bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental regulation of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae and evaluation of ecdysone signaling pathway transcript level using droplet digital PCR
Authors: Shang Kuan Tsai-Chi , Prichard Roger K. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Current measures for the prevention of dirofilariasis, caused by the dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, rely on macrocyclic lactones, but evidence of drug-resistant isolates has called for alternative approaches to disease intervention. As microfilariae are known to be in a state of developmental arrest in their mammalian host and then undergo two molts once inside the arthropod, the aim of this study was to look at the developmental regulation of D. immitis microfilariae that occurs in their arthropod host using in vitro approaches and to investigate the role of the ecdysone signaling system in this development regulation.

Methods
Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae extracted from dog blood were incubated under various culture conditions to identify those most suitable for in vitro culture and development of the microfilariae, and to determine the effects of fetal bovine serum (FBS), mosquito cells, and ecdysteroid on the development of the microfilariae. Transcript levels of the ecdysone signaling pathway components were measured with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Results
In vitro conditions that best promote early development of D. immitis microfilariae to the “late sausage stage” have been identified, although shedding of the cuticle was not observed. FBS had inhibitory effects on the development and motility of the microfilariae, but media conditioned with Anopheles gambiae cells were favorable to microfilarial growth. The transcript level study using ddPCR also showed that ecdysone signaling system components were upregulated in developing microfilariae and that 20-hydroxyecdysone increased the proportion of larvae developing to the sausage and late sausage stages in vitro.

Conclusions
The arthropod host environment provides cues required for the rapid development of D. immitis microfilariae, and the ecdysone signaling system may play an important role in filarial nematode developmental transitions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the developmental process of D. immitis microfilariae.

Graphical Abstract
IPSE, a urogenital parasite-derived immunomodulatory molecule, suppresses bladder pathogenesis and anti-microbial peptide gene expression in bacterial urinary tract infection
Authors: Mbanefo Evaristus C. , Le Loc , Pennington Luke F. , Hsieh Yi- Ju , Odegaard Justin I. , Lapira Kristina , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Falcone Franco H. , Hsieh Michael H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundParasitic infections can increase susceptibility to bacterial co-infections. This may be true for urogenital schistosomiasis and bacterial urinary tract co-infections (UTI). We previously reported that this co-infection is facilitated byS. haematobiumeggs triggering interleukin-4 (IL-4) production and sought to dissect the underlying mechanisms. The interleukin-4-inducing principle fromSchistosoma mansonieggs (IPSE) is one of the most abundant schistosome egg-secreted proteins and binds to IgE on the surface of basophils and mast cells to trigger IL-4 release. IPSE can also translocate into host nuclei using a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) to modulate host transcription. We hypothesized that IPSE is the factor responsible for the ability ofS. haematobiumeggs to worsen UTI pathogenesis.MethodsMice were intravenously administered a single 25 μg dose of recombinantS. haematobium-derived IPSE, an NLS mutant of IPSE or PBS. Following IPSE exposure, mice were serially weighed and organs analyzed by histology to assess for toxicity. Twenty-four hours after IPSE administration, mice were challenged with the uropathogenicE. colistrain UTI89 by urethral catheterization. Bacterial CFU were measured using urine. Bladders were examined histologically for UTI-triggered pathogenesis and by PCR for antimicrobial peptide and pattern recognition receptor expression.ResultsUnexpectedly, IPSE administration did not result in significant differences in urine bacterial CFU. However, IPSE administration did lead to a significant reduction in UTI-induced bladder pathogenesis and the expression of anti-microbial peptides in the bladder. Despite the profound effect of IPSE on UTI-triggered bladder pathogenesis and anti-microbial peptide production, mice did not demonstrate systemic ill effects from IPSE exposure.ConclusionsOur data show that IPSE may play a major role inS. haematobium-associated urinary tract co-infection, albeit in an unexpected fashion. These findings also indicate that IPSE either works in concert with other IL-4-inducing factors to increase susceptibility ofS. haematobium-infected hosts to bacterial co-infection or does not contribute to enhancing vulnerability to this co-infection.Graphical Abstract
Human gnathostomiasis: a neglected food-borne zoonosis
Authors: Liu Guo-Hua , Sun Miao-Miao , Elsheikha Hany M. , Fu Yi-Tian , Sugiyama Hiromu , Ando Katsuhiko , Sohn Woon-Mok , Zhu Xing-Quan , Yao Chaoqun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Human gnathostomiasis is a food-borne zoonosis. Its etiological agents are the third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spp. Human gnathostomiasis is often reported in developing countries, but it is also an emerging disease in developed countries in non-endemic areas. The recent surge in cases of human gnathostomiasis is mainly due to the increasing consumption of raw freshwater fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Methods
This article reviews the literature on Gnathostoma spp. and the disease that these parasites cause in humans. We review the literature on the life cycle and pathogenesis of these parasites, the clinical features, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, control, and new molecular findings on human gnathostomiasis, and social-ecological factors related to the transmission of this disease.

