bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifunctionality of CD8+ T cells and PD‐L1 expression as a biomarker of anti‐PD‐1 antibody efficacy in advanced melanoma
Authors: Manabe Keiko , Yamasaki Osamu , Nakagawa Yuki , Miyake Tomoko , Udono Heiichiro , Morizane Shin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAnti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) antibodies have become a standard treatment for advanced melanoma. However, a predictive biomarker for assessing the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 antibodies has not been identified. In cancer, CD8+ T cells specific for tumor antigens undergo repeated T‐cell receptor stimulation due to the persistence of cancer cells and gradually lose their ability to secrete interleukin 2 (IL‐2), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). We aimed to evaluate multi‐cytokine production and immune exhaustion of peripheral CD8+ T cells in melanoma patients treated with anti‐PD‐1 antibodies. Twenty‐four melanoma patients treated with nivolumab were included. Effector cytokine production (IL‐2, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ) and expression of an exhaustion marker (PD‐1) in patients’ CD8+ cells were analyzed with flow cytometry. The relationships between parameters such as the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and clinical response to nivolumab were examined. Immunohistochemistry for programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in tumor cells and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and analysis of their association with clinical response were performed. The clinical response rate to nivolumab was 29%. Regarding TILs, NLR, and several other parameters, no significant difference was found between responders and non‐responders. The responder group showed an increase in the percentage of PD‐1+CD8+/TNF‐α+IFN‐γ+ or PD‐1+CD8+/IFN‐γ+IL‐2+TNF‐α+ T cells compared to non‐responders. Positivity for PD‐L1 expression was significantly higher in the responder group than the non‐responder group. In advanced melanoma, the percentage of multifunctional CD8+PD‐1+ T cells and PD‐L1 expression in the tumors may be a biomarker for a good response to anti‐PD‐1 antibody monotherapy.
A widespread mechanism in ectomycorrhizal fungi to access nitrogen from mineral‐associated proteins
Authors: Wang Tao , Persson Per , Tunlid Anders 
Published: April 2021

SummaryA large fraction of nitrogen (N) in forest soils is present in mineral‐associated proteinaceous compounds. The strong association between proteins and minerals limits microbial accessibility to this source, which is a relatively stable reservoir of soil N. We have shown that the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungus Paxillus involutus can acquire N from iron oxide‐associated proteins. Using tightly controlled isotopic, spectroscopic and chromatographic experiments, we demonstrated that the capacity to access N from iron oxide‐associated bovine serum albumin (BSA) is shared with the ECM fungi Hebeloma cylindrosporum and Piloderma olivaceum. Despite differences in evolutionary history, growth rates, exploration types and the decomposition mechanisms of organic matter, their N acquisition mechanisms were similar to those described for P. involutus. The fungi released N from mineral‐associated BSA by direct action of extracellular aspartic proteases on the mineral‐associated BSA, without initial desorption of the protein. Hydrolysis was suppressed by the adsorption of proteases to minerals, but this adverse effect was counteracted by the secretion of compounds that conditioned the mineral surface. These data suggest that the enzymatic exudate‐driven mechanism to access N from mineral‐associated proteins is found in ECM fungi of multiple lineages and exploration types.
Expanded hemodialysis: Is anticoagulation of the dialysis circuit different from online hemodiafiltration and high‐flux hemodialysis?
Authors: Santos Alba , Macías Nicolás , Vega Almudena , Abad Soraya , Linares Tania , Aragoncillo Inés , Cruzado Leonidas , Pascual Cristina , Goicoechea Marian , López‐Gómez Juan Manuel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExpanded hemodialysis (HDx) has a high capacity for removing medium and medium‐large molecules; however, there are no specific recommendations during HDx for anticoagulation of the dialysis circuit. We aimed to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of anticoagulation procedures using the venous port and 40 mg enoxaparin in HDx compared to high‐flux hemodialysis (HF‐HD) and postdilution online hemodiafiltration (HDF). We compared anticoagulant activity in 11 patients in HDx, HF‐HD, and HDF under similar dialysis conditions. In the 33 dialysis sessions, 40 mg enoxaparin was administered through the venous port, and pre‐ and postdialysis antifactor Xa activity (aXa) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), postdialysis clotting time of the vascular access, visual clotting score of the dialyzer, and any complications with the extracorporeal circuit or bleeding were registered. APTT postdialysis in HDx was not significantly different from that in HF‐HD and HDF. Postdialysis aXa in HDx was not significantly different from that in HF‐HD and HDF. We found no significant differences in visual clotting score of the dialyzer. Enoxaparin administered through the venous port was sufficient for anticoagulation within the extracorporeal circuit in HDx, HF‐HD, and HDF. There were no differences in postdialysis aXa or APTT, most likely because when low molecular–weight heparin is applied through venous port, lesser enoxaparin concentration reaches the dialyzer. Thus, we conclude that the dose of enoxaparin administered through the venous port should not be adjusted according to dialysis technique.
