bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unexpected positive patch test reactions to sesquiterpene lactones in patients sensitized to the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre
Authors: Herman Anne , Mowitz Martin , Aerts Olivier , Pyl Jeroen , de Montjoye Laurence , Goossens An , Bruze Magnus , Baeck Marie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost diabetic patients sensitized to FreeStyle Libre react to isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), with a considerable number of them also showing unexpected positive patch test reactions to sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix (SLM) tested in the baseline series.ObjectivesTo compile patch test results of subjects affected, and provide potential explanations for this association.Patients and MethodsFifty‐three Freestyle Libre‐allergic patients were patch tested with IBOA and/or SLM, and several were also patch tested with the components of SLM. Chromatographic analyses were performed on the glucose sensor, IBOA, and the components of SLM.ResultsThirty‐three patients reacted positively to the components of SLM, and 11 of 27 patients reacted positively to alantolactone, in particular. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses did not detect these chemicals in the different parts of the glucose sensor, or in IBOA.ConclusionSignificant co‐sensitizations between SLs on the one hand and the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre and/or isobornyl acrylate on the other hand exist, without evidence of the presence of SLs via GC‐MS analysis. Cross‐reactions between them seem improbable. As a possible hypothesis, a common precursor for both, such as camphene, may exist.
Improving laboratory workflow through automated pre‐processing of SurePath specimens for human papillomavirus testing with the Abbott RealTime assay
Authors: Sargent Alexandra , Theofanous Ioannis , Ferris Sarah 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundCervical specimens collected in liquid‐based cytology (LBC) are used for cervical screening in the UK. The Abbott RealTime high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) assay for the detection of 14 hrHPV types is approved by the English NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). As per manufacturer's instructions, pre‐analytic processing of LBC involves a manual vortex and liquid transfer into a secondary tube. In high‐throughput settings, hands‐on time for pre‐processing is considerable and poses the potential for human error. Implementation of hrHPV primary screening planned for 2019 accompanied by centralisation of services is a major change for the NHSCSP, increasing the demand for availability of automated pre‐analytics. This study evaluated a custom‐configured work‐table setup of the Tecan Freedom EVO designed to automate pre‐processing of BD SurePath LBC prior to HPV testing on the Abbott m2000.MethodsAutomatically and manual pre‐processed specimen results were compared (primary screening population n = 307; triage population n = 169).ResultsExcellent agreement of overall hrHPV results (98.1%; k: 0.95) was observed. On average, it takes approximately 1.5 minutes hands‐on‐time per sample to process manually compared to 45 minutes to aliquot 48 samples using the Freedom EVO 150.ConclusionThe Tecan worktable configuration designed to automate and control pre‐analytics required for preparing SurePath LBC samples for HPV testing using Abbott RealTime resulted in assay performance comparable to that following the manufacturer validated manual process. It significantly reduces hands‐on‐time and allows for complete specimen identification tracking and documentation of process control.
