bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induction of antibody responses in mice immunized intranasally with Type I interferon as adjuvant and synergistic effect of chitosan
Authors: Maeyama Jun‐ichi , Kurata‐Iesato Yuko , Isaka Masanori , Komiya Takako , Sakurai Shingou 
Published: July 2020

AbstractType I IFNs are a range of host‐derived molecules with adjuvant potential; they have been used for many years in the treatment of cancer and viral hepatitis. Therefore, the safety of IFNs for human use has been established. In this study, we evaluated the mucosal adjuvanticity of IFN‐β administered intranasally to mice with diphtheria toxoid, and suggested a method to improve its adjuvanticity. When IFN‐β alone was used as a mucosal adjuvant, no clear results were obtained. However, simultaneous administration of IFN‐β and chitosan resulted in an enhancement of the specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibody responses, the mucosal IgA antibody response, and antitoxin titers. Furthermore, the intranasal administration of IFN‐α alone resulted in a greater increase in antibody titer than IFN‐β, and a synergistic effect with chitosan was also observed. These findings suggest that intranasal administration of chitosan and Type I IFNs may display an effective synergistic mucosal adjuvant activity.
A methodological framework to analyse determinants of host–microbiota networks, with an application to the relationships between Daphnia magna's gut microbiota and bacterioplankton
Authors: Massol François , Macke Emilie , Callens Martijn , Decaestecker Ellen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The past 30 years have seen both a surge of interest in assessing ecological interactions using tools borrowed from network theory and an explosion of data on the occurrence of microbial symbionts thanks to next‐generation sequencing. Given that classic network methods cannot currently measure the respective effects of different environmental and biological drivers on network structure, we here present two methods to elucidate the determinants of bipartite interaction networks.

The first method is based on classifications and compares communities within networks to the grouping of nodes by treatment or similar controlling groups. The second method assesses the link between multivariate explanatory variables and network structure using redundancy analyses after singular value decomposition. In both methods, the significance of effects can be gauged through two randomizations.

Our methods were applied to experimental data on Daphnia magna and its interactions with gut microbiota and bacterioplankton. The whole network was affected by Daphnia's diet (algae and/or cyanobacteria) and sample type, but not by Daphnia genotype. At coarse grains, bacterioplankton and gut microbiota communities were different. At this scale, the structure of the gut microbiota‐based network was not linked to any explanatory factors, while the bacterioplankton‐based network was related to both Daphnia's diet and genotype. At finer grains, Daphnia's diet and genotype affected both microbial networks, but the effect of diet on gut microbiota network structure was mediated solely by differences in microbial richness. While no reciprocal effect between the microbial communities could be found, fine‐grained analyses presented a more nuanced picture, with bacterioplankton likely affecting the composition of the gut microbiota.

Our methods are widely applicable to bipartite networks, can elucidate both controlled and environmental effects in experimental setting using a large amount of sequencing data and can tease apart reciprocal effects of networks on one another. The twofold approach we propose has the advantage of being able to tease apart effects at different scales of network structure, thus allowing for detailed assessment of reciprocal effects of linked networks on one another. As such, our network methods can help ecologists understand huge datasets reporting microbial co‐occurrences within different hosts.
Multi‐event capture‐recapture analysis in Alpine chamois reveals contrasting responses to interspecific competition, within and between populations
Authors: Gamelon Marlène , Filli Flurin , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Herfindal Ivar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUnderstanding components of interspecific competition has long been a major goal in ecological studies. Classical models of competition typically consider equal responses of all individuals to the density of competitors, however responses may differ both among individuals from the same population, and between populations.Based on individual long‐term monitoring of two chamois populations in sympatry with red deer, we built a multi‐event capture‐recapture model to assess how vital rates of the smaller chamois are affected by competition from the larger red deer.In both populations, mortality and breeding probabilities of female chamois depend on age and in most cases, breeding status the preceding year. Successful breeders always performed better the next year, indicating that some females are of high quality. In one population where there was high spatial overlap between the two species, the survival of old female chamois that were successful breeders the preceding year (high‐quality) was negatively related to an index of red deer population size suggesting that they tend to skip reproduction instead of jeopardizing their own survival when the number of competitors increases. The breeding probability of young breeders (ages 2 and 3) was similarly affected by red deer population size. In contrast, in the second site with low spatial overlap between the two species, the vital rates of female chamois were not related to red deer population size.We provide evidence for population‐specific responses to interspecific competition and more generally, for context‐, age‐ and state‐dependent effects of interspecific competition.Our results also suggest that the classical assumption of equal responses of all individuals to interspecific competition should be relaxed, and emphasize the need to move towards more mechanistic approaches to better understand how natural populations respond to changes in their environment.
