bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nestling discrimination and feeding habits during brooding of Chestnut Thrushes
Authors: Yi Tingting , Sun Yue-Hua , Liang Wei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Nestling discrimination and feeding habits during brooding are important factors affecting host selection of parasitic birds. Some host birds can avoid being parasitized by discriminating their nestlings or feeding food not suitable for parasitic nestlings. Thrushes are common medium-sized birds with widespread distribution and an open nesting habit, but they are rarely parasitized. It remains controversial whether this is due to feeding habits and/or nestling discrimination.

Methods
In this study, we tested the nestling discrimination ability and feeding habits of Chestnut Thrushes (Turdus rubrocanus) which is distributed in China’s multi-cuckoo parasitism system. Their nestling discriminability and feeding habits during brooding were studied by cross-fostering experiments and video recording to examine evolutionary restrictions on nestling discrimination and whether feeding habits are consistent with the growth of cuckoo nestlings.

Results
Our results indicate that Chestnut Thrushes using earthworms as the main brooding food can feed and maintain cuckoo nestlings and show no nestling discrimination.

Conclusions
The present study confirms that feeding habits cannot be regarded as the main factor affecting Chestnut Thrushes being rarely parasitized by cuckoos but suggests that egg rejection is likely to limit the evolution of nestling discrimination in thrushes.
Battling COVID-19: using old weapons for a new enemy
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Gupta Nitin , Kodan Parul , Mittal Ankit , Soneja Manish , Wig Naveet 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic proportions. Most of the drugs that are being tried for the treatment have not been evaluated in any randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this review was to summarize the in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy of these drugs on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) and related viruses (SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and evaluate their potential for re-purposing them in the management of COVID-19.
Risk perception of health problems among travelers visiting a travel clinic in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Hiranrusme Thanyapat , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Kaewkungwal Jaranit , Silachamroon Udomsak , Leowattana Wattana , Chatapat Lapakorn , Matsee Wasin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Effective pre-travel consultations cannot be achieved only through individual risk assessment and advice on vaccinations and chemoprophylaxis. Travelers’ perceptions of the risk of health problems represent another key factor in successful risk communication and co-operation with pre-travel advice. The objective of this study was to determine perception of travel-related health risks among Thais and westerners visiting the Thai Travel Clinic for consultation before visiting developing countries.

Methods
A novel pictorial scale questionnaire-based study was conducted with both Thai and western travelers who visited the Thai Travel Clinic for pre-travel consultation. All participants were approached before and after completing the consultation, and were asked about their demographic data and perceptions of travel-related health risk. The perceptions of risk before and after consultation were compared using the McNemar test, and were also compared with the actual estimated risk.

Results
During May to November 2019, 594 travelers (330 Thais and 264 Westerners) were enrolled and completed the pictorial scale questionnaires. Most Thai travelers visited Africa/South America (63%), and 20% had previously received counseling. Westerners were mostly backpackers (37.5%), traveling for > 30 days (71.6%), while 43.6% had previously received counseling. Overall, the westerners (n = 264) changed their risk perceptions slightly after counseling in contrast with the Thais. The change in perception of most health problems was observed statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) after receiving pre-travel consultation among both groups of travelers. Risk perception among western travelers after consultation compared with estimated actual risk showed accurate risk perception toward most of health problems especially in travelers who had previously received counseling in ones’ home countries.

Conclusions
Risk perception of health problems plays an important role in successful risk communication and their response to pre-travel advices. Differences in risk perceptions were evident between the two groups. Therefore, this highlight the importance of obtaining pre-travel advice in one’s home country before travelling. Raised awareness of the risks should be emphasized during consultations for underestimated health risks, especially for rabid animal exposure and sexually transmitted diseases.
Patient-specific implants for maxillofacial defects: challenges and solutions
Authors: Alasseri Nasser , Alasraj Ahmed 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Reconstructing maxillofacial defects is quite challenging for most surgeons due to the region’s complex anatomy and cosmetic and functional effects on patients. The use of pre-made alloplastic implants and autogenous grafts is often associated with resorption, infection, and displacement. Recent technological advances have led to the use of custom computer-designed patient-specific implants (PSIs) in reconstructive surgery. This study describes our experience with PSI, details the complications we faced, how to overcome them, and finally, evaluates patient satisfaction.

