bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma exosome-derived microRNAs expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis under cross-talk between increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and ATP-sensitive potassium channels variant rs1799858
Authors: Liu Cheng , Lai Yanxian , Ying Songsong , Zhan Junfang , Shen Yan
Published: December 2020

Background

Exosome-derived microRNAs (exo-miRs) as messengers play important roles, in the cross-talk between genetic [ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) genetic variant rs1799858] and environmental [elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level] factors, but the plasma exo-miRs expression profile and its role in biological processes from genotype to phenotype remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 14 subjects with increased LDL-C serum levels (≥ 1.8 mmol/L) were enrolled in the study. TheKATPrs1799858 was genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. The plasma exo-miRs expression profile was identified by next-generation sequencing.

Results

64 exo-miRs were significantly differentially expressed (DE), among which 44 exo-miRs were up-regulated and 20 exo-miRs were down-regulated in those subjects carrying T-allele (TT + CT) of rs1799858 compared to those carrying CC genotype. The top 20 up-regulated DE-exo-miRs were miR-378 family, miR-320 family, miR-208 family, miR-483-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-490-3p, miR-6515-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-210-3p, miR-17-3p, miR-6807-5p, miR-497-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-3611 and miR-126-5p. The top 20 down-regulated DE-exo-miRs were let-7 family, miR-221/222 family, miR-619-5p, miR-6780a-5p, miR-641, miR-200a-5p, miR-581, miR-605-3p, miR-548ar-3p, miR-135a-3p, miR-451b, miR-509-3-5p, miR-4664-3p and miR-224-5p. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were subsequently implemented to identify the top 10 DE-exo-miRs related specific target genes and signaling pathways. Only 5 DE-exo-miRs were validated by qRT-PCR as follows: miR-31-5p, miR-378d, miR-619-5p, miR-320a-3p and let-7a-5p (allP < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results firstly indicated the plasma exo-miRs expression profile bridging the link between genotype (KATPrs1799858) and phenotype (higher LDL-C serum level), these 5 DE-exo-miRs may be potential target intermediates for molecular intervention points.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of 69 Chinese patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Authors: Lu Deyun , Han Feng , Qiu Wenjuan , Zhang Huiwen , Ye Jun , Liang Lili , Wang Yu , Ji Wenjun , Zhan Xia , Gu Xuefan , Han Lianshu
Published: December 2020

Background

This study aimed to describe the clinical and biochemical features of Chinese patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), and to investigate the mutation spectrum of OTC gene and their potential correlation with phenotype.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients with OTCD were enrolled between 2004 and 2019. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed retrospectively from medical records.

Results

Fifteen cases (13 males, 2 females) presented with early onset; 53 cases (21 males, 32 females) had late onset, and one female was asymptomatic. The median onset age was 1.5 years (range 1 day–56 years). Urine orotic acid levels were increased in all patients tested, while only 47.6% of patients showed decreased serum levels of citrulline. The peak plasma ammonia levels were higher in early-onset patients than in late-onset patients (P < 0.01). Fifty-four different mutations of OTC gene were identified and 18 of them were novel. R277W (10.6%) was the most common mutation, followed by G195R (4.6%) and A209V (3.0%). By June 2019, 41 patients had survived, 24 were deceased, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Among the survivors, 13 patients had received liver transplantation at a median age of 3 years, with a one-year survival rate of 100%. The mortality of OTCD is extremely high among patients with early onset (80.0% versus 24.5% in patients with late onset).

Conclusions

The evaluation of serum citrulline level is of limited value in diagnosis of OTCD, while urine orotic acid detection and genetic testing are more helpful.
Association between Fur Animal Necrotizing Pyoderma in breeding farm mink (Neovison vison) and reduced fertility
Authors: Honoré Oliver Legarth , Sebbelov Ida , Wallin Agnethe , Petersen Annemette , Clausen Tove , Larsen Peter Foged , Hammer Anne Sofie
Published: December 2020

Background

The disease Fur Animal Necrotizing Pyoderma (FNP) has since 2000 been reported in many fur producing countries including Canada, Finland and Denmark. Development of FNP is characterised by rapidly forming treatment-resistant wounds on paws and in the head region. Economic losses related to FNP have been associated with mortality and decreased fur quality as well as increased veterinary costs. Also it has been suggested that FNP may be associated with reduced production results for breeding mink. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is an association between FNP lesions in breeding animals and reduced production results based on a retrospective cohort study.

Results

1465 breeding animals (244 males and 1221 females) were followed during the breeding season 2019 on five Danish mink farms. Two farms were removed from the analysis since no occurrence of FNP appeared in the observation group. After exclusion, 846 breeding animals (148 males and 698 females) remained in the analysis and were divided into two groups: exposed (EXP) or non-exposed (N-EXP) depending on the disease history of the males during mating. Females exposed to FNP positive males during breeding in average produce 14% fewer kits (P = 0.032) and these females were also more than double as likely to produce small litters (N ≥ 3) than N-EXP females. Female’s from the EXP group were introduced more times to males than females in the N-EXP group (P = 0.0001, 2.5 more times in average). Females in the EXP group did not have a statistically higher risk of becoming barren (P = 0.138) though the relative risk of becoming barren was 77% higher after encountering a FNP male.

