bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve ultrasound findings in Sjögren's syndrome‐associated neuropathy
Authors: Seeliger Tabea , Bönig Lena , Gingele Stefan , Prenzler Nils K. , Thiele Thea , Ernst Diana , Witte Torsten , Stangel Martin , Skripuletz Thomas , Körner Sonja 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe phenotype of Sjögren's syndrome‐associated neuropathy has been better characterized in recent years. However, Sjögren's syndrome‐associated neuropathy remains an underdiagnosed entity with only few insights considering the pathomechanisms of nerve damage. Nerve ultrasound has proven to be a useful and efficient tool in detecting nerve damage of autoimmune origin. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate this method for Sjögren's syndrome‐associated neuropathy.MethodsPatients with Sjögren's syndrome and clinical signs of neuropathy underwent sonographic examination of both median and ulnar nerves. Nerve thickening was classified for cross‐sectional areas of >12 mm² at the median nerve and for >10 mm² at the ulnar nerve. Fascicle thickening was documented for cross‐sectional areas ≥5 mm² at the median and ≥3 mm² at the ulnar nerve.ResultsForty‐three patients were included in the analysis (median age 60 years [interquartile range 53–73 years], female rate 60%). 31/43 patients (72%) showed abnormalities on nerve ultrasound, while nerve thickening was found more frequently than fascicle thickening (90% vs. 52% of patients with sonographic abnormalities, respectively). Abnormal findings were observed more frequently at the median nerve and in proximal localization. Abnormal findings on nerve conduction studies were evident in 36/43 patients (84%). Nerve conduction studies revealed a tendency of demyelinating nerve damage patterns being associated with abnormal findings on nerve ultrasound.ConclusionsIn addition to nerve conduction studies, nerve ultrasound may have a supporting role in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome‐associated neuropathy. Also, our data support an immune‐mediated inflammatory demyelinating pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome‐associated neuropathy.
Transcriptome changes in resistant and susceptible rose in response to powdery mildew
Authors: Chandran Neethu K. , Sriram Subbaraman , Prakash Tejaswini , Budhwar Roli 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRose is one of the most important ornamental crops worldwide and powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa (Wallr.: Fr.) de Bary) is the major disease of rose when grown in polyhouse or open field. Understanding of plant–pathogen interaction is important to develop strategies for disease management. We profiled transcriptomes of powdery mildew‐resistant rose line IIHRR13‐4 and susceptible cultivar Konfetti using Illumina NGS platform to understand the molecular mechanism of resistance to powdery mildew in the rose line IIHRR13‐4. Profiles of samples were collected at 0 hr after inoculation (hai), 36 hai and 72 hai from susceptible cultivar Konfetti (SCON0, SCON3 and SCON7) and 0 hai and 36 hai from resistant line IIHRR13‐4 (RPMR0 and RPMR3). The high‐quality reads were aligned to reference genome of Rosa chinensis. The transcripts of rose‐powdery mildew interaction were analysed for functions and involvement in disease resistance. Expression of receptor‐like kinases, putative disease resistance genes (RLKs, NBS‐LRR, NB‐ARC, RPP13), WRKY transcription factors and PR proteins was observed in the transcripts library and was found up‐regulated in IIHRR13‐4 samples. Differentially expressed genes coding for metabolic and cellular process, response to abiotic stress response, defence response and other biosynthetic processes were identified in the transcripts. Gene ontology term enrichment and pathway analysis revealed that transcriptome of IIHRR13‐4 was enriched with transcripts coding for plant hormone signal transduction and plant–pathogen interaction compared to transcripts of susceptible cultivar Konfetti. The transcriptome profiling proved that different defence mechanisms including hypersensitive responses were elicited as systemic acquired resistance in rose line IIHRR13‐4 when infected by powdery mildew pathogen.
