bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Updates on the surface antigens of basophils: CD16 on basophils of patients with respiratory or insect venom allergy and the rejection of CD203c and CD63 externalization decoupling by bisindolylmaleimides
Authors: Heneberg Petr , Riegerová Kamila , Říhová Adéla , Šimčíková Daniela , Kučera Petr 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundCD16 was previously suggested to be a new marker of basophils that is subject to downregulation by FcεRI crosslinking. Certain compounds, including supraoptimal concentrations of the PKC inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimides, decouple the release of granules containing CD203c, CD63 and histamine, and may thus help to identify the mechanisms related to the CD16 externalization.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that CD16 is differentially expressed on the surface of basophils in patients with birch pollen or insect venom allergy and is subject to a regulation in response to allergens. We also employed CD203c and CD63 externalization decoupling by bisindolylmaleimides.MethodsWe performed a basophil activation test coupled with CD16 and histamine detection using cells isolated from patients with allergy to birch pollen or insect venom and negative controls. We employed two PKC inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide II and Ro 31‐8220 at their supraoptimal concentrations and, after difficulties reproducing previously published data, we analyzed the fluorescence of these inhibitors alone. We identified the CD16 isoforms by sequencing nested RT‐PCR amplicons from flow cytometry sorted basophils and by cleaving the CD16b GPI anchor using a phospholipase C.ResultsWe provide the first evidence that CD16a is expressed as a surface antigen on a small subpopulation of human basophils in patients with respiratory and insect venom allergy, and this antigen shows increased surface expression following allergen challenge or FcεRI crosslinking. We rejected the apparent decoupling of the surface expression of basophil activation markers following the administration of bisindolylmaleimides.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceThe inclusion of αCD16 in negative selection cocktails selects against a subset of basophils that are CD16+ or CD16dim. Using CD16dim basophils and unstained leucocytes, we show that previous studies with supraoptimal concentrations of bisindolylmaleimides are likely flawed and are not associated with the differential expression of CD203c and CD63.
Unrecognized pregnancy prior to bariatric surgery: case report and review of implications
Authors: Rye P. , Modi R. , Sharma A. M. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryA substantial proportion of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are female and of reproductive age. Guidelines suggest that pregnancy should be avoided for 12–18 months following bariatric surgery, and that women be appropriately counselled regarding contraception. We present a case in which a patient underwent a Roux‐en Y gastric bypass while unknowingly in the early stages of pregnancy. After a six‐week period liquid meal replacement for perioperative weight loss, a laparoscopic Roux‐en Y gastric bypass, and a short course of oral antibiotics for a post‐operative wound infection, the patient developed epigastric pain, odynophagia, oesophageal dysphagia, bloating and nausea with oral intake. Only after an abdominal X‐ray, two upper endoscopies and an upper gastrointestinal series was an intrauterine pregnancy seen incidentally on abdominal ultrasound. Ultimately, the patient underwent elective termination of her pregnancy. Patients who are, or are planning to soon become, pregnant should not undergo bariatric surgery. All female patients of reproductive age should be counselled on the importance of effective birth control prior to planning bariatric surgery. Beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin testing should be routinely considered before embarking on meal replacement or surgery.