Conclusions

This study shows that FNP has more economic losses for the farms than direct loss of animals. Females in contact with males with FNP lesion during breeding have a higher risk of becoming barren, and produce significantly fewer kits compared to females whom haven’t been in contact with a FNP positive male.
Barriers and drivers to capacity-building in global mental health projects
Authors: Endale Tarik , Qureshi Onaiza , Ryan Grace Kathryn , Esponda Georgina Miguel , Verhey Ruth , Eaton Julian , De Silva Mary , Murphy Jill
Published: December 2020

Background

The global shortage of mental health workers is a significant barrier to the implementation and scale-up of mental health services. Partially as a result of this shortage, approximately 85% of people with mental, neurological and substance-use disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive care. Consequently, developing and implementing scalable solutions for mental health capacity-building has been identified as a priority in global mental health. There remains limited evidence to inform best practices for capacity building in global mental health. As one in a series of four papers on factors affecting the implementation of mental health projects in low- and middle-income countries, this paper reflects on the experiences of global mental health grantees funded by Grand Challenges Canada, focusing on the barriers to and drivers of capacity-building.

Methods

Between June 2014 and May 2017, current or former Grand Challenges Canada Global Mental Health grantees were recruited using purposive sampling. N = 29 grantees participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews, representing projects in Central America and the Caribbean (n = 4), South America (n = 1), West Africa (n = 4), East Africa (n = 6), South Asia (n = 11) and Southeast Asia (n = 3). Based on the results of a quantitative analysis of project outcomes using a portfolio-level Theory of Change framework, six key themes were identified as important to implementation success. As part of a larger multi-method study, this paper utilized a framework analysis to explore the themes related to capacity-building.

Results

Study participants described barriers and facilitators to capacity building within three broad themes: (1) training, (2) supervision, and (3) quality assurance. Running throughout these thematic areas were the crosscutting themes of contextual understanding, human resources, and sustainability. Additionally, participants described approaches and mechanisms for successful capacity building.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of capacity building to global mental health research and implementation, its relationship to stakeholder engagement and service delivery, and the implications for funders, implementers, and researchers alike. Investment in formative research, contextual understanding, stakeholder engagement, policy influence, and integration into existing systems of education and service delivery is crucial for the success of capacity building efforts.
Translational changes induced by acute sleep deprivation uncovered by TRAP-Seq
Authors: Lyons Lisa C. , Chatterjee Snehajyoti , Vanrobaeys Yann , Gaine Marie E. , Abel Ted
Published: December 2020

Sleep deprivation is a global health problem adversely affecting health as well as causing decrements in learning and performance. Sleep deprivation induces significant changes in gene transcription in many brain regions, with the hippocampus particularly susceptible to acute sleep deprivation. However, less is known about the impacts of sleep deprivation on post-transcriptional gene regulation. To identify the effects of sleep deprivation on the translatome, we took advantage of the RiboTag mouse line to express HA-labeled Rpl22 in CaMKIIα neurons to selectively isolate and sequence mRNA transcripts associated with ribosomes in excitatory neurons. We found 198 differentially expressed genes in the ribosome-associated mRNA subset after sleep deprivation. In comparison with previously published data on gene expression in the hippocampus after sleep deprivation, we found that the subset of genes affected by sleep deprivation was considerably different in the translatome compared with the transcriptome, with only 49 genes regulated similarly. Interestingly, we found 478 genes differentially regulated by sleep deprivation in the transcriptome that were not significantly regulated in the translatome of excitatory neurons. Conversely, there were 149 genes differentially regulated by sleep deprivation in the translatome but not in the whole transcriptome. Pathway analysis revealed differences in the biological functions of genes exclusively regulated in the transcriptome or translatome, with protein deacetylase activity and small GTPase binding regulated in the transcriptome and unfolded protein binding, kinase inhibitor activity, neurotransmitter receptors and circadian rhythms regulated in the translatome. These results indicate that sleep deprivation induces significant changes affecting the pool of actively translated mRNAs.
Safety and clinical efficacy of BCMA CAR-T-cell therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Roex Gils , Timmers Marijke , Wouters Kristien , Campillo-Davo Diana , Flumens Donovan , Schroyens Wilfried , Chu Yiwei , Berneman Zwi N. , Lion Eva , Luo Feifei , Anguille Sébastien
Published: December 2020

Background

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy is an emerging treatment option for multiple myeloma. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine its safety and clinical activity and to identify factors influencing these outcomes.

