bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and MALDI‐ToF MS differentiation and antifungal susceptibility of prevalent clinical Fusarium species in China
Authors: Song Yinggai , Liu Xiao , Yang Zhining , Meng Xingye , Xue Ruoning , Yu Jin , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M.S. , de Hoog G. Sybren , Li Ruoyu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundFusarium species are emerging causative agents of superficial and disseminated human infections. Early diagnosis and treatment contribute to better prognosis of severe infection.ObjectivesTo detect the effectiveness of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐ToF MS) for Fusarium identification, and evaluate the susceptibility profiles to clinical available antifungals.MethodsAll 203 clinical Fusarium isolates and 25 environmental isolates were identified by using translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF1) and RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2) sequencing and MALDI‐ToF MS. Antifungal susceptibility testing was determined by a microdilution method following the CLSI approved standard M38‐A3 document.ResultsCorrect identification rates at the species and genus levels were 89.04% (203/228) and 95.18% (217/228), respectively, using Bruker Filamentous Fungi Library 1.0 combined with the novel database. Seven species complexes with 19 Fusarium species were identified, including F. solani (59.21%, n = 135), F. verticillioides (17.54%, n = 40), F. proliferatum (6.58%, n = 15) and F. oxysporum (4.39%, n = 10). Four uncommon species complexes (F. incarnatum‐equiseti SC, F. dimerum SC, F. redolens SC and F. sporotrichioides SC) were also identified. A high degree of antifungal resistance was observed. Fusarium isolates exhibited lower MICs to luliconazole and terbinafine compared with amphotericin B and voriconazole, which in turn were significantly more active than amorolfine, fluconazole and itraconazole.ConclusionsMALDI‐ToF MS showed good performance in Fusarium species with an adapted Bruker library and expanded database. Fusarium isolates exhibited lower MICs to luliconazole and terbinafine compared to amphotericin B and voriconazole.
The locoregional adiponectin and its synergistic antitumor effect with HIF‐1α blockade in TSCC
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Hong , Wu Ming‐Yu , Zhao Gang , Wu Feng‐Hua , Xu Yun‐Dan , Yin Ming‐Zhu , Xiang Lei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdiponectin (APN) is a kind of endogenous anti‐tumor adipocytokine, which exerts its function by binding to its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). However, hyperadiponectinemia is found in some pathophysiological processes without significant protective effect, which indicates the existence of APN resistance. Here, we aimed to investigate the locoregional expression of APN in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) tissues, and to explore the potential regulatory mechanism of APN resistance under hypoxia. Consequently, we found that the protein expression of APN and AdipoR1, but not AdipoR2, was upregulated in the early stage of TSCC and after hypoxic treatment ex vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of HIF‐1α decreased the level of APN and AdipoR1, and simultaneously, HIF‐1α was identified as transcriptor of the APN. Intriguingly, a regenerative feedback of HIF‐1α was unexpectedly detected after application of recombinant globular APN (gAPN), which most likely contributed to the APN resistance. Furthermore, HIF‐1α blockade combined with gAPN has a prominent synergistic antitumor effect, which suggested an effective amelioration in APN resistance. In all, our study revealed the possible mechanism of APN resistance under hypoxia and provides a promising strategy of bi‐target treatment with APN and HIF‐1α for TSCC therapy.
Virological and immunological features of SARS‐COV‐2 infected children with distinct symptomatology
Authors: Cotugno Nicola , Ruggiero Alessandra , Pascucci Giuseppe Rubens , Bonfante Francesco , Petrara Maria Raffaella , Pighi Chiara , Cifaldi Loredana , Zangari Paola , Bernardi Stefania , Cursi Laura , Santilli Veronica , Manno Emma Concetta , Amodio Donato , Linardos Giulia , Piccioni Livia , Barbieri Maria Antonietta , Perrotta Daniela , Campana Andrea , Donà Daniele , Giaquinto Carlo ,   the CACTUS Study Team, Concato Carlo , Brodin Petter , Rossi Paolo , De Rossi Anita , Palma Paolo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough SARS‐CoV‐2 immunizations have started in most countries, children are not currently included in the vaccination programs; thus, it remains crucial to define their anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immune response in order to minimize the risk for other epidemic waves. This study sought to provide a description of the virology ad anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunity in children with distinct symptomatology.MethodsBetween March and July 2020, we recruited 15 SARS‐CoV‐2 asymptomatic (AS) and 51 symptomatic (SY) children, stratified according to WHO clinical classification. We measured SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load using ddPCR and qPCR in longitudinally collected nasopharyngeal swab samples. To define anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, we measured neutralization activity and total IgG load (DiaSorin). We also evaluated antigen‐specific B and CD8+T cells, using a labeled S1+S2 protein and ICAM expression, respectively. Plasma protein profiling was performed with Olink.ResultsVirological profiling showed that AS patients had lower viral load at diagnosis (p = .004) and faster virus clearance (p = .0002) compared with SY patients. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 humoral and cellular response did not appear to be associated with the presence of symptoms. AS and SY patients showed similar titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG, levels of neutralizing activity, and frequency of Ag‐specific B and CD8+ T cells, whereas pro‐inflammatory plasma protein profile was found to be associated with symptomatology.ConclusionWe demonstrated the development of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 humoral and cellular response with any regard to symptomatology, suggesting the ability of both SY and AS patients to contribute toward herd immunity. The virological profiling of AS patients suggested that they have lower virus load associated with faster virus clearance.
Potential sex differences in human milk leptin and their association with asthma and wheeze phenotypes: Results of the Ulm Birth Cohorts
Authors: Siziba Linda P. , Brenner Hermann , Amitay Efrat L. , Koenig Wolfgang , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Genuneit Jon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe hormone leptin has been suggested to play a role in the respiratory and immune systems. Evidence on sex‐specific concentrations of leptin in human milk and sex‐specific associations with the development of asthma and wheeze has been put forward but is still scarce.ObjectiveTo investigate whether male and female infants receive different levels of leptin through human milk and whether leptin is implicated in the development of asthma and wheeze in a sex‐dependent manner using data from the two Ulm Birth Cohort studies.MethodsLeptin data were available from human milk samples collected at 6 weeks (Ulm Birth Cohort Study [UBCS, n = 678; Ulm SPATZ Health Study, n = 587]), and, in SPATZ only, at 6 months (n = 377) and 12 months (n = 66) of lactation. Sex‐specific associations with doctor‐diagnosed asthma and wheeze phenotypes were assessed in crude and adjusted models using logistic regression. Adjustments were made for maternal allergy, exclusive breastfeeding, infant age at the time of milk sampling, and child BMI z‐score.ResultsAt 6 weeks, leptin levels (median [min, max], in ng/L) were higher in the milk for girls (197 [0.100, 4120]) than in milk for boys (159 [1.02, 3280], p = .045) in UBCS. No significant sex differences were observed in SPATZ (p = .152). There were no significant associations of leptin with asthma or wheeze in both studies, even in a sex‐dependent manner (p > .05).ConclusionIt remains unclear whether male and female infants receive different levels of leptin through human milk. However, leptin in human milk may not be associated with history and development of asthma and wheeze in a sex‐specific manner.
HSP70‐16 and VDAC3 jointly inhibit seed germination under cold stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Mao Qionglei , Hong Jun , Shi Lei , Ran Xiaoruo , Liaquat Fiza , Uzair Muhammad , Liang Wanqi , Fernie Alisdair R. , Shi Jianxin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) transport plays a crucial role in seed germination under unfavourable conditions such as cold stress. Both heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein are involved in cold stress responses in Arabidopsis. However, their roles in seed germination with regard to ABA signaling remain unknown. Here we demonstrated that Arabidopsis HSP70‐16 and VDAC3 jointly suppress seed germination under cold stress conditions. At 4°C, both HSP70‐16 and VDAC3 facilitated the efflux of ABA from the endosperm to the embryo and thus inhibited seed germination. HSP70‐16 interacted with VDAC3 on the plasma membrane and in the nucleus, and the interplay between HSP70‐16 and VDAC3 activated the opening of the VDAC3 ion channel. Our work established a novel function of HSP70‐16 in seed germination under cold stress and a possible association of VDAC3 activity with ABA transportation from endosperm to embryo under cold stress conditions. This study reveals that HSP70‐16 interacts with VDAC3 and facilitates the opening of the VDAC3 ion channel, which influences ABA efflux from endosperm to embryo, thus negatively regulates seed germination under cold stress.
Taking Care of Each Other: How Can We Increase Compliance with Personal Protective Measures During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Chile?
Authors: Gerber Monica M. , Cuadrado Cristóbal , Figueiredo Ana , Crispi Francisca , Jiménez‐Moya Gloria , Andrade Valentina 
Published: June 2021

In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, personal protective measures (e.g., social distancing, handwashing, and mask wearing) have been adopted as a cornerstone to limit the spread of the disease. Yet, the effectiveness of these measures depends on people's levels of adherence. In this article, we apply social‐psychological research to the study of compliance with personal protective measures during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Chile. We consider three possible models underlying adherence: (1) sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, (2) instrumental factors, and (3) normative factors. We draw on data from a longitudinal nonrepresentative panel study (Study 1, n = 32,304) and a cross‐sectional representative survey (Study 2, n = 1,078) to explore the impact of these different factors on personal protective measures compliance. Findings show the strongest support for the role of instrumental and normative factors, in that people who comply with protective measures report to a greater extent that relatives and friends comply too and tend to perceive high risk of COVID‐19. We finish by proposing policy recommendations to promote effective strategies to contain the spread of the virus.
Combined cryopreservation of canine ejaculates collected at a one‐hour interval increases semen doses for artificial insemination without negative effects on post‐thaw sperm characteristics
Authors: Lechner Dominik , Aurich Jörg , Schäfer‐Somi Sabine , Herbel Johannes , Aurich Christine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA limiting factor in canine artificial insemination (AI) is the low number of insemination doses obtained per ejaculate. In this study, semen was collected from dogs (n = 28) either once and frozen directly after collection or the same dogs were submitted to a dual semen collection with a 1‐hr interval and the two ejaculates were combined for cryopreservation. We hypothesized that combining two ejaculates increases semen doses per cryopreservation process without negative effects on semen characteristics. Total sperm count was lower in semen from a single semen collection in comparison with the combination of the first and second ejaculate of a dual semen collection (p < .001). The percentage of motile and membrane‐intact spermatozoa determined by computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) in raw semen did not differ between single and combined dual ejaculates and was reduced (p < .001) by cryopreservation to the same extent in single (motility 73.7 ± 1.8%, membrane integrity 65.6 ± 2.2%) and combined dual ejaculates (motility 72.7 ± 2.3%, membrane integrity 64.6 ± 2.5%). The percentage of spermatozoa with morphological defects increased after cryopreservation (p < .001) but was similar in single and combined dual ejaculates. The CASA sperm velocity parameters decreased with cryopreservation (p < .001) but did not differ between single and combined dual ejaculates. The number of insemination doses increased from 2.7 ± 0.4 for single to 4.7 ± 0.8 for combined dual ejaculates (p < .01), based on 100 million motile spermatozoa per frozen‐thawed semen dose. In conclusion, combining two ejaculates collected at short interval for one cryopreservation process increases the number of AI doses without compromising semen quality.
Prediction of cow's fertility based on data recorded by automatic milking system during the periparturient period
Authors: Kliś Piotr , Sawa Anna , Piwczyński Dariusz , Sitkowska Beata , Bogucki Mariusz 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe results of most studies show the beneficial effect of milking automation on production parameters of dairy cows, but its effect on fertility traits is debatable. Therefore, a study was undertaken to predict cow fertility – services per conception (SC) and calving interval (CI) – based on automatic milking system (AMS) data collected in the periparturient period subdivided into the second and first week before calving, 1–4, 5–7, 8–14, 15–21 and 22–28 days of lactation. SC and CI were predicted using daily indicators such as concentrate intake, number of milkings, cow box time, milking time, milking speed, colostrum and milk yield, composition, temperature and electrical conductivity. The study material was derived from the AMS management system and from the SYMLEK milk recording system. The analysis covered data for 16,329 milkings of 398 Polish Holstein‐Friesian (PHF) cows, which were used in three AMS herds. The collected numerical data were statistically analysed by correlation analysis in parallel with decision tree technique (SAS statistical package). The present study showed that due to the low, mostly non‐significant coefficients of correlation between AMS data collected between 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after calving, it is not possible to predict cow fertility based on single traits. It has been established that the decision tree method may help breeders, already during the postcalving period, to choose the level of factors associated with AMS milking, which will ensure good fertility of cows in a herd. The most favourable number of services per conception is to be expected from cows that were milked <1.6 times per day from 1 to 4 days of lactation and electrical conductivity of their colostrum did not exceed 69 mS during that time. In turn, shortest CI (366 days) will be characteristic of the cows whose average daily colostrum yield did not exceed 20.2 kg and their daily concentrate intake from 8 to 14 days of lactation was at least 5.0 kg.
The impact of trade with pure exporters
Authors: Gao Bo , Tvede Mich 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe extend the Melitz model to include pure exporters and study how they influence economic performance. We find that the presence of pure exporters lowers the productivity premium of exporters. Moreover, if there is a large portion of pure exporters, then international trade lowers the average productivity, but not welfare. Moreover, we explore how trade liberalization in form of lower entry cost into foreign markets and lower variable export cost influences the distribution of firms between pure exporters, ordinary exporters and non‐exporters.
Pricing Wind Power Futures
Authors: Härdle Wolfgang Karl , López Cabrera Brenda , Melzer Awdesch 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWith increasing wind power (WP) penetration an extensive amount of volatile and weather dependent energy is fed into the German electricity system. To manage the volume risk of windless days and the transfer of revenue risk from wind turbine owners to investors, WP derivatives were introduced. These insurance-like securities allow the hedging of the volume risk of unstable WP production on exchanges such as NASDAQ and EEX. We present a modern and powerful methodology to model weather derivatives, with very skewed underlying assets, incorporating techniques from extreme event modelling to tune seasonal volatility. We compare transformed Gaussian and non-Gaussian CARMA(p, q) models. Our results indicate that the Gaussian CARMA(p, q) model is preferred over the non-Gaussian alternative. Out-of-sample backtesting results show good performance, with respect to benchmarks, employing smooth market price of risk (MPR) estimates based on NASDAQ weekly and monthly German WP futures prices. A seasonal MPR of a smile shape is observed, with slightly positive values in times of high volatility, for example, winter months, and negative values, in times of low volatility and production, for example, in summer months. We conclude that producers pay premiums to insure stable revenue steams, while investors pay premiums when weather risk is high.
Fixed costs, markups and concentration in Eswatini (Swaziland): A firm‐level analysis of panel data
Authors: Mhlanga Samuel Vika , Rankin Neil Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper documents the evolution of markups and concentration, detects causality between firm churning and markups/concentration, and determines the impact of fixed costs on markups. It relies on production data of Eswatini during 1994–2007 to estimate markups using the production approach. It finds elasticities, markups and concentration to be comparable with other findings elsewhere. Although no causality is found from a regression of markups/concentration to entry/exit dynamics an increase in productivity within high capital stock industries and in fixed costs raises average markups. Further research will focus on markup state dependence, unobserved heterogeneity, and endogenous regime switching to enhance understanding of markup pricing.
