bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lowering blood cholesterol does not affect neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: vigne solenne , Duc Donovan , Yersin Yannick , Rebeaud Jessica , Ruiz Florian , Peter Benjamin , Collet Tinh-Hai , Pot Caroline 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling disease of the central nervous system (CNS) commonly affecting young adults. There is increasing evidence that environmental factors are important in the development and course of MS. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) including dyslipidemia has been associated with a worse outcome in MS disease. Furthermore, the lipid lowering drugs statins have been proposed to improve MS disease course. However, cholesterol is also rate-limiting for myelin biogenesis and promotes remyelination in MS animal models. Thus, the impact of circulating blood cholesterol level during the disease remains debated and controversial. Methods: We assessed the role of circulating cholesterol on the murine model of MS, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) disease using two different approaches: 1) the mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia induced by low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) deficiency, and 2) the use of the monoclonal anti-PCSK9 neutralizing antibody alirocumab which reduces LDLr degradation and consequently lowers blood levels of cholesterol. Results: Elevated blood cholesterol levels induced by LDLr deficiency did not worsen clinical symptoms of mice during EAE. In addition, we observed that the anti-PCSK9 antibody alirocumab did not influence EAE disease course, nor modulate the immune response in EAE. Conclusions: These findings suggest that blood cholesterol level has no direct role in neuro-inflammatory diseases and that the previously shown protective effects of statins in MS are not related to circulating cholesterol.
A Study of Micro-Dimpled Groove Texture in Friction Reduction
Authors: Wei Yuan , Liu Xu , Park Simon S. , Tomkowski Robert , Archenti Andreas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Friction control is a vital green technology for reaching sustainable development goals, and surface texturing is effective and efficient at reducing friction. In this study, a novel preparation scheme involving dimpled groove texture is proposed. A pulsed laser marking system is used to make the dimpled grooves. Due to the unique design and process to make the proposed texture, texturing time can be greatly minimized compared to the conventional micro-groove texture technology. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that considers the dimple surface angle is employed to aid the design of the texture and to predict the performance of the texture under certain conditions. Reciprocating sliding tests are preformed to evaluate the effects of the texture on friction reduction. Textures with different densities are used in the experiments. The results suggest that the dimpled groove reduces the coefficient of friction by 6% with less density distribution on the sample surface; nevertheless, denser densities may reverse the result. The simulation results suggest that the texture may perform better under pressure of the lubricant film in hydrodynamic conditions.
p-n Heterojunction-based Thermoelectric Generator for Highly Efficient Cancer Thermoelectric Therapy
Authors: Pan Chao , Ou Meitong , Wang Ying , Xiao Qicai , Mei Lin , Ji Xiaoyuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT) based on the light-heat conversion principle has attracted extensive attention in preclinical research, however, the hyperthermia resulted the treatment-related damage to surrounding tissues prevents further advanced clinical practice. Here, we developed a thermoelectric therapy (TET) based on p-n heterojunction (SrTiO3/Cu2Se nanoplates) on the principle of light-heat-electricity-chemical energy conversion, demonstrating great potential for cancer treatment. The principle of TET is based on light-heat-electricity-chemical energy conversion, regarded as an upgraded version of PTT. Upon laser irradiation and subsequently natural cooling-induced the mild temperature gradient (35-45 oC), a self-build-in electric field was constructed and thereby facilated electrons and holes separation in bulk SrTiO3 and Cu2Se. Importantly, the contact between SrTiO3 (n type) and Cu2Se (p type) constructed another interficial electric field, which further guided the seperated electrons and holes to transfer to re-locate onto the surfaces of SrTiO3 and Cu2Se, respectively. The formation of two electric fields in bulk and interface of SrTiO3/Cu2Se nanoplates minimized probability of charges recombination. Of note, high-performance superoxide radicals (·O2−) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) generation from O2 and H2O under catalization by seperated electrons and holes, led to intracellular ROS burst and cancer cells apoptosis without apparent damage to surrounding tissues. As far as it is known, this is the first report on TET based a p-n heterojunction in biomedical field. Construction of bulk and interficial electric fields in heterojunction for improving charges separation and transfer is also expected to provide a robust and universal strategy for diverse applications including energy, environment, and biomedical engineering.
