bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age, tissue, genotype and virus infection regulate Wolbachia levels in Drosophila
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Martinez Julien , Rota‐Stabelli Omar , Jiggins Francis M. , Miller Wolfgang J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe bacterial symbiont Wolbachia can protect insects against viral pathogens, and the varying levels of antiviral protection are correlated with the endosymbiont load within the insects. To understand why Wolbachia strains differ in their antiviral effects, we investigated the factors controlling Wolbachia density in five closely related strains in their natural Drosophila hosts. We found that Wolbachia density varied greatly across different tissues and between flies of different ages, and these effects depended on the host–symbiont association. Some endosymbionts maintained largely stable densities as flies aged while others increased, and these effects in turn depended on the tissue being examined. Measuring Wolbachia rRNA levels in response to viral infection, we found that viral infection itself also altered Wolbachia levels, with Flock House virus causing substantial reductions in symbiont loads late in the infection. This effect, however, was virus‐specific as Drosophila C virus had little impact on Wolbachia in all of the five host systems. Because viruses have strong tissue tropisms and antiviral protection is thought to be cell‐autonomous, these effects are likely to affect the virus‐blocking phenomenon. However, we were unable to find any evidence of a correlation between Wolbachia and viral titres within the same tissues. We conclude that Wolbachia levels within flies are regulated in a complex host–symbiont–virus‐dependent manner and this trinity is likely to influence the antiviral effects of Wolbachia.
Gray whales hear and respond to signals from a 21–25 kHz active sonar
Authors: Frankel Adam S. , Stein Peter J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractShore‐based theodolite tracking of eastern gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) movements was conducted to test for potential whale responses to a high‐frequency sonar system. Southbound migrating whales were observed from two California shore observation stations as the whales swam past the source vessel that was moored in their migration path. The sonar transducer was deployed from the vessel during all observations, broadcasting 21–25 kHz sweeps for half of each day, the other half remaining silent. The order of control and experimental periods was randomized. No readily apparent response to sonar transmissions was observed in the field or in the visual data. Statistical analysis of tracking data indicates that, compared to control data, gray whales deflected inshore at ranges of 1–2 km from the vessel during sonar transmissions at a received sound pressure level of approximately 148 dB re 1 μPa2 (134 dB re 1 μPa2s). These data suggest that the functional hearing sensitivity of gray whales extends to at least 21 kHz.
Intravenous itraconazole compared with liposomal amphotericin B as empirical antifungal therapy in patients with neutropaenia and persistent fever
Authors: Yoshida Isao , Saito Akiko M. , Tanaka Shiro , Choi Ilseung , Hidaka Michihiro , Miyata Yasuhiko , Inoue Yoshiko , Yamasaki Satoshi , Kagoo Toshiya , Iida Hiroatsu , Niimi Hiromasa , Komeno Takuya , Yoshida Chikamasa , Tajima Fumihito , Yamamoto Hideyuki , Takase Ken , Ueno Hironori , Shimomura Takeshi , Sakai Tatsunori , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Yoshida Chikashi , Kubonishi Shiro , Sunami Kazutaka , Yoshida Shinichiro , Sakurai Aki , Kaneko Yukihiro , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Nagai Hirokazu 
Published: May 2020

SummaryBackgroundFungal infections are a major complication of neutropaenia following chemotherapy. Their early diagnosis is difficult, and empirical antifungal treatment is widely used, and uses of less toxic drugs that reduce breakthrough infection are required.ObjectiveWe conducted a multicentre, open‐label, randomised, non‐inferiority trial to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous itraconazole (ivITCZ) and liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) as empirical antifungal therapy in patients with haematological malignancies with neutropaenia and persistent fever.MethodsPatients with haematological malignancies who developed fever refractory to broad‐spectrum antibacterial agents under neutropaenia conditions were enrolled. Patients were randomised for treatment with LAmB (3.0 mg/kg/d) or ivITCZ (induction: 400 mg/d, maintenance: 200 mg/d).ResultsObserved overall favourable response rates of 17/52 (32.7%) and 18/50 (36.0%) in the LAmB and ivITCZ groups, with a model‐based estimate of a 4% difference (90% CI, −12% to 20%), did not fulfil the statistical non‐inferiority criterion. In the LAmB group, there were two cases of breakthrough infection and five cases of probable invasive fungal disease, whereas in the itraconazole group, neither breakthrough infection nor probable invasive fungal disease occurred. Patients in the ivITCZ group had significantly fewer grade 3‐4 hypokalaemia‐related events than LAmB group patients (P < .01). The overall incidence of adverse events tended to be lower in the ivITCZ group (P = .07).ConclusionivITCZ showed similar efficacy and safety as LAmB as empirical antifungal therapy in haematological malignancy patients with febrile neutropaenia, although the small sample size and various limitations prevented demonstration of its non‐inferiority.
