bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional responses of Aurantiochytrium limacinum under light conditions
Authors: Kubo Yuki , Morimoto Daichi , Shiroi Mai , Yoshimi Toru , Ohara Kanta , Higashine Tokuhiro , Mori Yuki , Takeuchi Masato , Sawayama Shigeki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
Astaxanthin-producing protist Aurantiochytrium limacinum can accumulate higher amounts of astaxanthin under light conditions; however, little is known about the impact of light exposure on its metabolism. Here, we investigated the transcriptional profile of A. limacinum under light conditions.

Methods and Results
Transcriptomic analyses revealed that 962 genes of A. limacinum showed a significant change in expression under light conditions, most of which (94.5%) were downregulated. Furthermore, gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that A. limacinum mainly downregulated genes associated with cell motility, proliferation and gene expression processes, whose activities depend on ATP as an energy source. Additionally, the quantification of carotenoid and its transcripts suggested that β-carotene and astaxanthin biosynthesis pathways were rate-limiting and tightly regulated steps, respectively. In comparison, these processes were enhanced under light conditions.

Conclusions
Considering that astaxanthin accumulation was highly correlated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in microalgae, our results suggest that A. limacinum reduces ATP consumption to decrease the occurrence of ROS in mitochondria while accumulating astaxanthin to prevent ROS damage.

Significance and Impact of Study
This study provides novel insights into the impact of light exposure on A. limacinum metabolism, thereby facilitating a complete understanding of this protist for efficient astaxanthin production.
Early positive approaches to support (E‐PAtS): Qualitative experiences of a new support programme for family caregivers of young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Gore Nick , Bradshaw Jill , Hastings Richard , Sweeney Joanne , Austin Debbie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundEarly Positive Approaches to Support (E‐PAtS) is a co‐produced and co‐facilitated group programme that aims to provide early years support to family caregivers of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.MethodThirty‐five caregivers who had attended E‐PAtS groups took part in individual interviews or focus groups. Caregiver experiences concerning attendance of E‐PAtS were explored, in relation to process variables and perceived outcomes. Interviews were thematically analysed.ResultsThree major themes were identified: our group, evolving emotions, and positive approaches. Being with and being supported by other families was very important to caregivers. Families reported increased confidence and greater realisation of the need for self‐care. Children were reported to show fewer behaviours that challenge and increases in adaptive skills. Findings corresponded to mechanisms and outcomes in the E‐PAtS logic model.ConclusionE‐PAtS shows promise as one way families and children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities can access early years support.
Board corruption and loan contracts
Authors: Chen Robin , Huang Chia‐Wei , Lin Chih‐Yung 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, we examine the effects of board corruption on the financing costs of firms. We construct an index of perceived corruption that uses the average level of corruption that is linked to a director's surname. The evidence shows that lending banks attach higher spreads and stricter covenants to the loan contracts of firms with high perceived board corruption. Specifically, when the perceived board corruption increases after mergers and acquisitions, firms are charged higher loan spreads. Further analysis shows that the effects of board corruption on financing costs become stronger when firms have weak governance mechanisms. These results show that banks recognize board corruption as a source of agency problem with borrowers when they make lending decisions.
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor regulates nerve reflex‐mediated skin barrier function in psoriasis
Authors: Kwiecinska P. , Grygier B. , Morytko A. , Sanecka‐Duin A. , Majchrzak‐Gorecka M. , Kwitniewski M. , Kapinska‐Mrowiecka M. , Porebski G. , Cichy J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSecretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a ~12 kDa protein is an important regulator of innate and adaptive immunity and a component of tissue regenerative programmes. SLPI expression is markedly elevated in chronically inflamed skin, including that of individuals suffering from psoriasis. However, the role of SLPI in these diseases remains elusive.ObjectivesThe poor understanding of the early stages of the development of psoriasis is a major obstacle to successful intervention in the skin pathology. We hypothesized that SLPI and peripheral nerves that might be activated early in the progression of the disease likely form a functional relationship to maintain skin barrier homeostasis and respond to a variety of threats.MethodsWe used skin biopsies of healthy donors and individuals with psoriasis to show expression pattern of SLPI. A role of SLPI in psoriasis was mechanistically assessed using SLPI‐deficient mice and an imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced experimental model of psoriasis.ResultsWe show that mice lacking SLPI had exaggerated skin alterations that extended beyond the treatment site in an imiquimod‐induced psoriasis. The spatiotemporally distinct skin responses in SLPI‐deficient mice, compared to their wild‐type littermates, resulted from a compromised skin barrier function that manifested itself in heightened transepidermal water loss through the larger skin area surrounding the IMQ‐challenged skin. The increased pathogenic skin changes in the absence of SLPI were reversible through pharmacological treatment that blocks a nerve‐reflex arc.ConclusionsTogether, these data indicate that SLPI plays a protective role in psoriasis through preventing skin dryness, inherent in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and that this SLPI action depends on neuronal input operating in a reflex manner. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism that maintains cutaneous homeostasis, which involves a crosstalk between the nervous system and a protein anatomically poised to fortify the epidermal permeability barrier.