When trust, confidence, and faith collide: refining a realist theory of how and why inter-organisational collaborations in healthcare work
Authors: Aunger Justin Avery , Millar Ross , Greenhalgh Joanne 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Health systems are facing unprecedented socioeconomic pressures as well as responding to the ongoing strains and surges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, the reconfiguration of health systems to encourage greater collaboration and integration has been promoted with a variety of collaborative shapes and forms being encouraged and developed. Despite this continued interest, evidence for success of these various arrangements is lacking with the links between collaboration and improved performance often remaining uncertain. To date, many examinations of collaborations have been undertaken, but use of realist methodology may shed additional light on how and why collaboration works, and whom it benefits. Methods This paper seeks to test initial context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) of interorganisational collaboration with the view to producing a refined realist theory. This phase of the review used case study and evaluation literature; combined with supplementary systematic searches. These searches were screened for rigour and relevance, after which CMOCs were extracted from included literature and compared against existing ones for refinement, refutation, or affirmation. We also identified demi-regularities to better explain how these CMOCs were interlinked.Results Fifty-one papers were included, from which 338 CMOCs were identified, where many were nonunique. This resulted in new mechanisms such as ‘risk threshold’ and refinement of many others, including trust, confidence, and faith, into more well-defined constructs. Refinement and addition of CMOCs enabled the creation of a ‘web of causality’ depicting how contextual factors form CMOC chains which generate outputs of collaborative behaviour. Core characteristics of collaborations, such as whether they were mandated or cross-sector, were explored for their proposed impact according to the theory.Conclusion The formulation of this refined realist theory allows for greater understanding of how and why collaborations work and can serve to inform both future work in this area and the implementation of these arrangements. Future work should delve deeper into collaborative subtypes and the underlying drivers of collaborative performance.Review registration This review is part of a larger realist synthesis, registered at PROSPERO with ID CRD42019149009.
Suicide and deliberate Self-Harm Among Women in Nepal: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kasaju Sarina Pradhan , Krumeich Johanna , Putten Marc Van der 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Suicide is a growing public health problem globally. Suicide accounts for 70% of violent deaths among women in low and middle income countries. In Nepal suicide is the single leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. The aim of this scoping review is to explore and understand the various contexts related to vulnerability of Nepalese woman towards suicide and deliberate self-harm.Methods: A scoping review based on Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework including a combination of peer-reviewed publications and grey literature was conducted. The National Library of Medicine’s PubMed and Google Scholar search engines were used during July 2019 applying a Boolean search strategy. Results: Suicide incidence was found to be higher among younger age group and married women, with poisoning as the most common means of suicide. Psychosocial and economic factors such as abuse, interpersonal conflicts, marital disputes, relationship problems, adjustment problems, unpaid loans and financial losses; and mental health conditions such as mood disorder, adjustment disorder and substance abuse disorder were found to be contributing factors for suicide and deliberate self-harm among women in Nepal. Conclusion: Socio-cultural and economic factors shape family and marital relationships which impacts psycho-social and mental wellbeing of women in Nepal inciting suicidal attempts and deliberate self-harm. However, very few studies were found that explore the context of poverty, social exclusion, gender inequality, education, traditional/cultural and patriarchal system in which suicide among women in Nepal occurs.
Comparative effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bosco-Levy Pauline , Debouverie Marc , Brochet Bruno , Louapre Céline , Maillard Elisabeth , Heinzlef Olivier , Lignot Séverine , Diez Pauline , Abouelfath Abdelilah , Lassalle Régis , Blin Patrick , Droz-Perroteau Cécile 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on annual rate of relapse (ARR) and disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to injectable immunomodulators (IMM), teriflunomide (TERI) and fingolimob (FTY), in real life setting. Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted using data of the French nationwide claims database, SNDS. All patients initiating IMM, TERI, FTY or DMF between July 1, 2015 and December 12, 2017, with 4.5 years of database history and 1 to 3.5 years of follow-up were included in this study. DMF patients were 1:1 matched to IMM, TERI or FTY using a high dimensional Propensity Score. Negative binomial regression and a regression logistic models were used to estimate the relative risk (RR ± [95% CI]) of ARR and the Odds Ratio (OR ± [95% CI]) of disability progression, respectively. Results: Overall, 9 304 subjects were identified: 29.0% initiated DMF, 33.2% TERI, 5.6% FTY and 32.2% an IMM. The matched cohorts consisted of 1779 DMF- IMM, patients, 1679 DMF-TERI patients, and 376 DMF-FTY patients. DMF significantly reduced ARR compared to IMM (RR 0.72 [0.61 - 0.86]) and TERI (0.81 [0.68 - 0.96]). The risk of the progression of MS specific disability was not significantly different for any matched cohorts.Interpretation: DMF is associated with lower risk of relapse for patients with RRMS than other first-line RRMS agents (TERI and IIM).
