bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transitioning tacrolimus to sirolimus in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Arrabi Linda , Jan Anna , Hosing Chitra , Milton Denái R. , Yeh Jason 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesCalcineurin inhibitor (CNI) use for acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) recipients has been associated with toxicities. Toxicities may be managed by converting CNI to sirolimus as often done in solid organ transplantation. This study aimed to characterize allo‐HCT patients who completely transitioned from tacrolimus to sirolimus and evaluate the incidence of aGVHD within 100 days post‐transition, overall survival (OS), and incidence of relapse.MethodsSafety and efficacy data were collected at baseline and at day 30 and 90 post‐transition from tacrolimus to sirolimus and at one‐year post‐HCT.ResultsMost patients who transitioned had acute leukemia, received a matched unrelated donor allo‐HCT, and transitioned due to nephrotoxicity or neurotoxicity. The resolution rate was 83% and 48% in the nephrotoxicity group, 78% and 61% in the neurotoxicity group, 33% and 33% in the group that developed both nephrotoxicity and transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy at 30 and 90 days of assessments, respectively. Patients who transitioned before day 55 post‐allo‐HCT were more likely to develop new or worsening aGVHD. The one‐year OS and relapse rates were 37% and 20%, respectively.ConclusionsThe conversion from tacrolimus to sirolimus demonstrates promising resolution of acute toxicities; however, overall mortality remains high.
Social sensitivity and the ethics of attention
Authors: Magrì Elisa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSocial sensitivity is a crucial aspect of interpersonal relationships, as it is intrinsic to the understanding of other selves as subjects situated in a social world. In revitalizing such a concept in the philosophical literature, this article examines the relation between habit, attention, and critical self‐awareness that lies at the core of social sensitivity. On the one hand, I reconsider the so‐called “passivity” of habit and tackle the role of attention as the power of varying point of view. On the other hand, I contrast Husserl's view of attentiveness with Murdoch's account of loving attention, arguing that social sensitivity centers on a type of striving that is closer to Husserl's methodology than Murdoch's approach to moral perfectionism.
Baseline characteristics and effects of fingolimod on cognitive performance in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Langdon Dawn W. , Tomic Davorka , Penner Iris‐Katharina , Calabrese Pasquale , Cutter Gary , Häring Dieter A. , Dahlke Frank , Kappos Ludwig 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeStudies reporting the baseline determinants of cognitive performance and treatment effect on cognition in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are limited. We investigated the baseline correlates of cognition and the long‐term treatment effects of fingolimod 0.5 mg once daily on cognitive processing speed and attention in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS.MethodsThis post hoc analysis pooled data from the phase 3 FREEDOMS and FREEDOMS II trials (N = 1556). We assessed the correlation between baseline patient demographic and disease characteristics and baseline 3‐second Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT‐3) scores (Spearman's rank test) and the changes from baseline in PASAT‐3 (mixed model repeated measures model) in the fingolimod and placebo (up to 24 months) or placebo‐fingolimod switched (from Month 24 up to 120 months) groups. Additionally, the predictive value of PASAT‐3 score for future disease outcomes was assessed (Cox or logistic regression models).ResultsAmong the variables assessed, lower PASAT‐3 score at baseline correlated with higher disease burden (total brain volume, T2 lesion volume, and Expanded Disability Status Scale score), longer disease duration and older age (p < 0.0001 for all). Fingolimod significantly improved PASAT‐3 scores from baseline versus placebo at 6 (1.3; p = 0.0007), 12 (1.1; p = 0.0044) and 24 months (1.1; p = 0.0028), with a sustained effect (overall treatment effect p = 0.0012) up to 120 months. Improvements were seen regardless of baseline cognitive status (PASAT quartile). Baseline PASAT‐3 score was predictive of both clinical and magnetic resonance imaging measures of disease activity at Month 24 (p < 0.001 for all).ConclusionEarly fingolimod treatment may offer long‐term cognitive benefit in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS.
Using remote seminars to teach animal behavior
Authors: Hayes Loren D. , Aviles Leticia , Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo , Huck Maren , Lacey Eileen A. , Maldonado‐Chaparro Adriana , Matchinske Miles , Pillay Neville , Solomon Nancy G. , Schradin Carsten 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn response to the COVID‐19 crisis, numerous academic conferences and seminars were moved online. Some remote (online) seminars have the aim to be maintained permanently after the pandemic, offering weekly opportunities for scientists, postdocs, and students to learn about research and to improve global networking. Remote seminars are a good option to promote inclusion and diversity, allowing students worldwide to participate and to interact with researchers from a broad cultural and ethnic background. Capitalizing on our experience with the ongoing International Remote Seminar on Frontiers in Social Evolution (FINE), we propose four teaching tools that can be integrated into undergraduate and graduate courses and that can be adapted for use with most remote seminar series. We make recommendations for the use of: (i) Certified remote seminar attendance. (ii) Relevant articles from the primary literature. (iii) Teaching slides, and (iv) Recorded seminars. Our aims are to promote and facilitate the use of the proposed teaching tools in Animal Behavior and related courses, and to encourage other remote seminar organizers to make teaching tools available.
