bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Young domestic chicks spontaneously represent the absence of objects
Authors: Szabó Eszter , Chiandetti Cinzia , Téglás Ernő , Versace Elisabetta , Csibra Gergely , Kovács Ágnes Melinda , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: January 2021

SummaryAbsence is a notion that is usually captured by language-related concepts like zero or negation. Whether non-linguistic creatures encode similar thoughts is an open question, as everyday behavior marked by absence (of food, of social partners) can be explained solely by expecting presence somewhere else. We investigated 8-day-old chicks’ looking behavior in response to events violating expectations about the presence or absence of an object. We found different behavioral responses to violations of presence and absence, suggesting distinct underlying mechanisms. Importantly, chicks displayed an avian signature of novelty detection to violations of absence, namely a sex-dependent left-eye-bias. Follow-up experiments excluded accounts that would explain this bias by perceptual mismatch or by representing the object at different locations. These results suggest that the ability to spontaneously form thoughts about the absence of objects likely belongs to the initial cognitive repertoire of vertebrate species.
Reproduction response of Colletotrichum fungi under the fungicide stress reveals new aspects of chemical control of fungal diseases
Authors: Han Yong‐chao , Zeng Xiang‐guo , Guo Cong , Zhang Qing‐hua , Chen Feng‐ying , Ren Li , Chen Wei‐dong , Qin Li 
Published: January 2021

SummarySystemic fungicides and antifungals are used as frontline treatments for fungal diseases in plants and humans. It is generally accepted that fungicides will bring significant negative side‐effects to the environment and result in fungicide resistance in the pathogenic fungi. Although previous research has focused on fungicide application rates and fungal resistance for a long time, little attention has been paid to fungicide residues after treatment, especially their potential role in fungal growth and sporulation. Here we investigated the effect of fungicides at sublethal concentrations on fungal sporulation. The results showed that two kinds of 14α‐demethylase inhibitors (DMIs) fungicides increased the number of isolates of Colletotrichum spp. to sporulate on PDA. Both on PDA medium and plant tissue, low concentration of DMI fungicides could promote spore production of Colletotrichum spp., whereas pyraclostrobin, a quinone outside inhibitor (QoIs), had no significant effects on sporulation of Colletotrichum spp. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the DMIs fungicide stress signal may be transmitted to the central regulatory pathway through the FluG‐mediated signalling pathway, and further confirmed the morphological effect of DMI fungicide on promoting sporulation of Colletotrichum. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide insights into the reproductive response of fungi in response to fungicide stress. Our findings indicate that fungicides have two‐way effects on the growth and reproduction of pathogenic fungi and provide a new basis for the scientific and rational use of fungicides.
HN1L promotes invasion and metastasis of the esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhao Yang , Xiao Wen , Jiang Yuan Zhu , Dong Wei , Zhang Xiang Wei , Zhang Lin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) refers to cancer that crosses the line of the gastroesophageal junction and includes distal esophageal cancer and proximal gastric cancer. It is characterized by early metastasis and a poor prognosis and has few treatment options. Here, we report a novel potential therapeutic target, hematological and neurological expressed 1‐like (HN1L), in AEG.MethodsA total of 38 patients who underwent surgical resection of AEG at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shandong Provincial Hospital from September 2018 to June 2019 were enrolled into the study. We detected the expression of HN1L in AEG and adjacent nontumor tissues by IHC staining. The clinicopathological characteristics of HN1L were statistically analyzed. Then, the expression of HN1L in different cell lines was detected by RT‐q PCR. Finally, AGS and HGC‐27 cell lines were performed to inhibit HN1L by shRNA in order to explore its role in the development of AEG.ResultsImmunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of HN1L in cancer tissues was higher than that in nontumor tissue (p < 0.001). High expression of HN1L was significantly correlated with TNM stage (p = 0.013) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.03). The expression of HN1L was upregulated in tumor cell lines compared with normal cell line. Additionally, Cell function studies demonstrated that lentivirus‐mediated shRNA silencing of HN1L expression could effectively reduce the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cell lines and promote their apoptosis (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHN1L expression might contribute to the invasion and metastasis of AEG and is a promising therapeutic target.