Conclusions
The information presented provides an impetus for studying the parasite biology and host immunity. It is urgently needed to develop a quick and sensitive diagnosis and to develop an effective regimen for the management and control of human gnathostomiasis.

Graphical Abstract
Air sampling for detection of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in commercial poultry flocks
Authors: Brown Lauren , Premaratna Dilhani , Segal Yonatan , Beddoe Travis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute and highly contagious viral respiratory disease of poultry, caused by gallid herpesvirus 1 (ILTV), which causes significant economic losses. Due to recent outbreaks of ILT in Australia, it has been proposed that ILT could be transmitted between poultry sheds by airborne transmission; however, there has never been direct detection of ILTV from air samples. We aimed to optimize a sampling system for the detection of airborne ILTV in poultry sheds.

Results
Poultry farms with a known outbreaks of ILT were used for detection of airborne ILTV. Infected chickens were verified by detection of ILTV nucleic acid in feather shafts with all farms being positive. Using a liquid cyclonic impinging device, it was found that recovery and detection of airborne ILTV was possible in alkaline PEG buffer. Additional sampling was performed at different heights to determine the presence of ILTV in the air. In farm 3, all three air samples at both heights were positive for ILTV while at farm 2 only one sample at 45 cm was positive. We envisaged in the future air sampling will be able to detect and track potential transmission of ILTV both inside and outside of the poultry shed.
Ethiopian progress towards achieving the global nutrition targets of 2025: analysis of sub-national trends and progress inequalities
Authors: Amaha Nebyu Daniel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
The World Health Assembly (WHA) developed six global nutrition targets that focus on child and maternal nutrition. The progress made by individual countries is available as a yearly global nutrition report. However, reporting the national progress might mask important sub-national differences. This study aimed to measure the progress of the 11 regions of Ethiopia towards achieving the 2025 WHA targets using average annual reduction rates (AARR).

Results
Ethiopia is off-track in meeting the five global nutrition targets studied. The national AARR of stunting is 2.3 against a target of 5.3, for wasting the current AARR is 3.1 against a target of 5.3. The AARR of non-exclusive breastfeeding was 2.1 close to the target of 2.7. Anemia in women of reproductive age increased across all the regions of Ethiopia. The majority of Ethiopian regions were on track to achieving the overweight and exclusive breastfeeding targets by 2025. There is an urgent need to address anemia in Ethiopian women of reproductive age because its prevalence has been increasing. Secondly, the progress to reduce wasting and stunting in children under-5 has not been enough and more work needs to be done if Ethiopia is to achieve the 2025 targets.
Exploring the role of RALYL in Alzheimer’s disease reserve by network-based approaches
Authors: Zhang Yixuan , Wang Jiali , Liu Xiaoquan , Liu Haochen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) reserve theory is based on specific individual characteristics that are associated with a higher resilience against neurodegeneration and its symptoms. A given degree of AD pathology may contribute to varying cognitive decline levels in different individuals. Although this phenomenon is attributed to reserve, the biological mechanisms that underpin it remain elusive, which restricts translational medicine research and treatment strategy development.

Methods
Network-based approaches were integrated to identify AD reserve related genes. Then, AD brain transcriptomics data were clustered into co-expression modules, and a Bayesian network was developed using these modules plus AD reserve related phenotypes. The directed acyclic graph suggested that the module was strongly associated with AD reserve. The hub gene of the module of interest was filtered using the topological method. Validation was performed in the multi-AD brain transcriptomic dataset.

Results
We revealed that the RALYL (RALY RNA Binding Protein-like) is the hub gene of the module which was highly associated with AD reserve related phenotypes. Pseudo-time projections of RALYL revealed the changes in relative expression drivers in the AD and control subjects over pseudo-time had distinct transcriptional states. Notably, the expression of RALYL decreased with the gradual progression of AD, and this corresponded to MMSE decline. Subjects with AD reserve exhibited significantly higher RALYL expression than those without AD reserve.

Conclusion
The present study suggests that RALYL may be associated with AD reserve, and it provides novel insights into the mechanisms of AD reserve and highlights the potential role of RALYL in this process.
Reliability and limits of transport-ventilators to safely ventilate severe patients in special surge situations
Authors: Savary Dominique , Lesimple Arnaud , Beloncle François , Morin François , Templier François , Broc Alexandre , Brochard Laurent , Richard Jean-Christophe , Mercat Alain 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Intensive Care Units (ICU) have sometimes been overwhelmed by the surge of COVID-19 patients. Extending ICU capacity can be limited by the lack of air and oxygen pressure sources available. Transport ventilators requiring only one O2 source may be used in such places.