Frontal and parietal EEG alpha asymmetry: A large-scale investigation of short-term reliability on distinct EEG systems
Authors: Metzen Dorothea , Genc Erhan , Getzmann Stephan , Larra Mauro F. , Wascher Edmund , Ocklenburg Sebastian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
EEG resting state alpha asymmetry is one of the most widely investigated forms of functional hemispheric asymmetries in both basic and clinical neuroscience. However, studies yield very inconsistent results. One crucial prerequisite to obtain reproducible results is the reliability of the index of interest. There is a body of research suggesting a moderate to good reliability of EEG resting state alpha asymmetry, but unfortunately sample sizes in these studies are typically small. This study presents the first large scale short-term reliability study of frontal and parietal EEG resting state alpha asymmetry. We used the Dortmund Vital Study data set containing 541 participants. In each participant, EEG resting state was recorded eight times, twice with their eyes opened, twice with their eyes closed, each on two different EEG systems. We found good reliability of EEG alpha power and alpha asymmetry on both systems. Interestingly, we found no reliable alpha asymmetry in frontomedial brain regions, one of the most investigate brain regions in alpha asymmetry research. Furthermore, we investigated the link between EEG alpha asymmetry and handedness, since previous studies showed that right-handedness is associated with higher rightward alpha asymmetry. Our results only partly replicate this association. In conclusion, our results suggest that while EEG alpha asymmetry is an overall reliable measure, frontal alpha asymmetry should be assessed by using multiple electrode pairs. Furthermore, the question of EEG alpha asymmetry’s association with handedness remains unsettled and needs further investigation.
Emergence of zoonotic filariasis,&nbsp;Dirofilaria repens, in eastern Thailand 2019-2020:&nbsp;The&nbsp;impact of climate change
Authors: Jitsamai Wanarit , Kamkong Patchana , Asawakarn Sariya , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a zoonotic vector borne parasite in dogs and cats. It is not commonly found in every part of Thailand excepts Southern part. The aims of this study to investigate the prevalence and correlation of climate parameters in eastern Thailand during 2019–2020. A total of 15,552 blood samples were collected from private veterinary clinics and animal hospitals in eastern Thailand. Blood parasites were examined by using buffy coat thin blood smear with Wright-Giemsa stained. D. repens was morphologically identified and confirmed with acid phosphatase activity technique. Molecular analysis from randomly selected D. repens positive samples revealed they were grouped in D. repens group. The first emerging was found in March 2019. The prevalence of D. repens during March 2019 and January 2020 was 0.50 % (38/7,595) and increase rapidly to 1.76 % (140/7957) during February 2020 to October 2020. The correlation of climate parameters, for example rainfall, humidity and average temperature were tested with Pearson’s correlation. The results showed that the prevalence of D. repens related with rainfall with p ≤ 0.05. The Pearson’s coefficients of rainfall, humidity and average temperature were 0.80, 0.58 and − 0.36, respectively. The rainfall seems to affect the natural habitats for mosquitos as well as the rubber orchard and agricultural area which served as suitable habitat for Armigeres spp. like in Southern part of Thailand which plenty of rubber orchard. In this study, dog is considered as a reservoir host due to only one cat was positive. In conclusion, the prevalent data of D. repens in eastern Thailand should be informed as a zoonotic vector borne diseases. Strategic plan to control zoonotic transmission, preventive program should be emphasized and encouraged to pet owner and veterinarian.
A liquid nitrogen-cooled Ca+ optical clock with systematic uncertainty of 3×10-18
Authors: Huang Yao , Zhang Baolin , Zeng Mengyan , Hao Yanmei , Zhang Huaqing , Guan Hua , Chen Zheng , Wang Miao , Gao Kelin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Here we present a liquid nitrogen-cooled Ca+ optical clock with an overall systematic uncertainty of 3×10-18. In contrast with the room-temperature Ca+ optical clock that we have reported previously, the temperature of the blackbody radiation (BBR) shield in vacuum has been reduced to 82(5) K using liquid nitrogen. An ion trap with a lower heating rate and improved cooling lasers were also introduced. This allows cooling the ion temperature to the Doppler cooling limit during the clock operation, and the systematic uncertainty due to the ion’s secular (thermal) motion is reduced to < 1×10-18. The uncertainty due to the probe laser light shift and the servo error are also reduced to < 1×10-19 and 4×10-19 with the hyper-Ramsey method and the higher-order servo algorithm, respectively. By comparing the output frequency of the cryogenic clock to that of a room-temperature clock, the differential BBR shift between the two was measured with a fractional statistical uncertainty of 7×10-18. The differential BBR shift was used to calculate the static differential polarizability, and it was found in excellent agreement with our previous measurement with a different method. This work suggests that the BBR shift of optical clocks can be well suppressed in a liquid nitrogen environment. This is advantageous because conventional liquid-helium cryogenic systems for optical clocks are more expensive and complicated. Moreover, the proposed system can be used to suppress the BBR shift significantly in other types of optical clocks such as Yb+, Sr+, Yb, Sr, etc.