Methods

We performed a database search using the terms “BCMA,” “CAR,” and “multiple myeloma” for clinical studies published between 01/01/2015 and 01/01/2020. The methodology is further detailed in PROSPERO (CRD42020125332).

Results

Twenty-three different CAR-T-cell products have been used so far in 640 patients. Cytokine release syndrome was observed in 80.3% (69.0–88.2); 10.5% (6.8–16.0) had neurotoxicity. A higher neurotoxicity rate was reported in studies that included more heavily pretreated patients: 19.1% (13.3–26.7; I2 = 45%) versus 2.8% (1.3–6.1; I2 = 0%) (p < 0.0001). The pooled overall response rate was 80.5% (73.5–85.9); complete responses (CR) were observed in 44.8% (35.3–54.6). A pooled CR rate of 71.9% (62.8–79.6; I2 = 0%) was noted in studies using alpaca/llama-based constructs, whereas it was only 18.0% (6.5–41.1; I2 = 67%) in studies that used retroviral vectors for CAR transduction. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.2 (11.4–17.4) months, which compared favorably to the expected PFS of 1.9 (1.5–3.7) months (HR 0.14; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Although considerable toxicity was observed, BCMA-targeted CAR-T-cell therapy is highly efficacious even in advanced multiple myeloma. Subgroup analysis confirmed the anticipated inter-study heterogeneity and identified potential factors contributing to safety and efficacy. The results of this meta-analysis may assist the future design of CAR-T-cell studies and lead to optimized BCMA CAR-T-cell products.
Migratory birds as disseminators of ticks and the tick-borne pathogens Borrelia bacteria and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus: a seasonal study at Ottenby Bird Observatory in South-eastern Sweden
Authors: Wilhelmsson Peter , Jaenson Thomas G. T. , Olsen Björn , Waldenström Jonas , Lindgren Per-Eric
Published: December 2020

Background

Birds can act as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens and can also disperse pathogen-containing ticks to both nearby and remote localities. The aims of this study were to estimate tick infestation patterns on migratory birds and the prevalence of different Borrelia species and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks removed from birds in south-eastern Sweden.

Methods

Ticks were collected from resident and migratory birds captured at the Ottenby Bird Observatory, Öland, Sweden, from March to November 2009. Ticks were molecularly identified to species, and morphologically to developmental stage, and the presence of Borrelia bacteria and TBEV was determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

A total of 1339 ticks in the genera Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Ixodes was recorded of which I. ricinus was the most abundant species. Important tick hosts were the European robin (Erithacus rubecula), Blackbird (Turdus merula), Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis), Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), and Common whitethroat (Sylvia communis). Borrelia bacteria were detected in 25% (285/1,124) of the detached ticks available for analysis. Seven Borrelia species (B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi (s.s.), B. garinii, B. lusitaniae, B. turdi, B. valaisiana, and B. miyamotoi) were identified. B. turdi was recorded for the first time in ticks in Sweden. The number of Borrelia cells per tick ranged from 2.0 × 100 to 7.0 × 105. B. miyamotoi-containing ticks contained a significantly higher median number of Borrelia cells than B. burgdorferi (s.l.)-containing ticks. B. garinii and B. miyamotoi were the most prevalent Borrelia species in tick larvae. Larvae of I. ricinus with B. garinii were removed from seven bird species, particularly S. communis and A. trivialis, which may suggest that the larvae had contracted the Borrelia bacteria from or via these birds. Also, a high percentage of tick larvae containing B. miyamotoi was removed from E. rubecula. All ticks were negative for TBEV.

Conclusions

The results corroborate the view that the contributions of birds to human disease are substantial, particularly as blood hosts for ticks and for their short-, medium-, and long-distance dispersal. Moreover, several ground-foraging bird species appear to be important for the maintenance and dispersal of Borrelia species. The absence of TBEV in the ticks conforms to other similar studies.

Graphical Abstract
DNA methylation patterns of β-globin cluster in β-thalassemia patients
Authors: Bao Xiuqin , Zuo Yangjin , Chen Diyu , Zhao Cunyou
Published: December 2020

Background

Reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) holds a therapeutic target for β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Although many HbF regulators have been identified, the methylation patterns in β-globin cluster driving the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch remains to be determined.

