bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The amount of environmental DNA increases with freshwater crayfish density and over time
Authors: Sint Daniela , Kolp Bernhard , Rennstam Rubbmark Oskar , Füreder Leopold , Traugott Michael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOver the last years, the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become an important approach to investigate species communities. Due to its non‐invasive nature and high sensitivity, this method is excellently suited to monitor the occurrence of endangered or invasive species. Native freshwater crayfish are threatened across Europe. Due to their nocturnal activity and hidden lifestyle, crayfish monitoring is difficult and time consuming with conventional methods. Thus, eDNA‐based monitoring of native, as well as invasive crayfish, would be an immense advantage in the conservation of these animals. However, although several assays for the detection of various crayfish species have been published, comparably little is known on the relationship between eDNA concentration and crayfish population densities; a pre‐requisite for estimating population sizes from eDNA measurements. In this study we, therefore, performed a set of laboratory experiments to investigate the relationship between eDNA concentrations and crayfish densities—measured as either crayfish size or biomass. We found a strong correlation between the two measurements and could also show that the amount of eDNA showed a linear increase during the first three days (at least) after crayfish were introduced to aquaria. Additionally, our experiments also suggest that crayfish activity might have a strong influence on the eDNA signal strength. Our findings will help to optimize eDNA‐based monitoring of freshwater crayfish, important for the conservation of these charismatic animals.
TLR9 signalling inhibits Plasmodium liver infection by macrophage activation
Authors: Kordes Maximilian , Ormond Louise , Rausch Sebastian , Matuschewski Kai , Hafalla Julius Clemence R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRecognition of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) plays a pivotal role in first‐line pathogen defense. TLRs are also likely triggered during a Plasmodium infection in vivo by parasite‐derived components. However, the contribution of innate responses to liver infection and to the subsequent clinical outcome of a blood infection is not well understood. To assess the potential effects of enhanced TLR‐signalling on Plasmodium infection, we systematically examined the effect of agonist‐primed immune responses to sporozoite inoculation in the P. berghei/C57Bl/6 murine malaria model. We could identify distinct stage‐specific effects on the course of infection after stimulation with two out of four TLR‐ligands tested. Priming with a TLR9 agonist induced killing of pre‐erythrocytic stages in the liver that depended on macrophages and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These factors have previously not been recognized as antigen‐independent effector mechanisms against Plasmodium liver stages. Priming with TLR4 and ‐9 agonists also translated into blood stage‐specific protection against experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). These insights are relevant to the activation of TLR signalling pathways by adjuvant systems of antimalaria vaccine strategies. The protective role of TLR4‐activation against ECM might also explain some unexpected clinical effects observed with pre‐erythrocytic vaccine approaches.
Caught in a social crossfire: Exploring the social forces behind and experience of ambivalence about potential social change
Authors: Ton Gonneke Marina , Stroebe Katherine , van Zomeren Martijn 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSocial psychological research on societal debates about potential social change (e.g., abortion, racial segregation) often focuses on those who take clear positions in these debates. Yet, little is known about the often invisible yet potentially influential group that experiences ambivalence in societal debates. Extending and integrating ambivalence and social change research, we explore the relation between social forces in societal debates and the experiences of ambivalence about social change within these debates. Thematic analysis of extensive interviews with 15 Dutch students experiencing ambivalence in a heated Dutch societal debate revealed that different social forces (e.g., interpersonal relations, groups people belong to, societal systems) facilitate felt ambivalence about potential social change. Moreover, this ambivalence was often experienced as feeling caught in a social crossfire. Our work contributes to a richer psychological understanding of ambivalence about potential social change and reveals the complexity of decision‐making in the context of societal debates.