Comparison of functional patency rates between paclitaxel‐eluting versus plain balloon angioplasty in hemodialysis patients with central venous stenosis: An intra‐individual comparison study
Authors: Cakir Semih , Guzelbey Tevfik , Mutlu Ilhan N. , Kilickesmez Ozgur 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCentral venous stenosis (CVS) is usually a late‐diagnosed clinical entity that is common in hemodialysis patients. It causes various problems ranging from hemodialysis difficulty to loss of the arterio–venous (A–V) fistula. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of drug eluting balloon while excluding the influence of other variable factors by evaluating the same individuals with plain and paclitaxel‐eluting balloons. This research was a prospective study of 18 symptomatic hemodialysis patients (age 50.9 ± 14.0 years, range 32–72 years; 11 male, 7 female) with CVS who underwent treatment by plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) and paclitaxel‐eluting balloon angioplasty (PEBA) in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2017. First, third and sixth month central vein patency rates were compared. The median patency rates of central veins were 109.0 (range: 10–324) days after PBA and 238.5 (range: 157–501) days after PEBA (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between PBA and PEBA angioplasty in one‐month patency (p ˃ 0.05). By contrast, a statistically significant difference was found between 3‐ and 6‐month patency rates (p = 0.031 and p ˂ 0.001, respectively). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the primary cumulative patency rate of PEBA was significantly longer than that of PBA (p ˂ 0.001). In this prospective study, PEBA patency is superior to PBA patency in the treatment of CVS in dialysis patients.
Lu177‐PSMA therapy for men with advanced prostate cancer: 18 months survival analysis in a single Australian tertiary institution
Authors: Tatkovic Annaleis , McBean Rhiannon , Wong David 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionRadioligand therapies, or ‘theranostics’, have an emerging role in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Lutetium‐177 (Lu), targeting prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA), has demonstrated promising outcomes including reduced disease progression and improved overall survival. We aim to determine overall survival demonstrated by our LuPSMA patient cohort to date.MethodsKaplan–Meier survival analysis and log‐rank test were performed on all LuPSMA therapy patients with at least 12 months of follow‐up data available (n = 68). Comparison across patients was made based on several variables including the baseline characteristics of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and metastasis site and by biochemical response.ResultsThe 18‐month overall survival estimate for the patient cohort was 63.8%. Patients with baseline serum PSA <20 µg/L had a greater 18‐month survival estimate (79.9%) compared to PSA ≥20 µg/L (53.8%; P < 0.05). Patients with an SUVmax >15 had an 18‐month survival estimate of 56.0%, compared to 38.0% in patients with SUVmax ≤15 (P < 0.05). No significant difference in overall survival was observed by metastasis site. Both a decrease in PSA after two LuPSMA therapy cycles and the maximum response over the treatment course being a decline in PSA were indicative of greater overall survival (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively).ConclusionOur study reported an 18‐month overall survival of 64% in patients with mCRPC who have undergone LuPSMA therapy. Our study identified that baseline serum PSA, SUVmax and biochemical response to treatment are prognostic markers for increased overall survival.
Genetic landscape clustering of a large DNA barcoding data set reveals shared patterns of genetic divergence among freshwater fishes of the Maroni Basin
Authors: Papa Yvan , Le Bail Pierre‐Yves , Covain Raphaël 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Maroni is one of the most speciose basins of the Guianas and hosts a megadiverse freshwater fish community. Although taxonomic references based on morphological identification exist for both the Surinamese and Guianese parts of the basin, there are still taxonomic uncertainties concerning the status of several species. We used COI sequences of 1284 fish in conjunction with morphological and biogeographical evidence to assist with species delineation and discovery in order to validate and standardize the current taxonomy. This resulted in a final DNA barcode data set of 199 fish species (125 genera, 36 families and eight orders; 68.86% of strictly freshwater fishes from the basin), among which 25 are new putative candidate species flagged as requiring taxonomic update. DNA barcoding delineation through Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) revealed further cryptic diversity (230 BINs in total). To explore global genetic patterns across the basin, genetic divergence landscapes were computed for 128 species, showing a global trend of high genetic divergence between the Surinamese southwest (Tapanahony and Paloemeu), the Guianese southeast (Marouini, Litany, Tampok, etc.), and the river outlet in the north. This could be explained by lower levels of connectivity between these three main areas and/or the exchange of individuals between these areas and the neighbouring basins. A new method of ordination of genetic landscapes successfully assigned species into cluster groups based on their respective pattern of genetic divergence across the Maroni Basin: genetically homogeneous species were effectively discriminated from species showing high spatial genetic fragmentation and possible lower capacity for dispersal.