Analysis of efficacy and safety of vismodegib therapy in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma – real world multicenter cohort study
Authors: Słowińska M. , Dudzisz‐Śledź M. , Sobczuk P. , Łasińska I. , Pietruszka A. , Cybulska‐Stopa B. , Kowalczyk A. , Świtaj T. , Czarnecka I. , Koseła‐Paterczyk H. , Rogala P. , Paluchowska E. , Składowski K. , Mackiewicz J. , Rutkowski P. , Owczarek W. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent non‐melanoma skin cancer. The basis of treatment is surgical resection. The treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease is currently based on sonidegb or vismodegib, small molecule inhibitors of the hedgehog signalling pathway.ObjectivesThe study aimed to retrospectively analyse the efficacy and safety of treatment with vismodegib in 108 patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease treated from August 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2020. The primary objective was to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival rates. The secondary aims of the study were the disease control rate, the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and the estimation of the factors that potentially impact the treatment outcome and patient survival.MethodsPatients treated in national drug programme were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. Evaluation of the treatment efficacy was performed according to CT/MRI scans and by the response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST) 1.1. The safety evaluation was performed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 5.0 (CTCAE) classification and severity assessment.ResultsThe median duration of treatment was 14 months (range 1–94 months). The median progression‐free survival reached 30.5 months (95% CI; 24.8–36.3), and the progression‐free survival rate after 6, 12 and 24‐months were 92%, 78% and 61%, respectively. The median overall survival was 41.5 months (95% CI; 31.6–51.3), and the overall survival rate after 1, 2 and 3 years accordingly 86%, 73% and 60%. The univariant and multivariant analysis indicated that the female gender is an independent positive prognostic factor of progression‐free survival.ConclusionsThe response to treatment is the prognostic factor for response maintenance and better overall survival. The therapy was well tolerated with the safety profile consistent in general with known from previous studies.
Hyperhidrosis in Parkinson's disease: a 3‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin J. , Ou R. , Wei Q. , Cao B. , Li C. , Hou Y. , Zhang L. , Liu K. , Shang H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough hyperhidrosis is a common symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), no study has yet examined it longitudinally.ObjectivesWe conducted a 3‐year prospective cohort study to investigate the development, evolution and correlates of hyperhidrosis in patients with PD.MethodsA total of 224 patients with early‐stage PD were enrolled at baseline and followed up annually for three consecutive years. Hyperhidrosis was assessed using hyperhidrosis question (item 30) of the Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). The generalized estimating equations model was applied to investigate the correlates of both presence and severity of hyperhidrosis.ResultsThe frequency of hyperhidrosis in PD had an overall increasing tendency from 24.1% at baseline to 34.4% after 3 years, although hyperhidrosis was not always persistent in all patients over the 3‐year study period. The presence of hyperhidrosis was found to be associated with dyskinesia (OR 2.27 [1.02–5.04], P = 0.045), the sexual function domain subscore of the NMSS (OR 1.04 [1.01–1.07], P = 0.016), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) score (OR 1.08 [1.03–1.13], P = 0.001) and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III score (OR 1.02 [1.00–1.04], P = 0.036). Only the HARS score was associated with the severity of hyperhidrosis (B 0.08 [0.03–0.12], P = 0.001).ConclusionsHyperhidrosis is common in PD, and its frequency increases along with disease duration. Hyperhidrosis in PD is associated not only with motor severity and motor complication such as dyskinesia, but also with non‐motor symptoms such as sexual dysfunction and anxiety.