The role of ambulatory 24‐hour esophageal manometry in clinical practice
Authors: Kamal Afrin N. , Clarke John O. , Oors Jac M. , Bredenoord Albert J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh‐resolution manometry revolutionized the assessment of esophageal motility disorders and upgraded the classification through the Chicago Classification. A known disadvantage of standard HRM, however, is the inability to record esophageal motility function for an extended time interval; therefore, it represents only a more snapshot view of esophageal motor function. In contrast, ambulatory esophageal manometry measures esophageal motility over a prolonged period and detects motor activity during the entire circadian cycle. Furthermore, ambulatory manometry has the ability to measure temporal correlations between symptoms and motor events. This article aimed to review the clinical implications of ambulatory esophageal manometry for various symptoms, covering literature on the manometry catheter, interpretation of findings, and relevance in clinical practice specific to the evaluation of non‐cardiac chest pain, chronic cough, and rumination syndrome.
Short‐term outcome after singular hydraulic EsoFLIP dilation in patients with achalasia: A feasibility study
Authors: Schnurre Larissa , Murray Fritz Ruprecht , Schindler Valeria , Runggaldier Daniel , Fischbach Lara , Bordier Valentine , Pohl Daniel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAchalasia is a chronic esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, determined by an elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP > 15 mm Hg) and absent peristalsis. Goal of treatment is facilitation of flow across the EGJ but minimizing postinterventional reflux. A new advanced hydraulic dilation technology, the esophageal functional luminal imaging probe (EsoFLIP), allows dynamic monitoring of hollow organ dimensions while performing hydraulic dilation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the treatment response after single EsoFLIP dilation in achalasia patients.MethodsDilation was performed under endoscopic control with the EsoFLIP device using a self‐developed dilation algorithm. Symptom scores were assessed by the Eckardt score (ES) before and 1‐4 weeks after intervention. Esophageal emptying before and after intervention was recorded with timed barium esophagogram.Key ResultsWe studied 28 consecutive untreated achalasia patients (8 female) with a median age of 43 years (range 19‐82 years) undergoing their first dilation performed with the EsoFLIP, aiming at a maximum dilation diameter of 25 mm. Total ES was significantly reduced from 7 at baseline to 2 postintervention (P < .001). The median height of the barium column after 5 minutes was significantly reduced from 4.5 cm at baseline to 1.7 cm (P = .0087). No major complications occurred.Conclusions & InferencesWe found good efficacy in both subjective and objective short‐term treatment outcome after singular EsoFLIP dilation in treatment‐naive achalasia patients. Our findings suggest that EsoFLIP is a promising dilation technology that should be further studied in a larger, controlled setting with longer follow‐up.