The use of Ca‐transient to evaluate Ca2+ utilization by myofilaments in living cardiac muscle
Authors: Lookin Oleg 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe kinetics of Ca2+ interaction with myofilaments is an important determinant of the preload‐dependent effects on myocardial contractility (the Frank–Starling Mechanism). However, the direct evaluation of this interaction in intact tissue is limited. To overcome this issue, the method of difference curve was proposed, which implements the subtraction of the referent Ca‐transient (measured in non‐stretched muscle) from the Ca‐transients measured at different preloads. This method was tested on the cardiac trabeculae of healthy (CONT) and monocrotaline‐treated rats (MCT), subjected to force–length protocol with simultaneous measurement of isometric twitch and Ca‐transient. The difference curve had two components, C2 and C3, which are distinct in their directions and, as hypothesized, may reflect mainly the kinetics of Ca2+ utilization by and release from myofilaments, respectively. Both the components were quantitatively evaluated by their amplitude, integral magnitude and time‐to‐peak. The C3 component in either CONT or MCT was significantly higher in its amplitude/integral magnitude vs the C2 component, at any preload (P < .05). The time‐to‐peak value was preload‐dependent only for the C3 component. There were tight relationships between the above characteristics of C2/C3 components and the characteristics of isometric tension (peak value, time‐to‐peak and the maximal rates of rise/decline) in CONT and MCT muscles. The C3 component was highly consistent with tension relaxation (Ca2+ release from myofilaments), but the C2 component was partially consistent with tension development (Ca2+ utilization by myofilaments). The novel method of the analysis of Ca‐transients can be utilized for indirect evaluation of Ca2+ interaction with myofilaments in healthy and diseased myocardium.
A new classification criterion for the biofilm formation index: A study of the biofilm dynamics of pathogenic Vibrio species isolated from seafood and food contact surfaces
Authors: Lucero‐Mejía José Eduardo , Romero‐Gómez Sergio de Jesús , Hernández‐Iturriaga Montserrat 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe bacterial biofilm formation index (BFI) is measured by a microtiter plate assay, and it is typically performed at 72 hr. However, the dynamics of biopolymer formation change during this incubation period. The aims of this study were to follow the biofilm formation dynamics of Vibrio strains isolated from samples of seafood and food contact surfaces (FCS) and to propose a new BFI classification criterion. Samples from seafood (136) and FCS (14) were collected from retail markets in Queretaro, Mexico. The presence of Vibrio spp. was determined, the strains were isolated, and the six major pathogenic species (V. cholerae, V. alginolyticus, V. fluvialis, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. mimicus) were identified by PCR. The BFI of the isolates was determined by the microtiter plate method. Fifty‐one strains were isolated and identified as V. alginolytivcus (25), V. vulnificus (12), V. cholerae (7), V. parahaemolyticus (6), and V. mimicus (1). A quantitative classification criterion of biofilm formation was proposed based on the following factors: BFI dynamics (no formation, continuous increase, and increase followed by decrease), time of maximum BFI (early: 24 hr; late: 48 to 72 hr), and degree of BFI (none, weak, moderate, and strong). A numerical value was assigned to each factor to correlate the resulting BFI profile with a risk level. Thirteen BFI profiles were observed, having risk level values from 0 to 10. Vibrio alginolyticus, V. cholerae, and V. vulnificus showed the highest BFI profile diversities, which included the riskiest profiles. The proposed BFI criterion describes the dynamics of bacterial biopolymer formation and associates them with the possible risk implications.Practical ApplicationIn food processing environments, the presence of bacterial biofilms that could include foodborne pathogens might favor cross‐contamination due to direct contact or biofilm dispersal into food products. The new quantitative classification criterion for biofilm formation considers their production dynamics over time, the biofilm quantity, and the level of biofilm dispersal. These characteristics are represented by a numerical value that reflects the level of risk associated with the presence of a biofilm‐producing strain on a food contact surface.
