bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hyperacute immune map of ischaemic stroke patients reveals alterations to circulating innate and adaptive cells
Authors: Krishnan S , O'Boyle C , Smith C J , Hulme S , Allan S M , Grainger J R , Lawrence C B
Published: November 2020

Systemic immune changes following ischaemic stroke are associated with increased susceptibility to infection and poor patient outcome due to their role in exacerbating the ischaemic injury and long-term disability. Alterations to the abundance or function of almost all components of the immune system post-stroke have been identified, including lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. However, subsequent infections have often confounded the identification of stroke-specific effects. Global understanding of very early changes to systemic immunity is critical to identify immune targets to improve clinical outcome. To this end, we performed a small, prospective, observational study in stroke patients with immunophenotyping at a hyperacute time point (< 3 h) to explore early changes to circulating immune cells. We report, for the first time, decreased frequencies of type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), unswitched memory B cells and terminally differentiated effector memory T cells re-expressing CD45RA (TEMRA). We also observed concomitant alterations to human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR), CD64 and CD14 expression in distinct myeloid subsets and a rapid activation of CD4+ T cells based on CD69 expression. The CD69+CD4+ T cell phenotype inversely correlated with stroke severity and was associated with naive and central memory T (TCM) cells. Our findings highlight early changes in both the innate and adaptive immune compartments for further investigation as they could have implications the development of post-stroke infection and poorer patient outcomes.
Expansion of immature, nucleated red blood cells by transient low-dose methotrexate immune tolerance induction in mice
Authors: Tran J Q , Grover D , Zhang M , Stapels M , Brennan R , Bangari D S , Piepenhagen P A , Roberts E , Oliva P , Zubair F , Vela J L , Richards S M , Joseph A M
Published: November 2020

Biological treatments such as enzyme-replacement therapies (ERT) can generate anti-drug antibodies (ADA), which may reduce drug efficacy and impact patient safety and consequently led to research to mitigate ADA responses. Transient low-dose methotrexate (TLD-MTX) as a prophylactic ITI regimen, when administered concurrently with ERT, induces long-lived reduction of ADA to recombinant human alglucosidase alfa (rhGAA) in mice. In current clinical practice, a prophylactic ITI protocol that includes TLD-MTX, rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin (optional), successfully induced lasting control of ADA to rhGAA in high-risk, cross-reactive immunological material (CRIM)-negative infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) patients. More recently, evaluation of TLD-MTX demonstrated benefit in CRIM-positive IOPD patients. To more clearly understand the mechanism for the effectiveness of TLD-MTX, non-targeted transcriptional and proteomic screens were conducted and revealed up-regulation of erythropoiesis signatures. Confirmatory studies showed transiently larger spleens by weight, increased spleen cellularity and that following an initial reduction of mature red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow and blood, a significant expansion of Ter-119+CD71+ immature RBCs was observed in spleen and blood of mice. Histology sections revealed increased nucleated cells, including hematopoietic precursors, in the splenic red pulp of these mice. This study demonstrated that TLD-MTX induced a transient reduction of mature RBCs in the blood and immature RBCs in the bone marrow followed by significant enrichment of immature, nucleated RBCs in the spleen and blood during the time of immune tolerance induction, which suggested modulation of erythropoiesis may be associated with the induction of immune tolerance to rhGAA.
The tellurium-based immunomodulator, AS101 ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Halpert G , Halperin Sheinfeld M , Monteran L , Sharif K , Volkov A , Nadler R , Schlesinger A , Barshak I , Kalechman Y , Blank M , Shoenfeld Y , Amital H
Published: November 2020

Despite undeniable improvement in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the discovery of more effective, less toxic and, ideally, less immune suppressive drugs are much needed. In the current study, we set to explore the potential anti-rheumatic activity of the non-toxic, tellurium-based immunomodulator, AS101 in an experimental animal model of RA. The effect of AS101 was assessed on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. Clinical signs of arthritis were assessed. Histopathological examination was used to assess inflammation, synovial changes and tissue lesions. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4)+ cellular infiltration was detected using immunohistochemical staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure circulating anti-cyclic citrullinated-peptide autoantibody (ACPA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the in-vitro effect of AS101 on interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β expression in activated primary human fibroblasts. Prophylactic treatment with intraperitoneal AS101 reduced clinical arthritis scores in AIA rats (P < 0·01). AS101 abrogated the migration of active chronic inflammatory immune cells, particularly VLA-4+ cells, into joint cartilage and synovium, reduced the extent of joint damage and preserved joint architecture. Compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated AIA rats, histopathological inflammatory scores were significantly reduced (P < 0·05). Furthermore, AS101 resulted in a marked reduction of circulating ACPA in comparison to PBS-treated rats (P < 0·05). Importantly, AS101 significantly reduced mRNA levels of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-6 (P < 0·05) and IL-1β (P < 0·01) in activated primary human fibroblasts. Taken together, we report the first demonstration of the anti-rheumatic/inflammatory activity of AS101 in experimental RA model, thereby supporting an alternative early therapeutic intervention and identifying a promising agent for therapeutic intervention.
Safety and feasibility of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia: A pilot study
Authors: Feng Ying , Huang Jianying , Wu Jianyuan , Xu Yan , Chen Bo , Jiang Lijun , Xiang Hui , Peng Zhiyong , Wang Xinghuan
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We aim to explore the safety and feasibility of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) transplantation in patients with severe and critically severe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

