bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of myopia using orthokeratology lenses in Scandinavian children aged 6 to 12 years. Eighteen‐month data from the Danish Randomized Study: Clinical study Of Near‐sightedness; TReatment with Orthokeratology Lenses (CONTROL study)
Authors: Jakobsen Trine Moldrup , Møller Flemming 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the efficacy of myopia control defined by axial elongation and safety of orthokeratology lenses (OKL) in a Scandinavian (Danish) population.MethodsSixty Danish children aged 6–12 years with myopia ranging from 0.5 to 4.75 dioptres (D) spherical component and refractive astigmatism ≤2.5 D in both eyes were randomly assigned to either OKL or single‐vision spectacles (SVS). Study duration was 18 months. Outcome measures were axial length (AL) measured with Lenstar LS900 (Haag‐Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland) and adverse events graded with Efron Grading Scale for Contact Lens Complications.ResultsNineteen participants completed the 18‐month follow‐up in the OKL group and 28 in the SVS group. The average AL elongation in the OKL group was 0.24 mm smaller as compared to the SVS group (95% confidence interval 0.12–0.36, mixed model adjusted for baseline sex, age and AL). There were no fast progressors (>0.75 D/year) in the OKL group during the follow‐up period in contrast to 22% in the SVS group. No treatment‐requiring or vision‐threatening adverse events were observed.ConclusionOrthokeratology lenses reduced AL elongation in myopic Scandinavian children by 59%, with no treatment‐requiring or vision‐threatening adverse events. The results align with outcomes of previous clinical trials.
Transcriptome analysis following neurotropic virus infection reveals faulty innate immunity and delayed antigen presentation in mice susceptible to virus‐induced demyelination
Authors: Ciurkiewicz Malgorzata , Floess Stefan , Beckstette Michael , Kummerfeld Maren , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Huehn Jochen , Beineke Andreas 
Published: July 2021

AbstractViral infections of the central nervous system cause acute or delayed neuropathology and clinical consequences ranging from asymptomatic courses to chronic, debilitating diseases. The outcome of viral encephalitis is partially determined by genetically programed immune response patterns of the host. Experimental infection of mice with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) causes diverse neurologic diseases, including TMEV‐induced demyelinating disease (TMEV‐IDD), depending on the used mouse strain. The aim of the present study was to compare initial transcriptomic changes occurring in the brain of TMEV‐infected SJL (TMEV‐IDD susceptible) and C57BL/6 (TMEV‐IDD resistant) mice. Animals were infected with TMEV and sacrificed 4, 7, or 14 days post infection. RNA was isolated from brain tissue and analyzed by whole‐transcriptome sequencing. Selected differences were confirmed on a protein level by immunohistochemistry. In mock‐infected SJL and C57BL/6 mice, >200 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Following TMEV‐infection, the number of DEGs increased to >700. Infected C57BL/6 mice showed a higher expression of transcripts related to antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I, innate antiviral immune responses and cytotoxicity, compared with infected SJL animals. Expression of many of those genes was weaker or delayed in SJL mice, associated with a failure of viral clearance in this mouse strain. SJL mice showed prolonged elevation of MHC II and chemotactic genes compared with C57BL/6 mice, which presumably facilitates the induction of chronic demyelinating disease. In addition, elevated expression of several genes associated with immunomodulatory or –suppressive functions was observed in SJL mice. The exploratory study confirms previous observations in the model and provides an extensive list of new immunologic parameters potentially contributing to different outcomes of viral encephalitis in two mouse strains.
