bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Republic of Guinea 2021: hypotheses of origin
Authors: Kritsky A.A. , Keita S. , Magassouba N. , Krasnov Ya.M. , Safronov V.A. , Naidenova E.V. , Shevtsova A.P. , Naryshkina E.A. , Shcherbakova S.A. , Popova A.Yu. , Kutyrev V.V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn 2013-2016, a large-scale Ebola virus diseas (EVD) outbreak hit the countries of West Africa for the first time. Thus provoking a health crisis. The most affected countries were Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Republic of Guinea. Since the end of the outbreak in 2016, there have been no new cases until recently. In February 2021, the Republic of Guinea announced about laboratory-confirmed EVD cases in its territory.By April 12, 2021, an Ebola virus disease outbreak in the province of N’Zerekore (Gueke sub-prefecture) of the Republic of Guinea had affected 16 people, 9 of whom had died. The origin of this outbreak is still unknown. This paper considers various hypotheses of its emergence. Within the frames of the study sequencing and analysis of the whole genome sequence of the strain that initiated the epidemic process have been carried out. The most likely cause of this outbreak, according to the results obtained, should be deemed a long-term persistence of the virus in the body of survivors, followed by a relapse of the disease and transmission among contact persons.
Stereotyped B-cell responses are linked to IgG constant region polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lindeman Ida , Polak Justyna , Qiao Shuo-Wang , Holmøy Trygve , Høglund Rune A. , Vartdal Frode , Berg-Hansen Pål , Sollid Ludvig M. , Lossius Andreas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractClonally related B cells infiltrate the brain, meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but the mechanisms driving the B-cell response and shaping the immunoglobulin repertoires remain unclear. Here, we used single-cell full-length RNA-seq and B-cell receptor reconstruction to simultaneously assess the phenotypes, isotypes, constant region polymorphisms, and the paired heavy- and light-chain repertoires in intrathecal B-lineage cells. We detected extensive clonal connections between the memory B cell and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) compartments and observed clonally related cells of different isotypes, including IgM/IgG1, IgG1/IgA1, IgG1/IgG2, and IgM/IgA1. There was a strong dominance of the G1m1 allotype constant region polymorphisms in ASCs, but not in memory B cells. Tightly linked to the G1m1 allotype, we found a preferential pairing of theIGHV4gene family with the κ variable(IGKV)1gene family. These results link IgG constant region polymorphisms to stereotyped B-cell responses in MS, indicating that the intrathecal B-cell response in these patients could be directed against structurally similar epitopes. The data also suggest that the dominance of the G1m1 allotype in ASCs may occur as a result of biased differentiation of intrathecal memory B cells.
Neutralization of variant under investigation B.1.617 with sera of BBV152 vaccinees
Authors: Yadav Pragya D. , Sapkal Gajanan N. , Abraham Priya , Ella Raches , Deshpande Gururaj , Patil Deepak Y. , Nyayanit Dimpal A , Gupta Nivedita , Sahay Rima R. , Shete Anita M , Panda Samiran , Bhargava Balram , Mohan V. Krishna 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe drastic rise in the number of cases in Maharashtra, India has created a matter of concern for public health experts. Twelve isolates of VUI lineage B.1.617 were propagated in VeroCCL81 cells and characterized. Convalescent sera of the COVID-19 cases and recipients of BBV152 (Covaxin) were able to neutralize VUI B.1.617.