Case presentation
Six patients underwent reconstruction of various maxillofacial defects arising due to different etiologies using PSI. A combined total of 10 implants was used. PEEK was used to fabricate 8, while titanium was used to fabricate 2. No complications were seen in any patient both immediately post-op and in subsequent follow-ups. All patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the final result both functionally and cosmetically.

Conclusion
The use of computer-designed PSI enables a more accurate reconstruction of maxillofacial defects, eliminating the usual complications seen in preformed implants and resulting in higher patient satisfaction. Its main drawback is its high cost.
Exploring the relationship between auditory hallucinations, trauma and dissociation
Authors: Wearne Deborah , Curtis Guy J. , Melvill-Smith Peter , Orr Kenneth G. , Mackereth Annette , Rajanthiran Leon , Hood Sean , Choy Winston , Waters Flavie 
Published: May 2020

Background
It is clinically imperative to better understand the relationship between trauma, auditory hallucinations and dissociation. The personal narrative of trauma has enormous significance for each individual and is also important for the clinician, who must use this information to decide on a diagnosis and treatment approach.

Aims
To better understand whether dissociation contributes in a significant way to hallucinations in individuals with and without trauma histories.

Method
Three groups of participants with auditory hallucinations were recruited, with diagnoses of: schizophrenia (without trauma) (n = 18), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, n = 27) and comorbid schizophrenia and PTSD (SCZ+PTSD), n = 26). Clinician-administered measures included the PTSD Symptoms Scale Interview (PSSI-5), the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS).

Results
Dissociative symptoms were significantly higher in participants with trauma histories (PTSD and SCZ+PTSD groups) and significantly correlated with hallucinations in trauma-exposed participants, but not in participants with schizophrenia (without trauma history). Hallucination severity was correlated with the CADSS amnesia subscale score, but depersonalisation and derealisation were not.

Conclusions
Dissociation may be a mechanism in trauma-exposed individuals who hear voices, but it does not explain all hallucinatory experiences. The SCZ+PTSD group were in an intermediary position between schizophrenia and PTSD on dissociative and hallucination measures. The PTSD and SCZ+PTSD groups experienced dissociative phenomena much more frequently than the schizophrenia group, with a significant trend towards the amnesia subtype of dissociation.
Perturbed Beta-Cell Function and Lipid Profile After Early Prenatal Dexamethasone Exposure in Individuals Without CAH
Authors: Wallensteen Lena , Karlsson Leif , Messina Valeria , Nordenström Anna , Lajic Svetlana 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) reduces virilization in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The treatment is effective but may result in long-lasting adverse effects. In this study we explore the effects of DEX on metabolism in individuals not having CAH but treated with DEX during the first trimester of fetal life.

Method
All DEX-treated participants (n = 40, age range 5.1-26.4 years) and controls (n = 75, age range 4.5-26.6 years) were assessed with fasting blood samples to measure blood count, renal function, glucose homeostasis, and serum lipid profiles.

Results
There were no significant differences between DEX and control participants for birth parameters, weight and height, or body mass index at the time of testing. Analyzing the entire cohort, we found no significant effects of DEX on blood count, renal function, or serum lipid profiles. However, a lower HOMA-β index in the DEX-treated individuals (U = 893.0; P = 0.049) was observed. Post hoc analyses revealed an effect in girls (U = 152.5; P = 0.024) but not in boys (U = 299.5; P = 0.550). The effect on HOMA-β persisted (U = 117.5; P = 0.048) after analyzing data separately in the participants &lt; 16 years of age. In addition, we observed higher plasma glucose levels (F = 14.6; P = 0.001) in the DEX-treated group. The participants ≥ 16 years of age in the DEX-treated group had significantly higher total plasma cholesterol (F = 9.8; P = 0.003) and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (F = 7.4; P = 0,009).