We conducted a small sample, single arm, pilot trial. In addition to standard therapy, we performed four rounds of transplantation of UC‐MSCs in sixteen patients with severe and critically severe COVID‐19. We recorded adverse events from enrolment to Day 28. We evaluated the oxygenation index, inflammatory biomarkers, radiological presentations of the disease and lymphocyte subsets count on the 7th day (D7 ± 1 day), the 14th day (D14 ± 1 day) and the 28th day (D28 ± 3 days).

Results

There were no infusion‐related or allergic reactions. The oxygenation index was improved after transplantation. The mortality of enrolled patients was 6.25%, whereas the historical mortality rate was 45.4%. The level of cytokines estimated varied in the normal range, the radiological presentations (ground glass opacity) were improved and the lymphocyte count and lymphocyte subsets (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells) count showed recovery after transplantation.

Conclusions

Intravenous transplantation of UC‐MSCs was safe and feasible for treatment of patients with severe and critically severe COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Rectus femoris transfer surgery in cerebral palsy: can causal inferences be made from observational data?
Authors: Day Steven M , Reynolds Robert J
Published: November 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Schwartz and Ries on pages 196–203 of this issue.
High responsiveness of auditory neurons to specific combination of acoustic features in female songbirds
Authors: Inda Masahiro , Hotta Kohji , Oka Kotaro
Published: November 2020

Zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a songbird species in which males sing their unique songs to attract females who then select their preferred male. Acoustic features in the songs of individual males are important features for female auditory perception. While the male of this species is a classic model of vocal production, it has been little known about auditory processing in female. In the higher auditory brain regions, the caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) and nidopallium (NCM) contribute to female's sound recognition, we, therefore, extracted acoustic features that induce neural activities with high detection power on both regions in female finches. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that neurons were sensitive to mean frequency and Wiener entropy. In addition, we performed an experiment with modified artificial songs and harmonic songs to directly investigate neural responsiveness for deriving further evidence for the contribution of these two acoustic features. Finally, we illustrated a specific ratio combining these two acoustic features that showed highest sensitivity to neural responsiveness, and we found that properties of sensitivity are different between CMM and NCM. Our results indicate that the mixture of the two acoustic features with the specific ratio is important in the higher auditory regions of female songbirds, and these two regions have differences in encoding for sensitivity to these acoustic features.
Behaviour moderates the impacts of food‐web structure on species coexistence
Authors: Ho Hsi‐Cheng , Tylianakis Jason M. , Pawar Samraat
Published: November 2020

How species coexistence (mathematical ‘feasibility’) in food webs emerges from species' trophic interactions remains a long‐standing open question. Here we investigate how structure (network topology and body‐size structure) and behaviour (foraging strategy and spatial dimensionality of interactions) interactively affect feasibility in food webs. Metabolically‐constrained modelling of food‐web dynamics based on whole‐organism consumption revealed that feasibility is promoted in systems dominated by large‐eat‐small foraging (consumers eating smaller resources) whenever (1) many top consumers are present, (2) grazing or sit‐and‐wait foraging strategies are common, and (3) species engage in two‐dimensional interactions. Congruently, the first two conditions were associated with dominance of large‐eat‐small foraging in 74 well‐resolved (primarily aquatic) real‐world food webs. Our findings provide a new, mechanistic understanding of how behavioural properties can modulate the effects of structural properties on species coexistence in food webs, and suggest that ‘being feasible’ constrains the spectra of behavioural and structural properties seen in natural food webs.
Multi‐approach comparative study of the two most prevalent genotypes of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Chile
Authors: Serteyn Laurent , Bosquee Emilie , Delatour Anaïs , Rubio‐Melendez Maria E. , Vega‐Muñoz Karla V. , Ramirez Claudio C. , Francis Frédéric
Published: November 2020

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, is able to colonize various habitats and form genetically distinct biotypes worldwide. In Chile, few genotypes are dominating in space and time and are qualified as “superclones”. Here, we compared in the laboratory different biological features of the most common clones of A. pisum collected from pea (Ap1) and alfalfa (Ap2) fields, in order to gain some insight on their differential ability to colonize broad bean plants. We also studied their probing behavior, profiled their proteome and characterized their community of endosymbionts. We found that the Ap1 genotype performed better on Vicia faba and realized more salivation events in phloem than Ap2. In addition, Ap1 presented a higher prevalence of the endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica. Among the total of 40 proteins that were differentially expressed, 14 and 26 were upregulated in Ap1 and Ap2 genotypes, respectively. The symbionin from Buchnera aphidicola was found to be upregulated in Ap1. A field experiment showed that both genotypes were able to colonize wild legumes, with Ap1 reproducing better on Vicia nigricans than Ap2. However, Ap2 exhibited higher reproduction in the other three wild legumes, suggesting higher invasiveness capacity on wild plants. Variation in the ability to colonize, feeding behavior and the putative involvement of differentially regulated proteins between Ap1 and Ap2 are discussed in relation to their respective endosymbiotic composition, nutritional lifestyle and consequences on their “superclone” status.
Reproduction site preference and performance by sexuparae, and mating behavior of their sexual generation on the primary host plant in a heteroecious aphid, Neothoracaphis yanonis (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Ngakan Putu Oka , Yukawa Junichi
Published: November 2020