The use of a low carbohydrate, ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder: systematic review
Authors: Yu Brenda , Ozveren Ruya , Sethi Shebani 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Bipolar disorder is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by severe biphasic changes in mood, energy, or thought. Key underlying metabolic pathologies thought to play a role include dysfunction in energy metabolism. The purpose of this article is to review the findings to date of the effects of a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) on mood symptoms in preclinical and clinical models of bipolar illness. The review highlights the underlying metabolic pathologies of bipolar disorder (BD) and potential therapeutic effects of the KD on these pathologies. The article also explores the potential effects of a KD on metabolic health in BD, including proposed mechanisms of action.Summary: Recent findings support the idea that bipolar disorder, along with other psychiatric disease, may have roots of metabolic dysfunction: cerebral glucose hypometabolism, oxidative stress, as well as mitochondrial and neurotransmitter dysfunction which has downstream effects on synapse connections. A KD provides alternative fuel to the brain aside from glucose and is believed to contain beneficial neuroprotective effects, including stabilization of brain networks, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Several beneficial metabolic effects on insulin resistance, weight, and lipids have been shown. Based on its effectiveness in treating epilepsy, the KD has garnered recent interest in its application for mood disorders as it may imitate the pharmacological effects of mood stabilizers, commonly prescribed agents in the treatment of both BD and epilepsy. Additionally, it may improve metabolic dysfunction often seen in BD and repair deficits in energy metabolism. Limited case studies on KD treatment in BD have been reported; however, studies addressing the potential therapeutic effects of KD on metabolic abnormalities in mental illness are promising. Literature of plausible mechanisms and reports of improvements in psychosis, cognition and mood symptoms have been increasing.Conclusions: Preliminary findings support further testing of a low carbohydrate KD as a potential therapeutic tool in repairing energy metabolism in bipolar illness. Further research and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of a KD as a supplemental or co-treatment of bipolar illness and the first open-label trial testing the diet in bipolar illness is currently underway at Stanford.
Anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis (Aloaceae) against plasmodium parasites&nbsp;
Authors: Amare Gedefaw Getnet , Degu Amsalu , Kifle Zemene Demelash 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Lack of available vaccines and emerging resistance on the anti-malarial drug have provided the necessity to find noble plant--based anti-malarial drugs. The leaf latex Aloe weloensis has been used in folk medicine against malarial and other human ailments in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis against Plasmodium parasites to validate its traditional claim.Methods: The leaf latex of A. weloensis was evaluated in vitro anti-malarial activity against 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The prophylactic and curative models were employed to determine in vivo anti-malarial activity of the latex against P. berghei infected mice, and antioxidant activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis was assessed in DPPH assay.Results: The leaf latex of Aloe weloensis endowed with free radical inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.25 μg/ml). The latex of A. weloensis leaf was demonstrated inhibitory activity against 3D7 strain of P. falciparum (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). The prophylactic and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose-dependent. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p<0.01, 400 and ,600 mg/kg, p<0.001) in prophylactic test compared to the control. Parasitemia level of the mice treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg doses of the latex significantly (p<0.001) reduced with suppression of 36%, 58%, and 74% respectively in the curative test. The leaf latex significantly (p<0.01) improved mean survival times, packed cell volume , rectal temperature, and bodyweight of P. berghei infected mice.Conclusion: The result was confirmed the anti-malarial activity of the leaf latex of Aloe weloensis at various doses which corroborates the traditional uses of the plant.
“Association between air pollution in Lima and the high incidence of COVID-19: findings from a post hoc analysis.”
Authors: Vasquez-Apestegui Bertha V. , Parras-Garrido Enrique , Tapia Vilma , Paz-Aparicio Valeria M. , Rojas Jhojan P. , Ccoyllo Odón R. Sánchez- , Gonzales Gustavo F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Corona virus disease (COVID-19) originated in China in December 2019. Thereafter, a global logarithmic expansion of the cases has occurred. Some countries have a higher rate of infections despite of early implementation of quarantine. Air pollution could be related to the high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the associated case-fatality rates (deaths/cases*100). Lima, Peru has the second highest incidence of COVID-19 in Latin America, and it is also one of the cities with highest levels of air pollution in the Region.
Methods
This study investigated the association of the levels of PM2.5 exposure in the previous years (2010–2016) in 24 districts of Lima with the positive-cases, deaths and case-fatality rates of COVID-19. Multiple Linear regression was used to evaluate this association controlled by age, sex, population density and number of food markets per district. The study period was from March 6 to June 12, 2020.
Results
There were in Lima 128,700 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, and 2,382 deaths due to COVID-19. The case-fatality rate was 1.93%. Previous exposure to PM2.5 (years 2010—2016) was associated with number of Covid-19 positive-cases (β = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.034–0.107) and deaths (β = 0.0014; 95% CI: 0.0006–0.0.0023), but not with case-fatality rate.
Conclusions
the higher rates of COVID-19 in Metropolitan Lima is attributable, among others, to the increased PM2.5 exposure in the previous years after adjusting for age, sex and number of food markets. Reduction of air pollution since a long-term perspective, and social distancing are needed to prevent spreads of virus outbreak.