bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased IL‐10‐producing regulatory T cells are characteristic of severe cases of COVID‐19
Authors: Neumann Julika , Prezzemolo Teresa , Vanderbeke Lore , Roca Carlos P , Gerbaux Margaux , Janssens Silke , Willemsen Mathijs , Burton Oliver , Van Mol Pierre , Van Herck Yannick ,   CONTAGIOUS co‐authors, Wauters Joost , Wauters Els , Liston Adrian , Humblet‐Baron Stephanie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe pandemic spread of the coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 is due, in part, to the immunological properties of the host–virus interaction. The clinical presentation varies from individual to individual, with asymptomatic carriers, mild‐to‐moderate‐presenting patients and severely affected patients. Variation in immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 may underlie this clinical variation.MethodsUsing a high‐dimensional systems immunology platform, we have analysed the peripheral blood compartment of 6 healthy individuals, 23 mild‐to‐moderate and 20 severe COVID‐19 patients.ResultsWe identify distinct immunological signatures in the peripheral blood of the mild‐to‐moderate and severe COVID‐19 patients, including T‐cell lymphopenia, more consistent with peripheral hypo‐ than hyper‐immune activation. Unique to the severe COVID‐19 cases was a large increase in the proportion of IL‐10‐secreting regulatory T cells, a lineage known to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in the lung.ConclusionAs IL‐10‐secreting regulatory T cells are known to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in the lung, their proportional increase could contribute to a more severe COVID‐19 phenotype. We openly provide annotated data (https://flowrepository.org/experiments/2713) with clinical correlates as a systems immunology resource for the COVID‐19 research community.
Changes in vegetation structure and composition of a lowland mire over a sixty‐five‐year interval
Authors: Lovegrove Alexander T. , Newton Adrian C. , Evans Paul M. , Diaz Anita , Newton Arthur C. , Davy Lynn , Newbould Palmer J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Mires are characterized by plant communities of high conservation and societal value, which have experienced a major decline in area in many parts of the world, particularly Europe. Evidence suggests that they may be particularly vulnerable to changes in climate and nutrient addition. Although they have been the focus of extensive paleoecological research, few attempts have been made to examine the dynamics of mire vegetation during the current era of anthropogenic environmental change.

To assess long‐term change in the spatial structure and composition of a lowland mire community, in 2016 we resurveyed plots first surveyed in 1951. Measures of species richness and composition were compared between the two surveys, and changes in community composition were related to plant traits.

Overall, mean species richness declined by 26%. The area of occupancy declined in 37% of species, which were primarily oligotrophic species typical of nutrient‐poor bog communities. Conversely, occupancy increased in 21% of species, especially those that were more tolerant of higher nutrient availability. These changes were associated with variation in plant functional traits, as indicated by an increase mean Ellenberg trait values for nitrogen and mean temperature, and a decline in values for precipitation. These results suggest that eutrophication and climate change have been key drivers of floristic change on this site.

Synthesis. This investigation provides a rare assessment of the dynamics of a mire community over a multi‐decadal interval. Results indicate that substantial change has occurred in the composition of the community, and the distribution of species within it. The investigation provides evidence of the impact of environmental change on the composition and structure of a lowland mire community, and highlights challenges for its future conservation.
Human Serum Albumin−Gold Nanoparticle Based Impedimetric Sensor for Sensitive Detection of miRNA‐200c
Authors: Akbal Vural Oznur , Yaman Yesim Tugce , Bolat Gulcin , Abaci Serdar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHere, human serum albumin conjugated gold nanoparticles (HSA−AuNPs) were synthesized by a simple route to develop an impedimetric sensor for miRNA‐200c detection based on a selective oligo‐hybridization process without any labeling. The synthetic DNA capture probe for miRNA‐200c was decorated onto the HSA−AuNPs modified pencil graphite electrodes. Impedimetric signals were monitored after the hybridization process between the DNA probe and target miRNA‐200c. HSA−AuNPs adsorption time, incubation time of the capture probe and hybridization time‐temperature were optimized. The proposed miRNA‐200c biosensor demonstrated proper sensitivity and selectivity, low detection limit (1.13 fM), good reproducibility and simple direct detection of miRNA‐200c in serum.
