bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivo testing of nanofibrous membranes doped with alaptide and L-arginine for wound treatment
Authors: Mikeš Petr , Brož Antonín , Sinica Alla , Asatiani Nikifor , Bačáková Lucie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We have prepared a candidate biocompatible construct for skin wound healing based on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous membranes. The membrane material was loaded either with L-arginine or with alaptide, or with a mixture of both bioactive components. Alaptide is a spirocyclic synthetic dipeptide, an analogue of melanocyte-stimulating hormone release-inhibiting factor. L-arginine is an amino acid with a basic guanidine side chain. It is a direct precursor of nitric oxide, which plays a pivotal role in skin repair. The presence and the distribution of the additives were proved with high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The influence of L-arginine and alaptide on the morphology of the membrane was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. No statistically significant correlation between fiber diameter and drug concentration was observed. The membranes were then tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity, using primary human dermal fibroblasts, in order to obtain the optimal concentrations of the additives for in vivo tests in a rat model. The membranes with the highest concentration of L-arginine (10 wt. %) proved to be cytotoxic. The membranes with alaptide in concentrations from 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%, and with the other L-arginine concentrations (1 and 5 wt.%), did not show high toxicity. In addition, there was no observed improvement in cell proliferation on the membranes. The in vivo experiments revealed that membranes with 1.5 wt.% of alaptide or with 1.5 wt.% of alaptide in combination with 5 wt.% of L-arginine markedly accelerated the healing of skin incisions, and particularly the healing of skin burns, i.e. wounds of relatively large extent. These results indicate that our newly-developed nanofibrous membranes are promising for treating wounds with large damaged areas, where a supporting material is needed.
Mozambique elections 2019: Pernicious polarization, democratic decline, and rising authoritarianism
Authors: Pitcher M Anne 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Mozambique’s 2019 elections resulted in a landslide victory for the incumbent Frelimo party, but they were also characterized by unprecedented levels of election related violence and other irregularities. The briefing demonstrates that polarization, which has been a common feature of Mozambican politics since independence, has become more pernicious at least since 2013. As is the case in other countries, pernicious polarization is contributing to rising authoritarianism in Mozambique. The briefing traces the roots of pernicious polarization, its shifting dynamics over the last several years, and its impact on the exercise of democratic rights in Mozambique’s recent elections.
Pesticide use is linked to increased body size in a large mammalian carnivore
Authors: Letnic M , Crowther M S 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPollution and pesticide use have been linked to evolution of chemical resistance and phenotypic shifts in invertebrates, but less so in vertebrates. Here we provide evidence that poisoning directed towards a mammalian carnivore, the dingo (Canis dingo), is linked to an increase in dingo body mass. We compared the skull length of dingoes, a proxy for size, from three regions where dingo populations were controlled by distributing poisoned meat baits and an unbaited region, before and after the introduction of the toxin sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080). Following 1080 introduction, dingo skull length increased in baited regions but not in the unbaited region. We estimate that after 1080 introduction, the skull length of female and male dingoes in baited regions increased by 4.49 and 3.6 mm, respectively. This equates to a 1.02- and 0.86-kg increase in mean body masses of female and male dingoes, respectively. We hypothesize that dingo body size has increased in baited regions due to 1080 selecting for animals with larger body size or because a reduction in dingo abundance in baited areas may have removed constraints on growth imposed by intraspecific competition and prey availability. Our study provides evidence that pesticide use can prompt phenotypic change in comparatively large and long-lived large vertebrates.
