bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oviposition and Larval Development of Culicoides Insignis Lutz (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Erram Dinesh , Burkett-Cadena Nathan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCulicoides insignis Lutz (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is a confirmed vector of bluetongue virus (BTV) throughout the American tropics and a possible vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in Florida. Despite its importance, fundamental information on the biology and ecology of this species is lacking. In this study, we examined the oviposition and larval development of C. insignis under laboratory conditions and attempted colonization of this species. MethodsLive C. insignis females were collected from the field using CDC-UV-LED traps, allowed to blood-feed on live chicken, and given various natural substrates for oviposition in two-choice assays. The eggs deposited were transferred to 0.3% agar slants and the hatched larvae were provided a diet of Panagrellus redivivus Linnaeus nematodes. ResultsCulicoides insignis females exhibited an overall oviposition preference for dishes containing mud from their larval habitat as gravid females deposited a significantly higher number of eggs on these dishes (35.3 eggs/female) than on deionized water (DI) substrates (17.7eggs/female). The ovipositing females also deposited a higher percentage of eggs on substrates with habitat mud and other organically enriched muds (≥ 75.2%) compared to DI substrates (31.0%). The larvae developed successfully to adulthood on the nematode diet, exhibiting high overall larval survival rates (85.0%). Sex-ratios of the F1 generation were male biased ~3:1 (M:F). Captive mating could not be induced in the F1 adults. ConclusionsMud from the larval habitat and other organically enriched muds provide strong oviposition cues to C. insignis. Further studies will be needed to examine whether these cues are olfactory/tactile in nature. Further studies will also be needed to characterize the larval habitat of C. insignis and identify the key biotic/abiotic factors influencing midge oviposition in the field. This information, in the long term, can be potentially exploited to discourage the oviposition of C. insignis in local habitats. The agar/nematode method is effective for the rearing of C. insignis larvae. However, further studies will be needed to address the issue of male-biased sex-ratios in the progeny. Further studies will also be needed to examine the mating habits/cues of C. insignis in nature, which may provide clues towards inducing captive mating in the F1 adults.
Chronobiological Patterns of White-Tailed Deer in Suburban Maryland: Implications for Deer Population Management, Human-Deer Conflict, and Zoonotic Disease Mitigation
Authors: Roden-Reynolds Patrick , Kent Cody , Li Andrew , Mullinax Jennifer Murrow 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Understanding the ecology of the often dense white-tailed deer populations in urban and suburban landscapes is important for mitigating a variety of conflicts that arise with dense human populations, especially issues surrounding zoonotic disease mitigation and impacts to existing understory vegetation. We collared white-tailed deer in highly suburban areas of Howard County, Maryland. High-resolution GPS data enabled us to create autocorrelated kernel density home ranges and model deer speed, rates of activity, and proximity to residential buildings over time. Home ranges encompassed approximately 35% residential land and an average of 71 and 129 residential properties were found within female and male core ranges, respectively. Sex, time of day, and day of year all influenced deer speed, activity, and proximity to residences. Deer moved into residential areas nightly, especially in winter, and exhibited bouts of increased speed and activity shortly after sunrise and sunset, though with distinctive seasonal changes. We discuss how variation in home ranges and movements may influence population management success and explore year-round periods of increased risk of deer transporting ticks to residential areas. These findings focus our broad understanding of deer movements in suburban landscapes to improve deer population management, limit human-wildlife conflict, and manage against the spread of ticks and tick-borne disease in suburban areas.
Quantifying Contact Lens-Related Changes in Keratoconic Corneal Topographic Indices: An Updated Pentacam Scheimpflug Imaging Analysis
Authors: Kaşıkçı Murat , Karalezli Aylin , EROĞUL ÖZGÜR , Gobeka Hamidu Hamisi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
PurposeSlowing ectasia progression is critical for maintaining visual potential in keratoconus (KC), for which various therapeutic approaches have been implemented. We used a Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging device to quantify contact lens (CL)-related changes in keratoconic corneal topographic indices.MethodsThirty KC patients (group 1; 60 eyes) were using one of the three CL (rigid gas-permeable CL (RGPCL)-10; hybrid CL (HCL)-10; and scleral CL (SCL)-10 patients). A control group included 30 KC patients (group 2; 60 eyes) not using CLs due to intolerance or inappropriateness. The Pentacam® HR Scheimpflug imaging device was used to measure topographical indices such as Km anterior, Km posterior, K max, corneal thickness (CT; corneal central, apex, and thinnest), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) at baseline, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months.ResultsMean ages for groups 1 and 2 were 32 ± 10 and 31 ± 90 years, respectively. Group 1 had lower but statistically significant change in K max than group 2 (p < 0.038). Also, group 1 had a minor but non-significant decrease in anterior and posterior keratometry values compared to group 2 (pKm ant. right/left eye = 0.063/0.065 and 0.087/0.094, respectively). RGPCL users had significant changes in central CT, thinnest CT and ACD (p < 0.041). SCL users had more stable changes than other CLs for the thinnest CT along with significant changes in K max, pachy apex and ACV (p < 0.036). HCL users had significantly higher K max stability (p < 0.039).ConclusionRegular use of appropriate therapeutic CLs may help to stabilize corneal deformity, thereby slowing changes in corneal topographic indices in KC.
