bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silencing of prophenoloxidase (proPO) gene in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, makes them susceptible to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)
Authors: Thamizhvanan S. , Nafeez Ahmed A. , Vinoth Kumar D. , Vimal S. , Majeed S. Abdul , Taju G. , Hauton Chris , Sahul Hameed A. S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractProphenoloxidase (proPO) is very important to protect the invertebrates from microbial infections. Our previous studies revealed that proPO was up‐regulated in WSSV‐injected Macrobrachium rosenbergii and is responsible for protecting M. rosenbergii from WSSV. In order to prove this mechanism, an attempt was made in the present study to silence the proPO gene in freshwater prawn by injection of dsRNA‐proPO followed by WSSV challenge. Two partial fragments of proPO with the size of 251 and 331 bp were used to synthesize dsRNA using LITMUS38i vector and E. coli. The bacterially synthesized dsRNA‐proPO was used to silence proPO gene to determine its involvement in developing resistance in prawn against WSSV. In proPO gene‐silenced prawn, 100% mortality was observed after WSSV challenge whereas no mortality was observed in prawn injected with WSSV alone. The WSSV infection in gene‐silenced prawn was confirmed by PCR, and its propagation was quantified by ELISA and real‐time PCR at different time intervals. Real‐time PCR assay revealed a significant reduction in the expression of proPO gene in WSSV‐challenged proPO‐silenced prawn when compared to normal prawn. Level of proPO was reduced significantly in the haemolymph of proPO‐silenced prawn when compared to prawn injected with PBS.
Adverse interaction effects of chronic and acute sleep deficits on spatial working memory but not on verbal working memory or declarative memory
Authors: Hennecke Eva , Lange Denise , Steenbergen Florian , Fronczek‐Poncelet Judith , Elmenhorst David , Bauer Andreas , Aeschbach Daniel , Elmenhorst Eva‐Maria 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe accumulation of chronic sleep deficits combined with acute sleep loss is common in shift workers and increases the risk of errors and accidents. We investigated single and combined effects of chronic and acute sleep loss and recovery sleep on working memory performance (N‐back task) and on overnight declarative memory recall (paired‐associate lists) in 36 healthy participants. After baseline measurements, the chronic sleep restriction group (n = 21; mean [SD] age 26 [4] years) underwent 5 nights of sleep restriction (5‐hr time in bed [TIB]), whereas the control group (n = 15; mean [SD] age 28 [6] years) had 8‐hr TIB during those nights. Afterwards, both groups spent 1 night with 8‐hr TIB prior to acute sleep deprivation for 38 hr, and a final recovery night (10‐hr TIB). Chronic sleep restriction decreased spatial N‐back performance compared to baseline (omissions: p = .001; sensitivity: p = .012), but not letter N‐back performance or word‐pair recall. Acute sleep deprivation impaired spatial N‐back performance more in the chronic sleep restriction group than in the control group (interaction between group and time awake: p ≤ .02). No group differences during acute sleep loss appeared in letter N‐back performance or word recall. It is concluded that chronic sleep loss, even when followed by a night of recovery sleep, increases the vulnerability to impairments in spatial working memory during subsequent acute sleep loss. Verbal working memory and declarative memory were not affected by restricted sleep.
Effect of dilution of canine blood samples on the specificity of saline agglutination tests for immune‐mediated hemolysis
Authors: Sun Prudence L. , Jeffery Unity 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSaline agglutination tests (SATs) are widely recommended for diagnosis of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs, but there are frequent false‐positive results.ObjectivesSpecificity of SATs will improve at higher saline‐to‐blood ratios.AnimalsOne hundred fifty dogs treated at a veterinary referral hospital with hematocrits ≤30%.MethodsProspective diagnostic accuracy study. Immune‐mediated hemolysis (IMH) was considered present if a gel direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive and there was clinical evidence of hemolysis (n = 9), absent if another mechanism for anemia was identified and the DAT was negative or there was no hemolysis (n = 138), and if IMH status was unclear, dogs were excluded (n = 3). Saline agglutination tests were prepared at 1 : 1, 4 : 1, 9 : 1, and 49 : 1 saline‐to‐blood ratios, and microscopic agglutination was considered a positive result.ResultsSpecificity for IMH increased from 29% (95% confidence interval 20‐38) at a 1 : 1 dilution to 97% (93‐99) at a 49 : 1 dilution. Sensitivity was 88% (47‐100) at 1 : 1 and 4 : 1 dilutions and 67% (30‐93%) at 9 : 1 and 49 : 1 dilutions. Diagnostic accuracy increased from 33% (24–42) at 1 : 1 dilution to 95% (90‐98) at 49 : 1 dilution.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIf performed using a 49 : 1 saline‐to‐blood ratio, SATs achieve high specificity for IMH. Based on a gold standard of positive DAT and evidence of hemolysis, lower saline‐to‐blood ratio results should not be used because false‐positive results are common.
