bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apparent inhibition of induced plant volatiles by a fungal pathogen prevents airborne communication between potato plants
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Granjel Rodrigo R. , de la Fuente María , Fernández‐Conradi Pilar , Pasch Viviana , Soengas Pilar , Turlings Ted C. J. , Vázquez‐González Carla , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Rasmann Sergio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPlant communication in response to insect herbivory has been increasingly studied, whereas that involving pathogen attack has received much less attention. We tested for communication between potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants in response to leaf infection by the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. To this end, we measured the total amount and composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by control and infected emitter plants, as well as tested for induced resistance of receiver plants exposed to VOCs from emitters. We further tested for changes in the expression of defensive genes due to pathogen infection. Fungal infection did not significantly affect the total amount or composition of VOCs produced by emitter plants. Correspondingly, we found no evidence of higher resistance to the pathogen in receiver plants exposed to VOCs from infected emitters relative to control emitters. Molecular analyses indicated that pathogen infection drove a down‐regulation of genes coding for VOC precursors, potentially explaining the absence of pathogen effects on VOC emissions and thus of communication. Overall, these results indicate no evidence of airborne communication between potato plants in response to fungal infection and point at pathogen inhibition of VOC emissions as a likely explanation for this result.
Interplay between donor and recipient factors impacts outcomes after pediatric heart transplantation: An analysis from the united network for organ sharing database
Authors: Das Bibhuti , Trivedi Jaimin R. , Sinha Pranava , Ramakrishnan Karthik , Alsoufi Bahaaldin , Deshpande Shriprasad R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDonor utilization rates continue to be low for pHT, however, efforts to expand the donor acceptance criteria have shown mixed results in single‐institution studies in pediatric and adult transplantation. Purpose of this study is to assess impact of individual and cumulative donor risk factors on transplant outcomes as well as the interplay between donor and recipient risk factors as it relates to transplant outcomes.MethodWe analyzed pHT UNOS data (2008‐2018) to compare the recipient characteristics, donor characteristics, and outcomes based on donor ejection fraction of less than 50% (low EF) and or ischemic time of greater than 4 hours (prolonged IT).ResultsA total of 4345 pHT were performed of which 1309 (30.1%) were with prolonged IT and 122 (2.8%) in low EF. Additionally, 58 (1.3%) were performed with both low EF and prolonged IT (combined risk). Rest (2856 patients, 65.7%) was considered low risk. Recipients of combined risk were more likely to be younger, have post‐surgical congenital heart disease, be on ECMO or ventilator but less likely on VAD (all P < .01) compared with any other group. Waitlist time was significantly lower for low EF (mean 39 days, 15‐109) or combined risk group (36 days, range 15‐80) compared with other groups (60 days, range 23‐125) (P = .01). 1‐year mortality was 8% in low‐risk group, 12% in prolonged IT, 14% in reduced EF, and 28% in combined risk patients (P < .01). Number of treated rejections in one year were significantly higher in prolonged IT and combined risk group compared to other groups (P < .01). When stratified by recipient risk, there was no difference in outcomes for low risk, prolonged IT, or low EF groups; however, there were significant survival differences for high‐risk recipient versus low‐risk recipient in each donor group.ConclusionLower EF donors performed similar to prolonged IT donor, but were uncommonly used. Acceptance of risk was common in recipients deemed higher risk for waitlist mortality and led to shorter wait times. Caution should be used in accepting combined risk transplants. The recipient risk factors have significant impact on outcomes across all donor risk groups and further analysis will help balance the waitlist mortality with post‐transplant outcomes.
Preparatory suppression and facilitation of voluntary and involuntary responses to loud acoustic stimuli in an anticipatory timing task
Authors: Nguyen An T. , Jacobs Le‐Anne , Tresilian James R. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Marinovic Welber 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, we sought to characterize the effects of intense sensory stimulation on voluntary and involuntary behaviors at different stages of preparation for an anticipated action. We presented unexpected loud acoustic stimuli (LAS) at‐rest and at three critical times during active movement preparation (−1,192, −392, and 0 ms relative to expected voluntary movement onset) to probe the state of the nervous system, and measured their effect on voluntary and involuntary motor actions (finger‐press and eye‐blink startle reflex, respectively). Voluntary responses were facilitated by LAS presented during active preparation, leading to earlier and more forceful responses compared to control and LAS at‐rest. Notably, voluntary responses were significantly facilitated on trials where the LAS was presented early during preparation (−1,192 ms). Eye‐blink reflexes to the LAS at −392 ms were significantly reduced and delayed compared to blinks elicited at other time‐points, indicating suppression of sub‐cortical excitability. However, voluntary responses on these trials were still facilitated by the LAS. The results provide insight into the mechanisms involved in preparing anticipatory actions. Induced activation can persist in the nervous system and can modulate subsequent actions for a longer time‐period than previously thought, highlighting that movement preparation is a continuously evolving process that is susceptible to external influence throughout the preparation period. Suppression of sub‐cortical excitability shortly before movement onset is consistent with previous work showing corticospinal suppression which may be a necessary step before the execution of any voluntary response.