Conclusion
Prenatal DEX exposure in early pregnancy has negative effects on beta-cell function and lipid profile in individuals without CAH already at a young age.
Differential Glucocorticoid-Dependent Regulation and Function of the ERRFI1 Gene in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mojica Chromewell Agustin R , Ybañez Weand S , Olarte Kevin Christian V , Poblete Alyssa Beatrice C , Bagamasbad Pia D 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs; eg, hydrocortisone [CORT]) are routinely used as chemotherapeutic, anti-emetic, and palliative agents in breast cancer (BCa) therapy. The effects of GC signaling on BCa progression, however, remain a contentious topic as GC treatment seems to be beneficial for receptor-positive subtypes but elicits unfavorable responses in triple-negative BCa (TNBC). The mechanistic basis for these conflicting effects of GC in BCa is poorly understood. In this study, we sought to decipher the molecular mechanisms that govern the GC-dependent induction of the tumor suppressor ERRFI1 gene, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, and characterize the role of the GC-ERRFI1 regulatory axis in TNBC. Treatment of TNBC cell lines with a protein synthesis inhibitor or GC receptor (GR) antagonist followed by gene expression analysis suggests that ERRFI1 is a direct GR target. Using in silico analysis coupled with enhancer-reporter assays, we identified a putative ERRFI1 enhancer that supports CORT-dependent transactivation. In orthogonal assays for cell proliferation, survival, migration, and apoptosis, CORT mostly facilitated an oncogenic phenotype regardless of malignancy status. Lentiviral knockdown and overexpression of ERRFI1 showed that the CORT-enhanced oncogenic phenotype is restricted by ERRFI1 in the normal breast epithelial model MCF10A and to a lesser degree in the metastatic TNBC line MDA-MB-468. Conversely, ERRFI1 conferred pro-tumorigenic effects in the highly metastatic TNBC model MDA-MB-231. Taken together, our findings suggest that the progressive loss of the GC-dependent regulation and anti-tumorigenic function of ERRFI1 influences BCa progression and may contribute to the unfavorable effects of GC therapy in TNBC.
Bidirectional transfer of homeoprotein EN2 across the plasma membrane requires PIP2
Authors: Amblard Irène , Dupont Edmond , Alves Isabel , Miralvès Julie , Queguiner Isabelle , Joliot Alain 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Homeoproteins are a class of transcription factors sharing the unexpected property of intercellular trafficking that confers to homeoproteins a paracrine mode of action. Homeoprotein paracrine action participates in the control of patterning processes, including axonal guidance, brain plasticity and boundary formation. Internalization and secretion, the two steps of intercellular transfer, rely on unconventional mechanisms, but the cellular mechanisms at stake still need to be fully characterized. Thanks to the design of new quantitative and sensitive assays dedicated to the study of homeoprotein transfer within HeLa cells in culture, we demonstrate a core role of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) together with cholesterol in the translocation of the homeobox protein engrailed-2 (EN2) across the plasma membrane. By using drug and enzyme treatments, we show that both secretion and internalization are regulated according to PIP2 levels. The requirement for PIP2 and cholesterol in EN2 trafficking correlates with their selective affinity for this protein in artificial bilayers, which is drastically decreased in a paracrine-deficient mutant of EN2. We propose that the bidirectional plasma membrane translocation events that occur during homeoprotein secretion and internalization are parts of a common process.
Antioxidant (gallic acid and quercetin) profile of Sumatran wild mangoes (Mangifera spp.): a potential source for antidegenerative medicine
Authors: Fitmawati Fitmawati , Resida Esi , Kholifah Sri Nur , Roza Rodesia Mustika , Almurdani Muhammad , Emrizal Emrizal 
Published: May 2020

