bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The behaviour of adult Anopheles gambiae, sub-Saharan Africa’s principal malaria vector, and its relevance to malaria control: a review
Authors: Takken Willem , Charlwood Derek , Lindsay Steve W. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex are one of the major vectors of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Their ability to transmit this disease of major public health importance is dependent on their abundance, biting behaviour, susceptibility and their ability to survive long enough to transmit malaria parasites. A deeper understanding of this behaviour can be exploited for improving vector surveillance and malaria control.

Findings
Adult mosquitoes emerge from aquatic habitats at dusk. After a 24 h teneral period, in which the cuticle hardens and the adult matures, they may disperse at random and search upwind for a mate or to feed. Mating generally takes place at dusk in swarms that form over species-specific ‘markers’. Well-nourished females may mate before blood-feeding, but the reverse is true for poorly-nourished insects. Females are monogamous and only mate once whilst males, that only feed on nectar, swarm nightly and can potentially mate up to four times. Females are able to locate hosts by following their carbon dioxide and odour gradients. When in close proximity to the host, visual cues, temperature and relative humidity are also used. Most blood-feeding occurs at night, indoors, with mosquitoes entering houses mainly through gaps between the roof and the walls. With the exception of the first feed, females are gonotrophically concordant and a blood meal gives rise to a complete egg batch. Egg development takes two or three days depending on temperature. Gravid females leave their resting sites at dusk. They are attracted by water gradients and volatile chemicals that provide a suitable aquatic habitat in which to lay their eggs.

Conclusion
Whilst traditional interventions, using insecticides, target mosquitoes indoors, additional protection can be achieved using spatial repellents outdoors, attractant traps or house modifications to prevent mosquito entry. Future research on the variability of species-specific behaviour, movement of mosquitoes across the landscape, the importance of light and vision, reproductive barriers to gene flow, male mosquito behaviour and evolutionary changes in mosquito behaviour could lead to an improvement in malaria surveillance and better methods of control reducing the current over-reliance on the indoor application of insecticides.
A thematic analysis of MDMA-related harm and harm reduction experiences and knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Whelan Jai , Ward Ryan D. , Noller Geoff 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular drug worldwide and use is prevalent in Aotearoa New Zealand. Although associated with some significant harms, including fatalities, MDMA is ultimately less harmful than other commonly consumed drugs. We aimed to expand the understanding of MDMA harm and harm reduction strategies from a consumer perspective so that national harm reduction efforts can be better informed.

Methods
We conducted 14 semi-structured focus group discussions including 60 people (aged 18–67, median = 21) who use MDMA in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand to explore their thoughts and experiences regarding MDMA associated harm and harm reduction. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted from a critical realist perspective.

Results
Five themes were generated; (1) Mindset and setting matters; (2) Looking after your body and mind, not overdoing it; (3) Other substances increase risk and harm; (4) Trusted friends and peers are protective; and (5) Valid information is key for healthy self-determination; and one subtheme 5.1) Drug checking is essential harm reduction.

Conclusions
We discuss the implications for MDMA consumers and aim to inform national drug policy and the harm reduction practices of consumers and organisations, for the ultimate purpose of reducing MDMA-related harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Differences between the intestinal microbial communities of healthy dogs from plateau and those of plateau dogs infected with Echinococcus
Authors: Liu Jia , Jiang Xiaojie , Lei Wen , Xi Yuan , Zhang Qing , Cai Huixia , Ma Xiao , Liu Yufang , Wang Wei , Liu Na , Zhang Xiongying , Ma Wanli , Zhao Cunzhe , Ni Bin , Zhang Wen , Wang Yongshun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) represents a profoundly perilous zoonotic disease. The advent of viral macrogenomics has facilitated the exploration of hitherto uncharted viral territories. In the scope of this investigation, our objective is to scrutinize disparities in the intestinal microbiotic ecosystems of canines dwelling in elevated terrains and those afflicted by Echinococcus infection, employing the tool of viral macrogenomics.