We studied reproduction site preference and performance by the sexuparae (autumnal migrants) of Neothoracaphis yanonis and mating behavior of their sexual generation on its primary host plant, Distylium racemosum. The sexuparae preferred younger leaves of D. racemosum for settlement and imbibing leaf sap, and they produced more offspring there than on older leaves. Thus, it is suggested that the sexuparae selected more nutritious younger leaves to increase their own fecundity. The offspring consist of yellowish dark‐grey and creamy yellow type nymphs, which develop into small males and large oviparae, respectively. Yellowish dark‐grey nymphs were deposited gregariously on the basal part of the abaxial surface of a leaf blade, while creamy yellow nymphs were deposited evenly over the abaxial surface. Such a localized distribution pattern probably resulted from sexuparae's strategy to enhance a possibility for their male offspring to mate with oviparae at the base of leaf blade, over which oviparae crawl to twigs. During mating and sometimes afterwards, the ovipara incidentally carried a male on her back and crawled downward on twig to find an axillary bud for oviposition. This behavior may be advantageous to males, who can guard their mate during this period against other conspecific males. Such mate‐guarding behavior seems to be related to the development of dual mate‐seeking strategies, in which males try to copulate, first at the basal part of midrib, and second on the axillary bud.
Comparative evaluation of physicochemical properties of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) as affected by drying conditions and extraction methods
Authors: Chuensun Treethip , Chewonarin Teera , Laopajon Witida , Kawee‐ai Arthitaya , Pinpart Ponjan , Utama‐ang Niramon
Published: November 2020

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a high‐potential mushroom which is used as a dietary supplement or a source of nutrients and antioxidant agents. The aims were to investigate the effect of drying conditions (hot air and vacuum dry) and to compare the extraction methods of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and pulsed electric field extraction (PEF) for obtaining triterpenes, flavonoid and polysaccharides. The favourable drying condition was 80 °C for 1 h and 37 min, which achieved 1.17 ± 0.05 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids and 11.49 ± 0.87 mg ursolic acid/g of triterpenes. The MAE condition was 800 W, 1 min 30 s extraction time and 65.35% ethanol, achieving polysaccharides of 13.08 mg glucose/g and triterpenes of 9.15 mg ursolic acid/g. Additionally, MAE was significantly more efficient than reflux and PEF methods. The application of microwave radiation is beneficial in saving time and solvent and also provides high extraction efficiency for dried Lingzhi.
The Tam formula: A pilot study for a new treatment for melasma
Authors: Srivastava Radhika , John Ann M. , Tam Alison , Firoz Bahar F.
Published: November 2020

Background

Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder with numerous, but often unsatisfactory treatment options.

Aims

A pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel topical combination of 12% hydroquinone, 6% kojic acid, and 5% vitamin C cream for melasma.

Patients and Methods

A pilot study of 6 women with melasma was conducted at an academic dermatology department and a private dermatology practice to evaluate the efficacy of a topical combination of 12% hydroquinone, 6% kojic acid, and 5% vitamin C cream, entitled the “Tam Formula.” Two blinded evaluators calculated Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) Scores before and after treatment to evaluate change from baseline, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Treatment with this combination topical cream resulted in an average 63.77 ± 22.10 percent reduction in MASI scores.

Conclusions

While there is a need for further investigation, this pilot study indicates the Tam Formula may provide an alternative treatment option for melasma.
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing for periorbital wrinkling—A case series of 16 patients
Authors: Horovitz Tamir , Clementoni Matteo Tretti , Artzi Ofir
Published: November 2020

Background

Many modalities have been described for the treatment of periorbital wrinkling.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to quantify the improvement of periorbital wrinkling achieved by current nonablative modalities, using a fractional 1565 nm Er:glass fiber laser.

Methods

Our study is a retrospective two‐center case series including 16 patients treated with nonablative laser for periorbital wrinkling at the Tel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel and Laserplast Aesthetic Medicine Center in Italy between 2017 and 2019. Patients were assessed for objective and subjective improvement, patient satisfaction, side effect profile, and downtime.

