bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy but not the tumor draining lymph nodes determine the immunotherapy response in secondary tumors
Authors: Zhao Xianda , Kassaye Beminet , Wangmo Dechen , Lou Emil , Subramanian Subbaya 
Published: June 2019

SUMMARYImmunotherapies are used as adjuvant therapies for cancers. However, knowledge of how traditional cancer treatments affect immunotherapies is limited. Using mouse models, we demonstrate that tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) are critical for tumor antigen-specific T-cell response. However, removing TdLNs concurrently with established primary tumors did not affect the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response on localized secondary tumor due to immunotolerance in TdLNs and distribution of antigen-specific T cells in peripheral lymphatic organs. Notably, treatment response improved with sequential administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and ICB compared to concurrent administration of ICB with 5-FU. Immune profiling revealed that using 5-FU as induction treatment increased tumor visibility to immune cells, decreased immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment, and limited chemotherapy-induced T-cell depletion. We show that the effect of traditional cytotoxic treatment, not TdLNs, influences immunotherapy response in localized secondary tumors. We postulate essential considerations for successful immunotherapy strategies in clinical conditions.Graphic abstractThe effects of tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) resection and a combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy on immune checkpoint blockade therapies are evaluated in this study. TdLNs resection was adverse in eliciting an antitumor immune response in early-stage tumors, but not in late-stage tumors. Further, sequential treatments with cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapy showed better tumor control compared to concurrent combinatorial treatments.
Resource depletion: where is an intervention most effective?
Authors: de Laat Patrick 
Published: June 2019

PurposeWhere does one need to intervene in to be most effective? The purpose of this study is to rank areas of the resource system, according to how much of a change can be expected from interventions in an area, in relation to the problem of depleting resources.Design/methodology/approachPrinciples of structured analysis are used to model how society uses resources. From this model, nine intervention areas are defined. These intervention areas are ranked in terms of effectiveness, through the use of the analytic hierarchy process.FindingsTo be most effective, one must prioritize intervention areas as follows: material inputs to the operation phase; process inputs to the operation phase; products’ longevity; process inputs to the manufacturing phase; and material inputs to the manufacturing phase.Practical implicationsMost decisions are not made on the basis of rigorous analysis but by using heuristics (rules of thumb). The results of this study are expressed as rules of thumb. They can help decision makers prioritize what is most important, but without imposing new ways of working.Originality/valueIn the construction domain, heuristics that generalize the impact of actions (content), instead of intervention areas (context), currently seem to prevail. The heuristics of this study generalize the impact of intervention areas. Therefore, they provide an extra perspective for many decision makers. This extra perspective can help reduce mistakes that are typically made by oversimplifying matters.
Healthy but smaller herds: Predators reduce pathogen transmission in an amphibian assemblage
Authors: Gallagher Samantha J. , Tornabene Brian J. , DeBlieux Turner S. , Pochini Katherine M. , Chislock Michael F. , Compton Zachary A. , Eiler Lexington K. , Verble Kelton M. , Hoverman Jason T. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPredators and pathogens are fundamental components of ecological communities that have the potential to influence each other via their interactions with victims and to initiate density‐ and trait‐mediated effects, including trophic cascades. Despite this, experimental tests of the healthy herds hypothesis, wherein predators influence pathogen transmission, are rare. Moreover, no studies have separated effects mediated by density vs. traits. Using a semi‐natural mesocosm experiment, we investigated the interactive effects of predatory dragonfly larvae (caged or lethal [free‐ranging]) and a viral pathogen, ranavirus, on larval amphibians (grey treefrogs and northern leopard frogs).We determined the influence of predators on ranavirus transmission and the relative importance of density‐ and trait‐mediated effects on observed patterns. Lethal predators reduced ranavirus infection prevalence by 57%–83% compared to no‐predator and caged‐predator treatments. The healthy herds effect was more strongly associated with reductions in tadpole density than behavioural responses to predators.We also assessed whether ranavirus altered the responses of tadpoles to predators. In the absence of virus, tadpoles reduced activity levels and developed deeper tails in the presence of predators. However, there was no evidence that virus presence or infection altered responses to predators.Finally, we compared the magnitude of trophic cascades initiated by individual and combined natural enemies. Lethal predators initiated a trophic cascade by reducing tadpole density, but caged predators and ranavirus did not. The absence of a virus‐induced trophic cascade is ostensibly the consequence of limited virus‐induced mortality and the ability of infected individuals to continue interacting within the community.Our results provide support for the healthy herds hypothesis in amphibian communities. We uniquely demonstrate that density‐mediated effects of predators outweigh trait‐mediated effects in driving this pattern. Moreover, this study was one of the first to directly compare trophic cascades caused by predators and pathogens. Our results underscore the importance of examining the interactions between predators and pathogens in ecology.
Applying the N‐mixture model approach to estimate mosquito population absolute abundance from monitoring data
Authors: Manica Mattia , Caputo Beniamino , Screti Alessia , Filipponi Federico , Rosà Roberto , Solimini Angelo , della Torre Alessandra , Blangiardo Marta 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Estimating population abundance is a key objective of surveillance programmes, particularly for vector species of public health interest. For mosquitos, which are vectors of human pathogens, established methods to measure absolute population abundance such as mark‐release‐recapture are difficult to implement and usually spatially limited. Typically, regional monitoring schemes assess species relative abundance (counting captured individuals) to prioritize control efforts and study species distribution. However, assessing absolute abundance is crucial when the focus is on pathogen transmission by contacts between vectors and hosts. Here, we applied the N‐mixture model approach to estimate mosquito abundance from standard monitoring data.

