bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Olfactory co‐receptor is involved in host recognition and oviposition in Ophraella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Ma Chao , Cui Shaowei , Bai Qiang , Tian Zhenya , Zhang Yan , Chen Guangmei , Gao Xuyuan , Tian Zhenqi , Chen Hongsong , Guo Jianying , Wan Fanghao , Zhou Zhongshi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCommon ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a notorious invasive weed that has spread across most temperate regions of the world. The beetle (Ophraella communa) is considered to be an effective control agent against A. artemisiifolia. As an oligophagous insect, its olfactory system is extremely important for host seeking in the wild. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the molecular mechanisms underlying olfaction recognition in this beetle. Hence, in this study, we characterized the odorant receptor co‐receptor of O. communa and named it as ‘OcomORco’. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) showed that, compared to the control treatment, RNA interference (RNAi) strongly reduced the expression of OcomORco by 89% in male and 90% in female beetles. Electroantennogram assay showed that the antennal response of both male and female beetles to four volatiles of A. artemisiifolia was significantly reduced. The injected male or female beetles lost their preference for plant leaves as observed in the behavioural tests. In addition, disruption of the expression of OcomORco resulted in a reduction of oviposition, while there was no difference in larval hatching rate between control and knockdown females. We demonstrated that OcomORco plays a vital role in olfactory perception and host search in O. communa, and it is involved in oviposition in an indirect way.
Expanding social health protection in Cambodia: An assessment of the current coverage potential and gaps, and social equity considerations
Authors: Kolesar Robert J. , Pheakdey Sambo , Jacobs Bart , Chan Narith , Yok Samedy , Audibert Martine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Royal Government of Cambodia recently launched its National Social Protection Policy framework to strengthen and expand social security and assistance. To inform social health protection policy, we examine socio‐economic survey data and administrative coverage data to assess the coverage potential of existing coverage mechanisms and current gaps; and compare equitable contribution rates. Over 53 per cent of the population currently has no social health protection coverage mechanism, and about 16 per cent of the population who do have access to a mechanism are not yet enrolled. Current expansion efforts focus on the formal employee scheme, primarily benefiting individuals from higher income households. In addition, recent coverage expansion to some informal workers leaves significant gaps, particularly among the informal sector. We find out‐of‐pocket health care expenditure to be an excessive share of income among lower wealth quintile individuals and conclude they are financially vulnerable. Finally, we illustrate that an equitable approach to individual, monthly health care contributions among the lower three quintiles has a severely limited potential for revenue generation, and collection costs could exceed the amount collected. Therefore, we recommend that vulnerable groups should be exempted from contribution payments as social health protection is expanded.
Low‐temperature sintering of magnesium aluminate spinel doped with manganese: Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects
Authors: Nakajima Kimiko , Li Hui , Shlesinger Noah , Rodrigues Neto João B. , Castro Ricardo H. R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis work describes the role of manganese (Mn) as a sintering aid for magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) nanoparticles. Mn‐doped MgAl2O4 nanoparticles, synthesized by coprecipitation method, showed increased surface area when contrasted to undoped MgAl2O4. Fast firing of compacted‐doped nanoparticles achieved high degree of densification at temperatures as low as 1100°C with very moderate grain growth, resulting in average sizes at the nanoscale (~60 nm). Differential scanning calorimetry was used to quantify the exothermic heat effects of sintering, which combined with quantitative microstructural evolution analysis enabled calculation of both surface and grain boundary energies. The results revealed that Mn effectively reduces the surface and grain boundary energies which led to dihedral angle broadening and consequently increased sintering stress. Experimental data also revealed a concomitant decrease in the activation energy of sintering with Mn doping which dropped from 644 kJ/mol for undoped MgAl2O4 to 285 kJ/mol, informing Mn acts as a sintering aid in a thermokinetic manner.