Methods
In this study, we collected a comprehensive total of 1,970 fecal samples from plateau dogs infected with Echinococcus, as well as healthy control plateau dogs from the Yushu and Guoluo regions in the highland terrain of China. These samples were subjected to viral macrogenomic analysis to investigate the viral community inhabiting the canine gastrointestinal tract.

Results
Our meticulous analysis led to the identification of 136 viral genomic sequences, encompassing eight distinct viral families.

Conclusion
The outcomes of this study hold the potential to enhance our comprehension of the intricate interplay between hosts, parasites, and viral communities within the highland canine gut ecosystem. Through the examination of phage presence, it may aid in early detection or assessment of infection severity, providing valuable insights into Echinococcus infection and offering prospects for potential treatment strategies.
Local Application of Tanshinone IIA protects mesenchymal stem cells from apoptosis and promotes fracture healing in ovariectomized mice
Authors: Cheng Shao , Hu Xiaohui , Sun Kanghui , Huang Ziyu , Zhao Yongjian , Sun Yueli , Zeng Bo , Wang Jing , Zhao Dongfeng , Lu Sheng , Shi Qi , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Weian , Liu Xinhua , Shu Bing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Elderly patients suffering from osteoporotic fractures are more susceptible to delayed union or nonunion, and their bodies then are in a state of low-grade chronic inflammation with decreased antioxidant capacity. Tanshinone IIA is widely used in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We aimed to observe the antioxidant effects of Tanshinone IIA on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which play important roles in bone repair, and the effects of local application of Tanshinone IIA using an injectable biodegradable hydrogel on osteoporotic fracture healing.

Methods
MSCs were pretreated with or without different concentrations of Tanshinone IIA followed by H2O2 treatment. Ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6 mice received a mid-shaft transverse osteotomy fracture on the left tibia, and Tanshinone IIA was applied to the fracture site using an injectable hydrogel.

Results
Tanshinone IIA pretreatment promoted the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and antioxidant enzymes, and inhibited H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation in MSCs. Furthermore, Tanshinone IIA reversed H2O2-induced apoptosis and decrease in osteogenic differentiation in MSCs. After 4 weeks of treatment with Tanshinone IIA in OVX mice, the bone mineral density of the callus was significantly increased and the biomechanical properties of the healed tibias were improved. Cell apoptosis was decreased and Nrf2 expression was increased in the early stage of callus formation.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results indicate that Tanshinone IIA can activate antioxidant enzymes to protect MSCs from H2O2-induced cell apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation inhibition. Local application of Tanshinone IIA accelerates fracture healing in ovariectomized mice.
Icaritin-curcumol activates CD8+ T cells through regulation of gut microbiota and the DNMT1/IGFBP2 axis to suppress the development of prostate cancer
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Li Yingqiu , Liu Lumei , Xie Jing , Hu Zongren , Kuang Shida , Fu Xinying , Li Bonan , Sun Tiansong , Zhu Congxu , He Qinghu , Sheng Wen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality rates are rising. Our previous research has shown that the combination of icariin (ICA) and curcumol (CUR) induced autophagy and ferroptosis in PCa cells, and altered lipid metabolism. We aimed to further explore the effects of the combination of ICA and CUR on gut microbiota, metabolism, and immunity in PCa.

Methods
A mouse subcutaneous RM-1 cell tumor model was established. 16 S rRNA sequencing was performed to detect changes in fecal gut microbiota. SCFAs in mouse feces, and the effect of ICA-CUR on T-cell immunity, IGFBP2, and DNMT1 were examined. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was conducted to explore the mechanism of ICA-CUR. Si-IGFBP2 and si/oe-DNMT1 were transfected into RM-1 and DU145 cells, and the cells were treated with ICA-CUR to investigate the mechanism of ICA-CUR on PCa development.