We extended the N‐mixture model approach in a Bayesian framework by considering a beta‐binomial distribution for the detection process. We ran a simulation study to explore model performance under a low detection probability, a time‐varying population and different sets of independent variables.

When informative priors were used and the model was well specified, estimates by N‐mixture model well correlated (>0.9) with synthetic data and had a mean absolute deviation of about 20%. Correlation decreased and biased increased with uninformative priors or model misspecification.

When fed with field monitoring data to estimate the absolute abundance of the mosquito arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus within the metropolitan city of Rome (Italy), the N‐mixture model showed higher population size in residential neighbourhoods than in large green areas and revealed that traps located adjacent to vegetated sites have a higher probability of capturing mosquitoes.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that, if supported by a good knowledge of the target species biology and by informative priors (e.g. from previous studies of capture rates), the N‐mixture model represents a valuable tool to exploit field monitoring data to estimate absolute abundance of disease vectors and to assess vector‐related health risk on a wide spatial and temporal scale. For mosquitoes specifically, it is also valuable to invest in increased efficiency of trapping devices to improve estimates of absolute abundance from the models.
Adaptation of glycocalyx, nitric oxide synthase expression and vascular cell apoptosis in conduit arteries of tail‐suspended rats
Authors: Kang Hongyan , Wu Chenglin , Qu Yuxin , Gao Menghan , Zhang Weichen , Sun Anqiang , Deng Xiaoyan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe importance of vascular cell glycocalyx in mechanotransduction has been demonstrated by many studies. The simulated microgravity induced a region‐dependent adaptation of arterial glycocalyx including its thickness, coverage, and gene expression in conduit arteries of tail‐suspended rats has been reported in our previous studies. Herein, we extended this line of research by quantifying the mRNA levels of three nitric oxide synthase (NOSI, NOSII, and NOSIII) and evaluating the apoptotic rates of endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the common carotid artery, abdominal aorta, and femoral artery of 3 week tail‐suspended rats. Results indicated that the tail suspension of rats induced about 0.36, 0.22, and 0.33 fold down‐regulation of NOSI, NOSII, and NOSIII in the abdominal aorta, while 3.21, and 3.48 fold up‐regulation of NOSII and NOSIII in the carotid artery and no significant effects on three NOS isoforms in the femoral artery. Moreover, the apoptosis of ECs and SMCs were significantly inhibited in both carotid artery and abdominal aorta, while enhanced in the femoral artery of the tail‐suspended rats. A linear positive correlation exists between the normalized coverage of the glycocalyx and the normalized NOSI and NOSIII mRNA levels. These results indicated that the redistribution of haemodynamics in the conduit arteries of 3 week tail‐suspended rats regulated the glycocalyx, NOS expression, and vascular cell apoptosis in a region‐dependent manner, contributing to the final vascular remodelling under simulated microgravity condition.
Ant assemblage structure on cocoa trees in smallholder farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Zéphirin Tadu , Régis Babin , Desirée Chantal Aléné , Yede  , Edith Blandine Messop‐Youbi , Dekoninck Wouter , Champlain Djiéto‐Lordon 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe investigated the ant community structure in cocoa farms in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Ants were collected on the cocoa trees during the years 2006 and 2007 using chemical knock‐down. We tested the hypothesis of the existence of deterministic factor in the structuration of ant mosaic using C‐Score; we assessed the relationship between the numerical dominant and subdominant ant species using Spearman correlation test and discussed on the influence of vegetation structure and farm management on the ant community structure. A total of 53 ant species belonging to 20 genera and five subfamilies were identified from a set of 51,525 workers collected. C‐score analysis supported the hypothesis that ant community were structured by competition. Negative relationships were found between dominant ant species. Farming practices which were mainly pruning, chemical treatment and habitat structure appeared to influence the ecological status and distribution of dominant ant species.
Bioacoustic monitoring of animal vocal behavior for conservation
Authors: Teixeira Daniella , Maron Martine , van Rensburg Berndt J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe popularity of bioacoustics for threatened species monitoring has surged. Large volumes of acoustic data can be collected autonomously and remotely with minimal human effort. The approach is commonly used to detect cryptic species and, more recently, to estimate abundance or density. However, the potential for conservation‐relevant information to be derived from acoustic signatures associated with particular behavior is less well‐exploited. Animal vocal behavior can reveal important information about critical life history events. In this study, we argue that the overlap of the disciplines of bioacoustics, vocal communication, and conservation behavior—thus, “acoustic conservation behavior”—has much to offer threatened species monitoring. In particular, vocalizations can serve as indicators of behavioral states and contexts that provide insight into populations as it relates to their conservation. We explore the information available from monitoring species' vocalizations that relate to reproduction and recruitment, alarm and defense, and social behavior, and how this information could translate into potential conservation benefits. While there are still challenges to processing acoustic data, we conclude that acoustic conservation behavior may improve threatened species monitoring where vocalizations reveal behaviors that are informative for management and decision‐making.
Activation of calcium signaling in human gingival fibroblasts by recombinant Porphyromonas gingivalis RgpB protein
Authors: Li Shenglai , Zhang Diya , Lu Kexin , Wu Yanmin , Sheng Lieping , Tang Qi 
Published: June 2019