Background: New findings on the potential of wild mangoes from the island of Sumatra as a source of antioxidant helps their conservation effort as it introduces their useful compounds to the public. This study aims to analyze the antioxidant profile and quantification of gallic acid and quercetin content from leaves and bark of Sumatran wild mangoes. Exploration and analysis of phytochemical constituents from 11 Sumatran wild mangoes was performed. Methods: Antioxidant activity of wild mangoes was analysed with 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), and determination of quercetin and gallic acid content was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Total flavonoid and phenolic analysis was also performed. Curve fitting analysis used a linear regression approach. Results: The highest level of antioxidant activity, phenolic compound and flavonoid compound was found in the leaves and bark of Mangifera sp1. (MBS), the bark of M. foetida 3 (var. batu) and leaves of M. torquenda, and the bark and leaves of M. sumatrana, respectively. The content of gallic acid in leaves ranged from 5.23-35.48 mg/g dry weight. Quercetin content of wild mangoes leaves ranged from 0.76 to 1.16 mg/g dry weight with the lowest value in M. foetida 2 (var. manis) and the highest in M. laurina. Conclusion: The results obtained are expected to be useful in supporting the development of antidegenerative drugs from natural ingredients that have potential as immunomodulatory agents.
Enhancing the Kramers–Kronig receiver via dispersion-based spatial diversity
Authors: Blech Lior , Antonelli Cristian , Mecozzi Antonio , Eldar Yonina C. , Shtaif Mark 
Published: May 2020

We report a scheme for reconstructing the complex envelope of an optical signal from two decorrelated measurements of its intensity. The decorrelation is achieved by splitting the received optical signal into two copies, and by dispersing one of the copies prior to photo detection. The reconstructed complex-valued signal is obtained by means of an iterative algorithm that requires only a few tens of iterations. The starting point of the search procedure is produced by Kramers–Kronig (KK) reconstruction. With this procedure, the continuous-wave tone that accompanies the received signal is reduced by 5 dB to 6 dB compared to the requirement of a KK receiver alone.
INTERVENTION OF NOVEL NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID 19
Authors: Aminu Shehu Ibrahim , Mukhtar Abubakar 
Published: May 2020

The outbreak of pandemic COVID-19 mounts overall pressure on healthcare and modern societies. The intervention of nanotechnology will play a vital role in bringing multi-disciplinary ways of developing affordable, reliable, and powerful tools for diagnosis, personal protection, and new effective medicines.
Moreover, employing nanosensors will significantly aid to diagnose the viruses even on asymptomatic patients. Likewise, the use of nanoscale fibers can optimize the protection affinity of personal protective equipment and facemasks and allows their reusability for medical and economical benefit.
This research was designed purposely to highlight the perspective contributions of nanotechnology in the war against COVID-19 pandemic
Clinical Decompensation and Outcomes in Patients With Compensated Cirrhosis and a Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient ≥20 mm Hg
Authors: Jindal Ankur , Bhardwaj Ankit , Kumar Guresh , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: May 2020

INTRODUCTION:
Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) of ≥10 mm Hg predicts clinical decompensation (CD) in compensated cirrhosis. A proportion of cirrhotic patients at presentation have high HVPG (≥20 mm Hg) and are compensated. The natural history, spectrum of CD, and mortality in this group is largely unknown.

METHODS:
Consecutive compensated cirrhotic patients with HVPG ≥6 mm Hg (n = 741) were followed up for 3–6 months for the development of any CD. Patients were classified based on the baseline HVPG (6 to <12 mm Hg [low HVPG, Gr.A, n = 163], 12 to <20 mm Hg [intermediate HVPG, Gr.B, n = 437] and ≥20 mm Hg [high HVPG, Gr.C, n = 141]). We analyzed the predictors of first CD, HVPG response to carvedilol, and mortality in these groups.