The impact of direct‐acting antivirals on hepatitis C viraemia among people who inject drugs in England; real‐world data 2011–2018
Authors: Bardsley Megan , Heinsbroek Ellen , Harris Ross , Croxford Sara , Edmundson Claire , Hope Vivian , Hassan Nasra , Ijaz Samreen , Mandal Sema , Shute Justin , Hutchinson Sharon J. , Hickman Matthew , Sinka Katy , Phipps Emily 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDirect‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for anybody with viraemic HCV infection has been scaled‐up in England since 2017. To assess early impacts, we investigated trends in, and factors associated with, HCV viraemia among people who inject drugs (PWID). We also examined trends in self‐reported treatment access. Bio‐behavioural data from an annual, national surveillance survey of PWID (2011–2018) estimated trends in viraemic prevalence among HCV antibody‐positive PWID. Multivariable logistic regression identified characteristics independently associated with viraemia. Trends in treatment access were examined for PWID with known infection. Between 2011 and 2016, viraemic prevalence among antibody‐positive PWID remained stable (2011, 57.7%; 2016, 55.8%) but decreased in 2017 (49.4%) and 2018 (50.4%) (both p < 0.001). After adjustment for demographic and behavioural characteristics, there remained significant reduction in viraemia in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.94) and 2018 (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66–0.93) compared to 2016. Other factors associated with viraemia were male gender (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.53–1.86), geographical region, injecting in past year (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13–1.41), imprisonment (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.31) and homelessness (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04–1.31). Among non‐viraemic PWID with known infection, the proportion reporting ever receiving treatment increased in 2017 (28.7%, p < 0.001) and 2018 (38.9%, p < 0.001) compared to 2016 (14.5%). In conclusion, there has been a small reduction in HCV viraemia among antibody‐positive PWID in England since 2016, alongside DAA scale‐up, and some indication that treatment access has improved in the same period. Population‐level monitoring and focus on harm reduction is critical for achieving and evaluating elimination.
The effects of signalment, diet, geographic location, season, and colitis associated with antimicrobial use or Salmonella infection on the fecal microbiome of horses
Authors: Arnold Carolyn E. , Pilla Rachel , Chaffin M. Keith , Leatherwood Jessica L. , Wickersham Tryon A. , Callaway Todd R. , Lawhon Sara D. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Joerg M. , Suchodolski Jan S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe fecal microbiome of healthy horses may be influenced by signalment, diet, environmental factors, and disease.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of age, breed, sex, geographic location, season, diet, and colitis caused by antibiotic use (antimicrobial‐associated diarrhea [AAD]) and Salmonella infection on fecal microbiota.AnimalsHealthy horses (n = 80) were sampled from nonhospital environments across multiple geographical locations in the United States. Horses with AAD (n = 14) were defined as those that developed diarrhea secondary to antimicrobial use. Horses with Salmonella infection (n = 12) were presented with spontaneous onset of colitis and subsequently tested positive on Salmonella quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All horses were >1 year of age and stratified by a dietary scale that included forages (pasture and hay) and concentrates grouped by percentage of fiber and amount.MethodsIllumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes was performed on fecal DNA.ResultsHealthy horses fed higher amounts of grain clustered separately from those fed lower amounts of grain (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM], R = 0.356‐0.385, Q = 0.002). Horses with AAD and Salmonella had decreased richness and evenness compared to healthy horses (P < .05). Univariable analysis of the 3 groups identified increases in Bacteroidetes (Q = 0.002) and Protebacteria (Q = 0.001) and decreases in Verrucomicrobia (Q = 0.001) in AAD horses whereas Salmonella horses had less Firmicutes (Q = 0.001) when compared to healthy horses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlthough the amount of grain in the diet had some impact on the fecal microbiome, colitis had a significantly larger influence. Horses with ADD have a more severe dysbiosis than do horses with Salmonella.