Autophagy promotes phagocytosis and clearance of Treponema pallidum via the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages
Authors: Xu S.‐L. , Lin Y. , Zhu X.‐Z. , Liu D. , Tong M.‐L. , Liu L.‐L. , Yang T.‐C. , Lin L.‐R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundElucidating the mechanism of the macrophage phagocytic response will improve our knowledge of host defence against Treponema pallidum.ObjectiveTo explore whether autophagy promotes T. pallidum phagocytosis and clearance via the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages.MethodsThe interactions between autophagy and phagocytosis and the role of NLRP3 in these processes in T. pallidum‐treated macrophages were investigated through experiments using human monocytic cell line (THP‐1)‐derived macrophages. Treponema pallidum clearance after phagocytosis was evaluated by inoculating rabbits with macrophage–treponeme mixtures.ResultsActivation of autophagy and phagocytosis in T. pallidum‐treated macrophages occurred in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The percentage of spirochete‐positive macrophages (22.34% vs. 70.93%, P < 0.001) and spirochete internalization (MFI: 9.62 vs. 20.33, P < 0.001) were notably reduced by silencing Beclin1. Inoculation of macrophage–treponeme mixtures into rabbits showed a 3.00‐day delay in lesion development (17.55 ± 3.73 vs. 14.55 ± 1.99 days) and decreased lesion numbers [11 (36.7%) vs. 20 (66.7%) of 30; χ2 = 5.406, P = 0.020] in the control compared with the si‐Beclin1 group. Furthermore, silencing NLRP3 decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Beclin‐1 and LC3B [mRNA: 49.86% and 43.02%; protein: 22.31% and 24.24%, respectively, differing significantly from the control group (P < 0.001)] and reduced the percentage of spirochete‐positive macrophages (30.29% vs. 70.53%, P < 0.001) and spirochete internalization (MFI: 9.82 vs. 19.33, P < 0.001).ConclusionTreponema pallidum induces autophagy in macrophages to promote phagocytosis and clearance. The NLRP3 inflammasome modulates autophagy and phagocytosis in vitro. These data may be useful for understanding the host–pathogen relationship and establish the groundwork for strategies to combat syphilis.
Association of CHA2DS2‐VASc Score with Stroke, Thromboembolism, and Death in Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Hjelholt Thomas J. , Johnsen Søren P. , Brynningsen Peter K. , Pedersen Alma B. 
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVESPatients undergoing hip fracture surgery have a 10 times increased risk of stroke compared with the general population. We aimed to evaluate the association between the CHA2DS2‐VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, previous stroke/TIA [transient ischemic attack]/systemic embolism (2 points), vascular disease, age 65‐74 years, and female sex) score and the risk of stroke, thromboembolism, and all‐cause mortality in patients with hip fracture with or without atrial fibrillation (AF).DESIGNNationwide prospective cohort study.SETTINGDanish hospitals.PARTICIPANTSSubjects were all incident hip fracture patients in Denmark age 65 years and older with surgical repair procedures between 2004 and 2016 (n = 78,096). Participants were identified using the Danish Multidisciplinary Hip Fracture Registry.MEASUREMENTSWe calculated incidence rates, cumulative incidences, and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by CHA2DS2‐VASc score, stratified on AF history.RESULTSThe cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke 1 year after hip fracture increased with ascending CHA2DS2‐VASc score, and it was 1.9% for patients with a score of 1 and 8.6% for patients with a score above 5 in the AF group. Corresponding incidences in the non‐AF group were 1.6% and 7.6%. Compared with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 1, adjusted HRs were 5.53 (95% CI = 1.37‐22.24) among AF patients and 4.91 (95% CI = 3.40‐7.10) among non‐AF patients with a score above 5. A dose‐response–like association was observed for all cardiovascular outcomes. All‐cause mortality risks and HRs were substantially higher for all CHA2DS2‐VASc scores above 1 in both the AF group and the non‐AF group.CONCLUSIONAmong patients with hip fracture, a higher CHA2DS2‐VASc score was associated with increased risk of stroke, thromboembolism, and death. This finding applied both to patients with and without AF. Patients with high CHA2DS2‐VASc scores had almost similar absolute risks for cardiovascular outcomes, irrespective of AF. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1698‐1705, 2020.
