bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The tellurium-based immunomodulator, AS101 ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Halpert G , Halperin Sheinfeld M , Monteran L , Sharif K , Volkov A , Nadler R , Schlesinger A , Barshak I , Kalechman Y , Blank M , Shoenfeld Y , Amital H 
Published: November 2020

SummaryDespite undeniable improvement in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the discovery of more effective, less toxic and, ideally, less immune suppressive drugs are much needed. In the current study, we set to explore the potential anti-rheumatic activity of the non-toxic, tellurium-based immunomodulator, AS101 in an experimental animal model of RA. The effect of AS101 was assessed on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. Clinical signs of arthritis were assessed. Histopathological examination was used to assess inflammation, synovial changes and tissue lesions. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4)+ cellular infiltration was detected using immunohistochemical staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure circulating anti-cyclic citrullinated-peptide autoantibody (ACPA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure the in-vitro effect of AS101 on interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β expression in activated primary human fibroblasts. Prophylactic treatment with intraperitoneal AS101 reduced clinical arthritis scores in AIA rats (P &lt; 0·01). AS101 abrogated the migration of active chronic inflammatory immune cells, particularly VLA-4+ cells, into joint cartilage and synovium, reduced the extent of joint damage and preserved joint architecture. Compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated AIA rats, histopathological inflammatory scores were significantly reduced (P &lt; 0·05). Furthermore, AS101 resulted in a marked reduction of circulating ACPA in comparison to PBS-treated rats (P &lt; 0·05). Importantly, AS101 significantly reduced mRNA levels of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-6 (P &lt; 0·05) and IL-1β (P &lt; 0·01) in activated primary human fibroblasts. Taken together, we report the first demonstration of the anti-rheumatic/inflammatory activity of AS101 in experimental RA model, thereby supporting an alternative early therapeutic intervention and identifying a promising agent for therapeutic intervention.
Safety and feasibility of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia: A pilot study
Authors: Feng Ying , Huang Jianying , Wu Jianyuan , Xu Yan , Chen Bo , Jiang Lijun , Xiang Hui , Peng Zhiyong , Wang Xinghuan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aim to explore the safety and feasibility of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) transplantation in patients with severe and critically severe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19).MethodsWe conducted a small sample, single arm, pilot trial. In addition to standard therapy, we performed four rounds of transplantation of UC‐MSCs in sixteen patients with severe and critically severe COVID‐19. We recorded adverse events from enrolment to Day 28. We evaluated the oxygenation index, inflammatory biomarkers, radiological presentations of the disease and lymphocyte subsets count on the 7th day (D7 ± 1 day), the 14th day (D14 ± 1 day) and the 28th day (D28 ± 3 days).ResultsThere were no infusion‐related or allergic reactions. The oxygenation index was improved after transplantation. The mortality of enrolled patients was 6.25%, whereas the historical mortality rate was 45.4%. The level of cytokines estimated varied in the normal range, the radiological presentations (ground glass opacity) were improved and the lymphocyte count and lymphocyte subsets (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and NK cells) count showed recovery after transplantation.ConclusionsIntravenous transplantation of UC‐MSCs was safe and feasible for treatment of patients with severe and critically severe COVID‐19 pneumonia.
High responsiveness of auditory neurons to specific combination of acoustic features in female songbirds
Authors: Inda Masahiro , Hotta Kohji , Oka Kotaro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractZebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a songbird species in which males sing their unique songs to attract females who then select their preferred male. Acoustic features in the songs of individual males are important features for female auditory perception. While the male of this species is a classic model of vocal production, it has been little known about auditory processing in female. In the higher auditory brain regions, the caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) and nidopallium (NCM) contribute to female's sound recognition, we, therefore, extracted acoustic features that induce neural activities with high detection power on both regions in female finches. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that neurons were sensitive to mean frequency and Wiener entropy. In addition, we performed an experiment with modified artificial songs and harmonic songs to directly investigate neural responsiveness for deriving further evidence for the contribution of these two acoustic features. Finally, we illustrated a specific ratio combining these two acoustic features that showed highest sensitivity to neural responsiveness, and we found that properties of sensitivity are different between CMM and NCM. Our results indicate that the mixture of the two acoustic features with the specific ratio is important in the higher auditory regions of female songbirds, and these two regions have differences in encoding for sensitivity to these acoustic features.