Evaluation of N95 respirators, modified snorkel masks and low‐cost powered air‐purifying respirators: a prospective observational cohort study in healthcare workers
Authors: Clinkard D. , Mashari A. , Karkouti K. , Fedorko L. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryDisposable N95 respirator masks are the current standard for healthcare worker respiratory protection in the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition to shortages, qualitative fit testing can have low sensitivity for detecting poor fit, leading to inconsistent protection. Multiple groups have developed alternative solutions such as modified snorkel masks to overcome these limitations, but validation of these solutions has been lacking. We sought to determine if N95s and snorkel masks with attached high‐efficiency filters provide consistent protection levels in healthcare workers and if the addition of positive pressure via an inexpensive powered‐air purifying respirator to the snorkel mask would provide enhanced protection. Fifty‐one healthcare workers who were qualitatively fitted with N95 masks underwent quantitative mask fit testing according to a simulated workplace exercise protocol. N95, snorkel masks with high‐efficiency filters and snorkel masks with powered‐air purifying respirators were tested. Respiratory filtration ratios were collected for each step and averaged to obtain an overall workplace protocol fit factor. Failure was defined as either an individual filtration ratio or an overall fit factor below 100. N95s and snorkel masks with high‐efficiency filters failed one or more testing steps in 59% and 20% of participants, respectively, and 24% and 12% failed overall fit factors, respectively. The snorkel masks with powered‐air purifying respirators had zero individual or overall failures. N95 and snorkel masks with high‐efficiency filter respirators were found to provide inconsistent respiratory protection in healthcare workers.
Structural recirculation and refractory hypoxemia under femoro‐jugular veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Charbit Jonathan , Deras Pauline , Courvalin Elie , Laumon Thomas , Dagod Geoffrey , Martinez Orianne , Capdevila Xavier 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe performance of each veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv‐ECMO) configuration is determined by the anatomic context and cannula position. A mathematical model was built considering bicaval specificities to simulate femoro‐jugular configuration. The main parameters to define were cardiac output (QC), blood flow in the superior vena cava (QSVC), extracorporeal pump flow (QEC), and pulmonary shunt (kS‐PULM). The obtained variables were extracorporeal flow ratio in the superior vena cava (EFRSVC = QEC/[QEC + QSVC]), recirculation coefficient (R), effective extracorporeal pump flow (Qeff‐EC = [1 – R] × QEC), Qeff‐EC/QC ratio, and arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2). EFRSVC increased logarithmically when QEC increased. High QC or high QSVC/QC decreased EFRSVC (range, 68%‐85% for QEC of 5 L/min). R also increased following a logarithmic shape when QEC increased. The R rise was earlier and higher for low QC and high QSVC/QC (range, 12%‐49% for QEC of 5 L/min). The Qeff‐EC/QC ratio (between 0 and 1) was equal to EFRSVC for moderate and high QEC. The Qeff‐EC/QC ratio presented the same logarithmic profile when QEC increased, reaching a plateau (range, 0.67‐0.91 for QEC/QC = 1; range, 0.75‐0.94 for QEC/QC = 1.5). The Qeff‐EC/QC ratio was linearly associated with SaO2 for a given pulmonary shunt. SaO2 < 90% was observed when the pulmonary shunt was high (Qeff‐EC/QC ≤ 0.7 with kS‐PULM = 0.7 or Qeff‐EC/QC ≤ 0.8 with kS‐PULM = 0.8). Femoro‐jugular vv‐ECMO generates a systematic structural recirculation that gradually increases with QEC. EFRSVC determines the Qeff‐EC/QC ratio, and thereby oxygen delivery and the superior cava shunt. EFRSVC cannot exceed a limit value, explaining refractory hypoxemia in extreme situations.