Different pharmacoresistance of focal epileptic spasms, generalized epileptic spasms, and generalized epileptic spasms combined with focal seizures
Authors: Takahashi Yukitoshi , Ota Akiko , Tohyama Jun , Kirino Tomoko , Fujiwara Yumi , Ikeda Chizuru , Tanaka Shigeki , Takahashi Jyunya , Shinoki Toshihiko , Shiraga Hiroshi , Inoue Takushi , Fujita Hiroshi , Bonno Motoki , Nagao Masayoshi , Kaneko Hideo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveAmong standard treatments for infantile spasms, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is reported as the best treatment, but ACTH is ineffective in one‐half of the patients. To establish precision medicine, we examined pharmacoresistance of focal epileptic spasms (ES), generalized ES, and generalized ES combined with focal seizures, diagnosed based on the revised seizure classification of ILAE in 2017.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective nationwide study in Japan on the long‐term seizure outcome of ES. Long‐term seizure outcome was evaluated by seizure‐free rate, seizure‐free period, and Kaplan‐Meier curve. Seizure‐free was defined as seizure control for longer than 2 months.ResultsFrom the medical history of 501 patients, 325 patients had generalized ES only (GES group) at the start of the first treatment, 125 patients had generalized ES after focal seizure onset (FS‐GES group), seven patients had focal ES after focal seizure onset (FS‐FES group), and 24 patients had generalized ES combined with focal seizures after focal seizure onset (FS‐GES + FS group). Seizure‐free period of ES (generalized ES and focal ES) [mean (95% confidence interval)] was 2.7 (0.0‐5.4) months in GES group, 1.1 (0.1‐2.2) months in FS‐GES group, 1.0 (0.2‐1.9) months in FS‐GES + FS group, and 0.1 (−0.2‐0.5) months in FS‐FES group. Seizure‐free rate, seizure‐free period, and Kaplan‐Meier curve of generalized ES were almost the same in GES group and FS‐GES group, with characteristics of superior response to ACTH. Mean seizure‐free period of generalized ES combined with focal seizures was significantly shorter in FS‐GES + FS group than in GES group. Mean seizure‐free period of focal ES in FS‐FES group was extremely short with exceedingly early relapse.SignificancePharmacoresistance was different in generalized ES, focal ES, and generalized ES combined with focal seizures. ES with focal features or with focal seizures may have focal lesions, thus consider surgical options earlier in the course.
A lattice Boltzmann model for shallow water equations on the smoothed quadtree grid
Authors: Ru Zhiming , Liu Haifei , Tu Gangqin , Xing Liming , Wu Xuerong , Ding Yu , Shao Dongdong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn hydraulic simulation, the fine land‐water boundary often means more accurate result but more lattices and time cost. In this study, we developed a smoothed quadtree grid and introduced it into the lattice Boltzmann model for the shallow water equations (LABSWE) to balance this problem. The recommended grid is meticulously designed to own a minimum width of advantage over a uniform grid or multi‐block grid, and can describe the zigzag boundary via smaller size lattices with acceptable total number of lattice. As an improved multi‐block grid, the lattices are numbered in serialization for facilitating data storage and parallel computation, and a standardized process is developed to employ this grid in the LABSWE. The spatial interpolation is modified based on the water surface and fluxes instead of the water depth and velocities, in order to satisfy the necessary property (N‐property: the numerical scheme can replicate the exact solution to a stationary case in which there is a nonzero force or source term). The proposed model is verified by two benchmark tests and then applied to the long‐term simulation of unsteady flows in large aquatorium. The agreement between predictions and analytical results or other solutions are satisfactory. Three popular collision schemes, the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) scheme, the multiple relaxation time (MRT) scheme and the central moments (CMs) scheme, have also been tested, showing that the stability of the MRT and CMs schemes are better than the BGK scheme for the flows with higher Reynolds number, but cost only 4%–6% more computational load.