Maternal and child genetic liability for smoking and caffeine consumption and child mental health: an intergenerational genetic risk score analysis in the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Schellhas Laura , Haan Elis , Easey Kayleigh E. , Wootton Robyn E. , Sallis Hannah M. , Sharp Gemma C. , Munafò Marcus R. , Zuccolo Luisa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsPrevious studies suggest an association between maternal tobacco and caffeine consumption during and outside of pregnancy and offspring mental health. We aimed to separate effects of the maternal environment (intrauterine or postnatal) from pleiotropic genetic effects.DesignSecondary analysis of a longitudinal study. We (i) validated smoking and caffeine genetic risk scores (GRS) derived from published genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for use during pregnancy, (ii) compared estimated effects of maternal and offspring GRS on childhood mental health outcomes and (iii) tested associations between maternal and offspring GRS on their respective outcomes.SettingWe used data from a longitudinal birth cohort study from England, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).ParticipantsOur sample included 7921 mothers and 7964 offspring.MeasurementsMental health and non‐mental health phenotypes were derived from questionnaires and clinical assessments: 79 maternal phenotypes assessed during and outside of pregnancy and 71 offspring phenotypes assessed in childhood (<10 years) and adolescence (11–18 years).FindingsThe maternal smoking and caffeine GRS were associated with maternal smoking and caffeine consumption during pregnancy (2nd trimester: Psmoking = 3.0 × 10−7, Pcaffeine = 3.28 × 10−5). Both the maternal and offspring smoking GRS showed evidence of association with reduced childhood anxiety symptoms (βmaternal = −0.033; βoffspring = −0.031) and increased conduct disorder symptoms (βmaternal = 0.024; βoffspring = 0.030), after correcting for multiple testing. Finally, the maternal and offspring smoking GRS were associated with phenotypes related to sensation seeking behaviours in mothers and adolescence (e.g. increased symptoms of externalising disorders, extraversion and monotony avoidance). The caffeine GRS showed weaker evidence for associations with mental health outcomes.ConclusionsWe did not find strong evidence that maternal smoking and caffeine genetic risk scores have a causal effect on offspring mental health outcomes. Our results confirm that the smoking genetic risk scores also captures liability for sensation seeking personality traits.
Oral health status and dental treatment needs of psoriatic patients with different therapy regimes
Authors: Olejnik M , Adamski Z , Osmola‐Mankowska A , Nijakowski K , Dorocka‐Bobkowska B 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the dental treatment requirements and oral health status of psoriatic patients with different severities of the disease, managed by different methods, including biological therapies.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐seven patients diagnosed with psoriasis were enrolled in this study. All subjects completed a general medical history and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. The severity of the disease was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scale and a DLQI questionnaire. In order to evaluate the oral health status, the following techniques were used: Approximal Plaque Index (API), the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index.ResultsPatients treated with biologicals presented a significantly lower mean CPI index and required no surgical interventions. Subjects managed with topical therapy had significantly more decayed teeth and higher treatment needs. Only 11.3% of patients did not require dental intervention.ConclusionsThe study revealed a high need for dental interventions in patients with psoriasis. The type of treatment used may affect the oral health status of patients. However, further investigations are required to explain the significantly lower CPI value in the group treated with biologicals.
