bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological aspects of crosses between populations of Triatoma mexicana (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Authors: Martínez-Ibarra José Alejandro , Villagrán-Herrera María Elena , de Diego-Cabrera José Antonio , Michel-Parra J Guadalupe 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We examined the degree of reproductive isolation in four populations of Triatoma mexicana Herrich-Schaeffer from Mexico along with fertility and the segregation of morphological characteristics in two generations of offspring from crosses between these populations. The percentage of couples with (fertile) offspring was high among all sets of crosses between cohorts from Peñamiller, Meztitlán, and Orizabita. It was low in crosses involving a cohort from Tierra Blanca, mainly in crosses with Meztitlán. Among sets of crosses involving Tierra Blanca specimens, whole first-generation (F1) individuals were morphologically similar to the specimens from other locations. All F1 individuals of crosses involving Peñamiller looked like Peñamiller. However, in crosses between F1 and F1 progeny of parental crosses, alleles for size, overall color, length of head, ante and post ocular distance, and humeral angle apparently had Mendelian dominant/recessive relationships. The cohorts from Peñamiller and Meztitlán seemed to be dominant with respect to Orizabita and Tierra Blanca. Results indicated that cohorts from Peñamiller, Meztitlán, and Orizabita were not reproductively isolated. In contrast, Tierra Blanca was reproductively isolated from the other three populations of T. mexicana and is apparently undergoing an early divergence process of speciation for allopatry.
Tree canopy cover affects basal resources and nutrient profiles of Aedes and Culex larvae in cemetery vases in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Authors: Rogers Rachel , Polito Michael J , de Jesús Crespo Rebeca 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cemetery vases are important habitat for vector mosquito production, yet there is limited understanding on their food web dynamics and how they vary across environmental gradients. Tree cover is one factor that varies widely across cemeteries, and influence food webs by means of detrital inputs, temperature mediation, and light availability. Such information can be important for determining mosquito adult body size, fecundity, and competition outcomes, all of which may influence mosquito population and disease risk. This study evaluates the relationship between tree canopy cover and indicators of basal resources for Aede aegypti (L.), Aedes albopictuss (Skuse), and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) larvae, such as stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and nutrient stoichiometry in cemeteries of New Orleans, Louisiana (USA). Stable isotope values suggest that larvae feed directly on the Particulate Organic Matter (POM) suspended in the vase’s water, and that POM composition influence the nutrient profiles of mosquito larvae. The POM of open canopy vases had higher δ13C values, than that of closed canopy vases indicating differences in relative proportion of basal carbon sources, with open canopy POM having a lower proportion of allochthonous carbon, and a higher proportion of authoctonous carbon. Accordingly, mosquito larvae collected from open canopy vases had higher δ13C values, and higher C:N than larvae from closed canopy vases. The results of this study show a shift in food web dynamics driven by canopy cover in cemetery vases that directly influence the nutrient profiles of mosquito larvae. The implications for mosquito ecology, and vector management are discussed.
Appendicular mucinous cystadenoma: a case report
Authors: Alsubaie Nawaf R , Ibrahim Mohammed A , Nassar Mahmoud A , Alsalama Mohammad I 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMucinous cystadenoma of the appendix is a rare condition characterized by abnormal mucus accumulation in the appendiceal. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common approach worldwide and can be used in the management of mucinous cystadenoma with lower postoperative complication rates. A 30-year-old female had sharp pain localized to the right abdomen for 2 days. It was aggravated by movement and associated with nausea and vomiting. Laboratory findings were normal, but the abdominal computerized tomography scan demonstrated a cystic tumor in the right abdomen dorsal to the cecum and the ascending colon. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a large cystic mass well-circumscribed encapsulated involving the appendix in the lower right abdomen. After demonstrating pathologic examination, the final diagnosis was mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix. Management of the appendicular mucinous cystadenoma can be successfully achieved through atraumatic laparoscopic excision of the tumor, it is safe, feasible and has a short postoperative recovery period.
Laparoscopic appendectomy in an adult patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Hoang Trung V , Hoang Huan T , Vo Hoai T , Chansomphou Vichit 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLeft-sided appendicitis is usually caused by situs inversus totalis or midgut malrotation. Clinical and imaging diagnoses have been presented relatively fully in the literature. However, this is a rare condition, and each related case should be further reported to help the day-to-day clinician better investigate and understand. Therefore, in this paper, we present a case of left-sided acute appendicitis in an adult male patient with situs inversus totalis. In addition, we also discuss the laparoscopic technique of the left-sided appendectomy as it is technically more difficult because of the mirror nature of the anatomy.