Association between reproduction and immunity in the Egyptian mongooseHerpestes ichneumonis sex‐biased and unaffected by body condition
Authors: Bandeira V. , Virgós E. , Azevedo A. , Cunha M.V. , Fonseca C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) is a carnivore in expansion on the western limits of Europe, where its reproductive ecology is unknown. In this study, we weighed and measured the gonads of 507 wild‐caught mongooses ranging its geographical distribution and all seasons of the year. Based on the variation in gonad weight, we determined periods of reproductive activity for females (December–June) and males (throughout the year), with both sexes showing a peak in gonad weight during February. We also identified periods of lactation (March‐August,n = 10), gestation (December–July,n = 20) and mean litter size (1–4 offspring, 2.75 ± 0.79,n = 20). Next, we constructed two separate models to explain the variation in ovarian and testicular weight, using age cohort, season and region, spleen weight, body condition and the environmental variables habitat, river network and Egyptian mongoose density as predictors. Ovarian weight was influenced by season and spleen weight. Females with heavier ovaries were found in spring and simultaneously exhibited heavier spleens. Testicular weight was influenced by season, spleen weight and age, as well as several environmental variables. Males with lower spleen weight exhibited heavier testes, indicating a male‐specific negative association between reproductive and immune activity. Overall, the results of this study refine our knowledge on Egyptian mongoose reproductive ecology. They indicate that reproduction timing is determined by females, whose breeding is seasonal but who are unaffected by the set of environmental variables we tested, as opposed to males, who are influenced by these environmental conditions and seem to be reproductively active year round. These results also support a negative reproduction‐immunity trade‐off in males, that is independent of body condition and absent in females.
Functional roles of LaeA, polyketide synthase, and glucose oxidase in the regulation of ochratoxin A biosynthesis and virulence in Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Maor Uriel , Barda Omer , Sadhasivam Sudharsan , Bi Yang , Levin Elena , Zakin Varda , Prusky Dov B. , Sionov Edward 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAspergillus carbonarius is the major producer of ochratoxin A (OTA) among Aspergillus species, but the contribution of this secondary metabolite to fungal virulence has not been assessed. We characterized the functions and addressed the roles of three factors in the regulation of OTA synthesis and pathogenicity in A. carbonarius: LaeA, a transcriptional factor regulating the production of secondary metabolites; polyketide synthase, required for OTA biosynthesis; and glucose oxidase (GOX), regulating gluconic acid (GLA) accumulation and acidification of the host tissue during fungal growth. Deletion of laeA in A. carbonarius resulted in significantly reduced OTA production in colonized nectarines and grapes. The ∆laeA mutant was unable to efficiently acidify the colonized tissue, as a direct result of diminished GLA production, leading to attenuated virulence in infected fruit compared to the wild type (WT). The designed Acpks‐knockout mutant resulted in complete inhibition of OTA production in vitro and in colonized fruit. Interestingly, physiological analysis revealed that the colonization pattern of the ∆Acpks mutant was similar to that of the WT strain, with high production of GLA in the colonized tissue, suggesting that OTA accumulation does not contribute to A. carbonarius pathogenicity. Disruption of the Acgox gene inactivated GLA production in A. carbonarius, and this mutant showed attenuated virulence in infected fruit compared to the WT strain. These data identify the global regulator LaeA and GOX as critical factors modulating A. carbonarius pathogenicity by controlling transcription of genes important for fungal secondary metabolism and infection.
