bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The egg and larval pheromone dodecanoic acid mediates density-dependent oviposition of Phlebotomus papatasi
Authors: Kowacich Dannielle , Hatano Eduardo , Schal Coby , Ponnusamy Loganathan , Apperson Charles S. , Shymanovich Tatsiana , Wasserberg Gideon 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Gravid females assess the conditions of oviposition sites to secure the growth and survival of their offspring. Conspecific-occupied sites may signal suitable oviposition sites but may also impose risk due to competition or cannibalism at high population density or heterogeneous larval stage structure, respectively. Chemicals in the habitat, including chemicals emitted from other organisms, serve as cues for females to assess habitat conditions. Here, we investigated the attraction and oviposition preference of the Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis vector, Phlebotomus papatasi, to young and old conspecific stages, including eggs and evaluated the effect of a semiochemical associated with eggs and neonate larvae.

Methods
Attraction and oviposition preference of Ph. papatasi to each of various life stages (eggs, first-, second-, third-, fourth-instar larvae, pupae and male and female adults) was investigated using cage and oviposition jar behavioral assays. Identification of organic chemical compounds extracted from eggs was performed using GC-MS and chemicals were tested in the same behavioral assays in a dose-response manner. Behavioral responses were statistically analyzed using logistic models.

Results
Gravid Ph. papatasi females were significantly attracted to and preferred to oviposit on medium containing young life stages (eggs and first instars). This preference decreased towards older life stages. Dose effect of eggs indicated a hump-shaped response with respect to attraction but a concave-up pattern with respect to oviposition. Chemical analysis of semiochemicals from eggs and first-instar larvae revealed the presence of dodecanoic acid (DA) and isovaleric acid. Sand flies were attracted to and laid more eggs at the lowest DA dose tested followed by a negative dose-response.

Conclusions
Findings corroborated our hypothesis that gravid sand flies should prefer early colonized oviposition sites as indicators of site suitability but avoid sites containing older stages as indicators of potential competition. Findings also supported the predictions of our hump-shaped oviposition regulation (HSR) model, with attraction to conspecific eggs at low-medium densities and switching to repellence at high egg densities. This oviposition behavior is mediated by DA that was identified from surface extracts of both eggs and first-instar larvae. Isovaleric acid was also found in extracts of both stages.
Nocturnal blood pressure dipping as a marker of endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chang Joyce C. , Xiao Rui , Meyers Kevin E. , Mercer-Rosa Laura , Natarajan Shobha S. , Weiss Pamela F. , Knight Andrea M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Loss of the normal nocturnal decline in blood pressure (BP), known as non-dipping, is a potential measure of cardiovascular risk identified by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). We sought to determine whether non-dipping is a useful marker of abnormal vascular function and subclinical atherosclerosis in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE).

Methods
Twenty subjects 9–19 years of age with pSLE underwent ABPM, peripheral endothelial function testing, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity/analysis for aortic stiffness, and carotid intima-media thickness. We assessed the prevalence of non-dipping and other ABPM abnormalities. Pearson or Spearman rank correlation tests were used to evaluate relationships between nocturnal BP dipping, BP load (% of abnormally elevated BPs over 24-h), and vascular outcome measures.

Results
The majority (75%) of subjects had inactive disease, with mean disease duration of 3.2 years (± 2.1). The prevalence of non-dipping was 50%, which occurred even in the absence of nocturnal or daytime hypertension. Reduced diastolic BP dipping was associated with poorer endothelial function (r 0.5, p = 0.04). Intima-media thickness was significantly greater in subjects with non-dipping (mean standard deviation score of 3.0 vs 1.6, p = 0.02). In contrast, higher systolic and diastolic BP load were associated with increased aortic stiffness (ρ 0.6, p = 0.01 and ρ 0.7, p < 0.01, respectively), but not with endothelial function or intima-media thickness.

Conclusion
In a pSLE cohort with low disease activity, isolated nocturnal BP non-dipping is prevalent and associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic changes. In addition to hypertension assessment, ABPM has a promising role in risk stratification and understanding heterogeneous mechanisms of cardiovascular disease in pSLE.
A transient CRISPR/Cas9 expression system for genome editing in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Shaw Sebastian , Knüsel Sebastian , Hoenner Sarah , Roditi Isabel 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective
Generation of knockouts and in situ tagging of genes in Trypanosoma brucei has been greatly facilitated by using CRISPR/Cas9 as a genome editing tool. To date, this has entailed using a limited number of cell lines that are stably transformed to express Cas9 and T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP). It would be desirable, however, to be able to use CRISPR/Cas9 for any trypanosome cell line.