UK intended parents’ characteristics, experiences, and views on surrogacy law reform
Authors: Horsey Kirsty , Arian-Schad Mimi , Macklon Nicholas , Ahuja Kamal K 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
What are intended parents’ experiences of surrogacy, understandings of the law, and views on legal reform, and how do these compare with those of surrogates? We conducted an online retrospective survey of intended parents who had treatment with a gestational surrogate in two clinics between March 2014 and October 2021. The 61 respondents ranged in age, occupation, and household income. Generally, they reported higher household incomes than surrogates, though this was not universal. Just over half of the respondents were heterosexual, while almost half were in same-sex male couples. Most were White. Over half met the surrogate through a non-profit surrogacy organization or ‘online’. Most successfully established a pregnancy on their first surrogacy journey; in most of these cases, the surrogate delivered a child. Most respondents believed surrogates should not be the legal mother and there was general support for proposed reforms that would recognize intended parents as legal parents from birth. More ambivalence was apparent in relation to finances though expense models were preferred over payment models. There was general support for advertising. The UK anticipates draft new surrogacy legislation in spring 2023. This study could inform public and parliamentary debates in the UK and elsewhere. Moreover, the results from this survey can assist in the development of good practice models for the care of intended parents on the surrogate pathway.
Different Biofluids, Small Extracellular Vesicles or Exosomes: Structural Analysis in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Using Electron Microscopy Techniques
Authors: Sharma Pratibha , Dhamija Rajinder K , Nag Tapas Chandra , Roy Ambuj , Inampudi Krishna Kishore 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) or exosomes are secretory vesicles largely involved in cell–cell communications and found to play a role in development as well as diseases including atherosclerosis. They hold a huge potential for translational research by devising better clinical diagnostics, biomarker discovery, drug delivery, and therapeutic strategies. Variations terms of morphology and distribution are crucial to biological function integrity. Moreover, it is dependent on susceptibility to influential factors of the environment like cell stress, inflammation, and secretion by different cells in subsequent biofluids. We have observed the morphological variations in sEVs or exosomes freshly isolated from patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (AsCVD), in blood plasma, saliva, and urine biofluids compared to healthy controls. High-resolution images were obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the characterization of sEVs morphology. Western blotting and immuno-TEM gold labeling confirmed the presence of exosome markers. For the first time, we report size and shape variations, which suggest the existence of different functions of sEVs in the disease state. Morphological variations in sEVs were observed significantly in noninvasive AsCVD saliva and urine samples, important to understand the cell behavior and physiological state. These variations will be useful to investigate their possible role in the disease process.
Development of General-purpose Dielectric Constant Imaging Unit for SEM and Direct Observation of Samples in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ogura Toshihiko , Okada Tomoko , Hatano Michio , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Agemura Toshihide 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Electron microscopes can observe samples with a spatial resolution of 10 nm or higher; however, they cannot observe samples in solutions due to the vacuum conditions inside the sample chamber. Recently, we developed a scanning electron-assisted dielectric microscope (SE-ADM), based on scanning electron microscope, which enables the observation of various specimens in solution. Until now, the SE-ADM system used a custom-made SE-ADM stage with a built-in amplifier and could not be linked to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) operation system. Therefore, it was necessary to manually acquire images from the SE-ADM system after setting the EB focus, astigmatism, and observation field-of-view from the SEM operating console. In this study, we developed a general-purpose dielectric constant imaging unit attached to commercially available SEMs. The new SE-ADM unit can be directly attached to the standard stage of an SEM, and the dielectric signal detected from this unit can be input to the external input terminal of the SEM, enabling simultaneous observation yielding SEM and SE-ADM images. Furthermore, 4.5 nm spatial resolution was achieved using a 10 nm thick silicon nitride film in the sample holder in the observation of aggregated PM2.5. We carried out the observation of cultured cells, PM2.5, and clay samples in solution.
Association between poor sleep quality and locomotive syndrome in middle-aged and older women: A community-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Kato Michitaka , Ozaki Etsuko , Omichi Chie , Kurita Yasunari , Nakano Satoko , Takagi Daisuke , Kuriyama Nagato , Koyama Teruhide 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective
Poor sleep quality, such as nocturnal arousal and sleep inefficiency, is associated with frailty and sarcopenia. Herein, we evaluated the relationship between poor sleep quality and locomotive syndrome (LS), a motor organ dysfunction common among community-dwelling middle-aged and older women.

