bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3 complicated with anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid‐receptor encephalitis
Authors: Kurozumi Akira , Okada Yosuke , Nishio Kosuke , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies in the limbic system bind to GluN1 subunits of NMDA‐Rs in the brain. We report a rare case of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3 complicated by anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis. After hospitalization for type 1 diabetes, the 39‐year‐old patient developed various schizophreniform symptoms and seizures after cold‐like symptoms. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis. Immune‐related encephalitis was suspected at the early phase of the disease, and cerebrospinal fluid was positive for anti‐NMDA‐R antibody. Early steroid pulse therapy was initiated during the disease course. The condition improved gradually to full recovery. Early detection and treatment of anti‐NMDA‐R encephalitis should enhance a positive outcome, considering that besides thyroid diseases and type 1 diabetes, various autoimmune diseases are associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 3.
The Complete Protist Symbiont Communities of Coptotermes formosanus and Coptotermes gestroi: Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Five New Species
Authors: Jasso‐Selles Daniel E. , De Martini Francesca , Velenovsky Joseph F. , Mee Evan D. , Montoya Samantha J. , Hileman Jonathon T. , Garcia Mikaela D. , Su Nan‐Yao , Chouvenc Thomas , Gile Gillian H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCoptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattoidea: Rhinotermitidae) are invasive subterranean termite pest species with a major global economic impact. However, the descriptions of the mutualistic protist communities harbored in their respective hindguts remain fragmentary. The C. formosanus hindgut has long been considered to harbor three protist species, Pseudotrichonympha grassii (Trichonymphida), Holomastigotoides hartmanni, and Cononympha (Spirotrichonympha) leidyi (Spirotrichonymphida), but molecular data have suggested that the diversity may be higher. Meanwhile, the C. gestroi community remains undescribed except for Pseudotrichonympha leei. To complete the characterization of these communities, hindguts of workers from both termite species were investigated using single‐cell PCR, microscopy, cell counts, and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The two hosts were found to harbor intriguingly parallel protist communities, each consisting of one Pseudotrichonympha species, two Holomastigotoides species, and two Cononympha species. All protist species were unique to their respective hosts, which last shared a common ancestor ~18 MYA. The relative abundances of protist species in each hindgut differed remarkably between cell count data and 18S rRNA profiles, calling for caution in interpreting species abundances from amplicon data. This study will enable future research in C. formosanus and C. gestroi hybrids, which provide a unique opportunity to study protist community inheritance, compatibility, and potential contribution to hybrid vigor.
Older US adults like sweetened colas, but not other chemesthetic beverages
Authors: Wierenga Madison R. , Crawford Ciera R. , Running Cordelia A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMany older adults suffer from difficulty swallowing thin beverages like water or coffee. To improve swallowing safety, beverages are typically thickened. This creates a new problem: the thickened beverages can be disgusting. New research suggests chemesthesis, particularly spiciness, carbonation, or intense sourness, could improve swallowing without the need for thickeners. Yet, whether such beverages would be liked by older adults is unknown. We thus conducted this experiment to establish older adults' sensory perception and liking/disliking of commercially available chemesthetic beverages. We recruited participants to rate sweetness, sourness, fizziness, stinging, and liking/disliking of unsweetened carbonated waters (1 plain, 5 flavored), sour orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and colas (sugar or aspartame‐sweetened). Initial tests (N = 30 older adults) indicated sour orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and two of the flavored waters were not well‐liked, so other beverages were selected for a second test (N = 94, 30 younger adults, 64 older adults). Sweetened, carbonated colas were the best‐liked of the beverages. The unsweetened, flavored carbonated waters were in general not liked. Regarding comparisons of sensory ratings between older and younger adults, only sweetness differed between age groups. In particular, intensity ratings for the chemesthetic aspects of the beverages (stinging/burning/spiciness, fizziness) and the sour taste did not differ by age. As the chemesthetic properties are the most likely reason the beverages could aid in swallowing safety, observing no suppression of these sensations in older adults is encouraging for the potential of these products as a treatment option.