Diagnostic value of BRCA1‐associated protein‐1, glucose transporter‐1 and desmin expression in the discrimination between reactive mesothelial proliferation and malignant mesothelioma in tissues and effusions
Authors: Önder Sevgen , Özogul Ece , Koksal Deniz , Sarinc Ulasli Sevinc , Firat Pinar , Emri Salih 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the utility of BRCA1‐associated protein‐1 (BAP1), glucose transporter (GLUT)‐1 and desmin expression by immunohistochemistry in the discrimination between reactive and malignant mesothelial proliferations.MethodsA total of 88 biopsies and 30 effusions from mesothelioma cases were studied. Control groups were composed of 35 tissues and 30 cell blocks. The 88 mesothelioma cases were from 43 males and 45 females (mean age 56 years). Tumours were mostly localised to pleura (66/88, 75%) and of epithelioid histology (75/88, 85%). Cytology samples were from 17 males and 13 females (mean age 58 years), and 16 pleural and 14 peritoneal effusions. Twenty cytology cases had corresponding tissue biopsies.ResultsBAP1 loss was detected in 61/88 (69%) tissues and in 20/30 (67%) cytology samples from mesothelioma with a specificity of 100% for both sampling methods. BAP1 loss was observed more frequently in pleural and biphasic tumours. GLUT‐1 immunoreactivity was identified in 54/81 (67%) and 23/25 (92%) malignant tissues and effusions, and in 6/33 (18%) and 6/30 (20%) benign tissues and effusions, respectively. Desmin loss was observed in 74/80 (92%) malignant biopsy samples, 16/21 (76%) malignant effusions and 10/34 (29%) of benign tissues, but in none of the reactive effusions. Concordance rate of results between biopsy and cytology was as follows: BAP1 20/20 (100%); GLUT‐1 13/18 (72%); and desmin 10/14 (71%).ConclusionsBAP1, GLUT‐1 and desmin are useful markers in the discrimination between reactive and malignant mesothelial proliferations. BAP1 loss seems to be diagnostic for mesotheliomas both in biopsy and cytology samples.
The political economy of progressive fiscal contracts in Africa and Latin America
Authors: Mosley Paul , Abdulai Abdul‐Gafaru 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMotivationHow can poorer developing countries escape the vicious circle in which, because the state is fragile, they cannot raise sufficient public revenue to be able to finance development, leading to the persistence of poverty and state fragility? We explore a new approach to this problem, which we call progressive fiscal contracts, in which government earmarks the proceeds of particular taxes to be spent on forms of expenditure which will have widespread benefits for lower income groups, such as health, education and social protection. Taxpayers are thus offered a contractual relationship with government (better‐targeted delivery of public services in return for tax payments) in place of a coercive one (simply being ordered to pay taxes, with nothing being offered in exchange). We seek to examine whether this kind of contractual approach offers a way forward for developing countries.PurposeAcross five countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Ghana and Zambia) between 2000 and 2015, we seek to find out whether tax yields have improved following the introduction of progressive fiscal contracts, whether conflict and poverty have declined, and whether there have been countervailing costs in terms of reduced efficiency. We also examine the experience of two countries (Brazil and Chile) where there is no formal earmarking but government has encouraged the public to think of particular taxes as being associated with particular forms of expenditure.Approach and methodsWe assess the impact of changes in tax yields, welfare indicators and conflict indicators by means of panel‐data regressions, tabular comparisons and, in Bolivia, qualitative interviews. Changes in efficiency are assessed through examination of changes in tax structure.FindingsAcross all of the countries surveyed, the introduction of progressive fiscal contracts has been associated with a reduction in headcount poverty between 2000 and 2015, and in Bolivia our qualitative evidence suggests that the relationship can be seen as a causal one. In three cases out of five (Ghana, Bolivia and Ecuador) tax yields have increased, and in two (Bolivia and Ecuador) there was a significant reduction in political violence. In the Latin American cases examined, but not the African ones, there was a shift from royalty‐based taxation to income‐based taxation of natural resources, suggesting the likelihood of an improvement in efficiency over the period in those countries only. In these cases, the stereotypical view that progressive fiscal contracts improve equity at the expense of efficiency is contradicted.Policy implications (or conclusions)Progressive fiscal contracts, which originated as a device for making tax payments more palatable by offering social benefits in return, show promise as an innovative strategy for boosting tax ratios, reducing political violence and reducing poverty, which deserves further exploration.