Comparative expression profiling in the intestine of patients with Giardia‐induced postinfectious functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Martínez Cristina , Lasitschka Felix , Thöni Cornelia , Wohlfarth Carolin , Braun Alexander , Granzow Martin , Röth Ralph , Dizdar Vernesa , Rappold Gudrun A. , Hausken Trygve , Langeland Nina , Hanevik Kurt , Niesler Beate 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundA Giardia outbreak in Bergen, Norway, caused postinfectious functional gastrointestinal disorders (PI‐FGIDs). Despite the devastating effects of this outbreak, it presented a unique chance to investigate the implication on the dysregulation of genetic pathways in PI‐FGID.MethodsWe performed the first comparative expression profiling of miRNAs and their potential target genes in microdissected rectal biopsies from 20 Giardia‐induced PI‐FGID patients vs 18 healthy controls by nCounter analysis. Subsequently, candidates were validated on protein level by immunostaining.Key ResultsmiRNA profiling on rectal biopsy samples from 5 diarrhea‐predominant PI‐IBS cases compared to 10 healthy controls revealed differential expression in the epithelial layer. The top five regulated miRNAs were implicated in GI disease, inflammatory response, and immunological disease. Subsequently, these miRNAs and 100 potential mRNA targets were examined in 20 PI‐FGID cases and 18 healthy controls in both the mucosal epithelium and the lamina propria. Although deregulation of the selected miRNAs could not be verified in the larger sample set, mRNAs involved in barrier function were downregulated in the epithelium. Pro‐inflammatory genes and genes implicated in epigenetic modifications were upregulated in the lamina propria. Immunostaining for selected candidates on 17 PI‐FGID cases and 16 healthy controls revealed increased tryptase levels as well as a decreased and aberrant subcellular expression of occludin.Conclusions and InferencesGenes relevant to immune and barrier function as well as stress response and epigenetic modulation are differentially expressed in PI‐FGIDs and may contribute to disease manifestation.
Acute stress induces visceral hypersensitivity via glucocorticoid receptor–mediated membrane insertion of TRPM8: Involvement of a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2
Authors: Luo Qing‐Qing , Wang Bo , Chen Xin , Qiu Hong‐Yi , Li Wen‐Ting , Yan Xiu‐Juan , Chen Sheng‐Liang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPsychological stress is an important factor for the development and recurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms underlying stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity (VH), a key pathophysiological component in IBS, are still incompletely understood. We aimed to test whether transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) participates in acute stress–induced VH.MethodsRats were subjected to 1‐hour water avoidance stress (WAS). Visceral sensitivity was measured with visceromotor response to colorectal distension. Western blot and immunofluorescence were applied to evaluate the expression of GR and TRPM8 and activation of PKA, Akt, and PKC pathways.ResultsWAS‐caused VH depended on glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and TRPM8 channels. In a dorsal root ganglion (DRG)–derived cell line, corticosterone rapidly (within 30 minutes) induced membrane expression of TRPM8. This effect was inhibited by GR antagonism and was mimicked by membrane‐impermeable corticosterone. PKA, PI3K/Akt, and PKC pathways, which lied downstream of GR and acted in parallel to promote membrane expression of TRPM8, contributed to WAS‐induced VH. The non‐receptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2, which may serve as a convergence point for PKA, PI3K/Akt, and PKC pathways, facilitated membrane insertion of TRPM8 via tyrosine‐phosphorylating TRPM8 in L6‐S2 DRGs and participated in WAS‐induced VH.ConclusionsCollectively, acute stress–induced VH could involve membrane‐bound GR‐dependent enhancement of TRPM8 function in nociceptive DRG neurons. Mechanistically, Pyk2 could act as a key mediator that coordinates multiple protein kinase signaling and triggers phosphorylation and membrane insertion of TRPM8.
Wound‐ and mechanostimulated electrical signals control hormone responses
Authors: Farmer Edward E. , Gao Yong‐Qiang , Lenzoni Gioia , Wolfender Jean‐Luc , Wu Qian 
Published: May 2020

SummaryPlants in nature are constantly exposed to organisms that touch them and wound them. A highly conserved response to these stimuli is a rapid collapse of membrane potential (i.e. a decrease of electrical field strength across membranes). This can be coupled to the production and/or action of jasmonate or ethylene. Here, the various types of electrical signals in plants are discussed in the context of hormone responses. Genetic approaches are revealing genes involved in wound‐induced electrical signalling. These include clade 3 GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR‐LIKE (GLR) genes, Arabidopsis H+‐ATPases (AHAs), RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOGUEs (RBOHs), and genes that determine cell wall properties. We briefly review touch‐ and wound‐induced increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations and their temporal relationship to electrical activities. We then look at the questions that need addressing to link mechanostimulation and wound‐induced electrical activity to hormone responses. Utilizing recently published results, we also present a hypothesis for wound‐response leaf‐to‐leaf electrical signalling. This model is based on rapid electro‐osmotic coupling between the phloem and xylem. The model suggests that the depolarization of membranes within the vascular matrix triggered by physical stimuli and/or chemical elicitors is linked to changes in phloem turgor and that this plays vital roles in leaf‐to‐leaf electrical signal propagation.
