bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physician and patient acceptance of policies to reduce kidney discard
Authors: Mehrotra Sanjay , Schantz Karolina , Friedewald John J. , Ladner Daniela P. , Becker Yolanda , Formica Richard , Barah Masoud , Gu Jiayi , Gordon Elisa J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDespite the shortage of kidneys for transplantation in the United States, approximately 18%‐20% of deceased donor kidneys are discarded each year. These discarded kidneys can offer a survival benefit to suitable patients. Revisions to the current kidney allocation policy may be needed to reduce deceased donor kidney discard. We surveyed transplant physicians and patients to assess their perceived acceptability of policy proposals to reduce the discard of deceased donor kidneys. Members of professional societies (AST, ASTS) and a patient organization (AAKP) were invited to complete the survey. Responses were obtained from 97 physicians and 107 patients. The majority of physicians (73.4%) and patients (73.8%) "somewhat" or "completely" accepted a policy for fast‐tracking kidneys at risk of discard. Physicians and patients also supported returning a proportion of waiting time to patients who accept KDPI >85 kidneys and experience graft failure within the first 12 months, with 36% of physicians and 50% of patients electing to return 100% of the waiting time. The majority of physicians (75%) "somewhat or completely" accepted a policy to skip less aggressive centers for KDPI 90 + offers. Physicians and patients provided insights into factors researchers, and policymakers should consider in the design and implementation of these policies.
Environmental drivers of movement in a threatened seabird: insights from a mechanistic model and implications for conservation
Authors: Frankish Caitlin K. , Phillips Richard A. , Clay Thomas A. , Somveille Marius , Manica Andrea 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimDetermining the drivers of movement of different life‐history stages is crucial for understanding age‐related changes in survival rates and, for marine top predators, the link between fisheries overlap and incidental mortality (bycatch), which is driving population declines in many taxa. Here, we combine individual tracking data and a movement model to investigate the environmental drivers and conservation implications of divergent movement patterns in juveniles (fledglings) and adults of a threatened seabird, the white‐chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis).LocationSouth‐west Atlantic Ocean.MethodsWe compare the spatial distributions and movement characteristics of juvenile, breeding and non‐breeding adult petrels, and apply a mechanistic movement model to investigate the extent to which chlorophyll a concentrations (a proxy for food resources) and ocean surface winds drive their divergent distribution patterns. We also consider the conservation implications by determining the relative overlap of each life‐history stage with fishing intensity and reported fishing effort (proxies for bycatch risk).ResultsNaïve individuals fledged with similar flight capabilities (based on distances travelled, flight speeds and track sinuosity) to adults but differed in their trajectories. Comparison of simulations from the mechanistic model with real tracks showed that juvenile movements are best predicted by prevailing wind patterns, whereas adults are attracted to food resources on the Patagonian Shelf. The juveniles initially dispersed to less productive oceanic waters than those used by adults, and overlapped less with fishing activity; however, as they moved westwards towards South America, bycatch risk increased substantially.Main conclusionsThe use of a mechanistic framework provided insights into the ontogeny of movement strategies within the context of learned versus innate behaviour and demonstrated that divergent movement patterns of adults and juveniles can have important implications for the conservation of threatened seabirds.
Metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetes and its association with diabetes complications
Authors: Lee Angela S. , Twigg S. M. , Flack J. R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetes, and its age‐related association with diabetes complications.MethodsAustralian National Diabetes Information Audit and Benchmarking (ANDIAB) was a well‐established quality audit programme. It provided cross‐sectional data on people attending specialist diabetes services across Australia. We determined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (WHO criteria) in adults with type 1 diabetes and its associations with diabetes complications across age groups.ResultsMetabolic syndrome prevalence was 30% in 2120 adults with type 1 diabetes. Prevalence increased with age: 21% in those aged <40 years, 35% in those aged 40–60 years, and 44% in those aged >60 years (P<0.001), which was driven by an increase in hypertension rate. Metabolic syndrome was associated with a higher prevalence of microvascular, macrovascular and foot complications, with the greatest impact at a younger age. The odds ratio for macrovascular complications with metabolic syndrome, compared with without, was 5.9 (95% CI 2.1–16.4) in people aged <40 years, 2.7 (95% CI 1.7–4.2) in those aged 40–60 years, and 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.7) in those aged >60 years (all P < 0.05). Metformin use was higher in those with metabolic syndrome (16% vs 4%; P<0.001).ConclusionsIn this large Australian cohort, metabolic syndrome was common in type 1 diabetes and identified people at increased risk of the spectrum of diabetes complications, particularly in young to middle‐aged adults. Potential clinical implications are that therapies targeting insulin resistance in this high‐risk group may reduce diabetes complications and should be explored.