Methods
Participants comprised 2246 Japanese middle-aged and older women. LS was classified into stages LS-1, LS-2, and LS-3 (from least to most severe) according to the results of the stand-up test, two-step test, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were significantly higher in the LS group than that in the non-LS group (P &lt; .001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders identified poor sleep quality as an independent factor of LS (odds ratio 1.59 [95% confidence interval 1.30–1.93], P &lt; .001). Similar results were observed in the sensitivity analysis in postmenopausal women. LS and trouble sleeping because of pain showed stepwise association in all LS stages.

Conclusions
Poor sleep quality was independently associated with LS among community-dwelling middle-aged and older women. As the stage of LS progressed, the proportion of women with poor sleep quality increased significantly.
Antitumor potential of platinum(II) complexes of selenium donor ligands
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Isab Anvarhusein A , Al-Arfaj Abdul Rahman 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Platinum(II) coordination compounds are widely applied in clinics as anticancer drugs. In this review, we provide a summary of the reports on cytotoxic properties of platinum(II) complexes of selenium donor ligands along with a brief description of their structural features. It has been observed that the platinum(II) complexes of selenones and selenoethers display reasonable antitumor properties and in some cases their cytotoxic activity is greater than cisplatin. The complexes containing NH3 ligands along with selenones were found to exhibit better cytotoxicity compared to the binary Pt-selenone complexes. The mechanistic insights showed that these complexes exert antitumor activity through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and induction of apoptosis. The platinum-selenoether coordination compounds can self-assemble into spherical aggregates capable of self-delivery. The self-assembled Pt-selenium aggregates induce cell apoptosis via ROS, which leads to high selectivity between cancer cells and normal cells in cytotoxicity assays.
Blood culture collection practices in NICU; A national survey
Authors: Hajjar Nicole , Ting Joseph Y , Shah Prakesh S , Lee Kyong-Soon , Dunn Michael S , Srigley Jocelyn A , Khurshid Faiza 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Blood cultures are the gold standard in diagnosing neonatal sepsis; however, there are currently no consensus guidelines for blood culture collection in neonates and significant practice variation exists in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) globally.

Objective
To examine current practices in obtaining blood cultures in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis in NICUs across Canada.

Methods
A nine-item electronic survey was sent to each of the 29 level-3 NICUs in Canada, which are equipped to provide highly specialized care for newborns.

Results
Responses were received from 90% (26/29) of sites. Sixty-five percent (17/26) of sites have blood culture collection guidelines for the investigation of neonatal sepsis. Forty-eight percent (12/25) of sites routinely target 1.0 mL per culture bottle. In late-onset sepsis (LOS), 58% (15/26) of sites process one aerobic culture bottle, whereas four sites routinely add anaerobic culture bottles. In early-onset sepsis (EOS) in very low birth weight infants (BW &lt;1.5 kg), 73% (19/26) of sites use umbilical cord blood, and 72% (18/25) use peripheral venipuncture. Two sites routinely collect cord blood for culture in EOS. Only one site applies the concept of differential time-to-positivity to diagnose central-line-associated bloodstream infection.

Conclusions
There is significant practice variation in methods used to obtain blood cultures in level-3 NICUs across Canada. Standardization of blood culture collection practices can provide reliable estimates of the true incidence of neonatal sepsis and help to develop appropriate antimicrobial stewardship strategies.
Energy Efficiency and Directed Technical Change: Implications for Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Casey Gregory 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
I develop a directed technical change model of economic growth and energy efficiency in order to study the impact of climate change mitigation policies on energy use. I show that the standard Cobb–Douglas production function used in the environmental macroeconomics literature overstates the reduction in cumulative energy use that can be achieved with a given path of energy taxes. I also show that, in the model, the government combines energy taxes with research and development (R&D) policy that favors output-increasing technology—rather than energy efficiency technology—to maximize welfare subject to a constraint on cumulative energy use. In addition, I study energy use dynamics following sudden improvements in energy efficiency. Exogenous shocks that increase energy efficiency also decrease the incentive for subsequent energy efficiency R&D and increase long-run energy use relative to a world without the original shock. Subsidies for energy efficiency R&D, however, permanently alter R&D incentives and decrease long-run energy use.
Mortality estimates and excess mortality in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Black Rachel J , Lester Susan , Tieu Joanna , Sinnathurai Premarani , Barrett Claire , Buchbinder Rachelle , Lassere Marissa , March Lyn , Proudman Susanna M , Hill Catherine L 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To determine long-term (20 year) survival in RA patients enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD).

Methods
ARAD patients with RA and data linkage consent who were diagnosed from 1995 onwards were included. Death data were obtained through linkage to the Australian National Death Index. Results were compared with age-, gender- and calendar year–matched Australian population mortality rates. Analysis included both the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and relative survival models. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) at 20 years was calculated as a measure of life lost. Cause-specific SMRs (CS-SMRs) were estimated for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision cause of death classifications.

