bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: Cutaneous clinical and histopathologic differential diagnosis
Authors: Tabb Elisabeth S. , Duncan Lyn M. , Nazarian Rosalynn M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare, but severe systemic vasculitis that can affect skin and other organ systems. Diagnostic criteria have evolved, and many attempts have been made to classify the vasculitides based on clinical and/or histopathologic features, with an aim to develop standardized criteria. According to the EGPA Consensus Task Force recommendations, EGPA is a syndrome of asthma, eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltrates, and extrapulmonary vasculitis (such as cutaneous involvement with purpura). Histopathologic evidence of vasculitis in EGPA may be associated with eosinophilic infiltration and/or perivascular granulomatous inflammation. We review clinicopathologic criteria of this enigmatic vasculopathy.
Optimizing landscape‐scale monitoring programmes to detect the effects of megafires
Authors: Wood Connor M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimBy virtue of their spatial extent, landscape‐scale monitoring programmes may be well‐suited to support before‐after/control‐impact (BACI) studies of major disturbances such as megafires, but they may only have a few affected sites, reducing statistical power. I tested whether a variety of hypothetical but logistically plausible survey designs could provide statistically powerful assessments of hypothetical but empirically based population responses to megafire.LocationSimulation focused on fire‐prone forests.MethodsI varied the number of affected sites, detection probability, baseline occupancy and species’ responses to fire to create 72 monitoring scenarios. I then simulated 10 years of site occupancy data in which a megafire or other disturbance occurred between years 5 and 6 (n = 500 iterations).ResultsStatistical power to correctly reject the null hypothesis of no population response to megafire was high (mean across all scenarios = 0.78), but power to identify the correct population response (e.g. post‐fire occupancy declined and then recovered) was low (mean = 0.29). Statistical power to not underestimate the effect of a megafire on site occupancy was fairly high (mean = 0.66), but power to accurately estimate site occupancy was low (mean = 0.25). Statistical power increased with the number of affected sites (i.e., sample size) and with the intensity of the focal species’ response to megafire. Case study simulations based on an existing acoustic monitoring programme in the Sierra Nevada, USA, indicate that it is likely to identify Spotted Owl and Black‐backed Woodpecker population responses to megafires. Researchers can use the included simulation tutorial to implement their own power analyses.Main conclusionsLandscape‐scale monitoring programmes can identify population changes following megafires, but cannot reliably produce nuanced results, especially with only five years of post‐fire data. Smaller‐bodied species, which could be studied at more sites, are likely to be better focal species for megafire BACI studies. Aggregating landscape‐scale studies’ sampling coverage across many fire footprints to study the overall effects of megafires—rather than the effects of individual fires—may be a more informative approach.
The dimensionality and structure of species trait spaces
Authors: Mouillot David , Loiseau Nicolas , Grenié Matthias , Algar Adam C. , Allegra Michele , Cadotte Marc W. , Casajus Nicolas , Denelle Pierre , Guéguen Maya , Maire Anthony , Maitner Brian , McGill Brian J. , McLean Matthew , Mouquet Nicolas , Munoz François , Thuiller Wilfried , Villéger Sébastien , Violle Cyrille , Auber Arnaud 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTrait‐based ecology aims to understand the processes that generate the overarching diversity of organismal traits and their influence on ecosystem functioning. Achieving this goal requires simplifying this complexity in synthetic axes defining a trait space and to cluster species based on their traits while identifying those with unique combinations of traits. However, so far, we know little about the dimensionality, the robustness to trait omission and the structure of these trait spaces. Here, we propose a unified framework and a synthesis across 30 trait datasets representing a broad variety of taxa, ecosystems and spatial scales to show that a common trade‐off between trait space quality and operationality appears between three and six dimensions. The robustness to trait omission is generally low but highly variable among datasets. We also highlight invariant scaling relationships, whatever organismal complexity, between the number of clusters, the number of species in the dominant cluster and the number of unique species with total species richness. When species richness increases, the number of unique species saturates, whereas species tend to disproportionately pack in the richest cluster. Based on these results, we propose some rules of thumb to build species trait spaces and estimate subsequent functional diversity indices.
