bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenic Potential of DNA Vaccine candidate, ZyCoV-D against SARS-CoV-2 in Animal Models
Authors: Dey Ayan , Chozhavel Rajanathan T.M. , Chandra Harish , Pericherla Hari P.R. , Kumar Sanjeev , Choonia Huzaifa S. , Bajpai Mayank , Singh Arun K. , Sinha Anuradha , Saini Gurwinder , Dalal Parth , Vandriwala Sarosh , Raheem Mohammed A. , Divate Rupesh D. , Navlani Neelam L. , Sharma Vibhuti , Parikh Aashini , Prasath Siva , Rao Sankar , Maithal Kapil 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), initially originated in China in year 2019 and spread rapidly across the globe within 5 months, causing over 96 million cases of infection and over 2 million deaths. Huge efforts were undertaken to bring the COVID-19 vaccines in clinical development, so that it can be made available at the earliest, if found to be efficacious in the trials. We developed a candidate vaccine ZyCoV-D comprising of a DNA plasmid vector carrying the gene encoding the spike protein (S) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The S protein of the virus includes the receptor binding domain (RBD), responsible for binding to the human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. The DNA plasmid construct was transformed intoE. colicells for large scale production. The immunogenicity potential of the plasmid DNA has been evaluated in mice, guinea pig, and rabbit models by intradermal route at 25, 100 and 500μg dose. Based on the animal studies proof-of-concept has been established and preclinical toxicology (PCT) studies were conducted in rat and rabbit model. Preliminary animal study demonstrates that the candidate DNA vaccine induces antibody response including neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and also provided Th-1 response as evidenced by elevated IFN-γ levels.
Too much of a good thing: Shrub benefactors are less important in higher diversity arid ecosystems
Authors: Lortie Christopher J. , Zuliani Mario , Ghazian Nargol , Haas Stephanie , Braun Jenna , Owen Malory , Miguel Florencia , Seifan Merav , Filazzola Alessandro , Lucero Jacob 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe biodiversity–ecosystem function literature provides a useful framework to examine many processes associated with species diversity in ecology. One such context is the maintenance of biodiversity by facilitation in arid ecosystems.Here, we examined the complex interactions between local plant species richness and the intensity of shrub facilitation for maintaining biodiversity in arid plant communities.A synthesis including a meta‐analysis was used to compile nearly 600 papers on positive interactions mediated by shrubs in dryland plant communities (search terms: shrub, positive, facilitat*) to examine whether interactions in these studies changed with reported local species richness. A total of 19 studies and 141 independent instances directly examined and reported facilitation of diversity measures in naturally assembled plant communities and provided estimates of local species richness.Synthesis. The net effect of increasing local plant species richness was negative and shifted the relative frequency of interactions with shrubs from positive to negative with increasing local species richness. This relationship suggests that increases in richness do not always enhance functions that maintain diversity in plants communities likely due to concurrent increases in the indirect negative interactions between species under shrubs or in changes in the local species pool.
Demographic traits improve predictions of spatiotemporal changes in community resilience to drought
Authors: Paniw Maria , de la Riva Enrique G. , Lloret Francisco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Communities are increasingly threatened by extreme weather events. The cumulative effects of such events are typically investigated by assessing community resilience, that is, the extent to which affected communities can achieve pre‐event states. However, a mechanistic understanding of the processes underlying resilience is frequently lacking and requires linking various measures of resilience to demographic responses within natural communities.

Using 13 years of data from a shrub community that experienced a severe drought in 2005, we use generalized additive models to investigate temporal changes in three measures of resilience. We assess whether community‐weighted, species‐specific demographic traits such as longevity and reproductive output can predict changes in resilience and how the performance of these traits compares to more commonly used plant functional traits such as leaf area or root dry matter content.

We find significant spatiotemporal variation in community dynamics after the drought. Overall, demographic traits are better at predicting absolute and relative resilience in total plant cover, but functional traits outperform demographic traits when resilience in community composition is assessed. All resilience measures show nonlinear and context‐specific responses to demographic and functional traits; and these responses depend strongly on the severity of initial drought impact.