Behaviour moderates the impacts of food‐web structure on species coexistence
Authors: Ho Hsi‐Cheng , Tylianakis Jason M. , Pawar Samraat 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHow species coexistence (mathematical ‘feasibility’) in food webs emerges from species' trophic interactions remains a long‐standing open question. Here we investigate how structure (network topology and body‐size structure) and behaviour (foraging strategy and spatial dimensionality of interactions) interactively affect feasibility in food webs. Metabolically‐constrained modelling of food‐web dynamics based on whole‐organism consumption revealed that feasibility is promoted in systems dominated by large‐eat‐small foraging (consumers eating smaller resources) whenever (1) many top consumers are present, (2) grazing or sit‐and‐wait foraging strategies are common, and (3) species engage in two‐dimensional interactions. Congruently, the first two conditions were associated with dominance of large‐eat‐small foraging in 74 well‐resolved (primarily aquatic) real‐world food webs. Our findings provide a new, mechanistic understanding of how behavioural properties can modulate the effects of structural properties on species coexistence in food webs, and suggest that ‘being feasible’ constrains the spectra of behavioural and structural properties seen in natural food webs.
Multi‐approach comparative study of the two most prevalent genotypes of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Chile
Authors: Serteyn Laurent , Bosquee Emilie , Delatour Anaïs , Rubio‐Melendez Maria E. , Vega‐Muñoz Karla V. , Ramirez Claudio C. , Francis Frédéric 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, is able to colonize various habitats and form genetically distinct biotypes worldwide. In Chile, few genotypes are dominating in space and time and are qualified as “superclones”. Here, we compared in the laboratory different biological features of the most common clones of A. pisum collected from pea (Ap1) and alfalfa (Ap2) fields, in order to gain some insight on their differential ability to colonize broad bean plants. We also studied their probing behavior, profiled their proteome and characterized their community of endosymbionts. We found that the Ap1 genotype performed better on Vicia faba and realized more salivation events in phloem than Ap2. In addition, Ap1 presented a higher prevalence of the endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica. Among the total of 40 proteins that were differentially expressed, 14 and 26 were upregulated in Ap1 and Ap2 genotypes, respectively. The symbionin from Buchnera aphidicola was found to be upregulated in Ap1. A field experiment showed that both genotypes were able to colonize wild legumes, with Ap1 reproducing better on Vicia nigricans than Ap2. However, Ap2 exhibited higher reproduction in the other three wild legumes, suggesting higher invasiveness capacity on wild plants. Variation in the ability to colonize, feeding behavior and the putative involvement of differentially regulated proteins between Ap1 and Ap2 are discussed in relation to their respective endosymbiotic composition, nutritional lifestyle and consequences on their “superclone” status.
Reproduction site preference and performance by sexuparae, and mating behavior of their sexual generation on the primary host plant in a heteroecious aphid, Neothoracaphis yanonis (Homoptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Ngakan Putu Oka , Yukawa Junichi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe studied reproduction site preference and performance by the sexuparae (autumnal migrants) of Neothoracaphis yanonis and mating behavior of their sexual generation on its primary host plant, Distylium racemosum. The sexuparae preferred younger leaves of D. racemosum for settlement and imbibing leaf sap, and they produced more offspring there than on older leaves. Thus, it is suggested that the sexuparae selected more nutritious younger leaves to increase their own fecundity. The offspring consist of yellowish dark‐grey and creamy yellow type nymphs, which develop into small males and large oviparae, respectively. Yellowish dark‐grey nymphs were deposited gregariously on the basal part of the abaxial surface of a leaf blade, while creamy yellow nymphs were deposited evenly over the abaxial surface. Such a localized distribution pattern probably resulted from sexuparae's strategy to enhance a possibility for their male offspring to mate with oviparae at the base of leaf blade, over which oviparae crawl to twigs. During mating and sometimes afterwards, the ovipara incidentally carried a male on her back and crawled downward on twig to find an axillary bud for oviposition. This behavior may be advantageous to males, who can guard their mate during this period against other conspecific males. Such mate‐guarding behavior seems to be related to the development of dual mate‐seeking strategies, in which males try to copulate, first at the basal part of midrib, and second on the axillary bud.