Potato peel extracts as an antimicrobial and potential antioxidant in active edible film
Authors: Gebrechristos Haftom Y. , Ma Xiaochi , Xiao Fang , He Yonghuan , Zheng Shuwen , Oyungerel Gurjav , Chen Weihua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPotato peel is phenolic‐rich plant byproduct that has multiple biological functions. The study explores the antimicrobial efficiency of the peel and its antioxidant potential incorporated with potato starch film. Antimicrobial sensitivity test using microdilution and diffusion test revealed positive response in Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration, 7.5 ± 2, 5.8 ± 2, and 4.7 ± 1 mg/ml, respectively, but had a negative response for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes. HPLC analysis revealed that caffeic, chlorogenic, and neochlorogenic acids are the main chemical compounds found in potato peel extract and responsible for its antimicrobial property. The scavenging ability and phenolic content in the active film range from 10 to 22 mg GAE/g of the dried film with 24%–55% of inhibition, respectively. The scanning electron microscope of the starch film showed homogeneously and ordered structure; however, some cracks and pores shown in the active film. The simulation experiment of phenols migration from the film into fatty and aqueous foods showed higher concentration in aqueous and less in the fatty foods. Therefore, potato peel extract has antibacterial as well as antioxidant property and incorporating with potato starch produce an active film which can be used as an alternative technology for active food packaging.
Sounds like a fit! Wording in recruitment advertisements and recruiter gender affect women's pursuit of career development programs via anticipated belongingness
Authors: Hentschel Tanja , Braun Susanne , Peus Claudia , Frey Dieter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFollowing calls for research to increase gender equality, we investigated women's intentions to pursue career opportunities, in the form of career development programs. We built on lack of fit and signaling theory to argue that women's but not men's pursuit of career opportunities would be influenced by recruiter gender and gender‐stereotypical wording in recruitment advertisements. We conducted two studies in Germany. In Study 1 (video‐based experiment with 329 university students), we found that when a male recruiter used stereotypically masculine compared to feminine wording, female students anticipated lower belongingness, expected lower success of an application, and indicated lower application intentions for career opportunities. These differences in female students’ evaluations disappeared when the recruiter was female. While Study 2 (experimental vignette study with 545 employees) replicates the negative effects of masculine wording for female employees; the buffering effect of female recruiters was only replicated for younger, but not for older female employees. Women's anticipated belongingness mediated the relationship between advertisement wording and application intentions when the recruiter was male. Recruiter gender and wording had no effects on men. Our work contributes to a better understanding of when and why contextual characteristics in the recruitment process influence women's pursuit of career opportunities.
Connectivity of post‐fire runoff and sediment from nested hillslopes and watersheds
Authors: Wilson Codie , Kampf Stephanie K. , Ryan Sandra , Covino Tim , MacDonald Lee H. , Gleason Hunter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWildfire increases the potential connectivity of runoff and sediment throughout watersheds due to greater bare soil, runoff and erosion as compared to pre‐fire conditions. This research examines the connectivity of post‐fire runoff and sediment from hillslopes (<1.5 ha; n = 31) and catchments (<1000 ha; n = 10) within two watersheds (<1500 ha) burned by the 2012 High Park Fire in northcentral Colorado, USA. Our objectives were to: (1) identify sources and quantify magnitudes of post‐fire runoff and erosion at nested hillslopes and watersheds for two rain storms with varied duration, intensity and antecedent precipitation; and (2) assess the factors affecting the magnitude and connectivity of runoff and sediment across spatial scales for these two rain storms. The two summer storms that are the focus of this research occurred during the third summer after burning. The first storm had low intensity rainfall over 11 hours (return interval <1–2 years), whereas the second event had high intensity rainfall over 1 hour (return interval <1–10 years). The lower intensity storm was preceded by high antecedent rainfall and led to low hillslope sediment yields and channel incision at most locations, whereas the high intensity storm led to infiltration‐excess overland flow, high sediment yields, in‐stream sediment deposition and channel substrate fining. For both storms, hillslope‐to‐stream sediment delivery ratios and area‐normalised cross‐sectional channel change increased with the percent of catchment that burned at high severity. For the high intensity storm, hillslope‐to‐stream sediment delivery ratios decreased with unconfined channel length (%). The findings quantify post‐fire connectivity and sediment delivery from hillslopes and streams, and highlight how different types of storms can cause varying magnitues and spatial patterns of sediment transport and deposition from hillslopes through stream channel networks.