Results
After treatment with ICA-CUR, there was a decrease in tumor volume and weight, accompanied by changes in gut microbiota. ICA-CUR affected SCFAs and DNMT1/IGFBP2/EGFR/STAT3/PD-L1 pathway. ICA-CUR increased the positive rates of CD3+CD8+IFN-γ, CD3+CD8+Ki67 cells, and the levels of IFN-γ and IFN-α in the serum. After FMT (with donors from the ICA-CUR group), tumor volume and weight were decreased. SCFAs promote tumor development and the expression of IGFBP2. In vitro, DNMT1/IGFBP2 promotes cell migration and proliferation. ICA-CUR inhibits the expression of DNMT1/IGFBP2.

Conclusions
ICA-CUR mediates the interaction between gut microbiota and the DNMT1/IGFBP2 axis to inhibit the progression of PCa by regulating immune response and metabolism, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for PCa.
Local intralesional talimogene laherparepvec therapy with complete local response in oral palatine mucosal melanoma: a case report
Authors: Chitnis Saurabh D. , Seim Nolan B. , Kendra Kari 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Mucosal melanoma, an aggressive type of malignancy different from the cutaneous melanomas commonly seen in the head and neck region, represents < 1% of all malignant melanomas. The pathogenesis of mucosal melanoma is unknown. Targetable mutations commonly seen in cutaneous melanoma, such as in the BRAF and NRAS genes, have a lower incidence in mucosal melanoma. Mucosal melanoma carries a distinct mutational pattern from cutaneous melanoma. Surgery with negative margins is the first-line treatment for mucosal melanoma, and systemic therapy is not well defined. Talimogene laherparepvec, an oncolytic viral immunotherapy, is United States Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of advanced malignant cutaneous melanoma, with local therapeutic benefits. Mucosal melanoma was initially excluded from talimogene laherparepvec’s initial phase III clinical trial.

Case presentation
We present the case of a white female patient in her 40s with past medical history of systemic lupus erythematous, scleroderma, and estrogen-receptor-positive invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Following a bilateral mastectomy, the patient was found to have BRAF-negative mucosal melanoma of her hard palate with a soft palate skip lesion. Owing to the presence of a skip mucosal lesion as well as the anticipated defect and need for free-flap reconstructive surgery, nonsurgical management was considered. The patient was referred to medical oncology, where—based on the patient’s complicated medical history and the risk of immunotherapy possibly worsening her prior autoimmune diseases—local talimogene laherparepvec injections were chosen as the primary therapy for her mucosal lesions. Though talimogene laherparepvec is approved for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma, there are limited data available on the use of talimogene laherparepvec in mucosal melanomas.

Conclusion
The patient had a complete local tumor response at both the primary lesion as well as the skip lesion with the local injections. She had no side effects and maintained a high quality of life during treatment.
Efficacy of intrathecal mesenchymal stem cell-neural progenitor therapy in progressive MS: results from a phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Harris Violaine K. , Stark James , Williams Armistead , Roche Morgan , Malin Michaela , Kumar Anjali , Carlson Alyssa L. , Kizilbash Cara , Wollowitz Jaina , Andy Caroline , Gerber Linda M. , Sadiq Saud A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cell-neural progenitors (MSC-NPs) are a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived ex vivo manipulated cell product with therapeutic potential in multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine efficacy of intrathecal (IT) MSC-NP treatment in patients with progressive MS.

Methods
The study is a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a compassionate crossover design conducted at a single site. Subjects were stratified according to baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (3.0-6.5) and disease subtype (secondary or primary progressive MS) and randomized into either treatment or placebo group to receive six IT injections of autologous MSC-NPs or saline every two months. The primary outcome was EDSS Plus, defined by improvement in EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) or nine-hole peg test. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of EDSS Plus, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), urodynamics testing, and brain atrophy measurement.