Comparative evaluation of physicochemical properties of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) as affected by drying conditions and extraction methods
Authors: Chuensun Treethip , Chewonarin Teera , Laopajon Witida , Kawee‐ai Arthitaya , Pinpart Ponjan , Utama‐ang Niramon 
Published: November 2020

SummaryLingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a high‐potential mushroom which is used as a dietary supplement or a source of nutrients and antioxidant agents. The aims were to investigate the effect of drying conditions (hot air and vacuum dry) and to compare the extraction methods of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and pulsed electric field extraction (PEF) for obtaining triterpenes, flavonoid and polysaccharides. The favourable drying condition was 80 °C for 1 h and 37 min, which achieved 1.17 ± 0.05 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids and 11.49 ± 0.87 mg ursolic acid/g of triterpenes. The MAE condition was 800 W, 1 min 30 s extraction time and 65.35% ethanol, achieving polysaccharides of 13.08 mg glucose/g and triterpenes of 9.15 mg ursolic acid/g. Additionally, MAE was significantly more efficient than reflux and PEF methods. The application of microwave radiation is beneficial in saving time and solvent and also provides high extraction efficiency for dried Lingzhi.
The Tam formula: A pilot study for a new treatment for melasma
Authors: Srivastava Radhika , John Ann M. , Tam Alison , Firoz Bahar F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMelasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder with numerous, but often unsatisfactory treatment options.AimsA pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel topical combination of 12% hydroquinone, 6% kojic acid, and 5% vitamin C cream for melasma.Patients and MethodsA pilot study of 6 women with melasma was conducted at an academic dermatology department and a private dermatology practice to evaluate the efficacy of a topical combination of 12% hydroquinone, 6% kojic acid, and 5% vitamin C cream, entitled the “Tam Formula.” Two blinded evaluators calculated Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) Scores before and after treatment to evaluate change from baseline, and statistical analysis was performed.ResultsTreatment with this combination topical cream resulted in an average 63.77 ± 22.10 percent reduction in MASI scores.ConclusionsWhile there is a need for further investigation, this pilot study indicates the Tam Formula may provide an alternative treatment option for melasma.
Nonablative laser skin resurfacing for periorbital wrinkling—A case series of 16 patients
Authors: Horovitz Tamir , Clementoni Matteo Tretti , Artzi Ofir 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany modalities have been described for the treatment of periorbital wrinkling.AimsThe purpose of this study is to quantify the improvement of periorbital wrinkling achieved by current nonablative modalities, using a fractional 1565 nm Er:glass fiber laser.MethodsOur study is a retrospective two‐center case series including 16 patients treated with nonablative laser for periorbital wrinkling at the Tel‐Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel and Laserplast Aesthetic Medicine Center in Italy between 2017 and 2019. Patients were assessed for objective and subjective improvement, patient satisfaction, side effect profile, and downtime.ResultsImprovement in average Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale scores (from 4.3 to 2.7 by ranking physician 1 and 3.8 to 2.4 by ranking physician 2, P < .001) was observed after 8 weeks. Global Assessment Improvement Scale scores were 2.6 (physician 1) and 2.2 (physician 2) on average. This correlated to mild‐moderate subjective sense of improvement by patients. Side effects and downtime were minimal.ConclusionOur study suggests that current nonablative laser skin resurfacing technology offers a mild‐moderate improvement in periorbital wrinkling.
