bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence for a genetic association between female mating preference and male secondary sexual trait in a Lake Victoria cichlid fish
Authors: van der Sluijs Inke , Seehausen Ole , Dooren Tom J. M.Van , Alphen Jacques J. M. van 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Sexual selection by female mating preference for male nuptial coloration has been suggested as a driving force in the rapid speciation of Lake Victoria cichlid fish. This process could have been facilitated or accelerated by genetic associations between female preference loci and male coloration loci. Preferences, as well as coloration, are heritable traits and are probably determined by more than one gene. However, little is known about potential genetic associations between these traits. In turbid water, we found a population that is variable in male nuptial coloration from blue to yellow to red. Males at the extreme ends of the phenotype distribution resemble a reproductively isolated species pair in clear water that has diverged into one species with blue-grey males and one species with bright red males. Females of the turbid water population vary in mating preference coinciding with the male phenotype distribution. For the current study, these females were mated to blue males. We measured the coloration of the sires and male offspring. Parents-offspring regression showed that the sires did not affect male offspring coloration, which confirms earlier findings that the blue species breeds true. In contrast, male offspring coloration was determined by the identity of the dams, which suggests that there is heritable variation in male color genes between females. However, we found that mating preferences of the dams were not correlated with male offspring coloration. Thus, there is no evidence for strong genetic linkage between mating preference and the preferred trait in this population.
The Combined Effect of Elevated O3 Levels and TYLCV Infection Increases the Fitness of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean on Tomato Plants
Authors: Cui Hongying , Sun Yucheng , Zhao Zihua , Zhang Youjun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGlobal change and biotic stress, such as tropospheric contamination and virus infection, can individually modify the quality of host plants, thereby altering the palatability of the plant for herbivorous insects. The bottom-up effects of elevated O3 and tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection on tomato plants and the associated performance of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) were determined in open-top chambers. Elevated O3 decreased eight amino acid levels and increased the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content and the gene expression of pathogenesis-related protein (PR1) and proteinase inhibitor (PI1) in both wild-type (CM) and JA defense-deficient tomato genotype (spr2). TYLCV infection and the combination of elevated O3 and TYLCV infection increased eight amino acids levels, SA content and PR1 expression, and decreased JA content and PI1 expression in both tomato genotypes. In uninfected tomato, elevated O3 increased developmental time and decreased fecundity by 6.1 and 18.8% in the CM, respectively, and by 6.8 and 18.9% in the spr2, respectively. In TYLCV-infected tomato, elevated O3 decreased developmental time and increased fecundity by 4.6 and 14.2%, respectively, in the CM and by 4.3 and 16.8%, respectively, in the spr2. These results showed that the interactive effects of elevated O3 and TYLCV infection partially increased the amino acid content and weakened the JA-dependent defense, resulting in increased population fitness of MED on tomato plants. This study suggests that whiteflies would be more successful at TYLCV-infected plants than at uninfected plants in elevated O3 levels.
The decline in physical activity in aging people is not modified by gender or the presence of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Achttien Retze J , van Lieshout Jan , Wensing Michel , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria , Staal J Bart 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA physically active lifestyle decreases the progression of atherosclerosis and consequently reduces cardiovascular mortality. However, activity levels are hampered by aging. The association between aging and physical inactivity might be gender-specific or be modified by the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, we investigated if the association between aging and physical inactivity was different between men and women and between primary and secondary prevention patients.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of three primary care samples including primary and/or secondary prevention patients (total n = 4726). Baseline data for sample 1 were collected in the years 2013–14, for sample 2 in 2009–10 and for sample 3 in 2009. Activity levels were measured by the patient reported Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire. A multilevel regression analysis was used to explore the association between aging and physical inactivity, adjusted for confounders. We examined potential effect modification by gender and the presence of CVD on the association between aging and physical inactivity.ResultsMultilevel regression revealed that aging was consistently associated with physical inactivity in three out of three samples. This association was, however, not modified by gender or the presence of CVD.ConclusionsCardiovascular risk management interventions should aim at increasing or maintaining physical activity levels in aging primary care population. This study does not support the notion that extra emphasis should be put in targeting men or women, or people with or without the presence of CVD.