Corollary Discharge Versus Efference Copy: Distinct Neural Signals in Speech Preparation Differentially Modulate Auditory Responses
Authors: Li Siqi , Zhu Hao , Tian Xing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Actions influence sensory processing in a complex way to shape behavior. For example, during actions, a copy of motor signals—termed “corollary discharge” (CD) or “efference copy” (EC)—can be transmitted to sensory regions and modulate perception. However, the sole inhibitory function of the motor copies is challenged by mixed empirical observations as well as multifaceted computational demands for behaviors. We hypothesized that the content in the motor signals available at distinct stages of actions determined the nature of signals (CD vs. EC) and constrained their modulatory functions on perceptual processing. We tested this hypothesis using speech in which we could precisely control and quantify the course of action. In three electroencephalography (EEG) experiments using a novel delayed articulation paradigm, we found that preparation without linguistic contents suppressed auditory responses to all speech sounds, whereas preparing to speak a syllable selectively enhanced the auditory responses to the prepared syllable. A computational model demonstrated that a bifurcation of motor signals could be a potential algorithm and neural implementation to achieve the distinct functions in the motor-to-sensory transformation. These results suggest that distinct motor signals are generated in the motor-to-sensory transformation and integrated with sensory input to modulate perception.
Unconscious Number Discrimination in the Human Visual System
Authors: Lucero Ché , Brookshire Geoffrey , Sava-Segal Clara , Bottini Roberto , Goldin-Meadow Susan , Vogel Edward K , Casasanto Daniel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
How do humans compute approximate number? According to one influential theory, approximate number representations arise in the intraparietal sulcus and are amodal, meaning that they arise independent of any sensory modality. Alternatively, approximate number may be computed initially within sensory systems. Here we tested for sensitivity to approximate number in the visual system using steady state visual evoked potentials. We recorded electroencephalography from humans while they viewed dotclouds presented at 30 Hz, which alternated in numerosity (ranging from 10 to 20 dots) at 15 Hz. At this rate, each dotcloud backward masked the previous dotcloud, disrupting top-down feedback to visual cortex and preventing conscious awareness of the dotclouds’ numerosities. Spectral amplitude at 15 Hz measured over the occipital lobe (Oz) correlated positively with the numerical ratio of the stimuli, even when nonnumerical stimulus attributes were controlled, indicating that subjects’ visual systems were differentiating dotclouds on the basis of their numerical ratios. Crucially, subjects were unable to discriminate the numerosities of the dotclouds consciously, indicating the backward masking of the stimuli disrupted reentrant feedback to visual cortex. Approximate number appears to be computed within the visual system, independently of higher-order areas, such as the intraparietal sulcus.
Increase in Seizure Susceptibility After Repetitive Concussion Results from Oxidative Stress, Parvalbumin-Positive Interneuron Dysfunction and Biphasic Increases in Glutamate/GABA Ratio
Authors: MacMullin Paul , Hodgson Nathaniel , Damar Ugur , Lee Henry Hing Cheong , Hameed Mustafa Q , Dhamne Sameer C , Hyde Damon , Conley Grace M , Morriss Nicholas , Qiu Jianhua , Mannix Rebekah , Hensch Takao K , Rotenberg Alexander 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Chronic symptoms indicating excess cortical excitability follow mild traumatic brain injury, particularly repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI). Yet mechanisms underlying post-traumatic excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio abnormalities may differ between the early and late post-traumatic phases. We therefore measured seizure threshold and cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) concentrations, 1 and 6 weeks after rmTBI in mice. We also analyzed the structure of parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs), their perineuronal nets (PNNs), and their electroencephalography (EEG) signature (gamma frequency band power). For mechanistic insight, we measured cortical oxidative stress, reflected in the reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio. We found that seizure susceptibility increased both early and late after rmTBI. However, whereas increased Glu dominated the E/I 1 week after rmTBI, Glu concentration normalized and the E/I was instead characterized by depressed GABA, reduced per-PVI parvalbumin expression, and reduced gamma EEG power at the 6-week post-rmTBI time point. Oxidative stress was increased early after rmTBI, where transient PNN degradation was noted, and progressed throughout the monitoring period. We conclude that GSH depletion, perhaps triggered by early Glu-mediated excitotoxicity, leads to late post-rmTBI loss of PVI-dependent cortical inhibitory tone. We thus propose dampening of Glu signaling, maintenance of redox state, and preservation of PVI inhibitory capacity as therapeutic targets for post-rmTBI treatment.
