bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unusual but consistent latitudinal patterns in macroalgal habitats and their invertebrate communities across two countries
Authors: Lloyd Hannah B. , Cruz‐Motta Juan J. , Glasby Tim M. , Hutchings Pat A. , Gribben Paul E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimThe physical characteristics of biogenic habitats and environmental conditions are important determinants of biodiversity, yet their relative importance can change across spatial scales. We aimed to understand how relationships between the physical characteristics of macroalgal habitats and their invertebrate communities varied across spatial scales and whether general ecological patterns occurred across two countries.LocationEighteen sites across the temperate east coasts of Australia (over 1,300 km) and New Zealand (over 1,000 km), with the latitudinal gradient in the two countries overlapping by 6.73 decimal degrees.Time periodJanuary to early April 2012.Major taxa studiedThree intertidal macroalgal habitats in each country and the invertebrate communities within them.MethodsWe measured variation in patch‐ and individual‐level characteristics of macroalgal habitats and their invertebrate communities. Patterns in macroalgal characteristics and communities were compared across latitude, and at smaller spatial scales, and correlated with 26 abiotic environmental variables using multiple multivariate analyses.ResultsSeparately, macroalgal habitat characteristics and communities showed unusual but consistent nonlinear latitudinal patterns, with greater similarity among sites at the edges of the sampled distribution (i.e., north and south) than at centrally located sites. Macroalgal characteristics did not correlate with a particular set of environmental variables; however, communities were structured by sea surface temperature at the country scale and by macroalgal habitat type and biomass within countries. Anthropogenic variables were also important and may have contributed to the unusual nonlinear patterns observed between macroalgal characteristics and communities across latitude.Main conclusionsOur results support other studies showing that large‐scale patterns can emerge from systems where there is high local‐scale variability. The results show that communities within macroalgal habitats respond to both the physical characteristics of the habitat and external environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), suggesting that local‐scale environmental factors, including anthropogenic stressors, may modulate environmental gradients over larger scales.
Temporal homogenization of functional and beta diversity in bird communities of the Swiss Alps
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Sattler Thomas , Schmid Hans , Ozgul Arpat 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimDescribing the spatio‐temporal dynamics of biotic communities is critical for understanding how environmental change can affect biodiversity. Mountains are especially susceptible to such changes (e.g., climate change) and, consequently, have been identified as ecosystems of conservation concern. With their sharp physical and ecological transitions, altitudinal gradients allow examining the influence of different climatic conditions and land use types on species assemblages across small spatial extents, and thus, they constitute natural laboratories to study diversity–environment relationships.LocationSwitzerland.MethodsWe take advantage of long‐term (20 years) monitoring data and an extensive trait dataset (100 traits) to examine spatial patterns, temporal trends, and spatio‐temporal dynamics in functional and beta diversity of bird communities in the Swiss Alps.ResultsFunctional diversity indices showed a congruent pattern over time and across space; most indices decreased over the study period and were strongly correlated with altitude. In agreement with studies from the tropics, we found that communities in the lowlands were functionally over‐dispersed, whereas communities at higher elevations were functionally clustered. High‐altitude communities exhibited high functional originality, low levels of niche differentiation and a high turnover rate. Beta diversity declined over the study period.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that pastoral abandonment does not result in an increase in avian functional diversity as most species colonizing woody‐encroached grasslands are functionally redundant, whereas alpine meadows are inhabited by species exhibiting a high degree of habitat specialization and unique functional traits. Hence, the tree line constitutes a boundary between two well‐differentiated functional groups: one representing a functional continuum from lowlands dominated by agricultural landscape to high‐mountain forests, and the other one composed of alpine communities. Overall, this study reveals a process of biotic homogenization (i.e., increasing functional similarity) across the last two decades in the Swiss Alps, coinciding with the recently reported increases in the abundance of generalist species.
Clinical Questions and Answers on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy during the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Irisawa Atsushi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kawai Takashi , Inaba Tomoki , Kanno Atsushi , Katanuma Akio , Kawahara Yoshiro , Matsuda Koji , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Otsuka Takao , Yasuda Ichiro , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Tanaka Shinji , Fujimoto Kazuma , Fukuda Shinsaku , Iishi Hiroyasu , Igarashi Yoshinori , Inui Kazuo , Ueki Toshiharu , Ogata Haruhiko , Kato Mototsugu , Shiotani Akiko , Higuchi Kazuhide , Fujita Naotaka , Murakami Kazunari , Yamamoto Hironori , Ito Tohru , Okazaki Kazuichi , Kitagawa Yuko , Mine Tetsuya , Tajiri Hisao , Inoue Haruhiro 
Published: May 2020

Some situations may require endoscopy during the COVID‐19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic. Here, we describe the necessary precautions in the form of clinical questions and answers (Q&A) regarding the safe deployment of gastrointestinal endoscopy in such situations while protecting endoscopy staff and patients from infection. Non‐urgent endoscopy should be postponed. The risk of infection in patients should be evaluated in advance by questionnaire and body temperature. The health of staff must be checked every day. Decisions to employ endoscopy should be based on the institutional conditions and aims of endoscopy. All endoscopic staff need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The endoscope and other devices should be cleaned and disinfected after procedures in accordance with the relevant guidelines. Optimal management of the endoscopy unit is required. Endoscopy for infected patients or those with suspected infection demands exceptional caution. When a patient who undergoes endoscopy is later found to have COVID‐19, the members of staff involved are considered exposed to the virus and must not work for at least 14 days if their PPE is considered insufficient. When PPE resources are limited, some equipment may be used continuously throughout a shift as long as it is not contaminated. Details of the aforementioned protective measures are described.