RESULTS:
CD developed in 217 (29.3%) patients during a mean follow-up of 1.6 ± 0.4 years, and those who developed CD had higher baseline HVPG (17.02 ± 4.79 vs 14.28 ± 4.86; P < 0.001). First CD was seen earlier (1.3 ± 0.7 years vs 1.5 ± 0.6 years and 1.6 ± 0.5 years, P = 0.02) and more frequently (44.7% vs 11% and 31.1%, P < 0.01) in high HVPG groups compared with low and intermediate HVPG groups, with higher mortality rates. Patients in the high HVPG group compared with the low HVPG group more often had NASH-cirrhosis (35.5% vs 19.6%; P 0.001), higher liver stiffness values (45.06 ± 20.46 vs 20.09 ± 5.47 kPa, P < 0.001), and lower platelet counts (113.37 ± 72.57 vs 151.7 ± 87.30/cmm, P < 0.001). Patients with HVPG ≥12 mm Hg received carvedilol, and a repeat HVPG performed in a proportion after 9.3 ± 2.4 months showed response (≥20% reduction in HVPG or <12 mm Hg) in 31.6% patients (Gr. B, 44.9% > Gr. C, 22.2%, P < 0.05). Baseline HVPG (HVPG ≥12 to <20 mm Hg [Hazard ratio: 2.73] and HVPG ≥20 mm Hg [Hazard ratio: 4.48], P < 0.001) independently predicted CD.

DISCUSSION:
HVPG ≥20 mm Hg in patients with compensated cirrhosis independently predicts early and more frequent CD and poor outcomes. These patients should be labeled as “high-risk compensated cirrhosis,” and early and effective interventions to reduce portal pressure should be initiated to improve long-term outcomes.
Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality in Adult Celiac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis Diagnosed in the 21st Century
Authors: Koskinen Inka , Virta Lauri J. , Huhtala Heini , Ilus Tuire , Kaukinen Katri , Collin Pekka 
Published: May 2020

INTRODUCTION:
We assessed whether celiac disease-associated mortality is increased in Finland among patients diagnosed in the 21st century, given recent improvements in diagnostic and treatment facilities.

METHODS:
Biopsy-proven patients with celiac disease (Marsh III) and dermatitis herpetiformis aged 20–79 years (median 50 years) diagnosed 2005–2014 (n = 12,803) were identified from the national dietary grant registry. Dates and causes of death were obtained from Statistics Finland. Overall mortality and causes of death were compared with reference individuals (n = 38,384) matched for age, sex, and area of residence (at the time of celiac disease diagnosis) selected from the Population Information System.

RESULTS:
During a mean follow-up of 7.7 years (SD ±3.0 years), 884 (6.9%) and 2,613 (6.8%) deaths occurred among the celiac cohort and reference group, respectively. Overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.94–1.09), mortality from all malignancies (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.96–1.27), gastrointestinal tract malignancies (HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.56–1.71), or cardiovascular diseases (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.77–1.07) were not increased among patients with celiac disease. Overall, mortality from lymphoproliferative diseases (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.65–3.39) and nonmalignant digestive diseases (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.40–3.43) was increased, but HRs decreased after the exclusion of the first 2 years of follow-up (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.10–2.66 and HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.01–3.05, respectively).

DISCUSSION:
The overall mortality in adult celiac disease diagnosed 2005–2014 was not increased. Mortality from lymphoproliferative diseases was increased but lower than previously reported.
“The Humble Petition of Johana Nyewuame Bekrah”: Becoming/Being Gã, Straddling “Spaces”, and Negotiating Boundaries in the Gold Coast Christian “Model Town” (Abokobi), ca. 1860–1980
Authors: Sewordor Ernest Sasu Kwame 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBy the mid-nineteenth century, Basel Mission (BM) evangelical activities on the Gold Coast had expanded beyond the Accra littoral and this significantly informed the establishment of many Pietist Christian urban enclaves or Salems for African converts. Salems therefore became sites that epitomized Basel missionary encounters on the Gold Coast. Abokobi, as an envisioned “Model Town,” is key because it was the only Salem established completely outside the sociopolitical ambit of an existing Accra polity. Abokobi is thus uniquely positioned for examining how intercultural exchanges shaped contested memories and for revealing the ways that African women of slave ancestry renegotiated identity and belonging. The assumption that the Christian outlook of Salems was enough to blur ethnic, hierarchical, and gendered differences is questioned in this study because such a notion misleads and shifts scholarly enquiry away from understanding the nuances of the everyday experiences of families of servile ancestry in Abokobi and other BM religious centers.