The 3D construction of leaves is coordinated with water use efficiency in conifers
Authors: Trueba Santiago , Théroux-Rancourt Guillaume , Earles J Mason , Buckley Thomas N. , Love David , Johnson Daniel M , Brodersen Craig 
Published: April 2021

SummaryConifers prevail in the canopies of many terrestrial biomes, holding a great ecological and economic importance globally. Current increases in temperature and aridity are imposing high transpirational demands and resulting in conifer mortality. Therefore, identifying leaf structural determinants of water use efficiency is essential in predicting physiological impacts due to environmental variation.Using synchrotron-generated microCT imaging, we extracted leaf volumetric anatomy and stomatal traits in 34 species across conifers with a special focus onPinus, the richest conifer genus.We show that intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) is positively driven by leaf vein volume. Needle-like leaves ofPinus, as opposed to flat leaves or flattened needles of other genera, showed lower mesophyll porosity, decreasing the relative mesophyll volume. This led to increased ratios of stomatal pore number per mesophyll or intercellular airspace volume, which emerged as powerful explanatory variables, predicting both stomatal conductance and WUEi.Our results clarify how the three-dimensional organization of tissues within the leaf has a direct impact on plant water use and carbon uptake. By identifying a suit of structural traits that influence important physiological functions, our findings can help to understand how conifers may respond to the pressures exerted by climate change.
Precursor types predict the stability of neuronal branches
Authors: Fuchs Joachim , Eickholt Britta J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBranches are critical for neuron function, generating the morphological complexity required for functional networks. They emerge from different, well-described, cytoskeletal precursor structures that elongate to branches. While branches are thought to be maintained by shared cytoskeletal regulators, our data from mouse hippocampal neurons indicate that the precursor structures trigger alternative branch maintenance mechanisms with differing stabilities. While branches originating from lamellipodia or growth cone splitting events collapse soon after formation, branches emerging from filopodia persist. Furthermore, compared to other developing neurites, axons stabilise all branches and preferentially initiate branches from filopodia. These differences explain the decreased stability of branches we observe in neurons lacking the plasma membrane protein phospholipid phosphatase related protein 3 (PLPPR3/PRG2). Rather than altering branch stability directly, PLPPR3 boosts a ‘filopodia branch program’ on axons, thereby indirectly initiating more long-lived branches. We propose that studies on branching should distinguish overall stabilising effects from effects on precursor types, ideally using multifactorial statistical models as exemplified in this study.
A clinical and statistical analysis of abscess in cellulitis
Authors: Okamoto Osamu , Kai Yoshitaka , Munemoto Sekinori , Suzuki Rui , Akishino Kosuke , Hashimoto Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe features of abscess that forms in cellulitis patients were investigated. Among 449 cellulitis cases, about 15% developed abscess, and about 70% of teenaged patients were abscess cases. Furthermore, abscess in the younger age group occurred almost exclusively among male patients. The lesion was predominantly concentric at all ages in the abscess group and in teenagers in the non‐abscess group. In contrast, it was diffuse in patients ≥20 years old in the non‐abscess group. The clinical symptoms and laboratory values in the abscess group were generally more severe than those in the non‐abscess group, especially in the older age group. The abscess sizes increased with the initial area of the lesions. Most abscess cases received incision, and post‐incision ulcers were mostly conservatively treated. The duration required for treatment termination was >30 days longer in the abscess group than in the non‐abscess group. When post‐incision ulcers were conservatively treated, the duration until healing increased with abscess size. However, the durations did not significantly differ between the conservatively and surgically treated groups. When surgically treated, many ulcers healed within 19 days after operation and the outpatient follow‐up period tended to be relatively short. Most teenaged patients were student athletes, and thus needed an early return to competition. The main cause in these patients was bruising during sports, with rugby football the most common causative sport. Ulcer closure by operation was suggested to be preferable for shortening the outpatient follow‐up period, especially for student athlete patients.
Boreal forest fertilization leads to functional homogenization of ground beetle assemblages
Authors: Rodríguez Antonio , Hekkala Anne‐Maarit , Sjögren Jörgen , Strengbom Joachim , Löfroth Therese 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Intensive fertilization of young spruce forest plantations (i.e. ‘nutrient optimization’) has the potential to meet increasing demands for carbon sequestration and biomass production from boreal forests. However, its effects on biodiversity, other than the homogenization of ground‐layer plant communities, are widely unknown.

We sampled ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in young spruce forest plantations of southern Sweden, within a large‐scale, replicated ecological experiment initiated in 2012, where half of the forest stands were fertilized every second year. We assessed multi‐scale effects of forest fertilization on ground beetle diversity and community assembly, 4 years after commencement of the experiment.

