bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The oesophageal diverticulum of Dirioxa pornia studied through micro-CT scan, dissection and SEM studies
Authors: Bhandari Kala , Crisp Peter , Keller Michael A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Dirioxa pornia (Diptera, Tephritidae) (Island fly) is an Australian native species related to a number of pestiferous fruit flies but, unlike many of the pest species, has not been studied extensively due to its non-pest status. However, due to D. pornia’s apparent reliance on the bacteria for survival it is an ideal species to undertake studies into interaction between Tephritid species and bacteria associated with the intestinal tract. The oesophageal diverticulum, which is a blind-ended protrusion of the oesophagus, has been studied, described and characterised in many other Tephritid species. Unlike many other species where the oesophageal diverticulum has been observed the organ was only observed in male D. pornia. It is speculated that this sexual dimorphism the organ may be the primary location to host beneficial bacteria in the involved in the production of the nuptial gift and the mating success of this Tephritid species. In case of D. pornia, however, no study on any area of the digestive system has been conducted. This study was conducted to locate and characterize the oesophageal diverticulum in D. pornia. A virtual dissection of the alimentary tract was made through micro-computer tomography studies. These studies were followed by dissection and scanning microscopy studies to elucidate the presence of bacteria.

Results
The oesophageal diverticulum of D. pornia is part of the foregut and distends from the oesophagus within the head of the fly. The shape of the oesophageal diverticulum corresponds with the Ceratitis type. Scanning microscopy studies of the oesophageal diverticulum show rod-shaped bacterial cells residing along with yeast cells in the lumen. The organ was only observed in male specimens.

Conclusions
This study classifies the oesophageal diverticulum of D. pornia under the “Ceratitis type” of oesophageal diverticula in Tephritid species. The study also proves that micro-CT scanning is possible to locate soft tissues in Tephritid species and the Avizo® Fire software can be successfully used to visualize 3 dimensional (3D) images from x-rays. The methods used in this experiment can be used in future studies for visualising soft tissues of adult Tephritid species through micro tomography. There is sexual dimorphism with the organ only found in males. Finally this study shows that bacteria are present in the oesophageal diverticulum of D. pornia.
Medfly-Wolbachia symbiosis: genotype x genotype interactions determine host’s life history traits under mass rearing conditions
Authors: Kyritsis Georgios A. , Augustinos Antonios A. , Livadaras Ioannis , Cáceres Carlos , Bourtzis Kostas , Papadopoulos Nikos T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundWolbachia pipientisis a widespread, obligatory intracellular and maternally inherited bacterium, that induces a wide range of reproductive alterations to its hosts. Cytoplasmic Incompatibility (CI) is causing embryonic lethality, the most common of them. Despite thatWolbachia-borne sterility has been proposed as an environmental friendly pest control method (Incompatible Insect Technique, IIT) since 1970s, the fact thatWolbachiamodifies important fitness components of its hosts sets severe barriers to IIT implementation. Mass rearing of Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata(medfly), is highly optimized given that this pest is a model species regarding the implementation of another sterility based pest control method, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). We used the medfly-Wolbachiasymbiotic association, as a model system, to study the effect of two differentWolbachiastrains, on the life history traits of 2C. capitatalines with different genomic background.ResultsWolbachiaeffects are regulated by bothC. capitatagenetic background and theWolbachiastrain.Wolbachiainfection reduces fertility rates in bothC. capitatagenetic backgrounds and shortens the pre-pupa developmental duration in the GSS strain. On the other hand, regardless of the strain ofWolbachia(wCer2,wCer4) infection does not affect either the sex ratio or the longevity of adults.wCer4 infection imposed a reduction in females’ fecundity butwCer2 did not. Male mating competitiveness, adults flight ability and longevity under water and food deprivation were affected by both the genetic background of medfly and the strain ofWolbachia(genotype by genotype interaction).ConclusionWolbachiainfection could alter important life history traits of mass-rearedC. capitatalines and therefore the response of each genotype on theWolbachiainfection should be considered toward ensuring the productivity of theWolbachia-infected insects under mass-rearing conditions.
The effects of occupational pollutants on the reproductive health of female informal street traders in Warwick junction, Durban, South Africa – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hariparsad Sujatha , Naidoo Rajen N. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundInformal street traders are exposed on a daily basis to traffic emissions and biomass fuel smoke containing a variety of pollutants. These exposures are likely to place the female traders at increased risk for adverse reproductive outcomes.AimThe aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes among street traders exposed to pollutants from their work-related activities and traders without such exposure.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 female traders selected from exposed and non-exposed areas within the Warwick Junction trading hub, located in Durban, South Africa. Validated reproductive questionnaires and clinical assessments were conducted on all participants. Adverse reproductive outcomes such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortions and infertility were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of the traders was 43.6 years (SD:12.1), mostly single (63%) and worked in trading hub for an average of 14 years. There were 876 pregnancies reported in the total sample. Traders pregnant while working in this location accounted for 120 pregnancies There was an increased risk of exposed traders having a low birth weight infant as compared to non-exposed traders (OR = 3.7; CI: 1.8, 7.6). Exposed traders were also almost 3 times more likely to be infertile as compared to non-exposed traders (OR = 2.6; CI: 1.6, 4.3).ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that female street traders working within a trading hub in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; exposed to occupational pollutants show an association with developing infertility and low birth weight infants. Recommendations to mitigate adverse exposures have been suggested which include short term safety interventions and better cooking practices and future long term policy interventions.
Access to specialty healthcare in urban versus rural US populations: a systematic literature review
Authors: Cyr Melissa E. , Etchin Anna G. , Guthrie Barbara J. , Benneyan James C. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Access to healthcare is a poorly defined construct, with insufficient understanding of differences in facilitators and barriers between US urban versus rural specialty care. We summarize recent literature and expand upon a prior conceptual access framework, adapted here specifically to urban and rural specialty care.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted of literature within the CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, PsycInfo, and ProQuest Social Sciences databases published between January 2013 and August 2018. Search terms targeted peer-reviewed academic publications pertinent to access to US urban or rural specialty healthcare. Exclusion criteria produced 67 articles. Findings were organized into an existing ten-dimension care access conceptual framework where possible, with additional topics grouped thematically into supplemental dimensions.