Association and predictive value of geriatric nutritional risk index, body composition, or bone mineral density in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Doi Toshiki , Yamashita Kazuomi , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Usui Koji , Arita Michiko , Naito Takayuki , Doi Shigehiro , Masaki Takao 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimAssess the association and predictive value of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in haemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsLaboratory data, body composition parameters measured via body composition monitor, and radius, lumbar spine, femoral neck BMD measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry were assessed in all subjects on HD or online haemodiafiltration (HDF) at baseline. Regression analysis for GNRI, Cox proportional hazard analyses and comparison of multiple receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed.ResultsAmong all 264 patients, age was 65 ± 12 years and dialysis vintage was 79 (39‐144) months. GNRI tertile (T)1, T2, and T3 were 88 (85‐91), 94 (93‐95), and 98 (97‐101), respectively. Patients in GNRI T1 had lower fat tissue index (FTI), lean tissue index, and femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal mid‐third radius BMD, but higher overhydration/extracellular fluid than patients in GNRI T2 or T3 (P < .05). GNRI was significantly associated with FTI, lean tissue index, and femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal mid‐third radius BMD (P < .01). GNRI was a significant predictor of 2‐year all‐cause mortality (HR 0.92, P < .05). Area under the ROC curve for all‐cause mortality using traditional risk factors (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, use of vasopressors for dialysis‐related hypotension, and C‐reactive protein) was 0.67 and changed by adding GNRI (0.78, P < .05), FTI (0.75), or femoral neck BMD (0.66), respectively.ConclusionAssociations between GNRI, body composition, and BMD were confirmed in HD patients. Combining GNRI with traditional risk factors improved mortality prediction in HD patients.
Pilot exploration of post‐traumatic stress symptoms in intensive care unit survivors in Cyprus
Authors: Karanikola Maria , Alexandrou George , Mpouzika Meropi , Chatzittofis Andreas , Kusi‐Appiah Elizabeth , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundApproximately, 20% of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors develop post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) provides a comprehensive approach to PSTD symptoms, there is no evidence on DTS‐I‐M use in ICU survivors.Aims and objectivesTo validate the modified intensity Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS‐I‐M) (wherein the frequency and severity subscales are combined to express symptoms intensity) in a convenience sample of ICU survivors in Cyprus, and to explore the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and related predictors.DesignAn instrument validation design, along with a cross‐sectional, correlational study design was employed.MethodsTranslation and cultural adaptation of the instrument were achieved through a group of experts and pilot testing. The DTS‐I‐M was administered via telephone. Participants' clinical data (length of ICU stay [LOS], mechanical ventilation duration [MVD], admission diagnosis, medication history) and demographics (age, gender) were collected. Non‐parametric comparisons, and regression analyses to identify predictors of DTS‐I‐M scores and PTSD symptoms were employed.ResultsThe Cypriot DTS‐I‐M version demonstrated high test‐retest (Pearson's r = 0.928, P < .001) and internal consistency (Cronbach's [α] alpha = .97) reliability in a sample of 69 ICU survivors (62.7% response). About 36.2% of participants reported PTSD symptoms. Factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the DTS‐I‐M, and a 3‐factor structure (encompassing intrusive, avoidance, hyperarousal, mood, and cognitive symptoms). In a multiple regression, MVD (B = −3.11, OR [95% CI] = 22.58 [3.07‐166.09, P = .002]) and LOS (r2 = 0.302, P = .002) were statistically significant predictors of DTS‐I‐M score.ConclusionWe confirm the applicability of the DTS‐I‐M for the assessment of PTSD symptoms in ICU survivors; and offer preliminary evidence on the prevalence and predictors of post‐ICU PTSD symptoms in Cyprus.Relevance to clinical practiceDTS‐I‐M is an appropriate screening tool for PTSD symptoms after ICU hospitalization. Patients with longer MVD and LOS are at higher risk for post‐ICU PTSD symptoms and seem to experience more intense relevant symptoms.
Being Familiar with What One Wants
Authors: Tooming Uku 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSelf‐ascriptions of desire seem to differ in their epistemic security. There are easy cases in which a sincere self‐ascription immediately counts as knowledgeable, and there are hard cases in which it is an open question whether an agent actually knows that they have the desire that they take themselves to have. In this paper, I suggest an explanation according to which whether a self‐ascription of desire is easy or hard depends on whether one is familiar with the content of the self‐ascribed desire.