TP53 R249S mutation detected in circulating tumour DNA is associated with Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with or without hepatectomy
Authors: Shen Ting , Li Shan‐Feng , Wang Jia‐Lin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Song , Chen Hai‐Tao , Xiao Qian‐Yi , Ren Wei‐Hua , Liu Chao , Peng Bo , Ji Xiao‐Na , Yang Yang , Lu Pei‐Xin , Chen Tao‐Yang , Yu Long , Ji Yuan , Jiang De‐Ke 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsSomatic mutation R249S in TP53 is highly common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to investigate the effects of R249S in ctDNA on the prognosis of HCC.MethodsWe analysed three cohorts including 895 HCC patients. TP53 mutation spectrum was examined by direct sequencing of genomic DNA from tissue specimens in HCC patients with hepatectomy (Cohort 1, N = 260). R249S and other recurrent missense mutations were assessed for their biological functions and associations with overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of HCC patients in Cohort 1. R249S within circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) was detected through droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and its association with OS and PRS was analysed in HCC patients with (Cohort 2, N = 275) or without (Cohort 3, N = 360) hepatectomy.ResultsIn Cohort 1, R249S occupied 60.28% of all TP53 mutations. Overexpression of R249S induced more serious malignant phenotypes than those of the other three identified TP53 recurrent missense mutations. Additionally, R249S, but not other missense mutations, was significantly associated with worse OS (P = .006) and PFS (P = .01) of HCC patients. Consistent with the results in Cohort 1, HCC patients in Cohorts 2 and 3 with R249S had worse OS (P = 8.291 × 10−7 and 2.608 × 10−7 in Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively) and PFS (P = 5.115 × 10−7 and 5.900 × 10−13 in Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively) compared to those without this mutation.ConclusionsTP53 R249S mutation in ctDNA may serve as a promising prognosis biomarker for HCC patients with or without hepatectomy.
Combining IR and X‐ray microtomography data sets: Application to Itokawa particles and to Paris meteorite
Authors: Dionnet Zelia , Brunetto Rosario , Aléon‐Toppani Alice , Rubino Stefano , Baklouti Donia , Borondics Ferenc , Buellet Anne‐Cécile , Djouadi Zahia , King Andrew , Nakamura Tomoki , Rotundi Alessandra , Sandt Christophe , Troadec David , Tsuchiyama Akira 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the near future, a new generation of sample return missions (Hayabusa2, OSIRIS‐REx, MMX, etc.) will collect samples from small solar system bodies. To maximize the scientific outcome of laboratory studies and minimize the loss of precious extraterrestrial samples, an analytical sequence from less destructive to more destructive techniques needs to be established. In this work, we present a combined X‐ray and IR microtomography applied to five Itokawa particles and one fragment of the primitive carbonaceous chondrite Paris. We show that this analytical approach is able to provide a 3‐D physical and chemical characterization of individual extraterrestrial particles, using the measurement of their 3‐D structure and porosity, and the detection of mineral and organic phases, and their spatial co‐localization in 3‐D. We propose these techniques as an efficient first step in a multitechnique analytical sequence on microscopic samples collected by space missions.
Partitioning heterozygosity in subdivided populations: Some misuses of Nei's decomposition and an alternative probabilistic approach
Authors: Lefèvre François , Gallais André 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNei's decomposition of total expected heterozygosity in subdivided populations into within‐ and between‐subpopulation components, HS and DST, respectively, is a classical tool in the conservation and management of genetic resources. Reviewing why this is not a decomposition into independent terms of within‐ and between‐subpopulation gene diversity, we illustrate how this approach can be misleading because it overemphasizes the within‐subpopulation component compared to Jost's nonadditive decomposition based on gene diversity indices. Using probabilistic partitioning of the total expected heterozygosity into independent within‐ and between‐subpopulation contributions, we show that the contribution of the within‐subpopulation expected heterozygosity to the total expected heterozygosity is not HS, as suggested by Nei's decomposition, but HS/s, with s being the number of subpopulations. Finally, we compare three possible approaches of decomposing total heterozygosity in subdivided populations (i.e., Nei's decomposition, Jost's approach, and probabilistic partitioning) with regard to independence between terms and sensitivity to unequal subpopulation sizes. For the conservation and management of genetic resources, we recommend using probabilistic partitioning and Jost's differentiation parameter rather than Nei's decomposition.