Non‐myeloablative matched sibling stem cell transplantation with the optional reinforced stem cell infusion for patients with hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Shin Seung‐Hwan , Park Sung‐Soo , Park Silvia , Jeon Young‐Woo , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Yahng Seung‐Ah , Cho Byung‐Sik , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Chang‐Ki , Cho Seok‐Goo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jong‐Wook , Eom Ki‐Seong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe NIH protocol for non‐myeloablative (NMA) conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) with alemtuzumab and low‐dose total body irradiation corrected the abnormal sickle cell disease (SCD) phenotype without the risk of graft‐versus‐host disease. However, alloSCT using NMA conditioning had been rarely applied to β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM) patients.MethodsTo avoid prolonged immunosuppression, we developed a two‐stage strategy. Mixed donor chimerism was initially achieved using the protocol developed by the NIH protocol. Thereafter, we facilitated donor chimerism using the optional reinforced stem cell (SC) infusion in cases requiring protracted immunosuppression or experiencing impending graft failure.ResultsIn this study, β‐TM (n = 9) and SCD (n = 4) patients were equally effectively treated with eradicating the abnormal hemoglobin phenotype. Five patients, including four β‐TM, achieved stable mixed chimerism without receiving optional reinforced SC infusion. All patients that received optional reinforced infusion achieved complete (n = 4) or mixed chimerism (n = 1). The overall survival rate and event‐free survival at 4 years were 91.7% (95% CI; 53.9‐98.8) in both groups, with a thalassemia‐free survival rate in β‐TM patients of 87.5% (95% CI; 38.7‐98.1).ConclusionThis study is the first to report successful NMA conditioning alloSCT to achieve stable mixed chimerism correcting the abnormal hemoglobin phenotype in adult β‐TM patients.
Adaptation to drought is coupled with slow growth, but independent from phenology in marginal silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations
Authors: Csilléry Katalin , Buchmann Nina , Fady Bruno 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDrought is one of the most important selection pressures for forest trees in the context of climate change. Yet, the different evolutionary mechanisms, and their environmental drivers, by which certain populations become more drought tolerant than others is still little understood. We studied adaptation to drought in 16 silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations from the French Mediterranean Alps by combining observations on seedlings from a greenhouse experiment (N = 8,199) and on adult tress in situ (N = 315). In the greenhouse, we followed half‐sib families for four growing seasons for growth and phenology traits, and tested their water stress response in a "drought until death" experiment. Adult trees in the field were assessed for δ13C, a proxy for water use efficiency, and genotyped at 357 SNP loci. SNP data was used to generate a null expectation for seedling trait divergence between populations in order to detect the signature of selection, and 31 environmental variables were used to identify the selective environment. We found that seedlings originating from populations with low soil water capacity grew more slowly, attained a smaller stature, and resisted water stress for a longer period of time in the greenhouse. Additionally, adult trees of these populations exhibited a higher water use efficiency as evidenced by their δ13C. These results suggest a correlated evolution of the growth‐drought tolerance trait complex. Population divergence in bud break phenology was adaptive only in the second growing season, and evolved independently from the growth‐drought tolerance trait complex. Adaptive divergence in bud break phenology was principally driven by the inter‐ and intra‐annual variation in temperature at the geographic origin of the population. Our results illustrate the different evolutionary strategies used by populations to cope with drought stress at the range limits across a highly heterogeneous landscape, and can be used to inform assisted migration programs.
