bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The SPPL3-defined glycosphingolipid repertoire regulates immune responses by improving HLA class I access
Authors: Jongsma Marlieke L.M. , Raaben Matthijs , de Waard Antonius A. , Zhang Tao , Cabukusta Birol , Platzer René , Blomen Vincent A. , Xagara Anastasia , Verkerk Tamara , Bliss Sophie , Janssen Lennert , Stickel Elmer , Holst Stephanie , Plomp Rosina , Mulder Arend , Ferrone Soldano , Claas Frans H.J. , Heemskerk Mirjam H.M. , Griffioen Marieke , Overkleeft Hermen , Huppa Johannes B. , Wuhrer Manfred , Brummelkamp Thijn R. , Neefjes Jacques , Spaapen Robbert M. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryHLA class I (HLA-I) drives immune responses by presenting antigen-derived peptides to cognate CD8+T cells. This process is often hijacked by tumors and pathogens for immune evasion. Since therapeutic options for restoring HLA-I antigen presentation are limited, we aimed to identify new HLA-I pathway targets. By iterative genome-wide screens we uncovered that the cell surface glycosphingolipid (GSL) repertoire determines effective HLA-I antigen presentation. We show that absence of the protease SPPL3 augments B3GNT5 enzyme activity, resulting in upregulated levels of surface (neo)lacto-series GSLs. These GSLs sterically impede molecular interactions with HLA-I and diminish CD8+T cell activation. In accordance, a disturbed SPPL3-B3GNT5 pathway in glioma associates with decreased patient survival. Importantly, we show that this immunomodulatory effect can be reversed through GSL synthesis inhibition using clinically approved drugs. Overall, our study identifies a GSL signature that functionally inhibits antigen presentation and represents a potential therapeutic target in cancer, infection and autoimmunity.
Intrarenal B cells integratein situinnate and adaptive immunity in human renal allograft rejection
Authors: Asano Yuta , Daccache Joe , Jain Dharmendra , Ko Kichul , Kinloch Andrew , Veselits Margaret , Wolfgeher Donald , Chang Anthony , Josephson Michelle , Cunningham Patrick , Tambur Anat , Khan Aly , Pillai Shiv , Chong Anita S. , Clark Marcus R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn human allograft rejection, intrarenal B cell infiltrates identify those with a poor prognosis. However, how intrarenal B cells contribute to rejection is not known. Single cell RNA-sequencing of intrarenal class-switched B cells revealed a unique innate cell transcriptional state resembling murine peritoneal B1 cells (Bin cells). Comparison to the transcriptome of whole renal allograft rejecting tissue revealed that Bin cells existed within a complex autocrine and paracrine network of signaling axes. The immunoglobulins expressed by Bin cells did not bind donor specific antigens nor were they enriched for reactivity to ubiquitously expressed self-antigens. Rather, Bin cells frequently expressed antibodies reactive with renal expressed antigens. Furthermore, local antigens could drive Bin cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells expressing self-reactive antibodies. By contributing to local innate immune networks, and expressing antibodies reactive with renal expressed antigens, Bin cells are predicted to amplify local inflammation and tissue destruction.