Growth hormone treatment for extremely low birthweight children born small for gestational age
Authors: Onuma Shinsuke , Ida Shinobu , Maeyama Takatoshi , Shoji Yasuko , Etani Yuri , Kawai Masanobu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe effectiveness of growth hormone (GH) treatment for height gain in short‐stature children born small for gestational age (SGA) with extremely low birthweight (ELBW; birthweight <1,000 g) remains largely unknown.MethodsIn study 1, 35 prepubertal Japanese children born SGA with ELBW were categorized into three groups based on the presence or absence of catch‐up growth by age 3 (CU(+) and CU(−), respectively) and GH treatment (GH(+) and GH(−), respectively). Height standard deviation (SD) scores (HT‐SDS) in the CU−/GH+ group (n = 19) were compared with those in the age‐matched CU+/GH− (n = 9) and CU−/GH‐ groups (n = 7). In study 2, 66 prepubertal Japanese SGA children treated with GH were divided into three groups by birthweight: <1,000 g (n = 19), 1,000–2,000 g (n = 20), and >2,000 g (n = 27). Changes in HT‐SDS during the initial 3 years of GH treatment were compared among the three groups.ResultsIn study 1, the mean HT‐SDS in the CU−/GH+ group (−1.15 SD) was similar to that in the CU+/GH‐ group (−1.39 SD) but higher than that in the CU−/GH− group (−2.24 SD). In study 2, GH achieved a height gain of +1.62 SD in the ELBW group, which was similar to that in the other groups (1,000–2,000 g: +1.46 SD, >2,000 g: +1.53 SD).ConclusionsGrowth hormone treatment in short‐stature children born SGA with ELBW increased HT‐SDS, which was similar to that in SGA children born with a birthweight ≥1,000 g. These results indicate that GH treatment may be an effective approach to promote adequate growth recovery for short‐stature children born SGA with ELBW.
Differential antibody responses to Giardia lamblia strain variants expressing dissimilar levels of an immunogenic protein
Authors: Garzon Thania , Valencia Lourdes , Dominguez Victor , Rascon Lucila , Quintero Jael , Garibay‐Escobar Adriana , Enrique Robles‐Zepeda Ramón , Velazquez Carlos 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsGiardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, one of the most common worldwide gastrointestinal diseases. For rational development of a Giardia vaccine, increasing our understanding of the host‐Giardia interaction is crucial. In this study, we analysed the immunogenicity and antigenicity of two G lamblia strain variants [GS and GS‐5G8 (+)], which express different levels of the variant‐specific surface protein (VSP) 5G8 and also analysed the intestinal histological changes associated with Giardia infection.Methods and resultsWe evaluated the antibody responses induced by G lamblia strains in infected, reinfected and immunized C3H/HeJ mice using ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blotting and histological analysis. Our results showed that G lamblia GS‐5G8 (+) was more immunogenic and antigenic than the GS strain. The antibody response against the GS‐5G8 (+) strain primarily recognized 5G8 protein. Serum antibody from infected and reinfected mice exhibited specific agglutination of trophozoites in vitro. GS‐5G8 (+)‐infected mice showed higher CD19+ infiltrating cell levels compared to GS‐infected animals.ConclusionG lamblia strains with different expression levels of an immunogenic antigen (VSP 5G8) induce differential antibody responses. A better understanding of the immunogenic proteins of G lamblia will contribute to the rational development of an effective vaccine against this parasitic disease.