Post COVID‐19: a solution scan of options for preventing future zoonotic epidemics
Authors: Petrovan Silviu O. , Aldridge David C. , Bartlett Harriet , Bladon Andrew J. , Booth Hollie , Broad Steven , Broom Donald M. , Burgess Neil D. , Cleaveland Sarah , Cunningham Andrew A. , Ferri Maurizio , Hinsley Amy , Hua Fangyuan , Hughes Alice C. , Jones Kate , Kelly Moira , Mayes George , Radakovic Milorad , Ugwu Chinedu A. , Uddin Nasir , Veríssimo Diogo , Walzer Christian , White Thomas B. , Wood James L. , Sutherland William J. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTThe crisis generated by the emergence and pandemic spread of COVID‐19 has thrown into the global spotlight the dangers associated with novel diseases, as well as the key role of animals, especially wild animals, as potential sources of pathogens to humans. There is a widespread demand for a new relationship with wild and domestic animals, including suggested bans on hunting, wildlife trade, wet markets or consumption of wild animals. However, such policies risk ignoring essential elements of the problem as well as alienating and increasing hardship for local communities across the world, and might be unachievable at scale. There is thus a need for a more complex package of policy and practical responses. We undertook a solution scan to identify and collate 161 possible options for reducing the risks of further epidemic disease transmission from animals to humans, including potential further SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission (original or variants). We include all categories of animals in our responses (i.e. wildlife, captive, unmanaged/feral and domestic livestock and pets) and focus on pathogens (especially viruses) that, once transmitted from animals to humans, could acquire epidemic potential through high rates of human‐to‐human transmission. This excludes measures to prevent well‐known zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, that cannot readily transmit between humans. We focused solutions on societal measures, excluding the development of vaccines and other preventive therapeutic medicine and veterinary medicine options that are discussed elsewhere. We derived our solutions through reading the scientific literature, NGO position papers, and industry guidelines, collating our own experiences, and consulting experts in different fields. Herein, we review the major zoonotic transmission pathways and present an extensive list of options. The potential solutions are organised according to the key stages of the trade chain and encompass solutions that can be applied at the local, regional and international scales. This is a set of options targeted at practitioners and policy makers to encourage careful examination of possible courses of action, validating their impact and documenting outcomes.
Mast cell activation tests by flow cytometry: A new diagnostic asset?
Authors: Elst Jessy , van der Poorten Marie‐Line M. , Van Gasse Athina L. , De Puysseleyr Leander , Hagendorens Margo M. , Faber Margaretha A. , Van Houdt Michel , Passante Egle , Bahri Rajia , Walschot Mark , Mertens Christel , Bridts Chris H. , Sabato Vito , Ebo Didier G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSince the late nineties, evidence has accumulated that flow‐assisted basophil activation test (BAT) might be an accessible and reliable method to explore the mechanisms governing basophil degranulation and diagnostic allowing correct prediction of the clinical outcome following exposure to the offending allergen(s) and cross‐reactive structures for different IgE‐dependent allergies and particular forms of autoimmune urticaria. Although the BAT offers many advantages over mediator release tests, it is left with some weaknesses that hinder a wider application. It is preferable to perform the BAT analysis within 4 h of collection, and the technique does not advance diagnosis in patients with non‐responsive cells. Besides, the BAT is difficult to standardize mainly because of the difficulty to perform large batch analyses that might span over several days. This article reviews the status of flow cytometric mast cell activation test (MAT) using passively sensitized mast cells (MCs) with patients' sera or plasma (henceforth indicated as passive MAT; pMAT) using both MC lines and cultured MCs in the diagnosis of IgE‐dependent allergies. In addition, this paper provides guidance for generating human MCs from peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells (PBCMCs) and correct interpretation of flow cytometric analyses of activated and/or degranulating cells. With the recent recognition of the mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) occupation as a putative mechanism of immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHRs), we also speculate how direct activation of MCs (dMAT)—that is direct activation by MRGPRX2 agonists without prior passive sensitization—could advance paradigms for this novel endotype of IDHRs.