Discovery of a newNeisseria gonorrhoeaeType IV pilus assembly factor, TfpC
Authors: Hu Linda I. , Yin Shaohui , Ozer Egon A. , Sewell Lee , Rehman Saima , Garnett James A , Seifert H Steven 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNeisseria gonorrhoeaerely on Type IV pili (T4p) to promote colonization of their human host and to cause the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea. This organelle cycles through a process of extension and retraction back into the bacterial cell. Through a genetic screen, we identified the NGO0783 locus ofN. gonorrhoeaestrain FA1090 as containing a gene encoding a protein required to stabilize the Type IV pilus in its extended, non-retracted conformation. We have named the genetfpCand the protein TfpC. Deletion oftfpCproduces a nonpiliated colony morphology and immuno-transmission electron microscopy confirms that the pili are lost in the ΔtfpCmutant, although there is some pilin detected near the bacterial cell surface. A copy of thetfpCgene expressed from alacpromoter restores pilus expression and related phenotypes. A ΔtfpCmutant shows reduced levels of pilin protein, but complementation with atfpCgene restored pilin to normal levels. Bioinformatic searches show there are orthologues in numerous bacteria species but not all Type IV pilin expressing bacteria contain orthologous genes. Co-evolution and NMR analysis indicates that TfpC contains an N-terminal transmembrane helix, a substantial extended/unstructured region and a highly charge C-terminal coiled-coil domain.ImportanceMost bacterial species express one or more extracellular organelles called pili/fimbriae that are required for many properties of each bacterial cell. TheNeisseria gonorrhoeaeType IV pilus is a major virulence and colonization factor for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea. We have discovered a new protein ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaecalled TfpC that is required to maintain the Type IV pili on the bacterial cell surface. There are similar proteins found in the other members of theNeisseriagenus and many other bacterial species important for human health.
Auditory-Visual Speech Behaviors are Resilient to Left pSTS Damage
Authors: Brang David , Plass John , Kakaizada Sofia , Hervey-Jumper Shawn L. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTThe ability to understand spoken language is essential for social, vocational, and emotional health, but can be disrupted by environmental noise, injury, or hearing loss. These auditory deficits can be ameliorated by visual speech signals that convey redundant or supplemental speech information, but the brain regions critically responsible for these audiovisual (AV) interactions remain poorly understood. Previous TMS and lesion-mapping studies suggest that the left posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) is causally implicated in producing the McGurk effect, an AV illusion in which auditory and visual speech are perceptually “fused.” However, previous research suggests that the McGurk effect is neurally and behaviorally dissociable from other visual effects on speech perception and, therefore, may not provide a generalizable index of AV interactions in speech perception more broadly. To examine whether the left pSTS is critically responsible for AV speech integration more broadly, we measured the strength of the McGurk effect, AV facilitation effects, and AV conflict effects longitudinally over 2 years in patients undergoing surgery for intrinsic tumors in the left pSTS (n= 2) or frontal lobes (control;n= 14). Results demonstrated that left pSTS lesions impaired experience of the McGurk effect, but did not uniformly reduce visual influences on speech perception. Additionally, when multisensory behaviors were affected by a lesion, AV speech perception abilities could recover over time. Our results suggest a causal dissociation between perceptual benefits produced by congruent AV speech and perceptual modulations produced by incongruent AV speech (the McGurk effect).These data are consistent with models proposing that that the pSTS is only one of multiple critical areas necessary for AV speech interactions.
Dscam1 promotes blood cell survival inDrosophila melanogasterthrough a dual role in blood cells and neurons
Authors: Ouyang Debra , Xiao Xiaoyi , Mase Anjeli , Li Glenda , Corcoran Sean , Wang Fei , Brückner Katja 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDown Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (Dscam1) is a receptor-like cell adhesion molecule that is conserved across the animal kingdom, but its roles in hematopoiesis remain unknown. Dscam1 related genes in vertebrates and invertebrates are key regulators of neuron morphogenesis and neuronal tiling. InDrosophila, Dscam1 in addition has roles in blood cells (hemocytes) in innate immunity and phagocytosis of pathogens. Given the anatomical and functional role of peripheral sensory neurons as microenvironments for resident hematopoietic sites in theDrosophilalarva, we sought to investigate the role of Dscam1 in this context. Interestingly, we find that Dscam1 fills the role of a previously anticipated factor in neuron-hemocyte communication that supports trophic survival: tissue specific silencing ofDscam1by in vivo RNAi in sensory neurons leads to neuron reduction, which in turn results in reduced hemocyte numbers due to apoptosis. Dscam1 silencing in hemocytes also results in a reduction of hemocytes and increased apoptosis. This cell-autonomous effect ofDscam1silencing can be mimicked by RNAi silencing ofdreadlocks(dock), suggesting that intracellular Dscam1 signaling relies on the adapter protein Dock in this system. Our findings reveal a dual role for Dscam1 inDrosophilahematopoiesis, by promoting survival of the sensory neuron microenvironments that in turn support hemocyte survival, and by promoting survival of hemocytes cell-autonomously. It will be interesting to explore possible functions of vertebrate Dscam1 related genes such as DSCAML1 in blood cells and their trophic survival.