Crustal anisotropy from shear-wave splitting of local earthquakes in the Garhwal Lesser Himalaya
Authors: Kanaujia Jyotima , Mitra Supriyo , Gupta S C , Sharma M L 
Published: September 2019

SUMMARYCrustal anisotropy of the Garhwal Lesser Himalaya has been studied using local earthquake data from the Tehri seismic network. Earthquakes with magnitude (mL) up to 3, which occurred between January 2008 to December 2010, have been used for the shear wave splitting (SWS) analysis. SWS measurements have been done for steeply incident ray paths (ic ≤ 45°) to estimate the anisotropy fast axis orientation (ϕ) and the delay time (∂t). A total of 241 waveforms have been analysed, which yielded 209 splitting measurements, and 32 null results. The analysis reveals spatial and depth variation of ϕ and ∂t, suggesting complex anisotropic structure beneath the Garhwal Lesser Himalaya. The mean ∂t is estimated to be 0.07 ± 0.065 s with a mean depth normalized ∂t of 0.005 s km–1. We present the ϕ and Vs per cent anisotropy results by segregating these as a function of depth, for earthquakes originating above and below the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT); and spatially, for stations located in the Outer Lesser Himalaya (OLH) and the Inner Lesser Himalaya (ILH). Earthquakes above the MHT sample only the Himalayan wedge, while those below the MHT sample both the underthrust Indian crust and the Himalayan wedge. Within the Himalayan wedge, for both OLH and ILH, the mean ϕ is oriented NE–SW, in the direction of maximum horizontal compressive stress axis (SHmax). This anisotropy is possibly due to stress-aligned microcracks controlled by the local stress pattern within the Himalayan wedge. The mean of normalized ∂t for all events originating within the Himalaya is 0.006 s km–1, which yields a Vs per cent anisotropy of ∼2.28 per cent. Assuming a homogeneous distribution of stress-aligned microcracks we compute a crack density of ∼0.0228 for the Garhwal Lesser Himalaya. At stations close to the regional fault systems, the mean ϕ is subparallel to the strike of the faults, and the anisotropy, locally, appears to be structure-related. For earthquakes originating below the MHT, in OLH, the mean ϕ orientation matches those from the Himalayan wedge and the normalized ∂t decreases with depth. This suggests depth localization of the anisotropy, primarily present within the Himalayan wedge. In the ILH, we observe large variations in the mean ϕ orientation and larger values of ∂t close to the regional fault/thrust systems. This is possibly a composite effect of the structure-related shallow crustal anisotropy and the frozen anisotropy of the underthrusting Indian crust. However, these cannot be segregated in this study.
Can institutional entrepreneurship strengthen clinical governance and quality improvement: a case study of a district-based clinical specialist team in South Africa
Authors: Oboirien Kafayat , Goudge Jane , Harris Bronwyn , Eyles John 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe present an interpretive qualitative account of micro-level activities and processes of clinical governance by recently introduced district-based clinical specialist teams (DCSTs) in South Africa. We do this to explore whether and how they are functioning as institutional entrepreneurs (IE) at the local service delivery level. In one health district, between 2013 and 2015, we carried out 59 in-depth interviews with district, sub-district and facility managers, nurses, DCST members and external actors. We also ran one focus group discussion with the DCST and analysed key policies, activities and perceptions of the innovation using an institutional entrepreneurship conceptual lens. Findings show that the DCST is located in a constrained context. Yet, by revealing and bridging gaps in the health system, team members have been able to take on certain IE characteristics, functioning—more or less—as announcers of reforms, articulating a strategic vision and direction for the system, advocating for change, mobilizing resources. In addition, they have helped to reorganize services and shape care practices by re-framing issues and exerting power to influence organizational change. The DCST innovation provides an opportunity to promote institutional entrepreneurship in our context because it influences change and is applicable to other health systems. Yet there are nuanced differences between individual members and the team, and these need better understanding to maximize this contribution to change in this context and other health systems.