Results
We describe a sequential transfection expression system that enables transient expression of the two proteins, followed by delivery of PCR products for gRNAs and repair templates. This procedure can be used for genome editing without the need for stable integration of the Cas9 and T7RNAP genes.
Effects of bone marrow mononuclear cells on induction of axonal sprouting in cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal pathways in an animal model of cortical ablation
Authors: dos Santos Sampaio Maria de Fátima , Giraldi-Guimarães Arthur , da Silva Lourenço Camila , Pereira Messias Gonzaga , Coimbra Norberto Cysne 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Many therapies have been proposed in order to investigate the mechanisms of neural repair associated with neurological diseases, including bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) transplantation. However, there is evidence that some encephalic injuries are less responsive to neural repair, such as, for example, cortical ablation. On the other hand, some models of cortical ablation have shown functional recovery after BMMC transplantation. Thus, it is relevant to expand the knowledge of BMMC transplantation-induced neuroplasticity in animal models, considering a promising approach for the rehabilitation of patients with neurological diseases. Using an experimental model of cerebral cortex ablation in adult male Wistar rats, which is known to be poorly responsive to neuroplasticity, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BMMC on axonal sprouting in cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal pathways synaptic fields. An anterograde neurotracer was used to evaluate the distribution of axonal fibres.

Results
The results showed that BMMC were not able to significantly induce axonal sprouting in the evaluated synaptic fields. Our results reinforced the idea that cortical ablation may be less responsive to neuroplasticity and the beneficial effects of BMMC therapy depend on the particularities of a neural microenvironment intrinsic to a given cortical lesion.
Pluripotent stem cell-derived skeletal muscle fibers preferentially express myosin heavy-chain isoforms associated with slow and oxidative muscles
Authors: Incitti Tania , Magli Alessandro , Jenkins Asher , Lin Karena , Yamamoto Ami , Perlingeiro Rita C. R. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Skeletal muscle function is essential for health, and it depends on the proper activity of myofibers and their innervating motor neurons. Each adult muscle is composed of different types of myofibers with distinct contractile and metabolic characteristics. The proper balance of myofiber types is disrupted in most muscle degenerative disorders, representing another factor compromising muscle function. One promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of these diseases is cell replacement based on the targeted differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) towards the myogenic lineage. We have previously shown that transient induction of Pax3 or Pax7 in PSCs allows for the generation of skeletal myogenic progenitors endowed with myogenic regenerative potential, but whether they contribute to different fiber types remains unknown.

Results
Here, we investigate the fiber type composition of mouse PSC-derived myofibers upon their transplantation into dystrophic and non-dystrophic mice. Our data reveal that PSC-derived myofibers express slow and oxidative myosin heavy-chain isoforms, along with developmental myosins, regardless of the recipient background. Furthermore, transplantation of the mononuclear cell fraction re-isolated from primary grafts into secondary recipients results in myofibers that maintain preferential expression of slow and oxidative myosin heavy-chain isoforms but no longer express developmental myosins, thus indicating postnatal composition.

Conclusions
Considering oxidative fibers are commonly spared in the context of dystrophic pathogenesis, this feature of PSC-derived myofibers could be advantageous for therapeutic applications.
Three dimensional microcarrier system in mesenchymal stem cell culture: a systematic review
Authors: Koh Benson , Sulaiman Nadiah , Fauzi Mh Busra , Law Jia Xian , Ng Min Hwei , Idrus Ruszymah Bt Hj , Yazid Muhammad Dain 
Published: June 2020

