bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological basis of early clearance ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection: the role of natural killer cells
Authors: Abebe F 
Published: December 2020

SummaryTuberculosis (TB) kills more people than any other single infectious disease globally. Despite decades of research, there is no vaccine to prevent TB transmission. Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, developed a century ago, is effective against childhood (disseminated and miliary) TB. However, its protective efficacy against pulmonary TB varies from 0 to 80% in different populations. One of the main reasons for the lack of an effective vaccine against TB is the lack of complete understanding about correlates of protective immunity on which to base vaccine design and development. However, some household contacts who are extensively exposed to Mtb infection remain persistently negative to tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma assay. These individuals, called ‘resisters’, clear Mtb infection early before the development of acquired immunity. The immunological basis of early Mtb clearance is yet to be established; however, innate lymphocytes such as monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils and natural killer cells, and innate-like T cells such as mucosal-associated invariant T cells, invariant natural killer (NK) T cells and gamma-delta (γδ) T cells, have been implicated in this early protection. In recent years, NK cells have attracted increasing attention because of their role in controlling Mtb infection. Emerging data from animal and epidemiological studies indicate that NK cells play a significant role in the fight against Mtb. NK cells express various surface markers to recognize and kill both Mtb and Mtb-infected cells. This review presents recent advances in our understanding of NK cells in the fight against Mtb early during infection, with emphasis on cohort studies.
Global effects of extreme temperatures on wild bumblebees
Authors: Martinet Baptiste , Dellicour Simon , Ghisbain Guillaume , Przybyla Kimberly , Zambra Ella , Lecocq Thomas , Boustani Mira , Baghirov Ruslan , Michez Denis , Rasmont Pierre 
Published: December 2020

AbstractClimate plays a key role in shaping population trends and determining the geographic distribution of species because of limits in species’ thermal tolerance. An evaluation of species tolerance to temperature change can therefore help predict their potential spatial shifts and population trends triggered by ongoing global warming. We assessed inter‐ and intraspecific variations in heat resistance in relation to body mass, local mean temperatures, and evolutionary relationships in 39 bumblebee species, a major group of pollinators in temperate and cold ecosystems, across 3 continents, 6 biomes, and 20 regions (2386 male specimens). Based on experimental bioassays, we measured the time before heat stupor of bumblebee males at a heatwave temperature of 40 °C. Interspecific variability was significant, in contrast to interpopulational variability, which was consistent with heat resistance being a species‐specific trait. Moreover, cold‐adapted species are much more sensitive to heat stress than temperate and Mediterranean species. Relative to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures, our results help explain recent population declines and range shifts in bumblebees following climate change.
Colour appearance in immersive three‐dimensional virtual environments
Authors: Díaz‐Barrancas Francisco , Cwierz Halina Carmen , Pardo Pedro J. , Perez Angel L. , Suero María Isabel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTechnology is constantly evolving and, consequently, all the technological advances taking place are regularly integrated into the daily life of society. During recent years, there has been a trend towards virtual resources such as teleworking, telemedicine and e‐commerce. In many countries, this virtualisation process has been accelerated by the changing circumstances caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In any case, there is a growing demand for virtual systems, and virtual reality is a suitable field for the application of a multitude of solutions. However, advances in virtual reality occur without any regard to colour science, and there are several challenges to be overcome to improve the visual appearance and fidelity of colour reproduction in all types of related devices. This paper discusses three open issues related to the visual appearance and visual fidelity of virtual reality systems. We believe it is necessary to direct future research efforts in each of these directions to secure improvements in the visual fidelity of virtual reality systems.
Stem‐cell‐based therapies for retinal degenerative diseases: Current challenges in the establishment of new treatment strategies
Authors: Uyama Hirofumi , Mandai Michiko , Takahashi Masayo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractVarious advances have been made in the treatment of retinal diseases, including new treatment strategies and innovations in surgical devices. However, the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), continues to pose a significant challenge. In this review, we focus on the use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to treat retinal diseases by harnessing the ability of stem cells to differentiate into different body tissues. The retina is a tissue specialized for light sensing, and its degradation leads to vision loss. As part of the central nervous system, the retina has very low regenerative capability, and therefore, treatment options are limited once it degenerates. Nevertheless, innovations in methods to induce the generation of retinal cells and tissues from ESCs/iPSCs enable the development of novel approaches for these irreversible diseases. Here we review some historical background and current clinical trials involving the use of stem‐cell‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cells for AMD treatment and stem cell‐derived retinal cells/tissues for RP therapy. Finally, we discuss our future vision of regenerative treatment for retinal diseases with a partial focus on our studies and introduce other interesting approaches for restoring vision.
Physical therapy interventions to improve sitting ability in children with or at‐risk for cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Inamdar Ketaki , Molinini Rebecca M , Panibatla Siva Tejaa , Chow Jason C , Dusing Stacey C 
Published: December 2020

AimTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions to improve sitting ability in young children with or at risk for cerebral palsy (CP).MethodA systematic literature search was performed using five databases. Study selection criteria were randomized controlled trials published in English on physical therapy interventions targeting sitting, reporting developmental or functional sitting outcomes, and focused on young children with or at risk for CP (mean age ≤5y). Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 tool.ResultsTwelve unique studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into one of two categories: (1) comparison of two physical therapy interventions or (2) physical therapy plus adjunct versus physical therapy alone. The combined pooled effect size (g) for the 10 studies included in meta‐analysis was large (g=0.78) but non‐significant. Pooled effect for category 1 was small (g=–0.06) and non‐significant. Interventions in category 2 showed a large and significant effect (g=1.90, p=0.022).InterpretationThere is a lack of strong evidence for physical therapy interventions targeting sitting in young children with or at‐risk for CP due to limitations in methodological rigor and sample sizes. Components of impairment remediation combined with functional balance training should be explored to improve sitting in children diagnosed with CP. Given the benefits of early achievement of sitting, strong evidence‐based research is needed.What this paper adds

Strong evidence is lacking for physical therapy interventions to improve sitting ability in young children with/at risk for cerebral palsy (CP).

Kinesio‐taping may be an effective adjunct to conventional physical therapy in improving sitting ability in children with spastic bilateral CP.

Task‐specific, intensive, and child‐initiated intervention components show promise for improving sitting in young infants at risk for CP.
Change in glucose‐lowering medication regimens in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Jacob Louis , Rickwood Sarah , Rathmann Wolfgang , Kostev Karel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo estimate the proportion of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing changes in glucose‐lowering therapy in 2019 and 2020.MethodIndividuals with T2DM who had at least one consultation in one of 940 general (including diabetologist) practices in Germany between January and July 2019 (N = 79 268) and between January and July 2020 (N = 85 046) were included. Therapy changes were defined as the prescription of new glucose‐lowering drugs, with or without the discontinuation of previous treatments (therapy switch and add‐on therapy, respectively). The number of T2DM patients with at least one medication regimen change was calculated for the periods 1 January to 14 March in 2019 and 2020, and for the periods 15 March to 31 July in 2019 and 2020. March 2020 corresponded to the beginning of the lockdown in Germany.ResultsOverall, there was a decrease in the number of patients with at least one medication regimen change in the period 15 March to 31 July 2019 compared with 15 March to 31 July 2020 (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors: −15%; sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors: −3%; glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: 0%; other oral glucose‐lowering drugs: −6%; and insulin: −21%).ConclusionsThe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐2019) pandemic had a strong impact on glucose‐lowering drug use in T2DM patients in Germany. More research is warranted to further investigate the treatment and management of T2DM individuals during the COVID‐19 era in Germany and elsewhere.