Results

Here, we evaluated DNA methylation patterns of the β-globin cluster from peripheral bloods of 105 β0/β0 thalassemia patients and 44 normal controls. We also recruited 15 bone marrows and 4 cord blood samples for further evaluation. We identified that the CpG sites in the locus control region (LCR) DNase I hypersensitive site 4 and 3 (HS4-3) regions, and γ- and β-globin promoters displayed hypomethylation in β0/β0-thalassemia patients, especially for the patients with high HbF level, as compared with normal controls. Furthermore, hypomethylations in most of CpG sites of the HS4-3 core regions were also observed in bone marrows (BM) of β0/β0-patients compared with normal controls; and methylation level of γ-globin promoter -50 and + 17 CpG sites showed lower methylation level in patients with high HbF level compared with those with low HbF level and a negative correlation with HbF level among β0-thalassemia patients. Finally, γ-globin promoter + 17 and + 50 CpG sites also displayed significant hypomethylation in cord blood (CB) tissues compared with BM tissues from normal controls.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed methylation patterns in β-globin cluster associated with β0 thalassemia disease and γ-globin expression, contributed to understand the epigenetic modification in β0 thalassemia patients and provided candidate targets for the therapies of β-hemoglobinopathies.
Radiology imaging management in an Italian cancer center (IRST IRCCS) during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rossi Alice , Prochowski Iamurri Andrea , Cerchione Claudio , Gentili Nicola , Danesi Valentina , Altini Mattia , Paganelli Giovanni , Barone Domenico
Published: December 2020

In Italy, the first case of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was officially reported on 20.02.2020. The disease has since rapidly evolved, causing a public health emergency throughout the country but especially in our region, one of the most widely affected areas. We reorganized the daily routine of our cancer center to reduce the risk of contagion. A temporary tensile structure was set up as an entry-point triage, and a COVID-19 route was created with a dedicated CT scanner. A pre-access telephonic triage was performed the day before a patient was scheduled to come in for an examination. At the time of writing (May 4), 4053 patients had been to our center since the emergency officially began (9.03.2020) and the COVID-19 route had been activated for only 9 paucisymptomatic outpatients and 7 symptomatic inpatients. We also re-evaluated patient radiology examination lists and rescheduled non-urgent tests in consensus with the referring oncologist. Out of a total of 1438 patients scheduled for radiological examinations, 456 were postponed for a total volume reduction of 29.1%. Nine asymptomatic patients with typical CT findings of COVID-19 were identified during routine CTs, but none were RT-PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. We guaranteed all urgent and semi-urgent examinations, including those to stage newly diagnosed cancers and to evaluate response to treatment, ensuring the continuation of the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of our patients. The measures we took were instrumental in keeping the institute COVID-19-free. We also describe the planned measures to resume normal clinical practice at the center.
The identity and role of the radiologist in 2020: a survey among ESR full radiologist members
Authors:   European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: December 2020

Background

Radiologists undertake a wide variety of functions which have altered as technologies have evolved. The aim of this survey was to explore radiologists’ opinions concerning their role and identity in 2020.

Methods

The survey included 124 questions on training, daily work, interaction with colleagues and patients, involvement in teaching, research and management and task delegation. An initial draft was amended following responses from the Presidents of the 48 ESR’s national institutional member societies. The final on-line survey was available to individual ESR full members between January and March 2020. 1344 responses from radiologists in 49 European countries were obtained.

Findings

80% (1049/1317) of radiologists considered a period of non-radiology clinical training mandatory and 92% (1192/1291) felt that sub-specialty expertise was important and improved the visibility of radiologists. 76% (961/1262) of radiologists regularly communicate directly with patients. Only 25% (314/1238) had undergone formal communications training although 82% (1020/1238) felt that this would be beneficial. Radiologists highly value their positive interaction with colleagues, including within multi-disciplinary team meetings, despite limited resources. Difficulties identified included high workload, especially the need to cover general work in parallel with the need to offer subspecialty expertise. 66% (837/1262) felt that lack of visibility to patients is a risk to radiology and professional visibility could be improved by radiology-led research and teaching.

Conclusions

ESR activities should aim to (1) support radiologists with sub-specialty training and maintenance of competencies; (2) develop recommendations for patient communications training and multi-disciplinary working with strong clinical integration; (3) enhance radiologists’ visibility by harnessing opportunities for radiology-led research and education.
Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19: time for research to develop adaptation strategies
Authors:   the ARIA group, Bousquet Jean , Cristol Jean-Paul , Czarlewski Wienczyslawa , Anto Josep M. , Martineau Adrian , Haahtela Tari , Fonseca Susana C. , Iaccarino Guido , Blain Hubert , Fiocchi Alessandro , Canonica G. Walter , Fonseca Joao A. , Vidal Alain , Choi Hak-Jong , Kim Hyun Ju , Le Moing Vincent , Reynes Jacques , Sheikh Aziz , Akdis Cezmi A. , Zuberbier Torsten
Published: December 2020

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPARγ:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NFκB: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2α:Elongation initiation factor 2α). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT1R axis (AT1R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity.
Highlights and recent developments in allergic diseases in EAACI journals (2019)
Authors: Bousquet J. , Grattan C. E. , Akdis C. A. , Eigenmann P. A. , Hoffmann-Sommergruber K. , Agache I. , Jutel M.
Published: December 2020