Arginine‐specific cysteine proteinases, such as Arg‐gingipain B (RgpB), mediate inflammation by activating protease‐activated receptors (PARs). Arg‐gingipain B is produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, and is implicated in the causation of periodontal disease. The purpose of the present study was to observe the influence of recombinant RgpB protein (rRgpB) on PAR activation by monitoring intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) and inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate (IP3) levels in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Our findings showed that rRgpB could cause a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. This increase in [Ca2+]i was completely suppressed by vorapaxar, a PAR‐1 antagonist. Recombinant Arg‐gingipain B increased the concentration of IP3, reaching a maximum at 60 s after treatment; this was completely inhibited by vorapaxar. We therefore conclude that rRgpB‐induced calcium signaling in HGFs is mainly caused by PAR‐1 activation. This suggests that PAR‐1 activation plays a significant role in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease induced by P. gingivalis RgpB.
Non‐strangulating intestinal infarction in horses in the UK: A review of 15 cases
Authors: Spanton J. A. , Mair T. S. , Sherlock C. E. , Fews D. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe clinicopathological features of 15 horses diagnosed with non‐strangulating intestinal infarction (NSII) based on identification of focal areas of intestinal necrosis without mesenteric strangulation were reviewed. The mean age at presentation was 16.3 years, median 13 years, and there was no age, sex, or breed predilection. The major presenting clinical signs included: acute colic ≤ 24 h duration in nine horses; diarrhoea, depression, and inappetence in four horses; and low‐grade chronic or recurrent colic, depression, and inappetence in two horses. One horse presented with both acute colic and diarrhoea. Predisposing diseases included colitis or typhlocolitis in five horses and an initial strangulating small intestinal obstruction in three horses, but in seven horses no underlying or predisposing disease was identified. Four cases were managed medically and 11/15 were managed surgically. The most useful diagnostic test was exploratory celiotomy and the only successful treatment was complete resection of the necrotic intestine. Prognosis for survival was poor with a survival rate of only 1/15 (7%). Among the 15 horses, both single and multiple NSII lesions were seen, and they occurred in both the small intestine and large intestines. There was no evidence of Strongylus vulgaris infestation in any of the affected horses.
The theory of island biogeography and soundscapes: Species diversity and the organization of acoustic communities
Authors: Robert Aloïs , Lengagne Thierry , Melo Martim , Gardette Vanessa , Julien Sacha , Covas Rita , Gomez Doris , Doutrelant Claire 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimOn islands, species richness is reduced and interspecific competition relaxed in relation to the mainland, allowing species to use broader ecological niches. These factors are known to affect diet and morphology, but can also affect communication and acoustic signalling in particular. However, no study has ever compared insular and continental soundscapes to determine to which extent islands present reduced acoustic richness (number of co‐vocalizing species) and fewer constraints for vocalizing species.LocationSão Tomé Island, Mount Cameroon, Madeira Island, Southern France.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe compared two pairs of insular and continental soundscapes: one in a temperate zone, the other in the tropics. We recorded sounds produced in similar types of primary forests and measured acoustic richness and ambient noise profiles. We then assessed acoustic niche organization by computing, for each community, species turnover, temporal and frequency overlaps, and acoustic avoidance.ResultsWe found fewer species co‐vocalizing on islands compared to mainland and in temperate compared to tropical region. Ambient noise was louder in the tropics and occupied a wider frequency range, especially on the mainland, thereby revealing a reduction in available acoustic space for tropical mainland birds. In this more crowded and noisy soundscape, species presented a higher acoustic turnover, overlapped less in time and in frequency with each other and acoustically avoided each other more when compared to the three other communities.Main conclusionsSoundscapes differed and imposed fewer constraints on vocalizing species along the species diversity gradient from tropical mainland to temperate island. Acoustic niche partitioning increased with species richness and was associated with increased levels of acoustic interference. Results set a scene for an effect of relaxed competition on song evolution on islands, especially in the tropics.
Detecting outliers in species distribution data: Some caveats and clarifications on a virtual species study
Authors: Meynard Christine N. , Kaplan David M. , Leroy Boris 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLiu et al. (2018) used a virtual species approach to test the effects of outliers on species distribution models. In their simulations, they applied a threshold value over the simulated suitabilities to generate the species distributions, suggesting that using a probabilistic simulation approach would have been more complex and yield the same results. Here, we argue that using a probabilistic approach is not necessarily more complex and may significantly change results. Although the threshold approach may be justified under limited circumstances, the probabilistic approach has multiple advantages. First, it is in line with ecological theory, which largely assumes non‐threshold responses. Second, it is more general, as it includes the threshold as a limiting case. Third, it allows a better separation of the relevant intervening factors that influence model performance. Therefore, we argue that the probabilistic simulation approach should be used as a general standard in virtual species studies.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for detection of bacteremia during dental extraction
Authors: Azad Azita , Modaresi Farzan , Zahed Maryam , Zarei Mahshid , Ranjbaran Alireza , Jahrom Zahra Kargar 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimIncidence of transient bacteremia following dental extractions ranges 30%‐70% among adults and 58%‐100% in children. This study aims to assess the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in detection of transient bacteremia during dental extraction.MethodsTwenty volunteers for dental extraction entered the study. Blood samples were taken at baseline and 30 seconds and 15 minutes after extraction. Five types of bacteria were selected, namely Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. sanguinis, Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus. Blood samples were evaluated by microbial culture and multiplex PCR.ResultsBlood culture showed rates of 0%, 80% and 25% for bacteremia before, during and after dental extraction, respectively. A significant difference was observed between baseline and during extraction. Using PCR, bacteremia was deemed 20%, 100% and 30% before, during and after extraction, respectively, and a significant difference was witnessed between the baseline and during extraction. The highest incidence was at the 30‐second mark after extraction, and the most prevalent type of bacteria was S. mutans.ConclusionsMultiplex PCR can be used to determine bacterial diversity with high accuracy during occurrence of bacteremia. Therefore, in cases where positive blood cultures only indicate the presence of one species, we recommend the use of this method to detect more diverse bacteria types.
Imaging techniques for observing laminar geometry in the feather shaft cortex
Authors: LAURENT CHRISTIAN , AHMED SHARIF , BOARDMAN RICHARD , COOK RICHARD , DYKE GARETH , PALMER COLIN , SCHNEIDER PHILIPP , DE KAT ROELAND 
Published: June 2019