Experimental Evidence for Opposing Effects of High Deer Density on Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence and Hazard
Authors: Gandy Sara Louise , Kilbride Elizabeth , Biek Roman , Millins Caroline , Gilbert Lucy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Identifying the mechanisms driving disease risk is challenging for multi-host pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., the tick-borne bacteria causing Lyme disease. Deer are tick reproduction hosts but do not transmit B. burgdorferi s.l., whereas rodents and birds are competent transmission hosts. Here, we use a long-term deer exclosure experiment to test three mechanisms for how high deer density might shape B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence in ticks: increased prevalence due to higher larval tick densities facilitating high transmission on rodents (M1); alternatively, reduced B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence because more larval ticks feed on deer rather than transmission-competent rodents (dilution effect) (M2), potentially due to ecological cascades, whereby higher deer grazing pressure lowers vegetation which decreases rodent abundance thus reducing transmission (M3).Methods: In a large enclosure where red deer stags were kept at high density (32.5 deer/km²), we used an experimental design consisting of eight plots of 0.23ha, four being fenced to simulate the absence of deer and four that were accessible to deer. In each plot we measured the density of questing nymphs and nymphal infection prevalence in spring, summer and autumn and quantified vegetation height and density, and small mammal abundance Results: Prevalence tended to be lower, though not conclusively so, in high deer density plots compared to exclosures (predicted prevalence of 1.0% vs 2.2%), suggesting that the dilution (M2) and cascade (M3) mechanisms might outweigh the increased opportunities for transmission (M1). Presence of deer at high density led to lower vegetation and fewer rodents, consistent with an ecological cascade. However, Lyme disease hazard (density of infected I. ricinus nymphs) was five times higher in high deer density plots due to tick density being 18 times higher.Conclusion: High densities of tick reproduction hosts such as deer can drive up vector-borne disease hazard, despite the potential to simultaneously reduce pathogen prevalence. This has implications for environmental pathogen management and for deer management, although the impact of intermediate deer densities now needs testing.
Environmental drivers of plankton communities in coastal waters: the central role of temperature revealed by co-occurrence networks
Authors: Trombetta Thomas , Vidussi Francesca , Roques Cécile , Mas Sébastien , Scotti Marco , Mostajir Behzad 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To identify the environmental factors that drive plankton community composition and structure in coastal waters, a shallow northwestern Mediterranean lagoon was monitored from winter to spring in two contrasting years. The campaign was based on high-frequency recordings of hydrological and meteorological parameters and weekly samplings of nutrients and the plankton community. The collected data allowed the construction of correlation networks, which revealed that water temperature was the most important factor governing community composition, structure and succession at different trophic levels, suggesting its ubiquitous food web control. Temperature favoured phytoplanktonic flagellates (Cryptophyceae, Chrysophycea, and Chlorophyceae) and ciliates during winter and early spring. In contrast, it favoured diatoms, dinoflagellates, phytoplankton < 6 µm and aloricate Choreotrichida during spring. The secondary drivers were light, which influenced phytoplankton, and wind, which may regulate turbidity and the nutrient supply from land or sediment, thus affecting benthic species such as Nitzschia sp. and Uronema sp. or salinity-tolerant species such as Prorocentrum sp. The central role of temperature in structuring the co-occurrence network suggests that future global warming could deeply modify plankton communities in shallow coastal zones, affecting whole-food web functioning.
Significance of Selenium Supplementation in Root- Shoot Reactions Under Manganese Stress in Wheat Seedlings – Biochemical and Cytological Studies.
Authors: Sieprawska Apolonia , Skórka Magdalena , Bednarska-Kozakiewicz Elżbieta , Niedojadło Katarzyna , Janiak Agnieszka , Telk Anna , Filek Maria 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Agronomic practices are one of the reasons for the increasing accumulation of elements in the soil, including manganese (Mn). Our previous studies have shown that selenium (Se) ions can reduce the toxic actions of metal stress. Those, we studied the effects of Mn - treated as a stressor and Se – as a potential defense in plants.
Methods
Mn ions (10 mM) or/and Se (15 µM) were added into hydroponic nutrients of two wheat cultivares. The evaluation of the stress-generating and protective actions were analyzed by biochemical methods and microscopic observations in leaves and roots. Moreover the level of DNA methylation for these tissues was determined.
