm to sparse systems arising from discretizations of the one-dimensional heat equation and the two-dimensional Poisson’s equation. Numerical simulations illustrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm comparing to well-known methods and recent methods.
Costunolide inhibits inflammation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and ameliorates gastric acid reflux-induced esophageal injury in rat model
Authors: Nan Li , Nam Hyeon-Hwa , Choo Byung-Kil 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs one of the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux esophagitis (RE) severely affects patients’ daily lives. Costunolide (Cos), pertains to a sesquiterpene lactone, performs multiple pharmacological activities including inhibited acute liver injury, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant. We carried out our study to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and protective effects of Cos against esophageal tissue damage caused by gastric acid refluxing. The determination of anti-inflammatory effects of Cos were conducted using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cell inflammatory model. The ameliorative effects of Cos on RE were confirmed on RE controlled rats model. The results indicated that Cos reduced nitrite production and inhibited cellular inflammation via regulating the activation of NF-κB. In addition, gastric acid reflux increased expression levels of inflammatory proteins (COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β) in esophageal tissues, while Cos treatment significantly downregulated the expression of these proteins by inhibiting activation of NF-κB. Furthermore, through observing histological stain, Cos significantly improved esophageal damage caused by gastric acid reflux. Therefore, we suggested that Cos has the potential to be a material of natural drug for the treatment of reflux esophagitis caused by acid reflux.
Peer mentoring for individuals with an eating disorder: a qualitative evaluation of a pilot program
Authors: Hanly Freya , Torrens-Witherow Benjamin , Warren Narelle , Castle David , Phillipou Andrea , Beveridge Jennifer , Jenkins Zoe , Newton Richard , Brennan Leah 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
After receiving intensive medical treatment; individuals with eating disorders often require ongoing care to maintain their recovery, build social networks, and reduce risk of relapse.

Methods
To address this important transition period, a six-month peer mentoring program was developed and piloted in Melbourne, Australia. Twelve adults with a past history of an eating disorder (mentors) were paired with 14 individuals with a current eating disorder (mentees). Pairs met for thirteen mentoring sessions in community settings. Throughout the program mentees and mentors completed reflective questions online. Upon completion of the program, qualitative interviews were conducted. Both online reflections and interviews explored themes relating to perceived benefits and challenges of participation in the peer mentoring program, and the differences between mentoring and traditional treatment.

Results
Thematic analysis identified several benefits for mentees; including hope, reconnection with others, and re-engaging with the world. The majority of mentees described their mentor as uniquely supportive due to their past experience of an eating disorder. Mentors reported experiencing benefits such as increased connection with self and others, and indicated that the experience helped them positively reframe their past experience of an eating disorder. Ending the relationship at the completion of the program was a significant challenge for both groups, and managing boundaries was deemed a main challenge by mentors.

Conclusions
Overall, results indicated that this mode of informal support may be worthy of further investigation as an adjunct to clinical treatment programs for this population.

Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials registration number - ACTRN12617001412325 - Date of registration – 05/10/2017 (Retrospectively registered)
Science identity and metacognitive development in undergraduate mentor-teachers
Authors: Huvard Hannah , Talbot Robert M. , Mason Hillary , Thompson Amreen Nasim , Ferrara Michael , Wee Bryan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundA growing part of the efforts to promote student engagement and success in undergraduate STEM are the family of Student Support and Outreach Programs (SSOPs), which task undergraduate students with providing support and mentoring to their peers and near-peers. Research has shown that these programs can provide a variety of benefits for the programs’ recipients, including increased academic achievement, satisfaction, retention, and entry into STEM careers. This paper extends this line of inquiry to investigate how participation in these programs impacts the undergraduate STEM students that provide the mentoring (defined here as undergraduate mentor-teachers or UMTs). We use activity theory to explore the nature of metacognition and identity development in UMTs engaged in two programs at a public urban-serving university in the western USA: a STEM Learning Assistant program and a program to organize middle and high school STEM clubs. Constructs of metacognition and identity development are seen as critical outcomes of experiential STEM inreach and outreach programs.ResultsWritten reflections were collected throughout implementation of two experiential STEM inreach and outreach programs. A thematic analysis of the reflections revealed UMTs using metacognitive strategies includingcontent reflection and reinforcementandgoal settingfor themselves and the students they were supporting. Participants also showed metacognitive awareness of thebarriers and challengesrelated to their role in the program. In addition to these metacognitive processes, the UMTs developed their science identities by attaching different meanings to theirrole as a mentorin their respective programs and settingperformance expectationsfor their roles. Performance expectations were contingent on pedagogical skills and the amount and type of content knowledge needed to effectively address student needs. The ability to meet students’ needs served tovalidateand verify UMTs’ role in the program, and ultimately their own science identities.ConclusionFindings from this study suggest that metacognitive and identity developments are outcomes shaped not only by undergraduate students’ experiences, but also by their perceptions of what it means to learn and teach STEM. Experiential STEM inreach and outreach programs with structured opportunities for guided and open reflections can contribute to building participants’ metacognition and enhancing their science identities.
A monitoring network for anomalous propagation of aeronautical VHF radio waves due to sporadic E in Japan
Authors: Hosokawa Keisuke , Sakai Jun , Tomizawa Ichiro , Saito Susumu , Tsugawa Takuya , Nishioka Michi , Ishii Mamoru 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe introduce a network observation of anomalous long-distance propagation of aeronautical navigation (NAV) very high-frequency (VHF) radio waves due to sporadic E layer (Es). The system has been operative since May 2019 at 6 stations in Japan. The receiver consists of a log-periodic antenna, air-band filter, software-defined radio and small computer which is capable of recording the strength of radio signals in the frequency band from 98 to 118 MHz with a temporal resolution of 2 s. The receiver covers not only the NAV band including VHF omnidirectional radio range (VOR), instrument landing system localizer (ILS LOC) and ground-based augmentation system VHF data broadcast (GBAS VDB) from 108 to 118 MHz, but also broadcasting channels from 98 to 108 MHz. Soon after the start of the full operation of the network observation, a strong Es event was detected by an ionosonde in Tokyo during the daytime on July 4, 2019, in which foEs (critical frequency of Es) was sometimes higher than 15 MHz. The VHF radio wave monitoring system detected multiple signatures of Es anomalous propagation (EsAP) at all the stations extending from Okinawa to Hokkaido. At some stations, the EsAP signatures continued for a few hours with some brief intervals of disappearance. The observed correspondence between the enhancement of foEs and the occurrence of anomalous propagation confirmed that an extreme electron density enhancement within Es caused the anomalous long-distance propagation of VHF NAV signals. The data from this network observation can be browsed at http://gwave.cei.uec.ac.jp/cgi-bin/vor/vhf.cgi in near real-time basis. This near real-time monitoring capability allows people in the aeronautical operation community such as air navigation service providers, pilots, and airline engineers to check the propagation environment of VHF NAV signals online, which contributes to a mitigation of ionospheric space weather impacts on the aeronautical navigation systems. Not only that the current method for detecting Es in a wide area can be used to visualize the spatial distribution of Es in two-dimensional fashion through a combination of other observation techniques such as ionosondes and total electron content (TEC) measurements using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
Follow-up schedule for initial recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation based on risk classification
Authors: Sun Xuqi , Li Lingling , Lyu Ning , Mu Luwen , Lai Jinfa , Zhao Ming 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To date, no standard follow-up guidelines exist regarding patients receiving ablation for initial recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to explore whether intensive follow-up could benefit these patients.