Laminin regulates oligodendrocyte development and myelination
Authors: Kang Minkyung , Yao Yao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOligodendrocytes are the cells that myelinate axons and provide trophic support to neurons in the CNS. Their dysfunction has been associated with a group of disorders known as demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Oligodendrocytes are derived from oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which differentiate into premyelinating oligodendrocytes and eventually mature oligodendrocytes. The development and function of oligodendrocytes are tightly regulated by a variety of molecules, including laminin, a major protein of the extracellular matrix. Accumulating evidence suggests that laminin actively regulates every aspect of oligodendrocyte biology, including survival, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. How can laminin exert such diverse functions in oligodendrocytes? It is speculated that the distinct laminin isoforms, laminin receptors, and/or key signaling molecules expressed in oligodendrocytes at different developmental stages are the reasons. Understanding molecular targets and signaling pathways unique to each aspect of oligodendrocyte biology will enable more accurate manipulation of oligodendrocyte development and function, which may have implications in the therapies of demyelinating diseases. Here in this review, we first introduce oligodendrocyte biology, followed by the expression of laminin and laminin receptors in oligodendrocytes and other CNS cells. Next, the functions of laminin in oligodendrocyte biology, including survival, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and myelination, are discussed in detail. Last, key questions and challenges in the field are discussed. By providing a comprehensive review on laminin's roles in OL lineage cells, we hope to stimulate novel hypotheses and encourage new research in the field.
A norepinephrine‐dependent glial calcium wave travels in the spinal cord upon acoustovestibular stimuli
Authors: Orts‐Del'Immagine Adeline , Dhanasekar Mahalakshmi , Lejeune François‐Xavier , Roussel Julian , Wyart Claire 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough calcium waves have been widely observed in glial cells, their occurrence in vivo during behavior remains less understood. Here, we investigated the recruitment of glial cells in the hindbrain and spinal cord after acousto‐vestibular (AV) stimuli triggering escape responses using in vivo population calcium imaging in larval zebrafish. We observed that gap‐junction‐coupled spinal glial network exhibits large and homogenous calcium increases that rose in the rostral spinal cord and propagated bi‐directionally toward the spinal cord and toward the hindbrain. Spinal glial calcium waves were driven by the recruitment of neurons and in particular, of noradrenergic signaling acting through α‐adrenergic receptors. Noradrenergic neurons of the medulla‐oblongata (NE‐MO) were revealed in the vicinity of where the calcium wave started. NE‐MO were recruited upon AV stimulation and sent dense axonal projections in the rostro‐lateral spinal cord, suggesting these cells could trigger the glial wave to propagate down the spinal cord. Altogether, our results revealed that a simple AV stimulation is sufficient to recruit noradrenergic neurons in the brainstem that trigger in the rostral spinal cord two massive glial calcium waves, one traveling caudally in the spinal cord and another rostrally into the hindbrain.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdowns on mental health: Evidence from a quasi‐natural experiment in England and Scotland
Authors: Serrano‐Alarcón Manuel , Kentikelenis Alexander , Mckee Martin , Stuckler David 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has been associated with worsening mental health but it is unclear whether this is a direct consequence of containment measures, like “Stay at Home” orders, or due to other considerations, such as fear and uncertainty about becoming infected. It is also unclear how responsive mental health is to a changing situation. Exploiting the different policy responses to COVID‐19 in England and Scotland and using a difference‐in‐difference analysis, we show that easing lockdown measures rapidly improves mental health. The results were driven by individuals with lower socioeconomic position, in terms of education or financial situation, who benefited more from the end of the strict lockdown, whereas they suffered a larger decline in mental health where the lockdown was extended. Overall, mental health appears to be more sensitive to the imposition of containment policies than to the evolution of the pandemic itself. As lockdown measures may continue to be necessary in the future, further efforts (both financial and mental health support) are required to minimize the consequences of COVID‐19 containment policies for mental health.