Results
Mn application caused an increase of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content in both leaves and roots and was accompanied with a greater absorption of this element by the roots. For other elements (K, Fe, S, P), with the exception of Ca, the reduced their uptake was registered, especially in roots. For roots, Mn stimulated greater, microscopically observed, desorganization in cell structure as compared to leaves, which was accompanied by a quantitative increase in 5-metC in root meristem. Se application diminished the effects of Mn-stress.
Conclusions
These studies is the first in which indicated that global 5-metC level in roots enhancing from dividing meristematic cells to elongating cells of the axial cylinder and cortex. It was suggested that the rise in Ca level can lead to modification of root cells differentiations what may be one of the steps in defense mechanisms.
Cross-cultural Collaboration in Health Campaigns in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Hovland Olav Johannes , Hole Ane Falnes , Chiduo Mercy Grace , Johannessen Berit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Health campaigns are an important aspect of preventive health work. The aims of health campaigns can be to improve health literacy in rural areas where residents lack access to health information and knowledge, and to improve both local and global health through cross-cultural collaboration. In Tanga District, Tanzania, exchange students and local youths participate together with Tanga International Competence Center (TICC) to plan and accomplishing health campaigns in local communities.Objective: The objective of this study was to explore participants’ experiences with cross-cultural collaboration in the planning and accomplishing the Health Campaign Program (HCP) at the TICC.Methods: This study used a focused ethnographic approach. Five weeks of fieldwork included four observations of health campaigns and nine interviews: three individual interviews with employees at TICC (all Tanzanians), two group interviews with nine Norwegian nursing students, two group interviews with five local youths enrolled in the TICC’s Youth Program, one interview with a local village leader, and one interview with a local primary school teacher. The interview material was analysed using systematic text condensation.Results: All parties involved, including the residents, achieved learning outcomes from the health campaigns, and the HCP participants perceived the cross-cultural collaboration as successful. Through the HCP, people gained access to health information. Having enough time, adapting to local conditions, and the needs of the target groups were perceived as essential to the campaigns' successful outcome. Music and role-play, which are dominant within Tanzanian culture, created excitement and motivation among the audiences. The interviewees identified changes in people’s health behaviour in the aftermath of the campaigns.Conclusion: Both the local Tanzanian participants and the Norwegian nursing students experienced the cross-cultural collaboration as beneficial. The collaboration helped to strengthen the quality of the health campaigns and increased the residents’ learning outcomes in attending the performance of the health campaigns.
The Role of Cultural, Community and Natural Assets in Addressing Societal and Structural Health Inequalities in the UK: Future Research Priorities
Authors: Thomson Linda JM , Gordon-Nesbitt Rebecca , Elsden Esme , Chatterjee Helen J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Reducing health inequalities in the UK has been a policy priority for over 20 years, yet, despite efforts to create a more equal society, progress has been limited. Furthermore, some inequalities have widened and become more apparent, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. With growing recognition of the uneven distribution of life expectancy and of mental and physical health, the current research was commissioned to identify future research priorities to address UK societal and structural health inequalities.Methods: An expert opinion consultancy process comprising an anonymous online survey and a consultation workshop were carried out to investigate priority areas for future research into UK inequalities. The seven-question survey asked respondents (n=170) to indicate their current role, then identify and prioritise areas of inequality, approaches and evaluation methods. The workshop was held to determine areas of research priority and attended by a closed list of delegates (n=30) representing a range of academic disciplines and end-users of research from policy and practice. Delegates self-selected one of four breakout groups, to participate in determining research priority areas in four categories of inequality (health, social, economic, and other) and to allocate hypothetical sums of funding (half, one, five, and ten million pounds) to chosen priority areas. Responses were analysed using mixed methods.Results: Survey respondents determined the main areas of inequality as ‘health’, ‘social care’, ‘living standards’, and ‘economic factors’. The highest research priorities were ‘access to creative and cultural opportunities’, ‘sense of place’ and ‘community’. Approaches seen to benefit from more research were ‘health/social care’, ‘advice services’ and ‘adult education/training’. Preferred evaluation methods were ‘community/participatory’, ‘action research’, ‘questionnaires/focus groups’ and ‘ethnographic studies’. The key workshop finding was that health equity could only be achieved by tackling societal and structural inequalities, environmental conditions and housing, and having an active prevention programme.Conclusions: Research demonstrates a clear need to assess the impact of cultural and natural assets in reducing inequality. Collaborations between community groups, service providers, local authorities, health commissioners, GPs and researchers using longitudinal approaches are needed within a multi-disciplinary approach to address societal and structural health inequalities.
