bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function by the microbiota at mucosal sites
Authors: Scott Nicholas A. , Mann Elizabeth R. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryMucosal tissues contain distinct microbial communities that differ drastically depending on the barrier site, and as such, mucosal immune responses have evolved to be tailored specifically for their location. Whether protective or regulatory immune responses against invading pathogens or the commensal microbiota occur is controlled by local mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs). Comprising macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), the functions of these cells are highly dependent on the local environment. For example, the intestine contains the greatest bacterial load of any site in the body, and hence, intestinal MNPs are hyporesponsive to bacterial stimulation. This is thought to be one of the major mechanisms by which harmful immune responses directed against the trillions of harmless bacteria that line the gut lumen are avoided. Regulation of MNP function by the microbiota has been characterized in the most depth in the intestine but there are several mucosal sites that also contain their own microbiota. In this review, we present an overview of how MNP function is regulated by the microbiota at mucosal sites, highlighting recent novel pathways by which this occurs in the intestine, and new studies elucidating these interactions at mucosal sites that have been characterized in less depth, including the urogenital tract.
Growing, evolving and sticking in a flowing environment: understanding IgA interactions with bacteria in the gut
Authors: Hoces Daniel , Arnoldini Markus , Diard Médéric , Loverdo Claude , Slack Emma 
Published: November 2019

SummaryImmunology research in the last 50 years has made huge progress in understanding the mechanisms of anti‐bacterial defense of deep, normally sterile, tissues such as blood, spleen and peripheral lymph nodes. In the intestine, with its dense commensal microbiota, it seems rare that this knowledge can be simply translated. Here we put forward the idea that perhaps it is not always the theory of immunology that is lacking to explain mucosal immunity, but rather that we have overlooked crucial parts of the mucosal immunological language required for its translation: namely intestinal and bacterial physiology. We will try to explain this in the context of intestinal secretory antibodies (mainly secretory IgA), which have been described to prevent, to alter, to not affect, or to promote colonization of the intestine and gut‐draining lymphoid tissues, and where effector mechanisms have remained elusive. In fact, these apparently contradictory outcomes can be generated by combining the basic premises of bacterial agglutination with an understanding of bacterial growth (i.e. secretory IgA‐driven enchained growth), fluid handling and bacterial competition in the gut lumen.
Crop water stress index for scheduling irrigation of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) based on water use efficiency considerations
Authors: Kumar Navsal , Poddar Arunava , Shankar Vijay , Ojha Chandra Shekhar Prasad , Adeloye Adebayo Johnson 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe study was conducted to determine the feasibility of canopy temperature based crop water stress index (CWSI) for scheduling irrigation of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Field crop experiments were conducted in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (India) during three consecutive cropping seasons (2015, 2016 and 2017). The experimental field was divided into five plots with different levels of irrigation treatments based on depletion of total available soil water (TASW) in the crop root zone. The maximum soil moisture depletion (SMD) of TASW at 10%, 30% and 50%, full irrigated (non‐stressed) and extremely dry (full stressed) conditions were maintained in respective plots. Relationships were developed between canopy‐air temperature differential (TC‐TA) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) for non‐stressed and fully stressed conditions to generate non‐water‐stressed baseline (NWSB) and maximum water‐stressed baseline (MWSB) baselines for Indian mustard crop. The CWSI was computed for different SMD of TASW by using a proven empirical approach based on the baselines. The irrigation treatment corresponding to 30% SMD with a mean CWSI of 0.4 resulted in optimal yield and maximum water use efficiency. Results of the study suggest that established CWSI value can be used to detect stress and schedule irrigations for Indian mustard.