Artificial Intelligence analysis of over half a million European and Chinese women reveals striking differences in the facial skin ageing process
Authors: Flament F. , Jacquet L. , Ye C. , Amar D. , Kerob D. , Jiang R. , Zhang Y. , Kroely C. , Delaunay C. , Passeron T. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundArtificial Intelligence (A.I) and deep learning‐based algorithms are increasingly being used in dermatology following the emergence of powerful smartphones with high‐resolution cameras.ObjectivesTo use an A.I‐based algorithm, validated by dermatologists, to compare the evolution of the skin ageing process among Chinese and European women.MethodsSelfie images were taken by 465 587 European and 79 016 Chinese women ranging from 18 to 85 and 18 to 69 years old, respectively, without facial skin diseases and who had access to a smartphone with a high‐resolution camera (≥4 Megapixels). The selfies were analysed by facial skin diagnostic using a smartphone application to grade the severity of 9 facial signs (including wrinkles, sagging, vascular, pigmentation signs, pores).ResultsWrinkles/texture, ptosis and sagging increased linearly with age in European women compared to lower scores and more gradual increase in the younger age‐classes in Chinese women. In Chinese women, pigmentation signs increased regularly between 18 and 40 years, plateaued between 40 and 60 years, then increased in the over 60s compared to lower scores and a slower more regular increase with age in European women. Vascularization signs increased steadily with age in European women compared to no significant change in Chinese women.ConclusionsMarked differences were observed in the skin ageing process between European and Chinese populations, both in the prevalence of each facial ageing sign and their kinetics. Automatic grading performed on selfies and analysed by A.I is a fast and confidential method for quantifying signs of facial ageing and identifying the main issues for each population and age‐class, which is of practical interest, as it will allow the development of tailored prevention and therapeutic measures.
Phototherapy and topical treatments for cutaneous graft vs. host disease in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: a scoping review
Authors: Rostagno E. , Campanati A. , Mordini N. , Cannici C. , Cioce M. , De Cecco V. , Samarani E. , Foà R. , Olivieri A. , Botti S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSkin is usually the first and most affected organ involved in graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD), and treatment is still a clinical challenge. Although the need for skin‐directed treatments such as physical treatments and topical medications are generally agreed on, what the gold standard treatment strategy should be remains open to debate. The aim of this scoping review was to synthesize the current knowledge on the topical and physical treatments of cutaneous GvHD in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients and to highlight the best evidence available so as to reduce the gap between ‘what is known’ and ‘what is done’ in the clinical practice. Twenty‐eight studies were included in this qualitative synthesis. Photo‐biomodulation with psoralen was not included in this review. Phototherapy (ultraviolet A or B or narrowband B) was the physical treatment most described in the literature in both acute GvHD and chronic GvHD. Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream as well as corticosteroid creams such as clobetasol and triamcinolone are mainly used in case of chronic GvHD. In all of the studies included in the review, topical treatments were always associated with systemic therapy. None of the topical interventions identified in our review provided strong evidence supporting its use, and the topical approaches seemed to have an adjuvant role in the treatment of cutaneous GvHD.
A new microsporidian parasite, Ordospora pajunii sp. nov (Ordosporidae), of Daphnia longispina highlights the value of genomic data for delineating species boundaries
Authors: de Albuquerque Nathalia R. M. , Haag Karen L. , Fields Peter D. , Cabalzar Andrea , Ben‐Ami Frida , Pombert Jean‐François , Ebert Dieter 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSpeciation is a complex and continuous process that makes the delineation of species boundaries a challenging task in particular in species with little morphological differentiation, such as parasites. In this case, the use of genomic data is often necessary, such as for the intracellular Microsporidian parasites. Here, we characterize the genome of a gut parasite of the cladoceran Daphnia longispina (isolate FI‐F‐10), which we propose as a new species within the genus Ordospora: Ordospora pajunii sp. nov (Ordosporidae). FI‐F‐10 closest relative, Ordospora colligata is only found in D. magna. Both microsporidian species share several morphological features. Although it is not possible to estimate divergence times for Microsporidia due to the lack of fossil records and accelerated evolutionary rates, we base our proposal on the phylogenomic and genomic distances between both microsporidian lineages. The phylogenomic reconstruction shows that FI‐F‐10 forms an early diverging branch basal to the cluster that contains all known O. colligata strains. Whole‐genome comparisons show that FI‐F‐10 presents a greater divergence at the sequence level than observed among O. colligata strains, and its genomic average nucleotide identity (ANI) values against O. colligata are beyond the intraspecific range previously established for yeast and prokaryotes. Our data confirm that the ANI metrics are useful for fine genetic divergence calibration across Microsporidia taxa. In combination with phylogenetic and ecological data, genome‐based metrics provide a powerful approach to delimitate species boundaries.