Objective
To evaluate the performances of four transport ventilators and an ICU ventilator in simulated severe respiratory conditions.

Materials and methods
Two pneumatic transport ventilators, (Oxylog 3000, Draeger; Osiris 3, Air Liquide Medical Systems), two turbine transport ventilators (Elisee 350, ResMed; Monnal T60, Air Liquide Medical Systems) and an ICU ventilator (Engström Carestation—GE Healthcare) were evaluated on a Michigan test lung. We tested each ventilator with different set volumes (Vtset = 350, 450, 550 ml) and compliances (20 or 50 ml/cmH2O) and a resistance of 15 cmH2O/l/s based on values described in COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Volume error (percentage of Vtset) with P0.1 of 4 cmH2O and trigger delay during assist-control ventilation simulating spontaneous breathing activity with P0.1 of 4 cmH2O and 8 cmH2O were measured.

Results
Grouping all conditions, the volume error was 2.9 ± 2.2% for Engström Carestation; 3.6 ± 3.9% for Osiris 3; 2.5 ± 2.1% for Oxylog 3000; 5.4 ± 2.7% for Monnal T60 and 8.8 ± 4.8% for Elisee 350. Grouping all conditions (P0.1 of 4 cmH2O and 8 cmH2O), trigger delay was 50 ± 11 ms, 71 ± 8 ms, 132 ± 22 ms, 60 ± 12 and 67 ± 6 ms for Engström Carestation, Osiris 3, Oxylog 3000, Monnal T60 and Elisee 350, respectively.

Conclusions
In surge situations such as COVID-19 pandemic, transport ventilators may be used to accurately control delivered volumes in locations, where only oxygen pressure supply is available. Performances regarding triggering function are acceptable for three out of the four transport ventilators tested.
Men’s willingness to pay for prostate cancer screening: a systematic review
Authors: Farabi Hiro , Rezapour Aziz , Moradi Najmeh , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem , Koohpayehzadeh Jalil 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to review studies on willingness to pay (WTP) for prostate cancer screening.MethodsThis systematic-review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. By searching six-health-database, WTP studies on prostate cancer screening using contingent valuation method published in English until March 2020 were included and those with unavailable full-text and inadequate quality-assessment scores were excluded. Smith checklist was used for the quality assessment. Extracted WTPs were converted to US dollar in 2018 using exchange rate parity and net present value formula to make comparison. Factors’ effect was assessed by vote counting.ResultsSix final studies published after 2006 reported above 70% Smith checklist items needed to be considered in contingent valuation study reports. Seven factors have positive effects on WTP. The reported WTP value varied from 11$ to 588$ in Japan and Germany, respectively.ConclusionWTP for prostate cancer screening was positive among all studied men. The results of factors’ effect assessment showed that better understanding prostate cancer risks or screening tests and factors such as age, income, family history of cancer, hospitalization history, and educational level have positive effects. Moreover, prostate-specific antigen history, health insurance, employment, and subject’s health assessment received less attention.The results’ generalization to all countries is not applicable because there are no studies for low- and middle-income countries.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2020CRD42020172789
Challenges in synthesising cost-effectiveness estimates
Authors: Shields Gemma E. , Elvidge Jamie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEconomic evaluations help decision-makers faced with tough decisions on how to allocate resources. Systematic reviews of economic evaluations are useful as they allow readers to assess whether interventions have been demonstrated to be cost effective, the uncertainty in the evidence base, and key limitations or gaps in the evidence base. The synthesis of systematic reviews of economic evaluations commonly takes a narrative approach whereas a meta-analysis is common step for reviews of clinical evidence (e.g. effectiveness or adverse event outcomes). As they are common objectives in other reviews, readers may query why a synthesis has not been attempted for economic outcomes. However, a meta-analysis of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, costs, or health benefits (including quality-adjusted life years) is fraught with issues largely due to heterogeneity across study designs and methods and further practical challenges. Therefore, meta-analysis is rarely feasible or robust. This commentary outlines these issues, supported by examples from the literature, to support researchers and reviewers considering systematic review of economic evidence.
Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in low and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sarker Anupam , Das Rina , Ether Saraban , Saif-Ur-Rahman K. M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction
The disease burden caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prime public health concern. The prevalence and rate of deaths from diabetes mellitus in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are higher than the high-income countries. Increased physical activity and a balanced diet are essential and successful measures to prevent the onset of diabetes mellitus. This systematic review aims to explore the available non-pharmacological approaches for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in LMICs.