Aggrecan modulates the expression and phosphorylation of tau in a novel bigenic TauP301L ‐ Acan mouse model
Authors: Schmidt Sophie , Stapf Caroline , Schmutzler Sandra , Lachmann Ingolf , Arendt Thomas , Holzer Max , Sonntag Mandy , Morawski Markus 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSelected types of neurons in the central nervous system are associated with a specialized form of extracellular matrix. These so‐called perineuronal nets (PNs) are supramolecular structures surrounding neuronal somata, proximal dendrites and axon initial segments. PNs are involved in the regulation of plasticity and synaptic physiology. In addition, PNs were proposed to carry neuroprotective functions as PN‐ensheathed neurons are mostly spared of tau pathology in brains of Alzheimer patients. Recently, the neuroprotective action of PNs was confirmed experimentally, demonstrating (i) that mainly aggrecan mediates the neuroprotective function of PNs and (ii) that aggrecan seems to generate an external shielding preventing the internalization of pathological forms of tau. In the present study, we aimed at extending these findings and hypothesized that aggrecan further provides an intracellular protection by preventing mutation‐triggered formation of pathological forms of tau. We used crossbreds of TauP301L mice and heterozygous aggrecan mice which are characterized by spontaneous deletion of the aggrecan allele. We analysed the extent of tau pathology in dependence of aggrecan protein amount by applying immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and ELISA. The results clearly indicate that aggrecan has no significant impact on tau aggregation in the brainstem of our mouse model. Still, reduced aggrecan levels were accompanied by increased levels of tau protein and reduced number of Tau‐1‐positive neurons, which indicate an increase in phosphorylation of tau. In conclusion, these data demonstrate a correlation between aggrecan and P301L mutation‐triggered tau expression and phosphorylation in our bigenic mouse model.
Influence of proanthocyanidins combined with ethanol‐wet bonding on the bonding quality of fibre posts to root dentine
Authors: Shen Lipei , Xiong Jie , Jiang Qingsong 
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the influence of a bonding approach using proanthocyanidins (PAs) combined with ethanol‐wet bonding (EWB) and a hydrophobic adhesive on the bonding quality of fibre posts. After endodontic treatment and post‐space preparation, 72 single‐rooted extracted human teeth were etched, thoroughly rinsed, and then treated using the following procedures (n = 24 teeth per group): group 1, no pretreatment; group 2, pretreatment with absolute ethanol three times, for 30 s each time; or group 3, pretreatment with absolute ethanol solution containing 5% PAs three times, for 30 s each time. Six teeth per group were dried according to a dry and a wet drying protocol and then observed using field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. The remaining 18 teeth in each group were cemented with fibre posts: All‐Bond 3 and Duo‐Link cement were used for group 1; and hydrophobic adhesive and Duo‐Link cement were used for groups 2 and 3. Push‐out bond strength, failure mode, and nanoleakage were evaluated immediately and after collagenase treatment. Higher push‐out bond strength and less nanoleakage were observed in the two ethanol‐pretreatment groups, regardless of storage conditions. Teeth pretreated with PAs + ethanol exhibited significantly higher push‐out bond strength after collagenase treatment than did teeth pretreated with ethanol alone. Within the limits of this study, the bonding approach of PAs combined with EWB and a hydrophobic adhesive synergistically improved the durability of fibre post bonds.