Results
Despite geographic and demographic differences, many access facilitators and barriers were common to both populations; only three dimensions did not contain literature addressing both urban and rural populations. The most commonly represented dimensions were availability and accommodation, appropriateness, and ability to perceive. Four new identified dimensions were: government and insurance policy, health organization and operations influence, stigma, and primary care and specialist influence.

Conclusions
While findings generally align with a preexisting framework, they also suggest several additional themes important to urban versus rural specialty care access.
Relationship between pharmaceutical pricing strategies with price, availability, and affordability of cardiovascular disease medicines: surveys in Qatar and Lebanon
Authors: Abdel Rida N. , Mohamed Ibrahim M. I. , Babar Z. U. D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Lebanon and Qatar. When lifestyle modifications prove insufficient, medication becomes a cornerstone in controlling such diseases and saving lives. Price, availability, and affordability hinder the equitable access to medicines. The study aimed to assess prices, availability, and affordability of essential cardiovascular disease medicines in relation to pricing strategies in Qatar and Lebanon.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey using a variant of the World Health Organization and Health Action International (WHO/HAI) methodology as outlined in “Measuring medicine prices, availability, affordability and price components” (2008), second edition, was adopted. Prices and availability of 27 cardiovascular medicines were collected from public and private dispensing outlets. For international comparison, prices were adjusted to purchasing power parity. Data was analyzed across multiple sectors, within and across countries.

Results
A total of 15 public and private outlets were surveyed in each country. Prices were more uniform in Qatar than in Lebanon. In the public sector, medicines were free-of-charge in Lebanon and priced lower than the international reference prices in Qatar. The ratio of medicine unit price to international reference price in the private sectors surveyed are significantly higher than the acceptable threshold of 4. This ratio of originator brands and lowest priced generics in Qatar were up to two and five times those in Lebanon, respectively, even after adjusting for purchasing power parity. However, prices of lowest priced generics in the private sector were at least 35% cheaper in Qatar and 65% cheaper in Lebanon than their comparative originator brands. Medicines were more available in the private sector in Lebanon than in Qatar, but only the originator brand availability in the public sector in Qatar exceeded the WHO target of more than 80%. While affordable in the public sector in Qatar, four out of thirteen medicines exceeded the threshold in all private sectors covered. Hence, only the public sector in Qatar had a satisfying level of availability and affordability.

Conclusions
Except for the Qatari public sector, medicine prices, availability, and affordability are falling short from targets. Key policy decisions should be implemented to improve access to medicines.
Anti-malarial ozonides OZ439 and OZ609 tested at clinically relevant compound exposure parameters in a novel ring-stage survival assay
Authors: Walz Annabelle , Leroy Didier , Andenmatten Nicole , Mäser Pascal , Wittlin Sergio 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Drug efficacy against kelch 13 mutant malaria parasites can be determined in vitro with the ring-stage survival assay (RSA). The conventional assay protocol reflects the exposure profile of dihydroartemisinin.