Associations of Early COVID-19 Cases in San Francisco With Domestic and International Travel
Authors: Gu Wei , Deng Xianding , Reyes Kevin , Hsu Elaine , Wang Candace , Sotomayor-Gonzalez Alicia , Federman Scot , Bushnell Brian , Miller Steve , Chiu Charles Y 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In early-to-mid March 2020, 20 of 46 (43%) COVID-19 cases at a tertiary care hospital in San Francisco, California were travel related. Cases were significantly associated with travel to either Europe (odds ratio, 6.1) or New York (odds ratio, 32.9). Viral genomes recovered from 9 of 12 (75%) cases co-clustered with lineages circulating in Europe.
Association Between Opioid Agonist Therapy and Testing, Treatment Uptake, and Treatment Outcomes for Hepatitis C Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Grebely Jason , Tran Lucy , Degenhardt Louisa , Dowell-Day Alexander , Santo Thomas , Larney Sarah , Hickman Matthew , Vickerman Peter , French Clare , Butler Kerryn , Gibbs Daisy , Valerio Heather , Read Phillip , Dore Gregory J , Hajarizadeh Behzad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
People who inject drugs (PWID) experience barriers to accessing testing and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) may provide an opportunity to improve access to HCV care. This systematic review assessed the association of OAT and HCV testing, treatment, and treatment outcomes among PWID.

Methods
Bibliographic databases and conference presentations were searched for studies that assessed the association between OAT and HCV testing, treatment, and treatment outcomes (direct-acting antiviral [DAA] therapy only) among PWID (in the past year). Meta-analysis was used to pool estimates.

Results
Of 9877 articles identified, 22 studies conducted in Australia, Europe, North America, and Thailand were eligible and included. Risk of bias was serious in 21 studies and moderate in 1 study. Current/recent OAT was associated with an increased odds of recent HCV antibody testing (4 studies; odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–2.39), HCV RNA testing among those who were HCV antibody–positive (2 studies; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.27–2.62), and DAA treatment uptake among those who were HCV RNA–positive (7 studies; OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07–2.20). There was insufficient evidence of an association between OAT and treatment completion (9 studies) or sustained virologic response following DAA therapy (9 studies).

Conclusions
OAT can increase linkage to HCV care, including uptake of HCV testing and treatment among PWID. This supports the scale-up of OAT as part of strategies to enhance HCV treatment to further HCV elimination efforts.
Influenza Vaccine Does Not Increase the Risk of Coronavirus or Other Noninfluenza Respiratory Viruses: Retrospective Analysis From Canada, 2010–2011 to 2016–2017
Authors: Skowronski Danuta M , Zou Macy , Clarke Quinten , Chambers Catharine , Dickinson James A , Sabaiduc Suzana , Olsha Romy , Gubbay Jonathan B , Drews Steven J , Charest Hugues , Winter Anne-Luise , Jassem Agatha , Murti Michelle , Krajden Mel , De Serres Gaston 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Influenza vaccine effectiveness against influenza and noninfluenza respiratory viruses (NIRVs) was assessed by test-negative design using historic datasets of the community-based Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network, spanning 2010–2011 to 2016–2017. Vaccine significantly reduced the risk of influenza illness by &gt;40% with no effect on coronaviruses or other NIRV risk.
Farming efficiency, cropland rental market and income effect: evidence from panel data for rural Central Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Trung Thanh , Tran Viet Tuan , Nguyen Thanh-Tung , Grote Ulrike 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the drivers and income effects of land rental markets is important to facilitate agricultural transformation. This study uses a panel dataset of rural households in Vietnam to examine the efficiency, equity and income effects of land rental markets. Probit and tobit models find that land is transferred from less to more efficient farmers and thus removing administrative barriers to the market operation is suggested. However, instrumental variable and quantile regressions show that the poor do not benefit significantly from participation in the markets. This highlights the need to take care of the poor to ensure that they are not left behind. Further analysis might focus on the efficiency thresholds that farmers switch from a market regime to another.