Left bundle branch area pacing is superior to right ventricular septum pacing concerning depolarization‐repolarization reserve
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Liang Yixiu , Wang Wei , Chen Xueying , Bai Jin , Chen Haiyan , Su Yangang , Chen Ruizhen , Ge Junbo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionLeft bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently been reported to be a new physiological pacing strategy with clinical feasibility and safety. The present study aims to investigate depolarization‐repolarization measures including QT interval, QT dispersion (QTD), and Tpeak‐end interval (TpTe) in this novel LBBAP strategy.Methods and ResultsA total of 131 pacing‐indicated patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized to the LBBAP group (n = 66) and right ventricular septum pacing (RVSP) group (n = 65). LBBAP was successfully achieved in 61 subjects with stable lead performance and comparable complications (ie, pocket hematoma, lead perforation, and dislodgement) compared with RVSP. Of the 61 patients with successful LBBAP, the mean LV peak activation time was 67.89 ± 6.80 ms, with the LBB potential mapped in 46 cases (75.4%). Electrocardiogram (ECG) indices were compared between these two groups before and after implantation. As a result, LBBAP yielded a narrower paced QRS duration (121.49 ± 9.87 ms vs 145.62 ± 8.89 ms; P < .001), shorter QT interval (434.16 ± 32.70 ms vs 462.66 ± 32.04 ms; P < .001), and QTc interval (472.44 ± 33.30 ms vs 499.65 ± 31.35 ms; P < .001), lower QTD (40.10 ± 8.68 ms vs 46.11 ± 10.85 ms; P = .001), and QTcD (43.57 ± 8.78 ms vs 49.86 ± 11.98 ms; P = .001), and shorter TpTe (96.59 ± 10.76 ms vs 103.77 ± 10.16 ms; P < .001) than RVSP. However, TpTe/QT ratio did not differ between these two groups (0.223 ± 0.026 vs 0.225 ± 0.022; P = .733). Furthermore, LBBAP displayed less increased QRS duration, QTc interval, QTD, QTcD, and a more shortened QT interval compared with RVSP (all P < .05).ConclusionLBBAP proves to be a feasible and safe pacing procedure with better depolarization‐repolarization reserve, which may predict lower risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.
European Dermatology Forum guidelines on topical photodynamic therapy 2019 Part 1: treatment delivery and established indications – actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Morton C.A. , Szeimies R.‐M. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Gilaberte Y. , Hædersdal M. , Hofbauer G.F.L. , Hunger R.E. , Karrer S. , Piaserico S. , Ulrich C. , Wennberg A.‐M. , Braathen L.R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTopical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a widely approved therapy for actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ), superficial and certain thin basal cell carcinomas. Recurrence rates when standard treatment protocols are used are typically equivalent to existing therapies, although inferior to surgery for nodular basal cell carcinoma. PDT can be used both as lesional and field therapies and has the potential to delay/reduce the development of new lesions. A protocol using daylight to treat actinic keratoses is widely practised, with conventional PDT using a red light after typically a 3‐h period of occlusion employed for other superficial skin cancer indications as well as for actinic keratoses when daylight therapy is not feasible. PDT is a well‐tolerated therapy although discomfort associated with conventional protocol may require pain‐reduction measures. PDT using daylight is associated with no or minimal pain and preferred by patient. There is an emerging literature on enhancing conventional PDT protocols or combined PDT with another treatment to increase response rates. This guideline, published over two parts, considers all current approved and emerging indications for the use of topical PDT in dermatology, prepared by the PDT subgroup of the European Dermatology Forum guidelines committee. It presents consensual expert recommendations reflecting current published evidence.