Successful invasion of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes is dependent on host cell actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Bonifácio Bruno Souza , Bonfim‐Melo Alexis , Mortara Renato Arruda , Ferreira Éden Ramalho 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCellular invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes (MTs) or tissue culture trypomastigotes (TCTs) is a complex process involving host–parasite cellular and molecular interactions. Particularly, the involvement of host cell actin cytoskeleton during trypomastigote invasion is poorly investigated, and still, the results are controversial. In the present work, we compare side by side both trypomastigote forms and employ state‐of‐the‐art live‐cell imaging showing for the first time the dynamic mobilization of host cell actin cytoskeleton to MT and TCT invasion sites. Moreover, cytochalasin D, latrunculin B, and jasplakinolide‐pretreated cells inhibited MT and TCT invasion. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that TCT invasion decreased in RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc‐42 GTPase‐depleted cells, whereas MT invasion decreased only in Cdc42‐and RhoA‐depleted cells. Interestingly, depletion of the three studied GTPases induced a scattered lysosomal distribution throughout the cytosol. These observations indicate that GTPase depletion is sufficient to impair parasite invasion despite the importance of lysosome spread in trypomastigote invasion. Together, our results demonstrate that the host cell actin cytoskeleton plays a direct role during TCT and MT invasion.
Linking vgll3 genotype and aggressive behaviour in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Bangura Paul Bai , Tiira Katriina , Niemelä Petri T. , Erkinaro Jaakko , Liljeström Petra , Toikkanen Anna , Primmer Craig R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe tested the possibility that vgll3, a gene linked with maturation age in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), may be associated with behaviour by measuring aggressiveness and feeding activity in 380 juveniles with different vgll3 genotypes. Contrary to our prediction, individuals with the genotype associated with later maturation (vgll3*LL) were significantly more aggressive than individuals with the genotype associated with earlier maturation (vgll3*EE). Individuals with higher aggression were also significantly lighter in colour and had higher feeding activity. Although higher aggression was associated with higher feeding activity, there was no association between feeding activity and vgll3 genotype. Increased aggression of vgll3*LL individuals was independent of their sex and size, and genotypes did not differ in their condition factor. These results imply that aggressive behaviour may have an energetic cost impairing growth and condition, especially when food cannot be monopolized. This may have implications for individual fitness and aquaculture practices.
Ultra‐processed foods consumption reduces dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in the Mexican population
Authors: Marrón‐Ponce Joaquín A. , Sánchez‐Pimienta Tania G. , Rodríguez‐Ramírez Sonia , Batis Carolina , Cediel Gustavo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, 30% of the total energy intake in the Mexican diet comes from ultra‐processed foods. Although its consumption is associated with high intakes of added sugar and saturated fats and low intakes of dietary fibre, there is no evidence regarding its association with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake. The present study evaluated the association between ultra‐processed foods consumption with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Mexico.MethodsUltra‐processed foods items were identified in a 24‐h recall from a sample of 10,087 participants aged ≥ 1 year. The minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was established by using the Food and Agriculture Organization 10 food group indicators with unprocessed, minimally processed and processed foods. The study conducted multiple linear regression models to evaluate the association between quintiles of energy contribution of ultra‐processed foods with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake.ResultsA high consumption of ultra‐processed foods was associated with a low dietary diversity and micronutrients intake. The association between ultra‐processed foods and MDD was not linear (47.1%, 57.1%, 52.5%, 45.0% and 28.0% of participants achieved the MDD). On the other hand, the association was linear and negatively associated with: niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings are relevant in the context of the double burden of malnutrition currently faced in Mexico. Increasing dietary diversity and micronutrient intake is essential by discouraging ultra‐processed foods consumption. However, other strategies are also needed to promote the dietary diversity and increase the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods.
Influence of RETN, IL‐1, and IL‐6 gene polymorphisms on the risk of acne vulgaris in the Chinese population
Authors: Chen Xi , Min Shuhui , Chen Can , Lin Xiao , Wang Danfeng , Jiang Guan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is a highly prevalent skin disorder that involves pilosebaceous units and may have adverse psychological effects on patients. The occurrence of acne is multifactorial and closely related to the interplay of environmental and genetic factors.AimTo investigate the possible association between RETN‐420C>G, IL6‐572G>C, and IL1A‐889C>T polymorphism and acne vulgaris in the Chinese population.MethodsIn this case‐control study, genotyping was conducted in 306 patients with acne and 306 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction and snapshot technique.ResultsThere is a strong correlation between RETN‐420 and IL6‐572 polymorphisms and acne susceptibility; the RETN‐420G and IL6‐572C alleles increase the risk of acne development. We also found that IL6‐572G>C gene polymorphism is significantly associated with family history of acne and acne severity. In contrast to previous studies, we found no significant difference in the IL1A‐889C>T polymorphism between healthy controls and acne patients in our population.ConclusionOur findings provide the first evidence that RETN‐420 and IL6‐572 gene polymorphisms contribute to the pathogenesis of acne in the Chinese population.