The geography of memory B cell reactivation in vaccine‐induced immunity and in autoimmune disease relapses
Authors: Dhenni Rama , Phan Tri Giang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMemory B cells (Bmem) provide an active second layer of defense against re‐infection by pathogens that have bypassed the passive first layer provided by neutralizing antibodies. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of Bmem heterogeneity in terms of their origin (germinal center‐dependent vs center‐independent), phenotype (canonical vs atypical vs age‐associated B cells), trafficking (recirculating vs tissue‐resident), and fate (plasma cell vs germinal center differentiation). The development of transgenic models and intravital imaging technologies has made it possible to track the cellular dynamics of Bmem reactivation by antigen, their interactions with follicular memory T cells, and differentiation into plasma cells in subcapsular proliferative foci in the lymph nodes of immune animals. Such in situ studies have reinforced the importance of geography in shaping the outcome of the secondary antibody response. We also review the evidence for Bmem reactivation and differentiation into short‐lived plasma cells in the pathogenesis of disease flares in relapsing‐remitting autoimmune diseases. Elucidating the mechanisms that control the Bmem fate decision to differentiate into plasma cells or germinal center B cells will aid future efforts to more precisely engineer fit‐for‐purpose vaccines as well as to treat antibody‐mediated autoimmune diseases.
The 3Ds in virus‐like particle based‐vaccines: “Design, Delivery and Dynamics”
Authors: Mohsen Mona O. , Augusto Gilles , Bachmann Martin F. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVaccines need to be rationally designed in order be delivered to the immune system for maximizing induction of dynamic immune responses. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are ideal platforms for such 3D vaccines, as they allow the display of complex and native antigens in a highly repetitive form on their surface and can easily reach lymphoid organs in intact form for optimal activation of B and T cells. Adjusting size and zeta potential may allow investigators to further fine‐tune delivery to lymphoid organs. An additional way to alter vaccine transfer to lymph nodes and spleen may be the formulation with micron‐sized adjuvants that creates a local depot and results in a slow release of antigen and adjuvant. Ideally, the adjuvant in addition stimulates the innate immune system. The dynamics of the immune response may be further enhanced by inclusion of Toll‐like receptor ligands, which many VLPs naturally package. Hence, considering the 3Ds in vaccine development may allow for enhancement of their attributes to tackle complex diseases, not usually amenable to conventional vaccine strategies.
Display of quintuple glucagon-like peptide 1 (28–36) nonapeptide on Bacillus subtilis spore for oral administration in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kang M. , Feng F. , Ge Q. , Zhu F. , Chen L. , Lv P. , Ma S. , Yao Q. , Chen K. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Aims
To develop an oral delivery system of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) (28–36) for treating type-2 diabetes, B.S-GLP-1(28–36), a recombinant Bacillus subtilis spores transformed with a plasmid vector encoding five consecutive GLP-1 (28–36) nonapeptides with an enterokinase site was constructed.

Methods and Results
GLP-1(28–36) nonapeptide was successfully expressed on the surface of B. subtilis spores and validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The therapeutic effect of oral administration of B.S-GLP-1(28–36) spores was evaluated in type 2 diabetic model mice. The efficacy of recombinant spores was examined for a period of 13 weeks after oral administration in diabetic mice. At the end of the sixth week, diabetic mice with oral administration of BS-GLP-1(28–36) spores showed decreased blood glucose levels from 2·4 × 10−2 mol l−1 to 1·7 × 10−2 mol l−1. By the ninth week, the mean fasting blood glucose level in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group 30 min after injection of pyruvate. At the end of the 10th week of oral administration, the blood glucose of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group after intraperitoneal injection of glucose. By the 12th week, fasting blood glucose level and fasting insulin level were measured in all mice, the results showed that the recombinant spores increased the insulin sensitivity of mice.

Conclusions
The results of pathological observation showed that the recombinant spores also had a certain protective effect on the liver and islets of mice, and the content of GLP-1(28–36) in the pancreas of the experimental group was increased.

Significance and Impact of the Study
The results of this study revealed that GLP-1(28–36) nonapeptides can reduce blood glucose and play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
An introduction to economic studies, health emergencies, and COVID‐19
Authors: Clarke Lorcan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has created widespread harm and disruption. Countries have implemented unprecedented measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of their inhabitants. The scope and composition of these responses are shaped, in part, by research and analysis about the estimated economic impacts of the COVID‐19 Pandemic and proposed responses to it. This analysis outlines basic features and principles involved in economic studies, specifically economic impact studies and economic evaluations, which have formed a significant part of the ever‐increasing evidence base about COVID‐19. This analysis introduces economic studies in this context, highlighting what they can do, their limitations, and key steps involved in conducting them. It highlights examples of economic analysis focused on COVID‐19 and on health emergencies and disasters more broadly. Knowing how economic studies are conducted, and their limitations, will help introduce how their findings can be a useful, usable, and used part of efforts to tackle this global health crisis.