An International survey on living kidney donation and transplant practices during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Salvalaggio Paolo R. , Ferreira Gustavo F. , Caliskan Yasar , Vest Luke S. , Schnitzler Mark A. , de Sandes‐Freitas Taina V. , Moura Lucio R. , Lam Ngan N. , Maldonado Rafael A. , Loupy Alexandre , Axelrod David A. , Lentine Krista L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe scope of the impact of the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic on living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) practices across the world is not well‐defined. We received survey responses from 204 transplant centers internationally from May to June 2020 regarding the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on LDKT practices. Respondents represented 16 countries on five continents. Overall, 75% of responding centers reported that LDKT surgery was on hold (from 67% of North American centers to 91% of European centers). The majority (59%) of centers reported that new donor evaluations were stopped (from 46% of North American centers to 86% of European centers), with additional 23% of centers reporting important decrease in evaluations. Only 10% of centers reported slight variations on their evaluations. For the centers that continued donor evaluations, 40% performed in‐person visits, 68% by video, and 42% by telephone. Center concerns for donor (82%) and recipient (76%) safety were the leading barriers to LDKT during the pandemic, followed by patients concerns (48%), and government restrictions (46%). European centers reported more barriers related to staff limitations while North and Latin American centers were more concerned with testing capacity and insufficient resources including protective equipment. As LDKT resumes, 96% of the programs intend to screen donor and recipient pairs for coronavirus infection, most of them with polymerase chain reaction testing of nasopharyngeal swab samples. The COVID‐19 pandemic has had broad impact on all aspects of LDKT practice. Ongoing research and consensus‐building are needed to guide safe reopening of LDKT programs.
Clinical efficacy of spray‐based heat‐treated lactobacilli in canine atopic dermatitis: a preliminary, open‐label, uncontrolled study
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Fagman Lana , Zhang Yanping , Fahong Yu 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundCanine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common inflammatory and pruritic skin disease, with various treatment options. The use of topical products containing natural ingredients has proven increasingly popular.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a spray solution containing heat‐killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. reuteri, on the clinical signs and cutaneous microbiota of atopic dogs.AnimalsTen privately owned, mildly affected, nonseasonally atopic dogs.Methods and materialsThe spray was applied to the ventrum every 24 h for 28 days. Clinical scores, skin barrier function and owner assessment were evaluated on day (D)0, D14, D28 and D42. The cutaneous microbiota was analysed on D0 and D28.ResultsA reduction in the total clinical score was seen at each time point (D14, P = 0.03; D28, P = 0.04; D42, P = 0.001). A reduction in the regional clinical scores was seen after D28 (P = 0.01) and D42 (P = 0.003). A significant reduction in the pruritus score was seen on D42 (P = 0.01). A lower hydration value was seen on D28 (P = 0.02) and D42 (P = 0.02) on the pinnae. A good‐to‐excellent response and an easy‐to‐use administration was reported by owners. There were no significant changes in the cutaneous microbiota after 28 days.Conclusions and clinical importanceThere was a significant and rapid decrease in the clinical signs associated with cAD after use of the spray. Future larger, randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results and to assess the effects on the cutaneous immunity and microflora of atopic dogs.
Clinical techniques in veterinary dermatology: regional anaesthesia of the canine and feline distal limb
Authors: Douglas Hope , Welsh Stephanie , Barr Ciara 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundLocal anaesthesia for procedures involving the distal limb are a useful component of balanced protocols to achieve effective procedural analgesia for patients. A ring block is an effective and straightforward technique.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo review and describe the ring block technique for local anaesthesia of the canine and feline distal limb.AnimalsImages of hospitalized patients were used. These photographs were obtained with owner permission.ResultsThe clinical technique for the ring block of the canine or feline distal limb is described.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe ring block can be implemented simply and successfully for a variety of procedures involving the distal limb to provide effective analgesia.
