bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of entomopathogenic fungi associated with Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)) in Moroccan Argan forests and nearby area: impact of soil factors on their distribution&nbsp;
Authors: HALLOUTI Ayoub , HAMZA Mohamed AIT , ZAHIDI Abdelaziz , HAMMOU Rachid AIT , BOUHARROUD Rachid , AOUMAR Abdellah AIT BEN , BOUBAKER Hassan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Studying the ecology of biocontrol-agents is a prerequisite to effectively control medfly (Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)) with entomopathogenic fungi. In this context, factors affecting the occurrence and distribution of medfly-associated entomopathogenic-fungi were studied. Soil samples (22) were collected from natural and cultivated areas of Souss-region Morocco. Results: A total of 260 fungal isolates belonging to 22 species and 10 genera were obtained by using medfly pupae as bait. Medfly-associated fungi were detected in all studied soils and pupae infection percentages ranged from 3.33% to 48%. Two genera, Fusarium and Beauveria were the most frequent with 83 isolates (32%) and 50 isolates (19.23%) respectively. Pathogenicity test of isolated species against medfly pupae showed high mortality rates up to 91% for some strains. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated a strong influence of origin, physical, and chemical properties of soil on the abundance of these fungi. In general, medfly-associated fungi were more abundant in soils with moderate pH (7.5 to 8) having high sand and organic content. High relative humidity negatively influenced the abundance of these fungi. Both factors directly affected the fungal infection percentages in pupae. The response of fungi to these parameters varied among species. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the soils of argan fields and forests were more suitable for the development of medfly-associated fungi than citrus orchards. Conclusions: These results guide identifying suitable soils for the effective application of entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents. In summary, isolated indigenous strains seem to be a promising option to control C. capitata.
The value of melatonin supplementation in postmenopausal women with Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia
Authors: Chojnacki Cezary , Mędrek-Socha Marta , Konrad Paulina , Chojnacki Jan , Błońska Aleksandra 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Dyspeptic syndrome is particularly common in postmenopausal women in the form of epigastric pain. The aim of the study was to assess the role of melatonin in chronic dyspepsia in this group of women, and examine the role of Helicobacter infection.Methods The study comprised 152 subjects including 30 healthy women (Group I), 60 women with asymptomatic H.pylori infection (Group II), and 64 women with H. pylori infection with chronic dyspepsia (Group III). Endoscopic examination was performed, as well as histological assessment of gastric end duodenal mucosa, urease breath test (UBT-13C), and immunoenzymatic assessment of serum 17-β-estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone and melatonin, and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. In Group III, 14-day antibacterial treatment was introduced with pantoprazole, amoxicillin and levofloxacin followed a six-month treatment with placebo in 32 women (Group IIIa), and melatonin 1 mg/morning and 3 mg/at bedtime in the other 32 women (Group IIIb).Results No significant differences were found between serum level of female hormone. Serum melatonin levels were similar between Group I (12.5 ± 2.72pg/ml) and Group II (10.5±3.73 pg/ml; p>0,05). The level was significantly lower in Group III (5.72±1.42 pg/ml; p<0.001). Eradication of H.pylori was obtained in 75.0% women in Group IIIa, and in 84.3% in Group IIIb (p>0.05). After six months, dyspeptic symptoms resolved in 43.7% patients in Group IIIa and 84.3% in Group IIIb (p<0.001).Conclusion Melatonin supplementation is useful in treating H. pylori-associated dyspepsia, particularly in postmenopausal women with lower levels of this hormone.Trial registration: NCT04352062, date of registration: 15.04.2020.
Social determinants of male partner attendance in women's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission care Program in Malawi
Authors: Triulzi Isotta , Keiser Olivia , Somerville Claire , Salimu Sangwani , Ciccacci Fausto , Palla Ilaria , Sagno Jean Baptiste , Gondwe Jane , Marazzi Cristina , Orlando Stefano , Palombi Leonardo , Turchetti Giuseppe 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMale partners are rarely present during PMTCT (Prevention-Mother-To-Child-Transmission) services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Male involvement is increasingly recognised as an important element of women’s access to care. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among women accompanied and not accompanied by their male partners.MethodsWe included pregnant women enrolled in PMTCT programme between August 2018 and November 2019 in the Southern Region of Malawi. Eligible women were aged 18 years or older, living with a male partner, enrolled for the first time in one of the four selected facilities. We provided a KAP survey to women and their partners attending the facilities. Our primary objective was to assess and analyse the proportion of women who were accompanied by their partner at least once. We applied descriptive statistics and logistic regressions to study the association between being accompanied and explanatory variables.ResultsWe enrolled 128 HIV-positive women: 82 (64.1%) were accompanied by their male partners and 46 (35.9%) were alone. In the multivariable model, women’s unemployment and owning a means of transport are negatively associated with male attendance (respectively adjusted OR 0.32 [95% CI, 0.11-0.82] and 0.23 [95% CI, 0.07-0.77]), whereas, in the univariable model, high women’s level of knowledge of HIV is positively associated with male attendance (OR 2.17 [95% CI, 1.03-4.58]). Level of attitude and practice toward HIV were not significantly associated to our study variable. ConclusionsOur study shows a high male attendance in Malawi compared to other studies performed in SSA. This study highlights that women’s level of knowledge on HIV and their economic condition (employment and owning a means of transport) affects male attendance. Moreover, the study points out that gender power relationships and stringent gender norms play a crucial role thus they should be considered to enhance male involvement.