Sustainability of social–ecological systems: The difference between social rules and management rules
Authors: Chiaravalloti Rafael M. , Homewood Katherine , Dyble Mark 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTMost conservation and development initiatives assume that rules limiting resource extraction are necessary for ecological sustainability. While this is often true, in some social–ecological systems, unpredictable ecosystem dynamics and limited exploitation technology make it unlikely that people will overstep the ecological threshold, precluding the need for management rules. Here, two kinds of systems can emerge: open access systems in which individuals can meet their needs without cooperating with others, and a cooperative open access system in which social rules are required though management rules are not, because individuals need to cooperate to survive and to prevent erosion of cooperation by free‐riders. We provide three brief case studies illustrating cooperative open access: Pantaneiro fishers, Agta hunter‐gatherers, and Maasai pastoralists. We conclude that understanding these exceptions is pivotal for a better theoretical understanding of social–ecological systems, and can be valuable in building a strategic approach to conservation.
Infusion of hESC derived Immunity‐and‐matrix regulatory cells improves cognitive ability in early‐stage AD mice
Authors: Liu Jing , Hou Zongren , Wu Jun , Liu Kailun , Li Da , Gao Tingting , Liu Wenjing , An Bin , Sun Yun , Mo Fan , Wang Liu , Wang Yukai , Hao Jie , Hu Baoyang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, we administered immunity‐and‐matrix regulatory cells (IMRCs) via tail vein (IV) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection to 3‐month‐old 5×FAD transgenic mice to assess the effects of IMRC transplantation on the behaviour and pathology of early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD).Materials and methodsClinical‐grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC)‐derived IMRCs were produced under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions. Three‐month‐old 5×FAD mice were administered IMRCs via IV and ICV injection. After 3 months, the mice were subjected to behavioural tests and electrophysiological analysis to evaluate their cognitive function, memory ability and synaptic plasticity. The effect of IMRCs on amyloid‐beta (Aβ)‐related pathology was detected by thioflavin‐S staining and Western blot. Quantitative real‐time PCR, ELISA and immunostaining were used to confirm that IMRCs inhibit neuroinflammation. RNA‐seq analysis was performed to measure changes in gene expression and perform a pathway analysis in response to IMRC treatment.ResultsIMRC administration via tail vein injection significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits in early‐stage AD (5×FAD) mice. However, no significant change was observed in the characteristic pathology of AD in the ICV group. Plaque analysis revealed that IMRCs did not influence either plaque deposition or BACE1 expression. In addition, IMRCs inhibited inflammatory responses and reduced microglial activation in vivo.ConclusionsWe have shown that peripheral administration of IMRCs can ameliorate AD pathology and associated cognitive deficits.
Dental pulp stem cell‐derived exosomes alleviate cerebral ischaemia‐reperfusion injury through suppressing inflammatory response
Authors: Li Song , Luo Lihua , He Yan , Li Ruohan , Xiang Yangfan , Xing Zhenjie , Li Yejian , Albashari Abdullkhaleg Ali , Liao Xiangyan , Zhang Keke , Gao Liang , Ye Qingsong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe study aimed to determine whether dental pulp stem cell‐derived exosomes (DPSC‐Exos) exert protective effects against cerebral ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury and explore its underlying mechanism.Materials and MethodsExosomes were isolated from the culture medium of human DPSC. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 2 hours transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) injury followed by 2 hours reperfusion, after which singular injection of DPSC‐Exos via tail vein was administrated. Brain oedema, cerebral infarction and neurological impairment were measured on day 7 after exosomes injection. Then, oxygen‐glucose deprivation–reperfusion (OGD/R) induced BV2 cells were studied to analyse the therapeutic effects of DPSC‐Exos on I/R injury in vitro. Protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF‐κB p65, HMGB1, IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α were determined by western blot or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 was detected by immunofluorescence staining.ResultsDPSC‐Exos alleviated brain oedema, cerebral infarction and neurological impairment in I/R mice. DPSC‐Exos inhibited the I/R‐mediated expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF‐κB significantly. DPSC‐Exos also reduced the protein expression of IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α compared with those of the control both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, DPSC‐Exos markedly decreased the HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation induced by I/R damage.ConclusionsDPSC‐Exos can ameliorate I/R‐induced cerebral injury in mice. Its anti‐inflammatory mechanism might be related with the inhibition of the HMGB1/TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway.