Synthesis. Our work demonstrates that a full picture of the mechanisms underlying community responses to drought requires the assessment of numerous species‐specific characteristics (including demographic and functional traits) and how these characteristics differentially affect complementary measures of community changes through time.
Evolution and biogeography of actinorhizal plants and legumes: A comparison
Authors: Ardley Julie , Sprent Janet 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The symbiosis between plants and nitrogen‐fixing bacteria is widespread among legumes and actinorhizal plants within the nitrogen‐fixing root nodule (NFN) clade. However, there are major differences, as well as similarities, in the symbioses between actinorhizal plants and Frankia and those of legumes and their associated rhizobia.

This review provides an overview of NFN symbioses. We outline the evolution and biogeography of actinorhizal plants and legumes and compare and contrast their microsymbionts and symbiotic processes.

Within the NFN clade, a far greater number of nodulated legumes exists, compared with actinorhizal plants, and legumes have a much wider biogeographical distribution. There are genetic and physiological differences between free‐living diazotrophic Frankia and the phylogenetically diverse rhizobia, most strains of which are unable to fix N2 ex planta. Actinorhizal nodules are modified lateral roots with a central vascular system, whereas legume nodules are stem‐like organs with peripheral vascular systems. Most legumes contain their microsymbionts within symbiosomes, rather than the infection threads found in actinorhizal nodule cells. Legumes have greater control of their microsymbionts, and those within the Inverted Repeat Lacking Clade impose terminal differentiation on their bacteroids. Legumes also have effective processes for autoregulation of nodulation and downregulation of N2 fixation in response to high levels of soil N. These features of the legume‐rhizobia symbiosis have led to increased efficiencies in N2 fixation.

Synthesis. We suggest that these characteristic features of the legume‐rhizobia symbiosis, specifically legumes' greater flexibility in the choice of microsymbiont partner and the evolution of increased efficiencies in N2 fixation, are factors that can explain why the majority of species within the Leguminosae have retained the ability to nodulate and how this has contributed to their evolutionary success.
Inhibition of sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor 1/2/3 ameliorates biological dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocyte MH7A cells through Gαi/Gαs rebalancing
Authors: Wang Mengdie , Wu Hong , Wang Ronghui , Dai Xuejing , Deng Ran , Wang Yan , Bu Yanhong , Sun Minghui , Zhang Heng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) exerts its various physiological and pathological effects by interacting with G protein‐coupled receptors. In addition, S1P can induce biological dysfunction in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism underlying this S1P‐induced dysfunction remains unclear. An imbalance between Gαi and Gαs can affect the level of cAMP, an important regulator of numerous cell functions. Therefore, we studied the effects of S1P receptor (S1PR) 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐associated Gαi/Gαs imbalance on the biological function of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (MH7A cells). The results showed that blocking S1PR1/3 and Gαi, and activating Gαs, inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and proinflammatory cytokine release of MH7A cells in a S1P‐induced inflammation model, whereas suppressing S1PR2 only affected the invasion and the release of proinflammatory cytokines of these cells. Analysis of the expression of S1PR1/2/3 and Gαi/Gαs further showed that S1PR1/2/3 could regulate the Gαi/Gαs balance. Furthermore, our data suggested that the level of cAMP was also affected. Combined, our results showed that impaired S1PR1/2/3 signalling can affect MH7A cells biological function via Gαi/Gαs‐cAMP signalling, which can provide a new idea for the treatment of RA.