Role of antimicrobial peptides in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Suwanchote Supaporn , Waitayangkoon Palapun , Chancheewa Bussabong , Inthanachai Thananya , Niwetbowornchai Nattarika , Edwards Steven W. , Virakul Sita , Thammahong Arsa , Kiatsurayanon Chanisa , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Chiewchengchol Direkrit 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHost defense peptides (HDPs) or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short cationic amphipathic peptides of divergent sequences, which are part of the innate immune system and produced by various types of cells and tissues. The predominant role of HDPs is to respond to and protect humans against infection and inflammation. Common human HDPs include defensins, cathelicidin, psoriasin, dermcidin, and ribonucleases, but these peptides may be dysregulated in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Current evidence suggests that the antimicrobial properties and immunomodulatory effects of HDPs are involved in AD pathogenesis, making HDPs research a promising area for predicting disease severity and developing novel treatments for AD. In this review, we describe a potential role for human HDPs in the development, exacerbation, and progression of AD and propose their potential therapeutic benefits.
Transcriptomic landscape of skin lesions in cutaneous leishmaniasis reveals a strong CD8+ T cell immunosenescence signature linked to immunopathology
Authors: Fantecelle Carlos Henrique , Covre Luciana Polaco , Garcia de Moura Renan , Guedes Herbert Leonel de Matos , Amorim Camila Farias , Scott Phillip , Mosser David , Falqueto Aloisio , Akbar Arne N. , Gomes Daniel Claudio Oliveira 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe severity of lesions that develop in patients infected by Leishmania braziliensis is mainly associated with a highly cytotoxic and inflammatory cutaneous environment. Recently, we demonstrated that senescent T and NK cells play a role in the establishment and maintenance of this tissue inflammation. Here, we extended those findings using transcriptomic analyses that demonstrate a strong co‐induction of senescence and pro‐inflammatory gene signatures in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions. The senescence‐associated signature was characterized by marked expression of key genes such as ATM, Sestrin 2, p16, p21 and p38. The cell type identification from deconvolution of bulk sequencing data showed that the senescence signature was linked with CD8+ effector memory and TEMRA subsets and also senescent NK cells. A key observation was that the senescence markers in the skin lesions are age‐independent of patients and were correlated with lesion size. Moreover, a striking expression of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), pro‐inflammatory cytokine and chemokines genes was found within lesions that were most strongly associated with the senescent CD8 TEMRA subset. Collectively, our results confirm that there is a senescence transcriptomic signature in CL lesions and supports the hypothesis that lesional senescent cells have a major role in mediating immunopathology of the disease.
Manifesting hope in despair: Exploring prosocial behavioural outcomes of COVID‐19
Authors: Singla Himanshu , Mehta Minakshi Duggal , Mehta Pooja 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) outbreak has resulted into global devastation. This study attempts to explore the positive phenomenal impact of perceived pandemic anxiety resulting in prosocial behaviour (PB) through the mechanisms of self‐awareness and spiritual transformation using terror management theory (TMT). The study also examines the moderating impact of conscious state expansion (CSE) on the self‐awareness and spiritual transformation relationship, and the impact of this moderation effect is further tested separately on two gender groups. The data (N = 573) for the study were collected from the Punjab state of India during the ascending phase of outbreak. The results of PLS‐SEM analysis reveal the significant influence of variables under study on prosocial behavioural outcomes. Taking insights from the findings of the study it becomes clear that during dreadful situations, when people experience the possibility of loss of life, their self‐awareness level increases, which in turn results in their spiritual transformation. Such mechanism is observed more in the people possessing higher spiritual consciousness. The study concludes by recognising the positive role played by spiritual transformation (ST) in the evolution of the attributes of care and compassion for others, resulting in positive social consequences. The discussion, implications, limitations, and future directions are presented and discussed.