Results

Improvement in average Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale scores (from 4.3 to 2.7 by ranking physician 1 and 3.8 to 2.4 by ranking physician 2, P < .001) was observed after 8 weeks. Global Assessment Improvement Scale scores were 2.6 (physician 1) and 2.2 (physician 2) on average. This correlated to mild‐moderate subjective sense of improvement by patients. Side effects and downtime were minimal.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that current nonablative laser skin resurfacing technology offers a mild‐moderate improvement in periorbital wrinkling.
Influence of the Rinsing Postprocessing Procedures on the Manufacturing Accuracy of Vat‐Polymerized Dental Model Material
Authors: Mostafavi Delaram , Methani Mohammed M. , Piedra‐Cascón Wenceslao , Zandinejad Amirali , Revilla‐León Marta
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of rinsing solvents, namely isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM), and rinsing times (5‐, 7‐, 9‐, and 11‐minutes) for the postprocessing procedures on the manufacturing accuracy of an additively manufactured dental model resin material.

Material and Methods

The standard tessellation language (STL file) of the digital design of a bar (15 mm × 4 mm × 3 mm) was obtained. A resin dental material (E‐Model Light; Envisiontec, Dearborn, MI) and a 3D printer (VIDA HD; Envisiontec) was selected to manufacture all the specimens using the STL file following the recommended printing parameters at a room temperature of 23 °C. Two groups were generated based on the rinsing solvent used on the postprocessing procedures, namely isopropyl alcohol (IPA‐group) and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM‐group). Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups (IPA‐1 to IPA‐4 and TPM‐1 to TPM‐4) depending on the rinsing time performed (5‐, 7‐, 9‐, and 11‐minutes). Twenty specimens per subgroup were fabricated. The dimensions (length, width, and height) of all the specimens were measured using a low force digital caliper (Absolute Low Force Caliper Series 573; Mitutoyo, Takatsu‐ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa). Each measurement was performed 3 times and the mean value determined. The volume of each specimen was calculated using the formula V = l × w × h. Shapiro‐Wilk test revealed that the data were not normally distributed. Data were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis (α = 0.05), followed by pairwise Mann‐Whitney U tests (α = 0.0018).

Results

The IPA groups obtained significantly lower trueness and precision values compared with TPM groups (p < 0.0018). Among the IPA groups, IPA‐1 subgroup obtained the highest trueness and precision values compared to the rest of the IPA subgroups. The TPM‐1 and TPM‐2 subgroups obtained the highest trueness and prevision values among the TPM group and among all the groups tested. No significant difference was found between the TMP‐1 and TPM‐2 subgroups (p > 0.0018).

Conclusions

None of the manufacturing workflows tested were able to manufacture a perfect match of the bar virtual design dimensions. TPM solvent group obtained higher trueness and precision values compared to the IPA solvent group. The IPA‐1 subgroup that replicated the manufacturer´s recommendations obtained the highest manufacturing accuracy among the IPA subgroup. TPM solvent used in a rinsing ultrasonic bath between 3 and 4 minutes followed by a second ultrasonic clean bath between 2 and 3 minutes of the just printed vat polymerized dental model specimens obtained the highest manufacturing accuracy values.
Assessing occupancy and activity of two invasive carnivores in two Caribbean islands: implications for insular ecosystems
Authors: Louppe V. , Herrel A. , Pisanu B. , Grouard S. , Veron G.
Published: November 2020

The introduction of exotic species is one of the major causes of the decline of global biodiversity. Tropical insular ecosystems, including many biodiversity hotspots, are particularly threatened by biological invasions. Two wild carnivores have been introduced in the Caribbean, the northern raccoon Procyon lotor and the small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata. Understanding the spatial distribution and activity patterns of both species is crucial for conservation purposes. Here we used camera trap data to model single‐season occupancy and detection of these two species on two Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Our survey highlighted the broad distribution of both species on these islands, with the exception of the northern raccoon population in Martinique which appears very limited. Moreover, spatio‐temporal co‐occurrence with other bird and mammal species revealed that the northern raccoon and the small Indian mongoose face few or no competitors. Finally, our models show that the occupancy of both species was not influenced by any variable tested (i.e. elevation, precipitation, temperature and land cover) and that the probability to detect small Indian mongooses was influenced by land cover and camera model. These results highlight the potential of both the northern raccoon and the small Indian mongoose to have a significant impact on the native ecosystems in these hotspots of biodiversity and demonstrate the necessity to develop conservation actions towards control and limitation of these invasive carnivores.
Erich Przywara on Nature‐Grace Extrinsicism: A Parallax View
Authors: Pidel Aaron
Published: November 2020