Investigation of the prognostic value of psoas muscle area measurement in pediatric patients before liver transplantation: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Dag Nurullah , Karatoprak Sinan , Ozturk Mehmet , Karatoprak Nur Betul , Sigirci Ahmet , Yilmaz Sezai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground: In this study, our aim is to investigate the prognostic value of psoas muscle area (PMA) evaluation before liver transplantation (LT) in pediatric patients.Methods: Two hundred seventy‐six patients under 18 years of age who underwent LT between January 2012 and December 2019 were included in the study. The patients’ demographic, laboratory, clinical, and imaging data were scanned retrospectively. PMA was measured at the L4/5 level using computed tomography images. To determine reproducibility, a different radiologist evaluated 30 randomly selected patients.Results: In patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD), PMA was significantly lower than in patients with acute liver failure (P < .001). In patients with ESLD, a weakly significant correlation was found between PMA and 1‐year survival after LT (r: .251,P = .030), hospitalization period (r: −.275,P = .039), and pediatric ESLD score (r: −.338,P < .001). Interobserver correlation was excellent (ICC: .941, 95% CI: .925, .971).Conclusion: In children with ESLD, PMA evaluated before LT can be used as a negative prognostic factor.
Ischemic postconditioning improves the outcome of organs from donors after cardiac death in a pig liver transplantation model and provides synergistic protection with hypothermic machine perfusion
Authors: Jia Degong , Pan Qi , Zhang Yijie , Yu Yang , Song Zhanyu , Liu Yong feng , Jia Zhixing , Guo Shanshan , Cheng Ying 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThis study investigated whether ischemic postconditioning (IPO) improved the outcome of organs from donors after cardiac death and had a synergistic effect with hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) in a pig liver transplantation model.MethodsA donor after cardiac death (DCD) model was developed in 48 healthy Bama miniature pigs randomly divided into four groups: simple cold storage group (SCS group), IPO group, HMP group, HMP–IPO group. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, histopathological findings, apoptotic activity of hepatocytes, international normalized ratio (INR), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were compared.ResultsAll recipients in the SCS group died within 6 h after transplantation. The livers of the recipients in the IPO had 50% survival on day 5. HMP allowed 83.3% survival and HMP–IPO allowed 100% survival. After reperfusion, the recipients in the IPO and HMP–IPO group had lower ALT and total bilirubin levels, less Suzuki score, less apoptosis, and less injury to hepatocytes and biliary ducts and attenuated inflammatory response and oxidative load.ConclusionsIPO improved the outcome of organs from donors after cardiac death and had a synergistic effect with HMP in the pig liver transplantation model.
Joint species distributions reveal the combined effects of host plants, abiotic factors and species competition as drivers of species abundances in fruit flies
Authors: Facon Benoit , Hafsi Abir , Charlery de la Masselière Maud , Robin Stéphane , Massol François , Dubart Maxime , Chiquet Julien , Frago Enric , Chiroleu Frédéric , Duyck Pierre‐François , Ravigné Virginie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe relative importance of ecological factors and species interactions for shaping species distributions is still debated. The realised niches of eight sympatric tephritid fruit flies were inferred from field abundance data using joint species distribution modelling and network inference, on the whole community and separately on three host plant groups. These estimates were then confronted the fundamental niches of seven fly species estimated through laboratory‐measured fitnesses on host plants. Species abundances depended on host plants, followed by climatic factors, with a dose of competition between species sharing host plants. The relative importance of these factors mildly changed among the three host plant groups. Despite overlapping fundamental niches, specialists and generalists had almost distinct realised niches, with possible competitive exclusion of generalists by specialists on Cucurbitaceae. They had different assembly rules: Specialists were mainly influenced by their adaptation to host plants, while generalist abundances varied regardless of their fundamental host use.
Controlled mechanical ventilation in equine anaesthesia: Classification of ventilators and practical considerations (Part 2)
Authors: Moreno‐Martinez F. , Senior J. M. , Mosing M. 