Clinical outcomes among morbidly obese patients hospitalized with diabetic foot complications
Authors: Harris Che Matthew , Abougergi Marwan S. , Wright Scott Mitchell 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe aim of the study is to investigate effects of morbid obesity on patients hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers and infections (DFU/Is). This retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adults investigated patients with a principal diagnosis of DFU/Is, and compared outcomes based on weight. The primary outcome was lower limb amputations. Secondary outcomes included in‐hospital mortality, morbidity (sepsis and discharge disposition), resource utilization (length of stay [LOS] and total hospitalization charges). Multivariate analyses adjusted for confounders. A total of 31 730 admissions were included; 14% were morbidly obese. Patients with morbid obesity had overall lower rates of amputations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–0.80). There was no difference in mortality rates between those who were morbidly obese and the non‐morbidly obese patients (aOR: 3.89 [95% CI: 0.79–19.30]). Combined data from 2010 to 2014 have found higher odds of sepsis in morbidly obese patients compared with non‐morbidly obese patients after adjusting for confounders (aOR: 1.49 [1.09–2.02], P = 0.01). Patients with morbid obesity were less likely to be discharged to home (aOR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.70–0.95]), had longer LOS (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: 0.47 [95% CI: 0.13–0.81]) and higher hospital charges (aMD: $3205 [95% CI: $3373–$6037]). Despite having lower amputation rates compared to those who are not morbidly obese, patients with morbid obesity hospitalized for DFU/Is succumbed to sepsis more frequently and had less favourable utilization metrics. Specialized care pathways may be needed to enhance the value of care delivered to this high‐risk population.
Cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: Rationale, design and patient baseline characteristics for the PIONEER 6 trial
Authors: Bain Stephen C. , Mosenzon Ofri , Arechavaleta Rosario , Bogdański Pawel , Comlekci Abdurrahman , Consoli Agostino , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Dungan Kathleen , Faingold Maria C. , Farkouh Michael E. , Franco Denise R. , Gram Jeppe , Guja Cristian , Joshi Pankaj , Malek Rachid , Merino‐Torres Juan F. , Nauck Michael A. , Pedersen Sue D. , Sheu Wayne H. ‐H. , Silver Robert J. , Tack Cees J. , Tandon Nikhil , Jeppesen Ole K. , Strange Mette , Thomsen Mette , Husain Mansoor 
Published: October 2018

AimsTo assess the cardiovascular (CV) safety of oral semaglutide, the first tablet formulation of a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist.Materials and methodsPIONEER 6 is a multinational, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of CV events (defined as being aged ≥50 years and having established CV disease [CVD] or moderate [stage 3] chronic kidney disease [CKD], or being aged ≥60 years with ≥1 other CV risk factor). Patients were randomized to once‐daily oral semaglutide (up to 14 mg) or placebo added to standard of care. The primary composite endpoint is time to first occurrence of CV death or non‐fatal myocardial infarction or non‐fatal stroke. The primary hypothesis was to exclude an excess in CV risk with oral semaglutide by assessing non‐inferiority versus placebo for the primary endpoint (non‐inferiority margin of 1.8 for the upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio). PIONEER 6 is event‐driven, with follow‐up continuing until accrual of at least 122 primary outcome events. There is no pre‐defined minimal duration.ResultsOverall, 3183 patients have been enrolled (mean age 66.1 years, 31.6% females) in 214 sites across 21 countries. At baseline, the mean duration of diabetes was 14.9 years, mean glycated haemoglobin concentration was 66 mmol/mol (8.2%), and 84.6% of patients had established CVD/moderate CKD.ConclusionsPIONEER 6 will provide evidence regarding the CV safety of oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and high CV risk.
Asymmetric effects of a leaf‐chewing herbivore on aphid population growth
Authors: Davidson‐Lowe Elizabeth , Szendrei Zsofia , Ali Jared G. 
Published: October 2018

1. Plant responses to herbivory are often specific to the feeding guild of the attacking herbivore. These phytochemical responses to herbivore damage can affect herbivore performance and activity. Comprehensive studies on the ecological consequences of multi‐herbivore plant interactions are key to understanding plant–herbivore community dynamics.2. This study examined how feeding damage by co‐occurring herbivores from separate feeding guilds, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), a sucking herbivore, and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), a chewing herbivore, alter plant chemistry and indirectly affect herbivore performance. Performance was measured when each insect fed on plants individually, sequentially, or simultaneously in laboratory and field experiments. Phytohormone and glycoalkaloid content were measured for each feeding sequence to evaluate plant responses to herbivory by each guild. Mid‐season and end‐of‐season tuber yield were evaluated in the field study.3. Damage by L. decemlineata negatively impacted M. persicae performance in both laboratory and field settings. Damage by M. persicae did not affect L. decemlineata performance in laboratory assays. However, L. decemlineata performance was positively affected by M. persicae herbivory in the field, but this effect was temporary. Although phytohormones and plant defences varied across treatments, they provide little resolution on interaction outcomes.4. These results confirm that the presence of multiple feeding guilds on a single plant can affect these chewing and sucking herbivores differentially, but given the variability in our phytochemical analyses compared with other studies, the mechanism remains unclear. The study's findings show that aphids are negatively affected by chewing herbivores across systems, while aphids temporarily affected beetles positively.
