bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host plant identification in the generalist xylem feeder Philaenus spumarius through gut content analysis
Authors: Gonella Elena , Picciau Luca , Pippinato Liam , Cavagna Beniamino , Alma Alberto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius L. (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), is the main vector of the phytopathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in Europe, where the ST53 strain induces the olive quick decline syndrome, causing severe economic damage in southern Italy. The wide range of plant species infected by X. fastidiosa, and the wide host range of P. spumarius suggest that a large number of wild and cultivated plants may become infected by the pathogen following unintentional introduction events. Therefore, it is necessary to detail the host plant preference of the vector, in order to include preferred plants in the field, in pathogen‐targeted diagnostic efforts. This would allow the identification of main sources of X. fastidiosa acquisition by P. spumarius; such plant species represent an important target for rational disease management. Here, we investigated the host plants of P. spumarius in north‐western Italy, a region where X. fastidiosa is still not present but is regarded as a primary threat. We designed a new molecular diagnostic tool targeting chloroplast DNA, to characterize the gut content of single P. spumarius adults. The newly set up, nested PCR/sequencing‐based identification protocol was proven to be useful for retrieving sequences from the last two different host plants used by P. spumarius, even if limited persistence of intact chloroplast DNA was reported in the spittlebug gut. We propose this protocol as a new tool for supporting research on xylem feeder biology that could be particularly useful for highly polyphagous species such as P. spumarius. Furthermore, the method could help monitor X. fastidiosa invasion, and contribute to the study of vector ecology and pathogen epidemiology.
Serum neurofilament level increases after ascent to 4559 m but is not related to acute mountain sickness
Authors: Sareban Mahdi , Berger Marc Moritz , Pinter Daniela , Buchmann Arabella , Macholz Franziska , Schmidt Peter , Schiefer Lisa , Schimke Magdalena , Niebauer Josef , Steinacker Jürgen Michael , Treff Gunnar , Khalil Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeAt high altitude the brain is exposed to hypoxic stress, which may result in neurological conditions, with acute mountain sickness (AMS) being the most common. We aimed to test the hypothesis that rapid ascent to high altitude alters neuro‐axonal integrity, which can be detected by increased concentration of serum neurofilament light (sNfL) in the blood and may even be exaggerated in people with AMS.MethodsSerum neurofilament light was measured using a single‐molecule array (Simoa, Quanterix, Lexington, MA, USA) assay at low altitude (423 m) in 47 healthy study participants and 44 h after rapid and active ascent to high altitude (4559 m). Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and partial pressures of oxygen (pO2) were obtained at low and high altitude. The Acute Mountain Sickness‐Cerebral (AMS‐C) scoring system was used to assess AMS incidence and AMS severity.ResultsThere was an increase in sNfL from its baseline value compared with its value at high altitude (6.34 ± 1.96 vs. 7.19 ± 3.14 pg/ml; p = 0.014), but sNfL level did not correlate with SpO2 (r = −0.19; p = 0.066) or pO2 (r = −0.19; p = 0.068). The incidence of AMS at high altitude was 62%. Neither at low altitude (p = 0.706) nor at high altitude (p = 0.985) was there a difference in sNfL between participants with and without AMS as measured 3 days after rapid ascent and 44 h of high‐altitude exposure. Altitude sNfL did not correlate with AMS‐C, either overall or with single‐item scores such as headache severity.ConclusionsRapid ascent of healthy people to high altitude provokes an increase in sNfL 44 h after arrival at 4559 m, which is not related to the magnitude of hypoxemia or AMS incidence and severity, suggesting that neuro‐axonal injury does not directly contribute to AMS.
How does pasture size alter plant–herbivore interactions among grazing cattle?
Authors: Dumont Bertrand , Rossignol Nicolas , Decuq Francis , Note Priscilla , Farruggia Anne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGrassland management impacts ecosystem functioning and is critical for livestock production and biodiversity conservation. Decreasing the stocking rate usually benefits biodiversity but also decreases production per unit area. Here, we assessed the combined effects of cattle herd and pasture size on sward structure, diet quality and daily grazing time while maintaining a constant stocking rate. The experiment was conducted over four successive years in two blocks of a species‐rich upland grassland that was continuously grazed for 5 months between May and October. Each block consisted of one 3‐ha pasture that was grazed by a group of three heifers, one 9‐ha pasture grazed by nine heifers, and one 27‐ha pasture grazed by 27 heifers. The grazed patches were discriminated using a mathematical model that for each point gave a probability of being grazed based on sward height and spatial dependence. Heifers created fewer patches and had less control over sward height in the smallest (3‐ha) plots, while no difference was found between the 9‐ and 27‐ha plots. The small heifer groups also had the shortest daily grazing time. These observations point out a risk that animal impacts on sward structure could be partly missed in grazing experiments conducted with very small groups. Estimated diet quality was unaffected by pasture size. Patch stability was frequent between two successive years but we observed a decrease in interannual patch stability as time intervals increase. Such observations are useful for calibrating spatial interaction models combining foraging behaviour and vegetation dynamics rules and enhance their predictive ability.