Results
A total of 1895 RA patients were included; 74% were female, baseline median age 50 years (interquartile range 41–58), with 204 deaths. There was no increase in mortality over the first 10 years of follow up, but at 20 years the SMR was 1.49 (95% CI 1.30, 1.71) and the relative survival was 94% (95% CI 91, 97). The difference between observed (18.41 years) and expected (18.68 years) RMST was 4 months. Respiratory conditions were an important underlying cause of death in RA, primarily attributable to pneumonia [CS-SMR 5.2 (95% CI 2.3, 10.3)] and interstitial lung disease [CS-SMR 7.6 (95% CI 3.0, 14.7)], however, coronary heart disease [CS-SMR 0.82 (95% CI 0.42, 1.4)] and neoplasms [CS-SMR 1.2 (95% CI 0.89, 1.5)] were not.

Conclusion
Mortality risk in this RA cohort accrues over time and is moderately increased at 20 years of follow-up. Respiratory diseases may have supplanted cardiovascular diseases as a major contributor to this mortality gap.
Blocking the IFN‐gamma signal in the choroid plexus confers resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zheng Yuyin , Hu Lanxin , Yang Yuwen , Zheng Cheng , Tu Wenzhan , Lin Haiyan , Wang Haotian , Jiang Yiwei , Jiang Songhe , Zheng Wu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). IFN‐gamma (IFN‐γ), a critically important immunomodulator, has been widely studied in MS pathology. The confusing and complex effects of IFN‐γ in MS patients and rodent models, however, cause us to look more closely at its exact role in MS. In this study, we identified the role of the IFN‐γ signaling in the choroid plexus (CP) in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. We found that the IFN‐γ signal was rapidly amplified when CNS immune cell infiltration occurred in the CP during the progressive stage. Furthermore, using two CP‐specific knockdown strategies, we demonstrated that blocking the IFN‐γ signal via knockdown of IFN‐γR1 in the CP could protect mice against EAE pathology, as evidenced by improvements in clinical scores and infiltration. Notably, knocking down IFN‐γR1 in the CP reduced the local expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines. This finding suggests that IFN‐γ signaling in the CP may participate in the pathological process of EAE by preventing pathological T helper (Th) 17+ cells from infiltrating into the CNS. Finally, we showed that the unbalanced state of IFN‐γ signaling between peripheral lymphocytes and the choroid plexus may determine whether IFN‐γ has a protective or aggravating effect on EAE pathology. Above all, we discovered that IFN‐γR1‐mediated IFN‐γ signaling in the CP was a vital pathway in the pathological process of EAE.
A Survey of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Status in China
Authors: Yin Tao. , Liang Hongyan , Huang Qi , Zhou Boting , Tang Mimi , Lou Jiang , Xiang Dong 
Published: March 2023

Objective:
To understand the status of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in China Mainland, and thus lay down the foundation for further improvement in TDM.

Methods:
In the present study, a nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted, which was distributed and collected using a mobile‐based application. Clinicians, pharmacists, and clinical laboratory physicians belonging to different levels of public hospitals were involved as subjects/objects. The contents of the survey included TDM implementation in their hospital and information regarding their opinions and suggestions on TDM work. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the difference between top tertiary hospitals and non–top tertiary hospitals.

Results:
A total of 475 questionnaires were collected, 383 from top tertiary hospitals (3A hospitals) and 92 from non–top tertiary hospitals (other than 3A hospitals). A total of 240 clinicians, TDM pharmacists, and clinical laboratory physicians were involved, with an effective rate of 50.5%. Top tertiary hospitals were associated with certain advantages, such as the number of TDM testing facilities, annual sample size, number of monitoring varieties, and interpretation rate of monitoring reports, compared with non–top tertiary hospitals. In particular, β-lactamase inhibitor, olanzapine, carbamazepine, and glucocorticoids seemed to be the main projects that clinicians wanted to assess. The drugs for which TDM was commonly performed included vancomycin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenytoin sodium, and methotrexate. The most commonly used detection methods include high-performance liquid chromatography, immunization, 2D-LC, and LC-MS. The monitoring concentration range was found to be inconsistent for most of the drugs. Currently, no unified regulation exists for TDM charges in China, which is no more than ¥200 in general. Clinicians rely on pharmacists for professional guidance. Importantly, improvement in the interpretation of monitoring reports, proficiency testing, and cooperation with clinical departments may aid in improving the level of TDM service.

Conclusions:
This survey objectively reflected the current status of TDM work in hospitals in China, and provided a strong reference base for devising strategies for improvement and effective execution of TDM work.