Biglycan regulates neuroinflammation by promoting M1 microglial activation in early brain injury after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Xie Yuke , Peng Jianhua , Pang Jinwei , Guo Kecheng , Zhang Lifang , Yin Shigang , Zhou Jian , Gu Long , Tu Tianqi , Mu Qiancheng , Liao Yuyan , Zhang Xianhui , Chen Ligang , Jiang Yong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNeuroinflammation can be caused by various factors in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). One of the most important features of this process is M1 microglial activation. In turn, the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway plays an essential role in activating M1 phenotypic microglia. Biglycan, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, functions as an endogenous ligand of TLR4 and TLR2 in macrophages. However, the underlying mechanisms associated with microglial activation in stroke pathogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we aimed to identify the role of biglycan in neuroinflammation following SAH. In our study, SAH was induced by endovascular perforation in young male C57BL/6J mice. Lentiviral vector was administered intracerebroventricularly to knock down Biglycan. Post‐SAH assessments included neurobehavioral tests, immunofluorescence, western blot, qRT‐PCR, Co‐IP, flow cytometry, and ELISA. The biglycan level was markedly elevated following SAH in vivo. Of particularly note, knockdown of biglycan significantly improved neurological outcomes. TLR4 was bound with soluble biglycan in vitro. In addition, biglycan down‐regulation suppressed the expression of phosphorylated‐NF‐κB p65 (p‐NF‐κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as the cytokine (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) production in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we detected a decreased expression of CD16/32 and CD86, M1 markers when biglycan was inhibited in vitro. Our work suggests that biglycan can induce neuroinflammation by promoting M1 microglial activation at least in part through TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway after experimental SAH. Targeting biglycan may be a promising strategy for the clinical management of SAH.
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Randomized controlled double‐blind study of a cleanser composed of 5‐aminolevulinic acid and peptides on mild and moderate acne vulgaris
Authors: Lee Hyun Ji , Kim Jun Young , Park Kyung Duck , Lee Weon Ju 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundExisting treatments of acne vulgaris may be complicated or elicit undesirable side effects. Therefore, new and safe therapeutic modalities are needed.ObjectivesWe investigated the effects of a cleanser with 5‐aminolevulinic acid and peptides on mild to moderate acne vulgaris.MethodsSixty volunteers with mild to moderate acne vulgaris (IGA grade II–III) were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups of thirty respectively. Participants cleansed their faces twice a day for 8 weeks with either a cleanser with 5‐aminolevulinic acid and peptides (treatment) or with basic cleanser (control). The number of acne lesions (comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules), Michaelson's acne severity, and IGA were measured every 2 weeks and patient satisfaction and adverse events at week 8.ResultsMean number of inflammatory acne lesions in treatment group decreased from 5.9 at baseline to 4.5 at week 4 and 4.1 at week 8 (in particular, P < .05). The mean number of noninflammatory lesions in treatment group decreased from 11.4 at baseline to 8.8 at week 4 and 7.4 at week 8 (in particular, P < .05). The mean value of Michaelson's acne severity index and IGA in treatment group also decreased from baseline to week 4 and week 8 (both in particular, P < .05). Investigator's assessment and patient satisfaction in treatment group at week 8 were better than control group. Adverse events in two groups were similar.ConclusionsWe think the cleanser with 5‐aminolevulinic acid and peptides is a useful and safe therapeutic agent for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Approaches to developing judicious uses of veterinary antibacterial drugs
Authors: Miller Ron A. , Salmon Paulette , Sharkey Michele 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDevelopment of new veterinary antibacterials is an important and challenging endeavor. Global recognition of antimicrobial resistance as a threat across human, animal, plant, food, and environmental sectors has increased the level of scrutiny on veterinary antibacterial use. Rigorous scientific evaluation of these products has and continues to be the underpinning of effectiveness evaluations and how hazards are identified, characterized, and ultimately used to make evidence‐based and risk‐based safety decisions. Some scientific factors commonly considered in the development of veterinary antibacterials include the pathogenesis and sequelae of the indicated disease, clinical and bacteriological improvement, dosage regimen (dose amount, route, duration, frequency), and antimicrobial‐resistance qualitative risk assessments. Key discussion areas covered are how culture and susceptibility testing help determine if antibacterial effects are primarily responsible for clinical improvement and how pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data can help predict success, aid in defining an adequate dosage regimen, and help minimize resistance emergence and spread.