Intraoperative prothrombin complex concentrate administration and outcomes in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Boswell Michael R. , Stulak John M. , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Weber Matthew P. , Warner Matthew A. , Smith Bradford B. , Smith Mark M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractProthrombin complex concentrate (PCC) administration has increased among cardiac surgery patients in recent years; however, use in LVAD implantation/exchange is not widespread due to the fear of thrombotic complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing LVAD implantation/exchange with intraoperative PCC administration versus traditional transfusion practices alone. Adult LVAD implants/exchanges at our institution between 2015 and 2018 were included. Patients were categorized as receiving intraoperative PCC or no‐PCC (traditional). The primary outcome was the need for allogenic transfusion and transfusion volume at 48 hours after initial intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included metrics of morbidity and mortality. A total of 160 patients (39 PCC, 121 traditional) were analyzed. In unadjusted analysis, patients in the PCC group received lower intraoperative transfusion volumes compared to the traditional group although not statistically significant (1464 mL [IQR 796, 4876] vs. 2568 mL [IQR 1292, 3606]; P value .37). In the fully adjusted analysis, patients in the PCC group had increased odds of transfusion within 48 hours of ICU admission (OR 4.06, 95% CI: 1.35‐12.20; P < .01); however, there was no significant difference in transfusion volumes (P = .09). Patients receiving PCCs had higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis (10.3% vs. 0%; P < .01) and 30‐day mortality (17.9% vs. 4.1%; P < .01). LVAD pump thrombosis occurred in 2.6% versus 0.8% in the PCC and traditional groups, respectively; P = .98. Patients undergoing LVAD implantation and exchange represent a complex surgical cohort. The results of this study suggest that the intraoperative PCC use during LVAD implant/exchange was associated with reduced intraoperative transfusions. Intraoperative PCC use was, however, associated with higher odds of postoperative transfusion, although transfusion volumes were not significantly different. While the deep vein thrombosis and 30‐day mortality rates were higher in the PCC group, these results are likely related to the degree of surgical and patient complexity rather than PCC use itself. Further studies are needed to assess PCC use in this surgical cohort.
Sickle cell disease: progress towards combination drug therapy
Authors: Pace Betty S. , Starlard‐Davenport Athena , Kutlar Abdullah 
Published: January 2021

SummaryDr. John Herrick described the first clinical case of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in the United States in 1910. Subsequently, four decades later, Ingram and colleagues characterized the A to T substitution in DNA producing the GAG to GTG codon and replacement of glutamic acid with valine in the sixth position of the βS‐globin chain. The establishment of Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers in the United States in the 1970s was an important milestone in the development of treatment strategies and describing the natural history of sickle cell disease (SCD) comprised of genotypes including homozygous haemoglobin SS (HbSS), HbSβ0thalassaemia, HbSC and HbSβ+thalassaemia, among others. Early drug studies demonstrating effective treatments of HbSS and HbSβ0thalassaemia, stimulated clinical trials to develop disease‐specific therapies to induce fetal haemoglobin due to its ability to block HbS polymerization. Subsequently, hydroxycarbamide proved efficacious in adults with SCA and was Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved in 1998. After two decades of hydroxycarbamide use for SCD, there continues to be limited clinical acceptance of this chemotherapy drug, providing the impetus for investigators and pharmaceutical companies to develop non‐chemotherapy agents. Investigative efforts to determine the role of events downstream of deoxy‐HbS polymerization, such as endothelial cell activation, cellular adhesion, chronic inflammation, intravascular haemolysis and nitric oxide scavenging, have expanded drug targets which reverse the pathophysiology of SCD. After two decades of slow progress in the field, since 2018 three new drugs were FDA‐approved for SCA, but research efforts to develop treatments continue. Currently over 30 treatment intervention trials are in progress to investigate a wide range of agents acting by complementary mechanisms, providing the rationale for ushering in the age of effective and safe combination drug therapy for SCD. Parallel efforts to develop curative therapies using haematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy provide individuals with SCD multiple treatment options. We will discuss progress made towards drug development and potential combination drug therapy for SCD with the standard of care hydroxycarbamide.