From ovid to COVID: the metamorphosis of advanced decisions to refuse treatment into a safeguarding issue
Authors: Lyne Michael , Parker Jonathan 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to examine advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRTs) in the context of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) pandemic. This study considers the development of ADRTs, the lack of take up and confusion among the general public, clinicians and health and social care staff.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual piece that reflects on ADRTs in the particular context of COVID-19. It considers professional concerns and pronouncements on ADRTs.FindingsADRTs have a low take up currently. There is misunderstanding among public and professionals. There is a need for raising awareness, developing practice and a need to allay fears of misuse and abuse of ADRTs in clinical, health and social care settings.Practical implicationsThe authors make recommendations that reflexive training and awareness become the norm in health and social care, that reform of ADRTs is undertaken to prevent misunderstandings and that the person becomes central in all decision-making processes.Originality/valueThis paper is original in considering ADRTs as a safeguarding issue from two perspectives: that of the person making the ADRT and being confident in respect for the decisions made; and that of clinicians and other professionals being reflexively aware of the need to accept advance decisions and not acting according to unconscious biases in times of crisis.
Rescuing intraspecific variation in human‐impacted environments
Authors: Carvalho Carolina da Silva , Lucas Marília Souza , Côrtes Marina Corrêa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities influence ongoing selective regimes leading to changes in phenotypic variation of plants and animals. The reduction of phenotypic variation may decrease populations' ability to cope with environmental changes. To counteract the increasing risk of extinction of affected populations, it is important to rescue intraspecific variability, assuring higher success of establishment and persistence under global changes.

We evaluated whether it is possible to revert phenotypic changes caused by humans using as study case a bird‐dispersed palm that presents seed size reduction due to defaunation of large‐gaped frugivores. We investigated how defaunation changes the seed size profile of each population by evaluating the coefficient of variation, mean and percentage of large phenotypes of produced and dispersed seed sizes. Simple theoretical models were used to simulate the success of two restoration strategies: (a) direct reintroduction of missing phenotypes that were originally found in the species and (b) reintroduction of large‐bodied frugivores to restore the ecological function of large‐seed dispersal. Here we discuss the importance of rescuing phenotype states in restoration strategies.

We found that defaunation changes the seed size profile by reducing the size of produced and dispersed seeds. By adding missing phenotypes one time, population mean seed size decreased back to phenotypically depauperated scenarios in eight generations. Conversely, large seed sizes could be rescued in approximately five generations after seed dispersal processes generated by large seed dispersers were re‐established.

To rescue and sustain phenotypes such as large seed sizes in palm populations is necessary to restore the seed dispersal processes by large frugivores or add missing phenotypes continuously over time. The restoration of the seed dispersal processes by large frugivores has additional value over seed addition because it would benefit other bird‐dispersed species and, therefore, may be crucial to face ongoing global change scenarios.

Synthesis and applications. Defaunation leads to character displacement within decades, having impact on populations, species and ecosystems. To prevent species extinction is paramount that phenotype variation is preserved. We propose the inclusion of phenotype restoration of wild populations as a goal for restoration framework.
Investigating the production and communication of evidence by the Productivity Commission: Apolitical, political, or somewhere in between?