Soil organic carbon stocks in a tidal marsh landscape are dominated by human marsh embankment and subsequent marsh progradation
Authors: Van de Broek M. , Baert L. , Temmerman S. , Govers G. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryTidal marshes are coastal and estuarine ecosystems that store large amounts of sedimentary organic carbon (OC). Despite the valuable ecosystem services they deliver, tidal marshes have been converted to other land‐use types over the past centuries. Although previous studies have reported large decreases in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks after tidal marsh embankment, knowledge on the magnitude and rate of OC losses is still limited. Here, we studied the effect of stepwise embankments of brackish and salt marshes and subsequent marsh progradation on SOC stocks in the Scheldt estuary (the Netherlands). We collected samples from soil profiles along tidal marsh–reclaimed tidal marsh chronosequences and determined total OC stocks and the stable carbon signature of the OC. Our results showed that large losses of previously sequestered SOC occur on a decadal timescale with the embankment of brackish (−8.7 ± 0.7 kg OC m−2) and salt marshes (−6.7 ± 0.8 kg OC m−2). The (incomplete) replacement of tidal marsh OC by agricultural OC is substantially faster in topsoils (ca. a century) compared with subsoils (multiple centuries). Simulations with a coupled land use–SOC model showed that large rates of marsh progradation following embankment construction resulted in a substantial increase in landscape‐scale SOC storage, whereas large SOC losses occurred in landscapes dominated by embanked tidal marshes. The findings of our study might help to assess how these management practices affect regional SOC stocks.Highlights
We studied how OC stocks in tidal marsh sediments are affected by embankment construction
OC stocks of both brackish and salt marsh sediments were reduced by ca. 60% with embankment
Gains in landscape‐scale SOC storage occurred with marsh progradation after embankment
If no marsh progradation occurs, embankments always lead to SOC loss at the landscape scale
Effect of soil particle interaction forces in a clay‐rich soil on aggregate breakdown and particle aggregation
Authors: Hu F. , Li S. , Xu C. , Gao X. , Miao S. , Ding W. , Liu X. , Li H. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryParticle aggregation and aggregate breakdown are important processes that frequently occur in soil under natural conditions. However, how these two opposing processes are affected by the forces that govern soil particle interaction remains unclear. Thus, in this research, we aimed to: (i) investigate the relation between particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown and (ii) probe the mechanism underlying particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown under the influences of soil particle interaction forces. Specifically, we investigated particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown in a permanently charged clay‐rich soil in solutions with different electrolyte (NaNO3 and Mg(NO3)2) concentrations. We used the fast wetting method in aggregate breakdown experiments and the dynamic light‐scattering method in aggregation experiments. For soils in either NaNO3 or Mg(NO3)2 solution, the critical coagulation concentration obtained through particle aggregation experiments was equal to the critical breakdown concentration from aggregate breakdown experiments. This result indicated that the net force, which is defined as the sum of the van der Waals, electrostatic and surface hydration forces, is attractive for aggregation but is repulsive for aggregate breakdown. Although several interaction forces were involved in soil particle interactions, we found that the repulsive electrostatic force solely determines whether the net force is attractive or repulsive and thus determines whether aggregation or breakdown would occur. For a given soil, non‐classical cationic polarization in cation–surface interactions strongly influenced the repulsive electrostatic potential energy of soil particles, thus influencing the occurrence of aggregation or breakdown. Our results suggested that adjusting soil internal forces is a feasible approach to regulate particle aggregation and promote aggregate stability.Highlights
The process of soil aggregate breakdown and particle aggregation were evaluated quantitatively.