Phenological growth stages of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) according to the Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry (BBCH) scale
Authors: Le Bihan Zoé , Cosson Patrick , Rolin Dominique , Schurdi‐Levraud Valérie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a perennial crop belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its main agronomic and industrial interest is the accumulation in its leaves of steviol glycosides (SG), natural acaloric sweeteners which are 300 times sweeter than sucrose. In order to expand phenotyping knowledge on this emerging crop, researchers and breeders need a universal scale to describe the development of this plant. The objective of this study was to describe the phenological growth stages of stevia through the use of the Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry (BBCH) scale to provide a standard scale for stevia grown under temperate conditions of production and climate. The observation of phenological stages was performed on genetic resources and validated on stevia progenies grown in field conditions. The 10 phenological stages, namely germination, bud development, foliar development, side shoots appearance, stems elongation, development of harvestable part of the crop, inflorescence emergence, flowering, development of fruit, seeds ripening and senescence, were used to describe the stevia, supplemented with pictures. The chronology and duration of each stage were also observed and described according to the accumulation of degree days during the growing season. This study presents the first BBCH scale established for S. rebaudiana cultivated in temperate conditions and a chronology of phenological stages based on the accumulation of thermal time, through growing degree day calculation (°C/day). This work provides a tool that can be widely used by farmers, breeders and researchers leading to better agronomic management and scientific communication.
Improving Follow‐up Attendance for Discharged Emergency Care Patients Using Automated Phone System to Self‐schedule: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bauer Kyla L. , Sogade Omolade O. , Gage Brian F. , Ruoff Brent , Lewis Lawrence 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAutomated phone appointment reminders have improved adherence with follow‐up appointments in a variety of hospital settings, but have mixed results in patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). Increasing adherence to follow‐up care has been a priority in the ED to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary future visits.MethodsWe conducted a prospective randomized open, blinded end‐point (PROBE) trial of 278 adult patients discharged from the ED and referred to a provider for follow‐up care. Participants in the intervention arm received a self‐scheduling text or phone message that automatically connected them to their referral provider to schedule a follow‐up appointment and sent them appointment reminders. Those in the control arm received standard‐of‐care written instructions to contact listed referral providers. The primary outcome was time to appointment. The secondary outcome was time to return visit to the ED.ResultsThe automated reminders increased the cumulative incidence of keeping the referral appointment after ED discharge (p < 0.001, Gray's test). Of participants randomized to the automated phone intervention, 49.3% (n = 74) kept their follow‐up appointment versus 23.4% (n = 30) in the control arm, with a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) over the duration of the study period of 2.4 (1.6 to 3.7; p < 0.001). In a sensitivity analysis using 30 days of follow‐up data, 42.0% (n = 63) of participants randomized to the phone intervention kept their follow‐up versus 21.1% (n = 27) in the control arm, with a HR (95% CI) of 2.2 (1.4 to 3.5; p < 0.001). There was no difference in ED revisits between the intervention and control group within 120 days postdischarge.ConclusionsAn automated self‐scheduling phone system significantly improved follow‐up adherence after ED discharge, but did not decrease ED revisits.
Short selling and labor investment efficiency: evidence from the Chinese stock market
Authors: Ding Hui , Ni Xiaoran , Xu Hongmei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractExploring the staggered short sale deregulation on the Chinese stock market as quasi‐exogenous shocks, we find that the introduction of short selling is associated with higher deviations of labor investment from the level justified by economic fundamentals, i.e., lower labor investment efficiency. The main effect is more pronounced for firms that are more opaque, younger, and worse governed. Further evidence indicates that short sale deregulation mainly induces firms to overinvest in labor. Our overall findings suggest that faced with downward price pressures, firms may overinvest in labor to convey favorable information to stakeholders, resulting in less efficient labor investments.
Audit partner rotation and negative information hoarding: evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Xu Nianhang , Zhou Donghua , Chan Kam C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe analyse the impact of mandatory audit partner rotation (MAPR) on negative information hoarding about audit clients using a sample of Chinese firms. Our findings suggest that the outgoing audit partners hoard negative information in pre‐MAPR, as revealed by a decrease in crash risk, while the incoming audit partners disclose negative information in post‐MAPR. Additional analysis suggests that the results are more pronounced among reviewing partners than engaging partners. We also find that when the outgoing audit partner has strong professional abilities or weak personal network with the client or incoming partner, there is less negative information hoarding around MAPR.