Conducting clinical trials in heart failure during (and after) the COVID-19 pandemic: an Expert Consensus Position Paper from the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: Anker Stefan D , Butler Javed , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Abraham William T , Bauersachs Johann , Bocchi Edimar , Bozkurt Biykem , Braunwald Eugene , Chopra Vijay K , Cleland John G , Ezekowitz Justin , Filippatos Gerasimos , Friede Tim , Hernandez Adrian F , Lam Carolyn S P , Lindenfeld JoAnn , McMurray John J V , Mehra Mandeep , Metra Marco , Packer Milton , Pieske Burkert , Pocock Stuart J , Ponikowski Piotr , Rosano Giuseppe M C , Teerlink John R , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Verma Subodh , Voors Adriaan A , Wittes Janet , Zannad Faiez , Zhang Jian , Seferovic Petar , Coats Andrew J S 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has important implications for the safety of participants in clinical trials and the research staff caring for them and, consequently, for the trials themselves. Patients with heart failure may be at greater risk of infection with COVID-19 and the consequences might also be more serious, but they are also at risk of adverse outcomes if their clinical care is compromised. As physicians and clinical trialists, it is our responsibility to ensure safe and effective care is delivered to trial participants without affecting the integrity of the trial. The social contract with our patients demands no less. Many regulatory authorities from different world regions have issued guidance statements regarding the conduct of clinical trials during this COVID-19 crisis. However, international trials may benefit from expert guidance from a global panel of experts to supplement local advice and regulations, thereby enhancing the safety of participants and the integrity of the trial. Accordingly, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology on 21 and 22 March 2020 conducted web-based meetings with expert clinical trialists in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Asia. The main objectives of this Expert Position Paper are to highlight the challenges that this pandemic poses for the conduct of clinical trials in heart failure and to offer advice on how they might be overcome, with some practical examples. While this panel of experts are focused on heart failure clinical trials, these discussions and recommendations may apply to clinical trials in other therapeutic areas.
Mapping interventional cardiology in Europe: the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) Atlas Project
Authors: Barbato Emanuele , Noc Marko , Baumbach Andreas , Dudek Dariusz , Bunc Matjaz , Skalidis Emmanouil , Banning Adrian , Legutko Jacek , Witt Nils , Pan Manuel , Tilsted Hans-Henrik , Nef Holger , Tarantini Giuseppe , Kazakiewicz Dzianis , Huculeci Radu , Cook Stephane , Magdy Ahmed , Desmet Walter , Cayla Guillaume , Vinereanu Dragos , Voskuil Michiel , Goktekin Omer , Vardas Panos , Timmis Adam , Haude Michael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Aims
The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) Atlas of Interventional Cardiology has been developed to map interventional practice across European Society of Cardiology (ESC) member countries. Here we present the main findings of a 16-country survey in which we examine the national availability of interventional infrastructure, human resource, and procedure volumes.

Methods and results
Sixteen ESC member countries participated in the EAPCI Atlas survey. Interventional data were collected by the National Cardiac Society of each participating country. An annual median of 5131 [interquartile range (IQR) 4013–5801] diagnostic heart procedures per million people were reported, ranging from &lt;2500 in Egypt and Romania to &gt;7000 in Turkey and Germany. Procedure rates showed significant correlation (r = 0.67, P = 0.013) with gross national income (GNI) per capita. An annual median of 2478 (IQR 1690–2633) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) per million people were reported, ranging from &lt;1000 in Egypt and Romania to &gt;3000 in Switzerland, Poland, and Germany. Procedure rates showed significant correlation with GNI per capita (r = 0.62, P = 0.014). An annual median of 48.2 (IQR 29.1–105.2) transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures per million people were performed, varying from &lt;25 per million people in Egypt, Romania, Turkey, and Poland to &gt;100 per million people in Denmark, France, Switzerland, and Germany. Procedure rates showed significant correlation with national GNI per capita (r = 0.92, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
The first report from the EAPCI Atlas has shown considerable international heterogeneity in interventional cardiology procedure volumes. The heterogeneity showed association with national economic resource, a reflection no doubt of the technological costs of developing an interventional cardiology service.