Cutaneous reactions to pediatric cancer treatment: Part I. Conventional chemotherapy
Authors: Sous Dana , Armstrong Amy E. , Huang Jennifer T. , Shah Sonal , Carlberg Valerie M. , Coughlin Carrie C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChemotherapies often cause side effects of the skin, nails, and mucosal surfaces. These mucocutaneous toxicities contribute to morbidity and affect quality of life. Identification and management of these drug‐induced eruptions is vital to allow for continuation of essential therapies. This review demonstrates the wide range of chemotherapy‐induced cutaneous toxicities in children and includes clues for diagnosis as well as tips for counseling and management.
Lichen sclerosus with enlarged vessels: A variant of lichen sclerosus in young girls
Authors: Di Altobrando Ambra , Patrizi Annalisa , Bassi Andrea , Virdi Annalucia , Besagni Francesca , Sacchelli Lidia , Neri Iria 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVascular findings have rarely been described in the setting of lichen sclerosus. Enlarged vessels within the atrophic plaques have been observed on the free margins of the labia minora and clitoral hood. The enlarged vessels completely remit upon treatment of lichen sclerosus with an ultra‐potent corticosteroid ointment in the acute phase. During maintenance therapy with calcineurin inhibitors, there was no recurrence of the enlarged vessels.
In vitro effects of lipopolysaccharides on bovine uterine contractility
Authors: Wiebe Maraike , Pfarrer Christiane , Górriz Martín Lara , Schmicke Marion , Hoedemaker Martina , Bollwein Heiner , Heppelmann Maike 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMetritis is an important disorder in dairy cows during the early postpartum period. Myometrial contractility is a prerequisite for uterine involution; however, very scanty literature is available about the effect of metritis on this process and endocrine responsiveness. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of inflammation on uterine contractility in vitro, and the inflammation was induced by incubating myometrial strips with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Myometrial samples were collected from 17 healthy Holstein Friesian cows during caesarean section. Eight longitudinal strips from each cow were incubated in organ baths with LPS concentrations of 0 (LPS0), 0.1 (LPS0.1), 1 (LPS1) and 10 µg/ml (LPS10). Spontaneous contractility and contractility induced by increasing concentrations of oxytocin (10–10 – 10–7 mol/L) were recorded during nine 30‐min intervals (T1 to T9). The minimum amplitude (minA), maximum amplitude (maxA), mean amplitude (meanA) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each time interval. LPS had an effect (p ≤ .05) on maxA, meanA and AUC. In T1, myometrial strips incubated with LPS0.1 and LPS1 had higher (p ≤ .05) maxA, meanA and AUC than the strips incubated with LPS0. In T9 without oxytocin, LPS0 led to higher (p ≤ .05) maxA, meanA and AUC than LPS0.1 and LPS1. In T8 and T9 with oxytocin, LPS1 had lower (p ≤ .05) maxA, meanA and AUC than the other LPS concentrations. Interestingly, the results show that LPS has a transient positive effect on myometrial contractility in vitro and that this effect is dependent on LPS concentration and duration of incubation.