Snapshot of symptoms of advanced cervical cancer patients referred to the palliative care service in a cancer center in Mexico
Authors: Allende‐Perez Silvia , Dominguez‐Ocadio Georgina , Velez‐Salas Verónica , Isla‐Ortiz David , Peña‐Nieves Adriana , Verastegui Emma 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo report the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with advanced cervical cancer referred to the palliative care service (PC) at a major cancer center in Mexico.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced cervical cancer referred to the PC of INCan, between January 2011 and December 2015. Demographic and clinical characteristics at the time of admission to the INCan, time to referral to PC, initial Edmonton Symptom Assessment System evaluation, and follow up were recorded.ResultsIn all, 359 patients were included, median age 51 years, predominantly poor with low education. Most patients 322 (90%) received tumor‐specific treatment; presence of nephrostomies and other tumor‐related complication was frequent. Median time to referral was 335 days, more than 180 (50%) had five or more symptoms, pain and fatigue were the most prevalent.ConclusionWomen with advanced cervical cancer have a high burden of symptoms; PC is only considered at the end of life. Efforts for an early referral to PC should be made.
Acting on the call: A framework for action for rapid acceleration of access to the HPV vaccination in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries
Authors: Kumar Somesh , Khanduri Arunima , Sidibe Anissa , Morgan Christopher , Torode Julie , Basu Partha , Bhatla Neerja , Schocken Celina , Bloem Paul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCervical cancer, caused by HPV infection, is responsible for more than 311  000 preventable deaths every year. A global call to accelerate efforts to eliminate this disease has generated a new global strategy proposing ambitious, but achievable, targets for HPV vaccination of girls, and screening and treatment of women. The present paper addresses the suboptimal access to HPV vaccination in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries (LICs/LMICs), where the burden of disease weighs most heavily, in part through co‐infection with HIV. A proposed framework for action was formulated by first reviewing the reasons underlying gaps in HPV vaccine coverage. Good practices from recent introductions of HPV vaccine at scale in LICs/LMICs were then assessed based on targeted literature reviews and the experience and views of the authors. Difficulties in uptake and coverage of the HPV vaccine relate to the costs of the vaccine and service delivery, lack of prioritization, the challenges of vaccinating adolescents, and shortage of vaccines as the supply failed to keep pace with the rapid expansion in global demand, including from LICs/LMICs. The framework for action calls for new strategic thinking to consolidate global learning and invigorate operationalization at a country level.