Patterns of joint damage in severe haemophilia A treated with prophylaxis
Authors: Goren Rachel , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Blanchette Victor S. , Dover Saunya , Carcao Manuel , Israels Sara J. , Chan Anthony , Rivard Georges E. , Steele MacGregor , Cloutier Stéphanie , Klaassen Robert J. , Sinha Roona , Price Victoria E. , Laferriere Nicole , Paradis Elizabeth , Wu John K. , Feldman Brian M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to assess whether there are different patterns (classes) of joint health in young boys with severe haemophilia A (SHA) prescribed primary tailored prophylaxis. We also assessed whether age at first index joint bleed, blood group, FVIII gene abnormality variant, factor VIII trough level, first‐year bleeding rate and adherence to the prescribed prophylaxis regimen significantly predicted joint damage trajectory, and thus class membership.MethodsUsing data collected prospectively as part of the Canadian Hemophilia Primary Prophylaxis Study (CHPS), we implemented a latent class growth mixture model technique to determine how many joint damage classes existed within the cohort. We used a multinomial logistic regression to predict the odds of class membership based on the above predictors. We fitted a survival model to assess whether there were differences in the rate of dose escalation across the groups.ResultsWe identified three distinct classes of trajectory: persistently low, moderately increasing and rapidly increasing joint scores. By multinomial regression, we found that only age at first index joint bleed predicted rapidly increasing joint scores. The rapidly increasing joint score class group moved through dose escalation significantly faster than the other two groups.ConclusionsUsing tailored prophylaxis, boys with SHA follow one of three joint health trajectories. By using knowledge of disease trajectories, clinicians may be able to adjust treatment according to a subject's predicted long‐term joint health and institute cost‐effective programmes of prophylaxis targeted at the individual subject level.
Enterococcus faecalis sustained infection induces macrophage pro‐resolution polarization
Authors: Polak David , Yaya Alin , Levy Dan Henry , Metzger Zvi , Abramovitz Itzhak 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate macrophage function in the presence of sustained infection with Enterococcus faecalis, a prevalent root canal resident in asymptomatic apical periodontitis.MethodologyThe human monocyte cell line (THP‐1) was differentiated into macrophages by exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and the cultures were inoculated with E. faecalis for up to 48 h. At three time‐points 90 min, 24 and 48 h after inoculation, the macrophages and their supernatants were examined. Assays included macrophage phagocytosis rate and vitality, bacterial survival, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial activity, cytokine production and the expression of pro/anti‐inflammatory M1/M2 markers. Also, periapical tissue from apicectomy samples of human endodontically treated teeth were collected for histological and immunofluorescent analysis. Statistical differences were analysed with RM ANOVA.ResultsE. faecalis were phagocytized, and subsequently, most of the macrophages underwent apoptosis and necrosis. The small population of macrophages that remained vital after 48 h post‐inoculation harboured surviving bacteria. Despite a reduction in the number of macrophages over time, the mitochondrial activity of the surviving macrophages remained constant and external ROS decreased, whereas internal ROS increased. During the infection, a shift to a M2 macrophage population at 48 h post‐infection was observed; the results were similar to those obtained in periapical human tissue biopsies (p < .05).ConclusionsThe study portrays a continuous non‐resolved infection with E. faecalis and activation of macrophages that are polarized to the M2 pro‐resolution phenotype.