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) owns three journals: Allergy, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and Clinical and Translational Allergy. One of the major goals of EAACI is to support health promotion in which prevention of allergy and asthma plays a critical role and to disseminate the knowledge of allergy to all stakeholders including the EAACI junior members. There was substantial progress in 2019 in the identification of basic mechanisms of allergic and respiratory disease and the translation of these mechanisms into clinics. Better understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms, efforts for the development of biomarkers for disease prediction, novel prevention and intervention studies, elucidation of mechanisms of multimorbidities, entrance of new drugs in the clinics as well as recently completed phase three clinical studies and publication of a large number of allergen immunotherapy studies and meta-analyses have been the highlights of the last year.
Visceral leishmaniasis in northwest China from 2004 to 2018: a spatio-temporal analysis
Authors: Zheng Canjun , Wang Liping , Li Yi , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: December 2020

Background

Although visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a disease caused by parasites, is controlled in most provinces in China, it is still a serious public health problem and remains fundamentally uncontrolled in some northwest provinces and autonomous regions. The objective of this study is to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of VL in Sichuan Province, Gansu Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China from 2004 to 2018 and to identify the risk areas for VL transmission.

Methods

Spatiotemporal models were applied to explore the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of VL and the association between VL and meteorological factors in western China from 2004 to 2018. Geographic information of patients from the National Diseases Reporting Information System operated by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention was defined according to the address code from the surveillance data.

Results

During our study period, nearly 90% of cases occurred in some counties in three western regions (Sichuan Province, Gansu Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region), and a significant spatial clustering pattern was observed. With our spatiotemporal model, the transmission risk, autoregressive risk and epidemic risk of these counties during our study period were also well predicted. The number of VL cases in three regions of western China concentrated on a few of counties. VL in Kashi Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is still serious prevalent, and integrated control measures must be taken in different endemic areas.

Conclusions

The number of VL cases in three regions of western China concentrated on a few of counties. VL in Kashi Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is still serious prevalent, and integrated control measures must be taken in different endemic areas. Our findings will strengthen the VL control programme in China.
Estimation of mean movement rates for blue sharks in the northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Kai Mikihiko , Fujinami Yuki
Published: December 2020

Background

The blue shark Prionace glauca is a highly migratory species with a circumglobal distribution. Mean movement rate, defined by the horizontal tracking distance between two data points over the duration of time, is commonly used to understand the horizontal displacement of highly migratory species across a wide range. However, the estimation of mean movement rates for blue sharks has never been conducted using a statistical model. We therefore investigated the mean movement rates using a generalized linear mixed model with data from satellite tags to estimate the range of mean movement rates for 10 blue sharks in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and to reveal the interaction of mean movement rate with several factors.

Results

(1) Estimations of mean movement rates for the 10 blue sharks were significantly influenced by behavioral differences among individuals; (2) uncertainty in the estimation (i.e., predictive and confidence intervals) of mean movement rates for these blue sharks was larger over shorter time periods, and (3) the predictive intervals of mean movement rates for the sharks ranged widely from 0.33 to 5.02 km/h.

Conclusion

Blue sharks are considered to opportunistically change their mean movement rates regardless of differences in sex, movement direction, or season.
Discovery of Vespasiano Bignami paintings at the National Theatre of Costa Rica through technical photography and UV–Vis spectroscopy
Authors: Conejo-Barboza Geraldine , Libby Eduardo , Marín Carmen , Herrera-Sancho O. A.
Published: December 2020

Establishing and understanding large format paintings are key to provide accurate information about the artist’s palette and developing conservation strategies. Therefore, investigating the artworks of a population offers insight into its culture, history and origins which reveals individual and collective identity through cultural heritage worldwide. Particularly, the ceiling of the Foyer at the National Theatre of Costa Rica (Central America) is decorated with three large format paintings from the nineteenth century made by the Italian painter Vespasiano Bignami. The paintings are known as La Poesía, La Música and La Danza (The Poetry, the Music and The Dance) and have undergone restorations in the past. However, their state of conservation is unknown and thus demands accurate scientific examination in order to document their status and the extent of undocumented previous restoration work. To overcome those issues, we propose the application of a combination of non-invasive and in-situ techniques to carry out a qualitative assessment of the pigments and actual state of conservation. Here, we employed technical photography in the visible and near infrared regions, using panoramic stitching techniques in order to obtain high resolution images of the very large artworks. Several conservation problems were observed such as: detachment of pigments, cracks, stains, and sections with undocumented restorations. In the IR and False Colour Infrared images we observed a very conspicuous behaviour of the red pigment used in the three paintings. Particular areas with the red pigment were fluorescent, and by means of ultraviolet fluorescence imaging we identified the pigment as through its red-coral fluorescence as Madder Lake, by comparison to a historical pigments reference palette. Measurements in five different red pigmented zones using UV–Vis spectroscopy in The Music show bands in the (550–650) nm region. A Lorentz Model nonlinear curve fit to the bands allowed us to correlate the fluorescent pigment in the paintings of Vespasiano Bignami with Madder Lake.
Technical analysis: the psychology of the market of dry bulk freight rates
Authors: Mileski Joan , Clott Christopher , Galvao Cassia Bomer , Laverne Taliese
Published: December 2020