NLRP3 sparks the Greek fire in the war against lipid‐related diseases
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Xiao Haoxiang , Wu Zhen , Yang Zhi , Ding Baoping , Jin Zhenxiao , Yang Yang 
Published: May 2020

SummaryIn recent years, the obesity rate worldwide has reached epidemic proportions and contributed to the growing prevalence of lipid‐related diseases. A strong link between inflammation and metabolism is becoming increasingly evident. Compelling evidence has indicated the activation of the nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain‐like receptor, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a cytoplasmic complex containing multiple proteins, in a variety of lipid‐related diseases including obesity, atherosclerosis, liver diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have further clarified the regulatory mechanisms and the optional therapeutic agents that target NLRP3 inflammasomes. In this study, we review the recent progress in the research on NLRP3 inflammasomes and discuss their implications for a better understanding of inflammation in lipid‐related disease and the prospects of targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for therapeutic intervention.
Palatal changes in crossbite patients treated with rapid maxillary expansion vs untreated ones: A geometric morphometric study
Authors: Oliva Giorgio , Huanca Ghislanzoni Luis , Dalessandri Domenico , Silvestrini‐Biavati Armando , Ugolini Alessandro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to analyse palatal changes due to rapid maxillary expansion (RME) by using modern geometric morphometric analysis (GMA) on 3D models.Settings and sample populationForty children with posterior crossbite and maxillary deficiency were selected for this study. Twenty children were treated with RME (mean age 7.4 ± 0.8 years), whereas 20 children were not treated (mean age 7.2 ± 1.1 years).Materials and MethodsIn the treated group, RME screw was activated until overcorrection was achieved and the RME appliance remained in place for 11 months. Digital dental casts were recorded before treatment and 1 year after the end of active treatment. GMA was performed to compare shape and dimensional variations among groups (between‐group principal component analysis).ResultsAll children in the treated group achieved crossbite correction. None of the control group children achieved crossbite self‐correction. No significant shape and dimensional changes were noted in the control group after 1 year. On the other hand, significant shape and dimensional changes were noted in the treated group after 1 year (P < .05). Most of the shape changes in the treated group were similar but more pronounced compared to those observed in the control group. All major changes in palatal morphology occurred on the lateral sides of the palatal vault (widening) and at the height (shortening). Some shape changes were observed in the treated group alone.ConclusionsApplication of GMA to evaluate the effects of RME in crossbite patients revealed significant changes in palatal morphology compared with the absence of changes in the control group.
Incremental or maximal mandibular advancement in the treatment of class II malocclusion through functional appliances: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Santana Lucas Garcia , Avelar Kimberlly , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Marques Leandro Silva 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo systematically review the effects of functional appliances (FA) using incremental vs maximal mandibular advancement regarding cephalometric measurements in class II malocclusion individuals and to assess patient‐centred‐outcomes. Six electronic databases were searched without restrictions up to April 2020. We included randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials using identical FA. Trials involving participants who used adjunct appliances, inter‐maxillary elastics, who received surgical treatment or that recruited individuals with cleft lip/palate or craniofacial deformity/syndrome were excluded. Risks of bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool‐2 and ROBINS‐I tools. Mean differences (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated from random‐effects meta‐analyses. The GRADE tool was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Six studies were included. Low to very low certainty of evidence indicated that incremental mandibular advancement resulted in greater gains in mandibular length (MD = 0.89 [0.38, 1.34], P = .0005), anterior mandibular displacement (MD = 0.73 [0.40, 1.06], P < .0001) and SNB angle (MD = 0.44 [0.02, 0.85], P = .04). No significant differences were found for maxillary, dento‐alveolar and upper airway outcomes between construction bite protocols (P > .05). Study design and appliance‐related factors influenced the results of the subgroup analyses. Existing evidence is inadequate to assess patient‐related response and long‐term outcome could not be assessed. Currently, there are a heterogeneous number of studies with low quality and methodological issues can lead to biases that strongly limit an evidence‐based conclusion. Weak evidence suggests gains in mandibular skeletal parameters in the short term using FA with incremental mandibular advancement. Randomized trials evaluating key topics such as patient‐centred outcomes need to be conducted to guide clinical management. PROSPERO (CRD42019147436).