Methods
Taking into account that other anti-malarial peroxides, such as the synthetic ozonides OZ439 (artefenomel) and OZ609, have different pharmacokinetics, the RSA was adjusted to the concentration–time profile of these ozonides in humans and a novel, semi-automated readout was introduced.

Results
When tested at clinically relevant parameters, it was shown that OZ439 and OZ609 are active against the Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolate Cam3.IR539T.

Conclusion
If the in vitro RSA does indeed predict the potency of compounds against parasites with increased tolerance to artemisinin and its derivatives, then the herein presented data suggest that following drug-pulses of at least 48 h, OZ439 and OZ609 will be highly potent against kelch 13 mutant isolates, such as P. falciparum Cam3.IR539T.
Terminalia albida treatment improves survival in experimental cerebral malaria through reactive oxygen species scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Camara Aissata , Haddad Mohamed , Reybier Karine , Traoré Mohamed Sahar , Baldé Mamadou Aliou , Royo Jade , Baldé Alpha Omar , Batigne Philippe , Haidara Mahamane , Baldé Elhadj Saidou , Coste Agnès , Baldé Aliou Mamadou , Aubouy Agnès 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The development of Plasmodium resistance to the last effective anti-malarial drugs necessitates the urgent development of new anti-malarial therapeutic strategies. To this end, plants are an important source of new molecules. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-malarial effects of Terminalia albida, a plant used in Guinean traditional medicine, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be useful in treating cases of severe malaria.

Methods
In vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated on a chloroquine-resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum (K-1). In vivo efficacy of the plant extract was measured in the experimental cerebral malaria model based on Plasmodium berghei (strain ANKA) infection. Mice brains were harvested on Day 7–8 post-infection, and T cells recruitment to the brain, expression levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers were measured by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and ELISA. Non-malarial in vitro models of inflammation and oxidative response were used to confirm Terminalia albida effects. Constituents of Terminalia albida extract were characterized by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. Top ranked compounds were putatively identified using plant databases and in silico fragmentation patterns.

Results
In vitro antiplasmodial activity of Terminalia albida was confirmed with an IC50 of 1.5 μg/mL. In vivo, Terminalia albida treatment greatly increased survival rates in P. berghei-infected mice. Treated mice were all alive until Day 12, and the survival rate was 50% on Day 20. Terminalia albida treatment also significantly decreased parasitaemia by 100% on Day 4 and 89% on Day 7 post-infection. In vivo anti-malarial activity was related to anti-inflammatory properties, as Terminalia albida treatment decreased T lymphocyte recruitment and expression of pro-inflammatory markers in brains of treated mice. These properties were confirmed in vitro in the non-malarial model. In vitro, Terminalia albida also demonstrated a remarkable dose-dependent neutralization activity of reactive oxygen species. Twelve compounds were putatively identified in Terminalia albida stem bark. Among them, several molecules already identified may be responsible for the different biological activities observed, especially tannins and triterpenoids.

Conclusion
The traditional use of Terminalia albida in the treatment of malaria was validated through the combination of in vitro and in vivo studies.
Widespread and widely widening? Examining absolute socioeconomic health inequalities in northern Sweden across twelve health indicators
Authors: Degerlund Maldi Kinza , San Sebastian Miguel , Gustafsson Per E. , Jonsson Frida 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Socioeconomic inequalities in health is a widely studied topic. However, epidemiological research tends to focus on one or a few outcomes conditioned on one indicator, overlooking the fact that health inequalities can vary depending on the outcome studied and the indicator used. To bridge this gap, this study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the patterns of socioeconomic health inequalities in Northern Sweden over time, across a range of health outcomes, using an ‘outcome-wide’ epidemiological approach.

Method
Cross-sectional data from three waves of the ‘Health on Equal Terms’ survey, distributed in 2006, 2010 and 2014 were used. Firstly, socioeconomic inequalities by income and education for twelve outcomes (self-rated health, self-rated dental health, overweight, hypertension, diabetes, long-term illness, stress, depression, psychological distress, smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity) were examined by calculating the Slope Index of Inequality. Secondly, time trends for each outcome and socioeconomic indicator were estimated.