AbstractStem cell-based regenerative medicine is a promising approach for tissue reconstruction. However, a large number of cells are needed in a typical clinical study, where conventional monolayer cultures might pose a limitation for scale-up. The purpose of this review was to systematically assess the application of microcarriers in Mesenchymal Stem Cell cultures. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline via Ebscohost, Pubmed, and Scopus, and relevant studies published between 2015 and 2019 were selected. The literature search identified 53 related studies, but only 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. These include 7 utilised commercially available microcarriers, while the rest were formulated based on different surface characteristics, all of which are discussed in this review. Current applications of microcarriers were focused on MSC expansion and induction of MSCs into different lineages. These studies demonstrated that MSCs could proliferate in a microcarrier culture system in-fold compared to monolayer cultures, and the culture system could simulate a three-dimensional environment which induces cell differentiation. However, detailed studies are still required before this system were to be adapted into the scale of GMP manufacturing.
Low computational complexity methods for decoding of STBC in the uplink of a massive MIMO system
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Hosein , Pourrostam Jafar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReducing the computational complexity of the modern wireless communication systems such as massive MIMO configurations is of utmost interest. In this paper, we propose algorithms which can be used to accelerate matrix inversion and reduce the complexity of common spatial multiplexing schemes in massive MIMO systems. Here, we specifically investigate the performance of the proposed methods in systems that utilize STBC (Space-Time Block Code) in the uplink of dynamic massive MIMO systems for different scenarios. A multi-user system in which the base station is equipped with a large number of antennas and each user has two antennas is considered. In addition, users can enter or exit the system dynamically. For a given space-time block coding/decoding scheme, the computational complexity of the receiver will be significantly reduced by employing the proposed methods. The first approach is utilizing Neumann series to approximate the inverse matrix for linear decoders. The second tactic is reducing the computational complexity of the STBC decoders when a user is added to system or removed from it. In the proposed schemes, the matrix inversion for ZF and MMSE decoding is derived from inversing a partitioned matrix and Woodbury matrix identity. Furthermore, the suggested techniques can be utilized when the number of users is fixed but the CSI changes for a particular user. The mathematical equations for both approaches are derived and the complexity of the suggested methods is compared to the direct computation of the inverse matrix. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithms is evaluated in terms of the system BER (bit error rate). Evaluations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Concentration inequalities for upper probabilities
Authors: Tan Yuzhen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we obtain a Bernstein-type concentration inequality and McDiarmid’s inequality under upper probabilities for exponential independent random variables. Compared with the classical result, our inequalities are investigated under a family of probability measures, rather than one probability measure. As applications, the convergence rates of the law of large numbers and the Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund-type law of large numbers about the random variables in upper expectation spaces are obtained.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for monitoring larotrectinib, a tropomyosin-related kinase inhibitor, in mouse and human plasma and application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Chae Yoon-Jee , Song Yoo-Kyung , Chae Song-Hee , Kim Min Ju , Kang Jong Soon , Lee Jae-Young , Koo Tae-Sung , Lee Kyeong-Ryoon 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLarotrectinib is an orally administered drug and the first and only selective pan-tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor in clinical development to treat cancer patients harboring a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase gene fusion. In this study, an analytical method to quantify the TRK inhibitor in mouse and human plasma was developed and validated using LC-MS/MS following protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Larotrectinib and an internal standard (carbamazepine) were separated from endogenous substances using an Xterra C18 column with acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase. The ions m/z 429.8 → 342.8 for larotrectinib and m/z 237.0 → 194.0 for carbamazepine detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode were used for the quantitation. The detector response of larotrectinib was linear within the concentration range 5–10,000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (r2) of not less than 0.999. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were less than 10.48% and within − 8.99%, respectively, in mouse and human plasma. Larotrectinib was stable under various storage and handling conditions, and no significant matrix effect was observed in both mouse and human plasma. Finally, the assay was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of larotrectinib after its intravenous and oral administration to mice.
Estimation of temporal and spatial variation of sound speed in ocean from GNSS-A measurements for observation using moored buoy
Authors: Kinugasa Natsuki , Tadokoro Keiichi , Kato Teruyuki , Terada Yukihiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUsing Global Navigation Satellite System–Acoustic (GNSS-A) technique, we have been developing observation system on a moored buoy for continuous monitoring of seafloor crustal deformation. The sound speed structure near a warm current has heterogeneity, which is the main cause of a seafloor positioning error. Assuming a sloping structure, previous studies proposed sound speed model to reduce positioning error. We examined the validity of the model by comparing the estimated structure with the actual structure measured at multiple points around our observation site. The result shows that the gradient parameter estimated from GNSS-A data acquired by vessel is appropriate. The numerical examination indicates that modeling error caused by the misinterpretation of the depth of gradient layer occurs, and it can be suppressed by performing acoustic ranging at the point near the centroid of units. From the calculation of estimation error of sound speed variation, the predicted acoustic ranging error observed using the moored buoy staying near the centroid is 9.0 cm or below. Therefore, seafloor displacement can be detected with centimeter class via moored buoy in the basin of a warm current.
Impact of sitagliptin combination therapy and hypoglycemia in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a multi-center retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Saito Tomoyuki , Ohmura Hirotoshi , Nojiri Shuko , Daida Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of developing polypharmacy because of the high frequency of comorbidities. There have been several reports on the hypoglycemic risk of the combination of hypoglycemic agents and other medications. This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic risk of drug-drug interaction between sitagliptin and other oral hypoglycemic agents or antihypertensive agents in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
From January 2010 to March 2012, a total of 3247 patients were recruited and evaluated at outpatient clinics at Juntendo University Hospital, other satellite hospitals, and private clinics. This study was a sub-analysis of the Sitagliptin Registration Type 2 Diabetes-Juntendo Collaborating Project. Participants were limited to those treated with oral hypoglycemic agents, excluding insulin users, to investigate the association of the first hypoglycemic events with oral hypoglycemic agents or other medications within 6 months after starting sitagliptin. The factors related to the first hypoglycemic event were analyzed using Cox regression analysis.