Financial technical analysis of markets and trends differs from fundamental analysis in that econometrics are used on “fundamental” economic data in fundamental analysis. Technical analysis, however, adds to the overall trend analysis an additional examination of the psychology of markets. For freight rate predictions, there has been an exclusive reliance on typical fundamental analysis. Our results indicate that adding technical analysis to freight rate prediction can provide a better overall result. Psychological forces such as “irrational exuberance” or severe bearishness can influence trend predictions making them at best incomplete and at worst inaccurate for predicting the demand for shipping services. Further, ship construction decisions use freight rate predictions. In this paper, we perform a 20-year technical analysis of the BDI/Baltic Dry Index (formerly BFI/Baltic Freight Index) This analysis is a better, richer evaluation of freight rate trends that influence ship construction. Furthermore, technical analysis requires specific in-depth knowledge of the psychology of the market and experience in this type of trend analysis.
Response of body color change rearing under different light intensity conditions in farmed red spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara
Authors: Choi Song-Hee , Kim Byeong-Hoon , Lee Chi-Hoon , Lee Young-Don
Published: December 2020

Background

Fish body color is one of the major factors that determine the commercial value of farmed fish, to understand for coloration mechanisms. The expression of melanin-related genes is according to the developmental stage and light intensity in the red spotted grouper,Epinephelus akaara.

Methods

To investigate changes in melanin formation and melanin-related genes in the larval development stage, fish larvae were reared from fertilized egg stage to 50 days after hatching (DAH). Experiment of body color changes was performed under each different light intensity conditions. Melanin-related genes expression was analyzed by real-time qPCR, and body coloration difference was represented by RGB (red, green, blue) code value.

Results

Expression levels of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) mRNA, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA, and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) mRNA were at their highest 5 DAH (days after hatching). Expression levels of agouti-signaling protein (ASIP) mRNA were at their highest 10 DAH. Results of body color changes according to changes in light intensity conditions showed that the expression level of MCH mRNA in the 2000 lx group was the highest at 6 weeks. The expression levels of POMC mRNA and MC1R mRNA in the 1000 lx group were at their lowest at 9 weeks. RGB color code value under different light intensities were the brightest under 1000 lx and the darkest under 0 lx.

Conclusion

Our research suggests that POMC mRNA and MC1R mRNA in the red spotted grouper are involved in melanin synthesis, and these genes are thought to be controlled by light intensity. To better understand the molecular mechanism of coloration in the red spotted grouper, further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between melanophore development and melanin-related genes.
Age estimation using DNA methylation technique in forensics: a systematic review
Authors: Maulani Chaerita , Auerkari Elza Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

Background

In addition to the DNA sequence, epigenetic markers have become substantial forensic tools during the last decade. Estimating the age of an individual from human biological remains may provide information for a forensic investigation. Age estimation in molecular strategies can be obtained by telomere length, mRNa mutation, or by sjTRECs but the accuracy is not sufficient in forensic practice because of high margin error.

Main body

One solution to this problem is to use DNA methylation methods. DNA methylation markers for tissue identification at age-associated CpG sites have been suggested as the most informative biomarkers for estimating the age of an unknown donor. This review aims to give an overview of DNA methylation profiling for estimating the age in cases of forensic relevance and the important aspects in determining the mean absolute deviation (MAD) or mean absolute error (MAE) of the estimated age. Online database searching was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with keywords selected for forensic age estimation. Thirty-two studies were included in the review, with variable DNA samples but blood commonly as a source. Pyrosequencing and EpiTYPER were methods mostly used in DNA analysis. The MAD in the estimates from DNA methylation was about 3 to 5 years, which was better than other methods such as those based on telomere length or signal-joint T-cell receptor excision circles. The ELOVL2 gene was a commonly used DNA methylation marker in age estimation.

Conclusion

DNA methylation is a favorable candidate for estimating the age at the time of death in forensic profiling, with an uncertainty mean absolute deviation of about 3 to 5 years in the predicted age. The sample type, platform techniques used, and methods to construct age predictive models were important in determining the accuracy in mean absolute deviation or mean absolute error. The DNA methylation outcome suggests good potential to support conventional STR profiling in forensic cases.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Histological,
ultrastructural, and biochemical study on the possible role of Panax ginseng in ameliorating liver injury induced by Lambda
cyhalotherin
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Manal , Mohamed Hanaa M. , Abd El-Twab Sanaa M. , Zaied Karim
Published: December 2020

Background

Lambda-cyhalotherin (LCT) is a pyrithroid type 2 pesticide that is
broadly utilized in pest control in public health, animal health, and
agriculture. Although claiming that LCT has a low mammalian toxicity, several
investigations reported its mammalian hepatotoxicity by mediating oxidative
stress causes severe hepatotoxicity and liver damage.