Results
Subjects were randomized into MSC-NP (n = 27) or saline (n = 27) groups. There was no difference in EDSS Plus improvement between the MSC-NP (33%) and saline (37%) groups. Exploratory subgroup analysis demonstrated that in subjects who require assistance for ambulation (EDSS 6.0-6.5) there was a significantly higher percentage of improvement in T25FW and 6MWT in the MSC-NP group (3.7% ± 23.1% and − 9.2% ± 18.2%) compared to the saline group (-54.4% ± 70.5% and − 32.1% ± 30.0%), (p = 0.030 and p = 0.036, respectively). IT-MSC-NP treatment was also associated with improved bladder function and reduced rate of grey matter atrophy on brain MRI. Biomarker analysis demonstrated increased MMP9 and decreased CCL2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid following treatment.

Conclusion
Results from exploratory outcomes suggest that IT-MSC-NP treatment may be associated with a therapeutic response in a subgroup of MS patients.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03355365, registered November 14, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03355365?term=NCT03355365&rank=1.
Nonexistence results for a time-fractional biharmonic diffusion equation
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe consider weak solutions of the nonlinear time-fractional biharmonic diffusion equation $\partial _{t}^{\alpha }u+\partial _{t}^{\beta }u+u_{xxxx}=h(t,x)|u|^{p}$

∂
t
α

u
+

∂
t
β

u
+

u

x
x
x
x

=
h
(
t
,
x
)

|
u
|

p

in $(0,\infty )\times (0,1)$
(
0
,
∞
)
×
(
0
,
1
)
subject to the initial conditions $u(0,x)=u_{0}(x)$
u
(
0
,
x
)
=

u
0

(
x
)
, $u_{t}(0,x)=u_{1}(x)$

u
t

(
0
,
x
)
=

u
1

(
x
)
and the Navier boundary conditions $u(t,1)=u_{xx}(t,1)=0$
u
(
t
,
1
)
=

u

x
x

(
t
,
1
)
=
0
, where $\alpha \in (0,1)$
α
∈
(
0
,
1
)
, $\beta \in (1,2)$
β
∈
(
1
,
2
)
, $\partial _{t}^{\alpha}$

∂
t
α

(resp. $\partial _{t}^{\beta}$

∂
t
β

) is the fractional derivative of order α (resp. β) with respect to the time-variable in the Caputo sense, $p>1$
p
>
1
and h is a measurable positive weight function. Using nonlinear capacity estimates specifically adapted to the fourth-order differential operator $\frac{\partial ^{4}}{\partial x^{4}}$

∂
4

∂

x
4

, the domain, the initial conditions and the boundary condition, a general nonexistence result is established. Next, some special cases of weight functions h are discussed.
Preoperative rectus femoris muscle ultrasound, its relationship with frailty scores, and the ability to predict recovery after cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yau Derek King Wai , Griffith James Francis , Underwood Malcolm John , Joynt Gavin Matthew , Lee Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Frailty is common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. Ultrasound examination of skeletal muscle morphology may serve as an objective assessment tool as lean muscle mass reduction is a key feature of frailty.

Methods
This study investigated the association of ultrasound-derived muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, and echogenicity of the rectus femoris muscle (RFM) with preoperative frailty and predicted subsequent poor recovery after surgery. Eighty-five patients received preoperative RFM ultrasound examination and frailty-related assessments: Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and 5-m gait speed test (GST5m). Association of each ultrasound measurement with frailty assessments was examined. Area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to assess the discriminative ability of each ultrasound measurement to predict days at home within 30 days of surgery (DAH30).

Results
By CFS and GST5m criteria, 13% and 34% respectively of participants were frail. RFM cross-sectional area alone demonstrated moderate predictive association for frailty by CFS criterion (AUROC: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66–0.85). Specificity improved to 98.7% (95% CI: 93.6%-100.0%) by utilising RFM cross-sectional area as an ‘add-on’ test to a positive gait speed test, and thus a combined muscle size and function test demonstrated higher predictive performance (positive likelihood ratio: 40.4, 95% CI: 5.3–304.3) for frailty by CFS criterion than either test alone (p < 0.001). The combined ‘add-on’ test predictive performance for DAH30 (AUROC: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–0.95) may also be superior to either CFS or gait speed test alone.