Wood species identity alters dominant factors driving fine wood decomposition along a tree diversity gradient in subtropical plantation forests
Authors: Wu Donghao , Pietsch Katherina A. , Staab Michael , Yu Mingjian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMicroclimate and biotic factors drive wood decomposition. Yet, relatively few studies have been conducted in warmer tropical and subtropical forests compared with colder temperate and boreal forests, where climate might have stronger limitations on decomposition. Besides, conclusions on decomposition are generally based on single wood species or standardized materials. Thus, a general assessment if wood species identity alters dominant factors of decomposition in subtropical forest could improve the predictability of current C cycle models. We measured fine wood mass‐loss rates of seven widespread tree species in southeast China at two time steps (after 1 and 2 years) in subtropical plantation forests with tree species diversity manipulated. We found that termites exceeded fungi in consuming fine woody debris, and termite foraging intensity decreased with lignin content. Tree species diversity increased fungal hyphal coverage on fine wood samples and had different effects on wood mass‐loss rates depending on wood species. Higher minimum temperature and amplitude of relative humidity suppressed termite foraging intensity, with humidity having inconsistent effects on mass‐loss rates among wood species. Interestingly, microclimate outweighed biotic factors for Castanopsis eyrei but not for the other species. Three traits, that is, wood density, phenolics, and lignin content, were higher than the average for C. eyrei, making it the least attractive species for decomposers. Our findings suggest that species identity influences the effects and relative importance of biotic factors and microclimate for wood decomposition in subtropical forests. Furthermore, species identity effects are possibly mediated by multiple wood traits.Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.
Caring for a child with a disability in a Zambian community: A study using photo‐elicitation
Authors: Hepperlen Renee A. , Rabaey Paula , Ament‐Lemke Amanda , Manley Hayley 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundOver the past 25 years, caregivers of children with disabilities (CWD) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) have received limited attention from researchers. Previous research identified the physical, emotional, and social challenges of caregiving in resource‐limited areas. Researchers also identified protective factors, such as problem‐focused coping and emotion‐focused coping. This study seeks to explore experiences of caregivers of CWD through participant‐driven photo‐elicitation, in a low‐income subdistrict of Lusaka, Zambia.MethodsResearchers considered the experiences of caregivers providing support to their children with disabilities (CWD). Ten parent participants completed this qualitative study using photo‐elicitation. Parent participants completed an individual interview to describe their experiences reflected in the pictures they took. The research team used qualitative content analysis to identify the themes.ResultsFive general themes emerged from the data. The last two themes, “Also, a human being,” and “The community should learn,” are unique in research of CWD caregivers in LMIC settings. It indicates ways that these parents sought to encourage more inclusion and acceptance of their CWD in the community and to speak to other parents who might be struggling with providing care for their CWD.ConclusionsThis study expanded disability research to include perspectives from a low‐income area in Lusaka, Zambia. In doing so, we acquire a new viewpoint and enhanced understanding of their community experiences. Practice considerations include encouraging disability advocates to continue their work of educating the community about the inherent dignity and worth of people with disabilities and supporting CWD's rights.