Cues for seizure timing
Authors: Rao Vikram R. , G. Leguia Marc , Tcheng Thomas K. , Baud Maxime O. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe cyclical organization of seizures in epilepsy has been described since antiquity. However, historical explanations for seizure cycles—based on celestial, hormonal, and environmental factors—have only recently become testable with the advent of chronic electroencephalography (cEEG) and modern statistical techniques. Here, factors purported over millennia to influence seizure timing are viewed through a contemporary lens. We discuss the emerging concept that seizures are organized over multiple timescales, each involving differential influences of external and endogenous rhythm generators. Leveraging large cEEG datasets and circular statistics appropriate for cyclical phenomena, we present new evidence for circadian (day‐night), multidien (multi‐day), and circannual (about‐yearly) variation in seizure activity. Modulation of seizure timing by multiscale temporal variables has implications for diagnosis and therapy in clinical epilepsy. Uncovering the mechanistic basis for seizure cycles, particularly the factors that govern multidien periodicity, will be a major focus of future work.
Host plants and Wolbachia shape the population genetics of sympatric herbivore populations
Authors: Fu Zhen , Meier Amanda R. , Epstein Brendan , Bergland Alan O. , Castillo Carrillo Carmen I. , Cooper William R. , Cruzado Regina K. , Horton David R. , Jensen Andrew S. , Kelley Joanna L. , Rashed Arash , Reitz Stuart R. , Rondon Silvia I. , Thinakaran Jenita , Wenninger Erik J. , Wohleb Carrie H. , Crowder David W. , Snyder William E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractChanging climate and land‐use practices have the potential to bring previously isolated populations of pest insects into new sympatry. This heightens the need to better understand how differing patterns of host–plant association, and unique endosymbionts, serve to promote genetic isolation or integration. We addressed these factors in populations of potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), a generalist herbivore that vectors a bacterial pathogen (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, causal pathogen of zebra chip disease) of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Genome‐wide SNP data revealed two major genetic clusters—psyllids collected from potato crops were genetically similar to psyllids found on a common weed, Lycium spp., but dissimilar from those found on another common non‐crop host, Solanum dulcamara L. Most psyllids found on Lycium spp. and potato represented a single mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) haplotype that has been suggested to not be native to the region, and whose arrival may have been concurrent with zebra chip disease first emerging. The putatively introduced COI haplotype usually co‐occurred with endosymbiotic Wolbachia, while the putatively resident COI haplotype generally did not. Genetic intermediates between the two genetic populations of insects were rare, consistent with recent sympatry or reproductive isolation, although admixture patterns of apparent hybrids were consistent with introgression of genes from introduced into resident populations. Our results suggest that both host–plant associations and endosymbionts are shaping the population genetic structure of sympatric psyllid populations associated with different non‐crop hosts. It is of future interest to explicitly examine vectorial capacity of the two populations and their potential hybrids, as population structure and hybridization might alter regional vector capacity and disease outbreaks.
Development and characterization of a human Th17‐driven ex vivo skin inflammation model
Authors: Jardet Claire , David Anthony , Braun Emilie , Descargues Pascal , Grolleau Jean‐Louis , Hebsgaard Josephine , Norsgaard Hanne , Lovato Paola 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSkin models mimicking features of psoriasis‐related inflammation are needed to support the development of new drugs in dermatology. Reconstructed skin models lack tissue complexity, including a fully competent skin barrier, and presence and/or diversity of immune cells. Here, we describe InflammaSkin®, a novel human Th17‐driven ex vivo skin inflammation model. In this model, skin‐resident T cells are in situ activated by intradermal injection of anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 antibodies and Th17 cell polarization is sustained by culture in a chemically defined medium supplemented with IL‐1β, IL‐23 and TGF‐β for seven days. The acquired Th17 signature is demonstrated by the sustained secretion of IL‐17A, IL‐17AF, IL‐17F, IL‐22, IFN‐γ, and to some degree IL‐15 and TNF‐α observed in the activated ex vivo skin inflammation model compared with the non‐activated skin model control. Furthermore, expression of S100A7 and Keratin‐16 by keratinocytes and loss of epidermal structure integrity occur subsequently to in situ Th17cell activation, demonstrating cellular crosstalk between Th17 cells and keratinocytes. Finally, we demonstrate the use of this model to investigate the modulation of the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis by topically applied anti‐inflammatory compounds. Taken together, we show that by in situ activation of skin‐resident Th17 cells, the InflammaSkin® model reproduces aspects of inflammatory responses observed in psoriatic lesions and could be used as a translational tool to assess efficacy of test compounds.