Focusing on gender similarities increases female students’ motivation to participate in STEM
Authors: Jasko Katarzyna , Dukala Karolina , Szastok Marta 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRecent analyses highlight women's opting out of STEM fields as an important contributing factor to the gender gap in science. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors influencing women's motivation to participate in STEM. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the focus on differences between male and female students in STEM, even when those differences are irrelevant to the competence dimension, would decrease the motivation of women to engage in STEM. On the other hand, a belief in gender similarities would increase their motivation to get involved in STEM. We conducted three experiments among female students in STEM majors, in which we manipulated the focus on gender differences versus similarities. The results, which replicated across three studies, showed that when female students focused on similarities between men and women, they were more motivated to engage in STEM‐related activities than when they focused on gender differences. Additionally, we tested whether the gender stereotypes and a perception of gender discrimination mediated that effect but the results of these analyses were inconsistent across studies. Overall, the findings suggest that messaging directed at women in STEM, which highlights similarities between men and women could encourage them to engage in STEM but deactivation of gender stereotypes does not necessarily account for these effects.
Assessing predicted isolation effects from the general dynamic model of island biogeography with an eco‐evolutionary model for plants
Authors: Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Whittaker Robert J. , Wiegand Kerstin , Kreft Holger 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsThe general dynamic model (GDM) of oceanic island biogeography predicts how biogeographical rates, species richness and endemism vary with island age, area and isolation. Here, we used a simulation model to assess whether the isolation‐related predictions of the GDM may arise from low‐level process at the level of individuals and populations.LocationHypothetical volcanic oceanic islands.MethodsOur model considers (a) an idealized island ontogeny, (b) metabolic constraints and (c) stochastic, spatially explicit and niche‐based processes at the level of individuals and populations (plant demography, dispersal, competition, mutation and speciation). Isolation scenarios involved varying the distance to mainland and the dispersal ability of the species pool.ResultsFor all isolation scenarios, we obtained humped temporal trends for species richness, endemic richness, proportion of endemic species derived from within‐island radiation, number of radiating lineages, number of species per radiating lineage and biogeographical rates. The proportion of endemics derived from mainland–island differentiation and of all endemics steadily increased over time. Extinction rates of endemic species peaked later than for non‐endemic species. Species richness and the number of endemics derived from mainland–island differentiation decreased with isolation as did rates of colonization, mainland–island differentiation and extinction. The proportion of all endemics and of radiated endemics, the number of radiated endemics, of radiating lineages, and of species per radiating lineage and the within‐island radiation rate all increased with isolation.Main conclusionsOur results lend strong support to most of the isolation‐related GDM predictions. New insights include an increasing proportion of endemics, particularly those arising from mainland–island differentiation, across isolation scenarios, as well as extinction trends of endemics differing from the overall extinction rates, with a much later peak. These results demonstrate how simulation models focusing on low ecological levels provide tools to assess biogeographical‐scale predictions and to develop more detailed predictions for further empirical tests.
Beta diversity and specialization in plant–pollinator networks along an elevational gradient
Authors: Lara‐Romero Carlos , Seguí Jaume , Pérez‐Delgado Antonio , Nogales Manuel , Traveset Anna 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimTo assess whether the reduced nutritional resources available for pollinators due to plant community simplification along an elevational plant‐diversity gradient changes pollinator niche breadth and richness. Additionally, we evaluated how body size and proboscis length of pollinators shifted along the gradient, and whether these changes were related to pollinator niche breadth.LocationAn elevational gradient (2,350–3,520 m a.s.l.) on the oceanic high‐mountain strato‐volcano of El Teide (Tenerife, Canary Islands).TaxonFlowering plant and pollinator species.MethodsWe compared quantitative plant–pollinator networks along the plant‐diversity gradient. We calculated a set of niche‐based topological metrics that capture the degree of specialization, niche breadth and niche overlap. Furthermore, we obtained β‐diversity measures and the proportion of replacement and richness components.ResultsThere was an overall decline in species richness of pollinators with increasing elevation. This decline was mainly driven by the loss of species along the elevational gradient, which conformed a nested subset pattern. The whole network showed less specialization, greater connectance and lower modularity towards the summit. At high elevations, pollinators were more generalized and less selective in their flower choice, showing a greater trophic niche breadth compared to pollinators at lower elevations. Mean body size of pollinators increased with elevation, and species body size and proboscis length were positively associated with the number of plant species visited.Main conclusionsOverall, results indicated that the elevational gradient filters pollinator species, probably according to their thermal tolerance and ability to exploit a wide range of trophic resources. The finding that pollinators become more generalized and opportunistic at higher elevations is a novel result, which may have implications for new research into how ecological networks vary over environmental gradients. From an applied perspective, our results highlight the importance of considering the spatial variation of species assemblages when aiming to construct functionally reliable interaction networks along environmental gradients.