Buffering negative effects of immigration on cognitive, social, and educational development: A multinational meta‐analysis of child and adolescent prevention programmes
Authors: Beelmann Andreas , Arnold Louisa S. , Schulz Sebastian 
Published: November 2020

Growing up in migrant families is a well‐known distal risk factor related to poorer outcomes in child and adolescent health, academic, socioemotional and behavioural development. This article reviews the effects of various prevention measures such as early education programmes, cognitive and language training or parent and teacher training on child and adolescent developmental outcomes in immigration samples. Using several comprehensive literature searches, we found 138 research reports with 141 studies and 175 comparisons on preventing negative effects of immigration. Overall, programmes yielded an effect size of d = 0.26 at post‐test using the random effect model. These effects decreased over time while still differing significantly from zero. A cross‐tabulation of prevention approach/programme type by different outcome domains revealed several important results such as high effects of child cognitive and language training programmes on child academic and language outcomes and relatively low effects of all programmes on child socioemotional outcomes. In addition, individualised and culturally tailored programmes seems to be more effective. However, generalised effects on more distal educational outcomes (e.g., school degrees) were generally weak. Hence, it remains questionable whether individual psychosocial and educational programmes are able to counterbalance the multifaceted risks of immigration.
PBK promotes aggressive phenotypes of cervical cancer through ERK/c‐Myc signaling pathway
Authors: Ma Hanlin , Han Fang , Yan Xiaohui , Qi Gonghua , Li Yingwei , Li Rongrong , Yan Shi , Yuan Cunzhong , Song Kun , Kong Beihua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide. PDZ‐binding kinase (PBK) is proven to promote the malignant behaviors of various carcinomas. However, its functional roles and oncogenic mechanisms in cervical cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we reported that PBK was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues. PBK promoted the proliferation, metastasis, and cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer cells. OTS514, a specific PBK inhibitor, could significantly suppress proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in a xenograft model. Besides, OTS514 could enhance cisplatin‐based chemosensitivity in cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, PBK promoted the expression and stabilization of c‐Myc through phosphorylating ERK1/2. OTS514 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the transcriptional activity of c‐Myc. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK signal pathway by U0126 reversed the increased proliferation and metastasis induced by overexpression of PBK. Exogenous expression of c‐Myc counteracted the decreased proliferation and metastasis evoked by knockdown of PBK. In conclusion, PBK promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer through ERK/c‐Myc signal pathway. PBK might be a promising molecular target for cervical cancer treatment.
Nutritional ecology and ecological immunology in degus: Does early nutrition affect the postnatal development of the immune function?
Authors: Ramírez‐Otarola Natalia , Maldonado Karin , Cavieres Grisel , Bozinovic Francisco , Sabat Pablo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEnvironmental conditions experienced by developing animals have an impact on the development and maturity of the immune system. Specifically, the diet experienced during early development influences the maintenance and function of the immune system in young and adult animals. It is well known that exposure to low‐protein diets during early development are related to an attenuation of immunocompetence in adulthood. While this functional linkage has been widely studied in altricial models' mammals, it has been little explored how the nutritional history modulates the immune function in precocial animals. We evaluated the effect of dietary protein consumed during early development on the immune function and the oxidative costs in the precocial Caviomorph rodentOctodon degus, or degu. We evaluated components of the acute phase response (APR) and oxidative parameters before and after immune challenge. We found that after the immune challenge, the juveniles on the low‐protein dietary treatment exhibited an attenuation of body temperature but showed higher levels of lipid peroxidation than juvenile degus on the high‐protein diet. We did not find a significant effect of the interaction between diet and immune challenge on body mass, levels of inflammatory proteins, nor in the total antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest that some components of the immune function and the oxidative status in the degu can be modulated by diet during development. However, the modulation would depend on the immune variables analyzed, and the characteristics of the immune system of precocial rodents.