Inhibitory effects of Manihot esculenta extracts on Food‐Borne pathogens and their antioxidant properties: Supercritical fluid extraction, statistical analysis, and molecular docking study
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Norazmi , Mohd Azli Nur Hidayah , Ismail Hakimah , Mohamed Iqbal Mohammad Anwar , Mat Piah Bijarimi , Normaya Erna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn alternative natural additive from Manihot esculenta has been recently discovered. Using a response surface methodology (RSM) approach, a high content of antioxidant activity based on DPPH inhibition from the plant source was found, with the optimum production conditions being 45.9°C, 4,100 psi, and 44 min for temperature, pressure, and time, respectively. The optimized extract was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Based on the GC–MS result, the optimized extract contains two major compounds, namely, hexadecanoic acid (40.43%) and 9‐octadecenoic acid (32.75%). The optimized extract also showed good activity in inhibiting Bacillus cereus (9.9 ± 0.17 mm) and Escherichia coli (10.7 ± 0.18 mm). To verify the activity of these two compounds toward B. cereus and E. coli, a theoretical approach with molecular docking was used. These two compounds demonstrated good binding affinity toward 2HUC and 1L8A proteins and could be isolated for use as alternative additives in the food industry.Practical ApplicationBecause there will always be substantial spoilage, losses and wastage in the food supply chain, preserving foods is essential to reduce food waste and ensure safety for consumers. M. esculenta extract can be used as an alternative food additive or preservative in the food industry that can enhance the shelf life of foods with a safe, inexpensive and less time‐consuming additive.
Taro flour usage in wheat flour bread and gluten‐free bread: Evaluation of rheological, technological and some nutritional properties
Authors: Arıcı Muhammet , Özülkü Görkem , Kahraman Burcu , Yıldırım Ruşen Metin , Toker Ömer Said 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn the present study, the use of taro flour was investigated for the production wheat flour bread (WFB) and gluten‐free bread (GFB). In both types of breads, the substitution level of taro flour was 3.15%, 6.30%, 12.50%, 18.70%, and 25.00%. The results of the study showed that the storage modulus (G′) value was higher than the loss modulus (G″) value in all the bread doughs. Addition of taro flour to wheat flour and gluten‐free doughs increased the G′ and G″ values and had strengthening effect on dough structure. Specific volumes of bread samples were ranged from 1.97 to 2.54 ml/g for WFB, from 1.61 to 2.20 ml/g for GFB. Higher resistant starch content was observed in GFB samples than WFB. Dietary fiber content increased significantly as taro flour addition was increased in both formulations (p < .05). Acceptable sensorial properties were achieved with the substitution level of 12.50% for WFB and 18.70% for GFB.Practical ApplicationsBread has been considered as a central component of human diet for thousands of years. Improving the nutritional quality of bread types without causing quality losses is a major challenge. Moreover, the variety of gluten‐free bread needs to be increased in order to provide healthy diet for coeliac disease patients. This study aimed to explore alternative bread formulation by using taro flour. The results showed that taro flour is a contributing ingredient in terms of technological and nutritional properties of both wheat and gluten‐free bread. The use of taro flour in bread can provide insights into alternative approaches to extend the bread types to the bakery industry.
Influence of fully covered metal stenting on the risk of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: A large multicenter study·
Authors: Xia Ming‐Xing , Zhou Yi‐Feng , Zhang Ming , Wang Wei , Wu Jun , Wang Tian‐Tian , Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Hu Bing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground and AimFully covered self‐expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) have been increasingly used in the management of benign or malignant biliary disorders. However, the risk of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) with transpapillary placement of the FCSEMS remains controversial. This study therefore aimed to investigate the risk of PEP in patients who received FCSEMS implantation.MethodsIn total, 602 patients who underwent endoscopic transpapillary FCSEMS placement at five Chinese medical centers, between 2011 and 2018, were included in this retrospective study. Patients who were younger than 18 years and with stent placement above the papilla were excluded from the study. PEP and the risk factors were reviewed.ResultsPEP occurred in 56 (9.3%) patients, and eight (1.3%) of them experienced moderate‐to‐severe PEP. The incidence of PEP rose to 14.6% (51/349) when patients had no pancreatic duct (PD) dilation, and even to 18.6% if no prophylactic approaches were adopted. Prophylactic PD stenting showed better efficacy in reducing the incidence of PEP than did rectal use of indomethacin (3.5% vs 10.8%, P = 0.023). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that difficult cannulation (OR 2.837, 95% CI 1.245–6.465, P = 0.013), PD dilation (OR 0.145, 95% CI 0.05–0.422, P < 0.001), and PD stenting (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.089–0.686, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with PEP risk. Post‐procedure cholecystitis was found in 4.0% of patients.ConclusionThe risk of post‐procedure pancreatitis is modestly increased in patients receiving transpapillary FCSEMS placement, particularly when there is absence of PD dilation. Thus, prophylactic pancreatic stenting is recommended in such a condition.