Methods
We reviewed the clinical data of patients who received complete ablation for initial HCC recurrence after curative treatments in our institution from January 2005 to June 2017. Risk factors for second recurrence of HCC were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients were classified into low- and high-risk groups according to the outcome of the classification and regression model. The patients were further categorized into short- (< 3 months) and long-interval (3–6 months) follow-up subgroups based on their surveillance in the first 2 years after complete ablation for initial recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was performed to compare the overall survival (OS) based on follow-up intervals in each risk group. We also validated our results by stratifying patients into subgroups with different numbers of risk factors and comparing the OS between patients with different follow-up intervals.

Results
A total of 361 patients were enrolled. The risk factors for secondary recurrence included the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage at initial recurrence and first recurrence-free survival after curative treatments for primary HCC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Two risk groups (low and high) were identified. In both the low- and high-risk groups, the OS of patients was not associated with intervals of follow-up (p = 0.29 and 0.49). No significant difference was found in the rates of BCLC 0/A stage, tumor location or curative treatments for the second recurrence by different follow-up intervals in each risk group (p = 0.34 and 0.87; p = 0.69 and 0.97). The same tendency was found in subgroups with 0/1/2 risk factors for secondary recurrence during validation.

Conclusion
The long-interval follow-up did not compromise the survival of patients with complete ablation for initial recurrent HCC.
Intramuscular progesterone versus 8% Crinone vaginal gel for luteal phase support following blastocyst cryopreserved single embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bakkensen Jennifer B. , Racowsky Catherine , Thomas Ann M. , Lanes Andrea , Hornstein Mark D. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The optimal route of progesterone administration for luteal support in cryopreserved embryo transfer (CET) has been the subject of much debate. While most published research has pertained to day 3 transfers, recent data on blastocyst CET has suggested that intramuscular progesterone (IMP) is superior to twice daily vaginal Endometrin suppositories for luteal phase support, resulting in significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rates. This study aimed to determine whether IMP is similarly superior to 8% Crinone vaginal gel for luteal phase support following blastocyst CET.

Methods
Autologous and donor oocyte blastocyst cryopreserved single embryo transfer (SET) cycles from January 2014–January 2019 utilizing either 50 mg IMP daily or 90 mg 8% Crinone gel twice daily for luteal support were included. The primary outcome was live birth. Secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and clinical pregnancy. All analyses were adjusted a priori for oocyte age. Log-binomial regression analysis was performed with differences in outcomes reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
A total of 1710 cycles were included, of which 1594 utilized IMP and 116 utilized 8% Crinone gel. Demographic and cycles characteristics were similar between the two groups. Compared to cycles utilizing IMP, cycles utilizing Crinone gel resulted in similar rates of live birth (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.73–1.13), biochemical pregnancy (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.65–1.92), spontaneous abortion (RR 1.41, 95% CI 0.90–2.20), and clinical pregnancy (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.86–1.17).

Conclusions
Compared to cryopreserved blastocyst SET cycles utilizing IMP for luteal support, cycles utilizing 8% Crinone gel resulted in similar likelihood of live birth.