This article argues that Erich Przywara’s analogical understanding of the nature‐grace relationship, though sometimes thought to align with the anti‐extrinsicist positions of Blondel, de Lubac, and Balthasar, differs from these by virtue of its “parallax” view. The standard bearers of the nouvelle théologie hold that Aquinas teaches a natural desire for the beatific vision and deny, more generally, the utility of the concept of pure nature for safeguarding the gratuity of the supernatural. Przywara, by contrast, holds that Aquinas, like the Christian tradition more broadly, alternates between theoretical lines of sight, with the result that the capacity for the beatific vision appears to lie, by turns, both in and beyond human nature. This apparent difference of position is what this article calls the “parallax” effect. According to Przywara, one attains the least inadequate view of nature and grace by entering the “rhythm” of mutual correction between various perspectives. Though he refines his articulation of this rhythm across the course of his career, Przywara consistently upholds the concept of pure nature as a legitimate theological Konstruktionsprinzip and salutary corrective to “intrinsicist” accents. The complete picture of nature and grace thus lies in the interplay of the various ecclesially approved theological traditions.
Pattern‐triggered immunity restricts host colonization by endophytic fusaria, but does not affect endophyte‐mediated resistance
Authors: de Lamo Francisco J. , Šimkovicová Margarita , Fresno David H. , de Groot Tamara , Tintor Nico , Rep Martijn , Takken Frank L. W.
Published: November 2020

Fusarium oxysporum (Fo) is best known as a host‐specific vascular pathogen causing major crop losses. Most Fo strains, however, are root endophytes potentially conferring endophyte‐mediated resistance (EMR). EMR is a mechanistically poorly understood root‐specific induced resistance response induced by endophytic or nonhost pathogenic Fo strains. Like other types of induced immunity, such as systemic acquired resistance or induced systemic resistance, EMR has been proposed to rely on the activation of the pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) system of the plant. PTI is activated upon recognition of conserved microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) of invading microbes. Here, we investigated the role of PTI in controlling host colonization by Fo endophytes and their ability to induce EMR to the tomato pathogen Fo f. sp. lycopersici (Fol). Transgenic tomato and Arabidopsis plants expressing the Fo effector gene Avr2 are hypersusceptible to bacterial and fungal infection. Here we show that these plants are PTI‐compromised and are nonresponsive to bacterial‐ (flg22) and fungal‐ (chitosan) MAMPs. We challenged the PTI‐compromised tomato mutants with the EMR‐conferring Fo endophyte Fo47, the nonhost pathogen Fom (a melon pathogen), and with Fol. Compared to wild‐type plants, Avr2‐tomato plants became hypercolonized by Fo47 and Fom. Surprisingly, however, EMR towards Fol, induced by either Fo47 or Fom, was unaffected in these plants. These data show that EMR‐based disease resistance is independent from the conventional defence pathways triggered by PTI, but that PTI is involved in restricting host colonization by nonpathogenic Fo isolates.
Inflammasome‐mediated Inflammation by Malassezia in human keratinocytes: A comparative analysis with different strains
Authors: Park Hye Ree , Oh Jee Hye , Lee Yu Jin , Park Song Hee , Lee Yang Won , Lee Seongju , Kang Hoon , Kim Jung Eun
Published: November 2020

Malassezia species are associated with several common dermatologic conditions including pityriasis versicolor, seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis, and atopic dermatitis and dandruff. However, its causal role remains to be established. We intended to explore the role of inflammasome activation in human keratinocytes in response to three different Malassezia species. We compared the different activation patterns of inflammasomes and the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides by three different Malassezia species—M. restricta, M. globosa and M. sympodialis—in human keratinocytes. We found that different Malassezia species, especially M. restricta and M. globosa could induce nucleotide‐binding oligomerisation domain, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin‐domain‐containing protein (NLRP)3–apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing CARD (ASC) inflammasome activation and subsequent interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion in human keratinocytes. Malassezia species variably induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin, β‐defensin 2, and LL‐37. IL‐8 mRNA and IL‐22 protein significantly increased in the M. sympodialis‐treated group, and Chemokine C–C motif ligand (CCL)17 and CCL22 mRNA were increased in response to M. globosa‐ and M. restricta‐ treated keratinocytes, respectively. Our data show that various species of Malassezia promote variable inflammatory responses in keratinocytes by activating NLRP3 inflammasomes, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides.
Filtering for the best policy: An economic evaluation of policy options for kidney replacement coverage in the Philippines
Authors: Bayani Diana Beatriz S. , Almirol Bernadette Joy Q. , Uy Geovin Dexter C. , Taneo Mary Joy S. , Danguilan Romina S. , Arakama Mel‐Hatra I. , Lamban Arlene B. , de Leon Donnah , Pamugas Glenda Eleanor P. , Luz Alia Cynthia , Teerawatananon Yot
Published: November 2020

Aim

Kidney failure patients in the Philippines have free choice on their kidney replacement therapy (KRT), with a majority choosing haemodialysis (HD) over peritoneal dialysis (PD) and transplantation despite the inadequate coverage of HD. Although national health insurance coverage is limited, KRT remains to be one of the top benefits pay‐outs in the country. The study aims to identify the most cost‐effective policy strategy for financing KRT in the Philippines, in the context of a universal healthcare policy.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to estimate and compare the costs and benefits of different policy options with the comparator being partial HD coverage. Direct medical, non‐medical and indirect costs were measured, while outcomes were reported through quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Parameters were derived from the kidney disease registry, hospital statistics from a tertiary hospital and a patient survey.