Synergistic interaction between the type III secretion system of the endophytic bacterium Pantoea agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 and the virulence of the causal agent of olive knot Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722
Authors: Moretti Chiaraluce , Rezzonico Fabio , Orfei Benedetta , Cortese Chiara , Moreno‐Pérez Alba , van den Burg Harrold A. , Onofri Andrea , Firrao Giuseppe , Ramos Cayo , Smits Theo H. M. , Buonaurio Roberto 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe endophytic bacterium Pantoea agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 was previously isolated from olive knots caused by infection with Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722. Whole‐genome analysis of this P. agglomerans strain revealed the presence of a Hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (Hrp) type III secretion system (T3SS). To assess the role of the P. agglomerans T3SS in the interaction with P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi, we generated independent knockout mutants in three Hrp genes of the P. agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 T3SS (hrpJ, hrpN, and hrpY). In contrast to the wildtype control, all three mutants failed to cause a hypersensitive response when infiltrated in tobacco leaves, suggesting that P. agglomerans T3SS is functional and injects effector proteins in plant cells. In contrast to P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722, the wildtype strain P. agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 and its Hrp T3SS mutants did not cause olive knot disease in 1‐year‐old olive plants. Coinoculation of P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi with P. agglomerans wildtype strains did not significantly change the knot size, while the DAPP‐PG 734 hrpY mutant induced a significant decrease in knot size, which could be complemented by providing hrpY on a plasmid. By epifluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we found that the localization patterns in knots were nonoverlapping for P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi and P. agglomerans when coinoculated. Our results suggest that suppression of olive plant defences mediated by the Hrp T3SS of P. agglomerans DAPP‐PG 734 positively impacts the virulence of P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi DAPP‐PG 722.
I've got you under my skin: inflammatory response to elephant seal's lice
Authors: Leonardi M. S. , Krmpotic C. , Barbeito C. , Soto F. , Loza C. M. , Vera R. , Negrete J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSeals (Phocidae) undergo an annual cycle of moulting that implies hair regeneration, and in the case of southern elephant seals, it also involves the superficial strata of the epidermis. Therefore, surviving the moulting period is crucial for their obligate and permanent ectoparasites. Throughout evolutionary time, sucking lice (Echinophtiriidae) have developed morphological, behavioural and ecological adaptations to cope with the amphibious lifestyle of their hosts. Lepidophthirus macrorhini, the Southern elephant seal louse species, faces the additional challenge of surviving attached to the host during the moulting period. Since lice live on the skin, L. macrorhini has developed a unique survival strategy by piercing the skin of their host, thus keeping them protected from moulting. During fieldwork in Patagonia and Antarctica, skin samples with lice within were collected for histological analysis to assess whether these parasites caused damage to the host. Lice generate an inflammatory process in the host's dermis, and these lesions could alter the normal chemical and mechanical protective properties of the skin facilitating secondary infections. Further studies that analyse the potential pathogens in those skin lesions are necessary to properly assess the real impact of ectoparasites on their host health.
Cross‐species analysis between the maize smut fungi Ustilago maydis and Sporisorium reilianum highlights the role of transcriptional change of effector orthologs for virulence and disease
Authors: Zuo Weiliang , Depotter Jasper R. L. , Gupta Deepak K. , Thines Marco , Doehlemann Gunther 
Published: July 2021

Summary

The constitution and regulation of effector repertoires shape host–microbe interactions. Ustilago maydis and Sporisorium reilianum are two closely related smut fungi, which both infect maize but cause distinct disease symptoms. Understanding how effector orthologs are regulated in these two pathogens can therefore provide insights into the evolution of different infection strategies.

We tracked the infection progress of U. maydis and S. reilianum in maize leaves and used two distinct infection stages for cross‐species RNA‐sequencing analyses. We identified 207 of 335 one‐to‐one effector orthologs as differentially regulated during host colonization, which might reflect the distinct disease development strategies.

Using CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated gene conversion, we identified two differentially expressed effector orthologs with conserved function between two pathogens. Thus, differential expression of functionally conserved genes might contribute to species‐specific adaptation and symptom development. Interestingly, another differentially expressed orthogroup (UMAG_05318/Sr10075) showed divergent protein function, providing a possible case for neofunctionalization.

Collectively, we demonstrated that the diversification of effector genes in related pathogens can be caused both by alteration on the transcriptional level and through functional diversification of the encoded effector proteins.