An in vitro bioengineered model of the human arterial neurovascular unit to study neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Robert Jerome , Weilinger Nicholas , Zao Li-Ping , Cataldi Stefano , Button Emily , Stukas Sophie , Martin Emma , Seibler Philip , Gilmour Megan , Caffrey Tara M , Rowe Elyn M , Fan Jianjia , MacVicar Brian , Farrer Matthew , Wellington Cheryl 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction: The neurovascular unit (NVU) – the interaction between the neurons and the cerebrovasculature – is increasingly important to interrogate through human-based experimental models. Although advanced models of cerebral capillaries have been developed in the last decade, there is currently no in vitro 3-dimensional (3D) perfusible model of the human cortical arterial NVU.Method: We used a tissue-engineering technique to develop a scaffold-directed, perfusible, 3D human NVU that is cultured in native-like flow conditions that mimics the anatomy and physiology of cortical penetrating arteries.Results: This system, composed of primary human vascular cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and astrocytes) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons, demonstrates a physiological multilayer organization of the involved cell types. It reproduces key characteristics of cortical neurons and astrocytes and enables formation of a selective and functional endothelial barrier. We provide proof-of-principle data showing that this in vitro human arterial NVU may be suitable to study neurovascular components of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as endogenously produced phosphorylated tau and beta-amyloid accumulate in the model over time. Finally, neuronal and glial fluid biomarkers relevant to neurodegenerative diseases are measurable in our arterial NVU model.Conclusion: This model is a suitable research tool to investigate arterial NVU functions in healthy and disease states. Further, the design of the platform allows culture under native-like flow conditions for extended periods of time and yields sufficient tissue and media for downstream immunohistochemistry and biochemistry analyses.
Postoperative Urinary Retention: Risk Factors, Bladder Filling Rate and Time to Catheterization: An Observational Study as Part of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brouwer Tammo Allie , Roon Eric N van , Rosier Peter F.W.M. , Kalkman Cor J , Veeger Nic 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundKnowledge of risk factors for postoperative urinary retention may guide appropriate and timely urinary catheterization. We aimed to determine independent risk factors for postoperative urinary catheterization in general surgical patients. In addition, we calculated bladder filling rate and assessed the time to spontaneous voiding or catheterization. We used the patients previously determined individual maximum bladder capacity as threshold for urinary catheterization.MethodsRisk factors for urinary catheterization were prospectively determined in 936 general surgical patients. Patients were at least 18 years of age and operated under general or spinal anesthesia without the need for an indwelling urinary catheter. Patients measured their maximum bladder capacity preoperatively at home, by voiding in a calibrated bowl after a strong urge that could no longer be ignored. Postoperatively, bladder volumes were assessed hourly with ultrasound. When patients reached their maximum bladder capacity and were unable to void, they were catheterized by the nursing staff. Bladder filling rate and time to catheterization were determined.ResultsSpinal anesthesia was the main independent modifiable risk factor for urinary catheterization (hyperbaric bupivacaine, relative risk 8.1, articaine RR 3.1). Unmodifiable risk factors were a maximum bladder capacity <500mL (RR 6.7), duration of surgery ≥60 minutes (RR 5.5), first scanned bladder volume at the Post Anesthesia Care Unit ≥250mL (RR 2.1), and age ≥60 year (RR 2.0). Urine production varied from 100 to 200mL/hour. Catheterization or spontaneous voiding took place approximately 4 hours postoperatively.ConclusionSpinal anesthesia, longer surgery time and older age are the main risk factors for urinary retention catheterization. Awareness of these risk factors, regularly bladder volume scanning (at least every 3 hours) and using the individual maximum bladder capacity as volume threshold for urinary catheterization may avoid unnecessary urinary catheterization and will prevent bladder overdistention with the attendant risk of lower urinary tract injury.Dutch Central Committee for Human Studies registered trial database: NL 21058.099.07.Current Controlled Trials database: Preventing Bladder Catheterization after an Operation under General or Spinal Anesthesia by Using the Patient’s Own Maximum Bladder Capacity as a Limit for Maximum Bladder Volume. ISRCTN97786497 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN97786497). Registered 18 July 2011 -Retrospectively registered. The original study started May 19th, 2008, and ended April30th, 2009, when the last patient was included.