Authors: Green Celia , Carey Gemma , Malbon Eleanor 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Australian Productivity Commission (PC) is an inquiry body of international renown, which Australian governments engage to obtain objective evidence‐informed recommendations regarding a wide range of policy issues. Despite its prominence in the Australian policy landscape, there has been little empirical investigation into its practices. This study sought to understand the processes by which evidence is produced and communicated by the PC, with an emphasis on understanding its role within the policy process. Our findings unsettle the notion of the PC as an arms‐length, independent body from government – revealing a more complex interplay of interpersonal strategies in both the production of evidence, shaping of recommendations, and communication of both. We identify practices undertaken by PC staff commonly attributed to policy entrepreneurs – or individuals seeking to influence policy and political processes. Our findings suggest that in different contexts and at different times, the PC shifts between being an apolitical or political actor.
Midwifery and Birth Centers Under State Medicaid Programs: Current Limits to Beneficiary Access to a High‐Value Model of Care
Authors: COURTOT BRIGETTE , HILL IAN , CROSS‐BARNET CAITLIN , MARKELL JENNY 
Published: September 2020

Policy Points
Birth center services must be covered under Medicaid per federal mandate, but reimbursement and other policy barriers prevent birth centers from serving more Medicaid patients.
Midwifery care provided through birth centers improves maternal and infant outcomes and lowers costs for Medicaid beneficiaries. Birth centers offer an array of birth options and have resources to care for patients with medical and psychosocial risks.
Addressing the barriers identified in this study would promote birth centers’ participation in Medicaid, leading to better outcomes for Medicaid‐covered mothers and newborns and significant savings for the Medicaid program.
ContextMidwifery care, particularly when offered through birth centers, has shown promise in both improving pregnancy outcomes and containing costs. The national evaluation of Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns II, an initiative that tested enhanced prenatal care models for Medicaid beneficiaries, found that women receiving prenatal care at Strong Start birth centers experienced superior birth outcomes compared to matched and adjusted counterparts in typical Medicaid care. We use qualitative evaluation data to investigate birth centers’ experiences participating in Medicaid, and identify policies that influence Medicaid beneficiaries’ access to midwives and birth centers.MethodsWe analyzed data from more than 200 key informant interviews and 40 focus groups conducted during four case study rounds; a phone‐based survey of Medicaid officials in Strong Start states; and an Internet‐based survey of birth center sites. We identified themes related to access to midwives and birth centers, focusing on influential Medicaid policies.FindingsMedicaid beneficiaries chose birth center care because they preferred midwife providers, wanted a more natural birth experience, or in some cases sought certain pain relief methods or birth procedures not available at hospitals. However, Medicaid enrollees currently have less access to birth centers than privately insured women. Many birth centers have difficulty contracting with managed care organizations and participating in Medicaid value‐based delivery system reforms, and birth center reimbursement rates are sometimes too low to cover the actual cost of care. Some birth centers significantly limit Medicaid business because of low reimbursement rates and threats to facility sustainability.ConclusionsMedicaid beneficiaries do not have the same access to maternity care providers and birth settings as their privately insured counterparts. Medicaid policy barriers prevent some birth centers from serving more Medicaid patients, or threaten the financial sustainability of centers. By addressing these barriers, more Medicaid beneficiaries could access care that is associated with positive birth outcomes for mothers and newborns, and the Medicaid program could reap significant savings.