We found that nutrient optimization had negative effects on ground beetle diversity at multiple spatial scales, despite having negligible effects on species richness. At the local scale, ground beetle species had lower variation in body size at fertilized sites, resulting in within‐site functional homogenization. At the landscape scale, fertilized sites, with higher basal area and lower bilberry cover, filtered carabid traits composition to larger body sizes, generalist predators and summer breeding species.

Synthesis and applications. Fertilization of young spruce plantations is a strong filter for ground beetle assemblages, leading to functionally homogeneous communities in the short term, without changes in species richness. The large‐scale functional impoverishment of carabid communities because of fertilization may have negative consequences on system resilience and on ecosystem service provision by this functionally diverse group. Large‐scale establishment of nutrient optimization threatens ground beetle diversity in young conifer plantations, underlining the risks of introducing more intensive management schemes in already heavily managed forest landscapes.
The Adelphocoris lineolatus OBP4: Support for evolutionary and functional divergence of a mirid pheromone‐binding protein from that found in lepidopteran moths
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Yujie , Wang Qi , Sun Liang , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs) have been extensively investigated in lepidopteran moths, but their evolution and function in hemipteran species remain unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that an odorant‐binding protein, OBP4, of the mirid bug Adelphocoris lineolatus functions as a candidate hemipteran PBP but clustered with lepidopteran antennae‐binding proteins (ABPs) rather than in the PBP/general odorant‐binding protein (GOBP) clade. In this study, we hypothesized that origin and function of PBPs in hemipteran bugs may differ from those of lepidopteran moths. To test this hypothesis, we first constructed a phylogenetic tree using insect OBPs from sister hemipteran and holometabolous lineages, and the results indicated that neither OBP4 nor other types of candidate PBPs of mirid bugs clustered with the lepidopteran PBP/GOBP clade. Then, a fluorescence competitive binding assay was employed to determine binding affinities of recombinant OBP4 protein to host plant volatiles, with functional groups different from A. lineolatus sex pheromone components. The results revealed that OBP4 highly bound the female adult attractant 3‐hexanone and 15 other mirid bug biologically active plant volatiles. Finally, we examined cellular expression profiles of OBP4 in putative antennal sensilla that are related to female A. lineolatus host plant location. The fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical labeling assay showed that the OBP4 gene was highly expressed in the multiporous olfactory sensilla medium‐long sensilla basiconica rather than in the short sensilla basiconica or uniporous sensilla chaetica. These results, together with those of our previous studies, indicate that OBP4 not only functions in recognition of bug‐produced sex pheromones in males, but is probably involved in detection of host plant volatiles in both A. lineolatus sexes. Our findings support the hypothesis that the origin and function of PBPs in hemipteran bugs differ from those of well‐known PBPs in lepidopteran moths, which provides a novel perspective on evolutionary mechanisms of sex pheromone communication across insect orders.
Relationships between isolated sweetpotato starch properties and textural attributes of sweetpotato French fries
Authors: Allan Matthew C. , Marinos Nicholas , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D. , Sato Ai , Truong Van‐Den 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSweetpotato French fry (SPFF) textures have been associated with dry matter and starch contents, but these do not fully account for all textural differences. This study investigated the relationships between the physicochemical properties of sweetpotato starch and textural attributes of sweetpotato fries. Starches from 16 sweetpotato genotypes that varied in dry matter content were isolated and analyzed. The amylose content, pasting temperatures and viscosities, and textural properties of equilibrated starch gels were measured. Correlational analysis was performed with the respective SPFF mechanical and sensory texture attributes. Sweetpotato starch amylose content ranged from 17.3% to 21.1%, and the pasting and gel textural properties varied significantly between starches. Starch from orange‐fleshed sweetpotatoes had lower pasting temperatures than starches from yellow/cream‐fleshed genotypes, 72.2 ± 2.0 and 75.5 ± 1.1 °C, respectively. Notable inverse correlations were observed between the starch pasting temperature and perceived moistness (r = –0.63) and fibrousness (r = –0.70) of fries, whereas SPFF denseness was positively associated with starch pasting viscosity (r = 0.60) and nonstarch alcohol‐insoluble solids content. Fry textures were likely affected by cooked starch properties, which should be considered when selecting varieties for sweetpotato fries.Practical ApplicationWithout the aid of a batter, sweetpotato French fries (SPFFs) tend to be soft and limp—undesirable attributes in a fried food. The physiochemical properties of starch, the most abundant component in sweetpotato fries, were further explored in this study to better understand the properties of sweetpotato starch that influence SPFF textures. These findings can be used by sweetpotato processors and breeders for developing new sweetpotato varieties that are designed for production of fried products with desirable textures.