Hamster, a close model for visceral leishmaniasis: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Saini Sheetal , Rai Ambak K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by parasites belonging to genus Leishmania (L.) is classified as a category I disease by the TDR/WHO. The understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease was built from the findings of available experimental models. Among all available models, the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most suitable model for the experimental representation of VL. In this review, we have focused on the opportunities and challenges of using the hamster as an experimental model for visceral leishmaniasis.MethodsThe studies referenced in this review were based on searches in PubMed and Google Scholar without a specific timeline. We collected study results underlining the clinicopathological response, immunopathogenesis and factors determining the outcome of VL in hamsters. Particular emphasis was given in the context of developing new therapeutics and testing potential candidates for vaccine development.ConclusionAmong all animal models, M. auratus is undoubtedly a better animal model for immunopathogenesis, drug discovery and vaccine development studies of VL infection. But, further optimization of this animal model is required to mimic human VL completely.
Estimating the epidemiology of emerging Xylella fastidiosa outbreaks in olives
Authors: White Steven M. , Navas‐Cortés Juan A. , Bullock James M. , Boscia Donato , Chapman Daniel S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractXylella fastidiosa is an important insect‐vectored bacterial plant pathogen with a wide host range, causing significant economic impact in the agricultural and horticultural industries. Once restricted to the Americas, severe European outbreaks have been discovered recently in Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. The Italian outbreak, detected in Puglia in 2013, has spread over 100 km, killing millions of olive trees, and is still expanding. To date, quantified assessment of important epidemiological parameters useful for risk assessment and management, such as transmission rates, symptomless periods, and time to death in field populations, has been lacking. This is due to the emergent and novel nature of the outbreak and length of time needed to monitor the course of disease progression. To address this, we developed a Bayesian method to infer epidemiological parameters by fitting and comparing compartmental epidemiological models to short snapshots of disease progression observed in multiple field plots. We estimated that each infected tree with symptoms is able to infect around 19 trees per year (95% credible range 14–26). The symptomless stage was estimated to have low to negligible infectivity and to last an average of approximately 1.2 years (95% credible range 1.0–1.3 years). Tree desiccation was estimated to occur approximately 4.3 years (95% credible range 4.0–4.6 years) after symptom appearance. However, we were unable to estimate the infectiousness of desiccated trees from the data. Our method could be used to make early estimates of epidemiological parameters in other emerging disease outbreaks where symptom expression is slow.
EU climate law sans frontières: The extension of the 2030 Framework to the Energy Community contracting parties
Authors: Minas Stephen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs challenging as meeting the 2030 climate and energy targets will be for the European Union (EU), it is the decision to extend the 2030 Framework to the contracting parties of the Energy Community (EnC) which will arguably require a truly Herculean effort. In 2018, the contracting parties agreed to adapt the revised Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directives, and the Energy Union Governance Regulation. However, the EnC parties face significant obstacles, while the Energy Community has limited compliance mechanisms. This article examines the Energy Community as a hybrid legal space in which the European Commission, EnC Secretariat and contracting parties co‐create legal order. It investigates major challenges to the extension of the 2030 Framework to the Energy Community, including the EnC’s structure and composition, weaknesses in national implementation and a limited dispute resolution regime. The article also reflects on the role of law in the external dimension of EU climate policy.
Serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 level in the disease progression and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease
Authors: Asakura Takanori , Kimizuka Yoshifumi , Nishimura Tomoyasu , Suzuki Shoji , Namkoong Ho , Masugi Yohei , Sato Yasunori , Ishii Makoto , Hasegawa Naoki 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe lack of useful biomarkers reflecting the disease state limits the management of Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MAC‐LD). We clarified the associations between serum KL‐6 level, disease progression and treatment response.MethodsResected lung tissues from MAC‐LD patients were immunostained for KL‐6. We compared serum KL‐6 levels between MAC‐LD and healthy control or bronchiectasis patients without nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM‐LD). Serum KL‐6 level was assessed in a prospective observational study at Keio University Hospital between May 2012 and May 2016. We investigated associations between serum KL‐6 level and disease progression and treatment response in patients untreated for MAC‐LD on registration (n = 187).ResultsThe KL‐6+ alveolar type 2 cell population in the lung and serum KL‐6 level were significantly higher in MAC‐LD patients than in controls. Serum KL‐6 level in bronchiectasis patients without NTM‐LD showed no significant increase. Of the 187 patients who did not receive treatment on registration, 53 experienced disease progression requiring treatment. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that the serum KL‐6 level (aHR: 1.18, P = 0.005), positive acid‐fast bacilli smear (aHR: 2.64, P = 0.001) and cavitary lesions (aHR: 3.01, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with disease progression. The change in serum KL‐6 (ΔKL‐6) was significantly higher in the disease progression group; it decreased post‐treatment, reflecting the negative sputum culture conversion.ConclusionSerum KL‐6 level is associated with disease progression and treatment response. Longitudinal assessment combined with AFB smear status and presence of cavitary lesions may aid MAC‐LD management.