Multiphase multidetector‐row CT reveals different patterns of hepatic portal venous gas and pneumobilia
Authors: Cordella Alessia , Bertolini Giovanna 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHepatic portal venous gas and pneumobilia (PB) are uncommon findings, indicating the accumulation of gas in the portal vein and its branches and in the biliary tree, respectively. Aims of this retrospective, descriptive study were to describe the computed tomographic (CT) features and visualization techniques of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and PB in a group of small animal veterinary patients. The CT data of patients with HPVG and PB were retrospectively reviewed. Thin‐section multiplanar reformatting and minimum intensity projection (MinIP) views were used to assess the acquired volume dataset. The CT features recorded were as follows: amount, aspect, distribution, and localization of the gas in the liver. Five patients were included (four dogs and one cat), two presenting HPVG and three with PB. Gas in HPVG presented a peripheral location, whereas in PB was characterized by a central location. The aspect of the gas was tubular in case of HPVG and mixed tubular and rounded in PB. An analogous number of animals between the two groups showed comparable amount (mild, moderate, and severe) and distribution (diffuse and focal). Thin‐section CT can detect the presence of gas in the liver, and a combination of two‐dimensional and thin‐slab MinIP can differentiate between HPVG and PB in dogs and cats. The distinctive features are peripheral versus central location and tubular versus rounded aspect of the gas.
A Mobile Healing Program Using Virtual Reality for Sexual Violence Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Mi‐ran , Cha Chiyoung 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany young women suffer from sexual violence, but few practice self‐healing activities.AimsThis study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a mobile virtual intervention, Sister, I will tell you!©, to heal young women after sexual violence in South Korea.MethodsA mobile virtual intervention, Sister, I will tell you!©, was developed based on a literature review and preliminary studies. In collaboration with sexual violence survivors and experts, eight modules for reflective writing and six modules for mindfulness meditation were included in this 4‐week mobile virtual intervention. Thirty‐four female sexual violence survivors were randomly assigned to either experimental (n = 19) or control groups (n = 15). The experimental group practiced reflective writing and mindfulness meditation, guided by the mobile virtual intervention. The control group practiced audio‐guided mindfulness meditation. Pretest, posttest, and post‐4‐week evaluations with standardized instruments measured perceived support, negative impact from sexual violence, and suicidal ideation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze survey data and content analysis to analyze reflective writing.ResultsAmong 34 enrolled participants, 26 completed the 4‐week intervention and posttest evaluations; 24 completed post‐4‐week evaluations. Significant improvements were found among participants in the areas of perceived support, negative impact from sexual violence, and suicidal ideation. The effect size of the intervention was moderate. Four themes that emerged from reflective writings were objectifying sexual violence, healing beginning with action, confronting issues, and sharing experiences.Linking Evidence to ActionThe intervention showed potential for initiating young women’s engagement in healing from sexual violence. A simple mobile audio intervention without human interaction could benefit sexual violence survivors.
Disorders of vision in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Nagy Eva , Self Jay , Williams Cathy , Vollmer Brigitte 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveNeonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) following perinatal asphyxia in term infants is associated with neonatal mortality and a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment later in life. Visual disorders are an accepted complication of HIE and the association has been cited in the literature many times. This review aims to study the evidence for this association and assess the quality of the data on which this is based.DesignA systematic literature review was conducted and 922 citations were assessed using standard methods outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the majority of studies have reported on various neurodevelopmental outcomes but rarely specifically vision. Based on limited currently available data, extracted from a number of small studies, an association of neonatal HIE with visual impairments seems to exist but detail is lacking. Notably, in the existing studies, there is a striking lack of consistency in the methods used to diagnose HIE and, similarly, a wide variation in the methods employed to measure visual function.ConclusionsTo explore the observed association further in terms of prognosis and the effects of HIE treatments on visual outcomes, future studies will need to address the issues of standardised diagnostic criteria, severity grading and robust, age-appropriate visual assessment.