A retrospective observational population‐based study to assess the prevalence and burden of illness of type 2 diabetes with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rapattoni Wally , Zante David , Tomas Marko , Myageri Varun , Golden Shane , Grover Prerna , Tehrani Ali , Millson Brad , Tobe Sheldon W. , Rose Jennifer B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo better understand the healthcare burden of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Ontario, Canada.Materials and MethodsWe used administrative data to evaluate the prevalence of T2D, eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and adverse cardiovascular co‐morbidities in individuals aged ≥ 30 years living in Ontario, Canada. We also examined incremental healthcare costs and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) for these patients with specific incident cardiovascular and renal outcomes, in comparison with controls without these outcomes.ResultsWhile the prevalence of T2D in the general population aged ≥ 30 years in Ontario increased by 1.8% over a 5‐year period (2011‐2012 to 2015‐2016), the prevalence of eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 among people with T2D increased by 35%. In comparison with corresponding controls without these outcomes, the per patient average total costs (Canadian dollars) over a 2‐year analysis period were higher for patients with cardiovascular disease/chronic kidney disease related death ($69 827; n = 32 407), doubling of serum creatinine ($52 260; n = 22 825), those who started dialysis ($150 627; n = 3499) or received a kidney transplant ($50 664; n = 651). Similarly, HCRU was significantly greater for patients with these incident outcomes.ConclusionsThis real‐world retrospective study highlights an increasing prevalence of T2D, eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the substantially higher healthcare costs and HCRU when these patients have adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes. The existence of such a large economic burden underpins the importance of preventing these diabetes‐related complications.
Effectiveness of premixed insulin to achieve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: A retrospective UK cohort study
Authors: Jude Edward B. , Trescoli Carlos , Emral Rifat , Ali Amar , Lubwama Robert , Palmer Karen , Shaunik Alka , Nanda Nithya , Raskin Philip , Gomez‐Peralta Fernando 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate the effectiveness of premixed insulin for achieving glycaemic outcomes in clinical practice in the UK.Materials and MethodsElectronic medical record data from The Health Improvement Network database were captured for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled (HbA1c ≥9%) on two or more oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) initiating premixed insulin. Effectiveness of premixed insulin was assessed by the probability and incidence of achieving glycaemic outcomes (target HbA1c <7.5% [<58 mmol/mol] and a ≥1% or ≥2% HbA1c reduction) over 24 months.ResultsData from 974 participants (mean age 62 years; 56% male; 52% obese or extremely obese; mean HbA1c 11.3% [100 mmol/mol]; hypertension 64%, dyslipidaemia 23% and nephropathy 21%) were analysed. The probability of achieving HbA1c  <7.5% was highest during months 3‐6 (18.2%), while the cumulative probability of achieving this target plateaued between months 15‐24 (15.7%‐16.0%). Incidence of achieving all glycaemic outcomes plateaued after 12 months and differed by baseline HbA1c, but not OAD use. Factors affecting some glycaemic outcomes included a body mass index >40 kg/m2 and co‐morbidities including nephropathy and stroke.ConclusionsIn people with uncontrolled T2D (HbA1c ≥9%), glycaemic outcome achievement on premixed insulin was low at 6 months with little additional clinical benefit beyond 12 months, suggesting a high unmet need for early, timely treatment changes with more effective, simpler therapies.
Diverging functional strategies but high sensitivity to an extreme drought in tropical dry forests
Authors: González‐M. Roy , Posada Juan M. , Carmona Carlos P. , Garzón Fabián , Salinas Viviana , Idárraga‐Piedrahita Álvaro , Pizano Camila , Avella Andrés , López‐Camacho René , Norden Natalia , Nieto Jhon , Medina Sandra P. , Rodríguez‐M. Gina M. , Franke‐Ante Rebeca , Torres Alba M. , Jurado Rubén , Cuadros Hermes , Castaño‐Naranjo Alejandro , García Hernando , Salgado‐Negret Beatriz 
Published: December 2020