Results

LCT significantly decreased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase
(SOD), and total thiol (T. thiol) and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO). mRNA
and protein expression levels of p53 were upregulated, whereas Bcl-2 mRNA and
protein expression levels were downregulated in LCT-intoxicated animals. Also,
light microscopic and ultrastructure studies for liver tissues of
LCT-intoxicated animals showed mononuclear leukocytic infiltration in the
parenchyma, congested portal vein with thickened wall, and proliferation of bile
duct and hepatocytes with cytoplasmic vacuolations, fatty changes, and collagen
fibers. Panax ginseng co-treatment attenuated
oxidative stress biomarkers. Both tested doses of Panax
ginseng (100 and 200 mg /kg b. wt./day) significantly decreased
p53 and elevate Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels and reveals significant
amelioration and restoration of normal histology and ultrastructure of liver,
but 200 mg/kg b. wt. of Panax ginseng seems
to be more potent.

Conclusion

Panax ginseng exhibited
ameliorative effect against hepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis,
histopathological, and ultrastructural changes induced by LCT.
Identification of common neural substrates with connectomic abnormalities in four major psychiatric disorders: A connectome-wide association study
Authors: Tu Pei-Chi , Chen Mu-Hong , Chang Wan-Chen , Kao Zih-Kai , Hsu Ju-Wei , Lin Wei-Chen , Li Cheng-Ta , Su Tung-Ping , Bai Ya-Mei
Published: December 2020

Background

Recent imaging studies of large datasets suggested that psychiatric disorders have common biological substrates. This study aimed to identify all the common neural substrates with connectomic abnormalities across four major psychiatric disorders by using the data-driven connectome-wide association method of multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR).

Methods

This study analyzed a resting functional magnetic resonance imaging dataset of 100 patients with schizophrenia, 100 patients with bipolar I disorder, 100 patients with bipolar II disorder, 100 patients with major depressive disorder, and 100 healthy controls (HCs). We calculated a voxel-wise 4,330 × 4,330 matrix of whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) with 8-mm isotropic resolution for each participant and then performed MDMR to identify structures where the overall multivariate pattern of FC was significantly different between each patient group and the HC group. A conjunction analysis was performed to identify common neural regions with FC abnormalities across these four psychiatric disorders.

Results

The conjunction of the MDMR maps revealed that the four groups of patients shared connectomic abnormalities in distributed cortical and subcortical structures, which included bilateral thalamus, cerebellum, frontal pole, supramarginal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, lingual gyrus, lateral occipital cortex, and parahippocampus. The follow-up analysis based on pair-wise FC of these regions demonstrated that these psychiatric disorders also shared similar patterns of FC abnormalities characterized by sensory/subcortical hyperconnectivity, association/subcortical hypoconnectivity, and sensory/association hyperconnectivity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that major psychiatric disorders share common connectomic abnormalities in distributed cortical and subcortical regions and provide crucial support for the common network hypothesis of major psychiatric disorders.
Raloxifene is a Female-specific Proteostasis Therapeutic in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Jenkins Edmund Charles , Casalena Gabriella , Gomez Maria , Zhao Dazhi , Kenny Timothy C , Shah Nagma , Manfredi Giovanni , Germain Doris
Published: December 2020

Several neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by proteasome dysfunctions leading to protein aggregations and pathogenesis. Since we showed that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) activates the proteasome, drugs able to stimulate ERα in the central nervous system (CNS) could hold potential for therapeutic intervention. However, the transcriptional effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, can be tissue specific. A direct comparison of the effects of different SERMs on gene transcription in the CNS has never been performed. Here, we report an RNA-seq analysis of the spinal cord treated with estrogen, tamoxifen, or raloxifene. We find stark SERM and sex-specific differences in gene expression profiles in the spinal cord. Notably, raloxifene, but not estrogen or tamoxifen, modulates numerous deubiquitinating enzymes, proteasome subunits and assembly factors, and these effects translate into decreased protein aggregates. In the SOD1-G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we found that even a low dose of raloxifene causes a significant decrease in mutant SOD1 aggregates in the spinal cord, accompanied by a delay in the decline of muscle strength in females, but not in males. These results strongly indicate SERM-selective as well as sex-specific effects, and emphasize the importance of sex as a biological variable to be considered for the careful selection of specific SERM for use in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases.
Wesley Clair Mitchell and the “Illiberal Reformers”
Authors: Fiorito Luca , Vatiero Massimiliano
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to assess whether Wesley Clair Mitchell, as a reformer, ever expressed concern over the biological quality of individuals and whether he did somehow share the Progressive Era faith in eugenics as an instrument for improving American society’s health, welfare, and morals. Using both published and unpublished evidence, we argue that, as an institutionalist, Mitchell was free from the paternalistic and antidemocratic bent of the progressives and was ready to accept the new faith in the plasticity of human nature that sustained interwar reformism. At the same time, as someone who had been exposed to the Progressive Era cultural milieu, he could not completely divorce himself from the earlier decades’ preoccupation with the biological quality of individuals.
The Dotcom and the Digital
Authors: Moore Henrietta L. , Smith Constance
Published: December 2020