Bioactive glass particles as multi‐functional therapeutic carriers against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Pajares‐Chamorro Natalia , Wagley Yadav , Hammer Neal , Hankenson Kurt , Chatzistavrou Xanthippi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe development of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus calls for novel approaches to cope with the limited availability of effective antibacterial options. This work aims to develop a site‐specific drug‐delivery multifunctional vehicle with the ability to clear resistant bacteria while promoting the healing of the surrounding damaged tissue. The use of silver‐doped microparticles (Ag–BG) is proposed as a platform to deliver vancomycin against MRSA, which under growth‐arrested conditions exhibits resistance to vancomycin. Ag–BG caged vancomycin within the Ca–P deposits resulted from the ion exchange between surface and medium, with a loading efficiency higher than 50% after 6 h of uptake. The drug was always released above the minimum inhibitory concentration against MRSA. The Ag–BG@vanc conjugate presented strong antibacterial properties against metabolically impaired bacteria, which can tolerate high concentrations of vancomycin. Ag–BG@vanc was more lethal for MRSA than Ag–BG alone, due to its capability to synergize with antibiotics. The presence of Ca–P deposits and antibiotics at the Ag–BG surface did not compromise its biological properties since the Ag–BG@vanc conjugate still promoted the cell proliferation of human pre‐osteoblast cells. These properties of multifunctional Ag–BG@vanc can provide new hope to fight antibiotic resistance and simultaneously promote bone regeneration holding great potential.
Detection of genomic regions underlying milk production traits in Valle del Belice dairy sheep using regional heritability mapping
Authors: Sutera Anna Maria , Tolone Marco , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Di Gerlando Rosalia , Sardina Maria Teresa , Portolano Baldassare , Pong‐Wong Ricardo , Riggio Valentina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify genomic regions underlying milk production traits in the Valle del Belice dairy sheep using regional heritability mapping (RHM). Repeated measurements for milk yield (MY), fat percentage and yield (F% and FY) and protein percentage and yield (P% and PY), collected over a period of 6 years (2006–2012) on 481 Valle del Belice ewes, were used for the analysis. Animals were genotyped with the Illumina 50k SNP chip. Variance components, heritabilities and repeatabilities within and across lactations were estimated, fitting parity, litter size, season of lambing and fortnights in milk, as fixed; and additive genetic, permanent environment within and across lactations, flock by test‐day interaction and residual as random effects. For the RHM analysis, the model included the same fixed and random effects as before, plus an additional regional genomic additive effect (specific for the region being tested) as random. While the whole genomic additive effect was estimated using the genomic relationship matrix (GRM) constructed from all SNPs, the regional genomic additive effect was estimated from a GRM matrix constructed from the SNPs within each region. Heritability estimates ranged between 0.06 and 0.15, with repeatabilities being between 0.14 and 0.24 across lactations and between 0.23 and 0.39 within lactation for all milk production traits. A substantial effect of flock‐test‐day on milk production traits was also estimated. Significant genomic regions at either genome‐wide (p < .05) or suggestive (i.e., one false positive per genome scan) level were identified on chromosome (OAR) 2, 3 and 20 for F% and on OAR3 for P%, with the regions on OAR3 in common between the two traits. Our results confirmed the role of LALBA and AQP genes, on OAR3, as candidate genes for milk production traits in sheep.
The association of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with small for gestational age and intertwin birthweight discordance
Authors: Lin Dongxin , Luo BD Caihong , Chen Gengdong , Fan Dazhi , Huang Zheng , Li Pengsheng , Wu Shuzhen , Ye BD Shaoxin , Ma Huiting , Rao Jiaming , Zhang Huishan , Chen Ting , Zeng Meng , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAvailable evidence shows conflicting results regarding the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs)/preeclampsia (PE) and small for gestational age (SGA) and birthweight discordance (BWD). This retrospective study of 2131 twin pregnancies aimed to evaluate the association of HDPs/PE with the presence of SGA and BWD. The eligible pregnancies were categorized into four study groups: concordant pairs without SGA fetuses, discordant pairs without SGA fetuses, concordant pairs with SGA fetuses, and discordant pairs with SGA fetuses. We applied binary logistic regression models to compare the incidence of HDPs/PE and multinomial logit regression models to evaluate the severity of PE between the study groups. The models were adjusted for potential confounders. Increases in HDPs were observed in concordant (aOR, 2.33; 95% CI: 1.46–3.73) and discordant (aOR, 3.50; 95% CI: 2.26–5.43) pregnancies with SGA fetuses but not in discordant pregnancies without SGA fetuses (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI: 0.81–2.49); increases in PE were also found in concordant (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI: 1.08–3.23) and discordant (aOR, 3.75; 95% CI: 2.36–5.96) pregnancies with SGA fetuses but not in discordant pregnancies without SGA fetuses (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI: 0.71–2.52). Discordant pregnancies with SGA fetuses were associated with severe PE (aRRR, 3.48; 95% CI: 1.79–6.77), whereas concordant pregnancies with SGA fetuses were associated with only mild PE (aRRR, 2.54; 95% CI: 1.33–4.88). Our results suggest that SGA is associated with the development of HDP/PE, while discordant growth is associated with the severity of PE. These associations need to be further investigated using estimated fetal weight (EFW).