Agricultural residues bioenergy potential that sustain soil carbon depends on energy conversion pathways
Authors: Hansen Julie H. , Hamelin Lorie , Taghizadeh‐Toosi Arezoo , Olesen Jørgen E. , Wenzel Henrik 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAgricultural crop residues represent a significant part of the biomass potentially available for renewable energy systems. Sustaining soil organic carbon (C) is a common limiting factor applied to the biophysically available resource to determine crop residues potential for bioenergy. Studies quantifying this potential have so far largely considered crop biomass to produce renewable energy as being independent from the energy conversion pathway. However, the conversion method has great influence on how much C in crop residues can be returned back and retained in soils. Here, we applied the C‐TOOL soil C model for two extreme conversion pathways of agricultural straw management in terms of C returned back to soils, using Denmark as a case study. Those were anaerobic digestion, involving the return of recalcitrant C to fields, and combustion, involving no C returns to agricultural fields. Danish agriculture was represented by six different soil‐cropping schemes units on which our two extreme bioenergy pathways were modelled. We applied a premise that for a given geographical unit, the same long‐term soil C level needs to be achieved under these extreme bioenergy scenarios; therefore, we identified how much straw could be removed from agricultural fields in each case while maintaining equal soil organic carbon (SOC) levels. We found that at the scale of the whole country, only 26% of the straw potential can be harvested for use in combustion to maintain in average long‐term SOC at the same level as it would have been with the anaerobic digestion scenario. Thus, consideration for the biomass conversion pathway is important when identifying agricultural residue potentials for energy conversion while ensuring that SOC level is not compromised.
Screening siRNAs against host glycosylation pathways to develop novel antiviral agents against hepatitis B virus
Authors: Ito Kiyoaki , Angata Kiyohiko , Kuno Atsushi , Okumura Akinori , Sakamoto Kazumasa , Inoue Rieko , Morita Naoko , Watashi Koichi , Wakita Takaji , Tanaka Yasuhito , Sugiyama Masaya , Mizokami Masashi , Yoneda Masashi , Narimatsu Hisashi 
Published: August 2020

AimHepatitis B virus (HBV) relies on glycosylation for crucial functions, such as entry into host cells, proteolytic processing and protein trafficking. The aim of this study was to identify candidate molecules for the development of novel antiviral agents against HBV using an siRNA screening system targeting the host glycosylation pathway.MethodsHepG2.2.15.7 cells that consistently produce HBV were employed for our in vitro study. We investigated the effects of siRNAs that target 88 different host glycogenes on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA secretion using the siRNA screening system.ResultsWe identified four glycogenes that reduced HBsAg and/or HBV DNA secretion; however, the observed results for two of them may be due to siRNA off‐target effects. Knocking down ST8SIA3, a member of the sialyltransferase family, significantly reduced both HBsAg and HBV DNA secretion. Knocking down GALNT7, which transfers N‐acetylgalactosamine to initiate O‐linked glycosylation in the Golgi apparatus, also significantly reduced both HBsAg and HBV DNA levels.ConclusionsThese results showed that knocking down the ST8SIA3 and GALNT7 glycogenes inhibited HBsAg and HBV DNA secretion in HepG2.2.15.7 cells, indicating that the host glycosylation pathway is important for the HBV life cycle and could be a potential target for the development of novel anti‐HBV agents.