Thermal niche for seed germination of Xyris species from Brazilian montane vegetation: Implications for climate change
Authors: Oliveira Túlio G. S. , Duarte Alexandre A. , Diamantino Isabela P. , Garcia Queila S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnderstanding how climate change will affect regeneration from seeds is important for developing conservation strategies. We evaluated seed germination requirements for sympatric species of Xyris from montane rupestrian grasslands (campo rupestre) in Brazil to determine their thermal niche and thermal requirements for seed germination. We also assessed whether projected temperature increases would affect seed germination of the species. Seed germination was evaluated at a wide range of constant temperatures (10–40°C) under light (12‐hr photoperiod) and dark conditions. Base temperatures (Tb) and thermal times for 50% germination (θ50) were calculated for three species. The effects of projected mean temperature increase on seed germination percentage and timing were evaluated. All species revealed an absolute light requirement for germination. Thermal germination niche breadth was greatest for X. asperula (15 to 35°C) and narrowest for X. seubertii (20 and 25°C). Base temperatures for X. asperula, X. pilosa and X. trachyphylla were 9.0, 12.8 and 11.1°C, respectively. In the scenario with the highest temperature increase (A2), the greatest reductions in seed germination are observed for X. pilosa and X. seubertii. The lowest projected temperature increase (2°C) was sufficient to decrease by 1 day the germination time of X. asperula and X. pilosa. Species of Xyris do not present a pattern for thermal germination niche and thermal requirements values, indicating that the effects of climate warming on the regeneration of these seeds will probably vary among species.
Alcohol and acute traumatic brain injury in the emergency department
Authors: Rogan Alice , Patel Vimal , Birdling Jane , Lockett Jessica , Simmonds Harnah , McQuade David , Quigley Paul , Larsen Peter 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThere is limited research from Australasian EDs describing the demographic make‐up, injury severity and impact of alcohol in patients requiring computed tomography (CT) for suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study aims to review the frequency and presenting patterns of patients who consume alcohol prior to presenting with suspected TBI.MethodsRetrospective observational study of patients referred for head CT to exclude TBI from a major referral centre and regional ED in New Zealand, between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2019. Comparison groups were defined as ‘alcohol involved’ or ‘no alcohol involved’.Results97/425 (22.8% [95% CI 18.3–27.4]) of included TBI presentations involved alcohol. 73/97 (75.3% [95% CI 58.6–93.5]) were male and 41/97 (42.3% [95% CI 29.3–55.2]) were aged 18–30 years. The alcohol group were more likely to report assault as the injury mechanism (19.6% [95% CI 10.8–28.4] vs 5.2% [95% CI 2.7–7.7], P < 0.05) and have Glasgow Coma Scale scores reflecting more moderate (13.5% [95% CI 5.9–21.1] vs 3.5% [95% CI 1.5–5.6]) and severe (5.6% [95% CI 0.7–10.5] vs 3.2% [95% CI 1.2–5.2] TBI. Presentation times post‐injury were delayed compared to the no alcohol group (3.4 h [interquartile range 1.9–14.8] vs 2.8 h [interquartile range 1.8–6.6], P < 0.05).ConclusionOne quarter of patients with suspected TBI had consumed alcohol prior to their injury. Predominantly, those affected were young males who reported higher rates of assault; however, alcohol use was recorded in all age groups and sex. Alcohol‐affected patients presented later, potentially delaying time to diagnosis. The present study supports the call for public health interventions that aim to reduce alcohol misuse.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in saliva
Authors: Janíková Monika , Hodosy Július , Boor Peter , Klempa Boris , Celec Peter 
Published: January 2021

SummaryIn the fight against the recent COVID‐19 pandemics, testing is crucial. Nasopharyngeal swabs and real‐time RT‐PCR are used for the detection of the viral RNA. The collection of saliva is non‐invasive, pain‐free and does not require trained personnel. An alternative to RT‐PCR is loop‐mediated isothermal amplification coupled with reverse transcription (RT‐LAMP) that is easy to perform, quick and does not require a thermal cycler. The aim of this study was to test whether SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA can be detected directly in saliva using RT‐LAMP. We have tested 16 primer mixes from the available literature in three rounds of sensitivity assays. The selected RT‐LAMP primer mix has a limit of detection of 6 copies of viral RNA per reaction in comparison with RT‐PCR with 1 copy per reaction. Whole saliva, as well as saliva collected using Salivette collection tubes, interfered with the RT‐LAMP analysis. Neither Chelex‐100 nor protease treatment of saliva prevented the inhibitory effect of saliva. With the addition of the ribonuclease inhibitor, the sensitivity of the RT‐LAMP assay was 12 copies per reaction of RNA in Salivette® saliva samples and 6 copies per reaction of RNA in whole saliva samples. This study shows that it is possible to combine the use of saliva and RT‐LAMP for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection without RNA extraction which was confirmed on a small set of correctly diagnosed clinical samples. Further studies should prove whether this protocol is suitable for point of care testing in the clinical setting.