Magnetic resonance imaging and gasless laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery for the diagnosis and management of isolated tubal torsion with a paratubal cyst at 31 weeks of gestation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Takeda Akihiro , Kitami Kazuhisa , Shibata Mayu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA 30‐year‐old nulliparous woman was transferred under suspicion of acute appendicitis, due to the sudden onset of severe right lower quadrant pain at 31 weeks and 4 days of gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic mass measuring 40 mm in diameter in the right lower abdomen. Because the right ovary without edematous swelling was noted adjacent to the cystic mass, isolated tubal torsion was strongly suspected. Emergency gasless laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery showed isolated torsion of the right fallopian tube with a paratubal cyst. The right ovary was not involved in this torsion. Because the color tone of the distal portion of the fallopian tube did not recover sufficiently after detorsion, right salpingectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the infusion of magnesium sulfate was initiated due to increased uterine contraction and continued until 36 weeks of gestation. At 38 weeks and 1 day of gestation, uneventful vaginal delivery yielded a healthy female infant.
Self‐rated sensory performance in profoundly deaf individuals. Do deaf people share the conviction about sensory compensation?
Authors: Pieniak Michal , Lachowicz‐Tabaczek Kinga , Masalski Marcin , Hummel Thomas , Oleszkiewicz Anna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSensory deficits in one modality lead to functional changes of brain structures. Neural reorganization may result in sensory compensation and enhanced performance in sensory sensitivity tests. Many studies investigated how deafness affects functioning of the intact senses. Overall, their results remain inconclusive, mainly due to the statistically underpowered conclusions. A limited number of studies have focused on deaf people's convictions on their sensory abilities. This study compared a large sample of profoundly deaf subjects (n = 74) with hearing individuals (n = 100) in terms of their convictions about own sensory performance. First, participants were screened with speech perception tests. Then, they were asked to rate their own sensory sensitivity using two reference categories: (1) other people and (2) their usual sensitivity. Results show that majority of deaf individuals rated their intact senses (i.e., vision, smell, taste, and touch) as more sensitive than hearing controls. Furthermore, on the day of testing deaf individuals reported increased performance of the intact senses as referred to the usual performance. Explanations of the positive self‐evaluations of sensory abilities focus on the common belief among deaf people about sensory compensation and on using self‐enhancement strategies.Practical applicationsReported study introduces important knowledge about positive self‐views on sensory sensitivity of deaf individuals. Although these positive self‐views are unlikely to reflect the actual sensory performance, presented results are of high significance for the sensory scientists. Functional aspects of self‐views in domain of sensory sensitivity should guide educational programs and product design targeted to deaf individuals.
Canaliculorhinostomy as a treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in dogs and cats
Authors: Wallin‐Haakansson N. , Berggren K. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesTo create a replacement nasolacrimal system, using the puncta and canaliculi, with prolonged implant retention and minimal use of Elizabethan collars or other restraint devices.Materials and MethodsThe method was used in 11 dogs and two cats. Silicone tubing was placed through both canaliculi and,viaa drill hole, into the nasal cavity. Distally, the tubing ends were tied in a subcutaneous pocket lateral to the premaxilla. Tubing retention time was 4 to 7 months. Elizabethan collars were used only until skin suture removal at 2 weeks.ResultsIn all animals, a functional nasolacrimal system was re‐created and remained patent over prolonged follow‐up periods. Adverse effects and complications were mild.Clinical significanceThe described method is relatively straightforward, thereby making relief of tear outflow problems widely accessible.