Understanding self‐regulation for political control and policymaking: Effects of governance mechanisms on accountability
Authors: Papenfuß Ulf , Schmidt Christian A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSelf‐regulation has become a crucial governance mechanism for policymaking and political control. Although governments have increasingly implemented self‐regulation, its effects are under‐researched. International policymakers highlight the role of self‐regulation in extending accountability and political control of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). A key accountability area—attracting widespread public interest—is the level of executive directors' pay. Drawing on agency theory, this study analyzes 2,112 pay disclosures of 700 executive directors employed in 289 German SOEs between 2014 and 2017. The results indicate that both self‐regulation and its quality have significant effects on behavior control. Further, the complementary adoption of self‐regulation and law has the strongest effects on principals' and agents' behavior and awareness. For the debate on board composition, it is important to note that a higher proportion of politicians as directors on SOE boards weakens the effects of self‐regulation. Overall, this study enhances the theoretical understanding of self‐regulation and provides important policy implications.
The challenge of genetically unresolved haemophilia A patients: Interest of the combination of whole F8 gene sequencing and functional assays
Authors: Lassalle Fanny , Jourdy Yohann , Jouan Loubna , Swystun Laura , Gauthier Julie , Zawadzki Christophe , Goudemand Jenny , Susen Sophie , Rivard Georges‐Etienne , Lillicrap David 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe causative variant remains unidentified in 2%–5% of haemophilia A (HA) patients despite an exhaustive sequencing of the full F8 coding sequence, splice consensus sequences, 5’/3’ untranslated regions and copy number variant (CNV) analysis. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has provided significant improvements for a complete F8 analysis.AimThe aim of this study was to identify and characterize pathogenic non‐coding variants in F8 of 15 French and Canadian HA patients genetically unresolved, through the use of NGS, mRNA sequencing and functional confirmation of aberrant splicing.MethodsWe sequenced the entire F8 gene using an NGS capture method. We analysed F8 mRNA in order to detect aberrant transcripts. The pathogenic effect of candidate intronic variants was further confirmed using a minigene assay.ResultsAfter bioinformatic analysis, 11 deep intronic variants were identified in 13 patients (8 new variants and 3 previously reported). Three variants were confirmed to be likely pathogenic with the presence of an aberrant transcript during mRNA analysis and minigene assay. We also found a small intronic deletion in 6 patients, recently described as causing mild HA.ConclusionWith this comprehensive work combining NGS and functional assays, we report new deep intronic variants that cause HA through splicing alteration mechanism. Functional analyses are critical to confirm the pathogenic effect of these variants and will be invaluable in the future to study the large number of variants of uncertain significance that may affect splicing that will be found in the human genome.
Does the use of non‐GAAP earnings in compensation contracts lead to excessive CEO compensation? Efficient contracting versus managerial power
Authors: Kyung Hangsoo , Ng Jeff , Yang Yong George 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe examine whether the recent trend of firms’ using non‐GAAP earnings metrics in compensation contracts is consistent with the efficient contracting hypothesis or the managerial power hypothesis. We extract non‐GAAP performance metrics from compensation contracts in proxy statements of S&P 500 firms from 2006 to 2013. We find that the adoption of non‐GAAP earnings in CEOs’ compensation contracts is positively associated with CEOs’ cash compensation. However, the increase in CEOs’ compensation is primarily evident among firms with superior CEO talent. In addition, we find that the cash pay‐performance sensitivity (PPS) increases after the adoption of non‐GAAP performance measures, suggesting that boards use non‐GAAP performance measures to enhance CEOs’ performance‐improving incentives, rather than granting excessive compensation. Overall, our evidence suggests that, on average, the use of non‐GAAP performance metrics in executive compensation contracts reflects boards’ efforts to retain talented CEOs and mitigate agency problems, which is consistent with the efficient contracting hypothesis.
Novel insights into the epidemiology of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) from the Dutch EB Registry: EB more common than previously assumed?
Authors: Baardman R. , Yenamandra V.K. , Duipmans J.C. , Pasmooij A.M.G. , Jonkman M.F. , van den Akker P.C. , Bolling M.C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of rare and incurable genetic disorders characterized by fragility of the skin and mucosae, resulting in blisters and erosions. Several epidemiological studies in other populations have been carried out, reporting varying and sometimes inconclusive figures, highlighting the need for standardized epidemiological analyses in well‐characterized cohorts.ObjectivesTo evaluate the epidemiological data on EB in the Netherlands, extracted from the molecularly well‐characterized cohort in the Dutch EB Registry.MethodsIn this observational study all EB‐patients that were based in the Netherlands and captured in the Dutch EB Registry between 1988 and 2018 were included. The epidemiological outcomes were based on complete diagnostic data (clinical features, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and mutation analysis), with longitudinal follow‐up.ResultsA total of 464 EB‐patients (287 families) were included. The incidence and point‐prevalence of EB in the Netherlands were 41.3 per million live births and 22.4 per million population, respectively. EB Simplex (EBS), Junctional EB (JEB), Dystrophic EB (DEB) and Kindler EB were diagnosed in 45.7%, 18.8%, 34.7% and 0.9% of the EB‐patients, respectively, with an incidence and point‐prevalence of 17.5 and 11.9 (EBS), 9.3 and 2.1 (JEB), 14.1 and 8.3 (DEB), 0.5 and 0.2 (Kindler EB). In 90.5% of the EB‐patients the diagnosis was genetically confirmed. During the investigated time period 73 EB‐patients died, 72.6% of whom as a direct consequence of their EB.ConclusionThe epidemiological outcomes of EB in the Netherlands are high, attributed to a high detection rate in a well‐organized set‐up, indicating that EB might be more common than previously assumed. These epidemiological data help to understand the extensive need for (specialized) medical care of EB‐patients and is invaluable for the design and execution of therapeutic trials. This study emphasizes the importance of thorough reporting systems and registries worldwide.
Prefrontal cortex miR‐874‐3p prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced depression‐like behavior through inhibition of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 expression in mice
Authors: Suento Willy Jaya , Kunisawa Kazuo , Wulaer Bolati , Kosuge Aika , Iida Tsubasa , Fujigaki Suwako , Fujigaki Hidetsugu , Yamamoto Yasuko , Tanra Andi Jayalangkara , Saito Kuniaki , Mouri Akihiro , Nabeshima Toshitaka 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIndoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is the first rate‐limiting enzyme that metabolizes tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway. Its activity is highly inducible by pro‐inflammatory cytokines and correlates with the severity of major depressive disorder (MDD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in gene regulation and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders including MDD. However, the role of miRNAs in targeting IDO1 in the pathophysiology of MDD is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of novel miRNAs in the regulation of IDO1 activity and its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced depression‐like behavior in mice. LPS up‐regulated miR‐874‐3p concomitantly with increase in IDO1 expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), increase in immobility in the forced swimming test as depression‐like behavior and decrease in locomotor activity as sickness behavior without motor dysfunction. The miR‐874‐3p increased in both neuron and microglia after LPS. Its mimic significantly suppressed LPS‐induced IDO1 expression in the PFC. Infusion of IDO1 inhibitor (1‐methyl‐l‐tryptophan) and miR‐874‐3p into PFC prevented an increase in immobility in the forced swimming test, but did not decrease in locomotor activity induced by LPS. These results suggest that miR‐874‐3p may play an important role in preventing the LPS‐induced depression‐like behavior through inhibition of IDO1 expression. This may also serve as a novel potential target molecule for the treatment of MDD.
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Collagen and soy peptides attenuate contractile loss from UVA damage and enhance the antioxidant capacity of dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Sophia Y. , Hood Molly , Zhang Iris X. , Chen Clark L. , Zhang Lynn L. , Du Jun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundWrinkles and extracellular matrix (ECM) loss are common signs of skin aging and are thought to be the result of damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS); ROS induces an imbalance between ECM degradation and production.ObjectivesIn this study, we evaluate soy peptides (SP) and collagen peptides (CP), alone and in combination, for their ability to inhibit ROS formation and increase ECM gene expression in order to ameliorate the signs of skin aging.MethodsUsing tert‐Butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BuOOH)–treated dermal fibroblasts, we explored the potential of CP and SP to inhibit ROS formation by flow cytometry, as well as their effect on ECM component genes by real‐time quantitative PCR. In addition, we examined the effect of CP and SP on UVA irradiated fibroblasts in a 3D collagen lattice model that measured contractility.ResultsThe results showed that the combination of CP and SP synergistically reduces ROS formation. This combination also increased expression of collagen I, collagen II, elastin, and fibronectin in t‐BuOOH‐treated or untreated dermal fibroblasts. In the UVA‐treated 3D collagen lattice model, the results show that CP and SP significantly improved fibroblast contractility when compared to UVA control (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, CP and SP attenuate the loss of contractility due to UVA damage, inhibit t‐BuOOH‐induced ROS formation, and improve expression of ECM component genes.
Efficacy and safety of controlled‐release dinoprostone vaginal delivery system (PROPESS) in Japanese pregnant women requiring cervical ripening: Results from a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III study
Authors: Itoh Hiroaki , Ishii Keisuke , Shigeta Naoya , Itakura Atsuo , Hamada Hiromi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Ishida Tomohiko , Bungyoku Yasuaki , Falahati Ali , Tomisaka Miori , Kitamura Mikiya 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of dinoprostone vaginal insert (PROPESS) in pregnant post‐term Japanese women requiring cervical ripening.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study included 114 pregnant Japanese women at term (41 weeks of gestation) requiring cervical ripening (baseline Bishop score (BS) ≤ 4). The primary end‐point was the proportion of subjects with successful cervical ripening defined as BS ≥ 7 or vaginal delivery in 12 h. The secondary end‐points were changes in BS, proportion of women with vaginal delivery, proportion of women receiving mechanical cervical ripening procedure and use of oxytocic drugs.ResultsPROPESS administration for a maximum of 12 h showed significantly higher successful cervical ripening rate (47.4% vs 14.3%, respectively; treatment contrast [TC]: 33.1%; P = 0.0002). The median time from administration to vaginal delivery was significantly shorter in the PROPESS group than in the placebo group (26.18 h vs 33.02 h; OR 2.51; 95% CI [1.60–3.92]; P < 0.0001). In the PROPESS group, the dosage of uterotonic drugs, such as oxytocin, decreased, and the number of patients who used these drugs also decreased.ConclusionPROPESS administration for a maximum of 12 h was an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for pregnant Japanese women post‐term requiring cervical ripening.
Barriers to influenza vaccination of children hospitalised for acute respiratory illness: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Carlson Samantha J , Quinn Helen E , Blyth Christopher C , Cheng Allen , Clark Julia , Francis Joshua R , Marshall Helen S , Macartney Kristine , Leask Julie 
Published: October 2020

AimTo identify barriers to influenza vaccination of children hospitalised for acute respiratory illness in Australia.MethodsA total of 595 parents of children hospitalised with acute respiratory illness across five tertiary hospitals in 2019 participated in an online survey. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors most strongly associated with influenza vaccination barriers.ResultsOdds of influenza vaccination were lower with lack of health‐care provider (HCP) recommendation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.38); if parents had difficulties (aOR 0.19; 95% CI: 0.08–0.47) or were ‘neutral’ (aOR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06–0.82) in remembering to make an appointment; and if parents had difficulties (aOR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07–0.62) or were ‘neutral’ (aOR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07–0.79) regarding getting an appointment for vaccination. Odds were also lower if parents did not believe (aOR 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08–0.90) or were ‘neutral’ (aOR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04–0.49) regarding whether the people most important to them would have their child/ren vaccinated against influenza. Children had lower odds of vaccination if parents did not support (aOR 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01–0.82) or were ambivalent (aOR 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01–0.56) in their support for influenza vaccination. Finally, lack of history of influenza vaccination of child (aOR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18–0.81) and respondent (aOR 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11–0.56) were associated with lack of receipt of influenza vaccine before admission for acute respiratory infection.ConclusionsAssisting parents in remembering and accessing influenza vaccination and encouraging health‐care providers to recommend vaccination may increase uptake.
Practical progression in the clinical management of neuroinfections and related diseases in Japan
Authors: Kamei Satoshi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNeuroinfections and related diseases are a life‐threatening disease. The practical progression of the clinical management in these diseases in Japan was reviewed. The guidelines for the clinical management of bacterial meningitis in Japan were published in 2014 which were established based on the current knowledge of microbiological evidence in Japan. The guidelines for the clinical management of herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) in Japan were also published in 2017. Aciclovir should be initiated in all patients with suspected encephalitis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HSVE has high sensitivity and specificity and is the gold standard diagnostic tool. However, when the negative result of PCR is obtained at the acute stage with the highly suspicious patients with HSVE, our clinical guidelines recommend to continuing aciclovir and repeating PCR. The viral resistance to aciclovir has been reported. In the case of aciclovir‐nonresponding and treatment‐resistant patients, an alternative treatment with foscarnet is recommended. Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is considered one of the most common causes of noninfectious acute encephalitis. As a series of anti‐neuronal surface antibodies (NSAs) were found, the diagnostic approach to AIE has undergone a paradigm shift. Different techniques are currently available to detect NSAs: tissue‐based assays (TBAs) with rodent brain sections, cell‐based assays (CBAs), and assays for primary cultured neurons of rodent. The diagnosis of AIE in Japan could previously be delayed owing to limited access to specialized laboratory; the assay system used by TBAs and CBAs for AIE was established and started to use in Japan since 2019.