There was equality in the opposing forces for particle aggregation and aggregate breakdown.
Electrostatic repulsive force between soil particles controlled processes of aggregation and aggregate breakdown
Cationic non‐classic polarization in cation–surface interactions has an important effect on aggregation and aggregate breakdown.
Soil salinization after long‐term mulched drip irrigation poses a potential risk to agricultural sustainability
Authors: Wang Z. , Fan B. , Guo L. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryPrevention of soil salinization is key to agriculture in arid and semiarid regions. Because of the desert climate and extensive demand for irrigation, mulched drip irrigation (MDI) has been practised across Xinjiang, the largest cotton‐planting region in China, since the early 1990s, reaching 2 × 106 ha in 2014. Although MDI can minimize irrigation‐induced soil salinization, long‐term practice of MDI causes salts to accumulate in the root zone and on the bare soil surface between mulches, which leads to unsustainable crop yields. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and factors that affect soil salinization under MDI management. A proper MDI scheme that meets the requirements for crop growth and the flushing of excessive salts is essential for agricultural sustainability in Xinjiang and other oasis agroecosystems around the world.Highlights

Long‐term mulched drip irrigation causes salt accumulation in the subsoil and on the surface.
A proper irrigation scheme that sustains crop growth and flushes excessive salts is crucial.
Calibration of 2‐D soil zymography for correct analysis of enzyme distribution
Authors: Guber Andrey K. , Kravchenko Alexandra N. , Razavi Bahar S. , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: October 2018

Soil zymography is a new technique developed to visualize two‐dimensional distributions of enzyme activities. The method consists of incubating a membrane saturated with an enzyme‐specific fluorogenic substrate on a surface of the soil sample, followed by recording the membrane image generated by a fluorescent product (e.g. MUF: methylumbelliferone) in ultraviolet light. Despite its relative ease of use, performing zymography involves multiple user‐made decisions that might affect the accuracy of enzyme activity estimates. Therefore, unification of the zymography methodology is required for correct estimations and comparisons of various studies. We evaluated the following methodological aspects of the implementation of zymography: (a) camera settings and image processing, (b) effects of evaporation and (c) calibration procedures. Camera settings (shutter speeds or exposure time) affected the intensity of background fluorescence and signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR). However, because their combined effects varied depending on MUF concentrations, light and camera setting need to be optimized for the expected range of MUF concentrations prior to zymography. Evaporation of MUF solution from the membrane had no effect on fluorescence. Relations between MUF concentration and intensity of fluorescence during calibrations demonstrated a saturated pattern and were strongly affected by image noise outside the optimal range (e.g. 8–14 μm MUF pixel−1). We developed a new calibration approach that is based on a piecewise linear regression. The new approach accounted for specific ranges of MUF concentration and uses nonuniformly saturated membranes, reflecting the real distribution of enzyme activities in soil. The new calibration algorithm eliminated biases of the standard calibration and resulted in greater accuracy in predicting MUF concentrations.Highlights

We developed a new approach to calibration for 2‐D soil zymography.
The approach accounted for spatial nonuniformity of soil zymograms.
Standard calibration resulted in systematic underestimation of enzyme activity.
Soil zymography requires pixel‐based calibration with nonuniformly saturated membranes.