Investigating the redundancy principle in immersive virtual reality environments: An eye‐tracking and EEG study
Authors: Baceviciute Sarune , Lucas Gordon , Terkildsen Thomas , Makransky Guido 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe increased availability of immersive virtual reality (IVR) has led to a surge of immersive technology applications in education. Nevertheless, very little is known about how to effectively design instruction for this new media, so that it would benefit learning and associated cognitive processing.ObjectivesThis experiment explores if and how traditional instructional design principles from 2D media translate to IVR. Specifically, it focuses on studying the underlying mechanisms of the redundancy‐principle, which states that presenting the same information concurrently in two different sensory channels can cause cognitive overload and might impede learning.MethodsA total of 73 participants learned through a specifically‐designed educational IVR application in three versions: (1) auditory representation format, (2) written representation format, and (3) a redundancy format (i.e. both written and auditory formats). The study utilized advanced psychophysiological methods of Electroencephalography (EEG) and eye‐tracking (ET), learning measures and self‐report scales.Results and ConclusionsResults show that participants in the redundancy condition performed equally well on retention and transfer post‐tests. Similarly, results from the subjective measures, EEG and ET suggest that redundant content was not found to be more cognitively demanding than written content alone.ImplicationsFindings suggest that the redundancy effect might not generalize to VR as originally anticipated in 2D media research, providing direct implications to the design of IVR tools for education.
Differential effects of eplerenone versus amlodipine on muscle metaboreflex function in hypertensive humans
Authors: Peri‐Okonny Poghni A. , Velasco Alejandro , Lodhi Hamza , Wang Zhongyun , Arbique Debbie , Adams‐Huet Beverley , Iwamoto Gary , Mitchell Jere H. , Mizuno Masaki , Smith Scott , Vongpatanasin Wanpen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNumerous studies have demonstrated that sympathetic nervous system overactivation during exercise in hypertensive rodents and humans is due, in part, to an exaggerated reflex response known as the exercise pressor reflex. Our prior studies have implicated a key role of mineralocorticoid receptor activation in mediating an augmented exercise pressor reflex in spontaneously hypertensive rats, which is mitigated by blockade with eplerenone. However, the effect of eplerenone on exercise pressor reflex has not been assessed in human hypertension. Accordingly, the authors performed a randomized crossover study to compare the effects of eplerenone to another antihypertensive drug from a different class amlodipine on sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in 14 patients with uncomplicated hypertension. The authors found that amlodipine unexpectedly augmented the increase in SNA during the second minute of isometric handgrip, which persisted into the post‐exercise circulatory arrest period (∆ SNA, from rest of 15 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 vs. 10 ± 2 bursts/min, amlodipine vs. baseline vs. eplerenone, respectively, p < .01), suggesting an exaggerated muscle metaboreflex function. Eplerenone did not alter sympathetic responses to exercise or post‐exercise circulatory arrest in the same hypertensive individuals. In conclusions, our studies provide the first direct evidence for a potentially unfavorable potentiation of muscle metaboreflex by amlodipine during isometric handgrip exercise in hypertensive patients whereas eplerenone has no significant effect. Our study may have clinical implications in terms of selection of antihypertensive agents that have the least detrimental effects on sympathetic neural responses to isometric exercise.
Behavioural responses of fathead minnows to carbohydrates found in aquatic environments
Authors: Fischer Abraham J. , Dew William A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCarbohydrates make up a significant portion of dissolved organic carbon in waterways. Apart from studies demonstrating that chondroitin causes avoidance behaviours in some fish species, no work has been done to determine how fish respond to carbohydrates commonly found in their environment. In this study fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were attracted to N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine, avoided d‐arabinose and had no response to either d‐xylose or d‐glucose using a behavioural assay. This study provides further evidence that carbohydrates may be important chemosensory cues for fish.
Preliminary studies on the different roles of T6SSs in pathogenicity of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida NB2011
Authors: Jin Jiamin , Li Yiying , Huang Mengxia , Li Shanshan , Mao Zhijuan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPseudomonas plecoglossicida, the causative agent of visceral granulomas in the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) in China, encodes three sets of type Ⅵ secretion systems (T6SS1‐3). The purpose of this study was to characterize the different roles of T6SSs involved in infection. In‐frame deletion of T6SSs was constructed, which resulted in 8 mutants. Competition against E. coli DH5α, virulence against the croaker and in vivo survival ability of the mutants were tested. The expression and secretion of Hcp by P. plecoglossicida NB2011 were investigated. The results showed T6SS2 mutant failed to inhibit the growth of E. coli, which is an indication of T6SS2 acting against environmental bacteria. The LD50 value of T6SS1 mutant strongly increased; T6SS2 and T6SS3 mutants were similar to that of the wild type; and the virulence of double deletion or triple deletion mutant was drastically alleviated, indicating that T6SS1 being one of the major virulence factors, and T6SS2 and T6SS3 directly or indirectly being involved in the pathogenicity. T6SS1 mutant disappeared in the fish spleen in 3 days, while other strains kept increasing, indicating the T6SS1 stimulation bacteria replication in vivo. Hcp1 secreted at 12–28°C and Hcp2 secreted at 12–35°C, while Hcp3 secretion not detected in vitro. This study has thrown some insights on the understanding of pathogenicity mechanisms of this pathogen.