The perception and use of cover crops within the island of Ireland
Authors: Cottney Paul , Williams Paul N. , White Ethel , Black Lisa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe integration of cover crops within arable rotations is becoming increasingly popular due to their widely acknowledged benefits. Subsidisation of cover cropping is available to eligible farmers in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) but not to Northern Ireland (NI) farmers. There has been little research focus on ROI and NI growers' perceptions about the husbandry associated with cover crops and the benefits of growing them. Surveys to gauge farmer use and perception of cover crops were conducted at two arable conferences, with 55 respondents in NI and 77 in ROI (132 respondents in total). Growers used cover crops mainly to improve and maintain soil structure in an overall bid to enhance soil health in ROI, whereas in NI it was predominantly for forage. The impact of subsidies provided by Ireland and its stipulated policy influences species choice, and farmers were more likely to plant cover crops after later harvested commercial crops, for example, September. Compared to growers in NI, they were found predominantly to plant after crops harvested in August. In ROI, 63% of respondents receiving subsidies would continue to use cover crops if this monetary incentive ceased.
Tourniquet‐induced ischemia and reperfusion in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone
Authors: Hanberg Pelle , Bue Mats , Kabel Jesper , Jørgensen Andrea René , Søballe Kjeld , Stilling Maiken 
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluated ischemic metabolites in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone before, during, and after tourniquet application in a simultaneous paired comparison of tourniquet‐exposed and non‐tourniquet‐exposed legs. Ten patients scheduled for hallux valgus or hallux rigidus surgery were included. Microdialysis catheters were placed to simultaneously and continuously sample the metabolites glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glycerol bilaterally for 12 h in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone. A tourniquet was applied on the leg planned for surgery (inflation time: 15 min, mean tourniquet duration time (range): 65 (58;77) min). During tourniquet inflation, a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase of the mean lactate/pyruvate ratio was found for all investigated tissues in the tourniquet‐exposed leg compared with the non‐tourniquet‐exposed leg. The lactate/pyruvate ratio recovery time after tourniquet release was within 30 min for skeletal muscle, 60 min for subcutaneous tissue, and 130 min for calcaneal cancellous bone. Only the tourniquet‐exposed skeletal muscles were found to be ischemic during tourniquet inflation, defined by a significant increase of the lactate/pyruvate ratio exceeding the ischemic cutoff level of 25; however, this level decreased below 25 immediately after tourniquet release. The glycerol ratio increased instantly after inflation in the tourniquet‐exposed leg in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue, and recovered within 60 (skeletal muscle) and 130 min (subcutaneous tissue) after tourniquet release. These findings suggest that applying tourniquet for approximately 1 h results in limited tissue ischemia and cell damage in subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle, and calcaneal cancellous bone.