Patterns of co‐occurrence and body size in dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) in preserved and altered Amazonian streams
Authors: Oliveira‐Junior José Max B , Teodósio Maria Alexandra , Juen Leandro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInterspecific interactions, such as competition, are among the key factors that determine the distribution, abundance and diversity of organisms in natural communities of aquatic ecosystems. However, a marked reduction in the environmental integrity of streams may lead to modifications of the natural dynamics of these communities, including co‐occurrence patterns and body size. In the Amazon, the replacement of forests by production systems is one of the leading causes of alterations to riverine ecosystem. The insects of the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are predators known to compete for environmental resources but are also sensitive to environmental changes such as those caused by shifts in land use. In this scenario, the present study evaluated species co‐occurrence and body size patterns in adult odonates found at preserved and altered Amazonian streams, to determine whether there are morphological differences among the species that enable their coexistence. During the study, 98 streams in the eastern Amazon region were sampled, and a habitat integrity index (HII) was used to evaluate the integrity of each stream (based on variables such as the condition of the riparian vegetation and channel, and land use). Ten male individuals were selected from each species, and nine morphometric measurements were taken from each individual. A total of 3588 specimens were collected and distributed in nine families, 49 genera and 134 species. We found a non‐random pattern of co‐occurrence in the species of the odonate suborder Zygoptera and a random pattern in the suborder Anisoptera, in both preserved and altered streams. We found morphological divergence between pairs of zygopteran species, in the whole sample and both categories of stream integrity separately. No such morphological divergence was found in the pairs of anisopteran species. The distribution patterns of odonate species are limited by specific environmental processes, especially in preserved environments and in specialists, such as most zygopterans. Zygopteran species have more specific microhabitat requirements, which could explain this pattern, whereas anisopterans prefer open environments, which usually have a greater supply of resources, although there tends to be less microhabitat heterogeneity, which leads to reduced competition. Given this, future studies should use limiting similarity (e.g. morphological attributes) in addition to environmental and spatial factors to better understand the factors structuring these communities. Among these mechanisms, the effects of common ancestry (phylogenetic inertia) and biogeography are important factors that should also be considered in future studies.
CSI Index Reconstitutions: A Quasi‐Natural Experiment in China*
Authors: Li Hongda , Selvam Srinivasan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe investigate whether the China Securities Index (CSI) reconstitutions are suitable as a quasi‐natural experiment to investigate the influence of institutional ownership. Using both actual and predicted CSI 300 and 500 index constituents, we document a sharp discontinuity in institutional ownership, especially of domestic mutual funds around index thresholds, overcoming a key concern of the Russell reconstitution approach. Using inclusion in the CSI 500 index as an instrument, we find that higher institutional ownership increases dividend payouts, improves firm performance, and improves the firms’ information environment. These findings inform us of the salience of domestic institutions in emerging markets.
Risky Appearances, Skillful Performances: Female Islamic Preachers and Professional Style in Malaysia
Authors: Kloos David 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTMass involvement of women in Islamic associations and public religious expressions has led to an unprecedented demand for women Islamic authorities. Yet, paradoxically, the global Islamic revival has also strengthened conservative norms with regard to the exposure of women's bodies and voices. In Malaysia, women Islamic popular preachers navigate, and to some extent obviate, this tension between publicity and modesty by cultivating a professional style. In the context of mass education, mass mediatization, and a public sphere saturated with techno‐political language, these women combine religious guidance with knowledges and performances more commonly associated with nonreligious professions. They perceive their work and careers as an accumulation of professional skills. They work from offices as well as traditional religious institutions. And they provide specialized, often paid services ranging from conventional religious teaching and preaching to professionalized Islamic healing and media performances. The increasing salience of a professional persona in women's preaching requires an analysis that moves beyond pious exemplarity—a central concern of many anthropological studies of women's religious authority—and that recognizes the central role of professional style and associated performances in the shaping of new Muslim femininities. [religious authority, professional style, women preachers, Islam, Malaysia]
Calmodulin is involved in the occurrence of extracellular Ca2+‐dependent full‐type hyperactivation in boar ejaculated spermatozoa incubated with cyclic AMP analogs
Authors: Wada Atsushi , Harayama Hiroshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn mammals, hyperactivation is essential for sperm fertilization with oocytes in vivo. Two types of hyperactivation “full‐type and nonfull‐type patterns” can be observed in the spermatozoa from boars, bulls, and mice. We have a hypothesis that the full‐type hyperactivation is a physiological (in vivo) pattern and are elucidating its molecular bases. The aims of this study were to detect calmodulin in boar sperm flagella by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence and to investigate effects of extracellular Ca2+ and calmodulin antagonists “W‐7 and W‐5 (W‐5; a less potent antagonist)” on the occurrence of full‐type hyperactivation in boar spermatozoa. Calmodulin was specifically detected as the 17‐kDa antigen in the flagella and postacrosomal region of the heads. Full‐type hyperactivation could be induced effectively in the samples incubated with 3.42 mM CaCl2 for 120–180 min, and it was significantly reduced in the concentration‐dependent manners of W‐7 and W‐5. Suppressing effects of W‐7 on the full‐type hyperactivation were stronger than those of W‐5. These observations indicate that flagellar calmodulin is involved in the occurrence of extracellular Ca2+‐dependent full‐type hyperactivation in boar spermatozoa. This is the first indication of the intracellular Ca2+‐sensing molecule which can function in the full‐type hyperactivation.