‘Blood pressure can kill you tomorrow, but HIV gives you time’: illness perceptions and treatment experiences among Malawian individuals living with HIV and hypertension
Authors: Hing Matthew , Hoffman Risa M , Seleman Juliet , Chibwana Florence , Kahn Daniel , Moucheraud Corrina 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Non-communicable diseases like hypertension are increasingly common among individuals living with HIV in low-resource settings. The prevalence of hypertension among people with HIV in Malawi, e.g. has been estimated to be as high as 46%. However, few qualitative studies have explored the patient experience with comorbid chronic disease. Our study aimed to address this gap by using the health belief model (HBM) to examine how comparative perceptions of illness and treatment among participants with both HIV and hypertension may affect medication adherence behaviours. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 75 adults with HIV and hypertension at an urban clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. Questions addressed participants’ experiences with antiretroviral and antihypertensive medications, as well as their perspectives on HIV and hypertension as illnesses. Interviews were performed in Chichewa, transcribed, translated into English and analysed using ATLAS.ti. Deductive codes were drawn from the HBM and interview guide, with inductive codes added as they emerged from the data. Self-reported medication adherence was much poorer for hypertension than HIV, but participants saw hypertension as a disease at least as concerning as HIV—primarily due to the perceived severity of hypertension’s consequences and participants’ limited ability to anticipate them compared with HIV. Differences in medication adherence were attributed to the high costs of antihypertensive medications relative to the free availability of antiretroviral therapy, with other factors like lifestyle changes and self-efficacy also influencing adherence practices. These findings demonstrate how participants draw on past experiences with HIV to make sense of hypertension in the present, and suggest that although patients are motivated to control their hypertension, they face individual- and system-level obstacles in adhering to treatment. Thus, health policies and systems seeking to provide integrated care for HIV and hypertension should be attentive to the complex illness experiences of individuals living with these diseases.
Methodological gaps and opportunities for studying multisectoral collaboration for health in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Glandon Douglas , Mondal Shinjini , Okeyo Ida , Zaidi Shehla , Khan Mishal S , Dar Osman , Bennett Sara 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe current body of research into multisectoral collaborations (MSCs) for health raises more questions than it answers, both in terms of how to implement MSCs and how to study them. This article reflects on current methodological gaps and opportunities for advancing MSC research, based on a targeted review of existing literature and qualitative input from researchers and practitioners at the 2018 Health Systems Research (HSR) Symposium in Liverpool. Through framework analysis of 205 MSC research papers referenced in a separately published MSC ‘overview of reviews’ paper, this article identifies six broad MSC question domains (‘meta questions’) and applies content analysis to estimate the relative frequency with which these meta questions and the research method(s) used to answer them are present in the literature. Results highlight a preponderance of research exploring MSC implementation using case study methods, which, in aggregate, does not seem to adequately meet policymakers’ and practitioners’ needs for generalizable or transferable insights. The content analysis is complemented by qualitative insights from HSR Symposium participants and the authors’ own experience to identify six key methodological gaps in research on MSC for health. For each of these gaps, we propose areas in which we believe there are opportunities for methodological development and innovation to help advance this field of study, including: better understanding the role of power dynamics in shaping MSCs; development of a classification framework (or frameworks) of governance arrangements; exploring divergence of perspective and experience among MSC partners; identifying or generating theoretical frameworks for MSC that work across sectors and disciplines; developing intermediate indicators of collaboration; and increasing transferability of insights to other contexts. Collaboration with researchers outside of the health sector will enhance efforts in each of these areas, as will the establishment and strengthening of pluralistic MSC evidence networks also involving policymakers and practitioners.