Sexual dimorphism in immunity across animals: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kelly Clint D. , Stoehr Andrew M. , Nunn Charles , Smyth Kendra N. , Prokop Zofia M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn animals, sex differences in immunity are proposed to shape variation in infection prevalence and intensity among individuals in a population, with females typically expected to exhibit superior immunity due to life‐history trade‐offs. We performed a systematic meta‐analysis to investigate the magnitude and direction of sex differences in immunity and to identify factors that shape sex‐biased immunocompetence. In addition to considering taxonomic and methodological effects as moderators, we assessed age‐related effects, which are predicted to occur if sex differences in immunity are due to sex‐specific resource allocation trade‐offs with reproduction. In a meta‐analysis of 584 effects from 124 studies, we found that females exhibit a significantly stronger immune response than do males, but the effect size is relatively small, and became non‐significant after controlling for phylogeny. Female‐biased immunity was more pronounced in adult than immature animals. More recently published studies did not report significantly smaller effect sizes. Among taxonomic and methodological subsets of the data, some of the largest effect sizes were in insects, further supporting previous suggestions that testosterone is not the only potential driver of sex differences in immunity. Our findings challenge the notion of pervasive biases towards female‐biased immunity and the role of testosterone in driving these differences.
CAR‐T cell therapy in melanoma: A future success story?
Authors: Simon Bianca , Uslu Ugur 
Published: October 2018

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells are one of the impressive recent success stories of anti‐cancer immunotherapy. Especially in haematological malignancies, this treatment strategy has shown promising results leading to the recent approval of two CAR‐T cell constructs targeting CD19 in the United States and the European Union. After the huge success in haematological cancers, the next step will be the evaluation of its efficacy in different solid tumors, which is currently investigated in preclinical as well as clinical settings. A commonly examined tumor model in the context of immunotherapy is melanoma, since it is known for its immunogenic features. However, the first results of CAR‐T cell therapy in solid tumors did not reveal the same impressive outcomes that were observed in haematological malignancies, as engineered cells need to cope with several challenges. Obstacles include the lack of migration of CAR‐T cells from blood vessels to the tumor site as well as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment within solid tumors. Another hurdle is posed by the identification of an ideal target antigen to avoid on‐target/off‐tumor toxicities. Regarding immune escape mechanisms, which can be developed by tumor cells to bypass immune recognition, the observation of antigen loss should also be considered. This article gives an overview of the challenges displayed in CAR‐T cell therapy for the use in solid tumors and discusses different new strategies and approaches that deal with these problems in order to improve CAR‐T cell therapy, particularly for its use in melanoma.
Genotypic covariations of traits underlying sorghum stem biomass production and quality and their regulations by water availability: Insight from studies at organ and tissue levels
Authors: Luquet Delphine , Perrier Lisa , Clément‐Vidal Anne , Jaffuel Sylvie , Verdeil Jean‐Luc , Roques Sandrine , Soutiras Armelle , Baptiste Christelle , Fabre Denis , Bastianelli Denis , Bonnal Laurent , Sartre Pascal , Rouan Lauriane , Pot David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSweet and biomass sorghum are expected to contribute increasingly to bioenergy production. Better understanding the impacts of the genotypic and environmental variabilities on biomass component traits and their properties is essential to optimize energy yields. This study aimed to evaluate whether traits contributing to stem biomass growth and biochemical composition at different biological scales (co)vary with the genotype and the water status in sorghum. Height genotypes were studied over two years in field conditions in southern France under two water treatments (well watered vs. 25 days’ dry down during stem elongation). Main stem internode number, size, (non)structural carbohydrate, and lignin contents were measured at the end of the stress period and/or at final harvest, together with biochemical and histological analyses of the youngest expanded internode. The tallest genotypes showed the highest stem dry weights and lignin contents. Stem (structural) biomass density was positively correlated with lignin content, particularly in internode parenchyma. Stem soluble sugar and lignin contents were inversely proportional across genotypes and water conditions. Genotypes contrasted for drought sensitivity and recovery capacity of stem growth and biochemical composition. The length and cell wall deposition of internodes expanding under water deficit were reduced and did not recover, these responses being weakly correlated. Genotypic variability was pointed out in the growth recovery of internodes expanding under re‐watered conditions. According to the observed genotypic variability and the absence of antagonistic correlations between the responses of the different traits to water availability, it is suggested that biomass sorghum varieties optimizing their responses to water availability in terms of growth and cell wall deposition can be developed for different bioenergy targets.