Cardiometabolic risk prediction algorithms for young people with psychosis: a systematic review and exploratory analysis
Authors: Perry B. I. , Upthegrove R. , Crawford O. , Jang S. , Lau E. , McGill I. , Carver E. , Jones P. B. , Khandaker G. M. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveCardiometabolic risk prediction algorithms are common in clinical practice. Young people with psychosis are at high risk for developing cardiometabolic disorders. We aimed to examine whether existing cardiometabolic risk prediction algorithms are suitable for young people with psychosis.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and narrative synthesis of studies reporting the development and validation of cardiometabolic risk prediction algorithms for general or psychiatric populations. Furthermore, we used data from 505 participants with or at risk of psychosis at age 18 years in the ALSPAC birth cohort, to explore the performance of three algorithms (QDiabetes, QRISK3 and PRIMROSE) highlighted as potentially suitable. We repeated analyses after artificially increasing participant age to the mean age of the original algorithm studies to examine the impact of age on predictive performance.ResultsWe screened 7820 results, including 110 studies. All algorithms were developed in relatively older participants, and most were at high risk of bias. Three studies (QDiabetes, QRISK3 and PRIMROSE) featured psychiatric predictors. Age was more strongly weighted than other risk factors in each algorithm. In our exploratory analysis, calibration plots for all three algorithms implied a consistent systematic underprediction of cardiometabolic risk in the younger sample. After increasing participant age, calibration plots were markedly improved.ConclusionExisting cardiometabolic risk prediction algorithms cannot be recommended for young people with or at risk of psychosis. Existing algorithms may underpredict risk in young people, even in the face of other high‐risk features. Recalibration of existing algorithms or a new tailored algorithm for the population is required.
The role of in utero endotoxin exposure in the development of inflammatory bowel disease in mice
Authors: Banfield Emilyn , Fulton William , Burd Irina , Kovler Mark L. , Sodhi Chhinder P. , Hackam David J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractProblemAlthough early environmental influences are thought to influence the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about the role of the in utero environment on subsequent IBD risk. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could modify the subsequent development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis in adulthood by influencing the associated cellular and immune response.Method of StudyTo test this hypothesis, we exposed developing mice in utero to LPS or saline (PBS) at E17.5, and then induced colitis at 5 weeks. We then assessed colitis severity and effects on the microbiome. In order to define the developmental impact of any potential LPS effect, we also exposed 1‐week‐old mice to either LPS or saline before inducing colitis at 5 weeks.ResultsMice that had been exposed to LPS but not saline in utero were protected from subsequent colitis development, and their intestinal barrier integrity and tight junction expression distribution were similar to that of control mice that were not exposed to DSS. By contrast, mice exposed to either LPS or saline at day 7 of life all developed severe colitis upon subsequent DSS exposure.ConclusionThese results identify an informative time window during fetal development during which exposure to an otherwise pro‐inflammatory agent like LPS protects against an inflammatory disease in adulthood.
Spatial modelling of the two‐party preferred vote in Australian federal elections: 2001–2016
Authors: Forbes Jeremy , Cook Dianne , Hyndman Rob J. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryWe examine the relationships between electoral socio‐demographic characteristics and two‐party preferences in the six Australian federal elections held between 2001 and 2016. Socio‐demographic information is derived from the Australian Census which occurs every 5 years. Since a census is not directly available for each election, an imputation method is employed to estimate census data for the electorates at the time of each election. This accounts for both spatial and temporal changes in electoral characteristics between censuses. To capture any spatial heterogeneity, a spatial error model is estimated for each election, which incorporates a spatially structured random effect vector. Over time, the impact of most socio‐demographic characteristics that affect electoral two‐party preference do not vary, with age distribution, industry of work, incomes, household mobility and relationships having strong effects in each of the six elections. Education and unemployment are among those that have varying effects. All data featured in this study have been contributed to the eechidnaR package (available on CRAN).
Physical activity assessments in children with congenital heart disease: A systematic review
Authors: Acosta‐Dighero Roberto , Torres‐Castro Rodrigo , Rodríguez‐Núñez Iván , Rosales‐Fuentes Javiera , Vilaró Jordi , Fregonezi Guilherme , Lopetegui Bernardita 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimTo describe the physical activity (PA) of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) according to different assessment methods and compare their results with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using five databases. We included cross‐sectional, longitudinal, observational studies and clinical trials in a paediatric population with CHD. In publications with indirect measurement, the score in each dimension was considered. Similarly, moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA) was considered as the main outcome in articles with direct measurement.ResultsA total of 1103 articles were found, and 16 primary articles were considered. Eight articles evaluated PA with indirect methods, six with direct methods and two used both methods, representing 1649 subjects evaluated. It was found that 46% of children with CHD do not exceed WHO recommendations for MVPA, with no differences depending on the severity of CHD.ConclusionThere are a variety of ways to measure PA in children with CHD. In the articles that objectively evaluated PA, the most measured outcome was the MVPA, which shows that the MVPA time was shorter in about half of the children with CHD than what is recommended by WHO.