Regional ventilation characteristics during non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants
Authors: Thomson Jessica , Rüegger Christoph M , Perkins Elizabeth J , Pereira-Fantini Prue M , Farrell Olivia , Owen Louise S , Tingay David G 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo determine the regional ventilation characteristics during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in stable preterm infants. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between indicators of ventilation homogeneity and other clinical measures of respiratory status.DesignProspective observational study.SettingTwo tertiary neonatal intensive care units.PatientsForty stable preterm infants born <30 weeks of gestation receiving either continuous positive airway pressure (n=32) or high-flow nasal cannulae (n=8) at least 24 hours after extubation at time of study.InterventionsContinuous electrical impedance tomography imaging of regional ventilation during 60 min of quiet breathing on clinician-determined non-invasive settings.Main outcome measuresGravity-dependent and right–left centre of ventilation (CoV), percentage of whole lung tidal volume (VT) by lung region and percentage of lung unventilated were determined for 120 artefact-free breaths/infant (4770 breaths included). Oxygen saturation, heart and respiratory rates were also measured.ResultsVentilation was greater in the right lung (mean 69.1 (SD 14.9)%) total VT and the gravity-non-dependent (ND) lung; ideal–actual CoV 1.4 (4.5)%. The central third of the lung received the most VT, followed by the non-dependent and dependent regions (p<0.0001 repeated-measure analysis of variance). Ventilation inhomogeneity was associated with worse peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (p=0.031, r2 0.12; linear regression). In those infants that later developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=25), SpO2/FiO2 was worse and non-dependent ventilation inhomogeneity was greater than in those that did not (both p<0.05, t-test Welch correction).ConclusionsThere is high breath-by-breath variability in regional ventilation patterns during NIV in preterm infants. Ventilation favoured the ND lung, with ventilation inhomogeneity associated with worse oxygenation.
Diacylglycerol kinase ζ limits IL-2-dependent control of PD-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes
Authors: Arranz-Nicolás Javier , Martin-Salgado Miguel , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Cristina , Liébana Rosa , Moreno-Ortiz Maria C , Leitner Judith , Steinberger Peter , Ávila-Flores Antonia , Merida Isabel 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe inhibitory functions triggered by the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor following binding to its ligand (PD-L1) protect healthy organs from cytotoxic T cells, and neutralize antitumor T cell attack. Antibody-based therapies to block PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have yielded notable results, but most patients eventually develop resistance. This failure is attributed to CD8+ T cells achieving hyporesponsive states from which recovery is hardly feasible. Dysfunctional T cell phenotypes are favored by a sustained imbalance in the diacylglycerol (DAG)- and Ca2+-regulated transcriptional programs. In mice, DAG kinase ζ (DGKζ) facilitates DAG consumption, limiting T cell activation and cytotoxic T cell responses. DGKζ deficiency facilitates tumor rejection in mice without apparent adverse autoimmune effects. Despite its therapeutic potential, little is known about DGKζ function in human T cells, and no known inhibitors target this isoform.MethodsWe used a human triple parameter reporter cell line to examine the consequences of DGKζ depletion on the transcriptional restriction imposed by PD-1 ligation. We studied the effect of DGKζ deficiency on PD-1 expression dynamics, as well as the impact of DGKζ absence on the in vivo growth of MC38 adenocarcinoma cells.ResultsWe demonstrate that DGKζ depletion enhances DAG-regulated transcriptional programs, promoting interleukin-2 production and partially counteracting PD-1 inhibitory functions. DGKζ loss results in limited PD-1 expression and enhanced expansion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell populations. This is observed even in immunosuppressive milieus, and correlates with the reduced ability of MC38 adenocarcinoma cells to form tumors in DGKζ-deficient mice.ConclusionsOur results, which define a role for DGKζ in the control of PD-1 expression, confirm DGKζ potential as a therapeutic target as well as a biomarker of CD8+ T cell dysfunctional states.
Slope-space integrals for specular next event estimation
Authors: Loubet Guillaume , Zeltner Tizian , Holzschuch Nicolas , Jakob Wenzel 
Published: November 2020

Monte Carlo light transport simulations often lack robustness in scenes containing specular or near-specular materials. Widely used uni- and bidirectional sampling strategies tend to find light paths involving such materials with insufficient probability, producing unusable images that are contaminated by significant variance.
This article addresses the problem of sampling a light path connecting two given scene points via a single specular reflection or refraction, extending the range of scenes that can be robustly handled by unbiased path sampling techniques. Our technique enables efficient rendering of challenging transport phenomena caused by such paths, such as underwater caustics or caustics involving glossy metallic objects.
We derive analytic expressions that predict the total radiance due to a single reflective or refractive triangle with a microfacet BSDF and we show that this reduces to the well known Lambert boundary integral for irradiance. We subsequently show how this can be leveraged to efficiently sample connections on meshes comprised of vast numbers of triangles.
Our derivation builds on the theory of off-center microfacets and involves integrals in the space of surface slopes.
Our approach straightforwardly applies to the related problem of rendering glints with high-resolution normal maps describing specular microstructure. Our formulation alleviates problems raised by singularities in filtering integrals and enables a generalization of previous work to perfectly specular materials. We also extend previous work to the case of GGX distributions and introduce new techniques to improve accuracy and performance.