Results

The results of the cost‐effectiveness analysis showed that shifting to a PD‐First policy provides better value‐for‐money with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 570 029 Philippine Pesos (PHP) per QALY gained, compared with the ICER of the PD‐First combined with pre‐emptive transplant option of 577 989 PHP per QALY gained. Expanding existing HD coverage to 156 sessions was the least cost‐effective policy (1 522 437 PHP per QALY gained).

Conclusion

Government should consider shifting to a PD‐First strategy and support policies that promote kidney transplants among existing PD and HD patients. This study also highlights the need for proper evaluation of partial coverage policies to ensure that government investments represent good value‐for‐money and patients receive optimal care.
Glucocorticoid effects on bone strength in children with renal diseases
Authors: Aoyagi Jun , Kanai Takahiro , Ito Takane , Odaka Jun , Saito Takashi , Betsui Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masanori , Maru Tomomi , Yamagata Takanori
Published: November 2020

Aim

Glucocorticoids (GC) are essential medicines for idiopathic steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome (ISSNS) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN), with good clinical results. However, they cause bone fragility. The aim of this study was to elucidate GC effects on bone strength assessed as bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, using bone turnover markers (BTM), in children with ISSNS or IgAN.

Methods

Eleven children with ISSNS and 13 with IgAN were included. All the patients received GC treatment according to each protocol. The BMD and BTM—serum alkaline phosphatase (S‐ALP), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (S‐TRACP‐5b), and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (S‐ucOC)—were measured from the initiation of steroid treatment (STx) to the end of STx in both groups.

Results

In ISSNS, S‐ALP and S‐ucOC levels were decreased significantly at 1 month. BMD and S‐TRACP‐5b levels showed no significant change through this observation period. In IgAN, BMD and S‐ALP levels were decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months, respectively, and recovered to baseline at 10 months after the initiation of GC dosage reduction. S‐TRACP‐5b levels were decreased significantly at 3 months and remained lower than at baseline through the observation period. In both groups, S‐ucOC levels did not directly reflect bone strength.

Conclusion

This study clarified the following three points regarding GC effects on bone strength in children with ISSNS or IgAN: first, S‐ALP is a more sensitive bone quality marker than S‐TRACP‐5b; second, BMD loss was observed only when both S‐ALP and S‐TRACP‐5b levels decreased, and third, S‐ucOC levels do not directly reflect bone strength.
Micromeria zarkosii (Lamiaceae), an unusual new species from Naxos (central Kiklades, Greece)
Authors: Tan Kit , Biel Burkhard , Zieliński Jerzy
Published: November 2020

Micromeria zarkosii (Lamiaceae) is described as a new species belonging to Micromeria Benth. sect. Micromeria. It is restricted to the south Aegean island of Naxos in the central Kiklades, Greece. The taxon is illustrated and its morphological characteristics, habitat and affinities are described.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance mineralisation of organic phosphorus by carrying bacteria along their extraradical hyphae
Authors: Jiang Feiyan , Zhang Lin , Zhou Jiachao , George Timothy S. , Feng Gu
Published: November 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi gain access to nutrient patches outside the rhizosphere by producing an extensive network of fine hyphae. Here, we focused on establishing the mechanism by which AM fungal hyphae reach discrete organic patches with a cohort of functional bacteria transported in a biofilm on their surface.

We investigated the mechanisms and impact of the translocation of phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) along AM fungal hyphae in bespoke microcosms. An in vitro culture experiment was also conducted to determine the direct impact of hyphal exudates of AM fungi upon the growth of PSB.

The extraradical hyphae of AM fungi can transport PSB to organic phosphorus (P) patches and enhance organic P mineralisation both under in vitro culture and soil conditions. Bacteria move in a thick water film formed around fungal hyphae. However, the bacteria cannot be transferred to the organic P patch without an energy source in the form of hyphal exudates.

Our results could be harnessed to better manage plant–microbe interactions and improve the ability of biological inocula involving AM fungi and bacteria to enhance the sustainability of agricultural crops in P limited conditions.
Rapid reversal of heart failure by correcting left bundle branch block induced by transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zhang Jiefang , Yu Feicheng , Wang Bei , Fu Guosheng
Published: November 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) induced pathological damage in cardiac conduction system leads to symptomatic bradycardia and electric dyssynchrony such as left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with an increased risk for heart failure. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has emerged as an alternative method for delivering physiological pacing to achieve electrical synchrony of the left ventricle. We report a case of heart failure patient with new onset LBBB (NO‐LBBB) induced by TAVR, LBBP corrected the NO‐LBBB and reversed the heart function with stable capture and correction threshold.
Reply
Authors: Aboudara Matthew , Roller Lance , Rickman Otis , Lentz Robert J. , Pannu Jasleen , Chen Heidi , Maldonado Fabien
Published: November 2020

See related Letter
Determinants of Domestic Risk Prevention Behavior: The Importance of Separating Effects Within‐Persons and Between‐Persons
Authors: Jansen Patty C.P. , Snijders Chris C.P. , Willemsen Martijn C.
Published: November 2020