The Mediation Role of Sleep Quality in the Relationship Between Cognitive Decline and Depression
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Xia Xin , Hu Fengjuan , Hao Qiukui , Hou Lisha , Sun Xuelian , Zhang Gongchang , Yue Jirong , Dong Birong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesAssociations between cognitive decline and depression have been inconclusive. We examined 1) whether sleep quality mediates these relationships and 2) which factor of sleeping quality mediates these relationships.MethodsThis study utilized baseline data from the 2018 West China Health and Aging Trend study (WCHAT), a large cohort data-set that including participants aged over 50 years old. We defined depression using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Cognitive status was measured using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) and sleeping quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Direct relationships between cognitive decline, sleep quality and depression were assessed using multiple linear regression. Mediation models and structural equation model (SEM) pathway analysis were used to test the mediating role of specific aspects of sleep (e.g., quality, duration) in the relationship between cognitive decline and depression.ResultsOf 6828 participants aged 50 years old or older, the proportion of depression was 17.4%. Regression analysis indicated a direct association between cognitive scores (β= 0.251, 95% CI 0.211 to 0.29, p < 0.001) and depression status. After adjusted PSQI scores, the association between cognitive scores and depression status was still significant (β= 0.242, 95% CI 0.203 to 0.281, p < 0.001), indicating a partial mediation effect of sleeping quality. Mediation analysis verified sleep quality partially mediate the associations between cognitive decline and depression (indirect effect estimate = 0.0308, bootstrap 95% CI 0.0231 to 0.04; direct effect estimate = 0.3124, bootstrap 95% CI 0.2692 to 0.35). And daytime dysfunction had a highest mediation effect with a proportion of mediation up to 14.56%. Conclusions Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between cognitive decline and depression. Daytime dysfunction had a highest mediation effect. Further research is necessary to examine the effects of sleep quality on the relationship of cognitive decline and depression.
Unveiling the crystal structure of ‘antimonic acid’: short- and long-range perspectives
Authors: Mayer S. F. , Rodrigues J. E. , Sobrados I. , Gainza J. , Fernández-Díaz M. T. , Marini C. , Asensio M. C. , Alonso J. A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The elusive crystal structure of the socalled “antimonic acid” has been investigated by means of robust and state-of-the-art techniques. The synergic results of solidstate magicangle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a combined Rietveld refinement from synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data reveal that this compound contains two types of protons, in a pyrochloretype structure of stoichiometric formula (H3O)1.20(7)H0.77(9)Sb2O6. Some protons belong to heavily delocalized H3O+ subunits, while some H+ are directly bonded to the oxygen atoms of the covalent framework of the pyrochlore structure, with O − H distances close to 1 Å. A proton diffusion mechanism is proposed relying on percolation pathways determined by bondvalence energy landscape analysis. Xray absorption spectroscopy results corroborate the structural data around Sb5+ ions at shortrange order. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry endorsed the conclusions on the water content within antimonic acid. Additional 0.7 water molecules per formula were assessed as moisture water by thermal analysis.
PEX-168 Improves Insulin Resistance, Inflammatory Response and Adipokines in Simple Obese Mice: A Mechanistic Exploration
Authors: Guo Zeyuan , Wu Yuting , Xiaofang Sun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Polyethylene glycol losenatide (PEX-168) is a new antidiabetic drug; as such, there are not yet any reports on its weight loss effect. Therefore, this trial was designed to investigate the effect of PEX-168 on simple obese mice.Methods: Thirty healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly selected and divided into a control group (NC, n=6) and an obesity model group (n=24). The high-fat diet-induced simple obesity mice were divided into a model control group (HF) and three intervention groups receiving different doses of PEX-168 (low (LD), medium (MD) and high (HD), receiving PEX-168 doses of 0.03 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, respectively), with 6 animals in each group. The intervention groups were injected with different doses of PEX-168 intraperitoneally once a week for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight and food intake were measured from 1 to 12 weeks after PEX-168 injection. The activity of the mice was observed, and serum insulin (INS), C-reactive protein (CRP) chemerin and omentin levels were measured after 12 weeks.Results: Compared with the HF group, the low dose of PEX-168 reduced the body weight of the mice in a short period of time (8 weeks), and the mice in the LD and HD groups showed a significant decrease in body weight (P < 0.05). The low dose of PEX-168 could effectively improve the blood glucose and insulin resistance index (Homa-IR) of the mice (FBG P < 0.05 INS, Homa-IR P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between different doses (P > 0.05). CRP levels in the HD and LD groups were significantly improved (P < 0.05). The levels of serum chemerin and omentin in the intervention groups were also significantly improved (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the different doses (P > 0.05).Conclusion: PEX-168 significantly reduced the body weight of simple obese mice and prevented the development of diabetes. PEX-168 may regulate the expression of chemerin and omentin mainly through its hypoglycaemic effect, and the weight-reducing effect of PEX-168 is unlikely to be the reason for the changes in both.