Published: July 2021

SummaryControlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) is routinely used in equine anaesthesia, with many different options available to facilitate the delivery of mechanical breaths. The complexity of equine respiratory pathophysiology and the wide range of devices available is described in the two parts of this scoping review. The second part of this review provides an overview of commercially available and hand‐made devices that can be used to deliver CMV in large animals. A short overview of basic physics for mechanical ventilation is given. Working principles are discussed and, where relevant, connected to the pathophysiological background of equine ventilation. The objective of this review is to demystify ventilation modes and ventilators used in equine anaesthesia over the last two decades. In addition, this review aims to provide a practical guide to what the anaesthetist needs to consider before using CMV, how CMV can be delivered and monitored, and which principles need to be applied are included. Comparison of the clinical effects between spontaneous breathing and CMV is included.
Estimation of elastic–plastic notch strains and stresses using artificial neural networks
Authors: Burghardt Ralf , Wächter Michael , Masendorf Lukas , Esderts Alfons 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe prediction of fatigue lives of metallic components using the notch strain approach is based on local stresses and strains. These can be determined either by analytical approximation formulas such as Neuber's rule based on linear elastic stresses or by finite element analysis with elastic–plastic material behavior. The latter has the disadvantage of longer computation times.This paper discusses a draft for application of artificial neural networks as an alternative approach for estimating uniaxial and multiaxial proportional elastic–plastic stresses and strains in notch roots based on linear elastic stresses. These networks are trained on results from elastic–plastic finite element analyses on flat bars notched on both sides and circumferentially notched shafts to predict local stresses. The resulting accuracy is compared to the analytical approximation formulas.The research findings confirm that neural networks can estimate local stresses with similar scatter and better mean value compared to analytical formulas.
A hidden hand in corporate lobbying
Authors: Jiao Anqi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractI investigate the role of institutional investors in firms’ lobbying activities. Firms with greater lobbying institutional ownership lobby more. Using a novel dataset with lobbying information on congressional bills, I show that institutional investors support portfolio firms by lobbying together on same bills. Bills lobbied by institutional investors are more likely to become laws and the passage of such bills leads to greater abnormal returns. Additional evidence suggests that institutional investors protect firms’ private political information by voting against shareholder proposals requesting additional lobbying disclosure. The findings have an important economic implication: financial institutions provide a helping hand in firms’ external governance related to law and politics.
Ecosystem services provision by Mediterranean forests will be compromised above 2℃ warming
Authors: Morán‐Ordóñez Alejandra , Ramsauer Julia , Coll Lluis , Brotons Lluís , Ameztegui Aitor 
Published: July 2021

AbstractForests provide a wide range of provisioning, regulating and cultural services of great value to societies across the Mediterranean basin. In this study, we reviewed the scientific literature of the last 30 years to quantify the magnitude of projected changes in ecosystem services provision by Mediterranean forests under IPCC climate change scenarios. We classified the scenarios according to the temperature threshold of 2℃ set by the Paris Agreement (below or above). The review of 78 studies shows that climate change will lead to a general reduction in the provision of regulating services (e.g. carbon storage, regulation of freshwater quantity and quality) and a general increase in the number of fires, burnt areas and generally, an increase in climate‐related forest hazards (median + 62% by 2100). Studies using scenarios above the 2℃ threshold projected significantly more negative changes in regulating services than studies using scenarios below this threshold. Main projected trend changes on material services (e.g. wood products), were less clear and depended on (i) whether or not the studies considered the interaction between the rise in temperatures and other drivers (e.g. forest management, CO2 fertilization) and (ii) differences in productivity responses across the tree species evaluated. Overall, the reviewed studies projected significant reductions in range extent and habitat suitability for the most drought‐sensitive forest species (e.g. −88% Fagus sylvatica), while the amount of habitat available for more drought‐tolerant species will remain stable or increase; however, the magnitude of projected change for these more xeric species was limited when high‐end extreme climatic scenarios were considered (above Paris Agreement). Our review highlights the benefits that climate change mitigation (to keep global mean temperature increase <2℃) can bring in terms of service provision and conservation of Mediterranean forests.