Clinical factors associated with successful embolization of lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Thavanesan Navamayooran , Van Der Werf Bert , Shafi Adil , Kennedy Colette , O'Grady Greg , Loveday Benjamin , Pandanaboyana Sanjay 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo develop a model of clinical factors that may predict: (1) technically and clinically successful embolization of a bleeding vessel at digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for lower gastrointestinal bleed (LGIB); (2) a negative DSA in the presence of positive CT‐mesenteric angiography (CTMA) for LGIB.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all DSAs conducted with intent for embolization for acute LGIB over a 10‐year period was undertaken. Pre‐procedural and intra‐procedural clinical variables were evaluated using uni‐ and multi‐variate analysis.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐three DSAs were evaluated. Technical success was 81% and clinical success 78% where DSA was positive. Technical success was associated with super‐selective approach, contrast extravasation on CT, haemoglobin drop, anatomical source and time from CT to DSA on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, time from CT to DSA was significant with a higher success probability within 120 min with different factors being salient depending on degree of delay. Clinical success was only associated with activated partial thromboplastin time (<27.5 s). A negative DSA was associated with anatomical source, haemodynamic stability, platelet count and time from CT to DSA on univariate analysis. The latter three remained so on multivariate analysis.ConclusionA triaging approach to utilizing emergency DSA may be helpful. If prolonged delay between CT and DSA is anticipated, with haemodynamic stability and a near‐normal platelet count, the DSA may not be fruitful. Technical success may be more likely if DSA occurs within 120 min. Clinical success may be more likely if activated partial thromboplastin time is within normal range.
Silicone oil‐free syringes, siliconized syringes and needles: quantitative assessment of silicone oil release with drugs used for intravitreal injection
Authors: Melo Gustavo Barreto , da Cruz Natasha Ferreira Santos , do Monte Agra Lydianne Lumack , Emerson Geoffrey Guy , Lima Luiz H. , Linkuviene Vaida , Maia Maurício , Farah Michel Eid , Carpenter John F. , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele , Probst Christine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to quantify the amount of silicone oil (SO) released across a variety of syringe and needle models routinely used for intravitreal injection.MethodsThe release of SO was assessed in eight models of syringes, two of which were reported to be ‘SO‐free’, and eleven models of needles with unknown SO content. To evaluate SO release within the context of anti‐VEGF therapeutics, syringes were evaluated using aflibercept, bevacizumab, buffer, ziv‐aflibercept and formulation buffer. All syringe tests were performed with or without agitation by flicking for syringes. Needles were evaluated without agitation only. Samples were fluorescently labelled to identify SO, and triplicate measurements were collected using imaging flow cytometry.ResultsSeven out of 8 syringe models showed a statistically significant increase in the SO particle count after agitation. The two SO‐free syringe models (HSW Norm‐Ject, Daikyo Crystal Zenith) released the least SO particles, with or without agitation, whereas the BD Ultra‐Fine and Saldanha‐Rodrigues syringes released the most. More SO was released when the syringes were prefilled with formulation buffer than with ziv‐aflibercept. Syringes filled with aflibercept and bevacizumab had intermediate levels. Agitation increased the release of SO into each of the drug solutions. Silicone oil (SO) was detected in all needles.ConclusionsAgitation of the syringe by flicking leads to a substantial increase in the number of SO particles. Silicone oil (SO)‐free syringes had the best performance, but physicians must also be aware that needles are siliconized and also contribute to the injection of SO into the vitreous.