The effects of vulnerability, severity, costs, effort, and effectiveness on prevention behavior, derived from protection motivation theory and the health belief model, have been extensively tested in the literature and have all been shown to predict rather well. In this study we test the effects of these determinants in a new context: the domestic risk prevention domain. The specific behaviors under study are related to the risks of burglary, fire, and water damage. In addition to previous studies, our multilevel research design allows us to evaluate which differences in the performance of domestic prevention behavior can be attributed to differences between persons and which to differences between behaviors within persons. Our results show that all determinants are relevant predictors for domestic risk prevention behavior. Disentangling the within‐person and between‐person effects shows that prevention behavior depends more on the relative evaluation of the prevention behavior determinants for a given person (e.g., a person perceives a smoke alarm to be more effective than antiburglar strips), than on the differences between persons regarding the general perception of these determinants (e.g., some persons find prevention behaviors in general more effective than other persons). To increase the performance of domestic risk prevention behaviors, we advise that interventions should focus on increasing a person's perception of risks and prevention behaviors relative to other risks and prevention behaviors rather than focusing on changing people's general perceptions of all risks and behaviors or focusing on specific target groups.
Outsmarting your parents: Being a first‐generation learner in developing countries
Authors: Portela María José Ogando , Atherton Paul
Published: November 2020

We use data from the Young Lives surveys, in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam, to highlight an underappreciated phenomenon—that a substantial proportion of students in developing countries are the first in their families to go to school. We term these students first‐generation learners (FGLs). We both propose a simple “static” definition of FGL status—where a child’s parents have no education attainment—and utilize the panel dynamics of the Young Lives data set to look at a “dynamic” definition—where the child, in any given round of data collection, is enrolled at a level which his or her parents did not reach. We show descriptive statistics on the scale of this problem across the four countries. We find strong, consistent patterns of relative educational deprivation for FGLs. We tentatively explore the pathways through which FGL status may affect outcomes and find possible explanations through an inability to support with homework and lower aspirations. We look at how becoming an FGL affects the probability of being in school using child fixed‐effects estimations and find it increases the vulnerability of children to drop out.
Teaching as Social Influence: Empowering Teachers to Become Agents of Social Change
Authors: Butera Fabrizio , Batruch Anatolia , Autin Frédérique , Mugny Gabriel , Quiamzade Alain , Pulfrey Caroline
Published: November 2020

Teachers carry out a number of roles in the educational system. Their primary role is to help all students develop knowledge and skills, but, most of the time, they take on the role of gatekeepers: They evaluate students and exercise selection on the basis of performance. We analyze the roles of teachers through the lens of the literature on social influence and put forward the proposal that teaching is a form of social influence. We review existing research on the mechanisms that explain the differential effects teachers may have on students’ learning, students’ prospects, and, therefore, educational justice. We conclude that if teachers endorse the role of mentors—instead of that of gatekeepers—focusing on the development of their students’ knowledge, they can promote deep study, long‐term learning, and equality of treatment. Such an approach could help design teacher training and school reform so as to maximize the learning potential of all students and empower teachers to become active agents of profound individual and social change.
Markups of Chinese exporters: Export discount and product choice
Authors: Yang Xuebing
Published: November 2020

Economists find that exporters usually have higher markups than non‐exporters. Our work, however, shows that Chinese exporters have lower markups than non‐exporters in China. The result is economically and statistically significant. We argue that Chinese exporters have lower markups because they tend to produce products that usually have low markups. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis that China has a comparative advantage in low‐markup products.
The more you search, the more you find: Cryptic diversity and admixture within the Anatolian rock lizards (Squamata, Darevskia)
Authors: Rato Catarina , Stratakis Manos , Sousa‐Guedes Diana , Sillero Neftali , Corti Claudia , Freitas Susana , Harris D. James , Carretero Miguel A.
Published: November 2020

Anatolia is characterized by a complex topological structure and a wide diversity of climatic regions. This geological context has been crucial during the evolution of the rock lizard genus Darevskia, promoting the origin of several species within this group of lizards. Our study focuses on the evolutionary history of the rudis species complex, comprised by Darevskia rudis, D. valentini and D. portschinskii, distributed across Anatolia and the Caucasus, with overlapping ranges. Previous studies have suggested the existence of ancient gene flow between these taxa, which, allied with poor sampling, led to weakly resolved phylogenies and mismatching topologies. Here, we employ two mitochondrial (cytb and ND4) and two nuclear (MC1R and C‐mos) DNA fragments, coupled with ecological niche modelling and a significant representation of the species’ wide distribution range to further assess relationships. The specimens identified either as Darevskia rudis or as D. valentini appear as paraphyletic and substructured into four clades, which started to differentiate during the lower Pleistocene (around 1.3 Mya). We also differentiate genetically the recently described Darevskia bithynica and identify the Kizil River valley as a strong vicariant candidate to explain the origin of this species by allopatric speciation. Moreover, the eastern Black Sea Mountains seem to have played an important role as glacial refugium for several populations of D. rudis. Overall, the present study confirms the circum‐Black Sea as a potential Pleistocene refuge and supports the refugia‐within‐refugia hypothesis with the finding of several geographically coherent evolutionary units in the region.
Reverse Integration in Wheelchair Basketball: Stakeholders’ Understanding in Elite and Recreational Sporting Communities
Authors: Verdonck Michele , Ripat Jacquie , Clark Peita-Maree , Oprescu Florin , Gray Marion , Chaffey Lisa , Kean Bridie
Published: November 2020