Influence of the Rinsing Postprocessing Procedures on the Manufacturing Accuracy of Vat‐Polymerized Dental Model Material
Authors: Mostafavi Delaram , Methani Mohammed M. , Piedra‐Cascón Wenceslao , Zandinejad Amirali , Revilla‐León Marta 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the influence of rinsing solvents, namely isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM), and rinsing times (5‐, 7‐, 9‐, and 11‐minutes) for the postprocessing procedures on the manufacturing accuracy of an additively manufactured dental model resin material.Material and MethodsThe standard tessellation language (STL file) of the digital design of a bar (15 mm × 4 mm × 3 mm) was obtained. A resin dental material (E‐Model Light; Envisiontec, Dearborn, MI) and a 3D printer (VIDA HD; Envisiontec) was selected to manufacture all the specimens using the STL file following the recommended printing parameters at a room temperature of 23 °C. Two groups were generated based on the rinsing solvent used on the postprocessing procedures, namely isopropyl alcohol (IPA‐group) and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM‐group). Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups (IPA‐1 to IPA‐4 and TPM‐1 to TPM‐4) depending on the rinsing time performed (5‐, 7‐, 9‐, and 11‐minutes). Twenty specimens per subgroup were fabricated. The dimensions (length, width, and height) of all the specimens were measured using a low force digital caliper (Absolute Low Force Caliper Series 573; Mitutoyo, Takatsu‐ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa). Each measurement was performed 3 times and the mean value determined. The volume of each specimen was calculated using the formula V = l × w × h. Shapiro‐Wilk test revealed that the data were not normally distributed. Data were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis (α = 0.05), followed by pairwise Mann‐Whitney U tests (α = 0.0018).ResultsThe IPA groups obtained significantly lower trueness and precision values compared with TPM groups (p < 0.0018). Among the IPA groups, IPA‐1 subgroup obtained the highest trueness and precision values compared to the rest of the IPA subgroups. The TPM‐1 and TPM‐2 subgroups obtained the highest trueness and prevision values among the TPM group and among all the groups tested. No significant difference was found between the TMP‐1 and TPM‐2 subgroups (p > 0.0018).ConclusionsNone of the manufacturing workflows tested were able to manufacture a perfect match of the bar virtual design dimensions. TPM solvent group obtained higher trueness and precision values compared to the IPA solvent group. The IPA‐1 subgroup that replicated the manufacturer´s recommendations obtained the highest manufacturing accuracy among the IPA subgroup. TPM solvent used in a rinsing ultrasonic bath between 3 and 4 minutes followed by a second ultrasonic clean bath between 2 and 3 minutes of the just printed vat polymerized dental model specimens obtained the highest manufacturing accuracy values.
Assessing occupancy and activity of two invasive carnivores in two Caribbean islands: implications for insular ecosystems
Authors: Louppe V. , Herrel A. , Pisanu B. , Grouard S. , Veron G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe introduction of exotic species is one of the major causes of the decline of global biodiversity. Tropical insular ecosystems, including many biodiversity hotspots, are particularly threatened by biological invasions. Two wild carnivores have been introduced in the Caribbean, the northern raccoon Procyon lotor and the small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata. Understanding the spatial distribution and activity patterns of both species is crucial for conservation purposes. Here we used camera trap data to model single‐season occupancy and detection of these two species on two Caribbean islands, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Our survey highlighted the broad distribution of both species on these islands, with the exception of the northern raccoon population in Martinique which appears very limited. Moreover, spatio‐temporal co‐occurrence with other bird and mammal species revealed that the northern raccoon and the small Indian mongoose face few or no competitors. Finally, our models show that the occupancy of both species was not influenced by any variable tested (i.e. elevation, precipitation, temperature and land cover) and that the probability to detect small Indian mongooses was influenced by land cover and camera model. These results highlight the potential of both the northern raccoon and the small Indian mongoose to have a significant impact on the native ecosystems in these hotspots of biodiversity and demonstrate the necessity to develop conservation actions towards control and limitation of these invasive carnivores.