Up-regulation of Rb by small activating RNA inhibits cell invasion and migration in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Peng Lipan , Zeng Shujie , Kong Shuai , Tian Shubo , Xu Tao , Wang Guangchuan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a lethal disease that needs further investigation. Recent studies have reported that small activating RNA (saRNA), involved in a process called RNA activation, plays an important role in the development of cancer. Methods: The expression of retinoblastoma (Rb) was detected in human GC tissues and cell lines. We designed three different saRNAs targeting the Rb gene promoter in GC cell lines. Upregulated Rb expression after transfection of the saRNAs was confirmed by PCR and western blotting. And GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected using CCK8 assays and Transwell assays. Results: Here, we found that Rb displayed lower expression in GC tissues and cells. saRNA-3 significantly increased the expression of Rb in both SGC-7901 and MKN-28 cells. saRNA-3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of both cell types by day 3 after transfection. There was no significant difference between the negative control saRNA and mock transfection groups. saRNA-3 decreased the tumor volume and weight compared with the mock and dsControl groups. In addition, saRNA-3 transfection decreased the migratory ability of SGC-701 and MKN-28 cells.Conclusions: Overall, Rb is a promising novel prognostic biomarker of GC and, due to its role in metastasis, a novel therapeutic target for the clinical management of invasive and metastatic GC.
A comparative study of dementia knowledge, attitudes and care approach among Chinese nursing and medical students
Authors: Wang Yao , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Huang Rong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDementia care requires inter-disciplinary collaboration starting from formal health professional education. Yet, little is known about how undergraduate medical and nursing students perceive dementia care in China. The aim of this study was to investigate undergraduate medical and nursing students’ dementia knowledge, attitudes and care approach in China.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Students enrolled in a 5-year Bachelor of Medicine Program and a 4-year Bachelor of Nursing Program from four universities with campuses across Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern China were recruited into the study. Three validated instruments, Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), Dementia Care Attitude Scale (DCAS) and Approach to Advanced Dementia Care Questionnaire (ADCQ), were used to examine students’ dementia knowledge, attitudes and perceived care approach. Data were collected using a self-administered survey.ResultsThe number of medical and nursing students completing the survey was 526 and 467 respectively. Students’ overall knowledge about dementia was poor, but attitudes were generally positive. The overall mean score of students’ dementia knowledge examined by the ADKS was 19.49 (SD=2.82) out of 30, students’ attitudes to dementia was 29.92(SD=3.35) out of 40, and students’ person-centred care approach of dementia was 5.42 (SD=2.20) out of 13. Medical students demonstrated higher dementia knowledge scores and showed less positive attitude scores than nursing students (p<0.05). Students would not apply a person-centred care approach. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean scores of ADCQ between nursing students and medical students.Conclusions Study results highlight the urgent need to implement an inter-disciplinary approach to increasing dementia education among Chinese medical and nursing students, and ensuring that students have adequate knowledge, attitudes and experience in the care of people with dementia.
A post-GWAS confirming the genetic effects and functional polymorphisms of AGPAT3 gene on milk fatty acids in dairy cattle
Authors: Shi Lijun , Wu Xin , Ma Zhu , Lv Xiaoqing , Liu Lin , Li Yanhua , Zhao Feng , Han Bo , Yang Yuze , Sun Dongxiao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: People are paying more attention to the healthy and balanced diet with the improvement of their living standards. Milk fatty acids (FAs) have been reported that they were related to some atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases in human. In our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) on milk FAs in dairy cattle, 83 genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Among them, two SNPs, ARS-BFGL-NGS-109493 and BTA-56389-no-rs associated with C18index (P = 0.0459), were located in the upstream of 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 3 (AGPAT3) gene. AGPAT3 is involved in glycerol-lipid, glycerol-phospholipid metabolism and phospholipase D signaling pathways. Hence, it was inferred as a candidate gene for milk FAs. The aim of this study was to further confirm the genetic effects of the AGPAT3 gene on milk FA traits in dairy cattle.Results: Through re-sequencing the complete coding region, and 3,000bp of 5' and 3' regulatory regions of the AGPAT3 gene, a total of 17 SNPs were identified, including four in 5' regulatory region, one in 5' untranslated region (UTR), three in introns, one in 3' UTR, and eight in 3' regulatory region. By the linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis with Haploview4.1 software, two haplotype blocks were observed that were formed by four and 12 identified SNPs, respectively. Using SAS9.2, we performed single locus-based and haplotype-based association analysis on 24 milk FAs in 1,065 Chinese Holstein cows, and discovered that all the SNPs and the haplotype blocks were significantly associated with C6:0, C8:0 and C10:0 (P < 0.0001~ 0.0384). Further, with Genomatix, we predicted that four SNPs in 5' regulatory region (g.146702957G>A, g.146704373A>G g.146704618A>G and g.146704699G>A) changed the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) for transcription factors SMARCA3, REX1, VMYB, BRACH, NKX26, ZBED4, SP1, USF1, ARNT and FOXA1. Out of them, two SNPs were validated to impact transcriptional activity by performing luciferase assay that the alleles A of both SNPs, g.146704373A>G and g.146704618A>G, increased the transcriptional activities of AGPAT3 promoter compared with alleles G (P = 0.0004).Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings first demonstrated the significant genetic associations of the AGPAT3 gene with milk FAs in dairy cattle, and two potential causal mutations were detected.
Effect of low- and high-carbohydrate diets on swimming economy: a crossover study
Authors: Bestard Merry A. , Rothschild Jeffrey A. , Crocker George Hayes 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Swimming economy refers to the rate of energy expenditure relative to swimming speed of movement, is inversely related to the energetic cost of swimming, and is as a key factor influencing endurance swimming performance. The objective of this study was to determine if high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) and low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diets affect energetic cost of submaximal swimming. Methods: Eight recreational swimmers consumed two 3-day isoenergetic diets in a crossover design. Diets were tailored to individual food preferences, and macronutrient consumption was 69-16-16% and 16-67-18% carbohydrate-fat-protein for the HCLF and LCHF diets, respectively. Following each 3-day dietary intervention, participants swam in a flume at velocities associated with 50, 60, and 70% of their maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). Expired breath was collected and analyzed while they swam which enabled calculation of the energetic cost of swimming. A paired t-test compared macronutrient distribution between HCLF and LCHF diets, while repeated-measures ANOVA determined effects of diet and exercise intensity on physiological endpoints.Results: Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly higher in HCLF compared to LCHF (p = 0.003), but there were no significant differences in the rate of oxygen consumption (p = 0.499) or energetic cost of swimming (p = 0.324) between diets. Heart rate did not differ between diets (p = 0.712), but oxygen pulse, a non-invasive surrogate for stroke volume, was greater following the HCLF diet (p = 0.029). Conclusions: A 3-day high-carbohydrate diet increased carbohydrate utilization but did not affect swimming economy at 50-70% VO2max. As these intensities are applicable to ultramarathon swims, future studies should use higher intensities that would be more relevant to shorter duration events.
Assessing above-ground biomass-functional diversity relationships in temperate forests in northern Mexico
Authors: Vargas-Larreta Benedicto , Martinez Jorge Omar Lopez , González Edgar J. , Corral-Rivas Jose Javier , Hernández Francisco Javier 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity have suggested that species richness and functional diversity are the main drivers of ecosystem processes. Several patterns on this relationship have been found, including positive, unimodal, negative, and neutral trends, keeping the issue controversial. In this study, taxonomic diversity and functional diversity as drivers of above-ground biomass (AGB) were comparated, and the mechanisms that influence biomass production were investigated by testing the complementarity and the mass-ratio hypotheses.
Methods: Using data from 414 permanent sample plots, covering 23% of temperate forest in the Sierra Madre Oriental (México). We estimated the above-gound biomass (AGB), taxonomic and functional diversity indices, as well as community weighted mean values (CWM) for three functional trais (maximum height, leaf size and wood density) for trees ≥7.5 cm d.b.h., in managed and unmanaged stands. To compare taxonomic diversity differences between managed and unmanaged stands we carried out a rarefaction analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between AGB and taxonomic and functional diversity metrics, as well as CWM traits throught spatial autoregressive models.
Results: We found a hump-shaped relationship between AGB and species richness in managed and unmanaged forests. CMW of maximum height was the most important predictor of AGB in both stands, which suggested that the mechanism underlaying the AGB-diversity relationship is the dominance of some highly productive species, supporting the mass-ratio hypothesis. Above-ground biomass was significantly correlated with three of the five functional diversity metrics, CWM maximum height and species richness. Our results show the importance of take into account spatial autocorrelation in the construction of predictive models to avoid spurious patterns in the AGB-diversity relationship.
Conclusion: Species richness, maximum height, functional richness, functional dispersion and RaoQ indices relate with above-ground biomass production in temperate mixed-species and uneven-aged forests of northern Mexico. These forests show a hump-shaped AGB-species richness relationship. Functional diversity explains better AGB production than classical taxonomic diversity. Community weighted mean traits provide key information to explain stand biomass in these forests, where maximum tree height seems to be a more suitable trait for understanding the biomass accumulation process in these ecosystems. Although the impact of forest management on biodiversity is still debated, it has not changed the AGB-diversity relationships in the forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.