In Kenya, the terms dotcom and digital have become popular descriptors for particular periods of change, as well as for modes of being. The two terms’ usage extends beyond reference to the age of the Internet or to encounters with new technologies. Rather, the dotcom and the digital—in different ways and in different decades—enable Kenyans to imagine with and through time. Using extensive ethnographic research and reflecting on pop music, TV advertising, and streetscapes, we explore how, for many Kenyans the dotcom and the digital are tools for making sense of the times in which they live. Drawing on the work of Paul Ricoeur, we tease apart what it means to be dotcom and digital in Kenya, exploring how experiences of time are also projects of self-making and critical intervention.
Cruising the Jerusalem Light Rail
Authors: Silver Jake
Published: December 2020

This article explores the shape of queer sexual habits and gendered forms of desire along the Jerusalem light rail, a route whose role in normalizing Israeli occupation and colonialism has been hotly contested during its construction and since its opening in 2011. Analyzing how this infrastructure can invite both colonial and sexual relations, which slip and slide into one another, the author argues that the train provides a shared setting to cruise for both security dangers and enticing strangers. The light rail—the national and security interests that went into producing it, the eventual material shape it took, and how it altered the colonial landscape—has entwined forms of surveillance, suspicion, and sexuality, deeply affecting how individuals gauge, judge, sense, watch, and seduce one another. Ideology, in other words, haunts pleasure as it lurks within and through built environments, the exact environments wherein sex rouses and arouses the senses. Danger and desire become kindred. Offering an ethics of cruising, the essay unravels how sexual, colonial, and racialized sensibilities take shape in tandem, sometimes through a single look or glance, to argue for abandoning the idea that cruising is always an idealized pursuit of pleasure.
W′ Reconstitution Accelerates More with Decreasing Intensity in the Heavy- versus the Moderate-Intensity Domain
Authors: LIEVENS MAARTEN , CAEN KEVIN , BOURGOIS JAN G. , VERMEIRE KOBE , BOONE JAN
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the recovery intensity domain on W′ reconstitution. We used the W′BAL model as a framework and tested its predictive capabilities (W′PRED) across the different intensity domains.

Methods

Twelve young men (51.7 ± 5.9 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed a ramp incremental test, three to five constant power output (PO) tests to determine critical power (CP) and W′, and minimally two trials to verify the maximal lactate (La−) steady state. During four experimental trials, subjects performed two work bouts (WB1 and WB2) at P6 (i.e., PO that predicts exhaustion within 6 min) separated by a recovery interval at CP–10 W, Δgas exchange threshold (GET)–CP, GET, and 50% GET, respectively. WB1 was designed to deplete 75% W′, and the recovery time varied to replenish 50% W′. WB2 was performed to exhaustion (W′ACT). W′PRED was compared with W′ACT to evaluate the accuracy of the W′BAL model. Excess postexercise oxygen consumption was calculated as the difference between the measured and the predicted oxygen uptake during recovery.

Results

W′ACT averaged 49% ± 24%, 69% ± 24%, 81% ± 28%, and 93% ± 21% for CP–10 W, ΔGET–CP, GET, and 50% GET, respectively (P = 0.002). W′PRED overestimated W′ACT in CP-10 W (34% ± 32%, P = 0.004) and underestimated W′ACT in 50% GET (24% ± 28%, P = 0.013). Excess postexercise oxygen consumption was lowest in CP–10 W (P < 0.01) and higher in GET compared with ΔGET–CP (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that W′PRED overestimated and underestimated W′ACT in the heavy- and moderate-intensity domain, respectively. Therefore, the practical applicability of a single recovery time constant, which only relies on the difference between the recovery PO and the CP, is questionable.
Technical assistance: a practical account of the challenges in design and implementation
Authors: Nastase Alexandra , Rajan Alok , French Ben , Bhattacharya Debarshi
Published: December 2020

Technical assistance is provided to strengthen state capability as part of international development programmes. This article presents the conceptual evolution of the technical assistance linked to capacity development, starting from a single unit of analysis, that of individual capacity to complex systems theories. It presents some of the frequent challenges in designing and implementing technical assistance, with a focus on the challenges common across government-funded and externally funded technical assistance, as well as the challenges unique to externally funded technical assistance. The article reviews the recent thinking on the practice in technical assistance from locally-driven technical assistance to positive deviance as a method to identify what works. It discusses change management as an adaptive and iterative process, and technical advisers acting as enablers of change rather than as change-makers and relying on adaptive and flexible approaches to programme management.