Wheelchair basketball (WCBB) often includes reverse integration (RI), defined as the inclusion of athletes without impairment in a sport traditionally aimed at athletes with an impairment. This study explored how RI in WCBB was understood by internal stakeholders. Data were gathered from athletes, coaches, and administrators at an Australian club competition and at a Canadian elite training center. Analysis of semistructured interviews with 29 participants led to the identification of eight themes. Collectively, the findings showed that RI was embedded within WCBB, RI was considered to be a way to advance the growth and improve the quality of WCBB as well as a way to increase awareness of WCBB and disability. There were some concerns that RI may not be equitable, as WCBB is a “disability sport.” Stakeholders’ perspectives on RI could provide useful information for sport policymakers, managers, administrators, sports organizations, and athletes interested in further developing WCBB.
Female Athletes in Retirement: A Test of a Psychosocial Model of Bulimic Symptomatology
Authors: Barrett Stephanie L. , Petrie Trent A.
Published: November 2020

Although researchers have examined eating disorders in female athletes, few such studies have been done with athletes who are retired, and even fewer have been quantitative. Thus, the authors empirically tested an established eating disorder theoretical model with 218 former NCAA Division-I female collegiate athletes who had been retired for 2–6 years. In retirement, participants completed measures of general sociocultural pressures related to body and appearance, thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, negative affect, and bulimic symptomatology. Through structural equation modeling, the authors examined the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables while controlling for body mass index and years since retirement. The model fit the data well, supporting the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among the variables and explaining 54% of the variance in bulimic symptomatology. Despite no longer being exposed to sport pressures that contribute to eating disorders, female athletes experience such symptoms long into retirement.
ELP-dependent expression of
MCL1
promotes resistance to EGFR inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Cruz-Gordillo Peter , Honeywell Megan E. , Harper Nicholas W. , Leete Thomas , Lee Michael J.
Published: November 2020

Blocking the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 sensitizes TNBC cells to erlotinib.
An Unexpected Role for the Periplasmic Phosphatase PhoN in the Salvage of B
6
Vitamers in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Vu Huong N. , Downs Diana M.
Published: November 2020

Nutrient salvage is a strategy used by species across domains of life to conserve energy. Many organisms are unable to synthesize all required metabolites
de novo
and must rely exclusively on salvage.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mycobacteroides
sp. Strain LB1, Isolated from the Sputum of a Cystic Fibrosis Patient
Authors: Menzel Peter , Schwarzer Rolf , Helmuth Johannes , Friesen Inna
Published: November 2020

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacteroides
sp. strain LB1, isolated from the sputum of a cystic fibrosis patient in Berlin, Germany. The genome size is 4.9 Mbp with a GC content of 63.8%. The genome is only distantly related to other
Mycobacteroides
species, suggesting that it may represent a novel species.
Draft Genome Sequence of Naganishia liquefaciens Strain N6, Isolated from the Japan Trench
Authors: Han Yong-Woon , Kajitani Rei , Morimoto Hiroya , Palihati Maierdan , Kurokawa Yumiko , Ryusui Rie , Argunhan Bilge , Tsubouchi Hideo , Abe Fumiyoshi , Kajiwara Susumu , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Itoh Takehiko
Published: November 2020

The draft genome sequence of the deep-sea yeast
Naganishia liquefaciens
strain N6, isolated from the Japan Trench, is reported here. This strain was previously classified into a
Cryptococcus
clade. Phylogenetic analysis using the presented sequence suggests that strain N6 is in the clade of the genus
Naganishia
.
Genome Sequences of Seven
Megrivirus
Strains from Chickens in The Netherlands
Authors: Kwok Kirsty T. T. , de Rooij Myrna M. T. , Messink Aniek B. , Wouters Inge M. , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Phan My V. T.
Published: November 2020

We report seven chicken megrivirus genome sequences identified in chicken fecal samples from a broiler farm in the Netherlands. The sequences were determined using metagenomic sequencing and would expand our understanding of the genome diversity of megriviruses.
Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae YBQ, a Clinical Strain Isolated from the Sputum of a Patient with Severe Pneumonia
Authors: Zou Jintao , Chen Zhifu , Zhang Xiaoli , Yuan Yue , Jing Haiming , Zou Quanming , Zhang Jinyong
Published: November 2020

We report here the genome of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
YBQ, a clinical strain isolated from the sputum of a patient with acute
Klebsiella pneumoniae
infection. The genome consists of a 5,119,471-bp circular chromosome and a 184,347-bp plasmid. Genome annotation predicted 5,028 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), 84 tRNAs, 25 rRNAs, and 47 small RNAs (sRNAs).