Neonate gut colonization: The rise of a social brain
Authors: Karaivazoglou Katerina , Konstantakis Christos , Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Triantos Christos 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe human gut microbiota constitutes an integral part of human physiology, playing an important role in maintaining health, and compositional or functional changes in intestinal microbiota may be associated with the emergence of several chronic diseases. Animal and human studies have shown that there is a dynamic cross‐talk between intestinal microorganisms and brain networks which has an impact on neurodevelopment and may be extremely critical in shaping human social behavior.PurposeThe aim of the current review is to appraise and present in a concise manner all findings linking the evolution of neonate and infant gut colonization with early social development and to formulate scientifically informed hypotheses which could guide future research on this field.
Soil fungal assemblage complexity is dependent on soil fertility and dominated by deterministic processes
Authors: Guo Junjie , Ling Ning , Chen Zhaojie , Xue Chao , Li Ling , Liu Lisheng , Gao Limin , Wang Min , Ruan Jianyun , Guo Shiwei , Vandenkoornhuyse Philippe , Shen Qirong 
Published: November 2019

Summary

In the processes controlling ecosystem fertility, fungi are increasingly acknowledged as key drivers. However, our understanding of the rules behind fungal community assembly regarding the effect of soil fertility level remains limited.

Using soil samples from typical tea plantations spanning c. 2167 km north‐east to south‐west across China, we investigated the assemblage complexity and assembly processes of 140 fungal communities along a soil fertility gradient.

The community dissimilarities of total fungi and fungal functional guilds increased with increasing soil fertility index dissimilarity. The symbiotrophs were more sensitive to variations in soil fertility compared with pathotrophs and saprotrophs. Fungal networks were larger and showed higher connectivity as well as greater potential for inter‐module connection in more fertile soils. Environmental factors had a slightly greater influence on fungal community composition than spatial factors. Species abundance fitted the Zipf–Mandelbrot distribution (niche‐based mechanisms), which provided evidence for deterministic‐based processes.

Overall, the soil fungal communities in tea plantations responded in a deterministic manner to soil fertility, with high fertility correlated with complex fungal community assemblages. This study provides new insights that might contribute to predictions of fungal community complexity.
Measuring digital platform‐mediated workers
Authors: O'Farrell Rory , Montagnier Pierre 
Published: November 2019

The role of digital platform workers, whether they are delivering fastfood or working remotely categorising photographs, has received much attention both in the media and among policymakers. However, there is a lack of comparable and consistent statistics, over time and across countries, on the number of platform workers, their characteristics and their types of jobs and tasks. This review article examines the attempts that have been made to measure the number of digital platform workers, including both traditional surveys and uses of big data, and it highlights the difficulties encountered and offers guidance on future attempts to estimate the number of digital platform workers.
White adipose tissue mitochondrial metabolism in health and in obesity
Authors: Heinonen Sini , Jokinen Riikka , Rissanen Aila , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryWhite adipose tissue is one of the largest organs of the body. It plays a key role in whole‐body energy status and metabolism; it not only stores excess energy but also secretes various hormones and metabolites to regulate body energy balance. Healthy adipose tissue capable of expanding is needed for metabolic well‐being and to prevent accumulation of triglycerides to other organs. Mitochondria govern several important functions in the adipose tissue. We review the derangements of mitochondrial function in white adipose tissue in the obese state. Downregulation of mitochondrial function or biogenesis in the white adipose tissue is a central driver for obesity‐associated metabolic diseases. Mitochondrial functions compromised in obesity include oxidative functions and renewal and enlargement of the adipose tissue through recruitment and differentiation of adipocyte progenitor cells. These changes adversely affect whole‐body metabolic health. Dysfunction of the white adipose tissue mitochondria in obesity has long‐term consequences for the metabolism of adipose tissue and the whole body. Understanding the pathways behind mitochondrial dysfunction may help reveal targets for pharmacological or nutritional interventions that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis or function in adipose tissue.