EBER in situ hybridization in subcutaneous aluminum granulomas/lymphoid hyperplasia: A diagnostic clue to differentiate injection‐associated lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphomas and cutaneous lymphomas
Authors: Frings Verena G. , Roth Sabine , Rosenwald Andreas , Goebeler Matthias , Geissinger Eva , Wobser Marion 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSubcutaneous vaccination or desensitization may induce persistent nodules at the injection sites. Without the knowledge of prior injection, histopathological work‐up may be challenging.ObjectiveAim of this study was to contribute to the histopathological work‐up of unclear subcutaneous nodules, especially their differentiation from cutaneous lymphoma.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical data and histopathological slides of four patients with subcutaneous nodules, which were suspected to suffer from cutaneous T‐ or B‐cell lymphoma. Sections of these cases and 12 negative controls were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and a standardized immunohistochemical panel of B‐ and T‐cell markers including EBER in situ hybridization as well as electron microscopy.ResultsIn all cases, large histiocytes with granular cytoplasm compatible with intracellular aluminum hydroxide were present. EBER in situ hybridization revealed positive staining of these granular histiocytes while staining was absent in negative controls.LimitationsPost hoc completion of medical history revealed that vaccination or specific immunotherapy had been applied before at the biopsy site in only three out of four patients; one patient was lost to follow‐up.ConclusionEBER in situ hybridization is an adjunctive tool to differentiate aluminum‐induced granuloma/lymphoid hyperplasia from other forms of pseudolymphoma and cutaneous B‐ or T‐cell lymphomas.
Teaching supply chain risk management in the COVID‐19 Age: A review and classroom exercise
Authors: Ferguson Mark E. , Drake Matthew J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected every corner of the world in 2020. It has also emphasized the importance of managing supply chain risk and developing an agile supply chain. Supply chain management instructors will likely want to introduce risk management concepts and strategies into their courses to raise their students' sensitivity to the impact of supply chain disruptions. Unfortunately there is currently a dearth of coverage of supply chain disruptions and risk management in the major supply chain management text books as well as in the broader library of supply chain management pedagogical research publications. To help to close this gap in the literature for instructors, we have developed a reading and set of related discussion questions and exercises that detail the causes of the shortage in toilet paper during the pandemic and short‐ and long‐term strategies to make the supply chain more resilient in the future. By focusing on a disruption students likely experienced first‐hand, they can develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of supply chain functions in providing products and services to customers.
Wage politics and feminist solidarity
Authors: Koskinen Sandberg Paula 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article explores a case of feminist solidarity and wage politics—namely, a social movement claiming equal pay for early education teachers. In 2018, the Finnish media revealed that several municipalities in the Finnish capital area had secretly agreed not to compete with each other by paying higher wages for early education teachers even though there was a severe shortage of labor. The revelation resulted in public outrage and the rise of the No Play Money social movement that demanded higher wages for early education teachers. The driving force for the mobilization was feminist solidarity, which resulted in collective resistance toward gendered labor market practices and, ultimately, higher wages. For an institutionalized practice to change, the legitimacy of the practice must be convincingly questioned, and this requires actors who problematize previous ways of understanding the issue. This was achieved in the present case through wage politics; the politicization and contestation of mainstream conceptualizations of wage formation and appropriate wage levels for feminized work.
Phase formation, microstructure development, and mechanical properties of kaolin‐based mullite ceramics added with Fe2O3
Authors: Liu Zhenying , Lian Wei , Liu Yin , Zhu Jinbo , Xue Changguo , Yang Zhongde , Lin Xin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe effects of Fe2O3 on phase evolution, density, microstructural development, and mechanical properties of mullite ceramics from kaolin and alumina were systematically studied. X‐ray diffraction results suggested that the ceramics consisted of mullite, sillimanite, and corundum, in the sintering range of 1450°C–1580°C. However, as the sintering was raised to 1580°C, mullite is the main phase with a content of 94%, and the corundum phase content is 5.9%. Simultaneously, high‐temperature sintering had a positive effect on the densification of the mullite ceramics, where both the bulk density and flexural strength could be optimized by adjusting the content of Fe2O3. It was found that 6 wt% Fe2O3 was optimal for the formation of rod‐shaped mullite after sintering at 1550°C for 3 h. The sample's maximum bulk density was 2.84 g/cm3, with a flexural strength of 112 MPa. Meanwhile, rod‐shaped mullite grains with an aspect ratio of ~9 were formed. As a result, a dense network structure was developed, thus leading to mullite ceramics with excellent mechanical properties. The effect of Fe2O3 on the properties might be attributed to the fact that Al3+ ions in the [AlO6] octahedron were replaced by Fe3+ ions, resulting in lattice distortion.