Over the hills, but how far away? Estimates of mushroom geographic range extents
Authors: Bazzicalupo Anna L. , Whitton Jeannette , Berbee Mary L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimGeographic distributions of mushroom species remain poorly understood despite their importance for advancing our understanding of the habitat requirements, species interactions and ecosystem functions of this key group of organisms. Here, we estimate geographic range extents (maximum within‐species geographic distance) of genetically defined operational taxonomic units (OTUs).LocationWorld‐wide, with emphasis on the American Pacific Northwest.TaxaAmanita, Agaricus, Cortinarius, Galerina, Hebeloma, Hydnum, Hygrocybe, Hygrophorus, Inocybe, Lepiota, Pholiota, and Russula + Lactarius; other genera in Agaricomycotina.MethodWe used publicly available OTUs from ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (n = 15,373) from 12 mushroom genera with worldwide distributions. For each of 2,324 ~ species‐level OTUs, we estimated the maximum within‐species range extent based on sample locality records. In parallel, we estimated range extents for species in four tree genera. Contrasting estimates from well‐studied trees allowed us to test for potential biases in our range estimates of less well inventoried mushrooms.ResultsThe median range extents across the 2,324 mushroom OTUs varied from ~ 1,200 to 4,039 km, depending on assumptions. These extents were significantly lower than estimates from permuted or randomized data. Mushroom ranges were comparable to the median natural range extent of tree species (1,613 km). In contrast, the tree median species range increased to 16,581 km when anthropogenic range extensions were included. At least 10 mushroom species were similarly broadly distributed, eight of which have been associated with human activity.Main conclusionsOverall, like tree species, mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi show evidence of biogeographic structure rather than global distributions. This reconstruction of geographic range extents drew upon investments into ITS barcoding of extensive herbarium collections. Large scale analyses such as ours can yield estimates of fungal geographic range extents that are a prerequisite to a deeper understanding of the diverse roles of fungi in ecosystems.
Nipple and areola lesions: review of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy features
Authors: Cinotti E. , Galluccio D. , Tognetti L. , Habougit C. , Manganoni A.M. , Venturini M. , Perrot J.L. , Rubegni P. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe differential diagnosis of nipple and areola complex (NAC) lesions encompasses a large spectrum of conditions from benign tumours to inflammatory diseases that could be challenging to recognize on clinical ground. While melanoma (MM) of the NAC is exceedingly rare, benign lesions are more frequent but could be difficult to distinguish from MM. Besides MM, other malignant tumours can affect this area and in particular Paget's disease (PD). For clinically doubtful lesions, biopsy is required, with possible functional and aesthetic consequences in this sensitive area. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) are widely used techniques for the diagnosis of many skin lesions, but their use for NAC lesions is not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate current literature on these imaging techniques for NAC lesions. We searched in Medline, PubMed and Cochrane database all studies up to November 2018 dealing with dermoscopy, RCM and this special site. We found that the most described malignant tumour was PD and that only two primary MMs of the NAC have been reported with these imaging techniques. Although there are few data on diagnostic accuracy of non‐invasive imaging techniques for NAC lesions, it seems that dermoscopy and RCM can add relevant information to be integrated with clinical examination for the diagnosis of NAC lesions and in particular for the differential diagnosis of PD and eczema.