Transanal reinforcement of low rectal anastomosis versus protective ileostomy after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Altomare Donato Francesco , Delrio Paolo , Shelgyn Yuri , Rybakov Evgeny , Vincenti Leonardo , De Fazio Michele , Simone Michele , Graziano Giusy , Picciariello Arcangelo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimThe study aimed to show if transanal reinforcement of the suture line can prevent anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer surgery, thus avoiding the need for a covering ileostomy.MethodsThis is a prospective, multicentre, parallel‐arm randomized controlled equivalence trial. After standard total mesorectal excision, patients with anastomotic line at 1–3 cm from the dentate line were randomized to have transanal suture reinforcement (TAR group) or protective ileostomy (PI group).ResultsTwenty‐nine patients had PI, 25 had TAR. The two groups were comparable both for baseline characteristics and intra‐operative aspects. Clinically evident AL occurred in four (16%) and five (17.24%) patients of the TAR and PI group, respectively, resulting in a difference of −1.20% (90% CI −17.93, 15.45), while subclinical AL at proctography was absent in 15 (65.22%) and 13 (50%) patients of the TAR and PI groups, respectively, resulting in a difference of 15% (90% CI −7.74 to 38.17).ConclusionPreliminary data suggest that transanal reinforcement of the suture line performed in rectal cancer patients with suture line at 1–3 cm from the dentate line carries a similar (even if not equivalent) AL rate to covering ileostomy, suggesting that a covering ileostomy could be avoided in this selected group of patients. This indication needs to be addressed with future larger trials (clinicaltrials.gov ID number NCT02279771).
Theosis and Baptist–Orthodox Discussions
Authors: Simuț Corneliu C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBaptist–Orthodox discussions could take the shape of a continuous and constructive dialogue if their historical understandings of the Bible are investigated based on their specific perspectives on doctrine. Concretely, the idea of theosis, present in Greek Patristics and later used by the Eastern Orthodox Church as deification, can be investigated by Baptists in at least three distinct ways: as Christification, as participation, or as perichoresis. All these are prevalent in the works of contemporary Baptist theologians such as Dongsun Cho (United States), Paul Fiddes (United Kingdom), and Emil Bartoș (Romania). Based on the foundation provided by theosis and its range of interpretations, the Baptist–Orthodox dialogue can be further strengthened by a series of common concerns such as apologetics, evangelism, politics, economics, social work, and education.
Functional difficulties mediate the association between exposure to adverse childhood experiences and headaches among children: Findings from a population‐based study
Authors: Baiden Philip , Tarbet Zachary , Chakravarty Sreyashi , LaBrenz Catherine A. , Okumu Moses 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are commonly observed in the general population and often have lasting neurological and physiological effects. Previous studies have found links between exposure to ACEs, headaches, and functional difficulties in adults. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which exposure to ACEs is associated with headaches among children.ObjectiveTo examine the association between exposure to ACEs and headaches in children, and whether functional difficulties mediate this association.MethodsData for this cross‐sectional secondary analysis study came from the 2017–2018 National Survey of Children's Health. The sample analyzed in this study was 40,953 children who were between ages 3 and 17 years. We adjusted for the complexity of the sampling design and used structural equation modeling to examine the mediating effect of functional difficulties in the association between exposure to ACEs and headaches.ResultsBased on parent reports, we found that 4.1% (1697/40,953) of the children reported frequent or severe headaches, and 9.5% (3906/40,953) were exposed to three or more ACEs. About one in four children (23.4%; 9601/40,953) had at least one functional difficulty. The results show that exposure to ACEs was directly positively associated with functional difficulties (β = 0.16, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.15–0.17), and functional difficulties were in turn positively associated with headaches (β = 0.17, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.12–0.22). The Sobel test of indirect effect showed that functional difficulties partially mediated the association between exposure to ACEs and headaches (β = 0.027, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.022–0.029). Also, older children and children with brain injury were more likely to report experiencing headaches.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest an association between exposure to ACEs and headaches among children, and functional difficulties partially mediate this association.