AbstractExtreme drought events have negative effects on forest diversity and functioning. At the species level, however, these effects are still unclear, as species vary in their response to drought through specific functional trait combinations. We used long‐term demographic records of 21,821 trees and extensive databases of traits to understand the responses of 338 tropical dry forests tree species to ENSO2015, the driest event in decades in Northern South America. Functional differences between species were related to the hydraulic safety‐efficiency trade‐off, but unexpectedly, dominant species were characterised by high investment in leaf and wood tissues regardless of their leaf phenological habit. Despite broad functional trait combinations, tree mortality was more widespread in the functional space than tree growth, where less adapted species showed more negative net biomass balances. Our results suggest that if dry conditions increase in this ecosystem, ecological functionality and biomass gain would be reduced.
Inflammation, ictogenesis, and epileptogenesis: An exploration through human disease
Authors: Tan Tracie Huey‐Lin , Perucca Piero , O’Brien Terence J. , Kwan Patrick , Monif Mastura 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEpilepsy is seen historically as a disease of aberrant neuronal signaling manifesting as seizures. With the discovery of numerous auto‐antibodies and the subsequent growth in understanding of autoimmune encephalitis, there has been an increasing emphasis on the contribution of the innate and adaptive immune system to ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. Pathogenic antibodies, complement activation, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and microglial activation are seen, to various degrees, in different seizure‐associated neuroinflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These aberrant immune responses are thought to cause disruptions in neuronal signaling, generation of acute symptomatic seizures, and, in some cases, the development of long‐term autoimmune epilepsy. Although early treatment with immunomodulatory therapies improves outcomes in autoimmune encephalitides and autoimmune epilepsies, patient identification and treatment selection are not always clear‐cut. This review examines the role of the different components of the immune system in various forms of seizure disorders including autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune epilepsy, Rasmussen encephalitis, febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), and new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). In particular, the pathophysiology and unique cytokine profiles seen in these disorders and their links with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision‐making are discussed.
A histological evaluation of facial suture lines in six horses aged 1 day to 9 years
Authors: Geitzenauer L. , Geyer H. , Fürst A. E. , Klein L. , Jackson M. A. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryCraniofacial sutures are fibrous connections between the flat bones in the skull, allowing a small amount of movement to absorb strain and load as long as they are patent. In the present study, we examined the histological appearance of facial suture lines in horses of different ages. The internasal, nasofrontal and maxillolacrimal sutures were macroscopically identified and extracted from the skulls of six horses aged 1 day (two horses), 5 days, 2, 6 and 9 years and prepared into histological samples. The suture lines were then examined for width, form, cell density and morphology, vascularisation and morphology of the surrounding tissue and compared based on the age of the horse. Although macroscopically the sutures became difficult to identify in the 6‐ and 9‐year‐old horses, histologically they were clearly visible in all samples, indicating that the sutures were patent and consisted of connective tissue in all analysed horses. The sutures became subjectively narrower with lower cell density in older horses as compared to young horses, and there was a noticeable maturation from woven to cancellous bone surrounding the sutures. Vascular structures were present in all sutures regardless of age or location. In conclusion, this study raises awareness of the histological suture conformation in neonatal and adult horses and their persistence into adulthood. A better understanding of the histological structure of facial sutures and their continued patency into adulthood can aide in the interpretation of radiographs and computed tomography images of the head and in improving treatment methods and outcomes for horses affected with suture exostosis. In addition, if biopsies are taken, clinicians will have a basis on which to determine which cells are related to the disease process and which are normally occurring.
What can the hair tell us about COVID‐19?
Authors: Trüeb Ralph M. , Dutra Rezende Hudson , Gavazzoni Dias Maria Fernanda Reis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe novel viral pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has sparked uncertainties as to its origin, epidemiology and natural course. The study of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID‐19 has evolved with the hope that they may be useful as markers for the disease, prognostication and pathogenic insights into the disease. With regard to the hair, clinicopathological correlations have remained elusive. More recently, androgenetic alopecia and grey hair have been proposed as cutaneous markers for elevated severity risk. So far, we have only observed postinfectious effluvium in a causal association with COVID‐19. The onset and acuity of hair shedding depended on the clinical severity of disease. There was complete recovery of hair.
Culture and vision in virtual reality narratives
Authors: Mills Nicole , Courtney Matthew , Dede Christopher , Dressen Arnaud , Gant Rus 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHansen states that “FL studies must learn to conceive of culture as an open, multi‐voiced and dialogical interaction full of contradictions.” One advocated approach to teach transcultural understanding is through the analysis of cultural narratives. Kearney defines cultural narratives as “the multiple (sometimes competing), conventional storylines that cultural groups produce and use to make sense of and attribute meaning to their shared experiences.” This article will showcase a project in a beginning French course in which four different Parisians from the same quarter were asked to document and share the stories of their lives with a virtual reality (VR) camera. Findings reveal that the VR narratives allowed students to envision, experience, and understand diverse facets of Parisian culture and more vividly imagine their future role as participants in Parisian communities.
Wheat and barley cultivars show plant traits acclimation and increase grain yield under simulated shade in Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Arenas‐Corraliza M. Guadalupe , López‐Díaz M. Lourdes , Rolo Víctor , Moreno Gerardo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAgroforestry systems are reported as climate‐resilient productive systems, but it is yet unclear how tree shade affects crops performance. The aim of this work was to assess how the phenology, plant traits and grain yield of wheat and barley were affected by shade. In an open greenhouse experiment, we cultivated in pots nine cultivars differing in precocity for each species and imposed three artificial shading levels (S0 ~ 0%, S1 ~ 25%, S2 ~ 50%) at the start of cereal booting. Our results showed that shade speeded up first growth stages in both species, until the starting of milk development. Barley showed consistent phenological responses to the three irradiance levels among cultivars, but not wheat that showed larger phenological differences among cultivars at moderate shade. Deep shade prolonged the time needed for wheat grain ripening. Both species increased grain yield by 15%–20% with shade, driven by shade‐acclimations of plant traits that differed among species. For wheat, grain yield was determined by the assemblage of traits that contribute to yield, such as grain weight, precocity and non‐photochemical quenching, while, for barley, SPAD value, precocity to reach phenological stages, grains per spike and plant height had the strongest influence. These traits varied widely among cultivars and seem of interest to identify best suited cultivars for shading conditions of Mediterranean agroforestry systems.