Increased IL‐6 and Potential IL‐6 trans‐signalling in the airways after an allergen challenge
Authors: Esnault Stephane , Khosravi Mehdi , Kelly Elizabeth A. , Liu Lin Ying , Bochkov Yury A. , Tattersall Matthew C. , Jarjour Nizar N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn asthma, IL‐6 is a potential cause of enhanced inflammation, tissue damage and airway dysfunction. IL‐6 signalling is regulated by its receptor, which is composed of two proteins, IL‐6R and GP130. In addition to their membrane form, these two proteins may be found as extracellular soluble forms. The interaction of IL‐6 with soluble IL‐6R (sIL‐6R) can trigger IL‐6 trans‐signalling in cells lacking IL‐6R. Conversely, the soluble form of GP130 (sGP130) competes with its membrane form to inhibit IL‐6 trans‐signalling.ObjectivesWe aimed to analyse IL‐6 trans‐signalling proteins in the airways of subjects after an allergen challenge.MethodsWe used a model of segmental bronchoprovocation with an allergen (SBP‐Ag) in human subjects with allergy. Before and 48 h after SBP‐Ag, bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) allowed for the analysis of proteins in BAL fluids (BALFs) by ELISA, and membrane proteins on the surface of BAL cells by flow cytometry. In addition, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and used proteomic data to further inform on the expression of the IL‐6R subunits by eosinophils, bronchial epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts. Finally, we measured the effect of IL‐6 trans‐signalling on bronchial fibroblasts, in vitro.ResultsIL‐6, sIL‐6R, sGP130 and the molar ratio of sIL‐6R/sGP130 increased in the airways after SBP‐Ag, suggesting the potential for enhanced IL‐6 trans‐signalling activity. BAL lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils displayed IL‐6R on their surface and were all possible providers of sIL‐6R, whereas GP130 was highly expressed in bronchial epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts. Finally, bronchial fibroblasts activated by IL‐6 trans‐signalling produced enhanced amounts of the chemokine, MCP‐1 (CCL2).Conclusion and Clinical relevanceAfter a bronchial allergen challenge, we found augmentation of the elements of IL‐6 trans‐signalling. Allergen‐induced IL‐6 trans‐signalling activity can activate fibroblasts to produce chemokines that can further enhance inflammation and lung dysfunction.
Whole blood interleukin-2 release test to detect and characterize rare circulating gluten-specific T cell responses in coeliac disease
Authors: Anderson R P , Goel G , Hardy M Y , Russell A K , Wang S , Szymczak E , Zhang R , Goldstein K E , Neff K , Truitt K E , Williams L J , Dzuris J L , Tye-Din J A 
Published: January 2021

Summary
Whole blood cytokine release assays (CRA) assessing cellular immunity to gluten could simplify the diagnosis and monitoring of coeliac disease (CD). We aimed to determine the effectiveness of electrochemiluminescence CRA to detect responses to immunodominant gliadin peptides. HLA-DQ2·5+ CD adults (cohort 1, n = 6; cohort 2, n = 12) and unaffected controls (cohort 3, n = 9) were enrolled. Cohort 1 had 3-day gluten challenge (GC). Blood was collected at baseline, and for cohort 1 also at 3 h, 6 h and 6 days after commencing 3-day GC. Gliadin peptide-stimulated proliferation, interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) and 14- and 3-plex electrochemiluminescence CRA were performed. Poisson distribution analysis was used to estimate responding cell frequencies. In cohort 1, interleukin (IL)-2 dominated the gliadin peptide-stimulated cytokine release profile in whole blood. GC caused systemic IL-2 release acutely and increased gliadin peptide-stimulated IFN-γ ELISPOT and whole blood CRA responses. Whole blood CRA after GC was dominated by IL-2, but also included IFN-γ, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10/IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (CXCL10/IP-10), CXCL9/monokine induced by IFN-γ (MIG), IL-10, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3/macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (CCL3/MIP-1α), TNF-α and IL-8/CXCL8. In cohorts 2 and 3, gliadin peptide-stimulated whole blood IL-2 release was 100% specific and 92% sensitive for CD patients on a gluten-free diet; the estimated frequency of cells in CD blood secreting IL-2 to α-gliadin peptide was 0·5 to 11 per ml. Whole blood IL-2 release successfully mapped human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2·5-restricted epitopes in an α-gliadin peptide library using CD blood before and after GC. Whole blood IL-2 release assay using electrochemiluminescence is a sensitive test for rare gliadin-specific T cells in CD, and could aid in monitoring and diagnosis. Larger studies and validation with tetramer-based assays are warranted.