Effects of threat and efficacy messages on expected adherence to decontamination protocols in an immersive simulated chemical incident: A randomized controlled experiment
Authors: Symons Charles , Amlôt Richard , Carter Holly , Rubin G. James 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe UK’s Initial Operational Response (IOR) decontamination protocol requires that chemically contaminated casualties remove contaminated clothing (disrobe) and then apply water or absorbent materials to skin. The health‐protective efficacy of the protocol is predicated on casualties quickly accepting both the need to act and the fact that this protocol is an effective action. The aim of this study was to test whether adherence is affected by the presentation of information by first responders about the severity and likelihood of contamination (Threat) and the health‐protective efficacy of IOR procedures (efficacy). A double‐blind randomized controlled experiment (N = 132) with a 3x2 independent measures design (registration number: ISRCTN17886859) was used to assess the effects of threat and efficacy on behavioural expectations during a simulated chemical incident, presented as an immersive video. Results indicated that addressing the threat of contamination made participants more likely to expect themselves to disrobe were the situation real. Emphasizing the efficacy of protective action made participants more likely to expect themselves to apply absorbent materials to skin and had an indirect positive effect on disrobing expectations, mediated by efficacy perceptions. We recommend that first responders explicitly address the threat of contamination and efficacy of decontamination when communicating with chemically contaminated casualties.
Controversies in the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women: an evidence summary and expert opinion
Authors: Goodfellow Laura , Care Angharad , Alfirevic Zarko 
Published: September 2020

Preterm birth prevention is multifaceted and produces many nuanced questions. This review addresses six important clinical questions about preterm birth prevention as voted for by members of the UK Preterm Clinical Network. The questions cover the following areas: preterm birth prevention in ‘low‐risk’ populations; screening for asymptomatic genital tract infection in women at high risk of preterm birth; cervical length screening with cerclage or vaginal pessary in situ; cervical shortening whilst using progesterone; use of vaginal progesterone in combination with cervical cerclage; and optimal advice about intercourse for women at high risk of preterm birth.
The Heterogeneous Effects of Standards on Agricultural Trade Flows
Authors: Fiankor Dela‐Dem Doe , Haase Oliver‐Ken , Brümmer Bernhard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article uses a theory‐based translog gravity model to investigate the heterogeneous effects of food standards on aggregate agricultural trade. We revisit the ‘standards‐as‐barriers‐to‐trade’ debate with a distinctive twist. In contrast to existing works, we show that standards reduce trade but even more so for countries that trade smaller volumes. Our identification strategy exploits the within‐country variation in specific trade concerns. We confirm that stricter importer standards are indeed trade‐restrictive. However, the estimated trade cost elasticity varies depending on how intensively two countries trade. Specifically, it decreases in magnitude with an increasing import share of the exporter in the importing country's total imports. The reason is simple but intuitive; bigger trading partners find it more profitable to invest in meeting the costs of importer‐specific standards. This work is novel in showing that the standards–trade debate misses out on an important heterogeneity driven by existing import shares. Liberalising non‐tariff measures will favour smaller trading partners more than well‐established ones.
Consumer preference for dried mango attributes: A conjoint study among Dutch, Chinese, and Indonesian consumers
Authors: Sulistyawati Ita , Dekker Matthijs , Verkerk Ruud , Steenbekkers Bea 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOne way to add value to tropical fruit and increase its availability in the global market is to develop new, less perishable, products from fresh fruit. The purpose of this study is to compare the perception of key quality attributes and preferences of dried mango between consumers with different familiarity and health consciousness. This study surveyed respondents from China, Indonesia, and the Netherlands via an adaptive choice‐based conjoint method (n = 483) to evaluate intrinsic quality attributes that influenced consumer preference for dried mango. Consumers in different countries have different texture, taste, and color preferences for dried mango. The most important attribute for the Dutch and Chinese was “free from extra ingredients”, while for Indonesians, it was the texture. Familiarity with dried mango and health consciousness do not influence consumer preference of intrinsic attributes of dried mango. Different preferences of intrinsic attributes of dried mango between countries are related to cultural differences. This study provides useful insights for food manufacturers into the significance of key intrinsic quality attributes in developing dried mango.Practical ApplicationIntrinsic quality parameters of dried mango are not perceived in the same way by every consumer and this is related to cultural differences. Crispy texture is important only for Indonesian consumers, while “free from extra ingredients” is the most important for Dutch and Chinese consumers. This information is relevant when developing dried mango products for the respective markets.