Effects of erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain in children undergoing surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Rong , Tong Xin , Yan Weidong , Liu Haibei , Yang Lei , Zuo Yunxia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe erector spinae plane block is a novel regional anesthetic technique that is gaining popularity in pediatrics. However, the efficacy of erector spinae plane block in children is unclear. The aim of the systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate effects of erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain relief in children.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan fang databases for randomized controlled trials that compared erector spinae plane block with no block or other types of block in pediatric patients undergoing surgeries. The primary outcomes were pain intensity at rest within 24 h postoperatively and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics. Data were analyzed using the fixed‐ or random‐effects model, depending on whether the heterogeneity tested by the I2 statistic was >30%. We assessed the quality of evidence for the outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method.ResultsSeven randomized controlled trials involving 379 patients were reviewed. Compared with no block, erector spinae plane block slightly reduced the pain scores at 0 h (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.60 to −0.54; I2 = 52%), 6 h (SMD: −0.82; 95% CI: −1.39 to −0.25; I2 = 79%) postoperatively at rest and significantly reduced the need for rescue analgesics (odds ratio 0.09; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.21; I2 = 16%). One trial demonstrated the analgesic effect of erector spinae plane block was similar to a quadratus lumborum block, while another trial demonstrated the analgesic effect of ESPB was superior to an ilioinguinal nerve block.ConclusionsThis review provides low‐quality evidence that erector spinae plane block exhibits superior analgesia compared to no block in children. Due to the limited data, evidence regarding the comparison with other regional blocks remains unclear. Future large‐sized and well‐designed randomized controlled trials are needed.
Inactivation of the germacrene A synthase genes by CRISPR/Cas9 eliminates the biosynthesis of sesquiterpene lactones in Cichorium intybus L.
Authors: Cankar Katarina , Bundock Paul , Sevenier Robert , Häkkinen Suvi T. , Hakkert Johanna Christina , Beekwilder Jules , van der Meer Ingrid M. , de Both Michiel , Bosch Dirk 
Published: July 2021

AbstractChicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum) is an industrial crop species cultivated for the production of a fructose polymer inulin, which is used as a low‐calorie sweetener and prebiotic. Besides, inulin chicory taproots also accumulate sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). These are bitter tasting compounds, which need to be removed during inulin extraction, resulting in additional costs. In this work, we describe chicory lines where STL accumulation is almost completely eliminated. Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to inactivate four genes that encode the enzyme that performs the first dedicated step in STL synthesis, germacrene A synthase (CiGAS). Chicory lines were obtained that carried null mutations in all four CiGAS genes. Lines lacking functional CiGAS alleles showed a normal phenotype upon greenhouse cultivation and show nearly complete elimination of the STL synthesis in the roots. It was shown that the reduction in STLs could be attributed to mutations in genetically linked copies of the CiGAS‐short gene and not the CiGAS‐long gene, which is relevant for breeding the trait into other cultivars. The inactivation of the STL biosynthesis pathway led to increase in phenolic compounds as well as accumulation of squalene in the chicory taproot, presumably due to increased availability of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FFP). These results demonstrate that STLs are not essential for chicory growth and that the inhibition of the STL biosynthesis pathway reduced the STL levels chicory which will facilitate inulin extraction.
Root submergence enhances respiration and sugar accumulation in the stem of flooded tomato plants
Authors: Mignolli Francesco , Barone Javier Orlando , Vidoz María Laura 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFlooding is a major environmental constraint that obliges plants to adopt plastic responses in order to cope with it. When partially submerged, tomato plants undergo profound changes involving rearrangements in their morphology and metabolism. In this work, we observed that partial submergence markedly dampens root respiration and halts root growth. However, the flooded hypocotyl surprisingly enhances oxygen consumption. Previous results demonstrated that aerenchyma formation in the submerged tomato stem re‐establishes internal oxygen tension, making aerobic respiration possible. Indeed, potassium cyanide abruptly stops oxygen uptake, indicating that the cytochrome c pathway is likely to be engaged. Furthermore, we found out that leaf‐derived sugars accumulate in large amounts in hypocotyls of flooded plants. Girdling and feeding experiments point to sucrose as the main carbon source for respiration. Consistently, submerged hypocotyls are characterized by high sucrose synthase activity, indicating that sucrose is cleaved and channelled into respiration. Since inhibition of hypocotyl respiration significantly prevents sugar build‐up, it is suggested that a high respiration rate is required for sucrose unloading from phloem. As substrate availability increases, respiration is fuelled even more, leading to a maintained allocation of sugars to flooded hypocotyls.