Conclusions
Preoperative RFM ultrasound examination, especially when integrated with the gait speed test, may be useful to identify patients at high risk of frailty and those with poor outcomes after cardiac surgery.

Trial registration
The study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2000031098) on 22 March 2020.
Quality of health care for patients with coronary heart disease and comorbid mental disorders: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nordmeyer Laura , Leikert Charlotte , Sannemann Lena , Keller Kai , Leminski Christin , Meixner Adriana , Peltzer Samia , Werner Belinda , Kuntz Ludwig , Pfaff Holger , Schulz-Nieswandt Frank , Jessen Frank , Albus Christian ,   Cologne Research and Development Network (CoRe-Net) Study Group, Meyer Ingo , Scholten Nadine , Stock Stephanie , Strupp Julia , Voltz Raymond 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is often associated with mental disorders (MDs). Comorbid MDs reduce the quality of life and increase cardiac morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, there is little and inconsistent research on the management of MDs in CHD patients. To bridge this gap, this study aims to gain insight into the long-term course of MD-related health care for patients with CHD, in order to identify opportunities for care improvement.

Methods
In this prospective cohort study, we investigated whether CHD patients with or without expert-rated MD at baseline (N = 364) received different MD-related health care from either their general practitioner (GP) or cardiologist at follow-up, M = 2.7 [2.0–4.0] years later. In the follow-up assessment, N = 131 CHD patients participated and received questionnaires capturing sociodemographic, mental health, and MD-related health care characteristics. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and chi-squared tests were used for analyses.

Results
We found significant differences in MD-related health care. CHD patients with MD were more likely to be examined psychologically/psychiatrically (MD 55.9%, non-MD 16.7%, p = < .001) and diagnosed with MD (MD 55.9%, non-MD 13.5%, p = .020) by their GP or cardiologist. Recommendations for and responses to requests for psychotherapy were more likely in MD patients compared to non-MD patients (MD 38.7%, non-MD 11.8%, p = .012 and MD 38.5%, non-MD 11.8%, p = .031, respectively). No significant differences were found concerning physicians’ active demand for patients’ mental health, referral to a specialist for additional diagnostics, provision of information about the diagnosed MD and further treatment options, response to the patients’ request for psychopharmacotherapy, help received in finding psychotherapy or psychopharmacotherapy, and actual receipt of these treatments.

Conclusions
The results indicate differences in MD-related health care of CHD patients with and without comorbid MD. However, they still highlight the need to further encourage primary care physicians treating CHD to adequately address MDs, provide further diagnostics, support, and information to affected patients. To address this, physicians may benefit from awareness training on the association between CHD and MDs and on appropriate communication with MD patients.

Trial registration
German clinical trials register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) Registration Number: ID DRKS00022154, date of registration: 02.11.2021.
Autonomous precision resuscitation during ground and air transport of an animal hemorrhagic shock model
Authors: Pinsky Michael R. , Gomez Hernando , Guyette Francis X. , Weiss Leonard , Dubrawski Artur , Leonard Jim , MacLachlan Robert , Gordon Lisa , Lagattuta Theodore , Salcido David , Poropatich Ronald 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe tested the ability of a physiologically driven minimally invasive closed-loop algorithm, called Resuscitation based on Functional Hemodynamic Monitoring (ReFit), to stabilize for up to 3 h a porcine model of noncompressible hemorrhage induced by severe liver injury and do so during both ground and air transport. Twelve animals were resuscitated using ReFit to drive fluid and vasopressor infusion to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 60 mmHg and heart rate < 110 min−130 min after MAP < 40 mmHg following liver injury. ReFit was initially validated in 8 animals in the laboratory, then in 4 animals during air (23nm and 35nm) and ground (9 mi) to air (9.5nm and 83m) transport returning to the laboratory. The ReFit algorithm kept all animals stable for ~ 3 h. Thus, ReFit algorithm can diagnose and treat ongoing hemorrhagic shock independent to the site of care or during transport. These results have implications for treatment of critically ill patients in remote, austere and contested environments and during transport to a higher level of care.