Increased body mass index predicts prolonged survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Eric L. , Peesay Tejasvi , Randall James A. , Nelson Lacey L. , Shearer Sarah C. , Johnson Bria C. , Maxwell Jessica H. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundHigher body mass index (BMI) may have a protective effect on survival in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BMI on overall survival (OS) in veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).MethodsA cohort of 702 patients diagnosed with HNSCC between 1995 and 2019 were identified at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and 342 patients were included for analysis. Records were queried for clinical‐demographic data, BMI, and outcomes.ResultsHNSCC patients categorized as overweight or obese at time of diagnosis had a lower 3‐year risk of death (p = 0.033) and improved OS (p < 0.001) compared to patients who were underweight or normal weight. The majority of locoregional recurrences occurred in patients with low or normal pretreatment BMI.ConclusionsHigher BMI at diagnosis may have a protective effect on OS in veterans with HNSCC.
A GLP‐1/GLP‐2 receptor dual agonist to treat NASH: Targeting the gut‐liver axis and microbiome
Authors: Kim Eun Ran , Park Jeong Su , Kim Jin Hee , Oh Ji Young , Oh In Jeong , Choi Da Hyun , Lee Yu seol , Park I. Seul , Kim SeungWon , Lee Da Hyun , Cheon Jae Hee , Bae Jin‐Woo , Lee Minyoung , Cho Jin Won , An In Bok , Nam Eun Joo , Yang Sang‐In , Lee Myung‐Shik , Bae Soo Han , Lee Yong‐ho 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Currently there is no Food and Drug Administration–approved drug to treat NAFLD and NASH, the rates of which are increasing worldwide. Although NAFLD/NASH are highly complex and heterogeneous conditions, most pharmacotherapy pipelines focus on a single mechanistic target. Considering the importance of the gut‐liver axis in their pathogenesis, we investigated the therapeutic effect of a long‐acting dual agonist of glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 and GLP‐2 receptors in mice with NAFLD/NASH.

Approach and Results

C57BL/6J mice were fed a choline‐deficient high‐fat diet/high fructose and sucrose solution. After 16 weeks, mice were randomly allocated to receive vehicle, GLP1‐Fc, GLP2‐Fc, or GLP1/2‐Fc fusion (GLP1/2‐Fc) subcutaneously every 2 days for 4 weeks. Body weight was monitored, insulin/glucose tolerance tests were performed, feces were collected, and microbiome profiles were analyzed. Immobilized cell systems were used to evaluate direct peptide effect. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, immunoblot analysis, tunnel assay, and biochemical assays were performed to assess drug effects on inflammation, hepatic fibrosis, cell death, and intestinal structures. The mice had well‐developed NASH phenotypes. GLP1/2‐Fc reduced body weight, glucose levels, hepatic triglyceride levels, and cellular apoptosis. It improved liver fibrosis, insulin sensitivity, and intestinal tight junctions, and increased microvillus height, crypt depth, and goblet cells of intestine compared with a vehicle group. Similar effects of GLP1/2‐Fc were found in in vitro cell systems. GLP1/2‐Fc also changed microbiome profiles. We applied fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) gain further insight into the mechanism of GLP1/2‐Fc–mediated protection. We confirmed that FMT exerted an additive effect on GLP1‐Fc group, including the body weight change, liver weight, hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and hepatic fibrosis.

Conclusions
A long‐acting dual agonist of GLP‐1 and GLP‐2 receptors is a promising therapeutic strategy to treat NAFLD/NASH.
Favorable impact in hepatitis C–related mortality following free access to direct‐acting antivirals in Spain
Authors: Politi Julieta , Guerras Juan‐Miguel , Donat Marta , Belza María J. , Ronda Elena , Barrio Gregorio , Regidor Enrique 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Free treatments for HCV infection with direct‐acting antivirals became widespread in Spain in April 2015. We aimed to test whether, after this intervention, there was a more favorable change in population mortality from HCV‐related than from non‐HCV‐related causes.