Identification of genes involved in glaucoma pathogenesis using combined network analysis and empirical studies
Authors: Moazzeni Hamidreza , Mirrahimi Mehraban , Moghadam Abolfazl , Banaei-Esfahani Amir , Yazdani Shahin , Elahi Elahe 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGlaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. We aimed in this study to identify genes that may make subtle and cumulative contributions to glaucoma pathogenesis. To this end, we identified molecular interactions and pathways that include transcription factors (TFs) FOXC1, PITX2, PAX6 and NFKB1 and various microRNAs including miR-204 known to have relevance to trabecular meshwork (TM) functions and/or glaucoma. TM tissue is involved in glaucoma pathogenesis. In-house microarray transcriptome results and data sources were used to identify target genes of the regulatory molecules. Bioinformatics analyses were done to filter TM and glaucoma relevant genes. These were submitted to network-creating softwares to define interactions, pathways and a network that would include the genes. The network was stringently scrutinized and minimized, then expanded by addition of microarray data and data on TF and microRNA-binding sites. Selected features of the network were confirmed by empirical studies such as dual luciferase assays, real-time PCR and western blot experiments and apoptosis assays. MYOC, WDR36, LTPBP2, RHOA, CYP1B1, OPA1, SPARC, MEIS2, PLEKHG5, RGS5, BBS5, ALDH1A1, NOMO2, CXCL6, FMNL2, ADAMTS5, CLOCK and DKK1 were among the genes included in the final network. Pathways identified included those that affect ECM properties, IOP, ciliary body functions, retinal ganglion cell viability, apoptosis, focal adhesion and oxidative stress response. The identification of many genes potentially involved in glaucoma pathology is consistent with its being a complex disease. The inclusion of several known glaucoma-related genes validates the approach used.
Fully discrete numerical schemes of a data assimilation algorithm: uniform-in-time error estimates
Authors: Ibdah Hussain A , Mondaini Cecilia F , Titi Edriss S 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Our aim is to approximate a reference velocity field solving the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) in the absence of its initial condition by utilizing spatially discrete measurements of that field, available at a coarse scale, and continuous in time. The approximation is obtained via numerically discretizing a downscaling data assimilation algorithm. Time discretization is based on semiimplicit and fully implicit Euler schemes, while spatial discretization (which can be done at an arbitrary scale regardless of the spatial resolution of the measurements) is based on a spectral Galerkin method. The two fully discrete algorithms are shown to be unconditionally stable, with respect to the size of the time step, the number of time steps and the number of Galerkin modes. Moreover, explicit, uniform-in-time error estimates between the approximation and the reference solution are obtained, in both the $L^2$ and $H^1$ norms. Notably, the two-dimensional NSE, subject to the no-slip Dirichlet or periodic boundary conditions, are used in this work as a paradigm. The complete analysis that is presented here can be extended to other two- and three-dimensional dissipative systems under the assumption of global existence and uniqueness.
Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Regulates Mycobacterium bovis–Induced IFN-β Production by Modulating Mitochondrial DNA Replication in Macrophages
Authors: Song Yinjuan , Hussain Tariq , Wang Jie , Liao Yi , Yue Ruichao , Sabir Naveed , Zhao Deming , Zhou Xiangmei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterium bovis persistently survives in macrophages by developing multiple strategies to evade host immune responses, and the early induction of interferon-β (IFN-β) is one of these critical strategies. The mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) plays a vital role in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) metabolism and has been suggested to influence IFN-β production in response to viral infection. However, its role in the production of IFN-β by M. bovis has not been elucidated.MethodsIn the current study, we investigated the role of TFAM in the production of IFN-β in M. bovis–infected macrophages.ResultsWe found that knockdown of TFAM expression significantly reduced M. bovis–induced IFN-β production, mtDNA copy numbers and cytosolic mtDNA were increased in murine macrophages with M. bovis infection, cytosolic mtDNA contributed to IFN-β production, and TFAM was required for the increase in mtDNA copy numbers induced by M. bovis. We also observed that TFAM affected the intracellular survival of M. bovis.ConclusionsOur results suggest that TFAM plays an essential role in M. bovis–induced IFN-β production by regulating mtDNA copy numbers. This might be a new strategy adopted by M. bovis for its intracellular survival.