Economic Development and South Africa: 25 Years Analysis (1994 to 2019)
Authors: Dhamija Pavitra 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEconomic Development highlights the growth and progression of every nation towards prosperity, and South Africa is not an exception to this phenomenon. Present article reviews economic progression in South Africa for last 25 years of time by applying systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis (1,241 articles) on Scopus extracted database (1994 to 2019; until 06 June). Inferences evidence significant work contributed by top universities, authors, funding sources, journals and citation statistics. Noticeably, implementation of a concept solely will not fetch real situation; however, a systematic review extends good to excellent understanding of the considered research agenda. Findings reveal the contradictory inter‐connectivity of Cluster 1 Economic Inequality and Poverty, Cluster 2 Developing Country and Corruption and Cluster 6 Economic Development and Economic Policy. It is very important to understand that if a nation is facing economic inequality, corruption, and poverty; how it can achieve the status of economically developed nation. Identification of Cluster 3 Industrialization and Industry 4.0, Cluster 4 Unemployment and Entrepreneurship Education and Cluster 5 Sustainable Development and Economic Growth signifies scope of improvement. Conclusively, the researcher has proposed a conceptual model to address above stated concerns.
Changes in facial moisture distribution and feelings of moisture/dryness among various environmental temperatures and humidities in summer and winter
Authors: Egawa Mariko , Koizumi Koyo , Hirao Tetsuji 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs environmental conditions vary depending on area of residence, consideration of environmental temperature and humidity conditions is crucial for detection of actual skin conditions in daily life. In this study, we determined changes in facial moisture and sensory evaluation distributions in various environmental temperature and humidity conditions.Materials and MethodsAn original near‐infrared (NIR) imaging system was used to obtain moisture distributions. Sensory evaluations of feelings of moisture/dryness were graded, and changes were compared among 10 healthy Japanese female subjects in four different environmental temperature and humidity conditions (28°C, 60% RH; 28°C, 20% RH; 15°C, 60% RH; 15°C, 20% RH) in summer and winter.ResultsSkin moisture was lower at high temperatures and higher at low temperatures. Feelings of dryness on bare skin were high in low humidity. Sensitivity of feelings of moisture and dryness was high around the center of the cheekbones between side of the eyes and the mouth, but the same was not true of the moisture distribution. Moisture level was lower in winter at high temperatures, especially under the eyes near the side of the nose ridge, while the sense of dryness was not strong. These divergences between sensory evaluation and moisture level indicate the presence of a “hidden dry situation.”ConclusionChanges in moisture level and sensory evaluation scores in facial skin varied among environmental conditions, which differed between summer and winter, even under the same environmental temperature and humidity.
Modelo estructural de competencia profesional didáctica para profesores técnicos no pedagogos
Authors: Romero-Jeldres Marcela Rosa , Faouzi-Nadim Tarik 
Published: June 2020

Este artículo indaga sobre las competencias pedagógicas de los profesores técnicos sin formación pedagógica que apoyan las trayectorias laborales y educativas de los estudiantes que eligen la educación media técnico profesional (EMTP) en Chile.Utilizando un cuestionario sobre las percepciones acerca del dominio de competencias pedagógicas y la técnica de modelos estructurales, se estudió el dominio asociado con las competencias profesionales didácticas en una muestra estratificada de 151 docentes. Los resultados señalan que el modelo es sensible a los contextos con vulnerabilidad social y al actuar competencial de docentes sin formación, por lo que resulta un aporte para determinar perfeccionamientos focalizados.