Attitudes toward population screening among people living with fragile X syndrome in the UK: ‘I wouldn’t wish him away, I’d just wish his fragile X syndrome away’
Authors: Boardman Felicity K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn an age of expanded genetic screening, fragile X syndrome is increasingly considered a candidate condition, given its prevalence, the absence of curative interventions, and its impact on families. However, relatively little research has explored the views of families and people living with fragile X syndrome toward population screening. This study reports on in‐depth interviews with 19 participants: 3 with people diagnosed with a fragile X condition (fragile X syndrome = 2, FXTAS = 1) and 16 people with fragile X syndrome in their family (11 parents, 2 grandparents, 1 spouse, 1 sibling, and 1 aunt) living in the UK. This study reveals the complexity of attitudes within this group and the existence of genuine ambivalence toward different population screening programs. While the overwhelming majority believed that preconception and newborn genetic screening should be made available to the general public, the notion of prenatal screening was far more controversial, with only five participants expressing support for such a program. Expressivist concerns were highlighted equally both by those who supported prenatal screening, as by also those who did not. Participants who supported prenatal screening drew clear distinctions between people with fragile X syndrome and the condition itself, in order to neutralize expressivist concerns and existential threat. However, for others, this division was challenging to maintain. Impairment effects associated with fragile X syndrome, more specifically, its implications for behavior, intellect, and personality, made it harder for some participants to conceptually separate the person from their condition. This study concludes that screening remains a complex issue for families living with genetic conditions and that expressivist concerns affect, and are managed by, families living with different types of disability in contrasting ways. Screening for conditions that affect personality, behavior, and intellect produces unique iterations of expressivism, identity, and stigmatization that families produce specific, and creative, strategies to navigate.
The synoptic skill of aerosol optical depth and angstrom exponent levels over the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Bodenheimer Shalev , Nirel Ronit , Lensky Itamar M. , Dayan Uri 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNorth African desert dust is the dominant aerosol type transported over the Mediterranean Basin (MB), followed by marine, anthropogenic, and biomass‐burning aerosol types. This basin is characterized by intense synoptic scale activity that has a substantial impact on the distribution of aerosols. A climatological research at a spatial resolution of 1° × 1° over the MB for the years 2000–2016 is presented here. We used a circulation to environment approach to examine the linkage between three objective circulation type classifications (CTCs) and two outcomes: aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (AE). This linkage, hereafter referred to as the ‘synoptic skill’, was assessed using tailored autoregressive linear regression and logistic models. We calculated (a) the total synoptic skill, accounting for the contribution of synoptic circulation type and the autoregressive components to AOD variability, and (b) the net synoptic skill, reflecting the contribution of the circulation type only. This novel approach enabled to differentiate between AOD distribution as controlled by the prevailing synoptic conditions to the one affected by climatic diurnal processes. Results for AOD showed maximal total synoptic skill during fall and summer (R2 ∼ 0.3) with highest values over parts of North Africa and the Middle East (R2 > 0.4). The net synoptic skill was highest (R2 ∼ 0.1) during winter and lowest (R2 ∼ 0.05) during summer. Geographic distribution showed low net values over North Africa and the Middle East (R2 < 0.06) and higher values over the Mediterranean Sea (R2 ∼ 0.1). For AE, the synoptic skill had a significant signature over Southern Europe during winter months (c‐statistic > 0.8). No single classification was superior in terms of mean synoptic skill, although for specific seasons and geographical locations one or the other of the three classifications showed higher performance. This study reflects some more evidences on the net contribution of CTCs to the distribution of AOD and AE over the MB.
Fast response in‐plane switching liquid crystal display mode optimized for high‐resolution virtual‐reality head‐mounted display
Authors: Matsushima Toshiharu , Kimura Shunichi , Komura Shinichi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe propose to apply short‐range lurch control in‐plane switching (SLC‐IPS) as a fast response liquid crystal display (LCD) mode to virtual reality applications, where fast response times and high resolutions are essential. In this study, we discuss the SLC‐IPS electrode structure optimized for high‐resolution virtual reality applications. To maintain transmittance at high resolutions, we developed a one‐sided branch electrode structure with convex parts. The issue of slow response times can be resolved using the convex part of the electrode structure by analyzing the imaginary boundaries characterizing the SLC‐IPS. Thus, a response time of less than 2.2 ms can be obtained over all tones using a 1001‐ppi high‐resolution SLC‐IPS LCD.