Results
Income inequalities increased for psychological distress and physical inactivity in men as well as for self-rated health, overweight, hypertension, long-term illness, and smoking among women. Educational inequalities increased for hypertension, long-term illness, and stress (the latter favouring lower education) in women. The only instance of decreasing income inequalities was seen for long-term illness in men, while education inequalities decreased for long-term illness in men and poor self-rated health, poor self-rated dental health, and smoking in women.

Conclusion
Patterns of absolute socioeconomic inequalities in health vary by health and socioeconomic indicator, as well as between men and women. Overall, trends appear more stagnant in men while they fluctuate in women. Income inequalities seem to be generally greater than educational inequalities when looking across several different health indicators, a message that can only be derived from this type of outcome-wide study. These disparate findings suggest that generalised and universal statements about the development of health inequalities can be too simplistic and potentially misleading. Nonetheless, despite inequalities being complex, they do exist and tend to increase. Thus, an outcome-wide approach is a valuable method which should be utilised to generate evidence for prioritisations of policy decisions.
Socio-economic inequality and inequity in use of health care services in Kenya: evidence from the fourth Kenya household health expenditure and utilization survey
Authors: Ilinca Stefania , Di Giorgio Laura , Salari Paola , Chuma Jane 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Kenya is experiencing persistently high levels of inequity in health and access to care services. In 2018, decades of sustained policy efforts to promote equitable, affordable and quality health services have culminated in the launch of a universal health coverage scheme, initially piloted in four Kenyan counties and planned for national rollout by 2022. Our study aims to contribute to monitoring and evaluation efforts alongside policy implementation, by establishing a detailed, baseline assessment of socio-economic inequality and inequity in health care utilization in Kenya shortly before the policy launch.

Methods
We use concentration curves and corrected concentration indexes to measure socio-economic inequality in care use and the horizontal inequity index as a measure of inequity in care utilization for three types of care services: outpatient care, inpatient care and preventive and promotive care. Further insights into the individual and household level characteristics that determine observed inequality are derived through decomposition analysis.

Results
We find significant inequality and inequity in the use of all types of care services favouring richer population groups, with particularly pronounced levels for preventive and inpatient care services. These are driven primarily by differences in living standards and educational achievement, while the region of residence is a key driver for inequality in preventive care use only. Pro-rich inequalities are particularly pronounced for care provided in privately owned facilities, while public providers serve a much larger share of individuals from lower socio-economic groups.

Conclusions
Through its focus on increasing affordability of care for all Kenyans, the newly launched universal health coverage scheme represents a crucial step towards reducing disparities in health care utilization. However in order to achieve equity in health and access to care such efforts must be paralleled by multi-sectoral approaches to address all key drivers of inequity: persistent poverty, disparities in living standards and educational achievement, as well as regional differences in availability and accessibility of care.
p30 protein: a critical regulator of HTLV-1 viral latency and host immunity
Authors: Moles Ramona , Sarkis Sarkis , Galli Veronica , Omsland Maria , Purcell Damian F. J. , Yurick David , Khoury Georges , Pise-Masison Cynthia A. , Franchini Genoveffa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe extraordinarily high prevalence of HTLV-1 subtype C (HTLV-1C) in some isolated indigenous communities in Oceania and the severity of the health conditions associated with the virus impress the great need for basic and translational research to prevent and treat HTLV-1 infection. The genome of the virus’s most common subtype, HTLV-1A, encodes structural, enzymatic, and regulatory proteins that contribute to viral persistence and pathogenesis. Among these is the p30 protein encoded by the doubly splicedTax-orf IImRNA, a nuclear/nucleolar protein with both transcriptional and post-transcriptional activity. The p30 protein inhibits the productive replication cycle via nuclear retention of the mRNA that encodes for both the viral transcriptional trans-activator Tax, and the Rex proteins that regulate the transport of incompletely spliced viral mRNA to the cytoplasm. In myeloid cells, p30 inhibits the PU-1 transcription factor that regulates interferon expression and is a critical mediator of innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore, p30 alters gene expression, cell cycle progression, and DNA damage responses in T-cells, raising the hypothesis that p30 may directly contribute to T cell transformation. By fine-tuning viral expression while also inhibiting host innate responses, p30 is likely essential for viral infection and persistence. This concept is supported by the finding that macaques, a natural host for the closely genetically related simian T-cell leukemia virus 1 (STLV-1), exposed to an HTLV-1 knockout for p30 expression by a single point mutation do not became infected unless reversion and selection of the wild type HTLV-1 genotype occurs. All together, these data suggest that inhibition of p30 may help to curb and eventually eradicate viral infection by exposing infected cells to an effective host immune response.