Phylogeographic analysis of shrubby beardtongues reveals range expansions during the Last Glacial Maximum and implicates the Klamath Mountains as a hotspot for hybridization
Authors: Stone Benjamin W. , Wolfe Andrea D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractQuaternary glacial cycles often altered species' geographic distributions, which in turn altered the geographic structure of species' genetic diversity. In many cases, glacial expansion forced species in temperate climates to contract their ranges and reside in small pockets of suitable habitat (refugia), where they were likely to interact closely with other species, setting the stage for potential gene exchange. These introgression events, in turn, would have degraded species boundaries, making the inference of phylogenetic relationships challenging. Using high‐throughput sequence data, we employed a combination of species distribution models and hybridization tests to assess the effect of glaciation on the geographic distributions, phylogenetic relationships, and patterns of gene flow of five species of Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera, long‐lived shrubby angiosperms distributed throughout the Pacific Northwest of North America. Surprisingly, we found that rather than reducing their ranges to small refugia, most Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera species experienced increased suitable habitat during the Last Glacial Maximum relative to the present day. We also found substantial evidence for gene exchange between species, with the bulk of introgression events occurring in or near the Klamath Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. Subsequently, our phylogenetic inference reveals blurred taxonomic boundaries in the Klamath Mountains, where introgression is most prevalent. Our results question the classical paradigm of temperate species' responses to glaciation and highlight the importance of contextualizing phylogenetic inference with species' histories of introgression.
Autorepressor PsrA is required for optimal Legionella pneumophila growth in Acanthamoeba castellanii protozoa
Authors: Graham Christopher I. , Patel Palak G. , Tanner Jennifer R. , Hellinga Jacqueline , MacMartin Teassa L. , Hausner Georg , Brassinga Ann Karen C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLegionella pneumophila possesses a unique intracellular lifecycle featuring distinct morphological stages that include replicative forms and transmissive cyst forms. Expression of genes associated with virulence traits and cyst morphogenesis is concomitant, and governed by a complex stringent response based‐regulatory network and the stationary phase sigma factor RpoS. In Pseudomonas spp., rpoS expression is controlled by the autorepressor PsrA, and orthologs of PsrA and RpoS are required for cyst formation in Azotobacter. Here we report that the L. pneumophila psrA ortholog, expressed as a leaderless monocistronic transcript, is also an autorepressor, but is not a regulator of rpoS expression. Further, the binding site sequence recognized by L. pneumophila PsrA is different from that of Pseudomonas PsrA, suggesting a repertoire of target genes unique to L. pneumophila. While PsrA was dispensable for growth in human U937‐derived macrophages, lack of PsrA affected bacterial intracellular growth in Acanthamoeba castellanii protozoa, but also increased the quantity of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) inclusions in matured transmissive cysts. Interestingly, overexpression of PsrA increased the size and bacterial load of the replicative vacuole in both host cell types. Taken together, we report that PsrA is a host‐specific requirement for optimal temporal progression of L. pneumophila intracellular lifecycle in A. castellanii.