Identification of Novel EXT Mutations in Patients with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses Using Whole‐Exome Sequencing
Authors: Liang Chao , Wang Yong‐jie , Wei Yu‐xuan , Dong Yang , Zhang Zhi‐chang 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo find novel potential gene mutations other than EXT1 and EXT2 mutations, to expand the mutational spectrum of EXT and to explore the correlation between clinical outcome and genotype in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME).MethodsThe study recruited seven families diagnosed with multiple osteochondromas (MO). Family histories and clinical information were collected in detail through comprehensive physical and image examination. Patients with deformities and functional limitations were classified as “severe” and the remaining without functional limitations were classified as “mild,” in accordance with previous study. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a total of 13 affected individuals, 1 available unaffected relative, and 10 healthy unrelated individuals. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the screened mutations. Finally, the structural change in protein caused by pathogenic mutations was analyzed using information from the relevant database online and we attempted to correlate clinical phenotype with genotype in patients with HME.ResultsOther than EXT1 and EXT2, no novel potential gene mutations were found through WES. We identified nine heterozygous mutations in EXT1 or EXT2. Of these mutations, four have not been reported previously. These are c.996delT in exon 2 of EXT1 (family 1), c.544C > T in exon 3 of EXT2 (family 2), c.1171C > T in exon 7 of EXT2 (family 5), and c.823–824delAA in exon 5 of EXT1 (family 7). The other five mutations have already been reported in previous works. It was surprising that we found two mutation sites, in exon 2 and exon 5, respectively, of EXT1 in 1 patient diagnosed with MO, when his father had two mutation sites, in exon 6 and exon 5, respectively, of EXT1 and EXT2 (family 4). In addition, 1 patient showed degeneration, while his father only exhibited slight symptoms (family 7). In our study, among 51 affected patients in seven families, the sex ratio (male vs female) was 58.9% (n = 30) vs 41.2% (n = 21). Male patients seemed to show more severe symptoms compared to females, but because the sample was small, we did not obtain statistically significance results.ConclusionWhole‐exome sequencing to screen pathogenic gene mutations was applied successfully. Although no third‐gene mutation associated with HME was found, a total of nine mutations across EXT1 and EXT2 were identified, four of which are novel. Our results expand the mutational spectrum of EXT and can be used in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for patients with MO.
The psychological and behavioural effects of an animal‐assisted therapy programme in Korean older adults with dementia
Authors: Baek Seung‐Min , Lee Yaelim , Sohng Kyeong‐Yae 
Published: April 2020

AimThe purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological and behavioural effects of animal‐assisted therapy on cognitive function, emotional state, problematic behaviours, and activities of daily living among older adults with dementia.MethodsA nonequivalent control group pretest and post‐test study design was used in this study. Twenty‐eight participants—14 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group—were recruited from two hospitals in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, between February and April 2015. The intervention group received two 60‐min sessions of animal‐assisted therapy weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group received conventional care. The cognitive function, emotional state (mood, depression), activities of daily living, and problematic behaviours of the two groups were compared at three points (before the study, at week 4, and at week 8).ResultsThe results showed significant group‐by‐time interactions of cognitive function (P < 0.001), mood status (P < 0.001), depressive symptoms (P < 0.01), degrees of activities of daily living (P < 0.001), and problematic behaviours (P < 0.001). There were no significant group differences, but significant time differences were observed in cognitive function (P < 0.001), mood status (P < 0.05), degrees of activities of daily living (P < 0.01), and problematic behaviours (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of the study suggest the adoption of animal‐assisted therapy in the daily care of older adults with dementia for improving their psychological and behavioural problems.
Robust Estimation via Robust Gradient Estimation
Authors: Prasad Adarsh , Suggala Arun Sai , Balakrishnan Sivaraman , Ravikumar Pradeep 
Published: April 2020

SummaryWe provide a new computationally efficient class of estimators for risk minimization. We show that these estimators are robust for general statistical models, under varied robustness settings, including in the classical Huber ε-contamination model, and in heavy-tailed settings. Our workhorse is a novel robust variant of gradient descent, and we provide conditions under which our gradient descent variant provides accurate estimators in a general convex risk minimization problem. We provide specific consequences of our theory for linear regression and logistic regression and for canonical parameter estimation in an exponential family. These results provide some of the first computationally tractable and provably robust estimators for these canonical statistical models. Finally, we study the empirical performance of our proposed methods on synthetic and real data sets, and we find that our methods convincingly outperform a variety of baselines.