Methods and analysis
Six online databases will be explored to get related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from inception to September 2020, and two coders will independently screen, identify studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias in each article. The searched articles will be included by applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Joanna Briggs Institute’s tool for RCTs will be used for appraising the trials critically. Narrative synthesis and pooled effect of the interventions will be demonstrated. A meta-analysis will be conducted using the random-effects model if assumptions are fulfilled.

Discussion
This review is an attempt to explore the available non-pharmacological approaches for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in LMICs. Findings from the review will highlight effective non-pharmacological measures for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus to guide policy for future strategies.

Systematic review registration
The review protocol has been registered (CRD42020191507).
Periodic solutions with prescribed minimal period to Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Xiao Huafeng , Shen Zupei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this article, we study the existence of periodic solutions to second order Hamiltonian systems. Our goal is twofold. When the nonlinear term satisfies a strictly monotone condition, we show that, for any $T>0$
T
>
0
, there exists a T-periodic solution with minimal period T. When the nonlinear term satisfies a non-decreasing condition, using a perturbation technique, we prove a similar result. In the latter case, the periodic solution corresponds to a critical point which minimizes the variational functional on the Nehari manifold which is not homeomorphic to the unit sphere.
The Picard-HSS-SOR iteration method for absolute value equations
Authors: Zheng Lin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present the Picard-HSS-SOR iteration method for finding the solution of the absolute value equation (AVE), which is more efficient than the Picard-HSS iteration method for AVE. The convergence results of the Picard-HSS-SOR iteration method are proved under certain assumptions imposed on the involved parameter. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the Picard-HSS-SOR iteration method for solving absolute value equations is feasible and effective.
Nonlocal boundary value problems for integro-differential Langevin equation via the generalized Caputo proportional fractional derivative
Authors: Khaminsou Bounmy , Thaiprayoon Chatthai , Alzabut Jehad , Sudsutad Weerawat 
Published: December 2020

AbstractResults reported in this paper study the existence and stability of a class of implicit generalized proportional fractional integro-differential Langevin equations with nonlocal fractional integral conditions. The main theorems are proved with the help of Banach’s, Krasnoselskii’s, and Schaefer’s fixed point theorems and Ulam’s approach. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the applicability of our theoretical findings.
A study on fractional differential equations using the fractional Fourier transform
Authors: Hammachukiattikul Porpattama , Mohanapriya Arusamy , Ganesh Anumanthappa , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Govindan Vediyappan , Gunasekaran Nallappan , Lim Chee Peng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study aims to use the fractional Fourier transform for analyzing various types of Hyers–Ulam stability pertaining to the linear fractional order differential equation with Atangana and Baleanu fractional derivative. Specifically, we establish the Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability results and examine their existence and uniqueness for solving nonlinear problems. Simulation examples are presented to validate the results.
Keeping PPE barriers in COVID-19 wards while doing proper auscultation
Authors: Seidel Einat , Luski Shahar , Ribak Yaarit , Nama Ahmed , Saraya Takeshi , Nishiyama Toshiaki , Oster Yonatan , Nir-Paz Ran 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe emerging COVID-19 pandemic poses many difficulties to medical professionals. One of them is the need to use personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to protect themselves and their families, while not compromising their care. Physical examination is one of the cornerstones of medical assessment but parts of it are nearly impossible to do while wearing protective equipment. In this brief report we demonstrate a novel wireless stethoscope and its use for treating suspected and proven COVID-19 patients, as a representative to other infectious diseases.
Predictors of outpatients’ no-show: big data analytics using apache spark
Authors: Daghistani Tahani , AlGhamdi Huda , Alshammari Riyad , AlHazme Raed H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOutpatients who fail to attend their appointments have a negative impact on the healthcare outcome. Thus, healthcare organizations facing new opportunities, one of them is to improve the quality of healthcare. The main challenges is predictive analysis using techniques capable of handle the huge data generated. We propose a big data framework for identifying subject outpatients’ no-show via feature engineering and machine learning (MLlib) in the Spark platform. This study evaluates the performance of five machine learning techniques, using the (2,011,813‬) outpatients’ visits data. Conducting several experiments and using different validation methods, the Gradient Boosting (GB) performed best, resulting in an increase of accuracy and ROC to 79% and 81%, respectively. In addition, we showed that exploring and evaluating the performance of the machine learning models using various evaluation methods is critical as the accuracy of prediction can significantly differ. The aim of this paper is exploring factors that affect no-show rate and can be used to formulate predictions using big data machine learning techniques.