Migration and season explain tick prevalence in Brazilian birds
Authors: Fecchio A. , Lugarini C. , Ferreira A. , Weckstein J. D. , Kuabara K. M. D. , De La Torre G. M. , Ogrzewalska M. , Martins T. F. , de Angeli Dutra D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNeotropical birds are mostly parasitized by immature ticks and act as reservoir hosts of tick‐borne pathogens of medical and veterinary interest. Hence, determining the factors that enable ticks to encounter these highly mobile hosts and increase the potential for tick dispersal throughout migratory flyways are important for understanding tick‐borne disease transmission. We used 9682 individual birds from 572 species surveyed across Brazil and Bayesian models to disentangle possible avian host traits and climatic drivers of infestation probabilities, accounting for avian host phylogenetic relationships and spatiotemporal factors that may influence tick prevalence. Our models revealed that the probability of an individual bird being infested with tick larvae and nymphs was lower in partial migrant hosts and during the wet season. Notably, infestation probability increased in areas with a higher proportion of partial migrant birds. Other avian ecological traits known to influence tick prevalence (foraging habitat and body mass) and environmental condition that might constrain tick abundance (annual precipitation and minimum temperature) did not explain infestation probability. Our findings suggest that migratory flyways harbouring a greater abundance of migrant bird hosts also harbour a higher prevalence of immature ticks with potential to enhance the local transmission of tick‐borne pathogens and spread across regions.
Latitudinal variation in the diversity and composition of various organisms associated with an exotic plant: the role of climate and plant invasion
Authors: Gao Lunlun , Wei Chunqiang , Xu Hao , Liu Xiaoyan , Siemann Evan , Lu Xinmin 
Published: May 2021

Summary

Climate and plant invasion can shape biotic communities at large spatial scales. Yet, how diverse groups of organisms associated with an invasive plant change simultaneously with latitude and the roles of climate and plant invasion remains unclear.

We conducted a field survey of plants (native vs exotic), soil fungi (pathogenic, saprotrophic, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi) and arthropods (herbivores, predators and detritivores) associated with the invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides at 49 sites spanning 14 latitudinal degrees in China.

Results showed that diversity and composition of these functional groups changed differently with latitude, partially due to their specific responses to climate, invasion of A. philoxeroides and other biotic environments. Moreover, A. philoxeroides invasion and/or composition of other plants, rather than climate, predicted the diversity and richness of major functional groups and partly explained variance in composition of putative fungal pathogens.

Our results suggest that climate and plant invasion could affect the diversity and composition of diverse groups of organisms simultaneously and their relative importance might vary among functional groups. Thus, it is necessary to explore latitudinal patterns and underlying drivers of diverse groups of organisms simultaneously to improve our ability to predict and mitigate threats posed by plant invasion and climate change.
Nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase gene silencing enhances chemosensitivity of melanoma cell lines
Authors: Campagna Roberto , Salvolini Eleonora , Pompei Veronica , Pozzi Valentina , Salvucci Alessia , Molinelli Elisa , Brisigotti Valerio , Sartini Davide , Campanati Anna , Offidani Annamaria , Emanuelli Monica 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMelanoma accounts for less than 5% of all cutaneous neoplasms but is responsible for the greater part of skin cancer–related deaths. Therefore, the identification of molecules that could serve as the therapeutic target is urgent. This study focused on the enzyme nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT). The effect of NNMT knockdown on cell proliferation and migration of A375 melanoma cells was evaluated by MTT and wound healing assays, respectively. Viability of A375 cells downregulating NNMT was also explored under treatment with dacarbazine, a chemotherapeutic drug approved for advanced melanoma treatment. The impact of enzyme knockdown on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity was also investigated in WM‐115 melanoma cells. Results obtained demonstrated that NNMT silencing led to a significant reduction of cell proliferation and migration of A375 cells. Moreover, enzyme downregulation was associated with an increase of melanoma cells sensitivity to treatment with dacarbazine. Analogous effects induced by enzyme knockdown on cell proliferation and chemosensitivity were also found in the WM‐115 cell line. Our data seem to demonstrate that NNMT could represent a promising molecular target for the effective treatment of this form of skin cancer.