Efficacy of human-simulated bronchopulmonary exposures of cefepime, zidebactam and the combination (WCK 5222) against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a neutropenic murine pneumonia model
Authors: Kidd James M , Abdelraouf Kamilia , Nicolau David P 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objectives
WCK 5222 combines cefepime with zidebactam, a β-lactam enhancer that binds PBP2 and inhibits class A and C β-lactamases. The efficacy of human-simulated bronchopulmonary exposures of WCK 5222 against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated in a neutropenic murine pneumonia model.

Methods
Nineteen MDR isolates of P. aeruginosa (cefepime MICs ≥64 mg/L) were studied. MICs of zidebactam and WCK 5222 ranged from 4 to 512 mg/L and from 4 to 32 mg/L, respectively. Dosing regimens of cefepime and zidebactam alone and in combination that achieved epithelial lining fluid (ELF) exposures in mice approximating human ELF exposures after doses of 2 g of cefepime/1 g of zidebactam every 8 h (1 h infusion) were utilized; controls were vehicle-dosed. Lungs were intranasally inoculated with 107–108 cfu/mL bacterial suspensions. Mice were dosed subcutaneously 2 h after inoculation for 24 h, then lungs were harvested.

Results
In vitro MIC was predictive of in vivo response to WCK 5222 treatment. Mean ± SD changes in bacterial density at 24 h compared with 0 h controls (6.72 ± 0.50 log10 cfu/lungs) for 13 isolates with WCK 5222 MICs ≤16 mg/L were 1.17 ± 1.00, −0.99 ± 1.45 and −2.21 ± 0.79 log10 cfu/lungs for cefepime, zidebactam and WCK 5222, respectively. Against these isolates, zidebactam yielded >1 log10 cfu/lungs reductions in 8/13, while activity was enhanced with WCK 5222, producing >2 log10 cfu/lungs reductions in 10/13 and >1 log10 cfu/lungs reductions in 12/13. Among isolates with WCK 5222 MICs of 32 mg/L, five out of six showed a bacteriostatic response.

Conclusions
Human-simulated bronchopulmonary exposure of WCK 5222 is effective against MDR P. aeruginosa at MIC ≤16 mg/L in a murine pneumonia model. These data support the clinical development of WCK 5222 for pseudomonal lung infections.
Emerging Synthetic Cannabinoids: Development and Validation of a Novel Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Assay for Real-Time Detection
Authors: Krotulski Alex J , Mohr Amanda L A , Logan Barry K 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids pose significant threats to public health and safety, as their implications in overdose and adverse events continue to arise in United States and around the world. Synthetic cannabinoids have seen several generations of chemically diverse structural elements, impacting potency and effects. These factors create new analytical challenges for forensic laboratories. This report describes an efficient liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) assay for the identification of synthetic cannabinoid parent compounds and metabolites, including real-time identification of emergent compounds, using a SCIEX TripleTOF® 5600+ with non-targeted SWATH® acquisition. Method validation evaluated precision/accuracy, limits of detection, interferences, processed sample stability and carryover, for which 19 parent compounds and 19 metabolites were tested. To demonstrate feasibility, de-identified blood sample extracts were acquired from a large forensic toxicology laboratory and analyzed using the validated LC-QTOF-MS assay. In mid-2018, 200 blood extracts were analyzed, demonstrating a 19% positivity rate with &gt; 94% agreement rate with original testing. In addition, three newly discovered synthetic cannabinoids were identified, including 5F-MDMB-PICA, 4-cyano CUMYL-BUTINACA and 5F-EDMB-PINACA. These synthetic cannabinoids were previously unreported in forensic toxicology casework in the United States. 5F-MDMB-PICA has become the most prevalent synthetic cannabinoid in United States, as of early 2019. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this assay and workflow in the identification and characterization of synthetic cannabinoids, as well as the usefulness of sample-mining using non-targeted mass acquisition by LC-QTOF-MS for the discovery of NPS. High resolution mass spectrometry should be considered when developing new or novel assays for synthetic cannabinoids.