Adaptation and qualitative evaluation of Ask 3 Questions — a simple and generic intervention to foster patient empowerment
Authors: Lindig Anja , Hahlweg Pola , Frerichs Wiebke , Topf Cheyenne , Reemts Martin , Scholl Isabelle 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients are often not actively engaged in medical encounters. Short interventions like Ask 3 Questions (Ask3Q) can increase patient participation in decision‐making. Up to now, Ask3Q was not available in German.ObjectiveTo translate Ask3Q and evaluate its acceptability and feasibility.MethodsWe translated and adapted several English versions of Ask3Q using a team translation protocol and cognitive interviews. Acceptability and feasibility of the final German Ask3Q version were assessed via focus groups and interviews with patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Data were analysed via qualitative content analysis.ResultsTranslation and adaptation were successful. Participants of focus groups and interviews perceived Ask3Q as a tool to empower patients to ask more questions. Moreover, it was seen as a guideline for physicians not to forget conveying important information. Several characteristics of patients, HCPs, the clinical setting and the intervention were identified as facilitators and barriers for an effective implementation of Ask3Q.ConclusionWe provide the German version of Ask3Q. According to participants, implementation of Ask3Q in the German healthcare system is feasible. Future studies should evaluate if positive effects of Ask3Q can be replicated for patient participation and communication behaviour of HCPs in Germany.
Dendritic cells in Th2 immune responses and allergic sensitization
Authors: Lamiable Olivier , Mayer Johannes U , Munoz‐Erazo Luis , Ronchese Franca 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAllergic responses are characterized by the activation of a specific subset of effector CD4+ T cells, the T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cells, that respond to harmless environmental antigens causing inflammation and pathology. Th2 cells are also found in the context of parasite infections, where they can mediate parasite clearance and expulsion, and support tissue repair. The process that leads to the activation of Th2 cells in vivo is incompletely understood: while it has become clear that “conventional” dendritic cells are essential antigen‐presenting cells for the initiation of Th2 immune responses, the molecules that are expressed by dendritic cells exposed to allergens, and the mediators that are produced as a consequence and signal to naïve CD4+ T cells to promote their development into effector Th2, remain to be defined. Here we summarize recent developments in the identification of the dendritic cell subsets involved in Th2 responses, review potential mechanisms proposed to explain the generation of these immune responses, and discuss the direct and indirect signals that condition dendritic cells to drive the development of Th2 responses during allergen or parasite exposure.
p38 MAPK signaling mediates retinoic acid‐induced CD103 expression in human dendritic cells
Authors: Roe Mandi M. , Hashimi Marziah , Swain Steve , Woo Krista M. , Bimczok Diane 
Published: August 2020

SummaryRetinoic acid (RA) is an active derivative of vitamin A and a key regulator of immune cell function. In dendritic cells (DCs), RA drives the expression of CD103 (integrin αE), a functionally relevant DC subset marker. In this study, we analyzed the cell type specificity and the molecular mechanisms involved in RA‐induced CD103 expression. We show that RA treatment caused a significant up‐regulation of CD103 in differentiated monocyte‐derived DCs and blood DCs, but not in differentiated monocyte‐derived macrophages or T cells. DC treatment with an RA receptor α (RARα) agonist led to an increase in CD103 expression similar to that in RA treatment, whereas RARA gene silencing with small interfering RNA blocked RA‐induced up‐regulation of CD103, pointing to a major role of RARα in the regulation of CD103 expression. To elucidate RA‐induced signaling downstream of RARα, we used Western blot analysis of RA‐treated DCs and showed a significant increase of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. In addition, DCs cultured with RA and a p38 MAPK inhibitor had a significantly reduced expression of CD103 compared with DCs cultured with RA only, indicating that p38 MAPK is involved in CD103 regulation. In summary, these findings suggest that the RA‐induced expression of CD103 is specific to DCs, is mediated primarily through RARα and involves p38 MAPK signaling.