Existential risk from AI and orthogonality: Can we have it both ways?
Authors: Müller Vincent C. , Cannon Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe standard argument to the conclusion that artificial intelligence (AI) constitutes an existential risk for the human species uses two premises: (1) AI may reach superintelligent levels, at which point we humans lose control (the ‘singularity claim’); (2) Any level of intelligence can go along with any goal (the ‘orthogonality thesis’). We find that the singularity claim requires a notion of ‘general intelligence’, while the orthogonality thesis requires a notion of ‘instrumental intelligence’. If this interpretation is correct, they cannot be joined as premises and the argument for the existential risk of AI turns out invalid. If the interpretation is incorrect and both premises use the same notion of intelligence, then at least one of the premises is false and the orthogonality thesis remains itself orthogonal to the argument to existential risk from AI. In either case, the standard argument for existential risk from AI is not sound.—Having said that, there remains a risk of instrumental AI to cause very significant damage if designed or used badly, though this is not due to superintelligence or a singularity.
A note on the propagation of positional uncertainty in environmental models
Authors: van Zoest Vera , van Buul Jasper , Osei Frank , Stein Alfred 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGPS sensors have an inherent positional uncertainty that is often neglected in environmental modeling. In this article we study the propagation of positional uncertainty in grid‐based geo‐information systems. The probability is obtained that a point has an actual position outside the raster cell in which it was observed. For multiple points, these probabilities serve as weights to update a raster value and adjust for positional uncertainty. We show the effect of positional uncertainty propagation by means of simulations using rasters with different levels of spatial autocorrelation, as well as an illustration of a real‐world example in which we estimate exposure to air pollution. We found that the propagated uncertainty was highest when the spatial autocorrelation is low, with a root mean squared error of 7% compared to 1% for the high spatial autocorrelation scenario. We conclude that positional uncertainty propagates through environmental models and propose a simple probabilistic method to account for it.
Survey to inform trial of low‐titer group O whole‐blood compared to conventional blood components for children with severe traumatic bleeding
Authors: Kolodziej Julia H. , Leonard Julie C. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Gaines Barbara A. , Wisniewski Stephen R. , Yazer Mark H. , Spinella Philip C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundLow‐titer group O whole‐blood (LTOWB) is being used for children with life‐threatening traumatic bleeding. A survey was conducted to determine current LTOWB utilization and interest in participation in a randomized control trial (RCT) of LTOWB versus standard blood component transfusion in this population.Study design and methodsTransfusion medicine (TM) directors and pediatric trauma directors at 36 US children's hospitals were surveyed by e‐mail in June 2020. Hospitals were selected by participation in the Massive Transfusion Epidemiology and Outcomes in Children Study or being among the largest 30 children's hospitals by bed capacity per the Becker Hospital Review.ResultsThe response rate was 83.3% (30/36) from TM directors and 88.9% (32/36) from trauma directors. The median of massive transfusion protocol activations for traumatic bleeding was reported as 12 (IQR 5.8–20) per year by TM directors. LTOWB was used by 18.8% (6/32) of trauma directors. Survey responses indicate that 86.7% (26/30) of TM directors and 90.6% (29/32) of trauma directors either moderately or strongly agree that a LTOWB RCT is important to perform. About 83.3% (25/30) of TM directors and 93.8% (30/32) of trauma directors were willing to participate in the proposed trial. About 80% (24/30) of TM directors and 71.9% (23/32) of trauma directors would transfuse RhD+ LTOWB to male children, but fewer would transfuse Rh + LTOWB to females [20% (6/30) TM directors and 37.5% (12/32) of trauma directors].ConclusionsA majority of respondents supported an RCT comparing LTOWB to component therapy in children with severe traumatic bleeding.