Results
In total, 2956 patients with a mean age of 65.1 ± 11.3 years were included. A total of 46 hypoglycemic events (1.6%) were observed. One patient had severe hypoglycemia followed by emergency transport to the hospital. Sitagliptin was not associated with hypoglycemia, but its combination with sulfonylurea (hazard ratio: 4.42, 95% confidential interval: 1.36–14.42) or β-blocker (hazard ratio, 3.50, 95% confidential interval: 1.54–7.96) was significantly associated with hypoglycemia.

Conclusions
The drug-drug interactions between sitagliptin and sulfonylurea or β-blocker likely increases the hypoglycemic risk in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Pharmacists should consider potential adverse events from drug-drug interaction in type 2 diabetes with polypharmacy, particularly those who are managed by several doctors or clinics.
Network analysis as a tool for humanitarian protection: research and practice
Authors: Cachia Romina , Holgado Ramos Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this article, we explore how network analysis could be used for humanitarian protection. Our objective is bringing together what is known about the role of networks for humanitarian aid intervention and examining how it could be used to respond to emergencies, through interventions which can aid and improve different aspects of the humanitarian protection. Based on this previous research, we develop a systematic framework aimed at informing researchers and practitioners on the different applications of network analysis and visualisations for humanitarian protection in two main areas: (1) to protect individuals and (2) to enable protection at the community level. We believe that the versatility of social network analysis is worth investigating in the context of humanitarian protection.
Translational simulation for rapid transformation of health services, using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic preparation
Authors: Brazil Victoria , Lowe Belinda , Ryan Leanne , Bourke Rachel , Scott Clare , Myers Simone , Kaneko Hellen , Schweitzer Jane , Shanahan Brenton 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHealthcare simulation has significant potential for helping health services to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid changes to care pathways and processes needed for protection of staff and patients may be facilitated by a translational simulation approach—diagnosing changes needed, developing and testing new processes and then embedding new systems and teamwork through training. However, there are also practical constraints on running in situ simulations during a pandemic—the need for physical distancing, rigorous infection control for manikins and training equipment and awareness of heightened anxiety among simulation participants. We describe our institution’s simulation strategy for COVID-19 preparation and reflect on the lessons learned—for simulation programs and for health services seeking to utilise translational simulation during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. We offer practical suggestions for a translational simulation strategy and simulation delivery within pandemic constraints. We also suggest simulation programs develop robust strategies, governance and relationships for managing change within institutions—balancing clinician engagement, systems engineering expertise and the power of translational simulation for diagnosing, testing and embedding changes.
The COVID-19 response must integrate people living with HIV needs in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Mali
Authors: Sagaon-Teyssier Luis , Yattassaye Adam , Bourrelly Michel , Dembélé Keïta Bintou , Spire Bruno 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe first COVID-19 cases in Mali were reported almost 1 month after the first case in the African continent. However, the outbreak continues to spread faster there than in other countries which, along with Mali, successfully tackled the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Africa. Given this context, specific actions targeting people living with HIV (PLWH) are needed to reinforce prevention. Community-based involvement is crucial to ensure continuity of care and treatment for PLWH. Furthermore, the health of frontline healthcare workers must take priority in any actions taken. The long-established trustful relationship between NGOs and PLWH in Mali is indispensable to disseminate key messages about COVID-19.
The China-UK Global Health Support Programme: looking for new roles and partnerships in changing times
Authors: Husain Lewis , Bloom Gerald , McPherson Sam 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChina’s engagement in global affairs has changed substantially in the 2010s. One aspect of the country’s global reorientation has been its increased interest in, and willingness to play a role in, global health. In the early 2010s, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) initiated a collaboration with the Chinese government on a programme to support the country to play a greater and more effective global role in health and explore how the UK and China could work together on issues of key concern and contribute to improved global development outcomes. The programme worked with key Chinese agencies to carry out capacity building, support analysis of China’s approaches to engagement in global health governance and assistance, and provide support to government decision making. It also trialled several small-scale interventions in third countries through which Chinese agencies gained experience of working on health programmes overseas. The article reports on the main findings of an evaluation commissioned by DFID to learn from the programme. The programme provided support at a key time in China’s global reorientation; however, there is a need for continued development of capacity and systems for China to play the role envisaged by the country’s leadership. There is also a need for continued exploration on the part of China and partners of how to effectively collaborate to support improved global outcomes.