Approach and Results
Postintervention changes in mortality were assessed using uncontrolled before–after and single‐group interrupted time series designs. All residents in Spain during 2001–2018 were included. Various underlying death causes were analyzed: HCV infection; other HCV‐related outcomes (HCC, liver cirrhosis, and HIV disease); and non‐C hepatitis, other liver diseases, and nonhepatic causes as control outcomes. Changes in mortality after the intervention were first assessed by rate ratios (RRs) between the postintervention and preintervention age‐standardized mortality rates. Subsequently, using quasi‐Poisson segmented regression models, we estimated the annual percent change (APC) in mortality rate in the postintervention and preintervention periods. All mortality rates were lower during the postintervention period, although RRs were much lower for HCV (0.53; 95% CI, 0.51–0.56) and HIV disease than other causes. After the intervention, there was a great acceleration of the downward mortality trend from HCV, whose APC went from −3.2% (95% CI, −3.6% to −2.8%) to −18.4% (95% CI, −20.6% to −16.3%). There were also significant accelerations in the downward trends in mortality from HCC and HIV disease, while they remained unchanged for cirrhosis and slowed or reversed for other causes.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the favorable changes in HCV‐related mortality observed for Spain after April 2015 are attributable to scaling up free treatment with direct‐acting antivirals and reinforce that HCV eradication is on the horizon.
Risk of HBV reactivation during therapies for HCC: A systematic review
Authors: Papatheodoridi Margarita , Tampaki Maria , Lok Anna S. , Papatheodoridis George V. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Treatment for HCC has evolved rapidly, but the risk of HBV reactivation to new therapies is unclear. We systematically reviewed data on HBV reactivation in patients receiving HCC therapy in relation to use of HBV antiviral prophylaxis.

Approach and Results
A literature search was performed to identify all published studies including HBsAg‐positive patients with HCC providing data on HBV reactivation. Forty‐one studies with 10,223 patients, all from Asia, were included. The pooled HBV reactivation rate was 5% in patients receiving no specific HCC therapy and was higher in patients undergoing surgical resection (16%), transarterial chemoembolization (19%), or radiotherapy (14%) and intermediate in patients treated with local ablation therapy (7%) or systemic agents (7%). HBV reactivation rates were higher in those without compared to those with HBV prophylaxis (ablation, 9% versus 0%; resection, 20% versus 3%; chemoembolization, 23% versus 1%; external radiotherapy alone, 18% versus 0%; systemic therapy, 9% versus 3%). HBV‐related biochemical reactivation rates varied between 6%–11% and 2% in patients receiving HCC therapies with high and intermediate HBV reactivation risk, respectively. Liver decompensation and death were rarely reported (0%–3%) and only in patients receiving HCC treatment with high HBV reactivation risk.

Conclusions
HBsAg‐positive patients with HCC are at high or intermediate risk of HBV reactivation depending on the type of HCC therapy. Nucleos(t)ide analogue prophylaxis reduces the risk of HBV reactivation, practically eliminates the risk of hepatitis flare, and should be administered regardless of HCC treatment.
Multifunctional manipulation of red blood cells using optical tweezers
Authors: Xie Yanzheng , Liu Xiaoshuai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractServing as natural vehicles to deliver oxygen throughout the whole body, red blood cells (RBCs) have been regarded as important indicators for biomedical analysis and clinical diagnosis. Various diseases can be induced due to the dysfunction of RBCs. Hence, a flexible tool is required to perform precise manipulation and quantitative characterization of their physiological mechanisms and viscoelastic properties. Optical tweezers have emerged as potential candidates due to their noncontact manipulation and femtonewton‐precision measurements. This review aimed to highlight the recent advances in the multifunctional manipulation of RBCs using optical tweezers, including controllable deformation, dynamic stretching, RBC aggregation, blood separation and Raman characterization. Further, great attentions have been focused on the precise assembly of functional biophotonics devices with trapped RBCs, and a brief overview was offered for the growing interests to manipulate RBCs in vivo.