People, not just places: Expanding physical and social vulnerability indices by psychological indicators
Authors: Babcicky Philipp , Seebauer Sebastian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDamage and disruption caused by floods do not just arise from the characteristics of physical structures, but also from the characteristics of residents inhabiting these structures. Social vulnerability analyses typically employ socio‐demographic proxy indicators that do not address the risk attitudes, beliefs and agency of those living in areas at risk. To close this gap, this article introduces a range of indicators from psychological risk research. Physical, social and psychological indicators are compared for their influence on vulnerability outcomes such as building damage or emotional distress. Based on survey data of 456 Austrian at‐risk households, hierarchical regression models confirm the added value of psychological indicators for measuring vulnerability above and beyond traditional physical and social indicators. Our findings show that psychological indicators are particularly important for explaining health impacts and distress. General intentions for flood preparedness, fear of flooding and self‐efficacy are most relevant. For a more holistic view of vulnerability, measurement instruments should incorporate psychological indicators. Disaggregated household‐level data is necessary to fully capture the variability between households living in the same flood‐prone area. Indicators perform differently depending on the other indicators included, and the considered outcome; therefore, we caution against pooling indicators to composite indices of overall vulnerability.
Metformin suppresses interleukin‐22 induced hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Dong , Xia Lei , Geng Wei , Xu Dongwei , Zhong Chengpeng , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsEpidemiological studies have shown direct associations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that metformin is profoundly implicated in preventing tumor development. However, the exact mechanism underlying the antitumor effects of metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on a mouse HCC model and interleukin‐22 (IL‐22)‐associated carcinogenesis in vitro.ResultsWe found that metformin significantly suppressed the incidence and tumor burden of HCC in the diethyl‐nitrosamine‐induced HCC mouse model. As expected, the expression of IL‐22, an important factor involved in HCC progression, was markedly reduced by metformin. Treatment of HCC cells with metformin inhibited IL‐22 induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IL‐22 makes HCC more aggressive, whereas metformin largely compromised it in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the whole transcriptome analysis and functional analysis revealed that Hippo signaling pathway was involved in the antitumor ability of metformin. Consistent with this, metformin directly inhibited LATS1/2 and activated Mst1/2, phosphorylated YAP1 in vitro. After blocking the Hippo pathway by XMU‐MP‐1, the inhibitor of MST1/2, the inhibitory effects by metformin were dramatically attenuated as shown by in vitro study.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings illuminate a new regulatory mechanism, metformin activates Hippo signaling pathway to regulate IL‐22 mediated HCC progression and provide new insights into its tumor‐suppressive roles.
Exploring machine learning techniques to predict deforestation to enhance the decision‐making of road construction projects
Authors: Larrea‐Gallegos Gustavo , Vázquez‐Rowe Ian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLand use changes (LUCs), which are defined as the modification in the use of land due to anthropogenic activities, are important sources of GHG emissions. In this context, understanding future trends of LUCs, such as deforestation, in a spatial manner is relevant. The main objective of this study is to generate a deforestation prediction model for a given period of time (i.e., 2002–2017 and 2010–2017) to estimate the potential carbon emissions associated with different anthropogenic variables in the Peruvian Amazon using machine learning (ML) algorithms. This study was motivated in the analysis of a road project previously studied using life cycle assessment (LCA). Models using neural networks and random forest algorithms were trained and evaluated in a fully cloud‐based environment using Google Earth Engine. ML‐related results demonstrated that random forest is a quicker and straightforward response to model the system under study, especially considering that data do not require additional processing during the modeling and prediction stages. Predicted results suggest that expected road expansion may be related to considerable carbon emissions in the future. Calculated values are relevant especially if the mitigation efforts that Peru has complied with in the Paris Agreement are considered. The increased complexity of the framework is justified since it allows identifying the location of hotspots and may potentially complement the utility of LCA in policy support in the areas of territorial planning and tropical road expansion.
Opportunities and limitations for the introduction of circular economy principles in EU aquaculture based on the regulatory framework
Authors: Regueiro Leticia , Newton Richard , Soula Mohamed , Méndez Diego , Kok Björn , Little David C. , Pastres Roberto , Johansen Johan , Ferreira Martiña 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEU aquaculture produces only a small fraction of the internal demand of aquatic foods, but boosting this activity must be done in compliance with high standards of environmental protection and social benefits, as fostered by the policies on circular economy recently launched by the EU. Nevertheless, the assessment of the environmental sustainability of aquaculture and other food production systems is complex, due to the different tools and approaches available. Moreover, the current EU regulatory framework may be restricting the options to implement some circular solutions. This paper examines the controversies related to the assessment of environmental impacts of aquaculture processes and the different available circular solutions, with a focus on the best options to valorize aquaculture side streams and how current regulatory burdens and gaps should be solved.