Erich Przywara on Nature‐Grace Extrinsicism: A Parallax View
Authors: Pidel Aaron 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article argues that Erich Przywara’s analogical understanding of the nature‐grace relationship, though sometimes thought to align with the anti‐extrinsicist positions of Blondel, de Lubac, and Balthasar, differs from these by virtue of its “parallax” view. The standard bearers of the nouvelle théologie hold that Aquinas teaches a natural desire for the beatific vision and deny, more generally, the utility of the concept of pure nature for safeguarding the gratuity of the supernatural. Przywara, by contrast, holds that Aquinas, like the Christian tradition more broadly, alternates between theoretical lines of sight, with the result that the capacity for the beatific vision appears to lie, by turns, both in and beyond human nature. This apparent difference of position is what this article calls the “parallax” effect. According to Przywara, one attains the least inadequate view of nature and grace by entering the “rhythm” of mutual correction between various perspectives. Though he refines his articulation of this rhythm across the course of his career, Przywara consistently upholds the concept of pure nature as a legitimate theological Konstruktionsprinzip and salutary corrective to “intrinsicist” accents. The complete picture of nature and grace thus lies in the interplay of the various ecclesially approved theological traditions.
Pattern‐triggered immunity restricts host colonization by endophytic fusaria, but does not affect endophyte‐mediated resistance
Authors: de Lamo Francisco J. , Šimkovicová Margarita , Fresno David H. , de Groot Tamara , Tintor Nico , Rep Martijn , Takken Frank L. W. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFusarium oxysporum (Fo) is best known as a host‐specific vascular pathogen causing major crop losses. Most Fo strains, however, are root endophytes potentially conferring endophyte‐mediated resistance (EMR). EMR is a mechanistically poorly understood root‐specific induced resistance response induced by endophytic or nonhost pathogenic Fo strains. Like other types of induced immunity, such as systemic acquired resistance or induced systemic resistance, EMR has been proposed to rely on the activation of the pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) system of the plant. PTI is activated upon recognition of conserved microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) of invading microbes. Here, we investigated the role of PTI in controlling host colonization by Fo endophytes and their ability to induce EMR to the tomato pathogen Fo f. sp. lycopersici (Fol). Transgenic tomato and Arabidopsis plants expressing the Fo effector gene Avr2 are hypersusceptible to bacterial and fungal infection. Here we show that these plants are PTI‐compromised and are nonresponsive to bacterial‐ (flg22) and fungal‐ (chitosan) MAMPs. We challenged the PTI‐compromised tomato mutants with the EMR‐conferring Fo endophyte Fo47, the nonhost pathogen Fom (a melon pathogen), and with Fol. Compared to wild‐type plants, Avr2‐tomato plants became hypercolonized by Fo47 and Fom. Surprisingly, however, EMR towards Fol, induced by either Fo47 or Fom, was unaffected in these plants. These data show that EMR‐based disease resistance is independent from the conventional defence pathways triggered by PTI, but that PTI is involved in restricting host colonization by nonpathogenic Fo isolates.
Inflammasome‐mediated Inflammation by Malassezia in human keratinocytes: A comparative analysis with different strains
Authors: Park Hye Ree , Oh Jee Hye , Lee Yu Jin , Park Song Hee , Lee Yang Won , Lee Seongju , Kang Hoon , Kim Jung Eun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMalassezia species are associated with several common dermatologic conditions including pityriasis versicolor, seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis, and atopic dermatitis and dandruff. However, its causal role remains to be established. We intended to explore the role of inflammasome activation in human keratinocytes in response to three different Malassezia species. We compared the different activation patterns of inflammasomes and the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides by three different Malassezia species—M. restricta, M. globosa and M. sympodialis—in human keratinocytes. We found that different Malassezia species, especially M. restricta and M. globosa could induce nucleotide‐binding oligomerisation domain, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin‐domain‐containing protein (NLRP)3–apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing CARD (ASC) inflammasome activation and subsequent interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion in human keratinocytes. Malassezia species variably induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin, β‐defensin 2, and LL‐37. IL‐8 mRNA and IL‐22 protein significantly increased in the M. sympodialis‐treated group, and Chemokine C–C motif ligand (CCL)17 and CCL22 mRNA were increased in response to M. globosa‐ and M. restricta‐ treated keratinocytes, respectively. Our data show that various species of Malassezia promote variable inflammatory responses in keratinocytes by activating NLRP3 inflammasomes, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides.