bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased choroidal thickness in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Csincsik Lajos , Nelson Rachel , Walpert Madeleine J. , Peto Tunde , Holland Anthony , Lengyel Imre 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionPeople with Down syndrome (DS) are particularly susceptible to Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the triplication of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. In this cross‐sectional study, we hypothesized that choroidal thinning reported in sporadic AD (sAD) is mirrored in adults with DS.MethodsThe posterior pole of the eye for 24 adults with DS and 16 age‐matched controls (Ctrl) were imaged with optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness (ChT) was measured and analyzed in relation to cognitive status and cerebral amyloid beta (Aβ) load.ResultsChT was increased in people with DS (pwDS) compared to Ctrl. This increase was associated with gender differences and positively correlated with cerebral Aβ load in a small subset. There was no significant correlation detected between ChT and age or cognitive status.DiscussionIn contrast to sAD this study found a significantly thicker choroid in pwDS. Whether these changes are related to Aβ pathology in DS needs further investigation.
No evidence of sexual dimorphism in the tails of the swallowtail butterflies Papilio machaon gorganus and P. m. britannicus
Authors: Koutrouditsou Lydia K. , Nudds Robert L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe European swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is so named, because of the long and narrow prominences extending from the trailing edge of their hindwings and, although not a true tail, they are referred to as such. Despite being a defining feature, an unequivocal function for the tails is yet to be determined, with predator avoidance (diverting an attack from the rest of the body), and enhancement of aerodynamic performance suggested. The swallowtail, however, is sexually size dimorphic with females larger than males, but whether the tail is also sexually dimorphic is unknown. Here, museum specimens were used to determine whether sexual selection has played a role in the evolution of the swallowtail butterfly tails in a similar way to that seen in the tail streamers of the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), where the males have longer streamers than those of the females. Previously identified sexual dimorphism in swallowtail butterfly size was replicated, but no evidence for dimorphism in tail length was found. If evolved to mimic antennae and a head to divert a predatory attack, and if an absolute tail size was the most effective for this, then the tail would probably be invariant with butterfly hindwing size. The slope of the relationship between tail length and size, however, although close to zero, was nonetheless statistically significantly above (tail length ∝ hindwing area 0.107 ± 0.011). The slope also did not equate to that expected for geometric similarity (tail length ∝ hindwing area1/2) suggesting that tail morphology is not solely driven by aerodynamics. It seems likely then, that tail morphology is primarily determined by, and perhaps a compromise of several, factors associated with predator avoidance (e.g. false head mimicry and a startling function). Of course, experimental data are required to confirm this.
Factors that shape the elevational patterns of plant diversity in the Yatsugatake Mountains, Japan
Authors: Oishi Yoshitaka 
Published: March 2021

AbstractElevation is involved in determining plant diversity in montane ecosystems. This study examined whether the distribution of plants in the Yatsugatake Mountains, central Japan, substantiated hypotheses associated with an elevational diversity gradient. Species richness of trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, and bryophytes was investigated in study plots established at 200‐m elevational intervals from 1,800 to 2,800 m. The changes in plant diversity (alpha and beta diversities, plant functional types, and elevational ranges) with elevation were analyzed in relation to climatic factors and elevational diversity gradient hypotheses, that is, mass effect, mid‐domain effect, and Rapoport's elevational rule. In addition, the elevational patterns of dominance of plant functional types were also analyzed. A comparison of alpha and beta diversities revealed that different plant groups responded variably to elevation; the alpha diversity of trees and ferns decreased, that of herbs increased, whereas the alpha diversity of shrubs and bryophytes showed a U‐shaped relationship and a hump‐shaped pattern. The beta diversity of shrubs, herbs, and bryophytes increased above the subalpine–alpine ecotone. In accordance with these changes, the dominance of evergreen shrubs and graminoids increased above this ecotone, whereas that of evergreen trees and liverworts decreased. None of the plant groups showed a wide elevational range at higher elevations. These elevational patterns of plant groups were explained by climatic factors, and not by elevational diversity gradient hypotheses. Of note, the changes in the dominance of plant groups with elevation can be attributed to plant–plant interactions via competition for light and the changes in physical habitat. These interactions could alter the elevational diversity gradient shaped by climatic factors.
Outcomes of coronavirus disease‐2019 among veterans with pre‐existing diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Rumery Kyle , Seo Angie , Jiang Lan , Choudhary Gaurav , Shah Nishant R. , Rudolph James L. , Wu Wen‐Chih , Erqou Sebhat 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsPre‐existing cardiovascular disease in general and related risk factors have been associated with poor coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes. However, data on outcomes of COVID‐19 among people with pre‐existing diagnosis of heart failure (HF) have not been studied in sufficient detail. We aimed to perform detailed characterization of the association of pre‐existing HF with COVID‐19 outcomes.Methods and resultsA retrospective cohort study based on Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data comparing 30 day mortality and hospital admission rates after COVID‐19 diagnosis among Veterans with and without pre‐existing diagnosis of HF. Cox‐regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) with adjustment for covariates. Among 31 051 veterans (97% male) with COVID‐19, 6148 had pre‐existing diagnosis of HF. The mean (SD) age of patients with HF was 70 (13) whereas the mean (SD) age of patients without HF was 57 (17). Within the HF group with available data on left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), 1844 patients (63.4%) had an EF of >45%, and 1063 patients (36.6%) had an EF of ≤45%. Patients in the HF cohort had higher 30 day mortality (5.4% vs. 1.5%) and admission (18.5% vs. 8.4%) rates after diagnosis of COVID‐19. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, HRs (95% CIs) for 30 day mortality and for 30 day hospital admissions were 1.87 (1.61–2.17) and 1.79 (1.66–1.93), respectively. After additional adjustment for medical comorbidities, HRs for 30 day mortality and for 30 day hospital admissions were 1.37 (1.15–1.64) and 1.27 (1.16–1.38), respectively. The findings were similar among HF patients with preserved vs. reduced EF, among those taking vs. not taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, and among those taking vs. not taking anticoagulants.ConclusionsPatients with COVID‐19 and pre‐existing diagnosis of HF had a higher risk of 30 day mortality and hospital admissions compared to those without history of HF. The findings were similar by EF categories and by angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors or anticoagulant use.
GPA33 is expressed on multiple human blood cell types and distinguishes CD4+ central memory T cells with and without effector function
Authors: Opstelten Rianne , Suwandi Jessica S , Slot Manon C. , Morgana Florencia , Scott Andrew M , Laban Sandra , Nikolic Tatjana , Turksma Annelies W , Kroeze Anna , Voermans Carlijn , Zwaginga Jaap‐Jan , Roep Bart O , Amsen Derk 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Ig superfamily protein glycoprotein A33 (GPA33) has been implicated in immune dysregulation, but little is known about its expression in the immune compartment. Here, we comprehensively determined GPA33 expression patterns on human blood leukocyte subsets, using mass and flow cytometry. We found that GPA33 was expressed on fractions of B, dendritic, natural killer and innate lymphoid cells. Most prominent expression was found in the CD4+ T cell compartment. Naïve and CXCR5+ regulatory T cells were GPA33high, and naïve conventional CD4+ T cells expressed intermediate GPA33 levels. The expression pattern of GPA33 identified functional heterogeneity within the CD4+ central memory T cell (Tcm) population. GPA33+ CD4+ Tcm cells were fully undifferentiated, bona fide Tcm cells that lack immediate effector function, whereas GPA33– Tcm cells exhibited rapid effector functions and may represent an early stage of differentiation into effector/effector memory T cells before loss of CD62L. Expression of GPA33 in conventional CD4+ T cells suggests a role in localization and/or preservation of an undifferentiated state. These results form a basis to study the function of GPA33 and show it to be a useful marker to discriminate between different cellular subsets, especially in the CD4+ T cell lineage.
Circulating ILC precursors expressing CD62L exhibit a type 2 signature distinctly decreased in psoriatic patients
Authors: Campana Stefania , De Pasquale Claudia , Barberi Chiara , Oliveri Daniela , Sidoti Migliore Giacomo , Galletti Bruno , Guarneri Claudio , Cannavò Serafinella Patrizia , Ferlazzo Guido 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman CD117+CRTH2neg innate lymphoid cells (ILC) comprise multipotent precursors (ILCp), which are able to differentiate into subtypes in response to different signals received in peripheral tissues. NKp46+ ILCp have been reported to associate with ILC3 whereas KLRG1+ILCp with ILC2, although the latter can also generate other ILC subsets, thus, maintaining a substantial plasticity. We here showed that CD62L is expressed by ILCp exclusively within KLRG1+ population and its expression marks a loss of their broad differentiation potential.Analysis of cytokine production and relevant markers demonstrated that CD62L+ILCp mainly differentiate into ILC2 whereas CD62Lneg counterpart can also differentiate into other ILC subsets depending on the signals they receive. Remarkably, in peripheral blood of psoriatic patients, where ILC3 are usually enriched, CD62L+ILC were drastically reduced, whereas CD62LnegILC2 upregulated both RORγt and NKp46, thus, suggesting an ongoing conversion to ILC3. Therefore, CD62L now emerges as a potential marker to identify a skewing toward type 2 among ILCp.
Cryptococcus gattii evades CD11b‐mediated fungal recognition by coating itself with capsular polysaccharides
Authors: Ueno Keigo , Otani Yoshiko , Yanagihara Nao , Urai Makoto , Nagamori Akiko , Sato‐Fukushima Miyuki , Shimizu Kiminori , Saito Noriko , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCryptococcus gattii is a capsular pathogenic fungus causing life‐threatening cryptococcosis. Although the capsular polysaccharides (CPs) of C. gattii are considered as virulence factors, the physiological significance of CP biosynthesis and of CPs themselves is not fully understood, with many conflicting data reported. First, we demonstrated that CAP gene deletant of C. gattii completely lacked capsule layer and its virulence, and that the strain was susceptible to host‐related factors including oxidizing, hypoxic, and hypotrophic conditions in vitro. Extracellular CPs recovered from culture supernatant bound specifically to C. gattii acapsular strains, not to other fungi and immune cells, and rendered them the immune escape effects. In fact, dendritic cells (DCs) did not efficiently uptake the CP‐treated acapsular strains, which possessed no visible capsule layer, and a decreased amount of phosphorylated proteins and cytokine levels after the stimulation. DCs recognized C. gattii acapuslar cells via an immune receptor CD11b‐ and Syk‐related pathway; however, CD11b did not bind to CP‐treated acapsular cells. These results suggested that CPs support immune evasion by coating antigens on C. gattii and blocking the interaction between CD11b and C. gattii cells. Here, we describe the importance of CPs in pathogenicity and immune evasion mechanisms of C. gattii.
Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl Immobilized on Bipyridine Organosilica Nanotubes for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Waki Minoru , Ikai Masamichi , Goto Yasutomo , Maegawa Yoshifumi , Inagaki Shinji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOrganosilica nanotubes were synthesized via the co‐condensation of 1,4‐bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene and 5,5’‐bis(triisopropoxysilyl)‐2,2’‐bipyridine in the presence of a surfactant micelle template under acidic conditions. These materials are termed BPy(X)‐NTs, where X represents the BPy loading in the framework. The surface BPy moieties in these materials acted as chelating ligands to immobilize metal complexes in the nanotube pores, such that rhenium complexes [Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl] were successfully formed on the pore surfaces. The resulting Re−BPy(X)‐NTs exhibited efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction in the presence of a sacrificial reductant under visible light. Re−BPy(X)‐NTs with higher BPy contents showed higher turnover numbers (TONs) and quantum yields than those previously obtained from periodic mesoporous organosilica systems. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was improved by the surface co‐immobilization of tris(2,2’‐bipyridine)ruthenium, [Ru(bpy)3]2+, on the Re−BPy(X)‐NTs as a photosensitizer, giving a quantum yield of 15 % in response to visible light (>385 nm). The value exceeds those previously reported for heterogeneous systems.
Geoarchaeological signatures of anthropogenic soils in southeastern Uruguay: Approaches to formation processes and spatial–temporal variability
Authors: del Puerto Laura , Gianotti Camila , Bortolotto Noelia , Gazzán Nicolás , Cancela Cristina , Orrego Beatriz , Inda Hugo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis contribution focuses on the interpretation of earthen mound formation processes in the lowlands of the Pampa biome, southeastern Uruguay, through the integrated analysis of sedimentological and archaeological data. The three analyzed mounds from the La Tapera site have different heights and radiocarbon chronologies, indicating different construction periods across the last 4000 years. In addition, soils from surrounding plains were analyzed to provide a comparative basis for geoarchaeological characterization. From granulometric, compositional, and geochemical results, we identified different soil classes and several anthropogenic layers inside the earthen structures. Mound soils stood out from the rest due to higher levels of P, soil organic matter (SOM), and micro‐artifact content, leading to their classification as hortic Anthroportic Udorthent soils or hortic‐cultural cumulic archaeo‐anthrosols. Geoarchaeological differences between mounds are inferred as variations in the formation processes and/or construction technologies, possibly related to the functionality and height of the structures. Evidence from this contribution demonstrated the existence of ancient ways to produce nutrient‐rich long‐lasting anthropogenic soils that left persistent geoarchaeological signatures on the landscape. These findings highlight the need to broaden the discussion, culturally and geographically, about the genesis and development of management practices and associated indigenous knowledge to include the lowlands of southeastern South America.
FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Impact on pretherapeutic N classification, detection of distant metastases, and second primary tumors
Authors: Stadler Thomas M. , Morand Grégoire B. , Rupp Niels J. , Hüllner Martin W. , Broglie Martina A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the effect of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in the pretherapeutic staging of N classification, detection rate of distant metastases, and second primaries.MethodsRetrospective study on patients with head and neck carcinoma. We compared pretherapeutic N classification by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI.ResultsA change in the N classification due to FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI was observed in 116 patients (39.5%) compared to N classification by ultrasound and fine‐needle aspiration cytology. Patients with advanced nodal classification (>N2a) were more likely to be reclassified. Distant metastases were detected in 19 patients and a total of 36 second primaries were diagnosed by FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI. Detection of distant metastases was more likely in regional advanced disease (>N2a). Smokers (>10 py) had a significantly higher risk of second primary.ConclusionFDG‐PET‐CT/MRI leads to a significant change in pretherapeutic N classification. The cumulative incidence of distant metastases and second primaries was 18.7%.
Contralateral neck failure in oral tongue cancer: Outcomes from two centers using predefined treatment criteria
Authors: Udovicich Cristian , Daniell James , Wiesenfeld David , Bressel Mathias , Rowe David , Vital Domenic , Cavanagh Karda , Lekgabe Ernest , Wong Tim , Magarey Matthew J. R. , Iseli Tim A. , Fua Tsien , Rischin Danny , McDowell Lachlan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe objective was to determine the incidence of, and factors associated with contralateral neck failure (CNF) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).MethodsConsecutive patients with OTSCC between 2007 and 2016 were included. The predefined policy of the contralateral neck included neck dissection (ND) where the primary tumor extended/crossed midline or the contralateral neck was involved; and elective nodal irradiation (ENI) where the primary tumor was ≤1 cm from midline/2 cm from tip.ResultsThis study included 258 patients. ND was ipsilateral 169 (66%) and bilateral 33 (13%). Fifty‐five patients (21%) received ENI to the undissected contralateral neck. CNF occurred in 19 patients (7%) and was similar by treatment received. Utilizing this approach, we observed higher rates of CNF with increasing N classification, perineural invasion, extracapsular extension, and depth of invasion ≥6 mm.ConclusionsUsing our institutional policy of treatment to the contralateral neck, a low rate of CNF (≤10%) was observed.
In Utero Exposure to Mercury Is Associated With Increased Susceptibility to Liver Injury and Inflammation in Childhood
Authors: Stratakis Nikos , Golden‐Mason Lucy , Margetaki Katerina , Zhao Yinqi , Valvi Damaskini , Garcia Erika , Maitre Léa , Andrusaityte Sandra , Basagana Xavier , Borràs Eva , Bustamante Mariona , Casas Maribel , Fossati Serena , Grazuleviciene Regina , Haug Line Småstuen , Heude Barbara , McEachan Rosemary R.C. , Meltzer Helle Margrete , Papadopoulou Eleni , Roumeliotaki Theano , Robinson Oliver , Sabidó Eduard , Urquiza Jose , Vafeiadi Marina , Varo Nerea , Wright John , Vos Miriam B. , Hu Howard , Vrijheid Martine , Berhane Kiros T. , Conti David V. , McConnell Rob , Rosen Hugo R. , Chatzi Lida 
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of liver disease in children. Mercury (Hg), a ubiquitous toxic metal, has been proposed as an environmental factor contributing to toxicant‐associated fatty liver disease.

Approach and Results
We investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to Hg on childhood liver injury by combining epidemiological results from a multicenter mother–child cohort with complementary in vitro experiments on monocyte cells that are known to play a key role in liver immune homeostasis and NAFLD. We used data from 872 mothers and their children (median age, 8.1 years; interquartile range [IQR], 6.5‐8.7) from the European Human Early‐Life Exposome cohort. We measured Hg concentration in maternal blood during pregnancy (median, 2.0 μg/L; IQR, 1.1‐3.6). We also assessed serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a common screening tool for pediatric NAFLD, and plasma concentrations of inflammation‐related cytokines in children. We found that prenatal Hg exposure was associated with a phenotype in children that was characterized by elevated ALT (≥22.1 U/L for females and ≥25.8 U/L for males) and increased concentrations of circulating IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. Consistently, inflammatory monocytes exposed in vitro to a physiologically relevant dose of Hg demonstrated significant up‐regulation of genes encoding these four cytokines and increased concentrations of IL‐8 and TNF‐α in the supernatants.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that developmental exposure to Hg can contribute to inflammation and increased NAFLD risk in early life.
State‐Level HCC Incidence and Association With Obesity and Physical Activity in the United States
Authors: Lee Yi‐Te , Wang Jasmine J. , Luu Michael , Tseng Hsian‐Rong , Rich Nicole E. , Lu Shelly C. , Nissen Nicholas N. , Noureddin Mazen , Singal Amit G. , Yang Ju Dong 
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality, with a disproportionate impact on racial/ethnic minority groups. However, state‐level variation in racial/ethnic disparities and temporal trends of HCC incidence remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize (1) state‐level racial/ethnic disparity in HCC incidence, (2) state‐level temporal changes in HCC incidence, and (3) the ecological correlation between HCC incidence and obesity/physical activity levels in the USA.

Approach and Results
Trends in HCC incidence between 2001 and 2017 were calculated using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results, and annual percent change in rates were calculated. State‐level percent of obesity and level of physical activity were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the correlation among obesity, physical activity, and state‐specific average annual percent change was tested by Pearson correlation coefficient. There were striking state‐level racial/ethnic disparities in HCC incidence; incidence rate ratios ranged between 6.3 and 0.9 in Blacks, 6.1 and 1.7 in Asians/Pacific Islanders, 3.8 and 0.9 in Hispanics, and 6.0 and 0.9 in American Indians/Alaska Natives (compared with Whites as reference). Despite overall decreasing HCC incidence rates after 2015, HCC incidence continued increasing in 26 states over recent years. HCC incidence trends had a moderate correlation with state‐level obesity (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and a moderate inverse correlation with state‐level physical activity (r = −0.40, P = 0.004).

Conclusions
There is wide state‐level variation in racial/ethnic disparity of HCC incidence. There are also disparate incidence trends across states, with HCC incidence continuing to increase in over half of the states. Regional obesity and lack of physical activity have moderate correlations with HCC incidence trends, suggesting that interventions targeting these factors may help curb rising HCC incidence.