Mapping IPF helps identify geographic regions at higher risk for disease development and potential triggers
Authors: Shull Jessica Germaine , Pay Maria Teresa , Lara Compte Carla , Olid Miriam , Bermudo Guadalupe , Portillo Karina , Sellarés Jacobo , Balcells Eva , Vicens‐Zygmunt Vanesa , Planas‐Cerezales Lurdes , Badenes‐Bonet Diana , Blavia Rosana , Rivera‐Ortega Pilar , Moreno Amalia , Sans Jordi , Perich Damià , Barril Silvia , Esteban Leonardo , Garcia‐Bellmunt Laia , Esplugas Jordi , Suarez‐Cuartin Guillermo , Bordas‐Martinez Jaume , Castillo Diego , Jolis Rosa , Salvador Inma , Eizaguirre Anton Saioa , Villar Ana , Robles‐Perez Alejandro , Cardona M. Josefa , Barbeta Enric , Silveira Maria Guadalupe , Guevara Claudia , Dorca Jordi , Rosell Antoni , Luburich Patricio , Llatjós Roger , Jorba Oriol , Molina‐Molina Maria 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe relationship between IPF development and environmental factors has not been completely elucidated. Analysing geographic regions of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases could help identify those areas with higher aggregation and investigate potential triggers. We hypothesize that cross‐analysing location of IPF cases and areas of consistently high air pollution concentration could lead to recognition of environmental risk factors for IPF development.MethodsThis retrospective study analysed epidemiological and clinical data from 503 patients registered in the Observatory IPF.cat from January 2017 to June 2019. Incident and prevalent IPF cases from the Catalan region of Spain were graphed based on their postal address. We generated maps of the most relevant air pollutant PM2.5 from the last 10 years using data from the CALIOPE air quality forecast system and observational data.ResultsIn 2018, the prevalence of IPF differed across provinces; from 8.1 cases per 100 000 habitants in Barcelona to 2.0 cases per 100 000 in Girona. The ratio of IPF was higher in some areas. Mapping PM2.5 levels illustrated that certain areas with more industry, traffic and shipping maintained markedly higher PM2.5 concentrations. Most of these locations correlated with higher aggregation of IPF cases. Compared with other risk factors, PM2.5 exposure was the most frequent.ConclusionIn this retrospective study, prevalence of IPF is higher in areas of elevated PM2.5 concentration. Prospective studies with targeted pollution mapping need to be done in specific geographies to compile a broader profile of environmental factors involved in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Estimating Causal Moderation Effects with Randomized Treatments and Non-Randomized Moderators
Authors: Bansak Kirk 
Published: November 2020

AbstractResearchers are often interested in analysing conditional treatment effects. One variant of this is ‘causal moderation’, which implies that intervention upon a third (moderator) variable would alter the treatment effect. This study considers the conditions under which causal moderation can be identified and presents a generalized framework for estimating causal moderation effects given randomized treatments and non-randomized moderators. As part of the estimation process, it allows researchers to implement their preferred method of covariate adjustment, including parametric and non-parametric methods, or alternative identification strategies of their choosing. In addition, it provides a set-up whereby sensitivity analysis designed for the average treatment effect context can be extended to the moderation context. To illustrate the methods, the study presents two applications: one dealing with the effect of using the term ‘welfare’ to describe public assistance in the United States, and one dealing with the effect of asylum seekers’ religion on European attitudes towards asylum seekers.
Unknown cytomegalovirus serostatus in primary immunodeficiency disorders: A new category of transplant recipients
Authors: Forlanini Federica , Dara Jasmeen , Dvorak Christopher C. , Cowan Morton J. , Puck Jennifer M. , Dorsey Morna J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus of recipient (R) and donor (D) influences hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) outcome. However, it is not a reliable indicator of CMV infection in primary immunodeficiency disorder (PIDD) recipients who are unable to make adequate antigen‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig) or who receive intravenous Ig (IVIg) prior to testing.ObjectiveSince no data exist on PIDD with unknown CMV serostatus, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between pre‐HSCT recipient and donor serostatus and incidence of CMV infection in recipients with unknown serostatus.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all pediatric PIDD HSCTs (2007‐2018) was performed at University of California San Francisco. Recipients were separated into categories based on pre‐transplant serostatus: 1) seropositive (R(+)), 2) seronegative (R(‐)), and 3) unknown serostatus (R(x)). Patients with pre‐HSCT active CMV viremia were excluded.ResultsA total of 90 patients were included, 69% male. The overall incidence of CMV infection was 20%, but varied in R(+), R(‐), and R(x) at 80%, 0%, and 14%, (P‐value = .0001). Similarly, 5‐year survival differed among groups, 60% R(+), 100% R(‐), and 90% of R(x) (P‐value = .0045). There was no difference in CMV reactivation by donor serostatus (P‐value = .29), however, faster time to clearance of CMV was observed for R(x)/D(+) group (median 9.5 days (IQR 2.5‐18), P‐value = .024).ConclusionWe identify a novel group of recipients, R(x), with an intermediate level of survival and CMV incidence post‐HSCT, when compared to seropositive and seronegative recipients. No evidence of CMV transmission from D(+) in R(‐) and R(x) was observed. We believe R(x) should be considered as a separate category in future studies to better delineate recipient risk status.