Effects of environmental factors and heavy metals on the vertical distribution of bryophytes in a sinkhole environment
Authors: Li C. , Zhang Z. , Wang Z. , Wu Q. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

A sinkhole ecosystem, as a refuge for plant diversity, has been subjected to intensive exploitation, leading to ecosystem destruction of sinkholes in China. Understanding the responses of bryophyte distribution to destruction of the sinkhole environment are crucial to implementing protection measures for bryophyte diversity.

Haolong sinkhole in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, the third largest sinkhole in the world, was selected as the study area. The Wilson Shmida index was used to analyse bryophyte species diversity; a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to reveal species vertical distribution of bryophytes, the Single and Multiple Species Distribution Models (SSDM, MSDM) were used for analysis of the relationship between bryophyte species distribution, environmental factors and heavy metals.

A total of 183 species from 74 genera in 36 families of bryophytes were collected from Haolong sinkhole, of which 26 species are endemic to China. Bryophyte species diversity was ranked in the order: agricultural section < forest section < grassland. In the vertical direction, bryophyte distribution was divided into point, disjunctive and continuous distributions using the GLM. The SSMA and MSDM indicated that bryophyte species of each of these three distributions can be divided into a temperature–slope zone, light–depth–pH–humidity zone, Pb (B)–Hg (B) zone and mixed heavy metals zone according to the effect of environmental factors and heavy metals such as As.

Environmental factors or heavy metals, such as As, in Haolong sinkhole effectively cooperate in bryophyte distribution. An effective way to protect bryophyte diversity, in particular species endemic to China in the sinkhole environment, is through education and involvement of the local villagers to minimize further damage to the sinkhole environment.
Opportunities to diagnose fibrotic lung diseases in routine care: A primary care cohort study
Authors: Jones Mark G. , Hillyar Christopher R.T. , Nibber Anjan , Chisholm Alison , Wilson Andrew , Maher Toby M. , Kaplan Alan , Price David , Walsh Simon , Richeldi Luca ,   RESPIRATORY EFFECTIVENESS GROUP'S INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE WORKING GROUP
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveTemporal trends of healthcare use in the period before a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis are poorly understood. We investigated trends in respiratory symptoms and LR HRU in the 10 years prior to diagnosis.MethodsWe analysed a primary care clinical cohort database (UK OPCRD) and assessed patients aged ≥40 years who had an electronically coded diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis between 2005 and 2015 and a minimum 2 years of continuous medical records prior to diagnosis. Exclusion criteria consisted of electronic codes for recognized causes of pulmonary fibrosis such as CTD, sarcoidosis or EAA.ResultsData for 2223 patients were assessed. Over the 10 years prior to diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, there was a progressive increase in HRU across multiple LR‐related domains. Five years before diagnosis, 18% of patients had multiple healthcare contacts for LR complaints; this increased to 79% in the year before diagnosis, with 38% of patients having five or more healthcare contacts.ConclusionThere are opportunities to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis at an earlier stage; research into case‐finding algorithms and strategies to educate primary care physicians is required.
WTO accession, trade expansion, and air pollution: Evidence from China’s county‐level panel data
Authors: Chen Shuai , Lin Faqin , Yao Xi , Zhang Peng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study provides evidence that trade expansion has contributed to the degradation of air pollution in China. On the basis of different responses of counties’ trade to China's World Trade Organization accession at the end of 2001, we exploit air pollution data from NASA to construct a difference‐in‐differences predicted trade as an instrument for our identification. We document statistically significant and robust evidence on trade expansion, which accounts for approximately 60% and 20% for the increase of PM2.5 and SO2, respectively, in China. Findings on trade pollution relation are robust to various tests. Deterioration in the environment is mainly driven by scale and trade in polluting sectors.