A Multiple Streams Analysis of Institutional Innovation in Forest Watershed Governance
Authors: Huber‐Stearns Heidi R. , Schultz Courtney , Cheng Antony S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIncreasingly severe wildfires have focused attention on forested watershed vulnerabilities, causing significant changes to policies and governance. We utilized the Multiple Streams Approach (MSA) to understand institutional innovations of federal agency–large water provider partnerships in Colorado to protect watersheds through joint planning and funding. Ambiguous problem definition and focusing events were significant aspects of these partnerships. We interviewed individuals in the partnerships, with MSA ideas of how solutions to policy problems develop, and the role of policy entrepreneurs. We found that wildfires served as focusing events, creating space and time for learning, collaboration and new problem framing, increased political attention, and institutional innovation. In this study, windows of opportunity stayed open longer, policy entrepreneurs and agencies played larger roles in communication and coupling streams and the context of fast‐moving, unpredictable ecological crises changed responses to issues. Our findings also have implications for broader policy studies and environmental governance scholarship.
Paraprotein implicated in hardware failures in nucleic acid testing of blood donors
Authors: Leitch Sophie , Charlewood Richard 
Published: November 2019

Background and ObjectivesAnalyser blockage due to gel formation by paraproteins leading to invalid results is a rare problem in viral nucleic acid testing (NAT) at New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) despite many blood samples tested without problems from individuals with known paraproteins. This study aimed to identify common factors in samples causing blockages.MethodRetrospective data were gathered on blood samples known to have blocked analysers at NZBS testing sites. Patients with plasma cell dyscrasia undergoing haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) harvest formed the comparator arm. These patients were identified from registry data of individuals undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation at Auckland City Hospital between 2013 and 2017.ResultsFour individuals were identified as having blocked analysers between 2010 and 2018. A total of 184 HSC transplant patients were identified, with contemporaneous paraprotein levels available for 177 (96%). Patients with intact immunoglobulin subtypes (134, 73%) were further analysed. Of these, 119 patients (65%) also had total protein and globulin levels available. Mean paraprotein (37.5 g/l), total protein (95.3 g/l), globulin levels (51.5 g/l) and proportion of lambda subtype (75%) were higher in the blocker group compared with non‐blocking comparators (4.7 g/l, 66.8 g/l, 27.7 g/l, 36.6% respectively) (P = 0·03, 0·02, 0·007, 0·12). The highest paraprotein and total protein levels from the non‐blocking cohort overlapped with the lowest of the blocker group.DiscussionHigh protein levels (paraprotein >20 g/l, total protein >75 g/l) and a trend towards lambda subtype were associated with NAT analyser blockage. The overlap with non‐blocking donor samples suggests factors in addition to protein quantity that are also important.
Connexin‐mediated cell communication in the kidney: A potential therapeutic target for future intervention of diabetic kidney disease?
Authors: Price Gareth W. , Potter Joe A. , Williams Bethany M. , Cliff Chelsy L. , Squires Paul E. , Hills Claire E. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe ability of cells to communicate and synchronise their activity is essential for the maintenance of tissue structure, integrity and function. A family of membrane‐bound proteins called connexins are largely responsible for mediating the local transfer of information between cells. Assembled in the cell membrane as a hexameric connexon, they either function as a conduit for paracrine signalling, forming a transmembrane hemi‐channel, or, if aligned with connexons on neighbouring cells, form a continuous aqueous pore or gap junction, which allows for the direct transmission of metabolic and electrical signals. Regulation of connexin synthesis and activity is critical to cellular function, and a number of diseases are attributed to changes in the expression and/or function of these important proteins. A link between hyperglycaemia, connexin expression, altered nucleotide concentrations and impaired function highlights a potential role for connexin‐mediated cell communication in complications of diabetes. In the diabetic kidney, glycaemic injury is the leading cause of end‐stage renal failure, reflecting multiple aetiologies including glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria, increased deposition of extracellular matrix and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Loss of connexin‐mediated cell‐to‐cell communication in diabetic nephropathy may represent an early sign of disease progression, but our understanding of the process remains severely limited. This review focuses on recent evidence demonstrating that glucose‐evoked changes in connexin‐mediated cell communication and associated purinergic signalling may contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney disease in diabetes, highlighting the tantalising potential of targeting these proteins as a novel therapeutic intervention.