Palaeoecological, sedimentological and stratigraphical insights into microbially induced sedimentary structures of the lower Cambrian successions of Iran
Authors: Bayet‐Goll Aram , Daraei Mehdi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMicro‐organisms producing microbially induced sedimentary structures, particularly epibenthic cyanobacteria, are not facies‐dependent and could flourish in any environment if appropriate ecological conditions were provided. Hence, the changes in environmental parameters are the controlling factors on ecological tolerance of the producers. This study on the lower Cambrian successions of the Lalun Formation in Central Iran shows that paralic environments reacted differently to changes in parameters such as river and tide energy, palaeo‐topography, the rate of sediment supply and fluctuations in sea‐level, even though all were characterized by sandy substrates suitable for the development of microbially induced sedimentary structures. Therefore, the abundance and preservation of microbially induced sedimentary structures varied in the different paralic environments. From a sequence stratigraphic viewpoint, this study demonstrates that erosional discontinuities lacked the conditions required for the substrate stabilization by microbial communities. The distribution, size and type of microbially induced sedimentary structures within high frequency cycles generally follow the trends of changes in vertical facies stacking patterns. Within systems tracts, the pattern, morphological diversity and size of microbially induced sedimentary structures are not dependent on the type of systems tract, but on the type of depositional system developed such as delta, incised valley, coastal plain, estuaries and shoreline to shelf systems. Generally, estuarine and peritidal carbonates record an increase in the development of mat colonization during the transgressive systems tract, owing to decreased sedimentation rate as well as extended shallow water habitats. In contrast, the existence of microbially induced sedimentary structures depends on the pattern of shoreline shift in depositional systems developed during the highstand systems tract, such as open coast tidal flat and delta environments. If a shoreline regression was continuous (depositional trend and stacking pattern are a set of high frequency cycles), a greater increase in the aggradational component than the progradational component would cause intensified destructive processes hindering the development of microbial communities.
Variation in Suicide Risk among Subgroups of Sexual and Gender Minority College Students
Authors: Horwitz Adam G. , Berona Johnny , Busby Danielle R. , Eisenberg Daniel , Zheng Kai , Pistorello Jacqueline , Albucher Ronald , Coryell William , Favorite Todd , Walloch Joseph C. , King Cheryl A. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveSexual and gender minorities are at elevated risk for suicide, yet few studies have examined differences in risk within many sexual and gender minority subgroups. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in prevalence for suicide risk factors among a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities.MethodForty‐one thousand four hundred and twelve college students (62% cis‐female, 37% cis‐male, 1% transgender/genderqueer) completed a wellness screen that included four suicide risk factors (depression, heavy alcohol use, suicide ideation, suicide attempt).ResultsGender minority students (i.e., transgender, genderqueer/non‐binary) had significantly higher rates of depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts relative to cisgender peers, although there were no within‐group differences among gender minority students. Adjusted odds ratios for endorsing two or more (2+) suicide risk factors were substantially higher for all sexual minority subgroups relative to heterosexuals. Among sexual minorities, those identifying as pansexual, bisexual, queer, or mostly gay/lesbian had greater odds of endorsing 2+ suicide risk factors relative to students identifying as mostly heterosexual, gay/lesbian, asexual, or ‘other sexual minority’. Pansexual students had 33% greater odds of endorsing 2+ suicide risk factors relative to bisexual students.ConclusionsThese findings highlight significant variation in suicide risk among sexual minority subgroups and the need for targeted interventions for subgroups at highest risk.