Prevalence of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome-related genetic mutations in an Asian cohort of whole genome sequence
Authors: Huang Pang-Shuo , Hsieh Chia-Shan , Chang Sheng-Nan , Chen Jien-Jiun , Chiu Fu-Chun , Wu Cho-Kai , Hwang Juey-Jen , Chuang Eric Y , Tsai Chia-Ti 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsRecently, the spectrum of background mutation in the genes implicated in sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), has been elucidated in the Caucasian populations. However, this information is largely unknown in the Asian populations.Methods and resultsWe assessed the background rare variants (minor allele frequency &lt; 0.01) of major SADS genes in whole genome sequence data of 1514 healthy Taiwanese subjects from the Taiwan Biobank. We found up to 45% of healthy subjects have a rare variant in at least one of the major SADS genes. Around 3.44% of healthy subjects had multiple mutations in one or multiple genes. The background mutation rates in long QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy genes were similar, but those in Brugada syndrome (BrS) (SCN5A) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) genes (MYBPC3, MYH7, and TNNT2) were higher, compared to those reported in the Caucasian populations. Furthermore, the rate of incidental pathogenic variant was highest in MYBPC3 gene. Finally, the number of variant was proportional to the exon length of the gene (R2 = 0.486, P = 0.0056) but not related to its functional or evolutionary importance (degree of evolutionary conservation) (R2 = 0.0008, P = 0.9218), suggesting that the mutation was random. The ratio of variant number over exon nucleotide length was highest in MYBPC3, MYH7, and TNNT2 genes.ConclusionUnique features of background SADS gene mutation in the Asian populations include higher prevalence of incidental variant in HCM, BrS, and long QT 3 (SCN5A) genes. HCM genes have the highest variant number per exon length.
A patient-centredness improvement study for efficacy of behaviour change for healthy lifestyle and weight loss in a student-run free clinic
Authors: Lessans Spencer , Vega Xamil , Foley Brandon , Bossan Alexia , Baker Alexandra , McElroy Mitchell , Crouse Eloisa , Pasarica Magdalena 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Primary care is the ideal place to implement behaviour change interventions for weight management. However, most primary care physicians are not managing patient weight as a standard of care due to lack of knowledge, skills and reimbursement. Generating more physicians who are familiar and comfortable with providing weight management is essential in leveraging a global change. In our university free clinic, medical students provide healthy lifestyle counselling using shared decision making to each patient at every clinic visit.

Objective
Improve the efficacy of behaviour change interventions via increased patient responsiveness and adherence.

Methods
The needs assessment demonstrated a subpar patient response rate to check-ins regarding behavioural change goals. In the first and second interventions, check-in message structure and contact schedule were varied to maximize patient responsiveness and goal achievement.

Results
In the needs assessment, 58% of patients responded to follow-ups and 58% of patients accomplished their goal. The first intervention cycle resulted in an improvement of responsiveness to 70% and accomplishment of goals to 59%. The second intervention cycle resulted in an improvement of responsiveness to 78% and accomplishment of goals to 74%.

Conclusions
Messages that were frequent, unique, succinct and delivered within 4 weeks after the clinic visit resulted in the highest response rate and goal attainment. Other primary care clinics can use these interventions to increase patient completion of implemented behaviour changes for a healthier lifestyle.