Intergenerational relations of older immigrants in the United States
Authors: Cao Xuemei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe rapid aging of the immigrant population in the United States has drawn increasing scholarly attention to studying the kinship support networks of older immigrants. Despite the common stereotype of older immigrants as passive dependents of their families and the receiving society, this review highlights their active negotiations of ties to adult children as they manage family relations and secure old‐age support. After a brief description of the demographic profiles of the older immigrant population in contemporary United States, this article shows how international migration challenges the patterns and power dynamics of two major aspects of intergenerational relationships in adulthood—intergenerational exchanges and intergenerational conflicts. By presenting the diversity and variations of intergenerational relations in aging immigrant families, the author argues that research on older immigrants' family relations holds great potentials to contribute to the literature on immigration, family, and aging studies.
Arabidopsis thaliana 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate‐independent phosphoglycerate mutase 2 activity requires serine 82 phosphorylation
Authors: Duminil Pauline , Davanture Marlène , Oury Céline , Boex‐Fontvieille Edouard , Tcherkez Guillaume , Zivy Michel , Hodges Michael , Glab Nathalie 
Published: June 2021

SUMMARYPhosphoglycerate mutases (PGAMs) catalyse the reversible isomerisation of 3‐phosphoglycerate and 2‐phosphoglycerate, a step of glycolysis. PGAMs can be sub‐divided into 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate‐dependent (dPGAM) and ‐independent (iPGAM) enzymes. In plants, phosphoglycerate isomerisation is carried out by cytosolic iPGAM. Despite its crucial role in catabolism, little is known about post‐translational modifications of plant iPGAM. In Arabidopsis thaliana, phosphoproteomics analyses have previously identified an iPGAM phosphopeptide where serine 82 is phosphorylated. Here, we show that this phosphopeptide is less abundant in dark‐adapted compared to illuminated Arabidopsis leaves. In silico comparison of iPGAM protein sequences and 3D structural modelling of AtiPGAM2 based on non‐plant iPGAM enzymes suggest a role for phosphorylated serine in the catalytic reaction mechanism. This is confirmed by the activity (or the lack thereof) of mutated recombinant Arabidopsis iPGAM2 forms, affected in different steps of the reaction mechanism. We thus propose that the occurrence of the S82‐phosphopeptide reflects iPGAM2 steady‐state catalysis. Based on this assumption, the metabolic consequences of a higher iPGAM activity in illuminated versus darkened leaves are discussed.
An assessment of hepatitis B virus prevalence in South African young blood donors born after the implementation of the infant hepatitis B virus immunization program: Implications for transfusion safety
Authors: Vermeulen Marion , Swanevelder Ronel , Van Zyl Gert , Lelie Nico , Murphy Edward L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen is estimated to be 6.7% in the South African population and in April 1995 the nation introduced universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination for newborns and infants. We studied the temporal association of this program with HBV prevalence in young blood donors and the contemporary HBV incidence and residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection (TT‐HBV).MethodsWe used blood donation data from January 2011 to December 2019. Estimation of HBV prevalence donations made by first‐time blood donors were analyzed by birth cohort and covariates. To estimate the incidence and residual risk of TT‐HBV, mathematical models used data from both first time and repeat donors.ResultsHBV prevalence in first‐time donors decreased from 0.84% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.90) in 2011 to 0.66% (95% CI 0.61–0.70) in 2019. The post‐1995 birth cohort had a significantly lower HBV prevalence of 0.14% (95% CI 0.13–0.15) than the pre‐1985 birth cohort of 1.29% (95% CI 1.25–1.33) and the odds of HBV infection were reduced in a multivariable model (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, 95% CI 0.24–0.34). The residual risk of TT‐HBV occurring from window‐period, occult, and possible vaccine breakthrough infections were estimated at 36.9, 5.8, and 2.2 per million red blood cell transfusions, respectively.ConclusionDonors born after the start of routine HBV immunization had significantly lower prevalence of HBV infection, supporting the effectiveness of the vaccination program. The contemporary residual risk of TT‐HBV has decreased and should decline further as more vaccinated young people join the donor pool.