Past President's Address: Protists of the Mesopelagic and a Bit on the Long Path to the Deep Sea
Authors: Dolan John R. , Ciobanu Maria , Coppola Laurent 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe deep sea has long been a mysterious and attractive habitat for protistologists. However, logistical difficulties severely limit sampling opportunities. Consequently, our knowledge of the protists in the deep sea, (arguably the largest habitat on earth), is relatively sparse. Here, we present a unique time‐series concerning three different protist taxa that share only the characteristics of being relatively large, robust to sampling, and easily identifiable to species level using light microscopy: tintinnid ciliates, phaeogromid cercozoans (e.g. Challengerids) and amphisolenid dinoflagellates. We sampled a near‐shore deep water site in the N.W. Mediterranean Sea at 250 m depth over a 2‐yr period at approximately weekly intervals from January 2017 to December 2018. To our knowledge, no previous studies have employed sampling on a similar time scale. We found taxa that appear to be restricted to deep waters, distinct seasonal patterns of abundance in some taxa, and in others nonseasonal successional patterns. Based on data from sampling following a flash flood event, the Challengerid population appeared to respond positively to a pulse of terrigenous input. Some of the distinct mesopelagic tintinnid ciliates and amphisolinid dinoflagellates were also found in two samples from the North Atlantic mesopelagic gathered from near the Azores Islands in September 2018. We conclude that there are a variety of protist taxa endemic to the mesopelagic, that the populations are dynamic, and they may be widely distributed in the deep waters of the world ocean.
Long‐term ionic plasticity of GABAergic signalling in the hypothalamus
Authors: Kim Young‐Beom , Colwell Christopher S. , Kim Yang In 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe hypothalamus contains a number of nuclei that subserve a variety of functions, including generation of circadian rhythms, regulation of hormone secretion and maintenance of homeostatic levels for a variety of physiological parameters. Within the hypothalamus, γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) is one of the major neurotransmitters responsible for cellular communication. Although GABA most commonly serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a growing body of evidence indicates that it can evoke post‐synaptic excitation as a result of the active regulation of intracellular chloride concentration. In this review, we consider the evidence for this ionic plasticity of GABAergic synaptic transmission in five distinct cases in hypothalamic cell populations. We argue that this plasticity serves as part of the functional response to or is at least associated with dehydration, lactation, hypertension and stress. As such, GABA excitation should be considered as part of the core homeostatic mechanisms of the hypothalamus.
The impact of cigarette smoke on activity of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor‐promoter gene in cells of the upper aerodigestive tract
Authors: Krüger Maximilian , Metzger Carmen , Kämmerer Peer W. , Brieger Jürgen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in tumorigenesis of the upper aerodigestive tract. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) turn the regulation of the VEGF gene into a highly complex process, particularly influenced by exogenic factors like cigarette smoke (CSE). Analysis of the SNP‐ and CSE‐dependent VEGF‐gene regulation can help to improve antiangiogenic therapies and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the influence of CSE on the SNP‐dependent regulation of the VEGF‐gene in vitro.MethodsHuman alveolar epithelial‐like type‐II cells (A549) were transfected with different SNPs and incubated with CSE. SNP‐ and CSE‐dependent VEGF‐promoter activity and mRNA stability was measured using qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis.ResultsTransfection with SNP −460 (ATC) and incubation with 10% CSE resulted in +19% elevated VEGF‐promoter activity (P < 0.05). Transfection with SNP −2578/−460 (CTC) and 10% CSE incubation resulted in a 14% reduction of VEGF‐promoter activity (P < 0.05). Regarding mRNA stability, transfection with SNP +936 T allele led to half‐life of 1.11 hours, which decreased to 0.2 hours after incubation with CSE. In contrast, on protein level SNP +936 T transfection showed a not significant increase up to 176% (P > 0.05), while incubation with CSE led to a significant decrease to 61% (P = 0.002).ConclusionTranscriptional regulation of the VEGF gene by SNP −460 (ATC) in combination with CSE represents a mechanism for elevated VEGF expression and may be associated with a worse prognosis. The influence of +SNP 936 on mRNA stability may be responsible for regulation of VEGF plasma levels.