SummaryBird feather shafts are light, stiff and strong, but the fine details of how their structure, mechanics and function relate to one another remains poorly understood. The missing piece in our understanding may be the various fibrous layers that make up the shaft's cortex. Detailed imaging techniques are needed to enable us to capture, analyse and quantify these layers before we can begin to unravel the relationship between their structure, mechanics and function.We show that Serial‐Block‐Face scanning electron microscopy, scanning confocal polarised microscopy and synchrotron‐based computed tomography are three suitable techniques to investigate layer thickness and fibre orientation in the feather cortex. These techniques and other are discussed in terms of their ability to resolve the fibrous laminar structure of the feather cortex, on sample preparation, and on throughput. Annotated images are presented for each and less suitable techniques are presented in the Supplementary Material.Lay DescriptionBird feathers have a light, stiff and strong central shaft. However, the fine details of how their structure, mechanics and function relate to one another remains poorly understood. The missing piece in our understanding may have to do with how fibrous layers within the shaft vary in thickness and alignment. Detailed imaging techniques are needed so that we can quantify some of this variation before we can revisit some long‐unanswered questions about the feather shaft's structure, mechanics and function.We investigate a number of microscopy techniques and show that three techniques are suitable for the sort of investigation that is required. These techniques and others are discussed in terms of their ability to resolve the layers’ thickness and alignment, on sample preparation, and on the sample sizes they are able to process. Annotated images are presented and discussed for each of the three techniques and unsuitable techniques receive the same examination in the Supplementary Material.